tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-305444562024-03-13T16:05:17.805-04:00Fireworks and FirefliesCelebrating life in our family!Kristihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01233594585633157052noreply@blogger.comBlogger2443125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30544456.post-13199813988653828752021-05-07T14:33:00.004-04:002021-05-07T14:33:23.047-04:00'OBX schoolcation' {respect for the Wrights}<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">*thursday, october 22, 2020*</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">On Tuesday we arrived at the Wright Brothers National Memorial just before closing time but when we learned that our admission would be valid for the week, we decided to take a few minutes to look around and explored the <a href="https://fireworksandfireflies.blogspot.com/2021/03/obx-school-cation-exploring-first.html" target="_blank">first flight path</a>. Today we went back to get a bit more of the history inside the visitors center.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Z0CHWZCD1qQ/YJLzfbyN2MI/AAAAAAAA_k0/WpwHR5hKyUwTLm8ZZRsm2wB0CV8D1eTTwCNcBGAsYHQ/s2048/PXL_20201022_201010733.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1152" data-original-width="2048" height="225" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Z0CHWZCD1qQ/YJLzfbyN2MI/AAAAAAAA_k0/WpwHR5hKyUwTLm8ZZRsm2wB0CV8D1eTTwCNcBGAsYHQ/w400-h225/PXL_20201022_201010733.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Each kid (and adult) noted different bits of their persistence and tenacity as we walked through the exhibit. Words for thought...</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9F-quy6MfmI/YJLzVAGEWpI/AAAAAAAA_kU/kCBmMyFpyBwN2ZivE9OMS1QyQbDzt7_dACNcBGAsYHQ/s2048/PXL_20201022_200519644.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1152" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9F-quy6MfmI/YJLzVAGEWpI/AAAAAAAA_kU/kCBmMyFpyBwN2ZivE9OMS1QyQbDzt7_dACNcBGAsYHQ/w360-h640/PXL_20201022_200519644.jpg" width="360" /></a></div></div><div><br /></div><div>Next we took advantage of the beautiful, Carolina blue sky afternoon to walk up to the monument. </div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-gYS8t5-4AzY/YJLzm2wnXKI/AAAAAAAA_lM/RcvEbEehUKYQI3AC6wRLPK8cXoK4_QidACNcBGAsYHQ/s2048/PXL_20201022_203205623.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="300" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-gYS8t5-4AzY/YJLzm2wnXKI/AAAAAAAA_lM/RcvEbEehUKYQI3AC6wRLPK8cXoK4_QidACNcBGAsYHQ/w400-h300/PXL_20201022_203205623.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-62v66DaRN9Y/YJLzr_uThqI/AAAAAAAA_lQ/k809GWGDJeYBrQi8kyFYxdzDrEixKtYdACNcBGAsYHQ/s2048/PXL_20201022_203428595.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1152" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-62v66DaRN9Y/YJLzr_uThqI/AAAAAAAA_lQ/k809GWGDJeYBrQi8kyFYxdzDrEixKtYdACNcBGAsYHQ/w360-h640/PXL_20201022_203428595.jpg" width="360" /></a></div><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-FvBYkpSg2PE/YJLz2pvjH8I/AAAAAAAA_lY/ENjcpRqepHMNiCSxxxngXiJIBuaeotJ2QCNcBGAsYHQ/s2048/PXL_20201022_203613115.PORTRAIT.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1152" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-FvBYkpSg2PE/YJLz2pvjH8I/AAAAAAAA_lY/ENjcpRqepHMNiCSxxxngXiJIBuaeotJ2QCNcBGAsYHQ/w360-h640/PXL_20201022_203613115.PORTRAIT.jpg" width="360" /></a></div><div><br /></div>A fast pace on our stroll back gave us just enough time to drive to the December 3, 1097 sculpture before closing time. <div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-EDxSbGUboyI/YJL0A9RXBLI/AAAAAAAA_lk/xK2KB-8QzJIjlCs3aDUmVXppJZ8vMARcACNcBGAsYHQ/s2048/PXL_20201022_205547950.PORTRAIT.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1152" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-EDxSbGUboyI/YJL0A9RXBLI/AAAAAAAA_lk/xK2KB-8QzJIjlCs3aDUmVXppJZ8vMARcACNcBGAsYHQ/w360-h640/PXL_20201022_205547950.PORTRAIT.jpg" width="360" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-3tZwjGNaSbY/YJL0AywCBZI/AAAAAAAA_lg/30lIQ1YRuRAHv3VqOzkNUzMHS0M_C6-cgCNcBGAsYHQ/s2048/PXL_20201022_205840215.PORTRAIT.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1152" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-3tZwjGNaSbY/YJL0AywCBZI/AAAAAAAA_lg/30lIQ1YRuRAHv3VqOzkNUzMHS0M_C6-cgCNcBGAsYHQ/w360-h640/PXL_20201022_205840215.PORTRAIT.jpg" width="360" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-q7L59v9WIZg/YJL0HRC52PI/AAAAAAAA_ls/muW-mFf_wLsL3GcnGH7EkXJfZh6FZS8rgCNcBGAsYHQ/s2688/PXL_20201022_205932382.PORTRAIT-01.COVER.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1512" data-original-width="2688" height="225" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-q7L59v9WIZg/YJL0HRC52PI/AAAAAAAA_ls/muW-mFf_wLsL3GcnGH7EkXJfZh6FZS8rgCNcBGAsYHQ/w400-h225/PXL_20201022_205932382.PORTRAIT-01.COVER.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /></div><div>It was a nice afternoon paying respect to two dreamers who changed the world!</div>Kristihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18132987170674424395noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30544456.post-38270686234005070782021-05-05T15:26:00.003-04:002021-05-05T15:26:53.608-04:00social distancing {father's day in the mountains ~ hike to Hebron Falls}<p style="text-align: center;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <span style="font-size: x-small;"> *father's day 2020*</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Sunday we had a slow start to the day. Turns out teenagers aren't the only ones who like to sleep in...on occasion so do fathers. I enjoyed my coffee with a view and as kids got up they headed down to play pool. Finally everyone was up, caffeinated and fed and then the grumblers (again, how did two who love hikes so manage to raise six kids who really don't?) agreed to indulge their daddy in another hike in honor of "his day." </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ekdTV1iRo4Q/YJLqCCDOndI/AAAAAAAA_ik/AryMmwJs1OkCDWkfSA3mFpYRNBj21-DsACNcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_20200621_144259.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ekdTV1iRo4Q/YJLqCCDOndI/AAAAAAAA_ik/AryMmwJs1OkCDWkfSA3mFpYRNBj21-DsACNcBGAsYHQ/w480-h640/IMG_20200621_144259.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Thankfully we didn't have to go far before we came to water, water always makes even the 'grumbliest grumbler' less grumbly. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-NWoM1aiMOP8/YJLqOIhuEXI/AAAAAAAA_io/H2AIkSTS9tILOaXjRAgZtq1Gin_fGHtSACNcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_20200621_121435.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-NWoM1aiMOP8/YJLqOIhuEXI/AAAAAAAA_io/H2AIkSTS9tILOaXjRAgZtq1Gin_fGHtSACNcBGAsYHQ/w480-h640/IMG_20200621_121435.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-T8X0ro3eBL4/YJLqOCbZ8LI/AAAAAAAA_is/aAV7hBOieKMTQ8PhBLJ9G96x6aRYBphewCNcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_20200621_122954.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-T8X0ro3eBL4/YJLqOCbZ8LI/AAAAAAAA_is/aAV7hBOieKMTQ8PhBLJ9G96x6aRYBphewCNcBGAsYHQ/w480-h640/IMG_20200621_122954.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">need pandemic emergency haircuts much?</span></td></tr></tbody></table><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Finally we came to the best part, the waterfall rock scrambling area. But of course we had to forge the river before we got to it.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-d_l46ciDbAE/YJLqWxOIVfI/AAAAAAAA_i0/NHjwEc235CM1PnMSWheCpKcd0gCAIyTPgCNcBGAsYHQ/s2048/MVIMG_20200621_123058.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-d_l46ciDbAE/YJLqWxOIVfI/AAAAAAAA_i0/NHjwEc235CM1PnMSWheCpKcd0gCAIyTPgCNcBGAsYHQ/w480-h640/MVIMG_20200621_123058.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Js7a2LVY9BE/YJLqhEe3qVI/AAAAAAAA_jE/JZJeV39IS6A1pR2f3apqPMo9dt4KomfKwCNcBGAsYHQ/s2048/00000IMG_00000_BURST20200621133042859_COVER.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Js7a2LVY9BE/YJLqhEe3qVI/AAAAAAAA_jE/JZJeV39IS6A1pR2f3apqPMo9dt4KomfKwCNcBGAsYHQ/w480-h640/00000IMG_00000_BURST20200621133042859_COVER.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-2rEiIhxd__Y/YJLqhC9UtkI/AAAAAAAA_jA/q47QYywFAuIpYAVNtw4WIKbh43zNpEAQwCNcBGAsYHQ/s2048/00000IMG_00000_BURST20200621133823931_COVER.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-2rEiIhxd__Y/YJLqhC9UtkI/AAAAAAAA_jA/q47QYywFAuIpYAVNtw4WIKbh43zNpEAQwCNcBGAsYHQ/w480-h640/00000IMG_00000_BURST20200621133823931_COVER.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-U7mcustVAlg/YJLqhMA8AkI/AAAAAAAA_i8/pFl1ptILkRQKPyaFvkLI7absPiHNdfGSwCNcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_20200621_134139.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-U7mcustVAlg/YJLqhMA8AkI/AAAAAAAA_i8/pFl1ptILkRQKPyaFvkLI7absPiHNdfGSwCNcBGAsYHQ/w480-h640/IMG_20200621_134139.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-LLGbcDhiVH0/YJLqhdj152I/AAAAAAAA_jI/eXURBM_XiJUbX89zO3_jFe91-tSGZI_NQCNcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_20200621_135452.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-LLGbcDhiVH0/YJLqhdj152I/AAAAAAAA_jI/eXURBM_XiJUbX89zO3_jFe91-tSGZI_NQCNcBGAsYHQ/w480-h640/IMG_20200621_135452.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-7sg8ABsZziY/YJLqsYleVfI/AAAAAAAA_jY/Ija5doN0oQsbVkdiwwfZBs4Vry39Sf8YwCNcBGAsYHQ/s3264/00100sPORTRAIT_00100_BURST20200621140051626_COVER.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2448" data-original-width="3264" height="300" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-7sg8ABsZziY/YJLqsYleVfI/AAAAAAAA_jY/Ija5doN0oQsbVkdiwwfZBs4Vry39Sf8YwCNcBGAsYHQ/w400-h300/00100sPORTRAIT_00100_BURST20200621140051626_COVER.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">ignore the 80s feathered hair going on...he's still my main squeeze</span></td></tr></tbody></table><div><br /></div>We had all the fun. So much so that one little one may have left it all on the rocks. Thankfully he's not yet 50 pounds so he's a relatively easy carry. <div>Even up steep trails.<br /><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ed8W8B1rKI4/YJLqsvzFxJI/AAAAAAAA_jU/ay5u7RvJ9bQhW08BaD1nfcvbBrkqx-Z8ACNcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_20200621_140608.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ed8W8B1rKI4/YJLqsvzFxJI/AAAAAAAA_jU/ay5u7RvJ9bQhW08BaD1nfcvbBrkqx-Z8ACNcBGAsYHQ/w480-h640/IMG_20200621_140608.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><div><br /></div>The path back out provided some parkour entertainment. You can take the boy out of the gym...</div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-OgFOpSyn6uc/YJLqsV8ldEI/AAAAAAAA_jQ/Bn1r0iNJy3slI8-yoBJsMx5IFxzgXZLzQCNcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_20200621_143315.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-OgFOpSyn6uc/YJLqsV8ldEI/AAAAAAAA_jQ/Bn1r0iNJy3slI8-yoBJsMx5IFxzgXZLzQCNcBGAsYHQ/w480-h640/IMG_20200621_143315.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><div><br /></div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-fWRjFO8G9b0/YJLrA4Vvt9I/AAAAAAAA_js/xSkJKFc1QvEyNk-K93kFRWKt0xRgplOcwCNcBGAsYHQ/s2048/MVIMG_20200621_120435.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-fWRjFO8G9b0/YJLrA4Vvt9I/AAAAAAAA_js/xSkJKFc1QvEyNk-K93kFRWKt0xRgplOcwCNcBGAsYHQ/w480-h640/MVIMG_20200621_120435.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">the four main men in my life...</span></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-YboV5xEzzEQ/YJLrIaFa4AI/AAAAAAAA_j0/5_ekvbwau-8-R0j4tsPzB0PvtAZhypdmACNcBGAsYHQ/s2048/00100lrPORTRAIT_00100_BURST20200621144142744_COVER.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-YboV5xEzzEQ/YJLrIaFa4AI/AAAAAAAA_j0/5_ekvbwau-8-R0j4tsPzB0PvtAZhypdmACNcBGAsYHQ/w480-h640/00100lrPORTRAIT_00100_BURST20200621144142744_COVER.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">this kid...</span></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><p style="text-align: left;"><br /></p></div></div>Kristihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18132987170674424395noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30544456.post-86633345863825603052021-04-18T18:15:00.003-04:002021-05-05T15:09:37.644-04:00social distancing {father's day in the mountains ~ happy hikers}<p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">*saturday of father's day weekend 2020*</span> </p><p>As is often the case, I was the first one up Saturday morning. That meant an opportunity to sip my coffee while drinking in the peaceful beauty around me.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-u2mxhNoDveY/YHmY06SXCFI/AAAAAAAA-94/xSQmlTNPQ785yjYqjLaJF8ykW1WXqQAbwCNcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_20200620_084006.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-u2mxhNoDveY/YHmY06SXCFI/AAAAAAAA-94/xSQmlTNPQ785yjYqjLaJF8ykW1WXqQAbwCNcBGAsYHQ/w480-h640/IMG_20200620_084006.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><br /><p>Ever so slowly the household began to come alive and after breakfast and a few rounds of pool we made our way into Blowing Rock to take on the Glen Burney Falls trail. Luckily we arrived early enough to secure a parking space in the tiny lot at the trailhead. Despite being 'right in town,' this trail quickly made its way out into the trees leaving behind reminders that we were not far at all from Blowing Rock's main street and all the buzz that comes with it.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_d4MU80j2BI/YHmen68rsDI/AAAAAAAA--E/41b0Fes5qRQmnY78cGhikqVwz4tapDIuACNcBGAsYHQ/s2048/00000IMG_00000_BURST20200620135753719_COVER.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_d4MU80j2BI/YHmen68rsDI/AAAAAAAA--E/41b0Fes5qRQmnY78cGhikqVwz4tapDIuACNcBGAsYHQ/w480-h640/00000IMG_00000_BURST20200620135753719_COVER.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><p>I'm not sure exactly how we've done it, but Ian and I ~ two folks that would happily get lost in the woods any day ~ have raised six reluctant hikers. This hike had two things going for it...it was Father's Day weekend and so our crew granted Ian's wish to spend time on a trail together AND there were several waterfalls. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Y24c47n3sHU/YHmeY1n_rvI/AAAAAAAA--A/jiC8DrVmRsA738kTIHqCHgXtYFZK0qelACNcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_20200620_125156.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Y24c47n3sHU/YHmeY1n_rvI/AAAAAAAA--A/jiC8DrVmRsA738kTIHqCHgXtYFZK0qelACNcBGAsYHQ/w480-h640/IMG_20200620_125156.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><div><br /></div>Waterfalls seem to make all the difference.<div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Hvr-CMqtmt4/YHmfxfS2dPI/AAAAAAAA--Q/K-EznR2MmfEs8jVOZnuSuLeEv7Baus4NgCNcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_20200620_131649.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Hvr-CMqtmt4/YHmfxfS2dPI/AAAAAAAA--Q/K-EznR2MmfEs8jVOZnuSuLeEv7Baus4NgCNcBGAsYHQ/w480-h640/IMG_20200620_131649.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><div><br /></div><span style="text-align: center;"> </span><span style="font-size: x-small; text-align: center;"> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-vw0quBoS-LY/YJLtYHgeMTI/AAAAAAAA_kE/8Z_Yi-vV8g4U_SegoclMvDDdR5phcZOUwCNcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_20200620_131951.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-vw0quBoS-LY/YJLtYHgeMTI/AAAAAAAA_kE/8Z_Yi-vV8g4U_SegoclMvDDdR5phcZOUwCNcBGAsYHQ/w480-h640/IMG_20200620_131951.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><br /></span><br /><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-L1cZkgp5_rE/YHm5PoajzaI/AAAAAAAA--g/wa7wsYyY0LUpVmWKLRHiPqRQPqj1knSFgCNcBGAsYHQ/s4032/00100lrPORTRAIT_00100_BURST20200620131600741_COVER.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-L1cZkgp5_rE/YHm5PoajzaI/AAAAAAAA--g/wa7wsYyY0LUpVmWKLRHiPqRQPqj1knSFgCNcBGAsYHQ/w480-h640/00100lrPORTRAIT_00100_BURST20200620131600741_COVER.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-7sg8ckk-pyA/YHm5OHaLGKI/AAAAAAAA--Y/CG5lC2oqgj4yN2y-LZEes3kBLHo1UaHHQCNcBGAsYHQ/s2048/00100lrPORTRAIT_00100_BURST20200620132508614_COVER.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-7sg8ckk-pyA/YHm5OHaLGKI/AAAAAAAA--Y/CG5lC2oqgj4yN2y-LZEes3kBLHo1UaHHQCNcBGAsYHQ/w480-h640/00100lrPORTRAIT_00100_BURST20200620132508614_COVER.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-7yeuanlkEKQ/YHm5Publ0ZI/AAAAAAAA--c/-edBX2VAZl8XOeTHBuVUT6N27wLlXApbgCNcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_20200620_131434.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-7yeuanlkEKQ/YHm5Publ0ZI/AAAAAAAA--c/-edBX2VAZl8XOeTHBuVUT6N27wLlXApbgCNcBGAsYHQ/w480-h640/IMG_20200620_131434.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">covid hair don't care...</span></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-XIf7me5E2v8/YHm5QgUezII/AAAAAAAA--k/LCBN0c0INQobOewDMTH9QMPv07jw6kR4wCNcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_20200620_135808.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-XIf7me5E2v8/YHm5QgUezII/AAAAAAAA--k/LCBN0c0INQobOewDMTH9QMPv07jw6kR4wCNcBGAsYHQ/w480-h640/IMG_20200620_135808.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><div><br /></div>It was a lovely day in the woods. We enjoyed the unexpected sunshine on a day with some storms forecast. That served serval purposes, the most important being crowd control on what we understand is typically a very popular trail. </div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-XZs47IVQGh4/YHoDBjCI7yI/AAAAAAAA_BA/9i2XaiMB3s4u9gG6DjQ4Bqdurci80GT-ACNcBGAsYHQ/s2048/00000IMG_00000_BURST20200620133344395_COVER.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-XZs47IVQGh4/YHoDBjCI7yI/AAAAAAAA_BA/9i2XaiMB3s4u9gG6DjQ4Bqdurci80GT-ACNcBGAsYHQ/w480-h640/00000IMG_00000_BURST20200620133344395_COVER.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">It was easy going on the way to the waterfalls. But a steep downhill start does mean a significant uphill climb back to the car. Some of us were faster than others.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-0x9kMJNiciM/YHoDLbWFnxI/AAAAAAAA_BI/C3NDD5cmliUhpl-CGzLHQZyUweIYGxHWACNcBGAsYHQ/s2048/00000IMG_00000_BURST20200620143458678_COVER.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-0x9kMJNiciM/YHoDLbWFnxI/AAAAAAAA_BI/C3NDD5cmliUhpl-CGzLHQZyUweIYGxHWACNcBGAsYHQ/w480-h640/00000IMG_00000_BURST20200620143458678_COVER.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><div><br /></div>Which meant one of our littles needed to be a hitch-hiker part of the way out...<div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-HurcqC5aBAw/YHoDYfgHSjI/AAAAAAAA_BQ/YgBGoBOIBk4j2kKaLLzXh6XohdHFqyttgCNcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_20200620_142521.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-HurcqC5aBAw/YHoDYfgHSjI/AAAAAAAA_BQ/YgBGoBOIBk4j2kKaLLzXh6XohdHFqyttgCNcBGAsYHQ/w480-h640/IMG_20200620_142521.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><br /></div><div>We considered ice cream at Kilwin's on main street as a fun treat for the happy hikers, but it was crazy crowded and lined up down the street (with varied levels of social distancing...mostly non-masked people standing right up on groups of masked people who were six feet behind the ones in front of them) so we scratched that idea and headed back to the house instead. Thankfully the kids (who had not been out much at all in months were shocked at the crowds and content to have some pool/puzzle time instead.</div><div><br /></div><div>And while they were happily entertained, Ian and I sat again with the views as dinner cooked.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-hZzLKNGRZ4U/YHyvFC2sECI/AAAAAAAA_Kw/NeHMREbwa4UPo5LgzQfo5BYRvxLviUWUQCNcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_20200620_202338.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-hZzLKNGRZ4U/YHyvFC2sECI/AAAAAAAA_Kw/NeHMREbwa4UPo5LgzQfo5BYRvxLviUWUQCNcBGAsYHQ/w480-h640/IMG_20200620_202338.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><br /><div>One could get used to this...</div>Kristihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18132987170674424395noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30544456.post-55434837385114504702021-04-16T09:56:00.001-04:002021-04-16T09:57:26.718-04:00social distancing {father's day in the mountains ~ leaving town for the first time}<p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">*father's day weekend 2020*</span></p><p>As Father's Day weekend approached we went back and forth several times about our tent camping reservations at South Mountains State Park. First there was the issue of sharing a bathroom with strangers and wondering what levels of social distancing folks we didn't know were following. Second, and perhaps slightly more importantly, the weather forecast was looking dreadful. While we have weathered ~ literally ~ our share of rain while tent camping, the nearly 24 hours solid of forecast thunderstorms pushed us over the edge on our decision making and we cancelled our campsites.</p><p>But that left us with six squirrelly kids...and if I'm being honest, two equally squirrelly adults...who hadn't been more than ten miles (and not inside any building besides our own house with exception of me braving the grocery in the early mornings once a week) in over three months. Desperate to get out of town, we checked around with a few friends we know with mountain houses to see if they had availability and would be willing to rent to us on a three day notice.</p><p>We have some amazing people in our lives and were blessed to hear, "yes, the house is open and we'd love for you to go have some relaxing family time there!" Spirits were quite high to be going to see some different walls as we loaded the Transit early on Friday afternoon and headed west. Our route to the house took us on the Blue Ridge Parkway and of course we simply had to stop at Grandview Overlook as we passed.</p><p></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-nvRxCtv8TJY/YGND6u0JBVI/AAAAAAAA-Kw/Em5nCB6bsdQfLbCtNDeC7hFUKnRndMq3ACNcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_20200619_162754.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-nvRxCtv8TJY/YGND6u0JBVI/AAAAAAAA-Kw/Em5nCB6bsdQfLbCtNDeC7hFUKnRndMq3ACNcBGAsYHQ/w480-h640/IMG_20200619_162754.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">nearly 22 years ago my life changed at this spot when he dropped to one knee and asked me to spend the rest of my life with him!</span></td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">With exception of that quick stop at Grandview Overlook, we made the trip without stopping and quickly settled in to our beautiful 'home away from home' for the weekend. (We had to laugh a little when kids exclaimed with a combination of incredulity and surprise that the bathrooms in the mountain house were the first they had used outside of our own since March 13 when they came home from school.) With the views provided I could have stayed in the kitchen all weekend and been happy...</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-YYRLNFP3q7A/YHmEx44OTRI/AAAAAAAA-80/l0zmHZ2zV1ozWPhvzSxkRttCykk88AlxACNcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_20200619_165450.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-YYRLNFP3q7A/YHmEx44OTRI/AAAAAAAA-80/l0zmHZ2zV1ozWPhvzSxkRttCykk88AlxACNcBGAsYHQ/w480-h640/IMG_20200619_165450.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Right next to the kitchen was a large deck with a backdrop just begging for photos to be taken. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Pg-aMhHHKCo/YHmEPTfXX_I/AAAAAAAA-8s/4xh_RU2q6p8Se6R8tdFqSTvvY4o55ZR5QCNcBGAsYHQ/s4032/00100lrPORTRAIT_00100_BURST20200620183002159_COVER.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Pg-aMhHHKCo/YHmEPTfXX_I/AAAAAAAA-8s/4xh_RU2q6p8Se6R8tdFqSTvvY4o55ZR5QCNcBGAsYHQ/w480-h640/00100lrPORTRAIT_00100_BURST20200620183002159_COVER.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">note i said the backdrop was begging, not the teen...</span></td></tr></tbody></table><p>Before dinner we decided to stretch our legs after being in the car for a few hours and explored the neighborhood. At the bottom of the road we found a small creek and pond perfect for reflection and skipping rocks. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Lyt8jzySvzM/YHmVZSpMSNI/AAAAAAAA-88/f_-h33XS7SEhokCuJHUzQYk4ZOr9aOOrwCNcBGAsYHQ/s2048/00100lrPORTRAIT_00100_BURST20200621123635936_COVER.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Lyt8jzySvzM/YHmVZSpMSNI/AAAAAAAA-88/f_-h33XS7SEhokCuJHUzQYk4ZOr9aOOrwCNcBGAsYHQ/w480-h640/00100lrPORTRAIT_00100_BURST20200621123635936_COVER.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Vr81f8ypvps/YHmVca_dcfI/AAAAAAAA-9E/FbYbxX3s7RQtkOo5W1cRUyU8UCI2Pkh1wCNcBGAsYHQ/s2048/MVIMG_20200619_193458.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Vr81f8ypvps/YHmVca_dcfI/AAAAAAAA-9E/FbYbxX3s7RQtkOo5W1cRUyU8UCI2Pkh1wCNcBGAsYHQ/w480-h640/MVIMG_20200619_193458.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-QtqfhyklF7s/YHmWOMpkNqI/AAAAAAAA-9Q/4CTOgw8e-YogBadCNjfdD799ekI5BK_5ACNcBGAsYHQ/s2048/00000IMG_00000_BURST20200619194607681_COVER.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-QtqfhyklF7s/YHmWOMpkNqI/AAAAAAAA-9Q/4CTOgw8e-YogBadCNjfdD799ekI5BK_5ACNcBGAsYHQ/w480-h640/00000IMG_00000_BURST20200619194607681_COVER.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-96JnqrSUoV0/YHmWPE0fq2I/AAAAAAAA-9U/9oQ8LqWJLQIpRjtcsUwzNV0MekbG6cBbgCNcBGAsYHQ/s2048/MVIMG_20200619_193606.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-96JnqrSUoV0/YHmWPE0fq2I/AAAAAAAA-9U/9oQ8LqWJLQIpRjtcsUwzNV0MekbG6cBbgCNcBGAsYHQ/w480-h640/MVIMG_20200619_193606.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><p>Dinner was enjoyed al fresco on the deck. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-QgWDXPefAYg/YHmWpwceM8I/AAAAAAAA-9g/i4jgFuBl-tIm7BHGPi7WIZwjjx9gSSA8QCNcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_20200619_182925.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-QgWDXPefAYg/YHmWpwceM8I/AAAAAAAA-9g/i4jgFuBl-tIm7BHGPi7WIZwjjx9gSSA8QCNcBGAsYHQ/w480-h640/IMG_20200619_182925.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><p>Tacos finished, the kids headed down to the game room to play pool and work on a puzzle we brought with us while Ian and I enjoyed sunset.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-cQG70I3-jMU/YHmXASBwPoI/AAAAAAAA-9o/RQyc5uBQrLwJAi5MYQrb6ieAgwqaIGMBQCNcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_20200619_202946.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="300" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-cQG70I3-jMU/YHmXASBwPoI/AAAAAAAA-9o/RQyc5uBQrLwJAi5MYQrb6ieAgwqaIGMBQCNcBGAsYHQ/w400-h300/IMG_20200619_202946.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><p>I'm pretty sure we could have gone home in the morning and been happy for the experience...new walls and scenery were refreshing for everyone's soul. But the mountains mean hiking and so the weekend was to offer much more!</p>Kristihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18132987170674424395noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30544456.post-91997637899233594752021-03-12T22:20:00.002-05:002021-04-15T20:39:47.876-04:00'our' nights in Rodanthe {plan b on jockey's ridge}<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Hang gliding may not have been in the cards for the day, but that didn't mean we had to leave the sand...</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ZU0l_84XltY/YHi1hczkm8I/AAAAAAAA-2s/w8a8DlfWH8cz_ko_zY2nxXW5pxsibpDxgCNcBGAsYHQ/s2048/PXL_20210312_165817537.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="300" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ZU0l_84XltY/YHi1hczkm8I/AAAAAAAA-2s/w8a8DlfWH8cz_ko_zY2nxXW5pxsibpDxgCNcBGAsYHQ/w400-h300/PXL_20210312_165817537.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /> I don't know if it is standard for Kitty Hawk Kites to offer complimentary sandboard rentals when hang gliding lessons get cancelled or if they just felt sorry for telling six super excited kids that it wasn't going to happen, but when we turned in our harnesses and helmets and went in to rent boards, they offered us four and didn't charge us a thing.<p></p><p>Wolf recommend a particular ridge with a decent slope and lots of sunshine to keep the sand loose. So armed with four sandboards we headed back out to the dunes. And true to our 'big family' style, we had some 'big fun!'</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-axyTtnbft5c/YHi8o9D_JsI/AAAAAAAA-24/7KAyYC_eUmsVDEvRb55qWXusmqHj4RB5gCNcBGAsYHQ/s2048/PXL_20210312_164834603.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="300" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-axyTtnbft5c/YHi8o9D_JsI/AAAAAAAA-24/7KAyYC_eUmsVDEvRb55qWXusmqHj4RB5gCNcBGAsYHQ/w400-h300/PXL_20210312_164834603.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">There were races and multiple wipe outs. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">(hint, hint, kids weren't the only ones to take a tumble in the sand, but I'm nice and will keep the photo evidence to myself...)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-l44MZz94H1A/YHjApjgY-DI/AAAAAAAA-5k/aBiJO-ae3BoXwRIpdxVFPYtMsYISiFxhQCNcBGAsYHQ/s2048/PXL_20210312_164922003.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="300" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-l44MZz94H1A/YHjApjgY-DI/AAAAAAAA-5k/aBiJO-ae3BoXwRIpdxVFPYtMsYISiFxhQCNcBGAsYHQ/w400-h300/PXL_20210312_164922003.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">While the sandboards were a huge hit, just the sand is enough to make some of our kiddos happy. Give this kid a handful of sand and I'll guarantee a smile!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-TkmGF0it2qQ/YHi8qE5uxeI/AAAAAAAA-3I/LnpINz5lNxwH_ffpT6gyzOduNBlqHe4lwCNcBGAsYHQ/s2048/PXL_20210312_172003663.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1152" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-TkmGF0it2qQ/YHi8qE5uxeI/AAAAAAAA-3I/LnpINz5lNxwH_ffpT6gyzOduNBlqHe4lwCNcBGAsYHQ/w360-h640/PXL_20210312_172003663.jpg" width="360" /></a></div><div><br /></div>And those same wind gusts that tanked our dreams of flight were perfect for the stunt kite!<div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-qDfK1PsAF3c/YHi8qOPKZyI/AAAAAAAA-3E/qAyAVnkEtKYtq5Ut-XBl0wteIZEsNKK-wCNcBGAsYHQ/s2048/PXL_20210312_172028747.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1152" data-original-width="2048" height="225" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-qDfK1PsAF3c/YHi8qOPKZyI/AAAAAAAA-3E/qAyAVnkEtKYtq5Ut-XBl0wteIZEsNKK-wCNcBGAsYHQ/w400-h225/PXL_20210312_172028747.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-pLpT_6w8LlI/YHi8qbneO0I/AAAAAAAA-3M/nhoEfXQshDcFQnawP4Xn1WK0YnEW3zGjACNcBGAsYHQ/s2048/PXL_20210312_173708038.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-pLpT_6w8LlI/YHi8qbneO0I/AAAAAAAA-3M/nhoEfXQshDcFQnawP4Xn1WK0YnEW3zGjACNcBGAsYHQ/w480-h640/PXL_20210312_173708038.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ZUMCKGkLFNs/YHjA2B_U2_I/AAAAAAAA-5o/i3W1DpkHhc8MCJtpg0f-n3aXuWcgMXNnQCNcBGAsYHQ/s2048/PXL_20210312_165040887.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="300" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ZUMCKGkLFNs/YHjA2B_U2_I/AAAAAAAA-5o/i3W1DpkHhc8MCJtpg0f-n3aXuWcgMXNnQCNcBGAsYHQ/w400-h300/PXL_20210312_165040887.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-mXdATFkZAkk/YHi8rA8Ku7I/AAAAAAAA-3Q/RphzXCtRD3UP9dDQN5w-hvkVR9-mdxubgCNcBGAsYHQ/s3840/PXL_20210312_174423971.PORTRAIT.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3840" data-original-width="2160" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-mXdATFkZAkk/YHi8rA8Ku7I/AAAAAAAA-3Q/RphzXCtRD3UP9dDQN5w-hvkVR9-mdxubgCNcBGAsYHQ/w360-h640/PXL_20210312_174423971.PORTRAIT.jpg" width="360" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-XNoXgQVbH0U/YHi8re-qRvI/AAAAAAAA-3U/nFyqS7E4ZKkpF5nm7SCf292pf3eV_PVgQCNcBGAsYHQ/s2048/PXL_20210312_175601888.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1152" data-original-width="2048" height="225" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-XNoXgQVbH0U/YHi8re-qRvI/AAAAAAAA-3U/nFyqS7E4ZKkpF5nm7SCf292pf3eV_PVgQCNcBGAsYHQ/w400-h225/PXL_20210312_175601888.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-HqOYMmr9_yM/YHi8rosFTaI/AAAAAAAA-3Y/XlNArt4qTigsRvuNQQv6PK3Ya2xKBs57ACNcBGAsYHQ/s3840/PXL_20210312_181059020.PORTRAIT.