tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-191180302024-03-12T19:21:32.207-07:00siqimoStephhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13543360998026025272noreply@blogger.comBlogger410125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19118030.post-2018704809584080152013-10-02T21:50:00.000-07:002013-10-02T21:50:01.659-07:00China! Part ThreeWe didn't forget about the third part of our China trip. Here it goes.<br />
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A raft ride in old Shanghai (<a href="http://wikitravel.org/en/Shanghai/Zhujiajiao">Zhujiajiao</a> water town)<br />
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It was over 100F that day. We take a break at a tea house.</div>
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In front of the Chinese exhibit from the <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Expo_2010">2010 World Expo</a>. Only a few exhibits are still running. The building is designed to resemble the Chinese character for China.<br />
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At the <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/City_God_Temple_of_Shanghai">City God Temple</a>, an area with many shops and eateries.<br />
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Inside the <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Yu_Garden">Yu Garden</a>.<br />
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On our date night on the Bund.<br />
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At the Science and Technology Museum in Pudong.<br />
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Stephanie's Birthday.<br />
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Atop a <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shanghai_World_Financial_Center">very tall building</a>.<br />
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Stephaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13762570165821535859noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19118030.post-90670441391925897282013-08-21T14:35:00.001-07:002013-08-21T14:35:42.186-07:00First Day of School!<br />
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This year both kids are together! LT is a 4th grader and DT has started Kindergarten. He has the same teacher that LT had. They both seem to be getting off to a good start, one week in.<br />
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Years past ...<br />
<a href="http://siqimo.blogspot.com/2012/08/first-day-of-school.html">2012</a><br />
<a href="http://siqimo.blogspot.com/2011/08/second-grade.html">2011</a><br />
<a href="http://siqimo.blogspot.com/2010/08/first-grade.html">2010</a><br />
<a href="http://siqimo.blogspot.com/2009/08/first-day-of-school.html">2009</a><br />
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Stephaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13762570165821535859noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19118030.post-49920263173045872552013-08-02T16:26:00.000-07:002013-08-02T16:26:27.337-07:00China! Part TwoOur next stop after Beijing was a place called Ningxia. Here's a little description, thanks to Wikipedia: Ningxia is an autonomous region of the People's Republic of China located in the northwest part of the country. This sparsely settled, mostly desert region lies partially on the Loess Plateau and in the vast plain of the Yellow River, and features the Great Wall of China along its northeastern boundary.<br />
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This was a family trip with 13 of us total. It was exhausting, but really nice!<br />
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Tombs, somewhere ...<br />
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One small tourist<br />
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This was a neat place. It has rock paintings from a long time ago. I think. Sometimes hard to follow what was going on.<br />
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Viewing a mosque. Possibly a replica because I think you aren't allowed inside the real one? I had to cover up because my shirt was a bit risque.<br />
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Finally, the desert! We rode camels and took sleds down. Very neat!<br />
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There was even a pigskin raft to ride. DT wasn't so sure about this.<br />
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Even made a short trip to Mongolia for a show. Someone didn't get to see it.<br />
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Shanghai pictures coming next!</div>
Stephaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13762570165821535859noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19118030.post-78606366337163152112013-07-25T11:05:00.000-07:002013-07-25T11:05:03.821-07:00China!Somehow the summer is almost over and we haven't got any updates in yet. June was consumed with our big family vacation. For the first time, all four of us went to China! TT's parents also travelled with us.
We flew to Beijing (via Seoul) and had some nice visiting there with TT's Aunt & Uncle, Cousin & Wife and their 2 kids. Our kids love their "new cousin" as DT's been calling Geoff-Or-Ree (DT's other name for him) since last summer.
Here are some pictures from Beijing and the surrounding ares:
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On a hike outside the city.
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All 4 kids!
