tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-76121521578420668692024-03-13T07:06:03.392-07:00The Waag BlaagCamillehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17280923725702092958noreply@blogger.comBlogger52125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7612152157842066869.post-12878081138734993312012-05-29T11:48:00.001-07:002012-09-03T13:24:35.677-07:00Three Dollars, Two Fabric Quarters, One Fun Sunbonnet!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-EY_U-1wA0Co/T8hiD2FLvxI/AAAAAAAADKg/P6ytq1cjxw8/s1600/photo.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-EY_U-1wA0Co/T8hiD2FLvxI/AAAAAAAADKg/P6ytq1cjxw8/s400/photo.JPG" width="298" /></a></div>
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"Apple Valley Picnic" is coming up for all of the 3rd grade students at my daughter's school. Students are encouraged to dress up in clothes from the 1800s. Bonnets, pinafores, button shoes...none of which can be found in my house. <br />
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<span style="text-align: left;">No money to buy a costume. </span><br />
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Time is running out.</div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">BUT... I can sew!</span></div>
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I've never made a bonnet before, but Google got me started with a few sites offering patterns and tutorials. <a href="http://howtodresslikeapioneer.blogspot.com/2010/01/bonnet-tutorial.html">This one</a> was the most helpful. Most of my pattern was found there. <a href="http://www.motherearthnews.com/Do-It-Yourself/1978-07-01/Make-Your-Own-Sunbonnet-in-Less-Than-Two-Hours.aspx">This other one</a> had the idea of quilting the brim. It also suggested the use of muslin instead of interfacing. PERFECT, since I already have muslin in my fabric stash. </div>
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Save money <b>and </b>make a tiny dent in my hoarder-esque fabric area? Sign. Me. Up.</div>
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So off I went to the fabric store.</div>
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It was Memorial Day weekend, so there were sale signs everywhere. Just not on the quilting fabrics I wanted to choose from. Then my eye caught a sale sign over the fabric quarters, also called "fat quarters." $1.29 each! I looked at the dimensions of the fat quarters - 18" x 21" - and decided to try to make it work. I figured that I'd need two (plus maybe one more if I wanted to get all fancy and make an apron too.) I might be cutting it close, but it would be kind of cool to be able to make something out of those cute little packages of fabric. Fat quarters are also great because they are generally cut in nice dimensions - no need to do too much lining up / squaring up. And those two fat quarters ended up working beautifully!</div>
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Here are the basic supplies:</div>
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*2-3 Fabric Quarters (fat quarters). Two is exactly enough, but you might want to pick up an extra in case you're worried about making mistakes.</div>
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*Muslin or other lightweight fabric - enough to cut three 18" x 4.5" rectangles</div>
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*Thread to match fabric</div>
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*7" of 1/4" elastic</div>
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*Ruler or measuring tape</div>
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*Scissors or rotary cutter/mat/ruler</div>
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*Iron/ironing board</div>
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*Sewing machine with walking foot</div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-NlcbcR8FQMw/T8RziAK7B9I/AAAAAAAADCg/GOwyUPtwjt4/s1600/_MG_0115.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-NlcbcR8FQMw/T8RziAK7B9I/AAAAAAAADCg/GOwyUPtwjt4/s320/_MG_0115.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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Since I like to quilt, I already had some time-saver supplies, like a rotary cutter / cutting mat and a walking foot (more on that later). You can probably do this project with just old-fashioned scissors, but these tools certainly make the job faster.</div>
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<span style="text-align: center;"> Press your fabric squares.</span></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-jp3LkpaGUfI/T8RzpKmrajI/AAAAAAAADCw/6Kx_5M-azrM/s1600/_MG_0120.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-jp3LkpaGUfI/T8RzpKmrajI/AAAAAAAADCw/6Kx_5M-azrM/s320/_MG_0120.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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Fold fabric in half so that the long edge measures about 18". Trim the edges to square up and make the length exactly 18". Since fat quarters are already supposed to be 18" wide, you'll only cut a tiny bit off each edge for this first cut. Then, unfold/refold it the other way, and cut again so that you have an 18" square. If you're using scissors, you won't have to fold the fabric. I just do that to fit it under my cutting ruler. </div>
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<u>Remember to measure twice, cut once.</u><br />
(My husband taught me that!)<br />
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Now, leaving your fabric folded in half, fold in half again, making a 9" x 9" square. Press.</div>
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And if you're hating the idea of pressing lines into the fabric you just pressed flat, TRUST ME. You'll want those pressed-in lines later (and you won't really notice them once the bonnet is all sewn together.)</div>
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Open one fold, so that you have a rectangle with the fold on the right. (I folded that little corner back to show you where the open edges are, but make sure the folded fabric is flat before starting the next step.)</div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-8FrLwPB-WmA/T8R0FiiVsQI/AAAAAAAADDI/UfEwHHvMYTU/s1600/_MG_0124.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-8FrLwPB-WmA/T8R0FiiVsQI/AAAAAAAADDI/UfEwHHvMYTU/s320/_MG_0124.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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Keeping your corners/edges together on the left and the fold on the right, fold the top down to meet the middle line (remember what I said about wanting those pressed lines?)</div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-FLL1VrmWJgI/T8R0JDXiDAI/AAAAAAAADDQ/PoFJKUFlPfk/s1600/_MG_0125.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-FLL1VrmWJgI/T8R0JDXiDAI/AAAAAAAADDQ/PoFJKUFlPfk/s320/_MG_0125.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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And fold over again.</div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-KbFlsy3qPQs/T8R0M3Ci5QI/AAAAAAAADDY/mMZFXjfp89E/s1600/_MG_0126.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-KbFlsy3qPQs/T8R0M3Ci5QI/AAAAAAAADDY/mMZFXjfp89E/s320/_MG_0126.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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And again. My rotary cutter is just holding it in place for me so that I can snap a picture.</div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-KMPmwpmMnm0/T8R0QwfBrEI/AAAAAAAADDg/FoJHgWmZGQ8/s1600/_MG_0127.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-KMPmwpmMnm0/T8R0QwfBrEI/AAAAAAAADDg/FoJHgWmZGQ8/s320/_MG_0127.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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Cut a straight line down the edge of the folded material.</div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-tw2vcaX7ilc/T8R0UaCAMvI/AAAAAAAADDo/y5yBu1VbwxY/s1600/_MG_0129.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-tw2vcaX7ilc/T8R0UaCAMvI/AAAAAAAADDo/y5yBu1VbwxY/s320/_MG_0129.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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VOILA! Easy curved edge!! Nifty, eh?</div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-tO64anT53vU/T8R0YPdvk0I/AAAAAAAADDw/Ab48SOvTeFo/s1600/_MG_0130.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-tO64anT53vU/T8R0YPdvk0I/AAAAAAAADDw/Ab48SOvTeFo/s320/_MG_0130.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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When you open it up, it looks like this. And if you follow the directions with the fold on the correct side, it will look like this every time. DON'T do what I did the first time and cut with the fold on the opposite side so that you end up with what looks like a big fabric "M." (True story.)</div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-gO7CtE9hSSg/T8R0bys_vAI/AAAAAAAADD4/n7fbNLhx-yw/s1600/_MG_0131.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-gO7CtE9hSSg/T8R0bys_vAI/AAAAAAAADD4/n7fbNLhx-yw/s320/_MG_0131.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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If you've unfolded it all the way, refold once so that the curve is at the top and the fold is on the right edge. Measure 3 1/2 inches up from the bottom on the left (open) side and make a little 1/2" snip with scissors. Measure up one inch from that snip and make a 1/4" snip there.</div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-enx_cRSu_Y0/T8R0fmeLOnI/AAAAAAAADEA/2opMd9QNNqI/s1600/_MG_0132.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-enx_cRSu_Y0/T8R0fmeLOnI/AAAAAAAADEA/2opMd9QNNqI/s320/_MG_0132.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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It should look like this:</div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ZFgKv4REBd0/T8R0i8cNY-I/AAAAAAAADEI/ki1RaGuPDZ8/s1600/_MG_0133.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ZFgKv4REBd0/T8R0i8cNY-I/AAAAAAAADEI/ki1RaGuPDZ8/s320/_MG_0133.JPG" width="213" /></a></div>
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Unfold the fabric all the way, place it right side down, and then go to the part below the 1/2" snip. Fold it in 1/4" and then again another 1/4" and press. Do this to both sides.</div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ic8vVmgYeQo/T8R0m4YlkMI/AAAAAAAADEQ/JcK9ZJMxecQ/s1600/_MG_0134.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ic8vVmgYeQo/T8R0m4YlkMI/AAAAAAAADEQ/JcK9ZJMxecQ/s320/_MG_0134.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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If you're itching to sew a few stitches, skip this next part and go to the part where you sew that folded hem. But if you're going for FAST, do all of your cutting first. </div>
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For the brim, take your second fat quarter and square up the 18" ends again. Then, cut two strips that are 4 1/2" x 18. While you're there at the cutting board, cut three strips the same size out of your muslin.</div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-IsEV0ateNhU/T8R0uk8vmsI/AAAAAAAADEg/uzsmWpP3cpk/s1600/_MG_0136.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-IsEV0ateNhU/T8R0uk8vmsI/AAAAAAAADEg/uzsmWpP3cpk/s320/_MG_0136.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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Fold and then fold again so that you have a square. Press.</div>
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Unfold once and put the fold at the bottom. Fold /cut just like you did for the curve above.</div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-gMxXTi6rsLw/T8R1PBd3CWI/AAAAAAAADFg/v6lbsByvzVE/s1600/_MG_0144.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="133" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-gMxXTi6rsLw/T8R1PBd3CWI/AAAAAAAADFg/v6lbsByvzVE/s200/_MG_0144.JPG" width="200" /></a></div>
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Here's the before/after (or after/before, actually...)</div>
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Two fabric pieces </div>
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All five pieces cut. They aren't identical, but close enough to make it work. Again...going for ease and speed, not County Fair entries. </div>
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Stack the pieces with the three muslin pieces on the bottom and then the two fat quarter pieces on top, <u>right sides facing (touching) each other</u>. I stacked them one by one on my ironing board and pressed as I stacked. Pin together (you'll see the pins in a later picture).</div>
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LAST CUTS! For the ties, cut four 2 1/2" strips. I was trying to reserve some fabric for another apron project, so I cut them the short way (as seen in the picture below). If you don't need the fabric for anything else, you can make them a little wider and/or cut them the long way. 2 1/2" was pretty skinny for turning inside out, so if I was doing this project for just the bonnet, I think I would make them a little wider.</div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-MQpAa8tWZ-s/T8R1aSgkCfI/AAAAAAAADF4/tZv8N5Plyd4/s1600/_MG_0147.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-MQpAa8tWZ-s/T8R1aSgkCfI/AAAAAAAADF4/tZv8N5Plyd4/s320/_MG_0147.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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Here are ALL of the cut/pressed/pinned/ready-to-sew pieces. </div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Em_ebdnr1og/T8R1ifBxZTI/AAAAAAAADGI/O5m_JC3gOYc/s1600/_MG_0149.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Em_ebdnr1og/T8R1ifBxZTI/AAAAAAAADGI/O5m_JC3gOYc/s320/_MG_0149.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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TIME TO SEW!<br />
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First, sew the folded-in hems on the bonnet. Then fold the bottom the same way (1/4" folded in twice and press) and hem the bottom.</div>
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The picture below shows my walking foot. </div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-5HaAgVgtrfg/T8R1mToxEnI/AAAAAAAADGU/5_QV4EaTN2E/s1600/_MG_0150.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-5HaAgVgtrfg/T8R1mToxEnI/AAAAAAAADGU/5_QV4EaTN2E/s320/_MG_0150.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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<div>
It is an indispensable tool for quilters, and I found that it was equally indispensable for this project. It keeps the top and bottom fabric pieces moving together so that you don't have that pull on the top fabric piece. As long as you've lined up your pieces correctly, the ends will finish together every time. If you don't have a walking foot, you can probably still do this project, but it won't come out as neat and tidy.</div>
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Unless you're a reeeeally good seamstress.</div>
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Which I'm not.<br />
