tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-110332812024-03-13T21:31:51.293-06:00Stories from the Front Range...Stories from our lives here on the Front Range of Colorado. Lots of mountain bike adventures, ski days, hikes, pictures of Cooper and Lauren, our two dogs and anything else I choose to pontificate about.joel.whitehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07037525456699789741noreply@blogger.comBlogger703125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11033281.post-16952889950798016392020-12-08T09:54:00.000-07:002020-12-08T09:54:15.374-07:00Giving Thanks in a Gorgeous Place<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-a8dHZHui0X4/X8-d-4N14vI/AAAAAAACLgU/rc3JpplXb5E2XN39yLZmBuOhpday1XFvgCLcBGAsYHQ/7728DF8F-74DA-4DF4-A19F-F13D9CADE10E_1_105_c.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="768" data-original-width="1024" height="400" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-a8dHZHui0X4/X8-d-4N14vI/AAAAAAACLgU/rc3JpplXb5E2XN39yLZmBuOhpday1XFvgCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h400/7728DF8F-74DA-4DF4-A19F-F13D9CADE10E_1_105_c.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><p></p><p>I love to travel. It feeds my soul. I knew that we needed to get our bunch out of the last few months of funk, so we decided to travel this Thanksgiving. Looking at our options, we chose to go to Sedona, AZ . Joel and I had visited there many years before, and Joel had gone with some buddies a few years earlier on a mountain biking trip. So we knew that there were lots of things to do, and the kids would love it. Finding a place to stay was a little harder, but thankfully the week before Thanksgiving a nice house , that allowed the super pooch to travel with us opened up. After we booked it ,I started looking at how many people the house could hold - and it was large :). So I decided to see if Mom and Dad wanted to come too, since I get my travel gene from my Momma! And they also knew they needed to get moving again. So the weekend before Thanksgiving we headed out to New Mexico.... which I have never been too before. The drive to Sedona is about 12 hours, but we decided to break it into two days, staying in Santa Fe Saturday night. It was interesting. The state has been shut down in a very harsh way. It was like a ghost town when I was walking the dog, and finding food became a challenge. My heart hurts for the people in the town being locked down so harshly. I pray daily this pandemic will be defeated soon. </p><p>So the next morning we started making our way to Sedona. Since we only had a 6 hour drive I thought we should stop somewhere and hike. We saw on the map the Petrified Forest National Park, and thought that would work. We were able to get out and stretch the legs for about 45 mins. It was interesting to see the buttes and it was a beautiful place in it's on way.</p><p></p><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0 0 0 40px; padding: 0px;"><p style="text-align: center;">Lauren (9), Jill, Cooper (12), and Obi (4) at Petrified Forest</p></blockquote><p></p><p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-knOqeEp_xn4/X8-jx_XzUCI/AAAAAAACLgg/1vJbJD6pJAQBRP8RkezvI1WqBLFxnEMeACLcBGAsYHQ/FE3B97B8-2905-4789-9846-DFA5FC348F34_1_105_c.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img alt="" data-original-height="768" data-original-width="1024" height="480" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-knOqeEp_xn4/X8-jx_XzUCI/AAAAAAACLgg/1vJbJD6pJAQBRP8RkezvI1WqBLFxnEMeACLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h480/FE3B97B8-2905-4789-9846-DFA5FC348F34_1_105_c.jpeg" width="640" /></a></p><p> After getting the kinks out we headed on the Sedona. Joel started looking for something on the map. We were passing right by Winslow, AZ. So now we had to stop. And I must say our kids did not know the song, so we need to work on our musically history lessons.</p><p style="text-align: center;">Standing on a Corner in Winslow, Arizona </p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-RT8NqQ6Zd5k/X8-lIZY5SoI/AAAAAAACLgs/ZOb61b6wvOwqyD2OA52hrZVRbdhPdLf4wCLcBGAsYHQ/20097352-0C0B-4407-8E28-93F40C26A75B_1_105_c.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="768" data-original-width="1024" height="480" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-RT8NqQ6Zd5k/X8-lIZY5SoI/AAAAAAACLgs/ZOb61b6wvOwqyD2OA52hrZVRbdhPdLf4wCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h480/20097352-0C0B-4407-8E28-93F40C26A75B_1_105_c.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div> <p></p><p> A few short hours later we make it to Sedona, and the rental house was lovely with a big yard for the kids and dog. The next morning we decided to hike at Cathedral Rock. It was beautiful and crowded. I personally was thrilled to see everyone getting out a living life.</p><p style="text-align: center;">Cathedral Rock - we hiked about a third of the way up - was too rocky for Obi<br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-lwXHgClIiQI/X8-mfx27AyI/AAAAAAACLg4/aoKt-m9SJxUNQ3SBl4MDOFKjL8HJLPw4wCLcBGAsYHQ/3463A0E3-0CAF-4FD1-A5C9-F4D3116B82C4_1_105_c.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="768" data-original-width="1024" height="480" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-lwXHgClIiQI/X8-mfx27AyI/AAAAAAACLg4/aoKt-m9SJxUNQ3SBl4MDOFKjL8HJLPw4wCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h480/3463A0E3-0CAF-4FD1-A5C9-F4D3116B82C4_1_105_c.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div><p></p><p style="text-align: center;">All three little ones enjoyed scrambling on the rocks</p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-DHmbOqpUCQE/X8-m2yK8cPI/AAAAAAACLhE/-Jk1sbCIFBQyk29EuwVIcxpClsbxyCIVQCLcBGAsYHQ/F7D0655A-263A-4017-B5EE-F571129AF75B_1_105_c.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1024" data-original-width="768" height="640" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-DHmbOqpUCQE/X8-m2yK8cPI/AAAAAAACLhE/-Jk1sbCIFBQyk29EuwVIcxpClsbxyCIVQCLcBGAsYHQ/w480-h640/F7D0655A-263A-4017-B5EE-F571129AF75B_1_105_c.jpeg" width="480" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"> Mom and Dad arrived Monday night and we grabbed some take out. The next day we rented bikes and the kids and I rode about 12 miles. (Joel might have done a few more). It was fun and challenging. Cooper rode really well with the years of Boulder Junior Cycling proving their worth. Lauren's rental bike was not as nice as the rest of ours, but she rode it like a beast. I, of course, fell and are still sporting a bruise on my leg, but it was a great day.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">All Smiles</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-S0ZQxWOeLOI/X8-oLaCcwhI/AAAAAAACLhY/Gpk6b-zDbvQFyxzQUSMnciefsd7jw1TOwCLcBGAsYHQ/3D0ADD8F-C23A-418C-9839-4B2A2B0D43D1_1_105_c.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1024" data-original-width="768" height="640" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-S0ZQxWOeLOI/X8-oLaCcwhI/AAAAAAACLhY/Gpk6b-zDbvQFyxzQUSMnciefsd7jw1TOwCLcBGAsYHQ/w480-h640/3D0ADD8F-C23A-418C-9839-4B2A2B0D43D1_1_105_c.jpeg" width="480" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">This is Bell rock - we saw people BASE jumping off it.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-7av6xQJHD30/X8-oJuo8nnI/AAAAAAACLhU/C61V86mC8KMW4SYxoKe1UIwl8Sep6sbpACLcBGAsYHQ/D733AF22-E472-4211-B1C1-C8EBE3BA6C82_1_105_c.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="768" data-original-width="1024" height="480" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-7av6xQJHD30/X8-oJuo8nnI/AAAAAAACLhU/C61V86mC8KMW4SYxoKe1UIwl8Sep6sbpACLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h480/D733AF22-E472-4211-B1C1-C8EBE3BA6C82_1_105_c.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">What a view</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-HptQMcqdoXE/X8-ojUIrh3I/AAAAAAACLhg/srVxPcnUZhoaE_BWVgSW4huwOUgUHaIEwCLcBGAsYHQ/62BDB249-57B9-4727-8226-F08413E7646C_1_105_c.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="768" data-original-width="1024" height="480" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-HptQMcqdoXE/X8-ojUIrh3I/AAAAAAACLhg/srVxPcnUZhoaE_BWVgSW4huwOUgUHaIEwCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h480/62BDB249-57B9-4727-8226-F08413E7646C_1_105_c.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: left;"> My Dad nor my kids have ever been to the Grand Canyon, so since it was less then 2 hours away we had to make the trip. It is a spectacular place and no real words can describe it. It was amazing and well worth the drive.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><div style="text-align: center;">Cooper, Lauren, Joel, Judy, and Jim with my shadow</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-YrDcjXEoRNM/X8-pCsyk5eI/AAAAAAACLhs/Gd9X97uzlbA3_9y0FTxu9hBMftRFqM-vACLcBGAsYHQ/5623440C-BA5B-4717-9D6C-4FA6FFA23B67_1_105_c.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="768" data-original-width="1024" height="480" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-YrDcjXEoRNM/X8-pCsyk5eI/AAAAAAACLhs/Gd9X97uzlbA3_9y0FTxu9hBMftRFqM-vACLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h480/5623440C-BA5B-4717-9D6C-4FA6FFA23B67_1_105_c.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Grandpa with the Girl</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-rR0FOnhESxU/X8-pJvrKlVI/AAAAAAACLhw/SR-onxgh81o-Mf07n2AHnMdKpTksJzsKwCLcBGAsYHQ/7BD5C5E4-6815-4B21-ADB0-2CB92A63061A_1_105_c.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="768" data-original-width="1024" height="480" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-rR0FOnhESxU/X8-pJvrKlVI/AAAAAAACLhw/SR-onxgh81o-Mf07n2AHnMdKpTksJzsKwCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h480/7BD5C5E4-6815-4B21-ADB0-2CB92A63061A_1_105_c.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Even Obi made the trip</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Wao6H5OrYoU/X8-pc7JNLeI/AAAAAAACLh8/QeH6CW8tSQQJX3rUoCp6Tw67UhCCG-EyACLcBGAsYHQ/48C29F7E-4F4F-41FA-A5F1-9E4F13AAE820_1_105_c.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="768" data-original-width="1024" height="480" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Wao6H5OrYoU/X8-pc7JNLeI/AAAAAAACLh8/QeH6CW8tSQQJX3rUoCp6Tw67UhCCG-EyACLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h480/48C29F7E-4F4F-41FA-A5F1-9E4F13AAE820_1_105_c.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Lauren with her Daddy</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-vCRtwhMQ3aY/X8-pkbBPoeI/AAAAAAACLiA/XRRLpmOOkTUC6VVnoisecDZ_t-MlVC6TgCLcBGAsYHQ/D24E9F88-B5B0-4717-B4B4-EA1B7CD62AA5_1_105_c.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="768" data-original-width="1024" height="480" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-vCRtwhMQ3aY/X8-pkbBPoeI/AAAAAAACLiA/XRRLpmOOkTUC6VVnoisecDZ_t-MlVC6TgCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h480/D24E9F88-B5B0-4717-B4B4-EA1B7CD62AA5_1_105_c.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Thanksgiving day was lovely and calm. Short hike in the morning and then we stayed around the house and played lots of games , enjoying the beauty. Mom and Dad had brought their Corn Hole game and the kids played many, many games. We had picked up some easy groceries and had ham with some other pre-made sides. As all know, I still hate cooking, but it was a passable meal, with amazing company. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Really Nice Turkey Trot</div><div style="text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-18UlscU2TdE/X8-vkQ9EWCI/AAAAAAACLio/PZScri4eutcFpeiezBRu2TF5UzGFQE3JwCLcBGAsYHQ/946C4B0E-D680-47DD-A98A-8A434141A479_1_105_c.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="768" data-original-width="1024" height="480" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-18UlscU2TdE/X8-vkQ9EWCI/AAAAAAACLio/PZScri4eutcFpeiezBRu2TF5UzGFQE3JwCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h480/946C4B0E-D680-47DD-A98A-8A434141A479_1_105_c.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Enjoying the fire pit</div><div style="text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1024" data-original-width="768" height="640" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-vR7kU6wEa5w/X8-rB31GEoI/AAAAAAACLiM/_Vj3mJWBBkcBPZLoHRqV4KsJJ5KVGaHbQCLcBGAsYHQ/w480-h640/8BF88C79-ADBC-4465-94D1-2513F5BF0198_1_105_c.jpeg" width="480" /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: left;"> </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Our View at Lunch</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-5QwtTW9YH3I/X8-rWhcMOEI/AAAAAAACLiY/lR0f0AeIKPMdKHUc-XyUK7CiLAxHH4MdACLcBGAsYHQ/76D2966B-68E5-4FE1-A5A1-5CC64F83F7C6_1_105_c.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="768" data-original-width="1024" height="480" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-5QwtTW9YH3I/X8-rWhcMOEI/AAAAAAACLiY/lR0f0AeIKPMdKHUc-XyUK7CiLAxHH4MdACLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h480/76D2966B-68E5-4FE1-A5A1-5CC64F83F7C6_1_105_c.