tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-65276116097194426742024-03-21T02:51:46.617-07:00TheDPGangThe happenings of a straight-haired angel, a curly-headed princess and two parents that absolutely adore them both.TheDPGanghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00931064880467875597noreply@blogger.comBlogger43125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6527611609719442674.post-81751530206995632362010-02-08T18:56:00.000-08:002010-02-08T19:06:12.588-08:00Thanksgiving 2009We alternate Thanksgiving between our parents each year. This year we had Thanksgiving with Dan's side. The weather didn't cooperate this year and give us warmth to play outside. The girls (and their cousin) found plenty to do inside.<br /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5436074431249858674" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4F_E7kVE84po-WGHXFuaaTWs90gs313ELj8m6pfLHXu2IaqJuUzktbdQ13_c51NwiRoQvjwESEDkefw4fFcykjsXqPD9hEJgajqTjBqrecPfl1pUWDNkaMbduNVBq9m0scNUMappI0jo/s320/IMG_3446.JPG" /> <div><div></div><div>Happy Thanksgiving, Y'all. Gooble Gooble.....</div><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5436073379442874610" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJtzwQJ2__hOduBiCDcUxxZBx9ftbXWLy_47HY8uysNTSpv5bsEPVSEY2MlkehyphenhyphenxcgXlSYvY2HHaKXVQ-w2wzrtLFZrtA24h83AYsH-Wj7puMt-YYuHEbiLAOk3dRx6xqNSEratQDZeMs/s320/IMG_5612.JPG" /></div>TheDPGanghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00931064880467875597noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6527611609719442674.post-87607696910679709962010-02-08T17:54:00.000-08:002010-02-08T18:55:54.050-08:00Happy Fall Yall 2009The fall season started off with a hunt for Halloween attire. After much debate over the P-E-R-F-E-C-T Halloween costumes, Emily decided to be a pajama mama and Anna Kate was a cupcake. Em was smart to pick a pair of Aero pjs that could be worn after Halloween. The cupcake was a perfect fit for a little girl who proudly shares her name with every stranger..."Anna Cake". <div><div><div><div><br /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5436068366464377298" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzdzx8ReWy-s_QgHEK3DgZTDsZAEKEHroIXy4Ix5apPTK4jKQd5I9rUl0eZWdBp4oAFiDKRlqeRSJBEOpedcQ_rn8xaKPlE-aKCalk1sgLOKbxZQ_BLmqmCoOVrg7iUTASUhGxl0ywhug/s320/512.JPG" /><br /><div></div><div>And the season just wouldn't be complete without picking out the P-E-R-F-E-C-T pumpkin. Our church has a pumpkin patch every year. The girls love to go look at all the different shapes, sizes and colors of the pumpkins.</div><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5436063774782709810" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiX6MPl3XrCbIDXMyBlmzblXBlmfv6PpLweoXXBw9YyZctEvOMwutsJoXGwBqQ8an8Z7uGpfE1FequBKlRbS7hqsWX6d1-PNm59fm8z3YucP2PMJ8Ls-vEdw1ISg4-SBIwfIZwqwiXRTgA/s320/498.JPG" /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5436064719747305746" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0VjJ-v0BFjuL-ik2X0wg2uzIL-UwA1JXcE40jXTc80tPd9SVLa6qS77rfkfVXipiRQe3_cYKnoWeXQPLEoaB6LwcYoQiLGx0-mkPnirxQW-yAoDRBkNoNubVLEdpbyA2ZWP_n2YOyL6Q/s320/502.JPG" /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5436066320031352162" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrLL9wwTkC7v1Cac_3RXxO6vbdXUXoSNHkNkq1-eLhZL1TL5fmitxmvQJ6YSXCdOLOi2_B_GdyhyyZs7a2h2YNlVJculdIEy8P5iMVEM4OfXpsyCPYJWw0rr9_SXp5WKVBbR10UuOit-k/s320/509.JPG" /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5436065543885521986" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4L7lisJGEE5AnXKR_NJK9z6UOXGfygKrvXKICPFN4cdTLjYRdTkIr8DoVNg_GQGneHGndV8HajEB1Rr8OpLk5urLrG0uitoEhw41D4IATXDQuii_QTabRLGP5b77MBuc1Gu8EYyltjuQ/s320/500.JPG" /> We love our little pumpkins! They are such fun and the memories are priceless! :)</div></div></div></div>TheDPGanghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00931064880467875597noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6527611609719442674.post-21704667501328051332010-02-08T17:37:00.000-08:002010-02-08T17:54:26.811-08:00Fall FestivalI'm trying to catch up...AGAIN!<br /><br /><br />AK's school had the annual Fall Festival. AK had a blast...I mean what is there NOT to love about face painting, jumpy things and carnival candy & drinks.<br /><br /><br /><div align="center">She is ready to climb....</div><p><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 319px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 212px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5436053657734276226" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhR8mwQHenRtrNwJIdUVHW64_84uupr13oUhVptUUeZZ2yGG-bZ1sAy2PjB3au52tS1x6QrHrLclJoJw5wa7x_k2UmY7Z_W_gHnKk4f0hTy8vfkkYa3K8BdAFMAfBAz-HF9WY3nzePO7UY/s320/IMG_5572.JPG" /></p><p align="center">And she is off to the top...</p><p><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5436053124606852674" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8tdDH_5OrDsf5DHUMIzLDgeEBeN1VmpY8bkJUzj6C3to3A77PrE2IF4_qP2Oue-5e9Kqm849_rGdj9JSdnYvXPCTBqgVJ7TabnwzubkGgMjeEhvJomDFGo3CjDm6g2R5vdrI2cvS7QKY/s320/IMG_5561.JPG" /></p><div align="center">And down she comes...</div><br /><br /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5436054139451459074" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFTqcBNMNjvGBkFWC36gv01QQ9MOsnnF5YWRYhRSRxoAnfTb-5cyPi-dOZV35rqj8pgH9krPaxmIpadT5P9O3Mq_5ONrB5hMXYMbIo9KQNV3_Pq6WSiBVBAgQhKt8Q3D_dcJC6VYjQQUI/s320/IMG_5559.JPG" /><br /><div align="center">A fall festival is just not complete without a rose painted on your cheek. :)</div><br /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5436054586170204322" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpLEK1OtqJjyIqphUBLO6OpPlT_klp1KZBUGJQ50GwPKtyCMh1ewykHJxJwDDJ6BjnIF8e7aP91_BLm39F90fEJ5U_iQxRK6tXqL20F_nafnTOp9Yyl-JxVHMKWjYwNgkmAVYWbBX0OiA/s320/IMG_5577.JPG" /><br />Emily didn't want to go to the fall festival this year. It won't be long until she doesn't want to be seen with us in public. ;(TheDPGanghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00931064880467875597noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6527611609719442674.post-77216268897162568062009-10-29T14:24:00.001-07:002009-10-29T14:56:59.724-07:00ActivitiesThe girls started their activities in August. Emily has chosen to take ballet and jazz/hip-hop. She has class every Monday. I worry about her getting home so late and then having to be at dance until 8:00 ~ makes for a long, long day! I don't have any pictures because the studio hasn't had parent night just yet. I will post some when I get them. <div><div><br /><div></div><div>Anna Kate decided she wanted to play baseball. We signed her up for t-ball and she has just loved it. She is such a competitive little girl. She got number 22...It's pretty special at our house. My brother that passed away, Chuck, was number 22! </div><div> </div><div></div><div></div><div>Enjoy the pictures.<img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5398139539651301666" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQcq8yh6K_WZ2ouAkONr2_a8QEviKJoewzjJXBGxUlAE0Qde_-GX-bS8_DO7BgXVtOJr-I0ZvTMtcPwG9wUIe7lQnQKl7MiozD9KblLeo_cTuBNdwPVGK6h1S_jxSUdXGFQyP6ZS_rlwI/s320/IMG_5300.JPG" /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5398140156693929442" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAyLheJ6n5Qrne0T2MiCQODLsGxTvqNU_Tkb5-Co-sysrFBJ8T5FGd_HYqiKvHAjhJxD5bGqs7IDzTdAZh2YUAAtpXYiaSD-aVlGB82VEUwcG46cmTF7kGaZ9Tai1qxdLGaPLKVjGieqk/s320/IMG_5303.JPG" /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 213px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5398140348216592466" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjydJrCN6VkdTdpyfUYUw-oL1qXDyhyVQ2m6z5MXepN1O_RJhaOzrONLNzsJPTj58rhWGPTVxlXI4mgqN51jzuSUWbBm-RAxMly_5HY2kRlWnfhcCNiQyZLzCEA-gVM7RaYfQQoxqzwUMY/s320/Safe+%40+1st.jpg" /></div></div></div>TheDPGanghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00931064880467875597noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6527611609719442674.post-12934541084371383442009-10-24T21:17:00.001-07:002009-10-24T21:38:42.202-07:00First Day of School ~ 2009<em>I'm a couple of months behind in my blogging (again) and I'm trying to catch up!</em><br /><div><div></div><div></div><div> </div><div>Em started middle school this year and AK started Kindergarten. I did not want the girls to start school. I just really enjoyed being with them over the summer and didn't want the early rises to interfere with our time. Both are extremely excited about starting school.<br /></div><div> </div><div>Their backpacks were ready to go...