tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10480288263952637342024-03-13T23:30:09.722-07:00The Cowan familyHello, from the CRAZY Cowans. This is the life and times of our family. We love you all!Nate and Melindahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13178820180526803920noreply@blogger.comBlogger38125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1048028826395263734.post-28885456169151150352010-11-08T14:10:00.000-08:002010-11-08T15:10:49.338-08:00Uh?Does changing my blog template count as updating my blog?<br />
<br />
Thought so. Just checking.<br />
<br />
MNate and Melindahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13178820180526803920noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1048028826395263734.post-35776818464693640972010-03-17T09:14:00.000-07:002010-03-17T11:10:41.937-07:00Mini Maestro<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_uDdSrNYthLw/S6EDGOKzD-I/AAAAAAAAApc/a-MsTW6jOl0/s1600-h/IMG_6279.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_uDdSrNYthLw/S6EDGOKzD-I/AAAAAAAAApc/a-MsTW6jOl0/s320/IMG_6279.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5449640429512495074" border="0" /></a><br /><div style="text-align: center;">B had her very first violin recital a couple weeks ago and did an awesome job. We are so proud of her and all she has learned in such a short amount of time. She has picked up the violin so quickly and is learning new songs every week. B loves to play, but is not a big fan of the practicing. Oh well, that's life, right? Here is her recital piece. It starts out a little rocky, but she finishes beautifully. Enjoy.<br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dxANuz6Rqjmsf-ZLBNj4nZ17rl_ukmg4Y14K902ava9ZWuOdH4ljKQRKw_f5YgYdI-bd5jmwrpisIKNV0nm' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div>Nate and Melindahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13178820180526803920noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1048028826395263734.post-374091587709837112010-02-27T21:45:00.001-08:002010-02-27T22:30:30.039-08:00I Have An Announcement!!<div style="text-align: center;">I know it has been a while since I have been on here...<br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">and for good reason.<br />It is just not my highest priority right now and let's face it,<br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">I never have anything very interesting to say anyway.<br />Wouldn't you say?<br />Well I know you are waiting for my big announcement so here it is.<br /><br />Drumroll please......I am.....<br /><br />A Terrible Blogger.<br /><br />There, I've said it.<br />But the sad thing is, everyone already knows it.<br />Not much of an announcement, I guess.<br />I really am going to try and be a little better this year.<br />You know, the whole resolution/goal thing.<br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">We'll see how it goes.<br /><br />And since I can't post without a picture,<br />here is a shot of my little busy-body.<br />Love this girl.<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_uDdSrNYthLw/S4oHAn2zeeI/AAAAAAAAApM/0ju-2n6Bai4/s1600-h/IMG_6222.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_uDdSrNYthLw/S4oHAn2zeeI/AAAAAAAAApM/0ju-2n6Bai4/s320/IMG_6222.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5443170806910908898" border="0" /></a></div>Nate and Melindahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13178820180526803920noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1048028826395263734.post-58220067666323861392009-08-08T15:49:00.000-07:002009-08-08T16:11:31.160-07:00Now you see them...<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_uDdSrNYthLw/Sn4E_PX0uqI/AAAAAAAAAow/DkZvaiawiCw/s1600-h/IMG_5515.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_uDdSrNYthLw/Sn4E_PX0uqI/AAAAAAAAAow/DkZvaiawiCw/s320/IMG_5515.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5367733290376936098" border="0" /></a>now you don't!<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_uDdSrNYthLw/Sn4FQBuAzKI/AAAAAAAAApA/42lBkhfApMg/s1600-h/IMG_5518.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_uDdSrNYthLw/Sn4FQBuAzKI/AAAAAAAAApA/42lBkhfApMg/s320/IMG_5518.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5367733578769681570" border="0" /><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"></span></a>This sweet little thing is<span style="font-size:130%;"> <span style="color: rgb(51, 102, 255);">ecstatic</span></span> to have finally lost some teeth.<br /><br />It doesn't bother her one bit that they <span style="color: rgb(51, 102, 255);">didn't get loose</span> first, or that she didn't get to experience the excitement/horror of pulling her own teeth out.<br /><br />She didn't mind that she didn't get to twist them with her tongue until they were sideways, or that I didn't have to coax her to "just let me look at them" in order to get those dang things out.<br /><br />And you know what...those teeth didn't mind either. Those <span style="color: rgb(51, 102, 255);">stubborn baby teeth</span> that refused to come out on their own...those stubborn baby teeth that wouldn't let the newer, prettier teeth come through. They wanted to stay and stay forever. So we did the only thing we knew to do...<span style="color: rgb(51, 102, 255);font-size:130%;" >we yanked those babies out</span>.<br /><br />She couldn't very well have started first grade without having lost any teeth, now could she?Nate and Melindahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13178820180526803920noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1048028826395263734.post-24301964992155144812009-06-13T20:42:00.000-07:002009-06-13T21:53:45.640-07:00Back to reality...We just got back from here:<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_uDdSrNYthLw/SjRyhaZnESI/AAAAAAAAAnQ/D5lnfWyoyes/s1600-h/IMG_4927.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_uDdSrNYthLw/SjRyhaZnESI/AAAAAAAAAnQ/D5lnfWyoyes/s320/IMG_4927.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5347024575943610658" border="0" /></a><br /><div style="text-align: center;">But before I talk about that I need to do a little catch up...again. Here goes nothin'.<br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;">Nate had surgery at the end of April. He has had some unexplained abdominal pain for the last year or so and surgery was our last resort. He has had multiple scans, procedures, tests...you name it. Our last resort, for now I guess, was an exploratory laparoscopy to find a possible cause. The surgery went well and they repaired a "sports hernia" that they thought was the source of the pain. We are about two months post-op and the original pain is still here...go figure. We would like to start looking into alternate medicine now. I am so tired of all the medication to try and put a "bandaid" over the pain, lets find the source already!<br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_uDdSrNYthLw/SjR0JxaVMuI/AAAAAAAAAng/VUabeg9U4lU/s1600-h/IMG_4759.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_uDdSrNYthLw/SjR0JxaVMuI/AAAAAAAAAng/VUabeg9U4lU/s200/IMG_4759.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5347026368827044578" border="0" /></a>I was able to go up north to visit my family and see Wicked. It was absolutely amazing!! My sister-in-law, Ashlie, was able to get us tickets on the fourth row. (Thanks again Ash) I had goosebumps at the end of the first act. If I could just see even the first act again I would be happy. My friend Linzee and I want to become Wicked groupies and travel with the show, just so we can see it again and again. When it finally comes to Vegas...we are so there.<br /></div><br /> <div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_uDdSrNYthLw/SjR7mbpO0NI/AAAAAAAAAno/j-wwlUCWwk0/s1600-h/IMG_4768.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 150px; height: 200px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_uDdSrNYthLw/SjR7mbpO0NI/AAAAAAAAAno/j-wwlUCWwk0/s200/IMG_4768.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5347034557781561554" border="0" /></a> <a style="font-weight: bold;" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_uDdSrNYthLw/SjR7mq5q3tI/AAAAAAAAAnw/aEHaV-3gtys/s1600-h/IMG_4771.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 150px; height: 200px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_uDdSrNYthLw/SjR7mq5q3tI/AAAAAAAAAnw/aEHaV-3gtys/s200/IMG_4771.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5347034561877040850" border="0" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;">P turned 4 and had a great birthday. He got a motorcycle and he still loves it. Nate took him and his best buddy to the driving range and we ended the day at Pirate Island Pizza. P's choice, of course.<br /> </div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_uDdSrNYthLw/SjR9Sw1Z7bI/AAAAAAAAAn4/-TZkcKiViQI/s1600-h/IMG_4806.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 150px; height: 200px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_uDdSrNYthLw/SjR9Sw1Z7bI/AAAAAAAAAn4/-TZkcKiViQI/s200/IMG_4806.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5347036418895637938" border="0" /></a></div><br /> <div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_uDdSrNYthLw/SjR9TKznUPI/AAAAAAAAAoA/qXuVeEC3qe8/s1600-h/IMG_4813.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_uDdSrNYthLw/SjR9TKznUPI/AAAAAAAAAoA/qXuVeEC3qe8/s200/IMG_4813.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5347036425867448562" border="0" /></a> <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_uDdSrNYthLw/SjR9TYzitoI/AAAAAAAAAoI/V3bXmYxQLBA/s1600-h/IMG_4821.