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3840" data-original-width="2160" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-HqOYMmr9_yM/YHi8rosFTaI/AAAAAAAA-3Y/XlNArt4qTigsRvuNQQv6PK3Ya2xKBs57ACNcBGAsYHQ/w360-h640/PXL_20210312_181059020.PORTRAIT.jpg" width="360" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-YPmF_qPhDsk/YHi8rxACBOI/AAAAAAAA-3c/PIjHdzdmCeIhHh48Kkm9pbusfwByPyqbQCNcBGAsYHQ/s2048/PXL_20210312_183903153.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="300" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-YPmF_qPhDsk/YHi8rxACBOI/AAAAAAAA-3c/PIjHdzdmCeIhHh48Kkm9pbusfwByPyqbQCNcBGAsYHQ/w400-h300/PXL_20210312_183903153.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-E9NLwk9yEXM/YHi8sNCASvI/AAAAAAAA-3k/Mg5_lch2HJYUTXoKrHs0PR5Zx-8BZFNvgCNcBGAsYHQ/s3840/PXL_20210312_183921919.PORTRAIT.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3840" data-original-width="2160" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-E9NLwk9yEXM/YHi8sNCASvI/AAAAAAAA-3k/Mg5_lch2HJYUTXoKrHs0PR5Zx-8BZFNvgCNcBGAsYHQ/w360-h640/PXL_20210312_183921919.PORTRAIT.jpg" width="360" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-vCNZM0DiOdg/YHi8sK48uhI/AAAAAAAA-3g/84IXa0OtUwUQOeBzBt5vwBLl_DqcidxFgCNcBGAsYHQ/s2048/PXL_20210312_184024488.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="300" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-vCNZM0DiOdg/YHi8sK48uhI/AAAAAAAA-3g/84IXa0OtUwUQOeBzBt5vwBLl_DqcidxFgCNcBGAsYHQ/w400-h300/PXL_20210312_184024488.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Just when we thought we had all perfected getting to the bottom of the hill without wipeouts, some decided it had gotten too easy. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">So they piled up a ramp of sorts.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-nV42q-2sj6U/YHi_Gzu6d9I/AAAAAAAA-5I/Sv93RRfvaowEJwANyr4sNNdGBgVP7MSCgCNcBGAsYHQ/s3840/PXL_20210312_183905158.PORTRAIT.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3840" data-original-width="2160" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-nV42q-2sj6U/YHi_Gzu6d9I/AAAAAAAA-5I/Sv93RRfvaowEJwANyr4sNNdGBgVP7MSCgCNcBGAsYHQ/w360-h640/PXL_20210312_183905158.PORTRAIT.jpg" width="360" /></a></div><div><br /></div>Because boys...</div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-NK6ZXV5rMiQ/YHi_G0REJ4I/AAAAAAAA-5M/wNnmhNDakvIH7HRLCvVI6oceI78jfwW5wCNcBGAsYHQ/s3840/PXL_20210312_183957476.PORTRAIT.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3840" data-original-width="2160" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-NK6ZXV5rMiQ/YHi_G0REJ4I/AAAAAAAA-5M/wNnmhNDakvIH7HRLCvVI6oceI78jfwW5wCNcBGAsYHQ/w360-h640/PXL_20210312_183957476.PORTRAIT.jpg" width="360" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Before we knew it, several hours had passed and we had all managed to work up a pretty impressive appetite. While the local burger joint wasn't yet open for the season, we lucked out with Kill Devil's (who literally had just opened for lunch today) and devoured burgers, 'que and hot dogs. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-PUcc6kofnC4/YHi9lYwBK8I/AAAAAAAA-4U/LicB_mAIsjkgbmAfH3bbkz5KP-AIYt-DwCNcBGAsYHQ/s2048/PXL_20210312_193834367.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-PUcc6kofnC4/YHi9lYwBK8I/AAAAAAAA-4U/LicB_mAIsjkgbmAfH3bbkz5KP-AIYt-DwCNcBGAsYHQ/w480-h640/PXL_20210312_193834367.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><div><br /></div>Bellies too full to enjoy frozen custard from Kill Devil's just yet, we headed across the highway to the beach for a few minutes. </div><div>It was a lovely afternoon and the sea was beckoning, but we'd already learned from experience that the Atlantic in early March is rather frigid. That said, Daniel and I decided to have a chicken contest to see who would flinch first as the cold water approached our feet. </div><div>I should have known better than to challenge my bull hearted son, not backing down required me to get wet up to my knees. </div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-LMSSoSVvQwk/YHi9trsGvmI/AAAAAAAA-4g/i5hfnaflRlU7erUb9rnzMh6zxvsCqsDRgCNcBGAsYHQ/s3840/PXL_20210312_200506713.PORTRAIT.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3840" data-original-width="2160" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-LMSSoSVvQwk/YHi9trsGvmI/AAAAAAAA-4g/i5hfnaflRlU7erUb9rnzMh6zxvsCqsDRgCNcBGAsYHQ/w360-h640/PXL_20210312_200506713.PORTRAIT.jpg" width="360" /></a></div><div><br /></div>We took walks, tossed the frisbee and football and played in the sand until everyone declared themselves 'custard ready.'</div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-WCxcouYtfvg/YHi9udPZRsI/AAAAAAAA-4o/kgIx0HiZH_k8vNu4c8yOABkeE68lKcYnACNcBGAsYHQ/s2048/PXL_20210312_202727060.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="300" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-WCxcouYtfvg/YHi9udPZRsI/AAAAAAAA-4o/kgIx0HiZH_k8vNu4c8yOABkeE68lKcYnACNcBGAsYHQ/w400-h300/PXL_20210312_202727060.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div><br /></div>And then we went back to eat our feelings about not getting to hang glide. Ice cream makes everything better...</div><div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-XDODY9DEpSs/YHi9t6k9ElI/AAAAAAAA-4k/H-zsrVd_FikSE6nBcvAUHtQWtAMk-9rOQCNcBGAsYHQ/s2048/PXL_20210312_210111262.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1152" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-XDODY9DEpSs/YHi9t6k9ElI/AAAAAAAA-4k/H-zsrVd_FikSE6nBcvAUHtQWtAMk-9rOQCNcBGAsYHQ/w360-h640/PXL_20210312_210111262.jpg" width="360" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">(of course they had all done pretty well in the first place, so maybe we were getting ice cream to celebrate their flexibility to change plans on a breeze. or maybe we were just enjoying kdc because it is so darn good)</span></span></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">All in all it was a near perfect day. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">And just because we could finish it with one more sunset, we did. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-zLB0P6L4sXw/YHi9uZPB_jI/AAAAAAAA-4s/GUKj-HaNzsI-EPS98p6KDKv_XJNTsXexACNcBGAsYHQ/s2048/PXL_20210312_230659050.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="300" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-zLB0P6L4sXw/YHi9uZPB_jI/AAAAAAAA-4s/GUKj-HaNzsI-EPS98p6KDKv_XJNTsXexACNcBGAsYHQ/w400-h300/PXL_20210312_230659050.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div>What a wonderful week we've had!<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /></div>Kristihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18132987170674424395noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30544456.post-30188422167018953142021-03-12T13:00:00.001-05:002021-04-14T17:12:19.656-04:00'our' nights in Rodanthe {hang gliding ~ almost..}<p>Turns out sunrise didn't get old. At least in a week...</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-RzgT_89qSlU/YF4hHRMS8EI/AAAAAAAA9xs/anfhcJp9YC4bZWxITsWI9LX0hVuS7Bj6ACNcBGAsYHQ/s2048/PXL_20210312_111405306.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1152" data-original-width="2048" height="360" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-RzgT_89qSlU/YF4hHRMS8EI/AAAAAAAA9xs/anfhcJp9YC4bZWxITsWI9LX0hVuS7Bj6ACNcBGAsYHQ/w640-h360/PXL_20210312_111405306.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>I didn't have much time to savor the quiet this morning though. There was excitement in the air! Even our typical later risers were up pretty early because finally today was the day!</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-W5LObVWeG2Q/YF9jD1Iq-2I/AAAAAAAA93I/eUZo1xwTLYQNQChQdYs117mm26hI8qLYQCNcBGAsYHQ/s2048/PXL_20210312_143157320.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1152" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-W5LObVWeG2Q/YF9jD1Iq-2I/AAAAAAAA93I/eUZo1xwTLYQNQChQdYs117mm26hI8qLYQCNcBGAsYHQ/w360-h640/PXL_20210312_143157320.jpg" width="360" /></a></div><div><br /></div>When we visited Jockey's Ridge back in October several of the crew expressed their desire to, quite literally, 'spread their wings and fly.' With the amount we saved on the house for off season rates, we decided to somewhat blow their minds and reserve hang gliding lessons for all eight of us for today.<div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-5MB98feZOWo/YF9jD8nK4iI/AAAAAAAA93E/_jQFZZTW49c-avXhDfK4HhaMv5ZJ9bJLACNcBGAsYHQ/s2048/PXL_20210312_143219580.PORTRAIT.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1152" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-5MB98feZOWo/YF9jD8nK4iI/AAAAAAAA93E/_jQFZZTW49c-avXhDfK4HhaMv5ZJ9bJLACNcBGAsYHQ/w360-h640/PXL_20210312_143219580.PORTRAIT.jpg" width="360" /></a></div><br /><div>Some were a bit nervous, but there was excitement in the air as we approached. First came basic instruction on how hang gliders work. We completed 'ground school' and got helmeted and harnessed up.</div></div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-RQf9kZ9XPFo/YF9j5P0ICQI/AAAAAAAA93U/CDC9znTFhXUWWb9HZc_WQS6Sr_fe1pWXQCNcBGAsYHQ/s2048/PXL_20210312_153559833.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-RQf9kZ9XPFo/YF9j5P0ICQI/AAAAAAAA93U/CDC9znTFhXUWWb9HZc_WQS6Sr_fe1pWXQCNcBGAsYHQ/w480-h640/PXL_20210312_153559833.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><div><br /></div>Finally it was time to head out to the dunes. <div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-QIH6pOsOekM/YF9j5O-kmMI/AAAAAAAA93Y/KgGLqyzRpTo0GAhu_HwWbFTPqSpC5jrHwCNcBGAsYHQ/s2048/PXL_20210312_154343887.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="480" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-QIH6pOsOekM/YF9j5O-kmMI/AAAAAAAA93Y/KgGLqyzRpTo0GAhu_HwWbFTPqSpC5jrHwCNcBGAsYHQ/w640-h480/PXL_20210312_154343887.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div>The weather was perfect...or so it seemed. </div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Cq-JjzLnW0M/YF9kNZ0AS0I/AAAAAAAA93k/i_0Q7_v2GvUFgBbq6EETeZrXtxE2VmOJwCNcBGAsYHQ/s2048/PXL_20210312_155307460.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1152" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Cq-JjzLnW0M/YF9kNZ0AS0I/AAAAAAAA93k/i_0Q7_v2GvUFgBbq6EETeZrXtxE2VmOJwCNcBGAsYHQ/w360-h640/PXL_20210312_155307460.jpg" width="360" /></a></div><div><br /></div>But as we got closer to the top, there was a breeze...and a significant one at that. I began to notice our actual flight instructor, whose name was Wolf and had calves nearly as big as my thighs, struggling to hold a straight line as he walked the glider up the dune. Each time a gust hit, he tracked a few feet to his left. This began a series of nervous visions of Nicholas catching a puff of air and ending up somewhere in the middle of the Roanoke Sound.</div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9xdy2e6iIRA/YF9kN7JcX4I/AAAAAAAA93s/zISSarLthTgOgcF52H3AgckKJD4dA1l5gCNcBGAsYHQ/s2048/PXL_20210312_155401723.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="300" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9xdy2e6iIRA/YF9kN7JcX4I/AAAAAAAA93s/zISSarLthTgOgcF52H3AgckKJD4dA1l5gCNcBGAsYHQ/w400-h300/PXL_20210312_155401723.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div><br /></div>Thus it was not really a surprise and perhaps even a tiny bit of relief when Wolf turned to all of us and said, "Guys, I'm sorry, but I have over 100 hours of flight time recorded and not even I would attempt to glide on a day like today." He said it so out of the blue though that for just a second I wondered if we were being punk'd. And then there was another blast of air and I realized we were being protected. </div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-fnJJOSebhS8/YF9kN7-kKgI/AAAAAAAA93o/7LpmiVhtCZAE0DzLpKV1ESquSz7bXPZIwCNcBGAsYHQ/s2048/PXL_20210312_160001486.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="300" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-fnJJOSebhS8/YF9kN7-kKgI/AAAAAAAA93o/7LpmiVhtCZAE0DzLpKV1ESquSz7bXPZIwCNcBGAsYHQ/w400-h300/PXL_20210312_160001486.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div>Thankfully, our pretty amazing kids ~ who have learned to roll with the punches over the past year ~ took the news in stride without a single incredulous sounding, "what in the world?" or "are you serious?" and simply started heading back to the ground school location to turn in their gear. </div></div><div><br /></div><div>Of course, you can't just end a day with disappointment and the hang gliding school was kind enough to offer an alternative...</div>Kristihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18132987170674424395noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30544456.post-29573739230562433092021-03-11T23:34:00.001-05:002021-03-26T13:58:16.785-04:00'our' nights in Rodanthe {just an ordinary Thursday}<p> I'm not a morning person.</p><p>But if I could have sunrise over the ocean everyday I could learn to be.<br /><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-xHVuuP8uJ8s/YF4bU6NqhoI/AAAAAAAA9wI/-9jwKtxT7boB9qMjCWJN-UgdhTtUVvQYACNcBGAsYHQ/s2048/PXL_20210311_111435836.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1152" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-xHVuuP8uJ8s/YF4bU6NqhoI/AAAAAAAA9wI/-9jwKtxT7boB9qMjCWJN-UgdhTtUVvQYACNcBGAsYHQ/w360-h640/PXL_20210311_111435836.jpg" width="360" /></a></div><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">There wasn't really anything on the agenda for the day...just work</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-V1vq2uKwaBM/YF4b49hFxuI/AAAAAAAA9w0/IN5fva93F3cTmJIU2b4aGJqbr1zm9NpJQCNcBGAsYHQ/s2048/PXL_20210311_192958231.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1152" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-V1vq2uKwaBM/YF4b49hFxuI/AAAAAAAA9w0/IN5fva93F3cTmJIU2b4aGJqbr1zm9NpJQCNcBGAsYHQ/w360-h640/PXL_20210311_192958231.jpg" width="360" /></a></div><div><br /></div>and school.<div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-BRHqiyeIF9c/YF4b42BIx2I/AAAAAAAA9ww/_0kF5_OvXio-wMLgBmW8vC9Ps23VH9tFACNcBGAsYHQ/s2048/PXL_20210311_193021327.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1152" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-BRHqiyeIF9c/YF4b42BIx2I/AAAAAAAA9ww/_0kF5_OvXio-wMLgBmW8vC9Ps23VH9tFACNcBGAsYHQ/w360-h640/PXL_20210311_193021327.jpg" width="360" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-PDWsSk7MijA/YF4cUcOQ-LI/AAAAAAAA9xE/dd5YjLrvQMwG7Jwhkcx68R8IRWZJWS-VACNcBGAsYHQ/s3840/PXL_20210311_193036527.PORTRAIT.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3840" data-original-width="2160" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-PDWsSk7MijA/YF4cUcOQ-LI/AAAAAAAA9xE/dd5YjLrvQMwG7Jwhkcx68R8IRWZJWS-VACNcBGAsYHQ/w360-h640/PXL_20210311_193036527.PORTRAIT.jpg" width="360" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">why not have meetings with teachers on the deck?</span></span></td></tr></tbody></table><p>And some beach time in between of course. The game that I still don't understand entertained the boys and Nat.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-dWbFDw2jqFM/YF4e-r3AEDI/AAAAAAAA9xU/hx9tsPuPrvsMsQpt-oAvqLoYuyjN9jrSwCNcBGAsYHQ/s2048/PXL_20210311_204835261.PORTRAIT.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1152" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-dWbFDw2jqFM/YF4e-r3AEDI/AAAAAAAA9xU/hx9tsPuPrvsMsQpt-oAvqLoYuyjN9jrSwCNcBGAsYHQ/w360-h640/PXL_20210311_204835261.PORTRAIT.jpg" width="360" /></a></div><p>While frisbee was the entertainment of choice for Ian and the big girls. And despite the water temperature, a quick wade in was necessary. I'm surprised they didn't make Kylie go for it...</p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-LNJV2lVGcDM/YF4eW70katI/AAAAAAAA9xM/GNo-0m2v5ocWxecFAIYvjy8RutBLyfyxgCNcBGAsYHQ/s2048/PXL_20210311_204838579.PORTRAIT.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1152" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-LNJV2lVGcDM/YF4eW70katI/AAAAAAAA9xM/GNo-0m2v5ocWxecFAIYvjy8RutBLyfyxgCNcBGAsYHQ/w360-h640/PXL_20210311_204838579.PORTRAIT.jpg" width="360" /></a></div><p></p><p>As the afternoon wore on, just one kiddo was done with his work so he headed down to play in the sand, tossing chunks of dried sand and making them explode by hitting them.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-XymxqBqsqFs/YF4f6fUM6YI/AAAAAAAA9xg/XICW52qoJhoHVDXrouOt2SZHKugVAWhAwCNcBGAsYHQ/s2048/PXL_20210311_223915054.PORTRAIT.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1152" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-XymxqBqsqFs/YF4f6fUM6YI/AAAAAAAA9xg/XICW52qoJhoHVDXrouOt2SZHKugVAWhAwCNcBGAsYHQ/w360-h640/PXL_20210311_223915054.PORTRAIT.jpg" width="360" /></a></div><div><br /></div>He was totally content, but I noticed that the sun was quickly dropping and asked if he wanted to accompany me to catch the evening sunset. I suppose there will come a day when he isn't as agreeable, but for now I'll soak in the sweetness of my little peanut.</div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-SJlN8vxyajs/YF4f6MG-4OI/AAAAAAAA9xc/3eD51jCOmb4XyJtgdcHVlGlcafsakarhwCNcBGAsYHQ/s2048/PXL_20210311_230741508.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1152" data-original-width="2048" height="225" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-SJlN8vxyajs/YF4f6MG-4OI/AAAAAAAA9xc/3eD51jCOmb4XyJtgdcHVlGlcafsakarhwCNcBGAsYHQ/w400-h225/PXL_20210311_230741508.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><p><br /></p></div>Kristihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18132987170674424395noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30544456.post-71741489133146536512021-03-11T11:55:00.001-05:002021-03-25T17:32:34.869-04:00'our' nights in Rodanthe {exploring more of Hatteras Island}<p> Our slice of sand between the house and the waves was delightful and kept beckoning for us between classes and meetings.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ChMTvSV_aeQ/YFzocng6AcI/AAAAAAAA9tM/tOFo5FvdJiQCK6UoopUluZFgXBaBUvnewCNcBGAsYHQ/s2048/PXL_20210310_163657520.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1152" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ChMTvSV_aeQ/YFzocng6AcI/AAAAAAAA9tM/tOFo5FvdJiQCK6UoopUluZFgXBaBUvnewCNcBGAsYHQ/w360-h640/PXL_20210310_163657520.jpg" width="360" /></a></div><p>We obeyed well.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-G3oRuYz4ovg/YFznjc5j1zI/AAAAAAAA9sg/QspRQpPzzzgZ5xdBRh-y-fey9Yuh4X1PwCNcBGAsYHQ/s3840/PXL_20210310_174509199.PORTRAIT.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3840" data-original-width="2160" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-G3oRuYz4ovg/YFznjc5j1zI/AAAAAAAA9sg/QspRQpPzzzgZ5xdBRh-y-fey9Yuh4X1PwCNcBGAsYHQ/w360-h640/PXL_20210310_174509199.PORTRAIT.jpg" width="360" /></a></div><br /><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ZnqC3QwzFaI/YFzmyDdPfbI/AAAAAAAA9rs/vDRRSgbYQSkqecJsxfUm1d-5z8MJzbdjwCNcBGAsYHQ/s3840/PXL_20210310_174752999.PORTRAIT.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3840" data-original-width="2160" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ZnqC3QwzFaI/YFzmyDdPfbI/AAAAAAAA9rs/vDRRSgbYQSkqecJsxfUm1d-5z8MJzbdjwCNcBGAsYHQ/w360-h640/PXL_20210310_174752999.PORTRAIT.jpg" width="360" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-vpIfuFFzZ8o/YFzoDpH75XI/AAAAAAAA9s4/EfQNl7UBgvECk4Zea37xDi6oBTFKFjZfACNcBGAsYHQ/s3840/PXL_20210310_174512870.PORTRAIT.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3840" data-original-width="2160" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-vpIfuFFzZ8o/YFzoDpH75XI/AAAAAAAA9s4/EfQNl7UBgvECk4Zea37xDi6oBTFKFjZfACNcBGAsYHQ/w360-h640/PXL_20210310_174512870.PORTRAIT.jpg" width="360" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-1Bt0DFFpibQ/YFzmzDbocWI/AAAAAAAA9r0/aPFGSgU9uKMwr8UnJ1alA9cEP9r4YIFmwCNcBGAsYHQ/s2048/PXL_20210310_174843452.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="300" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-1Bt0DFFpibQ/YFzmzDbocWI/AAAAAAAA9r0/aPFGSgU9uKMwr8UnJ1alA9cEP9r4YIFmwCNcBGAsYHQ/w400-h300/PXL_20210310_174843452.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-sQHqR5kwZ-c/YFzmyvVHu-I/AAAAAAAA9rw/32mKSPBym1QdKIeGs3yq7jfhUaZU4HGIgCNcBGAsYHQ/s3840/PXL_20210310_175120830.PORTRAIT.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3840" data-original-width="2160" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-sQHqR5kwZ-c/YFzmyvVHu-I/AAAAAAAA9rw/32mKSPBym1QdKIeGs3yq7jfhUaZU4HGIgCNcBGAsYHQ/w360-h640/PXL_20210310_175120830.PORTRAIT.jpg" width="360" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-i-eh0XQyc5M/YFzoTnyG4GI/AAAAAAAA9tI/JjCeUgDk2igRWtpFiEZHl0divhcddFlUACNcBGAsYHQ/s3840/PXL_20210310_174522887.PORTRAIT.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3840" data-original-width="2160" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-i-eh0XQyc5M/YFzoTnyG4GI/AAAAAAAA9tI/JjCeUgDk2igRWtpFiEZHl0divhcddFlUACNcBGAsYHQ/w360-h640/PXL_20210310_174522887.PORTRAIT.jpg" width="360" /></a></div><br /><div>And while finding a shark tooth (another for Darcy and a first for Ian) was on the mind, we also wanted to do a little further exploring of the area.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-K1ycJMbKjdE/YFzmzc2OC8I/AAAAAAAA9r4/xHjwvG34SE0oY5b5eHHVmBuveLnyTNFXgCNcBGAsYHQ/s3840/PXL_20210310_175423940.PORTRAIT.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2160" data-original-width="3840" height="225" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-K1ycJMbKjdE/YFzmzc2OC8I/AAAAAAAA9r4/xHjwvG34SE0oY5b5eHHVmBuveLnyTNFXgCNcBGAsYHQ/w400-h225/PXL_20210310_175423940.PORTRAIT.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">So we loaded up and headed as far as you can go on Hatteras Island without actually getting on the ferry to Ocracoke ~ the Graveyard of the Atlantic Museum.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-fEqpWWYKcSE/YFzpOeYqIHI/AAAAAAAA9tc/dq-RoOAz72shXgUMPzvTCJpI958OFHhBwCNcBGAsYHQ/s2048/PXL_20210310_212346809.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1152" data-original-width="2048" height="225" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-fEqpWWYKcSE/YFzpOeYqIHI/AAAAAAAA9tc/dq-RoOAz72shXgUMPzvTCJpI958OFHhBwCNcBGAsYHQ/w400-h225/PXL_20210310_212346809.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">It's not a huge museum and while it had more (super interesting) reading than artifacts there were some really cool things inside, including the original Fresnel lens from the Cape Hatteras Lighthouse.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-rUu7s8jwW8s/YFzsqlKpTXI/AAAAAAAA9tk/rr5fiqTkiUgPjiYAsI9wmEtM6-tUMseTwCNcBGAsYHQ/s2048/PXL_20210310_194409794.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1152" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-rUu7s8jwW8s/YFzsqlKpTXI/AAAAAAAA9tk/rr5fiqTkiUgPjiYAsI9wmEtM6-tUMseTwCNcBGAsYHQ/w360-h640/PXL_20210310_194409794.jpg" width="360" /></a></div><div><br /></div>Even cooler than that, there were two glass display boxes with items that came off the Queen Anne's Revenge (our Pirates of the Caribbean fans totally geeked out over those, but they were in a 'no photos' zone). We spent about an hour viewing, reading and trying to locate all the items on the scavenger hunt list. The littles even learned that there have been several modern shipwrecks that spread interesting cargo on the beaches of the Outer Banks...once a ship carrying bananas from the tropics and once a giant tanker laden with Doritos littered the shores with unopened bags of Cool Ranch and Nacho Cheese Dorito bags.<div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-JHw_AN86M3c/YFzsqgYsrYI/AAAAAAAA9to/rD5jUDcTevQTLoKh47iSm26qJcwzCQ55gCNcBGAsYHQ/s2048/PXL_20210310_204915715.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1152" data-original-width="2048" height="225" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-JHw_AN86M3c/YFzsqgYsrYI/AAAAAAAA9to/rD5jUDcTevQTLoKh47iSm26qJcwzCQ55gCNcBGAsYHQ/w400-h225/PXL_20210310_204915715.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div><br /></div>Of course we had a lovely beach back up in front of our house, but we decided to check out the dangerous Diamond Shoals area. From our vantage point on the beach where we played frisbee, tossed a football and tried to decide if we really wanted to see just how cold the water was, it looked not so intimidating.</div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-0nRRGyJW9Ts/YFzsqibbJXI/AAAAAAAA9ts/TZzEWSELbt8CveUGBZ-P1D1S2n_WnoHnQCNcBGAsYHQ/s2048/PXL_20210310_210317426.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-0nRRGyJW9Ts/YFzsqibbJXI/AAAAAAAA9ts/TZzEWSELbt8CveUGBZ-P1D1S2n_WnoHnQCNcBGAsYHQ/s320/PXL_20210310_210317426.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div><br /></div>Our eldest loves to tell us that we're not millennials and therefore shouldn't be taking selfies. But our ability to catch quirky angles begs to differ, yes? </div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-vLFoEcUL0xU/YFzsq8IQq_I/AAAAAAAA9tw/u9W-llDgfBU95enXYtjCmNXUQUkvuaCmQCNcBGAsYHQ/s2048/PXL_20210310_211239533.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-vLFoEcUL0xU/YFzsq8IQq_I/AAAAAAAA9tw/u9W-llDgfBU95enXYtjCmNXUQUkvuaCmQCNcBGAsYHQ/s320/PXL_20210310_211239533.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div><br /></div>After causing many groans while we took a few pictures, we all shook off the sand and began the journey back north to Bros Sandwich Shop (Kylie's choice of grub for her birthday dinner). But along the way we told the kids to keep their eyes peeled...a UFO had been spotted in the area. </div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-LiXckWrG9_8/YFzsrTu_LyI/AAAAAAAA9t4/EVsbq2K0B4IoA5lyb2kNORa3-hi4mZVRwCNcBGAsYHQ/s2048/PXL_20210310_213808819.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1152" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-LiXckWrG9_8/YFzsrTu_LyI/AAAAAAAA9t4/EVsbq2K0B4IoA5lyb2kNORa3-hi4mZVRwCNcBGAsYHQ/w360-h640/PXL_20210310_213808819.jpg" width="360" /></a></div><div><br /></div>Several responded, "Oh yeah, I saw a UFO on our way down to the museum." Funny that not a word was spoken about it then. Literally right on Hwy 12, you can't miss this 'must see' tourist stop while in the Frisco area on Hatteras Island.</div><div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-pO6zk210f9c/YFzsrdFT3UI/AAAAAAAA9t0/EMaQD8A5-9I43GkgXIJ7zxryQ79nce7-wCNcBGAsYHQ/s2048/PXL_20210310_213855845.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1152" data-original-width="2048" height="225" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-pO6zk210f9c/YFzsrdFT3UI/AAAAAAAA9t0/EMaQD8A5-9I43GkgXIJ7zxryQ79nce7-wCNcBGAsYHQ/w400-h225/PXL_20210310_213855845.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">just because we're 'cool like that' we laughed as we elicited groans while grabbing a selfie in front of the futuro house<br /><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div></span></td></tr></tbody></table>Last stop before dinner, just because we could. To me there is simply something nostalgic about the time of lighthouses and so we drove onto the grounds, left the kids listening to music in the van and took a quick stroll over to stand in the shadow of the tallest brick lighthouse in the United States.</div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-dUEJlHik1Vo/YFzsrVslJOI/AAAAAAAA9t8/y2LXXVbIcPUq7teW26LGjefQncQ_-28XwCNcBGAsYHQ/s2048/PXL_20210310_215357329.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1152" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-dUEJlHik1Vo/YFzsrVslJOI/AAAAAAAA9t8/y2LXXVbIcPUq7teW26LGjefQncQ_-28XwCNcBGAsYHQ/w360-h640/PXL_20210310_215357329.jpg" width="360" /></a></div><div><br /></div>Our adventures delivered us back into Avon right at 5:30, a respectable time for some delicious sandwiches for dinner...we were thankful for the warmer temperatures so we could eat at the table instead of in the van! </div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-GTcE2RinQGs/YFzssN-blwI/AAAAAAAA9uA/3HN2OTXazO4gjHMp7jiPZr0hcZzKq00LQCNcBGAsYHQ/s2048/PXL_20210310_222905010.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="300" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-GTcE2RinQGs/YFzssN-blwI/AAAAAAAA9uA/3HN2OTXazO4gjHMp7jiPZr0hcZzKq00LQCNcBGAsYHQ/w400-h300/PXL_20210310_222905010.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Hatteras just keeps offering more cool things to explore!</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /></div>Kristihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18132987170674424395noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30544456.post-2944455438397582362021-03-10T22:54:00.001-05:002021-03-11T08:12:06.540-05:00'our' nights in rodanthe {Kylie is 15!}<p>Nationwide claims, "life comes at you fast..." And I agree. </p><p>Along those same lines, for our family, in March, "birthdays come at you fast..."</p><p>Ian and I barely get time to process one child being a step closer to adulthood when the very next day our eldest ups the game by one. </p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-qdPrNFxlSJA/YEoFS1icDdI/AAAAAAAA8xM/p5vyE3sTJtMF01CoVtdK5iZGhc5NiZinQCNcBGAsYHQ/s2048/PXL_20210310_133510292.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1152" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-qdPrNFxlSJA/YEoFS1icDdI/AAAAAAAA8xM/p5vyE3sTJtMF01CoVtdK5iZGhc5NiZinQCNcBGAsYHQ/w360-h640/PXL_20210310_133510292.jpg" width="360" /></a></div><p></p><p>The leader of the pack is now 15!</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-o_yedYGs9z0/YEoGwftOXZI/AAAAAAAA8xk/mmEjFmzJ_HktjL1ubgpnTXc1yjiIHfuZwCNcBGAsYHQ/s3840/PXL_20210310_145329314.PORTRAIT.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3840" data-original-width="2160" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-o_yedYGs9z0/YEoGwftOXZI/AAAAAAAA8xk/mmEjFmzJ_HktjL1ubgpnTXc1yjiIHfuZwCNcBGAsYHQ/w360-h640/PXL_20210310_145329314.PORTRAIT.jpg" width="360" /></a></div><p>I can't really believe it, but it does soften the blow a little that she can't either. Hearing her exclaim, "Hey, wait, am I really 15?" makes the growing up seem a little more tolerable.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-gVrfYr9OZUU/YEoH5Oiz2bI/AAAAAAAA8xw/UDx4dsFrdGIn5U7u-mROoIjR6jA5hLtGgCNcBGAsYHQ/s3840/PXL_20210310_174629536.PORTRAIT.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3840" data-original-width="2160" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-gVrfYr9OZUU/YEoH5Oiz2bI/AAAAAAAA8xw/UDx4dsFrdGIn5U7u-mROoIjR6jA5hLtGgCNcBGAsYHQ/w360-h640/PXL_20210310_174629536.PORTRAIT.jpg" width="360" /></a></div><div><br /></div>And then she'll go and ruin that by saying something along the lines of, "I mean, that means in just three years I'll be finishing up my time at home and getting ready to go to college." <div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-MJbfAjRloe0/YEoH5KB2ZjI/AAAAAAAA8xs/JXoqlskNGJoDdoxsDHmD2M60mEt_cKwxQCNcBGAsYHQ/s3840/PXL_20210310_174645048.PORTRAIT.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3840" data-original-width="2160" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-MJbfAjRloe0/YEoH5KB2ZjI/AAAAAAAA8xs/JXoqlskNGJoDdoxsDHmD2M60mEt_cKwxQCNcBGAsYHQ/w360-h640/PXL_20210310_174645048.PORTRAIT.jpg" width="360" /></a></div><p>Which gets me plotting on how to freeze time all over again...</p><p>She's at a fun mash up of sophisticated young woman, discussing ideas she's running with from her AP world history class, and carefree teenage girl, laughing at ridiculous memes and getting excited about fluffy cows and kwakas, right now and had two requests on how to be celebrated. One was "a streamer curtain so I can make a dramatic entrance." </p><p>So streamers on her bedroom doorway we did!</p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-NVdrIqHQrq0/YEoJ_VW_Q9I/AAAAAAAA8x8/cYGQY8yb7icRIyW4GJArfcYfdtIenLcaACNcBGAsYHQ/s2048/PXL_20210310_133708487.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1152" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-NVdrIqHQrq0/YEoJ_VW_Q9I/AAAAAAAA8x8/cYGQY8yb7icRIyW4GJArfcYfdtIenLcaACNcBGAsYHQ/w360-h640/PXL_20210310_133708487.jpg" width="360" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">and yes, there are videos...slo-mo at her request...to document her grand entrance</span></td></tr></tbody></table><p>The weather was perfect today, so her choice for mid-afternoon 'class location' was overlooking the beach. One could get used to the 'school-cation' situation.