</div><div align="center"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5396387946255157442" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaZvuSOIJ08IkvTGvSVH7UwMic5YerKMSxWcKrfXwUqHrVRgLolIPJ8xhilVzbNqbWr4AirSPJXnjiAYUZCo4ZHqoaMAwNrguel8_39Rb95wpNOIUPodFcrcLHwer_DGh_xkT8YBlME8Y/s320/IMG_5171.JPG" />So excited to go to big girl school...I hope she is always this excited to go to school! :)<br /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5396388654839702082" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-dCIzbjz3WyLKeTmVK9CoUR0P0sDsQDV9o5jzKT8AHf1mP-eMGp3w8HKWiDNAvHEFMFIl8BHjcUQzAswwHT7AX5EWhTTSoOTJb6d2CLc0MaCFSyJhvVVF-4SnpSS1QKhotAUJ0M232JA/s320/IMG_5176.JPG" />AK could hardly wait for me to take a couple of pictures before she was off to the bus ~ I'm not sure what she is most excited about...school, recess, lunch or the B-U-S!<img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5396389025462267794" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpgF1Y54KjXL0vpwqcND45YoArFPR5thsS8a2PF2Sapi1HSnVpEm_DDREFgdTeEWTsv22yilhws-lmTnQXby-9yW5BhgnfJWXus-pdAZK5fbts3Elyyd0hjtjVSK4g_6Wpz_7bfYuOsYA/s320/IMG_5178.JPG" />Em was very excited yet nervous for her first day of middle school. She has such a long day but seems to love being in middle school.<img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5396389989181583250" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhV0-JxvxAAkArfrH7WYSTjEeS2WSoS9gn5OJobPq9iGurkV4JOGZSQrMpUeKUtmRb__S6FEwymOTgNvtEdF-iEwY2_H4s-rj1yeQutpSwKGskk36XWBLPdBXHuAkZSP1A9TbiCCJQsIu4/s320/IMG_5185.JPG" />They were welcomed home with a special treat...their favorite cookie cake!<img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5396391444285829874" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzr61iU-arH8nH1dVla5-fGPk3z8iirOmNXFhnOJ4xmIELj0sb24SvGlZzqlaHkoivnmsN9n4rMIo-Y9Wa5vF1fRLluD0iHYXoyZFc4GcajiUMdrnjmqsYG1rZ7lR4Uo8m-LlFS3txmec/s320/IMG_5196.JPG" /></div></div>TheDPGanghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00931064880467875597noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6527611609719442674.post-17788316334521416442009-10-24T20:33:00.000-07:002009-10-24T21:15:24.458-07:00The BIG 4-0Well, I reached another milestone in my life. I made it to 40 in one piece! I was surprised by Dan and good friends with a birthday get together at my most <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_0" class="blsp-spelling-error">fav</span> place to eat...P.F. <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_1" class="blsp-spelling-error">Changs</span>. I knew that I was going out to eat with Dan and Jason & Ami but I had no idea that when I got there neighbors, <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_2" class="blsp-spelling-error">SunTrust</span> friends and my nursing buddies would join us. It was such a fun, fun time! If turning 40 is this much fun then I can't wait til 41. Thanks to everyone that spent their Saturday evening with me. AND keeping it a secret...you all did good!<br /><br /><div><div><div><div align="center"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5396383793313996098" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhW94A_y9pN9YnLDic_FeuJbM5VEumQGRN-_cSjDyNajjhp6SUB5wOxjlfCl7pEcSGSBSqILArXDH0UwWBbuHfb7YBymwiInbstXmSZ-GmZ7vN0QLRs1G5Lo6LOCEUhqDbfs_zVXRl08FY/s320/IMG_5130.JPG" /> I actually turned 40 when we were in Chicago....When we got home, this was my view when we drove up...Thanks Ami for decorating my house! <img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5396377179923435666" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfwkA_ki5sz9iAVsRSxcMRzMwp5n2jhc560bIC10k0c05YznKrQUGIL8SWTEQ-ZtmyZkN7SsP3xa87Y_JkA4HhHSGKdYoAXMtEnvoX_-YLsnEOA8_EDkDetXpJ3k1m4pduLQNzKg-E4II/s320/IMG_5070.JPG" />My neighbors and tennis pals...didn't leak a word! Thanks y'all for helping plan such a wonderful time :) Dan could not have pulled it off w/out your help!<br /><div><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5396378668301841618" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9pOf3Tf9ROLpjOo0TMBqjaBbmxobXCIDmTkbvonJ7gSct8obXLAhMrNDsQcyIHByuFlBrWh9d_FNIt063oZHZo3ofYeADpUqo6nJE8SCCxC6hAcA0ZESnEH9oGnyNkPqYQaXlF_kxoY8/s320/IMG_5118.JPG" /></div><div align="center">My favorite <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_3" class="blsp-spelling-error">SunTrust</span> buddies...I really don't know what I am going to do without them after I leave ST! And these stinks couldn't answer my calls for almost a whole week because they were afraid they would spill the beans....</div><div><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5396379730411842850" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVNKLHLtRN7n5-cPwZsltxGh9MABsK55U1tYNnPw8uTwfJkn6UzD3CljwW_pqFugOtP50Nn_B7pjQgTT5IJkgtvO15aoFGSpAjsaIK1BEQYitJXOB3HkwqtHUljRbAy6LwV_ZiWasRcN8/s320/IMG_5124.JPG" /></div><div align="center">My nursing pals...See why they have the reputation that they have?!?!?!? </div><div align="center">Tara, Andi & Holly ~ thanks for being such great classmates & making every class so much</div><div align="center"> F-U-N!</div><div><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5396381317922779330" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCSWfg8qv6jz0w0CuivcUNcqYlQM5nzD8mnOLLH12EBvkYAk4QCsGXwNcO-josle_UPYSH5AHYlGF8_bUfgNk02ZebueL-O_qb1NLHb81gwgHvtRth_SGRg_sBBQ9ewbyPf8khDl9PbMQ/s320/IMG_5149.JPG" /></div><div align="center">Everybody was told to dress in black (why not pink?)...Even Matt and Jason dressed in black! Dumb me...I didn't get it until I was looking at the pictures after the fact. I think I was in such a state of shock and excitement that I failed to notice what anyone was wearing (shocker, huh?).</div><div><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5396384771021158626" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXZwbtWYZBEwJ9cByKj9mdib4P4SXGfe9280s15Hd7zVX3-Q-pmYAooqA8NvxnT2qLapbgmA-Ux9tgvL5KsimMvzTx5yU-m743VMNIwNM9hGlnbhzetzRBkg8C2TcqYXTqLckESgrooG4/s320/IMG_5125.JPG" /></div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div><div align="left">Thanks Dan (and everyone that helped) for throwing a party that I didn't think I wanted. It was a total blast! Since it was a couple of weeks after my actual birthday, you made sure I got to celebrate my birthday for just about an entire month...something I seem to love to do! But hey - I only turn 40 once, right!?! </div></div></div></div></div>TheDPGanghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00931064880467875597noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6527611609719442674.post-24269362814404769312009-08-17T18:48:00.000-07:002009-08-17T19:41:58.152-07:00Chicago ~ July tripWe had the opportunity to go back to Chicago in July. We spent quality time with the Chicago peeps, Grandmother & Poppa and celebrated my 40th birthday.<br /><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><br /><div>Mother, Nichole and I were downtown Chicago on my actual birthday. When we returned to Nichole's house, my girls, the Chicago peeps, Poppa/Daddy & Dan decorated the house with streamers, balloons and signs. Louie was in charge of the directional signs telling me where I was to walk, etc. Emily and Gracie were in charge of the sign that told me how to ring the doorbell and how to enter. Anna Kate and Charlie were the supervisors and told Dan/Daddy/Uncle Danny and Poppa/Daddy what to do. :)</div><br /><div>These two waiting anxiously for my arrival....