tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-49210250473248963202024-02-07T19:25:40.439-05:00shelli's thoughts and picsshellihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03514436012102653386noreply@blogger.comBlogger157125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4921025047324896320.post-14522606850396472092010-10-24T19:09:00.000-04:002010-10-24T19:09:38.002-04:00Weaver Photo Shoot<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I took tons of photos with Curt, Katie and Ev when we were camping a few weeks ago. I created some storyboards that I think they'll like. Wanted to share!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgI7UnxXxf7b8FvsYjs63E2_x_ymzd0bBYNDIVTUGVwZ9FK57yhNkO08gkzL0DcI4mScQ03g4agjoL4TybPGxeXLS7BHzMMiw9ernqmE0a_Nvy3ghP9ABXVDqcv5BhldPT7k4zRp0e9BQ/s1600/tutu1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgI7UnxXxf7b8FvsYjs63E2_x_ymzd0bBYNDIVTUGVwZ9FK57yhNkO08gkzL0DcI4mScQ03g4agjoL4TybPGxeXLS7BHzMMiw9ernqmE0a_Nvy3ghP9ABXVDqcv5BhldPT7k4zRp0e9BQ/s1600/tutu1.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJ96LfYuFe1_Fc6ZelS7B0-Zs_F0bTQAU-pVjwRgvQRPz16fhESerrDnyBLizIgeWx-9gbR83l0n93hGcUtQoTuoC9OZCQQ1j1ETbarwa0n9sfxQNVoxl7xccPSvig-PkxsPsh2sM0uw/s1600/playing+in+dirt.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJ96LfYuFe1_Fc6ZelS7B0-Zs_F0bTQAU-pVjwRgvQRPz16fhESerrDnyBLizIgeWx-9gbR83l0n93hGcUtQoTuoC9OZCQQ1j1ETbarwa0n9sfxQNVoxl7xccPSvig-PkxsPsh2sM0uw/s1600/playing+in+dirt.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimh_j0bv_5AHkfP_lISnt_dwOvUcH1XN0IE6Vw1C20fXoAK0tYqrYKOexZpYKwheN6tOPSPBu2rT7b2ySRib7cQUbJb_B6pioaI12xWoiFHM5c_HTfN0PDpdkFipmBM5Mo0AX_5MlCJg/s1600/OSU.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimh_j0bv_5AHkfP_lISnt_dwOvUcH1XN0IE6Vw1C20fXoAK0tYqrYKOexZpYKwheN6tOPSPBu2rT7b2ySRib7cQUbJb_B6pioaI12xWoiFHM5c_HTfN0PDpdkFipmBM5Mo0AX_5MlCJg/s1600/OSU.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigwYsVa_ZDcZZk1O048J1pO7cbDKcFmpS3E7yDfEPNIb2500Sd3wHNQ2fxH91JQu66yMuoqixHwgFo-2l4j-3eOyXrhc_Q1ZI6r6fkc51al0_62uVPHuoQTa4IgqkFuV7UlfyUa7KGVA/s1600/tutu2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigwYsVa_ZDcZZk1O048J1pO7cbDKcFmpS3E7yDfEPNIb2500Sd3wHNQ2fxH91JQu66yMuoqixHwgFo-2l4j-3eOyXrhc_Q1ZI6r6fkc51al0_62uVPHuoQTa4IgqkFuV7UlfyUa7KGVA/s1600/tutu2.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIH9dsPE0BgKpajdS8gFxSr5VG_NuS3RF_Tnf4vHpog32i6MAJZ3W2BA55lWU6QJfoTdxDG1ZL-JAtkdgzG4P4QZQI71DU3N6qhM2Jw3-OvmWcdgrOd7PP2fEUPexcpoAH_wTthuVq9g/s1600/curt+katie+lake.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIH9dsPE0BgKpajdS8gFxSr5VG_NuS3RF_Tnf4vHpog32i6MAJZ3W2BA55lWU6QJfoTdxDG1ZL-JAtkdgzG4P4QZQI71DU3N6qhM2Jw3-OvmWcdgrOd7PP2fEUPexcpoAH_wTthuVq9g/s1600/curt+katie+lake.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAfLwmnAF2r68XxL79i2jMDigIztEmXbl7pOxRAdIxBKjRQcHv8VCk1Zyy9pGLy8AKcXPUwdp9n3C9xsWVT235HrEJ0ZnrHY2B-W_XH8uzpKtmsI0eZe6V9ig_zH58W_HiRHzyS2YYWQ/s1600/painting.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAfLwmnAF2r68XxL79i2jMDigIztEmXbl7pOxRAdIxBKjRQcHv8VCk1Zyy9pGLy8AKcXPUwdp9n3C9xsWVT235HrEJ0ZnrHY2B-W_XH8uzpKtmsI0eZe6V9ig_zH58W_HiRHzyS2YYWQ/s1600/painting.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimXaRdek8M_Yh5GHjko-_gvvzc3M0hdiftVbFqWPLilfBFA1-i_vEuUqXKuN9g_Y1fYu0rrJYo5GCbCDWMHcePZkPeMpOT0l5vk-q8M1yAKfkP3El87j2tCVrIEMqpzHGZ9D8YkGc_lA/s1600/family.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimXaRdek8M_Yh5GHjko-_gvvzc3M0hdiftVbFqWPLilfBFA1-i_vEuUqXKuN9g_Y1fYu0rrJYo5GCbCDWMHcePZkPeMpOT0l5vk-q8M1yAKfkP3El87j2tCVrIEMqpzHGZ9D8YkGc_lA/s1600/family.jpg" /></a></div>shellihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03514436012102653386noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4921025047324896320.post-28707484770146840002010-10-13T08:15:00.000-04:002010-10-13T08:25:25.824-04:00I love blogging, but...it takes up a lot of time. I have enjoyed posting my adventures over the past couple of years, but I think it is time for a break. I am planning to start regularly uploading my photos to a new site to be determined, so stay tuned! It will be sans narrative but hopefully they will still be enjoyed. And I will try to keep up with my tumblr page at <a href="http://shellwithcurls.tumblr.com/">http://shellwithcurls.tumblr.com</a>. Sometime in the future, my schedule will permit me to blog again, I'm sure of it. Thanks for reading!shellihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03514436012102653386noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4921025047324896320.post-26640981240211838232010-09-20T10:33:00.000-04:002010-09-20T10:33:00.589-04:00Brooklyn ConcertA couple weeks ago, Chris had a surprise for me that he told me about for TWO WEEKS before I could find out what it was! I had an envelope that said "Do not open until 7/31" just SITTING there where it drove me crazy every day! Well, when I finally got to open it on 7/31, I was really excited to discover 2 tickets to a concert by a band we both really like, Cat Empire!<br />
<br />
We headed out to Brooklyn a little early to explore a little bit. One of the first things we saw was a beer bar - and who can resist a beer bar??<br />
<br />
<a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/QSr9skRO4E34Ns9yblVVvA?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_mnTlgxHsJRM/TJI3unIfNcI/AAAAAAAAKj4/3FKLJB9vpeU/s400/IMG_9465.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
<a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/38WyyMBdYla43DabMaIcoA?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTCMOgdGbMYozzuh3CqL-WWeOrVAjRqA5vrT9VMlVe74syyMNefbBKhCk3GSHHUOCBszkrv7CU8zV7H5lrF7a7nsDCqBcgZM67jN9ZSw4YFcgrXE7LnVj_h3IF2XgrWvXcpCAhpuuncA/s400/IMG_9466.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
I thought this was pretty cool - the tree is giving the bike rack a hug.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/nyj3kpWymHOYhVznvs0c8w?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_mnTlgxHsJRM/TJI3rJ8jHqI/AAAAAAAAKj0/EEFWapMtjBs/s400/IMG_9461.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
I also wanted to check out a wine bar that was very close to the venue. The setting was very nice...<br />
<br />
<a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/3aB_4apiHN5i-5t5kQHqLw?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_mnTlgxHsJRM/TJI3yQApfFI/AAAAAAAAKkA/ovJkeEdkwz0/s400/IMG_9467.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
<a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/ZNjnWSDCUtHoXpSXuD83jg?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_mnTlgxHsJRM/TJI30FyyzeI/AAAAAAAAKkE/XFH7mH23C6c/s400/IMG_9469.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
the wine tasted good...<br />
<br />
<a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/NKyN9UpJFhdXR93p8uH-Rw?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSYUS6S64bk6IGpvQySQnjTxcmOYgbt_s912oe223FINlp4xAbu5G7KvutjHsq7vfWOZiCovPprYfnII71ecTf__d5dEkedbCoUx2x9lSvD30krnIaN7AMcZFLh8Ru85Pv7_YwCy0Nvg/s400/IMG_9471.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
and so did the salad. (We had cheese too, but I guess it disappeared before I could get a photo!)<br />
<br />
<a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/y2sZNqmZHVAsb_PEwg0pRg?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_mnTlgxHsJRM/TJI335mmAEI/AAAAAAAAKkM/38I39KZr_xg/s400/IMG_9472.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
But we were disappointed in the service, and probably won't go back. <br />
<br />
The concert was so much fun!<br />
<br />
<a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/FxUxrfLFRJf6EmDp94ndRQ?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_mnTlgxHsJRM/TJI35QXo99I/AAAAAAAAKkQ/x78c_wsZDIA/s400/IMG_9473.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
<a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/Ulz27IyKlmmFtU3wmMR86w?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_mnTlgxHsJRM/TJI36snpcPI/AAAAAAAAKkU/6TLBLYLCX0k/s400/IMG_9475.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
<a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/yT4xeBVNB_KRppeA3avRFQ?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_mnTlgxHsJRM/TJI37ZxLzCI/AAAAAAAAKkY/57Qdli_nl0M/s400/IMG_9478.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
<a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/3WQGZIZYELQa4v_e33Ml_A?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjH6rYQ9AtbHtHLFuxiu61SthPlgYTRN41dC_xaVqvrMrNVHreniaKWBUUfOho8QBeHLTrCCCFPmbK8oOVxLwxR7fEIsd4u2w_UmNx9V9EjyikSSzaZKb_3dOtQ68RXpHJVpUTTcoJS4Q/s400/IMG_9480.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
<a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/ZCmAoWAfxWHCwhIS5oJVuQ?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_mnTlgxHsJRM/TJI3-5TAECI/AAAAAAAAKkg/CqAfYJ07seU/s400/IMG_9482.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
We had a great night. Thank you to Chris for such a fun surprise!shellihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03514436012102653386noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4921025047324896320.post-67242452260571885552010-09-16T13:10:00.001-04:002010-09-16T13:10:00.219-04:00English MuffinsYou can make those at home??<br />
<br />
<a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/6lN-nmYzNoVPbQAYCLUTPq8xqmiwuTohAsq3fOskL8s?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_mnTlgxHsJRM/TFXhi-yh7MI/AAAAAAAAKZw/TGKiD3aGhbs/s400/IMG_8201.JPG" /></a><br />
<br />
Who knew. We got a new bread machine a few weeks ago, and Chris started talking about how he wanted to make english muffins. Well, he did, and they turned out delicious!!<br />
<br />
<a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/qtp6XpgzuqeuvGWTgCDajK8xqmiwuTohAsq3fOskL8s?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj17M1MVa7ck2DWjdUIa4qGWlGV3JpOV1t7hG9VsqmP59Df3xTZaVPNBDPfdLNmTerqKjLPhL9WDJlRP4OQWF0ZLuxjsidTymS0IZKd9EfNHpAXJrP2vARcqDqG7f-KfX7HIL-RXMYMWA/s400/IMG_8197.JPG" /></a><br />
<br />
The next thing we had to do was make eggs benedict at home. I've never especially liked eggs benedict but we put them together using a recipe from one of my favorite websites, <a href="http://thepioneerwoman.com/">The Pioneer Woman</a>. It was my first time poaching eggs, <br />
<br />
<a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/syvOA0VER6eazVYddfHc9K8xqmiwuTohAsq3fOskL8s?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_mnTlgxHsJRM/TJI1YgBfTmI/AAAAAAAAKjk/YgEryQnzw9k/s400/IMG_8367.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
my first time making hollandaise - and somehow it came out yummy! <br />
<br />
<a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/tCrEV7fEhsn783HHvEL21q8xqmiwuTohAsq3fOskL8s?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_mnTlgxHsJRM/TJI1Z9OTLiI/AAAAAAAAKjo/Ica_gBvs7K4/s400/IMG_8369.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
<a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/q3FcoCU6VVus-vUDxpG2kq8xqmiwuTohAsq3fOskL8s?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibynkCxyXeq_GBVdFPvlKABsSbjkTEjmAZCJeXoIqKfycYddOH2D-t_StrBhrCgAB9_TNl72AEWOobqFIP-abC8Lw281-v4xjywnlHUb-EsSCCb3Z39gPWH9EIyXVqLaqEVMsO0e2AYA/s400/IMG_8372.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
Come over to our place for breakfast and we'll whip you up a batch :)shellihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03514436012102653386noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4921025047324896320.post-37950599954383361322010-09-07T17:32:00.000-04:002010-09-07T17:32:00.261-04:00Mom and Gramee, part 2The next thing they did, which I think may have been most exciting for mom and gramee... they got to watch Regis and Kelly tape a show!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/B0YOaQehpvHwvfSP_fgHFEClYOVHTcSUSgoS3UMfa4M?feat=embedwebsite" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_mnTlgxHsJRM/TFXldNBIl0I/AAAAAAAAKd4/3tfOEHaGI_U/s400/IMG_9332.JPG" /></a></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/bMmnokR_q6pUMfVpmqT6yEClYOVHTcSUSgoS3UMfa4M?feat=embedwebsite" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_mnTlgxHsJRM/TFXleLLREuI/AAAAAAAAKd8/AogsecmcwdA/s400/IMG_9333.JPG" /></a></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/xyuSVePnFmDoqCdH9xQAwkClYOVHTcSUSgoS3UMfa4M?feat=embedwebsite" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_mnTlgxHsJRM/TFXlfEIHuuI/AAAAAAAAKeA/YWd3MwWakBE/s400/IMG_9334.JPG" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/ZTIp5A9o3z2-bF_03Hrc5kClYOVHTcSUSgoS3UMfa4M?feat=embedwebsite" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_mnTlgxHsJRM/TFXlgIl_quI/AAAAAAAAKeE/5lE21fFZ-qI/s400/IMG_9336.JPG" /></a></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"></div><br />
Actually, apparently they taped 3 shows, so they got to see a lot of people. Julianne Moore, Jersey Shore people, Nicholas Cage, and more.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/5jBANT8DYL7OpNi3xc73EkClYOVHTcSUSgoS3UMfa4M?feat=embedwebsite" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_mnTlgxHsJRM/TFXlhBoWE2I/AAAAAAAAKeI/YEPdGVUOhw8/s400/IMG_9337.JPG" /></a></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/Q42nb5Nht9G_Eey5pejTZEClYOVHTcSUSgoS3UMfa4M?feat=embedwebsite" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_mnTlgxHsJRM/TFXlkaOIneI/AAAAAAAAKeY/aGbgD-fsNa8/s400/IMG_9342.JPG" /></a></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/pIQdUSYodZf1ud2MJtjnSUClYOVHTcSUSgoS3UMfa4M?feat=embedwebsite" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_mnTlgxHsJRM/TFXlmCrYC5I/AAAAAAAAKeg/p5deo53R1OA/s400/IMG_9344.JPG" /></a></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/MFBN45h5bG2sqIjoO3Lo7EClYOVHTcSUSgoS3UMfa4M?feat=embedwebsite" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_mnTlgxHsJRM/TFXlo-jyGzI/AAAAAAAAKes/b7QgBEVo2wc/s400/IMG_9347.JPG" /></a></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/wCAhSXCqPqbpPUl8QygWF0ClYOVHTcSUSgoS3UMfa4M?feat=embedwebsite" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_mnTlgxHsJRM/TFXlpUIT30I/AAAAAAAAKew/Z3AaV9HGKF4/s400/IMG_9351.JPG" /></a></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/Zc2VD2VADLPmNmN9coWEhkClYOVHTcSUSgoS3UMfa4M?feat=embedwebsite" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_mnTlgxHsJRM/TFXltMkRiHI/AAAAAAAAKfA/ycVwJrnTzT4/s400/IMG_9355.JPG" /></a></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/jTZpEvDopl9uUrh1LiGN00ClYOVHTcSUSgoS3UMfa4M?feat=embedwebsite" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_mnTlgxHsJRM/TFXluJK8KBI/AAAAAAAAKfE/KHFZTXvD030/s400/IMG_9356.JPG" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/8zCweZYo_iFjxusGzyv8I0ClYOVHTcSUSgoS3UMfa4M?feat=embedwebsite" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_mnTlgxHsJRM/TFXlurX5i6I/AAAAAAAAKfI/QzJaD3qtPlw/s400/IMG_9357.JPG" /></a></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"></div><br />