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Hope to be back sooner with some more pictures. Stay tuned.Stephhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13543360998026025272noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19118030.post-71576710995010032212013-05-17T00:45:00.001-07:002013-05-17T00:52:21.371-07:00A new bike riderWe have a new bike rider in the family. Like his brother, we made a video of this milestone. Unlike his brother, DT is very insistent that we use a particular song for the video.<br />
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Sorry about the ad. Youtube won't let me remove it because the video has copyrighted music. You can see an ad-free version here:<br />
<a href="https://plus.google.com/photos/109910766431602311182/albums/5878840188902646433">https://plus.google.com/photos/109910766431602311182/albums/5878840188902646433</a><br />
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<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="270" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/iVExnSHk7AE" width="480"></iframe><br />
<br />Stephaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13762570165821535859noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19118030.post-42623487168996962412013-04-28T22:04:00.000-07:002013-04-28T22:04:11.145-07:00Happy 5th BirthdayDT turned 5 today! He had a backyard birthday party featuring some special friends.<br />
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DT had a blast being the birthday boy.<br />
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Everyone had a turn with the snakes.</div>
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<br />tthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06336362649304904414noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19118030.post-81212775084099489742013-02-24T19:58:00.001-08:002013-02-24T19:58:41.855-08:00SnowpeopleThis weekend we made an attempt to be SnowPeople. We left very early yesterday morning to drive up to Kirkwood ski resort. It looked like we were going to be there in plenty of time when we ran into some ice. We stopped, put chains on, got going again... then there was no more ice, so we dechained and got their barely in time for the kids to get dropped off for ski school. LT signed up for skiing and DT signed up for snowboarding. We got them all checked in and then they take it from there from 10 AM until 3:30 in the afternoon. TT and I were late then for our lesson and had to miss it, so we were on our own for snowboarding. It took some courage, but we went off and were somewhat successful. (On the bunny slope anyways.) We checked in with the kids and they seemed to be doing just fine, too. LT's coach even took him up in the chair lift! I was proud of the kids for being so brave. Our friends were nice enough to have us over at their mountain place and we enjoyed our stay. I think we might just be back again soon...
The little snowboarder
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On the magic carpet<br>
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My best moves<br>
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LT in ski school<br>
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Playing in the snow this morning!<br>
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<br>All the kids together... I think LT was a bit cold by this point!<br>
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Here are this year's valentines. Dinosaurs for D and Mad Libs again for LT.
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Happy Halloween from the Brother Ninjas!
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Stephhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13543360998026025272noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19118030.post-50848752883004715042012-08-15T21:51:00.001-07:002012-08-15T21:51:58.329-07:00First Day Of School<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Well, it's hard to believe, but today was LT's first day of third grade. He's in a combo class again, this year a 3/4. He is the only one from his class last year in this year's class. Hopefully, he will make some new friends!
The summer flew by with a lack of blog posts. Rest assured, we were quite busy. So busy, we hardly took any pictures! I just now downloaded what we had and there was actually more than I thought, so heres a brief recap.
We had a fun trip to Disneyland with Grandma & Grandpa and Cousin JT. I think everyone had a great, if tiring, time! We were having so much fun we only took a few pictures.
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When we got back, we had a party to celebrate our 35th birthdays. I mean, it only happens once! We had our favorite food truck pull up to the driveway.
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And a singer in the back yard
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We managed to show Grandma a few sights also. The traditional strawberry picking and tossing kids photos
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And a very chilly trip to the beach!
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Grandma even did a little exploring
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LT went to overnight camp! He went to a mini camp, just 3 nights away, in this beautiful YMCA camp in the Santa Cruz mountains. He had a fabulous time and didn't miss us at all. Next year, he may do the 2 week camp!
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On his bunk with his cabinmate from home
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1st Day of Jr K Summer Camp for DT! Waiting for the bus like a big kid. Well, except he won't take a bus as a big kid...
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We also did a bunch of time at the pool and went on a weekend camping trip, along with visits to Monterey, Santa Cruz, Oakland Zoo and more. Plus, an overnight in Napa for our anniversary! TT has been mountain biking and I have been doing my boot camp and master's swim along with some running. We've just been having a lot of fun, and been very busy. Now it's time to settle down and get back in the school routine!
Stephhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13543360998026025272noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19118030.post-75853573649150264582012-07-08T20:36:00.001-07:002012-07-08T20:36:28.644-07:00Beginning of JuneSomehow time has flown by and the summer is half done already. We seemed to have been very busy so far! At the beginning of June, TT's parents came down for a week and did a Grandma & Grandpa camp with the boys. I think everyone had a good time.
We celebrated Grandpa's birthday and visited some wineries in the beautiful Santa Cruz mountains.