<img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5371118258433623714" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiY440Y7EmvJmCThdEeC5PRoylUF_YmQGWz-2FLfs0L4akPV_1lYfWfDZC4Ho7bU0TEESdHQlOjQGy6rw4Sz6yEumPnXYf7ibBBzNv1eWVAk5hLyEQ3-fZxUImX1ph5Xgmsc_nSI3wwzWs/s320/IMG_4857.JPG" /></div><div>And these two could have cared less when I arrived - I mean there was something really good on TV...plus making signs and giving out orders are tough jobs. :)<img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5371118782501551298" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicmAO3wsgZM7Isvjl4xODDRezgcHRAnpDsupcCS2AHlxwjhd8uDyGi0mPCXXqAUU8EbCJKZSOMcKoQ0iEImn1MGJ0N5mRm4A-G8OOr_lpEH7APyFf6AVJTerb62d-0Atcf7okgSQY0Fk4/s320/IMG_4859.JPG" /></div><p>I can't find the pictures of the decorations....more to come later! </p><p>We did a lot of swimming ~ Nic's next door neighbor has a pool and let the kiddos use it. <img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5371119388777658418" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMl7M_nPuZs4TAoN6eaiu8WqQC6b7779Ney5o0XxanZ8ZdJkeupn-Ob7gzLAl5it8f7DUKIJ5JMxkcWrsbcc8OwaZVMKUrS4eJIixUe-FNDeBBaxit8lGnIuI1NAFBldNi5Buo_gHtUqw/s320/IMG_4867.JPG" /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5371120835721762386" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8sNM_F1RUyfzkJu-f_TTdX1QBVCTgtFh7NDx6GHWLMcLpGjHu85Q2EIJNO3TjQzieNd0JsWWGyDJT4Jf3FKIbS19dwthWYqpt0YiRTpMRSPdrSDgaXzthe9O0_QXUWkliRWFOGF2kEEE/s320/IMG_4869.JPG" /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5371121398709724930" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_136gxq-k18fgObNOvWW-gtkqrDbPd7IdcZSuv39G_VIzwtI0Xu9imUnsrv5_uq-DP21UWph6wtQZagWFDd5GDmXDe67c4SyMjjSJHQ2VjD-d_Ww3zTjDpbFjDSPJ7A7J3Rgx-qLdzW8/s320/IMG_4910.JPG" /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5371120028297268882" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7iIWCukl1AzuBUQykVvZDBskfBhxpCtAJ210mYTcERVkZUTvrgv522XuBtfzd6M6njRd1Yhzer8fJoS0cp6zWgS6abErw8XodOxC17SBczQTfAAL9-1tOy0LgDpRP0q_qjPKf5RHl3vY/s320/IMG_4909.JPG" />During this trip, we took the GA/Chicago peeps (minus Charlie) to Navy Pier. </p></div></div></div></div><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5371122093866680994" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaR9tOu4EAzZzQfxOp7xP_oFVef6ODSTNxK6y_xvNkD3W-me5jk4j9BzHxjmfCmrvTXr0ogZs4cLyMrBmOhYi65O7wafsrrwJBTtA-4ldYxsEg_byzJJ1t3UYQRnlwknRQ_M_Onbd9CAg/s320/IMG_4950.JPG" /></div><div></div><div>Navy Pier has a really cool ferris wheel. We all really enjoyed it ~ it was so neat to overlook downtown Chicago.<img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5371122853191787538" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNJS_7HLGuJUUX-mKYI8VfodkaxIgQEIVUsfje044wnTbbYyATvef6CB0T87umq3te6fEvMBknjrmtdK_e7Iq3JU7TVbeN5I_p0FI6haMaMAXK61Hn7rbYVMIvq4kEPv2rxtLfDsDomM8/s320/IMG_4963.JPG" /></div><div>Anna Kate is just not real sure about the ride. Emily and Gracie really liked it.</div><div></div><div><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5371123555858239090" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7vGHiH12cd1xO9fa0N_HDr94oJLh0J8MvFQ9QK6whkkJajWVRXq63luKYtDiFsgA_aWgl4KHkD75Soa59y_ous0Ya9rd_-Jez2Jj6Vr3EifC6XQ1Tbl3mFXCEdNoHxms0oofokVI2X8k/s320/IMG_4974.JPG" /></div><div>And of course, the boys liked it...Here are best buddies sitting away from all the girls!<img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5371124032985591810" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDxaLasyxJJmzjMB_PqWXbL0nMNlq7vZfEkpvBau2VoJhcSyqmSXudaF1Go7Nu-xs_yhJWGUdJT6nLK0Q3j8Adh2t4sPMYk7AWvTZi5kei-XLrBtPur_augm4JxEFFEEP9AWAwgMDiWsw/s320/IMG_4975.JPG" />They had to ride the swings...Anna Kate wasn't tall enough to ride (which broke her heart). <img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5371125651001088434" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi77huL3IO_PGd1O1OgeobhkJDs_arsAT1StLubcYnt9uoQvCloy2na9peU5uiM4gT5udSftAdchI8-79yUvWhGqJ03sNqqqeIUBS7owLmdirs1-NwgOCcTWUbG0fpZ0m-dFBKHL2I7TA4/s320/IMG_4966.JPG" /></div><div>But the heart break wasn't for long ~ she got to ride the Lighthouse ride on Navy Pier and her facial expressions says it all.<img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5371124859266746226" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi59ocl3QFCJlCyaYtvsQU3oGNIAews7zGVeClF7bw7Pp5e48ADbPSnbrETXAp-EvmJKVhYo2HGM4W-N4169ufQ8nr6pZ1N90TK0C6inQEamuEcLtaVKEyh_b-uQSZ9g79c2iNHFjoY1f8/s320/IMG_4988.JPG" /> We had such a good time! We can't wait to see the Peeps again soon! Thank y'all for making my 40th birthday such fun, fun, fun!!</div></div></div></div>TheDPGanghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00931064880467875597noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6527611609719442674.post-24684163438334998432009-07-29T15:16:00.000-07:002009-07-29T15:55:14.627-07:00Birthday Day Party ~ American Girl StyleAnna Kate celebrated her 5th birthday at the American Girl Store in Chicago. Just as she wanted, she invited two people...Grace and Emily! Dan and I were invited ONLY because the curly headed princess needed someone to foot the bill..<br /><div align="left"></div><br /><div align="left">She had such a wonderful time. She got to pick out another American Girl doll, an outfit and have one of her doll's ears pierced. The AG Cafe was very similar to the AG Bistro here in Atlanta. The actual store does not even compare to our store here. The Chicago store has a larger hair salon (where hair is done and ears are pierced), a hospital, photo salon, bakery, craft area...just to name a few things. They had tons more clothes and accessories than the Atlanta store. It was a treat to go and the girls had tons of fun!<br /></div><div align="center"><span style="font-size:85%;">Anna Kate, Gracie and Emily walking to Water Tower Place ~ Home of The American Girl Store. </span></div><div align="center"><span style="font-size:85%;">This was Gracie's first visit..she was thrilled!<img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5364010913677131378" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixyK1c35VP4BI9T5jIboMcgl6IfdhYnACL4z7FqBNT76ayjx7D47zyL6cQNp2N58_FvUV8JbjeG0UyCT7dma59pfteFLZmb3KrbRmCMp5T7pvl9NxMtp9QShkkjPTAWo3xga9nQZlY8a8/s320/IMG_4822.JPG" /></span></div><br /><div align="center"><span style="font-size:85%;"></span></div><div align="center"><span style="font-size:85%;">The girls in front of the store. Gracie had just gotten Chrissa. </span><span style="font-size:85%;"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5364011498511859842" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJbexGbQ4oswSql_Lokkzb7doHr_EX1E9Euva357VmkQ88KgT94DQxGDkvK0uk8FJOWkLTANvZ51GcUTg5iuPVuf7xAnT6Atsv1byMEIoFU1YlyBYa7pskvaDTq4PV6N7yM71pzVUIwe4/s320/IMG_4826.JPG" /></span></div><br /><div align="center"><span style="font-size:85%;"></span></div><div align="center"><span style="font-size:85%;"></span></div><div align="center"><span style="font-size:85%;">The store was very overwhelming. It took Anna Kate forever to decide on a doll.</span><span style="font-size:85%;"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5364012025631834626" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaRlIfzN_MvkiZ7qebxqDa8BpKb-y3DToJ46nQTrxubj40IY3RHRFrRLmHpeQSBapw4OvGb5krF8cSZ0A5GV3iwm-lTOGB8gWCN5HlO8pq3sXKf5iLhi8v4us2RNqzxw5VaiFM9imV0Ck/s320/IMG_4827.JPG" /></span></div><div align="center"><span style="font-size:85%;"></span></div><br /><div align="center"><span style="font-size:85%;">Anna Kate in the Cafe...They had this neat conversation starters on every table...so cute!</span></div><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5364013039236279170" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNaox2io5kBuTzK_SP6ytdw7yvp7N3uXCKQCYKW-cgSs3pkF6miyH65jT_Wu0zSMlf31yloQ86UU_Z9tsVay_vdsUSaC6BOIw1nHeoIZngpARgw29BO8HLYHK9YugaC2Bfnkwn24OHi-M/s320/IMG_4835.JPG" /> <p align="center"><span style="font-size:85%;">AK, Gracie and Em all selected the American Girl Picnic lunch as their meal.</span><br /><span style="font-size:85%;"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5364014813920335298" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaZxVjwr8x0Nfm0eCejo9gCSTr2VZnhhlFDZJlf08-VeG-HmoEYe5iYKCMfu9fcO39np7PBjAo6vAz93zKOF9461qxPEL2SzIp-2butAd_Mi5yf5kZKD4aiQgivVXGkWb95xq9nWA-tSk/s320/IMG_4842.JPG" /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5364016103693780194" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgG57Gv3Mr0lDyxNxNSUbbg-43nlvtwxKzJKEgUUFIbtZPAh6m_T8C0gHonWKtaxV7XFAad4Lbbi9hU9v4vltiQzIFwV_47rtsCm9Q71HntHUjfEMJS6W-CHDa_IRF9DQUtBdhGn3HynAQ/s320/IMG_4844.JPG" /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5364015669201308770" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiiqo1vjk83NpCJeMgLf1EKmADjfajMt01iaw6rLa_liI7nK-kok908sY-R1KBdyVvynq2UA4Fvt0GeenF3XG1kQHsbWAPrp0Rim1JwoYlbfx4mondcLsgUJMHqME6nTccCH18Wm4WywQ/s320/IMG_4843.JPG" /></span></p><div align="center"><span style="font-size:85%;">She got a cute cake served with peppermint ice cream...it was very yummy!</span></div><div align="center"><span style="font-size:85%;"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5364017009052251058" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiVdBshL-U_-5Hk65NQTWi8Rl0w-kCFOuG66dY43AnRI39FO5DLHeTx9XNzaKQ51CgmMk-kkwcGlmqwLn59cUwJvjzilcKzMlFL3VeOLNVdy598_W58XSx_sL3ztheVnuywSoHoqKb6_o/s320/IMG_4848.JPG" /></span></div><br /><div align="center">Happy Birthday, Anna Kate. </div><div align="center">We hope you will always remember your 5th birthday celebration!