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Showing posts from 2012
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736. Sturdy warm schools that offer children a safe place to learn.  Tonight we went and said goodbye to Ava's old school - the new school is done and ready to be filled with sweet kiddos!   I know buildings are inanimate objects - but still sort of sad to say goodbye to a fixture that's been standing for years - where so many memories were made, so many children learned to read - and where Ava had her very first day of school.  But onto a new bright place and we are so thankful for that! 737.  The opportunity to paint on walls!  Who wouldn't love that!  Ava's class painted a mural of the sea!  Here she is showing off her fish:-)   738.  Our very own brick!  The girls got to decorate a brick in the cafeteria for our family:-)  739.  That we live in America where education is free and everyone is given an opportunity to learn and carve a path for themselves.
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735.  First dental visit.  She was so proud.  And such a big girl - that I was proud too.  She did great - so excited for her visit that day.  And so proud to hop up in that big chair and to let the hygienist count her teeth.  Now we just need to get rid of that binky....!!!!
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734.  Laughter to the point of tears.  That all I could do after I heard the crash.  Laugh hysterically.  And it felt good.  Christmas mishaps.
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731. Christmas brunches with family, great friends and mimosas:-)  The girls had a blast - they got to run around with friends, making gingerbread houses and playing games.  I think they thought they owned the place.  Such a great morning with the best neighborhood friends!   732.  These kids. They love running around on this green - they do not love getting their picture taken! 733.  Pictures with Santa!
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730. Ornery elves who toilet paper Christmas trees.  The girls got a kick out of what Lovey did.
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729. Smiling girl waiting for the bus.
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728.  Pictures big sisters (Kate) make of little sisters (Olivia).  I saved this one to be framed.  My favorite part - the spiky hair and big teeth.  I love when the girls draw - gives us a glimpse into what's going on in their little hearts and minds.  Olivia must have been chasing Kate that morning:-)
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721.  My sweet niece.  Who rooted me on as I decorated today. 722.  And then she took a nice nap.  Decorating for Christmas is hard work. 723.  My little footed pj person decorating the Christmas tree.  And so excited to help.  724.  Her big sisters got in on the action too.  We only broke a couple of ornaments along the way.  725.  Stockings hung by the chimney with care. 726.  Lovey the Elf keeping a watch on all the activity.  The girls love their elf who makes the trip down from the North Pole every season. 727.  Joy.
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721.  Our first REAL Christmas tree!  I am a Christmas nut.  Love everything about it - so much love and warmth hope in the air.  Love the pine smells, lights, snow, hustle & bustle, church hymns, cookies, family and friend togetherness, children's excitement, days off school.  So much fun.  So as soon as Thanksgiving's over - our two trees and the rest of our Christmas decorations go up.  I like to savor every day of it.  And this year we got our first real tree.  And it was tall and perfect!!!!  I was sooooo excited!
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705. Road trips East.  Growing up, some of my favorite memories were heading East to New York or Virginia to visit family.  There wasn't a Thanksgiving we didn't get together.  So many great memories traveling through the Appalachian mountains tucked into the back seat next to my two stinky brothers, arriving to a warm loud house bustling with family, togetherness and food.  So now it's our turn to take our girls on the same adventures - and fill up their childhood with lasting memories.  Here we are at our lunch stop in PA at good old Bob Evans.  There was a farm behind the BE parking lot - girls loved watching the cows and getting out some car ride energy.  706. Ellie's and blankies that induce sleeping children on road trips. 707. My creatively amazing cousins and aunts who come up with super fun and unique things for the girls to do every time we see them.  Here the kiddos are with cousin Zoe creating the table runner for our Thanksgiving feast!