tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-85857572024-03-07T14:45:06.220-08:00Laraway FamilyOur family offering for all to share.Russ, Verlana, Anthony, Chas, and Starkshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02411456180450730452noreply@blogger.comBlogger154125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8585757.post-37427443843225615332010-01-21T16:58:00.000-08:002010-01-21T17:04:52.261-08:00Anthony's 9th Bday Party<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgP5Xc5lISn9FccIJgvEd9xcPVHLLruC0ChczRmKu8TqAbjpS1gr1AD_3BPsyj2If5HibFF3b29c5dHh9YiwFv1yS68cwuU2-PO6i4k4nrJxda1mQQIyXuIQPOG0SFku3CovYdK/s1600-h/IMG_5925.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgP5Xc5lISn9FccIJgvEd9xcPVHLLruC0ChczRmKu8TqAbjpS1gr1AD_3BPsyj2If5HibFF3b29c5dHh9YiwFv1yS68cwuU2-PO6i4k4nrJxda1mQQIyXuIQPOG0SFku3CovYdK/s320/IMG_5925.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5429363162594576994" /></a><br />Here is a <a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/LarawayFamily/AnthonyS9thBdayParty?feat=email#">link to the photo album</a> from Anthony's party! It was SO much fun! Who knew that an intercom system could entertain kids for almost two hours! :) It was announcing mini "shows," who was "it" in tag, and giving play by plays for the games that drew them into it. They played SO well, and the girls are all so awesome. Russ had more fun than they did just watching them play together and interact. VERY cute. The boys spent the night, and in the morning, we went for donuts and Starbucks before dropping each one at their home. :) Anthony thoroughly enjoyed his party and having his friends over. So did Russ and I! <div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div>Russ, Verlana, Anthony, Chas, and Starkshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02411456180450730452noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8585757.post-79521436745666154912010-01-20T20:55:00.000-08:002010-01-21T17:07:46.957-08:00Holidays and such!Yeah, I have not been on top of posting here given Facebook is so much more convenient of a way to share the latest crazy thing that Starks said or pictures that I've taken of them. BUT, I know it has been requested that I share Anthony's birthday party pictures here! So, here it goes.<div><br /></div><div>Our Christmas was absolutely wonderful with Russ home the entire two weeks with the boys and me. We relaxed in pjs, had our first version of Christmas Eve's 7 Fishes, enjoyed a blessed Christmas day, saw our Anthony turn 9, jumped on trampolines at Sky High three different days, and much, much more! Because Anthony's birthday is the 30th, we usually celebrate it with friends a weekend following, but we do a great celebration on the 30th as a family. This year he wanted to see the King Tut exhibit in SF and have a Ghiradelli sundae. So, we took the train up to the city, transfered to the Metro, and then finally took a bus over to Golden Gate Park. :) That alone was enough adventure. However, everything went well, and the kids loved it. Anthony enjoyed his day, and the King Tut stuff was sufficiently interesting! We left at 8:30am and got home at 9:20! LONG but Great day.</div><div><br /></div><div>For his birthday celebration with friends, he had requested a shaving cream fight. This is the <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U15mZola2-s">link to it on YouTube.</a></div><div><br /></div><div>I will post on Picasa a web album of the party, and will follow up with a link. </div><div><br />Enjoy!</div>Russ, Verlana, Anthony, Chas, and Starkshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02411456180450730452noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8585757.post-11008423192001707172009-12-06T15:58:00.000-08:002009-12-06T16:26:19.671-08:00Life UpdateSince the last blog, we have had Halloween and Thanksgiving, and we're getting close to Christmas! :) Halloween was a blast and week long celebration. Party on the Robertson's street (see group picture) started it off, then <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">Googleween</span>, School Parade, and finally Trick-or-treating in our neighborhood. We were, as you can see, from Mario Bros. (Princess Daisy, Mario, Luigi, "Dry Bones" and Yoshi) I'm not the biggest fan of Halloween, but when you have kids, you kind of are forced to love it. I still refuse to decorate in things macabre. <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglQHexniv_owksgwZSo5fxl45Hm7cyVxzwwabiCbzCd6RVZyzgkhCAEn3zJmtABcCTFvrwAPgBwjHvM-DXAHq5BHUS420t9S3wnQzhyphenhyphenR3YY9oTTmQVZE8Lc1JcFwzq1FiAKFQr/s1600-h/IMG_5616.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 297px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglQHexniv_owksgwZSo5fxl45Hm7cyVxzwwabiCbzCd6RVZyzgkhCAEn3zJmtABcCTFvrwAPgBwjHvM-DXAHq5BHUS420t9S3wnQzhyphenhyphenR3YY9oTTmQVZE8Lc1JcFwzq1FiAKFQr/s320/IMG_5616.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5412279103787955090" border="0" /></a><br /><br />We flew to Oklahoma to stay with Aunt <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">Sharmane</span>, Daniel, Kare and Alyssa. It was awesome, as usual, despite the fact that the four of us (boys and I- Russ was in Australia) were on our way back to health. At <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">Shar's</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">BFF's</span>, the boys played with her boys, shot BB guns, roped sheep and goats, played and ate "puppy chow" snacks. (If you've never had it, it's awesome! <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">Chex</span>, peanut butter chocolate, and powdered sugar= yum!) We swam at the YMCA a couple of times (Anthony and Chas passed the swim test to go off the diving boards and slides), ate lunch with <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">Shar</span> and the girls on various days, played and climbed trees in the park outside of her back yard, and had fun playing different games each night after dinner! The last day culminated in a trip to Wichita Refuge and The Holy City. We saw herds of buffalo and longhorns, climbed a boulder mountain, and enjoyed our food at <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6">Meers</span> Burgers! We loved every day and all of our time with our family- and Paco!<br /><br />For Thanksgiving, we stayed home. It was wonderful and relaxing. We had put up the tree the weekend before, so it afforded us a stress free four days together! At dinner on Thanksgiving, I realized as we laughed and listened to the boys that had we been with anyone else we would have missed out on that. I love that they are such talkers as they get older. And, I want to listen to it for as long as they'll talk. I realize that it MAY not always be the case. So, we'll soak it all in for now!<br /><br />Yesterday was Starks' first practice for Basketball at the Y. Anthony and Chas did "Little <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_7">Hoopsters</span>" when they were 5 and 3.5 years respectively, and I was eager to see how Starks would do. He was really good at his skills, but about 45" into it, he was DONE with the noise. He wanted to leave, and I couldn't blame him. Maybe we'll try ear plugs next week? It was the kind of noise from 6 teams of kids playing in the same gym with their parents talking... there was never a break. :) Anyway, I wanted to post some pics of him playing<br />Dribble, <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6BGNBUznoCBa8-rpufw5sGe2uy4ZUaLlpV3nLLYo0yd66eHsmd35UxwhOXuKNyrnSS35YrKtWZbmis9Bv15nynkBvp8oP_or4tkvj-kqyWWggJFy_02rnY5hVBUsVs0ddyuxH/s1600-h/IMG_5826.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 214px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6BGNBUznoCBa8-rpufw5sGe2uy4ZUaLlpV3nLLYo0yd66eHsmd35UxwhOXuKNyrnSS35YrKtWZbmis9Bv15nynkBvp8oP_or4tkvj-kqyWWggJFy_02rnY5hVBUsVs0ddyuxH/s320/IMG_5826.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5412282271002447906" border="0" /></a><br />Pass,<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjml_MI9z4RIr6XxQG0GfIF4ufMc8DQtxFtNNPXcj7BaSHaKg0ofjmxhtWGXFWMswyOQBq5d8mJGSAYP4LW_rZ02caanx-y6neXaHIenhSMHOY93KYrykhZizo48D4VsL92vYXb/s1600-h/IMG_5815.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjml_MI9z4RIr6XxQG0GfIF4ufMc8DQtxFtNNPXcj7BaSHaKg0ofjmxhtWGXFWMswyOQBq5d8mJGSAYP4LW_rZ02caanx-y6neXaHIenhSMHOY93KYrykhZizo48D4VsL92vYXb/s320/IMG_5815.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5412282247775111778" border="0" /></a><br />Shoot,<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhIsO-r0oUwGxA27y2S-SePxlkRDFTqKkxb_RSVAwh_4pqNQ0gxOnBPzXhhtgPOuhyphenhyphenUSWVocuOIxlNSvjn1K8fYClxpHayq5e6_pfJbH5AQFhu6OqGjLtf6Bu1YZcK-isxC-U6/s1600-h/IMG_5818.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 214px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhIsO-r0oUwGxA27y2S-SePxlkRDFTqKkxb_RSVAwh_4pqNQ0gxOnBPzXhhtgPOuhyphenhyphenUSWVocuOIxlNSvjn1K8fYClxpHayq5e6_pfJbH5AQFhu6OqGjLtf6Bu1YZcK-isxC-U6/s320/IMG_5818.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5412282252267208658" border="0" /></a><br />and one with his BF, Adam, <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilvtBhrHRJQmXBb-gUPZ4Sxafisx6C35HoR7gKTmR55RnP1-FWm3Y-er1poM7dZ90YyvqJA4z08fxTUyvVrAXNw4GZJ01LspuLDCcRStQswPGqyeBrBmL1rsCD8hgzM_X5SVkF/s1600-h/IMG_5824.