<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">It sounds like a lot of fun!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/owCdu2s2nU3skrgQK7RWHUClYOVHTcSUSgoS3UMfa4M?feat=embedwebsite" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPiAN-sedBqM47VmxqUuXdZRZYemOo-fJkfhbZKiwUeuQz4c3tp_b7DOEzkUBBpy1xmuPfCgELo1vNuTV3j-sMNfOXYQxlnK1Fg6emfEUNjegqz8yLz9M0dIoJ0pOBAbWgiD9F2oe4WQ/s400/IMG_9338.JPG" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/YrA0zSHZ7JMZIo5EjyCPWkClYOVHTcSUSgoS3UMfa4M?feat=embedwebsite" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_mnTlgxHsJRM/TFXlilhFY7I/AAAAAAAAKeQ/WNjwzWdtSM0/s400/IMG_9339.JPG" /></a></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"></div><br />
<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">Doesn't it look like Gramee is making her big entrance here?</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/QkM_S915akekp5LMJtSZ8kClYOVHTcSUSgoS3UMfa4M?feat=embedwebsite" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_mnTlgxHsJRM/TFXlqQso4YI/AAAAAAAAKe0/vFkWGIROIuQ/s400/IMG_9352.JPG" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">I didn't get to go since I had to work. Boo hoo. But I got to hear all about it. And we did lots of other fun things that I somehow don't have many pictures of - ate at delicious restaurants, made milkshakes at home with ice cream from a local dairy, shopped at Macy's... it was a great visit and I'm so glad they came out to see us.</div>shellihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03514436012102653386noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4921025047324896320.post-55052761609505377062010-09-03T17:19:00.000-04:002010-09-03T17:31:52.672-04:00Mom and Gramee, part 1This post is long overdue. Back in July, my mom and grandma came out to visit us for a few days. We had such a great time! The first night was the Fourth of July, and we all sat on the roof to watch fireworks. We couldn't really see much, but we all enjoyed ourselves. The next day, mom, Chris and I headed out to Coney Island to check out the beach!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/ss5yk1OlUFw2jxtIHElCsUClYOVHTcSUSgoS3UMfa4M?feat=embedwebsite" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_mnTlgxHsJRM/TFXk5IT2ubI/AAAAAAAAKc8/YmLVbKrj05g/s400/IMG_9305.JPG" /></a></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"></div><br />
<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">It was really, really hot. I mean HOT. We had to take a shade break on our way to finding a good spot to put our stuff down.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/DEg0HvOnacFn44UiorDn-EClYOVHTcSUSgoS3UMfa4M?feat=embedwebsite" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_mnTlgxHsJRM/TFXk6Uxj6xI/AAAAAAAAKdA/wxSXlfd47ik/s400/IMG_9307.JPG" /></a></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/WFC0S4zyjRQBwkCyeKLWskClYOVHTcSUSgoS3UMfa4M?feat=embedwebsite" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_mnTlgxHsJRM/TFXk7o_TQHI/AAAAAAAAKdE/CYAK5Pxiems/s400/IMG_9309.JPG" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/LFkbDNmV3kISj9JHcwKGgUClYOVHTcSUSgoS3UMfa4M?feat=embedwebsite" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_mnTlgxHsJRM/TFXk8nX0OsI/AAAAAAAAKdI/GTo_yHH_y0Y/s400/IMG_9310.JPG" /></a></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"></div><br />
<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">Mom and I swam a little bit while Chris guarded our towels.</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/gF3b3-MpX8SldipyKYKTx0ClYOVHTcSUSgoS3UMfa4M?feat=embedwebsite" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_mnTlgxHsJRM/TFXk_jTgKRI/AAAAAAAAKdQ/auOKJPoaZIY/s400/IMG_9316.JPG" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">Usually it is me taking pictures of my feet in the sand, but believe me when I tell you, this is not my foot.</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/EJ6hdd9MlQEGlw6RsfSF_UClYOVHTcSUSgoS3UMfa4M?feat=embedwebsite" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_mnTlgxHsJRM/TFXk-ZKejnI/AAAAAAAAKdM/iBe3XkFZvCA/s400/IMG_9311.JPG" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">On the way home on the subway. Long trip.</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/ZPJx_I9BbGFnXzVeDUuCm0ClYOVHTcSUSgoS3UMfa4M?feat=embedwebsite" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_mnTlgxHsJRM/TFXlAozTIeI/AAAAAAAAKdU/QqU0VcbrmVs/s400/IMG_9321.JPG" /></a></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"></div><br />
<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">That afternoon, Chris went to work, and mom, gramee and I went to the Met. It was late and they were almost closed but we wanted to check out the Picasso exhibit. </div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/YSHRkTIpEs-sSMR0i8zoxkClYOVHTcSUSgoS3UMfa4M?feat=embedwebsite" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_mnTlgxHsJRM/TFXlBvOGWxI/AAAAAAAAKdY/yrScCXK0WJQ/s400/IMG_9323.JPG" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/Fd1OTOhASa5XkO-TChwkIkClYOVHTcSUSgoS3UMfa4M?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_mnTlgxHsJRM/TFXlC4a9cOI/AAAAAAAAKdc/D6M0PbxLQnU/s400/IMG_9324.JPG" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/WH0TkQUpI1tFqXtruahwpUClYOVHTcSUSgoS3UMfa4M?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_mnTlgxHsJRM/TFXlD3SI9rI/AAAAAAAAKdg/jQE4DX4fXXY/s400/IMG_9325.JPG" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/oVp1SwWzsz1DS51nlOB1XUClYOVHTcSUSgoS3UMfa4M?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_mnTlgxHsJRM/TFXlFjaMYiI/AAAAAAAAKdo/_5tyM_gxoSA/s400/IMG_9327.JPG" /></a></div><br />
It was neat! They had a headphone tour that you could use for free.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/coXh8lzfiEYJYiz7Tw1qwEClYOVHTcSUSgoS3UMfa4M?feat=embedwebsite" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_mnTlgxHsJRM/TFXlEkaNwXI/AAAAAAAAKdk/Z_aVInP-8CE/s400/IMG_9326.JPG" /></a></div><br />
<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">They also had a room with a couple of different videos examining some of Picasso's work, which was very cool.</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/wUQwG266Ux7pFRrIkq-mHEClYOVHTcSUSgoS3UMfa4M?feat=embedwebsite" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_mnTlgxHsJRM/TFXlHrmQi1I/AAAAAAAAKdw/tlXOIoZWPS8/s400/IMG_9331.JPG" /></a></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">I had to take this picture - not necessarily of the art on the walls, but of the hat! Check that thing out! It could be dangerous if you were too close to her! But I liked it and thought it was cool that she was wearing it. </div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/qd39sLBlyIbUHxdHe03TT0ClYOVHTcSUSgoS3UMfa4M?feat=embedwebsite" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_mnTlgxHsJRM/TFXlG9mj67I/AAAAAAAAKds/7J_tqEZF5wY/s400/IMG_9328.JPG" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">Okay, I guess I'll have to finish up next time, with what I think was the highlight of their trip for mom and Gramee!</div>shellihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03514436012102653386noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4921025047324896320.post-82651239343506830222010-08-30T17:16:00.000-04:002010-08-30T17:16:00.126-04:00BBQA few weeks ago, there was a BBQ fest in Madison Square Park, near our apartment. It was super crowded, of course. But everything we tried was really yummy. Each vendor had a tent/trailer, and there were about 8 or 10 different ones there. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/i-gS54Hrx0uDnYvTML6eqbMSNzzixaqrAKelHWOErC0?feat=embedwebsite" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_mnTlgxHsJRM/TFXkF4-WZ5I/AAAAAAAAKcc/_ItZ0JLAh70/s400/IMG_9205.JPG" /></a></div><br />
<br />
It was really neat that Ubon's Barbeque was there - this is a restaurant in Kentucky, and Chris had just heard a story about them on the radio that week! <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/tn_K7nG1M1xPGwA1fE8717MSNzzixaqrAKelHWOErC0?feat=embedwebsite" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_mnTlgxHsJRM/TFXkIdC3gZI/AAAAAAAAKck/goSMwyb9gM4/s400/IMG_9210.JPG" /></a></div><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/W6w5tylitF8ZziHuxsjy_bMSNzzixaqrAKelHWOErC0?feat=embedwebsite" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZ8dGkWJi-BC-QPvefWo22KM5biQF0fMx7U1jXi31BPC9KiwB-swUsgF0E6QHM1yNrCo8c1GI05ki0aQdi2OjCm9vwLWvdLuvVofRyUW0pQXeaLpkRC8s8HiXE54m3dqR1MgeaEPAZhw/s400/IMG_9211.JPG" /></a></div><br />
<br />
We split a couple of different dishes. Most places had either pulled pork or ribs, with a side. These were spicy sausages with some sort of cheese slaw. Yum!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/yXAigVg0MxWslLKDod20G7MSNzzixaqrAKelHWOErC0?feat=embedwebsite" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_mnTlgxHsJRM/TFXkMgDatyI/AAAAAAAAKcw/BGhFcODOYf8/s400/IMG_9213.JPG" /></a></div><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/r8CsKugxDCQ5zQHIxS0pwLMSNzzixaqrAKelHWOErC0?feat=embedwebsite" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_mnTlgxHsJRM/TFXkOxPMi6I/AAAAAAAAKc0/laDJUTCX2U4/s400/IMG_9215.JPG" /></a></div><br />
<br />
There was a beer area that we actually didn't go into. Crazy! But it looked like fun.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/xym1uC4-xuaTZ7mG52zZ-bMSNzzixaqrAKelHWOErC0?feat=embedwebsite" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_mnTlgxHsJRM/TFXkLZqJTfI/AAAAAAAAKcs/srRFffLGRbE/s400/IMG_9212.JPG" /></a></div><br />
<br />
The event was very fun - it would have been more fun without Lilly. It was so crowded that we couldn't really walk around with her so we took turns sitting on a bench with her while the other walked around. I think she had a pretty good time since we spent some time in the doggie park first, but next time we'll remember to leave her at home!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/0Ll2IOjsEmXEBLYFQUJnp7MSNzzixaqrAKelHWOErC0?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_mnTlgxHsJRM/TFXkHdOo31I/AAAAAAAAKjI/Jc8C4-X2qsY/s400/IMG_9208.JPG" /></a></div>shellihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03514436012102653386noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4921025047324896320.post-52854981129254969182010-08-29T17:12:00.002-04:002010-08-29T17:12:00.159-04:00Cuban Food (Central American dinner and an African show)Chris and I recently went to see Fela!, a really fantastic musical on Broadway. It was so much fun. Our first stop, though, was to get Cuban food at Cubana Cafe.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/1oXOI5e_hvvX-Fx7hOZRiwcwq-o0iMjO3tuHDe9FjOU?feat=embedwebsite" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhh4ZIhhPBb_UBTbquGvw_XYSLXnl6DgW2c86XL5v98BjDDCTyus-NGFBkunLQGwbdMWxonBS6d02rlsJVgioNzykf77N5puTxYg-N_TXZdPZAhPJRwypLGedeWI2FzcLvIPTCc0aqTzw/s400/IMG_9170.JPG" /></a></div><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/XzRNM1dZW2n84dGNuuE2Ggcwq-o0iMjO3tuHDe9FjOU?feat=embedwebsite" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_mnTlgxHsJRM/TFXjIZ2sF3I/AAAAAAAAKbU/uhcKiPO_eq4/s400/IMG_9164.JPG" /></a></div><br />
<br />
I had one of the best mojitos I've ever had.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/ixLEitnzwiLtTic5ERjUqAcwq-o0iMjO3tuHDe9FjOU?feat=embedwebsite" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2qlGIdPOmRwhOxUjfdcbmAmFuKTf5MAat4n3TLUyBj5k1K-n4GOITk9L3SRE2zkLteaPVsK8CWelY8YeAMqAWKcJxXK7dXf-Ik0dLlgaunyclfF8-aojPo94U022zISDOZ2kXZ9-eEQ/s400/IMG_9165.JPG" /></a></div><br />
<br />
And rice and beans with maybe shredded pork? I just remember that it was really yummy!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/VSQ2RDkVtwsYSv25RZC7ZAcwq-o0iMjO3tuHDe9FjOU?feat=embedwebsite" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjstAdSATwySf56TtLr-BmIm92ZHOyFUij23XfQef-uD838p_KpYy7JlZNKl4n570rzl8VyazkHvepeL8vxzLGtf7qFluwyoX3gkY7ATGPJm8q_vJFhsNoNlxFH_jbFxsvfuob1JZqtrw/s400/IMG_9166.JPG" /></a></div><br />
<br />
Didn't take any pics at the show, but it was great. Highly recommend both the dinner and the show!shellihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03514436012102653386noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4921025047324896320.post-84260789493524815102010-08-26T17:10:00.002-04:002010-08-26T17:12:21.193-04:00SmoothiesChris and I have been having smoothies for breakfast every day. They are so yummy and very satisfying, keeps me full for the whole morning! (Which is especially nice when I don't eat lunch till 1 or 2!)<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/S6ZaCH2YgVXZsdneLw6KaPV557LPwFlN66G05x-2hNA?feat=embedwebsite" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_mnTlgxHsJRM/TFXhtgAviCI/AAAAAAAAKaA/a83Aa9WhoOM/s400/IMG_8362.JPG" /></a></div><br />
<br />
We had a blender when we moved to Vermont, but it broke. Finally, last November, I just bought a new one, and we have used it almost daily ever since! Best $40 I ever spent.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/D2PyQQZthXT99Co_KiIzBvV557LPwFlN66G05x-2hNA?feat=embedwebsite" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_mnTlgxHsJRM/TFXhr-JaZDI/AAAAAAAAKZ4/EW-SeYNNuqQ/s400/IMG_8359.JPG" /></a></div><br />
<br />
I put in bananas, frozen fruit, ground flax seed, calcium/vitamin D supplement, yogurt, bran flakes, and juice. Yum!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/7-nwey4Vla2zro5I5YamEfV557LPwFlN66G05x-2hNA?feat=embedwebsite" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_mnTlgxHsJRM/TFXhsoLjSPI/AAAAAAAAKZ8/DAtKv14kwwo/s400/IMG_8360.JPG" /></a></div><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/bVrM_h5eTOpuRRH_Se4Ox_V557LPwFlN66G05x-2hNA?feat=embedwebsite" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_mnTlgxHsJRM/TFXiVP6avPI/AAAAAAAAKas/MR_PD584XDE/s400/IMG_8415.JPG" /></a></div><br />
<br />
