tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16404602519120073332024-03-13T08:42:33.407-07:00Redford FamilyDarbiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14958412865076277878noreply@blogger.comBlogger28125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1640460251912007333.post-37832012304204146232021-03-24T20:12:00.002-07:002021-03-25T11:10:35.257-07:00Universal Studios Florida<p></p><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-rt4qfA6KJzc/YFtqw0WXVTI/AAAAAAAAAXw/gi6mYj7mCusT0qBpc1wDbg1MTHNQq3MPACLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/63528722907__0EE00367-6954-4D81-80CD-FA4223ABFF01.jpg" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-rt4qfA6KJzc/YFtqw0WXVTI/AAAAAAAAAXw/gi6mYj7mCusT0qBpc1wDbg1MTHNQq3MPACLcBGAsYHQ/s320/63528722907__0EE00367-6954-4D81-80CD-FA4223ABFF01.jpg" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">On the plane super excited to go!<br /></td></tr></tbody></table>Before the pandemic hit we had planned to visit The Seels in New York
before they moved back to Minnesota. We were going to take the kids to
New York City and then drive up to the Hill Cumorah pageant. Once
everything was shut down and the Seels were back in Minnesota that plan
was scrapped. However, we still wanted to do a fun family vacation.
The twins are juniors in high school and we are running out of time
before Brittan moves away to college. We had talked about Universal
Studios in the past and decided to look into a trip to Florida. We
discovered that they were promoting Buy 2 days get 3 days free. We
decided to jump on it and scheduled the trip for the end of February.
It was our first ever family vacation that was all on our own. Covid
restrictions were not how we wanted to do it, BUT they didn't ruin our
trip. We had the best time and would go back tomorrow if we could. <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/-WyigwzqXIOg/YFtq3HK3_1I/AAAAAAAAAX4/Fyl5ZyAQw4oovRBJ5rCS92x9i6bpz7-zQCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_6946.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-WyigwzqXIOg/YFtq3HK3_1I/AAAAAAAAAX4/Fyl5ZyAQw4oovRBJ5rCS92x9i6bpz7-zQCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/IMG_6946.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The day that we left Minnesota it was -5. That was a warmer day than what we had been experiencing. We had beautiful weather the first day in the park. 86 degrees was the high. <br /></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/-AD2S2YQormk/YFtq2tnIz3I/AAAAAAAAAX0/tr0oH72Te4Y9y8Smxq8bfaQxdVqHiZIzgCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_6947.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-AD2S2YQormk/YFtq2tnIz3I/AAAAAAAAAX0/tr0oH72Te4Y9y8Smxq8bfaQxdVqHiZIzgCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/IMG_6947.JPG" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The end of the perfect first day was spent at the hotel pool. Brittan and I decided that we need to do this every February!<br /></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/-zCb7q48uXc8/YFtrLek_GWI/AAAAAAAAAYM/Iy-Gcuj51hIuLHs8VcbozIi6YxeHTCwOQCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_6991.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-zCb7q48uXc8/YFtrLek_GWI/AAAAAAAAAYM/Iy-Gcuj51hIuLHs8VcbozIi6YxeHTCwOQCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/IMG_6991.jpg" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Just checking out what the Ministry of Magic had to say.<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-1nkzCgAD6qs/YFtrK-fl5uI/AAAAAAAAAYI/3dUPkEvDaccTKaIsQajOQf8ML6VTUal_QCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_6993.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-1nkzCgAD6qs/YFtrK-fl5uI/AAAAAAAAAYI/3dUPkEvDaccTKaIsQajOQf8ML6VTUal_QCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/IMG_6993.jpg" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-BnsZpLb1Ar4/YFtrL328A4I/AAAAAAAAAYQ/gjwuHVkRYFkOZwz2m7kIvhLJZAijYTevACLcBGAsYHQ/s4032/IMG_9601.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-BnsZpLb1Ar4/YFtrL328A4I/AAAAAAAAAYQ/gjwuHVkRYFkOZwz2m7kIvhLJZAijYTevACLcBGAsYHQ/s320/IMG_9601.jpg" /></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/-zxNL5jVQ4E0/YFtrVzVUD3I/AAAAAAAAAYU/NdWnm9lNI6AmqUmoYPvq4jjWk2iN-yjYgCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_6996.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-zxNL5jVQ4E0/YFtrVzVUD3I/AAAAAAAAAYU/NdWnm9lNI6AmqUmoYPvq4jjWk2iN-yjYgCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/IMG_6996.jpg" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">We didn't get to talk to the shrunken head on the knight bus the first round. The second time we came around he was up to talking to people.<br /></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/-AVioGSnECTU/YFtrheQv30I/AAAAAAAAAYc/rvQDpoHHRz88_RrajKI-TLPuNhGKQz9AgCLcBGAsYHQ/s4032/IMG_6950.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-AVioGSnECTU/YFtrheQv30I/AAAAAAAAAYc/rvQDpoHHRz88_RrajKI-TLPuNhGKQz9AgCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/IMG_6950.JPG" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Logan would only take this picture after the dragon blew his fire. He would not turn his back to the dragon if the fire was about to come.<br /></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/-ucQHBcj1J78/YFtrh8ZnFwI/AAAAAAAAAYg/h_rthNrIFAQpVatsbRbvhHzMkZCJMxxPACLcBGAsYHQ/s4032/IMG_6951.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ucQHBcj1J78/YFtrh8ZnFwI/AAAAAAAAAYg/h_rthNrIFAQpVatsbRbvhHzMkZCJMxxPACLcBGAsYHQ/s320/IMG_6951.JPG" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The entrance of Hogwarts. It is just as cool as we were hoping it would be.<br /></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/-fFYCCNEEBrs/YFtrh-a_ljI/AAAAAAAAAYk/ktqkNREaBEkKBrnpsYpqsSglD0pIZsluQCLcBGAsYHQ/s4032/IMG_6952.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-fFYCCNEEBrs/YFtrh-a_ljI/AAAAAAAAAYk/ktqkNREaBEkKBrnpsYpqsSglD0pIZsluQCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/IMG_6952.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">We found the best lady to take our picture for us. She waited until the Universal sign came around to get the best picture. <br /></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/-Fd16UgIzvMQ/YFtrjCzyCzI/AAAAAAAAAYo/pS-8nJ1k6vI9RBSO9gvBDKS72DIRhEmBQCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_6954.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Fd16UgIzvMQ/YFtrjCzyCzI/AAAAAAAAAYo/pS-8nJ1k6vI9RBSO9gvBDKS72DIRhEmBQCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/IMG_6954.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">We loved everything about the Harry Potter world. The Hogwarts Express was super fun. We rode it multiple times- both ways.<br /></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/-Ir67eDbiWdM/YFtrm9SFboI/AAAAAAAAAYs/5yg_sGE7XaYtzbknZBaIng-SggGy4ijVgCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_6956.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Ir67eDbiWdM/YFtrm9SFboI/AAAAAAAAAYs/5yg_sGE7XaYtzbknZBaIng-SggGy4ijVgCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/IMG_6956.jpg" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This is the entrance to Hagrid's ride. It was everyone's favorite ride at Universal. Even with the many times it was shut down, we were able to ride it 6 times.<br /></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/-oH3CdOLPlUA/YFtrnC7KkkI/AAAAAAAAAY0/z-oRTp9Db88aUsozD5epl7kGHuE7eDwnQCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_6958.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-oH3CdOLPlUA/YFtrnC7KkkI/AAAAAAAAAY0/z-oRTp9Db88aUsozD5epl7kGHuE7eDwnQCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/IMG_6958.jpg" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Mermaid statue at the beginning of Hagrid's<br /></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/-YwGmsWJYNZ4/YFtrmyDJ5vI/AAAAAAAAAYw/cqZVdVfhoNkAocRrNhU3e9-jUyKlK50RQCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_6961.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-YwGmsWJYNZ4/YFtrmyDJ5vI/AAAAAAAAAYw/cqZVdVfhoNkAocRrNhU3e9-jUyKlK50RQCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/IMG_6961.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Dragon Eggs in Hagrid's hut<br /></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/-7cQVWfwEZ48/YFtsBH_l6gI/AAAAAAAAAZI/Hkj25ZzCzg0ZIEU-Wb72a6vuFw-sN_mUACLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_6963.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-7cQVWfwEZ48/YFtsBH_l6gI/AAAAAAAAAZI/Hkj25ZzCzg0ZIEU-Wb72a6vuFw-sN_mUACLcBGAsYHQ/s320/IMG_6963.jpg" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">There were only a couple of rides that Logan wasn't able to go on because of his height. The Hulk Coaster was one of them. It was one of Kason and Corbin's favorites.<br /></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/-Th4HwP25u84/YFtsB0UE73I/AAAAAAAAAZQ/-uc9EgJHZRky3V5LSjPLG2rC5a3uhQoXwCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_6967.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Th4HwP25u84/YFtsB0UE73I/AAAAAAAAAZQ/-uc9EgJHZRky3V5LSjPLG2rC5a3uhQoXwCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/IMG_6967.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lunch at the Three Broomsticks. The Great Feast was awesome and the restaurant was a lot of fun.<br /></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/-fpWUAlvxmq0/YFtsCOP1xyI/AAAAAAAAAZM/OzRPWuIBt_8o2MpVOl2OP6381pzXEJR_ACLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_6969.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-fpWUAlvxmq0/YFtsCOP1xyI/AAAAAAAAAZM/OzRPWuIBt_8o2MpVOl2OP6381pzXEJR_ACLcBGAsYHQ/s320/IMG_6969.jpg" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Butterbeer definitely lived up to it's reputation! We tried it all: hot, cold, frozen, ice cream, and fudge. Yum!! <br /></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/-VKRkShPVzlc/YFtsDdWMqPI/AAAAAAAAAZU/6PzFKYR36PID0OFXULO7gbRqBDJQCLWugCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_6972.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-VKRkShPVzlc/YFtsDdWMqPI/AAAAAAAAAZU/6PzFKYR36PID0OFXULO7gbRqBDJQCLWugCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/IMG_6972.jpg" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A better view of the Hogwart's castle. The picture does not do it justice. It is that cool.<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/--cfzpmcOvm4/YFtsF7BlAHI/AAAAAAAAAZc/iKwCyksoZ3EtKwIEXIu5z1MNJi34gZZCgCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_6975.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/--cfzpmcOvm4/YFtsF7BlAHI/AAAAAAAAAZc/iKwCyksoZ3EtKwIEXIu5z1MNJi34gZZCgCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/IMG_6975.jpg" /></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/-PYnQ4PukIb4/YFtsFcYoN1I/AAAAAAAAAZY/zIlQqh5hIRAdVyip1ZyJn4B3sBS5I7d8ACLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_6980.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-PYnQ4PukIb4/YFtsFcYoN1I/AAAAAAAAAZY/zIlQqh5hIRAdVyip1ZyJn4B3sBS5I7d8ACLcBGAsYHQ/s320/IMG_6980.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Brittan and Kason have both read all the books. I read the first three books to Logan before we left. One of his favorite parts of the books is the house points and who wins the house cup. <br /></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><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/-hQgErIbriRI/YFtsGzRaIPI/AAAAAAAAAZk/vyWLndWlAEseWbGSKuRJuNFY7tXAKZRBgCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_6983.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-hQgErIbriRI/YFtsGzRaIPI/AAAAAAAAAZk/vyWLndWlAEseWbGSKuRJuNFY7tXAKZRBgCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/IMG_6983.jpg" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Not a great photo, but its really hard to show how cool Hogwarts is in pictures. Some of the pictures move and talk, just like the book, making it super fun. <br /></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/--NJMW4lMW6w/YFtsIKJMbpI/AAAAAAAAAZo/uoByWp71TxcmBnjgG-VG9HswTHUPOKHeACLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_7001.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/--NJMW4lMW6w/YFtsIKJMbpI/AAAAAAAAAZo/uoByWp71TxcmBnjgG-VG9HswTHUPOKHeACLcBGAsYHQ/s320/IMG_7001.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">We were able to talk to the goblin and get some money exchanged. <br /></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/-2PuK6t5T65c/YFtsIhdaVXI/AAAAAAAAAZs/bDSixjjy3z0n_ZqVnh5HKhvzBWOF0pvfQCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_7006.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-2PuK6t5T65c/YFtsIhdaVXI/AAAAAAAAAZs/bDSixjjy3z0n_ZqVnh5HKhvzBWOF0pvfQCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/IMG_7006.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The performance of the three bothers was very fun. We loved everything about the Harry Potter world!<br /></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/-uMgquJfU8NY/YFtsJRsx3oI/AAAAAAAAAZw/-YsEnPD9tOEl-SayGf7BaNdU3h_j1RdggCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_7014.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-uMgquJfU8NY/YFtsJRsx3oI/AAAAAAAAAZw/-YsEnPD9tOEl-SayGf7BaNdU3h_j1RdggCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/IMG_7014.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Corbin doesn't do sit down restaurants so this was the only time we didn't eat in the hotel or grab something quick. The foosball table was a great idea for a dinner table! Corbin kept pointing to the park wanting to leave, but the rest of us didn't mind waiting for our food!