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_uDdSrNYthLw/SjR9TYzitoI/AAAAAAAAAoI/V3bXmYxQLBA/s200/IMG_4821.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5347036429625243266" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_uDdSrNYthLw/SjR9TKznUPI/AAAAAAAAAoA/qXuVeEC3qe8/s1600-h/IMG_4813.jpg"> </a></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;">The kids all finished school with flying colors. B and A will be attending a new school next year. Although I love their school, we will be trying a new charter school this next year. It has an emphasis in performing arts and technology. I am excited for the opportunity, but we will miss our old friends and teachers. Change can be good.<br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_uDdSrNYthLw/SjR_8zv_s7I/AAAAAAAAAog/_Sko6bhvgfM/s1600-h/IMG_4892.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_uDdSrNYthLw/SjR_8zv_s7I/AAAAAAAAAog/_Sko6bhvgfM/s200/IMG_4892.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5347039340256015282" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_uDdSrNYthLw/SjR_8aeqyrI/AAAAAAAAAoQ/kb84M6Vuqk0/s1600-h/IMG_4855.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 150px; height: 200px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_uDdSrNYthLw/SjR_8aeqyrI/AAAAAAAAAoQ/kb84M6Vuqk0/s200/IMG_4855.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5347039333472455346" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_uDdSrNYthLw/SjSBdcERvOI/AAAAAAAAAoo/1aX56S7PWQE/s1600-h/IMG_4877.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_uDdSrNYthLw/SjSBdcERvOI/AAAAAAAAAoo/1aX56S7PWQE/s200/IMG_4877.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5347041000345943266" border="0" /><br /></a></div>Nate and Melindahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13178820180526803920noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1048028826395263734.post-2892103197658446092009-04-25T14:32:00.000-07:002009-04-25T15:16:15.407-07:00My new favorite sound<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dwzShcbOEw5_ycXyO5TfglOFjPoPKYN-VDj1z0yiEblv1LoapnyTtS5RIfSo0u2caeW90v6PWXdgdQ98jUj1g' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe><br /><br />Today is her <span style="color: rgb(0, 204, 204);">11 month</span> birthday.<br />How could you not <span style="color: rgb(204, 51, 204);">LOVE</span> this baby??Nate and Melindahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13178820180526803920noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1048028826395263734.post-13086175489081847452009-03-03T21:11:00.000-08:002009-03-06T12:03:59.461-08:00Tooth Fairy TrickeryI found this note under B's pillow the other day.<img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5309198144132697666" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_uDdSrNYthLw/Sa4PlS8xTkI/AAAAAAAAAnA/IYokAtYuLHQ/s320/IMG_4357.JPG" border="0" /><br /><div></div><div>It says: </div><br /><div></div><br /><div>Dear Tooth Fairy-</div><br /><div>I lost a tooth today at recess and I went to p.e. and lost </div><div>my tooth. So do I still get the money and candy? </div><div>From B</div><div>P.S. I'll give you an extra tooth, please!</div><br /><div></div><div>Now, I know that she <strong><span style="color:#3333ff;">hasn't lost any teeth</span></strong> recently,</div><div>especially at school. (Obviously we need to work on our honesty.) </div><div>And I am left to wonder where she might have come up with </div><div>any extra teeth. </div><br /><div></div><div>I hope that Ms. Tooth Fairy isn't fooled.</div>Nate and Melindahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13178820180526803920noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1048028826395263734.post-19791560724488413462009-03-03T20:58:00.000-08:002009-03-03T21:05:21.372-08:00In honor of Grandpa Dave<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_uDdSrNYthLw/Sa4LtpxCtiI/AAAAAAAAAm4/x-eBn2NmgzI/s1600-h/IMG_4392.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5309193889649964578" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_uDdSrNYthLw/Sa4LtpxCtiI/AAAAAAAAAm4/x-eBn2NmgzI/s320/IMG_4392.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div>We have pictures of my dad holding us kids like this. </div><div>It is only fitting that we keep the tradition going. </div><div>Oh how I wish he was here to meet my kids and love them. </div><div>Who knows....maybe he already has.</div><div>But I do know for sure that someday...he will.</div>Nate and Melindahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13178820180526803920noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1048028826395263734.post-89103079722437245902009-01-22T22:07:00.000-08:002009-01-22T23:37:10.993-08:00Playing Catch-up!!<div>Thank you all for waiting so patiently for a new post. I have now turned into one of those blogs that people don't check anymore because it is never updated. Sorry.<br /><br /><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div>Allow me to back-track a bit. To prepare for the coming of my all-time favorite holiday (Christmas, obviously), we participated in the usual pre-holiday events, like....</div><div><br /><div><div>*Searching the the perfect Christmas tree<br /></div></div><div align="center"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5294370280879045026" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_uDdSrNYthLw/SXlhuD0uOaI/AAAAAAAAAjw/FMeHgZ0-Rj8/s320/IMG_3948.JPG" border="0" />*and participating in the usual ward nativity.<br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5294370288535140722" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_uDdSrNYthLw/SXlhugWE-XI/AAAAAAAAAj4/LZBiyvx4BxQ/s320/IMG_3950.JPG" border="0" /><span style="font-size:78%;">See my cute Mary?</span><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5294370291853373810" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_uDdSrNYthLw/SXlhustNMXI/AAAAAAAAAkA/K7fve6b8JQs/s320/IMG_3951.jpg" border="0" /><span style="font-size:78%;">And see my cute little angel?</span><br /></div><br /><div>We also decorated our Christmas tree....</div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5294372000441148530" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_uDdSrNYthLw/SXljSJsRpHI/AAAAAAAAAkI/YWH3k9djQmE/s320/IMG_3966.jpg" border="0" />and played in some of our <span style="font-family:lucida grande;"><em>winter</em></span> leaves.<br /><div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5294372943399949682" style="WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 150px" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_uDdSrNYthLw/SXlkJCfLFXI/AAAAAAAAAkQ/XLmMxHH3-h0/s200/IMG_3979.JPG" border="0" /> <a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_uDdSrNYthLw/SXlkJebXZeI/AAAAAAAAAkY/sbb4kX5Uflo/s1600-h/IMG_3982.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5294372950900172258" style="WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 150px" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_uDdSrNYthLw/SXlkJebXZeI/AAAAAAAAAkY/sbb4kX5Uflo/s200/IMG_3982.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_uDdSrNYthLw/SXlkJhSqWtI/AAAAAAAAAkg/F01LheuSoEQ/s1600-h/IMG_3987.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5294372951668972242" style="WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 150px" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_uDdSrNYthLw/SXlkJhSqWtI/AAAAAAAAAkg/F01LheuSoEQ/s200/IMG_3987.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><br />In keeping with a new and extremely beloved tradition, I returned again to Las Vegas with my best friend of all time, Linzee, for a little Christmas shopping.<br /></div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5294374354152567762" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_uDdSrNYthLw/SXllbJ8zs9I/AAAAAAAAAko/Ct5AzsQOieA/s320/IMG_3992.JPG" border="0" />We even had a freak snow storm. They canceled school for the day and the kids had a great time playing. Without any snow clothes the kids were soaked and freezing, but they didn't care. We had so much fun.<br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_uDdSrNYthLw/SXlocXl3UZI/AAAAAAAAAlI/-1ekbcLZdXM/s1600-h/IMG_4007.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5294377673529184658" style="WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 150px" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_uDdSrNYthLw/SXlocXl3UZI/AAAAAAAAAlI/-1ekbcLZdXM/s200/IMG_4007.jpg" border="0" /></a> <a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_uDdSrNYthLw/SXlob02cTQI/AAAAAAAAAlA/9-G6RfYME1w/s1600-h/IMG_4004.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5294377664203476226" style="WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 150px" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_uDdSrNYthLw/SXlob02cTQI/AAAAAAAAAlA/9-G6RfYME1w/s200/IMG_4004.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><div><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_uDdSrNYthLw/SXlobYT5yZI/AAAAAAAAAkw/a_c2MjzUBd0/s1600-h/IMG_3999.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5294377656542415250" style="WIDTH: 150px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 200px" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_uDdSrNYthLw/SXlobYT5yZI/AAAAAAAAAkw/a_c2MjzUBd0/s200/IMG_3999.jpg" border="0" /></a> <a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_uDdSrNYthLw/SXlobtp7WqI/AAAAAAAAAk4/O_WvFRMOdho/s1600-h/IMG_4002.