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 213px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilvtBhrHRJQmXBb-gUPZ4Sxafisx6C35HoR7gKTmR55RnP1-FWm3Y-er1poM7dZ90YyvqJA4z08fxTUyvVrAXNw4GZJ01LspuLDCcRStQswPGqyeBrBmL1rsCD8hgzM_X5SVkF/s320/IMG_5824.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5412282267166040850" border="0" /></a><br /><br />and one of the other two at that age together. :) Enjoy!<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4pq0zw_hHIzu2CBwM6iR4XWMLLxVTN4gZrNc80eBHaYdRk3L9tsYlmEttUpZFRpqYB9R0F8ZDvmvypPRiDki5SbSuq2taude3YW5MydUw6q0Zx54NhW95OJ6jDWnRgPgtL7J8/s1600-h/basketball.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 213px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4pq0zw_hHIzu2CBwM6iR4XWMLLxVTN4gZrNc80eBHaYdRk3L9tsYlmEttUpZFRpqYB9R0F8ZDvmvypPRiDki5SbSuq2taude3YW5MydUw6q0Zx54NhW95OJ6jDWnRgPgtL7J8/s320/basketball.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5412283784538771794" border="0" /></a>Russ, Verlana, Anthony, Chas, and Starkshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02411456180450730452noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8585757.post-743732583153071892009-10-22T18:16:00.001-07:002009-10-22T19:21:46.830-07:00Shew! It's been a LOOOONNNGGGG time!Well, seeing as I can get just a few pictures and an update on <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">Facebook</span> pretty quickly, I've let our blog here sit on the back burner! Sorry about that all of you non-<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">Facebookers</span>. :) I feel like I need to give a quick update on our summer after camping at Mt. Madonna. So, here it goes!<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbpJojr6fgReSjJ-cVCY-eymO6dMi1MhsmOc0557oBx9HhZomqZJCyH3SOA9cBOIuoEtdfSWdAChtmQbAUzN7aEW18mpzKxw_LB0gol5SVfh2hmkEyRPS3OYTqHWo_GuRpvAtZ/s1600-h/IMG_4893.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbpJojr6fgReSjJ-cVCY-eymO6dMi1MhsmOc0557oBx9HhZomqZJCyH3SOA9cBOIuoEtdfSWdAChtmQbAUzN7aEW18mpzKxw_LB0gol5SVfh2hmkEyRPS3OYTqHWo_GuRpvAtZ/s320/IMG_4893.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5395610096844303410" border="0" /></a><br /><br />Two weeks after that, Kare and Alyssa (the boys' cousins who were 17 and almost 13 at the time), came out to stay with us for 24 days! It was heaven. I absolutely LOVED my time alone with them, and the boys love them, too, of course. Anyway, that time was filled with lots of beaches, pool time and swim lessons, <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_0EB4qeLItDRw2XPP6us5XzNXZnt9v6sRCbWWZzfSN1Jkaiu9D12-atrWnlhniWRw_IUmI-rWwqNTWPEehUZzxmzRMVREfI84JO4Lk-QeukszEnBgr3RAwgPVU2J-CgKiADnP/s1600-h/IMG_4597.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_0EB4qeLItDRw2XPP6us5XzNXZnt9v6sRCbWWZzfSN1Jkaiu9D12-atrWnlhniWRw_IUmI-rWwqNTWPEehUZzxmzRMVREfI84JO4Lk-QeukszEnBgr3RAwgPVU2J-CgKiADnP/s320/IMG_4597.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5395610082408889314" border="0" /></a><br />hiking and climbing at Castle Rock, <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQSr5ymwK0YlP3GPOj_5tRFrIwIAFQgBrvAIHA3smi2AJxcVkIGnvYE6j5EDBSF-IchyphenhyphenBk32Ag58cNTqjLTEThgXg2BjnSPc2Rsw0RSSrey1s7hjf7Qh-e70R6zTh3nwM-_NBk/s1600-h/IMG_4660.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQSr5ymwK0YlP3GPOj_5tRFrIwIAFQgBrvAIHA3smi2AJxcVkIGnvYE6j5EDBSF-IchyphenhyphenBk32Ag58cNTqjLTEThgXg2BjnSPc2Rsw0RSSrey1s7hjf7Qh-e70R6zTh3nwM-_NBk/s320/IMG_4660.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5395610074442832850" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRHpt8_pgADrt-wP-mYaNjgKanAmC43IpEzKxJ4t8epQcKFVCcV0mOenVMAIPgDGiuxIRkRpW5HDdKJ1oLlCtBs0oo46Ygzv6vYgAS0KUcT6H-JzJPzF0Of2Hha24P70YjqSTc/s1600-h/P1020535.JPG"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRHpt8_pgADrt-wP-mYaNjgKanAmC43IpEzKxJ4t8epQcKFVCcV0mOenVMAIPgDGiuxIRkRpW5HDdKJ1oLlCtBs0oo46Ygzv6vYgAS0KUcT6H-JzJPzF0Of2Hha24P70YjqSTc/s320/P1020535.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5395610736424448898" border="0" /></a><br /><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">pj</span> days at home, Gymnastics, and another camping trip at <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">Yuba</span> River! I'm sure I'm missing other things, but as you can read, we were busy! It was awesome, and the best summer yet!<br /><br />My sister, Aunt <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">Sharmane</span>, joined us for the last 9 days with the girls, so she got to camp with us at <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">Yuba</span> River. We had never camped there, and it was unbelievable. The river was so clear, the stars so brilliant, and the place was just awesome. We bought some suits, tubes, and life vests, and we spent all of our days jumping off rocks into the river! We'd jump in, ride the "whirlpools" and current, and then swim to the edge to get out and repeat! ALL of the boys got very bold! We even saw an awesome black water snake who stayed to watch. We will certainly camp there every year from here on out!<br /><br />After they left, a few days late<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPGp6_WD7Xg6TNrgl_Msc1aAJOyJPDpMFBuUt9N74DoUA6uvu_WiCFZeMeTFfAMfeGxYdl8nkiZ2JEIWzHZ0P7UkzQ1ZYVYPby_M4hjoe2GxQherFxS2ofEEHF7uNamfeRE4L-/s1600-h/IMG_5049.JPG"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPGp6_WD7Xg6TNrgl_Msc1aAJOyJPDpMFBuUt9N74DoUA6uvu_WiCFZeMeTFfAMfeGxYdl8nkiZ2JEIWzHZ0P7UkzQ1ZYVYPby_M4hjoe2GxQherFxS2ofEEHF7uNamfeRE4L-/s320/IMG_5049.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5395605667230906338" border="0" /></a>r, we left on our yearly camping trip with friends. There are five families that go. That adds up to 15 boys and 2 girls from 4<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6">th</span> grade to 4 years old! :) We always have a great time, and it seems like we enjoy and can do more each year. VERY fun! Here's a group photo of all of us being "crazy." We camped again at Mt. Madonna, and everything was easy and relaxing. The kids rode bikes, hiked, and explored.<br /><br /><br />School started a week after our family camping trip, and the boys love school! Anthony has a wonderful teacher, and Chas ended up with Anthony's teacher from last year- who is also wonderful. We could not be happier. Starks started our <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_7">home school</span> preschool this year, and he goes to "school" at one of our houses each Monday. The kids have thoroughly enjoyed their school, and it has been a blast to teach the kids I love. Amy, Rachel, Teresa and I all have our little ones at home, and this preschool fit in perfectly to our schedules and goals this year. Plus, we've also had Gymnastics twice a week after school. WOW! The boys get better and stronger each time. Anthony actually did THREE <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_8">pull ups</span> last night! Chas even does <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_9">pull ups</span> on the rings and can dismount over the side. Russ is amazed at how strong they are and notices the definition in their muscles. :)<br /><br />So, that's a snapshot of summer.<br />Since school started, the boys have already taken days off to go<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaWWIipFWXxqiys1F8Uz5l3JuYhaoaooKcBeiBj39nRK-zB4muI4NMmARaZzwuktHp5DqW76-U9t451SAzv_29D5Zkv-YdPIJD2IpfCk5rqx10aHdoLqR89I300p1x6w4HkaTl/s1600-h/IMG_2015.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaWWIipFWXxqiys1F8Uz5l3JuYhaoaooKcBeiBj39nRK-zB4muI4NMmARaZzwuktHp5DqW76-U9t451SAzv_29D5Zkv-YdPIJD2IpfCk5rqx10aHdoLqR89I300p1x6w4HkaTl/s320/IMG_2015.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5395613091611778610" border="0" /></a> Backpacking at Lassen Volcanic Park and to have a "man" weekend in Philly to see the Eagles play their home opener. <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqTVzRL9lrHKA8SI_WAD6wl50kaVAg4cWy5ImPIumBk97khi84Ou2EKMhmlT9y08fxRzVWOkf1EtclmDfB5CYOf8gG8PTxxSbG6m8D9PCkS3U4BSCobfvmrdbvnNHG799-AwSt/s1600-h/IMG_1958.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqTVzRL9lrHKA8SI_WAD6wl50kaVAg4cWy5ImPIumBk97khi84Ou2EKMhmlT9y08fxRzVWOkf1EtclmDfB5CYOf8gG8PTxxSbG6m8D9PCkS3U4BSCobfvmrdbvnNHG799-AwSt/s320/IMG_1958.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5395613062167298434" border="0" /></a><br />Both trips were with just Daddy, and they had a blast. Starks joined them to <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_10">MomMom</span> and <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_11">Pop's</span> in NJ, but he had a weekend with me in <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_12">Monterey</span> while the boys backpacked. <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwVv9RYGU2h2Akqf_uwRjGO3zzxfCvl4nxjBg9FSL0PEXLwgTkCrkmeQ-OwLSewdsuqO5a7TDsdVGgTWMYUzjGBDweA47uD7ZJfFFsC8j9xgYU09tbSO1jDKI8UIE5ZLdRSLVb/s1600-h/IMG_5282.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwVv9RYGU2h2Akqf_uwRjGO3zzxfCvl4nxjBg9FSL0PEXLwgTkCrkmeQ-OwLSewdsuqO5a7TDsdVGgTWMYUzjGBDweA47uD7ZJfFFsC8j9xgYU09tbSO1jDKI8UIE5ZLdRSLVb/s320/IMG_5282.