<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-fEIkiJnjL70/YFtsKfj9wZI/AAAAAAAAAZ0/YSw_Qcl7YgkG2J_wYfYpb19FMYl_fhNpACLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_7016.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/-fEIkiJnjL70/YFtsKfj9wZI/AAAAAAAAAZ0/YSw_Qcl7YgkG2J_wYfYpb19FMYl_fhNpACLcBGAsYHQ/s320/IMG_7016.jpg" width="320" /></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/-tlXtEFtzPIk/YFtsLPX7LWI/AAAAAAAAAZ4/dNPkWtMygV0W9fzOcOsNr_gimK8qZA8UwCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_7025.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-tlXtEFtzPIk/YFtsLPX7LWI/AAAAAAAAAZ4/dNPkWtMygV0W9fzOcOsNr_gimK8qZA8UwCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/IMG_7025.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Hogsmeade at night. It was our favorite time to ride Hagrid's ride.<br /></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/-t9OvR4HV1zk/YFtsM_c5q3I/AAAAAAAAAZ8/uUViv0r7-CIg1yAEUmSjLDVwJ7-SBoa8wCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_7029.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-t9OvR4HV1zk/YFtsM_c5q3I/AAAAAAAAAZ8/uUViv0r7-CIg1yAEUmSjLDVwJ7-SBoa8wCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/IMG_7029.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">After we booked our tikets we found out that Mardi Gras would be happening while we were there. It was a fun addition to our trip! The floats around the park were fun and the kids enjoyed dancing for beads.<br /></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/-Lp9dTaLe2hU/YFtsNrX3ICI/AAAAAAAAAaA/rq2B2qQ9JhUzxRMmNkqVEj02YQEjFkrYQCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_7033.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Lp9dTaLe2hU/YFtsNrX3ICI/AAAAAAAAAaA/rq2B2qQ9JhUzxRMmNkqVEj02YQEjFkrYQCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/IMG_7033.jpg" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Instead of allowance for a couple months, they each were able to pick out an interactive wand. Brittan's wand wasn't working, but uckily they have a wand repair shop all ready for you.<br /></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/-t-z2v7-kMW8/YFtsN82SV7I/AAAAAAAAAaE/zpvLanThb2AFRPBiInNebyKS6G_3ikRwACLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_7035.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-t-z2v7-kMW8/YFtsN82SV7I/AAAAAAAAAaE/zpvLanThb2AFRPBiInNebyKS6G_3ikRwACLcBGAsYHQ/s320/IMG_7035.jpg" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Weaskey's Wizard Wheezes. We had a lot of fun exploring the many shops in Diagon Alley and Hogsmeade.<br /></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/-6EWX_hDKjp4/YFtsO6lR3RI/AAAAAAAAAaI/5hyAqtyaGBwbfBjNLLyqxu93mEuUPWxyACLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_7039.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6EWX_hDKjp4/YFtsO6lR3RI/AAAAAAAAAaI/5hyAqtyaGBwbfBjNLLyqxu93mEuUPWxyACLcBGAsYHQ/s320/IMG_7039.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">We didn't spend much time in Dr. Seuss land. But Logan did want a picture taken of him by this arch.<br /></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/-xtCrAKjD77c/YFtsP40dfEI/AAAAAAAAAaM/D55Xwlit2LkPD5-BkLI0D9K1MSCUUyi2QCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_7040.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-xtCrAKjD77c/YFtsP40dfEI/AAAAAAAAAaM/D55Xwlit2LkPD5-BkLI0D9K1MSCUUyi2QCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/IMG_7040.jpg" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The pink donut at Lard Lad Donut's was surprising. It was really good! We had to go back for a second one the last day we were there. <br /></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/-ziWLWyIzEP4/YFtsQwYwuAI/AAAAAAAAAaQ/F224Llyw6DoKmgJvU2e309DCkAC7ThcmQCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_7050.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ziWLWyIzEP4/YFtsQwYwuAI/AAAAAAAAAaQ/F224Llyw6DoKmgJvU2e309DCkAC7ThcmQCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/IMG_7050.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The kids using their interactive wands in Hogsmeade. <br /></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/-GriBxd4nL0I/YFtsR_VSL4I/AAAAAAAAAaU/E048i2Ue04w7AUNDXJSTTOTgUqsDcADPwCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_7059.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-GriBxd4nL0I/YFtsR_VSL4I/AAAAAAAAAaU/E048i2Ue04w7AUNDXJSTTOTgUqsDcADPwCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/IMG_7059.jpg" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Part of Mardi Gras was food from around the world. We purchased a tasting lanyard and had fun trying new foods. Kason was excited when he saw the Spain Kiosk. It had a dessert that he had learned about in Spanish class. <br /></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/-Mx1HXkehy5I/YFtsR9NrG2I/AAAAAAAAAaY/NGNEVBPygxIUAunETQJcvEaCj41m7UZwQCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_7061.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Mx1HXkehy5I/YFtsR9NrG2I/AAAAAAAAAaY/NGNEVBPygxIUAunETQJcvEaCj41m7UZwQCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/IMG_7061.jpg" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Despicable Me ride was Logan's go-to ride when everyone else was on Rip Ride Rocket. <br /></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-vblXdrMaUcg/YFtsSoIVPQI/AAAAAAAAAac/XszadiU47hcTw_o-XiCcCourIUaHhbHLwCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_7064.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-vblXdrMaUcg/YFtsSoIVPQI/AAAAAAAAAac/XszadiU47hcTw_o-XiCcCourIUaHhbHLwCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/IMG_7064.jpg" /></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/-s2XvGgeyHyA/YFtsUDGe2kI/AAAAAAAAAag/2p7Zn-7lmacHOe1snKGKXcHvaimfxcQ2QCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_7068.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-s2XvGgeyHyA/YFtsUDGe2kI/AAAAAAAAAag/2p7Zn-7lmacHOe1snKGKXcHvaimfxcQ2QCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/IMG_7068.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Logan was the winner of the most beads. He loved to run to the floats to collect beads. He doesn't mind breaking out his dance moves.<br /></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/-VclvI29x86E/YFtsU5D1dfI/AAAAAAAAAak/VJeeJ4S3GtoZAFQpMg6OANftpgFqgKqZQCLcBGAsYHQ/s4032/IMG_9538.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-VclvI29x86E/YFtsU5D1dfI/AAAAAAAAAak/VJeeJ4S3GtoZAFQpMg6OANftpgFqgKqZQCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/IMG_9538.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Corbin didn't love the Harry Potter world as much as the rest of us, but he was a good sport. Luckily he enjoyed Hagrid's ride as much as the rest of us did so as long as we ended with a fun ride he was ok with the time we spent there.<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-aOYX11JkKlE/YFtsVj6GOPI/AAAAAAAAAao/yJFo7EwaBu8_YI7KF-AJdgvo40hfimarwCLcBGAsYHQ/s4032/IMG_9539.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-aOYX11JkKlE/YFtsVj6GOPI/AAAAAAAAAao/yJFo7EwaBu8_YI7KF-AJdgvo40hfimarwCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/IMG_9539.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-us3yNtcgIAM/YFtsXsfWf8I/AAAAAAAAAaw/FIzcqcZHgIAgmKoBwhEVRKJWDmibZApJQCLcBGAsYHQ/s4032/IMG_9541.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-us3yNtcgIAM/YFtsXsfWf8I/AAAAAAAAAaw/FIzcqcZHgIAgmKoBwhEVRKJWDmibZApJQCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/IMG_9541.jpg" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-sja9RsEG5Vk/YFtsYj307XI/AAAAAAAAAa0/J-vlFRjSuZUJ8Tz5YQ8r_Sb6vXkMOWm2QCLcBGAsYHQ/s4032/IMG_9542.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-sja9RsEG5Vk/YFtsYj307XI/AAAAAAAAAa0/J-vlFRjSuZUJ8Tz5YQ8r_Sb6vXkMOWm2QCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/IMG_9542.jpg" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-rJIfeIXFf5A/YFtsZI64LdI/AAAAAAAAAa4/O7JEiXgg9HQlbmg-rOHkw-v9ATcijRgAgCLcBGAsYHQ/s4032/IMG_9543.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-rJIfeIXFf5A/YFtsZI64LdI/AAAAAAAAAa4/O7JEiXgg9HQlbmg-rOHkw-v9ATcijRgAgCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/IMG_9543.jpg" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-VZ8-jdn0b8c/YFtsa72jqgI/AAAAAAAAAa8/HDa43HhOgr4z4vROfH3bewnZPlyXMUrygCLcBGAsYHQ/s4032/IMG_9545.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-VZ8-jdn0b8c/YFtsa72jqgI/AAAAAAAAAa8/HDa43HhOgr4z4vROfH3bewnZPlyXMUrygCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/IMG_9545.jpg" width="320" /></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/-Vn8zqeX4dB0/YFtsbi8AHsI/AAAAAAAAAbA/ADxykNKgI0gw1nkGpXmOrlLWgaA8KBRGgCLcBGAsYHQ/s4032/IMG_9547.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Vn8zqeX4dB0/YFtsbi8AHsI/AAAAAAAAAbA/ADxykNKgI0gw1nkGpXmOrlLWgaA8KBRGgCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/IMG_9547.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Hogswart Express was so fun!<br /></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/-3pC_fpxziww/YFtscSCsNrI/AAAAAAAAAbE/zdghmKgR5n8tMt-gK7CW4PXdxCp8_G0swCLcBGAsYHQ/s4032/IMG_9549.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-3pC_fpxziww/YFtscSCsNrI/AAAAAAAAAbE/zdghmKgR5n8tMt-gK7CW4PXdxCp8_G0swCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/IMG_9549.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Firebolt!</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/-ps1cGpDfqu4/YFtsd2T-dfI/AAAAAAAAAbI/xzJ9IJcCXfEX2iZWwOBhXB07Ns2TRLVEACLcBGAsYHQ/s4032/IMG_9550.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ps1cGpDfqu4/YFtsd2T-dfI/AAAAAAAAAbI/xzJ9IJcCXfEX2iZWwOBhXB07Ns2TRLVEACLcBGAsYHQ/s320/IMG_9550.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Knockturn Alley really lived up to being spooky. Logan wanted to leave as soon as we got there and didn't want to take any pictures.<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-1J3k2kQUhO0/YFtsfldFDmI/AAAAAAAAAbM/aU8NgJ1wuv4FWwDaiAYESjjGjum7mFkRACLcBGAsYHQ/s4032/IMG_9551.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-1J3k2kQUhO0/YFtsfldFDmI/AAAAAAAAAbM/aU8NgJ1wuv4FWwDaiAYESjjGjum7mFkRACLcBGAsYHQ/s320/IMG_9551.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-jHbatiEnIxc/YFtsgZLaHzI/AAAAAAAAAbQ/pGSmbIozjVMOzgADvJb-GjuaVoxv37MVwCLcBGAsYHQ/s4032/IMG_9552.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-jHbatiEnIxc/YFtsgZLaHzI/AAAAAAAAAbQ/pGSmbIozjVMOzgADvJb-GjuaVoxv37MVwCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/IMG_9552.jpg" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-0Gt_jSduAGA/YFtsg5rMJJI/AAAAAAAAAbU/feuIZhIgOYAiv96CrwlDoWGO5z9lebiaQCLcBGAsYHQ/s4032/IMG_9555.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-0Gt_jSduAGA/YFtsg5rMJJI/AAAAAAAAAbU/feuIZhIgOYAiv96CrwlDoWGO5z9lebiaQCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/IMG_9555.jpg" /></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/-r205ME12Wmg/YFtsiBaWlHI/AAAAAAAAAbY/1UPFuGGOg_wus5IWnH66YRSd4KdXaIEMQCLcBGAsYHQ/s4032/IMG_9556.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-r205ME12Wmg/YFtsiBaWlHI/AAAAAAAAAbY/1UPFuGGOg_wus5IWnH66YRSd4KdXaIEMQCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/IMG_9556.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Escape from Gringott's ride was a top 5- for everyone but Logan. Logan didn't want to ride it a second time- but since everyone else wanted to, he was a good sport and rode with his eyes closed. <br /></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/-BUOv8SFI_Gw/YFtski19EcI/AAAAAAAAAbg/DIjWLpH504crIofKYc5vT0kVOM9P6at0QCLcBGAsYHQ/s4032/IMG_9557.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-BUOv8SFI_Gw/YFtski19EcI/AAAAAAAAAbg/DIjWLpH504crIofKYc5vT0kVOM9P6at0QCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/IMG_9557.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A replica of Hagrid's bike. You get to ride on a similar bike or side car on the ride.<br /></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/-__L21jKr-0o/YFtsld6i3sI/AAAAAAAAAbk/IFs3kT0xEwQjjF3syF57WODVHNAmTGS-gCLcBGAsYHQ/s4032/IMG_9558.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-__L21jKr-0o/YFtsld6i3sI/AAAAAAAAAbk/IFs3kT0xEwQjjF3syF57WODVHNAmTGS-gCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/IMG_9558.jpg" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Kason experimenting at one of the wand spots.<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Qb9FMjaYJsI/YFtsl05KO-I/AAAAAAAAAbo/zKGLMd3FylsFWAKeCKH547shoec2X6R5wCLcBGAsYHQ/s4032/IMG_9559.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Qb9FMjaYJsI/YFtsl05KO-I/AAAAAAAAAbo/zKGLMd3FylsFWAKeCKH547shoec2X6R5wCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/IMG_9559.jpg" width="320" /></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/-YwyMQzlCmGU/YFtsnZSZWSI/AAAAAAAAAbs/u4Sx0FbmjOMeg51va-l4n3X2W6R1y7twACLcBGAsYHQ/s4032/IMG_9560.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-YwyMQzlCmGU/YFtsnZSZWSI/AAAAAAAAAbs/u4Sx0FbmjOMeg51va-l4n3X2W6R1y7twACLcBGAsYHQ/s320/IMG_9560.jpg" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The leaky Cauldron was just as much fun as the Three Broomsticks. <br /></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/-WrJ1uZDHosU/YFtsoJaPQfI/AAAAAAAAAbw/PFHh5m72iF4m0360B5cyGwiJ8P3K5kJHgCLcBGAsYHQ/s4032/IMG_9566.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-WrJ1uZDHosU/YFtsoJaPQfI/AAAAAAAAAbw/PFHh5m72iF4m0360B5cyGwiJ8P3K5kJHgCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/IMG_9566.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Brittan showing Corbin the pigmy puff that she just bought.<br /></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/-ggmlIZiTh_8/YFtsoqwQH3I/AAAAAAAAAb0/ep3MlqE-H0sNXz6_TYXy6oo2e0B4aDRbQCLcBGAsYHQ/s4032/IMG_9567.