tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-40886566195598392152024-02-21T00:13:49.940-07:00oh holliholli h.http://www.blogger.com/profile/05685015013724189003noreply@blogger.comBlogger571125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4088656619559839215.post-69488498329392085082014-02-26T09:25:00.000-07:002014-02-26T21:42:09.771-07:00100 RecipesI love food. Okay. That's like the most obvious statement ever. Everybody loves food. But when I was trying to think of an explanation of why I decided to take on a 100 recipe challenge, that's all it really came down to <span style="background-color: white; color: #666666; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Trebuchet, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 17px; text-align: center;">—</span> a love of food. Of course, being cooped up in a tiny, one-bedroom apartment with my newborn baby in Austin, TX (where I knew no one) over the summer was a catalyst. I just needed something to do. Something to keep me busy and creative. <i>Hmmmm... I'm kind of bored with food lately. That's a dumb thing to be bored with because I love food. Hey, why don't I make a goal to try 50 new dinner recipes?</i> Challenge born.<br />
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Fast forward a few months. A little side-job falls into my lap <span style="background-color: white; color: #666666; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Trebuchet, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 17px; text-align: center;">—</span> one that requires me to cook for a widower in my neighborhood three times a week. <i>Hmmm... now that it's my job to be a cook, why don't we up the ante a little bit? Let's make that goal 100 recipes.</i> Challenge escalated!<br />
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Well, I finally made it. All I can say is that it's been a lot of fun. I've especially enjoyed discovering all kinds of ingredients that I've never cooked with before <span style="background-color: white; color: #666666; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Trebuchet, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 17px; text-align: center;">—</span> fresh lemongrass, chorizo (Mexican and Spanish), goat cheese, poblanos, grits, bulgur, shrimp paste <span style="background-color: white; color: #666666; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Trebuchet, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 17px; text-align: center;">—</span> just to name a few. The process of choosing the recipes was somewhat random, but I feel I did my best to include a wide variety of foods and ingredients. Of course, at least ten of these are "pizza" recipes, but they were all very different pizzas! And let's be real. I love pizza in all forms.<br />
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Okay. Enough rambling. For those who are interested in the recipes I included in the challenge, here is the list. An "h" signifies one of my top favorites. A "j" signifies a favorite of Jacob's. You'll notice that he had a much harder time limiting his top choices. We both agree that basically all of these were pretty dang delicious. Jacob said he would be mad if I didn't make most of these again. Oh, and the "favorites" are linked up to the recipes online, so feel free to check them out >>><br />
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<span style="color: #45818e;">1. </span><a href="http://www.budgetbytes.com/2011/10/turmeric-chicken/" style="color: #45818e; font-weight: bold;">Turmeric Chicken</a><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: #45818e; font-weight: bold;"> </span><span style="color: #666666;">*hj</span></span><br />
2. Peanut Noodle Stir Fry<br />
3. Dragon Noodles<br />
4. Peanut Chicken Curry<br />
5. Thai Chicken Pizzas<br />
6. Grilled Veggie French Bread Pizzas<br />
7. Roasted Veggie Burritos<br />
<span style="color: #45818e;">8.<b> </b><a href="http://www.budgetbytes.com/2013/06/roasted-poblano-grits-with-chorizo/" style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="color: #45818e;">Poblano-Roasted Grits with Chorizo</span></a></span><span style="color: #45818e; font-weight: bold;"> </span><span style="color: #999999;">*j</span><br />
<span style="color: #45818e;">9.<b> </b><span style="color: #45818e; font-weight: bold;"><a href="http://www.budgetbytes.com/2012/05/mediterranean-quesadillas/" style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="color: #45818e;">Mediterranean Quesadillas</span></a> </span></span>*hj<br />
10. Spinach Lasagna Rolls<br />
11. Eggs in Purgatory + Grits<br />
12. Chorizo & Sweet Potato Enchiladas<br />
13. Chickpea & Pesto Salad/Wrap<br />
<span style="color: #45818e;">14.<b> </b><span style="font-weight: bold;"><a href="http://www.ourbestbites.com/2013/05/italian-chicken-hoagies-with-roasted-red-pepper-sauce/" style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="color: #45818e;">Italian Chicken Hoagies with Roasted Red Pepper Sauce</span></a> </span></span>*j<br />
17. Pasta with Sweet Potato Cream Sauce + Roasted Kale<br />
<span style="color: #45818e;">15. <span style="color: #45818e; font-weight: bold;"><a href="http://www.budgetbytes.com/2013/01/jalapeno-popper-mac-cheese/" style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="color: #45818e;">Jalapeno Popper Mac n Cheese</span></a> </span></span>*hj<br />
17. Zesty Tomato & Artichoke Pasta<br />
18. Golden Rice Bowls With Spinach<br />
19. Indian Creamed Spinach + Naan *j<br />
<span style="color: #45818e;">20. <span style="color: #45818e; font-weight: bold;"><a href="http://www.realsimple.com/food-recipes/browse-all-recipes/cheese-ravioli-toasted-walnuts-10000001693764/index.html" style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="color: #45818e;">Cheese Ravioli with Toasted Walnuts</span></a> </span></span>*j<br />
21. Chicken Shawarma<br />
22. Three-Cheese Calzones<br />
23. Salami and Spinach Stromboli<br />
24. Chipotle Sweet Potato Burgers<br />
25. Sweet Chili Chicken Bowls<br />
26. Southwest Cornbread Salad<br />
27. Black Bean Pizzas<br />
28. Buffalo Chicken Pizza<br />
29. Black Bean & Avocado Enchiladas<br />
30. Zucchini Ribbon Pasta<br />
<span style="color: #45818e;">31.<b> <span style="color: #45818e;"><a href="http://www.budgetbytes.com/2012/01/teriyaki-meatball-bowls/"><span style="color: #45818e;">Teriyaki Meatball Bowls</span></a> </span></b></span>*j<br />
32. Gnocchi + Summer Squash<br />
<span style="color: #45818e;">33.<b> </b><span style="color: #45818e; font-weight: bold;"><a href="http://elizabethbryant.blogspot.com/2010/05/korean-beef.html" style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="color: #45818e;">Korean Beef</span></a> </span></span>*j<br />
34. Taco Chicken Bowls<br />
35. Greek Turkey Burgers<br />
<span style="color: #45818e;">36.<b> </b><span style="color: #45818e; font-weight: bold;"><a href="http://www.budgetbytes.com/2012/11/caramelized-onion-mushroom-white-pizza/" style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="color: #45818e;">Caramelized Onion & Mushroom White Pizza</span></a> </span></span>*hj<br />
37. Mediterranean Pasta with Roasted Red Peppers<br />
38. Italian Wonderpot<br />
<span style="color: #45818e;">39.<b> </b><span style="color: #45818e; font-weight: bold;"><a href="http://www.budgetbytes.com/2013/08/easy-sesame-chicken/" style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="color: #45818e;">Easy Sesame Chicken</span></a> </span></span>*j<br />
40. Spicy Chipotle & Sweet Potato Soup<br />
<span style="color: #45818e;">41.<b> <span style="color: #45818e;"><a href="http://www.foodiemisadventures.com/2013/08/asian-slaw-dogs-with-sriracha-mayo.html"><span style="color: #45818e;">Asian Slaw Dogs</span></a> </span></b></span>*hj<br />
42. Vegetarian Borscht<br />
43. Chicken + Pineapple Quesadillas<br />
44. Cajun Chicken Pasta<br />
<span style="color: #45818e;">45.<b> </b><span style="color: #45818e; font-weight: bold;"><a href="http://www.budgetbytes.com/2013/09/oven-roasted-autumn-medley/" style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="color: #45818e;">Oven-roasted Autumn Medley</span></a> </span></span>*h<br />
<span style="color: #45818e;">46.<b> <a href="http://www.budgetbytes.com/2013/09/grilled-broccoli-cheese/"><span style="color: #45818e;">Grilled Broccoli & Cheese Sandwich on Sourdough</span></a> </b></span>*hj<br />
<span style="color: #45818e;">47.<b> </b><span style="color: #45818e;"><a href="http://thaifood.about.com/od/thairecipes/r/greencurrychick.htm" style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="color: #45818e;">Thai Green Curry</span></a> </span></span>*h<br />
<span style="color: #45818e;">48.<b> <span style="color: #45818e;"><a href="http://www.loveandlemons.com/2012/05/04/vegan-enchiladas-cashew-poblano-crema/"><span style="color: #45818e;">Vegan Enchiladas with Cashew-Poblano Crema</span></a> </span></b></span>*hj<br />
49. Creamy Tomato & Spinach Pasta<br />
50. Savory Parmesan-crusted French Toast<br />
<span style="color: #45818e;">51.<b> </b><a href="http://www.closetcooking.com/2012/09/roasted-red-pepper-and-goat-cheese.html" style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="color: #45818e;">Roasted Red Pepper & Goat Cheese Alfredo</span></a> </span>*j<br />
52. Slow Cooker Thai Chicken Soup<br />
53. Chicken Yakisoba<br />
54. Red Kidney Bean Curry<br />
<span style="color: #45818e;">55. <a href="http://www.bhg.com/recipe/pumpkin-bean-and-chicken-enchiladas-/" style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="color: #45818e;">Pumpkin, Bean, & Chicken Enchiladas</span></a> </span>*h<br />
56. Butternut Squash & Kale Lasagna<br />
57. Spinach + Artichoke Wonderpot<br />
58. Corn & Rice Cakes with Black Beans + Chile-Lime Zucchini Saute<br />
59. Pesto-stuffed Shells<br />
60. Spicy Pasta with Sweet Potatoes<br />
61. Spaghetti Bolognese<br />
<span style="color: #45818e;">62.<b> </b><a href="http://www.bhg.com/recipe/chicken/cinnamon-roasted-chicken-with-pumpkin-sage-grits/" style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="color: #45818e;">Cinnamon-roasted Chicken + Pumpkin Grits</span></a> </span>*h<br />
63. Green Enchilada Soup<br />
<span style="color: #45818e;">64.<b> <a href="http://www.budgetbytes.com/2011/08/moroccan-beef-stew/"><span style="color: #45818e;">Moroccan Beef Stew</span></a></b></span> + Moroccan-spiced Spaghetti Squash *h<br />
65. Curried Sweet Potato Soup<br />
66. Apple Cheddar Penne Pie<br />
67. Apples & Pork Loin + Maple-roasted Acorn Squash<br />
<span style="color: #45818e;">68.<b> </b><a href="http://www.budgetbytes.com/2010/10/spinach-artichoke-pasta/" style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="color: #45818e;">Spinach & Artichoke Pasta</span></a> </span>*j<br />
69. Chorizo, Jalapeno, & Corn Nachos<br />
<span style="color: #45818e;">70.<b> </b><span style="color: #45818e;"><a href="http://www.plainchicken.com/2013/08/jerk-chicken-pasta.html" style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="color: #45818e;">Jamaican Jerk Chicken Pasta</span></a> </span></span>*hj<br />
71. Chorizo-stuffed Acorn Squash<br />
72. Coriander Chicken with Acorn Squash & Tomatoes<br />
73. <b><span style="color: #45818e;"><a href="http://www.realsimple.com/food-recipes/browse-all-recipes/baked-barley-risotto-00100000070986/index.html"><span style="color: #45818e;">Baked Barley Risotto with Butternut Squash</span></a> </span></b>*h<br />
<span style="color: #45818e;">74.<b> </b><a href="http://www.realsimple.com/food-recipes/browse-all-recipes/pesto-pasta-sausage-00100000096718/index.html" style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="color: #45818e;">Pecan Pesto Shells with Sausage</span></a> </span>*hj<br />
75. <b><span style="color: #45818e;"><a href="http://laurenbrimley.blogspot.com/2013/11/legendary-honey-lime-chicken-enchiladas.html"><span style="color: #45818e;">Honey-Lime Chicken Enchiladas</span></a> </span></b>*hj<br />
76. Tomato Herb Soup with Tortellini<br />
77. Chicken Noodle Soup<br />
78. Spaghetti Squash & Chorizo Bake<br />
79. Spicy Coconut Pumpkin Soup<br />
<span style="color: #45818e;">80.<b> </b><a href="http://www.spendwithpennies.com/slow-cooker-philly-cheesesteak-ground-beef/" style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="color: #45818e;">Philly Cheesesteak Sloppy Joes</span></a> </span>*j<br />
81. Brie & Crab Mac n Cheese<br />
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82. Spinach, Tomato, & Swiss Pizza<br />
83. Broccoli Shells n' Cheese<br />
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84. Thai Pumpkin & Sweet Potato Curry<br />
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85. <a href="http://damndelicious.net/2013/12/07/olive-garden-zuppa-toscana-copycat-recipe/"><span style="color: #45818e;"><b>Zuppa Toscana</b></span></a> *h<br />
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86. Sriracha Chicken Thighs<br />
87. Thai Massman Curry<br />
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88. Slow Cooker Chicken & Chorizo Paella<br />
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<span style="color: #45818e;">89.<b> </b><a href="http://www.rachaelraymag.com/recipe/pizza-supreme/" style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="color: #45818e;">Pizza Supreme</span></a> </span>*j<br />
90. Jalapeno Popper Pasta<br />
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91. White Spinach Pizza<br />
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92. Chicken Wild Rice Soup *hj<br />
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93. Baked Lemon Chicken<br />
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94. Deep Dish Polenta Pizza<br />
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95. Sweet Potato & Thyme Ravioli<br />
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<span style="color: #45818e;">96.<b> <a href="http://elizabethbryant.blogspot.com/2010/04/cafe-rio-pork-barbacoa.html"><span style="color: #45818e;">Cafe Rio Style Pork Barbacoa</span></a> </b></span>*hj<br />
<span style="color: #45818e;">97.<b> </b><a href="http://www.bonappetit.com/recipe/pasta-with-chorizo-and-chickpeas" style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="color: #45818e;">Pasta with Chorizo & Chickpeas</span></a> </span><span style="color: #666666;">*j</span><br />
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<span style="color: #45818e;">98.<b> </b><a href="http://www.bonappetit.com/recipe/lemony-chicken-and-orzo-soup" style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="color: #45818e;">Lemony Chicken & Orzo Soup</span></a> </span>*h<br />
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<span style="color: #45818e;">99.<b> </b><a href="http://damndelicious.net/2012/05/30/teriyaki-salmon-with-sriracha-cream-sauce/" style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="color: #45818e;">Teriyaki Salmon with Sriracha Cream Sauce</span></a> </span>*hj<br />
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<span style="color: #45818e;">100.<b> </b><a href="http://www.ourbestbites.com/2013/08/grilled-greek-pizza/" style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="color: #45818e;">Greek Pizzas with Olive Pesto Sauce</span></a> </span>*hj<br />