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5294377662271937186" style="WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 150px" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_uDdSrNYthLw/SXlobtp7WqI/AAAAAAAAAk4/O_WvFRMOdho/s200/IMG_4002.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br />We also took our usual trip to see our dear friend Santa Claus. What a guy!!</div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5294379025795949666" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_uDdSrNYthLw/SXlprFLYpGI/AAAAAAAAAlQ/WgnMsckM3bo/s320/IMG_4048.JPG" border="0" /><br /><div>Of course, the actual holiday itself came and went....and we had a blast. We decided to do our own Christmas down here this year because it is becoming increasingly more difficult each year to transport an entire Christmas up north and back down again. We LOVED it!! It was so nice to have our own little Christmas and to be able to relax the rest of the day and enjoy our family. Christmas morning was so fun with the kids. They loved all of their presents. </div><br /><div>B got a lot of what I thought were "grown-up" gifts this year....a new mirror to admire herself in, some fake nails, and, of course, the ever coveted hair extensions. She had those nails on first thing and was so cautious about them for a bit. Then, they started falling off everywhere and she was so concerned about those darn things. Although it was a little stressful for me, she loved every minute of it.</div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5294380922831672050" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_uDdSrNYthLw/SXlrZgL8kvI/AAAAAAAAAlY/XzM-R_Hc1Og/s320/IMG_4078.jpg" border="0" /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5294380930861858306" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_uDdSrNYthLw/SXlrZ-GffgI/AAAAAAAAAlg/jAHVv_VPSo8/s320/IMG_4086.jpg" border="0" /></div><br /><div>We decided to get A a doll house for Christmas this year. She has the ability to sit for hours and entertain herself with little dolls and such. I thought she would love it, but it wasn't meant to be. While she was a little excited for the doll house, she was over-the-top extatic for her own makeup set and spent a good part of the morning trying on every shade she could find. Go figure!! </div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5294384317931425426" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_uDdSrNYthLw/SXlufH6zjpI/AAAAAAAAAmA/hFf_HYlZlt0/s320/IMG_4079.jpg" border="0" /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5294382548199018530" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_uDdSrNYthLw/SXls4HJuECI/AAAAAAAAAlw/1dQgEhyh75g/s320/IMG_4083.jpg" border="0" /><br />I debated for a while on what we should get P for Christmas. I finally decided on some "indoor" toys so that the poor guys won't get so bored on cold days. He loved his race track and we heard those cars all day long. The brand-new batteries were completely depleted by the next day. Thank goodness he now has some toys that keep him busy.<br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5294386742758526370" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_uDdSrNYthLw/SXlwsRGozaI/AAAAAAAAAmI/DjUTdupHx50/s320/IMG_4075.JPG" border="0" /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5294386747482151938" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_uDdSrNYthLw/SXlwsis1nAI/AAAAAAAAAmQ/BoPoZREiXNY/s320/IMG_4087.jpg" border="0" />And, of course, we can't forget our sweet K's first Christmas. She turned 7 months on Christmas day. She also made a haul with all her loot....all of which she could care less about.<br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5294388419897129714" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_uDdSrNYthLw/SXlyN47o-vI/AAAAAAAAAmY/eY-0hcryc1s/s320/IMG_4082.jpg" border="0" /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5294388426853515202" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_uDdSrNYthLw/SXlyOS2K_8I/AAAAAAAAAmg/3dopf66OOHw/s320/IMG_4090.JPG" border="0" /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5294388432689266850" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_uDdSrNYthLw/SXlyOolhgKI/AAAAAAAAAmo/hFLze29NLFg/s320/IMG_4108.jpg" border="0" />We left for family's house the next day and spent the next week with them. We had so much fun being with both sides of the family. I will have to post other pictures later. This one is long enough as it is. </div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div>Nate and Melindahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13178820180526803920noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1048028826395263734.post-45397177575896292972009-01-14T13:57:00.000-08:002009-01-14T13:59:43.637-08:00Bad....Bad Blogger!!No..I haven't forgotten that I have a blog. I just never get around to updating it. I really do have a lot to say, a lot of which I am certain you have no interest in hearing whatsoever. So...just letting you know that the Cowans are alive and kicking. We had a wonderful holiday, of which I will post pictures later. Right now....well, right now I just don't feel like it!Nate and Melindahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13178820180526803920noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1048028826395263734.post-31407607057968155112008-11-15T20:35:00.000-08:002008-11-15T22:08:38.359-08:00Calling All Super Readers.....<a href="http://tantek.com/presentations/2006/03/building-blocks/legos.jpg"><img style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 350px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 250px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://tantek.com/presentations/2006/03/building-blocks/legos.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div><div>For all who read my blog (all three of you)....</div><br /><div>Christmas is quickly approaching and I am searching for some <span style="color:#3333ff;">L</span><span style="color:#ffcc66;">E</span><span style="color:#009900;">G</span><span style="color:#ff0000;">O</span><span style="color:#3333ff;">S</span> for P for Christmas. </div><br /><div>I know that some of you used to have them when you were younger and have now outgrown them (hopefully). </div><br /><div>So...if anyone knows anyone who would be willing to sell me some legos I would love it. </div><div></div><div>Please leave a comment and let me know. Thanks</div></div>Nate and Melindahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13178820180526803920noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1048028826395263734.post-25239630887817628052008-11-13T09:30:00.000-08:002008-11-13T09:47:01.771-08:00Everything But the Kitchen Sink....This morning, while getting ready for school, B handed me her Christmas list.<br /><div></div><div>Here it is:</div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5268199821907136066" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 196px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_uDdSrNYthLw/SRxn026NDkI/AAAAAAAAAaI/HaqZCexGFIk/s400/brin%27s+christmas+list+2008.jpg" border="0" /><br /><div></div><br /><div><span style="font-size:78%;">It says:</span></div><br /><div><span style="font-size:78%;">1- dog. puppy (never)</span></div><br /><div><span style="font-size:78%;">2- jewlry bracelets rings earrings (do-able)</span></div><br /><div><span style="font-size:78%;">3- moter scooter (Uh..probably not)</span></div><br /><div><span style="font-size:78%;">4- nail polish (definitely do-able)</span></div><br /><div><span style="font-size:78%;">5- fake nails (starting to laugh) </span></div><br /><div><span style="font-size:78%;">6- high heals</span></div><br /><div><span style="font-size:78%;">7- high school musicl three. soundtrack and movie</span></div><br /><div><span style="font-size:78%;">8- new clothes</span></div><br /><div><span style="font-size:78%;">9- hair exstenshons (uh...what?)</span></div><br /><div><span style="font-size:78%;">10- make up set</span></div><br /><div><span style="font-size:78%;">11-American girl doll</span></div><br /><div><span style="font-size:78%;">12- idog and ipod</span></div><br /><div><span style="font-size:78%;">13- my four front teeth (added as an addendum after talking to Daddy)</span></div><br /><div><span style="font-size:78%;"></span></div><br /><div>I laughed so hard I actually cried. </div><br /><div></div><div>What's next...a nose job??</div>Nate and Melindahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13178820180526803920noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1048028826395263734.post-35040619793761399552008-10-31T13:54:00.000-07:002008-11-04T22:00:29.774-08:00Hats<div align="left"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5263428460615984674" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_uDdSrNYthLw/SQt0TE-yZiI/AAAAAAAAAZQ/2aYAvYeBwk8/s320/IMG_3734.jpg" border="0" /><br /><p></p><p><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5263429914383663346" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_uDdSrNYthLw/SQt1nssAwPI/AAAAAAAAAZw/s47hePN0T2w/s320/IMG_3761.JPG" border="0" /></p><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5263428465552858594" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_uDdSrNYthLw/SQt0TXX1HeI/AAAAAAAAAZY/xMG7wIAux2s/s320/IMG_3738.JPG" border="0" /><br /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5263428469113699202" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_uDdSrNYthLw/SQt0TkozO4I/AAAAAAAAAZg/0g1G6mvnnqk/s320/IMG_3748.JPG" border="0" /><br />It's been said that women wear many hats.