</div><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5364018874160194210" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4JjrLeuxZYJjG8BnMT9eT4ghkF0X24FDguag-fk_vju_GAm15FVVcJhAYV5JdicvWRTLFz891HqDimpG4zv_6Y9hdqyFv2vquwXVAG51ijv_Qpi9N6wTi0PzL5r0H-m15XnIGwcHsYrw/s320/IMG_4854.JPG" /> <div> </div>TheDPGanghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00931064880467875597noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6527611609719442674.post-37787243653606603492009-07-29T15:10:00.001-07:002009-07-29T15:12:56.715-07:00Happy Birthday, Mimi!Happy Birthday, Mom/Kathy/Mimi. We have A LOT of summer birthdays...once we get past the summer birthday expenditures, Christmas sneaks up on us. :)<br /><div></div><br /><div>Hope you had a great birthday!<img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5364008494579316594" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh01RtGBqjXi8oxj3TUoYrWqm0QZL5bGODVHNjHSdsOoGQfyjVPIE7zNTXrPoSUELP5rvGf9OHYA_a8xY9XdoyLfZu0q3LJYOaj4LsdMFtvAhTiwCk_Bdd-rsAhN5RIbKIJy0LME8wijiQ/s320/IMG_1609-1.JPG" /></div><br /><div></div><br /><div></div>TheDPGanghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00931064880467875597noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6527611609719442674.post-69694515198173086712009-07-29T15:02:00.001-07:002009-08-17T18:42:36.174-07:00A special visitor<span style="font-size:130%;">D</span>an's grandmother, Nana, came to visit. She lives in California and traveled all by herself at the tender age of 87. Fortunately, the weather was cooler (than normal for July) so she was able to do exactly what she loves...read on the front porch and go down to the dock/lake!<br /><br />The girls were so happy to see her as well as Dan and I ~ She lived here when Emily was born and moved back to California when Emily was 2 1/2 years. Emily was her first great-granddaughter and they have a special bond.<br /><br /><div align="center"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5371109399358006498" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxJA1VuwkfG-HDO-mh_JOJdgF3MzLVjWNyIbMLTYTwO09QvMh2qSNAwFhsbxTsVtxJ4weYhGoceWc5cD5baWdV6mPi821cjCkpP4TzZ9CitdSaW_5u6k6VtQJ64ujmuAr-2iC47ffhyphenhyphen2s/s320/IMG_4790.JPG" /><br /><br /><p align="center"><span style="font-size:85%;">Anna Kate, Nana and Emily sitting on the boat!</span><span style="font-size:85%;"></p><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5371110222688892754" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinncgS6wjYUA64NZLGbxMJwvFV6t93w8RwgqFvW-wlj0JpH9snanj8LfXxyIbTKE3bocdUqpzO6_BwNdmz5LubONc1NMJgOA3aFitUnRZoQQeSJqcZIkqq7kwFZyUKaABB9PhhyphenhyphenSP6UYY/s320/IMG_4801.JPG" /> </span><span style="font-size:85%;">Anna Kate and Nana drawing & coloring....one of BOTH of their favorite things to do!</span><br /><br /><p align="center"><span style="font-size:85%;"></span></p><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5371110873595269634" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRQsaptruDVbd0bv_krkyhDkl4uU_NoOdXzm9LYoH5JIan37qbMOk0FpubgFVXKDL3CtG4j9V6A8yt_9Qi1bdZztBqPtke_LJLTLRGk6aluHkMV-QEUusn0JHJ92vJ_qJLJOmp8Ph0y9Q/s320/IMG_4820.JPG" /> <p align="center"><span style="font-size:85%;">We ordered Nana a yummy cake from Very Vera....it was so very, very good! If you have never had a Very Vera cake then you just don't know what you are missing (</span><a href="http://www.veryvera.com/"><span style="font-size:85%;">www.veryvera.com</span></a><span style="font-size:85%;">)!</span></p><br /><p align="center">Happy Birthday, Nana! We love and miss you!<br /></p><br /><br /><p align="center">When we visited Nana, the girls and Dan took the opportunity to enjoy the jetski and lake. I like the lake ok (not really) ~ the older I get the more I think water is just toooo dirty for me. I prefer to see the bottom of the place that I'm dipping my toes. :)<img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5371112204203728386" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEig6QThQ77pD-7MkYoEnXIAJRdROWeIDCPPEwQxkwhWj5ABYWTxfNaiBgawc4UuJPHj41_P8lEkbtihojhUjALqMDxZ1A3hspurNeMa6ubbcHO3R1hLeioB9fzCDEfSx75WNTZhYuUgBm4/s320/IMG_4794.JPG" /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5371112660523327602" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrOlQRVzKMRHS-8a9DBO0cc6uuLmpNZFvxr12Hh9O182MBHSRk8Uq5scacDG9v0v2IGSl_P-tQ_be7FVfQ5zzejMgHpHZAvp_rt86oZoTD89br8W9EG0T9gts3tJBVmDZKR816kJWJyhs/s320/IMG_4799.JPG" /></p><br /><br /><p align="center"></p></div>TheDPGanghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00931064880467875597noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6527611609719442674.post-74936359928912899622009-07-29T14:17:00.000-07:002009-07-29T14:55:26.802-07:004th of July<span style="color:#ff0000;">H</span><span style="color:#ff0000;">appy 4th of July. We had a low-key 4th this year. The city of Kennesaw had fireworks on the 3rd. We started the 4th off with tennis, followed by a day at the pool and ended with fireworks in the neighborhood. </span><br /><br /><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><span style="color:#ff0000;"></span></div><div><span style="color:#000099;">Sass-a-frass was decked out in her flag dress and INSISTED on wearing the large, hot pink glasses. The girl has her own sense of style - I assure you all that she had matching sunglasses!</span></div><div> </div><div><span style="color:#ff0000;"></span></div><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5363995397057937794" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHSfPXEg7vDH6Tlgc56_abiO_7bnLh5huXk-Q3Hu3AGgV9xWHDCF0Rawsey6WLmKXmAwlQ92afFEMOcySu_7GPVdYQ_xfKpExLMnvYmHvvmc0vKZHo5qaE03UzcFCqdcrC8B0z7zNJ51o/s320/IMG_4700.JPG" /><span style="color:#ff0000;">Downtown Kennesaw has a variety of activities to do to celebrate the 4th....the First Baptist Church always has a parking lot full of jumpy things, cotton candy, snow cones, etc. We packed a picnic lunch and found a good spot close to the church activities. </span><br /></div><div align="center"><span style="font-size:85%;color:#000099;">Anna Kate and Emily enjoying snow cones...</span></div><div><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 298px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5363996525855759298" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDq_RSOWVztG219GUVGB3i9X8Uo4R9Aag4kSWyKcUr24wPgBs0nPzzL6nZRMX33_o7tbWXXFU6SXXcaxGhQwJqPjEXzE37f4JAgYYjwCr0sg1cwW7W4AkCcGaI9YlOoEOQ5RlufUAVdPM/s320/IMG_4713+-+Copy.JPG" /></div><div align="center"><span style="font-size:85%;color:#ff0000;">Emily came flying down the jumpy thing...</span></div><div><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5363997508537083378" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDXjPB2MDxxQpVMp2420kcXiASlqJQ9iWCctCEXZH9kG_0pXzw7zGGTbSUcSC5PADOTOch5RnvPsyfUjsdwBocJgGKvaFKARynpsxssx7QrBkVSBV7Nq_o4Z4qPEwqKmv9AhRDZlL7qFw/s320/IMG_4733.JPG" /></div><div align="center"><span style="font-size:85%;color:#000099;">Anna Kate could have stayed on the jumpy things for days...</span></div><div><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5363996824968605906" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh54MfB0Qtxq6H0JVq671Owe91jgNqjl5LiiCJo0gNWHEz3Crxs6uWMINEwzgeEaQhCPPknj6XB7Mu0NOiwOf3H6Pb8oaQnVOi2NvMcabFFFG9iZuF8p3N1YyntK38s3wgR_AJ-Kr_A7Gw/s320/IMG_4721.JPG" /></div><div align="center"><span style="font-size:85%;color:#ff0000;">The girls in front of an old car...they were shocked to see a car without air and automatic windows...</span></div><div align="center"><span style="font-size:85%;color:#ff0000;">I keep telling them they have it made!</span><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5363997850401489506" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQezW4go25exwoIZHJhHReOV7pfiwH-8y-Fcyk650rv0gJcH3zEr1ZaNPmUSdwZXhckvLqrkaE2OXV0kgbrIT7eMcuuRmzvCmBfmOliPpDydDvCiJPhSpKKnrxrZIiS3ovfGGDjDq6KGk/s320/IMG_4735.JPG" /></div><div align="center"><span style="font-size:85%;color:#000099;">Going for a dip in the pool on a hot, hot 4th of July day.</span></div><div align="center"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5363998216245895522" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5gj7xRMjYOSIRX1EX4QEXerTHowq8i5yxMmUp-uLxleq8L12KBLOloAcSeLBPUXhDywjRmUCMv4V4kg5kTGxeWcF2H-QUmQlJ_z2XQRi6rjy4pVDZxMnKAQlw4bhKXK2E65c1-pVSD_w/s320/IMG_4750.JPG" /></div><div align="center"><span style="color:#ff0000;"><span style="font-size:85%;">The girls patiently awaiting the fireworks display ~</span> </span></div><div><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5363998726101981810" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFmZIhjDP_0YluDYZm2t0L_R1qHTMQvsyLnXsjymE0v-G1EnAKMYIw9qE8dISfcF_Q2INkqumc8S9PQ9jEecBPLRLsD3Tg2_EPaX-vWXdJ_nmsRJx7nWWSo9og7F_MF34GSGJw4b-4NwY/s320/IMG_4769.JPG" /></div><div align="center"><span style="font-size:85%;color:#000099;">They love Sparklers (just as Em's shirt says)...