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Things I've learned from this experience:<br />
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">Goals FTW</span></b> - I've never been much of a "goals girl." Not that I don't ever work towards accomplishing cool things in my life <span style="background-color: white; color: #666666; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Trebuchet, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 17px; text-align: center;">—</span> I'd like to think that I do. However, I've never been very good (or consistent) with setting a long-term goal and tracking my progress until I reach it. Really nailing down that process has been enlightening. I've found that working towards a really big goal and accomplishing it is one of the most empowering things a person can do.<br />
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">Anyone Can Cook</span></b> - Just so you know, I am truly a novice in the kitchen. And let me tell you, even after making quite a variety of recipes, I still feel like a have so much to learn about food preparation. Still, what I've come to learn is that cooking is so much more about the recipe than the cook. If you've found a great recipe and you know how to follow some basic directions <span style="background-color: white; color: #666666; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Trebuchet, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 17px; text-align: center;">—</span> you're pretty much golden.<br />
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">Cooking Gets Easier</span></b> - When I first <i>really</i> started cooking while I was in college, I would find a recipe that looked good, email it to my mom, tell her to make it first, and then have her explain every detail of how she made it in her own words before I would even <i>attempt</i> to make it on my own. I know... kinda pathetic. I suppose I had absolutely no "kitchen confidence." But with more experience I eventually got to the place where I would try new things on my own; still, it seemed like cooking took SO LONG. This was mostly because I had to read every single word of the recipe over and over and over <span style="background-color: white; color: #666666; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Trebuchet, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 17px; text-align: center;">—</span> just to make sure I was doing everything precisely perfect as written. Also, some of my skills (such as chopping vegetables) were a little underdeveloped. And multi-tasking was pretty much nonexistent.<br />
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What I've found is that when you start cooking more, you really do get better at it. You don't have to have your eyes glued to the recipe quite so much. You can chop the veggies faster. You think of smarter ways to prepare in advance to make things smoother before dinner. You have a little more ingenuity when it comes to multi-tasking. The more experience you have, the easier and quicker it gets.<br />
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">Meal Plans</span></b> - There was a time when Jacob and I would just meander around the grocery store every week, just picking up random items that we thought we wanted to eat that week. I would maybe plan one "nicer" meal for Sunday dinner, and the rest was probably just random ingredients for Mexican food <span style="background-color: white; color: #666666; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Trebuchet, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 17px; text-align: center;">—</span> cheese, tortillas, salsa, beans, etc. We ate A LOT of Mexican food our first year of marriage.<br />
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Meal plans have completely changed the way we eat. It guarantees variety and encourages smarter shopping. Trips to the grocery store are quicker because I know EXACTLY what I need to buy for the whole week. My mind is more at ease because I know what we're having for dinner every single night. Jacob's probably a little more excited to come home because he knows there <i>is</i> something planned for dinner. I also think planning meals means more economical shopping. We buy what we need and what we know we will use that week, instead of random items that we <i>think</i> we want <span style="background-color: white; color: #666666; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Trebuchet, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 17px; text-align: center;">—</span> which often don't get used or go bad when we've accidentally bought too much food for the week.<br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>The Internet = Treasure Trove of Endless Possibilities</b> </span>- The hardest part about creating a meal plan is simply thinking of what it is you want to eat. If you feel stumped, you obviously haven't been browsing enough recipes on the web. I promise, once you get into the habit of recipe browsing every once in awhile, you'll have way more recipes than you'll ever be able to make.<br />
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">The People's Voice</span> </b>- When it comes to sites like Youtube, I am usually inclined to avoid the comment section <span style="background-color: white; color: #666666; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Trebuchet, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 17px; text-align: center;">—</span> that is, if I want to preserve my faith in humanity. But in the food world, you need to read those comments! So often, users will give a recipe a high rating without taking into account the many adjustments that they made to get a great end result. Always read the user comments to see what others have done to achieve the best outcome. I know this has saved my dinners so many times. Also, be a good web citizen and leave comments after trying a recipe!<br />
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">Cataloging Recipes</span></b> - I'm not on Pinterest, but I've heard it's a good place for collecting these kinds of things. I have been using <a href="http://www.ziplist.com/"><b><span style="color: #45818e;">Ziplist</span></b></a> for recipe-collecting and creating grocery lists, and love it.<br />
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">"Hard Recipes" Easier than Expected</span></b> - There were a lot of dishes that I assumed were probably too difficult to make at home. In reality, a lot of them were super easy. Don't let exotic/fancy-looking foods scare you. It's so fun to learn to make the foods you love to buy at restaurants. For instance, did you know that sesame chicken is incredibly easy to make? Save your money at Panda Express and make it yourself!<br />
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">You Don't Need Fancy Kitchen Tools</span></b> - You really don't need all that fancy stuff. I mean, a bunch of cool gizmos and gadgets for the kitchen can be fun, but you can get by without them. However, if I were to suggest investing in a few items, it would be these: 1) a decent food processor 2) an immersion blender (So useful for soups and all kinds of things. One of the best wedding gifts ever. I love mine so much) 3) a few quality knives. That last one is actually pretty important. I don't know what I would do without my Cutco petite chef knife. I use it so much every single day.<br />
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Oh, and you should probably have an apron that you like. Just because it makes you feel cool.<br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>When You Eat Better, Life is Better</b> </span>- If you think about it, the food you eat kind of defines your basic quality of life <span style="background-color: white; color: #666666; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Trebuchet, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 17px; text-align: center;">—</span> almost more than anything else, in my opinion (but that's probably because I love food more than most things in life). In other words, if you eat great food, your life is (at least) a little bit great. On the other hand, if you eat crappy food, your life is probably... well, you can fill in the blanks. Not the best.<br />
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Food is kind of a beautiful thing. Not only is it a necessity of life (in that it nourishes the body and keeps you alive), but it brings people together, it creates tradition, it enriches memory, it can even make a simple day of work and perfunctory tasks feel kind of special <span style="background-color: white; color: #666666; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Trebuchet, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 17px; text-align: center;">—</span> and, oh yeah, it tastes good! And I suppose, one of the best things about food is that the possibilities are truly endless. In my opinion, life is simply too short to be spent eating boring food.<br />
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">I Can't Stop</span></b> - Now that I've started, I'm not sure I can stop this train. In fact, I made <a href="http://www.bonappetit.com/recipe/pasta-with-pistachio-pesto"><span style="color: #45818e;"><b>recipe #105 </b></span></a>today (pasta with pistachio-mint pesto <span style="background-color: white; color: #666666; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Trebuchet, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 17px; text-align: center;">—</span> pretty dang good, I might add). I'm afraid this might just have to be a new life pattern. I'm not mad about this. And come on, neither is Jacob.<br />
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To end, I would like to thank Sriracha hot chili sauce and Costco (for their 48 oz. bulk container of minced garlic). Couldn't have done it without you guys.</div>
holli h.http://www.blogger.com/profile/05685015013724189003noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4088656619559839215.post-89628889333152832832014-02-21T10:16:00.004-07:002014-02-21T15:16:33.511-07:00Valentines + Another Go at Blogging<div style="text-align: left;">
Hello again.</div>
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After taking a 4-month sabbatical from the blog world <span style="background-color: white; color: #666666; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Trebuchet, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 17px; text-align: center;">—</span> well, I'm back. I thought my <b><a href="http://ohholli.blogspot.com/2014/02/to-jacob-on-valentines-day.html"><span style="color: #45818e;">valentine's post</span></a> </b>was a good enough opportunity for re-entry. There have been two main reasons for my absence. The first reason is BUSY. I think I am busy. In reality, I'm not sure if I'm a busy person or actually just a lazy person <span style="background-color: white; color: #666666; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Trebuchet, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 17px; text-align: center;">—</span> it's very much debatable. But that's none of your business. Second reason, I'm a really good sister. You see, I have two baby brothers serving missions right now, and I've faithfully been keeping up mission blogs for both of them. What am I supposed to do? Keep up THREE BLOGS? Ain't nobody got time for that...</div>
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Oops. I guess there are three reasons. Third reason, EXISTENTIAL CRISIS. My blog just isn't sure who it is anymore or what purpose it is serving. First of all, the name is pretty dumb. *<i>Oh Holli? Seriously? </i>Secondly, the rainbow chevron stripes in the background need to go. Bleh... sick of them. And then there's there's the deeper psychological issues like... Who even reads this stuff? What am I writing about anyway? Now that I'm a mom, does that make me a "mommy blogger?" Maybe this thing should just be a photo tribute to Rose <span style="background-color: white; color: #666666; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Trebuchet, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 17px; text-align: center;">—</span> she's obviously way more cute and entertaining than I am? Is my blog frumpy? Oh yeah, and WHO AM I? (Okay, this is getting a little dramatic. Remember that this is <i>my blog's</i> existential crisis... not mine.)</div>
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Well, after a lot of thinking and unproductive existential-crisis-ing, I have decided that I do care about this blog still. As a free agent who is responsible for my own authenticity, I remain wrestling to answer some of the questions about why I even have a blog to begin with. <i>Seriously thinking about it </i><span style="background-color: white; color: #666666; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Trebuchet, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 17px; text-align: center;"><i>—</i></span><i> I'm really not the blogger type.</i> In the meantime, I've come up with a mini "mission statement" of sorts (if you can even call it that). I want this blog to be a place where I can write about my goals, share the things I love, and tell stories about my life and the people in it. That is all. Who ever reads, reads.</div>
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I have so many things in my head that I feel that this dumb lil' weblog could be a great outlet for. So here's to another go at blogging. Hopefully I'll post a few things that are worthwhile every now and then. For now, here are some pics from Valentine's >>></div>
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<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="1024" mozallowfullscreen="" msallowfullscreen="" oallowfullscreen="" src="http://www.flickr.com/photos/67693049@N08/12667895005/player/" webkitallowfullscreen="" width="768"></iframe>
<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="600" mozallowfullscreen="" msallowfullscreen="" oallowfullscreen="" src="http://www.flickr.com/photos/67693049@N08/12668021193/in/photostream/player/" webkitallowfullscreen="" width="800"></iframe>
<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="800" mozallowfullscreen="" msallowfullscreen="" oallowfullscreen="" src="http://www.flickr.com/photos/67693049@N08/12667893075/in/photostream/player/" webkitallowfullscreen="" width="600"></iframe>
<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="800" mozallowfullscreen="" msallowfullscreen="" oallowfullscreen="" src="http://www.flickr.com/photos/67693049@N08/12667889265/player/" webkitallowfullscreen="" width="600"></iframe>
<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="800" mozallowfullscreen="" msallowfullscreen="" oallowfullscreen="" src="http://www.flickr.com/photos/67693049@N08/12668007943/in/photostream/player/" webkitallowfullscreen="" width="600"></iframe>
<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="800" mozallowfullscreen="" msallowfullscreen="" oallowfullscreen="" src="http://www.flickr.com/photos/67693049@N08/12667882085/in/photostream/player/" webkitallowfullscreen="" width="600"></iframe>
<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="800" mozallowfullscreen="" msallowfullscreen="" oallowfullscreen="" src="http://www.flickr.com/photos/67693049@N08/12668350884/in/photostream/player/" webkitallowfullscreen="" width="600"></iframe>