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><br /></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Friday came too soon and we had to head home again. It was a lovely trip and so glad we made the effort, and believe me trying to get my hubby to travel is an effort. I am so grateful for the amazing world and wonderful life I am blessed with. It was a Gorgeous Thanksgiving.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #0000ee;"><u><br /></u></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #0000ee;"><u><br /></u></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #0000ee;"><u><br /></u></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #0000ee;"><u><br /></u></span></div><br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"> </div><br /></div><br /><br /></div></div><br /><br /></div></div><br /> </div><br /><br /><p></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p>joel.whitehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07037525456699789741noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11033281.post-50546478472075756152020-08-08T12:49:00.001-06:002020-08-08T12:49:44.927-06:00Cooper is 12!!!!!<p> My first born son is really a great kid. We have been so blessed to have him in our lives. He is super funny, smart, caring, and easy to get along with. I can not believe that we have already made it to middle school and age 12. We celebrated with our tradition streamers, and then Topgolf with some friends. </p><p style="text-align: center;">Day started with a HUGE cinnamon roll</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-JdupTCRCsvw/Xy7wJPluS8I/AAAAAAACFF0/wn54Akeujh88o3_p9dS_gaoBRRDzKqaaACLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_1724.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-JdupTCRCsvw/Xy7wJPluS8I/AAAAAAACFF0/wn54Akeujh88o3_p9dS_gaoBRRDzKqaaACLcBGAsYHQ/s640/IMG_1724.jpeg" /></a></div><p style="text-align: center;">Where did my little kiddos go??? <br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-I0FCUN4JI-s/Xy7v9DMKvII/AAAAAAACFFo/5tV_cdpRNVMzCTXx6mKkLeSvNNG8yFlrQCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_2458.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-I0FCUN4JI-s/Xy7v9DMKvII/AAAAAAACFFo/5tV_cdpRNVMzCTXx6mKkLeSvNNG8yFlrQCLcBGAsYHQ/s640/IMG_2458.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">We love Topgolf</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-CZim3iam2d4/Xy7v4jpYWVI/AAAAAAACFFk/96ZVoYj3DUMJxVCBNIqwzjnRa8dOnWLVgCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_2454.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-CZim3iam2d4/Xy7v4jpYWVI/AAAAAAACFFk/96ZVoYj3DUMJxVCBNIqwzjnRa8dOnWLVgCLcBGAsYHQ/s640/IMG_2454.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div> Friends-Dylan, Cooper (with his new Octopus t shirt) and Henry<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-36j-pekHkCg/Xy7v4taRFmI/AAAAAAACFFg/Ha8xkN5icvIY-jReqfbaG6pRLAN4u6J2QCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_2451.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-36j-pekHkCg/Xy7v4taRFmI/AAAAAAACFFg/Ha8xkN5icvIY-jReqfbaG6pRLAN4u6J2QCLcBGAsYHQ/s640/IMG_2451.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Mom and Lauren enjoying the celebration<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-aUjOg2rhEGA/Xy7wpLMqBlI/AAAAAAACFGE/mFblDGtmmocnrmaA0xWQSUVqfnDLAxL4QCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_2462.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-aUjOg2rhEGA/Xy7wpLMqBlI/AAAAAAACFGE/mFblDGtmmocnrmaA0xWQSUVqfnDLAxL4QCLcBGAsYHQ/s640/IMG_2462.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Freddy's Steakburgers where a hit .... I think they ate hot dogs :)<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-87U588Xr5jU/Xy7w1znBdSI/AAAAAAACFGM/SxTUjirJaM4G6wk8ECHbsdG5HoMtyRF1wCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_2466.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-87U588Xr5jU/Xy7w1znBdSI/AAAAAAACFGM/SxTUjirJaM4G6wk8ECHbsdG5HoMtyRF1wCLcBGAsYHQ/s640/IMG_2466.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">1st birthday Cake and 12th Birthday Ice Cream Cake<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-fvQO-LswnkE/Xy7x_7FWzAI/AAAAAAACFGk/bLxaJfdaVwAg23otFI8tapCoG5BeMg3KwCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_4493.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1365" data-original-width="2048" height="219" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-fvQO-LswnkE/Xy7x_7FWzAI/AAAAAAACFGk/bLxaJfdaVwAg23otFI8tapCoG5BeMg3KwCLcBGAsYHQ/w328-h219/IMG_4493.jpeg" width="328" /></a><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="328" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-kSeWIin0WBc/Xy7xHZPwpFI/AAAAAAACFGY/2KM83IbwnJMknPLvoPqk0pl_YbyPhFkGgCLcBGAsYHQ/w246-h328/IMG_2467.jpeg" width="246" /></div></div>His gifts were games, a few t shirts and cash. I am sure more video games will be purchased. Cooper is growing up really fast, and it is such a joy to see. We love you, Cooper Clay!!</div><p></p>joel.whitehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07037525456699789741noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11033281.post-42308549762742836432020-07-29T08:13:00.002-06:002020-07-29T08:13:55.450-06:00Summer Fun This summer has been flying by, as is just life in general. Every year comes at me faster and faster. (Coop is almost 12!!!!) So we need to get busy livin'. Our summer has been filled with swim and biking and thankfully a trip to Idaho(I will post separately). So I thought I would post a few pics from our enjoying God's beautiful world.<br />
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Lauren started taking horseback riding lessons - Riding Molly</div>
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We seriously live the the most lovely place - Ren riding the trails near our house</div>
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Driving range - not sure how many balls were hit correctly, but it was fun</div>
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Floating the river near Longmont<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-pR-6w7PzbOk/XyF_m94OJUI/AAAAAAACE4g/YTiUUExb6c4f-bAhk4zR2vKxiHR3KUKNwCK4BGAYYCw/s1600/UNADJUSTEDNONRAW_thumb_22775.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-pR-6w7PzbOk/XyF_m94OJUI/AAAAAAACE4g/YTiUUExb6c4f-bAhk4zR2vKxiHR3KUKNwCK4BGAYYCw/s640/UNADJUSTEDNONRAW_thumb_22775.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
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Mountain Biking in Summit County - Thanks again Kenkel - Kennedy's! - That is the Dillon Reservoir behind the kids.<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-lZbFWjoP0MI/XyF_4obZ6OI/AAAAAAACE5M/K7pZum64y8QZegKLtnnD6Y3e2zIffExNQCK4BGAYYCw/s1600/UNADJUSTEDNONRAW_thumb_2277c.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-lZbFWjoP0MI/XyF_4obZ6OI/AAAAAAACE5M/K7pZum64y8QZegKLtnnD6Y3e2zIffExNQCK4BGAYYCw/s640/UNADJUSTEDNONRAW_thumb_2277c.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Cooper riding - he did also ride with Boulder Junior Cycling this summer - Had a few crashes, but continued to improve</div>
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Lauren and Jill enjoying the ride - We made it about 10 miles this day</div>
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Chalked the driveway</div>
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Playing football - not always with a great attitude</div>
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Hikes with Obi</div>
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I have still been struggling with the world, that some days seems to burning down around us. So I am holding on to these great memories and keep on praying about the rest.</div>
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<br />joel.whitehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07037525456699789741noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11033281.post-68656684973255141762020-07-06T17:29:00.000-06:002020-07-06T17:29:03.595-06:00In the times of the Rona As we are living thru this historic time, I have been thinking about documenting what my little corner of the world has been going through. Just so my kids can look back on this and remember. We entered March thinking we were going to have a very busy spring, as most do with little kids. The end of the school year is always fast and filled with lots of projects and final concepts to learn. Cooper was going to play in two flag football leagues and Lauren working hard in her gymnastic classes to improve her skills. Cooper was also in the final weeks at his elementary school before entering middle school, with many of his classmates going elsewhere, so it was a very interesting transition time. I also work at the school, so my job was also up in the air.<br />
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Crazy Hair day at school - Mr Cruger did a great job of keeping us connected</div>
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School was sent into home learning on March 13. Sadly Cooper never got to go back to Superior Elementary. The teachers made herculean efforts to complete the year as best as we could, but it was HARD. Lauren is not self-motivated in her school work, so my days were filled with "What are you doing?", "Have you finished that yet?", "Do you need any help?"(with NO, sometimes yelled, being the answer always). Cooper being the nerd, was always on task, but being an 11 year old boy, was always finding ways to cut corners."I already know that" being the response I got when I asked if he completed things.<br />
My job became mostly to keep my two students on task and learning, but I also did run several groups with the 1st and 2nd graders. Not lessons, but more just checking in, and allowing them to talk to friends, and keep in touch. I was able to help at the end of the year, by helping pack up and pass out the work that had been left at school that last day back in March.<br />
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<span style="text-align: center;">Lots of reading</span></div>
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Thankfully once school was out, Cooper was able to go back to Boulder Junior Cycling mountain biking and Lauren's swim team started training again. Sadly no races were allowed, but we were in the pool. Our local community pool opened on a limited capacity and mandatory reservation basis, and Joel has been diligent in signing up for times. Hiking and biking are still happening and we try to get out when we can. We also have been baking cookies and cakes, making summer clothes tighter.<br />
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I must confess that I have not been the best at, as I tell my son "embracing the suck". I have dealt with my issues, but I must say that I have been angry a lot. I feel as though I have lost so much of my life, and all that my kids lost is what makes me the most angry. I pray( and believe me I have prayed A LOT) that in a few more months this will all just be a memory and we can move forward to the full lives that I want for myself, but mostly my kids. Thankfully we are still blessed to live in a wonderful country and one of the most beautiful places. Here is the pictures of survival mode we have been in the last few months.</div>
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Cooper was supposed to sing the National Anthem at a Rockies Game -(note we had to finally order hair clippers from Amazon to get rid of that mop)</div>
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This was a school project - not quite sure what we were going for, but Lauren liked it,</div>
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Hiking helped keep us sane (or at least more sanity than we would have otherwise)</div>
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Obi was glad we were home, but not really happy to share the couch<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-tv1RkFGNUgc/XwOj1MVKgXI/AAAAAAACDrU/wBb30equ4a0lsw-dJLEO6_qbxgI6N1mJgCK4BGAYYCw/s1600/UNADJUSTEDNONRAW_thumb_2269e.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-tv1RkFGNUgc/XwOj1MVKgXI/AAAAAAACDrU/wBb30equ4a0lsw-dJLEO6_qbxgI6N1mJgCK4BGAYYCw/s640/UNADJUSTEDNONRAW_thumb_2269e.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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On pretty days we would do our homework on the deck.</div>