</span></div><div><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5363999705846683522" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeTNsNWcZMbb5Rcrf0heyo30sP5-63GEvGAe8ziCA198pI_iIEG1NNDfr_bxJU_U3eZlKuEIVzuPT_Db2WeovUhj1Cb7zrMHAw4TyXcU1g-05F50tzgPYg2V6dphgn6drZh1Vxx_w4dG0/s320/IMG_4783.JPG" /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5363999163211075922" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9hUXwsT5IH8aIp6C5zLQCtTnvMNriZLG0p_EagPC5x5f-jnAfwVKOkf_XpGjPcR1sFX1TEKw3EogEuHa2J35iw3QSbUleTI7aqxueKGwJio5PdNz9L3C6PpB7uXKa0SVtKoxRPsJ6qnM/s320/IMG_4780.JPG" /></div><p></p><span style="color:#ff0000;"></span><span style="color:#ff0000;">Hope </span><span style="color:#000099;">y'all</span> <span style="color:#ff0000;">had</span> <span style="color:#000099;">a</span> <span style="color:#ff0000;">great</span> <span style="color:#000099;">4th</span> <span style="color:#ff0000;">of</span> <span style="color:#000099;">July</span><span style="color:#ff0000;">!<br /></span><br /><p></p></div></div></div></div></div></div></div>TheDPGanghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00931064880467875597noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6527611609719442674.post-20856654132450191762009-07-29T13:55:00.000-07:002009-07-29T14:15:13.982-07:00Happy Birthday, Anna KateHappy 5th Birthday, Anna Kate. You are such a loving, caring and funny, funny child. We NEVER know what might come out of your mouth....but we know it is always followed with a hug, a kiss and/or an I love you!<br /><br />Anna Kate chose to have a small birthday party at the American Girl Store in Chicago (in July). Of course, we could NOT let her birthday go by without some type of celebration. On her actual birthday, she decided she wanted to go to the pool, order pizza and have a Princess cake.<br /><br /><br /><div align="left"></div><div align="center"><span style="font-size:85%;">Emily and Anna Kate tubing at the pool</span></div><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5363989925953985362" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiucnHo7XkQUkZJeE-paPfcFMHJxmcp5mntLaGQLC0Ui-MA05Elb7qatVs7YuffKMcKqiyPuYXbzPXNUZVxdwXPGr7DZM_lPVqSgYwYEoqfYi5l4az3-vy0r3MX5iZMAr_6vW_aNaxp5g/s320/IMG_4656.JPG" /> <p align="center"><span style="font-size:85%;">Anna Kate eating cheese pizza and cheetos</span><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5363990339003061922" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoZRGnTE0zarIKz-JbFwo7FkStYuf3ONNrpq_0ykJdWmmwTyjYwez2NUp_wn9_UKdvAbJdm9C8y_EG2gA9gxF9XSh0KsZKnFBMfQOSHWQxBCZ65uo1ed-wq6XK8YNLA0ihKa6VnqEf9HE/s320/IMG_4657.JPG" /><span style="font-size:85%;">A princess cake for a curly-headed princess.</span> <img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5363990843653696338" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_b_fx0CvdGFrGbWc9j9hP4pwltLOocv4JPnOh5w-d1XUZRv2jHWl3jZ50-aRxsbjI3PzU5PBoMFI0P0nqjsOCP7N3PJsNXgH0UBkpWLLm29b_2yi6slz7HJXG-eAjvdZ0QFoUMzpHGfk/s320/IMG_4643.JPG" /><span style="font-size:85%;">AK opening presents...her wishes this year consisted of American Girl, American Girl and more American Girl.....Oh and "I'll take some Polly Pockets too".</span> <img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5363993006563105298" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjj9jkud7Z6jGbB6Pe-uDdUlVAXLJMVlE6wdu6jDL4FgXwzdmqGQDVb-5McuI1ehwtMdXTwGpE2On6_7V1kbsnojt93AzOlXQ8sL8L8kSgDENQzr4Kt3fHEa2cmV8PBSt2-XwhcbwXL-OQ/s320/IMG_4689.JPG" /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5363991222599858146" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_5r1MJ62taI0tR3QnHIuFKTEqP7LJOYbgXEqWXJzoJv80dMfmON6eVvnVOtbhcVvNE2hWVnZCtlf78aKhHwZVyv033lFcj7M-a3UDqLO6nvo-3XWDdlqcHw43x4zOCJbOC5ua2fIjMuQ/s320/IMG_4684.JPG" /> </p><p align="center"><br />Happy Birthday to you! Hope you had a great day. </p><p align="center">We know you are so looking forward to the American Girl party in July. </p>TheDPGanghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00931064880467875597noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6527611609719442674.post-87265110315127923262009-07-29T13:08:00.001-07:002009-07-29T13:55:22.213-07:00Chicago ~ June tripWe had the opportunity to visit my sister and her peeps in June. They live in Chicago. We did very little site seeing ~ it was just a trip to be with family and take care of some family business. The girls had such a wonderful time with the Chicago peeps.<br /><br />The Chicago Peeps welcomed the DPGang with big smiles and warm hearts (if I didn't know better I would think they were born and raised in the south)....<br /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5363977248887681666" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQEsFhgCJHpCEmccJIyg1oyS0qwRqDBW5eVyJDFybu06-102yBtUfc-t2zuHc9GBrLjPwZQj0gh_TrrKKkcVguKxuNMaI_31Q9BqljgIF9A4GF_mS-Yi4qYJfMyx2uW4G2inXHTtXeUaU/s320/P6140038.JPG" />We spent time at the local park, in their backyard and at a water park...<br /><br /><p>Lou Man and Anna Kate coming up with some type of game to play....<img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 321px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 258px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5363977846718914274" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6lLSSrQ3xEg41vVgqYQyzSa2VD0Aas-GnbENM73Pdx1NzNuO39rU0eX1FvmkniJFalGJCUXj_6xQe4vSK78Z3vSM97HoE1eqt8jgz153h0fQKfyxsDV5N0WnoZQ-A3r6fP4d5odmLN_s/s320/IMG_4582.JPG" />The trampoline seemed to be a favorite meeting ground....<img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5363978715430965042" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibGQdh_XO_7CEVNRgDbLx6qjCkdxgoUlxnKAZTIPy6vUhLWUBJ7kZspUBD0StL1lqp10RVrkLfek0fg2TlAjszJv590tW0HlzvYpx4L3ht83r29tn9IqKRFaIr3VZqhpj3HYvFIadJIz0/s320/P6140019.JPG" /></p><p>The temperature was unseasonably cool but we had one day where it was warm enough to go to a water park in Orland Park. It was such a great place and the peeps had such a fun time!</p><p align="center">Emily & Gracie in the Lazy River<img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5363980107449088850" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjl69TBqV6weBU3jYFgWQj10chYAdC9Xm4ejFXRnf-V6-LawJ5RWilNx_uHul3BN2QcIOX6bM7UaeVghe5YCEHVX7q_Vdy108NzEjxxlnPJZGkVqJMbSm-tlDA1Frhd8uA0f7JkI_6uEEA/s320/IMG_4589.JPG" />Anna Kate has NO fear....<span style="font-size:78%;">I was scared to death</span> <img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5363980829291336994" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJ_GDJMEsw4eFvrDANK8S9qPnkPKGhg_O0ZcHMGxPDkLiN30n7VHYZ-ji4dv7tlvR0ljMD-sgG0xO-uoOGJifrOK4g3aX1Jp4vqAtoKA7hcdupJpc9PNFps9B28KEilgret6-5VwBzs4I/s320/IMG_4608.JPG" />Louis had the biggest smile when he jumped off of the platform<span style="font-size:78%;"> (and I just about had heart failure)</span><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5363981205513115122" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjg_1xsoLQ1U3A76_Gb-UChkPuAMwsPuG-RQVJQnGRJLUvgYfFMv1cGSgJ696tSg3KCQcyKA4ea8qz3tgLSmQLtlgVhwWet-GtYEOPWYKWbRg2vZ_6-k1C2qJ-2cb89JeJJ-Nf1pDae2G0/s320/IMG_4623.JPG" />Anna Kate was Charlie's buddy...aka partner in crime! <img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5363981751046845506" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiiwHOEROU3iLTtdQy1YRInoLbfPmXth3NVH8QjbVu4ejyEfC-mhTeHvrc57XOcOBc2CJdCCfO1FVuFiP7mOC7bLAcJ1Bg6tUxT7mocRXKrxgUhsyM-qsBz1yHq-RNM1u49Dp_rYRTNgU/s320/IMG_4627.JPG" /> </p><p></p><p>A great time was had by all. We will visit again in July. We can't wait to see "y'all" again! </p>TheDPGanghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00931064880467875597noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6527611609719442674.post-17734681851909493202009-06-09T19:03:00.001-07:002009-06-09T19:05:51.888-07:00Happy Birthday, Grandpa!<div align="center">Today is Dan's Dad's Birthday. Happy, Happy Birthday to you! Hope you had a great birthday!