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Now, find that little 1/4" snip and fold like a "z" down to meet the 1/2" snip. Do the same on the other side so that the "z" extends across the width of the fabric. Press.</div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-R_uMJnGqxSk/T8R1p8mpPnI/AAAAAAAADGc/s4Ng4x2Xx6M/s1600/_MG_0151.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-R_uMJnGqxSk/T8R1p8mpPnI/AAAAAAAADGc/s4Ng4x2Xx6M/s320/_MG_0151.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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Here's what it looks like after pressing.</div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-MG2zHJHnoN8/T8R1uWAP_bI/AAAAAAAADGk/MEXt6nN_9G4/s1600/_MG_0152.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-MG2zHJHnoN8/T8R1uWAP_bI/AAAAAAAADGk/MEXt6nN_9G4/s320/_MG_0152.JPG" width="213" /></a></div>
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Sew along the folded line, staying as close to the edge as you can. </div>
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I had to sew v e r y s l o w l y.</div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-nqBpmYPAnIU/T8R11UilsCI/AAAAAAAADG0/jhXaM0qne7w/s1600/_MG_0154.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-nqBpmYPAnIU/T8R11UilsCI/AAAAAAAADG0/jhXaM0qne7w/s320/_MG_0154.JPG" width="213" /></a></div>
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Then flip the fabric over and do the same on the other side.</div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-IZDdJgWNPDE/T8R148fX2fI/AAAAAAAADG8/UGq0fUYlFA4/s1600/_MG_0155.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-IZDdJgWNPDE/T8R148fX2fI/AAAAAAAADG8/UGq0fUYlFA4/s320/_MG_0155.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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If you don't sew close to the edge, you'll have trouble getting your elastic threaded through the little case you just created.</div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-cFD4m9UB0so/T8R18T5X3qI/AAAAAAAADHE/FWCqMeiy3Ig/s1600/_MG_0156.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-cFD4m9UB0so/T8R18T5X3qI/AAAAAAAADHE/FWCqMeiy3Ig/s320/_MG_0156.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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Cut a 7" long piece of elastic (1/4" wide) </div>
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Thread through the casing, securing one end before pulling all the way through. Pictured below is another gadget that I forgot to list in the tools at the beginning. It has a little hook on one end.<br />
Just push it through the casing, grab one end of the elastic with the hook, and pull through. </div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-PoKqBndDpEc/T8R2D7a86sI/AAAAAAAADHU/kEx6dHhzqtI/s1600/_MG_0158.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-PoKqBndDpEc/T8R2D7a86sI/AAAAAAAADHU/kEx6dHhzqtI/s320/_MG_0158.JPG" width="213" /></a></div>
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Before pulling all the way through, sew one end to hold the elastic in place.</div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-sagzdIcuuoE/T8R2H4oDduI/AAAAAAAADHc/P_lhRC9N9ug/s1600/_MG_0175.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-sagzdIcuuoE/T8R2H4oDduI/AAAAAAAADHc/P_lhRC9N9ug/s320/_MG_0175.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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Then pull all the way through, pin to hold in place, and sew to secure the other end. Put this piece aside while you work on the brim.</div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-OUegs5wO4qI/T8R2LmxqjeI/AAAAAAAADHk/EOxHHs4Obpo/s1600/_MG_0176.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-OUegs5wO4qI/T8R2LmxqjeI/AAAAAAAADHk/EOxHHs4Obpo/s320/_MG_0176.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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The brim should be all stacked and pinned. Starting a the end of one of the curved sides, sew a seam about 1/4" from the edge and finish at the other end of the curve. Leave the straight side open.</div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_3iQGd9rnmg/T8R2OxHyTEI/AAAAAAAADHs/IpMjQEQ9Icw/s1600/_MG_0177.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_3iQGd9rnmg/T8R2OxHyTEI/AAAAAAAADHs/IpMjQEQ9Icw/s320/_MG_0177.JPG" width="213" /></a></div>
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Flip inside out so that the right sides of your fabric show on both sides of your piece. Press.</div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-9TAz2Rt8-f0/T8R2SWJEsGI/AAAAAAAADH0/fb7HEVs5HHc/s1600/_MG_0178.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-9TAz2Rt8-f0/T8R2SWJEsGI/AAAAAAAADH0/fb7HEVs5HHc/s320/_MG_0178.JPG" width="213" /></a></div>
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Now for the fun quilting part!! Again, a walking foot is SUPER helpful here. Maybe even necessary. But they are also a tad expensive, so if you don't have one, you might want to try using fusible interfacing in lieu of the three layers of muslin. No guarantees on how this will look, but the <a href="http://howtodresslikeapioneer.blogspot.com/2010/01/bonnet-tutorial.html">original tutorial</a> I was following recommended interfacing, so it's probably fine.</div>
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Quilt a line about 1/2" from the edge, following the curve around. I just kept my eye on the corner of my walking foot, making sure that corner always touched the edge of the fabric.</div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-r_b4hL4EC5o/T8R2V-bVRiI/AAAAAAAADH8/Zi4PcK313Uw/s1600/_MG_0179.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-r_b4hL4EC5o/T8R2V-bVRiI/AAAAAAAADH8/Zi4PcK313Uw/s320/_MG_0179.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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And continue making these parallel lines (like a rainbow!) until you run out of room. Brim is done!</div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-iiL_YnXfOi0/T8R2Za_gnBI/AAAAAAAADIE/6KxQ4tFNHYI/s1600/_MG_0180.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-iiL_YnXfOi0/T8R2Za_gnBI/AAAAAAAADIE/6KxQ4tFNHYI/s320/_MG_0180.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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Pick up two of your four final strips and sew the ends together. Repeat with the other two strips. Press the seams open.</div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ic9OCC2OHuY/T8R2dJ4c19I/AAAAAAAADIM/hJ-IP2WJ90Y/s1600/_MG_0181.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ic9OCC2OHuY/T8R2dJ4c19I/AAAAAAAADIM/hJ-IP2WJ90Y/s320/_MG_0181.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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Fold them with the right sides in and sew the bottom and side together, leaving the top open.</div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-TiebD2MJdEI/T8R2kGPrS_I/AAAAAAAADIU/UzvbMcK8k7Y/s1600/_MG_0182.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-TiebD2MJdEI/T8R2kGPrS_I/AAAAAAAADIU/UzvbMcK8k7Y/s320/_MG_0182.JPG" width="213" /></a></div>
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Turn right side out (again, that little hook is really, really helpful here, unless you have some time to waste). <br />
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They look pretty sad and wrinkly, but...</div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-OIy6iTAUCmA/T8R2oqrIGpI/AAAAAAAADIc/rllUgMtM9Vg/s1600/_MG_0183.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-OIy6iTAUCmA/T8R2oqrIGpI/AAAAAAAADIc/rllUgMtM9Vg/s320/_MG_0183.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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...they look nice again after pressing. </div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-CBq7c0o2QNQ/T8R2sSiS8wI/AAAAAAAADIk/zQekqZfLs4Y/s1600/_MG_0184.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-CBq7c0o2QNQ/T8R2sSiS8wI/AAAAAAAADIk/zQekqZfLs4Y/s320/_MG_0184.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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Sew a tiny hem around the sides and bottom. (You can probably skip this step if you're in a hurry, but I think it looks more finished this way.)</div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-IlONHkM2nx8/T8R2vpE5NDI/AAAAAAAADIs/SxGf4PsOLWQ/s1600/_MG_0185.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-IlONHkM2nx8/T8R2vpE5NDI/AAAAAAAADIs/SxGf4PsOLWQ/s320/_MG_0185.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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Take the unfinished end of one tie and fold like a "z" to match the width of the casing. Sew in place.</div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-2YTvYCBfPKk/T8R2zJi2RfI/AAAAAAAADI0/t-voElsrAqg/s1600/_MG_0186.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-2YTvYCBfPKk/T8R2zJi2RfI/AAAAAAAADI0/t-voElsrAqg/s320/_MG_0186.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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Here's a better picture of what it looks like sewn in place. It's sewn to the inside of the bonnet.</div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-f1H6GGzDduw/T8R23N75AcI/AAAAAAAADI8/azfq5pOoMYk/s1600/_MG_0187.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-f1H6GGzDduw/T8R23N75AcI/AAAAAAAADI8/azfq5pOoMYk/s320/_MG_0187.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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One more picture.</div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-iePK9RDnXFk/T8R26oiYkGI/AAAAAAAADJE/AH4C6HiiGW4/s1600/_MG_0188.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-iePK9RDnXFk/T8R26oiYkGI/AAAAAAAADJE/AH4C6HiiGW4/s320/_MG_0188.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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Do the same to the tie on the other side.
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Now for the gathering step. I hope I can explain this well enough here with the pictures. If not, search youtube for a "gathering stitch" tutorial (like I did.)</div>
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Set your stitch length at it's longest. Mine is 5. Starting just above where you sewed the tie on, stitch about 1/4" all the way around the curve of the bonnet and finish just above the other tie. Do NOT use the reverse stitch.</div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ufswu-WjI74/T8R291BEJ5I/AAAAAAAADJM/9WCQb_P29X8/s1600/_MG_0189.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ufswu-WjI74/T8R291BEJ5I/AAAAAAAADJM/9WCQb_P29X8/s320/_MG_0189.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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Go back to the other side again and stitch another row 1/4" to 1/2" away from the first.</div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-T5uLFRxfyw4/T8R3B2RP2lI/AAAAAAAADJU/M67B8lOy9xQ/s1600/_MG_0190.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-T5uLFRxfyw4/T8R3B2RP2lI/AAAAAAAADJU/M67B8lOy9xQ/s320/_MG_0190.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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Here's what it should look like.</div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ZqnE43WRCk0/T8R3FLPA_ZI/AAAAAAAADJc/h4LqpxhBJO8/s1600/_MG_0191.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ZqnE43WRCk0/T8R3FLPA_ZI/AAAAAAAADJc/h4LqpxhBJO8/s320/_MG_0191.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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Grab just the bobbin threads on one side and start pulling and scrunching until you have gathers up to the 1/2 way point. (Remember what I said about wanting those pressed lines?) Do the same on the other side. Don't worry too much about making the gathers even at this point. Just get it to look kind of like this.</div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Zqb5EJPpthU/T8R3JAoRqtI/AAAAAAAADJk/lV5fgEMkZNA/s1600/_MG_0192.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Zqb5EJPpthU/T8R3JAoRqtI/AAAAAAAADJk/lV5fgEMkZNA/s320/_MG_0192.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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With the wrong side facing up, pin the brim, matching the unfinished edge of the brim to the gathered edge of the bonnet. You should be able to match the pressed line in the center of your brim to the pressed line in the center of the bonnet. (Again! Those helpful pressed lines!) Pin that in place first, then the corners, and then adjust the gathers in-between. Try to get it somewhat evened out (although, it really doesn't have to be perfect). If it matters which side is up on the brim, play with it a little to figure out which will work. I had to re-pin a couple of times before I got it right!</div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-5ILRD-0MQI4/T8R3MhKJRzI/AAAAAAAADJs/RTaFIAtUUS4/s1600/_MG_0193.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-5ILRD-0MQI4/T8R3MhKJRzI/AAAAAAAADJs/RTaFIAtUUS4/s320/_MG_0193.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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Here's the brim pinned inside the bonnet. I preferred sewing with the gathers on top, so I pinned it this way. Adjust your stitch length back down to normal (between 2 and 2 1/2 - whichever you prefer) and sew the brim on. OR, you can do like I did and forget to adjust the stitch length. Then you can realize your error later, kick yourself, and go back and restitch the whole thing with the correct stitch length.<br />
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Anchor each end with a reverse stitch, since this will be your last stitch. </div>
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Turn right side out and you're DONE! </div>
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Cute, right? </div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-RPvLCYJje8g/T8R3UwV6wtI/AAAAAAAADJ8/Fws7gbrOnJg/s1600/_MG_0195.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-RPvLCYJje8g/T8R3UwV6wtI/AAAAAAAADJ8/Fws7gbrOnJg/s400/_MG_0195.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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If you have an extra fat quarter, make an apron. Just do a gather stitch like you just did on the bonnet, sew a binding over the top, and add ties. </div>
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Now go watch an episode of "Little House on the Prairie." <br />
I have the entire series on DVD if you want to borrow them... </div>
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Camillehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17280923725702092958noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7612152157842066869.post-89407267323789687222012-05-21T23:27:00.002-07:002012-05-29T22:27:40.076-07:00Olive Garden - OPENING DAY<div style="text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-size: large;">We've never done this before! </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Let's go to a restaurant on <u>opening</u> <u>day</u>!</span></div>
<br />
<br />
We've been watching the Olive Garden being built from the ground up (pretty quickly, actually) and, since we drive by there regularly, we'd seen the opening day sign and talked about how it would be fun to have a meal there that day. <br />