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ggmlIZiTh_8/YFtsoqwQH3I/AAAAAAAAAb0/ep3MlqE-H0sNXz6_TYXy6oo2e0B4aDRbQCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/IMG_9567.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Butterbeer was our favorite, but the pumpkin juice was pretty good too!<br /></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/-buMrbvxCtZo/YFtsqtzvXOI/AAAAAAAAAb4/NlNlnOyUjc8fPJke1lSvas-9HUHckZxWACLcBGAsYHQ/s4032/IMG_9570.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-buMrbvxCtZo/YFtsqtzvXOI/AAAAAAAAAb4/NlNlnOyUjc8fPJke1lSvas-9HUHckZxWACLcBGAsYHQ/s320/IMG_9570.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Shaun was super excited to see the Delorean from Back to the Future.<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-q4xfuGZhzSU/YFtsrQPBz8I/AAAAAAAAAb8/6--j4h_WEwEK5k0QUtFQ8-0BwR-BxsH3ACLcBGAsYHQ/s4032/IMG_9575.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-q4xfuGZhzSU/YFtsrQPBz8I/AAAAAAAAAb8/6--j4h_WEwEK5k0QUtFQ8-0BwR-BxsH3ACLcBGAsYHQ/s320/IMG_9575.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_-xqCwZPuB0/YFtsru9ukpI/AAAAAAAAAcA/FwIJ82WNl-E_zW0lHKvwvZdoIvaEHJp5ACLcBGAsYHQ/s4032/IMG_9577.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_-xqCwZPuB0/YFtsru9ukpI/AAAAAAAAAcA/FwIJ82WNl-E_zW0lHKvwvZdoIvaEHJp5ACLcBGAsYHQ/s320/IMG_9577.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-dDeRV43taRo/YFtstXD9IMI/AAAAAAAAAcI/OFygEDngrdcpb9yLLpp7KvTCvZmBIciJACLcBGAsYHQ/s4032/IMG_9582.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-dDeRV43taRo/YFtstXD9IMI/AAAAAAAAAcI/OFygEDngrdcpb9yLLpp7KvTCvZmBIciJACLcBGAsYHQ/s320/IMG_9582.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-KrP20-DqTsY/YFtsuwtr-pI/AAAAAAAAAcM/DkE23ZgdIx0At32h_3OYZM3xo2aoC8gagCLcBGAsYHQ/s4032/IMG_9587.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-KrP20-DqTsY/YFtsuwtr-pI/AAAAAAAAAcM/DkE23ZgdIx0At32h_3OYZM3xo2aoC8gagCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/IMG_9587.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-J7gczvX0GNs/YFtsvOt4UcI/AAAAAAAAAcQ/QylVTxwsG60t0L0gK72EeTRDVpxOnrXWgCLcBGAsYHQ/s4032/IMG_9595.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-J7gczvX0GNs/YFtsvOt4UcI/AAAAAAAAAcQ/QylVTxwsG60t0L0gK72EeTRDVpxOnrXWgCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/IMG_9595.jpg" width="320" /></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/-rfzwp3zDiVc/YFtsxhvvLkI/AAAAAAAAAcU/dRzcKwgIFKcEAgVjfExLWjxhkPOvZNQKACLcBGAsYHQ/s4032/IMG_9597.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-rfzwp3zDiVc/YFtsxhvvLkI/AAAAAAAAAcU/dRzcKwgIFKcEAgVjfExLWjxhkPOvZNQKACLcBGAsYHQ/s320/IMG_9597.jpg" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Waiting to get on the train <br /></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/-wl76x-aP_9o/YFtsy-Wt1MI/AAAAAAAAAcc/xs3jl38O0HYpFQuukLXzexeScHza22ntgCLcBGAsYHQ/s4032/IMG_9598.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-wl76x-aP_9o/YFtsy-Wt1MI/AAAAAAAAAcc/xs3jl38O0HYpFQuukLXzexeScHza22ntgCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/IMG_9598.jpg" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Voodoo donuts at the City Walk were really good too. We let the kids each pick out their own fun donut.<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-WFTMRwW76L4/YFtsygmRsKI/AAAAAAAAAcY/7vOh0aAetokq8U5FZGGRzN_0nBKhT3N-ACLcBGAsYHQ/s4032/IMG_9605.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-WFTMRwW76L4/YFtsygmRsKI/AAAAAAAAAcY/7vOh0aAetokq8U5FZGGRzN_0nBKhT3N-ACLcBGAsYHQ/s320/IMG_9605.jpg" width="320" /></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/-uYeuTIr7xBk/YFts0ZRlM1I/AAAAAAAAAcg/iSWVfRILYLMyArDu2CHO4ypJJ2c-9uT-wCLcBGAsYHQ/s4032/IMG_9616.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-uYeuTIr7xBk/YFts0ZRlM1I/AAAAAAAAAcg/iSWVfRILYLMyArDu2CHO4ypJJ2c-9uT-wCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/IMG_9616.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Milkshakes at Toothsome Chocolate Emporium<br /></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/-apTES7Ew20c/YFts2CMnHdI/AAAAAAAAAco/X32dxM37NKcFEhlEkVu_zg8wlhaLEYaAwCLcBGAsYHQ/s4032/IMG_9620.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-apTES7Ew20c/YFts2CMnHdI/AAAAAAAAAco/X32dxM37NKcFEhlEkVu_zg8wlhaLEYaAwCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/IMG_9620.jpg" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This was a fun place to stand. It is a place to use your wand, but it also shoots out water from the top. If you aren't aware of what's going on and time it perfectly, you will get hit with water. Luckily most people are just super happy to be there and don't get angry when get hit unexpectedly with water.<br /></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/-3dM1njA56hs/YFts1TmxEBI/AAAAAAAAAck/rJ789lw7q_s9Xrrdqak66lp9qQcRVx-CwCLcBGAsYHQ/s4032/IMG_9623.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-3dM1njA56hs/YFts1TmxEBI/AAAAAAAAAck/rJ789lw7q_s9Xrrdqak66lp9qQcRVx-CwCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/IMG_9623.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This is the reason Logan would not sit by the door on the Hogswart Express<br /></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/-ydl92NvybxE/YFts4MQeD3I/AAAAAAAAAcw/37RnpEQNAyc9jUsXEtaxvVYhYKeiM3dpgCLcBGAsYHQ/s4032/IMG_9626.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ydl92NvybxE/YFts4MQeD3I/AAAAAAAAAcw/37RnpEQNAyc9jUsXEtaxvVYhYKeiM3dpgCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/IMG_9626.jpg" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Posing at the entrance of Diagon Alley<br /></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/-noqeVvIM6ko/YFts3u-L7rI/AAAAAAAAAcs/5joLxafEn1Ylh6mWKjp7Es_mD1gAnSL8gCLcBGAsYHQ/s4032/IMG_9631.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-noqeVvIM6ko/YFts3u-L7rI/AAAAAAAAAcs/5joLxafEn1Ylh6mWKjp7Es_mD1gAnSL8gCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/IMG_9631.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">It started to rain the last day we were there. It was the perfect time to get some Butterbeer ice cream and wait out the rain.<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><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/-T7qv5-0Ib3k/YFvxC62-I7I/AAAAAAAAAeY/dzhuELX4ovw2enr3x6YaeD4uFrVtbffPgCLcBGAsYHQ/s4032/IMG_9610.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-T7qv5-0Ib3k/YFvxC62-I7I/AAAAAAAAAeY/dzhuELX4ovw2enr3x6YaeD4uFrVtbffPgCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/IMG_9610.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Shaun didn't mind looking at all the cool cars while waiting in line at the Fast and Furious ride.<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-qy9gYzQ0L1c/YFvxC2KwBSI/AAAAAAAAAeU/t3QSeZ7Z554QmiQgKHz-grJDQWJql_YfwCLcBGAsYHQ/s4032/IMG_9599.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-qy9gYzQ0L1c/YFvxC2KwBSI/AAAAAAAAAeU/t3QSeZ7Z554QmiQgKHz-grJDQWJql_YfwCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/IMG_9599.jpg" /></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/-bwgMf-UKsy4/YFvxBV7yamI/AAAAAAAAAeQ/Km_Hd_X2REozD5FIHVNDMRwR_R-NGtaPgCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_7197.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-bwgMf-UKsy4/YFvxBV7yamI/AAAAAAAAAeQ/Km_Hd_X2REozD5FIHVNDMRwR_R-NGtaPgCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/IMG_7197.JPG" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The stairway to Dumbledor's office.<br /></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/-B87LjBkZbq4/YFvw_UeXHsI/AAAAAAAAAeM/oX57G1hnbJ0_7bhdusxUDVA4-rqkhxTwQCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_7196.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-B87LjBkZbq4/YFvw_UeXHsI/AAAAAAAAAeM/oX57G1hnbJ0_7bhdusxUDVA4-rqkhxTwQCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/IMG_7196.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">On the train<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Y9geg7LmA30/YFvw-hU19vI/AAAAAAAAAeI/a88CaBbwHhYuEHYEg2ZJXajoTGEoJLOygCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_7195.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/-Y9geg7LmA30/YFvw-hU19vI/AAAAAAAAAeI/a88CaBbwHhYuEHYEg2ZJXajoTGEoJLOygCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/IMG_7195.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-rjAkZ2K2n34/YFvw-Rcj2uI/AAAAAAAAAeA/ZHXCPaVQp6UnpykBq0-ADonB0oou0EzZQCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/IMG_7194.JPG" /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-cpoiCIvzFQs/YFzRotowl9I/AAAAAAAAAfQ/hM-P96qAYtI19pu22wAPn19wN0OsVeuXgCLcBGAsYHQ/s4032/IMG_9638.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-cpoiCIvzFQs/YFzRotowl9I/AAAAAAAAAfQ/hM-P96qAYtI19pu22wAPn19wN0OsVeuXgCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/IMG_9638.jpg" /></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/-U20-rUnV3Yo/YFzRnSdSaNI/AAAAAAAAAfM/bOW0hGxH1DUlA0Uk74k85Q8y-l26hajQgCLcBGAsYHQ/s4032/IMG_9637.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-U20-rUnV3Yo/YFzRnSdSaNI/AAAAAAAAAfM/bOW0hGxH1DUlA0Uk74k85Q8y-l26hajQgCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/IMG_9637.jpg" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Corbin didn't want to believe that it was the last day of our trip. He sat in his stroller and insisted <br /></td></tr></tbody></table>that we go back and ride the roller coasters.<br /><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/-LnfAWp0eetU/YFvw-ikYwnI/AAAAAAAAAeE/P-Z-yxsugQ8Y227h44CGOesNBQNm9pIewCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_7193.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-LnfAWp0eetU/YFvw-ikYwnI/AAAAAAAAAeE/P-Z-yxsugQ8Y227h44CGOesNBQNm9pIewCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/IMG_7193.JPG" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The flame from the dragon on Gringott's bank was impressive! </td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr></tbody></table><br /></div><br /> <br /><p></p>Darbiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14958412865076277878noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1640460251912007333.post-33373128996684511642021-03-16T12:53:00.002-07:002021-03-16T12:53:39.863-07:00Dustin<p>Yesterday was my cousin's funeral. He is my age. I guess when you have a large family funerals are a sad part of life. Thanks to technology I was able to watch it online. My heart hurt to not be there with the rest of my family but I felt like the funeral was very well done. I haven't talked to Dustin in years. I guess that's just what happens when you grow up, start your own family, and move hundreds of miles away. And with time you forget all of the good memories that you grew up with. Listening to the stories of Dustin helped soothe my soul. He was my partner in crime growing up. I loved visiting my grandparents in Park Valley. There was so much exploring to do out on the ranch, and who better to do that with than the cousin next door. We were born in the same year. But he liked to remind me that he was born first in January so he was older than me. He liked to joke around and tease and I remember getting poked in the ribs more than once. A favorite pass time was playing board games. I remember many heated arguments after Rummikub and other games. It didn't help that we were both fiercely competitive. One of the comments was that Dustin didn't like it when situations got too serious. He liked to lighten the mood. This comment brought a vivid memory of Uncle Jack's funeral many years ago. I remember sitting by Dustin and getting the poke in the ribs to lighten the mood a little. I'm very grateful that the stigma around suicide isn't as damning as it used to be. It seems like those that want to lift others spirits can struggle the most. I appreciated the thoughts on mercy and justice and that through the Savior we can be saved. I will see Dustin again and I'm sure he will be waiting with a poke to the ribs and scheme to put a smile on my face.</p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-siE7wqUANnk/YFEH0qqcV3I/AAAAAAAAAXk/7E0g30pNVCc8jZK5fop7VZST7N79FMeJwCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_7103.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="240" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-siE7wqUANnk/YFEH0qqcV3I/AAAAAAAAAXk/7E0g30pNVCc8jZK5fop7VZST7N79FMeJwCLcBGAsYHQ/w320-h240/IMG_7103.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Back in the old days when you had to finish the role of film before seeing your pictures, you didn't know how your pictures would turn out. Dustin had taken my camera and taken this picture without me knowing. I'm sure he was laughing to himself knowing what my reaction would be when I found it. </td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-HRic-ePQqUM/YFEHePjL01I/AAAAAAAAAXY/-EzoRI-bYog_TKqHDck4per4S2ZfWKxYwCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_7102.jpg" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-HRic-ePQqUM/YFEHePjL01I/AAAAAAAAAXY/-EzoRI-bYog_TKqHDck4per4S2ZfWKxYwCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/IMG_7102.