<img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5345514037600093266" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghXD5lXtAnprDOxxhAzgtUxlilpcZwUylsYfxr_RmxHTPCeJDVfDy0fHvF7Uu8W9zSPaOaMaMXKyOqWF1Tv0MtzU3XxAbcFC9UkhBtEjvHKxYKUkeBhDV8HkdYekGS-KsC4JtDmp5ghsI/s320/IMG_1610-1.JPG" border="0" /><span style="font-size:78%;">(this is a picture of Jerry and Anna Kate on Grandparent's Day @ AK's school)</span><br /><br /></div>TheDPGanghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00931064880467875597noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6527611609719442674.post-84761644270415437462009-06-08T15:12:00.001-07:002009-06-08T15:21:32.857-07:00A tumbler you can't live without!<span style="color:#3333ff;"><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">Have you ever had a Tervis cup? If not, you just don't know what you are missing. These have to be the best thing since sliced bread. They come in different sizes and you can get a variety of designs on the cups. Swoozie's (one of my most favorite stores) carries them now. I just couldn't resist and picked up one with my initial on it.</span> <br /></span><br /><div align="left"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5345084010587076082" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZmLocCzPsqfc3iowJ83jCEZ-GNsxk1GDA0-vRHoTFZL3sBLlwuW_47uaIzlTYv-x5LI___HJbNffoIZiSBtkgKIrp-5P-keZN6U1Z5GQj2831ILlPdrVleWjl6OF_IYGrjdVJTM0Nmwg/s320/Monogrammed+Tervis+Tumblers.bmp" border="0" /></div><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;color:#3333ff;">These cups do not sweat and will keep your drink ice cold in the hot sun! I use mine at the pool and when playing tennis. The lids and straws are an added bonus PLUS these cups fit in my car's cup holders. Can you tell I just love them?</span>TheDPGanghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00931064880467875597noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6527611609719442674.post-34967841616868645662009-06-07T15:41:00.000-07:002009-06-07T15:57:30.951-07:00Dance Recital 2009The girls danced with Praise Him With Dance this year and had their dance recital on Saturday, May 30th. They performed at the Woodlands Performing Arts Center @ Woodlands High School. Emily performed a hip-hop/jazz routine and Anna Kate performed a ballet routine to Jesus Loves the Little Children. They both did a great job.<br /><div><div><div><div><div><br /></div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5344722620581083778" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeGL09aQsO-m92s044f2Hif8rOThwDpigvR4_1S0HDfR3ohoGKSRgqEVSvDcEtxDhWpzVqPJCrjclobP7DTdXoE68gXX0QR5NuVgekygdiZBdZH0TdHhQ6DGAWjeWWJDCcsYWv1OmHSdM/s320/IMG_4531.JPG" border="0" /> <div><br /></div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5344720682925205090" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggMRqBgfAr_BAJlVJLFRp7XjFPJGVmyQ0fZ8ipU3Iqp8VmziyPkn9wSz88zqx8KyotapASA8iN3Kkm8y-Txa3s1wQA4hFodP-njsxtPefwIGbd0jNFJUYffPfM6745qt6qqC3KhZs8Hoc/s320/IMG_4540.JPG" border="0" /> </div></div><div align="center"><span style="font-size:78%;">(excuse my pictures....I have dropped my camera two different times and in need of a new one...plus we couldn't use flash to take pics)</span></div><div><br /></div><div>Anna Kate was most excited about getting flowers.....had I only known before the monthly dance fees, costume fee, recital fee, tickets, multiple pairs of tights....I could have purchased her a well established rose garden! :)<br /><br /><div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5344721009798957058" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjM0zqxLJWN6aAvXnMi-kw1yKUGEmtdGpEZZeOwmH6p0_3k2T9LHE0h2w0Y6sabVXAfqUChGRyT80P3zuFXGT1g4qEdM681szSORdl7LCwZAoU-kKVEb1uPCKKPlDfHQnuPnb1ZYg0blUo/s320/IMG_4548.JPG" border="0" /></div></div><p>Emily really liked her flowers too. We are proud of both girls but Emily is just not as "showy" as Anna Kate....Emily did a great job on her routine! She really did enjoy dance this year.</p><br /><p><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5344721632924469554" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAvJKpyCs__mcA1lVgJ6ZMgEJtuyPib4X99naQaSyQ1w0821vbCyFq5J6o-jDAQh0FQR3kGxxXAr0LN7pRZtIxNLYzEIdhz1L-MhIn8-980v45uAstZirH6-IakI4qvMXarlCEnJ5R6fk/s320/IMG_4559.JPG" border="0" /></p></div><p>The girls were happy to have their Grandmother & Poppa (my parents) and Mimi & Grandpa (Dan's parents) come watch them perform.</p><p><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5344722370499570626" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhr0wqNDvlLxSLPjVT1GJQnYj9jR8sj4oWNhobqY6vLUEiW_LPEhOxr15YT9aCRj1hZjP_VafcyxTBUXh5S6YL0IS6BwQdGATPIC6DhsbzQjefN9RRF8Ox02ty5OpuamYV6bDMaB9Mj9Xc/s320/IMG_4566.JPG" border="0" /></p></div><br /><p>They are already planning for next year....Emily has decided she wants to take tap plus jazz/hip hop. Anna Kate says she wants to take ballet, tap & hip hop! Oh my.....what's wrong with just clogging?</p>TheDPGanghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00931064880467875597noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6527611609719442674.post-24305871646797442232009-06-07T15:20:00.000-07:002009-06-07T15:37:49.802-07:00Last Day of School ~ 2009<div><div><div>The end of this school year was bittersweet....Emily finished 5th and will be going into Middle school in the Fall. Anna Kate finished preschool and will be going to Elementary school in the fall.</div><div> </div><div>Anna Kate's last day consisted of watching movies and playing with her friends in her PJs. She thought she was really something to leave our house in her pajamas.</div><div> </div><div></div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5344716064148395410" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirLXgfZ_GGbzWWDeySENnEWT61nnRIGIShAWil860wu0qteEMdn7hBm3TZc_-PxC25SM6Vge0-1DU2wbUgORTsm6v-jEeruOJPmtARtZMWjtx8QOZeN2xUTXxyePhGWoQXoUR3aGdNdHY/s320/IMG_4505.JPG" border="0" />Emily's last day of 5th ended with the "5th Grade" walk. All the 5th graders walked up and down the hallways of the school. They walked thru the hallways with pomp and circumstance playing. Em is so ready for Middle School...I just hope and pray that it is everything she thinks and hopes it will be!<br /><br /><div></div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5344716347008837234" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 214px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWKCe5hHRRN3KrVHOrXlWqq99LF6TnkaTfFF-5LPuA5VwsNEWlYUjeIY11jiS-CC7XgqcRoozyewn47XqcDwKpQURB3tTpcSKHZOVtnTpVT3gC-FrDYu7PqjfgjqtFvzDHHY_DUtYlaUs/s320/IMG_3040.JPG" border="0" />Emily wanted to ride the school bus home. Most of the neighborhood kids got off at the pool. They were welcomed with silly string and water balloons. Most headed straight to the frigid waters of the pool to open it for the season.<br /><div></div><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5344717412212825090" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 299px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOayKR__p_7JsCG6Am3FUiob9MeDqDxkVJIcf_tGhsGZMvDJtifEaYRR89aQZ6RSBgDcmo537yPf7m55oSfBw_eEsvlgJJ5p6FEb93PTI_ozG81LURic0UOqKUFkyLc-1XQy-sJQH_AHw/s320/IMG_4514+-+Copy.JPG" border="0" /> <img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5344717839910783954" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdr7H4w_Yp_IhvwKlJcxlfTV5Is48MVrWvT5eolP1TJ8ph7Hw88PWYQeh6lJ2bd2gSb5ntvm7uFnvlmYBbQX-O7heQFvTO1GTI73y3iXGISceR9xr8U160m6YSLOubgh_baVLGNAaKRIM/s320/IMG_4522.JPG" border="0" /></div><div>School's out for Summer......YEAH!</div></div>TheDPGanghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00931064880467875597noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6527611609719442674.post-49264142421585942852009-06-07T14:38:00.000-07:002009-06-07T15:19:18.771-07:00Awards Day ~ 2009<span style="font-size:180%;">E</span>mily received an Outstanding Academic Excellence Award for the school year. You had to receive no more than 5 B's during the school year (w/ the rest being A's). She did it and was so proud of herself. This is extra-special this year especially after having such a rough year, in general. <img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5344712262029657378" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiH05ICFMjA2g11AR0PuN2pMjv1CQku2fJtCT4yCHx_uX9MVEfaGNEmLE-MAm8uxSv3jJkX425AhGsOVG0JT6mg8N5m-D5W8_gEjpTbgKq04XwI2_Vg4ms_mbzgHLXept_Erv199WraiTc/s320/IMG_4493.JPG" border="0" /><span style="font-size:180%;">A</span>nna Kate received two awards: Best Dressed and Most Dependable.<br /><div></div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5344713467542956322" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi39WOGHCpt6w2Zy0LxvTS5PmBk4z1HeIzWkBV-8X4Geki2BDOO7JBiDVUPWz0EL0PTnm972I77b6e4SZZXHPR_2mQb3AsvzOcYTBLjYeZStQTVZX0-CTgil-2h-bRJjUmwiCFXMqSB7f8/s320/270.JPG" border="0" /> <div></div><div></div><div>This is Anna Kate's translation:</div><br /><div>"Best Dressed means that my mommy makes me match and put my clothes together so my Daddy can make me match too."