<br />
I worked today, so lunch was out of the question. I planned to be home early, but...well, you know how that goes sometimes (and riding home on a bike takes a wee bit longer than a speedy car). So, we finally got everyone loaded in the minivan at 6:00 p.m. and drove down the street to our brand-spanking-new Olive Garden. Erik dropped me off to put our names in while he searched the crowded parking lot for an available space.<br />
<br />
One hour wait? No problem! Erik and the kids can run an errand at the across-the-parking-lot Costco while I pick up a few things at the grocery store and take them home. Hungry toddler? Just ask for a breadstick while you wait. But then there were the three different servers (which one do we ask for?), the wait after looooooong wait for <i>everything</i> from glasses of water to placing our order to the arrival of food to the check (I mean three checks - the first two that were left on our table were for <b>different</b> tables). And then there were the hot salad plates. Awesome. BUT, the manager swiftly brought out ice cold replacements (and then forgot to refill the salad bowl while the plates got not-so-icy.) Double awesome.<br />
<br />
The food (other than the warm lettuce) was good - typical Olive Garden fare. We tried a special and it was decent. A little salty for me, but I'm no food critic. <br />
<br />
The manager visited our table and said that, with a completely new staff, they were still working out the kinks. New staff? I asked why they didn't have any experienced transfers and he explained that they didn't want any "bad habits" following an employee from one location to another. Seems like a huge chain like Olive Garden could figure out an evaluation system to help prevent that kind of thing from happening, but I'm no businesswoman.<br />
<br />
Claire and I folded the chocolate mint wrappers into little origami cranes while we waited (and waited) for the correct check to make it to our table. You'd think after bringing the wrong check TWICE, the server would wait for our payment, but she disappeared again. We finally found the right amount of cash to cover our bill and tip, and just left it on the table. <br />
<br />
Whew.<br />
<br />
From start to finish it was a THREE HOUR TOUR of Italy, and one we probably won't repeat for another three months. <br />
<br />
We laughed a LOT tonight, had more than our share of breadsticks, and now we get to say that "we were THERE on opening day!" <br />
<br />
And boy, were we there.<br />
<br />
And there...<br />
<br />
And there...<br />
<br />
...<br />
<br />
UPDATE: I do want to mention that <u>every</u> <u>single</u> <u>member</u> of the host/wait staff was <b>super</b> nice and accommodating. Very friendly, very gracious - just inexperienced. This post was intended to highlight the follies of an opening day with a corporate policy of starting a restaurant with an entirely new crew of employees, NOT to put down any of the hard-working men and women who served us. With their great attitudes, that restaurant should be a well-oiled machine in a few months (or maybe even a few days, but we just don't have time to risk it!)Camillehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17280923725702092958noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7612152157842066869.post-83482901998802972142011-08-02T22:39:00.000-07:002011-08-03T22:13:20.362-07:00Beach Day<div style="text-align: left;">What better place to enjoy a picnic than down at the beach?</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-m5O2tZUQPB8/TjnA1Dnh5EI/AAAAAAAAC9I/3oavRfjJYT8/s1600/Beach%2Bpicnic%2B%252835%2529_edited-1b.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="text-align: left;display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 267px; " src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-m5O2tZUQPB8/TjnA1Dnh5EI/AAAAAAAAC9I/3oavRfjJYT8/s400/Beach%2Bpicnic%2B%252835%2529_edited-1b.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5636748426367591490" /></a><div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Hotdogs roasted over a campfire made of driftwood, yummy salads, S'MORES, and...</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><img src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-CD4kNxJqecY/TjnbWGufxnI/AAAAAAAAC9Q/Eu3Et5l2oI4/s400/Beach%2Bpicnic%2B%252826%2529_edited-1b.jpg" style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 267px;" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5636777581440124530" /></div><div><div style="text-align: center;">...watermelon!</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><img src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-qYW6gyaT-oI/TjnbWnGQq5I/AAAAAAAAC9Y/Oz4F9kULG4k/s400/Beach%2Bpicnic%2B%25285%2529_edited-1b.jpg" style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 267px; height: 400px;" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5636777590129732498" /><div style="text-align: left;"><b>Don't</b> forget the watermelon. Or this one will have words with you.</div></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>After eating, there is no limit on the number of activities for the kids (and kids-at-heart!)</div><div><br /></div><div><div style="text-align: center;">Playing in the sand at the water's edge,</div><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-atELPf3XKks/TjnA0us4z7I/AAAAAAAAC9A/7U3yFwiqkDQ/s1600/Beach%2Bpicnic%2B%252836%2529_edited-1b.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-atELPf3XKks/TjnA0us4z7I/AAAAAAAAC9A/7U3yFwiqkDQ/s400/Beach%2Bpicnic%2B%252836%2529_edited-1b.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5636748420752920498" /></a><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">collecting rocks and shells,</div><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-aTaqkJrGAlM/TjnA0SZ4KFI/AAAAAAAAC84/jGu0v4QV7ps/s1600/Beach%2Bpicnic%2B%252853%2529_edited-1b.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-aTaqkJrGAlM/TjnA0SZ4KFI/AAAAAAAAC84/jGu0v4QV7ps/s400/Beach%2Bpicnic%2B%252853%2529_edited-1b.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5636748413156993106" /></a><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">and doing THIS over and over again...</div><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-w10zJp0KEAQ/TjjokZyWf2I/AAAAAAAAC8w/GCzBOaUSVqc/s1600/Beach%2Bpicnic%2B%252867%2529_edited-1b.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-w10zJp0KEAQ/TjjokZyWf2I/AAAAAAAAC8w/GCzBOaUSVqc/s400/Beach%2Bpicnic%2B%252867%2529_edited-1b.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5636510645749186402" /></a><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Vfd_04BaXJo/TjjncA9O3FI/AAAAAAAAC8o/X0XeZdVs-mo/s1600/Beach%2Bpicnic%2B%252869%2529_edited-1b.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 134px; height: 200px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Vfd_04BaXJo/TjjncA9O3FI/AAAAAAAAC8o/X0XeZdVs-mo/s200/Beach%2Bpicnic%2B%252869%2529_edited-1b.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5636509402133355602" /></a> <img src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-tCs4Z3yhBVY/Tjjnbx7ZAkI/AAAAAAAAC8g/33cvux87co8/s200/Beach%2Bpicnic%2B%252870%2529_edited-1b.jpg" style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 134px; height: 200px;" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5636509398099100226" /> <img src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-wpQrDrXi0rc/TjjnbtPCrXI/AAAAAAAAC8Y/mtJ-FBDgXP4/s200/Beach%2Bpicnic%2B%252874%2529_edited-1b.jpg" style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 134px; height: 200px;" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5636509396839345522" />I KNOW! It's just too much fun!<br /><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Even though Puget Sound is super cold, it's still fun to wade out a little bit.</div><div><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Qmdgjg0ED0k/TjjlLNiul_I/AAAAAAAAC8Q/LtvpWPojCSI/s1600/Beach%2Bpicnic%2B%252889%2529_edited-1b.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Qmdgjg0ED0k/TjjlLNiul_I/AAAAAAAAC8Q/LtvpWPojCSI/s400/Beach%2Bpicnic%2B%252889%2529_edited-1b.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5636506914430818290" /></a><br /><br /></div><div><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Dw7Fd_WuXvU/TjjlKlPje6I/AAAAAAAAC8I/smTSDz9_azk/s1600/Beach%2Bpicnic%2B%2528107%2529_edited-1b.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="text-align: left;display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 267px; " src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Dw7Fd_WuXvU/TjjlKlPje6I/AAAAAAAAC8I/smTSDz9_azk/s400/Beach%2Bpicnic%2B%2528107%2529_edited-1b.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5636506903612980130" /></a><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Or just have fun from the shore!</div><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-2syd1TU9qP8/TjjiDdI4ilI/AAAAAAAAC8A/7dUVeqlut8Y/s1600/Beach%2Bpicnic%2B%2528120%2529_edited-1b.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 267px; height: 400px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-2syd1TU9qP8/TjjiDdI4ilI/AAAAAAAAC8A/7dUVeqlut8Y/s400/Beach%2Bpicnic%2B%2528120%2529_edited-1b.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5636503482643548754" /></a><br /></div><div><div style="text-align: center;">Making seaweed hats...</div><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-CZBCBLLFqOU/TjjiDMWZzLI/AAAAAAAAC74/j0KnoySW6hE/s1600/Beach%2Bpicnic%2B%2528158%2529_edited-1b.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 267px; height: 400px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-CZBCBLLFqOU/TjjiDMWZzLI/AAAAAAAAC74/j0KnoySW6hE/s400/Beach%2Bpicnic%2B%2528158%2529_edited-1b.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5636503478136851634" /></a><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">...or holding on to real ones. Either works!</div><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-VPUGgS240bs/TjjiC06IhxI/AAAAAAAAC7w/6HO7RoLERqU/s1600/Beach%2Bpicnic%2B%2528173%2529_edited-1b.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 267px; height: 400px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-VPUGgS240bs/TjjiC06IhxI/AAAAAAAAC7w/6HO7RoLERqU/s400/Beach%2Bpicnic%2B%2528173%2529_edited-1b.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5636503471844263698" /></a><br /></div><div><div style="text-align: left;">Not really a "beach activity" but we saw plenty of these this year too. ;)</div><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-gX5xyIgjIyA/TjjiChgX5uI/AAAAAAAAC7o/lec1rsLr_D4/s1600/Beach%2Bpicnic%2B%2528174%2529_edited-1b.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 267px; height: 400px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-gX5xyIgjIyA/TjjiChgX5uI/AAAAAAAAC7o/lec1rsLr_D4/s400/Beach%2Bpicnic%2B%2528174%2529_edited-1b.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5636503466635945698" /></a><br /></div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">But the highlight of our beach day was a very special concert. Two of the kids disappeared for a while and came back with this - their concert order!</div><div><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-tMMVnPH4MjU/TjjgQGDfjCI/AAAAAAAAC7g/YMjIGnAVD-8/s1600/Beach%2Bpicnic%2B%2528180%2529_edited-1b.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-tMMVnPH4MjU/TjjgQGDfjCI/AAAAAAAAC7g/YMjIGnAVD-8/s400/Beach%2Bpicnic%2B%2528180%2529_edited-1b.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5636501500761967650" /></a><br /></div><div>Here they are ready to begin...<br /><img src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-OTCcolUMTXU/Tjjf05IQUsI/AAAAAAAAC7I/6Nivlia6Plc/s320/Beach%2Bpicnic%2B%2528187%2529_edited-1eb.jpg" style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5636501033435812546" /><div><br /></div><div>Discussing the song order...<br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-DoSFYTx2ov0/Tjjf1AiXMuI/AAAAAAAAC7Q/dOizXkpxIhQ/s1600/Beach%2Bpicnic%2B%2528193%2529_edited-1eb.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-DoSFYTx2ov0/Tjjf1AiXMuI/AAAAAAAAC7Q/dOizXkpxIhQ/s320/Beach%2Bpicnic%2B%2528193%2529_edited-1eb.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5636501035424363234" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>And singing their hearts out! </div><div><img src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-PZYqe2DopjU/Tjjf1ZfpCbI/AAAAAAAAC7Y/XQg6nHTxaX0/s320/Beach%2Bpicnic%2B%2528195%2529_edited-1eb.jpg" style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5636501042123835826" /><br /><br /></div></div></div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">A perfect ending to a perfect picnic.</div>Camillehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17280923725702092958noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7612152157842066869.post-16082250406049407132011-07-24T16:21:00.001-07:002011-07-24T17:31:02.583-07:00Vashon 2011<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-q4v694XCSGE/TiypGep4ibI/AAAAAAAAC6o/mUzNOZb0LcU/s1600/Beach%2Bpicnic%2B%2528150%2529_edited-1seventies.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-q4v694XCSGE/TiypGep4ibI/AAAAAAAAC6o/mUzNOZb0LcU/s400/Beach%2Bpicnic%2B%2528150%2529_edited-1seventies.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5633063162706692530" /></a><br /><div>Vashon Island, Washington</div><div><br /></div><div>This is the house where Erik's grandmother and her 6 brothers and sisters were born. The house that was built by Erik's great-grandfather who traded the beauty of Norway for the beauty of the Pacific Northwest. The house that has heard the conversations of adults and the giggles of children for 100 years. </div><div><br /></div><div>Each summer, our kids slide down the same sand dunes that Erik and his cousins climbed. They discover starfish and anemones in the same tidepools that Erik's mom and her cousins explored. They play at the water's edge of beautiful Puget sound, just as four generations of children have played.</div><div><br /></div><div>Thank you, Vashon, for all of the memories so far. We look forward to many, many more.</div>Camillehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17280923725702092958noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7612152157842066869.post-7879605837188108352010-10-17T18:23:00.000-07:002010-10-17T18:27:50.916-07:00HAPPY FALL!<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_h53namv_2C4/TLuhs-aIwpI/AAAAAAAAC5c/j_iSiOE4cqg/s1600/Cal+Poly+pumpkin+patch+2010+%2822%29.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 267px; height: 400px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_h53namv_2C4/TLuhs-aIwpI/AAAAAAAAC5c/j_iSiOE4cqg/s400/Cal+Poly+pumpkin+patch+2010+%2822%29.