<br /><br />Chef, taxi driver, nurse, care provider, teacher, friend, maid, and many others.<br /><br />Sometimes I find it hard to wear each hat, sometimes many times each day. Sometimes it is just too much responsibility.<br /><br />Sometimes I get so busy that I forget to just be <em>me</em>.<br /><br /><div align="left"></div><div align="left"></div><div align="left">Some day, soon, my girls will grow up and start trying on new hats. I hope that when that day comes they will remember to have fun with it and not get too bogged down with all the responsibility. </div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"> </div><div align="left">I want them to be anything that they set their minds to. I want them to be able to wear each hat with confidence. But I also want them to be loving, kind, responsible, respectful, and many things that we all want for our kids. </div><div align="left"></div></div><div align="left"> </div><div align="left">But for now, I want them to just be kids..to be carefree and have fun.<br /><br />So, just for now, I hope that these hats will suffice. </div>Nate and Melindahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13178820180526803920noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1048028826395263734.post-26191242912056373192008-09-22T22:15:00.000-07:002008-09-22T22:59:42.793-07:00For the Family<div align="left">I know it has been a while, but I seem to have an aversion to posting...kind of like my aversion to folding laundry. I don't post because I usually don't know what to say. In order to get some recent pictures on here for family I am just going to post pictures and not say too much. </div><div align="left">'nuf said. </div><div align="left"><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_uDdSrNYthLw/SNh86t_kOZI/AAAAAAAAAYA/41n4h-S9quM/s1600-h/IMG_3553.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5249082713920780690" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_uDdSrNYthLw/SNh86t_kOZI/AAAAAAAAAYA/41n4h-S9quM/s320/IMG_3553.JPG" border="0" /></a> <img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5249082716298025026" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_uDdSrNYthLw/SNh8622WGEI/AAAAAAAAAYI/Ml5jEupKe-E/s320/IMG_3556.JPG" border="0" /><br /><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_uDdSrNYthLw/SNh87KvoSqI/AAAAAAAAAYQ/3-0lscAtmoQ/s1600-h/IMG_3557.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5249082721638566562" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_uDdSrNYthLw/SNh87KvoSqI/AAAAAAAAAYQ/3-0lscAtmoQ/s320/IMG_3557.JPG" border="0" /></a> </div><div align="left"> </div><div align="left"></div><div align="left">P had Cowboy day at preschool the other day. He thought it was the best. Of course he wore his boots, even though they are way too small for him. I thought that he made a great cowboy. </div><div align="left">Has the Lone Ranger ever looked cuter? </div><div align="left"> </div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"></div><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_uDdSrNYthLw/SNh-QnWOBLI/AAAAAAAAAYY/iX5qICKYAb0/s1600-h/IMG_3549.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5249084189605495986" style="WIDTH: 288px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 212px" height="240" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_uDdSrNYthLw/SNh-QnWOBLI/AAAAAAAAAYY/iX5qICKYAb0/s320/IMG_3549.JPG" width="288" border="0" /></a> <a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_uDdSrNYthLw/SNh-RHSnuLI/AAAAAAAAAYg/l5Dnl17rqmg/s1600-h/IMG_3548.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5249084198180337842" style="WIDTH: 295px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 211px" height="240" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_uDdSrNYthLw/SNh-RHSnuLI/AAAAAAAAAYg/l5Dnl17rqmg/s320/IMG_3548.JPG" width="295" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><div align="left">B is losing teeth like a mad woman. She has two others that are pretty loose and she is trying her hardest to get them out. She loves the payouts from the Tooth Fairy. We need to keep our eye on her. She might try and knock a few extra out just for the cash! She is excelling in school and is one of the top in her class. </div><div align="left"><br /> </div><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_uDdSrNYthLw/SNiAKRRki4I/AAAAAAAAAYo/xPcbabRZWIg/s1600-h/IMG_3517.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5249086279624461186" style="WIDTH: 305px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 232px" height="240" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_uDdSrNYthLw/SNiAKRRki4I/AAAAAAAAAYo/xPcbabRZWIg/s320/IMG_3517.JPG" width="305" border="0" /></a> <a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_uDdSrNYthLw/SNiAK1RfnZI/AAAAAAAAAYw/Lp6bnv4dpIU/s1600-h/IMG_3518.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5249086289287814546" style="WIDTH: 303px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 230px" height="240" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_uDdSrNYthLw/SNiAK1RfnZI/AAAAAAAAAYw/Lp6bnv4dpIU/s320/IMG_3518.jpg" width="303" border="0" /></a><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_uDdSrNYthLw/SNiALFY4pHI/AAAAAAAAAY4/52gdfChc39Q/s1600-h/IMG_3485.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5249086293613782130" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_uDdSrNYthLw/SNiALFY4pHI/AAAAAAAAAY4/52gdfChc39Q/s320/IMG_3485.jpg" border="0" /></a> <a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_uDdSrNYthLw/SNiALnoGLiI/AAAAAAAAAZA/uVTMUKY9Zik/s1600-h/IMG_3491.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5249086302804389410" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_uDdSrNYthLw/SNiALnoGLiI/AAAAAAAAAZA/uVTMUKY9Zik/s320/IMG_3491.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><div align="left">Love this baby! K is getting so big and I love watching each new stage. She has giggled a few times and is starting to bat at toys. Still not rolling over, but I think it has to do with the fact that she is never left alone long enough to try. Her siblings just love her so much they can't keep their hands, or lips, off her. </div><div align="left"><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_uDdSrNYthLw/SNiBwvAVgLI/AAAAAAAAAZI/w-hW_sIYvIo/s1600-h/IMG_3572.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5249088039951892658" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_uDdSrNYthLw/SNiBwvAVgLI/AAAAAAAAAZI/w-hW_sIYvIo/s320/IMG_3572.JPG" border="0" /></a> </div><div align="left"><br />Oh, what can I say about my sweet A? She loves school and is learning so quickly. She loves to do her homework and is usually the one to remind me when something has to be done. She is completely her own girl. She is still content to play on her own and doesn't always have to be doing what everyone else is. </div>Nate and Melindahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13178820180526803920noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1048028826395263734.post-67086609604180024932008-09-09T22:17:00.000-07:002008-09-09T22:23:49.811-07:00How Old Do I Look?!<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_uDdSrNYthLw/SMdZzY0RAzI/AAAAAAAAAX4/kEVWS2a9sUA/s1600-h/IMG_3335.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5244259030466102066" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_uDdSrNYthLw/SMdZzY0RAzI/AAAAAAAAAX4/kEVWS2a9sUA/s320/IMG_3335.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><div>B: Mom, I want a pony-tail today.</div><br /><div>Me: All right. Do you want a side pony?</div><br /><div>B: Will it look cute?</div><br /><div>(I sweep the hair to the side and show her)</div><br /><div>B: Yea, like that.</div><br /><div>Me: Did you know that I used to wear my hair in a side pony when I was in elementary school? </div><br /><div>B: I know Mom (said with attitude), it was in the 60's.</div><br /><div></div><br /><div>Am I really that old? Maybe I just feel young at heart.</div>Nate and Melindahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13178820180526803920noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1048028826395263734.post-62623326606816813902008-08-09T13:17:00.000-07:002008-08-09T13:32:16.432-07:00Hair Today...Gone Tomorrow<div align="center">I'm going for a shorter post this time.<br /><br /></div><div align="center">Just had a baby. Wanted to feel better about myself while I am losing that extra weight. Figured that the hair was the only way to do that. Got too brave and went from this... </div><div align="center"> </div><div align="center"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5232618124843797874" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_uDdSrNYthLw/SJ3-dgCVzXI/AAAAAAAAAXo/qPHhLQD9r_o/s320/IMGP1240-1.jpg" border="0" />to this....<br /></div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5232615368191158706" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_uDdSrNYthLw/SJ379CtIqbI/AAAAAAAAAXY/gy0Nxpqa67k/s320/IMG_3052.JPG" border="0" /><br /><div align="center">Still trying to get used to it. What do you think?