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Christmas tree hunting in Park Valley. Getting your Christmas tree from Home Depot or Costco just doesn't have the same magic attached to it. Me, Dustin, Luke and David<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><p></p>Darbiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14958412865076277878noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1640460251912007333.post-52534604784295679992021-03-15T09:48:00.000-07:002021-03-15T09:48:39.955-07:00Decade<p> It is amazing how fast time goes by. I love the saying, "the days are long but the years are short". Most nights I go to bed exhausted from the long day, but at the same time I can't believe that the twins are almost finished with their junior year of high school. Where did the the time go? I rediscovered this blog after 10 years. I can't believe how different our lives are. For starters, Logan wasn't even born yet! Corbin wasn't talking, Kason was still a toddler and Brittan still had hope that she would one day have a sister. I will try to keep up on our lives going forward and occasionally throw in a good memory from the last ten years that I have missed. <br /></p>Darbiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14958412865076277878noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1640460251912007333.post-26782871418097711312011-07-25T09:29:00.001-07:002011-07-25T11:38:27.797-07:00We can't thank our family and friends enough for helping us get Corbin his bike. He LOVES it. When it arrived he knew exactly what it was. He climbed on and wanted to go for a ride. We have gone for at least one bike ride everyday (that is everyday that the heat index isn't 100 degrees or hotter)!<br /><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dzU-WS8v_prHvacphf2HttkG66hRJgnImJuaKMxe0zlaxzeEkh66LYyZTTUiowgYmiakdHTj0TVs260ZAk5wg' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe>Darbiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14958412865076277878noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1640460251912007333.post-78859835205262006712011-06-24T20:50:00.000-07:002011-06-24T20:54:43.770-07:00Corbin's bicycle<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-gJh9Rs3h-U0/TgVbiRcDH7I/AAAAAAAAAQs/vaUl_WC9xbs/s1600/photo%25287%2529.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 239px; height: 320px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-gJh9Rs3h-U0/TgVbiRcDH7I/AAAAAAAAAQs/vaUl_WC9xbs/s320/photo%25287%2529.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5622000354196660146" border="0" /></a><br /><div class="ecxposttitle">There are very few things Corbin truly enjoys.<span style="font-family:"> </span>Water, sand, goldfish, and motion.<span style="font-family:"> </span>Corbin has always loved moving.<span style="font-family:"> </span>From the days that his dad threw him into the air he has wanted to be moving.<span style="font-family:"> </span>Before Corbin could walk on his own, he needed the assistance of a reverse walker.<span style="font-family:"> </span>He learned how to use it so well, he would run with it.<span style="font-family:"> </span>If there were too many people to go fast, he would use it as a batting ram.<span style="font-family:"> </span>He eventually stopped needing the walker to walk and we started trying out a tricycle.<span style="font-family:"> </span>We adapted one at home but he eventually grew out of it also.<span style="font-family:"> </span>For the last year Corbin has been riding in the bike trailer when he wants to go for a ride.<span style="font-family:"> </span><br /><br />We are now trying to get him his own bicycle for his birthday.<span style="font-family:"> </span>It is actually an adapted tricycle that will grow with him.<span style="font-family:"> </span>It has straps for his feet - since his feet won't stay on the peddles themselves, a<span style="font-family:"> </span>tall back to give him support and rounded handlebars to hold on to.<span style="font-family:"> </span>If you would like to get him something for his birthday, you can make a donation here.<br /><br />Thank you for your love and support!<br /><br />Shaun, Darbie, and Corbin</div> <div class="ecxposttitle"> </div> <div class="ecxposttitle"><a href="http://freedomconcepts.chipin.com/corbin" target="_blank">http://freedomconcepts.chipin.com/corbin</a><br /></div> <div class="ecxposttitle"><span class="ecx991411120-18032011"><span style="font-family:Trebuchet MS;"><strong>Click on the orange "ChipIn" button at the right to donate securely online by credit card or through PayPal.</strong></span></span></div> <div class="ecxposttitle"><span class="ecx991411120-18032011"><strong></strong></span> </div> <div class="ecxpost"> <div> <p class="ecxmsonormal"><span class="ecx991411120-18032011"><span style="font-family:Trebuchet MS;"><strong>You can also copy and paste the script below into your blog or web page in order to get others involved in donating:</strong></span></span></p> <p class="ecxmsonormal"><span class="ecx991411120-18032011"><strong><span style="font-family:Trebuchet MS;"><embed allowscriptaccess="always" src="%3Ca%20href=" com="" widget="" id="" target="_blank"></embed>http://www.chipin.com/widget/id/2567c4626a481e0d" flashVars="chipin_server=www%2Echipin%2Ecom" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" wmode="transparent" width="220" height="220"></span></strong></span></p> <p class="ecxmsonormal"><span class="ecx991411120-18032011"><strong></strong></span> </p> <p class="ecxmsonormal"><span class="ecx991411120-18032011"><span style="font-family:Trebuchet MS;"><strong>Thank you for your generous support of <span class="ecx539114821-30052011"><span class="ecx831541820-24062011">Corbin </span></span>and the Freedom Concepts Bike Registry!</strong></span></span></p> <p class="ecxmsonormal"><span class="ecx991411120-18032011"><strong></strong></span> </p> <p class="ecxmsonormal"><span class="ecx991411120-18032011"><span style="font-family:Trebuchet MS;"><strong>P.S. Click here to check out some cool pics of <span class="ecx539114821-30052011"><span class="ecx831541820-24062011">Corbin</span></span>:<br /></strong></span></span></p><span style="font-family:Trebuchet MS;"> <div class="ecxpost"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/freedomconcepts/sets/72157626913942463/" target="_blank"><strong>http://www.flickr.com/photos/freedomconcepts/sets/72157626913942463/</strong></a></div> </span></div></div><div class="ecxposttitle"> </div> <div class="ecxposttitle"><a href="http://freedomconcepts.chipin.com/corbin" target="_blank"></a><br /></div>Darbiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14958412865076277878noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1640460251912007333.post-7108393636261473272010-08-05T20:52:00.001-07:002010-08-05T20:54:12.015-07:00Corbin and the FrogDon't worry. The frog hopped (or I should say sprinted) away after I took this video clip. <br /><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dylVhkBVnGb1B-EHKGT7wnUEaQKl8xJa6QXCESjLEINO1PoFcc8WxKr_CCTfHPtlLrLR4CuyZUbB2KKOY1B2Q' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe>Darbiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14958412865076277878noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1640460251912007333.post-78570350365438412922010-06-18T09:49:00.000-07:002010-06-18T10:03:00.262-07:00The dreaded H wordI had to do it. The baby mullet was out of control. He had to get a haircut.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_9Nndg3ggtLI/TBuj6YddHLI/AAAAAAAAAPU/edPrpbja7QU/s1600/100_4715.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_9Nndg3ggtLI/TBuj6YddHLI/AAAAAAAAAPU/edPrpbja7QU/s320/100_4715.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5484157194647444658" border="0" /></a>The lady thought he was a year old. She couldn't believe it when I told her he was only 7 months.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_9Nndg3ggtLI/TBukamCBk7I/AAAAAAAAAPc/qkStWufFQuU/s1600/100_4717.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_9Nndg3ggtLI/TBukamCBk7I/AAAAAAAAAPc/qkStWufFQuU/s320/100_4717.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5484157748046304178" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_9Nndg3ggtLI/TBukbD3cU3I/AAAAAAAAAPk/kEdi3Z3u8co/s1600/100_4718.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_9Nndg3ggtLI/TBukbD3cU3I/AAAAAAAAAPk/kEdi3Z3u8co/s320/100_4718.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5484157756054983538" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_9Nndg3ggtLI/TBukbhD14EI/AAAAAAAAAPs/CmcDLmqUsHc/s1600/100_4719.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_9Nndg3ggtLI/TBukbhD14EI/AAAAAAAAAPs/CmcDLmqUsHc/s320/100_4719.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5484157763891617858" border="0" /></a>You would have thought he had had lots of haircuts. He just sat there watching Dora. He didn't look like a baby. He looked like a little kid.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_9Nndg3ggtLI/TBulpyWEXJI/AAAAAAAAAP0/NoLnSh7sQVg/s1600/100_4721.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_9Nndg3ggtLI/TBulpyWEXJI/AAAAAAAAAP0/NoLnSh7sQVg/s320/100_4721.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5484159108561263762" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_9Nndg3ggtLI/TBulqeDILvI/AAAAAAAAAP8/1mxWv57MnBI/s1600/100_4726.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_9Nndg3ggtLI/TBulqeDILvI/AAAAAAAAAP8/1mxWv57MnBI/s320/100_4726.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5484159120292982514" border="0" /></a><br />After it was finished. I did not like it. His crazy hair was part of the adorable baby he is. He is so social, and loves the attention he gets from his hair.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_9Nndg3ggtLI/TBumSSecW-I/AAAAAAAAAQE/xgJNpmskIy4/s1600/100_4734.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_9Nndg3ggtLI/TBumSSecW-I/AAAAAAAAAQE/xgJNpmskIy4/s320/100_4734.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5484159804381092834" border="0" /></a><br />Whew!! After giving him a bath, crazy hair came back!Darbiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14958412865076277878noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1640460251912007333.post-70018591298365980812010-03-08T11:03:00.000-08:002010-03-08T11:12:06.780-08:00SmilesKason was definitely sent to our family to make us smile amongst all the craziness. He is so happy all of the time.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_9Nndg3ggtLI/S5VL1U5mbxI/AAAAAAAAAPM/_ah5ryAyjWs/s1600-h/100_4432.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_9Nndg3ggtLI/S5VL1U5mbxI/AAAAAAAAAPM/_ah5ryAyjWs/s320/100_4432.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5446342703889936146" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_9Nndg3ggtLI/S5VL0ykMWrI/AAAAAAAAAPE/qJnk1ZB9ofs/s1600-h/100_4451.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_9Nndg3ggtLI/S5VL0ykMWrI/AAAAAAAAAPE/qJnk1ZB9ofs/s320/100_4451.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5446342694673341106" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_9Nndg3ggtLI/S5VL0Ro-XvI/AAAAAAAAAO8/X3wrkz6W5IE/s1600-h/100_4435.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_9Nndg3ggtLI/S5VL0Ro-XvI/AAAAAAAAAO8/X3wrkz6W5IE/s320/100_4435.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5446342685835026162" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_9Nndg3ggtLI/S5VLTiG_FJI/AAAAAAAAAO0/e79Zv1kRPlg/s1600-h/100_4420.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_9Nndg3ggtLI/S5VLTiG_FJI/AAAAAAAAAO0/e79Zv1kRPlg/s320/100_4420.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5446342123320186002" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_9Nndg3ggtLI/S5VLTYNVYfI/AAAAAAAAAOs/e2clNs8Sf1A/s1600-h/100_4408.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_9Nndg3ggtLI/S5VLTYNVYfI/AAAAAAAAAOs/e2clNs8Sf1A/s320/100_4408.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5446342120662458866" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_9Nndg3ggtLI/S5VLSz0EQQI/AAAAAAAAAOk/CNTeblT6_N8/s1600-h/100_4393.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_9Nndg3ggtLI/S5VLSz0EQQI/AAAAAAAAAOk/CNTeblT6_N8/s320/100_4393.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5446342110892802306" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_9Nndg3ggtLI/S5VLSX6VHxI/AAAAAAAAAOc/iaaXMPmA5rU/s1600-h/100_4388.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_9Nndg3ggtLI/S5VLSX6VHxI/AAAAAAAAAOc/iaaXMPmA5rU/s320/100_4388.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5446342103402880786" border="0" /></a>Darbiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14958412865076277878noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1640460251912007333.post-35980776826335021662010-01-21T13:52:00.000-08:002010-01-21T14:33:05.885-08:00ChangesIt has been quite the year with a lot of changes. Shaun took the bar in July and is now working for a firm that he loves (so this is what it's like not being a student). Brittan and Corbin started kindergarten in September-which they love. We moved into a house the end of October and then Kason was born November 5th. The holidays came and went and now life is starting to slow down.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_9Nndg3ggtLI/S1jROe7pQ_I/AAAAAAAAAMs/q4z_SEsiAq4/s1600-h/100_3573.JPG"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_9Nndg3ggtLI/S1jROe7pQ_I/AAAAAAAAAMs/q4z_SEsiAq4/s320/100_3573.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5429319397546738674" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_9Nndg3ggtLI/S1jSJhDrXSI/AAAAAAAAAM8/M5KfI1zbHII/s1600-h/100_3692.JPG"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_9Nndg3ggtLI/S1jSJhDrXSI/AAAAAAAAAM8/M5KfI1zbHII/s320/100_3692.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5429320411729583394" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_9Nndg3ggtLI/S1jSKP5gCWI/AAAAAAAAANE/kroc2Y7BrT0/s1600-h/100_3873.JPG"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_9Nndg3ggtLI/S1jSKP5gCWI/AAAAAAAAANE/kroc2Y7BrT0/s320/100_3873.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5429320424303364450" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_9Nndg3ggtLI/S1jSKcYbODI/AAAAAAAAANM/9MtjyCPAVkA/s1600-h/100_3973.JPG"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_9Nndg3ggtLI/S1jSKcYbODI/AAAAAAAAANM/9MtjyCPAVkA/s320/100_3973.