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5529190761566356114" border="0" /></a>Camillehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17280923725702092958noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7612152157842066869.post-66484034931598048232010-08-19T00:07:00.000-07:002010-10-17T18:28:44.612-07:00Guest of honor<div align="center">Not that he really cared, or even noticed, but Levi was kind of the guest of honor this year. It comes with the territory when you are the new baby at a big family event. <p align="center"></p><p align="center"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_h53namv_2C4/TG4k9wdGYcI/AAAAAAAAC5E/155tSMd_As4/s1600/Bruchmiller+Reunion+2010+%285%29_edited-1.jpg"><img style="text-align: center; margin: 0px auto 10px; width: 267px; display: block; height: 400px;" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5507380037718270402" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_h53namv_2C4/TG4k9wdGYcI/AAAAAAAAC5E/155tSMd_As4/s400/Bruchmiller+Reunion+2010+%285%29_edited-1.jpg" border="0" /></a> </p><p align="center"><br />This what what he did most of the afternoon.<br /></p></div><p align="center"></p><p align="center"></p><p align="center"><img style="text-align: center; margin: 0px auto 10px; width: 267px; display: block; height: 400px;" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5507383081528111570" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_h53namv_2C4/TG4nu7h6sdI/AAAAAAAAC5M/9u7ZFw0PfnE/s400/Bruchmiller+Reunion+2010+%2845%29_edited-1.jpg" border="0" /> But when he made his grand appearance, look out! There was never a shortage of arms waiting to hold him.<br /></p><p align="center"><br />Dad got first dibs.<br /></p><img style="text-align: center; margin: 0px auto 10px; width: 267px; display: block; height: 400px;" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5507379621751454242" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_h53namv_2C4/TG4kli24eiI/AAAAAAAAC4k/-_Xka-mor0M/s400/Bruchmiller+Reunion+2010+%282%29_edited-1.jpg" border="0" /><br /><div align="center">Claire was next, which included a few kisses, of course! </div><br /><div align="center"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_h53namv_2C4/TG4kzyNvZ4I/AAAAAAAAC40/9e2bPILpu3U/s1600/Bruchmiller+Reunion+2010+%2811%29_edited-1.jpg"><img style="width: 214px; height: 320px;" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5507379866392029058" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_h53namv_2C4/TG4kzyNvZ4I/AAAAAAAAC40/9e2bPILpu3U/s320/Bruchmiller+Reunion+2010+%2811%29_edited-1.jpg" border="0" /></a> <a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_h53namv_2C4/TG4kzVpm-bI/AAAAAAAAC4s/laYpm_QEQxo/s1600/Bruchmiller+Reunion+2010+%2812%29_edited-1.jpg"><img style="width: 214px; height: 320px;" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5507379858724288946" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_h53namv_2C4/TG4kzVpm-bI/AAAAAAAAC4s/laYpm_QEQxo/s320/Bruchmiller+Reunion+2010+%2812%29_edited-1.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br />My aunt enjoyed a few minutes worth...</div><div align="center"> </div><div align="center"></div><div align="center"></div><div align="center"></div><div align="center"></div><div align="center"></div><div align="center"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_h53namv_2C4/TG4kkPDWKPI/AAAAAAAAC4c/g98vSlw5Qe0/s1600/Bruchmiller+Reunion+2010+%2898%29_edited-1.jpg"><img style="text-align: center; margin: 0px auto 10px; width: 267px; display: block; height: 400px;" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5507379599255152882" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_h53namv_2C4/TG4kkPDWKPI/AAAAAAAAC4c/g98vSlw5Qe0/s400/Bruchmiller+Reunion+2010+%2898%29_edited-1.jpg" border="0" /></a><br />...as did my cousin.<br /><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_h53namv_2C4/TG4kjRLhx9I/AAAAAAAAC4U/YnF0ea2MzvY/s1600/Bruchmiller+Reunion+2010+%2888%29_edited-1.jpg"><img style="text-align: center; margin: 0px auto 10px; width: 267px; display: block; height: 400px;" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5507379582646470610" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_h53namv_2C4/TG4kjRLhx9I/AAAAAAAAC4U/YnF0ea2MzvY/s400/Bruchmiller+Reunion+2010+%2888%29_edited-1.jpg" border="0" /></a><br />I love these pictures of G.G.smiling and talking to her newest great-grandchild. I love even more that she prays for our kids (and us) regularly.<br /><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_h53namv_2C4/TG4jvWjrYwI/AAAAAAAAC3s/0lyxII3rMOg/s1600/Bruchmiller+Reunion+2010+%2891%29_edited-1.jpg"><img style="width: 320px; height: 214px;" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5507378690736743170" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_h53namv_2C4/TG4jvWjrYwI/AAAAAAAAC3s/0lyxII3rMOg/s320/Bruchmiller+Reunion+2010+%2891%29_edited-1.jpg" border="0" /></a> <a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_h53namv_2C4/TG4jv2qcdvI/AAAAAAAAC30/OPn26_Mc2dw/s1600/Bruchmiller+Reunion+2010+%2892%29_edited-1.jpg"><img style="width: 320px; height: 214px;" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5507378699355059954" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_h53namv_2C4/TG4jv2qcdvI/AAAAAAAAC30/OPn26_Mc2dw/s320/Bruchmiller+Reunion+2010+%2892%29_edited-1.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br />This cousin got the lion-share of Levi time. This was before he ate (as you can tell by the give-me-food look on his face).<br /><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_h53namv_2C4/TG4jfMRwlnI/AAAAAAAAC3U/LSw3AaPDYkQ/s1600/Bruchmiller+Reunion+2010+%2882%29_edited-1.jpg"><img style="width: 134px; height: 200px;" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5507378413099325042" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_h53namv_2C4/TG4jfMRwlnI/AAAAAAAAC3U/LSw3AaPDYkQ/s200/Bruchmiller+Reunion+2010+%2882%29_edited-1.jpg" border="0" /></a> <a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_h53namv_2C4/TG4jfss6O9I/AAAAAAAAC3c/_KV1ucruepk/s1600/Bruchmiller+Reunion+2010+%2883%29_edited-1.jpg"><img style="width: 134px; height: 200px;" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5507378421803138002" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_h53namv_2C4/TG4jfss6O9I/AAAAAAAAC3c/_KV1ucruepk/s200/Bruchmiller+Reunion+2010+%2883%29_edited-1.jpg" border="0" /></a> <a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_h53namv_2C4/TG4jgPENAzI/AAAAAAAAC3k/FwZy03A0okM/s1600/Bruchmiller+Reunion+2010+%2885%29_edited-1.jpg"><img style="width: 134px; height: 200px;" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5507378431027643186" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_h53namv_2C4/TG4jgPENAzI/AAAAAAAAC3k/FwZy03A0okM/s200/Bruchmiller+Reunion+2010+%2885%29_edited-1.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><div><br />And this was after (as you can tell by the just-in-case-he-spits-up bib).</div><div><br /></div><div align="center"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_h53namv_2C4/TG4jE358BHI/AAAAAAAAC3M/fy4bwWfYs7A/s1600/Bruchmiller+Reunion+2010+%2890%29_edited-1.jpg"><img style="text-align: center; margin: 0px auto 10px; width: 267px; display: block; height: 400px;" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5507377960954102898" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_h53namv_2C4/TG4jE358BHI/AAAAAAAAC3M/fy4bwWfYs7A/s400/Bruchmiller+Reunion+2010+%2890%29_edited-1.jpg" border="0" /></a><br />Welcome to the family, Levi!</div><br /><br /><br /><br /></div>Camillehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17280923725702092958noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7612152157842066869.post-72983562238092746212010-08-11T15:51:00.000-07:002010-08-13T13:47:32.403-07:00Nephews<div>I have some pretty good-lookin' nephews, so I thought I'd give them a post all to themselves. Watch out...cute pictures ahead!<br /><br />This cute little redhead looks like he could belong to me.<br /><img style="WIDTH: 134px; HEIGHT: 200px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5504284949651211730" border="0" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_h53namv_2C4/TGMl_659RdI/AAAAAAAAC10/pNtoMl21Wcg/s200/Bruchmiller+Reunion+2010+(30)_edited-1.jpg" /> <img style="WIDTH: 134px; HEIGHT: 200px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5504284944907659730" border="0" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_h53namv_2C4/TGMl_pPAadI/AAAAAAAAC1s/1bfM6vRLoXo/s200/Bruchmiller+Reunion+2010+(29)_edited-1.jpg" /> <a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_h53namv_2C4/TGMl_J-FY0I/AAAAAAAAC1k/4VRA96OUH-E/s1600/Bruchmiller+Reunion+2010+(28)_edited-1.jpg"><img style="WIDTH: 134px; HEIGHT: 200px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5504284936515183426" border="0" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_h53namv_2C4/TGMl_J-FY0I/AAAAAAAAC1k/4VRA96OUH-E/s200/Bruchmiller+Reunion+2010+(28)_edited-1.jpg" /></a> </div><br /><div><br />I've been tempted to take him back to CA with me - maybe lure him into the minivan with the promise of a trip to Disneyland - but I think my brother and sister-in-law might miss him a little. We're going to have to work on that, though. Twice a year is just not enough nephew time for me.<br /><br /><br /><br />And this one I need around to fill me in on all of the stuff I don't know yet. </div><br /><div><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_h53namv_2C4/TGMmMppAiBI/AAAAAAAAC18/72zP6tsiZKA/s1600/Bruchmiller+Reunion+2010+(52)_edited-1.jpg"><img style="WIDTH: 134px; HEIGHT: 200px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5504285168355018770" border="0" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_h53namv_2C4/TGMmMppAiBI/AAAAAAAAC18/72zP6tsiZKA/s200/Bruchmiller+Reunion+2010+(52)_edited-1.jpg" /></a> </div><br /><div></div><br /><div>Seriously...if cute wasn't enough, this kid knows waaaaay more trivia than a kid his age should know. Or a grown-up should know.</div><br /><div> </div><br /><div></div><br /><div><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_h53namv_2C4/TGMmNK_9DWI/AAAAAAAAC2E/X6ckKTTxGDQ/s1600/Bruchmiller+Reunion+2010+(50)_edited-1.jpg"><img style="WIDTH: 134px; HEIGHT: 200px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5504285177309629794" border="0" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_h53namv_2C4/TGMmNK_9DWI/AAAAAAAAC2E/X6ckKTTxGDQ/s200/Bruchmiller+Reunion+2010+(50)_edited-1.jpg" /></a></div><br /><div></div><br /><div>In this picture he ALMOST pulled off a Dr. Evil impression. We'll have to work on that - maybe when he joins his brother in CA with us. It might be a little harder to pull off, but I think we could convince people that he is mine too.</div><br /><div> </div><br /><div> </div><br /><div></div><br /><div></div><br /><div>And here are a few more of my mini-me, because I know that 2nd children get a little cheated when it comes to photo representation (just ask his dad).</div><br /><div> </div><br /><div></div><br /><div>And I happened to catch some great playground moments.</div><br /><div> </div><br /><div></div><br /><div>And he has red hair.</div><br /><div> </div><br /><div><br /><div><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_h53namv_2C4/TGMmYGiu3EI/AAAAAAAAC2c/xIS-Wu-DjR8/s1600/Bruchmiller+Reunion+2010+(41)_edited-1.jpg"><img style="WIDTH: 134px; HEIGHT: 200px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5504285365091884098" border="0" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_h53namv_2C4/TGMmYGiu3EI/AAAAAAAAC2c/xIS-Wu-DjR8/s200/Bruchmiller+Reunion+2010+(41)_edited-1.jpg" /></a><br /><br /><br /><div><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_h53namv_2C4/TGMmXp-MJtI/AAAAAAAAC2U/3FLXGAaaTe4/s1600/Bruchmiller+Reunion+2010+(40)_edited-1.jpg"><img style="WIDTH: 134px; HEIGHT: 200px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5504285357422421714" border="0" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_h53namv_2C4/TGMmXp-MJtI/AAAAAAAAC2U/3FLXGAaaTe4/s200/Bruchmiller+Reunion+2010+(40)_edited-1.jpg" /></a><br /><br /><br /><div><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_h53namv_2C4/TGMmXOwIoQI/AAAAAAAAC2M/zd-_acZb30M/s1600/Bruchmiller+Reunion+2010+(39)_edited-1.jpg"><img style="WIDTH: 134px; HEIGHT: 200px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5504285350115713282" border="0" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_h53namv_2C4/TGMmXOwIoQI/AAAAAAAAC2M/zd-_acZb30M/s200/Bruchmiller+Reunion+2010+(39)_edited-1.jpg" /></a><br /><br />YAHOO!!<br /></div></div></div></div>Camillehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17280923725702092958noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7612152157842066869.post-75489247998736595202010-08-08T16:16:00.000-07:002010-08-11T16:48:55.203-07:00Bruchmiller Family Reunion<div align="left">My mom's family gets together every year for a family reunion. It is fun to see aunts, uncles, cousins, 2nd cousins, and, of course, our precious grandma, who now goes by G.G. - a name given to her by her first great-grandchild (at least that's where I think it came from.)<br /><br />Here is a pic of G.G. and me! She writes the BEST letters (but that's a post for another time). It is always a blessing to spend time with her.<br /></div><p align="center"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_h53namv_2C4/TGMmtkubbPI/AAAAAAAAC3E/Ci1W97ULGH0/s1600/Bruchmiller+Reunion+2010+(97)_edited-1.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 267px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5504285733971258610" border="0" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_h53namv_2C4/TGMmtkubbPI/AAAAAAAAC3E/Ci1W97ULGH0/s400/Bruchmiller+Reunion+2010+(97)_edited-1.jpg" /></a> </p><p align="left">And here she is with some of her great-grandchildren. At the reunion this year, it was just my brother's kids and mine.<br /></p><p align="left"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_h53namv_2C4/TGMmtPMb1iI/AAAAAAAAC28/1b12AJ8YnDQ/s1600/Bruchmiller+Reunion+2010+(75)_edited-1.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 267px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5504285728191534626" border="0" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_h53namv_2C4/TGMmtPMb1iI/AAAAAAAAC28/1b12AJ8YnDQ/s400/Bruchmiller+Reunion+2010+(75)_edited-1.jpg" /></a><br />So what do we do at these reunions? Well, we EAT (boy, do we eat), but I didn't get a picture of that. I guess I was too busy eating.<br /><br />We also play...<br /><br /><br /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 267px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5504285706075365634" border="0" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_h53namv_2C4/TGMmr8zh4QI/AAAAAAAAC2k/INBcfj45ZIQ/s400/Bruchmiller+Reunion+2010+(25)_edited-1.jpg" /><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_h53namv_2C4/TGMmsytR3FI/AAAAAAAAC20/c4NWJIb_iWQ/s1600/Bruchmiller+Reunion+2010+(69)_edited-1.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 267px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5504285720544664658" border="0" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_h53namv_2C4/TGMmsytR3FI/AAAAAAAAC20/c4NWJIb_iWQ/s400/Bruchmiller+Reunion+2010+(69)_edited-1.jpg" /></a><span style="font-size:78%;"> (if you didn't notice, that is my mom's hand at the edge of the picture - coming to stop the water war before someone got a direct shot to the eye or a camera got wet)</span> </p><p align="center"><br /></p><p align="center">we share pictures...