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-IBEa5BoDslk/YEoQ3VPX9hI/AAAAAAAA8y8/DiB1VaebKR4HiGrskRXSV7Ba61s1d3FFACNcBGAsYHQ/s2048/PXL_20210310_180525806.PORTRAIT.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1152" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-IBEa5BoDslk/YEoQ3VPX9hI/AAAAAAAA8y8/DiB1VaebKR4HiGrskRXSV7Ba61s1d3FFACNcBGAsYHQ/w360-h640/PXL_20210310_180525806.PORTRAIT.jpg" width="360" /></a></div><div><br /></div>Her other request was to have her birthday dinner at Bros Sandwich Shack. We had stumbled upon this hidden gem of a restaurant back in October on our way down to Hatteras Lighthouse. The combo of BBQ perfection on a bun with house made pickles and crispy sweet potato waffle fries had her hooked on the first bite. She talked about that sandwich for weeks and when we had decided we'd be taking a spring 'school-cation' back at the outer banks, making it to cover the big girls' birthday week (which has the bonus of a teacher workday) seemed like a no-brainer. All I had to do was find a rental within reasonable distance to Bros...</div><div><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-BkgWthCC3eU/YEoKOtJ7BxI/AAAAAAAA8yA/v7zZ0gy4Dkc62X6N-6qwt-twuXGU0NOhwCNcBGAsYHQ/s2048/PXL_20210310_222920864.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="300" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-BkgWthCC3eU/YEoKOtJ7BxI/AAAAAAAA8yA/v7zZ0gy4Dkc62X6N-6qwt-twuXGU0NOhwCNcBGAsYHQ/w400-h300/PXL_20210310_222920864.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">we spent the afternoon down in Buxton at the Graveyard museum and then tossed a frisbee and football on the beach overlooking Diamond Shoals for an hour ~ and caught sight of the local UFO ~ before heading back toward the house. an early dinner at Bros was perfect timing and the warm weather allowed us to eat on their picnic table instead of in the car </span></td></tr></tbody></table><div><br /></div>After about an hour of catching up on work/assignments following an afternoon of play (even the birthday girl needed a bit of time to wrap up AP world history and honors English) it was finally time for her to open her loot. <br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-5u9TxSe5JGk/YEoOIbt7GpI/AAAAAAAA8yQ/_REO53wrgDg-4gn0ofTqVM6PXbMMUqj8QCNcBGAsYHQ/s2048/PXL_20210311_010841589.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1152" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-5u9TxSe5JGk/YEoOIbt7GpI/AAAAAAAA8yQ/_REO53wrgDg-4gn0ofTqVM6PXbMMUqj8QCNcBGAsYHQ/w360-h640/PXL_20210311_010841589.jpg" width="360" /></a></div><div><br /></div>Like her 'spirit animal' sister, the only direct requests were books. The Maze Runner series filled one of the slots, leaving us to figure out what else would make her day super special. A boba tea cup with boba recipes brought smiles, but not even the book series topped her stuffed avocado. <div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-TUZr1S8153I/YEoOIDUljRI/AAAAAAAA8yM/C-qHZqZdxZ01P1JuSyHBxYfXs1EZHDSQQCNcBGAsYHQ/s2048/PXL_20210311_011023552.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1152" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-TUZr1S8153I/YEoOIDUljRI/AAAAAAAA8yM/C-qHZqZdxZ01P1JuSyHBxYfXs1EZHDSQQCNcBGAsYHQ/w360-h640/PXL_20210311_011023552.jpg" width="360" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">he's been named ferdinand</span></td></tr></tbody></table><div><br /></div>And finally, time for cake.</div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-bQNimNPS3WU/YEoOIh8ohiI/AAAAAAAA8yU/QJkXyFfytkcoeaUjGqj-b3lfK1Uf1enaQCNcBGAsYHQ/s2048/PXL_20210311_011957225.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="300" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-bQNimNPS3WU/YEoOIh8ohiI/AAAAAAAA8yU/QJkXyFfytkcoeaUjGqj-b3lfK1Uf1enaQCNcBGAsYHQ/w400-h300/PXL_20210311_011957225.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div><br /></div>Carrot cake with pecan studded cream cheese frosting to be exact.</div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-xoJYel9lvLg/YEoOJBD9E4I/AAAAAAAA8yY/n2-VldRvLeYa5MS9GGYMIgwO8CCI1MLfQCNcBGAsYHQ/s2048/PXL_20210311_011957648.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1152" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-xoJYel9lvLg/YEoOJBD9E4I/AAAAAAAA8yY/n2-VldRvLeYa5MS9GGYMIgwO8CCI1MLfQCNcBGAsYHQ/w360-h640/PXL_20210311_011957648.jpg" width="360" /></a></div><div><br /></div>And she may have thought surprises were over with the gifts, but score with an edible confetti cannon candle for the win!</div><div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-lRghnU1nhck/YEoOJ6sa7GI/AAAAAAAA8yc/4ljELJUPssYqCRkh6tWg9swpktA3ntGcwCNcBGAsYHQ/s2048/PXL_20210311_012035786.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="300" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-lRghnU1nhck/YEoOJ6sa7GI/AAAAAAAA8yc/4ljELJUPssYqCRkh6tWg9swpktA3ntGcwCNcBGAsYHQ/w400-h300/PXL_20210311_012035786.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">i will note that we had two of these and lit one on darcy's cake last night...unfortunately because of the lighting napkins on the oven heating element to light candles situation, the fuse went off before i got the cake to the table, so no one saw the actual explosion. </span></td></tr></tbody></table><div><br /></div>K-Boo, I look at you blowing out the candles on your 15th birthday cake and realize just how quickly it's going to be your 18th. Time is marching on at a rate that makes my head spin, but the comforting thing is that you are blossoming into a remarkable young woman. You are genuine and have navigated the treacherous teenage years staying true to who you are, never feeling pressure (or at least showing that you do) to 'go along with the crowd' to fit in. I love watching your mind work as your process complex social and historical issues and have no doubt that you will leave a mark on society through the intersection of your intellect and the action you will take because of it. I see your faith developing as you seek to truly understand the God of the universe, not just taking my word for it. </div><div>I love you with all my heart!</div><div> <br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-bTlk3ANYGAw/YEoOKDtJ1FI/AAAAAAAA8yg/8CuaDC3eh4IcofofE_KjBk2IYAvOw3c6gCNcBGAsYHQ/s2048/PXL_20210311_012046723.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-bTlk3ANYGAw/YEoOKDtJ1FI/AAAAAAAA8yg/8CuaDC3eh4IcofofE_KjBk2IYAvOw3c6gCNcBGAsYHQ/s320/PXL_20210311_012046723.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(5, 5, 5); color: #050505; font-family: system-ui, -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, ".SFNSText-Regular", sans-serif; font-size: 15px; text-align: start;">[We get so worried about being pretty. </span><br style="caret-color: rgb(5, 5, 5); color: #050505; font-family: system-ui, -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, ".SFNSText-Regular", sans-serif; font-size: 15px; text-align: start;" /><span style="background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(5, 5, 5); color: #050505; font-family: system-ui, -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, ".SFNSText-Regular", sans-serif; font-size: 15px; text-align: start;">Let's be pretty kind.</span><br style="caret-color: rgb(5, 5, 5); color: #050505; font-family: system-ui, -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, ".SFNSText-Regular", sans-serif; font-size: 15px; text-align: start;" /><span style="background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(5, 5, 5); color: #050505; font-family: system-ui, -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, ".SFNSText-Regular", sans-serif; font-size: 15px; text-align: start;">Pretty funny.</span><br style="caret-color: rgb(5, 5, 5); color: #050505; font-family: system-ui, -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, ".SFNSText-Regular", sans-serif; font-size: 15px; text-align: start;" /><span style="background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(5, 5, 5); color: #050505; font-family: system-ui, -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, ".SFNSText-Regular", sans-serif; font-size: 15px; text-align: start;">Pretty smart.</span><br style="caret-color: rgb(5, 5, 5); color: #050505; font-family: system-ui, -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, ".SFNSText-Regular", sans-serif; font-size: 15px; text-align: start;" /><span style="background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(5, 5, 5); color: #050505; font-family: system-ui, -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, ".SFNSText-Regular", sans-serif; font-size: 15px; text-align: start;">Pretty strong.] </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(5, 5, 5); color: #050505; font-family: system-ui, -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, ".SFNSText-Regular", sans-serif; font-size: 15px; text-align: start;">~ Britt Nicole</span></div></div>Kristihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18132987170674424395noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30544456.post-10244263175902723702021-03-10T10:13:00.001-05:002021-03-25T11:55:37.058-04:00'our' nights in Rodanthe {Tuesday ~ we could get used to school days like this}<p>We have a giant dry erase board in our entryway and use it as a family message/discussion spot. Just before we left for our week on the coast the question was, "What is your favorite thing in nature?" </p><p>My response? </p><p>Sunrise/sunset over water.</p><p>It was a glorious week to soak in those moments...</p><p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-cNMpIEkXyiA/YFypvx6RZvI/AAAAAAAA9pk/WvnU3fBF1AES2pwBr4r_Kh_u9Smp_r-vwCNcBGAsYHQ/s2048/PXL_20210309_112913438%257E2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1152" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-cNMpIEkXyiA/YFypvx6RZvI/AAAAAAAA9pk/WvnU3fBF1AES2pwBr4r_Kh_u9Smp_r-vwCNcBGAsYHQ/w360-h640/PXL_20210309_112913438%257E2.jpg" width="360" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">tuesday morning ~ sunrise enjoyed with ian, ky & dq</span></td></tr></tbody></table><br /></p><p>While the oldest three chose to sit on their beds or at the desks in their rooms (with an ocean view) for school, the littles were drawn to the sunlight and views provided in our living room for their classroom time.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-scXymSmjcWo/YFytFqu0yrI/AAAAAAAA9pw/kHrYjx3wI3YTVQ3ZUISzqoOHz9OOeNTsgCNcBGAsYHQ/s2048/PXL_20210309_145110997.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="300" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-scXymSmjcWo/YFytFqu0yrI/AAAAAAAA9pw/kHrYjx3wI3YTVQ3ZUISzqoOHz9OOeNTsgCNcBGAsYHQ/w400-h300/PXL_20210309_145110997.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><p>After getting everyone settled in to their morning meets, I hit the beach to enjoy my daily quiet time walk. I'm not sure exactly what conditions shifted overnight, but the water literally changed color from the greenish-brown it was when we arrived to the most amazing shades of turquoise. What a fun birthday surprise for our sweet DQ who admired the clear waters when we were here in October. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-c5ppD9i4NPY/YFyt4NP3HXI/AAAAAAAA9p4/mqohJ7aS6pogQLNPfvIBv5W3bKrDQJTAgCNcBGAsYHQ/s2048/PXL_20210309_165723244.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-c5ppD9i4NPY/YFyt4NP3HXI/AAAAAAAA9p4/mqohJ7aS6pogQLNPfvIBv5W3bKrDQJTAgCNcBGAsYHQ/w480-h640/PXL_20210309_165723244.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><p>As I walked I had several wonderful surprises. First was noticing a large piece of seaglass, something I've always been intrigued by, literally at my feet as I walked. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-yvd6ZrsvRPI/YFyuMIOgsJI/AAAAAAAA9qA/jYKPSOJiCV0Ur5Yrt2sK2gfDw_iOtO3owCNcBGAsYHQ/s3840/PXL_20210309_165432618.PORTRAIT.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3840" data-original-width="2160" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-yvd6ZrsvRPI/YFyuMIOgsJI/AAAAAAAA9qA/jYKPSOJiCV0Ur5Yrt2sK2gfDw_iOtO3owCNcBGAsYHQ/w360-h640/PXL_20210309_165432618.PORTRAIT.jpg" width="360" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Second was a large piece of driftwood just begging for some pictures to be taken. I could just hear Dad's voice in my mind saying, "Look at <i>that</i> piece of driftwood," as I explored the best angle.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-DOYaDR2WoFU/YFyuySoE3HI/AAAAAAAA9qI/oi-q2ZVI2nAM_WVGuSTvX7l9bAkQ6ebegCNcBGAsYHQ/s3840/PXL_20210309_124256293.PORTRAIT.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3840" data-original-width="2160" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-DOYaDR2WoFU/YFyuySoE3HI/AAAAAAAA9qI/oi-q2ZVI2nAM_WVGuSTvX7l9bAkQ6ebegCNcBGAsYHQ/w360-h640/PXL_20210309_124256293.PORTRAIT.jpg" width="360" /></a></div><p>I got back to the house at lunchtime and the wonderful thing about being oceanfront is that when the beach calls over lunch break it's easy to answer.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-eUqz9IGSuuQ/YFyvr30yJaI/AAAAAAAA9qY/-tnITMLIxU48UrQSBFtrACmtaKFCdCDTwCNcBGAsYHQ/s3840/PXL_20210309_175808784.PORTRAIT.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3840" data-original-width="2160" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-eUqz9IGSuuQ/YFyvr30yJaI/AAAAAAAA9qY/-tnITMLIxU48UrQSBFtrACmtaKFCdCDTwCNcBGAsYHQ/w360-h640/PXL_20210309_175808784.PORTRAIT.jpg" width="360" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-4QmcBskSvU4/YFyvr3rp8nI/AAAAAAAA9qU/ZzYFRNDNfGUk52Ug7_G_q0-4I_EoyINdwCNcBGAsYHQ/s2048/PXL_20210309_180030903.PORTRAIT.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1152" data-original-width="2048" height="225" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-4QmcBskSvU4/YFyvr3rp8nI/AAAAAAAA9qU/ZzYFRNDNfGUk52Ug7_G_q0-4I_EoyINdwCNcBGAsYHQ/w400-h225/PXL_20210309_180030903.PORTRAIT.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-u0Vb7k30Vzg/YFyvr5hYkoI/AAAAAAAA9qQ/khoOnv0XHDoITz5SkcO0tU3GpDgjN6LiQCNcBGAsYHQ/s2048/PXL_20210309_180859858.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1152" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-u0Vb7k30Vzg/YFyvr5hYkoI/AAAAAAAA9qQ/khoOnv0XHDoITz5SkcO0tU3GpDgjN6LiQCNcBGAsYHQ/w360-h640/PXL_20210309_180859858.jpg" width="360" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-IWzjDwRBuUE/YFyvtC-xIVI/AAAAAAAA9qc/PhQLOc0Kf3Yvb6Y6rel_bhGaKJpAOR4vgCNcBGAsYHQ/s3840/PXL_20210309_210042164.PORTRAIT.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3840" data-original-width="2160" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-IWzjDwRBuUE/YFyvtC-xIVI/AAAAAAAA9qc/PhQLOc0Kf3Yvb6Y6rel_bhGaKJpAOR4vgCNcBGAsYHQ/w360-h640/PXL_20210309_210042164.PORTRAIT.jpg" width="360" /></a></div><p>Catching a dose of Vitamin D, whether walking, searching for shells, jumping or just letting sand run through your hands over lunch is pretty much the best! The break gave everyone a boost to finish up the day and as soon as they were done with assignments, back to the beach they went...</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-gRlcECyNnSc/YFywhp0GRbI/AAAAAAAA9qs/b97v0RUuZd0kwOdQoVzz01dF9gpRCDzSACNcBGAsYHQ/s2048/PXL_20210309_214135268.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1152" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-gRlcECyNnSc/YFywhp0GRbI/AAAAAAAA9qs/b97v0RUuZd0kwOdQoVzz01dF9gpRCDzSACNcBGAsYHQ/w360-h640/PXL_20210309_214135268.jpg" width="360" /></a></div><p>I don't really understand the rules of this game these four spent much of their downtime playing, but they did and they enjoyed it and I guess that's all that matters.</p><p>And remember my favorite thing in nature? Since the Pamlico was literally 1/2 mile from the house, and Ian and I had scouted a good sunset viewpoint the night before, we loaded the crew into the van for a quick sunset viewing party before dinner.</p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-EWfNVravVsc/YFyxTcQnQHI/AAAAAAAA9q0/DR0NLHIwQn8FXijC85e_kQhbQ58xwx97gCNcBGAsYHQ/s2688/PXL_20210309_230246550.PORTRAIT.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1512" data-original-width="2688" height="225" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-EWfNVravVsc/YFyxTcQnQHI/AAAAAAAA9q0/DR0NLHIwQn8FXijC85e_kQhbQ58xwx97gCNcBGAsYHQ/w400-h225/PXL_20210309_230246550.PORTRAIT.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">oh these people...a little crazy but they're mine</span></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-m9jOlXc2PoQ/YFyxXZi1UlI/AAAAAAAA9q4/1xgbSj6hoIc6VZZaaAfXZqimxBTouB9OQCNcBGAsYHQ/s2551/original_9b7f0c9d-705f-4919-8753-96fdeba87731_PXL_20210309_230525565.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2551" data-original-width="1233" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-m9jOlXc2PoQ/YFyxXZi1UlI/AAAAAAAA9q4/1xgbSj6hoIc6VZZaaAfXZqimxBTouB9OQCNcBGAsYHQ/w310-h640/original_9b7f0c9d-705f-4919-8753-96fdeba87731_PXL_20210309_230525565.jpg" width="310" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">my peanut is always good for a snuggle</span></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-jP7pmmS0vbw/YFyxX0rbAfI/AAAAAAAA9q8/9dw76CyKfvIocrwTAO6wCTnZGmpQ0jMowCNcBGAsYHQ/s2048/PXL_20210309_230547091.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1152" data-original-width="2048" height="225" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-jP7pmmS0vbw/YFyxX0rbAfI/AAAAAAAA9q8/9dw76CyKfvIocrwTAO6wCTnZGmpQ0jMowCNcBGAsYHQ/w400-h225/PXL_20210309_230547091.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-xyOe5QG_Elg/YFyxX16NBvI/AAAAAAAA9rA/8lKk_-uUvdcovZPMyH0RlwIUVeumNNo0wCNcBGAsYHQ/s2048/PXL_20210309_230646330.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1152" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-xyOe5QG_Elg/YFyxX16NBvI/AAAAAAAA9rA/8lKk_-uUvdcovZPMyH0RlwIUVeumNNo0wCNcBGAsYHQ/w360-h640/PXL_20210309_230646330.jpg" width="360" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">it was windy which caused the kids to give up and seek shelter in the van, but we stuck it out until the very end...</span></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><p>Beachy school days. One could get used to this...</p>Kristihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18132987170674424395noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30544456.post-62848104472099022212021-03-09T23:01:00.001-05:002021-03-10T20:04:13.745-05:00'our' nights in rodanthe {celebrating 14 for our Darcy Q}<p>We had a full day of celebrating Darcy Q, starting at sunrise.</p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-tUjOuMwpHAQ/YEjN2vA6zBI/AAAAAAAA8jk/_eGMNfidkvcS08eH0cWKxqf7fFtghJsaQCNcBGAsYHQ/s2048/PXL_20210309_112549183.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="300" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-tUjOuMwpHAQ/YEjN2vA6zBI/AAAAAAAA8jk/_eGMNfidkvcS08eH0cWKxqf7fFtghJsaQCNcBGAsYHQ/w400-h300/PXL_20210309_112549183.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><p></p><p>She was well rewarded for her sacrifice of sleep, the sky put on a dazzling display of color and we saw so many dolphins surfacing, jumping and even body surfing (yes, one caught a wave and rode it nearly to shore just like we do) that we stopped counting after 20.</p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-sMFDdt-B9uc/YEjkkjQpl2I/AAAAAAAA8lI/G-b_TVZLwx0fi6B2jFbxkfNqLxqoIP6_wCNcBGAsYHQ/s2048/PXL_20210309_112621322.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="300" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-sMFDdt-B9uc/YEjkkjQpl2I/AAAAAAAA8lI/G-b_TVZLwx0fi6B2jFbxkfNqLxqoIP6_wCNcBGAsYHQ/w400-h300/PXL_20210309_112621322.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">our budding photographer could hardly be peeled away from my phone she was so busy snapping shots of the ever changing light and trying to catch a dolphin in the sun's reflection on the water</span></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><p>Satisfied that we had caught the full splendor of the morning, there were gifts to <strike>shake</strike> examine back inside.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-qXBsCgSEcPY/YEjmESLi2kI/AAAAAAAA8lQ/Cla0DVIlREwJqmPv32CndIaawcsOHWeIACNcBGAsYHQ/s2048/PXL_20210309_113404612.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1152" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-qXBsCgSEcPY/YEjmESLi2kI/AAAAAAAA8lQ/Cla0DVIlREwJqmPv32CndIaawcsOHWeIACNcBGAsYHQ/w360-h640/PXL_20210309_113404612.jpg" width="360" /></a></div><p>A 'school-cation' birthday oceanfront means ample time for photo taking between live class meetings. I kept catching her out on the deck with one of the phones, snapping pictures of the water. One thing she had been looking forward to on our trip was the turquoisy, clear water we had enjoyed during our trip to Kill Devil Hills back in October. When we got here Saturday we admired the view from our deck, but noticed the water was more the familiar greenish-brown we're used to on the Brunswick County Coast. DQ looked at me and disappointedly said, "the water is like we're used to at Sunset and Holden." While breathtaking to be right on the water, I had to admit I was bummed about it too. </p><p>And then today, her birthday, seemingly magically, the water was exactly that beautiful hue we remembered from October. Her middle name in Mandarin roughly translates to "clear, still waters." The ocean of course couldn't be tamed to be still, but today it has been clear! What a sweet "God kiss" for my beautiful birthday girl!</p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Onq_DykWmbg/YEjpAHD4nDI/AAAAAAAA8lc/CI9nSgjAb6A5wDh0hHHnYh8IT19CFRHSQCNcBGAsYHQ/s3840/PXL_20210309_165748893.PORTRAIT.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3840" data-original-width="2160" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Onq_DykWmbg/YEjpAHD4nDI/AAAAAAAA8lc/CI9nSgjAb6A5wDh0hHHnYh8IT19CFRHSQCNcBGAsYHQ/w360-h640/PXL_20210309_165748893.PORTRAIT.jpg" width="360" /></a></div><br />It also mans that once live classes are done for the day, (our middle school schedule is the most flexible, live meets until noon and then the rest of the day free to complete assignments) there's plenty of time to search the sand for your heart's desire...a shark's tooth. <p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-8nrZ4SKBSNQ/YEjqqBr31HI/AAAAAAAA8lk/4ax05UToieA9x0SsQMRgJw29H_7x49Y0ACNcBGAsYHQ/s3840/PXL_20210309_175521201.PORTRAIT.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3840" data-original-width="2160" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-8nrZ4SKBSNQ/YEjqqBr31HI/AAAAAAAA8lk/4ax05UToieA9x0SsQMRgJw29H_7x49Y0ACNcBGAsYHQ/w360-h640/PXL_20210309_175521201.PORTRAIT.jpg" width="360" /></a></div><div><br /></div>She was out several times,<div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-HsvMhd2ds-M/YEjqqXtLnnI/AAAAAAAA8lo/xMZOhMYf5y87kxVBkIqsr_x9itKcKzUrACNcBGAsYHQ/s3840/PXL_20210309_175929782.PORTRAIT.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3840" data-original-width="2160" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-HsvMhd2ds-M/YEjqqXtLnnI/AAAAAAAA8lo/xMZOhMYf5y87kxVBkIqsr_x9itKcKzUrACNcBGAsYHQ/w360-h640/PXL_20210309_175929782.PORTRAIT.jpg" width="360" /></a></div><div><br /></div>using several techniques,</div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-jphj37QEF-I/YEjqqY90oGI/AAAAAAAA8ls/fUAjUrZXe246sG4S96lnrm7j46wEKnUtwCNcBGAsYHQ/s3840/PXL_20210309_211951790.PORTRAIT.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3840" data-original-width="2160" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-jphj37QEF-I/YEjqqY90oGI/AAAAAAAA8ls/fUAjUrZXe246sG4S96lnrm7j46wEKnUtwCNcBGAsYHQ/w360-h640/PXL_20210309_211951790.PORTRAIT.jpg" width="360" /></a></div><div><br /></div>sometimes by herself and sometimes with a partner.</div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-dJPf3LTj4iw/YEjqrSaml4I/AAAAAAAA8l0/nN74qyguo5EcxVuJM04FYgvnRUxjK3uHwCNcBGAsYHQ/s2048/PXL_20210309_212323947.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1152" data-original-width="2048" height="225" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-dJPf3LTj4iw/YEjqrSaml4I/AAAAAAAA8l0/nN74qyguo5EcxVuJM04FYgvnRUxjK3uHwCNcBGAsYHQ/w400-h225/PXL_20210309_212323947.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><p>I'm pretty sure she put a total of about two hours into the search, but eventually persistence paid off. Another example of God filling in the details and desires of her heart that were out of my control!</p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-3U7NFo6zEJc/YEjrcJOwLtI/AAAAAAAA8mI/8W9B2q6W3r8zAbRrU__L0a_WTx8rXucQACNcBGAsYHQ/s3840/PXL_20210309_215046078.PORTRAIT.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3840" data-original-width="2160" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-3U7NFo6zEJc/YEjrcJOwLtI/AAAAAAAA8mI/8W9B2q6W3r8zAbRrU__L0a_WTx8rXucQACNcBGAsYHQ/w360-h640/PXL_20210309_215046078.PORTRAIT.jpg" width="360" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">even the tiny ones count!</span></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><p>Her birthday also marks a unique day for our family...'Triplet Day!' We had to give name to the one day a year that our oldest two sets of "Irish twins" merge into triplets. 2021 marked the year I had three fourteen year olds for one day. Since 2011, when they were four, tradition has been to a photo shoot of the three of them together on March 9. </p><p></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-RwJ5zhoHCvc/YEjz2WESkLI/AAAAAAAA8nA/ujJk-a8f0CQVQVfPbvXKc7o-BNveJRJtQCNcBGAsYHQ/s3840/PXL_20210309_213808169.PORTRAIT.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3840" data-original-width="2160" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-RwJ5zhoHCvc/YEjz2WESkLI/AAAAAAAA8nA/ujJk-a8f0CQVQVfPbvXKc7o-BNveJRJtQCNcBGAsYHQ/w360-h640/PXL_20210309_213808169.PORTRAIT.jpg" width="360" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">dq has a great relationship with all her siblings, but there's something especially fun about these three together!</span></td></tr></tbody></table><p>As our beachy afternoon came to a close, it was time to get down to the business of the birthday. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-uAXKXADXoRw/YEj0wkCGoQI/AAAAAAAA8nI/uKyW5DIS6uMUSM_mzMtDnW58duKS3X_ugCNcBGAsYHQ/s4032/PXL_20210309_223347019.PORTRAIT.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-uAXKXADXoRw/YEj0wkCGoQI/AAAAAAAA8nI/uKyW5DIS6uMUSM_mzMtDnW58duKS3X_ugCNcBGAsYHQ/w480-h640/PXL_20210309_223347019.PORTRAIT.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><br /><p>Her requested menu (instead of going out to eat ~ thankfully because not much is open on Hatteras Island in the off season) was garlic cilantro shrimp with roasted potatoes and a triple layer vanilla cake with buttercream frosting and macaroons. </p><p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-PQDNR0UCs-c/YElcNv5JNQI/AAAAAAAA8r8/ofYsTZ5rI8MXe5mTzRvJAwTSczvZszltACNcBGAsYHQ/s2048/PXL_20210309_150328887.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1152" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-PQDNR0UCs-c/YElcNv5JNQI/AAAAAAAA8r8/ofYsTZ5rI8MXe5mTzRvJAwTSczvZszltACNcBGAsYHQ/w225-h400/PXL_20210309_150328887.jpg" width="225" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small; text-align: left;">And while I was meticulous in prepping birthday cake ingredients from home (who wants to bring an entire bag of sugar or flour?) and even brought cake pans and my hand mixer to be sure I could pull off the cakes, it's possible that the cilantro for the shrimp *may* have gotten left at home causing a 36 mile round trip for a 99 cent package of cilantro. What we do for our kids...</span></td></tr></tbody></table><br /></p><p>Four pounds of shrimp, three pounds of roasted potatoes and a quart of green beans later, it was long awaited presents time. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-dxouAij42vo/YElg2T89x5I/AAAAAAAA8sQ/gkqAogv-ttote2mF68eCLkg6wJaRzWGogCNcBGAsYHQ/s4032/PXL_20210310_004410498.PORTRAIT.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-dxouAij42vo/YElg2T89x5I/AAAAAAAA8sQ/gkqAogv-ttote2mF68eCLkg6wJaRzWGogCNcBGAsYHQ/w480-h640/PXL_20210310_004410498.PORTRAIT.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><p>Our little bookworm had requested several books and book sets for this year...some of which were given by extended family. So it was time to get creative in addition to her Caravel book set. Staying with a reading/book theme seemed to be a safe route.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-dysxOS5SMRo/YEliZw2HgJI/AAAAAAAA8sw/7jpLuOXM-x8zZ00WA4kinV6CTjtSuuJ-QCNcBGAsYHQ/s4032/PXL_20210310_004607119.PORTRAIT.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-dysxOS5SMRo/YEliZw2HgJI/AAAAAAAA8sw/7jpLuOXM-x8zZ00WA4kinV6CTjtSuuJ-QCNcBGAsYHQ/w480-h640/PXL_20210310_004607119.PORTRAIT.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><div><br /></div>She may be reading other fantasy series these days, but the Wizarding World of Harry Potter was her first fantasy love and Hermione Granger will always have a special place in her heart. And if you have a Hermione quote about the library on a t-shirt...well that seems to be perfect in the mind of a teenage girl who <i>loves</i> books.</div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-wQcPizhniRs/YEliZpRDW7I/AAAAAAAA8so/aKkkWCBrrXczM8pfqgIPNEXmpHBod2_0QCNcBGAsYHQ/s3840/PXL_20210310_004655342.PORTRAIT.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3840" data-original-width="2160" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-wQcPizhniRs/YEliZpRDW7I/AAAAAAAA8so/aKkkWCBrrXczM8pfqgIPNEXmpHBod2_0QCNcBGAsYHQ/w360-h640/PXL_20210310_004655342.PORTRAIT.jpg" width="360" /></a></div><div><br /></div>And for a girl who would often rather read than anything...and I do mean <i>anything...</i>else, a new chair seemed like a good idea. Judging by her reaction it was a good gamble. I'm sure we'll find her positioned all through the house with a book in hand.</div><div><br /></div><div>Dinner and gifts finished, it was time to sing to our girl and enjoy that cake. </div><div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-lLLvVUUqGbw/YEliZiBa92I/AAAAAAAA8ss/zgp8toigWP4UwDWwmOp_x7STBuZybR4YQCNcBGAsYHQ/s2048/PXL_20210310_011807996.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1152" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-lLLvVUUqGbw/YEliZiBa92I/AAAAAAAA8ss/zgp8toigWP4UwDWwmOp_x7STBuZybR4YQCNcBGAsYHQ/w360-h640/PXL_20210310_011807996.jpg" width="360" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small; text-align: left;">Another forgotten item was discovered at this time...a lighter. We searched every cabinet and drawer in the house and ended up touching a paper napkin to the oven heating element to light the first candle...</span></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><p>Darcy, at 14 you are a ray of light. I admire your strong sense of gratitude and your ability to keep your cool in all situations (even if I occasionally catch an eye roll that would have rivaled mine at 14). While hugs aren't exactly your preferred love language, I deeply appreciate that you recognize they are mine and you'll tolerate hugs each morning and night...and sometimes in between. Your quiet sense of kindness and compassion speaks so much louder than any words could. It's so fun to watch you explore your creative interests including photography and design. I pray you realize just how much you are loved!</p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(5, 5, 5); color: #050505; font-family: system-ui, -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, ".SFNSText-Regular", sans-serif; font-size: 15px; white-space: pre-wrap;">[Those who bring sunshine to the lives of others cannot keep it from themselves] ~ James Matthew Barrie</span></p></div><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0 0 0 40px; padding: 0px;"><div><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(5, 5, 5); color: #050505; font-family: system-ui, -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, ".SFNSText-Regular", sans-serif; font-size: 15px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></p></div></blockquote><div><p><br /></p><br /><p></p></div>Kristihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18132987170674424395noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30544456.post-65750584748567718262021-03-09T15:27:00.016-05:002021-03-11T09:04:12.173-05:00'triplet day' 2021<p>Darcy's birthday is special all on its own, but it also marks a unique day for the 'three amigos.' It's triplet day ~ when both sets of 'Irish twins' (Ky & Caleb 7 months apart & Caleb & DQ 5 months apart) overlap. </p><p>Tradition is that there's a photo shoot of the three together.