</div><div></div><br /><div>"Most Dependable means that I'm the best friend."</div><br /><div></div><div>We are so very proud of both Emily and Anna Kate. </div>TheDPGanghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00931064880467875597noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6527611609719442674.post-61701184843006342492009-06-07T11:58:00.000-07:002009-06-07T12:15:55.828-07:00Lunch with the Girls<div><div><div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDMldhHaonVgorcHsyNCMVi_rJ2OWUOli8i4hiBctt_gmssFizK_PpeMOuXGqB8n5ETUPauKF7Vh5oBikE0VOqpeAy7w1O9CQAyxrlaGeeAw2oRxqZWf5tkVR8wVe89Zr4Zy9QtXzdeSk/s1600-h/phi_mu_logo.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5344663895603851682" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 180px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDMldhHaonVgorcHsyNCMVi_rJ2OWUOli8i4hiBctt_gmssFizK_PpeMOuXGqB8n5ETUPauKF7Vh5oBikE0VOqpeAy7w1O9CQAyxrlaGeeAw2oRxqZWf5tkVR8wVe89Zr4Zy9QtXzdeSk/s320/phi_mu_logo.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div>Just before school was out, a couple of the Phi Mu girls got together for lunch. Some of the girls I had NOT seen in approximately 15 years (last saw them when I got married). </div><br /><div></div><div>Susan came with her little guys....</div><div></div><div></div><br /><div></div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5344664128542966098" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjilBo_le_yom0HvZ1famCgseg0Z9iaPDphzNqeExxvA7grBaq8EpfMVf3PDmtdrklSVbVSGM-xX2it8vglMDeTH-4QNTa9ZS7xbxxuXW3Rgqbkq1uuo2Rn7egOb9O4IYhcrymVwcYr0s/s320/bunco_shower_lunch_020%5B1%5D.JPG" border="0" /></div><br /><div>Amy came with the little princess, E and M securely tucked away in her tummy....<br /></div><div></div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5344665008945476834" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 319px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDPgjO_ua_aTqThzgl9rgiaqnK_r4NaCmYX4maezPI08zRoDci0qHX_LlcpcHqTSUObco-Y9zI4Rws57-ZR-nBjASQsWgJL5n09ERirj1w2xC0-fPjjAOU23gQQIft_-qRHA14RCT3QJs/s320/DSCN3043%5B1%5D.JPG" border="0" /><br />Chandra was there with Baby M....such a cutie!</div><div> </div><div><div></div><div></div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5344665266316609026" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiedyN2sI2g2SffUiNCd-mibMyZCgXtfwJtPdhmJNazmeFFQD7d0PsYuYtiTdXJyGyxOEsRkOcC-B33dZZt2J4lPhL4GQ3S0vEpbdJP-fFKPle0BYPRFEvmEXxsw202HxxIuPwXTsmoSfI/s320/bunco_shower_lunch_017%5B1%5D.JPG" border="0" /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5344665910124633250" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXFvVb_DxcGo655kTtZszH0RXnffaDtdrEGf6Bzu78IPa0h6oMvUY9BWcbDZPf6FlaoAcd0d1FFl-kmnanC_ZA9jDp6cqu-hLEqU5OeAHR-hMVv1QSUbsSFgGbfi9PQgqCw0EblXTDf84/s320/bunco_shower_lunch_012%5B1%5D.JPG" border="0" /><br /><div></div><div>Thanks Missy for planning and coordinating the luncheon. It was SO much fun to see you all. I can't wait to do it again!</div></div></div></div>TheDPGanghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00931064880467875597noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6527611609719442674.post-57344422758054058462009-06-07T11:11:00.000-07:002009-06-07T11:37:43.473-07:00Mother's Day 2009I had a great Mother's Day. Sadly enough, I do not have ONE picture from Mother's Day. :( BUT I do have a some great memories.<br /><br />Anna Kate has a really hard time keeping presents as a secret....when I was driving her to school the friday before Mother's Day, this was our conversation...<br /><br /><span style="font-family:verdana;">AK: "Mommy, we have you some presents in the basement!"</span><br /><span style="font-family:verdana;color:#000099;">Mommy: "You do!"</span><br /><span style="font-family:verdana;">AK: "Yes but Daddy and Emily will KILLLLL me if I 'teld" you!"</span><br /><span style="font-family:verdana;color:#000099;">Mommy: "Okay, well, let's just wait to see what I get on Sunday"</span><br /><span style="font-family:verdana;">AK: "Okay, I'm so proud of myself for not telling you that we got you a new purse, sunglasses and flip-flops".</span><br /><span style="font-family:verdana;color:#000099;">Mommy: "I'm proud of you too."</span><br /><br />And the flip-flops...yellow box! Big bonus, the flip flops were picked out by Emily and they fit <strong><span style="color:#cc33cc;">her</span></strong> perfectly. :)<br /><br />All in all, I did have a great day ~ I just <a id="thumbnail" href="http://www.pixabella.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/02/lace-heart-clip-art.png"></a><a id="thumbnail" href="http://www.pixabella.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/02/lace-heart-clip-art.png"></a>love my girls!TheDPGanghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00931064880467875597noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6527611609719442674.post-78049052264714859322009-06-07T10:53:00.000-07:002009-06-07T11:10:19.707-07:00Wheww.....One year down ~ One year to go!Have you ever sat back and reflected on any of the really challenging and/or difficult things in your life and realized that those are really the best and most rewarding times of your life?<br /><br />I took my Nurs 1102 final on Wednesday, May 6th. I have successfully finished my first year of nursing school (2 classes down ~ 2 classes to go). I will have to honestly say that this is the hardest thing I have EVER done in my life....the body is a complex thing but add full time mommy, full time employee, full time wife, taxi, short order cook, etc., etc....it is just plain HARD! <br /><br />Fortunately, I do NOT have summer classes....until August, I will focus all of my time and energy on these three amazing people....<br /><p><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5344648661344670866" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 250px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHLRPjqn6bQxVGflxU33NBN3Oy9GEuIHLCoebENU6NCMt-VpbVDYN-1tNf-8SwjPjGbrXov2i5iuVZBCcvMzEQQsMSy0y4eEtv6XOHwiBSaR-YlvmfDFi-DnBrBxs85Ebf-l9g6C4Fq9U/s320/2365_1014478929126_1439647138_30067214_1723_n%5B1%5D.jpg" border="0" /><br /></p>TheDPGanghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00931064880467875597noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6527611609719442674.post-9669653244219201992009-06-06T19:32:00.001-07:002009-06-06T19:38:46.651-07:00Big Sis ~ Lil SisI found these iron-ons and just couldn't resist. I know I need to stop dressing the girls alike BUT I'll try to get away with it as long as possible....I might have a chance as long as I can find things with rhinestones (Emily's fav). <div><div><br /><p><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5344408697503409778" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXDXF0b8ZBkX_Lt65oL_nTpDrCs-ai8oleG9Hdq_C1-TnRcurWoagXofbGMmeLrzG-AbEq7GlBJjtfNKnmF8GbUb_uv7NLK5Ib3RFXSgdIQYuslnl7ocfXC6rOvT9ED0Jl-8HqLY6l_Jc/s320/IMG_4225.JPG" border="0" /> <img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5344408887690316562" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrlz71B6CMfoLVsV2dFme7PHsGdX_kWJcz3tG1NiV75WVcjxknNq8cc7HZmwTaKvCLkqcBgf4J4jzkcmTscV41ImQn2MPQhfBzOmQAKS0vxDY2SIjSYztQtRcTiezohne0SjD6r5Y2vmw/s320/IMG_4226.JPG" border="0" /> <img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5344409156572981042" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTpGT6aICX48o4Q0_kZMWlJN1xZrrB8XwYC3QsJs5ocahi4raZTzD8rSJvaIfOejSrKi29PPJrxLolX4Vp0d39pJx9vb5ZChBilcaOrGbDBkXQZ70WtaLYb-CetbQau1lRnNQNd4ab2vY/s320/IMG_4227.JPG" border="0" />Oh and for the first time, I straightened Anna Kate's hair. She just loved it but there is NO way that I can do this daily....and weekly is probably out of the question too. Needless to say, it took a lot of product and elbow grease to straighten!<br /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5344409358700717522" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 174px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0KQYzBJPrJzpA2IYKruGttjTjDFSV7M2msZNiQa8j6VIXfyjjuotXbfbOnj01qGzxI6kWOHfUECkuwNRfTHkejKSb12VWcoCFuytWpdtmuxZtu2vSpsvNdNcKrlEZ5dPDeS2t4hVvKvo/s320/IMG_4223.JPG" border="0" /><br /></p><div></div></div></div>TheDPGanghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00931064880467875597noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6527611609719442674.post-31891728712014643172009-06-02T20:24:00.000-07:002009-06-07T10:52:53.269-07:00Happy Birthday, Emily!