</p><p align="center"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_h53namv_2C4/TGMk7AUxWsI/AAAAAAAAC0s/NfYDxQHWBKY/s1600/Bruchmiller+Reunion+2010+(19)_edited-1.jpg"><img style="WIDTH: 320px; HEIGHT: 214px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5504283765694880450" border="0" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_h53namv_2C4/TGMk7AUxWsI/AAAAAAAAC0s/NfYDxQHWBKY/s320/Bruchmiller+Reunion+2010+(19)_edited-1.jpg" /></a><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_h53namv_2C4/TGMk7YcKtGI/AAAAAAAAC00/ul-gQQMqGbY/s1600/Bruchmiller+Reunion+2010+(22)_edited-1.jpg"><img style="WIDTH: 320px; HEIGHT: 214px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5504283772168352866" border="0" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_h53namv_2C4/TGMk7YcKtGI/AAAAAAAAC00/ul-gQQMqGbY/s320/Bruchmiller+Reunion+2010+(22)_edited-1.jpg" /></a><br /></p><p align="center">and we talk...</p><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_h53namv_2C4/TGMmsWQFFDI/AAAAAAAAC2s/fc_V0nup6EA/s1600/Bruchmiller+Reunion+2010+(67)_edited-1.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 267px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5504285712905999410" border="0" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_h53namv_2C4/TGMmsWQFFDI/AAAAAAAAC2s/fc_V0nup6EA/s400/Bruchmiller+Reunion+2010+(67)_edited-1.jpg" /> <p align="center"></a>and talk... </p><div align="center"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_h53namv_2C4/TGMkrDV2w5I/AAAAAAAAC0k/N2yugUfKvUk/s1600/Bruchmiller+Reunion+2010+(47)_edited-1.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 267px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5504283491626828690" border="0" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_h53namv_2C4/TGMkrDV2w5I/AAAAAAAAC0k/N2yugUfKvUk/s400/Bruchmiller+Reunion+2010+(47)_edited-1.jpg" /></a> and talk...</div><br /><div align="center"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_h53namv_2C4/TGMkqvWNdFI/AAAAAAAAC0c/DPDze0zpQ5M/s1600/Bruchmiller+Reunion+2010+(46)_edited-1.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 267px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5504283486259606610" border="0" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_h53namv_2C4/TGMkqvWNdFI/AAAAAAAAC0c/DPDze0zpQ5M/s400/Bruchmiller+Reunion+2010+(46)_edited-1.jpg" /></a> and talk.<br /><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_h53namv_2C4/TGMkpsZRXeI/AAAAAAAAC0M/Q_JK-7UrDTA/s1600/Bruchmiller+Reunion+2010+(17)_edited-1.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 267px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5504283468287270370" border="0" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_h53namv_2C4/TGMkpsZRXeI/AAAAAAAAC0M/Q_JK-7UrDTA/s400/Bruchmiller+Reunion+2010+(17)_edited-1.jpg" /></a><br /><br /><br />This is what Levi thought about all of that talking.<br /><br /><div align="left"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_h53namv_2C4/TGMkpF3ZuqI/AAAAAAAAC0E/2ZWaiwHyZFs/s1600/Bruchmiller+Reunion+2010+(9)_edited-1.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 267px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5504283457944664738" border="0" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_h53namv_2C4/TGMkpF3ZuqI/AAAAAAAAC0E/2ZWaiwHyZFs/s400/Bruchmiller+Reunion+2010+(9)_edited-1.jpg" /></a><br />Don't worry, buddy. </div><div align="left">Next year you can get water sprayed in your eye during the drinking fountain water war.</div></div>Camillehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17280923725702092958noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7612152157842066869.post-39372884184491769122010-07-13T13:28:00.000-07:002010-07-13T14:19:49.442-07:00LeviSeeing as my last post was in February, and some significant changes have happened in our lives since then, it's probably time to post SOMETHING. What better initiation back into blogging than some newborn pictures of our precious Levi! Here are 3 of my favorites.<br /><br /><br /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 267px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5493491975062560290" border="0" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_h53namv_2C4/TDzN2HYQHiI/AAAAAAAACwE/eUqB3RSglcU/s400/Portrait+June+2010_068+le.jpg" /><br /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 267px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5493491967026564002" border="0" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_h53namv_2C4/TDzN1pcUi6I/AAAAAAAACv8/T_0vs3bp9es/s400/Portrait+June+2010_019+e+s.jpg" /><br /><br /><p><br /></p><p><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 267px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5493491955766667826" border="0" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_h53namv_2C4/TDzN0_fwKjI/AAAAAAAACv0/FzCOox4hdJc/s400/Portrait+June+2010_013+bw.jpg" /></p><p><br /><br />There will surely be more to come!</p>Camillehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17280923725702092958noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7612152157842066869.post-58504092199067602832010-02-15T15:02:00.000-08:002010-02-15T15:13:55.307-08:00HAWAII Here We Come!!Ever since Erik and I celebrated our 10th anniversary on a Hawaiian cruise, we have been itching to get back. We have only been the one time, and we had short day visits at each of the major islands - a great way to see the unique qualities of each island, but not enough time to really explore and experience all the islands have to offer. Claire has never been, but it's the number one place she wants to visit.<br /><br />Sooo...after years of charges on our Alaska Airlines credit card, we now have enough airline miles to get the three of us to Maui for a week. We found a great studio condo in Kihei (thanks to all the friends who shared the <a href="http://www.vrbo.com/">VRBO</a> tip) and with a full kitchen, we'll be able to save money on meals too - what a deal!! <br /><br />Click <a href="http://www.vrbo.com/180618">here</a> to see where we'll be staying.<br /><br />Can't wait!!Camillehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17280923725702092958noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7612152157842066869.post-43656634214200515492010-01-31T20:04:00.000-08:002010-01-31T20:41:52.962-08:00New Year...Not So New BlogSince it's January, I have resolved to be a teensy bit more consistent with updating my blog. (O.K...so it's January 31st, but I <strong>still </strong>made the cut-off for New Year's resolutions.)<br /><br />I wrote a post called <u><span style="color:#800080;"><a href="http://waagefamily.blogspot.com/2009/10/finishing.html">Finishing</a> </span></u>a few months ago and <em>technically</em> followed through by finishing the pictures from Vashon, but I really wanted to post ALL of the summer pictures before I went on with September, October... you get the idea.<br /><br />Now, so much has happened, that I'm overwhelmed with the idea of going back and catching up, so I'm just not going to. I'm starting fresh. Right now.<br /><br />It's a new year, so I don't have to worry about LAST year's news and pictures, right?<br /><br /><br />Well, here's just a couple of things...<br /><br />1. Claire started 1st grade and <strong>loves </strong>her teacher. Her reading took off all of a sudden in October and we can't believe everything that she is reading these days!<br /><br />2. Our chickens started laying eggs - 2 lay brown eggs and 2 lay the most beautiful blue-green eggs. I'm hoping to post a picture soon, but if I don't - <em>it's a new year</em>.<br /><br />3. Claire celebrated her 6th birthday with a "Candy and Costume" party in the park. She had a big part in the planning this year.<br /><br />4. We finished our last job with our videography business, <a href="http://www.cevideo.com/">Creativedge Video</a> and Erik started his new job as a partner with <a href="http://www.blueskiescinema.com/">Blue Skies Cinema</a>. It has been a wonderful change for him and we are so grateful that God opened up this opportunity.<br /><br />5. Oh, and one last thing...WE ARE EXPECTING A BABY!!! Our baby boy is due to join our family on June 12, but we are already experiencing the joy of adding this little miracle to our family through these months of expectant waiting.<br /><br />All for now. More to come.<br /><br /><br />Promise.Camillehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17280923725702092958noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7612152157842066869.post-16868584469153132152009-11-04T21:51:00.000-08:002009-11-04T21:54:33.315-08:00Leaving Vashon<div style="text-align: left; ">Another great year, hundreds more great memories.</div><div style="text-align: left; "><br /></div><div style="text-align: left; ">Here are two shots from our ferry ride off the island and on to the rest of our vacation. </div><div style="text-align: left; "><br /></div><div style="text-align: left; ">(Are there really more photos to go through?)</div><div style="text-align: left; "><br /></div><div style="text-align: left; "><br /></div><div style="text-align: left; ">This is one of my new favorite shots of Claire. She loves riding on the ferry.</div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_h53namv_2C4/StKz9tyz-aI/AAAAAAAACqY/J1xl1TPJD2s/s1600-h/Vashon+2009+608e.jpg"><img src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_h53namv_2C4/StKz9tyz-aI/AAAAAAAACqY/J1xl1TPJD2s/s400/Vashon+2009+608e.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5391569576762014114" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 267px; height: 400px; " /></a><br /><div>And this picture gives just a taste of the tranquility that we experience during our time there.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_h53namv_2C4/StKz9DTT6AI/AAAAAAAACqQ/3bJVO0TyGjI/s1600-h/Vashon+2009+619e.jpg"><img src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_h53namv_2C4/StKz9DTT6AI/AAAAAAAACqQ/3bJVO0TyGjI/s400/Vashon+2009+619e.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5391569565355599874" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 267px; " /></a>Until next year...</div>Camillehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17280923725702092958noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7612152157842066869.post-53329023634749889302009-11-02T16:50:00.000-08:002009-11-02T17:25:12.862-08:00Puget Sound TUBING!<div>Uncle Harold brings his boat every year and takes the kids on WILD innertube rides!</div><div><br /></div><div>Here are the first victims...er...tube-riders. Yeah...they're smiling <b>now</b>...</div><img src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_h53namv_2C4/StK2XB5BN0I/AAAAAAAACrQ/5yn3VmkHseg/s400/Vashon+2009+404e.jpg" /><div>I won't post the "after" picture - it just wasn't pretty.</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>This guy had some fun - check out the air he caught!</div><div><img src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_h53namv_2C4/StK0_NzorZI/AAAAAAAACrI/-DQMgyLFirE/s400/Vashon+2009+468e.jpg" /></div><div><br /></div><div>Claire got to go for a ride with one of her aunties. Too bad they didn't have any fun. :) Someone wipe those grins off their faces!</div><div><img src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_h53namv_2C4/StK0-j96b3I/AAAAAAAACrA/5vEKT-ZTAlU/s400/Vashon+2009+495e.jpg" /></div><div><br /></div><div>She got REALLY brave with Daddy. "Look, Mommy! NO HANDS!!"</div><div><img src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_h53namv_2C4/StK2Xiop3fI/AAAAAAAACrY/2hKOvtSQvpk/s400/Vashon+2009+363e.jpg" /></div><div><br /></div><div>Next year...wakeboarding? Counting the days...</div>Camillehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17280923725702092958noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7612152157842066869.post-11189901060098321962009-11-01T19:03:00.000-08:002009-11-04T21:53:35.847-08:00Winslow<div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>This is Winslow.</div><div><img src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_h53namv_2C4/StTae_wXQzI/AAAAAAAACt4/18oDaBuPJyo/s400/Vashon+2009+158e.jpg" /></div><div><br /></div><div>One of my favorite things about Winslow is that his little pink tongue is ALWAYS hanging out. </div><div><br /></div><div>Seriously. </div><div><br /></div><div>The funniest thing I saw this summer was a tired Winslow walking slowly on the beach with his head so close to the ground that his tongue was dragging through the sand. </div><div><br /></div><div>It doesn't make him look like the sharpest tool in the dog shed, but it certainly puts him a few notches higher on the cute meter. </div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>It's important to know about his tongue habit, because otherwise you might think he's being choked to death by a little too much love here.</div><div><div><img src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_h53namv_2C4/StK2YwkjlYI/AAAAAAAACro/v3WXRkvHYFo/s400/Vashon+2009+331e.jpg" /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>It is kinda hard to tell whether he appreciates all of the love or not...</div><div><img src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_h53namv_2C4/StK2YT2ykcI/AAAAAAAACrg/0589IQQRwK8/s400/Vashon+2009+332e.jpg" /></div><div><br /></div><div>O.K...that's probably enough love for one day. Time to let Winslow breathe again.</div><div><br /></div></div>Camillehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17280923725702092958noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7612152157842066869.post-51193860272830774612009-10-19T22:12:00.000-07:002009-10-20T22:21:36.642-07:00Fun at the BeachThe calm Puget Sound makes our little beach PERFECT for the kids to play and explore without fear of waves and riptides (well...until a big freighter goes by and brings a few "waves" to shore). Here are some fun pictures of kids at the beach.<div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>This is a view of the house from the beach. We are so lucky to have the beach just a short walk away.</div><div><img src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_h53namv_2C4/St6WaU2CBwI/AAAAAAAACvs/pOhS68s5REM/s400/Vashon+2009+011e.jpg" style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 267px;" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5394914782652532482" /><br /><div></div></div><div><div><br /></div><br /><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>The weather was so warm this year that the kids actually played IN the water, not just NEAR it. Some years, it's pretty chilly to think about braving that frigid NW saltwater!<br /></div><div><img src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_h53namv_2C4/StTaffGLjeI/AAAAAAAACuA/ZFAuvSlg7sM/s400/Vashon+2009+145e.jpg" /></div><div><br /></div><div><img src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_h53namv_2C4/StTlDHBsBkI/AAAAAAAACuQ/2RaYNhmCF-c/s400/Vashon+2009+121e.jpg" /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>And look at what Claire found in the water - a seaweed hat! Who woulda thought?</div><div><img src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_h53namv_2C4/StTlEfzBfBI/AAAAAAAACug/TDgE-2JxQlQ/s400/Vashon+2009+108e.jpg" /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>The sand provides hours of entertainment creating sculptures and digging holes.