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More of Obi helping<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-PoFtt9q2QIM/XwOkq6GutRI/AAAAAAACDrs/uAOTDGVB8sAHVjEBuOAe89whM-5qDNdrQCK4BGAYYCw/s1600/UNADJUSTEDNONRAW_thumb_2265c.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-PoFtt9q2QIM/XwOkq6GutRI/AAAAAAACDrs/uAOTDGVB8sAHVjEBuOAe89whM-5qDNdrQCK4BGAYYCw/s640/UNADJUSTEDNONRAW_thumb_2265c.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Still made time for last day of school pictures<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-vh-NNpgNN2Y/XwOmUl4vt8I/AAAAAAACDsU/RfFy-jzLNjwbdKFdpmIhxjInHlx8nhcbwCK4BGAYYCw/s1600/IMG_1620.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-vh-NNpgNN2Y/XwOmUl4vt8I/AAAAAAACDsU/RfFy-jzLNjwbdKFdpmIhxjInHlx8nhcbwCK4BGAYYCw/s640/IMG_1620.JPG" width="426" /></a></div>
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I feel like I have aged 2 years in the last few months - and with lots of baking, maybe added lbs</div>
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Handsome Joel still looks the same</div>
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The 5th grade parade, which made me SO grateful for our amazing community. Tons of people came out to cheer on the kids as we drove through the neighborhood<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-_eUkO-HbUS0/XwOoWsnTkWI/AAAAAAACDtM/0tjHhXW4n6kniIIkqXYXyJCXHauLbK6aQCK4BGAYYCw/s1600/UNADJUSTEDNONRAW_thumb_2271e.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-_eUkO-HbUS0/XwOoWsnTkWI/AAAAAAACDtM/0tjHhXW4n6kniIIkqXYXyJCXHauLbK6aQCK4BGAYYCw/s640/UNADJUSTEDNONRAW_thumb_2271e.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
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We are not out of the woods, but I see glimmers of hope. School has not officially been called, but we keep praying and our hopes are up that we will be back together in the fall. We are headed out to Idaho next week, and hope to have a great time hiking, biking and playing in some mountain lakes. </div>
joel.whitehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07037525456699789741noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11033281.post-46100146725847308642020-02-22T11:28:00.000-07:002020-02-24T18:46:30.938-07:00Everything is bigger in Texas<br />
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So it was long weekend time, and I love to take quick trips. We can see new cities and sights without to much fuss and muss. So the kids decided they would like to go to Texas. Which for February is a pretty good choice. So we got the kids out of school just a few minutes early and headed to the airport Thursday afternoon. Landing in Austin around 7, we found a local flavor burger, which was delicious.<br />
The next morning we headed south towards San Antonio, and the Natural Bridge Caverns. We as a family have been to quite a few cave tours in our lives, but this one was pretty great. It had several large rooms, and lots of stalagmites and stalagmites, with underground water. We enjoyed it, and as a bonus they had just opened last fall a ropes course which the kids loved.<br />
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The Fam in front of a large tower - Note I am not that short - I am leaning over and down to get Coop in the pic :)<br />
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<span style="text-align: center;"> </span><span style="text-align: center;">Jill, Cooper (11yrs) and Lauren (8yrs) in Natural Bridge Caverns</span><br />
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<span style="text-align: center;">Lauren In front of the Watchtower</span><br />
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Happy Campers<br />
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We had a great time and then had some Lupe Tortilla's for dinner. The next morning we arrived at the Doseum in San Antonio. This was a great children's museum. They had just opened an Spy Academy exhibit, which had the kids solving puzzles for about an hour and a half. It was very well done and interesting even for the adults. Lauren loved that they had a small laser room, that if you hit a laser you set off a buzzer. She spent about 30 mins in that room alone.<br />
After Shake Shack for lunch we headed to The Alamo. We did the audio tour and it was nice, but I feel like to tour Joel and I had taken years ago was a little more informative. This tour was more about the other people in the Alamo then those who actually fought in the battle. Still I love my history.<br />
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Here is Lauren's code name - Ms Pineapple - ready to start her first mission<br />
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Our Agents<br />
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The Alamo - 1836</div>
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I decided we need a little more history, but this was much more kitchy. We visited The Buckhorn Saloon Museum, with had Texas Rangers history, along with outlaw history. It was cheesy and a little silly, but the kids seem to like it okay. Lauren found some saloon swinging doors which she has to try out about 15 times.<br />
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I'm innocent</div>
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Illusion of water going uphill - and big brother not being sure about his sisters hug<br />
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On our last day in Texas we went to the Austin Aquarium. It was so cool. This was more like a Science hands on aquarium, where you are encouraged to touch the animals. They had lizards, coy, lemurs, the small shrimp that clean off your skin, and the be all end all of the octopus. Cooper had been fascinated with octopus for years, even writing a paper in 4th grade about a fictional field octopus. We did have one misstep with when Lauren was bit by a ring tailed lemur. We were warned that they had had a long day the day before and it was a juvenile female, which saw Lauren as a threat. She was not hurt, but sad since it happened a few seconds from entering the enclosure. She did later in the day get to meet the Ruff Lemurs, which was great experience. Joel and I both think it is a great story. She was happy to tell all her friends when she got back to school. Then with the persistants of wonderful Joel we were able to feed an octopus. We also fed sand sharks and stingrays. It was the coolest experience, with being able to feel it's tentacles, and him blowing out water. It was great.<br />
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Cooper Pus<br />
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Watch out Lauren<br />
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Lauren holding a bird</div>
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Otto the Octopus !</div>
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The cute lemurs before the bite - Again not the fault of the animal </div>
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Not a happy camper, but has a really great story</div>
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Not a great pic, but the kids with the ruff lemurs - had a really neat experience<br />
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Neptune and the Mermaid<br />
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Shrimp cleaning the skin - felt very interesting</div>
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We had a good trip to Texas, and as always am thinking of the next place we can go. My kiddos are getting older by the day, and want to have as many experiences as possible before they go.</div>
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joel.whitehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07037525456699789741noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11033281.post-69599991896570106982020-01-31T16:23:00.000-07:002020-01-31T16:23:50.488-07:00Christmas Time I am not starting off the year very well keeping up with blogging. So I will try and recap the holidays.<br />
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We, as usual, kept the Christmas holiday low key. But to have a little variety, we went over the the Gaylord Hotel for one night. They had a holiday themed experiences, so we signed up for several of them<br />
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Very pretty hotel - if not for the sun you can see the mountains out the window</div>
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First we saw the Cirque Holidaze Show</div>
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The show was really great, with some amazing acrobats. These guys/gals were very impressive. Some of the acts were couple on roller skates, guys doing flips off a seesaw, jump ropes, balancing on small things. The kids really enjoyed it.</div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-SHEZPgkSkBA/XjSjmIjGu6I/AAAAAAAB_L0/qsB0Kna26IMaJ5JT8s_uZkW5I5IMJcy2wCK4BGAYYCw/s1600/UNADJUSTEDNONRAW_thumb_22509.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-SHEZPgkSkBA/XjSjmIjGu6I/AAAAAAAB_L0/qsB0Kna26IMaJ5JT8s_uZkW5I5IMJcy2wCK4BGAYYCw/s640/UNADJUSTEDNONRAW_thumb_22509.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
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The weather on the first day was not great, so we kept to the indoor activities on Saturday. The next thing we did was an escape room. Thankful with the help of all of us,we were able to find Santa's naughty list and get our names off the list. </div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-4LNSZw816Ss/XjSk2GhCcAI/AAAAAAAB_ME/8fPfKr8nc_Y1bZ7-o9fRi42DiIxmtiywgCK4BGAYYCw/s1600/UNADJUSTEDNONRAW_thumb_22511.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-4LNSZw816Ss/XjSk2GhCcAI/AAAAAAAB_ME/8fPfKr8nc_Y1bZ7-o9fRi42DiIxmtiywgCK4BGAYYCw/s640/UNADJUSTEDNONRAW_thumb_22511.jpg" width="640" /></a>As you can see the weather was snowy and cold, but not cold enough to miss smores.</div>
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The next morning we had tickets to see Rudolph on Ice. They had larger then life ice sculptures following the story of the old claymation show of Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer. They house all the ice in a 9 degree warehouse they had attached to the hotel. They gave us parka's to wear, but we also were wearing our own coats underneath. It was really cool to see, but it was cold.<br />
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-gGmArkpM8qE/XjSmairVBcI/AAAAAAAB_MQ/Y0Zd8-KeMRME76ElTbriCHq3zwZPvYV-wCK4BGAYYCw/s1600/UNADJUSTEDNONRAW_thumb_2250a.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-gGmArkpM8qE/XjSmairVBcI/AAAAAAAB_MQ/Y0Zd8-KeMRME76ElTbriCHq3zwZPvYV-wCK4BGAYYCw/s640/UNADJUSTEDNONRAW_thumb_2250a.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
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The Abominable Snowman</div>
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-4DrGQsc8_jM/XjSml4nwKzI/AAAAAAAB_MY/LZM1hyOyJFMOSoiXN-CaDkRtaGw4dTgdwCK4BGAYYCw/s1600/UNADJUSTEDNONRAW_thumb_22513.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-4DrGQsc8_jM/XjSml4nwKzI/AAAAAAAB_MY/LZM1hyOyJFMOSoiXN-CaDkRtaGw4dTgdwCK4BGAYYCw/s640/UNADJUSTEDNONRAW_thumb_22513.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
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Santa's Here..... I know him!</div>
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We made a great decision to wait on the outdoor activities. The weather was much nicer on Sunday. We were able to ice skate and snow tube to our hearts content.<br />
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-aihuvXM0r0M/XjSnM0IapNI/AAAAAAAB_M0/WPmRnMFDEnsu6g03cxSSg380Y9lQv5QDwCK4BGAYYCw/s1600/UNADJUSTEDNONRAW_thumb_22519.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-aihuvXM0r0M/XjSnM0IapNI/AAAAAAAB_M0/WPmRnMFDEnsu6g03cxSSg380Y9lQv5QDwCK4BGAYYCw/s640/UNADJUSTEDNONRAW_thumb_22519.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
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We had a great time, for little effort. So all in all a great little break. As I always say we are blessed.</div>
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A final pic from Christmas day at Aunt Sarah's House<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-_d4fBkEbWR8/XjS2ltU9EBI/AAAAAAAB_NY/F-HU3-UGdY4DSoWHMQ9i5v1yTnsimJUSACK4BGAYYCw/s1600/UNADJUSTEDNONRAW_thumb_224fc.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-_d4fBkEbWR8/XjS2ltU9EBI/AAAAAAAB_NY/F-HU3-UGdY4DSoWHMQ9i5v1yTnsimJUSACK4BGAYYCw/s640/UNADJUSTEDNONRAW_thumb_224fc.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<br />joel.whitehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07037525456699789741noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11033281.post-11462620691079834122019-11-13T14:24:00.000-07:002019-11-13T14:24:12.821-07:00It's Showtime Superior Elementary has been putting on a 5th Grade Musical for 23 years. At the end of Cooper's 4th grade school year, I had asked him if he thought he might try out for the play. He told me, he was not sure, but thought he might just do backstage support. I am very glad that he changed his mind. Once the time came, he decided he would try out for the role of Genie in Aladdin. He did his work and practiced the song and dialog. When he came home that day, I asked how it went, and he said he thought he did okay. He noted that his friend Tyler was a great Genie, so he did not think he would get that part, but had a few other backup roles that he thought he might get. I was proud that he tried, since I am guessing there will not be many other chances in his life to do this. Well, a few days later he came home excited. He told me that he has been offered the role of Aladdin (Genie did go to Tyler :) ). He had some hesitations since he was playing Flag Football, and in Cyclocross, both which take up a lot of time. But decided it was too good of an opportunity to turn down.<br />