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LT also got very into building forts at the end of the school year. They take up the boys' entire room. I have LT would sleep in there and DT did a few times also.
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Here you can see the important provisions: allowance, library, hex bugs, drawing supplies, snacks... all the good stuff!
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I'll have to come back with some more posts to catch us up!Stephhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13543360998026025272noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19118030.post-72120980904371976692012-05-26T21:55:00.000-07:002012-05-26T21:58:18.450-07:00May Races and Camping Trips<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
The first weekend of May, ST participated in a triathlon in Napa with a group of moms from LT's elementary school. After the race, a random guy took a great photo of the group, and sent it via email later on. </div>
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While the moms were away for the weekend (apparently there's some other stuff to do in Napa as well) , TT and another dad took the kids camping. The kids just love camping and hiking. </div>
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Last weekend, TT participated in a <a href="http://www.gladiatorrocknrun.com/event_may_19-20.html">mud/obstacle</a> race, and yes, there was camping involved again. Everyone had a great time, although at one point, someone said she's done camping for the year. We'll see.</div>
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<br />tthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06336362649304904414noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19118030.post-69886965584668306262012-05-11T23:51:00.000-07:002012-05-11T23:51:29.487-07:00A 4 Year Old!Happy birthday to DT! He had been planning his birthday party for months and months, changing his plan every few days. We finally nailed down the idea of "Lego Hero Factory." We gave each kid a hero to assemble and I made some cupcake toppers of the logo. We had DT's favorite food - Blue Rock BBQ, of course! DT really enjoyed himself. It was a special day for him!
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The Hero Factory he desperately wanted! And yes it does say ages 9-16.
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DT has already started planning next years party! Currently in the lead is a Skylanders party, followed by the exact same party as this year.Stephhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13543360998026025272noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19118030.post-43396854312582066482012-04-24T23:05:00.001-07:002012-04-24T23:08:09.863-07:00Hawaii 2012<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
We had a wonderful family vacation to Maui for Spring Break. It was just awesome.We had a good mix of relaxing and adventuring. I even managed to read 4-1/2 grown up(ish) books. I think we would like to go back again!</div>
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The kids loved the pool, of course.</div>
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Nakelele blow hole</div>
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Lahaina Banyan Tree<br />
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Whale watching, I promise we were all very happy!</div>
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TT's advertising shot for the other boat<br />
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Our own private waterfall<br />
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And another waterfall...<br />
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The beautiful beach<br />
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And because I know you'll want to look at more pictures (Momsie gene), here's a link: <a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/109910766431602311182/Maui2012?authkey=Gv1sRgCMDi6a-Gxvau-AE#">Maui 2012</a><br />
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<br /></div>tthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06336362649304904414noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19118030.post-25585958806307543362012-04-08T22:11:00.003-07:002012-04-08T22:26:04.428-07:00Egg Hunt 2012Time for the annual Hunt on the Beach! We had the place to ourselves again this year.<br /><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-yZfVAs74-yY/T4Jx4acn2EI/AAAAAAAAC4A/xxmy9izcq1k/s1600/P4089760.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 229px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-yZfVAs74-yY/T4Jx4acn2EI/AAAAAAAAC4A/xxmy9izcq1k/s320/P4089760.