</div>Nate and Melindahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13178820180526803920noreply@blogger.com15tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1048028826395263734.post-86128259148275507932008-08-07T09:40:00.000-07:002008-08-09T13:33:11.643-07:00Hiking the volcanoSeveral weeks ago Brandon and Sharon came down to visit us. We were looking for something fun to do and decided that we would try our luck at the volcano. We have a small vent about 10 miles from our home and Nate has been dying to take the kids to the top. As we got there we noticed another man trying to climb and he was taking the front straight up. We saw him slip a few times and then make a run for it. We thought nothing of it at first and then later found out why. The front of the volcano is pure loose rock. You cannot take a step without slipping because none of the rock is anchored. It is a tough climb because it is also extremely steep. We tried to create our own switch-backs to avoid going straight up.<br /><br />The kids all did really well considering. It was good that there were four adults to four kids. I front-packed K up the whole way. A was really worried and was holding on to someone else the entire time. B was pretty brave and tried it on her own for a while. P was the best though. When the hike got tough he kept saying, "Dis is not a fun bolcano. Dis is dumb." We couldn't help but laugh. It sounded so cute. After several stops for water we finally made it to the top. The kids loved it up there and the view was amazing.<br /><br />Needless to say, we found another way down. Unbeknownst to us, there was another way up on a trail around the back side of the mountain. We were glad that we didn't have to slide down the front on our rears. It was a fun hike and the kids were excited to pick out their own lava rocks to take home. (Now where am I going to put three LARGE lava rocks?) Thanks Brandon and Sharon for coming with us and for helping the kids along the way.<br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_uDdSrNYthLw/SJspLa0cYrI/AAAAAAAAAWY/iRqVGfWPe2g/s1600-h/IMG_2980.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5231820668275548850" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_uDdSrNYthLw/SJspLa0cYrI/AAAAAAAAAWY/iRqVGfWPe2g/s200/IMG_2980.JPG" border="0" /></a> <a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_uDdSrNYthLw/SJspLvB1nnI/AAAAAAAAAWg/jf59c426iGU/s1600-h/IMG_2981.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5231820673700437618" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_uDdSrNYthLw/SJspLvB1nnI/AAAAAAAAAWg/jf59c426iGU/s200/IMG_2981.JPG" border="0" /></a> <a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_uDdSrNYthLw/SJspL8RMJhI/AAAAAAAAAWo/SPhfUqjPSNM/s1600-h/IMG_2984.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5231820677254489618" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_uDdSrNYthLw/SJspL8RMJhI/AAAAAAAAAWo/SPhfUqjPSNM/s200/IMG_2984.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_uDdSrNYthLw/SJspMHT5DRI/AAAAAAAAAWw/apP8r0BAOts/s1600-h/IMG_2987.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5231820680218610962" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_uDdSrNYthLw/SJspMHT5DRI/AAAAAAAAAWw/apP8r0BAOts/s200/IMG_2987.JPG" border="0" /></a> <a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_uDdSrNYthLw/SJspMthZn4I/AAAAAAAAAW4/3qmjFvWKn38/s1600-h/IMG_2989.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5231820690475818882" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_uDdSrNYthLw/SJspMthZn4I/AAAAAAAAAW4/3qmjFvWKn38/s200/IMG_2989.JPG" border="0" /></a> <a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_uDdSrNYthLw/SJsqhGOVw3I/AAAAAAAAAXA/ERHpoLYPbwY/s1600-h/IMG_2994.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5231822140215772018" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_uDdSrNYthLw/SJsqhGOVw3I/AAAAAAAAAXA/ERHpoLYPbwY/s200/IMG_2994.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_uDdSrNYthLw/SJsqh3sBb9I/AAAAAAAAAXI/Zr9QJ9rAf20/s1600-h/IMG_2997.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5231822153493606354" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_uDdSrNYthLw/SJsqh3sBb9I/AAAAAAAAAXI/Zr9QJ9rAf20/s200/IMG_2997.JPG" border="0" /></a> <a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_uDdSrNYthLw/SJsqh7jherI/AAAAAAAAAXQ/sDElb9EHtDk/s1600-h/IMG_2990.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5231822154531699378" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_uDdSrNYthLw/SJsqh7jherI/AAAAAAAAAXQ/sDElb9EHtDk/s200/IMG_2990.JPG" border="0" /></a>Nate and Melindahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13178820180526803920noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1048028826395263734.post-13504300754151224152008-08-07T09:30:00.000-07:002008-08-07T09:38:48.553-07:00B turned 7!!I can't believe that B is already 7 years old. She is growing so quickly. This year I told B that she could have a "friend party" for her birthday. We usually just have a family party since her birthday is in the summer and we usually aren't in touch with any of her school friends. This year I figured it was time for her to have some fun. We decided on a hula party and it was really fun. The kids made leis, played games, swam, and enjoyed treats. After the party was over a few of the girls stayed and played HSM karaoke on the Wii. They had a blast. <br /> It is hard to see how grown up she is around her friends. They start worrying about getting splashed, about who sits next to who, talking, hugging each other. I thought that those types of things didn't happen until at least junior high. Time is flying too fast. Anyway, the kids had a great time and B loved it. Happy Birthday B!! We love you.<br /><br /><div><embed src="http://widget-d7.slide.com/widgets/slideticker.swf" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" quality="high" scale="noscale" salign="l" wmode="transparent" flashvars="cy=bb&il=1&channel=2738188573447580887&site=widget-d7.slide.com" style="width:400px;height:320px" name="flashticker" align="middle"></embed><div style="width:400px;text-align:left;"><a href="http://www.slide.com/pivot?cy=bb&at=un&id=2738188573447580887&map=1" target="_blank"><img src="http://widget-d7.slide.com/p1/2738188573447580887/bb_t024_v000_s0un_f00/images/xslide1.gif" border="0" ismap="ismap" /></a> <a href="http://www.slide.com/pivot?cy=bb&at=un&id=2738188573447580887&map=2" target="_blank"><img src="http://widget-d7.slide.com/p2/2738188573447580887/bb_t024_v000_s0un_f00/images/xslide2.gif" border="0" ismap="ismap" /></a> <a href="http://www.slide.com/pivot?cy=bb&at=un&id=2738188573447580887&map=F" target="_blank"><img src="http://widget-d7.slide.com/p4/2738188573447580887/bb_t024_v000_s0un_f00/images/xslide42.gif" border="0" ismap="ismap" /></a></div></div>Nate and Melindahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13178820180526803920noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1048028826395263734.post-49617535361076108592008-07-11T10:45:00.001-07:002008-07-11T11:02:58.121-07:004th of July<div align="center">The 4th of July just isn't the same as it was when I was younger. Don't get me wrong, it still remains one of my favorite holidays, but it is just different. I hate being away from my family on the 4th. Gone are the days of the Provo parade, family bbqs, and not-too-hot-to-be-outside evenings. And the 4th just isn't the 4th without the cotton candy machine. I still love the new patriotic outfits for my kids, new hair bows, and the works. I still love the watermelon, salads, and desserts that come. But it just isn't the same without family.<br /><br /><br />This 4th we spent hanging out at home. It was too hot to take the kids downtown to the "carnival", which down here is nothing (if you can even call some bounce houses, a few snow cone booths, a large slip-n-slide, and a small train a carnival). We had a fun bbq with our next-door neighbors in the evening and then went outside to light a few fireworks of our own. The kids thought that it was great. I hope that someday they can experience what the 4th was like for me when I was younger. Ahhh, the nostalgia.<br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5221817393473020274" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://bp3.blogger.com/_uDdSrNYthLw/SHefQMPqYXI/AAAAAAAAAVo/5QNpy6T1VNY/s320/IMG_2921.JPG" border="0" />We decided to do a little fingernail fun for the 4th.</div><div align="center"> </div><div align="center"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5221817573698749458" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://bp3.blogger.com/_uDdSrNYthLw/SHefaro0xBI/AAAAAAAAAWQ/cjQ-bjwH7MQ/s320/IMG_2924.JPG" border="0" />Who looks tired?? (and needs a haircut?)</div><div align="center"> </div><div align="center"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5221817401148772130" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://bp0.blogger.com/_uDdSrNYthLw/SHefQo1tDyI/AAAAAAAAAV4/FNsysxH6w6I/s320/IMG_2926.JPG" border="0" /></div><div align="center">Aren't those the cutest things you've ever seen?!<br /></div><div align="center"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5221817406659883282" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://bp1.blogger.com/_uDdSrNYthLw/SHefQ9Xp8RI/AAAAAAAAAWA/hCUBxL4abGc/s320/IMG_2929.jpg" border="0" /></div><div align="center"> </div><div align="center"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5221817406908308098" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://bp0.blogger.com/_uDdSrNYthLw/SHefQ-S4moI/AAAAAAAAAWI/zLv1rJB3Kac/s320/IMG_2930.jpg" border="0" />More of K. She is getting so big.