</div><div><img src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_h53namv_2C4/StTagJ-Mu1I/AAAAAAAACuI/G_ZmLYTFoJ0/s400/Vashon+2009+126e.jpg" /></div><div><br /></div><div><img src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_h53namv_2C4/StK82EvTIII/AAAAAAAACrw/j4CqRhCtaEY/s400/Vashon+2009+317e.jpg" /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>Up in the dry sand (where most of the grown-ups hang out), there are other fun things to do like...</div><div><br /></div><div>play in an exersaucer that's a leeeetle bit too small for you,</div><div><img src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_h53namv_2C4/StK83hlzwPI/AAAAAAAACsI/SXCXTUkhW9w/s400/Vashon+2009+238e.jpg" /></div><div><br /></div><div>chomp down on some juicy watermelon,</div><div><img src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_h53namv_2C4/StK_GQ3VbwI/AAAAAAAACsQ/AyPEjfynAwM/s400/Vashon+2009+234e.jpg" /></div><div><br /></div><div>and roast the perfect marshmallow to make the perfect s'more.</div><div><img src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_h53namv_2C4/StK83EkdeRI/AAAAAAAACsA/dWXVIW_MWME/s400/Vashon+2009+267e.jpg" /></div><div><br /></div><div>That s'more is really SO perfect that we need to see it just a little bit closer.</div><div><img src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_h53namv_2C4/StK82qdwCMI/AAAAAAAACr4/8lzhZjIP-cg/s400/Vashon+2009+268e.jpg" /></div><div><br /></div><div>mmmmmm...</div></div>Camillehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17280923725702092958noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7612152157842066869.post-1068968100983760312009-10-15T19:09:00.000-07:002009-10-15T20:47:56.627-07:00Kids, kids, KIDS!<div>Every year we seem to have at least 2 new little ones when we all get together. Don't know how it works out this way, but our babies seem to come in twos. We were tied - boys to girls - until my sister-in-law announced that she was breaking the tie with another...BOY! </div><div><br /></div><div>Here's her first. If her baby-to-be is HALF as cute as this one, it will be just too much to handle.</div><img src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_h53namv_2C4/StTZlMPTqlI/AAAAAAAACto/PY0uYg8KiDw/s400/Vashon+2009+166e.jpg" /><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>The girls! Our babies also seem to follow gender patterns. Each family (with more than one child) has either all girls or all boys...so far. Here are the girls from 3 families (including mine). The two cuties in light pink welcomed their little sister to the family shortly after we all returned home.</div><div><img src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_h53namv_2C4/StTYO4bOzUI/AAAAAAAACtY/y99Ppz63InM/s400/Vashon+2009+188e.jpg" /><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><div>This little guy wanted to show off his muscles.</div></div><div><img src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_h53namv_2C4/StLAn0D-ogI/AAAAAAAACs4/ac3EsoYtLug/s400/Vashon+2009+201e.jpg" /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>The youngest this year was loved by all (maybe a little too much - he doesn't look so sure...)</div><div><img src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_h53namv_2C4/StTYNcdBi5I/AAAAAAAACtI/MbVvTc22xBU/s400/Vashon+2009+193e.jpg" /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><b>There's</b> a smile!</div><div><img src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_h53namv_2C4/StLAm6B3BPI/AAAAAAAACso/DbESZ346JvI/s400/Vashon+2009+211e.jpg" /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>Since he IS the youngest, he gets the most pictures. Take that. (And anyway, who WOULDN'T want to see more pictures of this little face??)</div><div><img src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_h53namv_2C4/StK_G3tFQDI/AAAAAAAACsY/3Ahmi2rIcqg/s400/Vashon+2009+217e.jpg" /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><div>This is proud big brother. You can see that CUTE certainly runs in the family.</div></div><div><img src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_h53namv_2C4/StK09sQbgiI/AAAAAAAACqw/OqTvCHqh_ts/s400/Vashon+2009+545e.jpg" /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>Hangin' out.</div><div><img src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_h53namv_2C4/StK_HtlBGyI/AAAAAAAACsg/-p2KamZeyf8/s400/Vashon+2009+212e.jpg" /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>After-dinner games.</div><div><img src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_h53namv_2C4/StK0-Ck2fLI/AAAAAAAACq4/fEPCtVz3o-k/s400/Vashon+2009+536e.jpg" /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>And this little doll...</div><div><img src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_h53namv_2C4/StKz-8A9QxI/AAAAAAAACqo/RDOb3pe03b4/s400/Vashon+2009+550e.jpg" /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>...took this picture. I think I see a future career in photography, yes?</div><div><img src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_h53namv_2C4/StKz-Ia_j2I/AAAAAAAACqg/o-JW91wviZ8/s400/Vashon+2009+556e.jpg" /></div></div>Camillehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17280923725702092958noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7612152157842066869.post-33776649963720402182009-10-13T15:57:00.000-07:002009-10-13T16:10:13.268-07:00Vashon TreasuresVashon is one of the most perfect playgrounds for kids. They spend HOURS on the beach, digging in the sand, splashing in the water, and looking under rocks for crabs. Some treasures are there every year, and others are fun surprises. Here are some treasures that we found this year.<div><br /></div><div><br /><div>At low-tide, we love to walk down to the tide pools and look at all of the starfish, sea anemones, and tiny crabs. Here was one that was found under a rock.</div><div><img src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_h53namv_2C4/StTmRnENrOI/AAAAAAAACu4/7XshK-fjTMw/s400/Vashon+2009+023e.jpg" /><div><br /></div><div>The kids soon learn that the tiny ones can't pinch, so they love to let them crawl around on their hands.</div><div><img src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_h53namv_2C4/StTmQ2DNbII/AAAAAAAACuw/8rzuQCSxEMc/s400/Vashon+2009+026e.jpg" /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>Another treasure that we always look forward to (as long as we're there in August) is BLACKBERRIES! This year we even made blackberry ice cream, which was Y-U-M-M-Y!</div><div><img src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_h53namv_2C4/StTZkSI5uNI/AAAAAAAACtg/iTnNPeuIF9w/s400/Vashon+2009+182e.jpg" /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>My nephew thought he found a treasure in the smooth rocks on the beach, but I'm not sure his mom liked them in his mouth as much as he did!</div><div><img src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_h53namv_2C4/StTlD1UnT4I/AAAAAAAACuY/qQcX7PAoC34/s400/Vashon+2009+119e.jpg" /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>Our surprise treasure this year was discovering this nest with two beautiful eggs inside. The nest was built on the ledge of a basement window, right next to the door leading into the basement. We never saw any birds, so we're pretty sure it was abandoned, but it was sure pretty to look at every time we went downstairs.</div><div><img src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_h53namv_2C4/StTmQXl5pEI/AAAAAAAACuo/7nwjlsdujGM/s400/Vashon+2009+102e.jpg" /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>Looking forward to next year's treasure hunt!</div><div><br /></div></div></div>Camillehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17280923725702092958noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7612152157842066869.post-62574908515072798472009-10-11T16:38:00.001-07:002009-10-11T16:49:24.890-07:00FinishingI have trouble finishing things.<div><br /></div><div>I start off with a bang and get pre-e-e-t-t-ty far down the road, but then something happens - I catch a cold, I can't figure the next step out, or...most often...I get overwhelmed with the task I've created for myself and I just STOP.</div><div><br /></div><div>I can't tell you how many times I've started a regular workout routine, only to get sick two weeks later and then stop completely. (Soooooo many times...)</div><div><br /></div><div>I have about 4 or 5 unfinished quilts folded neatly in a drawer.</div><div><br /></div><div>My house...oh, my house... (let's not talk about that right now.)</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>So, this blog. I think I did pretty good in the beginning and was pretty sure I could keep up with it, and then ROAD TRIP PICTURES happened. Now that I've discovered Photoshop, my photo editing time has pretty much quadrupled. No more quick red-eye fixes and easy crops - now I'm looking at just the right contrast, color correction, and blemish removal (and on and on and on...) It's worth it in the end, but my mountain of pictures was just too much to handle once school started and we got back into our normal crazy routine.</div><div><br /></div><div>But the guilt over not finishing yet another project is getting to me more than the urge to procrastinate, so I'm pledging to at least catch up over the next couple of weeks. If I say it here, maybe I'll really do it.</div><div><br /></div><div>Here's hoping.</div><div><br /></div>Camillehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17280923725702092958noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7612152157842066869.post-69968563733887345322009-08-23T17:18:00.001-07:002009-08-23T23:12:56.417-07:00Vashon Dunes<div style="text-align: left;">Every year we gather on Vashon Island to celebrate a family reunion with Erik's extended family. His great-aunt (she's 97!) still lives in the farmhouse where she was born, and she graciously allows 20+ adults, an ever-growing number of kids (this year there were 11 with more on the way) and a handful of dogs to invade her usually quiet home. We eat, take naps, play on the beach, eat, pick blackberries, fish for flounder and dogfish, eat, read the latest novels, go for walks, eat, and...eat. I think I gained 6 pounds and took 500 pictures while we were there this year, so it has been quite a chore trying to work off that weight AND get those photos all organized, but I thought I'd start with these. (The exercise can wait, right?)</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div>When Erik was a kid, one of his favorite things to do at Vashon was go with his cousins down the beach to the sand dunes. They would spend HOURS running up and down the sandy hill. Now the cousins are passing along the dunes tradition to the next generation.<div><div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_h53namv_2C4/SpHmfpMwYII/AAAAAAAACpY/Po6J1uHW870/s1600-h/Vashon+2009+036e.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_h53namv_2C4/SpHmfpMwYII/AAAAAAAACpY/Po6J1uHW870/s400/Vashon+2009+036e.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5373329261739401346" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_h53namv_2C4/SpHmfpMwYII/AAAAAAAACpY/Po6J1uHW870/s1600-h/Vashon+2009+036e.jpg"></a>I had to back up quite a way to show just how high up they were. It's no little hill...<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_h53namv_2C4/SpHmfCLvYCI/AAAAAAAACpQ/XL4uQv_6vWU/s1600-h/Vashon+2009+044e.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 267px; height: 400px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_h53namv_2C4/SpHmfCLvYCI/AAAAAAAACpQ/XL4uQv_6vWU/s400/Vashon+2009+044e.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5373329251266158626" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_h53namv_2C4/SpHmfCLvYCI/AAAAAAAACpQ/XL4uQv_6vWU/s1600-h/Vashon+2009+044e.jpg"></a>What do you do on a huge hill made of sand? </div><div><br /></div><div> Jump down, of course!<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_h53namv_2C4/SpHlksnPfYI/AAAAAAAACpI/3tS2c1GKcNw/s1600-h/Vashon+2009+067e.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 214px; height: 320px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_h53namv_2C4/SpHlksnPfYI/AAAAAAAACpI/3tS2c1GKcNw/s320/Vashon+2009+067e.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5373328249043516802" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_h53namv_2C4/SpHlksnPfYI/AAAAAAAACpI/3tS2c1GKcNw/s1600-h/Vashon+2009+067e.jpg"></a>Here's Erik in action:<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_h53namv_2C4/SpHk2xpFplI/AAAAAAAACo4/mDS0wx09d0c/s1600-h/Vashon+2009+055e.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 214px; height: 320px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_h53namv_2C4/SpHk2xpFplI/AAAAAAAACo4/mDS0wx09d0c/s320/Vashon+2009+055e.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5373327460119455314" /></a></div><div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_h53namv_2C4/SpHk2xpFplI/AAAAAAAACo4/mDS0wx09d0c/s1600-h/Vashon+2009+055e.jpg"></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_h53namv_2C4/SpHk2Z0WaTI/AAAAAAAACow/qykrNkMabBQ/s1600-h/Vashon+2009+057e.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 214px; height: 320px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_h53namv_2C4/SpHk2Z0WaTI/AAAAAAAACow/qykrNkMabBQ/s320/Vashon+2009+057e.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5373327453724240178" /></a></div><div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_h53namv_2C4/SpHk2Z0WaTI/AAAAAAAACow/qykrNkMabBQ/s1600-h/Vashon+2009+057e.jpg"></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_h53namv_2C4/SpHk13MDpXI/AAAAAAAACoo/PUFzemx4VmQ/s1600-h/Vashon+2009+059e.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 214px; height: 320px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_h53namv_2C4/SpHk13MDpXI/AAAAAAAACoo/PUFzemx4VmQ/s320/Vashon+2009+059e.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5373327444428432754" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_h53namv_2C4/SpHk13MDpXI/AAAAAAAACoo/PUFzemx4VmQ/s1600-h/Vashon+2009+059e.jpg"></a>His cousin...<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_h53namv_2C4/SpHjzhwI-KI/AAAAAAAACog/NNLobBxnBI4/s1600-h/Vashon+2009+070e.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 214px; height: 320px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_h53namv_2C4/SpHjzhwI-KI/AAAAAAAACog/NNLobBxnBI4/s320/Vashon+2009+070e.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5373326304802830498" /></a></div><div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_h53namv_2C4/SpHjzhwI-KI/AAAAAAAACog/NNLobBxnBI4/s1600-h/Vashon+2009+070e.jpg"></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_h53namv_2C4/SpHjy9O1EGI/AAAAAAAACoY/n49IRoLdeHE/s1600-h/Vashon+2009+071e.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 214px; height: 320px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_h53namv_2C4/SpHjy9O1EGI/AAAAAAAACoY/n49IRoLdeHE/s320/Vashon+2009+071e.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5373326294999437410" /></a></div><div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_h53namv_2C4/SpHjy9O1EGI/AAAAAAAACoY/n49IRoLdeHE/s1600-h/Vashon+2009+071e.jpg"></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_h53namv_2C4/SpHjyL_VxKI/AAAAAAAACoQ/8OUdvbD8mPc/s1600-h/Vashon+2009+072e.