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<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="889" mozallowfullscreen="" src="//player.vimeo.com/video/87281109" webkitallowfullscreen="" width="500"></iframe> <br />
<a href="http://vimeo.com/87281109">classic skating</a> from <a href="http://vimeo.com/user1279198">holli hale</a> on <a href="https://vimeo.com/">Vimeo</a>.<br />
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When I told Jacob that I wanted to go classic skating, he said it was an "interesting idea." Interesting? Classic skating is a lot of things, but it's not interesting! Anyway, he warmed up to this interesting idea pretty quickly, and we had ourselves a night at the rink. And of course, I got my valentine's couples-skate... and a plastic, light-up, flashing heart necklace. So romantic.</div>
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The whole thing was incredibly dorky and exactly what I needed.</div>
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(Who said Valentine's had to be serious anyway?)</div>
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*When I started this thing, it was called "B.Y. Youth Gone Wild" <span style="background-color: white; color: #666666; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Trebuchet, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 17px; text-align: center;">—</span> which I still think is a pretty funny name, but I outgrew it. After all, I'm no longer a B.Y. youth, I suppose. When I was traveling around, it was "Innocents Abroad." Another name I liked, but not really traveling much these days. And so I defaulted to the name I used for my URL address <span style="background-color: white; color: #666666; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Trebuchet, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 17px; text-align: center;">—</span> Oh Holli. And why did I choose that for my URL? Because at the time I made this blog, I felt it was the thing people most often said to me <span style="background-color: white; color: #666666; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Trebuchet, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 17px; text-align: center;">—</span> usually out of ridicule. I was (am) known for being a bit clumsy. I'd love to change it up again, but I haven't had any epiphanies for a clever name. And after six years of blogging is there really a point in changing it now?</div>
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holli h.http://www.blogger.com/profile/05685015013724189003noreply@blogger.com16tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4088656619559839215.post-84964985198263487222014-02-14T04:00:00.000-07:002014-02-14T09:25:19.560-07:00To Jacob (on Valentine's Day)I know you've heard me sing this a million times now -- especially after I was randomly summoned to perform it at a furniture store on Tuesday (despite all my practicing, I had a brain freeze right in the middle of the song, and you still made me feel like a rock star). But I want you to know that my original vision for this little cover was for you on Valentine's day. I had high hopes of creating a real quality recording with multiple tracks for the guitar, vocals, and maybe even some cute harmonies. But you know me. I never get anything done. And let's be honest. I really don't have the equipment or skills to even create what most would consider a "quality recording."<br />
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What I did do was sit in the kitchen with my guitar while you were out, download a simple voice recording app on the iPad, and hit the "record" button. It's rough, raw, and unadorned. If anything, I'm just hoping that this recording will still exist maybe 10 years from now. We'll listen to it. Maybe our kids will listen to it. We'll laugh. I'll be a little embarrassed. And we'll remember our simple little life when we lived in that old house by the park. You were still a student and Rose was only a baby. Wherever and whenever that is, I hope we'll still be as in love as we are now (or more). If not, I hope this song will help us remember.<br />
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happy valentine's day, my love.<br />
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<iframe frameborder="no" height="300" scrolling="no" src="https://w.soundcloud.com/player/?url=https%3A//api.soundcloud.com/tracks/134678370&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&visual=true" width="100%"></iframe></div>
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p.s.<br />
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I know Freddie Mercury (R.I.P.) wrote these lyrics, but I mean 'em! Also, I think now that I've set this precedent, you should probably sing Styx's <b><a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W6NVfepiw9U"><span style="color: #45818e;">"Lady"</span></a></b> for me next year... <i>hint hint.</i>holli h.http://www.blogger.com/profile/05685015013724189003noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4088656619559839215.post-91399486879220670172013-11-18T22:14:00.000-07:002013-11-18T22:22:25.173-07:00Smarty Phone VidsNow that I own a phone that actually has the capability of taking decent video, I thought I would share a few from the recent camera roll. Of course, they are all of Rose. Being the adorable 6-monther she is, she's pretty much the joy and entertainment of our lives these days.<br />
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Here we go. Remember that time (in my <b><span style="color: #76a5af;"><a href="http://ohholli.blogspot.com/2013/11/halfy-birthday-rose.html">last post</a></span></b>) when me and Jacob were really mean parents and let Rose taste a lime? Well, to prove that we are not <i>completely</i> evil<span style="background-color: white; color: #666666; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Trebuchet, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 17px; text-align: center;">—</span>here is the time we let her taste an orange and she went crazy for it!<br />
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<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="1244" mozallowfullscreen="" src="//player.vimeo.com/video/79321262" webkitallowfullscreen="" width="700"></iframe> <a href="http://vimeo.com/79321262">orange slice!</a> from <a href="http://vimeo.com/user1279198">holli hale</a> on <a href="https://vimeo.com/">Vimeo</a>.</div>
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This girl loves to laugh, and she seems to have a pretty good idea of when we are being silly (especially Jacob)...<br />
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<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="1244" mozallowfullscreen="" src="//player.vimeo.com/video/79733551" webkitallowfullscreen="" width="700"></iframe> <a href="http://vimeo.com/79733551">funny daddy</a> from <a href="http://vimeo.com/user1279198">holli hale</a> on <a href="https://vimeo.com/">Vimeo</a>.</div>
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Her favorite game...<br />
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<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="1244" mozallowfullscreen="" src="//player.vimeo.com/video/79497786" webkitallowfullscreen="" width="700"></iframe> <a href="http://vimeo.com/79497786">where's rosie?</a> from <a href="http://vimeo.com/user1279198">holli hale</a> on <a href="https://vimeo.com/">Vimeo</a>.</div>
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Oh yeah? And did I mention that she really loves oranges? <b>WARNING</b>: not much happens in this video. Pretty much just a cute baby being a cute baby...<br />
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<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="1244" mozallowfullscreen="" src="//player.vimeo.com/video/79740564" webkitallowfullscreen="" width="700"></iframe> <a href="http://vimeo.com/79740564">orange</a> from <a href="http://vimeo.com/user1279198">holli hale</a> on <a href="https://vimeo.com/">Vimeo</a>.</div>
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If not for anyone else<span style="background-color: white; color: #666666; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Trebuchet, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 17px; text-align: center;">—</span>grandparents, this is for YOU. Yes, my blog has kinda become a virtual Rose-shrine, but what can I say? Like any other adoring parent, I'm a little obsessed with my babe. So sue me.<br />
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p.s.<br />
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I know the videos are ridiculously huge, but I was too lazy to fix them.<br />
Deal with it.holli h.http://www.blogger.com/profile/05685015013724189003noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4088656619559839215.post-32230868764049962062013-11-11T10:52:00.002-07:002013-11-11T10:52:57.973-07:00Halfy Birthday Rose!For Rose's half birthday, we let her taste a lime. At first it's funny, but by the end it kinda just looks like child abuse...<br />
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<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="394" mozallowfullscreen="" src="//player.vimeo.com/video/79114369" webkitallowfullscreen="" width="700"></iframe> <a href="http://vimeo.com/79114369">yucky lime</a> from <a href="http://vimeo.com/user1279198">holli hale</a> on <a href="https://vimeo.com/">Vimeo</a>.</div>
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Can't believe my baby is six months old!</div>
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We love her more and more every day.</div>
holli h.http://www.blogger.com/profile/05685015013724189003noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4088656619559839215.post-41435282261836361302013-10-24T08:44:00.000-06:002013-10-24T11:08:52.943-06:00Dad's ScreenshotsRose and I were in Arizona visiting family for about 4 days (5 nights) last week. Unfortunately Jacob was not able to come with us because of school obligations, but we were able to Skype with him every day. When we arrived back in Utah, I found these screenshots from our Skype sessions on the Macbook.<br />
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Rose has Skyped with her dad a few times before when we've been apart, but this time she seemed to have an actual sense of what was going on<span style="background-color: white; color: #666666; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Trebuchet, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 17px; text-align: center;">—</span>she really was seeing her daddy on the screen. It was pretty dang cute to watch. And it was quite a relief for me. Let's just say that Rose didn't have the easiest time in Arizona. In a new, strange environment with lots of new people (not to mention, a horrible diaper rash, some digestive issues, bad sleep, and who knows what else... possibly teething? altitude change?) she just was not her usual happy self. Of course, a few days of handling this on my own made me an incredibly weary parent! Still, she managed to revert back to a sweet, happy baby when Skyping with her dad. Each one of these screenshots represents of moment of grace for me.</div>
holli h.http://www.blogger.com/profile/05685015013724189003noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4088656619559839215.post-27261254848642666642013-10-12T19:40:00.000-06:002013-10-12T19:40:05.356-06:00Screech<div style="text-align: center;">
Some babies make cute noises.</div>
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Our baby screeches.</div>
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Spying on Rose. On this particular day, she kept making these sing-songy screeches only when I would leave the room:</div>
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<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="394" mozallowfullscreen="" src="//player.vimeo.com/video/76192784" webkitallowfullscreen="" width="700"></iframe> <a href="http://vimeo.com/76192784">screech</a> from <a href="http://vimeo.com/user1279198">holli hale</a> on <a href="https://vimeo.com/">Vimeo</a>.</div>
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More screeching:</div>
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<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="394" mozallowfullscreen="" src="//player.vimeo.com/video/76377732" webkitallowfullscreen="" width="700"></iframe> <a href="http://vimeo.com/76377732">screecher baby</a> from <a href="http://vimeo.com/user1279198">holli hale</a> on <a href="https://vimeo.com/">Vimeo</a>.</div>
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Sometimes I think she is more pterodactyl than baby. </div>
holli h.http://www.blogger.com/profile/05685015013724189003noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4088656619559839215.post-83564638960003792902013-09-27T15:09:00.000-06:002013-09-27T15:09:22.442-06:00Proof that we are hilarious parents...<div style="text-align: right;">
<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="394" mozallowfullscreen="" src="//player.vimeo.com/video/75525232" webkitallowfullscreen="" width="700"></iframe> <a href="http://vimeo.com/75525232">MVI 2055</a> from <a href="http://vimeo.com/user1279198">holli hale</a> on <a href="https://vimeo.com/">Vimeo</a>.</div>
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The sound of her laughing pretty much makes me happier than anything else.</div>
holli h.http://www.blogger.com/profile/05685015013724189003noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4088656619559839215.post-73521472716371496912013-09-25T13:43:00.001-06:002013-09-25T13:47:47.189-06:00Texas FinaleOur last days in Austin came much more quickly than I was prepared for. Though I was ready to head back home to Provo, there were still lots of things I wanted to do and see in the great city of Austin. Okay, let's be honest<span style="background-color: white; color: #666666; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Trebuchet, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 17px; text-align: center;">—</span>there was still a lot more FOOD I wanted to eat in the great city of Austin. And eat we did<span style="background-color: white; color: #666666; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Trebuchet, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 17px; text-align: center;">—</span>while stopping at a few points of interest, of course.<br />
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The Salt Lick BBQ was a must. Texas is known for it's BBQ, and this did not disappoint one bit. Probably the best BBQ I've ever had<span style="background-color: white; color: #666666; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Trebuchet, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 17px; text-align: center;">—</span>although Jacob went to another place with his co-workers after I left for Utah, and he said <i>that</i> place was even better. Thanks a lot, hun. Now I have to go all the way back to Texas just to make sure you are right. Sooo ruuuude.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">woooooooooooooooowww *_*!</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sorry baby, milk before meat!</td></tr>