They're different every day, and so photogenic. (these shots are all from our old apartment, haven't taken any in the new place yet!)shellihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03514436012102653386noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4921025047324896320.post-50398093449305164162010-08-20T13:10:00.002-04:002010-08-20T13:10:00.153-04:00Spring PicnicFor Christmas, I surprised Chris with a folding bike. Well, a few months later, he surprised me with one too!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/8mLCbeSlRbgdocsSoFpDRVYQS4ETqUdBcYQ-asmCNN0?feat=embedwebsite" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_mnTlgxHsJRM/TFXiGT-Uk5I/AAAAAAAAKaM/H4Zf3hM6lOM/s400/IMG_8177.JPG" /></a></div><br />
<br />
(Mine is white! Cool!)<br />
<br />
We had to take them out for a spin. We rode up the west side of Manhattan where there is a big long bike path, and stopped on the Upper West Side. Unfortunately our first stop had to be for a repair, I don't even remember what it was but we got it fixed and then headed to a little restaurant where we got some pizza and mac and cheese to go. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/RTRsESRDakn7Vy2Dpm_3YFYQS4ETqUdBcYQ-asmCNN0?feat=embedwebsite" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_mnTlgxHsJRM/TFXiHlvm3tI/AAAAAAAAKaU/0lV1wJ3Mp6s/s400/IMG_8179.JPG" /></a></div><br />
<br />
Patiently waiting outside against the tree while I got our lunch.<br />
<br />
We headed in to Central Park for a little picnic.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/RClfUYqMqbjrzpqDvT1bOVYQS4ETqUdBcYQ-asmCNN0?feat=embedwebsite" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_mnTlgxHsJRM/TFXiKdbGcqI/AAAAAAAAKac/yluMu49R2UQ/s400/IMG_8190.JPG" /></a></div><br />
<br />
<br />
This was back in the spring (I know, I am way late in posting this) and it was the first time we got to use this awesome picnic blanket that we got for a wedding shower gift from my sister in law Heather and her family. We love it! I try to go on picnics just so I can use it! (I really do, you can ask Chris.)<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/vd5GPP0K2wAo9GEnjFhgQ1YQS4ETqUdBcYQ-asmCNN0?feat=embedwebsite" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_mnTlgxHsJRM/TFXiJCG6BbI/AAAAAAAAKaY/iVv7aWi2q6w/s400/IMG_8183.JPG" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/0A8-oR1L-U5e1zVfSKf0nlYQS4ETqUdBcYQ-asmCNN0?feat=embedwebsite" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_mnTlgxHsJRM/TFXiLamXdOI/AAAAAAAAKag/1jNxYr6eKMo/s400/IMG_8192.JPG" /></a></div><br />
<br />
It was a gorgeous day, and there were lots of people out enjoying the sunshine.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/s6SkMpfGfcyMC6BX1Av2PlYQS4ETqUdBcYQ-asmCNN0?feat=embedwebsite" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_mnTlgxHsJRM/TFXiNtWQhYI/AAAAAAAAKao/lcDvM7S0Rvc/s400/IMG_8194.JPG" /></a></div><br />
<br />
We had a wonderful picnic and I am so excited that we now have matching (compact!) bikes!shellihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03514436012102653386noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4921025047324896320.post-3711352075204514912010-08-17T17:11:00.000-04:002010-08-17T17:11:00.212-04:00Sad SightWhen you're walking toward your car, this is the last thing you want to see.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/YgQ7YojKtAbpiYQB3oLfCn6oGBuu-2I0uvnOTNR2Lv0?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_mnTlgxHsJRM/TFXi7sr11pI/AAAAAAAAKbM/xIgW8lolaNU/s400/IMG_9163.JPG" /></a><br />
<br />
BOO. This is what Chris and I saw a few weeks ago. The first quote we got was $220 to replace that little tiny window! Well, I have replaced a few broken windows in my time and that sounded a little ridiculous. But Chris called around and found a place that did it for $100! Much better. Plus, they vacuumed the car and did a great job - with all the dog hair that accumulates, it was almost worth the whole thing just for that!shellihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03514436012102653386noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4921025047324896320.post-90382950587331785612010-08-13T05:10:00.002-04:002010-08-13T10:31:50.592-04:00BrunchA few weeks ago, Chris and I went to a new restaurant, <a href="http://www.penelopenyc.com/">Penelope</a>, to grab brunch.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/sB_W1QcUDxcjRSDFwEspF3XhRW3jMwWBDn3uyCQqsHI?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_mnTlgxHsJRM/TFXilfqNqvI/AAAAAAAAKa0/yxvgRMQL16k/s400/IMG_9147.JPG" /></a><br />
<br />
The decor was very cute and cozy.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/r5X0Q3unVwo9OhV2tG-59XXhRW3jMwWBDn3uyCQqsHI?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_mnTlgxHsJRM/TFXimbgS_dI/AAAAAAAAKa4/JBfcohynfCc/s400/IMG_9150.JPG" /></a><br />
<br />
We got a mimosa and a bloody mary with our meals, and we couldn't turn that down!<br />
<br />
<a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/OOikdiINO0slX1HIujp8SnXhRW3jMwWBDn3uyCQqsHI?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_mnTlgxHsJRM/TFXinM1n38I/AAAAAAAAKa8/sT8_3OMOxLQ/s400/IMG_9156.JPG" /></a><br />
<br />
Chris had a breakfast sandwich...<br />
<br />
<a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/ss3U64NtAjUuGy3mFDrvb3XhRW3jMwWBDn3uyCQqsHI?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_mnTlgxHsJRM/TFXioD_BX2I/AAAAAAAAKbA/nSmfHiaStvk/s400/IMG_9158.JPG" /></a><br />
<br />
and I had spinach pie - "Yia Yia’s Greek country recipe with rich cheeses and flaky filo dough."<br />
<br />
<a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/XtYmY29bhSPvSuMkb2T5t3XhRW3jMwWBDn3uyCQqsHI?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_mnTlgxHsJRM/TFXipcOGJ9I/AAAAAAAAKbE/S3hvisQERns/s400/IMG_9159.JPG" /></a><br />
<br />
It was DELICIOUS. Hope to head back there soon!!shellihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03514436012102653386noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4921025047324896320.post-182218986850607822010-08-10T09:12:00.009-04:002010-08-10T09:12:00.621-04:00I'm Married!Okay, so our wedding was a while ago... It isn't brand new anymore. And if you've already had enough, you should probably stop reading right now. (I can't get enough! It was the funnest day EVER!!) But I did have a request from one of my loyal readers to put our vows in the blog, and I thought it was a good opportunity to share our ceremony. <br />
<br />
<a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/8tSWVIMvGUTYmYcp3sfey0T_WJxXpt-SADsYjdsSIA8?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9m1B2C-wsRr66jI-Rd7BDJouSIZolG6Xgw3X8QhP8nBqMpahokqouSXf5ubmqUoP8ae35gYEmDVUtp4Hbvt2VfkPrp7xBwznqPv2Y6YLlhRB165xgZqjOgcJ6FMh7fpimsWV2zAsNUw/s400/ceremony001.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
The day was beautiful, sunny, and calm. The scene was set...<br />
<br />
<a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/AohwUCjyHZTI6xAGwkd3HET_WJxXpt-SADsYjdsSIA8?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_mnTlgxHsJRM/TFXaPbfN-xI/AAAAAAAAKWU/Hj1UnV_2l8k/s400/ceremony006.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
<a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/cgMIs93NPILxgVxE4kpLwkT_WJxXpt-SADsYjdsSIA8?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_mnTlgxHsJRM/TFXaQeAWPRI/AAAAAAAAKWY/20qkLBehU4U/s400/ceremony013.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
<a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/HeFFlW83eALr1TtMaUq_wET_WJxXpt-SADsYjdsSIA8?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_mnTlgxHsJRM/TFXaR-Sv4dI/AAAAAAAAKWc/xkgGrphSJMI/s400/ceremony005.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
<a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/vCCxaVd9guIU5sKX4q-o40T_WJxXpt-SADsYjdsSIA8?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_mnTlgxHsJRM/TFXaWJYhGMI/AAAAAAAAKWs/rdhv3r611A8/s400/ceremony014.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
and the music was playing.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/CE51ZTEBl-_AK1K0QMoraUT_WJxXpt-SADsYjdsSIA8?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg51mwCNg58gblP3o-9_ObDk-ncNPoHGyvRtIBGtbF78P3ZtjqWSXNfzxcMG_umxv9PImY3zKan4T4HrBYoLK5Q8DbT5ago6ZDHKCW40YRLydi77exdEs17i0XnWp_4wesi2-5MUULGPw/s400/ceremony012.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
<a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/90rbutadiyDeLlXsfF1yL0T_WJxXpt-SADsYjdsSIA8?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_mnTlgxHsJRM/TFXaTDO8DiI/AAAAAAAAKWk/jTFU03IU-rI/s400/ceremony011.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
The kids were adorable as always.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/Olwa5TIQrmwTY1qFid5sV0T_WJxXpt-SADsYjdsSIA8?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_mnTlgxHsJRM/TFXaYGU2ooI/AAAAAAAAKW0/lOpNfyCVK3I/s400/ceremony033.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
<a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/3hwON3ULifz8Q998DBdcEUT_WJxXpt-SADsYjdsSIA8?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_mnTlgxHsJRM/TFXaZFHeoRI/AAAAAAAAKW4/YPTU54otvIs/s400/ceremony022.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
The crew started to make their entrance...<br />
<br />
<a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/tJQnaZt-lRvd4LldQOQnCkT_WJxXpt-SADsYjdsSIA8?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvDiGGcXc7DElOKGjiTvicdBNjd5-qYC4lvhw2FaMX1-UdT_e1VHjKqhN4tjaAToXyF2_EcriKeFV8Iy_f8NpbCCTpcILpNBNhY6wX4_ohvhUSxaj7uoiafKDUZfSjx7moOGbYB0MNQw/s400/ceremony037.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
<a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/kV71iMv3uzR1Im2QY1PWzET_WJxXpt-SADsYjdsSIA8?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_mnTlgxHsJRM/TFXab2dd6JI/AAAAAAAAKXA/Yk2IPe98sfs/s400/ceremony039.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
<a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/fYCb7XKBGBlyrTACnTakBkT_WJxXpt-SADsYjdsSIA8?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVOUXmxrUoz61h1yYERsUkejazbHuGq_iz_803rE5DOSj-NXz2cr6XBMqYQL9xObmjrf8au9eTCyL8pjiaw6Hzw5qVPTUA4ZmkJG87b0_gVA8ZMWOwHtnnJWqEEcjvw7gtFod4cGyxZA/s400/ceremony041.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
<a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/QWF38PuCA-n77clLaYOo0kT_WJxXpt-SADsYjdsSIA8?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_mnTlgxHsJRM/TFXaer3tYLI/AAAAAAAAKXI/6-AxWDoyOjw/s400/ceremony042.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
<a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/ZXmrY6Mli_ta8oXmfxCRsET_WJxXpt-SADsYjdsSIA8?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_mnTlgxHsJRM/TFXagNEYUrI/AAAAAAAAKXM/baUhAbNiEyg/s400/ceremony044.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
<a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/u2KMA8DjidCcJP09GFg-RUT_WJxXpt-SADsYjdsSIA8?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_mnTlgxHsJRM/TFXahdzLZjI/AAAAAAAAKXQ/w3qFXxp0ROg/s400/ceremony045.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
<a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/PIFDmXN08BnFXdwSzIPD70T_WJxXpt-SADsYjdsSIA8?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_mnTlgxHsJRM/TFXai4sOIrI/AAAAAAAAKXU/Wk07oRPy44g/s400/ceremony046.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
<a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/s-2I9RCIB1VlRl8I8NTQCkT_WJxXpt-SADsYjdsSIA8?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_mnTlgxHsJRM/TFXakEw4R_I/AAAAAAAAKXY/GlPxS8LqeOk/s400/ceremony048.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
<a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/NjNTSysOADjUcfXmnWMcwkT_WJxXpt-SADsYjdsSIA8?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_mnTlgxHsJRM/TFXaleTD5VI/AAAAAAAAKXc/IuM5FKPvu7E/s400/ceremony051.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
<a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/OlszqCGIKeVg1m7gpH38NUT_WJxXpt-SADsYjdsSIA8?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_mnTlgxHsJRM/TFXam058HiI/AAAAAAAAKXg/vC92afj0LEw/s400/ceremony053.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
<a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/z--XSlBa8z1gdbMiAYY60kT_WJxXpt-SADsYjdsSIA8?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_mnTlgxHsJRM/TFXapI2dAJI/AAAAAAAAKXo/UT6Dfy1Aq10/s400/ceremony061.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
<a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/Eu5WSyZOM5xiETHwl-qiDET_WJxXpt-SADsYjdsSIA8?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_mnTlgxHsJRM/TFXaqXYo1-I/AAAAAAAAKXs/G2HhNbPw_Vg/s400/ceremony066.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
While my dad and I waited to make ours.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/xIRf5klwHfgL42EEjuj3nkT_WJxXpt-SADsYjdsSIA8?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_mnTlgxHsJRM/TFXaXLl4CVI/AAAAAAAAKWw/_XTziVyGuwk/s400/ceremony028.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
<a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/koZ7zkyK1nytjvgJnWzs30T_WJxXpt-SADsYjdsSIA8?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_mnTlgxHsJRM/TFXanwnueoI/AAAAAAAAKXk/JP2HPLW0ziw/s400/ceremony057.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
It was a little overwhelming to step out and see everything set up, and take it all in. I heard the music, and thought it was time to go, so even though Carolyn hadn't opened the curtain for us to come out, I pulled my dad along and we came flying through the curtains! (Or at least that's what it feels like in my memory!)<br />
<br />
<a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/pMv3s7M08oEOMF0ZSNt0kUT_WJxXpt-SADsYjdsSIA8?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_mnTlgxHsJRM/TFXark8hEVI/AAAAAAAAKXw/sMiJz98jQ60/s400/ceremony067.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
Seeing Chris when I came out of the gazebo was definitely a highlight of the day.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/xHONK099htqYwiX-4Ockc0T_WJxXpt-SADsYjdsSIA8?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_mnTlgxHsJRM/TFXasqVbXbI/AAAAAAAAKX0/TemWWEgNONI/s400/ceremony068.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
<a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/gi-XH0n9Umd8iVgTus9tYkT_WJxXpt-SADsYjdsSIA8?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_mnTlgxHsJRM/TFXat3ql-HI/AAAAAAAAKX4/HrLxPVf-G3k/s400/ceremony072.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