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5729266889954678850" /></a><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Bz1t9XbeRJI/T4Jx4JlFq3I/AAAAAAAAC30/bsKD2wXWSUw/s1600/P4089757.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 229px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Bz1t9XbeRJI/T4Jx4JlFq3I/AAAAAAAAC30/bsKD2wXWSUw/s320/P4089757.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5729266885426785138" /></a><br /><br />LT requested harder hiding spaces. Maybe they were a little too hard?<br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-9y83cY1t6BM/T4Jx4wSQ25I/AAAAAAAAC4M/u13zn2J7Lwo/s1600/P4089768.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 229px; height: 320px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-9y83cY1t6BM/T4Jx4wSQ25I/AAAAAAAAC4M/u13zn2J7Lwo/s320/P4089768.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5729266895816809362" /></a><br /><br />Family picture!<br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-7B8Ckw7RaZ8/T4JwmxQ02nI/AAAAAAAAC3o/31-88urYYII/s1600/P4089790.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 229px; height: 320px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-7B8Ckw7RaZ8/T4JwmxQ02nI/AAAAAAAAC3o/31-88urYYII/s320/P4089790.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5729265487329942130" /></a><br /><br />A new friend<br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-gFWG7_hH_k4/T4JwmSBQxEI/AAAAAAAAC3c/JHZVNFDMamA/s1600/P4089795.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 229px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-gFWG7_hH_k4/T4JwmSBQxEI/AAAAAAAAC3c/JHZVNFDMamA/s320/P4089795.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5729265478943163458" /></a><br /><br />It was such a beautiful day, I decided to go on in ...<br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-78H49YH0OwA/T4JwlisjDiI/AAAAAAAAC3Q/20fHyyyrcGU/s1600/P4089797.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 229px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-78H49YH0OwA/T4JwlisjDiI/AAAAAAAAC3Q/20fHyyyrcGU/s320/P4089797.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5729265466239815202" /></a><br /><br />Meanwhile, the boys were having some fun<br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-mDEYhb-lmvM/T4JwlJM2z5I/AAAAAAAAC3A/6ixtoZ7EIII/s1600/P4089805.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 229px; height: 320px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-mDEYhb-lmvM/T4JwlJM2z5I/AAAAAAAAC3A/6ixtoZ7EIII/s320/P4089805.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5729265459396005778" /></a><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ToDP4IlGWtw/T4Jwk9g-OhI/AAAAAAAAC24/5L_sk-EDYrM/s1600/P4089808.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 229px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ToDP4IlGWtw/T4Jwk9g-OhI/AAAAAAAAC24/5L_sk-EDYrM/s320/P4089808.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5729265456259152402" /></a>Stephhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13543360998026025272noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19118030.post-72797516412457167612012-03-25T15:38:00.006-07:002012-03-25T16:45:49.984-07:00Snow!One month ago, we made a foray to "the snow", as people say around here. We rented a cabin for the weekend and went up with our neighbors to Bear Valley. There wasn't that much snow, but it was a lot for our kids! They all had a blast.<br /><br /><OBJECT id=BLOG_video-558f0e484b123d8a class=BLOG_video_class width=320 height=266 contentId="558f0e484b123d8a"></OBJECT>Stephhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13543360998026025272noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19118030.post-18462276805309039992012-03-04T20:41:00.003-08:002012-03-04T20:52:06.827-08:00Day in the SFOn President's Day, we drove up to SF to see the <a href="http://disney.go.com/disneyatoz/familymuseum/">Walt Disney Family Museum</a> in the Presidio. The reviews said it wasn't that good for kids, but really we all enjoyed it. Then we walked over to Chrissy Field. It was beautiful! We couldn't stop taking pictures with the bridge.<br /><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-GG0QlauV67U/T1RFdDz6ZEI/AAAAAAAAC2o/ALAELyCHWUQ/s1600/P2209619.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 229px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-GG0QlauV67U/T1RFdDz6ZEI/AAAAAAAAC2o/ALAELyCHWUQ/s320/P2209619.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5716270192581567554" /></a><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-IpZg80bxL0s/T1RFc28Gk8I/AAAAAAAAC2g/ofov9F_we4w/s1600/P2209626.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-IpZg80bxL0s/T1RFc28Gk8I/AAAAAAAAC2g/ofov9F_we4w/s320/P2209626.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5716270189126259650" /></a><br /><br />Action shot<br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-SpZ6KgJnieg/T1RFcAnOkuI/AAAAAAAAC2U/NRGOW8rLov4/s1600/P2209643.