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We spent another day exploring downtown because I love it so much. If anything, the whole downtown area is what I love most about Austin. So fun.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Even the graffiti loves Austin</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Took a lil' trip to the Capitol building. I wanted to play frisbee on the lawn like Tim Riggins on FNL.</td></tr>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizVZB2YpEzYgVBCLiqJ8JZuet6mac1HIfc5q5UFZOVpIaoN4sVlI_U6H7AcAYdsXRvsgUsq0iWc0P37WTiM0pNsoob-KbOmne0oIL9Xtixobf9jZFsEasQqYd_triysPtfS5jP1U48abgE/s1600/IMG_2011.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizVZB2YpEzYgVBCLiqJ8JZuet6mac1HIfc5q5UFZOVpIaoN4sVlI_U6H7AcAYdsXRvsgUsq0iWc0P37WTiM0pNsoob-KbOmne0oIL9Xtixobf9jZFsEasQqYd_triysPtfS5jP1U48abgE/s640/IMG_2011.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimUZsitTQ0GKGH348NKCkV7zMZYN_dZQ9CBdlw1uXtVm_ZT5sLzx1nuMfWCVluZJ6gEiBB2podgBYWS7Tnhoi1QW2SKxHnwWAPcxAbl9IHJyVYNyJCHATfGnDdhbp-_dv5UXpQ7Vln6Rq5/s1600/IMG_2012.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimUZsitTQ0GKGH348NKCkV7zMZYN_dZQ9CBdlw1uXtVm_ZT5sLzx1nuMfWCVluZJ6gEiBB2podgBYWS7Tnhoi1QW2SKxHnwWAPcxAbl9IHJyVYNyJCHATfGnDdhbp-_dv5UXpQ7Vln6Rq5/s640/IMG_2012.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLJbDPcugUPc90sredibKpCSQJeVwSVDLPmSRd_d9j5RfczIV2t10nZwtNvqa3ROCP-XLEPJyOS2CjdGTgcTfl5Qwn6tPSfnSb6lunN0_pVhEWGkqqJ2RRW3cZILE4qsQso2SKIQSXw8ug/s1600/IMG_2014.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLJbDPcugUPc90sredibKpCSQJeVwSVDLPmSRd_d9j5RfczIV2t10nZwtNvqa3ROCP-XLEPJyOS2CjdGTgcTfl5Qwn6tPSfnSb6lunN0_pVhEWGkqqJ2RRW3cZILE4qsQso2SKIQSXw8ug/s640/IMG_2014.JPG" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Star motifs EVERYWHERE. I tried to count all the stars in that building, but it was literally impossible. They take that "Loner Star" thing <i>really</i> seriously.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLtdPuxnvHGEwmUgqpn3AYo255DCv2_KWUOE4lqEXfWsMpSNfoM-Xaq2ewsgi7EupubbyJjFs4rMn_OzLvT8sgj02DJISayKd25469gDelYuB2LMzjJedHmTAm49PqgAT_kFdcVzuRPLvZ/s1600/IMG_2015.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLtdPuxnvHGEwmUgqpn3AYo255DCv2_KWUOE4lqEXfWsMpSNfoM-Xaq2ewsgi7EupubbyJjFs4rMn_OzLvT8sgj02DJISayKd25469gDelYuB2LMzjJedHmTAm49PqgAT_kFdcVzuRPLvZ/s640/IMG_2015.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Baby on the floor!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJ99bjPG_2xpe5OPRT-kOniXVQrxj6Z8am8OrSE9cq0HCaV03eSsgB0IDod9RC0Xgepxa4VYOpcqfykWULZm6Wdaf-fpQ8_XVdf27CQeqCNZxWkTsF1HYruC9LRVmbB_YpLRVIydmpZ1w1/s1600/IMG_2017.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJ99bjPG_2xpe5OPRT-kOniXVQrxj6Z8am8OrSE9cq0HCaV03eSsgB0IDod9RC0Xgepxa4VYOpcqfykWULZm6Wdaf-fpQ8_XVdf27CQeqCNZxWkTsF1HYruC9LRVmbB_YpLRVIydmpZ1w1/s640/IMG_2017.JPG" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">There was a sign warning about the awkward historically uneven steps<span style="background-color: white; color: #666666; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Trebuchet, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 17px;">—</span>with their exact dimensions and everything<span style="background-color: white; color: #666666; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Trebuchet, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 17px;">—</span>but I still tripped on them.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4VsJjmNyx2EGIHPBvs0W_CeBIKDTMmPXZePhLd1DnqCVGb-sqqK3423VHGF9fBQni5WsLceELUQlmLS-U5Nu_NYZ2j4EJSWXAjKZBEuT5N8uxpcSPAaoM5-6fVZrKZpJ6oJzxwW1t5el5/s1600/IMG_2020.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="468" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4VsJjmNyx2EGIHPBvs0W_CeBIKDTMmPXZePhLd1DnqCVGb-sqqK3423VHGF9fBQni5WsLceELUQlmLS-U5Nu_NYZ2j4EJSWXAjKZBEuT5N8uxpcSPAaoM5-6fVZrKZpJ6oJzxwW1t5el5/s640/IMG_2020.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I'm sure this cannon thing has some sort of historical significance. We obviously just saw it as a cute baby photo-op.</td></tr>
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Next, we hit up a place I had been wanting to try all summer<span style="background-color: white; color: #666666; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Trebuchet, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 17px; text-align: center;">—</span>A food truck dedicated to the perfection and peddling of deep-fried goodness. And yes, I'm talking about doughnuts. Gourdough's!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgojPbp4YaLOdLRmWzvKJIJDqpeAWbQo_c50iiVktbbpNEToXKbzzlSrxG2UWlC4sk0BnKt7pFHg98LdMoHvwamEmZqz4L8dhwlya0u3416MYURaiqPwwEu3miMAQAa3CAti-582e5L0hh0/s1600/IMG_2025.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgojPbp4YaLOdLRmWzvKJIJDqpeAWbQo_c50iiVktbbpNEToXKbzzlSrxG2UWlC4sk0BnKt7pFHg98LdMoHvwamEmZqz4L8dhwlya0u3416MYURaiqPwwEu3miMAQAa3CAti-582e5L0hh0/s640/IMG_2025.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Austin has soooo many little food trucks and food parks around town. AKA Holli's dreamland.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1VeFNFqad0lAbslfIuGxDLaqggfbKO0WAnFNuZLYm41xVf4FqEDvkxd7gUzUR2s6fzP6Kr24kWVMgdVxZoLM1OjInoNKtJmyZlJc1ntQw5gj5FOxtM7Gch3o6nk5wVXQ_fz6h2MJagCxv/s1600/IMG_2026.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1VeFNFqad0lAbslfIuGxDLaqggfbKO0WAnFNuZLYm41xVf4FqEDvkxd7gUzUR2s6fzP6Kr24kWVMgdVxZoLM1OjInoNKtJmyZlJc1ntQw5gj5FOxtM7Gch3o6nk5wVXQ_fz6h2MJagCxv/s640/IMG_2026.JPG" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Poor Rose has to be dragged around wherever we go. She obviously does not yet appreciate the beauty of a perfect donut.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj11LW9nipG3sg7lsE9CtkqEvu-Qp4OwkETRCcRmj59sFg6AllH_rwME7faP08QDtZhZuCqeDvTdkQoqNmBG2orA4MiBJGwCT6yirnvBg3c0htP90wUTkwYYNrHTD2mPJq4N7BBW07T8iyP/s1600/IMG_2028.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj11LW9nipG3sg7lsE9CtkqEvu-Qp4OwkETRCcRmj59sFg6AllH_rwME7faP08QDtZhZuCqeDvTdkQoqNmBG2orA4MiBJGwCT6yirnvBg3c0htP90wUTkwYYNrHTD2mPJq4N7BBW07T8iyP/s640/IMG_2028.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This donut was called the "Mother Clucker." Yep, that's fried chicken and honey butter on a donut. I simultaneously salivate and feel a little sick when looking at this picture. I remember how AMAZING it tasted and also how I never wanted to eat food ever again about ten minutes later. Toootally would go through that again. Do I have a bad relationship with food?</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiz3-znUYUnK8kZW6KhnsHenMGwdUM9Kn65W6x18uqZSgrREkcUAAm961TnOSsqFBQ9Ts2ihRX94Gk0rsgZZC_QjB7S0fUvCnh1F1bdmybsB74fYrkrxJlqKkU_nrevA6B8ndBAm119BQFL/s1600/IMG_2029.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="524" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiz3-znUYUnK8kZW6KhnsHenMGwdUM9Kn65W6x18uqZSgrREkcUAAm961TnOSsqFBQ9Ts2ihRX94Gk0rsgZZC_QjB7S0fUvCnh1F1bdmybsB74fYrkrxJlqKkU_nrevA6B8ndBAm119BQFL/s640/IMG_2029.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Do I look oddly saint-like in this one? I know I felt as though I were were about to partake of the holy grail of fried foods. It was truly choice above all other donuts.</td></tr>
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So after stuffing our faces with super fattening foods, we decided to hike a small mountain.... inspired sequence of events, I know. Our bodies hated us for it.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRcxGigMy1FnccNDP_haaSdBIqukbab4popGmCB2tjVFeO42Rvz09zR3Hph6EETJ5H3NtPTJya9bL9u8ByAfxji2PEys50_fy6fnoPCJLazCKmed08VEHbNfBFTIzmbuojvE8Bx6OjDOad/s1600/IMG_2032.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRcxGigMy1FnccNDP_haaSdBIqukbab4popGmCB2tjVFeO42Rvz09zR3Hph6EETJ5H3NtPTJya9bL9u8ByAfxji2PEys50_fy6fnoPCJLazCKmed08VEHbNfBFTIzmbuojvE8Bx6OjDOad/s640/IMG_2032.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The view from Mt. Bonnell</td></tr>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpgH43hLeziI_pQhyphenhyphen12R4rVZ-K66I7f1X6ZPeHtp_eyupwuqATA7iEoM_VbWNMgoebtiLQraPz-iusiFN98vDhgXFl3NBB8_AK_EjBDW_binMxePTCPYxSvtwChbVT9o0ysVgTE1Cytjby/s1600/IMG_2036.JPG" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpgH43hLeziI_pQhyphenhyphen12R4rVZ-K66I7f1X6ZPeHtp_eyupwuqATA7iEoM_VbWNMgoebtiLQraPz-iusiFN98vDhgXFl3NBB8_AK_EjBDW_binMxePTCPYxSvtwChbVT9o0ysVgTE1Cytjby/s640/IMG_2036.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqWH_qtGGWvWWzHVZgZBeMBhSflQrMamZb81u7f336MVFk7OCmXSoPfpUilpNXh_k2t3A_T0RFvS0ylZlrT76wXRU7uQa5Y-W-o8sfHAhfTBD7E3Im3AiOfTa57tncwnFldVCOiUN8hV03/s1600/IMG_2037.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqWH_qtGGWvWWzHVZgZBeMBhSflQrMamZb81u7f336MVFk7OCmXSoPfpUilpNXh_k2t3A_T0RFvS0ylZlrT76wXRU7uQa5Y-W-o8sfHAhfTBD7E3Im3AiOfTa57tncwnFldVCOiUN8hV03/s640/IMG_2037.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cute daddy and daughter</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuedlhXdR9eJrZueRc93UKXdaRxAfbFuc6V3DzF_eDBsf_2KRKP0hWW9pSBMiUULjS-YdrmEpOXrr2_1SJc-GNsyyrOZIvIfnnNc2ef-R6PTJxRvAVW_KDanUnaBalESNQox6cZbU8QdtU/s1600/IMG_2039.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuedlhXdR9eJrZueRc93UKXdaRxAfbFuc6V3DzF_eDBsf_2KRKP0hWW9pSBMiUULjS-YdrmEpOXrr2_1SJc-GNsyyrOZIvIfnnNc2ef-R6PTJxRvAVW_KDanUnaBalESNQox6cZbU8QdtU/s640/IMG_2039.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">They are best buds.</td></tr>
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Before I officially end all of these Texas updates, may I boast about my cool husband and his cool internship for just a sec? He helped make these LIFE-SIZE ROCK'EM SOCK'EM ROBOTS!!!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhX4NxFpX7ptMTn6KXcbtL1eod42JbX_Mr1ZB3AlCCoK8A3NLy8eLYRTEcq70flDQyW-0EydYnsrtBkQa_YbtPUfiEDBa-jqCwNC4Ewbm0ssgCLehn1VW3F9AlG4PgwNSsW_Lx1O4E7I5BC/s1600/IMG_2050.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhX4NxFpX7ptMTn6KXcbtL1eod42JbX_Mr1ZB3AlCCoK8A3NLy8eLYRTEcq70flDQyW-0EydYnsrtBkQa_YbtPUfiEDBa-jqCwNC4Ewbm0ssgCLehn1VW3F9AlG4PgwNSsW_Lx1O4E7I5BC/s640/IMG_2050.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">On one of our last days in Texas, Jacob took me to Sisu so we could play with these bad boys.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQIHBih4K_QJ19EYHYzs_byIXvm6w-QbD4lQn5up0ULTvIwnNXdy-xl7istNRNlU0hDeGdcn2jThS-I-boIxAFA7zU_NCBcerT6_hsLLFRw4nb_GwicwqA6VXd724Ka-vv4z-K7pE9lVLH/s1600/IMG_2053.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQIHBih4K_QJ19EYHYzs_byIXvm6w-QbD4lQn5up0ULTvIwnNXdy-xl7istNRNlU0hDeGdcn2jThS-I-boIxAFA7zU_NCBcerT6_hsLLFRw4nb_GwicwqA6VXd724Ka-vv4z-K7pE9lVLH/s640/IMG_2053.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">He beat me every time, but it was still fun because I was a good sport.</td></tr>
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Just wanted to spotlight the whole reason we came to Texas in the first place. Jacob loved working at Sisu. He learned so much and had a great time while doing it. So proud of him! Now it's back to school for a little while, but I know he'll be glad to get back to work in the near future. Getting paid to make awesome fighting robots is kinda neat, yeah?holli h.http://www.blogger.com/profile/05685015013724189003noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4088656619559839215.post-52931048275323641662013-09-19T20:53:00.000-06:002013-09-19T20:53:07.808-06:00San AntonioOn the drive back from South Padre, we made a spontaneous stop in San Antonio to check out the Alamo, the River Walk, and to give Rose a breather from her carseat. Basically, our attempt to do San Antonio in 45 minutes.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I still wonder if Pee Wee's bike in somewhere in the basement... </td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Rose among the great legends of Texas</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">"Alamo? eh...whatever. I'm thirsty."</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The River Walk</td></tr>
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I wish we could've spent more time here. The downtown area seemed really cool, especially the River Walk. I remember seeing it on TV when the Suns would play the Spurs in San Antonio, and I thought it looked neat. In person it didn't disappoint. These pictures don't really capture it well, but to me it almost felt like I was at Disneyland<span style="background-color: white; color: #666666; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Trebuchet, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 17px; text-align: center;">—</span>which is always a good thing.<br />
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p.s.<br />
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We made one more stop on our way back home after leaving SA<span style="background-color: white; color: #666666; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Trebuchet, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 17px; text-align: center;">—</span>BUC-EE'S!!! For all the Texas folk who told us we needed to go there, we did. Annnnnd it was AWESOME. For those who have no idea what I'm referring to (For I was once a stranger to Buc-ee's), just imagine the biggest, craziest gas-station-slash-convenient-store ever invented. And then, in your mind, just try to make it a little bigger and crazier. Basically a world in and of itself. That's Buc-ee's.holli h.http://www.blogger.com/profile/05685015013724189003noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4088656619559839215.post-83085730914339118082013-09-12T21:48:00.002-06:002013-09-12T21:53:16.592-06:00South Padre Island, TXWhen we moved to Austin for the summer, we immediately made plans to visit Amber's family (Jacob's sister) in South Texas over the weekend of our anniversary. First of all, because we love 'em and don't get to see them half as often as we'd like to. Second, because they are always whining about how they don't get visitors down in the glorious, must-see, border-town that is McAllen, TX (AKA Meh-Heeko). Sarcasm detected? I apologize. I'm sure McAllen is a great place. Never been there, so I shouldn't front.<br />
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Anyway, most of the summer I thought that's where we were going, and I was excited to see the fam and where they lived. I guess me and Jacob didn't discuss this trip in too much detail because I later realized that our travel destination wasn't McAllen at all, but "the island" as they call it (reminds me of <i>Lost</i>)<span style="background-color: white; color: #666666; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Trebuchet, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 17px; text-align: center;">—</span>also known as South Padre Island, TX. I really didn't know much about this place at all, but I was pretty thrilled to spend our anniversary somewhere with a beach! To be honest, I think I may have forgotten that Texas even <i>has</i> beaches... <i>Gulf of what? who-how? </i>I know, I know. It's a really big state, okayyy?<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKIbGThUsoZvekyV_2UaJBzhXEL-NBtIGjjwCTO8gYprbFtmTO2kJUElGXkWPiUVOn1huOaNipvD8EDWq7e5hI1uLIWuIOb6g9YNc4ybocSZunOvnIx-vIQTk1GOe1ZVBoDlXjTHVMIgw3/s1600/IMG_1810.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKIbGThUsoZvekyV_2UaJBzhXEL-NBtIGjjwCTO8gYprbFtmTO2kJUElGXkWPiUVOn1huOaNipvD8EDWq7e5hI1uLIWuIOb6g9YNc4ybocSZunOvnIx-vIQTk1GOe1ZVBoDlXjTHVMIgw3/s640/IMG_1810.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Rose's first family road trip! Our lil' stowaway.</td></tr>