<a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/TYSdl3rT5in4a7Kk9rUaykT_WJxXpt-SADsYjdsSIA8?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_mnTlgxHsJRM/TFXavlyQaCI/AAAAAAAAKX8/r8ZLMrQEzXA/s400/ceremony073.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
<a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/gXLH3HTScuw9Oo8ij3RmqkT_WJxXpt-SADsYjdsSIA8?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_mnTlgxHsJRM/TFXawywPmUI/AAAAAAAAKYE/9JgJCmgkv1E/s400/ceremony075.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
<a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/9tdDd9XtZ4852CJ5bj0910T_WJxXpt-SADsYjdsSIA8?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8_VyK4tDjQ7zjIp8Ra8YL04LzO0lbNWB3A9tCEjuzNLcmBmlDAaCdw-oeBS87wCGpwESKpvIJy2Yls58K41E1cy5rdY-PiF2qxRtxsFJNAFSQojFbl3hcQCP_VXjzJYf1CSNnvqmK8w/s400/ceremony081.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
There was a lot of dust in the air that day.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/LhOwkRZBwm7Qw-weyGTrPkT_WJxXpt-SADsYjdsSIA8?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_mnTlgxHsJRM/TFXa0Hdz08I/AAAAAAAAKYQ/uZs4FtwRx4o/s400/ceremony084.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
We started the ceremony with some audience participation.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/sxGOUZ8BlBa7YguELdWTx0T_WJxXpt-SADsYjdsSIA8?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_mnTlgxHsJRM/TFXa1HpYaRI/AAAAAAAAKYU/ELfXnXgmyIY/s400/ceremony095.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
<b>Rings have endured as a symbol of love and commitment because of their strength, durability and shape. <br />
Let these rings be a sign that love has a past, a present, and a future—and that whenever there are sorrows, joy will come around again. <br />
Let these rings give your marriage direction—wherever you go you will return to each other. <br />
And let these rings be another everyday reminder of your love and commitment. <br />
We will begin this ceremony by passing these rings around, and asking that each one of you warm the rings in your hand. Feel free to silently offer a prayer, a blessing, or your best wishes to the happy couple as you hold the rings.<br />
</b><br />
<br />
<a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/SCmCFb-dh40FyHPLZ0vK-ET_WJxXpt-SADsYjdsSIA8?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_mnTlgxHsJRM/TFXfo9JNUFI/AAAAAAAAKZg/9cdhmdg01B4/s400/ceremony094.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
<b>Chris and Shelli have brought us together here<br />
for an occasion of great joy<br />
and a cause for great celebration.<br />
</b><br />
<br />
<a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/mWMpwabZg1s2IWFhuHBN-kT_WJxXpt-SADsYjdsSIA8?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_mnTlgxHsJRM/TFXfqkvdeuI/AAAAAAAAKZk/zLnduKplIec/s400/ceremony102.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
I kept reminding myself to look around and take everything in!<br />
<br />
<a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/LEIfcfGDLE_k1JiRbafaskT_WJxXpt-SADsYjdsSIA8?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirBgwGRtPXHgpe2yO36nJQf-WkFWErUryAgvIGI8tcKvDHdpSM9Y5wgWGrJEeesbywckiTfnS5DUJ0E-AmuoAWsMNwsTlvA6HCeblqrLL2fCDUK1ftHE14Vr7b7_uMWMfiry3TCdXqwQ/s400/photogfaves025.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
<b>Today is a celebration not of a beginning, but of a bond that already exists between you. In many ways, your lives are already joined. Today you declare your intention to make this joining deliberate and permanent.</b> <br />
<br />
<a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/OQxQ6mpW9VeQIFl6goy2xkT_WJxXpt-SADsYjdsSIA8?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_mnTlgxHsJRM/TFXa8WuwIaI/AAAAAAAAKYw/1lmN0KyAono/s400/ceremony092.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
We even heard from Kurt Vonnegut.<br />
<i>Okay, now let's have some fun. Let's talk about women. Freud said he didn't know what women wanted. I know what women want: a whole lot of people to talk to. What do they want to talk about? They want to talk about everything.<br />
<br />
What do men want? They want a lot of pals, and they wish people wouldn't get so mad at them.<br />
<br />
Why are so many people getting divorced today? It's because most of us don't have extended families anymore. It used to be that when a man and a woman got married, the bride got a lot more people to talk to about everything. The groom got a lot more pals to tell dumb jokes to.<br />
<br />
A few Americans, but very few, still have extended families. The Navahos. The Kennedys.<br />
<br />
But most of us, if we get married nowadays, are just one more person for the other person. The groom gets one more pal, but it's a woman. The woman gets one more person to talk to about everything, but it's a man.<br />
<br />
When a couple has an argument nowadays, they may think it's about money or power or sex or how to raise the kids or whatever. What they're really saying to each other, though without realizing it, is this: "You are not enough people!"<br />
<br />
A husband, a wife and some kids is not a family. It's a terribly vulnerable survival unit.<br />
<br />
I met a man in Nigeria one time, an Ibo who had six hundred relatives he knew quite well. His wife had just had a baby, the best possible news in any extended family.<br />
<br />
They were going to take it to meet all its relatives, Ibos of all ages and sizes and shapes. It would even meet other babies, cousins not much older than it was. Everybody who was big enough and steady enough was going to get to hold it, cuddle it, gurgle to it, and say how pretty or how handsome it was.<br />
<br />
Wouldn't you have loved to be that baby?<br />
</i><br />
<br />
<br />
<b>Chris and Shelli selected this reading because you, each and every one of you, has made them feel as loved as that baby. They are so grateful to you all to have come all this way, some of you a few miles, some of you thousands of miles, to help them celebrate this joyous day. And you, community of friends and family, may be called upon to support this union as Shelli and Chris face new joys and challenges together. So, I ask, do you all give your blessing and offer your continued love and support to this couple? If you agree please answer “We do”</b><br />
<br />
<a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/QFZC-SY9a7KX5gkL9Bw_jUT_WJxXpt-SADsYjdsSIA8?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhW1R5xzUJEfiiN_IL7W-9GYNKZVwT5gtXzpC01XMvL4HLgOTUzWBFOUMxrvks7tjSP5VRaFYnGULGO_LKjXHYCCbVV9346la50Hr2iArS-fOSIicgBbfnbFKnhD9lbMEuxcHNCH_1Y1A/s400/ceremony121.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
They did!<br />
<br />
<a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/2nv7XG98NMKe3AcuN5kEKkT_WJxXpt-SADsYjdsSIA8?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_mnTlgxHsJRM/TFXa9UrkesI/AAAAAAAAKY0/yj1MWjdlRF0/s400/ceremony105.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
<b>Catch hands now and face one another to make your vows.<br />
Look at one another—remember this moment in time.</b><br />
<br />
<a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/jbnyBVmbdQjPoUcTKLEbTET_WJxXpt-SADsYjdsSIA8?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_mnTlgxHsJRM/TFXa3DDJZlI/AAAAAAAAKYc/_2Vnb88RZf8/s400/ceremony131.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
<b>Shelli, <br />
I stand before you honored that you have chosen to share your love and your life with me. Your loving spirit and positive energy graced my life and made me a better person. Just as everything lights up when you enter a room, my world lit up when you entered my life. I promise to always love you, respect you, and be honest with you. I promise to be your best friend, your lover, and a good father to our children. I promise to always be by your side, support you in times of need, and celebrate with you in times of joy. I promise to always do everything in my power to protect the bond that we share and the joy in our life together. I look forward to sharing my life with you, from the excitement of being a newlywed, to the magic of our golden years. I look forward to calling you my wife. Thank you for all that you have done, and all that you are.<br />
<br />
Thank you for sharing your life with me.</b><br />
<br />
<a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/xIBcO0pKTaZoLzABW-CIf0T_WJxXpt-SADsYjdsSIA8?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYD_c-vhg2VZZSMY9LSCTURV1W4gvFGf1NT-yoF2iA1A9zQLCm5GQR1joVEUIKI6zK081TaJkFzX6yI_OMVsNJSLNM_VbZ-VSmxnyPw3Wh5u4RbSDRHxhIDSNClBTfX6jrpFkMqy13pg/s400/ceremony134.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
<b>Chris,<br />
Since the night we met, there was something that told me we are meant to spend our lives together. I was happy beyond belief when I realized that you felt the same way. It makes me so happy that we can reaffirm this promise here, witnessed and blessed by the most important people in our lives. <br />
<br />
It amazes me every day how much I love you. <br />
<br />
Nothing is as good when I can't share it with you, not even pizza, or a good run in the park, or a hot cup of coffee. I wish I could think of a way to thank you for the joy you bring me or find a way to express how you just make the world better by being in it. <br />
<br />
You have made my life and my soul complete.<br />
<br />
I will stand by your side during the good times and the rough patches, knowing that we can get through anything together. I will believe in you, I will believe in us, I will try to make your days as special as you make mine, and love and cherish you unconditionally for the rest of our lives. <br />
<br />
I love you so much. Thank you for sharing your life with me.</b><br />
<br />
<br />
<b>Your hands are the part of you that you use the most. Every day you look down at your hands as they do their job, and this is also why we wear a token of our wedding vows there. Every day, as you look down, you will see a brief flash of light, a sparkle as the ring placed on your finger today will shine. It will remind you, again and again, over and over, of your promise to your loved one. Every time you take hands, you will feel that wedding ring on your partner's hand and you will both be reminded again in turn. It will always be with you, visible, worn openly and with pride. It will say to the world that someone loves me enough to make me a promise to share a life.<br />
<br />
Shelli, I give you this ring as a token of my eternal love for you.</b><br />
<br />
<a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/qtBJkLYDUfxCeei5sVXajUT_WJxXpt-SADsYjdsSIA8?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh28voFbzHCQnAXpyaDZzrr4RvgNbUGVH6c1dLqB_9z1qZAumXQxHKC8FPamZbp5OwJXhnd8Ld82351a5lX7WFAGdBnpvjVlZCReznloTaHwOC1r1yIdivUHtjJ1ihCY4sMBWuRdVgoTg/s400/ceremony140.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
<b>Chris, I give you this ring as a token of my eternal love for you.</b><br />
<br />
<a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/IPNzwmhPXdGlC3lPMm1SYUT_WJxXpt-SADsYjdsSIA8?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_mnTlgxHsJRM/TFXbAlBSYII/AAAAAAAAKZA/ZRvQNYVeBKY/s400/ceremony141.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
<b>It is my joy to pronounce you husband and wife. <br />
You may now share the first kiss of your marriage! </b><br />
<br />
<a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/blnJUj1oxlmVSVudR4eeJUT_WJxXpt-SADsYjdsSIA8?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_mnTlgxHsJRM/TFXa5TJzLXI/AAAAAAAAKYk/oyQSaVpY4hw/s400/ceremony142.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
<a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/7UVFh5A3HTaJ210gFSzR3UT_WJxXpt-SADsYjdsSIA8?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVzvnjP90O42bLInygKuyJgkAygnjrzZVD7h_okf54rHnFegFGHQxcfobrwwrlUzK_7VY4dAbORaEPnB9wdx8YMAcsEW1oDta8al4Anez2807lSE4Oe9nqjPN_CqNmVnZQH0ZntUy91A/s400/ceremony143.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
<b>Are you done yet?</b><br />
<br />
<a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/FDxaeplE7gz06Nvs0rUnsET_WJxXpt-SADsYjdsSIA8?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_mnTlgxHsJRM/TFXa6NFu0OI/AAAAAAAAKYo/RIm39kNNLaM/s400/ceremony146.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
<i>APACHE BLESSING <br />
Now you will feel no rain,<br />
for each of you will be shelter for the other.<br />
Now you will feel no cold,<br />
for each of you will be warmth to the other.<br />
Now there will be no loneliness,<br />
for each of you will be companion to the other.<br />
Now you are two persons,<br />
but there is only one life before you.<br />
May beauty surround you both in the<br />
journey ahead and through all the years,<br />
May happiness be your companion and<br />
your days together be good and long upon the earth.<br />
</i><br />
<br />
<a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/c4SVs5lig3i-7IIh7ME5JET_WJxXpt-SADsYjdsSIA8?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_mnTlgxHsJRM/TFXbByInisI/AAAAAAAAKZE/brq2UGcClAg/s400/ceremony147.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
<b>And now, let us shower Chris and Shelli with good wishes as they enter a new chapter of their lives together!</b><br />
<br />
<a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/RItlwK6WNcTanAmkd-r2HUT_WJxXpt-SADsYjdsSIA8?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_mnTlgxHsJRM/TFXbDJWoNCI/AAAAAAAAKZI/sXN13KRsWNs/s400/ceremony162.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
I might have to do another post about our portraits and reception! This one is way too long already. I enjoyed reliving the ceremony as I posted it.shellihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03514436012102653386noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4921025047324896320.post-58913709644440811152010-08-07T13:36:00.000-04:002010-08-07T13:36:00.529-04:00Visit From Walt and Ellie - part 2After a wonderful relaxing weekend at the shore, we headed up to the wonderful but not entirely relaxing city. We were all tired when we got home, and I made mac and cheese and we walked around, showing W&E our neighborhood. I went to work, and the next morning when I got home, we headed out. We walked around for awhile. We checked out an exhibit in Madison Square Park that consists of statues of people. I couldn't resist taking an awkward photo next to the naked guy.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/PYW4maTJrVxUO4h3aCEEnU8RqdP4WTAXyPMAXFHQk8A?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_mnTlgxHsJRM/TFXRppL1wvI/AAAAAAAAKUo/HFyFp8QDXvM/s400/IMG_9124.JPG" /></a><br />