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-SpZ6KgJnieg/T1RFcAnOkuI/AAAAAAAAC2U/NRGOW8rLov4/s320/P2209643.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5716270174543188706" /></a><br /><br />Family photo, do you see everyone?<br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-N9PVJB9ThkU/T1RFb9u04EI/AAAAAAAAC2E/ndeyWI7Hr7I/s1600/P2209685.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 229px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-N9PVJB9ThkU/T1RFb9u04EI/AAAAAAAAC2E/ndeyWI7Hr7I/s320/P2209685.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5716270173769752642" /></a><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-dQhj-6n10UM/T1RFbbYc8pI/AAAAAAAAC18/TaD7kgWK5aE/s1600/P2209692.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 228px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-dQhj-6n10UM/T1RFbbYc8pI/AAAAAAAAC18/TaD7kgWK5aE/s320/P2209692.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5716270164549104274" /></a>Stephhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13543360998026025272noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19118030.post-60382161230511354762012-02-16T18:56:00.000-08:002012-02-16T23:37:50.863-08:00My First Piano Post<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dzPD9Kwyr41TVTHWYCTT0wvWuTz88GwOqtdg9N6teiaQZl9H2CYheSO7Z5R7BoXJYzOrx4XGsT_ajM' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe><br /><br />LT has been taking piano lessons at the community center. He did 4 before Christmas and is now halfway through an 8 week session. Not too bad! I didn't realize we were taking the repeat on the second song. Oops!Stephhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13543360998026025272noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19118030.post-42228489469123587962012-02-11T21:07:00.000-08:002012-02-11T21:24:32.118-08:00Valentines, 2012 editionThis year's valentines are done and in the bag! Thank you Family Fun magazine for your inspiration.<br /><br />DT went with animal toys tied on to a card.<br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-CINYEY2JQro/TzdJnpPRRVI/AAAAAAAAC1w/vFINVwLJhCE/s1600/P2119558.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-CINYEY2JQro/TzdJnpPRRVI/AAAAAAAAC1w/vFINVwLJhCE/s320/P2119558.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5708111998149018962" /></a><br />Complete with corny sayings!<br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-wMruQ3X2KUs/TzdJmxxMS5I/AAAAAAAAC1o/I4YkXR7mMbQ/s1600/P2119560.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-wMruQ3X2KUs/TzdJmxxMS5I/AAAAAAAAC1o/I4YkXR7mMbQ/s320/P2119560.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5708111983258913682" /></a><br />LT did Mad Libs (Dear Valentines edition) tied with a bow.<br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9hzj2WVNR4g/TzdJm5QEXWI/AAAAAAAAC1U/K4lV11PiKJo/s1600/P2119561.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9hzj2WVNR4g/TzdJm5QEXWI/AAAAAAAAC1U/K4lV11PiKJo/s320/P2119561.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5708111985267465570" /></a><br />Also with corny sayings.<br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-sdQl-eGJBc8/TzdJmqi73pI/AAAAAAAAC1M/GobVPtkQm4I/s1600/P2119564.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-sdQl-eGJBc8/TzdJmqi73pI/AAAAAAAAC1M/GobVPtkQm4I/s320/P2119564.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5708111981320068754" /></a><br />Ready for school on Tuesday!<br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Z3ALuLkHZ34/TzdJmLMWFEI/AAAAAAAAC1E/z2LzkWDKzMc/s1600/P2119571.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 229px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Z3ALuLkHZ34/TzdJmLMWFEI/AAAAAAAAC1E/z2LzkWDKzMc/s320/P2119571.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5708111972903818306" /></a>Stephhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13543360998026025272noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19118030.post-42245275584956212172012-02-01T20:29:00.000-08:002012-02-01T20:46:50.038-08:00Wake Up Every DayDT, it turns out, is a bit of a singer/songwriter. Here he is performing his hit single, "Wake Up Every Day." <br /><br /><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dzU8G8UXLDaxZZ4nQ0FszA8M5s7T6UAraJzwiUPTjAaGuMDZU2Bcb9I28bORJXNIhMTCLRY9SKY370' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe><br /><br />The lyrics are:<br />When the sun is rising/I wake up every day<br />When the sun is down/I sleep every night<br />When it gets scary and strange/I go to my mom's room<br /><br />That last line is my favorite.Stephhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13543360998026025272noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19118030.post-68473439944671843882012-01-22T10:44:00.000-08:002012-01-22T10:51:35.855-08:00A New Cousin!The boys were so excited to meet a new, to them, cousin. Since he's 9, I don't think he can be really classfied as "new". TT's aunt & uncle came on a visit from China and brought with them their grandson. He and the boys quickly (in the span of a car ride) became fast friends. They took a day off and went to Santa Cruz together. They had so much fun! A bit like the three stoodges...