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We were a little nervous for Rose on this trip. We had never driven with her for more than an hour or so (South Padre is about 5 hours south of Austin), and she doesn't always love the car seat situation. Lucky for us, she slept for about 4 of those 5 hours and did the same thing on the way back to Austin. <i>Whhaaaa???</i> Straight-up miracle.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTk9S-xr3RpPrXMgvHMmdBKsmvlnH2cCZscClIfOKkWQqDbr2RQ2QWIy7VM1-0oQDitZiAhVhrqn3D-nvOT5PJmExqsKx5_Sk4JKhTKPqGPlUpmeyD11ewwS1DTDKJsQcUkxOq9Njp4yzK/s1600/IMG_1813.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTk9S-xr3RpPrXMgvHMmdBKsmvlnH2cCZscClIfOKkWQqDbr2RQ2QWIy7VM1-0oQDitZiAhVhrqn3D-nvOT5PJmExqsKx5_Sk4JKhTKPqGPlUpmeyD11ewwS1DTDKJsQcUkxOq9Njp4yzK/s640/IMG_1813.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">She's been tippin' the bottle real hard these days... and look at her holdin it all by herself!</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Crossing the long bridge to the island!</td></tr>
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Ryan's family owns a lovely condo right on the water. Jacob and I got to stay in a room with a balcony, fancy bed, and a crib for Rose, of course! Oh yeah, and the shower was really nice. That was a big deal to Jacob.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihkec-Vthix12oRs7eS5s0M6AaVGfkxzFmiLP_jKk2dx4iVhxVKov888OElXTuIQQEy2KTJw2JQJ-yllTsRMqSWEmlvicxcHoU2qSYz62zdK6fl9n_ygSh634fq7mudZftn5BJWCoZXOIk/s1600/IMG_1819.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihkec-Vthix12oRs7eS5s0M6AaVGfkxzFmiLP_jKk2dx4iVhxVKov888OElXTuIQQEy2KTJw2JQJ-yllTsRMqSWEmlvicxcHoU2qSYz62zdK6fl9n_ygSh634fq7mudZftn5BJWCoZXOIk/s640/IMG_1819.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Livin' it up.</td></tr>
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The night we got there, Ryan took us on a boat ride around the bay. I think this was Rose's favorite part of the whole trip. Even though it looked as though she was swimming in a giant life vest that was way to huge for her<span style="background-color: white; color: #666666; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Trebuchet, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 17px; text-align: center;">—</span>she was making all kinds of cute squealing noises as we rode around with the wind in her face.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNGgySpiZS-WRqClRE8qcwk0vVgw735Eduh6aH27l10N73PnCyk7HMWe5v-t23Dc32SdgmdoBXnmzDGf7YAZ7ui5soPubuop3aTuvkynkvIi27-ySiuUNZ6fr04ia7BsXKtyu2ghsCSoNh/s1600/IMG_1824.JPG" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNGgySpiZS-WRqClRE8qcwk0vVgw735Eduh6aH27l10N73PnCyk7HMWe5v-t23Dc32SdgmdoBXnmzDGf7YAZ7ui5soPubuop3aTuvkynkvIi27-ySiuUNZ6fr04ia7BsXKtyu2ghsCSoNh/s640/IMG_1824.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">We saw dolphins! Even a mama and a baby swimming together. So cute!</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Rose liked the boat ride so much that she passed out into deep sleep. Wish we could take her for a boat ride every night!</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Don't be fooled by those cute goldilocks and innocent demeanor. "Stealth" is his middle name.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Pale family at the beach!</td></tr>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuPw5tiAnxcBtXwdPrYgJ6NHRnIT1qnZ6wy_qZffl6oZJ1PzsbgnDOxKyYrvgagj8eFjsQKYE8XPyqt9UWSSJSTSWnRYsfO7NB4f9rbLY47rzTkHuVdXx3lGNc0tn6ENmJrzD5TqZv2xIf/s1600/IMG_1893.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuPw5tiAnxcBtXwdPrYgJ6NHRnIT1qnZ6wy_qZffl6oZJ1PzsbgnDOxKyYrvgagj8eFjsQKYE8XPyqt9UWSSJSTSWnRYsfO7NB4f9rbLY47rzTkHuVdXx3lGNc0tn6ENmJrzD5TqZv2xIf/s640/IMG_1893.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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Amber and Ryan were nice enough to watch Rose so we could go out and have a date for our anniversary. It was the first time we had left her with anyone besides my parents, so I was a little antsy<span style="background-color: white; color: #666666; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Trebuchet, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 17px; text-align: center;">—</span>but let's get real, it was kinda awesome. We needed a date! We were able to go out for lunch on the pier, get a fancy dinner at an Italian restaurant, and take a moonlight stroll on the beach. Romantic times. Thanks Amber!</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Anniversary dinner at Gabriela's Italian Restaurant<span style="background-color: white; color: #666666; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Trebuchet, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 17px;">—</span>YUM!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIjzPkf7SiPTOzQTkEqZ6JwktCzXNpKN8dbP8ixPkYC_iCtRkBXty-jrXNKzyP-iqKWhHavizToTs-KtoEfPg9qiIjWX2dSaye-Kv8dRQIUfPkmwCv_VvXugHFTfN9OF7lHmP3aO6ETvmq/s1600/IMG_1901.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIjzPkf7SiPTOzQTkEqZ6JwktCzXNpKN8dbP8ixPkYC_iCtRkBXty-jrXNKzyP-iqKWhHavizToTs-KtoEfPg9qiIjWX2dSaye-Kv8dRQIUfPkmwCv_VvXugHFTfN9OF7lHmP3aO6ETvmq/s640/IMG_1901.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">FIREWORKS!</td></tr>
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More beach pics...<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8xvezSreoRnfFEdYSEbujgLY8zLdnsEMswS-3Ul868dprWInrdINTVIzET-TrrWwKbnM7xUntMxFT-uOC68Rq5acet671_cBEoGmmJ9oayIyBSMjwPVaZ660IjLGQpY-_xqSLLVPbRgKl/s1600/IMG_1938.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8xvezSreoRnfFEdYSEbujgLY8zLdnsEMswS-3Ul868dprWInrdINTVIzET-TrrWwKbnM7xUntMxFT-uOC68Rq5acet671_cBEoGmmJ9oayIyBSMjwPVaZ660IjLGQpY-_xqSLLVPbRgKl/s640/IMG_1938.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Dane and Camilla are cuties!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnYWS0-kzajUElqCTIvpXMWKz9MYAgHo3OLjh-fKNJ7lqaWwH2nMCAytZiWUHU1LdrYAZKQoLqdKGs9J0Td9E8uSxCRd3ZSwax9H7Ykx-GvLWrOrieTCLJPdx0lj5FcEuJ45QRiG7i2xmy/s1600/IMG_1928.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnYWS0-kzajUElqCTIvpXMWKz9MYAgHo3OLjh-fKNJ7lqaWwH2nMCAytZiWUHU1LdrYAZKQoLqdKGs9J0Td9E8uSxCRd3ZSwax9H7Ykx-GvLWrOrieTCLJPdx0lj5FcEuJ45QRiG7i2xmy/s640/IMG_1928.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Jacob loved showing Rose the beach. She seemed a little unsure about the whole thing.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9WjF3ctDWpVERnaIKGq8LUN_EIGOgb4EoKZNSGMpDyNggcF0QalOvhLhk7jD1kbzLAqXWt8KiwMuA8_RbASLAigrpDcrO6rzDP-9YM5Tfqtx3FA62mRiV_P7sZ5xLZxssnXJwCPCMa_2J/s1600/IMG_1923.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9WjF3ctDWpVERnaIKGq8LUN_EIGOgb4EoKZNSGMpDyNggcF0QalOvhLhk7jD1kbzLAqXWt8KiwMuA8_RbASLAigrpDcrO6rzDP-9YM5Tfqtx3FA62mRiV_P7sZ5xLZxssnXJwCPCMa_2J/s640/IMG_1923.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Camilla referred to this as the "pink cow" swimsuit.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiT97dyKAVDMQBxzQgHwAbSA7U_st8GoPrt0GkJNLF47Qrzj7q86AZikduadjE7yA4HLwVaIz4AaD06Xmu4fSGKGhTCYqRktSg7fhBXd4pU-hfnyATCyQcUcvCxaUd7MGcsPZhj5rWlVbQO/s1600/IMG_1921.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiT97dyKAVDMQBxzQgHwAbSA7U_st8GoPrt0GkJNLF47Qrzj7q86AZikduadjE7yA4HLwVaIz4AaD06Xmu4fSGKGhTCYqRktSg7fhBXd4pU-hfnyATCyQcUcvCxaUd7MGcsPZhj5rWlVbQO/s640/IMG_1921.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">her tiny little body!</td></tr>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinexXv0j-pZtFHcuvR4aclpsb5-0xEao12ssEJxATi7xSXABnCKZdWlW0NC43cihdHYZ16RYHX4Eji_iLtl_RVqHxre2nMQimlv6i5HNAwkPBKg2p174xdq1uWZY-LlMW-DhmBtEPPSZVn/s1600/IMG_1920.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinexXv0j-pZtFHcuvR4aclpsb5-0xEao12ssEJxATi7xSXABnCKZdWlW0NC43cihdHYZ16RYHX4Eji_iLtl_RVqHxre2nMQimlv6i5HNAwkPBKg2p174xdq1uWZY-LlMW-DhmBtEPPSZVn/s640/IMG_1920.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFIFTGEccr-GwVmOMFaSlMjwb5U_2zKfhsg-UJ8VeaBSPHxuenB9zsYanbnHNe3XG5f6bhn6ic-RycRvMZTh_GMSgnyVXd_Dw08n7NgME7iWfTvBpyrtUQ6pY0MiTb3KDG5Y4WIFqjNCwe/s1600/IMG_1941.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFIFTGEccr-GwVmOMFaSlMjwb5U_2zKfhsg-UJ8VeaBSPHxuenB9zsYanbnHNe3XG5f6bhn6ic-RycRvMZTh_GMSgnyVXd_Dw08n7NgME7iWfTvBpyrtUQ6pY0MiTb3KDG5Y4WIFqjNCwe/s640/IMG_1941.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Jacob got a surfing lesson from Ryan (the pro)</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgw6jO08tXS6cCEFBv7I6pEzgHmuApJ9uJi8nqmfOFgMICBd2KJU5m7PEuq9lDglI0n70kISHrJ2aOP_iDos02aCkqO6NXTjnA9vPGsnIWylCOv4KRMTqXVgj180MZ7uy3jvkBOCZuuUx4Y/s1600/IMG_1956.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgw6jO08tXS6cCEFBv7I6pEzgHmuApJ9uJi8nqmfOFgMICBd2KJU5m7PEuq9lDglI0n70kISHrJ2aOP_iDos02aCkqO6NXTjnA9vPGsnIWylCOv4KRMTqXVgj180MZ7uy3jvkBOCZuuUx4Y/s640/IMG_1956.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I loved this little Sea Turtle Rescue place. Such amazing little creatures!</td></tr>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUMa7BitTC6avx0tcY5qyTlunXYn41Kri2REniL_QW2Ii6GaP1Ff9q6U3dt3ML32kiY2ovlHqfZ8YpMZ7XFW4y8CJX4J9z7iWAcNZHmylvWwHV-zv44_j5ZVseeLQ7u_pk4mzDE8x5LHDr/s1600/IMG_1957.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUMa7BitTC6avx0tcY5qyTlunXYn41Kri2REniL_QW2Ii6GaP1Ff9q6U3dt3ML32kiY2ovlHqfZ8YpMZ7XFW4y8CJX4J9z7iWAcNZHmylvWwHV-zv44_j5ZVseeLQ7u_pk4mzDE8x5LHDr/s640/IMG_1957.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoqps_flPTD_H6IUkMdOdYJgCI66h3sr50YJUpQLLQc29PKCcSVnAcdDZIXDg-3fn5bIr3C_xxq_kLStBYC5VDFX-FaeeTgZFeKXiV02KGV9wZtQdGV_fbb2FTuDRN5tAbNt8XeihIMJ4E/s1600/IMG_1961.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoqps_flPTD_H6IUkMdOdYJgCI66h3sr50YJUpQLLQc29PKCcSVnAcdDZIXDg-3fn5bIr3C_xxq_kLStBYC5VDFX-FaeeTgZFeKXiV02KGV9wZtQdGV_fbb2FTuDRN5tAbNt8XeihIMJ4E/s640/IMG_1961.JPG" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Family photo in front of Gerry the sea turtle.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1HvssDhNh4JUFVWHXYUGPGNHsd8EYW7pCZPfQSp_5k_01hxFks7gCIEAmXnGTuusDI2tKprBTeIQt2tR7E5jKJLa8vWyOR0BKcw5IbOwWqynLlpzr7kFXzCDxn3p6AwNQfHJNn8ZdiglT/s1600/IMG_1911.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1HvssDhNh4JUFVWHXYUGPGNHsd8EYW7pCZPfQSp_5k_01hxFks7gCIEAmXnGTuusDI2tKprBTeIQt2tR7E5jKJLa8vWyOR0BKcw5IbOwWqynLlpzr7kFXzCDxn3p6AwNQfHJNn8ZdiglT/s640/IMG_1911.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Camilla and Rose</td></tr>
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Every time I brought Rose downstairs in the morning, Dane would clasp his hands and gush, "Oooohhh she's sooo cuuuuute!!! She's sooo adowwable!!!" She seemed to enjoy the praise.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0RjOJf3sEcUWMp79ExAOS6qR4lxLX6hGVagBdgbbJNKni1gnuEKkLFwrHXybCcw6H4Ni_0PZ0S8xDXqa7QWvROaInTzjdyubazwfUsuDQV7NwabOIqdgyKgLyd5kSMeFPce1G3qBVFpuJ/s1600/IMG_1914.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0RjOJf3sEcUWMp79ExAOS6qR4lxLX6hGVagBdgbbJNKni1gnuEKkLFwrHXybCcw6H4Ni_0PZ0S8xDXqa7QWvROaInTzjdyubazwfUsuDQV7NwabOIqdgyKgLyd5kSMeFPce1G3qBVFpuJ/s640/IMG_1914.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cousins</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4ALi3bz_DiN7jhbFHc5ccJ2EWTxQuTUK5-_WilcdJ9VTM4D00HYwpHOwS-HWYAL-WBK2uqE_F-03c9glsiNHUk_Ip7h8G8OzGlg_Bi_5rEXNeG9QAxSMZvkKz2wmoZt-BXW2W0REWkrAT/s1600/IMG_1966.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4ALi3bz_DiN7jhbFHc5ccJ2EWTxQuTUK5-_WilcdJ9VTM4D00HYwpHOwS-HWYAL-WBK2uqE_F-03c9glsiNHUk_Ip7h8G8OzGlg_Bi_5rEXNeG9QAxSMZvkKz2wmoZt-BXW2W0REWkrAT/s640/IMG_1966.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I'll miss these cute Wilson kiddos!</td></tr>
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Somehow I didn't get any good pics of Amber and Ryan, but they are what made this whole stay so wonderful. They are both so cool and easy to hang with. The late-night talk and laughter was a blast. And they fed us so much good food! This trip was the cherry on top of our Texas adventure. Just what the end of my summer needed. Thanks again, Amber and Ryan, for having us! We love you guys!holli h.http://www.blogger.com/profile/05685015013724189003noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4088656619559839215.post-40363942079848485972013-09-10T13:42:00.000-06:002013-09-10T13:48:44.385-06:00Home in Provo<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Back in Provo. We made it home! These past few weeks have been an absolute whirlwind trying to make the most of our last days in Austin, visiting family in South Texas, tying up loose ends, packing, moving, traveling (by the way, Rose was pretty perfect on her two flights back to Utah*), getting reestablished here in Provo. <i>Whew! </i>Overall, it's been pretty exhausting, but we did it.</div>
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Upon returning, the default conversation question that people keep asking is "so how was your summer?" To be honest, I don't exactly know how to answer this. I feel like I'm still processing everything that happened and the growth that occurred. Of course, the easy is answer is "It was great!" And it was. We loved Austin. Jacob loved his job. We got to know some pretty great people. Church was great. We had a lovely time getting to know this little girl that has come into our lives, and watching her begin to grow and develop. We were obsessed with FNL and Blue Bell ice cream<span style="background-color: white; color: #666666; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Trebuchet, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 17px; text-align: center;">—</span>well, mostly me. We got to see the Alamo, and explore a part of the country we've never experienced before. WE ATE SO MUCH GOOD FOOD! We seriously considered accepting a job offer and staying<span style="background-color: white; color: #666666; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Trebuchet, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 17px; text-align: center;">—</span>like, for keeps.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUSqKv-NRISpCfHfI8t2RpHWXbgQxKs2nUJlJu9ls_ZxZryAAHnJINed79VySXBYY-R9GECTm0aoSvCgJs0QzNUx990gUEyHqA96K7KXZSYZZB-G6Ia0KQahrs3IPtikgBUiL7bb6OWZHF/s1600/farmer'smarket.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUSqKv-NRISpCfHfI8t2RpHWXbgQxKs2nUJlJu9ls_ZxZryAAHnJINed79VySXBYY-R9GECTm0aoSvCgJs0QzNUx990gUEyHqA96K7KXZSYZZB-G6Ia0KQahrs3IPtikgBUiL7bb6OWZHF/s640/farmer'smarket.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">at the Farmer's Market with Rose and my mom.</td></tr>
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But all things considered, it was a challenging summer. It was hard moving away from family and friends right after having a baby, and bringing only what we could fit in our lil' 1995 Lexus sedan. It was hard re-habituating into a tiny, one-bedroom apartment with very little furniture, poor air conditioning, and no decor. It was hard not knowing anybody. It was hard figuring out this whole "mom" thing in a completely new sphere. There were some lonely days and a few lonely nights when Jacob had to work extra late. There were days filled with stress and anxiety.<br />