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5429320427654297650" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_9Nndg3ggtLI/S1jTAPzKInI/AAAAAAAAANU/Zl2bpSLh5SI/s1600-h/100_4138.JPG"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_9Nndg3ggtLI/S1jTAPzKInI/AAAAAAAAANU/Zl2bpSLh5SI/s320/100_4138.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5429321351989699186" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_9Nndg3ggtLI/S1jVrcr_BHI/AAAAAAAAAOM/a01GLljGHec/s1600-h/100_4183.JPG"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_9Nndg3ggtLI/S1jVrcr_BHI/AAAAAAAAAOM/a01GLljGHec/s320/100_4183.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5429324293206901874" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_9Nndg3ggtLI/S1jVqzAiLzI/AAAAAAAAAOE/aRFutHxGjzA/s1600-h/IMG_0294.JPG"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_9Nndg3ggtLI/S1jVqzAiLzI/AAAAAAAAAOE/aRFutHxGjzA/s320/IMG_0294.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5429324282018803506" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_9Nndg3ggtLI/S1jVr6IcegI/AAAAAAAAAOU/B5nVoMaTXZc/s1600-h/100_4236.JPG"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_9Nndg3ggtLI/S1jVr6IcegI/AAAAAAAAAOU/B5nVoMaTXZc/s320/100_4236.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5429324301110901250" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_9Nndg3ggtLI/S1jVqYny5wI/AAAAAAAAAN8/-0J1y2VD08w/s1600-h/100_4213.JPG"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_9Nndg3ggtLI/S1jVqYny5wI/AAAAAAAAAN8/-0J1y2VD08w/s320/100_4213.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5429324274935719682" border="0" /></a>Darbiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14958412865076277878noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1640460251912007333.post-8975408213883449842009-06-22T13:18:00.001-07:002009-06-30T20:33:06.830-07:00West Metro Miracle League<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_9Nndg3ggtLI/SkrX1__7P4I/AAAAAAAAAMU/Cw653tDo4ms/s1600-h/Corbin+and+Dad+Star+Tribune+high+res+crop+small.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 267px; height: 320px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_9Nndg3ggtLI/SkrX1__7P4I/AAAAAAAAAMU/Cw653tDo4ms/s320/Corbin+and+Dad+Star+Tribune+high+res+crop+small.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5353328429795852162" border="0" /></a><br />I know I have said plenty of times that I don't want to leave here because of the programs they have for Corbin. Here is a short video clip of him playing his first game. Because of Sunday games and rained out games, this past weekend was his first game. Look at his face as he rounds third and heads for home. His buddy and coach are helping him run the bases, while Shaun waits for him at home. I love everything about this league.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.startribune.com/local/west/48688322.html?page=1&c=y">Click here</a> for an article that was on the front page of the newspaper. It's mainly about our coach and his daughter, but Corbin and Shaun are mentioned in it. The newspaper also took the picture above; it wasn't used in the article, but they gave us a print.<br /><br /><br /><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dx6lz72Q0Sx3j9bqRpE5dqHJy2FfuzA89lgykX9BJYsEEe-zNAaz8flswio_HCTGkxns2NMyKsQJQwuZhl0uw' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe>Darbiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14958412865076277878noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1640460251912007333.post-71784528048846982162009-06-02T11:28:00.000-07:002009-06-02T12:39:08.537-07:00Still AliveMy new motto is, "be careful what you complain about because it can always get worse". I used to say that I would go crazy if I had to fit any more appointments into our schedule. Well, not only did we add another specialist into the mix (an orthopedic surgeon), but the neuropsycologist recommended getting Corbin tested for autism. At first I was opposed to it, and a little upset. I felt like she didn't know what to do because she couldn't test him. He is legally blind so he couldn't see the vision part and he has no speech so he couldn't answer questions. However, the longer I have had to calm down, I realize that if he has one more title besides Cerebral Palsey, Legally Blind, Developmentally Delayed, and preemie, the easier it will be to get services in the future.<br />And as stressful as all that is, it is only the beginning. But, not all bad. The one thing I have realized since living in Minnesota is you really have to take advantage of the spring and summer. And we have. We are outside every day playing. We have already been to two beaches (it would be more but it has been a very nice spring, only having 2 hot days so far), camping, and to 2 different zoos. Swimming lessons have started, and soon they will get to go to playground camp for two weeks. Corbin is on a Miracle League T-ball/baseball team. It has been a lot of fun. Last week they had the opening ceremony and Corbin and Shaun got to meet Harmon Killebrew (hall of fame baseball player who played for the twins). He was very nice and Corbin got a signed baseball.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_9Nndg3ggtLI/SiV-YwerUJI/AAAAAAAAAME/HKGmmYwziBQ/s1600-h/100_3107.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_9Nndg3ggtLI/SiV-YwerUJI/AAAAAAAAAME/HKGmmYwziBQ/s320/100_3107.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5342815496740491410" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_9Nndg3ggtLI/SiV-YORaRyI/AAAAAAAAALs/9tu-1320wY4/s1600-h/100_3030.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_9Nndg3ggtLI/SiV-YORaRyI/AAAAAAAAALs/9tu-1320wY4/s320/100_3030.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5342815487558043426" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_9Nndg3ggtLI/SiV-YmpeRSI/AAAAAAAAAL8/Cavt1rbMCj4/s1600-h/100_3003.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_9Nndg3ggtLI/SiV-YmpeRSI/AAAAAAAAAL8/Cavt1rbMCj4/s320/100_3003.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5342815494101419298" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_9Nndg3ggtLI/SiV-YTWD3cI/AAAAAAAAAL0/-7dbb9AJm0U/s1600-h/100_3073.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_9Nndg3ggtLI/SiV-YTWD3cI/AAAAAAAAAL0/-7dbb9AJm0U/s320/100_3073.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5342815488919723458" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_9Nndg3ggtLI/SiV_phU7T1I/AAAAAAAAAMM/z-hIad5wOIY/s1600-h/100_3217.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_9Nndg3ggtLI/SiV_phU7T1I/AAAAAAAAAMM/z-hIad5wOIY/s320/100_3217.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5342816884242468690" border="0" /></a><br />We have had two graduations in our family. First, after three long but worthwhile years, Shaun graduated from law school. It is crazy it is already over. I was worried before we packed up our family and moved across the country if it would be worth it. Not only has it been worth it, but the best thing our family has done. We have met and made lifelong friends, and found an amazing place to raise a family. Next on the list is taking the bar. It's like 2 1/2 months of studying for finals. Yuck!!<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_9Nndg3ggtLI/SiV7QpJBIPI/AAAAAAAAALE/QTGj3L91PLA/s1600-h/100_3060.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_9Nndg3ggtLI/SiV7QpJBIPI/AAAAAAAAALE/QTGj3L91PLA/s320/100_3060.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5342812058796761330" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_9Nndg3ggtLI/SiV7Q7LyXRI/AAAAAAAAALM/qkhqs-lz0b0/s1600-h/100_3069.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_9Nndg3ggtLI/SiV7Q7LyXRI/AAAAAAAAALM/qkhqs-lz0b0/s320/100_3069.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5342812063640214802" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_9Nndg3ggtLI/SiV7Rt4YkvI/AAAAAAAAALU/pZLDabXPOrY/s1600-h/100_3063.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_9Nndg3ggtLI/SiV7Rt4YkvI/AAAAAAAAALU/pZLDabXPOrY/s320/100_3063.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5342812077249041138" border="0" /></a><br /><br />The second graduation is from preschool. I can't believe I will have two kids in kindergarten. I have to admit it was very hard for me to let go of preschool. We have been at the community center, and partner's preschool since we moved here three years ago. The kids are defininetely ready. Brittan is officially out of special education and Corbin is ready for a more consistent week. I will miss the interaction with the teachers, therapists, and paras, but look forward to the next step. Corbin has had some amazing teachers and paras, and I will admit I cried thinking about Corbin having to leave them behind (they have done awesome with Brittan as well).<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_9Nndg3ggtLI/SiV8iZfKLHI/AAAAAAAAALc/X2iC9j0tSk4/s1600-h/100_3202.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_9Nndg3ggtLI/SiV8iZfKLHI/AAAAAAAAALc/X2iC9j0tSk4/s320/100_3202.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5342813463343934578" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_9Nndg3ggtLI/SiV8irV0cEI/AAAAAAAAALk/WQAHPlq34PY/s1600-h/100_3191.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_9Nndg3ggtLI/SiV8irV0cEI/AAAAAAAAALk/WQAHPlq34PY/s320/100_3191.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5342813468136599618" border="0" /></a><br /><br />The final reason for my craziness is we will be adding the fifth member of our family in November (hopefully). It has been four months of bimonthly appointments and ultrasounds. I love my doctor, she is on top of everything and I am trying very hard not to worry. It's fun to watch the baby grow and develop every two weeks, but it's even better for my sanity to hear from the doctor that everything is looking fine (the ultrasounds are mainly to check my cervix to make sure it is not starting to shorten prematurely again). If, after 25 weeks everything continues to look good the appointments will be less frequent until the end when you have more appointments (haven't been that far before, so not sure what that will be like).Darbiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14958412865076277878noreply@blogger.com14tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1640460251912007333.post-32496688013404476362009-03-05T19:09:00.000-08:002009-03-05T19:47:52.675-08:00New York CityAfter winning at regionals for National Moot Court, Shaun and his team had the opportunity to go to New York City and compete. Thanks to Shaun's mom, who volunteered to stay with the kids for a week, I was able to go watch them compete. They did a great job and we had a blast exploring the city when they weren't competing.<br />I had heard many great things about Manhattan, and I wasn't disappointed. We met some great people, ate some AMAZING pizza, and got to see almost everything we wanted to. The subway system is incredible. Thanks to a couple of very nice people, we were able to figure it out and rode it most of the week. <br /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5309910735567580338" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_9Nndg3ggtLI/SbCXrk6J7LI/AAAAAAAAAK4/3cmkOmnRxIk/s320/100_2743.JPG" border="0" /><br /><div><div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5309910727529690930" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_9Nndg3ggtLI/SbCXrG9xdzI/AAAAAAAAAKw/OvssVPmx6TU/s320/100_2839.JPG" border="0" />We tried to sneak into the new Yankees stadium. One of the gates was open, so we walked in and figured what's the worse they'll do? Kick us out. And...they did. We were so close!<br /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5309910111584217346" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_9Nndg3ggtLI/SbCXHQY7aQI/AAAAAAAAAKo/qW2mIMRzPWY/s320/100_2851.JPG" border="0" />The last day we were there was Shaun's birthday. So, what did he want? A custom made Hot Wheels car at FAO Schwartz.<br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5309910106947622834" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_9Nndg3ggtLI/SbCXG_Hel7I/AAAAAAAAAKg/PcZm5lFKI08/s320/100_2805.JPG" border="0" />Brittan LOVES cats. She dreams about cats, talks about cats, and carries her stuffed cats everywhere. So, when the hotel we stayed in had a cat, we had to take a picture for her.<br /><div><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_9Nndg3ggtLI/SbCXGi9XNtI/AAAAAAAAAKY/a3dBT74W2T8/s1600-h/100_2731.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5309910099389003474" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_9Nndg3ggtLI/SbCXGi9XNtI/AAAAAAAAAKY/a3dBT74W2T8/s320/100_2731.JPG" border="0" /></a>We stopped by ground zero, but it is now a construction site for the new liberty tower.<br /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5309909158735051890" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_9Nndg3ggtLI/SbCWPyv-_HI/AAAAAAAAAKQ/JWe_JqakPbc/s320/100_2736.JPG" border="0" />Shaun at the corner of Broadway and Wall street.<br /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5309909152402795154" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_9Nndg3ggtLI/SbCWPbKQapI/AAAAAAAAAKI/UPb1ifYckeA/s320/100_2778.JPG" border="0" />We were so lucky we took the ferry to the Statue of Liberty the first day we were there. It was a gorgeous day. The rest of the week was snowy and cold.