<br />
Most of the statues are on buildings, and many people have called the police, thinking that they are real people who will jump!<br />
<br />
<a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/PsmC_P24ksnQB_Kt9PUPF08RqdP4WTAXyPMAXFHQk8A?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_mnTlgxHsJRM/TFXRqwnrFsI/AAAAAAAAKUw/-Msa3MXgrfY/s400/IMG_9126.JPG" /></a><br />
<br />
After discovering that several of our plans were thwarted because of places being closed on Mondays (gets me every time!) we headed to Pearl Oyster Bar for lunch. Maybe you've heard of their <a href="http://shellwithcurls.blogspot.com/2009/08/lobster-rolls.html">amazing lobster rolls</a>?<br />
<br />
<a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/AK1u5aHlXe4_PaRTD5uTq08RqdP4WTAXyPMAXFHQk8A?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_mnTlgxHsJRM/TFXRsRUgrYI/AAAAAAAAKU0/ptk9sDsdPwU/s400/IMG_9127.JPG" /></a><br />
<br />
We walked up to the High Line Park which was fun.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/niydO6zIk1Meq3CZZ--vWE8RqdP4WTAXyPMAXFHQk8A?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_mnTlgxHsJRM/TFXRtuVkRuI/AAAAAAAAKU4/faUTL1o_JFg/s400/IMG_9130.JPG" /></a><br />
<br />
<a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/KBmcNRnQFkAy2hV6TGUxDk8RqdP4WTAXyPMAXFHQk8A?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_mnTlgxHsJRM/TFXRvCCd5jI/AAAAAAAAKU8/lnc5KxaI0CE/s400/IMG_9131.JPG" /></a><br />
<br />
After Chris went to work, we walked around a little bit more and saw a movie shoot with Kate Hudson. That was pretty cool.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/SsxM7wj5caiXkZFOzAWwkk8RqdP4WTAXyPMAXFHQk8A?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_mnTlgxHsJRM/TFXRwgpfp-I/AAAAAAAAKVA/HMMri10iVMc/s400/IMG_9132.JPG" /></a><br />
<br />
<a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/9W10-JmVVbljKFIDzhLVUE8RqdP4WTAXyPMAXFHQk8A?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_mnTlgxHsJRM/TFXRx6Dop7I/AAAAAAAAKVE/lVayivwFl1o/s400/IMG_9133.JPG" /></a><br />
<br />
<a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/L16bMLjpVH-KG0Zwolr3YU8RqdP4WTAXyPMAXFHQk8A?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_mnTlgxHsJRM/TFXRyzxlYKI/AAAAAAAAKVI/EWMgWtiViC0/s400/IMG_9136.JPG" /></a><br />
<br />
I almost got a good shot of her, but didn't check it till I got home, only to discover that a cab foiled my plan!<br />
<br />
<a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/zx4s1i7VUsBHfxj8b31N-08RqdP4WTAXyPMAXFHQk8A?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_mnTlgxHsJRM/TFXR0Kb4YAI/AAAAAAAAKVM/2bbedU8d0Ug/s400/IMG_9137.JPG" /></a><br />
<br />
The rest of us went back to our apartment. They gathered up their luggage to head down to the hotel and get checked in.<br />
<br />
The next day, Chris took them to have delicious vietnamese bahn mi sandwiches. One of our favorite meals! I really appreciate both Walt and Ellie being adventurous enough to try many of the unique foods NYC has to offer. Then they went to the Tenement Museum, which is a great place to visit that is not as well known. I hear they had a great time! That night, I met up with them and we headed over to Chris's work to say hello. We got to meet a few people, both coworkers and clients! That was fun. Then we grabbed lunch at the Grey Dog, a relaxed coffee shop/bar/restaurant that is down the street from Chris. We thought he'd be able to meet us, but instead we just brought him a sandwich. Which he said was delicious!<br />
<br />
The next day was great! We all went to Cirque du Soleil!! Chris and I went to Ovo (a travelling show that was passing through Manhattan) a few weeks ago, and the show was AMAZING. I loved it so much, and when Walt and Ellie and I started talking about going to a show, I had to highly recommend it! The best part was that Chris worked overnight for a coworker and then was able to be off the next evening, so he went to the show with us! Even though he was exhausted. But the show was great, great, great. <br />
<br />
I had such a good time on their visit, and I hope they did too!shellihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03514436012102653386noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4921025047324896320.post-79987665790886379832010-08-04T13:33:00.003-04:002010-08-04T13:33:00.199-04:00Visit from Walt and Ellie - part 1Chris's parents recently took a trip out to the East coast. They started their trip in Delaware, with aunt Mary Anne, Walt's sister. We met up with them in Ocean City, NJ. We had a great time out there two years ago when Walt came out to visit... <br />
<br />
(dreamy music playing, haze around the outsides to tell you these pictures are two years old)<br />
<br />
<a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/2PEAHnbFa4xu22QaiW78yE8RqdP4WTAXyPMAXFHQk8A?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_mnTlgxHsJRM/TFXUhCeTj9I/AAAAAAAAKVg/reOYnm0gdDI/s400/IMG_1191.JPG" /></a><br />
<br />
<a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/T9YsOGhZeD5MPXjWCMEO6E8RqdP4WTAXyPMAXFHQk8A?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_mnTlgxHsJRM/TFXUj5oTteI/AAAAAAAAKVo/zk9rqpnDgs4/s400/IMG_1203.JPG" /></a><br />
<br />
<a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/yBlehpxZWZENAKaPZCJFGU8RqdP4WTAXyPMAXFHQk8A?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_mnTlgxHsJRM/TFXUk2awdEI/AAAAAAAAKVs/J86nGHe6tqE/s400/IMG_1217.JPG" /></a><br />
<br />
<a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/BfExQTgm0YzRvJCLTViXA08RqdP4WTAXyPMAXFHQk8A?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_mnTlgxHsJRM/TFXUm_ayp4I/AAAAAAAAKV0/kET7r3rUP9g/s400/IMG_1234.JPG" /></a><br />
<br />
<a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/G0LZdee89Ql6jBnt5OIPBk8RqdP4WTAXyPMAXFHQk8A?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghR08D-xJryb2UqFuHoLnn9_JwnmN-6WAFOTxgKThqtY-OCjEYtQcIZtLcfKuplC57Kgkti0YD0TRWNo65fnVndMGUIhNmraFzBz1bjNuz7t1ddIBdfmP1sDEVeKQMgvE986fGHJg_3w/s400/IMG_1259.JPG" /></a><br />
<br />
<a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/2eaHto1sO4J2DlUo1yF67E8RqdP4WTAXyPMAXFHQk8A?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZnVyWT1aolShwN7htgvAiG2noKWSiRANUD5XMrQqnuGSb-z3SPr3Ntel-vdSkGMXjpI7RpWqLgQG2K5WF5biLS4NQ4Nar9xSWmX78kEPPOv3eVqKSadxkLT8TVWOMRNO-CQAf7JKNTg/s400/IMG_1263.JPG" /></a><br />
<br />
<a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/7RTVqUSEshoKunmMZw7DoE8RqdP4WTAXyPMAXFHQk8A?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_mnTlgxHsJRM/TFXUrBOQCBI/AAAAAAAAKWA/pcPzMb4yV1A/s400/IMG_1278.JPG" /></a><br />
<br />
<a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/FwpnIk-jByIyZCrjoOlGOk8RqdP4WTAXyPMAXFHQk8A?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0Dr4kf3o5WweKQ4GP0aphKBRJX790z-o3-pHTL1ohvGzedLW7WmKhyphenhyphenSFaZANbcOEOtZytaI0vXHApIvWqzXs_eua3GsxLYlcMCGRT45O6WzsScG_oe1DatvMiBd5TSPX0K6wPUSEnNw/s400/IMG_1280.JPG" /></a><br />
<br />
<a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/DMLR_tUZHH24BMLovwHXnE8RqdP4WTAXyPMAXFHQk8A?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_mnTlgxHsJRM/TFXUtM_nwbI/AAAAAAAAKWI/LJ-M3gSsYz8/s400/IMG_1388.JPG" /></a><br />
<br />
<a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/jtLzZH8Vo2FFt6ooZOC5Zk8RqdP4WTAXyPMAXFHQk8A?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_mnTlgxHsJRM/TFXUmAMYqVI/AAAAAAAAKVw/kyiTjZtcwp4/s400/IMG_1228.JPG" /></a><br />
<br />
(snap back to present)<br />
<br />
Unfortunately, this time the weather was too cool to swim. We had a great time anyway. <br />
<br />
<a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/wbAVOlklZ1Ie86LlwEEcpU8RqdP4WTAXyPMAXFHQk8A?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_mnTlgxHsJRM/TFXQ-GDyYTI/AAAAAAAAKUI/mFT0bKm3FVQ/s400/IMG_9106.JPG" /></a><br />
<br />
Lilly loves being at the beach house!<br />
<br />
<a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/TEJ-Sg3UYCjLcJz_GkRIJ08RqdP4WTAXyPMAXFHQk8A?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_mnTlgxHsJRM/TFXRBa7T81I/AAAAAAAAKUU/NBX3ERhtnzk/s400/IMG_9109.JPG" /></a><br />
<br />
<a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/CQxvBmoI1ln-PaVemUVTck8RqdP4WTAXyPMAXFHQk8A?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3UVahGW5zxspOwgISQAfsebQRQUH2Ngc5ea3vdGTArG281cDjMoNoKSsFlQa7oxXG2yy8WmWoI7efZpF8UXUF5unHWJJsRH4uYE9GhLV1AS8_lyY6RZN2ameO7ukotF7XxbC8cUL73Q/s400/IMG_9111.JPG" /></a><br />
<br />
I tried to get a shot of Walt napping, but he woke up after I took this one and before I had a chance to adjust my camera settings.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/r7f8YJzzmcKg4gyQS96kwU8RqdP4WTAXyPMAXFHQk8A?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFGHMbStkLapGN6JkUdythjZdH9A1DMbWjw7tsH17nEovDyEMrCIWTQrxaIvBgTRHHc3n9CyD0tOC5B0gbItihy04nzoL0quuQzYfmwsa6aogI5ASNDs4jzz2bKi1lhJWodg1WE5f3bQ/s400/IMG_9105.JPG" /></a><br />
<br />
<a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/3C0CBfobgeXea1Y7wlkTD08RqdP4WTAXyPMAXFHQk8A?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhT5mw6nBgiKm0IAWgNslzZF9mlx6BOwoyTSDCgEFCDcn48dILQZfjNNuCUjZAxf53BnhmC5MO-lCk7GbgtPxkk_QaYF1WLE20IZ66kqJ8v_fBELu42wnvU-jjVAGVGYWuTIu0zOqjsnA/s400/IMG_9108.JPG" /></a><br />
<br />
Chris took a nap too.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/df7Bq_acbDKYFFf7eWGcLE8RqdP4WTAXyPMAXFHQk8A?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCwchgOo_Q4otVJkwPW-gOMhio1t_bQx-mcbgdAiNVC17Kw-fASNqKhOaEInCu27YgoRiLcdnpFmneGG7ocDCMVYAHk_sehgDDiDFkZFCx9GDIDIMb5O9gA2qZdfrMC2Ay7bjgcSdeCQ/s400/IMG_9107.JPG" /></a><br />
<br />
We are hoping for another trip down to Ocean City soon, one that involves swimming!<br />
<br />
<a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/R9spJUOzIFB_PhSt91zM-E8RqdP4WTAXyPMAXFHQk8A?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_mnTlgxHsJRM/TFXRXtUUdyI/AAAAAAAAKUk/nlfjWIQ-GOM/s400/IMG_9123.JPG" /></a>shellihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03514436012102653386noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4921025047324896320.post-44004117705822595642010-08-03T21:27:00.000-04:002010-08-03T21:27:36.132-04:00I have a tumblr!What the heck is a tumblr? Well, instead of cutting back on my blogging... apparently I've created a new blog. I don't know if this will surprise anybody. It is on tumblr.com and can be accessed <a href="http://shellwithcurls.tumblr.com/">here</a>. I will still update this blog, and the updates for shelli's thoughts and pics will show up on my tumblr site, along with random photos and links and maybe a video or two if I get that working. Stop by and check it out!shellihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03514436012102653386noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4921025047324896320.post-19222072420885473102010-08-01T21:56:00.000-04:002010-08-01T21:56:52.581-04:00Where have you been?You'll notice a whole new look for my blog! I needed a change. I've been neglecting my blog. The reason is that I just feel like it is pretty time consuming the way I blog right now. I really enjoy blogging in my current format, photos interspersed with text. But it takes me longer than I'd like to create the posts. I'm looking into other options. For the time being, it looks like I will be doing shorter posts. A short post is better than no post at all, I guess! In the meantime, I had a few posts already written so enjoy those!shellihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03514436012102653386noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4921025047324896320.post-9254778270658634892010-07-19T18:25:00.007-04:002010-07-19T18:45:58.101-04:00Meet The New Landlord...Same as the old landlord. Yes, we are completely moved. I had this post all planned out a month ago when we started the moving saga... but then the actual move ended up taking a lot of time. As you can imagine. Soon after we found out that we had to move, our landlord showed us another apartment in a building two doors down. <br />
<br />
<a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/S_ChrRqPQy31-Jmgd85cXbP693OCotnwP67MBFZ5pXw?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_mnTlgxHsJRM/TETMWh10BlI/AAAAAAAAKS0/vBJjDhBTVLw/s400/IMG_9221.JPG" /></a><br />
<br />
This apartment was the exact same square footage as the one we were losing but was a two bedroom. <br />
<br />
<a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/rpCBSJ9x8Q98k_xBFqYrALP693OCotnwP67MBFZ5pXw?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCPl3CJCpIYecJzGWWJzItGB3BtglnttB69FjQwjZmeuYlOzu_8DgNO5FD5uUZeAqDybujVRII-H5j6Bw6ng4BIZP5x1KM5TQNefn45RFu9Nykfiw11ig63Op3Ls7dG7fz45zNRr1FAQ/s400/IMG_9222.JPG" /></a><br />
<br />
And it was cheaper, which was a huge plus! It didn't have a dishwasher or washing machine in it, but those were perks we had never expected to find in our price range. <br />
<br />
<a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/EpUywhwEop46RFdwlqMq47P693OCotnwP67MBFZ5pXw?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_mnTlgxHsJRM/TETMZAucVWI/AAAAAAAAKS8/f6h1rblSQ1I/s400/IMG_9223.JPG" /></a><br />
<br />
One of the biggest bonuses was that since we would be going through the same landlord, there would be no messy search/application/deposit with the new place. So we decided to go for it. <br />
<br />
<a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/QA8DnMe_eYykY8VCHZP1_bP693OCotnwP67MBFZ5pXw?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_mnTlgxHsJRM/TETMameV_pI/AAAAAAAAKTA/h7eI2OMWRm8/s400/IMG_9224.JPG" /></a><br />
<br />
One thing that made the move a little easier was that we could take our time. We took about a week to move. We only worked together on it twice, to move the big stuff. Since we were working opposite schedules, we each moved when we were home. This made the time DRAG. It was pretty awful. We moved from a 4th floor walkup to a 4th floor walkup. I even made a video to give you an idea of what our moving experience was like:<br />
<br />
<object width="640" height="385"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/8BPbMzrDBRA&hl=en_US&fs=1?rel=0"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/8BPbMzrDBRA&hl=en_US&fs=1?rel=0" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="640" height="385"></embed></object><br />