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Although some parts were difficult, if I could choose again, I would still do it. It was worth it for Jacob and his engineering experience, but it was worth it for me too. I feel like I came home a little stronger because I <i>could</i> do it, and I did. I can adapt. I can sacrifice. I can stay positive. I can even have a good sense of humor. I can do all of that... LIKE A BOSS.<br />
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* I should clarify. Yes, she was a perfect doll the entire time. Didn't cry. Hardly fussed. Charmed everyone around her, especially those who appeared wary of sitting near "the baby" on the plane. However, I think take-off <i>literally</i> scared the crap out of her. Either that, or she carefully waited to experience the thrill of passing a bowel movement in flight. Good thing I brought an extra onesie.holli h.http://www.blogger.com/profile/05685015013724189003noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4088656619559839215.post-35365038756774508692013-09-10T13:14:00.000-06:002013-09-10T13:14:56.089-06:00Rose's Favorite Song<div style="text-align: center;">
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When Rose is having a bit of a tantrum and needs some extra soothing all we have to do is pop this song on and dance with her<span style="background-color: white; color: #666666; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Trebuchet, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 17px; text-align: start;">—</span></div>
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it almost always does the trick. </div>
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Totally my daughter.</div>
holli h.http://www.blogger.com/profile/05685015013724189003noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4088656619559839215.post-82218179432886205342013-08-24T11:30:00.003-06:002013-08-24T11:31:28.018-06:00GASP!<div style="text-align: center;">
<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="394" mozallowfullscreen="" src="//player.vimeo.com/video/72273516" webkitallowfullscreen="" width="700"></iframe> <a href="http://vimeo.com/72273516">GASP!</a> from <a href="http://vimeo.com/user1279198">holli hale</a> on <a href="https://vimeo.com/">Vimeo</a>.</div>
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If you listen closely you can hear Rose make a little *GASP!* noise every time Jacob blows air on her face. It gets a little louder and more dramatic as the video continues. This taken a few weeks ago, and I'm so glad we captured it because she doesn't do it as consistently anymore.</div>
holli h.http://www.blogger.com/profile/05685015013724189003noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4088656619559839215.post-10777464322663017642013-08-14T10:48:00.001-06:002013-08-14T10:48:16.378-06:00Blue Steel<div style="text-align: center;">
<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="393" mozallowfullscreen="" src="http://player.vimeo.com/video/72348814" webkitallowfullscreen="" width="700"></iframe> <a href="http://vimeo.com/72348814">blue steel</a> from <a href="http://vimeo.com/user1279198">holli hale</a> on <a href="https://vimeo.com/">Vimeo</a>.</div>
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holli h.http://www.blogger.com/profile/05685015013724189003noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4088656619559839215.post-73201303741394237942013-08-12T13:41:00.000-06:002013-08-12T13:42:03.019-06:00Barton Springs<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Me and my little "pool hunny"</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Jacob dipped Rose's feet in the cold water, which made her pretty grumpy! It's not really visible in this pic, but in person you can see a bit of the Austin skyline hovering in the distance.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Jacob doing a flip off the diving board</td></tr>
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On Saturday we took a little family outing downtown to Barton Springs. I'm kinda in love with this place. Something about it feels so 1950s and dreamy. It is hot-hot-hot here in Austin, and Jacob was craving a swim in some kind of cool body of water. (Not a chlorinated pool<span style="background-color: white; color: #666666; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Trebuchet, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 17px;">—a </span>river, lake, ocean, anything!) This hit the spot so good. And Rose got to sport a her lil' swimsuit for the first time!<br />
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To top it off, we hit a cute drive-in nearby for some burger and fries + custard. It was a pretty perfect day together. Summer's almost over<span style="background-color: white; color: #666666; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Trebuchet, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 17px; text-align: center;">—</span>time to get our last kicks in Austin!holli h.http://www.blogger.com/profile/05685015013724189003noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4088656619559839215.post-62121624484721130362013-08-06T18:56:00.002-06:002013-08-07T13:34:11.553-06:00Clear Eyes, Full Hearts, CAN'T LOSE!Sheesh! You know you've gotten behind when your husband repeatedly reminds you that you need to blog more. <i>I didn't know that he cared?</i> To be honest, the "fourth trimester" with Rose has kept me extra busy, and the idea of uploading/posting a billion pics often just seems like a hassle. But lucky for ya'll, I finally got around to it. Here's the latest and greatest photo dump + commentary:<br />
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Like I said, we've been extra busy over here. Me with the baby/growing into this whole full-time mom thang. Jacob with his internship<span style="background-color: white; color: #666666; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Trebuchet, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 17px; text-align: center;">—</span>and man, they have been working him hard! With <b><span style="color: #45818e;"><a href="http://www.ni.com/niweek/">NI Week 2013</a> </span></b>just around the corner they've had a crazy amount of projects and deadlines. Still, we've managed to get out and have some fun here and there. Most of our outings have been centered around food, naturally.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">cool lil' burger joint downtown</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">someone recommended Hut's Hamburgers, and it did not disappoint! i got some kind of "beach boys" burger that had grilled pineapple and bell peppers on it. yumm-o!</td></tr>
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After getting our burger fix we headed over to the Bullock Texas State History Museum. In true Texas fashion, it's bigger and better than any state museum I ever hoyd of. It was pretty fun getting educated on the ol' Republic of Texas. I admit that I really didn't know much about their history, but it became very obvious why Texans have so much dang pride. They've earned their stripes! <i>The fightin' Texans!</i><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">They had a live blues band with an amazing female vocalist playing outside the museum. Apparently Austin is supposed to be the "live music capital" of the country, and there is certainly a lot of music here. I love it!</td></tr>
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Unfortunately the night at the museum wasn't one of the best nights for Rose. She was tired, but had a really hard time falling asleep and so she continued to stay awake right up until it was about time to feed her again<span style="background-color: white; color: #666666; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Trebuchet, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 17px; text-align: center;">—</span>and this, my friends, is what I like to call "THE PERFECT STORM." She's tired. she's hungry. She's over-stimulated. She has no idea what-the-crap is going on or why her parents are so incompetent! To put it nicely<span style="background-color: white; color: #666666; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Trebuchet, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 17px; text-align: center;">—</span>she let us have it. At this point, she is so angry that she wouldn't even take her bottle, and I knew there was only one way to console her. I don't really feel that comfortable with breastfeeding in public yet (even with a cover<span style="background-color: white; color: #666666; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Trebuchet, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 17px; text-align: center;">—</span>mostly, i'm just not that good at it), but a mom does what a mom has to do. I found a bench, threw on my cover, and gave my baby what she wanted! Thankfully, she fell asleep within minutes. Poor baby.<br />
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This has been one my new challenges with motherhood. Sometimes I get a lot of anxiety when we take her out. She's almost always happy and content, but there's always the chance that something like this <i>could</i> happen. The flight I have back to Utah in a few weeks? Already stressing over it. I think I'm still just learning how to adapt and have more confidence in my mothering abilities. Ironically, experiences like this have helped build that confidence.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Every night you can see this huge swarm of bats! This pic only represents a tiny fraction of the gang!</td></tr>
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Okay. So Austin has a bit of a reputation for being a little food haven, and so far our favorite find has been a taco joint called Torchy's. Ahhhhh... love it so much! We almost don't even bother trying new food because this place is so freakin amazing! I normally don't think tacos are <i>that</i> incredible, but these people have seriously taken them to the another level. For those of you who know Slab Pizza in Provo, Torchy's is kind of the "Slab" of Tacos (Or maybe Slab is the "Torchy's" of Pizza? One of those chicken and the egg kind of things...). For example, last time we ate there I got a taco with fried chicken + pineapple cole slaw + chopped bacon + jack cheese + pico de gallo + cilantro + chipotle ranch + avocado. It was THE-BOMB-DOT-COM.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCZ7NA-khmsZQhX8PwXf37sIT52-ztTGttnPQJJIRgliCVprbmua19R3md8LDkwp07eSo37fzjCJ2agG78y29xpC9wR47EiEpO9fDiaatW9ncAZv0ghMamZEEv2P6kb_A2xQImyxC7IvL-/s1600/IMG_1638.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCZ7NA-khmsZQhX8PwXf37sIT52-ztTGttnPQJJIRgliCVprbmua19R3md8LDkwp07eSo37fzjCJ2agG78y29xpC9wR47EiEpO9fDiaatW9ncAZv0ghMamZEEv2P6kb_A2xQImyxC7IvL-/s640/IMG_1638.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">That little baby devil is kind of the Torchy's mascot/logo. There was a "starry night" one like this as well.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEjROcOrbftKIbslYAvIThN8DpL7kOkuf5j_9XErbUMuvOQfCPUvxKDlAjzfLFgp5ZQkgrWMvyIacRaEyxmMojVszODbDlnQNr_ewCLbHa4m5zTSd7i-KCElnDNigcWD7C64OrALOlCi55/s1600/IMG_1641.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEjROcOrbftKIbslYAvIThN8DpL7kOkuf5j_9XErbUMuvOQfCPUvxKDlAjzfLFgp5ZQkgrWMvyIacRaEyxmMojVszODbDlnQNr_ewCLbHa4m5zTSd7i-KCElnDNigcWD7C64OrALOlCi55/s640/IMG_1641.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Eatin at Torchy's for the <i>nth</i> time. </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPpXbqAsGp9T0vUKgJCsohjyjaFgRpC6S2wdG_MZQ34cVZw0EJmmUE372wHIExAVjkP00y_ezc_VJ9GwBfUA3aDFUwLvmaOnoZ1HdLpsBsqMtFaS5vpQEDWHKO4Aak0WrTVI8_gd6n2Q8Y/s1600/IMG_1642.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPpXbqAsGp9T0vUKgJCsohjyjaFgRpC6S2wdG_MZQ34cVZw0EJmmUE372wHIExAVjkP00y_ezc_VJ9GwBfUA3aDFUwLvmaOnoZ1HdLpsBsqMtFaS5vpQEDWHKO4Aak0WrTVI8_gd6n2Q8Y/s640/IMG_1642.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Did I mention the chips and queso are the best i've ever had?</td></tr>
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Speaking of local food, we found a place called Moonie's Burger House that has what Jacob would define as "the perfect french fries."Which is, you know, a HUGE DEAL and a major win. The only problem is that fry sauce does not exist here. Fry sauce... Utah's most treasured commodity... why doesn't the rest of the world get it? <i>*huff*</i><br />
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During the summer, there is a series of free concerts and performances in Zilker Park. Back in June, we went for a pops orchestra concert and a few weeks ago we saw the musical "Little Shop of Horrors." Yay for free stuff!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhslvfksRfuMaVm36sVIOis4o7zR2BNmP1SCNqurJnEYg-96D_Xa7TYJADqKirXiy8_RM4WFVLT6EN-fKfss_3vPWhQS5TT1Wy-yPfcEz1ejyM08B-I7jHHpahhqztJ7HrPtFSTS46e-Q54/s1600/IMG_1650.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhslvfksRfuMaVm36sVIOis4o7zR2BNmP1SCNqurJnEYg-96D_Xa7TYJADqKirXiy8_RM4WFVLT6EN-fKfss_3vPWhQS5TT1Wy-yPfcEz1ejyM08B-I7jHHpahhqztJ7HrPtFSTS46e-Q54/s640/IMG_1650.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">It was cool to see all the people who came out for the show. A lot of them were in bathing suits and looked like they had just taken a dip in the springs.</td></tr>
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Mine and Jacob's latest obsession? FRIDAY NIGHT LIGHTS. A few of my friends of are huge fans of the show, and since it was filmed in the Austin/Pflugerville area we thought it would be fun to start watching it on netflix. You guys. I love it so much. So much that I had to go visit the high school where they filmed the first season. Turns out it's just a few miles from our apartment, and we pretty much pass it every week on our way to church. GO PANTHERS!!!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMlBakoAX5pvcfNf0pPjI3BBeR2jmXYR75oeRNfNhx4dE5WGA-c_Pq0XiA_oppkxG36jPpq8dj06supgb630avm4noc7bRY4YP3muHMFHEtuP6P2HsofnQrsYu2vkh_UrxxBR5TIIHa-Up/s1600/IMG_1747.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMlBakoAX5pvcfNf0pPjI3BBeR2jmXYR75oeRNfNhx4dE5WGA-c_Pq0XiA_oppkxG36jPpq8dj06supgb630avm4noc7bRY4YP3muHMFHEtuP6P2HsofnQrsYu2vkh_UrxxBR5TIIHa-Up/s640/IMG_1747.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 13px; padding-top: 4px; text-align: center;">Clear Eyes, Full Hearts, CAN'T LOSE!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhidKtDLv6H3Lk-l7oHip3sGn49dvG9K4_S7V13hlNNVOOvcJOm9208HYbF4EHi-Dm-vITEgJ8HOqoFzpfl6eH76jBs5S02sDLY70SFQBBMgqhXrD8R1p4Qp7CSQA-qm-UoYHNdF239w636/s1600/IMG_1746.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhidKtDLv6H3Lk-l7oHip3sGn49dvG9K4_S7V13hlNNVOOvcJOm9208HYbF4EHi-Dm-vITEgJ8HOqoFzpfl6eH76jBs5S02sDLY70SFQBBMgqhXrD8R1p4Qp7CSQA-qm-UoYHNdF239w636/s640/IMG_1746.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The show adopted the team's colors and mascot from this school. </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJJrfbL1dTz7nXjT1RAA0rPgpZY1WIA3LMpPatiPy0V3mo2E5Ny3n7mG37s1HVi1yda5uYEZlRgRHD5jM5gkIZZ5zPHh-5nOENiAPCw3zydN0Bz5H5xN7gbPsQjqbosyPPs08OYd4Yy0Ar/s1600/IMG_1748.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJJrfbL1dTz7nXjT1RAA0rPgpZY1WIA3LMpPatiPy0V3mo2E5Ny3n7mG37s1HVi1yda5uYEZlRgRHD5jM5gkIZZ5zPHh-5nOENiAPCw3zydN0Bz5H5xN7gbPsQjqbosyPPs08OYd4Yy0Ar/s640/IMG_1748.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Street, Riggins, Smash, Saracen, Coach Taylor... <i>the fightin panthers!</i> Never knew I could love a show about football so much.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOz841F-HpcrEo0RtfFJNjN3v7f1WHWlV_HjYaI_WSH2k9fWoCsjWrQl6STqlX75dgbmCkjxv0DKaO8SxXbH46JpoEELQ6cljU2BRVRkyVtmOFFeXUgS6PWdKknTE2kATZOhcRdFNOmHL8/s1600/IMG_1750.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOz841F-HpcrEo0RtfFJNjN3v7f1WHWlV_HjYaI_WSH2k9fWoCsjWrQl6STqlX75dgbmCkjxv0DKaO8SxXbH46JpoEELQ6cljU2BRVRkyVtmOFFeXUgS6PWdKknTE2kATZOhcRdFNOmHL8/s640/IMG_1750.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I'm pretty sure that this was the little ice cream place that you see in the opening credits. sadly, it looks like it's closed down :(</td></tr>