<br /><div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5309909144671561602" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_9Nndg3ggtLI/SbCWO-W_J4I/AAAAAAAAAKA/8tz9sN4Pg4k/s320/100_2804.JPG" border="0" />We were lucky enough to have time to go to the Manhattan Temple. It is so cool to come out of the subway and see the Angel Moroni.<br /><br /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5309908074058781266" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_9Nndg3ggtLI/SbCVQqBAklI/AAAAAAAAAJ4/m74nkRBsDyM/s320/100_2808.JPG" border="0" /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5309908065799199154" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_9Nndg3ggtLI/SbCVQLPxWbI/AAAAAAAAAJw/vFSP2E6lLzE/s320/100_2813.JPG" border="0" />The Met was a lot of fun. One of Shaun's favorite exhibits...collector baseball cards.<br /><br /><div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5309908056796592018" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_9Nndg3ggtLI/SbCVPptYd5I/AAAAAAAAAJo/5v27qfLJ7ew/s320/100_2861.JPG" border="0" />We spent a lot of time at Times Square. We were able to get tickets at the TKTS booth for Phantom. We were on the 10th row in the middle. Definitely a highlight of the trip.<br /><div><div><div><div><div> </div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div>Darbiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14958412865076277878noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1640460251912007333.post-17037133946903001372009-02-17T20:45:00.000-08:002009-02-17T20:59:12.534-08:00AntThis is one of my most favorite videos of Corbin. Because of his vision loss, he can't see the difference in similar colors, but can see opposite colors very well. He loves watching ants on our white floor because he can actually see them. In this video Corbin has an ant. He is usually giggling like crazy because it is so fun for him to watch the ants move. Watch carefully. See if you can see the ant crawling down his arm. He then gets distracted by a piece of white lint on the dark blue fabric. Another contrast that he can see well.<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dwXe2-whp1OFtZwjcm7NDVkxzPsA3ujy0qkcF0_hoPD6QRfQaChvRYr5mgEFAMKo6H9XZOI-SnZ1vc9GhkAMw' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe>Darbiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14958412865076277878noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1640460251912007333.post-28746725196548260842009-01-24T09:50:00.000-08:002009-01-24T10:08:15.835-08:00CupcakesOne of Brittan's gifts for Christmas was a cupcake kit. It had everything you need to make cupcakes: bowls, measuring spoons and cup, cupcake tin, apron, tray, cupcake liners, recipes, oven mitt, etc. It said on the box for kids 6+, so I thought I would just let her pretend with it. WRONG! She asked and asked to make cupcakes. I finally told her after a couple of weeks we could try it.<br />She had a blast and I was impressed by how well she did. I originally thought we would just use a cake mix, but when I realized I didn't have one in the house, we got out the recipe book. I measured the <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">ingredients</span> and she poured them into the bowl and stirred them up. She put all the liners in the tray and then helped spoon the batter into the liners. <br /> While they were cooking, I washed the dishes and she dryed them. After the cupcakes were cooked, she frosted them all by herself. I really couldn't <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">believe</span> how well she did. She is growing up way too fast.<br /> When Shaun came home she was SO excited! She showed him what she had done, and told him he could have one of her cupcakes. But not until after dinner.<br /><br /><br /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5294919771603153714" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_9Nndg3ggtLI/SXtVeoSZMzI/AAAAAAAAAJI/VlSB7EXDzA0/s320/100_2663.JPG" border="0" /><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_9Nndg3ggtLI/SXtVe6ehYpI/AAAAAAAAAJQ/kEUdsMIz-IA/s1600-h/100_2665.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5294919776485859986" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_9Nndg3ggtLI/SXtVe6ehYpI/AAAAAAAAAJQ/kEUdsMIz-IA/s320/100_2665.JPG" border="0" /></a> <img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5294920114942741138" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_9Nndg3ggtLI/SXtVynU7ipI/AAAAAAAAAJY/-rLVQsWD14I/s320/100_2669.JPG" border="0" /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5294920124967622226" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_9Nndg3ggtLI/SXtVzMrDFlI/AAAAAAAAAJg/ORgKWQx9paY/s320/100_2670.JPG" border="0" /><br /><br /><div><br /><br /><br /><br /><div></div></div>Darbiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14958412865076277878noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1640460251912007333.post-73893061772183059442009-01-12T13:29:00.000-08:002009-01-12T14:00:28.160-08:00CastingI always forget how hard it is to function when you get woke up every couple of hours at night. Because of Corbin's CP he has too much tone in his muscles. When he doesn't have his AFO's in his shoes (basically braces that help him stand flat-footed, not on tiptoes), he walks and runs on his tiptoes. Now that he is going through a growth spurt, if we don't do something to help loosen the muscles they won't grow with his body and then the muscles will be too short and he won't be able to stand on flat feet. Anyway, the doctors for three years now have been talking about Botox injections, which I REALLY do not want to do. Instead we opted for the less invasive method of serial casting. Basically they cast his legs a week at a time so his muscles are forced to stretch. After a week they remove the casts to see if any progress was made, and then put new casts on. <br /> We did not like the idea knowing that Corbin would be uncomfortable during this time, but also knowing we had to do something. To make matters worse we had to put the knee immobilizer on him at night time to help stretch all of the leg muscles while sleeping.<br /> The first day Corbin had his casts on he didn't seem bothered. He is so used to his legs being bothered with that he didn't seem to notice a difference. The first night we didn't have to put the knee immobilizer on him so that he would have the night to get used to sleeping with the casts on. When I went in to check on him, sure enough, he had his legs bent all of the way so that his muscles weren't all the way stretched. I just stood there crying watching him sleep, knowing how uncomfortable he was and it had just started.<br /> The next day Corbin realized those casts were not coming off soon. He grabbed my hand and put it on his cast. I know he wanted them off so I just tickled him and played with him until he forgot what he wanted me to do. That night we put the knee immobilizer on waiting, not expecting to sleep at all. To my surprise we woke up the next morning, Corbin had slept through the night without a problem. I had put it on his right leg, knowing that it wasn't as tight as his left leg.<br /> After a full night of sleep, I was encouraged and wasn't concerned when I put the knee immobilizer on his left leg. We weren't asleep an hour before I heard him crying. I calmed him down, got him back to sleep, and then went back to bed myself. An hour later we had Brittan by our bed telling us that Corbin was crying. The third time this happened, I took it off. The doctor had told us that sleep was important also, and if he couldn't sleep to take it off. However, I think it had been on long enough that it had gotten too painful and he couldn't go back to sleep. So, I picked him up and rocked him to sleep in the recliner and we slept there for about an hour until I was sure he could sleep. The rest of the week was similar and by the end of the week, we were all exhausted. <br /> I took Corbin into his appointment and after they had removed the casts they allowed him to walk around and play for a few minutes before putting on the second set of casts. I have never seen him walk flat footed without his AFO's. I couldn't believe how much of a difference one horrible week in casts could do. The doctor was very happy with his progress. He told us he would only need one more week of casting and that we didn't have to use the knee immobilizer at night. YEAH!!<br /><br /><br /> <img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5290522935592639330" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_9Nndg3ggtLI/SWu2lFwOW2I/AAAAAAAAAI4/uYkzC_7vKn8/s320/100_2656.JPG" border="0" /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5290522944899455858" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_9Nndg3ggtLI/SWu2lobJG3I/AAAAAAAAAJA/6eCgG6Ryqew/s320/100_2660.JPG" border="0" /><br /><br /><div></div>Darbiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14958412865076277878noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1640460251912007333.post-53279321931947081102009-01-06T19:16:00.000-08:002009-01-06T20:15:22.315-08:00We're Back<div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div>After two of the busiest months we've had in a long time, I think life is starting to settle down. We had Thanksgiving at our apartment again this year with the added bonus of my brother, Luke, coming to visit. Not only was it is first trip here, but it was his first time on a plane. Brittan loved having Uncle Luke at her house and would wake up every morning, run out in the family room and make sure he was still here. We then had a week to cram in Christmas parties and packing before the kids and I took off for a three week Christmas break.</div><div><br /></div><div>We first went to Utah for a week for my brother's wedding. I had great intentions to see a bunch of friends and jam in everything Christmas I could in one week. However, after being there two days Corbin got the flu and I had to cancel plans with friends, which I was not happy about. It didn't, however, cancel wedding preperations and the wedding turned out to be a lot of fun (even though Corbin did get into the Brownies playing in them like he would the dirt). Brittan and Emily's (my new sister-in-law) little sister, Lindsey, were joined at the hip and made the cutest flower girls.</div><div> </div><div>After being in Utah for a week we flew to California to spend Christmas with Shaun's family. We crammed quite a bit into those two weeks also. Brittan got sick the day we left and luckily didn't throw up until we got to Grandma and Grandpa's house. She got a couple of days to feel better and then Grandma and Grandpa took us to Disneyland for Christmas. It was the first time I had been to Disneyland, and I think I had as much fun as the kids. I had the best time watching Brittan. She was so star struck by the Princesses. She loves the Disney princesses, like most 4 year olds, and couldn't believe she wasn't getting to meet them. Shaun's mom made her an amazing Belle dress and she loved being told she looked just like Belle. One of the highlights was a lunch with the princesses. Brittan was ready with her dress and her autograph book. She couldn't have been happier. I was worried about Corbin because he doesn't do the crowds or lines. But because of the weather, there weren't too many people and I think he had a great time. One of his highlights, of course, was a roller coaster in toon town. He went on it three times and loved every minute of it.</div><div> </div><div>While we were there, Shaun and I also got to spend two days in San Francisco while Shaun's parents kept the kids. We had a blast walking around the city two days before Christmas. It was a very busy Christmas, but lots of fun.</div><div><br /></div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5288397661889460850" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 213px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_9Nndg3ggtLI/SWQpp4PtenI/AAAAAAAAAIg/DBRXSHtSDeY/s320/100_3568.JPG" border="0" />Since it was our first time to Disneyland, we all got ears (thanks Grandpa!).<br /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5288395300579395618" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_9Nndg3ggtLI/SWQngbrhSCI/AAAAAAAAAII/ZdQPKZiL2uM/s320/100_2551.JPG" border="0" /></div><div> I love this picture! I thought for sure Brittan would be too afraid of the characters to take pictures. She surprised all of us by asking to take a picture with them. I think the princesess broke the ice the day before.<br /><br /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5288395303711413602" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_9Nndg3ggtLI/SWQngnWQFWI/AAAAAAAAAIQ/QZ7wSGv0yEo/s320/100_2569.JPG" border="0" />Brittan in her Princess dress ready to go and meet the Princesses.<br /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5288395310884100978" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_9Nndg3ggtLI/SWQnhCEWm3I/AAAAAAAAAIY/WyGG1tXHS58/s320/100_2593.JPG" border="0" />Meeting the Princesses at the Princess lunch.<br /><div></div><br /> <img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5288397668002363138" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 213px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_9Nndg3ggtLI/SWQpqPBI9wI/AAAAAAAAAIo/yGUji5X0e7M/s320/100_3604.JPG" border="0" />Corbin and Daddy waiting for Mommy and Brittan to get off a ride.