Its like you are right by my sidee... except that you're not dripping sweat. Now just imagine doing that about 20 times a day for a week. I definitely got my workout. The first day, I spent about 3 hours moving and this was all I accomplished.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/Zy-jIzgh4z0zPB0HVtioR7P693OCotnwP67MBFZ5pXw?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_mnTlgxHsJRM/TETMbxxs0tI/AAAAAAAAKTE/O2UiL2Ng_Kw/s400/IMG_9225.JPG" /></a><br />
<br />
I definitely do not recommend this type of move to anyone. But now we are done! And we can just relax and enjoy having a new second bedroom, which is a luxury I thought I would never have in NYC!shellihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03514436012102653386noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4921025047324896320.post-22091637564751392722010-07-15T15:10:00.000-04:002010-07-15T15:10:20.486-04:00I Have An Excuse!I haven't posted because 1) we moved and I haven't had time, but more importantly 2) we have no internet access. It is very frustrating! We're hoping the cable guy will make it over today, he already went to the wrong address once and we had to cancel the appointment another time. Yes, I have internet access at work, but posting without access to my own computer means no pictures - and what's the fun in that? But never fear, I have several blog posts written in my mind, and soon enough they will appear on your screen. Don't give up on me!shellihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03514436012102653386noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4921025047324896320.post-19703921748301721172010-06-22T13:07:00.001-04:002010-06-22T20:43:49.540-04:00A Little Road TripLast month, my uncle Richard passed away. I am sad that he is gone, and I think daily about his children, wife, and brothers (including my dad). <br />
<br />
<a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/5C1frSbj9GkQSvLxs5eyXUBONKaNoe9c6bNoR3hH1GY?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_mnTlgxHsJRM/TCFXSb0MVGI/AAAAAAAAKSE/IuNsjKwgvC4/s400/IMG_9070.JPG" /></a><br />
<br />
Chris and I drove out to Ohio to attend the memorial service, and it was nice to get to see some family that I don't see very often. We all went out to dinner together. We did just get to see Lindsay, Mark, and Tyler on our road trip in April, and now we've seen them more often this year than in the two decades before that. Next time, hope we don't all wait so long to be together again!<br />
<br />
<a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/4O-2r4uzdgpqTZz62brzgUBONKaNoe9c6bNoR3hH1GY?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_mnTlgxHsJRM/TCFXN3tJkNI/AAAAAAAAKR4/saqUQBOQmN8/s400/IMG_9067.JPG" /></a><br />
<br />
<a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/kl2UAICfAP6_Pv821EtBgkBONKaNoe9c6bNoR3hH1GY?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_mnTlgxHsJRM/TCFXPQRYNsI/AAAAAAAAKR8/v5SDBalxFm0/s400/IMG_9068.JPG" /></a><br />
<br />
<a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/USZ76k68p33ICvzgV4AWh0BONKaNoe9c6bNoR3hH1GY?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_mnTlgxHsJRM/TCFXQ7jawAI/AAAAAAAAKSA/0fLUUDaAM9M/s400/IMG_9069.JPG" /></a><br />
<br />
<a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/nS80ESqUgLkrEM14JHeX7EBONKaNoe9c6bNoR3hH1GY?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_mnTlgxHsJRM/TCFXWPyxXsI/AAAAAAAAKSM/fi4bbddiRsE/s400/IMG_9073.JPG" /></a><br />
<br />
<a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/TBRS1Vqw19BvRNNFfbSjG0BONKaNoe9c6bNoR3hH1GY?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_mnTlgxHsJRM/TCFXX7ZlQQI/AAAAAAAAKSQ/t3l9Ra-nsSU/s400/IMG_9079.JPG" /></a><br />
<br />
<a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/jM0ULxatalUnMqvahBSyYUBONKaNoe9c6bNoR3hH1GY?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_mnTlgxHsJRM/TCFXUc4G6MI/AAAAAAAAKSI/N5taq-rFACs/s400/IMG_9071.JPG" /></a><br />
<br />
After dinner, we lounged around at the hotel.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/lkt5vA-vNvl2YpqkoD0GG0BONKaNoe9c6bNoR3hH1GY?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-8f4tLfOIR-3Boxa9RjsV5-hDY4sWMU6IKSTzEuMGYubdf-gGP-b-pAQX87wY4myGOLMUaJNFZkNUz4BTAoH2kFZl1pLsGzyhxAR2HtBhyphenhyphen2XM9eSC-r3zbW2vJ2qfSbWezbt84A3mlg/s400/IMG_9089.JPG" /></a><br />
<br />
<a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/enF36kc8mehyGiQFlB0qkkBONKaNoe9c6bNoR3hH1GY?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_mnTlgxHsJRM/TCFXa7SjxVI/AAAAAAAAKSY/GWXb5KCS7s4/s400/IMG_9092.JPG" /></a><br />
<br />
<a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/Ea0BVzTfRtQv3QUNDynaCUBONKaNoe9c6bNoR3hH1GY?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_mnTlgxHsJRM/TCFXcbV8o-I/AAAAAAAAKSc/We3kTb4MQ2M/s400/IMG_9101.JPG" /></a><br />
<br />
It was a sad occasion, but a nice visit.shellihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03514436012102653386noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4921025047324896320.post-70109432467805926342010-06-09T14:00:00.000-04:002010-06-09T14:00:03.643-04:00Portraits part 2Gotta love this shot with the nakey baby. Of course, you always risk a little pee on the bed when you try something like this.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/o-S9Nkdme107eJYJF2czTLgVrl9ZUHWU60JAdxt0k9s?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_mnTlgxHsJRM/TAvZtB-XfUI/AAAAAAAAKPo/CoGEySe_huM/s400/IMG_8619.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
<a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/kcB4aU1Shp-rUMncg4W5nrgVrl9ZUHWU60JAdxt0k9s?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_mnTlgxHsJRM/TAvZuqwQAFI/AAAAAAAAKPs/OfxmvooyHbc/s400/IMG_8619_2.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
Look, mommy, I'm supergirl!<br />
<br />
<a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/4YgNLhvmf2ntEutKLYt6u7gVrl9ZUHWU60JAdxt0k9s?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_mnTlgxHsJRM/TAvZvorC-VI/AAAAAAAAKPw/Oow3v-8HBeg/s400/IMG_8642.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
This is one of my favorites from the day, and I hope its one of Katie's, too. Beautiful daddy-daughter moment.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/YzFVJcTEvfugvJKFdDOqZLgVrl9ZUHWU60JAdxt0k9s?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_mnTlgxHsJRM/TAvZwnkyHtI/AAAAAAAAKP0/N9G_aQVoLCA/s400/IMG_8647_1.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
<a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/s19az5rMWP0R3IKatuAnNbgVrl9ZUHWU60JAdxt0k9s?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_mnTlgxHsJRM/TAvZxzWfNGI/AAAAAAAAKP4/YP3OkvobNek/s400/IMG_8700_2.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
<a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/YIwsxsc1UHgykLtlOFiEjLgVrl9ZUHWU60JAdxt0k9s?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhp5ipK6JhXlsXe0mVxNKtzF-1Lt4a_bYMXreqhW5VQ-rkxVh7onusInnA5eErc1ZfZwCSAGy8ohphM-P1seHQCEh7Vqt2VwHP-2r3TVB9qqixKR0ESQCZ7OSvfujtZumk2O2MkmNUHDA/s400/IMG_8718.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
<a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/XxG41axYHFWFZ8rYf2iKCbgVrl9ZUHWU60JAdxt0k9s?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_mnTlgxHsJRM/TAvZ1IleSoI/AAAAAAAAKQA/q3RXg87LBTw/s400/IMG_8729.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
<a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/TPdpTl2lyyoVm-HX64dGOLgVrl9ZUHWU60JAdxt0k9s?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_mnTlgxHsJRM/TAvZ2yXBfGI/AAAAAAAAKQE/9tEArAfXLaI/s400/IMG_8761_2.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
<a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/G8HiSOAfg4nlNJwb4fmVObgVrl9ZUHWU60JAdxt0k9s?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_mnTlgxHsJRM/TAvZ48u2DaI/AAAAAAAAKQI/od3WKLlnbq0/s400/IMG_8788.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
<a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/lNkyoWTgY2KR_sxU0Ci2MLgVrl9ZUHWU60JAdxt0k9s?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_mnTlgxHsJRM/TAvZ5_VoDqI/AAAAAAAAKQM/iUGdW-LoK8w/s400/IMG_8836_2.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
Later the sun came out, so we put on a pretty sundress and headed outside to capture a few more shots! <br />
<br />
<a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/bpsX6B80DizFNm67AgVabbgVrl9ZUHWU60JAdxt0k9s?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_mnTlgxHsJRM/TAvZ7ffxg8I/AAAAAAAAKQQ/Wft9kcoOX6w/s400/IMG_8870.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
<a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/MWwqLD3T55iNOV2mt33obrgVrl9ZUHWU60JAdxt0k9s?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmiNIAknN4kSOf3PSECC2rb_lgda6mvPoZnLRiuUWcCBWKekJ0D6Oa6yzzHEM46BWX7J_iYPjfTzOQ80UvfHy7mTjo6XYReBwFoCyZ05ImNiG6sBrfCTnRQ0GE8cimbCf8V6zj5gNGIQ/s400/IMG_8872.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
<a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/atlSGaDrHGLIFan1zrcjYrgVrl9ZUHWU60JAdxt0k9s?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_mnTlgxHsJRM/TAvZ_LQAXDI/AAAAAAAAKQY/zv0aHzsLbE0/s400/IMG_8914_1.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
I LOVED Ev's little robe, and was really happy when we headed over to the pool to get some bathing beauty shots. Too adorable!<br />
<br />
<a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/y_b4M7J5scwa_0B9v_LxirgVrl9ZUHWU60JAdxt0k9s?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_mnTlgxHsJRM/TAvaAGs1cbI/AAAAAAAAKQc/69fDVBpYvXQ/s400/IMG_8948.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
<a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/JTZhKYQyq5OYGeYiqgWEb7gVrl9ZUHWU60JAdxt0k9s?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_mnTlgxHsJRM/TAvaA9DEqvI/AAAAAAAAKQg/-CN1Z0UhSPs/s400/IMG_8967.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
<a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/igMYIqkThakxDKKLSEiyO7gVrl9ZUHWU60JAdxt0k9s?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_mnTlgxHsJRM/TAvaB2brB7I/AAAAAAAAKQk/O3eV_BK9k5Q/s400/IMG_8970.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
<a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/dH0zh3twnD0IkXPe9c8VOLgVrl9ZUHWU60JAdxt0k9s?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_mnTlgxHsJRM/TAvaC9GaqNI/AAAAAAAAKQo/BzC3Pahnf8k/s400/IMG_8978.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
<a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/DfUZZKg4y8DmaXSzKUa3srgVrl9ZUHWU60JAdxt0k9s?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBE39ybEcxQBHvlf1Eqdc2kdcEm9wyr5dXOpEvzpFb93FVJAsySPFGjQcNS4DK-TmBV-7bvdT_NPfNDKd6IFl1D3P0km7xnQudd9LUgNKHuFGB52YEA8DylfTeXSsGW7f2gemyErHajw/s400/IMG_9013.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
Curt and Katie are both former lifeguards, and Ev is an experienced swimmer already.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/izDEYwFTwTeiykYJQiG0T7gVrl9ZUHWU60JAdxt0k9s?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_mnTlgxHsJRM/TAvaF4ACKLI/AAAAAAAAKQw/IKXRTzQqP-4/s400/IMG_9016.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
They go to the pool 2-3 times a week, and she always goes underwater...<br />
<br />
<a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/TMfBGtW_Xih2gTnrEBkMl7gVrl9ZUHWU60JAdxt0k9s?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_mnTlgxHsJRM/TAvaG6KTSSI/AAAAAAAAKQ0/E99Qa3ACeys/s400/IMG_9021.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
<a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/9LpbnO4_gkAqMRCZNj3UwbgVrl9ZUHWU60JAdxt0k9s?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEbp3su2sVJn57rWB7ovFh7tBcTCJ9ldK9XIMQS01TVFqUqZqqiqPCHl_MhGvW1nRVk9KAYZNTroxETqihCeRiBslIj3kGNU2k7PL3Ay6FRGGOnd38YUEScZw4vLFuiHRIe38M0WcZug/s400/IMG_9022.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
<a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/3pnoClH4zU_YT_srP6oPdLgVrl9ZUHWU60JAdxt0k9s?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_mnTlgxHsJRM/TAvaI7koeRI/AAAAAAAAKQ8/vhxrIZIbFzM/s400/IMG_9023.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
<a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/vsc1C9_FYRJGLoqLxA3DybgVrl9ZUHWU60JAdxt0k9s?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_mnTlgxHsJRM/TAvaJ8-cZ-I/AAAAAAAAKRA/ouB6C_kFAyc/s400/IMG_9024.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
But that doesn't mean she always likes it!<br />
<br />
<a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/qtyJekle4EYbcsheP89Dy7gVrl9ZUHWU60JAdxt0k9s?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPH4fEz7QjuweHozBf9fSJkOPMkKPZbw96X8dEnQsLc80HG2OFFVfcp8OuGpxvx5hk-MckqBvTzb4XdaGhJOfS_Ompmb04wwXt3XC9M8FSSER8mKaKi7airbMHrKOazkpuZkjorMuzwA/s400/IMG_9025.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
I had so much fun taking these pictures! Hope to get more portraits of the Weavers soon!!shellihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03514436012102653386noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4921025047324896320.post-87457386377369865222010-06-07T12:31:00.000-04:002010-06-07T12:31:00.194-04:00Portrait SessionWe recently took a little road trip to Burlington for the weekend. We had a great time, and the best part was that we got to see good friends Curt and Katie that we hadn't seen for months. We also got to meet baby Evie! Evelyn was born back in September and we've all been so busy that we haven't been able to get together, so this was a special treat for us. She was so charming and adorable. They were patient enough to let me practice my portrait-taking with them! I was happy with how the photos came out. Processing them in the computer took some time, and I was guilty to take almost a month to get them to Katie, but they're finally done and ready for their debut! I picked a few of my favorites to share with everyone.<br />
<br />
We started outside, at a park in front of Lake Champlaign. <br />
<br />
<a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/diWN_whh-whWUZWEuxI6JLgVrl9ZUHWU60JAdxt0k9s?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_mnTlgxHsJRM/TAvZWLM4CxI/AAAAAAAAKOQ/c8sg9x7epRc/s400/IMG_8431.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
<a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/4MPinyLM5C_FiWjPiLEXgLgVrl9ZUHWU60JAdxt0k9s?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_mnTlgxHsJRM/TAvZXGgLoBI/AAAAAAAAKOU/SG9vxTz3SNo/s400/IMG_8438.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