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As for our little Rose, here's a few updates:<br />
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She is always surprising us. The other day Jacob was holding her while eating his breakfast, and she whacked his bowl of cereal right off the table!<br />
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She loves sucking on those hands, and you should hear the incredibly loud noise she makes while doing it!<br />
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She still has the biggest, cutest smile I've ever seen.<br />
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This past week she mastered the art of rolling over. She worked and worked really hard at it, and now she's basically a pro. I guess babies usually don't start rolling until about 4 months. She's so strong!<br />
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She's a True Blue Coug!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRr5G04RCALaN4kSXd52qEJKHENkNGSW9RL6YW1UVaz5cPe_wRvBzh-1-4fZY3yqiB7Dx2REqFmxKwzDbM0z0OdQSnil65BwnMRRq9dxDA8e5SVP5Cjqho3XzokIijRpaqks3wGygYKYqw/s1600/IMG_1739.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRr5G04RCALaN4kSXd52qEJKHENkNGSW9RL6YW1UVaz5cPe_wRvBzh-1-4fZY3yqiB7Dx2REqFmxKwzDbM0z0OdQSnil65BwnMRRq9dxDA8e5SVP5Cjqho3XzokIijRpaqks3wGygYKYqw/s640/IMG_1739.JPG" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Jacob likes to do this kind of stuff.</td></tr>
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Wellp, those are all the updates for now. Crazy to think we'll be heading back to Provo in a few weeks. This summer has just flown by. As much as we've enjoyed it here, we're a little bit homesick and I can't wait to come home to a beautiful Provo Fall!holli h.http://www.blogger.com/profile/05685015013724189003noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4088656619559839215.post-57790675527649153642013-07-17T10:14:00.002-06:002013-07-17T10:14:34.021-06:00Booger Smiles<div style="text-align: center;">
<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="394" mozallowfullscreen="" src="http://player.vimeo.com/video/70489317" webkitallowfullscreen="" width="700"></iframe></div>
holli h.http://www.blogger.com/profile/05685015013724189003noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4088656619559839215.post-84897089772794112942013-07-16T14:02:00.001-06:002013-07-16T14:22:01.838-06:00Rose LOLs!<div style="text-align: left;">
On Sunday Rose laughed for the first time! It was such a happy moment. I'm so glad me and Jacob were both there to witness it. Here's some video we got while she was still in her slaphappy mood...</div>
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<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="394" mozallowfullscreen="" src="http://player.vimeo.com/video/70426863" webkitallowfullscreen="" width="700"></iframe></div>
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<span style="text-align: left;">She doesn't do a full-on laugh in this one, but it's pretty hilarious watching her react to Jacob. DAD IS SO FUNNY!</span></div>
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<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="394" mozallowfullscreen="" src="http://player.vimeo.com/video/70425339" webkitallowfullscreen="" width="700"></iframe></div>
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<span style="text-align: left;">I think Jacob was a little embarrassed when he heard himself on the videos. He asked if I could edit out all his dorky dad noises and gibberish. Sorry hun, no can do! As dorky as he sounds, it's kinda precious right? He has already transformed so perfectly into a dorky dad that will do anything to make his baby girl laugh. And look at her! She loves it!</span><br />
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<span style="text-align: left;">oh yeah, and this is basically the soundtrack to my life whenever these two are together.</span></div>
holli h.http://www.blogger.com/profile/05685015013724189003noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4088656619559839215.post-70331412110013879702013-07-12T11:51:00.000-06:002013-07-12T12:03:04.078-06:00Two Months<div style="text-align: center;">
Two days ago my little cherub hit the two-month mark!</div>
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Here's a few little Rose updates:<br />
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It is so easy to get this little girl to smile. Even when she is grumpy, you can get her to grin if you are persistent. I almost do it as an experiment now<span style="background-color: white; color: #666666; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Trebuchet, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 17px; text-align: center;">—</span>pick random moments and see if I can make her smile. I am usually about 98% successful. She's just a happy baby, she can't help it!<br />
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She wasn't before, but I think she has become pretty fond of bath time. I am always soaked by the end because she loves to kick her her feet and splash the water everywhere.<br />
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She loves it when we use the snot sucker (that bulb-nasal-aspirator-thing) on her! Sometimes she'll even be crying, but as soon as we start sucking her boogers out with that thing<span style="background-color: white; color: #666666; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Trebuchet, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 17px; text-align: center;">—</span>she's all smiles. It's kinda hilarious.<br />
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Oh yeah, Jacob gave her a patriotic tattoo for the 4th. Classy parents, right?<br />
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Jacob and I have made goals to work out more. The other night I thought it would be fun to go to the park and run. Of course, this is a little tricky when you have an infant, especially when she's a little fussy and not digging the stroller. We ended up taking turns running laps around the park and handing Rose off like a baton<span style="background-color: white; color: #666666; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Trebuchet, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 17px; text-align: center;">—</span>except the person with the baton gets to rest while the other runs. Babies force you to get creative.<br />
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Yesterday we were invited to accompany the sister missionaries at a discussion with an investigator from Nigeria. Rose, of course, came along with us. Already a missionary!<br />
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I feel like she is finally getting into a consistent rhythm during the day of eat-time/wake-time/nap-time, and it's made life sooo much better. It just helps me know what to expect and meet her needs. Planning my day and what I want to get done has also gotten easier.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">she's getting better at holding her head up on her own.</td></tr>
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She continues to impress us with her nightly sleep. The last two nights, she slept for NINE HOURS STRAIGHT. New Record! <i>Keep it up, Rosie!</i><br />
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She hasn't started laughing yet (not when she's awake, anyway<span style="background-color: white; color: #666666; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Trebuchet, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 17px; text-align: center;">—</span>totally laughs in her sleep!), but sometimes it seems like she is getting close. Every once in awhile she'll make a noise that sounds like the beginning of a laugh. When I laugh, she sometimes makes this funny face that looks like a person who doesn't get a joke, but is tempted to laugh along anyway.<br />
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She's already wearing a lot of her 3-month clothes, and it's been fun dressing her up in some new stuff. Still, I think she looks the cutest when she's just lounging around in her diaper...<br />
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It's been a wonderful two months watching her grow. </div>
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This little girl makes us laugh every day!</div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">On a completely unrelated note, I found a gecko in our bathroom the other day! It freaked me out because I had a nightmare about lizards literally the night before! Okay I know geckos are harmless, but has anyone seen that episode of <i>Fatal Attractions</i> when that guy gets eaten by his pet lizards? Lizards can be scary. Nuff said.</span>holli h.http://www.blogger.com/profile/05685015013724189003noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4088656619559839215.post-37070393012431661462013-07-09T09:36:00.001-06:002013-07-09T09:36:36.463-06:00Baby Talk<div style="text-align: left;">
Little Rosebud is starting to get more and more vocal, and I love it!</div>
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I love it when she gets into this mood when she is really quiet and alert, and you can have a sweet little conversation with her...</div>
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holli h.http://www.blogger.com/profile/05685015013724189003noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4088656619559839215.post-82082845482839487982013-07-08T09:58:00.001-06:002013-07-08T09:58:42.534-06:004th of JulySince we are away from family and basically all the friends we have made out here were on vacation visiting <i>their</i> families for the holiday<span style="background-color: white; color: #666666; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Trebuchet, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 17px; text-align: center;">—</span>we were basically on our own for the Fourth of July. But that didn't keep us from having a great time, just the three of us. If anything, it's times like these that have really solidified the reality of our little nuclear family unit. Jacob, Holli, and Rose. We are three.<br />
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For the holiday we checked out some of the festivities that were happening at a nearby park in the neighborhood, and then we headed to the big celebration in Round Rock (just outside of Austin). We weren't sure how Rose would hold up outdoors for most of the day, but thankfully it wasn't too hot and she did great!<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">We watched a ventriloquist under this tent. </td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">BBQ picnic. yummmm. Rose is just chillin on the blanket.</td></tr>
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So we bought this blanket at Goodwill to use outdoors for picnics and such. Are you seeing the face of a dog in the threadwork? Yes, the blanket is a giant picture of a golden retriever with the name "Mia" embroidered at the top. I think we will have to keep this blanket so we can get a golden retriever someday and name her "Mia." So perfect.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This would've been a great picture if Rose hadn't started to spit up right when Jacob took the shot. Too funny not to post.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Jacob showing her the animals at the petting zoo. Rose is unimpressed.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">We found a nice shady spot near the lake to hang out for the evening. Rose napped peacefully in her stroller.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">a whole parade of skydivers came soaring over us, and landed right in the park!</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">DAD IS SO FUNNY!!! *scary smile face*</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCaQfjh-hx18C86XP9v9fjfsOz2Kw4GZT7azSO1kl2MABj1Tw4vycKVRh3UnXxrUgG1gN9mSGd9rzPol6kKgRn3tp362drH0u5KGF4Ntog4u01jGhmznqDRPu6GdUVEGLZhtWvUikhSj-x/s1600/IMG_1554.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="466" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCaQfjh-hx18C86XP9v9fjfsOz2Kw4GZT7azSO1kl2MABj1Tw4vycKVRh3UnXxrUgG1gN9mSGd9rzPol6kKgRn3tp362drH0u5KGF4Ntog4u01jGhmznqDRPu6GdUVEGLZhtWvUikhSj-x/s640/IMG_1554.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Me and Rose... oh and Mia.</td></tr>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJoE9toNr11-gpPj4XY7ML3-TCoiaWDN787pSoiHFNpBBzJ8YmzwB6-W6raDWzjgHOZczoD-UMXKBEWhD1LjYQioE0Q5V5BlHTqtXPf4SMxUROpgUyKFjDzVpJLsYF4PH4dStP5WEg8r8i/s1600/IMG_1555.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="432" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJoE9toNr11-gpPj4XY7ML3-TCoiaWDN787pSoiHFNpBBzJ8YmzwB6-W6raDWzjgHOZczoD-UMXKBEWhD1LjYQioE0Q5V5BlHTqtXPf4SMxUROpgUyKFjDzVpJLsYF4PH4dStP5WEg8r8i/s640/IMG_1555.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEhdCmI30cjNQxVWK8fLsA2EkOJJv7JNLSXqtc7dDgzYA31Tfge4sqTjUn0cPd2BOZJJxuNtpH9ZXlHxTrLuEFdz0039ZTo3wvecCGk_DkdBL3ASYC0FAWvMSDTFXUusSBWNFwRIILvPIo/s1600/IMG_1559.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="472" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEhdCmI30cjNQxVWK8fLsA2EkOJJv7JNLSXqtc7dDgzYA31Tfge4sqTjUn0cPd2BOZJJxuNtpH9ZXlHxTrLuEFdz0039ZTo3wvecCGk_DkdBL3ASYC0FAWvMSDTFXUusSBWNFwRIILvPIo/s640/IMG_1559.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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The fireworks show was great. The park coordinated their showed with the show going on at a nearby baseball stadium. So basically there were fireworks shooting off on both sides of us--over the lake and from the baseball stadium. And to make it even better, there was a live orchestra playing patriotic tunes through it all. Rose seemed pretty dazzled by it all...<br />