The next month and a half was full of days of rushing between play practice and sports. I must say I think I saw Cooper maturing before my eyes during this time. He had a great attitude. Never complained about finishing homework at 7 PM after a long day. Just did all that was required of him to take care of the things he signed up for. He always said that play practice was fun. I went thru the dialog with him once and he had a good handle on it, so I kind of left him alone for the most part. <br />
The rest of the community, as it always does, really stepped up and created amazing sets and costumes for the kids. It really was a great experience that I know Cooper will remember fondly. So when the day came , we were all very excited. Jack, Martha, Joel and I were able to make it to the daytime show, and it was really fun to see the whole production come together. Then Sarah's bunch was able to make the night show. What these kids created,with a herculean help of the teachers was really special. We loved every minute of it.<br />
Here are a few pics from the show (again thanks to another spectacular teacher Jen Lehman)<br />
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One Cute Aladdin</div>
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-9TIYElpRdiw/Xcxt2Uvw_uI/AAAAAAAB9pY/8DnoaGbUY_AcJ6-0g7NB4kyhhj0vkrEkwCK4BGAYYCw/s1600/UNADJUSTEDNONRAW_thumb_22398.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-9TIYElpRdiw/Xcxt2Uvw_uI/AAAAAAAB9pY/8DnoaGbUY_AcJ6-0g7NB4kyhhj0vkrEkwCK4BGAYYCw/s640/UNADJUSTEDNONRAW_thumb_22398.jpg" width="640" /></a> <br />
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Abu, Aladdin, and Genie</div>
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-2-jwx-H_BVI/XcxuTylBlWI/AAAAAAAB9pk/ZBB9c2SCXtUomn393obXWN7qw1uYuZQmQCK4BGAYYCw/s1600/UNADJUSTEDNONRAW_thumb_223af.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-2-jwx-H_BVI/XcxuTylBlWI/AAAAAAAB9pk/ZBB9c2SCXtUomn393obXWN7qw1uYuZQmQCK4BGAYYCw/s640/UNADJUSTEDNONRAW_thumb_223af.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
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Prince Ali, Magic Carpet and Genie (I told you the costumes were great)</div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-yo41SafayWE/XcxulzcyQyI/AAAAAAAB9pw/stTBEvUR1bYItibunF88G_JMzoJyJAGGgCK4BGAYYCw/s1600/UNADJUSTEDNONRAW_thumb_223b2.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-yo41SafayWE/XcxulzcyQyI/AAAAAAAB9pw/stTBEvUR1bYItibunF88G_JMzoJyJAGGgCK4BGAYYCw/s640/UNADJUSTEDNONRAW_thumb_223b2.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
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Jasmine and Prince Ali (aka Aladdin)</div>
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-95cPzlSOi84/Xcxu-dwjDCI/AAAAAAAB9p8/87E0SrcY5nEqssD8cJqOqR9K98WP5T1jwCK4BGAYYCw/s1600/UNADJUSTEDNONRAW_thumb_223ba.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-95cPzlSOi84/Xcxu-dwjDCI/AAAAAAAB9p8/87E0SrcY5nEqssD8cJqOqR9K98WP5T1jwCK4BGAYYCw/s640/UNADJUSTEDNONRAW_thumb_223ba.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
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Mrs Higgins 5th Grade Class</div>
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Aq_SOMf_6JQ/XcxvrjgWmsI/AAAAAAAB9qI/ErLVuc_bLeYWK0e3wypMA_TV8kTceT9QQCK4BGAYYCw/s1600/UNADJUSTEDNONRAW_thumb_223c9.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Aq_SOMf_6JQ/XcxvrjgWmsI/AAAAAAAB9qI/ErLVuc_bLeYWK0e3wypMA_TV8kTceT9QQCK4BGAYYCw/s640/UNADJUSTEDNONRAW_thumb_223c9.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
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Super proud parents and sister</div>
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Ready for showtime</div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-8YYr_zInwbs/XcxwR9iUytI/AAAAAAAB9qk/hg4g88Fc0Fwu-S7AlXvWQUwejtl98wCJgCK4BGAYYCw/s1600/UNADJUSTEDNONRAW_thumb_22380.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-8YYr_zInwbs/XcxwR9iUytI/AAAAAAAB9qk/hg4g88Fc0Fwu-S7AlXvWQUwejtl98wCJgCK4BGAYYCw/s640/UNADJUSTEDNONRAW_thumb_22380.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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One side story that has made me laugh every time I see the video is Cooper "trying" to direct his castmates. Jasmine and Prince Ali were suppose to look at each other at the end of "A Whole New World". Well Jasmine either forgot, or was not persuaded of Prince Ali's affection so Cooper decided to remind her by kicking her..... the look on her face is priceless.</div>
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Joel and I are so very proud of what Cooper and all his classmates did with his musical. Now for the next adventure in the 5th graders year. Calwood, which is an outdoor education camp they go to next week! These are some blessed kiddos!</div>
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joel.whitehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07037525456699789741noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11033281.post-4868377306517143792019-09-21T16:58:00.000-06:002019-09-21T16:58:25.927-06:00Living on Mountain Time We were lucky enough to borrow our friends condo in Summit County again this summer and had a great weekend riding and hiking in some really beautiful country. We headed up Thursday night , hoping to avoid the Friday traffic. Sadly I starting having a little trouble with my asthma and had to run back home early Friday morning to get my inhaler. Thankfully I was also able to help Joel out with a malfunctioning bike part and saved us some time to get it fixed. Joel worked on Friday and the kids and I hung out at the condo to hike and swim.<br />
Early Saturday morning we headed out to get some mountain biking in. Lauren was not super thrilled with the first hills, but once we got into the trees, she really started to enjoy it. Since Cooper has been biking all summer, we pretty much never saw him again, until we headed back to the parking lot. I had not been on the trails in way too long, and it was so much fun. At one point we took a wrong turn and got on a Blue rated trail (think Green, blue , black like skiing), but both kids rode it well. Lauren had a small crash, but nothing major. All in all it was a great time, and I hope we can do it again very soon!<br />
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Lauren getting the hang of it</div>
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Mom and Lauren bombing down the hill (might be a little exaggerated)</div>
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11 year old in his happy place</div>
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Lauren rocking the technical parts</div>
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I had started looking for a hike to do on Friday when we were hanging out at the condo. I try to find things that will challenge us, but not destroy us. I also have to consider which trails we can take Obi on. He is great on trails and REALLY loves it. So I had found a trail that started right at the bottom of the West side of the Eisenhower Tunnel. Which I thought sounded pretty cool to hike up to the continental divide. So Sunday morning we headed up. It turned out to be a really cool hike. We had a blast. Not super long (I think about 5 miles back and forth) but we did get up to 12600 feet. </div>
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Getting ready to head up - Some confusion on grabbing Ren's Coat, so she is wearing Joel's</div>
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Family Selfie - The building in the back is the top of the Eisenhower Tunnel</div>
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A boy and his dog - What an amazing view!</div>
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Almost to the top - was starting to get windy</div>
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Happy Girls </div>
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Once we were about 1/2 mile from the top it started getting pretty windy, but it was cool to get to the peak. It was a fun hike, one that I might to again. After getting back to the car, we had to head home for a friends birthday party. But as always it was a great time in the mountains. We are so blessed to live in such an awesome place. </div>
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While we hiked just under 6 miles, Obi must have gone 12. (in this pic we had just seen a Marmot)</div>
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joel.whitehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07037525456699789741noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11033281.post-35835020390199897692019-08-28T14:01:00.002-06:002019-08-28T14:01:54.004-06:00Now we are starting 5th and 3rd I somehow lost a whole year in the blog world. Which is really sad because we had a great year. Spent Christmas in Arkansas, went to Disney World, hit Seattle with the Lovejoy's. But now we are back at it.<br />
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We started another school year. Cooper is in his last year at Superior Elementary, and Lauren started 3rd. We are super excited to get it going. Cooper is looking forward to the school play, and playing the trombone in the band. Lauren's year will include learning multiplication and division. Lauren has kept up with gymnastics and Cooper has started Cyclocross along with his favorite Flag Football. </div>
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Here are a few of the first of days (or Cooper's last first day of Elementary school )<br />
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Cooper (11yrs) 5th grade Mrs. Higgins</div>
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Lauren (8yrs) 3rd grade Mrs. Hosek<br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-t_s8bi0PnOw/XWbcw9ss-_I/AAAAAAAB62U/waggg8Iy5Xc_l3d-zCWiwvCJ_TrOFjOsACK4BGAYYCw/s1600/IMG_1549.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-t_s8bi0PnOw/XWbcw9ss-_I/AAAAAAAB62U/waggg8Iy5Xc_l3d-zCWiwvCJ_TrOFjOsACK4BGAYYCw/s640/IMG_1549.JPG" width="426" /></a></div>
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My third year working at the school (I will work with 1st grade all day)<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-4aktr0cVLvo/XWbc_bwFqkI/AAAAAAAB62g/ZjoDpQcZSns_Rtj6LI4Cl2Nw8XpOg6JbACK4BGAYYCw/s1600/UNADJUSTEDNONRAW_thumb_222e8.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-4aktr0cVLvo/XWbc_bwFqkI/AAAAAAAB62g/ZjoDpQcZSns_Rtj6LI4Cl2Nw8XpOg6JbACK4BGAYYCw/s640/UNADJUSTEDNONRAW_thumb_222e8.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Poor Joel does not get any summer's off :)</div>
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And Obi is now spending his days on the couch</div>
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<br />joel.whitehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07037525456699789741noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11033281.post-55656602747902051492018-08-29T08:34:00.000-06:002018-08-29T08:34:21.129-06:00First Day of 2018-2019 School Year Well the years keep coming. Cooper is 10 and in 4th grade; Lauren is 7 and in 2nd grade. I am going back to work at Superior for the 2nd year(I will not be saying my age). Cooper had Mrs. Kirby and should have an amazing year. 4th grade has tons of special projects and things to keep him occupied. Lauren is super lucky to have Mrs Lehman (Just like Cooper). I know all the fun this coming in the spring will be amazing and challenging. We were blessed to have Grammie and Grandpa here for the first day. So it is a great start to a great year. The pics were a little rushed, and not great, but we will post anyway, because hey life is certainly not perfect :)! Here's to a great school year.<br />
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<span id="goog_1488319367"></span><span id="goog_1488319368"></span>Momma and Daughter</div>
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Cooper too cool for the sign :)</div>
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Daddy and Daughter</div>