<div><div>I'm still trying to catch up on my blogging scrapbook....<br /><br /></div><div></div><div>Emily turned 11 on tax day! I really just can't believe that she is 11 years old. It just seems like yesterday that she was born. Time has really flown by ~ This year she decided that she did not want a party....now coming from a Mommy who LOVES to celebrate with birthday parties, I was just heartbroken when she made the big decision of NO PARTY! :(</div><div><br /></div><div></div><div>The only thing she wanted was to have a friend spend the night and eat dinner at the American Girl Store. </div><div><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5344642816524128434" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgfPn4T8YQwuEMCJF4jQaQxtep586mwX8bcO5yTVlssM_KfZ1C9AzYH2UrXiNcgUZ4-nwoiLCl4OPV3ZR31tZH1dLaq76hkZLRppCvGH9lfstnC8yiuq8gxCfKgd2iEda1KWg5as9MHUU/s320/IMG_4400.JPG" border="0" /></div></div><div> </div><div>Emily started off with her favorite....pretzel bread.</div><div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5344643498805190194" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0fntgESrP2IkZXknE3WFEEMATc5Fn8E6Jk_nbSIV45BVTR6ADP-ISaugGSp1uTKsXQrNjphKIXSBehxMha10IkhHgejjrKBQpFYryVyWIUvGaRStjj1GwVifTmY1UoxYhYVPx5QWArUs/s320/IMG_4409.JPG" border="0" /></div><div>Then came out the next favorite thing....PASTA! </div><div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5344643682876853586" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaXkg9rQIAsVz5sKXrOULPSZl5XOP4cgge1_iiu5kpolAR0-QjXm_gNkf_R9j4r4KOHwOnSZno4SuNnD_EROZakHSduINcpqV1yXNysYsozllpAAVuSVT-8rKwQq-1vPMwrtlFs3gRqtU/s320/IMG_4411.JPG" border="0" /> </div><div>And then came the polka-dot birthday cake....it was actually very, very good.</div><div> </div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5344643318130392786" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigBRCKdSxc8i6hE8LE-5OpyNiW7cQdd0YYLcQId4Olj-1uy5un6vJh7BV0Z1DHdn32a1l5YwpZ_EW1rnDS_NGdoTOrMCBVrq6P9ZSRDMt8E6WU3Z-cHl-mH4Y-a9lf3hZcVUTYb2d6tAg/s320/IMG_4421.JPG" border="0" /><br />Emily was pleased with her birthday celebration this year. Matter of fact, she told me and her Daddy that this was the best birthday party she had ever had...I'm not surprised coming from a little lady that doesn't like to typically be the center of attention nor gets excited about much! :)<br /><div><div></div><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5344643112988357570" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9UTMp14id82jVrwfeK0x97VMQzcZk_p3Xqi7_zyo2oL-wrAXkg9sJB-iEBUoKlPW2uwztmIkBnPnhMn9DeaM0U1ZvOZg7GaG0rCc_v3uUh6mdl97pMYbZsB-Z3Ik1ykSAwVAWdGITLXI/s320/IMG_4422.JPG" border="0" /><br />Happy Birthday, Emily! I still just can't believe you are 11!<br /><br /><br /><br /><div></div></div>TheDPGanghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00931064880467875597noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6527611609719442674.post-1347337887498457812009-05-31T15:26:00.000-07:002009-06-08T18:31:03.500-07:00ABC's of me!I saw this on another blog and thought it would be fun to do. =)<br /><br />A - Age: 39 (almost 40...wow! That is old, huh?)<br /><br />B - Bed size: King...all four of us could NOT fit into anything smaller.<br /><br />C - Chore you hate: Laundry<br /><br />D - Dog's name: Lucy<br /><br />E - Essential start your day item: Starbucks or Cherry Coke from Sonic<br /><br />F - Favorite color: Pink<br /><br />G - Gold or Silver or Platinum: Silver or Platinum<br /><br />H - Height: 5'5"<br /><br />I - Instruments you play: uhhhh....nothing. I can't carry a tune in a bucket either.<br /><br />J - Job title: Mommy, Student, Auditor<br /><br />K - Kid(s): Emily (11) and Anna Kate (4)...Dan too. Does he count?<br /><br />L - Living arrangements: My sweet girls and Danny Boy. Oh, and that four-legged friend, Lucy!<br /><br />M - Mom's name: Donna<br /><br />N - Nicknames: Lucy<br /><br />O - Overnight hospital stay other than birth: A couple of times ~ I think all of the non-vital organs have been removed from my body.<br /><br />P - Pet Peeve: When people carry on a conversation with some else after calling me on the phone or walking into my office!<br /><br />Q - Quote from a movie: I can't think of one...I mean ~ I watch so many movies =)<br /><br />R - Right handed or left handed: Left<br /><br />S - Siblings: 4 brothers and 1 sister<br /><br />T - Time you wake up: During school time, around 6:30. During the summer time, whenever the girls get up!<br /><br />U- Underwear: Yes please, I don't particularly like going commando!<br /><br />V - Vegetable you dislike: I'm not a huge fan of spinach.<br /><br />W - Ways you run late: being lazy.<br /><br />X - X-rays you've had: kidney, teeth, gallbladder....I could go on & on.<br /><br />Y - Yummy food you make: I honestly can't think of anything! I'm not a cook.<br /><br />Z - Zoo favorite: I like the giraffes and the pandas...I think they are just beautiful!<br /><br />Now it's your turn ~ Have fun =)TheDPGanghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00931064880467875597noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6527611609719442674.post-36147454467826598342009-05-31T13:20:00.000-07:002009-05-31T13:53:25.258-07:00Happy Birthday, Mother!Happy Birthday to my Mother! Her birthday is one day before Emily's....so 11 years ago, my poor mother celebrated her birthday in a labor and delivery room "patiently" awaiting the arrival of our precious little Emily. Three years later, in 2001, she buried her eldest son (my older brother, Chuck). Her birth "day" is far from an ordinary day...it is bittersweet, for sure. <div><div><div><div><div><br /><div>This year we had a celebration at my brother Chip's house....a good time was had by all. The Chicago peeps made an unexpected, grand appearance. My brother lives on a pretty large piece of land and has a wide variety of motorized vehicles and toys for the kids of all ages. </div><br /><div>Grandmother blew out her candles with the help of the grand-boys, Louis and Luke....</div><br /><p><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5342091072223189810" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCJBAzXwAgVuCyNqkhrxjUk5o9nxnZzLq6x4wImFfAIbIiMkjfx3ykfNmBnStrMvCrKB5FTuBHbca3QIFFAYIKqQi1Brms9ihonWzaG7lttN76PN9-xt7EqkjVuxhbXk7n9Q7B_RCciT0/s320/IMG_4282.JPG" border="0" /></p><p>The grand-girls were excited about giving her presents...</p><p><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5342091619908004114" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh594SINkyVqMI-u0doZ4cE5OPSN-xitKM3RccSzk_74jZEk8dSTeHswqTkrNddOMw-KBmwDMZh4dNhia6vkDH5n_6Y3zZq_wSaRMpuHTK_T5tHtay1jrTa6ruM7wqI9_aqp41dox_1y0Y/s320/IMG_4290.JPG" border="0" />The girls had fun on the golf cart ~ I do hope Emily's driving skills improve between now and the time she gets her driver's licenses. :)</p><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5342093583840143746" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEif75j5mhVPcoCQ5tsOwr2FTxmC5KT08aAONSEurLjNvayupiSn8VTCLSUqqRre__E__iEG2J8L409ixMsZTI4uFIKhYswLnVqrJDkSwQGnFwjXAxSFNl_UNZi8XoDNCxhZ1h9fZCLkbcM/s320/IMG_4259.JPG" border="0" /> <p></p><div>Anna Kate really likes Michaela. Michaela was the designated driver for Anna Kate. </div></div></div><br /><p><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5342092377790261602" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpxhYu7tOL2xb_-pspM5HNCwchimmjt0vsvIEf4tc0HUYi0r4JFrfEMPpC5PZ0qYdG3bfacV2kCXL7MFafXcAXFtlqWKI25PKJOD2GElI3n414iEjFZ9NEpDZckb-vgFWS4hGlK9Qy4kg/s320/IMG_4261.JPG" border="0" /></p></div><p></p><p>Cla and Dan had fun racing.</p><p><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5342092740658814658" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjTeIbTrTm-RI_QAh8JvWF88JSGUzmV4O7v0T2iGyHS_yCPe0jX6yGosPu1Fjajz5gdBx3QrIxONZT-xMgTuH-5VJx_ShW92Eur27OgFu_9yCMMhINb0yPNLvFFEG3Q3Y6zsAWBzQZWk4/s320/IMG_4262.JPG" border="0" /></p></div></div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5342092964582022162" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcKPSw5JHvEpJXaBkyzEfHQMZrQGMwCoPQdrr0OUEiCl4xv0o1Axa2oQI5fjK07vmxhJD15oP1s2RaDnm5GfFmPCMWUvThRCXq6HfinOAJHQKeJ7aQktR3PYrf3-rShSvtjDGQH8xI6nk/s320/IMG_4274.JPG" border="0" /><br /><p>Happy Birthday, Mother! Hope this birthday was filled with happy memories.</p>TheDPGanghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00931064880467875597noreply@blogger.com0