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-iAuDAqewOvk/YEof15jQQNI/AAAAAAAA8zo/j_5DaR_OQgIYSi7QrRWXU4wvBZzPujxWACNcBGAsYHQ/s3840/PXL_20210309_213703706.PORTRAIT.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3840" data-original-width="2160" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-iAuDAqewOvk/YEof15jQQNI/AAAAAAAA8zo/j_5DaR_OQgIYSi7QrRWXU4wvBZzPujxWACNcBGAsYHQ/w360-h640/PXL_20210309_213703706.PORTRAIT.jpg" width="360" /></a></div><div><br /></div>And while they occasionally get annoyed and throw some serious shade at one another, the bonds these three forged in toddlerhood remain strong and overall they have a lot of fun together.<div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-HO-EJqTa24o/YEof2FOoiQI/AAAAAAAA8zs/-r4oCZceW_AfF4rjCkPdl2yrnMcBKbyMwCNcBGAsYHQ/s3840/PXL_20210309_213808169.PORTRAIT.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3840" data-original-width="2160" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-HO-EJqTa24o/YEof2FOoiQI/AAAAAAAA8zs/-r4oCZceW_AfF4rjCkPdl2yrnMcBKbyMwCNcBGAsYHQ/w360-h640/PXL_20210309_213808169.PORTRAIT.jpg" width="360" /></a></div><p>Tradition would also hold that her 'twin brother' would mess around and declare himself a bit older than he actually is... maybe it's because he's by far the tallest now?</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-oiK8dm_924Y/YEjzAZG-QuI/AAAAAAAA8m0/f-dSahRtNLIastL0zJ45xEshZdJCrs51wCNcBGAsYHQ/s3840/PXL_20210309_213853221.PORTRAIT.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3840" data-original-width="2160" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-oiK8dm_924Y/YEjzAZG-QuI/AAAAAAAA8m0/f-dSahRtNLIastL0zJ45xEshZdJCrs51wCNcBGAsYHQ/w360-h640/PXL_20210309_213853221.PORTRAIT.jpg" width="360" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>Getting 'the jump' on Kylie for next year's triplet day shoot, </div><div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-eWpyGhyMJSQ/YEjzAY0rZsI/AAAAAAAA8mw/j3MyLQzKvgogvTvqEzHuVO7S5Y5TPGZfwCNcBGAsYHQ/s3840/PXL_20210309_213918627.PORTRAIT.jpg"><img border="0" data-original-height="3840" data-original-width="2160" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-eWpyGhyMJSQ/YEjzAY0rZsI/AAAAAAAA8mw/j3MyLQzKvgogvTvqEzHuVO7S5Y5TPGZfwCNcBGAsYHQ/w360-h640/PXL_20210309_213918627.PORTRAIT.jpg" width="360" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>or trying to jump a multiple of seven, he's still the middle of the triplets. </div><div><br /></div><div>Happy 14th Triplet day my loves!</div><span><a name='more'></a></span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-vjT2HQVG2DU/YEoijhlcLlI/AAAAAAAA8z8/RfrZkhFcXUMbbursS3gAvdCDMg4oKMZRwCNcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_20200309_195858_1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-vjT2HQVG2DU/YEoijhlcLlI/AAAAAAAA8z8/RfrZkhFcXUMbbursS3gAvdCDMg4oKMZRwCNcBGAsYHQ/w480-h640/IMG_20200309_195858_1.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-L9WGjTjP_xQ/YEoinjvvErI/AAAAAAAA80A/CQwGUZpGyv8JnVq-9Db98rm6hWlsYGwcwCNcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_7395.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1463" data-original-width="2048" height="286" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-L9WGjTjP_xQ/YEoinjvvErI/AAAAAAAA80A/CQwGUZpGyv8JnVq-9Db98rm6hWlsYGwcwCNcBGAsYHQ/w400-h286/IMG_7395.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-SW9-oKte0mQ/YEoiotbEzDI/AAAAAAAA80E/W5Av3-i4OcsIQLY73DIK_L84O8y4bi9wgCNcBGAsYHQ/s1280/IMG_4513.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="853" data-original-width="1280" height="266" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-SW9-oKte0mQ/YEoiotbEzDI/AAAAAAAA80E/W5Av3-i4OcsIQLY73DIK_L84O8y4bi9wgCNcBGAsYHQ/w400-h266/IMG_4513.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-1VVeRxAk6Iw/YEoiqqwmLzI/AAAAAAAA80I/oGMv6tRyDoEiafB5MRjbZoHVYJX6eD-nACNcBGAsYHQ/s1280/IMG_7052.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="898" data-original-width="1280" height="280" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-1VVeRxAk6Iw/YEoiqqwmLzI/AAAAAAAA80I/oGMv6tRyDoEiafB5MRjbZoHVYJX6eD-nACNcBGAsYHQ/w400-h280/IMG_7052.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-XK7gdGiYDCc/YEoitu3TaiI/AAAAAAAA80M/0KpyC41rLx4xnqZ5PApsvtFlqdjYFIRbgCNcBGAsYHQ/s1600/triplets.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1066" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-XK7gdGiYDCc/YEoitu3TaiI/AAAAAAAA80M/0KpyC41rLx4xnqZ5PApsvtFlqdjYFIRbgCNcBGAsYHQ/w426-h640/triplets.jpg" width="426" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-964IriJ-wwo/YEoiva21oDI/AAAAAAAA80Q/Tc0ua3ecvUEu0U2YyIEAzG5xjrCZByA2ACNcBGAsYHQ/s1600/seven.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1143" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-964IriJ-wwo/YEoiva21oDI/AAAAAAAA80Q/Tc0ua3ecvUEu0U2YyIEAzG5xjrCZByA2ACNcBGAsYHQ/w458-h640/seven.jpg" width="458" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-RK_YLDi31_Y/YEoiwhBnz5I/AAAAAAAA80U/HacmXuTlH3cJuc5-vRj5an2sRLs4mlOygCNcBGAsYHQ/s1600/six.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1066" data-original-width="1600" height="266" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-RK_YLDi31_Y/YEoiwhBnz5I/AAAAAAAA80U/HacmXuTlH3cJuc5-vRj5an2sRLs4mlOygCNcBGAsYHQ/w400-h266/six.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-OtoBpWFL9b8/YEoix4KP29I/AAAAAAAA80Y/7b8vxeP12qUtfPMk9e7Vb4GNI-OvpIdVQCNcBGAsYHQ/s1600/five.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1066" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-OtoBpWFL9b8/YEoix4KP29I/AAAAAAAA80Y/7b8vxeP12qUtfPMk9e7Vb4GNI-OvpIdVQCNcBGAsYHQ/w426-h640/five.jpg" width="426" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-cZw_IUwN7ws/YEoizIXj83I/AAAAAAAA80c/Xn8-Y0Ge3boIbfC7r3P4D2dvEinxLT4CQCNcBGAsYHQ/s855/four.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="570" data-original-width="855" height="266" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-cZw_IUwN7ws/YEoizIXj83I/AAAAAAAA80c/Xn8-Y0Ge3boIbfC7r3P4D2dvEinxLT4CQCNcBGAsYHQ/w400-h266/four.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div><br /></div><br /><p><br /></p></div></div>Kristihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18132987170674424395noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30544456.post-61786056758848115392021-03-08T23:29:00.003-05:002021-03-12T08:45:59.185-05:00'our' nights in rodanthe {the sun as bookends to Monday}<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">A 'school/work-cation' means getting up a good bit earlier than we typically would at the beach. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">But when you could toss a rock from your deck into the Atlantic, that's not such a bad thing...</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-pZGqGrhEuF4/YEomrt_sd1I/AAAAAAAA800/IJCudaphmK4PTDZCf4wu2FnUkIOW5LjXACNcBGAsYHQ/s2048/PXL_20210308_112815944.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1152" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-pZGqGrhEuF4/YEomrt_sd1I/AAAAAAAA800/IJCudaphmK4PTDZCf4wu2FnUkIOW5LjXACNcBGAsYHQ/w360-h640/PXL_20210308_112815944.jpg" width="360" /></a></div><div><br /></div>This morning I even got a bit of company for a few minutes ~ apparently he forgot to close the blinds in his ocean facing bedroom and mistook the 6:20 am blast of sunlight for his typical 7:45 am wake up time. When he learned how early it was he opted to go back to bed, but not before pausing to admire the beauty of the moment with me for a bit.<div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-thYbP5p0jc4/YEomrnp_0aI/AAAAAAAA80w/jXGpLs6B_YYdM7J2uxtxa_DYQ12NZywigCNcBGAsYHQ/s3840/PXL_20210308_113704685.PORTRAIT.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3840" data-original-width="2160" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-thYbP5p0jc4/YEomrnp_0aI/AAAAAAAA80w/jXGpLs6B_YYdM7J2uxtxa_DYQ12NZywigCNcBGAsYHQ/w360-h640/PXL_20210308_113704685.PORTRAIT.jpg" width="360" /></a></div><div><br /></div>About two hours later it was time to start school. Daniel settled into a comfy spot in the living room with an ocean view.</div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-E37AzuAOTsU/YEomrxoRIjI/AAAAAAAA804/18BbmiuEC6g7r3xCrSiXswRQhmJfJuOqQCNcBGAsYHQ/s2048/PXL_20210308_132757567.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1152" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-E37AzuAOTsU/YEomrxoRIjI/AAAAAAAA804/18BbmiuEC6g7r3xCrSiXswRQhmJfJuOqQCNcBGAsYHQ/w225-h400/PXL_20210308_132757567.jpg" width="225" /></a></div><div><br /></div>Nat and Nicholas took the screened in porch...</div><div> <br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-mOFvboSWjos/YEomtZivGAI/AAAAAAAA808/nlXOYGmbMCoP3aKj_whdWNiIvjWWDrCtwCNcBGAsYHQ/s2048/PXL_20210308_132817482.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1152" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-mOFvboSWjos/YEomtZivGAI/AAAAAAAA808/nlXOYGmbMCoP3aKj_whdWNiIvjWWDrCtwCNcBGAsYHQ/w225-h400/PXL_20210308_132817482.jpg" width="225" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Jcc5_57O2os/YEomtTUnjqI/AAAAAAAA81A/_o4Cc7nbreYsZguTOTc0vj7PefFheJBUgCNcBGAsYHQ/s2048/PXL_20210308_132840602.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1152" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Jcc5_57O2os/YEomtTUnjqI/AAAAAAAA81A/_o4Cc7nbreYsZguTOTc0vj7PefFheJBUgCNcBGAsYHQ/w225-h400/PXL_20210308_132840602.jpg" width="225" /></a></div><div><br /></div>while Darcy stayed in her room.</div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-tOLJtmyfSuQ/YEomtgv35KI/AAAAAAAA81E/qpp6sGdAfFQSzcOz7i-K7AsbGDBZlIcEACNcBGAsYHQ/s2048/PXL_20210308_133351375.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1152" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-tOLJtmyfSuQ/YEomtgv35KI/AAAAAAAA81E/qpp6sGdAfFQSzcOz7i-K7AsbGDBZlIcEACNcBGAsYHQ/w225-h400/PXL_20210308_133351375.jpg" width="225" /></a>\</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Caleb made use of the small desk in his room.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9ISAuY2M34A/YEooodUz8FI/AAAAAAAA82Y/we2j78tVS6MHwlhX-DZzjq3vC1pynB0mQCNcBGAsYHQ/s2048/PXL_20210308_190131367.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1152" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9ISAuY2M34A/YEooodUz8FI/AAAAAAAA82Y/we2j78tVS6MHwlhX-DZzjq3vC1pynB0mQCNcBGAsYHQ/w225-h400/PXL_20210308_190131367.jpg" width="225" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">And looking for Kylie was more like "Where's Waldo?" Throughout the day she moved about, somewhat like Goldilocks searching for the most comfy chair...but maybe actually seeking the best view.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-aroHy8TGGOk/YEomuEy9NtI/AAAAAAAA81I/AhE9vip3u5Yeyu7LVulsVgufN4TiLZH7QCNcBGAsYHQ/s3840/PXL_20210308_141421514.PORTRAIT.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3840" data-original-width="2160" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-aroHy8TGGOk/YEomuEy9NtI/AAAAAAAA81I/AhE9vip3u5Yeyu7LVulsVgufN4TiLZH7QCNcBGAsYHQ/w225-h400/PXL_20210308_141421514.PORTRAIT.jpg" width="225" /></a></div><div><br /></div>While everyone was busy, I had some free time on my hands, so I did the most logical thing...took a walk up the beach. The combo of offseason and mid 40s had it pretty empty. In my 1 1/2 mile walk north I only encountered seven other people. The beach is interesting here, some ocean front houses set pretty far back, others literally touched by the tide. And then of course there are some well known houses...while I've never seen the movie I recognized 'the Inn at Rodanthe' easily from the shoreline.</div><div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-5KYpfL_AZfM/YEomvHdZhvI/AAAAAAAA81Q/QGZeiapqO54KgscBGSkyoR_vCVPEAzMtwCNcBGAsYHQ/s3840/PXL_20210308_162807940.PORTRAIT.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3840" data-original-width="2160" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-5KYpfL_AZfM/YEomvHdZhvI/AAAAAAAA81Q/QGZeiapqO54KgscBGSkyoR_vCVPEAzMtwCNcBGAsYHQ/w225-h400/PXL_20210308_162807940.PORTRAIT.jpg" width="225" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">it is currently managed by outer banks realty and for $2,200 - $7000 a week (depending on season) <br />you too can stay in the famous house</span></td></tr></tbody></table><div><br /></div>On my way back I decided to check out the donut shop at the end of our street. The Dough Shack did not disappoint. I got to chat with the owner and learned that he uses his grandmother's donut recipe, you know when Grandma is involved that it's gonna be good!</div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-bO-PHUeU90E/YEomufG_bSI/AAAAAAAA81M/3uHFlxaUd_kMos-2Rsb8VxEBzm4lk0xFgCNcBGAsYHQ/s2048/PXL_20210308_171634320.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1631" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-bO-PHUeU90E/YEomufG_bSI/AAAAAAAA81M/3uHFlxaUd_kMos-2Rsb8VxEBzm4lk0xFgCNcBGAsYHQ/w319-h400/PXL_20210308_171634320.jpg" width="319" /></a></div><div><br /></div>Lunchtime brought several dolphin sightings and for about fifteen minutes there were multiple shouts of "over there!," and "I just saw two!," and "that one jumped!" </div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-jw2i3U-2WKs/YEomvZay-TI/AAAAAAAA81U/-VMsb-xAyv8ICeRtBq4QB5Hu2Ap2541KgCNcBGAsYHQ/s2048/PXL_20210308_172648491.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1398" data-original-width="2048" height="272" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-jw2i3U-2WKs/YEomvZay-TI/AAAAAAAA81U/-VMsb-xAyv8ICeRtBq4QB5Hu2Ap2541KgCNcBGAsYHQ/w400-h272/PXL_20210308_172648491.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">We spent some time in various groups on the beach over lunchtime but no one stayed long, it was still rather chilly. Despite the cold, we headed down to play in the early afternoon. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-bum0dFAnIso/YEopGZsYkII/AAAAAAAA82g/DbdmVUCg2iIsGwP2vYzFxgKTrCcjalKsACNcBGAsYHQ/s2048/PXL_20210308_211801032.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1152" data-original-width="2048" height="225" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-bum0dFAnIso/YEopGZsYkII/AAAAAAAA82g/DbdmVUCg2iIsGwP2vYzFxgKTrCcjalKsACNcBGAsYHQ/w400-h225/PXL_20210308_211801032.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-NT3bUHs8j8c/YEomvY-9WaI/AAAAAAAA81Y/fKUPp4AQANIRoBwGzsZTFolXyWYER9wsQCNcBGAsYHQ/s2048/PXL_20210308_175218009.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1152" data-original-width="2048" height="225" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-NT3bUHs8j8c/YEomvY-9WaI/AAAAAAAA81Y/fKUPp4AQANIRoBwGzsZTFolXyWYER9wsQCNcBGAsYHQ/w400-h225/PXL_20210308_175218009.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/--5EN-OqYRIE/YEomwLZPiqI/AAAAAAAA81c/yg8zgRUDxoQjVxA_fpkYHFgefwlvsYRqQCNcBGAsYHQ/s3840/PXL_20210308_175533983.PORTRAIT.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3840" data-original-width="2160" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/--5EN-OqYRIE/YEomwLZPiqI/AAAAAAAA81c/yg8zgRUDxoQjVxA_fpkYHFgefwlvsYRqQCNcBGAsYHQ/w360-h640/PXL_20210308_175533983.PORTRAIT.jpg" width="360" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-n-FiYzJ7g90/YEomx0EG0_I/AAAAAAAA81k/kpMrbwd9A2kX4PWNyPo91jVN4YHWyb9nwCNcBGAsYHQ/s4032/PXL_20210308_212841702.PORTRAIT.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-n-FiYzJ7g90/YEomx0EG0_I/AAAAAAAA81k/kpMrbwd9A2kX4PWNyPo91jVN4YHWyb9nwCNcBGAsYHQ/w400-h300/PXL_20210308_212841702.PORTRAIT.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I'm not sure what sparked the race, but Darcy and Nicholas decided to see who was faster. Surprisingly Nicholas held his own against his big sister and finished not far behind.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-AJzBzACww-Y/YEopT1vxdPI/AAAAAAAA82o/zbmw53HVcp8FKqNiw8vjyt64r0DEeHqBgCNcBGAsYHQ/s2048/PXL_20210308_212851658.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1152" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-AJzBzACww-Y/YEopT1vxdPI/AAAAAAAA82o/zbmw53HVcp8FKqNiw8vjyt64r0DEeHqBgCNcBGAsYHQ/w360-h640/PXL_20210308_212851658.jpg" width="360" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_RJepTS0qH8/YEomxwnBPfI/AAAAAAAA81o/4LpVqRb7_egodPuMtZmFCTUqPnqhE6O-ACNcBGAsYHQ/s3840/PXL_20210308_213854344.PORTRAIT.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3840" data-original-width="2160" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_RJepTS0qH8/YEomxwnBPfI/AAAAAAAA81o/4LpVqRb7_egodPuMtZmFCTUqPnqhE6O-ACNcBGAsYHQ/w360-h640/PXL_20210308_213854344.PORTRAIT.jpg" width="360" /></a></div><div><br /></div>Four decided to beat the chill of our beach excursion with a little hot tub time.</div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-cZ7L5OvYpfM/YEomyD5WcWI/AAAAAAAA81s/hSvPBxpHidsk_hMYyjqBKMt5sgnhXY5aACNcBGAsYHQ/s3840/PXL_20210308_220449282.PORTRAIT.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2160" data-original-width="3840" height="225" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-cZ7L5OvYpfM/YEomyD5WcWI/AAAAAAAA81s/hSvPBxpHidsk_hMYyjqBKMt5sgnhXY5aACNcBGAsYHQ/w400-h225/PXL_20210308_220449282.PORTRAIT.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">One huge advantage to the geography of Rodanthe...the island is rather narrow here. It's a mere half mile between the Atlantic and the Albemarle Sound (and it's about 16 miles across the water to the mainland here, so there's yet another horizon). We decided that it was too easy to catch a second spectacular show by the sun, so we left Kylie in charge of her siblings (who were busy playing cards) and took a quick walk to the sound side of the island to catch sunset. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-t7aljfugDLA/YEomy-3eE2I/AAAAAAAA81w/l_tym8izLQEJogi7dcdaQYq8sqbS3NdPACNcBGAsYHQ/s2048/PXL_20210308_225735053.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1152" data-original-width="2048" height="225" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-t7aljfugDLA/YEomy-3eE2I/AAAAAAAA81w/l_tym8izLQEJogi7dcdaQYq8sqbS3NdPACNcBGAsYHQ/w400-h225/PXL_20210308_225735053.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">taking advantage of every 'quick date' opportunity we can!</span></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">A day bookended by sunrise/sunset?</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Yes please. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">One could get used to this...</div> <p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /></div>Kristihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18132987170674424395noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30544456.post-73373259380109712942021-03-07T23:03:00.000-05:002021-03-08T10:09:27.347-05:00'our' nights in rodanthe {Sunday}<p>I have no doubt I'm not alone in saying that the weight of the pandemic constantly on my mind has caused deep sleep to be elusive. There's too much to process and more nights than not I'm awake in the wee hours of the morning. I frequently find myself saying, "I'm just tired of always feeling tired."</p><p>Enter the ocean.</p><p>Writer Tamora Pierce is quoted to have said, "Waves are the voices of the tides." Our house, mere feet from the sea, is appropriately named Tide Song and the voice of the waves last night sang me a lullaby that granted a peaceful slumber from 11 until just after 7. I think I would have slept even longer had it not been for the sunlight streaming through our sliding glass door that opens to the ocean ~ okay, it opens to the deck, but it's just so close...</p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-BzzxbYQ0FsQ/YEYTDnDGgpI/AAAAAAAA75s/ZrkZ9d7fmjsBBNpT2W-BlCJLFzO4lLRmACNcBGAsYHQ/s2048/PXL_20210307_120513917.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1152" data-original-width="2048" height="225" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-BzzxbYQ0FsQ/YEYTDnDGgpI/AAAAAAAA75s/ZrkZ9d7fmjsBBNpT2W-BlCJLFzO4lLRmACNcBGAsYHQ/w400-h225/PXL_20210307_120513917.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><p>I probably could have gone back to sleep, but the waves were singing me a new song of being refreshed, so I tiptoed to the kitchen to grab a cup of coffee and headed out on the deck to enjoy some solitude and sunshine. I suppose it is possible that morning coffee in such a glorious setting could become repetitious enough to lose its magic, but I lean toward no. At any rate I'll test it out this week!</p><p>Before too long everyone but Ky was up and an intense game of scum was going down. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-sJUE5NNIL5A/YEYTD1aCv2I/AAAAAAAA75w/KwDFITXF34omCwjholjJjk7b49sX1m0tACNcBGAsYHQ/s2048/PXL_20210307_151350201.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1152" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-sJUE5NNIL5A/YEYTD1aCv2I/AAAAAAAA75w/KwDFITXF34omCwjholjJjk7b49sX1m0tACNcBGAsYHQ/w360-h640/PXL_20210307_151350201.jpg" width="360" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Since we had the laptops for school this week, we took advantage of online church, the littles tuning in to Kidspointe on the closed in porch and the older set watching middle\high school programming in the living room while Ian and I tuned in to the message at the dining room table.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-4Y88zl1C4T8/YEYllEb_BDI/AAAAAAAA77c/3gabgoVu9isP1rjl9_xOypVeQrDOy8RpQCNcBGAsYHQ/s3840/PXL_20210307_162213750.PORTRAIT.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3840" data-original-width="2160" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-4Y88zl1C4T8/YEYllEb_BDI/AAAAAAAA77c/3gabgoVu9isP1rjl9_xOypVeQrDOy8RpQCNcBGAsYHQ/w360-h640/PXL_20210307_162213750.PORTRAIT.jpg" width="360" /></a></div><p>Next plan of action was for kids to head down to play football on the beach while Ian and I finished up our church service. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-lLv_WJNoCFs/YEYmVKDcmyI/AAAAAAAA77k/kJj6JLFintE7l311ofNrT4m-td7Yx-bwACNcBGAsYHQ/s2048/PXL_20210307_162530472.PORTRAIT.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1152" data-original-width="2048" height="225" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-lLv_WJNoCFs/YEYmVKDcmyI/AAAAAAAA77k/kJj6JLFintE7l311ofNrT4m-td7Yx-bwACNcBGAsYHQ/w400-h225/PXL_20210307_162530472.PORTRAIT.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><p>Unfortunately that didn't last long...even for our 'polar bear' kid. The temps were hovering right at 40 and there was a wicked wind blowing. I think they made it five minutes before conceding to the forces of nature and coming back up. At least the hot tub was...well...hot and they quickly warmed back up.</p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-TnPbO7oMRBg/YEYqM1HMzbI/AAAAAAAA78w/2ZfLjj7PrqU3e18_su5LhmHYUCdqZmAoQCNcBGAsYHQ/s2048/PXL_20210307_165039572.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1152" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-TnPbO7oMRBg/YEYqM1HMzbI/AAAAAAAA78w/2ZfLjj7PrqU3e18_su5LhmHYUCdqZmAoQCNcBGAsYHQ/w360-h640/PXL_20210307_165039572.jpg" width="360" /></a></div><p></p><p>This is where the day started to go a bit south. Anyone who knows me well knows that while I can be spontaneous, I usually am quite the planner. I had a loose idea of how we'd spend our two free days (today and Friday which is a teacher workday for the kids that Ian put in time off). With their <a href="https://fireworksandfireflies.blogspot.com/2020/10/obx-school-cation-flying-kites-and.html" target="_blank">response to Jockey's Ridge back in October</a>, I knew we'd have to spend the better part of a day sand boarding. That left the other free day to make our way to Ocracoke. Wild ponies, Ocracoke Lighthouse, and retracing some of the stomping grounds of Blackbeard himself were points of interest on the island as well as exploring the Graveyard of the Atlantic Museum and the Hatteras Island Ocean Center in Hatteras, both driving by the futuro house and visiting the Native American Museum in Frisco, and once again stopping to marvel at the Cape Hatteras Lighthouse in Buxton. A full day's worth of activities right at our fingertips!</p><p>So I knew <i>what</i> to do, I just hadn't worked out the timing. If only our Transit had floatation devices or was like Chitty-Chitty-Bang-Bang and could fly so we weren't subject to the NCDOT "off season" ferry schedule. Try as we might, we just couldn't get the day to work out based on the available ferry times back and forth to Ocracoke. Oh, and there's the fact that Teach's Hole, a pirate museum of sorts focusing on the most notorious of them all, has closed permanently (thanks Covid) and the realization that the "wild ponies" of Ocracoke aren't actually <i>all that </i>wild. </p><p>Okay, so Ocracoke was off the table, we could at least still drive down and catch three museums further south on Hatteras without working out the ferry timing. But further Google searches revealed that both the Graveyard Museum and the Ocean Center are closed on Sundays and that the Native American Museum is another victim of Covid closures. Putting the crew in the van to simply drive by the futuro house and to <a href="https://fireworksandfireflies.blogspot.com/2020/10/obx-school-cation-hatteras.html" target="_blank">walk the grounds of a lighthouse we saw back in October</a> (would have been a totally different story if we could actually climb it) didn't seem like the best use of our day. So plan B was quickly hatched.</p><p>(I must insert here that I'm thankful for the diligent Google searches by Ian and the forgiveness of my eldest child who had seeing wild horses on her bucket list).</p><p>Punting was to figure out what to do heading north that didn't involve Jockey's Ridge (because there are BIG plans on the dunes for Friday) that we hadn't checked out on our most recent trip. NC Aquarium with very clear Covid plans in place on Roanoke Island for the win!</p><p>We felt pretty good about the timed ticket entry from their website and felt even better when we pulled in the parking lot to see only about ten other cars. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-lQYn448WBuw/YEY1_yoloJI/AAAAAAAA79k/He-_l8N2bn01TsB5nKTXU4-Amu0xhDJnwCNcBGAsYHQ/s2048/PXL_20210307_194746981.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1152" data-original-width="2048" height="225" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-lQYn448WBuw/YEY1_yoloJI/AAAAAAAA79k/He-_l8N2bn01TsB5nKTXU4-Amu0xhDJnwCNcBGAsYHQ/w400-h225/PXL_20210307_194746981.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><p>While I worried initially that having spent so much time at the Fort Fisher aquarium would cause boredom, everyone was enthusiastic about our visit...maybe something to do <i>inside</i> out of the wind was the main draw, but I'll take it.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-dUVe2wonBQo/YEY1_hjgQtI/AAAAAAAA79g/mo0IgfGYZtgLpKvfqD_hsu7_J0FHc25wgCNcBGAsYHQ/s2048/PXL_20210307_194859951.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1152" data-original-width="2048" height="225" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-dUVe2wonBQo/YEY1_hjgQtI/AAAAAAAA79g/mo0IgfGYZtgLpKvfqD_hsu7_J0FHc25wgCNcBGAsYHQ/w400-h225/PXL_20210307_194859951.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><p>The sea turtle assistance and rehabilitation center renewed Kylie's excitement about attending Marine Biology Camp (with a focus on sea turtles) this summer.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Ad_ywsWkSnE/YEY2FkZ6xjI/AAAAAAAA79s/PoHhIIcGEN4fOHB6-qP2nS1-wZfXdi3CQCNcBGAsYHQ/s2048/PXL_20210307_202422103.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1152" data-original-width="2048" height="225" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Ad_ywsWkSnE/YEY2FkZ6xjI/AAAAAAAA79s/PoHhIIcGEN4fOHB6-qP2nS1-wZfXdi3CQCNcBGAsYHQ/w400-h225/PXL_20210307_202422103.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><p>Other highlights mentioned over dinner by multiple kids included the 'lava lampesque' jellyfish exhibits, </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-hecjuDAr2rg/YEY2Fobx4oI/AAAAAAAA79o/uf9cIBCJvE8KdwxFdKpVakeEt2Jrwjd9QCNcBGAsYHQ/s2048/PXL_20210307_204308961.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1152" data-original-width="2048" height="225" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-hecjuDAr2rg/YEY2Fobx4oI/AAAAAAAA79o/uf9cIBCJvE8KdwxFdKpVakeEt2Jrwjd9QCNcBGAsYHQ/w400-h225/PXL_20210307_204308961.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-43kOhlwqXAU/YEY416lydgI/AAAAAAAA7-U/r4zNtfS5K58N62WyA3yORpbt-Y9W_B6twCNcBGAsYHQ/s2048/PXL_20210307_204321143.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1591" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-43kOhlwqXAU/YEY416lydgI/AAAAAAAA7-U/r4zNtfS5K58N62WyA3yORpbt-Y9W_B6twCNcBGAsYHQ/w498-h640/PXL_20210307_204321143.jpg" width="498" /></a></div><p>the playful otters, and of course, the sharks swimming amid the (quite realistic) replica of the USS Monitor shipwreck. (Several also caught the documentary of how the Monitor defeated a Confederate iron clad only to succumb to a storm off the coast of NC)</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-rIQFn8hxmmY/YEY2LLVKQjI/AAAAAAAA79w/EgH6gZ2A52Ym_R9Kef9tgK6LwLekVzlAwCNcBGAsYHQ/s2048/PXL_20210307_210114255.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1152" data-original-width="2048" height="225" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-rIQFn8hxmmY/YEY2LLVKQjI/AAAAAAAA79w/EgH6gZ2A52Ym_R9Kef9tgK6LwLekVzlAwCNcBGAsYHQ/w400-h225/PXL_20210307_210114255.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><p>Since we were already on Roanoke Island, we made a quick drive down to Wanchese for our Wicked Tuna Outer Banks fans. While we didn't get out of the van, it was fun to see the the OBX Marina and imagine the crews of Fishin' Frenzy, Hot Tuna or Pinwheel selling their giant Atlantic bluefin to the buyers.</p><p>It was a quiet ride back to Tide Song, even I *may* have rested my eyes for just a few minutes. Upon arrival I mixed up our casserole and popped it in the oven and headed out for another try on the beach with Ian and the three kids up to braving the wind. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-uimnhyLKGwk/YEY83a_ybDI/AAAAAAAA7-o/V5TDtZ4zEwcISQ1mIKozf4u37_jZO5CBwCNcBGAsYHQ/s2048/PXL_20210307_224907989.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1152" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-uimnhyLKGwk/YEY83a_ybDI/AAAAAAAA7-o/V5TDtZ4zEwcISQ1mIKozf4u37_jZO5CBwCNcBGAsYHQ/w360-h640/PXL_20210307_224907989.jpg" width="360" /></a></div><p>By this point the actual temperature was 42 with strong, gusty winds up to about 20mph. We made it about ten minutes before deciding the hot tub seemed a better option.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-pc1gL-8Tt7E/YEY83HAuLJI/AAAAAAAA7-k/lwUgaM5Kh14tIMIm9LAXcwjYH-FfFIM9wCNcBGAsYHQ/s2048/PXL_20210307_225123508.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1152" data-original-width="2048" height="225" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-pc1gL-8Tt7E/YEY83HAuLJI/AAAAAAAA7-k/lwUgaM5Kh14tIMIm9LAXcwjYH-FfFIM9wCNcBGAsYHQ/w400-h225/PXL_20210307_225123508.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><p>Dinner was followed by the rest of our ice cream pints and multiple games of scum, golf and Farkle. Not quite what I originally had in mind for the day, but a good one none-the-less.</p><p>Here's looking forward to some warmer, less windy days ahead!</p><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><p></p><br />Kristihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18132987170674424395noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30544456.post-8377374691411267112021-03-06T23:03:00.001-05:002021-03-07T09:07:07.245-05:00'our' nights in Rodanthe {arrival day}<p> Ian and I frequently wonder just how we'll look back at these Covid days. There has been so much 'hard'. So much loss. So many frustrations.</p><p>And yet, there has been a gift of extra time, especially with our older kids...one more year of family being the center of their world before their social lives kick into high gear. And there's been the mixed blessing of virtual academy ~ often exasperating in limitations but granting a new level of flexibility to be...well...virtual.</p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-nhUqabf1YjQ/YERZmwxuI1I/AAAAAAAA7pM/d4yIkJ3WFUIm0yBCClfXQUPSOqbbBUlvACNcBGAsYHQ/s2048/PXL_20210306_212225814.