<br /><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-WLl_eLaXzWU/TxxZWGm8vKI/AAAAAAAAC00/2Z_-LqI_P1o/s1600/P1129269.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-WLl_eLaXzWU/TxxZWGm8vKI/AAAAAAAAC00/2Z_-LqI_P1o/s320/P1129269.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5700529464610176162" /></a><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-1MApMm_Vnk0/TxxZRZDrZyI/AAAAAAAAC0o/KJpe2IHCaWY/s1600/P1129270.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-1MApMm_Vnk0/TxxZRZDrZyI/AAAAAAAAC0o/KJpe2IHCaWY/s320/P1129270.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5700529383663167266" /></a><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-EY7y16pAKzk/TxxZQl9jsRI/AAAAAAAAC0g/S4zlzbYMlxo/s1600/P1129280.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-EY7y16pAKzk/TxxZQl9jsRI/AAAAAAAAC0g/S4zlzbYMlxo/s320/P1129280.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5700529369947287826" /></a><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-lI5ZbfV57mk/TxxZQFuIjEI/AAAAAAAAC0M/XlxA4b2URew/s1600/P1129293.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-lI5ZbfV57mk/TxxZQFuIjEI/AAAAAAAAC0M/XlxA4b2URew/s320/P1129293.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5700529361292659778" /></a><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-f0qJdS4z6pQ/TxxZP-qMS9I/AAAAAAAAC0A/K1zmvPNbbbM/s1600/P1129317.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-f0qJdS4z6pQ/TxxZP-qMS9I/AAAAAAAAC0A/K1zmvPNbbbM/s320/P1129317.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5700529359397080018" /></a><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-eaJ5rkYY060/TxxZP3k7g3I/AAAAAAAACz4/IfogBM6UuxE/s1600/P1129351.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-eaJ5rkYY060/TxxZP3k7g3I/AAAAAAAACz4/IfogBM6UuxE/s320/P1129351.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5700529357495960434" /></a><br /><br />Their cousin lives part time in New York and part time in Beijing, Hopefully we can visit him again sometime!Stephhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13543360998026025272noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19118030.post-65770665089942252202012-01-09T21:25:00.000-08:002012-01-09T21:41:58.723-08:00Now that it's 2012, Christmas 2011Have to ring in the New Year with the requisite Christmas catch up. Christmas was good. LT proclaimed it "the best Christmas ever" and I'm pretty sure that kids' opinions are the most important, so, I guess, indeed it was. We took more video, so we only have actual pictures of 2 presents being opened, both very successful!<br /><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-UOLDOP7kltc/TwvM-olWh4I/AAAAAAAACzo/0xkSlYNri9Q/s1600/PC259026.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 229px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-UOLDOP7kltc/TwvM-olWh4I/AAAAAAAACzo/0xkSlYNri9Q/s320/PC259026.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5695871530158163842" /></a><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-lie7-tHrBqk/TwvM-XQUbKI/AAAAAAAACzg/QO6CHMILXZ0/s1600/PC259025.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 229px; height: 320px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-lie7-tHrBqk/TwvM-XQUbKI/AAAAAAAACzg/QO6CHMILXZ0/s320/PC259025.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5695871525506542754" /></a><br />They really loved all their gifts this year from everyone.* <br /><br />Then we drove down to San Diego for some Christmas with the family. Many rounds of Wits & Wagers were played. Good food, silly kids, Sea World, all the usual... Here is the family picture round up.<br /><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-GM43z5Z6QTg/TwvMXISx1VI/AAAAAAAACzU/11gDUk4LFiI/s1600/PC279078.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 229px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-GM43z5Z6QTg/TwvMXISx1VI/AAAAAAAACzU/11gDUk4LFiI/s320/PC279078.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5695870851475428690" /></a><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-UH4_G1G_6WU/TwvMWbCC9eI/AAAAAAAACzI/0eXSMA_gr78/s1600/PC299119.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 229px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-UH4_G1G_6WU/TwvMWbCC9eI/AAAAAAAACzI/0eXSMA_gr78/s320/PC299119.