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Another one to add to Cooper's graduation pics - nice Eye roll</div>
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At least Cooper is smiling</div>
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The walking to school selfie :)</div>
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<br />joel.whitehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07037525456699789741noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11033281.post-1248990022237575042018-08-27T08:28:00.000-06:002018-08-27T08:28:42.293-06:00Oh my Goodness.... we are in Double Digits! <br />
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-W9j-JcPDvgE/W4QGzbIJYMI/AAAAAAABor4/xwGMTDeWzvk72H6tbsKdU0M0dHZwrOoJwCK4BGAYYCw/s1600/IMG_2383.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-W9j-JcPDvgE/W4QGzbIJYMI/AAAAAAABor4/xwGMTDeWzvk72H6tbsKdU0M0dHZwrOoJwCK4BGAYYCw/s640/IMG_2383.jpg" width="640" /></a> My favorite boy in the world turned 10 years old this year........And I am not sure I have accepted it yet. He has been asking for a party and I have been putting it off, saying we could have one when he turned 10. So it was now time for Mom to pony up. He decided after much back and forth to have a sleepover. We finally agreed on a number and emails were sent out, and he waiting not to patiently for the day to arrive.<br />
On Friday night, we had 6 boys show up, and start running amok!! So it was quickly decided to head down to the park for the frenzy to have a little more room. All the boys were great and I hope that they had fun, I know Cooper did. Once we wore a little energy off, we headed back home for pizza and a movie. A few of the kiddos had things in the morning and were unable to stay the night, but we were able to make lights out around 10:30..... so really late for mom and dad!<br />
Kids woke up pretty early, and wanted to play some video games.... so I think we included most things that 10 years olds like, Parks, Superheros(Movie), Pizza, and video games. I think the only thing missing was a nerf gun fight. Maybe next time. Well with all the chaos I was only able to take a few pics. But I hope the memories will stay for Cooper.<br />
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The tradition of streamers still lives.... I am thinking it will be something I do until they leave the house (and I am okay with that - thought I might have to do while they are still awake when they get older)<br />
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A group of crazy... but really great kids</div>
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Opening Presents - I warned you I did not get great pics</div>
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The Zombie look of 10 year olds playing video games</div>
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I hope Cooper had the best of days. He is really a great kid, and I am proud to be his Mom. Now I know if I do not pay close attention he will be 20......</div>
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joel.whitehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07037525456699789741noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11033281.post-32601440654650128762018-07-21T13:54:00.000-06:002018-07-21T13:54:08.782-06:00We love Swimming Lauren has tried of soccer(which I am not at all upset about), so we have been looking for a new sport. She has always been my little water baby, sometimes concerning her mother with how long she would hold her breath in the tub, so we thought we would try swimming. We joined the local club team, called Rock Creek Flyers, starting with pre-team. We did not have any actually meets, but a few mock meets that were very fun.<br />
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Very Serious about the backstroke</div>
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Ready on the blocks</div>
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Top Lane - working hard</div>
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Lower Lane -the race is on</div>
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Big improvements off the blocks- with amazing help from Coach Lisa</div>
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Look at her go! She had a lot of improvement with her form </div>
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We had practices three times a week for about 6 weeks and she had an immense amount of improvement over those few weeks. I am not completely sure that she knew she was racing that first meet, so that might make up some of the longer times. She certainly did get better as the summer went on. Best thing is she had fun!<br />
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Here are some stats from the season... I am sure she will be so ready to compete on the team next summer.<br />
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25M First Meet Last Meet Improvement<br />
Breaststroke 1:08.38 48.12 20.26<br />
Backstroke 52.37 46.06 6.37<br />
Butterfly 1:21.32 * 40.88 40.44<br />
Freestyle 54.15 45.93 8.22<br />
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* She might have not really realized at the first meet it was a race and stopped to adjust the her googles for a few seconds..... sojoel.whitehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07037525456699789741noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11033281.post-2080992819870130922018-04-30T10:44:00.000-06:002018-04-30T10:44:22.803-06:00Last Day in Atlanta Well, the weather that held off for a nice day on Saturday, we found Sunday morning. So poncho purchased, we walked over the National College Football Hall of Fame. We had originally planned to try and do some outside activities, but it did not work with the rain, but the Football museum was a good back up. <br />
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Touchdown - and yes it is shaped like a football</div>
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The Fam ready to learn!</div>
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It was a very interactive place, which the kids really loved. If ever you get to push buttons, play with tablets they are in. When you arrived they asked you what your school choice was and you could scan that pass throughout the museum, and it would include things about your school. You could plan routes, answer trivia questions, even ask questions to famous players. The best part was the bottom floor that they had a skills course, were you could kick, throw, and catch some throws. It was really fun, and Joel did hit both of his field goals. The rest of us never got close :). </div>
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Cooper seeing how much more he needs to grow to be average college player size.</div>
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Since we were a limited on weather, we walked over to the Children's Museum that was downtown. The kids loved it, but mom and dad were looking for comfy chairs to spend a few hours in. Thankfully the rain stopped Sunday night and we were able to go to the Fernbank Natural History Museum Monday morning before our flight out. It was a gorgeous building surrounded by trees that had a hiking trail out the back for us to explore. The traveling exhibit they had at the time was about microbes, and was really interesting and disgusting at the same time. Learning about all the tiny things going on constantly inside and outside our bodies. After checking out the great exhibits. We went outside. It included raised walkways, homemade bird houses, a fort for the kids to climb in, and a hiking trail surrounded by flowers. </div>
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Stegosaurus<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-MMYoWPOn_xo/WuSjc6YnxAI/AAAAAAABliE/i6a-hacCq-4qCJakpt7_VLz7M_1Hj6qoQCK4BGAYYCw/s1600/IMG_1466.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-MMYoWPOn_xo/WuSjc6YnxAI/AAAAAAABliE/i6a-hacCq-4qCJakpt7_VLz7M_1Hj6qoQCK4BGAYYCw/s640/IMG_1466.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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One of the outdoor play areas, had water ways you could watch your tiny boat float down</div>
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Pretty raise walk way </div>
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Cooper and Lauren were able to explore several large forts that were built in honor of all of our stick forts we build as children</div>
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Now the fort ever kid wished they had in there back yard</div>
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We had a great time in Atlanta, and the kids were able to tick off another state that they have visited. So grateful for the things we have in our lives. Now, where to go next.</div>
joel.whitehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07037525456699789741noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11033281.post-30768409452859989632018-04-29T10:16:00.000-06:002018-04-29T10:16:57.670-06:00Continued Atlanta Trip<div style="text-align: center;">
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We still had lots to see, including family, so we got up early on Saturday morning and headed over to the Atlanta Zoo. We had great weather for the day, and it was not a huge zoo, but a very pretty one. With rolling hills, and lots of tree cover. Something I tried to make the kids take note of, but I am not sure it stuck. They had pandas, a great gorilla and orangutan exhibits, with lots of babies to watch. We had a great morning.</div>
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My Baby Roos</div>
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Jill, Cooper, and Lauren with one of the five panda's at the zoo</div>
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Happy kids</div>
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This is a great pic of my kids, just because it shows their personalities..... Cooper working on his patience and Lauren so full of joy :) - We are so blessed</div>
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For lunch we headed up north to see my Aunt Lois and Uncle Jack(my mom's sister). It had sadly been a very long time since we had seen them and we were grateful that they had the time. We meet at the Mall of Georgia, and had a good lunch, great conversation and a lovely day. It was a really nice to see them.</div>
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Cooper, Aunt Lois, and Lauren</div>
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Atlanta was a really pretty place and we had a great day, the next day was a little more challenging with rain, but find a poncho at Target and keep going :)!</div>
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joel.whitehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07037525456699789741noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11033281.post-43478381196925624532018-04-28T09:40:00.002-06:002018-04-28T09:40:37.832-06:00We went on a trip!! I really enjoy traveling, but once you have little ones, it can become a bit more challenging. I will say, it is always worth the effort.... get busy livin'!! So Atlanta here we come. We flew out Thursday night after school, and was not shocked to see traffic when we landed at 11 PM. <br />
We always hit the ground running on trip, and we got up early to hit the Aquarium at 9 AM. The Atlanta Aquarium was amazing, and we ending up spending most of the day there. They had 4 whale sharks that we were lucky to see them get feed, in the largest aquarium we have seen. It was so cool, to see the huge mouth take all the water in and expel out of its gills. Then we checked out the dolphin show. Lauren was such a fan, that Joel took her back to see another show later on in the day. We did end up sitting in the splash zone, which adds to the experience:). It was such a great time to see the beluga whales playing with a blanket, the otters up close were bigger then I realized, and the sea lions show. I would recommend this place to anyone in the area.<br />
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Cooper, Joel, and Lauren in the tunnel of the large Aquarium</div>
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Two of the four whales - Such awesome animals</div>
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Cooper and Lauren getting a closer look</div>
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After spending most of the day at the Aquarium, we also had tickets to the Coca Cola Museum. It was located just across the park, so we walked over and spent about an hour going through and seeing the history of the company. The most fun was the tasting room, where you could taste the products that they make internationally. I found a few fruity ones that I really liked, and Cooper promised to try every flavor, which I think there were around 150 different kinds. He did not manage it, and still had a sick stomach. </div>