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 214px; height: 320px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_h53namv_2C4/SpHjyL_VxKI/AAAAAAAACoQ/8OUdvbD8mPc/s320/Vashon+2009+072e.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5373326281781134498" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_h53namv_2C4/SpHjyL_VxKI/AAAAAAAACoQ/8OUdvbD8mPc/s1600-h/Vashon+2009+072e.jpg"></a>And then this young punk showed us how to REALLY do it.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_h53namv_2C4/SpHdU9IsGoI/AAAAAAAACoI/o1_1oOV1E08/s1600-h/Vashon+2009+089e.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 214px; height: 320px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_h53namv_2C4/SpHdU9IsGoI/AAAAAAAACoI/o1_1oOV1E08/s320/Vashon+2009+089e.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5373319182507842178" /></a></div><div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_h53namv_2C4/SpHdU9IsGoI/AAAAAAAACoI/o1_1oOV1E08/s1600-h/Vashon+2009+089e.jpg"></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_h53namv_2C4/SpHdUcvkirI/AAAAAAAACoA/xbTTg2nBTdA/s1600-h/Vashon+2009+090e.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 214px; height: 320px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_h53namv_2C4/SpHdUcvkirI/AAAAAAAACoA/xbTTg2nBTdA/s320/Vashon+2009+090e.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5373319173812554418" /></a></div><div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_h53namv_2C4/SpHdUcvkirI/AAAAAAAACoA/xbTTg2nBTdA/s1600-h/Vashon+2009+090e.jpg"></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_h53namv_2C4/SpHdToEvhkI/AAAAAAAACn4/zYXbjhytuJc/s1600-h/Vashon+2009+093e.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 214px; height: 320px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_h53namv_2C4/SpHdToEvhkI/AAAAAAAACn4/zYXbjhytuJc/s320/Vashon+2009+093e.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5373319159674275394" /></a></div><div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_h53namv_2C4/SpHdToEvhkI/AAAAAAAACn4/zYXbjhytuJc/s1600-h/Vashon+2009+093e.jpg"></a><br /><div>Yep, he definitely took it up a notch. Let's see that mid-air shot again...</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div><img src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_h53namv_2C4/SpHrBiiMi2I/AAAAAAAACpw/5qlP3-g2bRo/s400/Vashon+2009+090e.jpg" style="text-align: left;display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; cursor: pointer; width: 267px; height: 400px; " border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5373334242112342882" /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Awesome.</div></div></div>Camillehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17280923725702092958noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7612152157842066869.post-18149274965959136312009-08-22T00:18:00.001-07:002009-08-23T23:13:30.728-07:00From Colorado to VashonWe drove from Colorado to Washington caravan-style with Erik's parents. On our three day journey, we tried to cover 400-500 miles each day and camped at night in their RV. At one rest stop, we looked out into an open area and saw a bunch of little prairie dogs sticking their heads up out of the ground.<div><img src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_h53namv_2C4/So-lMdIQ7VI/AAAAAAAACnU/mROUSepChc0/s320/Prairie+dogs+008e.jpg" style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5372694513872596306" /></div><div><br /></div><div>Claire and I crept forward s-l-o-w-l-y to get a better shot...<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_h53namv_2C4/So-ixYelgCI/AAAAAAAACm0/ymq5pIzTrSQ/s1600-h/Prairie+dogs+013e.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_h53namv_2C4/So-ixYelgCI/AAAAAAAACm0/ymq5pIzTrSQ/s320/Prairie+dogs+013e.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5372691849744318498" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_h53namv_2C4/So-ixYelgCI/AAAAAAAACm0/ymq5pIzTrSQ/s1600-h/Prairie+dogs+013e.jpg"></a>...but we didn't really need to worry because they were obviously used to people with cameras. This guy practically posed for me. "Alright, Mr. DeMille, I'm ready for my close-up."<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_h53namv_2C4/So-h8w_ZM0I/AAAAAAAACms/RTGGgbZ4JF0/s1600-h/Prairie+dogs+015e.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_h53namv_2C4/So-h8w_ZM0I/AAAAAAAACms/RTGGgbZ4JF0/s320/Prairie+dogs+015e.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5372690945791308610" /></a></div><div>Right after I took that picture, another prairie dog started coming right toward us, and almost touched our toes! I was too freaked out about a wild animal coming so close to our flip-flopped feet to snap a photo.</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>Our second day of driving was Gramma's birthday, so Claire decorated a cake for her that night. Remember the extra batter from the <a href="http://waagefamily.blogspot.com/2009/08/dump-truck-cake.html">dump truck cake</a> that went into the regular loaf pan? We found a great use for it!<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_h53namv_2C4/So-h8L3MJvI/AAAAAAAACmk/P9zkJwMB1xA/s1600-h/Cake+for+Grandma%27s+birthday+006e.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 214px; height: 320px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_h53namv_2C4/So-h8L3MJvI/AAAAAAAACmk/P9zkJwMB1xA/s320/Cake+for+Grandma%27s+birthday+006e.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5372690935824787186" /></a></div><div>It's a little hard to see in the picture, but she wrote "Gramma" in black frosting and then used the star tips to decorate all around the top and sides in yellow and blue.</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>We stayed in Baker City, OR on the 2nd night, so we decided to visit the Oregon Trail Interpretive Center the next morning. We both felt that we had gained a pretty good knowledge of life on the trail from the computer game (smile), but thought we owed it to ourselves to at least check it out.</div><div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_h53namv_2C4/So-h7hm1SwI/AAAAAAAACmc/GhsBsym8h30/s1600-h/Oregon+Trail+Interpretive+Center+026e.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_h53namv_2C4/So-h7hm1SwI/AAAAAAAACmc/GhsBsym8h30/s320/Oregon+Trail+Interpretive+Center+026e.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5372690924481891074" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_h53namv_2C4/So-h7hm1SwI/AAAAAAAACmc/GhsBsym8h30/s1600-h/Oregon+Trail+Interpretive+Center+026e.jpg"></a>These were models of the covered wagons. I was surprised at how small they were. No "Little House on the Prairie"-sized wagons here.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_h53namv_2C4/So-hAhnZwsI/AAAAAAAACmU/aP-CxlfsIZs/s1600-h/Oregon+Trail+Interpretive+Center+001e.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_h53namv_2C4/So-hAhnZwsI/AAAAAAAACmU/aP-CxlfsIZs/s320/Oregon+Trail+Interpretive+Center+001e.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5372689910871999170" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_h53namv_2C4/So-hAhnZwsI/AAAAAAAACmU/aP-CxlfsIZs/s1600-h/Oregon+Trail+Interpretive+Center+001e.jpg"></a>This was the view from outside the museum. Inside, there was an observation window that showed the same view, but with a map next to it showing the location of the actual Oregon Trail.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_h53namv_2C4/So-hADmdDQI/AAAAAAAACmM/G6i8r7tEDj0/s1600-h/Oregon+Trail+Interpretive+Center+002e.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_h53namv_2C4/So-hADmdDQI/AAAAAAAACmM/G6i8r7tEDj0/s320/Oregon+Trail+Interpretive+Center+002e.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5372689902814956802" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_h53namv_2C4/So-hADmdDQI/AAAAAAAACmM/G6i8r7tEDj0/s1600-h/Oregon+Trail+Interpretive+Center+002e.jpg"></a>Thought this moss on the rocks looked kind of cool.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_h53namv_2C4/So-gLInGEgI/AAAAAAAACl8/sELu_vYWpBs/s1600-h/Oregon+Trail+Interpretive+Center+011e.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_h53namv_2C4/So-gLInGEgI/AAAAAAAACl8/sELu_vYWpBs/s320/Oregon+Trail+Interpretive+Center+011e.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5372688993626755586" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_h53namv_2C4/So-gLInGEgI/AAAAAAAACl8/sELu_vYWpBs/s1600-h/Oregon+Trail+Interpretive+Center+011e.jpg"></a>Inside were displays of "lifelike" people and animals with pre-recorded voices playing as you walked by. Claire liked this one of the shepherd.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_h53namv_2C4/So-gKst9IoI/AAAAAAAACl0/2Y16oX1ZZLQ/s1600-h/Oregon+Trail+Interpretive+Center+017e.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 214px; height: 320px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_h53namv_2C4/So-gKst9IoI/AAAAAAAACl0/2Y16oX1ZZLQ/s320/Oregon+Trail+Interpretive+Center+017e.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5372688986139337346" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_h53namv_2C4/So-gKst9IoI/AAAAAAAACl0/2Y16oX1ZZLQ/s1600-h/Oregon+Trail+Interpretive+Center+017e.jpg"></a>She also liked the buffalo.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_h53namv_2C4/So-gJ1jkGaI/AAAAAAAACls/opvJN5oOZTA/s1600-h/Oregon+Trail+Interpretive+Center+021e.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 214px; height: 320px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_h53namv_2C4/So-gJ1jkGaI/AAAAAAAACls/opvJN5oOZTA/s320/Oregon+Trail+Interpretive+Center+021e.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5372688971331803554" /></a><br /><br /></div><div>Erik liked the buffalo too -- in the computer game. While everyone else was wasting their time trying to shoot rabbits, he could shoot one buffalo and be set for food for a LONG time. Yes, I think we learned all we needed to learn from that game...</div>Camillehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17280923725702092958noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7612152157842066869.post-39058575324265658702009-08-18T00:45:00.000-07:002009-08-18T00:49:52.961-07:00Vashon SunsetNot much time tonight to work through the 500+ pictures that I took while we were on Vashon Island. However, I thought I'd post one of my favorites. This is the view from the front porch of the house. <div><br /><div><img src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_h53namv_2C4/SopcjEWuX_I/AAAAAAAACk0/yNG_q8GVuOE/s400/Vashon+2009+001.jpg" style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 267px;" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5371207263126970354" /></div><div><br /></div><div>Ahhhh...Puget Sound at sunset. Doesn't get much better than that.</div></div>Camillehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17280923725702092958noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7612152157842066869.post-92087919859321731152009-08-15T17:14:00.000-07:002009-08-15T18:20:15.084-07:00Birthday Bash at the "Waage Woods"As mentioned in an earlier post, my nephew just turned one and his party was held at Erik's parents' new house, located on a beautiful 5-acre plot that has been appropriately named "Waage Woods." <div><br /></div><div>This party had it all - horseback rides (thanks to the neighbors across the street), playground equipment, ATVs, and tons of yummy food.<br /><br /><div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_h53namv_2C4/SodXchYbjrI/AAAAAAAACkM/y6NTtWxYH7k/s1600-h/Josiah%27s+1st+bday+094.jpg"></a>Here's the birthday boy - love the hat (and it would become the "official" horse riding attire).<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_h53namv_2C4/SodU3HPb-kI/AAAAAAAACjk/p_4OAkDptbY/s1600-h/Josiah%27s+1st+bday+086e.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 214px; height: 320px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_h53namv_2C4/SodU3HPb-kI/AAAAAAAACjk/p_4OAkDptbY/s320/Josiah%27s+1st+bday+086e.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5370354386475940418" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_h53namv_2C4/SodU3HPb-kI/AAAAAAAACjk/p_4OAkDptbY/s1600-h/Josiah%27s+1st+bday+086e.jpg"></a>Claire taking her turn. She's a natural.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_h53namv_2C4/SodU2teZaJI/AAAAAAAACjc/H8_CthCF_5E/s1600-h/Josiah%27s+1st+bday+132+e.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_h53namv_2C4/SodU2teZaJI/AAAAAAAACjc/H8_CthCF_5E/s320/Josiah%27s+1st+bday+132+e.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5370354379559364754" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_h53namv_2C4/SodU2teZaJI/AAAAAAAACjc/H8_CthCF_5E/s1600-h/Josiah%27s+1st+bday+132+e.jpg"></a>I'm thinkin' we're going to start seeing "pony" on her Christmas list.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_h53namv_2C4/SodU2NvljrI/AAAAAAAACjU/rIa9NkeNCdE/s1600-h/Josiah%27s+1st+bday+134e.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 214px; height: 320px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_h53namv_2C4/SodU2NvljrI/AAAAAAAACjU/rIa9NkeNCdE/s320/Josiah%27s+1st+bday+134e.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5370354371041529522" /></a><br /><br /></div><div>Papa with one grandson...<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_h53namv_2C4/SodTcDrif_I/AAAAAAAACjE/iwgCLrZODR8/s1600-h/Josiah%27s+1st+bday+150e.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 214px; height: 320px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_h53namv_2C4/SodTcDrif_I/AAAAAAAACjE/iwgCLrZODR8/s320/Josiah%27s+1st+bday+150e.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5370352822151970802" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>...and the other. I love this picture.</div><div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_h53namv_2C4/SodTcDrif_I/AAAAAAAACjE/iwgCLrZODR8/s1600-h/Josiah%27s+1st+bday+150e.jpg"></a><img src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_h53namv_2C4/SodU1nCivUI/AAAAAAAACjM/aNe3SGM7hUM/s320/Josiah%27s+1st+bday+144noballoon+s.jpg" style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 214px; height: 320px;" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5370354360652053826" /></div><div><br /></div><div>Yee...HAW!<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_h53namv_2C4/SodTbm3TbVI/AAAAAAAACi8/f2bm_FY6zzw/s1600-h/Josiah%27s+1st+bday+226+e.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 214px; height: 320px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_h53namv_2C4/SodTbm3TbVI/AAAAAAAACi8/f2bm_FY6zzw/s320/Josiah%27s+1st+bday+226+e.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5370352814416686418" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_h53namv_2C4/SodTbm3TbVI/AAAAAAAACi8/f2bm_FY6zzw/s1600-h/Josiah%27s+1st+bday+226+e.jpg"></a>Birthday boy on his new bike. Think he's having fun?<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_h53namv_2C4/SodTbLgin2I/AAAAAAAACi0/FE4NUP62jlo/s1600-h/Josiah%27s+1st+bday+298e.