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1152" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-nhUqabf1YjQ/YERZmwxuI1I/AAAAAAAA7pM/d4yIkJ3WFUIm0yBCClfXQUPSOqbbBUlvACNcBGAsYHQ/w360-h640/PXL_20210306_212225814.jpg" width="360" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">we hadn't even started unpacking the van yet had to stop to admire the view...</span></td></tr></tbody></table><div><br /></div>For all the 'yuck' this season of life has provided, it also has given us freedom to take 'school-cations' during the off season.<div><p></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-RIvRbkl4N8E/YERZr61djAI/AAAAAAAA7pk/KzFZjDU2xm0Fm5L1nuCysPEiqQUYn7MowCNcBGAsYHQ/s2048/PXL_20210306_215206019.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1152" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-RIvRbkl4N8E/YERZr61djAI/AAAAAAAA7pk/KzFZjDU2xm0Fm5L1nuCysPEiqQUYn7MowCNcBGAsYHQ/w360-h640/PXL_20210306_215206019.jpg" width="360" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">checking out the hot tub commenced approximately 58 seconds after we had gotten all the bags in the house</span></td></tr></tbody></table><div><br /></div>Which somewhat translates to 'the nicest house we've stayed in yet for nickels on the dime'.</div><div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/--AYoeYhGzx4/YERZvFhTrFI/AAAAAAAA7po/z5M5ZhED3aEzkLZbjS3ys9jAw4m3pOUgACNcBGAsYHQ/s2048/PXL_20210306_215453000.PORTRAIT.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1152" data-original-width="2048" height="225" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/--AYoeYhGzx4/YERZvFhTrFI/AAAAAAAA7po/z5M5ZhED3aEzkLZbjS3ys9jAw4m3pOUgACNcBGAsYHQ/w400-h225/PXL_20210306_215453000.PORTRAIT.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">(photo taken about six feet from getting my feet wet in the atlantic)</span></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Off-season on the OBX brings another perk in addition to the crazy low prices.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-t-vQ4M1Ajd4/YERZy2iV6FI/AAAAAAAA7ps/ZxTakcvQKj8L3mjgVldEHFgPLXVvB5nRgCNcBGAsYHQ/s2048/PXL_20210306_220427731.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1152" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-t-vQ4M1Ajd4/YERZy2iV6FI/AAAAAAAA7ps/ZxTakcvQKj8L3mjgVldEHFgPLXVvB5nRgCNcBGAsYHQ/w360-h640/PXL_20210306_220427731.jpg" width="360" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">After they tested out the hot tub, Ian and I took a quick mile walk down the beach while the kids settled in to temporary school/office for the week. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-P9Cbwpa_RP4/YETLKq2tHyI/AAAAAAAA7uY/PomxUE46pF4FpwEWFrefDfIfdbbFj7g9gCNcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_20210307_072355.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="300" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-P9Cbwpa_RP4/YETLKq2tHyI/AAAAAAAA7uY/PomxUE46pF4FpwEWFrefDfIfdbbFj7g9gCNcBGAsYHQ/w400-h300/IMG_20210307_072355.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">of course off season can come with 'not quite swimming temps' as noted by our coats<br />but still, we can hear the pounding of the surf and smell the salt air!</span></td></tr></tbody></table><div><br /></div><div>We passed exactly zero people. </div><div><br /></div><div>This entire beautiful sea-scape all to ourselves.</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-X26pxcreSUs/YERZ7UF28QI/AAAAAAAA7p4/pnB4mezP7G8uDzXr0uNMqS2CDdmDMeZegCNcBGAsYHQ/s2048/PXL_20210306_221352742.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1152" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-X26pxcreSUs/YERZ7UF28QI/AAAAAAAA7p4/pnB4mezP7G8uDzXr0uNMqS2CDdmDMeZegCNcBGAsYHQ/w360-h640/PXL_20210306_221352742.jpg" width="360" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>I could get used to putting my feet up to 'just be' for a few minutes before dinner prep each night</div><div><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-TJc7SbQSc6g/YERZ_smQ5AI/AAAAAAAA7qA/5Y3s3EKZGfMK2ULwtXYaV6fDyoAuQWz8QCNcBGAsYHQ/s2048/PXL_20210306_225403878.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1152" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-TJc7SbQSc6g/YERZ_smQ5AI/AAAAAAAA7qA/5Y3s3EKZGfMK2ULwtXYaV6fDyoAuQWz8QCNcBGAsYHQ/w225-h400/PXL_20210306_225403878.jpg" width="225" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">the island here is less than 1/2 mile wide providing views of both the atlantic and the pamlico from the upper floor kitchen.</span></td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">And the fact that depending on which direction I look while preparing dinner, from the kitchen I can either view the wildness of the atlantic or the sunset over the sound.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-lP22Kpmdw_I/YETLEMtmHBI/AAAAAAAA7uU/t14TvaKC0v4nSXD_Yf_3kR1Xn8u5zy4vwCNcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_20210307_072346.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-lP22Kpmdw_I/YETLEMtmHBI/AAAAAAAA7uU/t14TvaKC0v4nSXD_Yf_3kR1Xn8u5zy4vwCNcBGAsYHQ/w480-h640/IMG_20210307_072346.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>We did find one decided disadvantage of offseason in Rodanthe... (and if you know my family and our 'beach = ice cream' motto, you'll likely have to chuckle along with us on plan C for dessert) most ice cream shops don't open back up until Easter. After passing numerous shuttered shops, it was Food Lion's MVP pints of Ben & Jerry's or Talenti for the win! </div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-JAOA2_6qIP8/YERaDFZn77I/AAAAAAAA7qI/qH3CqGcVJdkghnyzku4rKFNXedbeEQp1QCNcBGAsYHQ/s2048/PXL_20210307_014256834.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1152" data-original-width="2048" height="225" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-JAOA2_6qIP8/YERaDFZn77I/AAAAAAAA7qI/qH3CqGcVJdkghnyzku4rKFNXedbeEQp1QCNcBGAsYHQ/w400-h225/PXL_20210307_014256834.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div>There's ice cream ~ and adventure ~ left for tomorrow!<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">And just in case you're curious like me, from the Outer Banks . com visitor's guide...</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><p style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: montserratlight, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 1.5; margin-bottom: 20px; margin-top: 0px;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box;">"</span><strong style="box-sizing: border-box;">How do you pronounce Rodanthe?</strong></p><p style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: montserratlight, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 1.5; margin-bottom: 20px; margin-top: 0px;">Rodanthe is pronounced as a three syllable word with a long “O” and “E” sound – “Row-Danth-ee.” "</p><br class="Apple-interchange-newline" /></div><br /></div>Kristihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18132987170674424395noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30544456.post-14431317514513402512021-03-04T21:25:00.003-05:002021-03-06T23:39:47.960-05:00my *almost* freshman twins<p> So <a href="https://fireworksandfireflies.blogspot.com/2012/05/can-it-be.html">this</a> was just a hot minute ago...</p><p>I remember the day clearly, the feelings of disbelief that my (at the time) middles, 'the twins', were going for kindergarten orientation. </p><p>'They're so big!' I thought.</p><p>'How can they be growing up so fast?' I wondered.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ieV6NfUcaoI/YERWAiyGY5I/AAAAAAAA7oU/T6mey12VVzU-hMLTvadGbrVJVHysiqq5ACNcBGAsYHQ/s800/orientation.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="533" data-original-width="800" height="266" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ieV6NfUcaoI/YERWAiyGY5I/AAAAAAAA7oU/T6mey12VVzU-hMLTvadGbrVJVHysiqq5ACNcBGAsYHQ/w400-h266/orientation.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div><br /></div>Then I pulled one of my famous "I'm just going to close my eyes for five minutes" routines. (the ones that make Ian chuckle quietly as our Transit heads down the road as he turns up the volume on NPR because he <i>knows</i> by now what that means.<div><br /></div><div>In this case closing my eyes for five minutes translated to *just a wee bit* longer. Because here I stand bouncing between 'the (older) twins' (cause yeah, since their kindy orientation we've grown by another set of 'twins') for their high school orientation.</div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-VvnTmgwX74U/YERWBQwOqvI/AAAAAAAA7oY/CdlYmOTRgkEXCNWXXRHY9MWpPh2qDoNqgCNcBGAsYHQ/s2048/PXL_20210304_231630889.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1152" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-VvnTmgwX74U/YERWBQwOqvI/AAAAAAAA7oY/CdlYmOTRgkEXCNWXXRHY9MWpPh2qDoNqgCNcBGAsYHQ/w360-h640/PXL_20210304_231630889.jpg" width="360" /></a></div><div><br /></div>HIGH SCHOOL.</div><div><br /></div><div>What in the world? </div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-PV2pEuQX2nA/YERWBb9mleI/AAAAAAAA7oc/LShTNfZXEkA20VJ9arnLEsR0VLMBIvFIwCNcBGAsYHQ/s2048/PXL_20210304_231640086.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1152" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-PV2pEuQX2nA/YERWBb9mleI/AAAAAAAA7oc/LShTNfZXEkA20VJ9arnLEsR0VLMBIvFIwCNcBGAsYHQ/w360-h640/PXL_20210304_231640086.jpg" width="360" /></a></div><br /><p>I guess they felt it was okay to follow in the footsteps of their older sister who has blazed the trail before them. Or time just keeps marching on. Something like that. </p><p>Whatever it is, here we are nine impossibly short years later. My big twins are on the brink of being high school freshman. </p><p>It just doesn't quite seem possible...</p><p>(Covid times = virtual orientations)</p></div>Kristihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18132987170674424395noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30544456.post-18729664132702002902021-02-14T22:39:00.001-05:002021-03-07T11:00:58.872-05:00be my Valentine?<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">As a family we've always 'done right' by the big holidays and birthdays.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">The 'lesser holidays?' </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Not so much. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">But a few years ago we really began realizing just how true 'the days are long but the years are short' is and began slowly stepping up our holiday game.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Then Covid happened. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">And we began to embrace celebrating 'the little things' even more.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-bi8CVRn8D5s/YDHm61KJNTI/AAAAAAAA7O4/xrYhy4ukgYMtKXCAkoetlo4sFlmF61i3ACNcBGAsYHQ/s2048/PXL_20210214_233118413.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1152" data-original-width="2048" height="225" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-bi8CVRn8D5s/YDHm61KJNTI/AAAAAAAA7O4/xrYhy4ukgYMtKXCAkoetlo4sFlmF61i3ACNcBGAsYHQ/w400-h225/PXL_20210214_233118413.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Pinterest often makes me feel like an under-accomplished mom.</div><div><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-pOzUEjoJx4c/YDHoXGKJebI/AAAAAAAA7Q0/Vaw6Nu4T38wCmyWFlBf2yuTvFG6NkmI9wCNcBGAsYHQ/s2048/PXL_20210214_235621379.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1830" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-pOzUEjoJx4c/YDHoXGKJebI/AAAAAAAA7Q0/Vaw6Nu4T38wCmyWFlBf2yuTvFG6NkmI9wCNcBGAsYHQ/w358-h400/PXL_20210214_235621379.jpg" width="358" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">and by 'easily re-creatable' i mean that it's awesome to have a resident baker in the house ~ thanks ky!</span></td></tr></tbody></table><div><br /></div><div>But it can provide a myriad of 'easily re-creatable' themed dinner ideas. </div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/--r_xqpd-akU/YEThUDneDTI/AAAAAAAA7vI/BTgrD2vCBo4KtR0vGcvJDXNwWPH9DGxzQCNcBGAsYHQ/s2048/PXL_20210215_001234920.PORTRAIT.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1555" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/--r_xqpd-akU/YEThUDneDTI/AAAAAAAA7vI/BTgrD2vCBo4KtR0vGcvJDXNwWPH9DGxzQCNcBGAsYHQ/w304-h400/PXL_20210215_001234920.PORTRAIT.jpg" width="304" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">And we could all use a little more hearts on Valentine's Day, right?</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-auQHqoglXWM/YDHn0huiwhI/AAAAAAAA7P8/Ibxh7ECtlCQRHHiQw8XreLMF8qzKrVR8wCNcBGAsYHQ/s2048/PXL_20210214_235610418.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1475" data-original-width="2048" height="288" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-auQHqoglXWM/YDHn0huiwhI/AAAAAAAA7P8/Ibxh7ECtlCQRHHiQw8XreLMF8qzKrVR8wCNcBGAsYHQ/w400-h288/PXL_20210214_235610418.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>Toss in a few 'Love day-theme 'minute to win it games (also Pinterest) and it became quite the celebration!</div></div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-1-GCDiti2i0/YDHn8I3X94I/AAAAAAAA7QI/jiEtILWaQFEvBaxxrS3-Yf0hzPqTjNFzACNcBGAsYHQ/s2048/PXL_20210215_015153844.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1152" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-1-GCDiti2i0/YDHn8I3X94I/AAAAAAAA7QI/jiEtILWaQFEvBaxxrS3-Yf0hzPqTjNFzACNcBGAsYHQ/w360-h640/PXL_20210215_015153844.jpg" width="360" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-3IrkRnblb2s/YDHn7-CMo5I/AAAAAAAA7QE/JoXfQaPjYwEj6ix1eINlx6kuFBdE8JWiQCNcBGAsYHQ/s2048/PXL_20210215_015918367.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1152" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-3IrkRnblb2s/YDHn7-CMo5I/AAAAAAAA7QE/JoXfQaPjYwEj6ix1eINlx6kuFBdE8JWiQCNcBGAsYHQ/w360-h640/PXL_20210215_015918367.jpg" width="360" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-gpatO3CUefQ/YDHoC9-XICI/AAAAAAAA7QM/DJJd1GWhwz4Xu608iwOBHgppRrUx5TBzACNcBGAsYHQ/s2048/PXL_20210215_020506563.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1152" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-gpatO3CUefQ/YDHoC9-XICI/AAAAAAAA7QM/DJJd1GWhwz4Xu608iwOBHgppRrUx5TBzACNcBGAsYHQ/w360-h640/PXL_20210215_020506563.jpg" width="360" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-koPpT98ubyA/YDHoDIl1uKI/AAAAAAAA7QQ/NXRsyTh9ArwpbG8Qn43161ciXYBvx2diQCNcBGAsYHQ/s2048/PXL_20210215_021147226.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1152" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-koPpT98ubyA/YDHoDIl1uKI/AAAAAAAA7QQ/NXRsyTh9ArwpbG8Qn43161ciXYBvx2diQCNcBGAsYHQ/w360-h640/PXL_20210215_021147226.jpg" width="360" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-IIHOxAFU9zU/YETmz93GRjI/AAAAAAAA7vY/kKzEHOOpaiEeIS82c4kjv1FLlduNv33dgCNcBGAsYHQ/s1930/PXL_20210215_015428719.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1930" data-original-width="1512" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-IIHOxAFU9zU/YETmz93GRjI/AAAAAAAA7vY/kKzEHOOpaiEeIS82c4kjv1FLlduNv33dgCNcBGAsYHQ/s320/PXL_20210215_015428719.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-5gmDGrI7mWY/YDHoLLkrg7I/AAAAAAAA7QY/cqi4uYO7zdMty9xEtVkguSGPsPdQOmQOACNcBGAsYHQ/s2048/PXL_20210215_022041623.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1152" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-5gmDGrI7mWY/YDHoLLkrg7I/AAAAAAAA7QY/cqi4uYO7zdMty9xEtVkguSGPsPdQOmQOACNcBGAsYHQ/w360-h640/PXL_20210215_022041623.jpg" width="360" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-BvFh8yC0BOo/YDHoLL74E8I/AAAAAAAA7Qc/4YxmNzd3AtEYKEKq_4WB-MtbsnuhGUsSQCNcBGAsYHQ/s3840/PXL_20210215_023013913.PORTRAIT.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3840" data-original-width="2160" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-BvFh8yC0BOo/YDHoLL74E8I/AAAAAAAA7Qc/4YxmNzd3AtEYKEKq_4WB-MtbsnuhGUsSQCNcBGAsYHQ/w360-h640/PXL_20210215_023013913.PORTRAIT.jpg" width="360" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">We may have been home (some of us in pajamas) but we did have fun!</div><br /></div>Kristihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18132987170674424395noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30544456.post-43613035567146311962021-02-12T16:10:00.002-05:002021-02-22T08:38:25.276-05:00Make A Wish {Saturday at Universal Studios}<p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">**saturday, february 22, 2020**</span></p><p>And all too soon it was Saturday ~ "going home day." It is hard to fully put into words just how wonderfully amazing the Give Kids the World Village truly is...</p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-p5faKOUEfHA/YCQOXigkY8I/AAAAAAAA6tU/BQacEggnZ4kGwzYEcsv4NfBwTuF09HqQwCNcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_20200222_084302.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-p5faKOUEfHA/YCQOXigkY8I/AAAAAAAA6tU/BQacEggnZ4kGwzYEcsv4NfBwTuF09HqQwCNcBGAsYHQ/w480-h640/IMG_20200222_084302.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">one last walk across the grounds <br />amberville ~ with it's model railroad, remote controlled boats, video arcade and kiddie rides ~ is pictured behind</span></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">GKTW is a magical place that could easily be an all inclusive trip in and of itself. There's the arcade with SO MANY games, pool and even bowling. Movies, complete with popcorn are shown nightly. There's the pool, a giant playground, horse-back riding, a spa, a fishing pond and the putt-putt course. You can get three meals a day, which could include ice cream for breakfast from the parlor if you desire, pizza delivered to your room at crazy hours, and there's even a cookie cart that comes around in the evenings. Oh, and then there are the nightly activities that range from a life sized Candy Land game night to a carnival style surprise party for the 'mayor' to a Village Idol competition and weekly Christmas celebration where EVERY child (siblings of the wish child included) gets a gift.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I've mentioned before that Nicholas is an adrenaline junkie, so we didn't spend as much time as other families do on the property. But even the little time we did spend left an impact on all of our kids. We were there because of Nicholas, but the village (and Make A Wish as well) recognizes that the whole family faces difficulty when there is a critically ill member and therefore makes the experience about the WHOLE family and not just the wish child. The older ones asked about going to back to volunteer and one even began dreaming up a similar destination for kids that have faced trauma. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-LNoI8xspzW8/YCQQleAu7tI/AAAAAAAA6tk/eTFet_wz5Bg9yEzHyNHhpLlHGeUpi3L4wCNcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_20200222_084334192_HDR.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-LNoI8xspzW8/YCQQleAu7tI/AAAAAAAA6tk/eTFet_wz5Bg9yEzHyNHhpLlHGeUpi3L4wCNcBGAsYHQ/w480-h640/IMG_20200222_084334192_HDR.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">everything is simplsy so fun a whimsical and they make sure all your needs (and most of your wishes) are met</span></td></tr></tbody></table><div><br /></div>After enjoying one last filling breakfast ~ complete with hot chocolate topped with whipped cream and maybe some ice cream for good measure ~ we went for our 'exit interview' where we learned that the magic wasn't quite over yet (free passes to partner theme parks and zoos across the country for a year) and were given information on how to stay 'part of the GKTW family.' I have no doubt that one day we'll be back to generously serve other families in the same way were were showered with all the kindnesses imaginable during our week there.<div><br /></div><div>It is quite possible that I couldn't hold back the tears when we drove off the property for the last time and was a bit of a hot mess for the next twenty or so minutes. But the fun of the trip wasn't quite over yet. Make a Wish had given us there choices on flight times home and if you know us, you already knew that we selected that flight that would all us to eek out all the possible park time we could. An 8:25 pm flight was just the ticket to spend the day exploring one last park and so off to Universal Studios we went.</div><div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-l2MT4Gwrqrg/YCQQ023VpYI/AAAAAAAA6tw/uhoei344xCotJ2bGvmNsPqXuKZSfiNEKwCNcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_20200222_102913.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-l2MT4Gwrqrg/YCQQ023VpYI/AAAAAAAA6tw/uhoei344xCotJ2bGvmNsPqXuKZSfiNEKwCNcBGAsYHQ/w480-h640/IMG_20200222_102913.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">we did have to return our deluxe jogger stroller when we left GKTW, but thankfully Universal (as does Disney) offers free strollers for wish families, so Nicholas still had a ride for the day.</span></td></tr></tbody></table><div><br /></div>First order of business, visit Kevin, Bob, Stuart & friends (oh, and Margo, Edith and Agnes too, but for Nicholas it was all about the banana loving yellow guys) at Despicable Me Minion Mayhem. </div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ARoj0lRUc08/YCQQ0aiezhI/AAAAAAAA6to/EiUY8iuEHYg3iXCn6nPOyFC3QAdTjoZYwCNcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_20200222_114700974_HDR.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ARoj0lRUc08/YCQQ0aiezhI/AAAAAAAA6to/EiUY8iuEHYg3iXCn6nPOyFC3QAdTjoZYwCNcBGAsYHQ/w480-h640/IMG_20200222_114700974_HDR.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>I'll admit to having doubts about the ride when I saw it was a simulator, but it was done well and had us all laughing and in a good dancing mood when it was over.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Jw9nfxgxdso/YCQQ7BsIW3I/AAAAAAAA6t0/UUAA4QRpoQ0Rt_nnF4jHt0FwZ2N1iZsrwCNcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_20200222_104729.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Jw9nfxgxdso/YCQQ7BsIW3I/AAAAAAAA6t0/UUAA4QRpoQ0Rt_nnF4jHt0FwZ2N1iZsrwCNcBGAsYHQ/w480-h640/IMG_20200222_104729.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><div><br /></div>We took becoming Minions seriously and stopped to try on some goggles, but found none quite fit our faces just right...</div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-B16N0WOYd08/YCQQ7BSwgCI/AAAAAAAA6t4/oi5Ud0dVBSAF61HhdTifUapQhGNJqKyhgCNcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_20200222_105419.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="300" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-B16N0WOYd08/YCQQ7BSwgCI/AAAAAAAA6t4/oi5Ud0dVBSAF61HhdTifUapQhGNJqKyhgCNcBGAsYHQ/w400-h300/IMG_20200222_105419.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Before we left the Production Central area, we decided to take full advantage of Nicholas's Guest Assistance Pass...remember those skip the queue privleges? We stopped at the Shrek 4-D experience (we laughed through this one), Hollywood Rip-Ride Rocket (K-Boo and Caleb were champs and sat that one out with Nicholas who was ever so slightly too short) and Transformers the Ride 3D (the one and only ride outside of the Wizarding World of Harry Potter we had taken the time to explore on our 'Nicholas wants to go to Disney/Universal before he has major heart surgery trip' of 2019 ~ fast paced and enjoyable). Catching all three of those rides, stopping for a photo opportunity, getting something to drink and snacks plus a restroom break took just under an hour. Truly a once in a lifetime honor...</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Next we came to New York and let's just say that the oldest trio are big Jimmy Fallon fans. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-CaNJMBZJqOc/YCQRELKm2CI/AAAAAAAA6uA/vjsgkMV8hbUQWGmO_HeQohbnIXfqe1JZwCNcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_20200222_121918779_HDR.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-CaNJMBZJqOc/YCQRELKm2CI/AAAAAAAA6uA/vjsgkMV8hbUQWGmO_HeQohbnIXfqe1JZwCNcBGAsYHQ/w480-h640/IMG_20200222_121918779_HDR.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><div><br /></div>This line is only by virtual queue you say? Not if you have the Guest Assistance Pass. We walked up and were whisked in so quickly we really didn't have time to see any of the pre-show. With just one exception...a pause to look at The Tonight Show through the years.</div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-tcWivnkLuxE/YCQREKrUOZI/AAAAAAAA6t8/M6nV7YrsmZ8uMFP1Hi9MbaHj21jw-Uv1gCNcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_20200222_122044528.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="300" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-tcWivnkLuxE/YCQREKrUOZI/AAAAAAAA6t8/M6nV7YrsmZ8uMFP1Hi9MbaHj21jw-Uv1gCNcBGAsYHQ/w400-h300/IMG_20200222_122044528.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div><br /></div>Jimmy Fallon is hilarious and the motion simulation was spot on for a fun adventure through the Big Apple. Again, this ride showed that simulators really can be fun and was the crowd favorite for the day. (And of course when I say favorite for the day, I meant favorite 'new' ride because, of course, Hagrid...) After that speedy adventure, several of us experienced the Revenge of the Mummy, somewhat entertaining, but I would have been disappointed if I had waited in the real line ~ which was pretty long.</div><div><br /></div><div>Next came San Francisco which was fun to walk through as the kids recalled our trip in February of 2018. We admired the wharf and decided to grab lunch at Richter's Burger Co. Low-bloodsugar crises averted, we started to get in line for Fast and Furious - Supercharged, but quickly realized no-one was really 'Jonesing' to ride. So we made a plan to skip over London (and the entrance to the Wizarding World via the Leaky Cauldron) check out the rest of the park and then spend what time we had left back in Diagon Alley.</div><div><br /></div><div>First order of business? Mission Men in Black. </div><div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-dIjbl8tAU0A/YCQRN3ufJhI/AAAAAAAA6uU/cRvt_bZ7zAsAyXMtY4GHgPkzPim1sjipQCNcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_20200222_140752.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-dIjbl8tAU0A/YCQRN3ufJhI/AAAAAAAA6uU/cRvt_bZ7zAsAyXMtY4GHgPkzPim1sjipQCNcBGAsYHQ/w480-h640/IMG_20200222_140752.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">apparently nicholas would make a poor agent n...he smiles too much</span></td></tr></tbody></table><div><br /></div><div>This ride was just plain fun.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-GifV8fy2zC8/YCbZQYyJLcI/AAAAAAAA6yk/WWpM2fbYsVAg6UTn7XRNibSQ1SLJYYJLACNcBGAsYHQ/s2048/61201_022220_000098306.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1463" data-original-width="2048" height="286" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-GifV8fy2zC8/YCbZQYyJLcI/AAAAAAAA6yk/WWpM2fbYsVAg6UTn7XRNibSQ1SLJYYJLACNcBGAsYHQ/w400-h286/61201_022220_000098306.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div><br /></div>We're all fans of Will Smith's Agent J and enjoyed the competition of shooting the aliens (think Buzz Lightyear's Space Ranger Spin but easier to hit the targets) and seeing some of the movie aliens come to life.</div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-e1yN5enPkb8/YCbZQZ4bz0I/AAAAAAAA6yg/09dxl8q9dBEyO3iu7dGYYrE3Rd7FZeBXQCNcBGAsYHQ/s2048/61201_022220_000098308.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1463" data-original-width="2048" height="286" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-e1yN5enPkb8/YCbZQZ4bz0I/AAAAAAAA6yg/09dxl8q9dBEyO3iu7dGYYrE3Rd7FZeBXQCNcBGAsYHQ/w400-h286/61201_022220_000098308.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div>We continued on through Springfield (none of us being big Simpsons fans, we found it slightly overstimulating and confusing). We didn't stop and went on to Woody Woodpecker's KidZone where we did ride the ET Adventure, but the kids were somewhat mystified as we've had a major parent fail moment and haven't featured ET for a family movie night yet. Oh, and the end scene with all the psychedelic flowers was a bit, um...strange, even for the two of us for whom ET was a familiar part of life.</div><div><br /></div><div>We continued on into Hollywood and decided to skip the Bourne Stuntacular to save time for Diagon Alley, but before we looped back to London and the Night Bus we came across a reminder Back to the Future and had to check out the Delorian. </div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-D578v_DEAyM/YCQRN4jZXuI/AAAAAAAA6uQ/wKpFa36431MB4LxOIkFKkcBkHl4KjuDhACNcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_20200222_142846.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="300" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-D578v_DEAyM/YCQRN4jZXuI/AAAAAAAA6uQ/wKpFa36431MB4LxOIkFKkcBkHl4KjuDhACNcBGAsYHQ/w400-h300/IMG_20200222_142846.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">d loves all things cool cars!</span></td></tr></tbody></table><div><br /></div>And then finally, what we were all waiting for, an Escape from Gringotts followed by a ride on the Hogwarts Express back to Hogsmeade. </div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-gAAGoMlN_xU/YCQSSDgDJqI/AAAAAAAA6uk/165-CI-sykY0gty_kXcjOFO_RjEJNxSGgCNcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_20200222_152419910.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="300" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-gAAGoMlN_xU/YCQSSDgDJqI/AAAAAAAA6uk/165-CI-sykY0gty_kXcjOFO_RjEJNxSGgCNcBGAsYHQ/w400-h300/IMG_20200222_152419910.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>We did ride the Forbidden Journey one more time for grins. But that was only after climbing on motorbikes and taking a magical journey with Hagrid.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-bSg1cGxahvY/YCbdjZUS4iI/AAAAAAAA6yw/8ir-FB03pxEAeAtXiUAVlT3yVaiHAgnzgCNcBGAsYHQ/s2048/63103_022220_000069471.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1638" data-original-width="2048" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-bSg1cGxahvY/YCbdjZUS4iI/AAAAAAAA6yw/8ir-FB03pxEAeAtXiUAVlT3yVaiHAgnzgCNcBGAsYHQ/w400-h320/63103_022220_000069471.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-n0KSemoaIY4/YCbdjXI8F7I/AAAAAAAA6y0/5q-QnNUif1IGRYbj00JXp6mIBdRRRY2PwCNcBGAsYHQ/s2048/63103_022220_000069474.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1638" data-original-width="2048" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-n0KSemoaIY4/YCbdjXI8F7I/AAAAAAAA6y0/5q-QnNUif1IGRYbj00JXp6mIBdRRRY2PwCNcBGAsYHQ/w400-h320/63103_022220_000069474.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div><br /></div>And then maybe riding again..</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-hNAinzVigVs/YCbgM09L3kI/AAAAAAAA6zI/MVcQGfgWBMcKRklUIN7EwNVF-AGqFM3AgCNcBGAsYHQ/s2048/63103_022220_000069492.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1638" data-original-width="2048" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-hNAinzVigVs/YCbgM09L3kI/AAAAAAAA6zI/MVcQGfgWBMcKRklUIN7EwNVF-AGqFM3AgCNcBGAsYHQ/w400-h320/63103_022220_000069492.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_ClN12p6xBM/YCbgNpUxwkI/AAAAAAAA6zM/5DjTRa5upQ8jW_45hLuZkt9oW758Y65egCNcBGAsYHQ/s2048/63103_022220_000069495.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1638" data-original-width="2048" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_ClN12p6xBM/YCbgNpUxwkI/AAAAAAAA6zM/5DjTRa5upQ8jW_45hLuZkt9oW758Y65egCNcBGAsYHQ/w400-h320/63103_022220_000069495.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div><br /></div><div>...and again.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-GTeG9ui_-Gk/YCbgeyq_XvI/AAAAAAAA6zk/v917uWkg_aUaTYUoFLqObCOTzsq2ftmFQCNcBGAsYHQ/s2048/63103_022220_000069468.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1638" data-original-width="2048" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-GTeG9ui_-Gk/YCbgeyq_XvI/AAAAAAAA6zk/v917uWkg_aUaTYUoFLqObCOTzsq2ftmFQCNcBGAsYHQ/w400-h320/63103_022220_000069468.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-W92Jeay2DZY/YCbgoVpXcFI/AAAAAAAA60A/WbGJbHwEzh4lmwrjDIkeMq86BtJF8pMmwCNcBGAsYHQ/s2048/63103_022220_000069486.