<a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/ItlrTOjZ6w0cn_xoX6Xw-bgVrl9ZUHWU60JAdxt0k9s?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_mnTlgxHsJRM/TAvZYTF0m4I/AAAAAAAAKOY/oNcfIQ7UX10/s400/IMG_8444.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
<a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/91ObthNSCgjqDZcLyclaO7gVrl9ZUHWU60JAdxt0k9s?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_mnTlgxHsJRM/TAvZZeLpFaI/AAAAAAAAKOc/IxDEkyPsXe4/s400/IMG_8450_1.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
It started to rain, but we found some shelter and busted out the umbrella!<br />
<br />
<a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/1diz4Gn5BTEJsu0k-po66bgVrl9ZUHWU60JAdxt0k9s?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_mnTlgxHsJRM/TAvZkoE3oTI/AAAAAAAAKPE/o9VZb0V53Rw/s400/IMG_8551.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
<a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/zFvz0WBAzLU0PD3OTrck07gVrl9ZUHWU60JAdxt0k9s?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_mnTlgxHsJRM/TAvZatN-B_I/AAAAAAAAKOg/fCyykUMHXO0/s400/IMG_8469.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
How adorable is Evie??<br />
<br />
<a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/0qU71uuAugkuINbAGa7HargVrl9ZUHWU60JAdxt0k9s?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_mnTlgxHsJRM/TAvZbjcXMlI/AAAAAAAAKOk/3i94aIjDzK4/s400/IMG_8484.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
One of my favorite family shots.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/ooKn8Fh4vUeT4IUKRCyEyrgVrl9ZUHWU60JAdxt0k9s?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_mnTlgxHsJRM/TAvZc9XMqQI/AAAAAAAAKOo/WnnjJiAjxng/s400/IMG_8486.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
I love the baby-smooching shots...<br />
<br />
<a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/TPPCLhjt2Za-Q48sMK2wibgVrl9ZUHWU60JAdxt0k9s?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_mnTlgxHsJRM/TAvZd48aUSI/AAAAAAAAKOs/rPAUWW-XdZQ/s400/IMG_8495_1.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
<a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/dK3BnNA3li1ZHz-Fvus7AbgVrl9ZUHWU60JAdxt0k9s?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_mnTlgxHsJRM/TAvZf4VXK4I/AAAAAAAAKO0/8JGHn3eDcy0/s400/IMG_8512.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
especially Ev's expression in this one!<br />
<br />
<a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/VtNYjjQFSmrvlLafHR0AfLgVrl9ZUHWU60JAdxt0k9s?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_mnTlgxHsJRM/TAvZg19cFlI/AAAAAAAAKO4/IJ9TOkZicyU/s400/IMG_8516.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
The fist full of glasses cracks me up!<br />
<br />
<a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/SV4NbxaBVIQXnejXghlCFLgVrl9ZUHWU60JAdxt0k9s?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_mnTlgxHsJRM/TAvZe6hXK-I/AAAAAAAAKOw/D3LVXrHiYl8/s400/IMG_8505.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
Katie is too gorgeous. I'll have to do a whole session with just her sometime.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/fuaLTLOro3HyIcwbe8Nd4LgVrl9ZUHWU60JAdxt0k9s?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_mnTlgxHsJRM/TAvZiIkvXBI/AAAAAAAAKO8/uX0qC2rBzuk/s400/IMG_8535.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
This shot was not turning out exactly how I had planned in my head, but I can't help but laugh at how upset Ev was about it all! She definitely got tired of being a model.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/POfcw5-ivpQ2HvFSO8q8b7gVrl9ZUHWU60JAdxt0k9s?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_mnTlgxHsJRM/TAvZjLlFC7I/AAAAAAAAKPA/VwzpTq6qZto/s400/IMG_8525.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
<a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/1wDm-v-O11xbBGDhXXQdFLgVrl9ZUHWU60JAdxt0k9s?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoL4D0mKniLnXdo3LN1fzDSjQAiffh05euB9qs7Avm9Aq0BPLOK_l5JD44t4riFcgLnlyiGmk16Qjp9NpGUMzmECngXYol6RgJOaqG0X4_4SKQQBHmpJoEwoZmatxnQjjnzYHRSN0cqA/s400/IMG_8571.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
<a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/z5tf4vdBx0iaRG3E2S401rgVrl9ZUHWU60JAdxt0k9s?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_mnTlgxHsJRM/TAvZpcZsj4I/AAAAAAAAKPU/iKjO6Thve-o/s400/IMG_8581.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
<a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/zvm2yYrxEzV6kRHOm3XJDbgVrl9ZUHWU60JAdxt0k9s?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_mnTlgxHsJRM/TAvZsKpAZHI/AAAAAAAAKPk/ow_Fx8e2G3o/s400/IMG_8585.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
<a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/N03OXmrs1gk0vyhG152857gVrl9ZUHWU60JAdxt0k9s?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_mnTlgxHsJRM/TAvZqXG-gRI/AAAAAAAAKPc/vtU85-1LWN4/s400/IMG_8583.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
<a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/qZ2c41aal2k8zMgpgLu8HbgVrl9ZUHWU60JAdxt0k9s?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_mnTlgxHsJRM/TAvZrf315AI/AAAAAAAAKPg/g8uas46dLzg/s400/IMG_8584.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
Check out that wicked air!<br />
<br />
I have realized that there are way too many pics for one post. So, you'll just have to be in suspense for the second part of the photo shoot!shellihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03514436012102653386noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4921025047324896320.post-14509720441748721542010-06-04T16:57:00.001-04:002010-06-04T16:57:00.670-04:00Spring Vacay part 6<a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/l9YwlFg-VeZpeLuP0UiFITpLSv8tvPb3Fb_OAHsbw9A?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_mnTlgxHsJRM/S_P-r9v1oMI/AAAAAAAAKJk/2-Ja5LsmeOU/s400/map%20day%206.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
The second night of sleep in our campsite was better than the first. Maybe Lilly was used to the birdy neighbors, or maybe just too exhausted to care! Either way, we all slept better. We hit the road early, since we had a full day of driving in front of us. Our first stop - another dog park! <br />
<br />
<a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/AXj8ghO5friNgZokj5j-WciID4-LizVJYJhS2GnnVQs?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_mnTlgxHsJRM/TAbLVVScfoI/AAAAAAAAKNk/tMOa-WFxsyU/s400/IMG_8330.JPG" /></a><br />
<br />
I have to say that Charleston has amazing dog parks. They are so nice and accessible, it cost us $1 each time to enter the park area (which included more than just the dog park, but we didn't check anything else out) and it was so worth it! This time, some other doggies showed up to keep Lilly company.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/ii-l5jpUf9yUbWzq6O9_hMiID4-LizVJYJhS2GnnVQs?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_mnTlgxHsJRM/TAbLTKoAZWI/AAAAAAAAKNc/CZ8fBevx4Po/s400/IMG_8328.JPG" /></a><br />
<br />
She had a blast running around and it was nice to have the little wooded area for her to play in. <br />
<br />
<a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/4LFJolpCCon9W_f0TUpFc8iID4-LizVJYJhS2GnnVQs?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_mnTlgxHsJRM/TAbLRh5_BiI/AAAAAAAAKNY/hRbuffBWsSk/s400/IMG_8327.JPG" /></a><br />
<br />
After that, we were really ready to go. As we drove, we kept seeing billboards advertising one spot. I knew we wouldn't want to eat there, but was curious about the place. It is called "South of the Border" and is a collection of attractions in South Carolina (but just south of North Carolina).<br />
<br />
<a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/JB7kz_8bQtbatDlVlQxUm8iID4-LizVJYJhS2GnnVQs?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_mnTlgxHsJRM/TAbLWlLK3GI/AAAAAAAAKNo/H3Hz1s-uIVs/s400/IMG_8332.JPG" /></a><br />
<br />
It was totally sketchy. There were restaurants, motels, gift shops, and a little amusement park. We got off and sort of drove around but didn't have any interest in stopping at any of them! We did see a sign that said "internet cafe" and thought that would be worth checking out. It was at the end of a long building with "Flea Market" signs. We thought it was odd when we walked up to the door and it was locked, but there was a bell, so we rang it. We were buzzed into a dark, smoky room filled with slot machines! Ha! This was the most crowded place we saw. The whole place was so sketchy. We used the bathrooms, but there was no wireless internet to be had, and we didn't feel like hanging around to ask for a computer to use. We hustled out of there very quickly, I didn't get any photos, even from the outside - I was a little afraid the pit boss would be after me! As we left, just north of the building, we noticed a small sign on the road (not the big pretty colorful kind) that said "North Carolina border". We figured NC and SC must have different gambling laws, and this spot capitalizes on that. Oh well! Anyway we were back on the highway pretty quickly.<br />
<br />
But we still had to eat. I had used my phone's web browser to discover a seafood restaurant that got good reviews, just a little bit off the highway, so we headed there. It looked pretty busy, late lunch crowd by the time we got there, maybe 2pm. But we walked in and found out that it was a buffet restaurant. I am not always thrilled about the idea of eating food that has been sitting on warmers for hours, and wasn't feeling adventurous enough to try it this time. We looked around and just headed for a Mexican restaurant that was across the parking lot. LUCKY! It was delicious! <br />
<br />
<a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/iNgbbLmgj4xiVH9x6hufIsiID4-LizVJYJhS2GnnVQs?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7T2fGY6PkQ2hZh81Jl6u5suMT5lEniBXCAuhYh5ML_HErheCmGAeNdF_7R5SiPIevlQD-TmCLhnzj1-krUnyAJSYG6GGHHvEgzMr6ZbfwYjIg_pMNdZxJnjFe42p5NOOXV3zaqUMAXQ/s400/IMG_8334.JPG" /></a><br />
<br />
We had a great lunch at this place, and if I were ever in the area again, I would definitely go back. <br />
<br />
We made one more stop, at the outlet stores. I couldn't resist! We both got new sunglasses, which was nice. A few hours later, we arrived at our stop for the night in Richmond, Virginia. We stayed at a Westin which was extremely nice, especially because they were dog-friendly. (Its pretty much our number one criteria for a hotel.) They had a pool, and we got to do some relaxing swimming. I think the highlight of this stop for Chris was the shower head.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/Nid-mh8hxyCjvms0vLY-IMiID4-LizVJYJhS2GnnVQs?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_mnTlgxHsJRM/TAbLmWZgpnI/AAAAAAAAKOA/F1IGdDsKpc0/s400/IMG_8347.JPG" /></a><br />
<br />
It was pretty cool.<br />
<br />
We got a good dinner recommendation from the guy at the front desk, the Capital Ale House.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/saXi1CrbXH-x5wrQslr3FsiID4-LizVJYJhS2GnnVQs?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_mnTlgxHsJRM/TAbLbKqZCOI/AAAAAAAAKN4/g1ivBi5Thns/s400/IMG_8343.JPG" /></a><br />
<br />
They don't brew their own beers but they have gazillions of beers on tap. (And even more in bottles.)<br />
<br />
<a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/bCRteBIUjVrS4XDqkGqEI8iID4-LizVJYJhS2GnnVQs?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_mnTlgxHsJRM/TAbLZ2bFfcI/AAAAAAAAKN0/FpBLhW7_x2k/s400/IMG_8341.JPG" /></a><br />
<br />
They have a very cool strip lining the bar that is frosty so it sort of keeps your beer cold.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/kz6jUOFI2u_t8zp8x_uFQciID4-LizVJYJhS2GnnVQs?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjghAvkfZiaFvhWLEl_IAS1nkV9JsJafdUtNXNMgnYU3XOnNwfCV368PQ852w85-ynQYI1v0HiX7yYyetuuKY0KV5G3Gy6QSAVM-5nBQAzQso-B-BzGTgtP6lb6zXV6mKLEmUdteCGSZg/s400/IMG_8340.JPG" /></a><br />
<br />
Probably more style than function, but neato anyway. And finally went back to the hotel for a very relaxing nights sleep in a soft bed with a fluffy blanket in an air conditioned room. Great way to end the trip. <br />
<br />
<a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/1B_rasTCrAwBI0OyEJ9bociID4-LizVJYJhS2GnnVQs?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgh3JyIAtvoQBbyiIQaX2jB76h5B1sJLfFylPd-0aRtaJmdH_qyNFrjvLJiw7sio0_gKCmCJsZzVBztX-SCEg4f76_NTQ6KqYsykufyvP56ULs2jl8JBTTVvqrb7o06cGRY7_2K_hs4jg/s400/IMG_8351.JPG" /></a><br />
<br />
The next morning, we lounged around for a little while after we woke up, enjoying the gourmet coffee and watching HGTV. Then we had an uneventful drive back to NYC. <br />
<br />
<a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/ln2mJfbNfSreFgEFin9iujpLSv8tvPb3Fb_OAHsbw9A?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_mnTlgxHsJRM/S_P-tHDZcPI/AAAAAAAAKJo/DOhxVuHK2Nw/s400/map%20day%207.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
As always, we were sad to see the vacation end but happy to come home. Thanks for going along on our trip with us!!<br />
<br />
<a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/ye9cOy3Ck__MsytYTY96PciID4-LizVJYJhS2GnnVQs?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_mnTlgxHsJRM/TAbLoIB99jI/AAAAAAAAKOI/aNWsHdlD69A/s400/IMG_8352.JPG" /></a>shellihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03514436012102653386noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4921025047324896320.post-34217277415005790352010-06-02T16:57:00.000-04:002010-06-02T16:57:16.693-04:00Spring Vacay part 5After a very full day capped off by a seafood dinner, we headed back to our campsite to crash for the night. <br />
<br />
<a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/GOXBiNLoNMrLmqy9HQzIhiVFmE4eMHd5V1U8NubFFPA?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_mnTlgxHsJRM/TAbB3stn46I/AAAAAAAAKL4/lG1EY9WSv7Y/s400/IMG_8283.JPG" /></a><br />
<br />
None of us slept very well that night, since Lilly was pretty anxious, probably about the ducks and geese that surrounded us. We could hear them quacking overnight. They walked right up to our campsite the next morning, but they were a little camera shy at first...<br />
<br />
<a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/Oi4NbwPwxDxSZBjUxcuxdCVFmE4eMHd5V1U8NubFFPA?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_mnTlgxHsJRM/TAbByYeF6OI/AAAAAAAAKLo/q4Nd9njkrxI/s400/IMG_8275.JPG" /></a><br />