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Kids with the Coca Cola Polar Bear</div>
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So our sick stomachs headed back to the aquarium and went back to see more animals. </div>
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Lauren super excited about the dolphin show (could not take pics during the show)</div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-4bDq4JgQb_g/WuSUpRpfqhI/AAAAAAABlfY/aLZAY7R8l_ATFLw3fNazxKl-fkDLv550wCK4BGAYYCw/s1600/IMG_2112.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-4bDq4JgQb_g/WuSUpRpfqhI/AAAAAAABlfY/aLZAY7R8l_ATFLw3fNazxKl-fkDLv550wCK4BGAYYCw/s640/IMG_2112.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Whole fam with the Georgia Aquarium Mascot. (Lauren wore her mermaid pants in honor of the ocean animals)</div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/--jnG9ROPgC8/WuSUqWs4coI/AAAAAAABlfg/u8zB6ScIUtERrXTOyc4blJpRGnhuyJmpgCK4BGAYYCw/s1600/IMG_1400.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/--jnG9ROPgC8/WuSUqWs4coI/AAAAAAABlfg/u8zB6ScIUtERrXTOyc4blJpRGnhuyJmpgCK4BGAYYCw/s640/IMG_1400.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
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We found a good restaurant downtown to eat and then went home to rest up for another exciting day. </div>
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joel.whitehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07037525456699789741noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11033281.post-11832332997376204942018-03-17T09:42:00.000-06:002018-03-17T09:42:29.889-06:00My Baby is 7 Little Lauren Elizabeth is now 7 years old. She is such a sweet and funny kid, and puts a smile on our faces daily. When we asked her what she wanted to do, the first thing she said was "breakfast in bed". Easy enough. Here are a few pics from the big day. Please note most pics have uncombed hair..... but she does have the best bed head<br />
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the Seven year old is ready for waffees and oranges in bed - </div>
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-q5n7WnJYJuI/Wq00CLM_r4I/AAAAAAABjDI/pl9v7e2zZxAwbY-NbLc1kA4ImQO0TwFHQCK4BGAYYCw/s1600/IMG_1001.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-q5n7WnJYJuI/Wq00CLM_r4I/AAAAAAABjDI/pl9v7e2zZxAwbY-NbLc1kA4ImQO0TwFHQCK4BGAYYCw/s640/IMG_1001.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-5Epw1t6vHmM/Wq00baYUY1I/AAAAAAABjDY/EpaVGeAKWdwP3WP9zDmLvaRX02MsrqqXQCK4BGAYYCw/s1600/IMG_1003.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-5Epw1t6vHmM/Wq00baYUY1I/AAAAAAABjDY/EpaVGeAKWdwP3WP9zDmLvaRX02MsrqqXQCK4BGAYYCw/s640/IMG_1003.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
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Opening a puzzle from mom and dad</div>
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-XCYku0Jt9hw/Wq00qxwlo1I/AAAAAAABjDg/ORB3H_Ftjy0-_BP3l48b8SHGWIiH_QyvgCK4BGAYYCw/s1600/IMG_0991.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-XCYku0Jt9hw/Wq00qxwlo1I/AAAAAAABjDg/ORB3H_Ftjy0-_BP3l48b8SHGWIiH_QyvgCK4BGAYYCw/s640/IMG_0991.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
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A new jacket from Frumpy, in a great color for Lauren's pretty eyes</div>
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-QOOVGin_11c/Wq00r-HhfEI/AAAAAAABjDo/6i53JIZ6ei8CTevp2LcGwiCoHWz8oE31ACK4BGAYYCw/s1600/IMG_0996.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-QOOVGin_11c/Wq00r-HhfEI/AAAAAAABjDo/6i53JIZ6ei8CTevp2LcGwiCoHWz8oE31ACK4BGAYYCw/s640/IMG_0996.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
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Window Cling from Grammie was also a big hit</div>
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After breakfast and presents, Lauren decided she wanted to go to the local rec center pool. So we headed over to Apex Rec Center and spent a few hours swimming...... after Joel had to go buy Cooper a new suit at a nearby Target after Cooper failed to get it into our swim bag, despite being told by both parents to do so. (Mean mom was going to make him just watch). We all had a great day.</div>
Last thing Lauren asked for was dinner at Benihana. So we all loaded up for a great meal out to celebrate Miss Lauren. She requested that we dress nice, and even Cooper put on a button up shirt.<br />
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Finally cake......<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-KECs60SVjNs/Wq02azlpFCI/AAAAAAABjEM/p2vD0S1uS3YaTiEnRDeUrwBaaj6_T6CrwCK4BGAYYCw/s1600/IMG_1006.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-KECs60SVjNs/Wq02azlpFCI/AAAAAAABjEM/p2vD0S1uS3YaTiEnRDeUrwBaaj6_T6CrwCK4BGAYYCw/s640/IMG_1006.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-CAOpvUnf308/Wq02nMgnWMI/AAAAAAABjEs/whAogVWHphY5umSksA1vee4z8bGbHnA-gCK4BGAYYCw/s1600/IMG_1009.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-CAOpvUnf308/Wq02nMgnWMI/AAAAAAABjEs/whAogVWHphY5umSksA1vee4z8bGbHnA-gCK4BGAYYCw/s640/IMG_1009.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
We had a great day celebrating beautiful Lauren's birthday. She is a great blessing to our lives, and we always want her to know it. Happy birthday Rennie Roo!!<br />
<br />joel.whitehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07037525456699789741noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11033281.post-48961461748451810362018-02-12T10:46:00.000-07:002018-02-12T10:46:12.657-07:00Quick trip to KC The older we are all getting, the faster life is going. Sadly it had been over a year since we had seen the northernmost Lovejoy's.... we had not ever met Ben. Thankfully Justin had to come down the the lower 48 for some training., so we made a point to head to Kansas City to see them, with Mom and Dad headed in from Arkansas. It was a really great chance, despite some cold, snowy weather to reconnect. We were able to head to some museums, aquariums, and just hang out.<br />
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For Christmas, since we knew we were going to be together, we purchased some family photos for Mom and Dad. They ended up great, but I do not have the finally proofs. I was able to grab a few cute pics of the kids while they were dressed up. Ben did not corporate but the others were all smiles<br />
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Elise (4), Lauren (6), Katherine (7), and Cooper (9)</div>
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-h_KRVOy3FI0/WoHPFohgzHI/AAAAAAABieI/bRqw12YjZOs_JMG78KMJ-riYA_sdTwhYwCK4BGAYYCw/s1600/IMG_1282.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="348" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-h_KRVOy3FI0/WoHPFohgzHI/AAAAAAABieI/bRqw12YjZOs_JMG78KMJ-riYA_sdTwhYwCK4BGAYYCw/s640/IMG_1282.jpg" width="640" /></a><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-EEgHStaUPA0/WoHPGVPIaeI/AAAAAAABieQ/c4TAyKO71lclbXHebE3MSzyH8aO4XsMKwCK4BGAYYCw/s1600/IMG_1283.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="504" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-EEgHStaUPA0/WoHPGVPIaeI/AAAAAAABieQ/c4TAyKO71lclbXHebE3MSzyH8aO4XsMKwCK4BGAYYCw/s640/IMG_1283.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
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The next day we went to the World War I History Museum, and the Kansas City Aquarium. The museum was really interesting, and I was glad we got a chance to check it out, especially being a history buff. <br />
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Kate dressed as a solider</div>
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Lauren's Turn</div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-KROENWPgrtg/WoHQXSJb5bI/AAAAAAABiec/VcdpLpbys8g3aUTBh4MgumI-jRdpo_xNgCK4BGAYYCw/s1600/IMG_1291.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-KROENWPgrtg/WoHQXSJb5bI/AAAAAAABiec/VcdpLpbys8g3aUTBh4MgumI-jRdpo_xNgCK4BGAYYCw/s640/IMG_1291.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
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Dad, Mom, Lauren, Kate, Elise, Cooper and Uncle Justin in front of a trench</div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-4pma4pqU_Ek/WoHQ1O6nD2I/AAAAAAABie0/F20so7mkVs8zTZiFTvkG5vS4ezn-ifckwCK4BGAYYCw/s1600/IMG_1296.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-4pma4pqU_Ek/WoHQ1O6nD2I/AAAAAAABie0/F20so7mkVs8zTZiFTvkG5vS4ezn-ifckwCK4BGAYYCw/s640/IMG_1296.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
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After the museum, we headed across the street to the aquarium. Since we are so blessed , we have been to a lot of aquariums. I think this one was a really great one. We saw an octopus, sea horses and </div>
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very large sting rays.</div>
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Ben checking out the Fish</div>
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Very large Sting Ray hanging out - Lauren not sure what to think</div>
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Elise and Ben</div>
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Kate and Lauren's turn</div>
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We spent Monday bowling and playing laser tag, which I am officially not really great at. It was so great to see all the family, and wish we could see each other more often. I will post the family pics once completed.</div>
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joel.whitehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07037525456699789741noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11033281.post-37575274781478589722017-12-03T12:03:00.000-07:002017-12-03T12:03:20.871-07:00We are SO thankful<div style="text-align: left;">
This time of year is always so crazy with school, and sports , and just life, so it was nice to get a break and go and celebrate Thanksgiving in Oklahoma this year. So we loaded up on Tuesday and headed south. The drive was not too bad and the kids were rock stars the whole way, with one a few minutes here or there where intervention was necessary. </div>
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And loading them up with sugar is always a good idea.</div>
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Obi was probably the best behaved of the bunch.... my cute boys :)</div>
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Thanksgiving day, we did not have to be to Cousin Kim and Barry's house until about noon, so to help the cause, we loaded up the kids and one dog and headed down the street to hike around the lake near Frumpy and Yak's house. It was a really great hike for the kids having very little elevation, but rocks to scamper on, and just enough technical things to keep it interesting. All the kids did great and we ending up doing a little over 2 miles on our morning Turkey Trot.</div>
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All the kids had climbed up on this rock</div>
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The Beautiful Lake - Martha and Jack's house is on the other side from where this pic was taken</div>
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Hard to see, but Obi is leading the charge up the hill, with Lauren, Cooper, Skylar and Reese following</div>
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After getting back to the house and cleaning up, we headed over to Kim and Barry's house, and fun was had by all. It is really great that so many in the family were able to get together. We sadly did not get to taking pictures until some of the group had already dispatched, so this is only part of the party.</div>
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And this is after about 7 kiddos had left</div>
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Our Bunch, missing Obi and Lily</div>
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Action shot of the boys playing football - (L to R) Ty, Kaden, Zack and Cooper</div>
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No Trip is complete without going to the barn to see goats and kitties</div>
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Amy, who was generous enough to take all the pics, snapped a good one of Joel and I</div>
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On Friday, we headed over to the farm to feed some cow, run around on some hay bales, and get to drive the 4 wheeler. It was a really great trip, and a good reminder on how blessed we are. <a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-P0f46eqv9-k/WiRGYVQhnQI/AAAAAAABges/KsRj44PuM20fO2El_ybAr1sOUEjz1BkwQCK4BGAYYCw/s1600/IMG_1176.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-P0f46eqv9-k/WiRGYVQhnQI/AAAAAAABges/KsRj44PuM20fO2El_ybAr1sOUEjz1BkwQCK4BGAYYCw/s640/IMG_1176.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