<br /></div>Nate and Melindahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13178820180526803920noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1048028826395263734.post-46299212777123609732008-07-11T09:53:00.000-07:002008-07-11T10:02:31.990-07:00K's one month pictsK is now six weeks old, but here are some of her one month pictures. She is still changing so much. This is for the grandmas. <div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5221802784487061986" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://bp3.blogger.com/_uDdSrNYthLw/SHeR91h_OeI/AAAAAAAAAVQ/-R_R_T_JlEI/s320/IMG_2901.JPG" border="0" /></div><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5221802790168784738" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://bp0.blogger.com/_uDdSrNYthLw/SHeR-Ksnb2I/AAAAAAAAAVY/S-jw41hbuxY/s320/IMG_2902.jpg" border="0" /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5221802792279225026" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://bp0.blogger.com/_uDdSrNYthLw/SHeR-SjyMsI/AAAAAAAAAVg/wSHlFx9LYOw/s320/IMG_2898.JPG" border="0" />Nate and Melindahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13178820180526803920noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1048028826395263734.post-73833233501229301072008-06-13T12:55:00.000-07:002008-06-13T14:12:17.713-07:00The KidletsSo, it has been a while since my kids have had their pictures taken individually. It was about time that I got some taken, but I also wanted to jump on the newborn photo bandwagon and get some of Kamri before she grew out of her newborn look. I found a wonderful photographer here through a friend's blog...(I know that is called blog-stalking, but I loved her photos)..and I decided to try her out. She comes to your house to take the newborn photos and she also goes on location to take the older kids photos. I love the pictures that she took. She captured each child's personality wonderfully. Now comes the task of picking which of the 130+ photos that I like best. Here are a few of my favorites...<br /><br /><div><div><div><div>I can't believe I have four...</div><div><br /></div><div><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_uDdSrNYthLw/SFLZy76M_4I/AAAAAAAAATQ/l7DlFBuOj-A/s1600-h/DSC_0010-1.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5211467187919585154" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_uDdSrNYthLw/SFLZy76M_4I/AAAAAAAAATQ/l7DlFBuOj-A/s200/DSC_0010-1.jpg" border="0" /></a> <a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_uDdSrNYthLw/SFLZzaci2hI/AAAAAAAAATY/fdmt6qFWAnE/s1600-h/DSC_0012-1.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5211467196116687378" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_uDdSrNYthLw/SFLZzaci2hI/AAAAAAAAATY/fdmt6qFWAnE/s200/DSC_0012-1.jpg" border="0" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div> </div><div>Precious Kamri</div></div><div><div><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_uDdSrNYthLw/SFLZzoGh9tI/AAAAAAAAATg/OWzF62Z2lWY/s1600-h/IMGP1233-1.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5211467199782450898" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_uDdSrNYthLw/SFLZzoGh9tI/AAAAAAAAATg/OWzF62Z2lWY/s200/IMGP1233-1.jpg" border="0" /></a> <a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_uDdSrNYthLw/SFLZ0Iik30I/AAAAAAAAATo/MHzeg2Gxvms/s1600-h/IMGP1247-1.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5211467208490016578" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_uDdSrNYthLw/SFLZ0Iik30I/AAAAAAAAATo/MHzeg2Gxvms/s200/IMGP1247-1.jpg" border="0" /></a></div><div> </div><div><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_uDdSrNYthLw/SFLZ0mUbzmI/AAAAAAAAATw/PybGVegPlAY/s1600-h/IMGP1324-1.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5211467216483765858" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_uDdSrNYthLw/SFLZ0mUbzmI/AAAAAAAAATw/PybGVegPlAY/s200/IMGP1324-1.jpg" border="0" /></a></div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div>"The Posse"</div><div> <a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_uDdSrNYthLw/SFLeag3PF1I/AAAAAAAAAUA/WSW2hxmK1_0/s1600-h/IMGP1534-1.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5211472265900660562" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_uDdSrNYthLw/SFLeag3PF1I/AAAAAAAAAUA/WSW2hxmK1_0/s200/IMGP1534-1.jpg" border="0" /></a> <a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_uDdSrNYthLw/SFLdvUS-ibI/AAAAAAAAAT4/QcP4q674N5Q/s1600-h/IMGP1426-1.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5211471523792980402" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_uDdSrNYthLw/SFLdvUS-ibI/AAAAAAAAAT4/QcP4q674N5Q/s200/IMGP1426-1.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /></div><div><br /></div><div> </div><div> </div><div>"Big Sister"</div><div> <a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_uDdSrNYthLw/SFLfL2Nx_9I/AAAAAAAAAUQ/w6iH5lFJbLo/s1600-h/imgp1618acid.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5211473113445957586" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_uDdSrNYthLw/SFLfL2Nx_9I/AAAAAAAAAUQ/w6iH5lFJbLo/s200/imgp1618acid.jpg" border="0" /></a> <a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_uDdSrNYthLw/SFLebKuWJDI/AAAAAAAAAUI/yDCrrGxXfGc/s1600-h/imgp1571acid.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5211472277137663026" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_uDdSrNYthLw/SFLebKuWJDI/AAAAAAAAAUI/yDCrrGxXfGc/s200/imgp1571acid.jpg" border="0" /></a></div><div><br /><br /></div><div></div><div>"Mini Me"</div><div><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_uDdSrNYthLw/SFLf4cnpeOI/AAAAAAAAAUY/Bpvi9Oq2kk8/s1600-h/IMGP1367-1.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5211473879669242082" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_uDdSrNYthLw/SFLf4cnpeOI/AAAAAAAAAUY/Bpvi9Oq2kk8/s200/IMGP1367-1.jpg" border="0" /></a> <a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_uDdSrNYthLw/SFLf47PFJOI/AAAAAAAAAUg/_AaZY9qnmuc/s1600-h/IMGP1623-1.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5211473887887697122" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_uDdSrNYthLw/SFLf47PFJOI/AAAAAAAAAUg/_AaZY9qnmuc/s200/IMGP1623-1.jpg" border="0" /></a></div><div> </div><div> </div><div>"Mister Mischief"</div><div><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_uDdSrNYthLw/SFLgycMiVFI/AAAAAAAAAUo/Y7KAZH9cllM/s1600-h/imgp1399acid.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5211474875987940434" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_uDdSrNYthLw/SFLgycMiVFI/AAAAAAAAAUo/Y7KAZH9cllM/s200/imgp1399acid.jpg" border="0" /></a> <a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_uDdSrNYthLw/SFLg05AySpI/AAAAAAAAAUw/RcmHGqaaCag/s1600-h/IMGP1588-1.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5211474918083021458" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_uDdSrNYthLw/SFLg05AySpI/AAAAAAAAAUw/RcmHGqaaCag/s200/IMGP1588-1.jpg" border="0" /></a></div></div></div></div>Nate and Melindahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13178820180526803920noreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1048028826395263734.post-88557637884196155362008-06-03T14:14:00.000-07:002008-06-03T14:28:52.218-07:00And Baby Makes Six!!!She's here!!!...a little early, but she is here. <span style="font-family:lucida grande;font-size:130%;color:#cc33cc;">Kamri Alizabeth Cowan</span> was born Sunday, May 25, 2008 at 5:49 a.m. She was <span style="font-size:130%;color:#cc33cc;">7# 6oz</span> and <span style="font-size:130%;color:#cc33cc;">181/2 inches</span> long. She has a lot of <span style="font-family:lucida grande;font-size:130%;color:#cc33cc;">platinum blonde hair</span> that is just adorable. We are so excited to have her in our family. She has been such a good baby this past week. My recovery is going well and we are all getting along just fine. Here are a few pictures for you to enjoy!<img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5207768563808486562" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_uDdSrNYthLw/SEW16rZARKI/AAAAAAAAARY/CWx6VQJWJH0/s320/IMG_2758.jpg" border="0" /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5207768573245791314" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_uDdSrNYthLw/SEW17OjCHFI/AAAAAAAAARg/ky8wuXYrlIM/s320/IMG_2759.JPG" border="0" /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5207768579380345138" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_uDdSrNYthLw/SEW17lZn-TI/AAAAAAAAARo/A8RoM3Gq-1A/s320/IMG_2784.JPG" border="0" /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5207768590382091922" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_uDdSrNYthLw/SEW18OYpTpI/AAAAAAAAARw/E-yfojR20OA/s320/IMG_2834.JPG" border="0" /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5207768596321235730" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_uDdSrNYthLw/SEW18kgpcxI/AAAAAAAAAR4/q-MmgVUi33k/s320/IMG_2839.JPG" border="0" />She is still just a little peanut and is the best baby ever!! We love her to pieces!!Nate and Melindahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13178820180526803920noreply@blogger.com13tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1048028826395263734.post-84189756034874867072008-05-11T20:26:00.000-07:002008-05-11T20:48:16.112-07:00Happy Birthday Porter!!!Today my <span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;font-size:130%;color:#000099;"><strong>baby</strong></span> turned <span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;font-size:130%;color:#000099;">three</span> years old. I can hardly believe it. Time has completely flown by since he was born. He has been such a blessing to our family. It has been so fun to have such a <span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;font-size:130%;color:#000099;">great little boy</span> as part of our family. He is such a little <span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;font-size:130%;color:#000099;">ball of energy</span> and is always getting into things, but we wouldn't have him any other way.