<br /> <img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5288397679319042818" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 213px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_9Nndg3ggtLI/SWQpq5LPywI/AAAAAAAAAIw/EdUp3UhsTfs/s320/100_3608.JPG" border="0" />I have never seen her this tired, ever! She had the best day, and by 6:00 she was out cold. She slept in the car, at Denny's on the seat, and then after we got her home. She didn't wake up until 6:00 the next morning. <br /><br /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5288394244284561522" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_9Nndg3ggtLI/SWQmi8rNOHI/AAAAAAAAAHw/1Yh6oTsDL64/s320/100_2495.JPG" border="0" />Corbin isn't much of a picture taker.<br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5288394250000576914" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_9Nndg3ggtLI/SWQmjR-AsZI/AAAAAAAAAH4/NqkzCFQ6PpM/s320/100_2537.JPG" border="0" />Brittan and Lindsey. They had a blast together and she still asks when she can play with her friend Lindsey.<br /><div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5288394255219920466" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_9Nndg3ggtLI/SWQmjlaZjlI/AAAAAAAAAIA/ntI0gNC_6mY/s320/100_2514.JPG" border="0" /></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div><br />Getting ready for the reception to start.Darbiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14958412865076277878noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1640460251912007333.post-3577333306705916162008-11-01T17:33:00.000-07:002008-11-01T19:30:54.246-07:00Carving Pumpkins with My Punkin<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_gmPdrZXACxE/SQz9Fi1MXhI/AAAAAAAAAAo/4MR4lTdfdOo/s1600-h/100_2398.JPG"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_gmPdrZXACxE/SQz9Fi1MXhI/AAAAAAAAAAo/4MR4lTdfdOo/s320/100_2398.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5263860336180354578" border="0" /></a>It was the Halloween that never ended--multiple parties, getting the kids in costume over and over again, and of course pumpkin carving. We hit a local pumpkin patch the day before Halloween; the pickings were slim but we came up with a decent pumpkin.<br /><br />Of course, Corbin preferred playing in the dirt and riding in the wagon to picking out pumpkins.<br /><br />For carving, it was Brittan and Daddy, as Darbie was out visiting teaching. So we did it Daddy-style. First, we sketched out potential pumpkin faces on paper. Brittan did some, too, although they all had legs. I'm not THAT good at pumpkin carving.<br /><br />Brittan settled on a design ("I like the silly one, Daddy"), with one added touch: she insisted it have a tongue. Ok, that's do-able. So we sketched the design on the pumpkin, and carved away. Brittan was adamant that she help, so she held the knife handle, too--I was sure she would lop off my guiding finger. She did a nice job scooping out the seeds and providing play-by-play commentary: "Ewwww, grossss!" as pumpkin guts went flying. Good thing that Darbie had the foresight to put down some newspaper before she left. The process and finished product:<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_gmPdrZXACxE/SQ0KRrIansI/AAAAAAAAAAw/Rz_v4bzdEME/s1600-h/100_2414.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_gmPdrZXACxE/SQ0KRrIansI/AAAAAAAAAAw/Rz_v4bzdEME/s320/100_2414.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5263874838218055362" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_gmPdrZXACxE/SQ0K-mLB6pI/AAAAAAAAAA4/1kHqvguJVfk/s1600-h/100_2420.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_gmPdrZXACxE/SQ0K-mLB6pI/AAAAAAAAAA4/1kHqvguJVfk/s320/100_2420.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5263875609980955282" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_gmPdrZXACxE/SQ0Li0DLBBI/AAAAAAAAABA/m5SsE2Q59Ck/s1600-h/100_2432.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_gmPdrZXACxE/SQ0Li0DLBBI/AAAAAAAAABA/m5SsE2Q59Ck/s320/100_2432.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5263876232181384210" border="0" /></a>I hear that tongues can sometimes look like buck teeth. Oh well.<br /><br />And the costumes--a rodeo queen (NOT a cowgirl, as Brittan would correct you) and Superman:<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_gmPdrZXACxE/SQ0PgQ7v7ZI/AAAAAAAAABI/p-f9d8yEpI8/s1600-h/100_2446.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_gmPdrZXACxE/SQ0PgQ7v7ZI/AAAAAAAAABI/p-f9d8yEpI8/s320/100_2446.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5263880586441780626" border="0" /></a>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1640460251912007333.post-60433070903292820362008-10-27T20:24:00.000-07:002008-10-27T20:37:56.681-07:004 year pictures<div><div><div><div><div>We finally had the kids' pictures taken. Brittan loves getting her picture taken. She is very photogenic and gets some really great pictures. Corbin hates it. It scares him and he doesn't understand what is going on. Even though he isn't smiling, I still think they turned out cute.</div></div></div></div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5262042413393652162" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 258px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_9Nndg3ggtLI/SQaHsgteKcI/AAAAAAAAAG8/sBojwGoExxA/s320/Brittan+Close+Original+Scan+Auto+Fix.jpg" border="0" /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5262042811135205042" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 258px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_9Nndg3ggtLI/SQaIDqacnrI/AAAAAAAAAHE/tIfhAEk8mjo/s320/Brittan+Far+Original+Scan+Auto+Fix.jpg" border="0" /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5262042821628326610" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 258px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_9Nndg3ggtLI/SQaIERgM8tI/AAAAAAAAAHM/1VfLZ1ai57k/s320/Corbin+2+Original+Scan+Auto+Fix.jpg" border="0" /></div><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5262043718147928802" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 258px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_9Nndg3ggtLI/SQaI4dTIcuI/AAAAAAAAAHc/Z9qjXZmn4g0/s320/Corbin+Original+Scan+Auto+Fix.jpg" border="0" />Darbiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14958412865076277878noreply@blogger.com17tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1640460251912007333.post-40723739349775079752008-10-03T10:57:00.000-07:002008-10-03T11:32:37.955-07:00Edinborough Park<div>Winters are so long and cold in Minnesota that you have to get out and do something fun with the kids. Shaun's parents paid for a one year membership at the indoor park in <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">Edina</span>. It is such a fun place to play. They have an indoor stream with live trees and plants, a gym with basketballs and other fun ride on toys. The best part is this 4 story play structure. Brittan's occupational therapist said it would be great for her to help with her gross motor skills, and Corbin does a great job climbing the nets and maneuvering his way through obstacles. Luckily it is big enough for parents to climb through also.<img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5252988916810451890" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_9Nndg3ggtLI/SOZdlpuNC7I/AAAAAAAAAGc/UjGZh818gbE/s320/Edinborough+Park.jpg" border="0" />The sad part is that it has been awhile since we were there. This is what happened last time we went to play. <img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5252992112285963714" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_9Nndg3ggtLI/SOZgfpy71cI/AAAAAAAAAGk/k038XqX9k9k/s320/100_1040.JPG" border="0" /> Brittan tripped and fell head first into the decorative brick wall. Blood everywhere, <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">someones</span> call to 911, an ambulance ride to the ER at Children's Hospital, and 12 stitches later (6 inside, 6 outside) I was a little weary to try the park alone again.<br />Yesterday we decided it had been long enough and we went to the park after therapy. I made Brittan hold my hand until we were inside the play structure. She wanted to pet the stone otter by the stream, so I made sure I had an extra tight grip on her hand. Once we had our shoes off and were ready to play Brittan decided she was now terrified and did not want to play. After dragging her up to the first level screaming like she would if we were back at that ER, Corbin was in tears (it makes him sad when Brittan is upset) and I was ready to go home. However, we pushed through and after 30 minutes they were both climbing and having fun. While we were getting our shoes on another mom told us there was a concert in the <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">amphitheater</span> they have in the park. It was a lot of fun and we will probably continue to go every Thursday after therapy until our membership is up.<br /><br /><div><a href="http://www.internationalplayco.com/new_view.php?image=image_1093380812.jpg"></a><br /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5252996640598224498" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_9Nndg3ggtLI/SOZknPEtbnI/AAAAAAAAAGs/0AsoknnOpJE/s320/Corbin+on+rolling+chair+compressed.jpg" border="0" /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5252996641251189842" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_9Nndg3ggtLI/SOZknRgY5FI/AAAAAAAAAG0/tVCejDeo_Eo/s320/100_3137.JPG" border="0" /><br /><div></div></div></div>Darbiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14958412865076277878noreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1640460251912007333.post-42715287596505981802008-09-25T08:56:00.000-07:002008-09-25T09:07:25.274-07:00WHAT?!$*#<div>Last night as I was fixing dinner I saw a woman walk by our back door a couple of times. The second time around she asked if she could look through our toys and sandbox. A little weird, but OK. She then said, "somebody let a pet boa constrictor out and it got away. I just want to see if it is hiding in your stuff." um ...WHAT????!!!!! If I have an irrational fear it would definitely be of snakes. I don't like mice and spiders, but they definitely don't send me into a panic attach if I know one is near by. </div><br /><div>Of course the first thing I think is, well we won't be going outside again until it snows. But, that wouldn't work because my kids LOVE playing outside. So then the next thought is what happens if we are outside playing and Corbin finds it while he is playing in the sandbox, or leaves, or dirt?</div><br /><div>After I recovered from the shock I wished I would have asked the lady to come back and tell me when they found the snake. I didn't care if I sounded like a hypochondriac.</div><div> </div><div><img style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 186px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 180px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" height="227" alt="" src="http://inst.santafe.cc.fl.us/~zoo/images/Boa%20Constrictor.jpg" border="0" /></div>Darbiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14958412865076277878noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1640460251912007333.post-67529141792841502862008-09-09T09:05:00.000-07:002008-09-09T20:19:52.825-07:00BalanceDoes anyone besides me have a serious problem trying to balance everything in their lives? I started this blog with very optimistic tendencies to update it on a regular bases. But, life happened and I have not been to mine or anyone else's blogs in a month. However, now that summer is basically over and we are not trying to take advantage of every last minute of playtime outside before winter hits, I hope to be more on the ball. I do need to do a thorough house cleaning before I get to spend time online, but hopefully that won't take too many hours (or days).<br /><div><div><br /><div>I decided at the last minute I really wanted to go home to Utah before school started. So, we started packing on a Saturday and left on Monday. It was so last minute that I didn't plan anything, but we had a blast! We spent a lot of time at the county fair watching my brothers show their steers and playing with family. It was a long drive for 6 days, but definately worth it. </div><br /><br /><div>Brittan and Corbin started preschool yesterday. Brittan was SO excited. She loves school. She was in the same classroom as last year, so it didn't even phase her that the teachers were different and so were the other students. Corbin wasn't so sure. There are 6 more kids in their class this year, so it feels more cramped. But, I really like the teachers so it should be fun. </div><br /><br /><br /><div>Just a few pictures from this past month. </div><br /><br /><br /><div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5244067312081223298" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_9Nndg3ggtLI/SMarb6LWvoI/AAAAAAAAAFU/TEkFARTpvxM/s320/100_1658.JPG" border="0" /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5244066093056682002" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_9Nndg3ggtLI/SMaqU89QaBI/AAAAAAAAAFM/bKfm27vpbzI/s320/100_1654.JPG" border="0" /></div></div><br /><div>While my mom was here we went to Como Zoo. Brittan loved everything, the rides and the animals. Corbin liked the rides once they started, but did not understand why he was just sitting in a weird car all by himself. We were too far away for him to see us, so he would get scared and cry.</div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5244073196397438930" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_9Nndg3ggtLI/SMawya9qp9I/AAAAAAAAAFc/aojfeOI2YPE/s320/100_1672+crop.jpg" border="0" /></div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5244073203542721154" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_9Nndg3ggtLI/SMawy1lPAoI/AAAAAAAAAFk/B8mV5PHQQW4/s320/100_1938.JPG" border="0" />Besides all of the animals at the fair, Brittan loved the merry-go-round. She sweet talked my mom, dad, and sister into taking her.