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5695870839325652450" /></a><br /><br />The trip back was very long with a lot of traffic. We wanted to make a detour to the Griffith Observatory, but so did everyone else, so we were detoured and just had a hillside stop instead. Still nice. Then more driving and more traffic. We left San Diego at 10 and got home about 10-11.<br /><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/--1vienSJ4SM/TwvMWfI3-VI/AAAAAAAACy4/jRif5al2jis/s1600/PC299121.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 229px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/--1vienSJ4SM/TwvMWfI3-VI/AAAAAAAACy4/jRif5al2jis/s320/PC299121.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5695870840428034386" /></a><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ICkjuk7VL48/TwvMWG11xfI/AAAAAAAACyw/32g04cyTykE/s1600/PC299122.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 229px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ICkjuk7VL48/TwvMWG11xfI/AAAAAAAACyw/32g04cyTykE/s320/PC299122.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5695870833905747442" /></a><br /><br />*We did end up making one change post Christmas. LT's big gift was a Lego Harry Potter castle. When we got back from San Diego, he hadn't opened it and wasn't that interested in opening it, it seemed, despite really wanting it for several months. We talked about it and he decided to return it for something smaller and more manageable. He picked two small lego sets and a DS game instead (total for 1/2 the cost of the big lego set) and was quite pleased. He got a smaller one from Grandma and it turned out that satisfied his Harry Potter Lego needs.Stephhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13543360998026025272noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19118030.post-76774095493877627972011-12-15T13:43:00.000-08:002011-12-15T13:52:02.083-08:00Bathroom Remodel: CheckThe bathroom remodel is in the can. Ok, sorry couldn't resist. And really, it's ALMOST done. The outside wall still needs to be painted, but otherwise it's done! It is so nice. I love it.<br /><br />Before:<br /><a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-6EwJ1Cick-k/TumaMYFJNjI/AAAAAAAAA8M/g027d2kRxQg/s640/PA188635.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 640px; height: 480px;" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-6EwJ1Cick-k/TumaMYFJNjI/AAAAAAAAA8M/g027d2kRxQg/s640/PA188635.JPG" border="0" alt="" /></a><br /><br />And, after!<br /><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-scuYNtmgHpo/Tuma9vmDQ9I/AAAAAAAAA_c/iCu8cLkxpc8/s512/PC148985.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 384px; height: 512px;" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-scuYNtmgHpo/Tuma9vmDQ9I/AAAAAAAAA_c/iCu8cLkxpc8/s512/PC148985.JPG" border="0" alt="" /></a><br /><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-QJn_mx2yB_Q/Tuma3iR3Q2I/AAAAAAAAA_A/yx07flotKN4/s640/PC148963.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 640px; height: 480px;" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-QJn_mx2yB_Q/Tuma3iR3Q2I/AAAAAAAAA_A/yx07flotKN4/s640/PC148963.JPG" border="0" alt="" /></a><br /><a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/--cuXqV7Oxbc/Tuma4e997SI/AAAAAAAAA_E/qwEDqKrm5ks/s640/PC148965.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 640px; height: 480px;" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/--cuXqV7Oxbc/Tuma4e997SI/AAAAAAAAA_E/qwEDqKrm5ks/s640/PC148965.JPG" border="0" alt="" /></a><br /><br />I can't fit in all the pictures. Instead, you can click through to our <a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/109910766431602311182/2011MBRemodel?authkey=Gv1sRgCMnBvpGP8MWM7wE#">Picasa album</a> and follow the whole process.Stephhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13543360998026025272noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19118030.post-10338900683754668042011-12-11T18:08:00.001-08:002011-12-11T18:14:31.619-08:00Christmas is Coming!It turns out time keeps going forward whether or not you are prepared for it. So, Christmas has snuck up on us. Last weekend we ventured out to find our tree.<br />Santa & the elves starting off on the search<br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Zkpp4_hyzyQ/TuVi8oRklNI/AAAAAAAACyk/P30LzUWlC_E/s1600/PC048901.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 230px; height: 320px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Zkpp4_hyzyQ/TuVi8oRklNI/AAAAAAAACyk/P30LzUWlC_E/s320/PC048901.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5685058898367911122" /></a><br />Found it!<br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-nwp5HGHniB4/TuViqbgHTUI/AAAAAAAACyU/lBw_Q8idS38/s1600/PC048904.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 229px; height: 320px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-nwp5HGHniB4/TuViqbgHTUI/AAAAAAAACyU/lBw_Q8idS38/s320/PC048904.