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5395613098605093858" border="0" /></a> <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMeDu5DJXPY1Oec8PFwrux9HbArJMItbcXf3XTQPBXj7HJffLD-7Pr1ZhuwOQQWeA2AimMgNl_JxA56Jz4EkC6jV3PzTxdnR1TfI_gmgD7U5vg4bxSYYGBHJHsWJohgdscG7UT/s1600-h/IMG_5361.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMeDu5DJXPY1Oec8PFwrux9HbArJMItbcXf3XTQPBXj7HJffLD-7Pr1ZhuwOQQWeA2AimMgNl_JxA56Jz4EkC6jV3PzTxdnR1TfI_gmgD7U5vg4bxSYYGBHJHsWJohgdscG7UT/s320/IMG_5361.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5395613105059921794" border="0" /></a><br />We stayed the night with Amy and Adam, too. As you can see jumping on the bed was a hit!<br /><br /><br />Russ, Anthony and Chas went backpacking for 3 days and 2 nights with Ryan, Jacob, Luke, Eric and Nathan. They did such an awesome job hiking with all of their gear. Russ wanted to immediately plan another trip!<br /><br />Chas turned 7 in September, and he had the best party and sleepover! He planned it all. We bought everyone a <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_13">Bionicle</span> to put together, they battled with those, ate dinner (<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_14">Filet</span>, carrots, mac n cheese and salad.), had homemade Lava Cakes for dessert, <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_15">sleptover</span>, had Psycho Donuts for breakfast, and then came back home to chill. It was fun to see his friends since he was little meet his friends from school. They all loved each other! Luke even wanted to invite Chas' friend, Lucas, to HIS birthday party. :) <br /><br />Well, we're heading to Oklahoma for a week in November while Russ goes to Australia. :) We were going to go with him, but he's staying for too short a time.. and we wouldn't see much of him while we were there. :( SO, we'll wait for next year! Instead, we'll hang out with Aunt <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_16">Sharmane</span>, Kare, Alyssa and Daniel! :) We are SO looking forward to it.<br /><br />There are daily stories on <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_17">FB</span> on things the kids say. They are so much fun and entertaining. I love the conversations we have now. I am truly blessed!Russ, Verlana, Anthony, Chas, and Starkshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02411456180450730452noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8585757.post-7190261719585118602009-06-23T17:09:00.000-07:002009-06-23T17:27:19.106-07:00Camping at Mt. MadonnaStarks being goofy! "Oh, Momma... can I have a drink from my sippy cup?" That's what he's saying, and for some reason, it was really funny at the time. <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://picasaweb.google.com/LarawayFamily/MtMadonnaCamping?authkey=Gv1sRgCM3jloCIlaewHw#"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9p_BxJzptYQOYgxP4Yxfpn0-Cy3ln_RB72CPFyF3yHUHvwIIztvmqbPMkq_8T3QSwZFNY6FV7eqnbCw1Thfu2x-FkwesJOQktpXtt45zwftEyIQOBs7wMFQGLvjwqs-jYAbMZ/s320/IMG_1869.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5350682950038819538" border="0" /></a>Click our tent below to see the web album.<br /><div style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="http://picasa.google.com/blogger/" target="ext"><br /></a></div><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dwP5Xmz9o2YdLVdo5_U8nhRuoi5nOmysvDiyrLay0hh3eTAxZxdBzz3tmTyW-gaIFLf0Ej_bZTNh6Y' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe>Russ, Verlana, Anthony, Chas, and Starkshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02411456180450730452noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8585757.post-62289585567471025712009-06-03T15:51:00.000-07:002009-06-03T16:03:46.661-07:00Back Track to Memorial Day Weekend<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjt6XHNZ3yCzhXacv7aO_GKid53wsAcrgVH9bR6m-9I___3Q3B51UFNHwnKyMPsKxJLtmoPM1sEBEryPa24ktu82jlP51m5fORVaS3jr5o3cehhdWOEpb33ZqDqrq_g-cudXbuH/s1600-h/IMG_1726.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjt6XHNZ3yCzhXacv7aO_GKid53wsAcrgVH9bR6m-9I___3Q3B51UFNHwnKyMPsKxJLtmoPM1sEBEryPa24ktu82jlP51m5fORVaS3jr5o3cehhdWOEpb33ZqDqrq_g-cudXbuH/s320/IMG_1726.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5343240311073899074" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcr07lWTtYa0KfnSu0Y6I6vmUc7cgVGBMPfGKDok7NXFLvYSXyPBM7Q9Qj2d7xde8dBN7OQTWp8Tb1ZjQA_GJMVyrdIgVXZYTG6IZSiNbq8a3A4ksdVKWvNgX-6DtkdWIHvntx/s1600-h/IMG_1727.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcr07lWTtYa0KfnSu0Y6I6vmUc7cgVGBMPfGKDok7NXFLvYSXyPBM7Q9Qj2d7xde8dBN7OQTWp8Tb1ZjQA_GJMVyrdIgVXZYTG6IZSiNbq8a3A4ksdVKWvNgX-6DtkdWIHvntx/s320/IMG_1727.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5343240314068832066" border="0" /></a><br />We went to Family Camp in Boulder Creek in the Santa Cruz mountains for Memorial Day. Russ took Anthony and Chas last year, and they had so much fun that they wanted to go again- but with Starks and me. So, we all headed there Friday, stayed in a cabin with another family all weekend, and came home Monday after lunch. They had archery, a cable line, rock wall, the "Mole Hole" which is a huge, plastic drainage pipe the kids "sled" inside of, crafts, tie-dye, a POOL, and a creek!<br /><br />We had a lot of fun, and all the boys tried everything at least once. Starks, Chas and I made it to the pool three times... that alone is a great weekend! Anyway, aside from all of the fun, tick bite on Chas' head, campfires, etc, it was less like camping and more like a Motel 6. :) (though with better food, I'm sure) It really was relaxing to not have to think about, prepare or clean up after meals, to take a shower every day, and to have your day planned, but then the focus becomes the activities and what's next rather than enjoying hanging out together.<br /><br />Anyway, I just wanted to post some pictures of the boys. Starks was the CUTEST thing riding down the zip line! There's nothing like letting your son go from a platform and thinking "Did I secure his harness tightly enough?" His little body is just adorable- on the rock wall, too. I think the camp counselor basically pulled him to the top. However, Anthony climbed to the top all by himself! He was shaking, tired, and stuck at one point, but he pushed through. Awesome! Chas climbed pretty high up the wall, but he had gone far enough. Chas and Anthony LOVED archery! All in all, it was great! Enjoy the pictures.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCHtf9gvCJ-1JpLuPUmct1y8K-Qdi4tlAB6I92vNGGPcxVwf_UE9vmd4tF3EUwgtnxW3-pBBEAGCBKzcqLi4OQSGhS_-pZQPmDPOKdadVdkvh1mu-HDbiioDhVg0Si_li8_CgV/s1600-h/IMG_1729.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCHtf9gvCJ-1JpLuPUmct1y8K-Qdi4tlAB6I92vNGGPcxVwf_UE9vmd4tF3EUwgtnxW3-pBBEAGCBKzcqLi4OQSGhS_-pZQPmDPOKdadVdkvh1mu-HDbiioDhVg0Si_li8_CgV/s320/IMG_1729.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5343240321561664354" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuxYIUqp9HOGzKPdy8i168jixdSHKzjqbUefbPtTiDtfa8cs_AvfZo1XOhCGdBr4Ge9mzNyo41K861HmbDgpL2RH1tT4KCaELlxpsDcG6UeXjWbTXRKUYJ9Rzh1uLaP3y8xM3N/s1600-h/IMG_1759.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuxYIUqp9HOGzKPdy8i168jixdSHKzjqbUefbPtTiDtfa8cs_AvfZo1XOhCGdBr4Ge9mzNyo41K861HmbDgpL2RH1tT4KCaELlxpsDcG6UeXjWbTXRKUYJ9Rzh1uLaP3y8xM3N/s320/IMG_1759.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5343240812140204402" border="0" /></a>Russ, Verlana, Anthony, Chas, and Starkshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02411456180450730452noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8585757.post-91404522010844668652009-06-03T06:00:00.000-07:002009-06-03T06:13:43.945-07:00Stomach Bug, but still so cuteStarks started vomiting this morning at 2am... then 3:15... then 5am. When he was done, he lay back on me and said, "This is bad." I agreed and just stroked on him and loved on him. Then he went on to say, "When we have breakfast, I'm going to plug it up!" <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">LOL</span>. This child is the cutest!<br />It wasn't but about 20 minutes later that he had more dry heaves and asked, "How can I get it to come out?" I scooped him up, brought him downstairs to the couch and gave him an Otter Pop. About 20 minutes after THAT, he threw up the Popsicle and asked "WHO is doing this?!"<br />Poor baby. It IS bad to get sick.Russ, Verlana, Anthony, Chas, and Starkshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02411456180450730452noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8585757.post-67114851639240189882009-05-29T13:47:00.001-07:002009-05-29T13:50:53.017-07:00Birds and BeesThis conversation transpired between Mommy and Starks while driving in the truck:<br /><br />Starks: Mommy, where did you get me?<br />Mommy: God put you in my belly.<br /><br />S: So God put me in your belly, and how did I come out?<br />M: In a special way.<br /><br />S: So... can you tell me?<br />M: (some thinking) You came through my cervix. :)<br /><br />S: Well, my tongue has bumps on it.