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1638" data-original-width="2048" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-W92Jeay2DZY/YCbgoVpXcFI/AAAAAAAA60A/WbGJbHwEzh4lmwrjDIkeMq86BtJF8pMmwCNcBGAsYHQ/w400-h320/63103_022220_000069486.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: left;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: left;">All to soon we realized it was time to begin to make our way back to reality. So we gave a fond "pip, pip cheerio" to Hagrid...</span></div><div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-y4RIH5FHWxo/YCQS_NUskdI/AAAAAAAA6vc/QIV5c9e5MO48N5IHyokx1sW4lta2O7BvACNcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_20200222_154710543_HDR-2.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-y4RIH5FHWxo/YCQS_NUskdI/AAAAAAAA6vc/QIV5c9e5MO48N5IHyokx1sW4lta2O7BvACNcBGAsYHQ/w480-h640/IMG_20200222_154710543_HDR-2.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><div><br /></div>...and Hogwarts...<br /><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-EAviNvVP1Vo/YCQSc5GYRjI/AAAAAAAA6us/JxI34Pmz0PMa-7OGibDaVjvBaff3QldywCNcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_20200222_160918.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-EAviNvVP1Vo/YCQSc5GYRjI/AAAAAAAA6us/JxI34Pmz0PMa-7OGibDaVjvBaff3QldywCNcBGAsYHQ/w480-h640/IMG_20200222_160918.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>...and Hogsmede...(where we *may* have all enjoyed one last Butterbeer)</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-aR5gmWeTdbg/YCbkY0abYvI/AAAAAAAA60g/6OmZm9pSYQQFT5K5htLayTEivs7mucx_gCNcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_20200222_162109182_HDR.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-aR5gmWeTdbg/YCbkY0abYvI/AAAAAAAA60g/6OmZm9pSYQQFT5K5htLayTEivs7mucx_gCNcBGAsYHQ/w480-h640/IMG_20200222_162109182_HDR.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><br /><div><br /></div>...and the Hogwarts Express...</div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-64F4OAr0LIA/YCQSc7n6W5I/AAAAAAAA6uw/ut1_Gjxsu_skU_ZuzixWHDxwJroRFyE4gCNcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_20200222_164558.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-64F4OAr0LIA/YCQSc7n6W5I/AAAAAAAA6uw/ut1_Gjxsu_skU_ZuzixWHDxwJroRFyE4gCNcBGAsYHQ/w480-h640/IMG_20200222_164558.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-CKi0AQq3ELM/YCQSdVU96NI/AAAAAAAA6u0/AN8G7uS6lIoYWsy-gmcb8qygsJJBxa9xQCNcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_20200222_164730.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-CKi0AQq3ELM/YCQSdVU96NI/AAAAAAAA6u0/AN8G7uS6lIoYWsy-gmcb8qygsJJBxa9xQCNcBGAsYHQ/w480-h640/IMG_20200222_164730.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">note our super cute shirts i found on etsy from <a href="https://www.etsy.com/shop/LoveCommaEll">LoveCommaEll</a><br />ellen was so helpful and got our shirts to us super quick when i realized at the last minute we both needed a hp theme shirt</span></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">...and made our way as quickly as we could through the Lost Continent and back to the Port of Entry. </div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-IUGYz-XFquQ/YCQSlNiJ-3I/AAAAAAAA6u8/eLl--kuq3K8mhAb9OQKdLSW0LuryPfsdACNcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_20200222_165103.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-IUGYz-XFquQ/YCQSlNiJ-3I/AAAAAAAA6u8/eLl--kuq3K8mhAb9OQKdLSW0LuryPfsdACNcBGAsYHQ/w480-h640/IMG_20200222_165103.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><div><br /></div>And while we were pushed for time (which had one of our family members frequently checking their watch), we did make one ~ perhaps ill advised ~ slightly longer than planned stop at Islands of Adventure Trading Company to check out the HP merch.</div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-RoBGFunzlwg/YCQSlKcvnUI/AAAAAAAA6u4/QePQb3eAA5AnLaF3Db6NX3rJSL48k9BBQCNcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_20200222_170905.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-RoBGFunzlwg/YCQSlKcvnUI/AAAAAAAA6u4/QePQb3eAA5AnLaF3Db6NX3rJSL48k9BBQCNcBGAsYHQ/w480-h640/IMG_20200222_170905.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div>This stop *may* have set us up for a dining disaster at the airport. (**note** when you are advised to show up three hours ahead of a domestic flight leaving from MCO, no matter how seasoned of a traveler you think you are, you should heed that advice. We've gone through busy airports all over the US, Europe and China and never experienced anything as crazy as what was the excuse for a line to get to security. We *thought* two hours was plenty of time ahead of a a 8:30 flight...the three would have been much more advisable)</div><div><br /></div><div>Even with a rough 're-entry' to normal life because of the airport snafu, it was still an amazing trip...truly the dream Disney/Universal trip of a lifetime. Before I had a child with a critical illness I didn't understand the whole '<a href="https://wish.org/refer-a-child">Make a Wish</a> thing.' But now I get it...and we'll be lifetime supporters!</div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br />Kristihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18132987170674424395noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30544456.post-60933848295233714492021-02-09T21:57:00.005-05:002021-02-10T12:28:02.232-05:00Make A Wish {Friday at Animal Kingdom. And Hollywood Studios. And Epcot!}<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">**friday, february 21, 2020**</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Well, we didn't see any snow in Florida, but the temperatures sure did drop overnight!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-q1CSFht9Mic/XsGX3YcdjNI/AAAAAAAAvSY/i3HH61wtoWc_YAcjK8_IbOZr1KgnLGQ6wCNcBGAsYHQ/s1600/IMG_20200221_102743.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-q1CSFht9Mic/XsGX3YcdjNI/AAAAAAAAvSY/i3HH61wtoWc_YAcjK8_IbOZr1KgnLGQ6wCNcBGAsYHQ/w480-h640/IMG_20200221_102743.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
<div><br /></div>Our mid-80s blue skies traded for mid-50s with a stiff breeze and clouds. And we found ourselves woefully unprepared. Yes, I know it can be cold in Florida. No we didn't pack winter coats. Just don't ask questions and roll with it...we did.<div><br /></div><div>Thankfully getting into line for Avatar took us inside the building where we were at least out of the breeze and much more comfortable. <br /><div><br />
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-dWeRHfTh5Bw/XsGX3HyG5lI/AAAAAAAAvSU/CWWf7WF32UMEtJdp0eL4Yi0puVQ9nfF-ACNcBGAsYHQ/s1600/IMG_20200221_103339.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-dWeRHfTh5Bw/XsGX3HyG5lI/AAAAAAAAvSU/CWWf7WF32UMEtJdp0eL4Yi0puVQ9nfF-ACNcBGAsYHQ/w480-h640/IMG_20200221_103339.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
<div><br /></div>While on Pandora we decided to give the Na'vi River Journey another go despite not getting anything out of it when we rode on our previous trip. </div><div>(If I'm being perfectly honest it was part that we had fast passes and part that it too is indoors and out of the wind).</div><div> Turns out actually watching the movie before going makes all the difference as we all had a better appreciation for the recreation of the world of the Na'vi.</div><div><br /></div><div>At that point we headed to Asia.</div><div><br />
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-MtFtFCbOJtY/XsGX2uDx0oI/AAAAAAAAvSM/K1n5OGXYljcAASc0rC2fpo1q5_l1UdQsACNcBGAsYHQ/s1600/IMG_20200221_114540.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-MtFtFCbOJtY/XsGX2uDx0oI/AAAAAAAAvSM/K1n5OGXYljcAASc0rC2fpo1q5_l1UdQsACNcBGAsYHQ/w400-h300/IMG_20200221_114540.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div><br /></div><div>Because even the cold an our lack of preparedness couldn't keep us away from our favorite thrill ride in Animal Kingdom, Expedition Everest.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-F6Vr9vpeCgU/YB22o4jw0yI/AAAAAAAA6jE/zn-cmdXEdEcsCqY5Pz-WHCTQNKt2U4RGACNcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_20200221_114621125_HDR.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-F6Vr9vpeCgU/YB22o4jw0yI/AAAAAAAA6jE/zn-cmdXEdEcsCqY5Pz-WHCTQNKt2U4RGACNcBGAsYHQ/w480-h640/IMG_20200221_114621125_HDR.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><div><br /></div>And even if the speed of escaping the Yeti put more of a breeze in our faces, we couldn't help ourselves and did the run back in line repeat...with new seating partners of course! </div><div><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-jppG44NIar8/YB22o7cd3GI/AAAAAAAA6jA/ZvCjhyJg7EYdnB4_-MQFrSR5gHYOksvNACNcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_20200221_120058835_HDR.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-jppG44NIar8/YB22o7cd3GI/AAAAAAAA6jA/ZvCjhyJg7EYdnB4_-MQFrSR5gHYOksvNACNcBGAsYHQ/w480-h640/IMG_20200221_120058835_HDR.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><div><br /></div>Before we headed to Africa we stopped to grab a quick snack. Because when you're cold you need more calories, right? Plus we still had SO MUCH left on the Make A Wish debit card.</div><div><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-e8aVJtm_tlA/XsGX4Sd2phI/AAAAAAAAvSg/plLej-kUyDQzJTiwsXdEjHV0El7z8EBZQCNcBGAsYHQ/s1600/IMG_20200221_121114.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-e8aVJtm_tlA/XsGX4Sd2phI/AAAAAAAAvSg/plLej-kUyDQzJTiwsXdEjHV0El7z8EBZQCNcBGAsYHQ/w480-h640/IMG_20200221_121114.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">have i mentioned kylie is there for the theming and food?<br />she was so excited about her Simba pretzel that she bit his head off before we could fully capture the moment</span></td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<div><br /></div><div>Appetites sated, we continued on to a new continent. </div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-tQvZ0MNF7fg/YB22w-qhCZI/AAAAAAAA6jI/dVfpjkNNTPwSt7qgJ9fP_NxzkGFICG3EACNcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_20200221_123059468.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-tQvZ0MNF7fg/YB22w-qhCZI/AAAAAAAA6jI/dVfpjkNNTPwSt7qgJ9fP_NxzkGFICG3EACNcBGAsYHQ/w480-h640/IMG_20200221_123059468.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>And when in Africa you take a safari. </div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-sSve7th6_3U/YB22yxtPuYI/AAAAAAAA6jM/yrlOmle9xXghXPG50DCuh0-_GbCp2vnhACNcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_20200221_123116.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-sSve7th6_3U/YB22yxtPuYI/AAAAAAAA6jM/yrlOmle9xXghXPG50DCuh0-_GbCp2vnhACNcBGAsYHQ/w480-h640/IMG_20200221_123116.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><div><br /></div>The animals were mostly out and active and we saw pretty much every species on our vehicle checklist. Highlights of our ride included not only seeing a tower of giraffes, but getting to see the teenage giraffes run. Let me tell you, you've never seen anything quite as awkwardly graceful as a running giraffe...makes you feel good about your own teen years. </div><div><br />
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<div><br /></div>The other highlight was hearing one of my teens (who shall remain nameless) mumbling incredulous responses to the safari driver's decision to stop super close to the crash of white rhinos seconds after telling us that black rhinos were nervous animals that often respond to being startled with aggression. (hence the term 'a crash of rhinos' I suppose). Said child was having none of the two different types of rhinos with two different basic behavior patterns and was quite disturbed until we started moving again.</div><div><br />
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<div><br /></div><div>Following the safari we stopped briefly to observe the silver back gorilla and learn from the cast member giving a talk, but did I mention it was cold? Some of our 'insulated challenged' kids were having none of standing still in the elements, so back to Pandora we went. </div><br />
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<div><br /></div>After all, this fully immersive experience is easily the most excellent overall ride. And it's inside!</div><div><br />
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<div><br /></div><div>Once again the Genie pass to the rescue shortening the 180+ minute wait to under 10 for us. At that point it was lunch time. Because the prepaid Make A Wish Visa card had plenty of money left, we enjoyed lunch at Satu'li Canteen popular in our family because of the customization possibilities for their noodle, rice, or salad bowls. </div><div><br /></div><div>And of course the blueberry cream cheese mousse. Partially because it is beautiful, but mostly because it is delicious! The cast member at the register saw we were a wish family and added a free cupcake for each of the kids to our order 'just to make sure everyone got a sweet ending' to lunch. </div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-o-BMrBs65f8/YB24xAGVKNI/AAAAAAAA6jg/_6Rbn_6ioIUxkhonZGQ0A6m8kVMlUXTxQCNcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_20200221_142223898.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-o-BMrBs65f8/YB24xAGVKNI/AAAAAAAA6jg/_6Rbn_6ioIUxkhonZGQ0A6m8kVMlUXTxQCNcBGAsYHQ/w300-h400/IMG_20200221_142223898.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><br /><div>At that point we had covered all everyone was interested in seeing on a cold day and decided to head back to another planet ~ Batuu. </div><div><br /></div><div>We were ushered directly into the adventure of Rise of the Resistance. </div><div><br /></div>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-thjWy5fOF7Q/YB3C3VPEk2I/AAAAAAAA6j0/TIiNPzTeuCglyP2e9ln2BiHszxVKh1A4gCNcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_20200221_154237285_HDR.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="300" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-thjWy5fOF7Q/YB3C3VPEk2I/AAAAAAAA6j0/TIiNPzTeuCglyP2e9ln2BiHszxVKh1A4gCNcBGAsYHQ/w400-h300/IMG_20200221_154237285_HDR.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">So many details to take in everywhere you turn!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div>
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-PvXFwyC__fw/XsGX-MaQ7gI/AAAAAAAAvTY/VYfK97tP2fcljZzfpgkJ1r69_Rvh9_90ACNcBGAsYHQ/s1600/IMG_20200221_154312.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-PvXFwyC__fw/XsGX-MaQ7gI/AAAAAAAAvTY/VYfK97tP2fcljZzfpgkJ1r69_Rvh9_90ACNcBGAsYHQ/w400-h300/IMG_20200221_154312.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div><br /></div><div>And then back one more time to try our hand piloting and smuggling coaxium on the Millennium Falcon one more time.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-xrkwFuuxLo0/YB3DLboocqI/AAAAAAAA6kM/nl08NvjK0Ew0C8StbcNPxG-8znipseFOACNcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_20200221_160731477_HDR.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="300" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-xrkwFuuxLo0/YB3DLboocqI/AAAAAAAA6kM/nl08NvjK0Ew0C8StbcNPxG-8znipseFOACNcBGAsYHQ/w400-h300/IMG_20200221_160731477_HDR.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div><br /></div>Okay. Two more times. But why not? </div><div><br /></div><div>Oh, and Darcy lost a hand to the sarrlacc. But no worries, we were able to secure a fantastic animatronic hand before we left Galaxy's Edge.</div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-oLgyKTNI1DY/YB3DLJa-P7I/AAAAAAAA6kI/bKDK-2D2XPcnDS-t2r6H87UfN3l2EmsNgCNcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_20200221_162715834.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-oLgyKTNI1DY/YB3DLJa-P7I/AAAAAAAA6kI/bKDK-2D2XPcnDS-t2r6H87UfN3l2EmsNgCNcBGAsYHQ/w480-h640/IMG_20200221_162715834.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>At this point it was nearly 5 and we had to call a family meeting to decide what to do next. Our hopper passes allowed us the opportunity to continue exploring parks or head back to the Village for a leisurely dinner (but obviously no time in the pool). Because we had cut our time in Epcot short on Nicholas's birthday Monday and we had a few that love to walk around the World Showcase Lagoon to admire the different world pavilions and the vote was 5 to 1 from the kids on continuing on, off to Epcot we went.</div><div><br /></div><div>What stop in Epcot is complete without taking a tour in the 'golf ball."</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Z08wSnObF8o/YCM1lgqmJ3I/AAAAAAAA6s4/SO-LkLDd-yoVwI5yIsTyKFWJ7TyX3UelACNcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_20200221_181957614.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Z08wSnObF8o/YCM1lgqmJ3I/AAAAAAAA6s4/SO-LkLDd-yoVwI5yIsTyKFWJ7TyX3UelACNcBGAsYHQ/w480-h640/IMG_20200221_181957614.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><br /><div><div>There is so much construction going on in Future World right now. Many of the areas have screening fences to distract guests from the actual building. The littles happily hopped from character image to character image, totally missing the fact that former shortcuts were blocked off, so I guess it worked. </div></div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-wdBgfW7lUAU/YB3D-DJl72I/AAAAAAAA6kk/Ni3cARLHLWE2PUxAoCw6EGK7MSITYMAsgCNcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_20200221_171638607.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="300" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-wdBgfW7lUAU/YB3D-DJl72I/AAAAAAAA6kk/Ni3cARLHLWE2PUxAoCw6EGK7MSITYMAsgCNcBGAsYHQ/w400-h300/IMG_20200221_171638607.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div><br /></div></div><div>On the way toward the World Showcase we stopped for a quick photo opportunity (after realizing we had taken so few pictures on Monday during our brief time at Epcot) but didn't ride...we had covered that the other day and we were on another mission...a walk around the world.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-YV9mGzY5nGQ/YB3D-BPhj5I/AAAAAAAA6kg/b68t6vuDYyEiwcFKvMx1AWI6dZoG3PiBACNcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_20200221_174836612.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-YV9mGzY5nGQ/YB3D-BPhj5I/AAAAAAAA6kg/b68t6vuDYyEiwcFKvMx1AWI6dZoG3PiBACNcBGAsYHQ/w480-h640/IMG_20200221_174836612.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><div><br /></div>But before we did that, a quick stop to find some long sleeved Disney merch was necessary.<br /><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-gVMZylV9sGE/YCGlnSmE35I/AAAAAAAA6po/0wcZVUMPYV4S-NgG_Mcw53nsMlYXyOW4wCNcBGAsYHQ/s4032/00100lrPORTRAIT_00100_BURST20200221181044857_COVER.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-gVMZylV9sGE/YCGlnSmE35I/AAAAAAAA6po/0wcZVUMPYV4S-NgG_Mcw53nsMlYXyOW4wCNcBGAsYHQ/w480-h640/00100lrPORTRAIT_00100_BURST20200221181044857_COVER.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><br /><div>And who can resist checking out the numerous types of 'ears' available?</div><div><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-O4sTU-5ECxg/YCKj1wGtC9I/AAAAAAAA6q4/2Zz_Ra5wQhI3jkDS7XAvZ4D8zduETOVYgCNcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_20200221_191034.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="300" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-O4sTU-5ECxg/YCKj1wGtC9I/AAAAAAAA6q4/2Zz_Ra5wQhI3jkDS7XAvZ4D8zduETOVYgCNcBGAsYHQ/w400-h300/IMG_20200221_191034.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">apparently not my son...this kid keeps us in stitches!</span></td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Ears tried on, lovies squeezed (and purchased) and extra layers procured we began to make our way toward the Lagoon by way of Soarin'.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div>
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-mIE_LcaW0dM/XsGYC_JRCMI/AAAAAAAAvT8/tpAzSwuDvBE6dnzgYGbKCR29TF5wRJSGwCNcBGAsYHQ/s1600/IMG_20200221_181610.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-mIE_LcaW0dM/XsGYC_JRCMI/AAAAAAAAvT8/tpAzSwuDvBE6dnzgYGbKCR29TF5wRJSGwCNcBGAsYHQ/w400-h300/IMG_20200221_181610.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Did I mention that wind and the rapidly dipping temperature? We all <i>wanted</i> to venture 'around the world.' We really did. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">But we. were. COLD!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">We made it as far as Disney Traders. And when everyone wanted to go inside to 'look around,' even the ones that had complained about the length of time we shopped in Mouse Gear, we realized that while Ian and I could tough out the cold for the sake of the experience, perhaps it wasn't in our best interest to expect the kids to do the same.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div>So we stepped outside and took a glance at the World Showcase at its finest...with its lights twinkling in the nighttime. <br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-erXU0s_daxw/YCKl1CxMS9I/AAAAAAAA6rc/DFsta25xMvEP388fk4n2yfOBS0W9VYQcgCNcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_20200221_191726.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-erXU0s_daxw/YCKl1CxMS9I/AAAAAAAA6rc/DFsta25xMvEP388fk4n2yfOBS0W9VYQcgCNcBGAsYHQ/w480-h640/IMG_20200221_191726.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><div><br /></div>And then we double-timed it back toward the car, but not before passing to capture perhaps the best family selfie of the trip...</div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-qbB_6IDENiY/YCKlEZd-vFI/AAAAAAAA6rU/ttKSI8JTPaUFCEuJOozK6g7bKf_mxpv-wCNcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_20200221_190114_1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="300" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-qbB_6IDENiY/YCKlEZd-vFI/AAAAAAAA6rU/ttKSI8JTPaUFCEuJOozK6g7bKf_mxpv-wCNcBGAsYHQ/w400-h300/IMG_20200221_190114_1.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /></div><div>We came so close to the 'quadfecta' of Disney park hopping. We approached the monorail station at 7:30 and the Magic Kingdom was open until 9 that night. I came so close to talking everyone into hopping on the monorail and running into the Kingdom to the first ride we could find just to say that we hopped all four parks ~ and rode the best ride in each thanks to the Genie pass ~ in one day. In the end though I looked at the happy (but tired) faces around me and decided to keep that crazy goal for someday in the future.</div><div><br /></div><div>Finally it was time to bid adieu to Disney. Always hard to leave the magic, but there's always 'next time' to look forward to. Besides, even though we were flying home the next day, we still needed to make one last stop to the Wizarding World of Harry Potter at Universal before we left Florida!</div>Kristihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18132987170674424395noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30544456.post-80646382729988268482021-02-07T23:37:00.003-05:002021-02-19T17:17:49.015-05:00casual college tours {my alma mater}<p> I thought life came at me fast when I had three kids three and under. Little did I know that time hits something that would put the Milenum Falcon doing the Kessel Run look slow when you have six kids in the tween/teen stage. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-3zLuC5rs20g/YCDPEuxYYbI/AAAAAAAA6oA/J07VNVVCtCEo9P1pRihjuzcWqHekczITQCNcBGAsYHQ/s2048/PXL_20210206_195014250.PORTRAIT.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1152" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-3zLuC5rs20g/YCDPEuxYYbI/AAAAAAAA6oA/J07VNVVCtCEo9P1pRihjuzcWqHekczITQCNcBGAsYHQ/w360-h640/PXL_20210206_195014250.PORTRAIT.jpg" width="360" /></a></div><p>And so we find ourselves adding "casual self tours of college campuses" to our list of "Covid outings" during this season of life. </p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-DPp5Yw4UML8/YCDQBfx-SSI/AAAAAAAA6oI/3beicqqN1vcI_CvhLXWSG8vg2SnxCXoyACNcBGAsYHQ/s2048/PXL_20210206_200050425.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1152" data-original-width="2048" height="225" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-DPp5Yw4UML8/YCDQBfx-SSI/AAAAAAAA6oI/3beicqqN1vcI_CvhLXWSG8vg2SnxCXoyACNcBGAsYHQ/w400-h225/PXL_20210206_200050425.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">west, my freshman dorm. it seemed old then...it seems <i>really</i> old now; especially to my kids.<br />the girls were horrified to learn there were just two bathrooms on the entire hall<br /><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div></span><span style="text-align: left;"><div style="text-align: left;">Thus far we've walked ASU, UNC-Chapel Hill, Duke and now Elon. The first two were random wanderings, at Duke we did the Let's Roam Scavenger Hunt and of course at my Alma Mater I was able to serve as a tour guide and give historical antidotes from the early 90s.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div></span></td></tr></tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-QKEwoVIdw_I/YCDTpEqmqsI/AAAAAAAA6oQ/pPz3KDDRAlwhluP_iEoQQueMzFKchi1nACNcBGAsYHQ/s2048/PXL_20210206_195345633.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1152" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-QKEwoVIdw_I/YCDTpEqmqsI/AAAAAAAA6oQ/pPz3KDDRAlwhluP_iEoQQueMzFKchi1nACNcBGAsYHQ/w360-h640/PXL_20210206_195345633.jpg" width="360" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">sophomore dorm, this time a suite consisting of two rooms that shared a jack and jill bathroom.<br />great except when your suite mates frequently went home for the weekend and would forget to unlock the door...</span></td></tr></tbody></table><p>Overall it was a great afternoon. While they didn't have loads of questions, the kids were rather attentive as I reminisced about my time on campus, pointing out "my windows" in my dorms and giving memories of certain lessons or professors as we passed by academic buildings or even recounting all the times the fountain got "sudsed." </p><p>Of course part of the reason everyone stayed all smiles could have been the size of campus. When we finished walked the entire "up campus" the kids...even my most reluctant walkers...were like, "wait, that's all? It's so small." We had to laugh as we compared some aspects of our two college experiences...my largest lecture class was in my major and had 42 students. Ian's at VT was his chemistry lecture and it had just over 400. Of course VT has more students in the freshman class than Elon has in all, so... (and Elon has more than doubled since I was there in the 90s)</p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-X_3TIrlkYqI/YCDVrHxvi1I/AAAAAAAA6oY/XKf8Kv24WZcRt-_S2zPCBAPrmQZUaI6fgCNcBGAsYHQ/s2048/PXL_20210206_202615858.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1152" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-X_3TIrlkYqI/YCDVrHxvi1I/AAAAAAAA6oY/XKf8Kv24WZcRt-_S2zPCBAPrmQZUaI6fgCNcBGAsYHQ/w360-h640/PXL_20210206_202615858.jpg" width="360" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">(as a sidenote, i still wonder why anyone ever did put suds in it. it's not like we ever celebrated a national championship or anything...heck, we didn't even have a football stadium on campus back in those days<br /></span><br /><div style="text-align: left;">The moment that caught me off guard though was the quick glance at my big girl as I realized just how easily she could be mistaken for an underclassman as she sat assuredly in the gazebo near the dorms I lived in. It's not going to be that much longer until we're moving her in somewhere and I'm going to have to find the strength to walk away. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-hJQPFwgHgH8/YCDY21-JgdI/AAAAAAAA6og/AhFkwoIFujwElb-mfiAoBVt_DQWY41_AACNcBGAsYHQ/s2048/PXL_20210206_200443415.PORTRAIT.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1152" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-hJQPFwgHgH8/YCDY21-JgdI/AAAAAAAA6og/AhFkwoIFujwElb-mfiAoBVt_DQWY41_AACNcBGAsYHQ/w360-h640/PXL_20210206_200443415.PORTRAIT.jpg" width="360" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: left;">To shake that thought it was time to end my walk down memory lane (I'd only been back once since graduation) and head off to Smitty's for some ice cream. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Who knows if any of the crew will decide to become a Phoenix ~ or a Hokie for that matter, a trip to Blacksburg is in the works for later this year. But at least they're all starting to get the feel for what type of campus appeals to them; large/small, urban/rural, hilly/flat. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">And I had to smile when one of the crew said, "Now I see what you meant when you said that when you saw Elon it was what college was supposed to look like." I'd love for any of them to be legacy, but let's work on getting a scholarship kiddo...</div></span></td></tr></tbody></table>Kristihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18132987170674424395noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30544456.post-24466856446754230422021-02-05T16:09:00.003-05:002021-02-11T10:13:48.303-05:00Make A Wish {Thursday at Magic Kingdom}<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">**thursday, february 20, 2020**</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">As I mentioned in a post earlier, this amazing trip was quite some time in the making, from Ian and I accepting that Nicholas qualified, to applying to meeting our wish-makers, to learning that his wish had been granted and then waiting for the next calendar year so Ian actually had time off because of all the time we spent in Boston in May/June of 2019 for surgery. We all had expectations and parts we were especially excited about.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">For me, while I really enjoy many of the thrill rides at other parks, THIS day was MY day. This was the day 100% dedicated to the Magic Kingdom! While not crack of dawn early, we were well into breakfast by 8:15 which is something considering our tween/teen brood that likes to sleep in, especially after three previous days of theme park enjoyment.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_CkDSuDlFDE/YBxQOxuLqhI/AAAAAAAA6do/YJvtrCppQzMMp8UD1T0rF7B5DAEuFmQlACNcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_20200220_082033.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_CkDSuDlFDE/YBxQOxuLqhI/AAAAAAAA6do/YJvtrCppQzMMp8UD1T0rF7B5DAEuFmQlACNcBGAsYHQ/w480-h640/IMG_20200220_082033.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">so appreciated that they have tables for large families in the dining hall so we don't have to drag tables around or sit in different locations!</span></td></tr></tbody></table><div><br /></div><div>Our "I'm bored waiting in line so I'll nibble something" snack stash was running low, so we pulled into the Walmart just up the street from the village on the way to restock. Just as an FYI, if you're ever going to the village, you can TOTALLY get any and ALL Disney gear in a section larger than the baby/toddler clothing and gear area in an average store. We could have purchased "family uniforms" easily...but for the teens in the group. With them we're lucky to pull of "theme "days at this point!</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-4qw5jENTo5k/YB1iD4c_B_I/AAAAAAAA6fA/GIue2nMocgcR4vUpBXLXGer74LoD2XP3gCNcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_20200220_090901765.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-4qw5jENTo5k/YB1iD4c_B_I/AAAAAAAA6fA/GIue2nMocgcR4vUpBXLXGer74LoD2XP3gCNcBGAsYHQ/w480-h640/IMG_20200220_090901765.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><br /><div>From that point it was a 30 minute drive in our rental van to my very favorite place! It's possible I may have been the most excited person in the van to arrive. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<div><br /></div>As we approached, we simply flashed Nicholas's "Genie pass" and were escorted to some primo parking, just a quick walk (though some of us *may* have been jogging in our anticipation to get there faster) from the monorail station. <div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-qK1AKX1cU0U/YB1qqjxIhHI/AAAAAAAA6f4/JA00XA5rvBsFEueS5zR6lk-ntwVA-YQ7ACNcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_20200220_095208.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-qK1AKX1cU0U/YB1qqjxIhHI/AAAAAAAA6f4/JA00XA5rvBsFEueS5zR6lk-ntwVA-YQ7ACNcBGAsYHQ/w480-h640/IMG_20200220_095208.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><br /><div>Much to the chagrin of our reluctant paparazzi victims, I was determined to make full use of the free Memory Maker services, though we did have to strike a deal that we'd only stop once an hour for the Disney photographers to snap a full family photo. </div><div><br />