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 214px; height: 320px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_h53namv_2C4/SodTbLgin2I/AAAAAAAACi0/FE4NUP62jlo/s320/Josiah%27s+1st+bday+298e.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5370352807073455970" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>So here's some more experimenting with PS actions. The first is the original (straight out of camera). That's my nephew's boot, by the way.</div><div><img src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_h53namv_2C4/SodXchYbjrI/AAAAAAAACkM/y6NTtWxYH7k/s200/Josiah%27s+1st+bday+094.jpg" style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 134px; height: 200px;" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5370357228171398834" /></div><div><br /></div><div>The rest are as follows:</div><div>1. Boost</div><div>2. Heartland</div><div>3. Boost/Sepia</div><div>4. Vintage</div><div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_h53namv_2C4/SodTbLgin2I/AAAAAAAACi0/FE4NUP62jlo/s1600-h/Josiah%27s+1st+bday+298e.jpg"></a>1.<img src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_h53namv_2C4/SodXcFoQ-9I/AAAAAAAACkE/mHtrMqHlVDs/s200/Josiah%27s+1st+bday+094e.jpg" style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 134px; height: 200px;" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5370357220721621970" />2.<img src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_h53namv_2C4/SodXbrOFaRI/AAAAAAAACj8/0c8tK-5Wnik/s200/Josiah%27s+1st+bday+094+h.jpg" style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 134px; height: 200px;" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5370357213632489746" /></div><div>3.<img src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_h53namv_2C4/SodYiH04_NI/AAAAAAAACkU/D08pd353WCM/s200/Josiah%27s+1st+bday+094+s.jpg" style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 134px; height: 200px;" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5370358423902289106" />4.<img src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_h53namv_2C4/SodXaBH0lSI/AAAAAAAACjs/s1kPvuxQ730/s200/Josiah%27s+1st+bday+094+v.jpg" style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 134px; height: 200px;" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5370357185152062754" /></div><div><br /></div><div>I'm so often behind the camera, that I rarely get a picture of me with my girl. I thought this one was pretty cute. <b>Love</b> that girl.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_h53namv_2C4/SodTabl5j8I/AAAAAAAACis/PjGAtovfzL4/s1600-h/Josiah%27s+1st+bday+480+e.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_h53namv_2C4/SodTabl5j8I/AAAAAAAACis/PjGAtovfzL4/s320/Josiah%27s+1st+bday+480+e.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5370352794211028930" /></a><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>Aaaand...I'm done with Colorado pictures. Now, on to the rest of our trip (after I take a little nap).</div></div>Camillehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17280923725702092958noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7612152157842066869.post-40048259246455409422009-08-11T16:57:00.000-07:002009-08-11T17:26:04.935-07:00American Idol...Prince Phillip!So I have to take a brief hiatus from my roadtrip blogging to share something I found in Claire's room last night. While she's with Grandma and Papa, I'm using this opportunity to deep clean and organize her room (and probably toss some stuff, but shhhhhhhh...don't say anything and maybe she won't notice...)<br /><br />Anyway, I was picking up some of her Barbie dolls, and when I picked up Prince Phillip (Sleeping Beauty's beau), he looked like this.<br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_h53namv_2C4/SoIGpSTXN3I/AAAAAAAACho/wNLQwOOCtAI/s1600-h/American+Idol+Ken+001.jpg"><img style="WIDTH: 214px; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5368861012136507250" border="0" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_h53namv_2C4/SoIGpSTXN3I/AAAAAAAACho/wNLQwOOCtAI/s320/American+Idol+Ken+001.jpg" /></a><br /><br /><br />Yep, he's rockin' out these days, boots and all, on an American Idol electric guitar.<br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_h53namv_2C4/SoIGo6l6bpI/AAAAAAAAChg/HFxTGFrMQXM/s1600-h/American+Idol+Ken+002.jpg"><img style="WIDTH: 320px; HEIGHT: 214px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5368861005771861650" border="0" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_h53namv_2C4/SoIGo6l6bpI/AAAAAAAAChg/HFxTGFrMQXM/s320/American+Idol+Ken+002.jpg" /></a><br /><br />"I know you, I walked with you once upon a dream..." I just love that song, but I'm not quite sure I'll like it as well accompanied by electric guitar. I fear it will lose some of that Disney magic.<br /><br />Shhhhhhhh...don't tell ol' Walt and maybe HE won't notice.Camillehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17280923725702092958noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7612152157842066869.post-37423689076209890752009-08-10T23:03:00.000-07:002009-08-11T00:18:06.471-07:00Dump Truck CakeMy SUPER-cute nephew just had his first birthday, and they had his party while we were there in Colorado! Erik's sister asked if I could do a cake, which I <b>gladly</b> agreed to.<div><br /></div><div>The theme was centered around this cute dump truck that was a baby shower gift and became a focal piece for pictures during his first year. Click <a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_d8tE1G_Mv6M/SOw8wSEo36I/AAAAAAAAANU/VCIjHEPG1QM/s1600-h/Truck8week.JPG">here</a> to see a fun picture.<div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_h53namv_2C4/SoENynGPSxI/AAAAAAAACgg/IxlmZQBtL0I/s1600-h/Josiah%27s+1st+bday+039.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 214px; height: 320px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_h53namv_2C4/SoENynGPSxI/AAAAAAAACgg/IxlmZQBtL0I/s320/Josiah%27s+1st+bday+039.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5368587393942113042" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_h53namv_2C4/SoENynGPSxI/AAAAAAAACgg/IxlmZQBtL0I/s1600-h/Josiah%27s+1st+bday+039.jpg"></a>I baked a chocolate cake (always best for those oh-so-messy-face photos) in two mini loaf pans. The extra batter went into a regular loaf pan - couldn't stand to waste perfectly good cake batter! I carved the shape I wanted, stacked it on top of 1/2 of the other small cake, and then cut graham crackers to form the sides. As you can see, one of the graham crackers broke in two mid-cut, but a little buttercream worked wonders to glue everything together!</div><div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_h53namv_2C4/SoENyLmni2I/AAAAAAAACgY/uL9uCaBZ2e4/s1600-h/Josiah%27s+1st+bday+004.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_h53namv_2C4/SoENyLmni2I/AAAAAAAACgY/uL9uCaBZ2e4/s320/Josiah%27s+1st+bday+004.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5368587386561727330" /></a></div><div>That picture makes it look kind of like it's sitting on a reflective surface, but it's actually two little cakes stacked on top of each other.</div><div><br /></div><div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_h53namv_2C4/SoENyLmni2I/AAAAAAAACgY/uL9uCaBZ2e4/s1600-h/Josiah%27s+1st+bday+004.jpg"></a>Here are the leftover scraps. Don't remember if they got eaten or not...</div><div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_h53namv_2C4/SoENxYfcOFI/AAAAAAAACgQ/GLL5WOvUIwE/s1600-h/Josiah%27s+1st+bday+005+copy.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 214px; height: 320px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_h53namv_2C4/SoENxYfcOFI/AAAAAAAACgQ/GLL5WOvUIwE/s320/Josiah%27s+1st+bday+005+copy.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5368587372841416786" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_h53namv_2C4/SoENxYfcOFI/AAAAAAAACgQ/GLL5WOvUIwE/s1600-h/Josiah%27s+1st+bday+005+copy.jpg"></a>On to the icing. I panicked when I realized that I hadn't bought Oreo cookies to use for the wheels (and in typical Camille-fashion, I was putting this cake together at midnight...no stores open) but I improvised by cutting out circles from the cake scraps.</div><div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_h53namv_2C4/SoENxHwI_4I/AAAAAAAACgI/or80JO0IKs8/s1600-h/Josiah%27s+1st+bday+007e.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_h53namv_2C4/SoENxHwI_4I/AAAAAAAACgI/or80JO0IKs8/s320/Josiah%27s+1st+bday+007e.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5368587368348057474" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_h53namv_2C4/SoENxHwI_4I/AAAAAAAACgI/or80JO0IKs8/s1600-h/Josiah%27s+1st+bday+007e.jpg"></a>Like this.</div><div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_h53namv_2C4/SoENLiiKehI/AAAAAAAACgA/DCDCrbuuDSc/s1600-h/Josiah%27s+1st+bday+008+e.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_h53namv_2C4/SoENLiiKehI/AAAAAAAACgA/DCDCrbuuDSc/s320/Josiah%27s+1st+bday+008+e.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5368586722702162450" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_h53namv_2C4/SoENLiiKehI/AAAAAAAACgA/DCDCrbuuDSc/s1600-h/Josiah%27s+1st+bday+008+e.jpg"></a>I added the blue frosting on top...</div><div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_h53namv_2C4/SoENLDMPSpI/AAAAAAAACf4/ONBO0FMbmWo/s1600-h/Josiah%27s+1st+bday+011+e.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_h53namv_2C4/SoENLDMPSpI/AAAAAAAACf4/ONBO0FMbmWo/s320/Josiah%27s+1st+bday+011+e.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5368586714288704146" /></a><br /><br /></div><div>...and black frosting on the bottom. TA DA!</div><div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_h53namv_2C4/SoELx6d6LkI/AAAAAAAACfo/RM-ddlH8lHA/s1600-h/Josiah%27s+1st+bday+025+e.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_h53namv_2C4/SoELx6d6LkI/AAAAAAAACfo/RM-ddlH8lHA/s320/Josiah%27s+1st+bday+025+e.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5368585182938541634" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_h53namv_2C4/SoELx6d6LkI/AAAAAAAACfo/RM-ddlH8lHA/s1600-h/Josiah%27s+1st+bday+025+e.jpg"></a>For the large cake, I asked them to order a plain frosted one from Costco and I just piped on the truck design. </div><div><img src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_h53namv_2C4/SoENK7MygxI/AAAAAAAACfw/4dAOOCV4Swg/s320/Josiah%27s+1st+bday+027.jpg" style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5368586712143528722" /></div><div><br /></div><div>That little truck didn't stand a chance.</div><div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_h53namv_2C4/SoEXMkQujUI/AAAAAAAAChY/Ra6CqhJtE6Y/s1600-h/Josiah%27s+1st+bday+329e.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_h53namv_2C4/SoEXMkQujUI/AAAAAAAAChY/Ra6CqhJtE6Y/s320/Josiah%27s+1st+bday+329e.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5368597735462047042" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>He needed a little coaching, since he hadn't ever tasted black frosting before (or <i>any</i> frosting, for that matter).</div><div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_h53namv_2C4/SoEXMApvTgI/AAAAAAAAChQ/TDMMfIEPI78/s1600-h/Josiah%27s+1st+bday+339e.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 214px; height: 320px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_h53namv_2C4/SoEXMApvTgI/AAAAAAAAChQ/TDMMfIEPI78/s320/Josiah%27s+1st+bday+339e.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5368597725903277570" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_h53namv_2C4/SoEXMApvTgI/AAAAAAAAChQ/TDMMfIEPI78/s1600-h/Josiah%27s+1st+bday+339e.jpg"></a>But it didn't take long for him to figure it out!<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_h53namv_2C4/SoEXLoOiWMI/AAAAAAAAChI/FVHoE4aufME/s1600-h/Josiah%27s+1st+bday+405e.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_h53namv_2C4/SoEXLoOiWMI/AAAAAAAAChI/FVHoE4aufME/s320/Josiah%27s+1st+bday+405e.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5368597719346731202" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_h53namv_2C4/SoEXLoOiWMI/AAAAAAAAChI/FVHoE4aufME/s1600-h/Josiah%27s+1st+bday+405e.jpg"></a>The happy family.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_h53namv_2C4/SoEXLC7dczI/AAAAAAAAChA/TDMoRj-5l4M/s1600-h/Josiah%27s+1st+bday+417e.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_h53namv_2C4/SoEXLC7dczI/AAAAAAAAChA/TDMoRj-5l4M/s320/Josiah%27s+1st+bday+417e.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5368597709334606642" /></a><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>Wanna try some?</div><div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_h53namv_2C4/SoEWIUw30iI/AAAAAAAACg4/DYcjByg1s3U/s1600-h/Josiah%27s+1st+bday+439e.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_h53namv_2C4/SoEWIUw30iI/AAAAAAAACg4/DYcjByg1s3U/s320/Josiah%27s+1st+bday+439e.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5368596563070800418" /></a></div><div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_h53namv_2C4/SoEWHyBthwI/AAAAAAAACgw/WUt_lMz19Ko/s1600-h/Josiah%27s+1st+bday+452e.jpg"></a></div><div>A much-enjoyed cake equals...</div><div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_h53namv_2C4/SoEWHyBthwI/AAAAAAAACgw/WUt_lMz19Ko/s1600-h/Josiah%27s+1st+bday+452e.jpg" style="text-decoration: none;"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 214px; height: 320px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_h53namv_2C4/SoEWHyBthwI/AAAAAAAACgw/WUt_lMz19Ko/s320/Josiah%27s+1st+bday+452e.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5368596553746188034" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>...a happy birthday boy!</div><div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_h53namv_2C4/SoEWHyBthwI/AAAAAAAACgw/WUt_lMz19Ko/s1600-h/Josiah%27s+1st+bday+452e.jpg" style="text-decoration: none;"></a><img src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_h53namv_2C4/SoEWHfXUK9I/AAAAAAAACgo/AaiAw0XOJ7s/s320/Josiah%27s+1st+bday+441e.jpg" style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5368596548736527314" /><br /><br /></div></div>Camillehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17280923725702092958noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7612152157842066869.post-39613954886033259992009-08-09T14:28:00.001-07:002009-08-09T14:34:00.481-07:00Home againWe're back home now and...surprise, surprise...I haven't posted any new trip pictures, but I PROMISE they are coming. The task is a little overwhelming, frankly. Curse you, digital photography. It's waaaaaaay too easy to take waaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaay too many photos.<div><br /></div><div>We returned home to a sparkly-clean house (THANK YOU MALLORY!!!), well-fed chickens, fish, and dogs, and a literal jungle in our garden. The warm weather and daily watering was very kind to both my intended plants AND the weeds that are now threatening to take over. I'll try to take a couple of pictures and post them soon. I'm praying for relatively cool weather for the next few days so that I can tackle those weeds with gusto.</div><div><br /></div><div>Wish me luck.</div>Camillehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17280923725702092958noreply@blogger.com0