<br /><br />That was my goal. LOL!Russ, Verlana, Anthony, Chas, and Starkshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02411456180450730452noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8585757.post-31444260095175970902009-01-26T20:30:00.000-08:002009-01-26T22:24:15.859-08:00Our budding Director<span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">OK</span>, so whenever Anthony is asked what he wants to be when he grows up, guess what he says. "A Director at Google" like his Daddy. However, we feel he'll be another kind of director! That may relate to marketing at some point, or it may just be thoroughly creative, but for now, it's growing. He is VERY attentive to all things around him, and he'll often comment on how someone should make a commercial, or how he's heard a particular sound effect used in different ways in movies, or he'll make up a story line. He has started many comic books, and he's just a creative kid!<br />So, I thought you might enjoy these two videos.<br /><br />This first one is before his Winter Music Program at school. We had picked up Russ from the airport, and since we only had an hour or so before we needed to be at school, we headed straight to <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">McD's</span> for dinner. While eating, he had an idea for commercial. It was handy that the video camera was with us for his coming program, so we taped him telling his idea for the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">McNugget</span>s commercial!<br /><br />The second is just him explaining to me a "movie" he watched in Sunday School. They watch a movie that relates to the Bible verse and story for the day. He LOVES it! Anyway, this one he had to reenact for me. Very cute, and he's oh so comfortable in front of the camera! :)<br /><br /><br /><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dzVAFcyoMCEqcDA6jQnFX96fY4l63NbCXP88FH-s1F5HeUB5T17cauaOctgcYKR_5d4IKgD3BDZds8' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dxE0CZNASXo1qILKerqS4azWW07Rf46o264MYQ3jhzTqSVfRpTRH-wEKvUGuelNV_JnQKI0Xz7jWHU' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe>Russ, Verlana, Anthony, Chas, and Starkshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02411456180450730452noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8585757.post-60669728131718024102009-01-24T15:43:00.001-08:002009-01-24T15:54:49.855-08:00Brothers and Bubbles<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjO2GSTEX6rZatXhvbkBm3FQ8etlCY4T1rPEr1yEDw4mmNXwuFayiMDa99CgBtxZRakc-DhYhTSEb4y0CkPgv5hzQwiNoffUqKcM5iQt2xVlJzPbVNwYSWLovFIOMntaNNVL8yc/s1600-h/IMG_3330.JPG"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjO2GSTEX6rZatXhvbkBm3FQ8etlCY4T1rPEr1yEDw4mmNXwuFayiMDa99CgBtxZRakc-DhYhTSEb4y0CkPgv5hzQwiNoffUqKcM5iQt2xVlJzPbVNwYSWLovFIOMntaNNVL8yc/s320/IMG_3330.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5295010344166479938" border="0" /></a>Last night, when Russ opened Anthony's door to check on the boys before going to bed, this is what he saw. He called me in to see them all lying haphazard in bed, and I just had to take a picture! You see, Chas and Starks have <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">bunk beds</span> in which they never sleep. They are made and usually unmade during playtime with friends, but they are not slept in unless we have a sleepover. Instead, Anthony asked and still wants his brothers in his bed. So, last year we bought a <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">bed rail</span> to fit his bed so they would not tumble out, and they all sleep together. It is punishment if we threaten them with "you'll sleep in the other room." Of course, as you can see, Starks is in the middle as to shared by both older brothers. Everyone wants a piece of him. Almost as if he knows intuitively while he sleeps, he is simultaneously touching them both! I love it! Having slept with my sister until she moved out of the house, and then still together when we see each other, I LOVE that they are together. Why do we think it's any different for kids? I mean, don't we as adults want someone beside us in bed as opposed to sleeping alone? But I digress...<br /><br /><br />Now we come to today! Daddy and Chas left on a bike store trip, so Anthony and Starks decided after riding bikes to play with the bubbles. They began making a blob! They giggled as it shook and changed shape with the wind. Very fun!<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKcMUC9HL1AHaqjhA5ybZWhGRLNiCKgsmn4XyFI8SavAKQP_cJxS5WYbgvWYHQKCZUDJcXgDxPMnY0tFh4G8z69m6XMRS95mCsevmxfnI_e4l87tMRAcPebrnB8t_Himo4RyMq/s1600-h/IMG_3354.JPG"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKcMUC9HL1AHaqjhA5ybZWhGRLNiCKgsmn4XyFI8SavAKQP_cJxS5WYbgvWYHQKCZUDJcXgDxPMnY0tFh4G8z69m6XMRS95mCsevmxfnI_e4l87tMRAcPebrnB8t_Himo4RyMq/s320/IMG_3354.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5295012651431651186" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2y-MEkh_t7RGFye3xNghTh8hKE5bCUV7ysvOJYuMZVL8sgfjHXekRwmMhUXLMPWlJq6aiDKwTjYnp4roSQaexIq1BN3k_Tkz6sG9ZQgMRFdVZwFDhyiBMSsck8zpGzn8UACZc/s1600-h/IMG_3352.JPG"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2y-MEkh_t7RGFye3xNghTh8hKE5bCUV7ysvOJYuMZVL8sgfjHXekRwmMhUXLMPWlJq6aiDKwTjYnp4roSQaexIq1BN3k_Tkz6sG9ZQgMRFdVZwFDhyiBMSsck8zpGzn8UACZc/s320/IMG_3352.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5295010555055784978" border="0" /></a>Russ, Verlana, Anthony, Chas, and Starkshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02411456180450730452noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8585757.post-76823031460054330292009-01-18T12:47:00.000-08:002009-01-18T14:43:34.722-08:00This one's for you, East Coast!So, the weather here in Cali has been gorgeous.... 70's all week last week, and it will remain the same up until Wed. of this next week. Now, have we been in a drought for many years? Do we need rain? The answer to both of those questions is "Yes!" However, since the weather can't be controlled, we have rejoiced in this sunshine. AND, since the much of the country has been in a ridiculous cold snap, we thought it our responsibility to go to the beach for those in parkas. :)<br /><br />We went down to <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">Monterey</span> and parked in our "usual" parking lot that puts us right on the bike path. It's not far at all- maybe a couple of blocks- 'til you get to beach entrances. So, we rode down, walked the bikes onto the beach and played for a LONG time! The kids were COVERED in sand, and everyone (minus Russ) had wet shorts to some extent! Chas is not a big fan of wet shorts- especially covered in sand, but they quickly dried off when we got back on the bikes to ride.<br /><br />We rode down the path past the Cannery, and stopped off twice to climb rocks, throw rocks, and dare the waves to hit the boys. :) We started the ride back to the truck, and all-in-all, it was 4.5 hours of playing and fun with no agenda! The day could not have been better (other than a little less whining on the ride down and home from Starks... totally bored with the drive).<br /><br />So, here are pics and videos of our day!<br /><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dwTi7HA6rKUsH9b9a8YfhSJNstUeSlt0VDbnHmrOgXmWRL-iJMnJCjAjL_KooZWHsWo_-PUZrtQuKw' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe><br /><br />I put the pics on <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">Facebook</span>! Let me know if you don't have a profile, and I'll send them to you.Russ, Verlana, Anthony, Chas, and Starkshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02411456180450730452noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8585757.post-15633172597928267832009-01-13T17:41:00.001-08:002009-01-13T17:55:18.918-08:00Awesomeness<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhF_Hp2Gc0MpezbM6b2X41lEZrugMTvWApHW0dYHuJ_rUs-YSj0uiV4WWrPSuJvIe5FU8ItN_czGwaEcAYPL7uQZ_qnvbmSYEfjX-dgsK19BcDigZiF7UvOPkefoahPxasMhzb8/s1600-h/IMG_0105.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhF_Hp2Gc0MpezbM6b2X41lEZrugMTvWApHW0dYHuJ_rUs-YSj0uiV4WWrPSuJvIe5FU8ItN_czGwaEcAYPL7uQZ_qnvbmSYEfjX-dgsK19BcDigZiF7UvOPkefoahPxasMhzb8/s320/IMG_0105.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5290961803770853634" border="0" /></a><br /><br />Feel it? Do you feel the awesomeness? :) We certainly did today. It was in the low 70's here, and it was a gorgeous day! After picking up the boys from school, we headed straight to the park. We played for over 1.5 hours- tag, taking turns swinging, digging in the sand, etc. It was nice to be barefoot in the sand, but I can say personally that my tootsies were tender! I had no idea that my calluses from summer had already faded away.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcgIvWaB73pcrzlI4gaxvybH2fVOwEsWSn05Evz6lKDAUS6uNtGXjWyVeXMRzq2YDF6Pm4w7yT233dZ1ZcAB5vBP8dLUzGcCQ0phL662pJgyrpVzxee8s8eKvqHeTuAwNnleUj/s1600-h/IMG_0112.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcgIvWaB73pcrzlI4gaxvybH2fVOwEsWSn05Evz6lKDAUS6uNtGXjWyVeXMRzq2YDF6Pm4w7yT233dZ1ZcAB5vBP8dLUzGcCQ0phL662pJgyrpVzxee8s8eKvqHeTuAwNnleUj/s320/IMG_0112.