<br /><br /><div><div>We have been telling Porter for the past couple of days that his birthday was coming up. He didn't quite understand the whole time line, but last night Nate told him that he needed to get into bed and when he woke up it would be his birthday. Well, at two o'clock this morning I heard him come out of his room and climb up onto the side of my bed. He put his face right in mine, mind you it was dark, and whispered, "Mom, today is my birthday." I said, "I know, but it is still the middle of the night and still time to sleep. Get back in bed." He quickly used the bathroom, I tucked him back in and he was fast asleep...that is until around 6:45 or so. I thought that I heard him come out of his room, but I was still partly asleep. I then heard his room door close and I figured that he had gone back to bed because everyone was still asleep. Nope! 7:30 rolls around and he climbed back onto the side of my bed and showed me his mouth. It was full of something very sweet smelling. I asked him what it was and he promptly replied, "Candy". Great. I rolled (and I do mean rolled) out of bed and went to see what he had gotten into. I had just purchased a box of fruit-by-the-foot last night and had mistakenly left it out on the counter. Porter found it this morning and took it into his room and consumed five of them. Needless to say, this is how Porter started his birthday morning.</div><div> </div><div><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_uDdSrNYthLw/SCe8Lu4rt1I/AAAAAAAAAQU/GyVnVA6LO2Y/s1600-h/IMG_2656.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5199331204572886866" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_uDdSrNYthLw/SCe8Lu4rt1I/AAAAAAAAAQU/GyVnVA6LO2Y/s200/IMG_2656.JPG" border="0" /></a> <a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_uDdSrNYthLw/SCe8L-4rt2I/AAAAAAAAAQc/_hTfden9f2A/s1600-h/IMG_2655.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5199331208867854178" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_uDdSrNYthLw/SCe8L-4rt2I/AAAAAAAAAQc/_hTfden9f2A/s200/IMG_2655.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><span style="font-family:verdana;color:#990000;">Poor guy</span>. </div><div><br /><br /></div><div></div><div>Thank goodness the rest of the day went well. We let him open a couple of presents before we headed out to church. He was so excited to take his new "guy" with him. </div><div><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_uDdSrNYthLw/SCe8jO4rt3I/AAAAAAAAAQk/ryynsTJfq4k/s1600-h/IMG_2659.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5199331608299812722" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_uDdSrNYthLw/SCe8jO4rt3I/AAAAAAAAAQk/ryynsTJfq4k/s200/IMG_2659.JPG" border="0" /></a> <a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_uDdSrNYthLw/SCe8jO4rt4I/AAAAAAAAAQs/fGjnjY4ydF8/s1600-h/IMG_2660.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5199331608299812738" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_uDdSrNYthLw/SCe8jO4rt4I/AAAAAAAAAQs/fGjnjY4ydF8/s200/IMG_2660.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /></div><div></div><div>After church was over he was able to open the rest and we had cupcakes and ice cream to top off the day. He got spoiled by his grandparents, as usual.<br /></div><div><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_uDdSrNYthLw/SCe9Be4rt5I/AAAAAAAAAQ0/1RNRf_cWNso/s1600-h/IMG_2662.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5199332127990855570" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_uDdSrNYthLw/SCe9Be4rt5I/AAAAAAAAAQ0/1RNRf_cWNso/s200/IMG_2662.JPG" border="0" /></a> <a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_uDdSrNYthLw/SCe9Be4rt6I/AAAAAAAAAQ8/WLuTY1be5-k/s1600-h/IMG_2670.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5199332127990855586" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_uDdSrNYthLw/SCe9Be4rt6I/AAAAAAAAAQ8/WLuTY1be5-k/s200/IMG_2670.jpg" border="0" /></a></div><div><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_uDdSrNYthLw/SCe9Bu4rt7I/AAAAAAAAARE/sjAOB4KQ9oI/s1600-h/IMG_2675.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5199332132285822898" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_uDdSrNYthLw/SCe9Bu4rt7I/AAAAAAAAARE/sjAOB4KQ9oI/s200/IMG_2675.JPG" border="0" /></a> <a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_uDdSrNYthLw/SCe9B-4rt8I/AAAAAAAAARM/rTa30do4byA/s1600-h/IMG_2682.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5199332136580790210" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_uDdSrNYthLw/SCe9B-4rt8I/AAAAAAAAARM/rTa30do4byA/s200/IMG_2682.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /></div><div>Thanks everybody for the nice gifts. He loves them. And <span style="font-family:lucida grande;font-size:180%;color:#cc0000;">Happy Birthday, Porter. We love you!</span></div></div>Nate and Melindahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13178820180526803920noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1048028826395263734.post-30851353177357249812008-05-04T20:48:00.000-07:002008-05-04T21:50:29.284-07:00San Diego, Sunshine, Shamu, and Stones (kidney that is)A couple of weeks ago my mom and sisters decided that they wanted to go to Sea World during Spring Break. They stopped at our house for the night on their way down to San Diego. At the last minute (as in the next morning, an hour or so before they were planning on leaving) Nate and I decided that we would join them on their journey. We thought that it might be fun for one last little trip before the baby comes. As soon as Porter heard that we might be going with Grammy he decided that he had better get packed. This is what he thought was most important to take.<br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_uDdSrNYthLw/SB6Ha7MKP4I/AAAAAAAAANs/qfyS4VM32p4/s1600-h/IMG_2442.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5196739916667174786" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_uDdSrNYthLw/SB6Ha7MKP4I/AAAAAAAAANs/qfyS4VM32p4/s200/IMG_2442.jpg" border="0" /></a> <a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_uDdSrNYthLw/SB6HbLMKP5I/AAAAAAAAAN0/ihW9qnZ2yXA/s1600-h/IMG_2443.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5196739920962142098" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_uDdSrNYthLw/SB6HbLMKP5I/AAAAAAAAAN0/ihW9qnZ2yXA/s200/IMG_2443.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_uDdSrNYthLw/SB6HbLMKP6I/AAAAAAAAAN8/iKZabVWlC7Y/s1600-h/IMG_2444.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5196739920962142114" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_uDdSrNYthLw/SB6HbLMKP6I/AAAAAAAAAN8/iKZabVWlC7Y/s200/IMG_2444.jpg" border="0" /></a> <a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_uDdSrNYthLw/SB6HbbMKP7I/AAAAAAAAAOE/fj1TNXAUil0/s1600-h/IMG_2445.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5196739925257109426" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_uDdSrNYthLw/SB6HbbMKP7I/AAAAAAAAAOE/fj1TNXAUil0/s200/IMG_2445.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><div><div><div><div>Of course, he had to bring his boots, which he already had on, his swimming board, and two shoes, both of which didn't match. What a character!</div><br /><div>Well, we threw our stuff together and we were off. About a half an hour into the trip I started to not feel so hot and started getting a weird pain in my side. I just figured that I was sitting some-what uncomfortably in the front seat (pregnancy will do that to you) and was getting a little car sick. I hadn't been feeling well earlier that week, and I just figured that my antibiotics hadn't kicked in yet too. Long story short, the seven hour ride down was completely miserable. After we had checked into our hotel and got everybody settled I told Nate that I needed to go to the hospital. The pain in my side was unbearable and I knew that I needed some help. Twelve hours, four ultrasounds, a diagnosis of a kidney stone, and a lot of pain medication later they realeased me from the hospital and we were able to get back to our kids. Thank goodness for my mom who stayed with them through the night in our hotel room.</div><div><div><br /><div>The day I was realeased was supposed to be the day that we went to Sea World. Instead, my mom and sisters took my kids to the pool and on a small jaunt to the beach while I rested. I was hoping that the pain medication, love me some Vicoden, would help me through the day, but it made me extremely drowsy. Another long story short, because of the many prayers and fasting of others (thanks everybody), I was able to have a better day the next day. We went to Sea World and had a great time. </div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5196741492920172482" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_uDdSrNYthLw/SB6I2rMKP8I/AAAAAAAAAOM/gqIKS5f7US0/s200/IMG_2448.JPG" border="0" />We started our day by feeding the dolphins, which my kids were not too sure about. You have to touch them on the head first, before you put the fish in their mouths. Well, the awaiting dolphin sits there with its mouth wide open and all you can see is teeth. Needless to say, it took a bit of coaxing before they would touch anything.</div><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_uDdSrNYthLw/SB6JiLMKP9I/AAAAAAAAAOU/OhGe24sqIxw/s1600-h/IMG_2458.