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<div><br /></div><div>Instinct when we walk in a circle is to head right. But long ago my dear friend <a href="https://www.facebook.com/rebekah.r.crowell" target="_blank">Bekah</a> ~ our Magical Vacation Planner when we plan a Disney trip...my girl can hook us up with deals we can't find on our own! ~ shared the simple tip of heading left instead. Of course we didn't need to worry too much about lines, the Genie pass got us unlimited FastPasses our entire trip, but it was nice to walk less "shoulder to shoulder" as we randomly made our way around. </div><div><br /></div><div>First stop? </div><div><br /></div><div>Try on some bling. </div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ouAyHcprMkE/YB1iuwBiHwI/AAAAAAAA6fc/AWGMLlI_Ols5283Cc-ZLZfTsUbI13pc5QCNcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_20200220_104534770_HDR.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ouAyHcprMkE/YB1iuwBiHwI/AAAAAAAA6fc/AWGMLlI_Ols5283Cc-ZLZfTsUbI13pc5QCNcBGAsYHQ/w480-h640/IMG_20200220_104534770_HDR.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I didn't purchase, bows aren't quite my thing, but they are adorable on my beautiful girl, no?</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-1GEyl_VC4Ik/YB11RyZPbDI/AAAAAAAA6gA/zaZi9qLVG6Qn17KkSGXh7bEI9wT8TyqZwCNcBGAsYHQ/s4032/00100lrPORTRAIT_00100_BURST20200220104857013_COVER.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-1GEyl_VC4Ik/YB11RyZPbDI/AAAAAAAA6gA/zaZi9qLVG6Qn17KkSGXh7bEI9wT8TyqZwCNcBGAsYHQ/w480-h640/00100lrPORTRAIT_00100_BURST20200220104857013_COVER.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Our first ride of the day was to to take a spin on the Magic Carpets of Aladdin. Not one of my all time favorites, but the Fast Pass line was super short.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div>
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<div><br /></div><div>Besides it put us in good proximity to Aloha Isle because enjoying a Dole Whip was high on EVERYONE's (especially my riding partner's) list.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-W87XMMFfRTo/YB1jHk2XtPI/AAAAAAAA6fs/LyZcP9qhFA0qDilEQNRIiGpGFXFuS1BSACNcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_20200220_110308238_HDR.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-W87XMMFfRTo/YB1jHk2XtPI/AAAAAAAA6fs/LyZcP9qhFA0qDilEQNRIiGpGFXFuS1BSACNcBGAsYHQ/w480-h640/IMG_20200220_110308238_HDR.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><br /><div>From there the boys tried to ride Pirates of the Caribbean and were next in line when the ride malfunctioned. Nicholas, who LOVED the Pirate movies, was especially disappointed and we kept checking, but it never went back online that day. I'm just glad they weren't already in a boat when it came to a grinding halt.</div><br />
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<br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Since we were in Adventureland, we went ahead and walked the Swiss Family Treehouse and of course took a journey on the Jungle Cruise ~ the only place where the jokes are more groan worthy than 'Dad jokes.' I will say it was great just to watch our older kids catch (and roll their eyes at) the puns that rolled right over the heads of our littler ones.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">We grabbed a yummy carnitas lunch at Tortuga Tavern and then headed to Adventureland to hit a family favorite...Big Thunder Mountain! </div><br />
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<div><br /></div>We rode twice in a row just for good measure. Because...well...why not?</div><div><br />
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<div><br /></div>At this point it was getting pretty toasty (funny that was just about the time it started to snow back home) and while the boys went to explore the Riverboat, we girls claimed some prime real estate near the Liberty Bell and enjoyed some people watching. In general that is a fun way to pass time, but especially fun at Disney when folks are in matchy-matchy or themed shirts. </div><div><br />
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-I_P79DsoCFg/XsGVgw5lUwI/AAAAAAAAvRY/Y5X3C-cIhvIfE-4ZbiY7meAWwHSLkfjmACNcBGAsYHQ/s1600/IMG_20200220_134049469_HDR.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-I_P79DsoCFg/XsGVgw5lUwI/AAAAAAAAvRY/Y5X3C-cIhvIfE-4ZbiY7meAWwHSLkfjmACNcBGAsYHQ/s640/IMG_20200220_134049469_HDR.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
<div><br /></div><div>Speaking of matchy-matchy theme dressing...</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-dj50xvM-2M0/YB2X3QW-lII/AAAAAAAA6gU/1MBM1RUhLVEWB546-UNuHQ3qNsowpLoQwCNcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_20200220_135949392_HDR.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-dj50xvM-2M0/YB2X3QW-lII/AAAAAAAA6gU/1MBM1RUhLVEWB546-UNuHQ3qNsowpLoQwCNcBGAsYHQ/w480-h640/IMG_20200220_135949392_HDR.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><br /><div>Next stop, a new one for us ~ the Haunted Mansion. In trips past we skipped it, mostly because if Dr. Facilier from the Princess and the Frog freaked my kids out and prevented them from ever watching the movie in its entirety, then there was no way they'd handle a ride full of spirits. But this time Darcy was determined and while Ian, Kylie Caleb and Nicholas weren't interested, again with the Genie pass. Waits were so short for us that other family members didn't mind a bit of time off their feet to people watch while everyone got to ride everything they wanted (unless of course it was a height thing...those are rules that don't budge for anyone).</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-jejx8XMyTVE/YB2dRhcd7lI/AAAAAAAA6gw/gNkORl9DRf8vHA9yy1bPfdsa9Sm2LvUKgCNcBGAsYHQ/s1280/187ef4f9-4245-45d9-8820-0a82c71f4f6c.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="853" data-original-width="1280" height="266" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-jejx8XMyTVE/YB2dRhcd7lI/AAAAAAAA6gw/gNkORl9DRf8vHA9yy1bPfdsa9Sm2LvUKgCNcBGAsYHQ/w400-h266/187ef4f9-4245-45d9-8820-0a82c71f4f6c.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div>From there we headed through the edge of Fantasyland straight for the Speedway. Because when you're underage, driving sounds like THE BEST idea. Thankfully at this point all our kids are tall enough to drive themselves save the littles. Ian was chauffeured by Nat.</div><br />
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<div><br /></div>And I took my life into the wee one's hands by taking a spin with Nicholas. We'll say that there IS a reason that center rail is there and leave it at that...</div><div><br />
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Once in sight of Space Mountain, it's nearly impossible to not heed the call to venture inside to ride. </div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-V91AaPvuavM/YB2gbPw0ZGI/AAAAAAAA6g4/OMruvNTs0Jw9AIlVKEImBAVM6FP3VYJkQCNcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_20200220_153412.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="300" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-V91AaPvuavM/YB2gbPw0ZGI/AAAAAAAA6g4/OMruvNTs0Jw9AIlVKEImBAVM6FP3VYJkQCNcBGAsYHQ/w400-h300/IMG_20200220_153412.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div>Never would have imagined we'd have enough kids to fill a rocket, but here we are...</div><div><br />
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<div><br /></div>It was right as we decided iced coffee (who can so no to something with the name 'mission to s'mores' latte?) and slushies from Joffrey's Coffee Revive that photo texts from friends back home of their kids playing in the snow started rolling in. <br />
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<div><br /></div>We toasted with frozen beverages and took advantage of a break in the crowds to test out the new Tron coaster seats. From everything we can tell, that's gonna be an awesome ride!</div><div><br />
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<br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">The one ride all day long we had been avoiding despite it being on everyone's top five list was Seven Dwarfs Mine Train. For whatever reason it was insanely popular and even the Fastpass line was longer than we had been willing to wait. At this point though we had hit most everything else and decided to buck up and wait in the line before beginning to take repeat requests.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div>
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<div><br /></div>At least the line allowed for a bit of time to get some individual shots. </div><div><br />
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<div><br /></div>Luckily the wait time numbers were overestimated and HeadsUp continues to amuse. Bonus that while on Disney property several Disney themed games are unlocked, so we reviewed our Disney character knowledge as we snaked toward the front of the line.</div><div><br />
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<div><br /></div>One last selfie and we were on!</div><div><br /></div><div>
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<div><br /></div><div>As always, worth the wait in the end!</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-3tFOSs6KHLM/YB2neGJ97BI/AAAAAAAA6iQ/hJgD0ja0TnQtWLaQbQHaI1o-eL5D5QEuACNcBGAsYHQ/s1280/f29f1e67-5279-4363-a228-9a9b80e2a6d7.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="854" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-3tFOSs6KHLM/YB2neGJ97BI/AAAAAAAA6iQ/hJgD0ja0TnQtWLaQbQHaI1o-eL5D5QEuACNcBGAsYHQ/w428-h640/f29f1e67-5279-4363-a228-9a9b80e2a6d7.jpg" width="428" /></a></div><br /><div><br /></div>Because much of the Kingdom is so compact, we frequently would park the stroller and wander a bit. Proving that it indeed is the 'most magical place on earth' siblings would volunteer to give Nicholas a lift when he started dragging.</div><div><br />
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<div><br /></div>As we passed back through Fantasyland to get the stroller, we noticed the line for the world's most catchy ear worm was super short, so we hopped on a boat to explore our Small World. </div><div><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-p9DsP4kd_So/XsGVG3Ly6gI/AAAAAAAAvQw/gHafjhmAoTgnL5oI3xFs6rSwccXPuSAmQCNcBGAsYHQ/s1600/IMG_20200220_174722.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-p9DsP4kd_So/XsGVG3Ly6gI/AAAAAAAAvQw/gHafjhmAoTgnL5oI3xFs6rSwccXPuSAmQCNcBGAsYHQ/s400/IMG_20200220_174722.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">all smiles save the one who had been requesting to ride all day...at this point i don't remember what that was about</span></td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<br />Repeat requests began at this point. </div><div><br />
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<div><br /></div><div>That moment you realize the above and below will be your reality in less than three years...</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-0L2yszc5fkI/YB2pN0k580I/AAAAAAAA6iY/ys13XwcNTss3CkSuxFwy3kiImwvtT-0_QCNcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_20200220_182128842.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-0L2yszc5fkI/YB2pN0k580I/AAAAAAAA6iY/ys13XwcNTss3CkSuxFwy3kiImwvtT-0_QCNcBGAsYHQ/w480-h640/IMG_20200220_182128842.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><br /><div><br /></div>But I couldn't dwell on soon to be drivers too long. Jesus take the wheel because Nat sure wasn't!</div><div><br />
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<div><br /></div>Since we were so close and even the standby line was essentially non-existent, we literally walked right on the PeopleMover. Everyone has their reasons for liking it, mine is because when you're really lucky Space Mountain will be offline when you cruise through and you can see what the track looks like. Ian loves it because it is magnet powered. The kids have various thoughts, but this night DQ was all about the view.</div><div><br />
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<div><br /></div>Originally we had planned to go back to the village for dinner. But we still had plenty of money left on the Make a Wish card, the fireworks were just over an hour away, and everyone said they were hungry for a burger. With all that, why not extend our time in the magic? So we quickly ate burgers and fries at Cosmic Ray's and then went to hunt out a spot to watch Happily Ever After.</div><div><br />
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<div><br /></div>This experience definitely beat the previous time when we stood in the gentle rain to watch. Despite being surrounded in a sea of humanity that made me feel like we were back in China, we all enjoyed the show and found ourselves cheerfully humming and singing along. </div><div><br />
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<div><br /></div>At that point we once again considered heading back to the village to get an early night. But the stroller was where we ditched it for dinner near Cosmic Ray's and that's near the Mine Train and we noticed the line showed pretty short on the app while gathering the stroller. So one more time we rode off to work with the dwarfs, after all, it is a different, more exhilarating experience by night!</div><div><br />
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<div><br /></div>As we finally began to exit, we decided not to get caught in the crush on Main Street.</div><div><br />
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<div><br /></div>If you enter the shop closest to Casey's Corner, you can continuously shop pretty much the entire length of Main Street in the Emporium. Besides, we had kids with cash to burn...</div><div><br />
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-m_dngou0BfQ/XsGVV0kz8iI/AAAAAAAAvRQ/xpQ-PS8ZC9QppPYpK9rq1kHbhU8YIjpkwCNcBGAsYHQ/s1600/IMG_20200220_215152.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-m_dngou0BfQ/XsGVV0kz8iI/AAAAAAAAvRQ/xpQ-PS8ZC9QppPYpK9rq1kHbhU8YIjpkwCNcBGAsYHQ/s640/IMG_20200220_215152.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
<div><br /></div><div><br /></div>I don't think anyone ended up buying anything beyond Daniel getting an adorable plushie Space Mountain, but they sure had fun browsing.</div><div><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-LAgR400NH14/YB2y_FjdPwI/AAAAAAAA6io/fCTLgdwmd9cCsqtvH5ypZg7ZLE3XpjzhQCNcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_20200220_213206.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-LAgR400NH14/YB2y_FjdPwI/AAAAAAAA6io/fCTLgdwmd9cCsqtvH5ypZg7ZLE3XpjzhQCNcBGAsYHQ/w480-h640/IMG_20200220_213206.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">why shouldn't an ewok disguise himself as an alien?</span></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div>Until next time Magic Kingdom...we will miss you so!</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-4ZxJrL0pygg/YB2zbD-dSJI/AAAAAAAA6iw/c0eBLcQSJH0I7JW9FEgi8DBhOsRe9KPbQCNcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_20200220_220055.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="300" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-4ZxJrL0pygg/YB2zbD-dSJI/AAAAAAAA6iw/c0eBLcQSJH0I7JW9FEgi8DBhOsRe9KPbQCNcBGAsYHQ/w400-h300/IMG_20200220_220055.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div><br /></div>You know you've given a twelve hour day your all when you lose a few in the van along the way home.<br /><div><br />
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<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div></div>Kristihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18132987170674424395noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30544456.post-47132724834938956552021-02-04T14:30:00.007-05:002021-02-19T09:49:18.299-05:00Make A Wish {Wednesday at Universal's Islands of Adventure}<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">**wednesday, february 19, 2020**</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Wednesday of our Make a Wish adventure found us deciding to see how Universal treated wish families. We quickly realized the treatment rivaled...and maybe even slightly surpassed...that we received at Disney.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: left;">(I know, is that even possible?)</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div>
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-NhLYDQKdBvQ/XrjCS2OMCCI/AAAAAAAAuq8/Dx29FNRzR-wrh50ZmOERNdejdzpzAEvGACNcBGAsYHQ/s1600/61699_021920_000406876.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1143" data-original-width="1600" height="285" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-NhLYDQKdBvQ/XrjCS2OMCCI/AAAAAAAAuq8/Dx29FNRzR-wrh50ZmOERNdejdzpzAEvGACNcBGAsYHQ/s400/61699_021920_000406876.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<div><br /></div><div>With two days of admission to Universal Orlando Resort parks, initially it was a toss up for us deciding between Islands of Adventure and Universal Studios to base our day in. In the end it was a loose plan for the rest of the week that had us spending our "fly home day" in the other Universal park that steered the decision. Nicholas loves "get wet water rides" and all of the ones at Disney were closed for refurbishment. That meant we needed to hit Popeye and Bluto's Bilge Rat Barges on a day we weren't getting on a plane, so to the Islands we went!</div><div><br /></div><div>While several of us were itching to head straight to Hogsmeade, we found ourselves passing through Suess Landing on the way. So of course we just had to walk through the Truffula trees.</div><div><br />
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-cF20__qf7iA/XrlSiZ_JymI/AAAAAAAAuuM/eA3bxjK99nwlx6rxHU61RhuC3mwauYHXACNcBGAsYHQ/s1600/IMG_20200219_101858.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1212" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-cF20__qf7iA/XrlSiZ_JymI/AAAAAAAAuuM/eA3bxjK99nwlx6rxHU61RhuC3mwauYHXACNcBGAsYHQ/s640/IMG_20200219_101858.jpeg" width="484" /></a></div>
<div><br /></div>And ride the Caro-Seuss-el. </div><div><br /></div><div>Because where else can you ride n aqua mop top or a dog-a-lope?</div><div><br />
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-SA5mIfiuYJY/XrjCb2GggjI/AAAAAAAAurA/S4gYWbDMKZYDPnkzTuRiU3aubzVnW44KACNcBGAsYHQ/s1600/IMG_20200219_102208.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-SA5mIfiuYJY/XrjCb2GggjI/AAAAAAAAurA/S4gYWbDMKZYDPnkzTuRiU3aubzVnW44KACNcBGAsYHQ/s400/IMG_20200219_102208.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div><br /></div><div>Or an elephant bird (from Horton Hears a Who) or a cowfish (from McElligot's Pool)?</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-wIO6bQWgGWQ/YBwaeE0uf8I/AAAAAAAA6dc/zX8mI_rOD3AS9pBfQmO5h29tuy7Di21pgCNcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_20200219_102242.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="300" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-wIO6bQWgGWQ/YBwaeE0uf8I/AAAAAAAA6dc/zX8mI_rOD3AS9pBfQmO5h29tuy7Di21pgCNcBGAsYHQ/w400-h300/IMG_20200219_102242.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div><br /></div>We thought we were done exploring Seuss Landing, but then we saw The Cat in the Hat. And since most of my crew cut their reading teeth on adventures with the mischievous feline and his friends Thing 1 and Thing 2, we couldn't just walk by. </div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-f2GAjK1A9Fs/YBwaeNBuN8I/AAAAAAAA6dY/DCVuaktAcNUiOkmErHvOt0G55BOwnqmVACNcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_20200219_103242.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="300" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-f2GAjK1A9Fs/YBwaeNBuN8I/AAAAAAAA6dY/DCVuaktAcNUiOkmErHvOt0G55BOwnqmVACNcBGAsYHQ/w400-h300/IMG_20200219_103242.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div><br /></div>It was truly the book come to life, just as quirky and fantastical as I remembered. <br /><div><br /></div>After checking out the whimsy of the land (and rehydrating one of the kids ~ who shall remain nameless but hopefully learned you can't run several days in theme parks without drinking enough water) we continued the quest to find butterbeer.</div><div><br /></div><div>Anxious for that creamy treat as we were, we had to pause to visit a favorite along the way. </div><div><br /></div><div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-B3VqVa8JPew/XrjCcVMDRSI/AAAAAAAAurI/d0dZVLm9axkROTU_Wu8CBQ0xH62AobtkgCNcBGAsYHQ/s1600/IMG_20200219_104744.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-B3VqVa8JPew/XrjCcVMDRSI/AAAAAAAAurI/d0dZVLm9axkROTU_Wu8CBQ0xH62AobtkgCNcBGAsYHQ/s400/IMG_20200219_104744.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">yes, i was humming 'i like to move it, move it' the whole time<br />no, i'm sure Julian doesn't get tired of that...</span></td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Finally...but before butterbeer we wanted to take a magical journey.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div>
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-OcifziOZoWU/XrjCwHB2juI/AAAAAAAAurg/GPAH_Q7aOdYPIonicKcGYtSSAtZFd_VwgCNcBGAsYHQ/s1600/00000IMG_00000_BURST20200219105316374_COVER.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-OcifziOZoWU/XrjCwHB2juI/AAAAAAAAurg/GPAH_Q7aOdYPIonicKcGYtSSAtZFd_VwgCNcBGAsYHQ/s640/00000IMG_00000_BURST20200219105316374_COVER.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
<div><br /></div>A motor bike adventure to be more specific. </div><div><br /></div><div>This was where we truly learned just how amazing being a wish kid family at Universal really is. The posted wait time to get on one of Hagrid's magical bikes was 185 minutes. Hesitantly we approached one of the attendants and when they saw Nicholas's lanyard, they called for an escort. To our surprise, the escort began to walk us up the exit ramp.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-SSlK3O83XQw/YBwJmWT_uQI/AAAAAAAA6c4/uxeXNDT6FFgzxqfBC4Zlye2Rb-gMJ7c7QCNcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_20200219_110957.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-SSlK3O83XQw/YBwJmWT_uQI/AAAAAAAA6c4/uxeXNDT6FFgzxqfBC4Zlye2Rb-gMJ7c7QCNcBGAsYHQ/w480-h640/IMG_20200219_110957.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><br /><div>From there she took us through a few closed doors and before five minutes had passed we found ourselves strapping our seatbelts for an amazing adventure!</div><div><br />
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-yk-4VwAu3zU/XrjCcYiLvcI/AAAAAAAAurE/QEm5Y7hjNGUPE_ASoQf_jRAAWb56wfFGACNcBGAsYHQ/s1600/IMG_20200219_110228.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-yk-4VwAu3zU/XrjCcYiLvcI/AAAAAAAAurE/QEm5Y7hjNGUPE_ASoQf_jRAAWb56wfFGACNcBGAsYHQ/s640/IMG_20200219_110228.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
<div><br /></div><div>I love rollercoasters.</div><br />
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<div><br /></div>And I've ridden plenty of them in my life.</div><div><br />
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-znU7O4kyoAk/XrjCvvG2vII/AAAAAAAAurY/LGwOlV2zOa4kUdt93noKrIBIh6X9oRDygCNcBGAsYHQ/s1600/63103_021920_000068441.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="1600" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-znU7O4kyoAk/XrjCvvG2vII/AAAAAAAAurY/LGwOlV2zOa4kUdt93noKrIBIh6X9oRDygCNcBGAsYHQ/s400/63103_021920_000068441.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<div><br /></div>But this one was one part roller coaster (super smooth I must add), one part movie story, and one part unexpected thrill ride. Easily the best overall ride experience I've had in any park. Hagrid's Magical Creature Motorbike Adventure sets a new standard for theme park experience. </div><div><br />
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<div><br /></div>And the family felt the same. So much so that we tested Universal's policy and asked to ride again immediately after getting off. They smiled, called another escort, and within 15 minutes we had squealed to our heart's delight twice on what would later be deemed everyone's favorite ride of the trip.</div><div><br /></div><div>We considered going again, but for two factors. One, we were concerned too many other guests hadn't moved enough and would catch on to our perks of skipping the line in what was now a 210 minute wait.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">And two, had I mentioned butterbeer? After all, it was getting hot and frosted beverage was calling!</div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div>
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<br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Everyone feeling refreshed, it was time to take a Forbidden Journey through Hogwarts. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Again with the amazing privilege. Posted wait time for Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey was 160 minutes. Upon approach, we were walked through some passageways starting near the exit of the castle, whisked through "staff only" doors...</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div>
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-TBMz6mq3NE4/XrjCwefoLMI/AAAAAAAAurk/ck7BrUuweC4bxqwdByHEZujiMZfMR2rGgCNcBGAsYHQ/s1600/IMG_20200219_111648797.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-TBMz6mq3NE4/XrjCwefoLMI/AAAAAAAAurk/ck7BrUuweC4bxqwdByHEZujiMZfMR2rGgCNcBGAsYHQ/s640/IMG_20200219_111648797.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
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<br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">....and boarding our seats in the Great Hall within minutes. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-uApSen1fVqk/YBwKqwmdVBI/AAAAAAAA6dE/RoLIXBnK3oc1ws8qt8k8Sx3Z0xh0kBx4gCNcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_20200219_111708.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="300" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-uApSen1fVqk/YBwKqwmdVBI/AAAAAAAA6dE/RoLIXBnK3oc1ws8qt8k8Sx3Z0xh0kBx4gCNcBGAsYHQ/w400-h300/IMG_20200219_111708.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Bless our oldest. She's really not a fan of roller coasters (though she said she'd ride Hagrid's Motorbike Adventure all day long) and also doesn't care much for motion simulators. Her expressions are typically priceless on rides. </div>
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<div><br /></div>Thankfully she's all about the theming and loves amusement parks despite her aversion to rides.</div><div><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-NOQTAmxn6K4/YBwLlH2OgGI/AAAAAAAA6dM/Sml0oRo9j20oaHpFhAT4KymHrdHt26N4wCNcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_20200219_113656.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="300" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-NOQTAmxn6K4/YBwLlH2OgGI/AAAAAAAA6dM/Sml0oRo9j20oaHpFhAT4KymHrdHt26N4wCNcBGAsYHQ/w400-h300/IMG_20200219_113656.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">well, all about theming, not so much 'mama-razzi'</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div>We took time to cast a few spells that we had missed on our previous trip.</div><div><br />
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<br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Thank goodness for wands that don't "expire." Certificates for interactive wands at Ollivanders for Christmas of 2018 were worth the investment, especially considering that they got us through two visits to the Wizarding World of Harry Potter...both in 2019 and 2020!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div>
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6s5Ahicnd50/XsGBPa9dGtI/AAAAAAAAvK0/KoUZ1sjqYhwZhPGx0NwbzdBCcp0rHaKGACNcBGAsYHQ/s1600/IMG_20200219_122438.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6s5Ahicnd50/XsGBPa9dGtI/AAAAAAAAvK0/KoUZ1sjqYhwZhPGx0NwbzdBCcp0rHaKGACNcBGAsYHQ/s400/IMG_20200219_122438.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">The attention to detail in making the world of Harry Potter come alive is mind-blowing and I could have stayed in this section of the park much longer. But there was still a good bit of Islands of Adventure to explore, so we said Cheerio to Hogwarts and re-entered the muggle world during the jurassic period.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div>
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<br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">To Nicholas's delight we got tot take a river journey through Jurassic Park.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div>
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-05B6yRs2zog/XrjC6vBfUJI/AAAAAAAAusM/RJEfyJlqteAhCgcnOF7HHl4pgqL-5MKLgCNcBGAsYHQ/s1600/IMG_20200219_124120.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-05B6yRs2zog/XrjC6vBfUJI/AAAAAAAAusM/RJEfyJlqteAhCgcnOF7HHl4pgqL-5MKLgCNcBGAsYHQ/s400/IMG_20200219_124120.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">As water rides go, at least this one gives a real thrill. Initially there's a fake out drop which turns out to be just a few feet and then without warning there's a T-Rex head followed by a 85 foot plunge.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div>
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<br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">We got splashed just enough to feel a bit of relief from the Florida sun and made our way on toward Toon Lagoon. Nicholas and his "let's get soaked self" was SUPER EXCITED to see folks with dripping clothing get off Popeye & Bluto's Bilge-rat Barges, but we had blood sugar levels crashing and it was time to eat. We tried the line, "I'll gladly pay you Tuesday for a hamburger today," at Wimpy's and despite having to pay a hefty sum to feed our crew, we enjoyed our burgers and fries as we overlooked the end of the bilge-rat ride, trying to memorize where we were most likely to encounter large amounts of water.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Appetites sated, it was time to get wet. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div>
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ajovgu1xc4c/XrjDSgobiCI/AAAAAAAAutI/j9dPKH3PTM0PcgfBOkesihdp1YqVFFswgCNcBGAsYHQ/s1600/IMG_20200219_141545080_HDR.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ajovgu1xc4c/XrjDSgobiCI/AAAAAAAAutI/j9dPKH3PTM0PcgfBOkesihdp1YqVFFswgCNcBGAsYHQ/s400/IMG_20200219_141545080_HDR.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Mission accomplished. (thankfully we had taken off our shoes and socks and tucked them in the compartments of the ride to keep them dry...sloshing shoes are no fun)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Leaving wet trials behind us, we made our way through Skull Island (where we rode Reign of Kong...it got a "meh" out of most of us) and into SuperHero Island where our Marvel fans geeked out a bit.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div>
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-S5i7Kc1O4Ts/XrjDEKfwRqI/AAAAAAAAusw/36BdEAEsne8a0AweOOOx8kUav0rDRMJlgCNcBGAsYHQ/s1600/IMG_20200219_142829.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-S5i7Kc1O4Ts/XrjDEKfwRqI/AAAAAAAAusw/36BdEAEsne8a0AweOOOx8kUav0rDRMJlgCNcBGAsYHQ/s640/IMG_20200219_142829.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
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<br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">We had a web-slinging adventure with Spider Man, learned what Gamma rays would do to our bodies with the Hulk, and half the crew experienced the power of Storm (what can I say, I just don't enjoy spinning rides like I used to ~ besides, someone has to take the pictures). </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"> </div>