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5290961813746412290" border="0" /></a><br /><br />Anyway, from the park, we went to Pizza My Heart for "Make your own pizza night" for kids. The boys have been asking about going since September, and we had an opportunity- since Friday won't be the usual pizza night at home this week. We totally did not take this day for granted! We enjoyed it thoroughly, and the oldest two boys were actually so very happy with each other. I love the picture here of Chas lying in Anthony's lap on the swing... bare feet peeking out from the side are Starks'. I think at one point Anthony and Chas were acting out "What's Opera, Doc" from Bugs Bunny. SO CUTE!Russ, Verlana, Anthony, Chas, and Starkshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02411456180450730452noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8585757.post-19849761623324783302008-12-23T19:56:00.000-08:002008-12-23T20:11:24.064-08:00Christmas Adam<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiyLAk5Nvq4uincXBYPs7ygwM_zdstS1AMMaKHgZznWPxNL31ZEdzWOK9WP5Cbu4msdiDEYOsSQM_FoknAYg-aXdWXwBbm36FCa8ejoKW4U8eVm6fr9oEspvvVXyS-Ls1wYfUR/s1600-h/photo(13).jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiyLAk5Nvq4uincXBYPs7ygwM_zdstS1AMMaKHgZznWPxNL31ZEdzWOK9WP5Cbu4msdiDEYOsSQM_FoknAYg-aXdWXwBbm36FCa8ejoKW4U8eVm6fr9oEspvvVXyS-Ls1wYfUR/s320/photo(13).jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5283203573069746850" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbq9FLVabQO3dfceqNAqJCBb-46Vpa7oA2nqt1pwNXJs55inTVNvSPRKFZeYajEzouSrVcRZP-BjPTJANMEryViqOHo_O8aJScIss4PX_6bDJHOoYvDdfYXIbkvpyzZdsJI_T-/s1600-h/photo(14).jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbq9FLVabQO3dfceqNAqJCBb-46Vpa7oA2nqt1pwNXJs55inTVNvSPRKFZeYajEzouSrVcRZP-BjPTJANMEryViqOHo_O8aJScIss4PX_6bDJHOoYvDdfYXIbkvpyzZdsJI_T-/s320/photo(14).jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5283203286523089666" border="0" /></a><br /><br />Well, Anthony came up with that name today... Tomorrow is Christmas Eve, and then it's Christmas Day... so the day before Christmas Eve must be Christmas Adam! :)<br /><br />Today Russ was done with phone meetings early, and he just needed to keep in touch via email. So, he suggested we head to <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">Monterey</span> for the day. YEA!!! We used our new bike rack, loaded the bikes, and headed down. We parked early on and rode our bikes down the path. Here are some pictures of the boys on the beach! The waves were calm, sky gorgeous, and temperatures perfect. Next, we ate at McDonald's before riding down to Dennis the Menace park. There we played until about 3:30, and then we rode back to the "Beast." (Our new Honda Pilot that we LOVE!)<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEig3j75FQayQaNrNYO4DaQWQ3qyrSfx9vq3HHDdKZIp573_6Amw_JC73jyznVvL6caR1LJcFHk2GUAU9qY8_JWBKdbv54ENmr9A3TQCJuxFoNhz_EgCS8GJBKyr2oAtjs7m4cs1/s1600-h/photo(8).jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEig3j75FQayQaNrNYO4DaQWQ3qyrSfx9vq3HHDdKZIp573_6Amw_JC73jyznVvL6caR1LJcFHk2GUAU9qY8_JWBKdbv54ENmr9A3TQCJuxFoNhz_EgCS8GJBKyr2oAtjs7m4cs1/s320/photo(8).jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5283204042896513426" border="0" /></a>Since we wanted to stop <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqmtVZ_BQpj0PU740E1x9Bus-OcnYhuDk7wH2MlUuNlq_zDPOOoncnkYDkrY2wPA6_OfenFHhHnXtRXv4vRQG_3gUfUqRRzLGiaQNghmvoyY1-Aryu3j6dg3lGo4d_qkQ9SQr-/s1600-h/photo(10).jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqmtVZ_BQpj0PU740E1x9Bus-OcnYhuDk7wH2MlUuNlq_zDPOOoncnkYDkrY2wPA6_OfenFHhHnXtRXv4vRQG_3gUfUqRRzLGiaQNghmvoyY1-Aryu3j6dg3lGo4d_qkQ9SQr-/s320/photo(10).jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5283203701698916018" border="0" /></a>and pick up a couple more attachments to hook the bikes on the rack easier, we took 1 to 17... taking a little more time, but a beautiful ride alongside the ocean.<br /><br />It was a wonderful day! I learned that Anthony has the best heart... more than I could ever imagine. He is a wonderful boy who is very in tune to what is right, wrong, fair, and unfair. He just gets it. I'm sure as Chas grows into himself we'll see much of the same, but I think it's unique in many ways to Anthony... it just makes him who he is. (if that makes sense!)<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGPWPjyxIMZ2x1LEZhNa8TVtL14wqvk1xJxEuu-8u2JFLOJmx-9BgyjtRQHwdmJxPStwUeX_Fp0Vmid8y30UAzxxrgOUc7uUeLPUvlHpDbsDrJoPQmZ9UIqO23kluGjWGX-yre/s1600-h/photo(5).jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGPWPjyxIMZ2x1LEZhNa8TVtL14wqvk1xJxEuu-8u2JFLOJmx-9BgyjtRQHwdmJxPStwUeX_Fp0Vmid8y30UAzxxrgOUc7uUeLPUvlHpDbsDrJoPQmZ9UIqO23kluGjWGX-yre/s320/photo(5).jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5283203103967396498" border="0" /></a><br />They are SO looking forward to Christmas! Tomorrow is going to positively giddy!Russ, Verlana, Anthony, Chas, and Starkshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02411456180450730452noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8585757.post-89872022858521944902008-12-20T17:15:00.000-08:002008-12-20T17:27:12.179-08:002 Chas storiesI have to post these two stories before they are forgotten. :)<br />While on the East Coast visiting family for Thanksgiving, the absurd happened. I don't think my mother-in-law meant to insinuate, but she in fact disagreed with me that my boys would never kill their father, have no remorse, and in turn brag about it. We were talking about a news story about an 8 year old boy doing just that, and she said (and I quote), "You don't know. You can't say that. (I had said "My boys would never..." and was interrupted with this) You never know." So, reflecting on this craziness while driving to see a friend, Russ proceeded to ask Anthony if he would ever. Obviously, Anthony told us that he would not. :) That led to a conversation about breaking the law, what jail was like, etc. Chas is reflecting on all of this and says the following:<br /><br />"I could have fun in jail, playing I Spy with my imaginary friends."<br /><br />A day or two later, I was telling Russ about something Chas had said. Russ and I usually lie down with the boys at night, but I had been staying a while with Chas and Starks while at my in-laws. The boys were busy, and Starks was exhausted at the end of the day from no nap. He'd fall asleep quickly with his head on my bicep as a pillow, and then I'd pull my arm out to leave. As soon as I did, he'd start snoring! So, Chas told me one morning that when I left, he started putting HIS arm under Starks' head. :)<br /><br />After I told Russ what Chas had said that morning, Russ said, "Chas you hear mommy? [ yes] You're a good big brother."<br /><br />Yeah and Anthony's just a big old smelly piece a poop.<br /><br />Such humor from these boys here! We love it! In fact, they enjoy listening to Brian Regan's comedy act. We have his CD in <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">iTunes</span></span>, so we play it while we're driving. VERY FUNNY!<br /><span style="color: rgb(136, 136, 136);"> </span>Russ, Verlana, Anthony, Chas, and Starkshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02411456180450730452noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8585757.post-19914535009822154032008-11-15T15:54:00.001-08:002008-11-15T16:04:40.405-08:00Thoughts of a 3yr old<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNBbxpzv_GcerzyMtvU2kY0WxDeUJTTw0eurnY04Y2YHZ4kl6zZBfahCxMIwhXZhc96mgNXbyzSrvkXZ0sSO0I956iQU6wKHzRGurbeh1UQGbTYV_fxzPXCsJCxS4tHzWiop5E/s1600-h/IMG_0053.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNBbxpzv_GcerzyMtvU2kY0WxDeUJTTw0eurnY04Y2YHZ4kl6zZBfahCxMIwhXZhc96mgNXbyzSrvkXZ0sSO0I956iQU6wKHzRGurbeh1UQGbTYV_fxzPXCsJCxS4tHzWiop5E/s320/IMG_0053.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5269039366082959394" border="0" /></a>So, we're at the park, and I'm pushing Starks in the swing. He LOVES to swing, especially when he's tired. He's not talking, and I start to think he just may fall asleep since he's being so quiet. It was a hot day! Then, he asks me, "Did God made the sky?" I said, "Yes, he did." "Did he make the swing?" I answered, "Well, he made the materials that go into US making the swing." "Did he make these?" pointing to the chains. "Yes, he made the metal that we use to make the chains." "Yeah, he made the trees... the bushes... the tickle thingys..." (He's referring to the ornamental grass that has soft, cattail like things growing from the center.) I answered, "That's, right, Starks. He made all of those things." He goes on to name all of his friends and people in his family that God made.<br /><br />I absolutely LOVE these moments. I'm not sure if it's just knowing that these Timeless Truths are cementing themselves that makes me so happy or if it's just because he's so thoughful... thinking about the things around him. He notices the most wonderful things. The world stops for "Rolley Polleys," or pill bugs. He is so amused by all things that are alive. He wants to love them or touch them- whether they are plants, animals or bugs! I am sad to think about him growing up, but I see that it's coming!<br /><br />Right now, he's putting together a 10 feet long ABC train puzzle, and he's singing the ABC song to keep himself on track as to what letter comes next. Does it get any better than this? These little songs filling the background. The tiny voice hitting the notes so well. I am ending this so that I can go give him a kiss. It usually comes out of nowhere for him- kisses and hugs, but hopefully some day he'll understand why he was randomly hit with love... it just has to happen at that moment!Russ, Verlana, Anthony, Chas, and Starkshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02411456180450730452noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8585757.post-3723041307774569832008-10-23T20:29:00.000-07:002008-10-23T20:35:53.896-07:00Starks' storyStarks has such an active imagination. He hears his brothers weave these yarns in the back seat of the van, and he has caught on to the whole "made up story" thing. I call most of his stories Run-On Stories. It's a never ending flow of consciousness! Here's one that happened two weeks ago:<br /><br />"Memember when Jacob was a baby. I was holding him, (showing me with cupped hands just how small.