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5685058585701600578" /></a><br />Traditional picture of TT with tree for a head<br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-uzavmUgccy4/TuViqM_JLbI/AAAAAAAACyI/84mC3eUarxc/s1600/PC048933.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 229px; height: 320px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-uzavmUgccy4/TuViqM_JLbI/AAAAAAAACyI/84mC3eUarxc/s320/PC048933.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5685058581805215154" /></a><br /><br />Last night we went to see the neighborhood Santa. DT wasn't sure, so I had to fill in for Mrs. Claus<br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-oKmMk7RK3Uo/TuVipZR1MvI/AAAAAAAACyA/1j9m1AyH2vs/s1600/PC108947.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 228px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-oKmMk7RK3Uo/TuVipZR1MvI/AAAAAAAACyA/1j9m1AyH2vs/s320/PC108947.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5685058567924953842" /></a><br /><br />And we even managed some decoration at the house! I had two very eager ornament hangers this year.<br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-kc-b2Ip7uHQ/TuVio7GGFVI/AAAAAAAACxw/S7e_1pPKEKI/s1600/PC108939.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 229px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-kc-b2Ip7uHQ/TuVio7GGFVI/AAAAAAAACxw/S7e_1pPKEKI/s320/PC108939.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5685058559822665042" /></a><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-SDOYpnpsXTo/TuVio89seaI/AAAAAAAACxk/BkN3SZ2M5Ws/s1600/PC108949.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 228px; height: 320px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-SDOYpnpsXTo/TuVio89seaI/AAAAAAAACxk/BkN3SZ2M5Ws/s320/PC108949.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5685058560324303266" /></a><br /><br />Merry Early Christmas!Stephhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13543360998026025272noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19118030.post-71160330098275549872011-11-17T21:01:00.001-08:002011-11-17T21:08:05.080-08:00Sisterpalloza 2011A certain sister had a big birthday this past weekend. To celebrate, we all met up in Denver, since it is pretty central. It was very fun! Of course, as all Augsburger family member know, one of the most fun parts of a get together is trying to take group photos. Some of these were taken by a passerby and some by timer. You can guess which ones are which.<br /><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-bp7PjhS4fts/TsXoBnSL2tI/AAAAAAAACxY/BU5588Dsg-k/s1600/DSCF5208.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 229px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-bp7PjhS4fts/TsXoBnSL2tI/AAAAAAAACxY/BU5588Dsg-k/s320/DSCF5208.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5676198019793148626" /></a><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-b1ZpzN3uwgk/TsXnTjrNJ3I/AAAAAAAACxM/vuPBq8WoXyU/s1600/DSCF5215.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 228px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-b1ZpzN3uwgk/TsXnTjrNJ3I/AAAAAAAACxM/vuPBq8WoXyU/s320/DSCF5215.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5676197228550367090" /></a><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-d4rhUEzwyTs/TsXnTREXVNI/AAAAAAAACxA/P64F3k62p5w/s1600/DSCF5222.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 229px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-d4rhUEzwyTs/TsXnTREXVNI/AAAAAAAACxA/P64F3k62p5w/s320/DSCF5222.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5676197223555618002" /></a><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-uBP1NiNrGzo/TsXnTNXIfkI/AAAAAAAACw0/g2VWc4_To-U/s1600/DSCF5226.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 228px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-uBP1NiNrGzo/TsXnTNXIfkI/AAAAAAAACw0/g2VWc4_To-U/s320/DSCF5226.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5676197222560595522" /></a><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-nqIqKldl6vU/TsXnSYuhA9I/AAAAAAAACwo/2buBh1ZAgm8/s1600/DSCF5229.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 229px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-nqIqKldl6vU/TsXnSYuhA9I/AAAAAAAACwo/2buBh1ZAgm8/s320/DSCF5229.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5676197208431592402" /></a><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-r2iD3oZFBBA/TsXnSHnIt6I/AAAAAAAACwc/xew_ZbgvI6c/s1600/DSCF5230.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 229px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-r2iD3oZFBBA/TsXnSHnIt6I/AAAAAAAACwc/xew_ZbgvI6c/s320/DSCF5230.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5676197203837237154" /></a>Stephhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13543360998026025272noreply@blogger.com3