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-WIHjnZUrz0A/XrjDEJZIIsI/AAAAAAAAuso/Wo_mXvnP-eMpAM-D5ddAcs3fHsYW32zXwCNcBGAsYHQ/s1600/IMG_20200219_150547959.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-WIHjnZUrz0A/XrjDEJZIIsI/AAAAAAAAuso/Wo_mXvnP-eMpAM-D5ddAcs3fHsYW32zXwCNcBGAsYHQ/s640/IMG_20200219_150547959.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
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<br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">That adventure wrapped up, thanks to our Make a Wish passes, we walked the loop, experienced all the rides (many of then twice), eaten lunch and had several snack stops all in less than five hours.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">We considered heading back to Give Kids the World village at that point, but we did have hopper passes, so...</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">We put Nicholas in the stroller and picked up the pace to get back to the Hogsmede Hogwarts Express station. (His distinct lack of endurance is a constant reminder of why he qualified for this trip) A few minutes on the train (read, a few minutes off our feet) and we were walking the streets of Diagon Alley.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-MqAKZrqktM8/XrjCyecl4jI/AAAAAAAAur8/ooYx7KD4CsMhhX9ZGcGqEZYF9fi81rRPgCNcBGAsYHQ/s1600/IMG_20200219_164040.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-MqAKZrqktM8/XrjCyecl4jI/AAAAAAAAur8/ooYx7KD4CsMhhX9ZGcGqEZYF9fi81rRPgCNcBGAsYHQ/s400/IMG_20200219_164040.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">The dragon on top of Gringotts remains impressive even if it isn't the first time you've seen it breathe fire!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div>
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-L16Zm-LUk28/XrjCx9ZdlxI/AAAAAAAAur4/RemE0ZlXkXcVB0IKOSLP11KpNtl-3jzgwCNcBGAsYHQ/s1600/IMG_20200219_163724532.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-L16Zm-LUk28/XrjCx9ZdlxI/AAAAAAAAur4/RemE0ZlXkXcVB0IKOSLP11KpNtl-3jzgwCNcBGAsYHQ/s640/IMG_20200219_163724532.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
<div><br /></div><br /></div><div>Again with the wands. With no real time constraints, everyone got a chance to try several spells before we took a side route into Knockturn Alley.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-qLRaExKKb5Q/XrjCy35lIXI/AAAAAAAAusE/_L7rpq7Qh1EZcTA32ISUFsDywlSbwz6rQCNcBGAsYHQ/s1600/IMG_20200219_164654.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-qLRaExKKb5Q/XrjCy35lIXI/AAAAAAAAusE/_L7rpq7Qh1EZcTA32ISUFsDywlSbwz6rQCNcBGAsYHQ/s400/IMG_20200219_164654.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">trying to rain on his sister...she got out of the way in time</span></td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-36Z8r34jahc/XrjCygHM8YI/AAAAAAAAusA/DNoHrHGxr5kvemPFbYjt020kjkCGxMggQCNcBGAsYHQ/s1600/IMG_20200219_165624878.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-36Z8r34jahc/XrjCygHM8YI/AAAAAAAAusA/DNoHrHGxr5kvemPFbYjt020kjkCGxMggQCNcBGAsYHQ/s640/IMG_20200219_165624878.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">when good girls go bad...</span></td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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After making our escape from Gringotts and casting a few more spells, it was time to ride the Express back to Hogsmede. Platform 9 3/4 still impresses!</div><div><br />
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-YKbWGLqEebk/XrjCzQ0Fe9I/AAAAAAAAusI/8_Npc6n1BoM7TFuz_c9HiAdpcWbsLnRlwCNcBGAsYHQ/s1600/IMG_20200219_172014.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-YKbWGLqEebk/XrjCzQ0Fe9I/AAAAAAAAusI/8_Npc6n1BoM7TFuz_c9HiAdpcWbsLnRlwCNcBGAsYHQ/s640/IMG_20200219_172014.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
<div><br /></div>Though we were tired, walking back through Suess Landing, the High in the Sky Seuss Trolly Train Ride caught our eye. Again, no time constraints...why not? </div><div><br /></div><div>This would have been GOLD back when our crew was little. But despite this ride being geared to tiny tots, Ian and I found ourselves delighted to see various books of our childhood come to life as we rode around and above the creative world of Dr Seuss. </div><div><br />
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_KcAoF3qLPE/XrjDNbj7k0I/AAAAAAAAus0/tuCY04cvGRsKs16n2W9KIoTmtbcrWebjwCNcBGAsYHQ/s1600/IMG_20200219_183238.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_KcAoF3qLPE/XrjDNbj7k0I/AAAAAAAAus0/tuCY04cvGRsKs16n2W9KIoTmtbcrWebjwCNcBGAsYHQ/s400/IMG_20200219_183238.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div><br /></div>Eight and a half hours after we entered, we found ourselves happily 'Universaled-out' (okay, that may not be a real term, but it should be) and barely looked over our shoulders to watch the fireworks over Hogwarts in the distance. After three days of hitting parks hard, my legs were tired, but I came to realize how this trip is about more than just the wish kid. It's about the whole family. We were carefree on this venture because everything (and I do mean EVERYTHING) we could want or need was taken care of and so we just got to enjoy it all...even walking in step to the piped in Suessical music as we exited the park.</div><div><br /></div><div>
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-44qSGgMou2U/XrjDNicm05I/AAAAAAAAus4/ZQZvj_qGoQU7HDwZkIh1Mc3EKOsFC0fTgCNcBGAsYHQ/s1600/IMG_20200219_184317.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-44qSGgMou2U/XrjDNicm05I/AAAAAAAAus4/ZQZvj_qGoQU7HDwZkIh1Mc3EKOsFC0fTgCNcBGAsYHQ/s640/IMG_20200219_184317.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
<div><br /></div>One part of Universal that we didn't explore were the shops of Port of Entry. So many cool things we could see as we quickly passed by the doors. Only a tiger could slow us down from our next goal.</div><div><br />
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<div><br /></div>Dinner followed by ice cream (because if it's available...) at Cafe Clayton back in the Village. Several took advantage of all the Papa John's pizza they could eat served up by Mama Merry's Pizzeria, but others filled up on Boston Market's rotisserie chicken, mac and cornbread from Katie's Kitchen. (side note, Boston Market provides their family style meals at GKTW by raising money through their seasonal coupon book sales sold in all Boston Market locations across the country)</div><div><br />
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-wW4yrKKGUu0/XrjDNsTfHLI/AAAAAAAAutA/YG8NdxxvmEoampn3qJaZEpTrFaku_uNuwCNcBGAsYHQ/s1600/IMG_20200219_201004878_HDR.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-wW4yrKKGUu0/XrjDNsTfHLI/AAAAAAAAutA/YG8NdxxvmEoampn3qJaZEpTrFaku_uNuwCNcBGAsYHQ/s640/IMG_20200219_201004878_HDR.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
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<br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">The day already held so many wonderful memories, but the most special of the entire trip was in store for us on our walk back to our villa in Banyan Park. We stopped by the Castle of Miracles and were directed to find Nicholas's star in the Star Tower. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div>
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Y4ktFJlsvc8/XrjDOizKvYI/AAAAAAAAutE/fz59w0a_PjkzfpJvmNlvtRlG8Ec_ky23wCNcBGAsYHQ/s1600/IMG_20200219_202554.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Y4ktFJlsvc8/XrjDOizKvYI/AAAAAAAAutE/fz59w0a_PjkzfpJvmNlvtRlG8Ec_ky23wCNcBGAsYHQ/s640/IMG_20200219_202554.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
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Stellar the Star Fairy had taken his star and placed it in the Borealis section of the Star Tower. His will permanently twinkle along with over 130,000 others, a poignant reminder of just how many critically ill children have had a magical week at the village in the past 26 years. We are honored to be part of that number and vow to return one day in volunteer status to help spread the cheer and joy we experienced in our time there.</div>Kristihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18132987170674424395noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30544456.post-33449535753309324422020-11-14T21:51:00.178-05:002020-12-17T10:40:10.269-05:00a whimsical afternoon<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Our weekends have been pretty chill since March. Luckily we have a crew that every summer adds, "stay in our pajamas all day" to the bucket list. We thrive on slow mornings, lots of reading and family board/card games. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Even so, Ian and I have tried to plan at least one "family outing" per weekend to mix things up a little bit. These family outings have taken us to new outdoor locations to explore, hikes, parks and "urban walks." </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/--OTHOmCSY1U/X9kPvo1da8I/AAAAAAAA4-g/1L0qxCB7LEY2RN-fL1tX306dnItszqjaACNcBGAsYHQ/s3840/PXL_20201114_194705230.PORTRAIT-01.COVER.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2160" data-original-width="3840" height="225" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/--OTHOmCSY1U/X9kPvo1da8I/AAAAAAAA4-g/1L0qxCB7LEY2RN-fL1tX306dnItszqjaACNcBGAsYHQ/w400-h225/PXL_20201114_194705230.PORTRAIT-01.COVER.jpg" width="400" /></a></div> <div>This week I happened to stumble upon news of the Vollis Simpson Whirligig Park in a nearby town. There was a guy in the town I grew up in who made and sold whirligigs from his home on the highway, so for me there was a bit of nostalgia mixed in with the idea of seeing someone's handiwork. I'm not sure what I was expecting of a whirligig park, but let's just say the Vollis Simpson park blew my expectations up to new heights.<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-E-G_QQHzvyA/X9kQMLx1pPI/AAAAAAAA4-0/11N5bai_zWsb9-qV-nBm7T_kfMj82KB4ACNcBGAsYHQ/s2048/PXL_20201114_195712701.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1152" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-E-G_QQHzvyA/X9kQMLx1pPI/AAAAAAAA4-0/11N5bai_zWsb9-qV-nBm7T_kfMj82KB4ACNcBGAsYHQ/w360-h640/PXL_20201114_195712701.jpg" width="360" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I mean, the sheer size of these things. No wonder there are "only" 30 of his sculptures there.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-hVhsvpSr_To/X9kPweROuGI/AAAAAAAA4-k/vkPzYjOVgss2Ifh0cysnMLQZpqRhyEIHgCNcBGAsYHQ/s2048/PXL_20201114_195718654.PORTRAIT.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1152" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-hVhsvpSr_To/X9kPweROuGI/AAAAAAAA4-k/vkPzYjOVgss2Ifh0cysnMLQZpqRhyEIHgCNcBGAsYHQ/w225-h400/PXL_20201114_195718654.PORTRAIT.jpg" width="225" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">The kids all agreed that they were pretty cool. And then two minutes after we arrived, began to ask, "Is this all?" </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-1tdJdFZPDaM/X9kRPVUTwjI/AAAAAAAA4_Q/OaluBukvoUAxTrCxYilaKBdEw0W1ew6EQCNcBGAsYHQ/s2048/PXL_20201114_200328368.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-1tdJdFZPDaM/X9kRPVUTwjI/AAAAAAAA4_Q/OaluBukvoUAxTrCxYilaKBdEw0W1ew6EQCNcBGAsYHQ/w300-h400/PXL_20201114_200328368.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Sigh. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">In their defense, it had been nearly an hour drive. I guess they were expecting something a bit bigger. Not to let some of the snarky attitudes sabotage the field trip, Ian quickly came up with a fun idea. We handed off our phones and told each kid to take a selfie with their favorite whirligig in the background. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-5bP-kjxtgHo/X9l3g6oSi9I/AAAAAAAA5BQ/MMvLBP2xCYQuAfJlN6_AwNHpwas47VAkQCNcBGAsYHQ/s3840/PXL_20201114_200333048.PORTRAIT-01.COVER.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3840" data-original-width="2160" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-5bP-kjxtgHo/X9l3g6oSi9I/AAAAAAAA5BQ/MMvLBP2xCYQuAfJlN6_AwNHpwas47VAkQCNcBGAsYHQ/w360-h640/PXL_20201114_200333048.PORTRAIT-01.COVER.jpg" width="360" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">caleb *may* have needed a little help in getting motivated.</td></tr></tbody></table></div><div><br /></div>Others quickly took to the challenge though.</div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-8UKb6Z4SSBg/X9kRoNA5IGI/AAAAAAAA4_k/bkUqANGW1q81lvLwS8uuY3o8qR1xemZkACNcBGAsYHQ/s2048/PXL_20201114_195734623.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-8UKb6Z4SSBg/X9kRoNA5IGI/AAAAAAAA4_k/bkUqANGW1q81lvLwS8uuY3o8qR1xemZkACNcBGAsYHQ/s320/PXL_20201114_195734623.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div><br /></div>Both masked and not...</div><div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-7qw0UDjNEEY/X9kR_qB0ryI/AAAAAAAA4_s/TuL-byAVQskSZKu5vUM0VjLFkZApubwqQCNcBGAsYHQ/s2048/PXL_20201114_195745541.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="300" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-7qw0UDjNEEY/X9kR_qB0ryI/AAAAAAAA4_s/TuL-byAVQskSZKu5vUM0VjLFkZApubwqQCNcBGAsYHQ/w400-h300/PXL_20201114_195745541.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">there were very few other people there, so it was easy to keep six feet apart</td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Darcy liked a lot of the whimsical structures, </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ZSz75cAFYRo/X9kjQ9ZxHGI/AAAAAAAA4_8/GNruyMsvN9AVESdPCB77RVGTFd81PP3HgCNcBGAsYHQ/s2048/PXL_20201114_194934749.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1152" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ZSz75cAFYRo/X9kjQ9ZxHGI/AAAAAAAA4_8/GNruyMsvN9AVESdPCB77RVGTFd81PP3HgCNcBGAsYHQ/w360-h640/PXL_20201114_194934749.jpg" width="360" /></a></div><div><br /></div>but said the windmill was her favorite.</div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-4v1twp7kOoI/X9kjTaKMRiI/AAAAAAAA5AA/Dyw6pF_XpDEy6kRWNtDa4PWeiQxywZtqwCNcBGAsYHQ/s2048/PXL_20201114_195750278.PORTRAIT-02.ORIGINAL.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1152" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-4v1twp7kOoI/X9kjTaKMRiI/AAAAAAAA5AA/Dyw6pF_XpDEy6kRWNtDa4PWeiQxywZtqwCNcBGAsYHQ/w225-h400/PXL_20201114_195750278.PORTRAIT-02.ORIGINAL.jpg" width="225" /></a></div><div><br /></div>My darling oldest child. She's in a selfie phase. But not the "typical" selfies most teenage girls seem to take. </div><div><br /></div><div>Nope. This one is a selfie trendsetter all on her own. </div><div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Wez4mKelVpE/X9l2Fahw56I/AAAAAAAA5Ak/nM3E5zQOrrMzPz_Q0vgLNo8BjZD0ba_TACNcBGAsYHQ/s2048/PXL_20201114_200229060.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Wez4mKelVpE/X9l2Fahw56I/AAAAAAAA5Ak/nM3E5zQOrrMzPz_Q0vgLNo8BjZD0ba_TACNcBGAsYHQ/w300-h400/PXL_20201114_200229060.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">one day she may regret all the "fun surprises" she's left on my phone in the past year ~ I mean, they may revisit her at graduation time or even at a rehearsal dinner.<br />but then again, maybe not...she'll probably just strike one of her awesome expressions. </span></span></td></tr></tbody></table><div><br /></div>Because I love her though, I'll share one of my favorites capturing the real K-Boo.</div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-uHzD6Dtbp04/X9l2J4i1B_I/AAAAAAAA5Ao/HCF_4OecYa8VfZ0put0SoPgj2Zusf6ANwCNcBGAsYHQ/s3840/PXL_20201114_200044343.PORTRAIT-01.COVER.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3840" data-original-width="2160" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-uHzD6Dtbp04/X9l2J4i1B_I/AAAAAAAA5Ao/HCF_4OecYa8VfZ0put0SoPgj2Zusf6ANwCNcBGAsYHQ/w360-h640/PXL_20201114_200044343.PORTRAIT-01.COVER.jpg" width="360" /></a></div><div><br /></div>Nat also had a hard time deciding which was her favorite.</div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-b1YN-s4zmPs/X9l2ObzLdDI/AAAAAAAA5As/aW1g5S4y2t4p44pl5zYumWN3vKYe_Rq0gCNcBGAsYHQ/s2048/PXL_20201114_200045175.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-b1YN-s4zmPs/X9l2ObzLdDI/AAAAAAAA5As/aW1g5S4y2t4p44pl5zYumWN3vKYe_Rq0gCNcBGAsYHQ/w300-h400/PXL_20201114_200045175.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><div><br /></div>So she decided to retake with more in the background.</div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/--Jp9-U5Z26c/X9l3OiOtnoI/AAAAAAAA5BA/4iNlvBXc-k0drw5-yy_MdRI97nJJ6c6KQCNcBGAsYHQ/s2048/PXL_20201114_200021546.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="300" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/--Jp9-U5Z26c/X9l3OiOtnoI/AAAAAAAA5BA/4iNlvBXc-k0drw5-yy_MdRI97nJJ6c6KQCNcBGAsYHQ/w400-h300/PXL_20201114_200021546.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div><br /></div>Nicholas was drawn to the plane.</div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-rM5FiGdkZM0/X9l3SgHS29I/AAAAAAAA5BE/-g6yyHTWDdkAxAk61EGndmCP1zIuySyewCNcBGAsYHQ/s2048/PXL_20201114_195950311.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="300" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-rM5FiGdkZM0/X9l3SgHS29I/AAAAAAAA5BE/-g6yyHTWDdkAxAk61EGndmCP1zIuySyewCNcBGAsYHQ/w400-h300/PXL_20201114_195950311.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div><br /></div>In all it was worth the excursion.</div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-JsvsQ0f5L5k/X9l3WOTxICI/AAAAAAAA5BI/zk3od6dreusOhTThdQzk6zvTlU5p_fjowCNcBGAsYHQ/s3840/PXL_20201114_195125274.PORTRAIT-01.COVER.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3840" data-original-width="2160" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-JsvsQ0f5L5k/X9l3WOTxICI/AAAAAAAA5BI/zk3od6dreusOhTThdQzk6zvTlU5p_fjowCNcBGAsYHQ/w360-h640/PXL_20201114_195125274.PORTRAIT-01.COVER.jpg" width="360" /></a></div><div><br /></div>This one may have been my favorite, reminding me of our <strike>not this year</strike> yearly pilgrimage to the state fair closing with a ride on the ferris wheel. </div><div><br /></div><div>Ah 2020 and your cancelled events. </div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-HcqzrUtV9-4/X9l3vGiF7JI/AAAAAAAA5Bc/8d5OIcI_CLwRFUcQkKN_MvEd5gqIa651ACNcBGAsYHQ/s2048/PXL_20201114_195349561.PORTRAIT.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1152" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-HcqzrUtV9-4/X9l3vGiF7JI/AAAAAAAA5Bc/8d5OIcI_CLwRFUcQkKN_MvEd5gqIa651ACNcBGAsYHQ/w225-h400/PXL_20201114_195349561.PORTRAIT.jpg" width="225" /></a></div><div><br /></div>Even so, the cancellation of our usual events has pushed us to seek new adventures. </div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-swprTUfmLPE/X9l3vY8srfI/AAAAAAAA5Bk/CAnVDxLS428QjiYaynpsmCqOmMIQYqlUQCNcBGAsYHQ/s2688/PXL_20201114_200716686.PORTRAIT-01.COVER.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2688" data-original-width="1512" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-swprTUfmLPE/X9l3vY8srfI/AAAAAAAA5Bk/CAnVDxLS428QjiYaynpsmCqOmMIQYqlUQCNcBGAsYHQ/w360-h640/PXL_20201114_200716686.PORTRAIT-01.COVER.jpg" width="360" /></a></div><div><br /></div>And while I look forward to reinstating many of our traditions, I'm glad for experiencing some new things. </div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Sd67s16pF9s/X9l3vbZxqrI/AAAAAAAA5Bg/O93yRUYdIdE2TJ0HGVZJCnm3y1v_WTT3gCNcBGAsYHQ/s2048/PXL_20201114_201349544.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1152" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Sd67s16pF9s/X9l3vbZxqrI/AAAAAAAA5Bg/O93yRUYdIdE2TJ0HGVZJCnm3y1v_WTT3gCNcBGAsYHQ/w360-h640/PXL_20201114_201349544.jpg" width="360" /></a></div><div><br /></div>While we were in Wilson Ian and I planned to visit either a bakery or ice cream shop as a sweet treat to end the adventure. The weather was perfect, so we walked the empty streets of downtown instead of riding in the van. We did find some fun artwork, but all three shops in town were either closed for the day or shuttered until the pandemic subsides. There *may have been* a little bit of grumbling from the back of the van on the way home about not getting the treat they were promised, but we just turned on the radio and pretended we didn't hear it. </div><div><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-CJxG8M3eMVQ/X9l3zs97DII/AAAAAAAA5Bo/Vr0bJ9O6zLYR-ofx6O2ErDyYcTeIPM8pACNcBGAsYHQ/s2048/PXL_20201115_000431439.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-CJxG8M3eMVQ/X9l3zs97DII/AAAAAAAA5Bo/Vr0bJ9O6zLYR-ofx6O2ErDyYcTeIPM8pACNcBGAsYHQ/w480-h640/PXL_20201115_000431439.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div>Thankfully we have a resident baker who was prepared to save the day, so there was a tres leches pumpkin cake to finish out the day!<br /><br /></div>Kristihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18132987170674424395noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30544456.post-91258075849452102852020-10-31T23:21:00.002-04:002020-12-14T10:51:19.673-05:00a socially distanced twist on Halloween<p> October is usually a super busy month for our family. </p><p>It starts in the single digits with celebrating Caleb, usually with a family dinner at his favorite restaurant on the actual day and a birthday party with his "fab 5" group within the week. This year it looked like home-made Pad See Ew (we offered takeout, but he pointed out I've gotten pretty good creating Thai dishes during this pandemic) and no party.</p><p>Usually sometime in the "teens" of October we have our big night at the State Fair. Obviously that didn't happen this year.</p><p>Moving into the third week we celebrate Nat, again usually the same way ~ dinner followed by a party. Again, no party.</p><p>Then during the last week we've celebrated for years Caleb's forever family day with his "China brother" Henry and his family, usually by going to a Pumpkin Patch. This year our two equally cautious families chose not to brave crowds at a farm. </p><p>And then of course there is this silly little night called Halloween. Are we detecting a theme just yet?</p><p>Not ones to totally toss tradition into the wind, we decided to hit the highlights and make the best of the day. </p><p>It started with a five store search for pumpkins. We'll just go with, "If you haven't waited until Halloween day to look for pumpkins before, I don't recommend it." Costco, Trader Joes, Wal-Mart and Lidl had all sold out, it was Food Lion to the rescue. And when I say rescue, we had to dig deep into the giant cardboard box to find eight that weren't already beginning to rot. And dig even deeper to find eight that still had intact stems without mold. I think there were about two to spare. </p><p>But there were eight pumpkins.</p><p>And so we'll say that Food Lion saved the day!</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-W0cwuHFnWsI/X9a0oGS2LuI/AAAAAAAA44s/B8JoLFssv4E9o9F_S3g7xtjbJJX_GMk0gCNcBGAsYHQ/s2048/PXL_20201031_203154581.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1152" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-W0cwuHFnWsI/X9a0oGS2LuI/AAAAAAAA44s/B8JoLFssv4E9o9F_S3g7xtjbJJX_GMk0gCNcBGAsYHQ/w360-h640/PXL_20201031_203154581.jpg" width="360" /></a></div><div><br /></div>So we scooped.<br /><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-3v71-sHXJM4/X9a0oPo-LhI/AAAAAAAA44w/zjmmryUsq-UY6gl_3QEbpAoOTPhtFJ5xgCNcBGAsYHQ/s2048/PXL_20201031_211733322.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1152" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-3v71-sHXJM4/X9a0oPo-LhI/AAAAAAAA44w/zjmmryUsq-UY6gl_3QEbpAoOTPhtFJ5xgCNcBGAsYHQ/w360-h640/PXL_20201031_211733322.jpg" width="360" /></a></div><div><br /></div>And we traced.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-MzzPEZOrDIg/X9a1b6v1eII/AAAAAAAA45I/9ZgwzM7sezwJZb5wKxIBkwqm2m44rCDcQCNcBGAsYHQ/s2048/PXL_20201031_214130925.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1152" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-MzzPEZOrDIg/X9a1b6v1eII/AAAAAAAA45I/9ZgwzM7sezwJZb5wKxIBkwqm2m44rCDcQCNcBGAsYHQ/w360-h640/PXL_20201031_214130925.jpg" width="360" /></a></div><div><br /></div>And traced some more...<br /><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-VjyuAVw5_SU/X9a0oLqFcRI/AAAAAAAA44o/KmFrBGKBAMk_yJa7XniDtnxZs-_QhharwCNcBGAsYHQ/s2048/PXL_20201031_214123913.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1152" data-original-width="2048" height="225" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-VjyuAVw5_SU/X9a0oLqFcRI/AAAAAAAA44o/KmFrBGKBAMk_yJa7XniDtnxZs-_QhharwCNcBGAsYHQ/w400-h225/PXL_20201031_214123913.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div><br /></div>And we carved.</div><div><br /></div><div>For dinner I had planned to make Fettuccine Alfredo. But at some point during the day someone had mentioned something about the "fun" Halloween foods I've looked up on Pinterest and <strike>actually somewhat successfully</strike> recreated in recent years when we've hosted our Trick-or-Treating friends. I decided that if I could find everything I needed at Costco on the pumpkin run (they were our first stop and while they let us down on pumpkins, they saved Halloween fun dinner) that we'd have a "spooky dinner."</div><div><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-U3cd-n0NNtE/X9a2r10D0mI/AAAAAAAA45U/B_qoPU5V_cM9E0RzhpTf1ICbUevrR2nwACNcBGAsYHQ/s2048/PXL_20201031_230511193.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1152" data-original-width="2048" height="225" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-U3cd-n0NNtE/X9a2r10D0mI/AAAAAAAA45U/B_qoPU5V_cM9E0RzhpTf1ICbUevrR2nwACNcBGAsYHQ/w400-h225/PXL_20201031_230511193.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Mummy dogs, chips and spooky spiderweb guac and a veggie skeleton</span></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div>You can't have "spooky dinner" without "spooky dessert," can you? We decided no. For several years running we've made a tradition of going to our favorite frozen custard shop on the first night they serve pumpkin custard for the fall. This year...thanks to Covid...we missed "premier pumpkin night." But it is served on Halloween. So off we went!</div><div><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-lEjp9tU80jg/X9a4hXLIuVI/AAAAAAAA45c/7N7sI-VaDk4S7bcUf6na3xXKP9_lNbwPACNcBGAsYHQ/s2048/PXL_20201101_000523197.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1152" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-lEjp9tU80jg/X9a4hXLIuVI/AAAAAAAA45c/7N7sI-VaDk4S7bcUf6na3xXKP9_lNbwPACNcBGAsYHQ/w360-h640/PXL_20201101_000523197.jpg" width="360" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">yeah ~ one shoe, one flip flop. <br />whatevs.<br /> not the hill i was willing to die on tonight.</span></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div>When we got home several thought the night was over. But pumpkins, spooky dinner and dessert weren't all the fun. The best part of Halloween is trick-or-treating to fill up those pumpkins with candy. While we couldn't quite recreate going from door to door with friends, we did create an in home candy scavenger hunt that took the crew from room to room in the house. Never you mind that the boy's reaction to "you have to all work and travel through the house together" was met with tying themselves together in pairs with jumpropes. No children were harmed during the searching for candy in this episode. </div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-PqPaZU9rbis/X9eF6USYTvI/AAAAAAAA46w/a1xL6dC42RQHn7UXdNUVvBaY_KL3BU49gCNcBGAsYHQ/s2048/PXL_20201101_005639280.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="300" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-PqPaZU9rbis/X9eF6USYTvI/AAAAAAAA46w/a1xL6dC42RQHn7UXdNUVvBaY_KL3BU49gCNcBGAsYHQ/w400-h300/PXL_20201101_005639280.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">fashioning their "partner connectors"</span></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-QxK_SQkJFmM/X9eGOpQ-T7I/AAAAAAAA464/hsKlDctaHgkA0LxdpqVobgDdN0asqfLgwCNcBGAsYHQ/s2048/PXL_20201101_005414658.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1152" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-QxK_SQkJFmM/X9eGOpQ-T7I/AAAAAAAA464/hsKlDctaHgkA0LxdpqVobgDdN0asqfLgwCNcBGAsYHQ/w360-h640/PXL_20201101_005414658.jpg" width="360" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">catching candy being tossed by a sibling after finding the first cache</span></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-g7UbpVDYVEM/X9eGcUdfWFI/AAAAAAAA468/NrAyZljjg4Y1anUtD9dYCTDzDid2P2CmgCNcBGAsYHQ/s2048/PXL_20201101_010727032.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1152" data-original-width="2048" height="225" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-g7UbpVDYVEM/X9eGcUdfWFI/AAAAAAAA468/NrAyZljjg4Y1anUtD9dYCTDzDid2P2CmgCNcBGAsYHQ/w400-h225/PXL_20201101_010727032.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">with many beds to check, "now i am in your bed, look under where you lay your head" took a few tries</span></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div>While we missed being out and about in the neighborhood, one tradition was pretty much like every other year (though we did miss having Darby and Henry here with us)...the Great Candy Swap.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-aGiqvWtiwEc/X9eILtdv6FI/AAAAAAAA47I/SejhmsSNCPIIapZZnBMLotmRW2iMJchvQCNcBGAsYHQ/s2048/PXL_20201101_011755982.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1152" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-aGiqvWtiwEc/X9eILtdv6FI/AAAAAAAA47I/SejhmsSNCPIIapZZnBMLotmRW2iMJchvQCNcBGAsYHQ/w360-h640/PXL_20201101_011755982.jpg" width="360" /></a></div><br /><div>An advantage to having your parents buy all the candy is that only everyone's favorites were purchased. None of that "cheap yucky candy" here. The bargaining went on for some time until everyone was rather satisfied with their stash.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-t31g3pHcVps/X9eIhdKtViI/AAAAAAAA47Q/xu0g9gmLwUsc2b5NdV_sl-n_msD01RCaQCNcBGAsYHQ/s2048/PXL_20201101_013225607.NIGHT.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1152" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-t31g3pHcVps/X9eIhdKtViI/AAAAAAAA47Q/xu0g9gmLwUsc2b5NdV_sl-n_msD01RCaQCNcBGAsYHQ/w360-h640/PXL_20201101_013225607.NIGHT.jpg" width="360" /></a></div><div><br /></div>And while everyone else was treating themselves to a few treat bucket favorites, our budding photographer slipped outside to check out the rare Halloween Blue Moon.<div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-7eUNNdL5XCs/X9eIhePH-aI/AAAAAAAA47U/XeUATyz9uzIYlw-kdkHn-mDfBmsO9cWFgCNcBGAsYHQ/s2048/PXL_20201101_025208723.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1152" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-7eUNNdL5XCs/X9eIhePH-aI/AAAAAAAA47U/XeUATyz9uzIYlw-kdkHn-mDfBmsO9cWFgCNcBGAsYHQ/w360-h640/PXL_20201101_025208723.jpg" width="360" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">just because she's adorable...</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div>And of course, a view of our illuminated jack-o-lanterns.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-55Jd-algT-A/X9eJs2x9RCI/AAAAAAAA47g/53Ib85aLOJoejltSyEFXcwbLMvTS0r5FgCNcBGAsYHQ/s2048/PXL_20201102_005245503.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="300" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-55Jd-algT-A/X9eJs2x9RCI/AAAAAAAA47g/53Ib85aLOJoejltSyEFXcwbLMvTS0r5FgCNcBGAsYHQ/w400-h300/PXL_20201102_005245503.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div><br /></div><div><p><br /></p><p><br /></p></div></div>Kristihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18132987170674424395noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30544456.post-89426093692588780632020-10-26T19:04:00.015-04:002020-12-13T19:08:54.939-05:00...because Covid...<p> Some familiar things looked a just a little different this year...</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-kmQ9TqZbEuU/X9as2ZvRisI/AAAAAAAA44U/Imn3-ryZ-zcYcx0ExHfqMwxUNlCPKBMoACNcBGAsYHQ/s2048/PXL_20201026_181700451.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1152" data-original-width="2048" height="225" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-kmQ9TqZbEuU/X9as2ZvRisI/AAAAAAAA44U/Imn3-ryZ-zcYcx0ExHfqMwxUNlCPKBMoACNcBGAsYHQ/w400-h225/PXL_20201026_181700451.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Early and socially distanced and masked. </div><div style="text-align: left;">But we voted!</div><p><br /></p>Kristihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18132987170674424395noreply@blogger.com0