- Jacob is 8 years old.) and I dropped him down on a rail? He said, 'What? A crocodile's biting me!' ... and he was a talking baby...."<br /><br />I absolutely LOVE these stories. They occur almost daily, and this one just happened to have been written down! Chas loves to ask me to "Imagine there was a baby. And he was 3 months old. And he jumped out of his stroller and ran 3 miles in 3 minutes and won." "What if there was a baby. And he was just born. And he got up and walked down the street to a car and started driving the car." Now you can understand where the ideas come from in Starks' stories!Russ, Verlana, Anthony, Chas, and Starkshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02411456180450730452noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8585757.post-3178239075760124902008-10-09T16:45:00.000-07:002008-10-09T16:49:50.663-07:00Conversation between Anthony and Chas:Anthony was reading his "Goosebumps" book, and Chas was commenting on it being like the 60th "Goosebumps" book. (Anthony finishes one and cannot wait to get to the library the next day to read another!) <br /><br />So, Anthony tells Chas it's number 36. Not that he's read all of the books leading up to 36, but that's the number. Chas says, "Yeah, so Mommy would read the 30 books, and Daddy would read the 50's... because Mommy's 30 something and Daddy's 50 something."<br /><br />Anthony corrects him. "No, Mommy's 30 something and Daddy's 30 something, too. If Daddy was 50, he's have a mustache and a beard."Russ, Verlana, Anthony, Chas, and Starkshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02411456180450730452noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8585757.post-87599669839776893202008-10-05T22:42:00.000-07:002008-10-05T23:01:44.873-07:00Very good day!<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhClWjJ5xogkr_nG3vb1sms7ybAdvNBXJyFKvedQYRMY0cSmG0t6AJuqi82Cb4p0G4VvGWvcv24KhjRv95dvLCgQScyo3ms9ygIET2kMYjXlRGk5airEhmIMyCPyy6Z_JWyUZz5/s1600-h/DSC02419.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhClWjJ5xogkr_nG3vb1sms7ybAdvNBXJyFKvedQYRMY0cSmG0t6AJuqi82Cb4p0G4VvGWvcv24KhjRv95dvLCgQScyo3ms9ygIET2kMYjXlRGk5airEhmIMyCPyy6Z_JWyUZz5/s320/DSC02419.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5253915834541879666" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrcf6ohO3dQXJVUpFQ5S7yYnxI00_SEWbkkxzY8O0CbuV8L1TwU6YtJ2Jpy_2pgrzbsgGw-tmXob3_7h7_1DDJW-GN1nHGZVlVuFxOMS8eCs0fq8Cji-m6UI3l0vWK6-gfB6YR/s1600-h/DSC02424.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrcf6ohO3dQXJVUpFQ5S7yYnxI00_SEWbkkxzY8O0CbuV8L1TwU6YtJ2Jpy_2pgrzbsgGw-tmXob3_7h7_1DDJW-GN1nHGZVlVuFxOMS8eCs0fq8Cji-m6UI3l0vWK6-gfB6YR/s320/DSC02424.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5253915842094196802" border="0" /></a><br /><br />So, I ran the Rock N Roll 1/2 marathon again this year. It was today. My sister had me sign up for it in the early spring, and we were going to run it together to celebrate her turning 40 this year! However, a new job required training this weekend in Chicago instead. I had been almost dreading the run. I had trained for the triathlon that was last Saturday instead, and I had only done one <span style="font-weight: bold;">long</span> run in the last month. However, I realized how incredible it would be to run with my other "sister," Amy. Amy set some goals for herself this year, and I wanted to be with her. We ran the entire thing <span style="font-weight: bold;">together</span>, and it was incredible! It felt so awesome to have my friend beside me the whole time, I felt no stress, I was excited, and in fact, we ran at great pace! She accomplished her goals, and I accomplished mine- to enjoy sticking with my friend. That was my only expectation. It meant so much to me. AND, my husband got the three boys ready, out the door and equipped with signs and cow bells to cheer us on at mile 6 and again at mile 11! Anthony and Chas actually each held one of my hands and ran with me for a block! What a great day!<br /><br />Afterwards, you don't really feel like eating, but they tell you to do just that. I took a bite of Chas' apple slice, and I had to lie on the couch arguing with my belly. Then 2 minutes later, I left to pick up a Chicken Super Burrito from Super Tacqueria. OH YEAH!! I thought I'm going big, or I'm not going at all. In fact, it's just what my body wanted. Nothing healthy and raw... just meat, beans, spicy salsa, cheese, huge flour tortilla, and avocado. I'm salivating thinking about it. (Of course, being me, I always talk about, think about and enjoy food!)<br /><br />Well, we hung at home for the afternoon, did the boys' study for AWANA, and then headed out for their classes. Russ got in a mountain bike ride after persistent urging from me, and I was afforded time to do my Bible Study. After AWANA was Armadillo Willy's for more MEAT this time for dinner! (I topped it off by a chocolate milk shake.)<br /><br />There's always limited time between gettting home and going to bed after AWANA, but the kids made the most of it in the shower- a very lengthy shower together. Afterwards, Chas read to Starks in the rocking chair, and Anthony read his book and looked on time and again.<br /><br />What an awesome day it was! I am so blessed to have such a wonderful family!Russ, Verlana, Anthony, Chas, and Starkshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02411456180450730452noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8585757.post-57321843871359427952008-09-13T16:46:00.001-07:002008-09-13T17:22:44.358-07:00First off, our last camping trip with friends this summer!<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgb6I7vZNLmrLJCKcqWtjoJ8nx9XmgrxCybfE8BFTSoiDcYiOIETm1bALjuUbomqWq5hOBo8OIZTeI7NC8p7K8sJNm7pyXB4aEnYvl1IyrFwghriV9BNfjUSFzVCviFIFbFVQF8/s1600-h/DSC02242.JPG"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgb6I7vZNLmrLJCKcqWtjoJ8nx9XmgrxCybfE8BFTSoiDcYiOIETm1bALjuUbomqWq5hOBo8OIZTeI7NC8p7K8sJNm7pyXB4aEnYvl1IyrFwghriV9BNfjUSFzVCviFIFbFVQF8/s320/DSC02242.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5245662556541646610" border="0" /></a>We went to Uvas County Park to camp with the Neadings, Striplins, Kus and Harms this year. (We all have three kids. Three of the 5 families have 3 boys all the same ages!) It was warm, but it ended up being so much fun as we found a stream to stomp and hike through, trails, and of course, lots of things to discover. (including a little snake)<br /><br /><div style="text-align: left;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRIDzAID4aD6SXXMQ0vSXKn1OdSk-bPrpjo9ALq4-YyW6NU7my0RGvrxJ2evVKtiolB68rCUe_fHmDyzSIajMKxpIUGAf_RkPw1XUWFnlqNFprWVbPUvH6xEbI_8ZEL3-bSGd4/s1600-h/DSC02218.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRIDzAID4aD6SXXMQ0vSXKn1OdSk-bPrpjo9ALq4-YyW6NU7my0RGvrxJ2evVKtiolB68rCUe_fHmDyzSIajMKxpIUGAf_RkPw1XUWFnlqNFprWVbPUvH6xEbI_8ZEL3-bSGd4/s320/DSC02218.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5245660849235323154" border="0" /></a></div><br />I loved watching these little people making such great memories with their friends!<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioVAYxn0Cqzc8qiXfQq35iDfVveQb-6FQpzlE5aTve4Hg_sSb0cRSa0mo7cgkx5hlrwja_ZxnULpXTHufqyPaKg9BOICmrvv12U0uGdijt-_CYBEcaqMqeIjB3ST_G1Qc689Jy/s1600-h/DSC02229.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioVAYxn0Cqzc8qiXfQq35iDfVveQb-6FQpzlE5aTve4Hg_sSb0cRSa0mo7cgkx5hlrwja_ZxnULpXTHufqyPaKg9BOICmrvv12U0uGdijt-_CYBEcaqMqeIjB3ST_G1Qc689Jy/s320/DSC02229.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5245663590761569090" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhej_1Gm_nC9820_qP4S9E5qDYN_-FbfjvSgz32E1Ad63thmtU6ez355dcW_yRF2VRzp31i1AT_xqyGcpDk4ILTHkaO2zUHZYfu0h_05TKm5VqqWMRNnnL1OyOfPtm-RdTtjNp2/s1600-h/DSC02235.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhej_1Gm_nC9820_qP4S9E5qDYN_-FbfjvSgz32E1Ad63thmtU6ez355dcW_yRF2VRzp31i1AT_xqyGcpDk4ILTHkaO2zUHZYfu0h_05TKm5VqqWMRNnnL1OyOfPtm-RdTtjNp2/s320/DSC02235.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5245664998796533794" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br />And, the bigger guys had their friends there to be totally goofy with all day!<br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj83zzrzGpsZWvE0ANkAw4S5ofrI1NVuDdoIZmm6RplXGjXEgVQeV8dMVSJD5jGCKyGSZtS8jTf3RJhnezxzVJ9uCQ3KiyfTy4CbR0iE8PUB5_uKZ_3R1Zo0H-8o678LGITmnd1/s1600-h/DSC02196.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj83zzrzGpsZWvE0ANkAw4S5ofrI1NVuDdoIZmm6RplXGjXEgVQeV8dMVSJD5jGCKyGSZtS8jTf3RJhnezxzVJ9uCQ3KiyfTy4CbR0iE8PUB5_uKZ_3R1Zo0H-8o678LGITmnd1/s320/DSC02196.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5245664587357431570" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-TQ68DW2P8z3bzyQFLZL00O0PzxuQaCr9qFosI_smirjD6dXuOIyPv8Sd7hGeTsSnCSLOpnmxm9UeD_Le6258K8xh42k3lWiZN8rEPRBfhsIuFfkgAUAUbCKEqA1tITiho1wR/s1600-h/DSC02182.