<br />
<a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/AUrpIT1rXJJbUiEAt9H49SVFmE4eMHd5V1U8NubFFPA?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_mnTlgxHsJRM/TAbBvGDXNII/AAAAAAAAKLg/kZ90k3Tt4iQ/s400/IMG_8273.JPG" /></a><br />
<br />
<a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/AMQ-kWpu8HMMvzIUeC9EviVFmE4eMHd5V1U8NubFFPA?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_mnTlgxHsJRM/TAbBw82dmBI/AAAAAAAAKLk/YvZ3QYJQLPk/s400/IMG_8274.JPG" /></a><br />
<br />
I knew they would warm up eventually, though.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/-0rc0TkHb1e9bqAyNmykXyVFmE4eMHd5V1U8NubFFPA?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_mnTlgxHsJRM/TAbB0KYWB2I/AAAAAAAAKLs/vLwijL-T9a0/s400/IMG_8277.JPG" /></a><br />
<br />
<a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/upRayaLznoeDuOc7W1zoTiVFmE4eMHd5V1U8NubFFPA?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_mnTlgxHsJRM/TAbB1pzh_UI/AAAAAAAAKLw/WGHeCrzVfCI/s400/IMG_8278.JPG" /></a><br />
<br />
We discovered another (quieter) neighbor as we were eating some fruit for breakfast.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/sw4IsOJUr503ZSmKDmbcZSVFmE4eMHd5V1U8NubFFPA?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_mnTlgxHsJRM/TAbB2iJhepI/AAAAAAAAKL0/NDDFes1LQkc/s400/IMG_8280.JPG" /></a><br />
<br />
First thing in the morning, we headed downtown for a very pleasant walking tour of Charleston. <br />
<br />
<a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/_Rt9dwsjZJHyj_8sM8inQCVFmE4eMHd5V1U8NubFFPA?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDRfY4h3MJ7Q79JTjBdxHpI-rAKnLwW94heecrnlVKHPF2gopsvcFHkxPQ2Qik6desXLtz9GQRevqvRfBRU6kqAqGMEhg_HzrkFMPaNAojHyzC2Xo3PDplfZAIyUtXULxssSH8DzfDOA/s400/IMG_8284.JPG" /></a><br />
<br />
We hit some traffic on our way into downtown, so we didn't get there in time for the tour we wanted, but there were many others and we didn't have any trouble finding one. I wanted to hear about civil war history, but even though our tour didn't focus on that, it still surrounded us and we picked up bits and pieces. Our tour was more about the history of the city, which was still interesting. It was a lovely day to be walking around. <br />
<br />
<a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/YOv32FCqgR3kXHn0Mh3IpyVFmE4eMHd5V1U8NubFFPA?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_mnTlgxHsJRM/TAbCALpyv_I/AAAAAAAAKMQ/yZaJgr3u9xM/s400/IMG_8293.JPG" /></a><br />
<br />
I loved all the blooming flowers and foliage.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/xDeLfoEiOebe6ivB9CPdhCVFmE4eMHd5V1U8NubFFPA?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_mnTlgxHsJRM/TAbB5-cLnJI/AAAAAAAAKMA/MlmVc0aChAc/s400/IMG_8286.JPG" /></a><br />
<br />
<a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/qWQH6tzmr9dxsWLEjdhe5SVFmE4eMHd5V1U8NubFFPA?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_mnTlgxHsJRM/TAbB6rd1YRI/AAAAAAAAKME/fVNVsR28sjI/s400/IMG_8289.JPG" /></a><br />
<br />
<a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/wCy_r9Yk5pRHsQw7mJrGQiVFmE4eMHd5V1U8NubFFPA?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfI0_hGQU5RsEgjUELXogNh6wMoAVNRnlJ7J7EKaKz-JQ6UFUK1Cd7-4QzY1kQgPRkUenIugH4s79LGZijEAkXLshu5KlLxc2v-fb5V0KYRtVdkbzsmQBmqUgOQrvRO4H__fL1LDbyAg/s400/IMG_8291.JPG" /></a><br />
<br />
I liked the old houses too.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/1bG8WQxcUkoG9lB6pv_S8SVFmE4eMHd5V1U8NubFFPA?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_mnTlgxHsJRM/TAbB-7vSyyI/AAAAAAAAKMM/1BLqLuvc6cE/s400/IMG_8292.JPG" /></a><br />
<br />
<a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/usTxYaTPdpKhfbvyHOviICVFmE4eMHd5V1U8NubFFPA?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_mnTlgxHsJRM/TAbCCdwVijI/AAAAAAAAKMU/noi9TAxm1OY/s400/IMG_8294.JPG" /></a><br />
<br />
<a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/QdlY11RMtFDkYRoQQvQuaCVFmE4eMHd5V1U8NubFFPA?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_mnTlgxHsJRM/TAbCESEcXLI/AAAAAAAAKMY/v0aUdF8flEI/s400/IMG_8295.JPG" /></a><br />
<br />
It included a tour of an old house which is still basically in the same state it was in during the 1800s so that was pretty neat. Although they didn't allow us to take pictures inside, this is the house from the outside.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/qHQvw86SvnoEi4-Rh5ZLeCVFmE4eMHd5V1U8NubFFPA?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQR0C0shhxb-iEs1igvbgGQTEJWhsiZ9jZyXZdkwFiNjf_gV7Uvzu3eGRcyI2n6cC_S4RloGzbO2DZFIoMcOnB423Gxm4R1kadGv3Zk_FenZOq9NR_g8pL1icWmJnRt4yzkCPx6_FXSw/s400/IMG_8296.JPG" /></a><br />
<br />
The Blue Angels also happened to be practicing that day, and I managed to get a couple shots!<br />
<br />
<a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/1WnkP0IbEmY2SnyWNWnH8SVFmE4eMHd5V1U8NubFFPA?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_mnTlgxHsJRM/TAbCGs_WjKI/AAAAAAAAKMg/7W3HZDmjrZg/s400/IMG_8298.JPG" /></a><br />
<br />
<a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/5K1a49OzLwZwC-9GypJ8iyVFmE4eMHd5V1U8NubFFPA?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_mnTlgxHsJRM/TAbCOJgIINI/AAAAAAAAKNA/-9-BEsulfnI/s400/IMG_8316.JPG" /></a><br />
<br />
Not easy, because they fly really fast. They are also quite noisy and I think our guide was getting a little frustrated. <br />
<br />
Next we grabbed lunch at another place that we'd heard good things about, Juanita Greenbergs.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/O8IVJUsI3cj5-yJpgppXhiVFmE4eMHd5V1U8NubFFPA?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_mnTlgxHsJRM/TAbCIjO6gfI/AAAAAAAAKMo/T3sWjS_U0Xc/s400/IMG_8304.JPG" /></a><br />
<br />
We were excited for some really good Mexican food, but weren't that impressed with it. <br />
<br />
<a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/UVUsdUOCrIqrEyQFjWaFayVFmE4eMHd5V1U8NubFFPA?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNKMr0wRaKnj0JoWpjEscGhudWaIQu_MO-bz0p9jXOEdHIMJHs3L-Z3g11QvBHT2oT7-B3gs3sbsnMIGHgmK7A91cx1QorLWukCgV4uQWcd-JBLyHDZL0l9hDKgfcfwdeHNI2Hrsih5g/s400/IMG_8303.JPG" /></a><br />
<br />
The margaritas were decent.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/W73Hh4uynPizNkfe8YAGTiVFmE4eMHd5V1U8NubFFPA?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_mnTlgxHsJRM/TAbCJQrHnsI/AAAAAAAAKMs/lk59zfLbzhY/s400/IMG_8307.JPG" /></a><br />
<br />
Next we headed off to find a dog park - doggies need to enjoy the beautiful day, too! We had asked the waitress at Hyman's for a good one, and she gave us some directions which seemed hard to follow. As it turned out, they were great directions, but we also consulted our best assistant google. There are 3 dog parks in the immediate vicinity of Charleston, but the one we went to that had been suggested by the waitress happened to be closed for the week! What a bummer. We were able to get to another one, even though it was the exact opposite direction, it was totally worth it because Lilly had such a good time running around. It was a large, grassy, well maintained, clean park, and was almost totally empty. We had lots of fun throwing her ball and she got worn out pretty quickly! It was a great find!<br />
<br />
<a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/Jo6SOlA47apbOUbKYi3S6CVFmE4eMHd5V1U8NubFFPA?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_mnTlgxHsJRM/TAbCOx4a-FI/AAAAAAAAKNE/eKMPJ_8tujo/s400/IMG_8319.JPG" /></a><br />
<br />
We finished the day with a little trip to the beach, which was kind of disappointing. It was about 5 by the time we got there, and the wind made it too cool to really want to swim or even take off our long sleeves. We enjoyed reading our books next to the ocean for a while, and then headed off to find some dinner. <br />
<br />
The beach is located on a separate island and the bridge between them was pretty cool.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/1hdl-b6Dl5c7RX8-Qmgv7SVFmE4eMHd5V1U8NubFFPA?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_mnTlgxHsJRM/TAbCMPB_UXI/AAAAAAAAKM4/U1LwTezevuI/s400/IMG_8313.JPG" /></a><br />
<br />
<a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/_i26tE8JPS-NpACkeIs6biVFmE4eMHd5V1U8NubFFPA?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_mnTlgxHsJRM/TAbCNVWxQtI/AAAAAAAAKM8/o0YoNxtUsuo/s400/IMG_8314.JPG" /></a><br />
<br />
For dinner, we found another Mellow Mushroom! <br />
<br />
<a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/1Zpb4MEs5HHybzOUM10sDSVFmE4eMHd5V1U8NubFFPA?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_mnTlgxHsJRM/TAbCKNqJetI/AAAAAAAAKMw/AXMY5F5d4rE/s400/IMG_8309.JPG" /></a><br />
<br />
We ordered a pizza to go, and then sat at the bar for a quick beer while we waited. (We originally discovered Mellow Mushroom in Asheville in <a href="http://shellwithcurls.blogspot.com/2010/05/spring-vacay-part-2.html">part 2</a>, and saw them in a couple of other Carolina cities.) Even after getting our pizza back to the campsite, it was still delicious by the time we ate it. (And I shouldn't admit this, but even after sitting in the car overnight, it was yummy for breakfast!) After our active day and subpar sleep the night before, we hit the hay pretty early. To be continued!shellihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03514436012102653386noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4921025047324896320.post-24052863342924911792010-05-28T22:09:00.000-04:002010-05-28T23:15:53.653-04:00Spring Vacay part 4After lunch in Columbia, SC, we cruised down to Charleston, SC. <br />
<br />
<a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/DZkvBaBjTlZWiNFsZpPzdDpLSv8tvPb3Fb_OAHsbw9A?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_mnTlgxHsJRM/S_P-qzhVoZI/AAAAAAAAKJg/WaZaaUCjMa4/s400/map%20day%205.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
This is an old southern city that is very charming. The entire drive, even from Charlotte to Columbia earlier in the day, was very green. Lots of lush trees lining the highway. It made for some nice driving conditions. <br />
<br />
When we got into Charleston, we checked into our campsite and set up our tent. <br />
<br />
<a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/Hd0cYB1FqgGNJJh9nxhfa8NV0qWLHkJcCKd0flPxGAw?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_mnTlgxHsJRM/TABRw6FAa3I/AAAAAAAAKK8/2KLJ96OZnMI/s400/IMG_8261.JPG" /></a><br />
<br />
We were happy to be setting it up and getting settled in during the daylight hours! <br />
<br />
<a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/yVfeF7hFLNvfCxfRxQMhyMNV0qWLHkJcCKd0flPxGAw?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_mnTlgxHsJRM/TABRvShQDqI/AAAAAAAAKK4/JSf79PHvFJM/s400/IMG_8259.JPG" /></a><br />
<br />
We liked this campground a lot more than the previous one, even though we had some interesting neighbors.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/-ByCN_7xK41n4X2oMpP0oMNV0qWLHkJcCKd0flPxGAw?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_mnTlgxHsJRM/TABRtbMe23I/AAAAAAAAKK0/Fu4ChRZxhLc/s400/IMG_8255.JPG" /></a><br />
<br />
There were turkeys and geese at the site, and unfortunately, we had to put Lilly in the car a while when we first arrived because she pulled and whined so much to try to get to them. There was one nesting in the bushes about 15 feet from our tent, and we just didn't want her to get to them. She calmed down after awhile. That night, we headed downtown (about a 20 minute drive from our site) to eat dinner. <br />
<br />
A friend at work had recommended a seafood restaurant called Hyman's, and once I started looking for reviews online, it sounded like it is THE place to go when you visit Charleston. <br />
<br />
<a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/G-xreNHfH9VD8-r0sAqeIMNV0qWLHkJcCKd0flPxGAw?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_mnTlgxHsJRM/TABR1EtWe6I/AAAAAAAAKLI/c7PWpGzxzCQ/s400/IMG_8267.JPG" /></a><br />
<br />
Amy and Josh, who we visited in Asheville, had gone there during a trip to Charleston too. Amy has a very funny story about her visit there that you'll have to ask her about next time you see her. So we headed there for dinner. They had this bench outside where we waited for our table that kind of bounced up and down when you sat on it. <br />
<br />
<a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/pNo-LU3BxPAmvS9zG1fvHMNV0qWLHkJcCKd0flPxGAw?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdwgL3aCs7ijfbPXzzmPc13XSuFkNPkpE136YrFDTYb_S-QAvKgHJssSuXdG5rlLwoDGcu_QBKAVCOhnnjS7feG37hbft-TVrqNMR8ba5hyphenhyphenydT55lay-rl_gxr1N-ftc6g7mlf7x0WxQ/s400/IMG_8265.JPG" /></a><br />
<br />
They had them in other places down there too but I can't remember if it had a certain name. It was kind of fun to bounce though.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/4rEQb0fTbfNPsKkty995KMNV0qWLHkJcCKd0flPxGAw?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_mnTlgxHsJRM/TABRzvclEQI/AAAAAAAAKLE/mHMAw2gcKSQ/s400/IMG_8266.JPG" /></a><br />
<br />
There have been tons of celebrities that have eaten at Hyman's. All of the tables there have plaques that tell you who has eaten there before. Most actually have several plaques. Our table had Neil Young, Kevin Costner, and a couple of other people that I can't remember. When Amy and Josh went, they were seated at Phish's table which is really cool because Josh is a big Phish fan. <br />
<br />
Chris and I have been trying to eat responsibly and not eat fish that have a negative impact on the environment. So this limited our ordering but luckily we have an app on our ipods that helps us figure out which fish we can eat in good conscience. He had pollock, which is listed as having "healthy populations, minimal environmental impact, and minimal contaminant levels." I ordered the crab legs, which was the special. The crab was listed as "enjoy in moderation". I don't eat a whole lot of crab so I figured I was being moderate. But that was before I saw the plate. I don't know if I could call this moderate...<br />
<br />
<a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/d_sQYQPZhy19zVt3OvO8QcNV0qWLHkJcCKd0flPxGAw?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_mnTlgxHsJRM/TABR3ciwKWI/AAAAAAAAKLM/Y6ECijJFzSQ/s400/IMG_8269.JPG" /></a><br />
<br />
Anyway everything was really tasty. This is getting long! Guess I will continue our trip to Charleston in the next part!shellihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03514436012102653386noreply@blogger.com0