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Lauren is ready for her turn</div>
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<a aria-label="Video - Landscape - Nov 24, 2017, 12:25:10 PM" class="p137Zd" href="https://photos.google.com/photo/AF1QipM_MBDXNRS_mW4puAQiapdN1hXjrWT6mn1iwI-2" jsaction="click:eQuaEb;focus:AHmuwe; blur:O22p3e;" tabindex="0"></a><br /></div>
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<video class="OHeL3c" loop="" muted="" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/6r-IyjMWJwIpKMhp6h-9bUPb6EKmSJ0gZdD4jmToZEbgqM5k8br95InBwdD7ZPBJZGyowHjaQL4-psQnzFdHVnj9S0njURW_o34mNl7i17akz2lkNYKszBIGqohzix_yYVedDnc2Q-4wiLUGSBBSRJNjgRZflsLjUOR5-wPyXDweLJH1L3w4up_YuGlAPcrhdwNaGi8wmy3L1Y1BoLMoWo-hbltwfQE1gFegviDNMqhz5M8oPyQRU_mlPuxbfeF1J3GOlYA6h4lbnMJxmuRNgEeGpNanFhnIGv_dtqgSKwrJCHGYPsl5SvCmpr-wiaftqLCxM1WFM_NC2VyzasDDqBLSYWirglHGnXOZp-qbN8GHLT3cO81s3x1KyvhqYUJ5LXolqT1IF-xGy3Lvph6i6UV4_V3DVU4thKa5294_IEsyMOUjN1rDkke__V3ue6HIM-b7h-S8KCWUXJXR-D1227E74kHS7vWLf2noz0kv-ThWG2v-ohiHNNZkB6IacaL2ZFSVvaYyS1oGPRMSKNQ8jGGK6a0tDDMDzJlDbLHhkWCtMudsW6TQ0KqazQ63pE3KsFv2AjxzuGDYgRkKrTu-HmNYqkbhQTvq3ZykhMACOgI=m18" style="opacity: 1;"></video></div>
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Hay bales are fun</div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-qSQP1YEv2b8/WiRHUO1SAoI/AAAAAAABgfE/GAKul-hcCe0MBPD5sx7fPqbkaKkWAUoqQCK4BGAYYCw/s1600/IMG_1934.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-qSQP1YEv2b8/WiRHUO1SAoI/AAAAAAABgfE/GAKul-hcCe0MBPD5sx7fPqbkaKkWAUoqQCK4BGAYYCw/s640/IMG_1934.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Finally - the must have to every trip to OK - Braums Banana Split</div>
joel.whitehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07037525456699789741noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11033281.post-18611825847148868332017-11-10T09:12:00.000-07:002017-11-10T09:12:06.202-07:00Quick Trip to the MountainsJoel's buddy needed someone to watch their pup over the weekend, in exchange, we were able to use their condo in Summit County. It was a great trade off, and in all honesty we would have watched Pia either way, because she was a really sweet dog, but a free place in Summit is always great. We waited until after the after the kids games were over to head up, and had a good dinner.<br />
The next morning we head up for a hike to Lily Pad Lake. As always it is great to get out into the mountains.<br />
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My cute, and getting big, kiddos</div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-9ThOws5ePpI/WgMsIeLk1SI/AAAAAAABfaQ/-KOUc7S36H4rubMQHHkX4WuK5lOLYhEXwCK4BGAYYCw/s1600/IMG_1096.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-9ThOws5ePpI/WgMsIeLk1SI/AAAAAAABfaQ/-KOUc7S36H4rubMQHHkX4WuK5lOLYhEXwCK4BGAYYCw/s640/IMG_1096.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
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An old mine</div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-b27EgHdHBHQ/WgMsLlgnqRI/AAAAAAABfaY/uE7oaDDYUF08_X21r3mlakzwINgTj0QCQCK4BGAYYCw/s1600/IMG_1811.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-b27EgHdHBHQ/WgMsLlgnqRI/AAAAAAABfaY/uE7oaDDYUF08_X21r3mlakzwINgTj0QCQCK4BGAYYCw/s640/IMG_1811.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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A Girl and Her Dad</div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-CVOExDvWClo/WgMsLwvB9jI/AAAAAAABfag/6H4O6P2uKSsw4sg-rM4La-MJl8f4EOLuQCK4BGAYYCw/s1600/IMG_1099.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-CVOExDvWClo/WgMsLwvB9jI/AAAAAAABfag/6H4O6P2uKSsw4sg-rM4La-MJl8f4EOLuQCK4BGAYYCw/s640/IMG_1099.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
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We made it too Lily Pad Lake, and we are pretty excited about it</div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-LNXNF4Y7geM/WgMsxxY3xKI/AAAAAAABfa0/pEY-G0bNCV06UPvVAUB1xkByWLKaVW1GgCK4BGAYYCw/s1600/IMG_1104.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-LNXNF4Y7geM/WgMsxxY3xKI/AAAAAAABfa0/pEY-G0bNCV06UPvVAUB1xkByWLKaVW1GgCK4BGAYYCw/s640/IMG_1104.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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The leaves were turning</div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-UfW5DkqfoL8/WgMv3QAZJkI/AAAAAAABfbE/gttt27TLASgixpQzZMkMT_vXAoWjVMELwCK4BGAYYCw/s1600/IMG_1817.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-UfW5DkqfoL8/WgMv3QAZJkI/AAAAAAABfbE/gttt27TLASgixpQzZMkMT_vXAoWjVMELwCK4BGAYYCw/s640/IMG_1817.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
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The next day we took Obi with us, and we were trying to get to Boulder Lake, but missed a turn. Again, you cannot have a bad time running around in the mountains, so we all just enjoyed the day. </div>
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We missed the Lake, but got some really pretty views</div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-xhpg2Q5Vjmw/WgMwM8jAbnI/AAAAAAABfbM/triIgjHizEc0q63mXcSQy7Fw6EEdFymSACK4BGAYYCw/s1600/IMG_1815.jpg" imageanchor="1"></a><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/--3bsQbCnNUg/WgMwa5htCnI/AAAAAAABfbY/GjbKSvJNWdQv_sJbB6D_mjOVSZxBdDNxACK4BGAYYCw/s1600/IMG_1830.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/--3bsQbCnNUg/WgMwa5htCnI/AAAAAAABfbY/GjbKSvJNWdQv_sJbB6D_mjOVSZxBdDNxACK4BGAYYCw/s640/IMG_1830.jpg" width="480" /></a><br />
Down in the valley</div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-pMKbqH72P58/WgMwzpEBfTI/AAAAAAABfbg/g-yLxei0y44eWw1PrN9tui1rM-Sy5_9tACK4BGAYYCw/s1600/IMG_1833.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-pMKbqH72P58/WgMwzpEBfTI/AAAAAAABfbg/g-yLxei0y44eWw1PrN9tui1rM-Sy5_9tACK4BGAYYCw/s640/IMG_1833.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
Not a lake, but it works<br />
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We had a really great weekend, and are thankful that we had a chance to explore. </div>
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joel.whitehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07037525456699789741noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11033281.post-1846834582309049892017-11-08T08:53:00.000-07:002017-11-08T08:53:07.295-07:00Fall SportsWell it is that time again, or just past that time, because I am pretty bad about posting these days. Fall sports started up again, Lauren playing soccer and Cooper Flag Football. Both kids enjoyed their seasons, and both are getting better.<br />
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Cooper Running in for Touchdown</div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-VJygMbtB3eg/WgMmKDtXU5I/AAAAAAABfYc/3_9YuBkQlfoLidz9npUXZMdFDYJYXvglgCK4BGAYYCw/s1600/IMG_0884.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-VJygMbtB3eg/WgMmKDtXU5I/AAAAAAABfYc/3_9YuBkQlfoLidz9npUXZMdFDYJYXvglgCK4BGAYYCw/s640/IMG_0884.jpg" width="464" /></a></div>
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A Throw?</div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-2eD7u8JMgLU/WgMmMfYXCHI/AAAAAAABfYo/_dmGEFzpDc844ZfxGzqmhCZ15Aa-Ivf1ACK4BGAYYCw/s1600/IMG_0897.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-2eD7u8JMgLU/WgMmMfYXCHI/AAAAAAABfYo/_dmGEFzpDc844ZfxGzqmhCZ15Aa-Ivf1ACK4BGAYYCw/s640/IMG_0897.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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He really loves Football</div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-c537DKLjwuQ/WgMmKY8fTlI/AAAAAAABfYg/fhERNk9FIZ4DlpQMiCOOy81mNlx8LlrigCK4BGAYYCw/s1600/IMG_0882.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-c537DKLjwuQ/WgMmKY8fTlI/AAAAAAABfYg/fhERNk9FIZ4DlpQMiCOOy81mNlx8LlrigCK4BGAYYCw/s640/IMG_0882.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
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Lauren chasing the ball- with her headband meant to keep her hair out of her eyes around her neck :)</div>
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Cooper has some really great players on his team and they continue to get better every season. We are really grateful that he has some really amazing coaches, that we teaching him great skills. Lauren was also on a great team this year with several classmates and she works really hard at improving. She scored several goals this season. We had a great time, but will enjoy our time off before spring season.</div>
joel.whitehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07037525456699789741noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11033281.post-1182147042360139162017-09-01T08:36:00.000-06:002017-09-01T08:36:22.536-06:00School Back in sessionWell, it is that time again...... school is back in session. Cooper is starting 3rd grade (WOW), and Lauren is going into first grade. We had to wait until the weekend before school started to find out who the kids had as a teacher, but glad to see that Lauren has Mrs Mueller, and Cooper has Mrs Hosek. I think both teachers are a great fit, and since I am late in posting this, both kids do seem to enjoy school this year. Honestly we have such a great school, I do not see how they could not love it.<br />
Here are a few pics....<br />
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Cooper (9 Years)</div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-8LLVe4ROhqU/WabOqm4kL_I/AAAAAAABXwE/v4R-q9AcMSsVhU-kjZKIbAqh4gOElbSUwCK4BGAYYCw/s1600/IMG_0597%2B%25281%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-8LLVe4ROhqU/WabOqm4kL_I/AAAAAAABXwE/v4R-q9AcMSsVhU-kjZKIbAqh4gOElbSUwCK4BGAYYCw/s640/IMG_0597%2B%25281%2529.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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Lauren (6 years)</div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-8LLVe4ROhqU/WabOqm4kL_I/AAAAAAABXwE/v4R-q9AcMSsVhU-kjZKIbAqh4gOElbSUwCK4BGAYYCw/s1600/IMG_0597%2B%25281%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1"></a><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Qn30OI84y94/WabPqJ_WpNI/AAAAAAABXwg/sn6-ZSsrVjgRTi-jcfIDYACXxaxPVuHugCK4BGAYYCw/s1600/IMG_0604.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Qn30OI84y94/WabPqJ_WpNI/AAAAAAABXwg/sn6-ZSsrVjgRTi-jcfIDYACXxaxPVuHugCK4BGAYYCw/s640/IMG_0604.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
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Happy kiddo's </div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-kz2iePlEeps/WabQKpNT5-I/AAAAAAABXxc/9BLQsB6NOBkPgo4E3NMsJHtj_BP__sWcACK4BGAYYCw/s1600/IMG_0609.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-kz2iePlEeps/WabQKpNT5-I/AAAAAAABXxc/9BLQsB6NOBkPgo4E3NMsJHtj_BP__sWcACK4BGAYYCw/s640/IMG_0609.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Proud Papa :)</div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-fzMrMJarmDk/WabP0v4NRvI/AAAAAAABXwo/nOONdn1GfksxTDbhUghYCnuOgMDij7tYQCK4BGAYYCw/s1600/IMG_0609.jpg" imageanchor="1"></a><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-pwPbH71VbVg/WabP2gG1vAI/AAAAAAABXww/SvHyNxuEoss7pFY99tIasc3Fa32e2RangCK4BGAYYCw/s1600/IMG_0624.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-pwPbH71VbVg/WabP2gG1vAI/AAAAAAABXww/SvHyNxuEoss7pFY99tIasc3Fa32e2RangCK4BGAYYCw/s640/IMG_0624.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Proud mama - and maybe a little happy that school's back :)</div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-t9P_t2JMccQ/WabP5EC-zcI/AAAAAAABXw4/XVqAtm82uYI4wofhqu3VJ_bKbSOu8bCTQCK4BGAYYCw/s1600/IMG_0610.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="546" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-t9P_t2JMccQ/WabP5EC-zcI/AAAAAAABXw4/XVqAtm82uYI4wofhqu3VJ_bKbSOu8bCTQCK4BGAYYCw/s640/IMG_0610.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Walking to school</div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-PAJt59M-Vug/WabP6DfKIbI/AAAAAAABXxE/JHao60GLBL45xbTcSM-T4YZv9ZhnL7gkQCK4BGAYYCw/s1600/IMG_1043.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-PAJt59M-Vug/WabP6DfKIbI/AAAAAAABXxE/JHao60GLBL45xbTcSM-T4YZv9ZhnL7gkQCK4BGAYYCw/s640/IMG_1043.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
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Getting ready to walk in</div>
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Lauren in Line </div>
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joel.whitehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07037525456699789741noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11033281.post-33030234707721459632017-08-30T08:35:00.001-06:002017-08-30T08:35:42.532-06:00The boy turns 9<div style="text-align: center;">
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Hard to believe that Cooper is nine years old. I know I have said this tons, but time flies, and I think it is starting to go even faster the older they get. We had a pretty laid back birthday. I took the kids to the museum the day before, and then the evening of we were having a community night out. </div>