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-TQ68DW2P8z3bzyQFLZL00O0PzxuQaCr9qFosI_smirjD6dXuOIyPv8Sd7hGeTsSnCSLOpnmxm9UeD_Le6258K8xh42k3lWiZN8rEPRBfhsIuFfkgAUAUbCKEqA1tITiho1wR/s320/DSC02182.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5245664591542130242" border="0" /></a><br /><br />It was a great weekend and wonderful way to end the summer before school!Russ, Verlana, Anthony, Chas, and Starkshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02411456180450730452noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8585757.post-4490209013699914852008-08-09T22:01:00.000-07:002008-08-09T22:23:40.121-07:00It's just been too long...<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh52Jc331NZFIzZzWXr9IeDtwQHW9XZBGTMyWotaHJi0x3kKm5ctvuJ1SJVrYnRu6r-oYcRRTkqb29ycpoW-yNWLz7nqYiQJVHltx7PSqfuyjNJm2wrk1xIOzdWy7DIXHTcQmo7/s1600-h/IMG_1267.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh52Jc331NZFIzZzWXr9IeDtwQHW9XZBGTMyWotaHJi0x3kKm5ctvuJ1SJVrYnRu6r-oYcRRTkqb29ycpoW-yNWLz7nqYiQJVHltx7PSqfuyjNJm2wrk1xIOzdWy7DIXHTcQmo7/s320/IMG_1267.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5232751179293585074" border="0" /></a><br />After camping, Russ and I went to NYC the following weekend for our 10yr anniversary. We had an awesome time and took in "The Lion King" again. We had seen it before having kids about 8 years ago, so it was neat to see it again- and still on Broadway. We also caught up with Russ' cousin, Matt, went to the Museum of Natural History, rode the subway, and just walked a lot as usual in that city. It's such a great place to be. NYC buzzes... we've all heard people say that, and it's just so true. Anyway, on the flight back home, Russ stayed in Denver, and I continued on home to San Jose.<br /><br />My sister, Shar, had stayed with the boys while we were away. My friends were wonderful in bringing her to the beach with them, helping her get around as needed (though Teresa's not the best with directions), and just being the great people they are! So, after Shar picked me up at the airport on Sunday, we had to get to work! We were to leave the next morning close to 3:30am per my preference to Oklahoma. Only my sister and family is awesome enough to lure me to Oklahoma- and for two weeks! Anyway, the two day ride out was the best. I had my sister all to myself, and she was forced to hear whatever I had to say at whatever time for two days! :) We talked from 3:30 am until bed at 9pm! It was so much fun! The kids did a great job, and they loved swimming and riding bikes at the hotel midway through.<br /><br /><br />In Oklahoma, it's so hot that you really need to be wet if you're going to be outside. SO, we played early in the morn<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://picasaweb.google.com/LarawayFamily/NormanOK"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZ6nY9ZqPClZs1R-6U8QJorzZJ-XdKHSu6Vg_0usLF1ibVLdNWNg8Qkd3PvlcxQ0FGOUdMsLTdOSykeYLR9nSdNoRGSOdPzsDfI1aIaKvAd_PgemcY6k5l64mPaXxNMU2rpyjY/s320/DSC02006.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5232753914099847426" border="0" /></a>ing and then tried to do something inside an airconditioned place or in the water. We went several times to the pool, the water park in OKC, Travertine Creek (It's begun by two natural springs that spill over 3-5 million gallons of cold water a day.) to play in the water falls, Andy Alligator's (It has a rock wall to climb, water boats, go carts, putt-putt, and arcade inside.), Little River Zoo, backyard for the slip n slide, parks, and then the university to just run indoors in cool air! We had the best time! As you can see in the pictures, everyone had fun! Click on the picture to the left to see the whole album.<br /><br />Russ joined us for 4 days, and then the two of us rode back home. Again, swimming in the hotel pool, was a huge hit. I think I may have won Russ over on this travel thing! It could've been the Mojave desert talking, but he was at one point talking about driving to Flagstaff to camp and see the Grand Canyon! YAHOO!!! I love it!<br /><br />By the way, we returned home on a Tuesday, went to the beach with friends the next day, and just have continued to enjoy the best summer yet! More beach, and more beach to come. Being landlocked in OK made me appreciate more the opportunity I have to be at the beach in 40 minutes. So, I'm going for all of you landlubbers!Russ, Verlana, Anthony, Chas, and Starkshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02411456180450730452noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8585757.post-46978143436560655812008-07-06T21:09:00.001-07:002008-07-07T08:11:12.125-07:00Mt Madonna Camping TripHey there!<br /><br /><br /><div>Well, we spent 5 nights and 6 days under the redwoods in our tent. It was absolutely the perfect vacation, and I, for one, didn't want to leave. It was completely relaxing, beautiful, and a great time spent with each other... no tv, no computer, no phone... How great if life was a reflection of that! We hiked almost every day, the boys rode their bikes about 15 times each day, we saw the white fallow deer, another deer couple, a racoon EVERY night, a banana slug, a bobcat, cloverfields, and trees with imposing heights. If you are reading this and don't camp in a tent (cabins don't count), I would highly suggest you start. I'd pick camping over Disney World... it's that good!</div><br /><br /><div>So, one morning, Anthony woke up with a tune in his head. He said he wanted to sing the song to me, but he wanted to write the words down before he forgot them. He tried to write them a few feet from the fire while Chas and Daddy were laughing, but he couldn't concentrate. I suggested going someplace quiet to concentrate, and he went to the van's bumper. :) He came back and had written the following song with three verses. By the way, of all the different kinds of sharks, there are only 15 that will ever attack, or bite, a human. And even those "barely do." (very uncommon) Enjoy:</div><br /><br /><div><br /><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dxSx2ukRAS2OoG7xH9G65w3F8J2GTsgNGjQrVJyPW6L-pkWgnmNZlBOkm3wu6AKg-qubpBmd_WZ8g' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe><br /></div><br /><p>Of course, you can see pictures here from our web album.</p><br /><br /><div><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/LarawayFamily/MtMadonnaCampingTrip"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5220125147521473474" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFFLmGCTqtxewefcIW74dT-M5bmPjlZFquTDCQqhYAZnmD80uQPPxLeZjwfsaMjODHs8728K5jb6SQx_X-Ygb_NnxuY4Ai1D4N0Mu_B61JJ4kYzfAYaXYOdCL6waNgNC-GBqOs/s320/DSC01959.JPG" border="0" /></a></div><br /><br /><div>Here's another video of Starks riding his bike down "Fun Hill." We were one of two families/groups camping in this large campground for three nights. The 4th night we had 2 others, and then the site was almost full on the 5th night- as it was July 3rd. Anyway, we had little to no traffic, so the kids rode their bikes SO much! One hill was named "Fun Hill" and had the option to take a shortcut instead of the road that was a nice, steep trail. The other routes were "Surrender Ol' Granny" and "Endo Loop" - as Anthony did an endover on that loop one day. :) Here's a video of Starks on his "walkalong" bike. It has no pedals and gets along with foot power. He has learned to totally balance himself and loves coasting down hills. He believes there is nothing he can't do. Here he is... and singing, of course, a crazy song "Everybody Poop Now."</div><br /><br /><div><br /><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dyltrNWKVKZaBQYwHbt_7HnoBrSOhkWjb00mafCmecid6CIluVZPe1na54ZpL8eDUmWnLPLmcG9ZGY' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div><br /><br /><div>Here is Chas and Anthony ripping down the shortcut trail on "Fun Hill." They began riding their bikes less than two months ago!?!? I can't believe how brave they are, how strong they are, and how much fun they are having riding. It's just awesome!</div><br /><div><br /><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dwxUAsxzjjiSI3o0Hok6OEezMjfqdo6_4EbSykygo5E5wm-P1YfjD27mERUVwkzcO1B_Rpxv3b9Uyo' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe><br /></div><br /><br /><div>Also, I should mention there were no showers available. It felt SO good to go home and scrub our bodies with more than baby wipes and wash our hair! I still would've stayed another week without a shower if I could've. Anyway, here's a picture of them the week before we camped, all clean, for their yearly photo!</div><br /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5220286376353650770" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYdmdqm0jHsEVsJ5PMHQWO0EeBHt3p-K2s8713q773BJP3MYZvDmARimOsTBPCqgjMHYXEcj24lLGqQCLWQoFpM0E8v50M8T14EGCAYVFJ_IqfZhXu7p-hiTHlLVF30n4IClqu/s320/550039299_03-1.jpg" border="0" /><br /><p>And Starks' 3 year picture... Mr. President</p><br /><p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjH86tJ8zTxKYqIPrhlg6IRpnx_a9Li45keTLg7q60cjoW6HIUqmyhCqJf53F9n4t1gp3Z-byLc3BT4vKmygvx6BPNr6Yh6c8o2dFy8EN7mtDTL1ykkU5JQWAcZ9WLMNZjU5FgL/s1600-h/550039299_14.