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5196742240244482002" style="CURSOR: hand" height="150" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_uDdSrNYthLw/SB6JiLMKP9I/AAAAAAAAAOU/OhGe24sqIxw/s200/IMG_2458.JPG" width="181" border="0" /></a> <a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_uDdSrNYthLw/SB6JibMKP-I/AAAAAAAAAOc/ScwnGGcBUvo/s1600-h/IMG_2460.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5196742244539449314" style="CURSOR: hand" height="150" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_uDdSrNYthLw/SB6JibMKP-I/AAAAAAAAAOc/ScwnGGcBUvo/s200/IMG_2460.JPG" width="171" border="0" /></a> <a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_uDdSrNYthLw/SB6JirMKP_I/AAAAAAAAAOk/dmEuki-F5es/s1600-h/IMG_2461.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5196742248834416626" style="CURSOR: hand" height="150" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_uDdSrNYthLw/SB6JirMKP_I/AAAAAAAAAOk/dmEuki-F5es/s200/IMG_2461.JPG" width="174" border="0" /></a></div><div>We also watched the shows and the kids loved them.<br /></div><div><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_uDdSrNYthLw/SB6K4bMKQAI/AAAAAAAAAOs/gOO6VFJmZJA/s1600-h/IMG_2464.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5196743722008199170" style="WIDTH: 183px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 150px" height="150" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_uDdSrNYthLw/SB6K4bMKQAI/AAAAAAAAAOs/gOO6VFJmZJA/s200/IMG_2464.JPG" width="182" border="0" /></a> <a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_uDdSrNYthLw/SB6K5LMKQBI/AAAAAAAAAO0/Fe4GR1gZmTw/s1600-h/IMG_2472.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5196743734893101074" style="WIDTH: 166px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 150px" height="150" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_uDdSrNYthLw/SB6K5LMKQBI/AAAAAAAAAO0/Fe4GR1gZmTw/s200/IMG_2472.JPG" width="173" border="0" /></a> <a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_uDdSrNYthLw/SB6K5LMKQCI/AAAAAAAAAO8/QhcLptfPHqA/s1600-h/IMG_2485.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5196743734893101090" style="WIDTH: 177px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 150px" height="150" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_uDdSrNYthLw/SB6K5LMKQCI/AAAAAAAAAO8/QhcLptfPHqA/s200/IMG_2485.JPG" width="185" border="0" /></a></div><div>Good 'ol Shamu. Although, I think this whale was really named "Corky". My kids were so entranced with this show. I almost teared up a couple of times just looking at their faces. It was just the perfect look of child-like amazement and wonder. I am so glad that they were able to see it.</div><div><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_uDdSrNYthLw/SB6MA7MKQDI/AAAAAAAAAPE/W1zM34wac30/s1600-h/IMG_2488.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5196744967548715058" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_uDdSrNYthLw/SB6MA7MKQDI/AAAAAAAAAPE/W1zM34wac30/s200/IMG_2488.JPG" border="0" /></a> <a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_uDdSrNYthLw/SB6MBLMKQEI/AAAAAAAAAPM/omBHHUmm-no/s1600-h/IMG_2497.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5196744971843682370" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_uDdSrNYthLw/SB6MBLMKQEI/AAAAAAAAAPM/omBHHUmm-no/s200/IMG_2497.JPG" border="0" /></a></div><div>They liked the dolphin show, but their all-time favorite had to be the sea lions. They still talk about bits and pieces of this show all the time. I think it was a little more interactive than the others and they remember quite a bit about it.</div><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_uDdSrNYthLw/SB6N67MKQKI/AAAAAAAAAP8/pJIP11ubkBc/s1600-h/IMG_2504.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5196747063492755618" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_uDdSrNYthLw/SB6N67MKQKI/AAAAAAAAAP8/pJIP11ubkBc/s200/IMG_2504.jpg" border="0" /></a> Of course, we saw the sharks....<br /><div><div><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_uDdSrNYthLw/SB6NXLMKQGI/AAAAAAAAAPc/i04JMCaBwDA/s1600-h/IMG_2506.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5196746449312432226" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_uDdSrNYthLw/SB6NXLMKQGI/AAAAAAAAAPc/i04JMCaBwDA/s200/IMG_2506.JPG" border="0" /></a> fed the flamingoes.... </div><div><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_uDdSrNYthLw/SB6NXLMKQHI/AAAAAAAAAPk/Uh001S7QmFU/s1600-h/IMG_2513.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5196746449312432242" style="CURSOR: hand" height="150" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_uDdSrNYthLw/SB6NXLMKQHI/AAAAAAAAAPk/Uh001S7QmFU/s200/IMG_2513.JPG" width="194" border="0" /></a> tried to get the kids to touch the sting rays (that was a no-go)...</div><div><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_uDdSrNYthLw/SB6NXbMKQII/AAAAAAAAAPs/Qz8wvEfce88/s1600-h/IMG_2517.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5196746453607399554" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_uDdSrNYthLw/SB6NXbMKQII/AAAAAAAAAPs/Qz8wvEfce88/s200/IMG_2517.JPG" border="0" /></a> visited the sea turtles...</div><div><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_uDdSrNYthLw/SB6NXbMKQJI/AAAAAAAAAP0/w-tHD9dhAVM/s1600-h/IMG_2524.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5196746453607399570" style="CURSOR: hand" height="150" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_uDdSrNYthLw/SB6NXbMKQJI/AAAAAAAAAP0/w-tHD9dhAVM/s200/IMG_2524.JPG" width="187" border="0" /></a> <a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_uDdSrNYthLw/SB6OirMKQLI/AAAAAAAAAQE/6fVlCfiI3Vk/s1600-h/IMG_2525.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5196747746392555698" style="CURSOR: hand" height="150" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_uDdSrNYthLw/SB6OirMKQLI/AAAAAAAAAQE/6fVlCfiI3Vk/s200/IMG_2525.JPG" width="190" border="0" /></a> and touched the star fish.</div><div> </div><div>We had a great day. We had a blast and can't wait until we someday return. I was blessed to have been able to walk around that day without my pain meds. (Thanks for all of your prayers and concern on my behalf.) We spent that night at my aunt and uncle's house in San Moreno Valley. </div><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_uDdSrNYthLw/SB6PerMKQMI/AAAAAAAAAQM/isoY_w5wRwY/s1600-h/IMG_2529.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5196748777184706754" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_uDdSrNYthLw/SB6PerMKQMI/AAAAAAAAAQM/isoY_w5wRwY/s200/IMG_2529.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><div></div><div>Porter was exhausted, but wouldn't let go of his new Shamu souvenier. I am so glad that we were able to go when our kids were old enought to remember the trip. </div><div> </div><div>The return journey was long and uncomfortable for me, but we made it. Thank goodness, the next morning the stone passed and I was able to get some much needed rest and recovery after a week in pain. Miracles do happen.We had a wonderful trip and we are looking forward to when we can do it again and really enjoy ourselves. Thanks mom for letting us crash your party and for looking after the kids when things were looking bleak. We love you. Thanks also to my wonderful husband Nate who put up with everything and was very patient with me. He stayed by my side through the night in the hospital and wouldn't leave me even though I insisted that he return to the hotel to be with the kids. You are the best. I love you!</div></div></div></div></div>Nate and Melindahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13178820180526803920noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1048028826395263734.post-12885103877589042482008-04-09T11:04:00.001-07:002008-04-09T11:12:00.534-07:00SPRING!!!So... you know it is spring here when the kids are dying to eat lunch outside every day and you have to put up an umbrella for shade. I love that spring comes here a little earlier than up north. It has been so nice to be outside with just a light jacket, and lately not even that. I am going to enjoy this weather while it lasts because the "hot season" is just around the corner. Spring, Spring, Spring...oh how I've missed you!!<br /><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_uDdSrNYthLw/R_0GS7DZhXI/AAAAAAAAAMs/PDUJPR-l7u8/s1600-h/IMG_2281.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5187309267960038770" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_uDdSrNYthLw/R_0GS7DZhXI/AAAAAAAAAMs/PDUJPR-l7u8/s200/IMG_2281.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_uDdSrNYthLw/R_0GTLDZhYI/AAAAAAAAAM0/_pauSFoqDuA/s1600-h/IMG_2282.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5187309272255006082" style="WIDTH: 194px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 150px" height="150" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_uDdSrNYthLw/R_0GTLDZhYI/AAAAAAAAAM0/_pauSFoqDuA/s200/IMG_2282.JPG" width="230" border="0" /></a><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_uDdSrNYthLw/R_0GTLDZhYI/AAAAAAAAAM0/_pauSFoqDuA/s1600-h/IMG_2282.JPG"></a><br /><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_uDdSrNYthLw/R_0GTbDZhZI/AAAAAAAAAM8/jUiuKJcWpHM/s1600-h/IMG_2283.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5187309276549973394" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_uDdSrNYthLw/R_0GTbDZhZI/AAAAAAAAAM8/jUiuKJcWpHM/s200/IMG_2283.JPG" border="0" /></a><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_uDdSrNYthLw/R_0GTbDZhZI/AAAAAAAAAM8/jUiuKJcWpHM/s1600-h/IMG_2283.JPG"></a>Nate and Melindahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13178820180526803920noreply@blogger.com7