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Letting the birthday boy hold the fire hose</div>
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Little sis gives it a try</div>
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We had a great day, and are so happy to have this amazing kid in ours lives, sis especially.</div>
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joel.whitehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07037525456699789741noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11033281.post-32546237629078082262017-07-06T08:23:00.001-06:002017-07-06T08:23:58.427-06:00Arriving in Hogsmeade<div style="text-align: center;">
We have been reading the Harry Potter series for the last year with Cooper. So when we decided to go to LA for vacation, we knew we had to go see the new Harry Potter's world at Universal Studios. </div>
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Cooper, Jill and Lauren heading into the Park</div>
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Of course we headed right to the Harry Potter ride. It was really fun, and a little more intense then Lauren wanted. The ride stopped for about a minute when we rode it the first time, so they let us ride it again without waiting in line. Lauren declined, so Cooper and I rode again. They also had a small roller coaster, that Lauren did love and rode about 10 times. Cooper had gone to cast spells with his new wand, and we could hear Lauren screaming with joy from the coaster, just walking past it. We also checked out a few of the other rides.</div>
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Saying Hello to the Minions</div>
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After checking out several of the other rides, like Minions, The Simpsons, and Jurassic Park Log rider (which was awesome), we headed back to Hogsmeade(the name of the town in the Harry Potter books). Cooper had decided even before we left home for our trip that he wanted to get a wand for his souvenir. So we grabbed some lunch at The Three Broomsticks and then over to Olivander's.</div>
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Hogwarts Express and conductor</div>
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Cooper with his Butterbeer</div>
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Proud owner of a new custom wand</div>
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Now to casting the spells. They had about 12 different spots within the Hogsmeade that you could use your interactive wand. They had brass circles in the ground that would show you what to do with your wand to make something happen. For example, you would have to draw an R like shape in the air and a tape measure would go do and back up, or a flower would bloom at the flower shop. It was really fun for the kids and we spent about 1 1/2 just walking around and doing them. </div>
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Taking this very seriously :)</div>
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While in California, we also spent one day at the beach. It was cool enough that we had the beach to ourselves. <a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-dTp1W3vm_K8/WV5G6EsKpWI/AAAAAAABVaM/NjVGZURtpEA_mSwHRzxbgXJq5CfnPwvyACK4BGAYYCw/s1600/GOPR0393.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-dTp1W3vm_K8/WV5G6EsKpWI/AAAAAAABVaM/NjVGZURtpEA_mSwHRzxbgXJq5CfnPwvyACK4BGAYYCw/s640/GOPR0393.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Joel with the kids<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-SXTuVFTtf78/WV5HD4Lm_QI/AAAAAAABVaU/Tl-RoxHx0AMJQW0_1XCfTa1JtbVx26mbQCK4BGAYYCw/s1600/GOPR0391.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-SXTuVFTtf78/WV5HD4Lm_QI/AAAAAAABVaU/Tl-RoxHx0AMJQW0_1XCfTa1JtbVx26mbQCK4BGAYYCw/s640/GOPR0391.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Lauren was happy to be buried in the sand just to warm up a little<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-mmvUzK1tvf0/WV5HO_dcAwI/AAAAAAABVac/CRzlt18Yatk0Og8S4OMJ23W4NbgmY-ozQCK4BGAYYCw/s1600/GOPR0394.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-mmvUzK1tvf0/WV5HO_dcAwI/AAAAAAABVac/CRzlt18Yatk0Og8S4OMJ23W4NbgmY-ozQCK4BGAYYCw/s640/GOPR0394.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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We had a great time in California, and I hope the kids enjoyed it. We were all really tired after 5 days of constant motion, but were happy to have the life experiences. Now to plan the next trip :).</div>
joel.whitehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07037525456699789741noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11033281.post-53216691125112587412017-06-12T17:42:00.000-06:002017-06-12T17:42:01.343-06:00Day Two - DisneylandWe had taken the kids to Disneyland a few years ago, but now they were bigger and ready to really take in all the ride and experiences.<br />
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Last time - Nov 2013</div>
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(Cooper 5yrs and 2 1/2 yrs)</div>
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This time - 8 and 6 ;)</div>
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Again, we hit the park when it opened, and made our way to the Pirate's of the Caribbean ride. Riding it twice, before getting a fast pass for the Indian Jones ride. Fast passes are like line holders, the park gives out so many for a certain time frame, and you get to come back in</div>
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a shorter line to wait for the ride. Lauren and Cooper should be very grateful for their Dad who ran all around the park picking up the passes as the day went on. Well, we did not try the Indiana ride the time we came before, and Cooper thought we should have skipped it this time. His direct quote was "I hated it". I thought it was a cool and different ride, but it was loud, and that is not Cooper's favorite thing. After Indiana Jones we went on the Safari cruise, which was much more our style (We ending up riding again later in the day).</div>
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Happy on the easy boat Cruise</div>
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In front of Cinderella's Castle</div>
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Gave our feet a little break, and went to watch a live action play of the Frozen movie - Lauren was very happy, and Cooper had to grudgingly admit it was "okay"</div>
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Since the kids had enjoyed the Avengers training the day before, and Cooper had remember fighting Darth Mal years earlier, we signed them up for Jedi training. </div>
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Cooper took it very seriously.</div>
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Lauren thought it was awesome<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-mme2PZnZuZs/WTyINdt4iTI/AAAAAAABUK8/drhix-V2qb43fymvQOrJpB2_m_nslTiFQCK4B/s1600/IMG_0827.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-mme2PZnZuZs/WTyINdt4iTI/AAAAAAABUK8/drhix-V2qb43fymvQOrJpB2_m_nslTiFQCK4B/s640/IMG_0827.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
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Lauren fighting DarthVader - She was so brave<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-TFK7r2dxX38/WTyIX9BBwHI/AAAAAAABULE/iWQyb9oKdTAZwEwpdqkJpzWMEaImADMowCK4B/s1600/IMG_0857.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-TFK7r2dxX38/WTyIX9BBwHI/AAAAAAABULE/iWQyb9oKdTAZwEwpdqkJpzWMEaImADMowCK4B/s640/IMG_0857.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
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Cooper was excited to fight everyone - while the show was going on, he and another boy were fighting with their light sabers :)</div>
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Joel had gotten a fast pass to Splash Mountain, but it was not until 8:30. By that time Lauren was not up for ride, so Cooper and I went over to ride it. It was a lot of fun, but the park started to block things off for the fireworks display by the time we had ridden the ride. Trying to get back together was a practice in patience that I was not up for about 13 hours at an Amusement park. After walking in circles for about 30 mins, we were finally able to get back together to hear the announcement that the fireworks had been canceled due to high winds. Still having a great day we headed back to the hotel. We had a great time at Disneyland, and are grateful for the memories. </div>
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We even got a pretty decent family photo on the Small world ride :)</div>
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joel.whitehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07037525456699789741noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11033281.post-737470299680652402017-06-10T17:32:00.000-06:002017-06-12T11:46:42.196-06:00California Here we come..... When planning our summer vacation this year, Joel and I went around on where to go.... in the end I just said Disney/ Harry Potter. It was a little lazy, but we ended up having a fun trip.<br />
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Lauren Ready before we leave Denver</div>
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We flew in on Wednesday. Knowing we had a few hard days ahead of us, we decided to take an easy day when landing, and just walk over to DisneyLand main street, and walk around. They have shops and restaurants. Joel had chosen a hotel right around the street from Disneyland, and it worked out great. We could hit the ground running, and not worry about traffic and parking.</div>
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Lauren found some friends</div>
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As did Cooper</div>
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The next morning we headed into Disney's California Adventure Park. As per all the web site advise, we headed straight to the Car's ride. We were able to get on with only a short wait and really enjoyed it. It was a fun ride, and that started a day of ride after ride. I think the only thing we did not do was the Tower of Terror ride. </div>
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Joel, Cooper and Lauren took a test to see what Super Here they were - Lauren was the Panther, and Cooper was IronMan (He was a little disappointed since he wanted Spiderman)</div>
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Riding the Bullet - we loved it</div>
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Mom and Cooper's turn</div>
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Cooper rode his first big roller coaster, and loved it - the California Screamer</div>
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After lunch we had signed the kids up for Marvel's superhero training. They were able to go thru training and save the Superhero hideout from an Evil Hydra Agent.</div>
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Lauren and Cooper getting training</div>
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Going thru the training - Defense stance</div>
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With Captain American Sheilds</div>
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After the training we went to get some dinner, and ride a few more rides. Could not leave out the water raft ride. Since it was a little colder then normal in southern California, the line was short. Needless to say after riding it three times we were all a little wet, but having a great time.</div>
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By this time, it was around 8:30. We had been in the park for about 13 hours. Cooper had been wanting to meet Spiderman, so I took him over the wait in line for him, and Joel took Lauren to the Bug's Life area that had more kiddie rides. We waited and waiting for the superheros, but they were slow. Joel and Lauren decided to walk back to the hotel while we waiting more. Thankfully we finally made it.</div>
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Cooper talking to Captain America</div>
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The web slingers</div>
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While Cooper and I were walking back to the hotel the Disney fireworks were going off, so it was about 9:45 before we made it back. Now ready for the next day at Disneyland.</div>
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joel.whitehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07037525456699789741noreply@blogger.com0