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5220129269033671282" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjH86tJ8zTxKYqIPrhlg6IRpnx_a9Li45keTLg7q60cjoW6HIUqmyhCqJf53F9n4t1gp3Z-byLc3BT4vKmygvx6BPNr6Yh6c8o2dFy8EN7mtDTL1ykkU5JQWAcZ9WLMNZjU5FgL/s320/550039299_14.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /></p><br /><br /><br /><br /><p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidzttLJmn6mCD6vz0baqLmbAZMZdcRfP2kW55zcoIuEpyQwhq0hTDHjuL3PvIzjiPvMsRELLFKZUL6WFYz_8Gw4-5wiIEQr87yb1BnjctdkN9Tt-cG38sCkzyIX67Djlt9Seol/s1600-h/550039299_15.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5220130106577323698" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidzttLJmn6mCD6vz0baqLmbAZMZdcRfP2kW55zcoIuEpyQwhq0hTDHjuL3PvIzjiPvMsRELLFKZUL6WFYz_8Gw4-5wiIEQr87yb1BnjctdkN9Tt-cG38sCkzyIX67Djlt9Seol/s320/550039299_15.jpg" border="0" /></a></p><br /><br /><br /><br /><p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidzttLJmn6mCD6vz0baqLmbAZMZdcRfP2kW55zcoIuEpyQwhq0hTDHjuL3PvIzjiPvMsRELLFKZUL6WFYz_8Gw4-5wiIEQr87yb1BnjctdkN9Tt-cG38sCkzyIX67Djlt9Seol/s1600-h/550039299_15.jpg"></a></p>Russ, Verlana, Anthony, Chas, and Starkshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02411456180450730452noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8585757.post-70114051501107458842008-06-21T19:25:00.000-07:002008-06-21T19:46:36.584-07:00Starks' Bedtime ConversationSo, Starks was in bed talking to Daddy about Tom & Jerry (an episode with dinosaurs) all the while stroking Daddy's scratchy beard. TOO CUTE! He whispers the whole video as he knows it's bedtime.<br /><br /><br /><p><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dx0WKI-XCFsUu1MTnh02eA7zEYiTA8IdMK7uaOZTr59rDdnPrjrqs7A55tFbQ3J_qraQ2oV04hfQW8' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe></p><p>Chas' friend played with us from yesterday morning until after dinner tonight, so Chas is already asleep! The poor guy was tired before lunch! :) Anthony's reading "Prince Caspian." That left Starks with both Mommy and Daddy as a completely available and captive audience. </p>Russ, Verlana, Anthony, Chas, and Starkshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02411456180450730452noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8585757.post-79669555092168298912008-06-10T18:43:00.000-07:002008-06-10T19:32:12.662-07:00Starks LOVES to sing... here it goesGet ready for Starks Laraway singing. TOO CUTE!<br /><br /><p><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dyJfx8stF5XBuNCWwequfAG3sRH6HvyhF3VwUBpsyBc8cTDktXfBouzmyDtlSjdIlXZKX_689KKpfo' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe></p><p>His birthday is on Flag Day- the 14th, and he's been ready for his birthday and party for weeks now. He's VERY excited to play with all of his friends, but mostly just excited to be guaranteed cake!</p><p>Every time we pass an American Flag, he wants to hear "Grand Ol' Flag." A few weeks ago, he kept asking me "What'd you say, Mommy?," and I'd speak the words for him. Then, I'd sing the next line, and he'd repeat the question. He's almost got it down!</p><p><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dz4yUtIHwLHb7jR2FgIamBJhKv23jfX2vm3PDta5emAoj6chB74eXLXCV3w2ymueEkNU58GAD7jq08' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe></p><p></p><p>Here's one more of his favorite songs... The B-I-B-L-E... He's just so loved.</p><p><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dxIMS-jf6qSdfWCpHmbv5qrwfnqOLotldxGsvATzl5fe7uljxhQGxel_AOyrDCGOPIqHrnJqrKElOg' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe></p><p>And one more to top it off! :) Twinkle Tinkle on the toilet. :).</p><p> </p><p></p><br /><p><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dzpwNNS7cscuSYQvlINaXf68YgBhBR2DlcLqCkIO8b-fUNvCOuM_BxYAPWMuvHloj-rY_-UhJAgG3s' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe></p><p> </p><p>Hope you enjoyed! Love, The Laraways</p><p> </p><p> </p>Russ, Verlana, Anthony, Chas, and Starkshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02411456180450730452noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8585757.post-42455810787165621302008-05-09T18:09:00.000-07:002008-05-09T18:09:22.750-07:00Mr Bubble Fun<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzgY7VFtXRzxRAyLk1NwlRpoMHer3LTfSFJaZULUQoGSy5gOMS98Wpgl4JPUpM0w6pkNEUjMKRovYQ89nAyWUSgqjVvk6NwbLSHEIr1_wT3CJLMUcTBy-6LOt_zNKmM01APjbh/s1600-h/DSC01697.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzgY7VFtXRzxRAyLk1NwlRpoMHer3LTfSFJaZULUQoGSy5gOMS98Wpgl4JPUpM0w6pkNEUjMKRovYQ89nAyWUSgqjVvk6NwbLSHEIr1_wT3CJLMUcTBy-6LOt_zNKmM01APjbh/s320/DSC01697.JPG" border="0" /></a> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZ8atyRKOXeA_d43jFymv8et5Zi_HHZiobG2WGZmepikPGIfxpSp6gT6LrCqCYROoG403VPl9GILcBNe-pGV5ApX9aO4kIfH5ZpxsOO4_1nZIoTiK1H2QjbYsB7lys330RcWcC/s1600-h/DSC01676.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZ8atyRKOXeA_d43jFymv8et5Zi_HHZiobG2WGZmepikPGIfxpSp6gT6LrCqCYROoG403VPl9GILcBNe-pGV5ApX9aO4kIfH5ZpxsOO4_1nZIoTiK1H2QjbYsB7lys330RcWcC/s320/DSC01676.JPG" border="0" /></a>The boys had SO much fun in the tub the other night with about 4" of water and a half of a bottle of Mr. Bubble. It was so much that the bubbles were more like foam. You could mold them, sculpt them, and throw them with ease. :) Starks was a dragon, Anthony and Chas were goofing off with muscles, wigs, etc., and in the end, Anthony had a "Cat in the Hat" hat on his head. You can't see here, but in the video I had him look down to show that it was indeed VERY tall on top of his head! I would certainly recommend having a bubble mishap every now and then!<br /> <br /> <br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSY7s9LV_uOzd94Rhn3LC9HpCmdwntTaCMPtLkgPOQgyKeL5pT-L4rAPkYM9IfpXbyTk5cyMi7pe7bFqt7kqUs20KODo3E8vrhlnOXjtiBP0nsb7C6YDoY7XSIvqZKCqOILdPc/s1600-h/DSC01701.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSY7s9LV_uOzd94Rhn3LC9HpCmdwntTaCMPtLkgPOQgyKeL5pT-L4rAPkYM9IfpXbyTk5cyMi7pe7bFqt7kqUs20KODo3E8vrhlnOXjtiBP0nsb7C6YDoY7XSIvqZKCqOILdPc/s320/DSC01701.JPG" border="0" /></a> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQR8v2KOIEYDfUosYxRJioP0kjDx8yiq9EqHXm8e5z9oBdmc0LOleRS77u3gN7e90wSvhtCtMxxtIKS0j7pDB62J3rHnZJbj6iyz66ywJ5a2Vfg4MPbN3D1HXmj_0WIYsJxSG1/s1600-h/DSC01673.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQR8v2KOIEYDfUosYxRJioP0kjDx8yiq9EqHXm8e5z9oBdmc0LOleRS77u3gN7e90wSvhtCtMxxtIKS0j7pDB62J3rHnZJbj6iyz66ywJ5a2Vfg4MPbN3D1HXmj_0WIYsJxSG1/s320/DSC01673.JPG" border="0" /></a><div style='clear:both; text-align:NONE'><a href='http://picasa.google.com/blogger/' target='ext'><img src='http://photos1.blogger.com/pbp.gif' alt='Posted by Picasa' style='border: 0px none ; padding: 0px; background: transparent none repeat scroll 0% 50%; -moz-background-clip: initial; -moz-background-origin: initial; -moz-background-inline-policy: initial;' align='middle' border='0' /></a></div>Russ, Verlana, Anthony, Chas, and Starkshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02411456180450730452noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8585757.post-1680144992802075962008-04-28T18:17:00.001-07:002008-04-28T18:24:04.363-07:00Conversation at the dinner table between Anthony (7) and Chas (5)Chas to Mommy: Google isn't a low number.... unless it's negative Google.<br />Mommy: That's right, Chas.<br />Anthony to Chas: Yeah, but what's negative Google minus 56?<br />Chas: I don't know.<br />Anthony: Negative Google and 56. (big smile) It's like -1 minus -3 equals -4.<br /><br />Mommy to Anthony: How did you know that? Who told you?<br />Anthony: I know it is. If you take away from a negative number, it gets even smaller. <br /><br />Now, I know for sure that I did not learn this in 2<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">nd</span> grade. I know for sure that he didn't learn it from his teacher. It's just Anthony's mind... always thinking and working. I love it!<br /><br /><br />Oh... instead of another post, I should add this here. :)<br /><br />Anthony is afraid of falling and therefore riding his 2 wheeled bike. He has done it before, but for some reason, this fear has surfaced hindering him from getting back up on the seat. So, I told him that night to pray for God's help, to take away his fears, to give him strength, etc. He then asked a few minutes later what God sounds like. I told him that people hear God differently. Some just know what he wants from them by the way they feel inside, others hear him through his words or a song, and some may even HEAR him at some point. He is on his knees in bed kind of wiggling around, and he bends over with his hands in his lap. Then, he bolts up and says, "I just heard God!" I replied, "You did?" <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">Anthony</span> says, "Yeah. I asked him when I'd have those <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">hotdogs</span> with cheese in the middle, and he said May 15<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">th</span>!" <br /><br />You had better believe that we will be eating those <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">hotdogs</span> (and buying them in next week) on May 15<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">th</span>! :)Russ, Verlana, Anthony, Chas, and Starkshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02411456180450730452noreply@blogger.com0