<img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5244073212717717554" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_9Nndg3ggtLI/SMawzXwuWDI/AAAAAAAAAF0/dAoC_HeiYYg/s320/100_1997.JPG" border="0" /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5244073217708914626" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_9Nndg3ggtLI/SMawzqWt98I/AAAAAAAAAF8/ph-y48MTDBU/s320/100_1994.JPG" border="0" />The day after we got back from Utah we went to the Minnesota State Fair. Brittan loves this exhibit. <img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5244089991112256018" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_9Nndg3ggtLI/SMbAEAJtahI/AAAAAAAAAGE/OJcKba2oW24/s320/100_2044.JPG" border="0" /><br />I cannot beleive a week ago we were playing at the beach (Labor Day). It has been in the 60's and 70's all week.<img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5244089995971944930" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_9Nndg3ggtLI/SMbAESQWYeI/AAAAAAAAAGM/MQdVOudfank/s320/100_2111.JPG" border="0" /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5244090000663420290" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_9Nndg3ggtLI/SMbAEju4nYI/AAAAAAAAAGU/EEkI1FQ5WQA/s320/100_2114.JPG" border="0" />First Day of schoolDarbiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14958412865076277878noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1640460251912007333.post-57357981436931634412008-08-05T07:52:00.000-07:002008-08-05T08:02:27.843-07:00Swimming Lessons<div> Today Brittan and Corbin started swimming lessons. I was worried it would not go well for two reasons. First, Brittan is terrified of everything. And second, Corbin loves splashing water at other people and he does not understand a lot of directions. I wondered if it was worth it when Brittan started crying because she did NOT want to get in the shower before getting in the pool. She hates falling water, i.e. sprinklers, rain, showers ... However, once we got to the pool she was fine. She was afraid at first, but since we have spent so much time in the pool at our apartment complex and at the beach, she was fine after a few minutes. Corbin did splash anyone he could in the face, but his aid (Jen-whom I love) did an awesome job of keeping him under control. He even did most of the activites the teachers had planned.<br /><br />
<br /><div><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_9Nndg3ggtLI/SJhpcz7lHyI/AAAAAAAAAEE/xEEAI9f8nnU/s1600-h/100_1617_edited-1.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5231046910888189730" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_9Nndg3ggtLI/SJhpcz7lHyI/AAAAAAAAAEE/xEEAI9f8nnU/s320/100_1617_edited-1.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_9Nndg3ggtLI/SJhp2Vdz5LI/AAAAAAAAAEM/A2jvS-1QCy0/s1600-h/100_1618.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5231047349386863794" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_9Nndg3ggtLI/SJhp2Vdz5LI/AAAAAAAAAEM/A2jvS-1QCy0/s320/100_1618.JPG" border="0" /></a><br />
<br /><div><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_9Nndg3ggtLI/SJhp2-lRS7I/AAAAAAAAAEU/pbIipci1YQ8/s1600-h/100_1621_edited-1.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5231047360424004530" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_9Nndg3ggtLI/SJhp2-lRS7I/AAAAAAAAAEU/pbIipci1YQ8/s320/100_1621_edited-1.JPG" border="0" /></a></div></div></div>Darbiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14958412865076277878noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1640460251912007333.post-2653136277341107982008-07-24T19:20:00.000-07:002008-07-24T19:43:49.262-07:00DoctorsAfter the fun of birthdays is over, we start the doctor appointments. We only had 3 this week: pediatrician, sleep disorder specialist, and the neurosurgeon. In the next couple of months we will complete our annual/biannual visits with the pediatric <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">opthalmologist</span>, <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">endocrinologist</span>, <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">physiatrist</span>, and a new one we added today <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">neuropsychologist.</span> I have <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">definately</span> found my gift in life. I can remember each of the doctors by name, what his/her practice is, when the next appointment is, when the last one was, and what we found out (or talked about) at each. I can somehow schedule new appointments without conflicting with the physical therapy, speech therapy, and occupational therapy ongoing appointments. Don't ask me how. I forget everything else. I can't tell you what we had for dinner last week, or get to an appointment we've been to 5 times without a <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">google</span> map, or even remember <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6">somebody's</span> name that I see and talk to every week. I used to blame it on lack of sleep. Now that Corbin is sleeping, I don't know what to blame it on.<br /> I love getting into a 4 year <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_7">old's</span> psyche. At the pediatricians, the doctor asked Brittan a series of questions to see how she is doing cognitively. Four year <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_8">olds</span> think everything is real, so when asked if Dora and Cinderella were real or pretend, they were of course real. My favorite answers, though, were to the questions "what is your favorite food" and "what is your favorite snack?" Her answers (I swear I didn't prop her on these), apples for food and oatmeal squares for snack. The doctor was impressed, I was trying not to laugh. If I had answered those for her I would have said she would say french fries and chocolate!Darbiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14958412865076277878noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1640460251912007333.post-63955350489563349052008-07-19T17:54:00.000-07:002008-07-19T18:25:37.039-07:004 years oldJuly 17th 2004 - After I had assured Shaun he was ok to leave me and to go see the babies, I had time to wonder what good could come out of such a horrible day. The babies were here and I was only 24 weeks and 5 days along. The night before I had been told everything would be ok and I wondered what went wrong.<br /><br />It took a couple of years to realize it, but everything did turn out ok. It was a very long hard road, but 4 years later I look at our kids and am so greatful they are with us. They are doing SO well! Last night we had cake and ice cream with friends and as I watched them play I couldn't help but feel overwhelmed with gratitude that they are doing so well. You can't even tell Brittan was a 24 week preemie, most of the time, and Corbin is progressing more and more each day. I remember one day in the NICU before one of Corbin's many surgeries we were talking to the neurosurgeon as he discussed his upcoming surgery and showing us Corbin's CT scan and showing us the damage that had been done. Seeing how unsure we were and just trying to absorb everything one day at a time he looked at me and said, "I am not a betting man, but I would bet on your son." I don't know if that surgeon really knew how much that comment would mean to me, but everytime Corbin passes a big milestone like walking I remember him giving me hope.<br /><br />The kids had a wonderful birthday this year. There was a lot of water, friends, and cake and ice cream. We went to the beach on their birthday with some of their preschool friends. It had to rain of course, but they still had a blast. Friday night we had cake and ice cream with friends from church and school. Everybody had a lot of fun!!<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_9Nndg3ggtLI/SIKRpu8c2AI/AAAAAAAAACU/6-6yoAHT1Fo/s1600-h/100_1486.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5224898663865440258" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_9Nndg3ggtLI/SIKRpu8c2AI/AAAAAAAAACU/6-6yoAHT1Fo/s320/100_1486.JPG" border="0" /></a><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_9Nndg3ggtLI/SIKRoQcSdeI/AAAAAAAAAB8/u3UwSFWy_FU/s1600-h/100_1525.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5224898638497609186" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_9Nndg3ggtLI/SIKRoQcSdeI/AAAAAAAAAB8/u3UwSFWy_FU/s320/100_1525.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><p><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_9Nndg3ggtLI/SIKRoHMS0oI/AAAAAAAAAB0/C6I0Bt9izk4/s1600-h/100_1559.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5224898636014604930" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_9Nndg3ggtLI/SIKRoHMS0oI/AAAAAAAAAB0/C6I0Bt9izk4/s320/100_1559.JPG" border="0" /></a><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_9Nndg3ggtLI/SIKRoktzRHI/AAAAAAAAACE/kDOYCKIo1q0/s1600-h/100_1527.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5224898643939771506" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_9Nndg3ggtLI/SIKRoktzRHI/AAAAAAAAACE/kDOYCKIo1q0/s320/100_1527.JPG" border="0" /></a><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_9Nndg3ggtLI/SIKRpaXymMI/AAAAAAAAACM/oTlAhy30sKk/s1600-h/100_1528.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5224898658342967490" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_9Nndg3ggtLI/SIKRpaXymMI/AAAAAAAAACM/oTlAhy30sKk/s320/100_1528.JPG" border="0" /></a>I was crazy and actually tried making a cake for both of them. I really wanted to make a princess cake for Brittan, so that would mean I would have to make a cake for Corbin also. I actually think Corbin's turned out better, though. </p>Darbiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14958412865076277878noreply@blogger.com15tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1640460251912007333.post-48703384959811673242008-07-14T13:10:00.000-07:002008-07-14T13:32:11.209-07:00Water Summer<div>I love summer in Minnesota. It doesn't stay hot the entire time. In one week it will be 79 degrees with a cool breeze and 91 degrees and way too humid. But the best part is all of the water. We are surrounded by lakes, and where there is a lake there is a beach. We also have a pool at our apartment, and we just found a new free water source (thank you Tatiana), a splash pad only 15 minutes away. We play in the water at least 5 days a week. Corbin loves it. Why can't summer last a longer?</div><div> </div><div> </div><div><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_9Nndg3ggtLI/SHu2OOaZGvI/AAAAAAAAABU/sGy6lKG8KWU/s1600-h/100_1462.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5222968548369439474" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_9Nndg3ggtLI/SHu2OOaZGvI/AAAAAAAAABU/sGy6lKG8KWU/s320/100_1462.JPG" border="0" /></a></div><div><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_9Nndg3ggtLI/SHu2Ol0y0uI/AAAAAAAAABc/5DjtQPHkrC8/s1600-h/100_1460.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5222968554654192354" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_9Nndg3ggtLI/SHu2Ol0y0uI/AAAAAAAAABc/5DjtQPHkrC8/s320/100_1460.JPG" border="0" /></a><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_9Nndg3ggtLI/SHu2Ol0y0uI/AAAAAAAAABc/5DjtQPHkrC8/s1600-h/100_1460.JPG"></a></div><div><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_9Nndg3ggtLI/SHu2Ol0y0uI/AAAAAAAAABc/5DjtQPHkrC8/s1600-h/100_1460.JPG"></a> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_9Nndg3ggtLI/SHu2Ol0y0uI/AAAAAAAAABc/5DjtQPHkrC8/s1600-h/100_1460.JPG"></a> </div><div> </div><div><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_9Nndg3ggtLI/SHu2RZfQVXI/AAAAAAAAABs/0CdRwRZjZP4/s1600-h/100_1364.JPG"></a> </div><div><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_9Nndg3ggtLI/SHu2OOaZGvI/AAAAAAAAABU/sGy6lKG8KWU/s1600-h/100_1462.JPG"></a> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_9Nndg3ggtLI/SHu2RZfQVXI/AAAAAAAAABs/0CdRwRZjZP4/s1600-h/100_1364.JPG"></a> </div><div><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_9Nndg3ggtLI/SHu2PRwq-nI/AAAAAAAAABk/9Lp90bW1v5A/s1600-h/100_1447.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5222968566448061042" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_9Nndg3ggtLI/SHu2PRwq-nI/AAAAAAAAABk/9Lp90bW1v5A/s320/100_1447.JPG" border="0" /></a></div><div><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_9Nndg3ggtLI/SHu2Ol0y0uI/AAAAAAAAABc/5DjtQPHkrC8/s1600-h/100_1460.JPG"></a> </div><div>We were playing in the pool one day and the sprinklers came on randomly. Brittan was of course scared, so I let her go in the house but Corbin wanted at the sprinklers. So I grabbed the camera and let him go. He just walked around laughing. This picture is what he does in the water. He gets his hand wet and then squishes the water in his hand to make a noise. Try it. It is not easy. He can do it with a few drop. I can't do it with all the water I can fit in my hand.</div><div> </div><div> </div><div><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_9Nndg3ggtLI/SHu2RZfQVXI/AAAAAAAAABs/0CdRwRZjZP4/s1600-h/100_1364.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5222968602882233714" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_9Nndg3ggtLI/SHu2RZfQVXI/AAAAAAAAABs/0CdRwRZjZP4/s320/100_1364.JPG" border="0" /></a></div><div> </div><div>The heater in the pool broke, so the water wasn't quite warm enough. I pulled out their old pool and let them play. I think it's a little too small. Luckily Aunt Amanda is sending a bigger pool for their birthday!</div>Darbiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14958412865076277878noreply@blogger.com10