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until, of course, she fell asleep...<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2bNJEMDu1dqgTirwLqj-lX62FrQix4TGYAMTtMU0ifhAR-SXBvK4BJoXV1-vZtCgvplbDa2Bzh-7vzS-pk_dqdVwclvOI6742HN9T7kAn1tDbwojBbMtCVtmFPPk9WdF2RZkk4ftO2JX9/s1600/IMG_1572.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2bNJEMDu1dqgTirwLqj-lX62FrQix4TGYAMTtMU0ifhAR-SXBvK4BJoXV1-vZtCgvplbDa2Bzh-7vzS-pk_dqdVwclvOI6742HN9T7kAn1tDbwojBbMtCVtmFPPk9WdF2RZkk4ftO2JX9/s640/IMG_1572.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">She was pretty tuckered out after a long day of festivities.</td></tr>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvgQiBlqfUD1sURNX8NzdAmU358IBinp3MjWFwqY1_ZN5Ug-tJl8QcDWl43MpTMiUK8-q4CjkAmqmCfQKPxGlvqLU5hf-0qsHAOET0JBxWLkF4QwLUqo-XR3nFfMxwhdYTKuXQuA-ZssAe/s1600/IMG_1579.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvgQiBlqfUD1sURNX8NzdAmU358IBinp3MjWFwqY1_ZN5Ug-tJl8QcDWl43MpTMiUK8-q4CjkAmqmCfQKPxGlvqLU5hf-0qsHAOET0JBxWLkF4QwLUqo-XR3nFfMxwhdYTKuXQuA-ZssAe/s640/IMG_1579.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<div style="text-align: center;">
Great day to be an American.</div>
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Great day to be a family.</div>
holli h.http://www.blogger.com/profile/05685015013724189003noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4088656619559839215.post-88258534653397965582013-07-02T14:21:00.000-06:002013-07-03T14:29:46.845-06:00Rose Photo DumpSo here's a little photo catch-up with our Rosie baby...<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4FlAG01hR7_szxPfrdxknIzJ2ZRw6I_uIgp1dDHND8Mwz5uyH4Wj5xrghgrYAF3J9Q-VD4OdXCJw9rBSX4HwU39aLT-l2ekLPbCW3sGc5IfHpC4hhDN9fEwEaiXszrT_o1LotPyBkBlO1/s1600/IMG_1392.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4FlAG01hR7_szxPfrdxknIzJ2ZRw6I_uIgp1dDHND8Mwz5uyH4Wj5xrghgrYAF3J9Q-VD4OdXCJw9rBSX4HwU39aLT-l2ekLPbCW3sGc5IfHpC4hhDN9fEwEaiXszrT_o1LotPyBkBlO1/s640/IMG_1392.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Jacob and Rose on Father's Day. Her face is so funny!</td></tr>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWWm0uEFoZRAh8AmQhHPwDHioPzKy1f51ur1lxWDmcHbeBzxj5eCI-zwsKAd2q5GEAS2JIK5xBQNcVQe-yGmY2KrH9Dh88_D1PxILTh9qlJgKxHsxPfpKexnH23QendXsbrkFjDxy8gJQN/s1600/IMG_1396.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWWm0uEFoZRAh8AmQhHPwDHioPzKy1f51ur1lxWDmcHbeBzxj5eCI-zwsKAd2q5GEAS2JIK5xBQNcVQe-yGmY2KrH9Dh88_D1PxILTh9qlJgKxHsxPfpKexnH23QendXsbrkFjDxy8gJQN/s640/IMG_1396.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaFuV60K7pu71-q_UlTf5PeTvpEmZi3RwVZVvnTDwlDZTVphuakzOhqAtKCtsoVSNv9qZ2pWHO4L2cvyNqRRclDErXEn4gRGdIY1zMT0VoqLdaOOTPUl75Kh1cNsBobcafieaRCZ92-x5o/s1600/IMG_1398.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaFuV60K7pu71-q_UlTf5PeTvpEmZi3RwVZVvnTDwlDZTVphuakzOhqAtKCtsoVSNv9qZ2pWHO4L2cvyNqRRclDErXEn4gRGdIY1zMT0VoqLdaOOTPUl75Kh1cNsBobcafieaRCZ92-x5o/s640/IMG_1398.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Jacob soothing/rocking Rose in her carseat before we leave for church. This is a sight I see often, and it always makes me laugh.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYNxL_hGd-qp8AKt1wia_DUeHDr1T_muNtHYchbV_pER8PTWyLRwCY5DBl5O91W4w38MCJHar2Ad6ovxQvLiBWscaYgM4Fey3V6eT0dKV4_tfRHNI4ohfK0f4z9HK2HMHjEhKkcrASpZZs/s1600/IMG_1418.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYNxL_hGd-qp8AKt1wia_DUeHDr1T_muNtHYchbV_pER8PTWyLRwCY5DBl5O91W4w38MCJHar2Ad6ovxQvLiBWscaYgM4Fey3V6eT0dKV4_tfRHNI4ohfK0f4z9HK2HMHjEhKkcrASpZZs/s640/IMG_1418.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Rose loves to play on her quilt... except for tummy time. She hates tummy time.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEoyA5g4fidlJRX6T06HpfT1d8hIZ_BohfbHJlV37c2ZIcFnS6COpD34C9Zd4Lf0ldnjPvQ1dSnqEPdvFdJfZQX7DumjDtAsjx3E2NuCtMeZGHDfp5BX6HqM3Zs1KaSTfcggf209HZpHum/s1600/IMG_1390.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEoyA5g4fidlJRX6T06HpfT1d8hIZ_BohfbHJlV37c2ZIcFnS6COpD34C9Zd4Lf0ldnjPvQ1dSnqEPdvFdJfZQX7DumjDtAsjx3E2NuCtMeZGHDfp5BX6HqM3Zs1KaSTfcggf209HZpHum/s640/IMG_1390.JPG" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Yup! We gave her a bath in the sink. She's obviously not sure how she feels about this.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdPtVkGkoK_RRAq0YK0JDuzBrRRRq8FpXNHUVXoWcBmuHOTIF8UnhVWirgM6aqBBxms5ufqIvQExMgon20fNTl_HCZlISweRDw1U34sPd-9vMs8fAlCcQU7af7glzNqXr_hyrxaQnszGDP/s1600/IMG_1416.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdPtVkGkoK_RRAq0YK0JDuzBrRRRq8FpXNHUVXoWcBmuHOTIF8UnhVWirgM6aqBBxms5ufqIvQExMgon20fNTl_HCZlISweRDw1U34sPd-9vMs8fAlCcQU7af7glzNqXr_hyrxaQnszGDP/s640/IMG_1416.JPG" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I always find her like this when she wakes up!</td></tr>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRdDNyf9SzWPaBBWWhXjP-nCLzizvCAnPi0pi1LuNbdB24zykUR66Jp_VvRa1F1a9wYhzXojJkG8ZT7YBGgkt233v-ulPZaORNpu7eIHNsTcWRw3eQKwHJsExEWaEC-WTlzEL0HxFzaR4s/s1600/IMG_1428.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRdDNyf9SzWPaBBWWhXjP-nCLzizvCAnPi0pi1LuNbdB24zykUR66Jp_VvRa1F1a9wYhzXojJkG8ZT7YBGgkt233v-ulPZaORNpu7eIHNsTcWRw3eQKwHJsExEWaEC-WTlzEL0HxFzaR4s/s640/IMG_1428.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1zcpdkklnPX565fGQk2nZod6qkzKJzFk1YBfB-kGFgN_NnQoyPHmiWcxzmFS57HRVyDHTyD78mC4uJgs2KvlyZqy2Cg3vpS5ZhEfTOUtRlq6fHaaUhqjT3PPa6jWo8rf0uo_omnU2o9qT/s1600/IMG_1426.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1zcpdkklnPX565fGQk2nZod6qkzKJzFk1YBfB-kGFgN_NnQoyPHmiWcxzmFS57HRVyDHTyD78mC4uJgs2KvlyZqy2Cg3vpS5ZhEfTOUtRlq6fHaaUhqjT3PPa6jWo8rf0uo_omnU2o9qT/s640/IMG_1426.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">That HUGE smile makes my heart explode.</td></tr>
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I should probably just call this the Rose-Baby-Spam Blog from now on, but this is pretty much what my life looks like these days! Lots and lots of hanging out with our baby girl.<br />
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Anyway, here's a few updates...<br />
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Still loving it here in Austin. I bought a delicious horchata at the grocery store on Saturday. I'm not sure I'll ever be able to grocery shop without a horchata from now on.<br />
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WOW. Austin is HOT. I mean, I'm from Arizona, so nothing I can't handle. I'm just not used to being somewhere that feels like AZ, but <i>isn't</i> AZ. Have to admit that I'm missing the Provo summer weather just a bit, although there's a lot of complaining on facebook from my Utah friends about temperatures in the triple digits. I guess the grass ain't much greener after all.<br />
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Even with the crazy heat, there have been some nice days with a cool breeze. Today was one of those days, and so I decided to take Rose for a stroll in a nearby park. There are some really great trails around here, so it was great to get out of our tiny apartment and enjoy nature.<br />
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Rose is growing up so much! Lately she has really been finding her voice, and it's adorable. When she's in a good mood, she babbles and makes all kinds of cute noises. When she's upset, she makes some whiny sounds that are pretty funny. Sometimes when I'm preoccupied with something and not giving her my full attention, she'll sort of yap at me like "HEY! What are you doing that is more important than adoring me, huh!?!"<br />
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Oh yeah. Mine and Jacob's new favorite hobby? Narrating everything Rose says, thinks, and feels. Trust me, we are hilariouuusssss.<br />
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As she gets more expressive, we are seeing a little personality come out, and it's pretty funny. She's sweet, but she's definitely got some sass in her. If I could could compare her to a movie character, it would have to be R2D2 from <i>Star War</i>s. Yes, he's a cute little droid, but he's sassy and obstinate<span style="background-color: white; color: #666666; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Trebuchet, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 17px; text-align: center;">—</span>in a way that's endearing. He also can't speak English and communicates with a series of robotic squeals and melodic noises. Thinking this could lead to a creative Halloween costume for Rose come October...<br />
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Speaking of movies, we took Rose with us to see <i>Man of Steel</i>. My mom said that my dad and her used to do that sort of thing all the time with us when we were babies, and Jacob had <i>really</i> been looking forward to seeing the new Superman movie, so I decided <i>what the heck!? Let's try it out! </i>I knew full well that this could end up being a catastrophe (Rose falls apart really fast when she's fussy), but thankfully she slept most of the movie. When she did start to get a little fussy, I just took her out and watched the movie from the hallway as I paced around with her in my arms until she fell asleep again. SUCCESS!<br />
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We like to call Rose our little "toot bug" because, oh boy, this little girl is gassy! There have been some incidents at church when I dearly hoped that the people around us knew that those noises came from her and not us! Still, it's hard to believe a tiny baby could produce such powerful... yeah, you know. F-A-R-T-S. There, I spelled it.<br />
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Jacob is loving his internship, and they are working him hard! Recently, they've been incredibly busy with project deadlines, and my man has been working some late nights. But hey, I can't complain. Overtime pay makes it all better.<br />
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We have been consuming a lot of ice cream lately. Two words<span style="background-color: white; color: #666666; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Trebuchet, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 17px; text-align: center;">—</span>BLUE BELL. A Texas delicacy.<br />
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Now that I've started talking about food<span style="background-color: white; color: #666666; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Trebuchet, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 17px; text-align: center;">—</span>we found some awesome Mexican food at Chuy's Panaderia. This place is the REAL DEAL. I mean, Tex-Mex is great and all, but sometimes I need me some authentic Mexican grub. We were starting to get a little nervous because we weren't seeing the "Beto's-esque" restaurants that you seen all over Utah and Arizona, which qualifies as a "need" for Holli and Jacob. No worries though. This place was more than I could ever ask for. Tortas + Quesadilla al pastor + Watermelon juice. Ummm... heck yes. Oh yeah, and the restaurant is attached to a big, Mexican bakery. Next time I'll have to pick up a churro on my way out.<br />
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To answer the question that everyone asks new parents<span style="background-color: white; color: #666666; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Trebuchet, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 17px; text-align: center;">—</span>we are getting pretty decent sleep these days. Rose is a champion night sleeper. I usually only have to get up once to feed her, and she goes right back to sleep. Last night she slept for almost eight straight hours. I was blown away. Of course, in exchange for a great night's sleep, she keeps me busy all day long! Yeah... she's not the greatest napper. Working on this. Let me know if you have any tips in this area. I'm finding out more and more that this mom stuff takes some serious skillz.<br />
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Okay, those are the updates! Now ya'll are all caught up with us.<br />
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Am I allowed to say ya'll?holli h.http://www.blogger.com/profile/05685015013724189003noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4088656619559839215.post-31840258508497042172013-07-01T08:59:00.003-06:002013-07-01T08:59:54.047-06:00More Rose Vids<div style="text-align: center;">
a few more videos for the grandparents and whoever else...<br />
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Just a few days old and following the camera around with her eyes:</div>
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Rose waking up and making lots o' faces:</div>
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I really need to catch up with her pictures and stuff. She has gotten so much bigger. I don't even think she fits in the onesie she's wearing in that last video!holli h.http://www.blogger.com/profile/05685015013724189003noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4088656619559839215.post-92222569189359462362013-06-19T14:35:00.000-06:002013-06-19T15:59:41.100-06:00Rose's First VideosWatching these videos for the first time (weeks after they were taken) hit me like a sentimental TON OF BRICKS. Is is possible that I'm already feeling nostalgic mommy-remorse for not fully appreciating how precious those first days with my newborn were? It's definitely possible<span style="background-color: white; color: #666666; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Trebuchet, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 17px; text-align: center;">—</span>it's incredible <span style="font-size: x-small;">(and scary)</span> how quickly these wild mama emotions start taking hold. Still, I was able to catch myself before any actual guilt set in.<br />
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Of course I fully appreciated those first days with my Rose! It's just that no one could've ever prepared me for how quickly she would grow and change in the first few weeks<span style="background-color: white; color: #666666; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Trebuchet, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 17px; text-align: center;">—</span>how short that time would be when she was so tiny, so new. And I suppose that this is only the beginning of the motherly longings that will continue to intertwine with this new role and identity. While I learn to cope, it helps to remember that some things are beautiful because they are temporary.<br />
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I am ever grateful that Jacob took these videos so I can relive them just a little bit.<br />
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A nice strong cry! Right after delivery:<br />
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Rose in the hospital<span style="background-color: white; color: #666666; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Trebuchet, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 17px; text-align: center;">—</span>the short, precious time we got to keep her in our room:<br />
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Rose in the NICU:</div>
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Her first day at home with us:</div>
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Though she has already lost most of her newborn hair, has become significantly chunkier, and is already growing out of many of her newborn clothes<span style="background-color: white; color: #666666; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Trebuchet, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 17px; text-align: center;">—</span>she is still only 5 weeks old, right? Little Rose is still very little. I've got all the time in the world to keep loving and adoring her.</div>
holli h.http://www.blogger.com/profile/05685015013724189003noreply@blogger.com4