tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-64331658352335321382024-02-18T18:52:38.324-07:00The Hamilton TimesRachaelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16365207325909399332noreply@blogger.comBlogger95125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6433165835233532138.post-10374836789066228362015-03-12T12:26:00.002-06:002015-03-12T12:26:47.835-06:00An Overdue UpdateThere have been so many days where I have thought about sitting down to write about our life as of late and then I get to the blog and see the post recounting the birth of Lindsey and Owen and I can't bring myself to replace that as the most recent story. I don't know why it is, but I felt like moving forward from that post was like saying that life without Lindsey was going on just fine and dandy. There have been lots of great days since Lindsey and Owen were born. Actually, I think there have been more happy days than sad ones. I just didn't want anyone to perceive that I had forgotten my little girl I guess.<br />
So, what finally motivated me to update the blogosphere on our happenings? Well, I'm supposed to be writing a talk (sermon) to share at church on Sunday and I'm feeling a little stumped, so this is a great exercise to get my writing juices flowing and procrastinate what I should really be doing, all while Owen naps.<br />
Owen. Man, I love that little boy. He is such a sweet kiddo and seriously amazes me in the ways that he explores the world all around him all of the time. He and Koda are the best of friends. Koda follows Owen around when Owen has his snack cup and for every one cracker Owen eats, he takes one out to feed Koda. Koda earns every one of those treats though for being so patient and letting Owen sit on him, tug gently on his ears, and even sitting still while Owen gives him slobbery kisses and hugs.<br />
Owen is officially 17 months old. He doesn't say a lot of decipherable words, but is a fantastic communicator. He has just recently started repeating some more of our words and phrases, but his favorite, by far, is NO! in the sweetest sassy voice you have ever heard. He loves to dump things out and put them away. His favorite morning time chores go in this order, feeding Star and Koda, putting his clothes in the hamper, and throwing his diaper in the diaper pail. Sometimes he thinks it is funny to pretend he is going to throw the diaper in the hamper only to see me frantically scramble to stop him. He's definitely got his dad's sense of humor.<br />
He walks, runs, dances, and tries really hard to jump. He has mastered climbing up and down the stairs and would go back and forth on them all day if I didn't distract him with some other activity once we reach the level of the house I want to stay on. Speaking of distractions, he does not forget about what you wanted to distract him from. Often times 30 minutes later, he'll go back to what he was originally trying to do, which for me is often frustrating. I also see it as a sign of intelligence and independence, so I try to facilitate his desires in the safest ways possible. Dancing on the kitchen table is never a concession on my part though, safety first, right?<br />
Diet wise, Owen is a pretty champion eater. I don't know if I'd be able to tell you the foods he doesn't like because he often sneaks them through the leg holes of his high chair to feed them to Koda. I only know it's happening because he giggles when Koda licks his hand. The pediatrician says he'll have a super strong immune system from all of those Koda kisses at meal time, so I don't freak out about it. I reluctantly gave up Owen's every morning nursing session when he was 16.5 months old. He's done fine without nursing but still doesn't like whole milk, or cow's milk in general. He eats lots of cheese and yogurt though, so no worries there. It does make me wonder if he was the reason I hated dairy so much while I was pregnant with him and Lindsey. Lindsey LOVED when I drank chocolate milk.<br />
In other news for our family, Owen has learned a word that will be used a ton in our house this year. He says, "baby" now and then bangs his head into my stomach. I like to pretend that he is affectionately attempting to hug/kiss his little sisters, but know that he really just likes to bonk his head on my belly. In case you missed that, I did say sisterS. Not one little girl, but two, will be joining our household at the end of June. My forty week due date is July 14, but after losing Lindsey, we will not carry these girls longer than 37 weeks. My doctor is totally on board for their early delivery and said that it will be as much for her peace of mind as it will be for ours. She has been wonderful and just as thorough this time as last, so I feel totally confident having myself and these little ladies in her care.<br />
At some point I will have to post a FAQ about these girls like my friend Ruth did, because I thought it was such a witty idea, but here is the start of how we found out. After dealing with infertility treatments and then losing Lindsey, Jon and I both felt strongly that we should not prevent welcoming more children into our family. We had so looked forward to our kiddos having built in siblings, and realizing that it might take another three years to get one more, decided to just let nature take its course, no medications, no treatments, just let things happen. <br />
In October Jon headed to Minnesota for a work conference and the morning that Owen and I dropped him off at the airport I started feeling sort of sick. We had both been really sick earlier in the month with a stomach bug and I was worried that it was coming back. To help battle the start of nausea, I poured myself a bowl of cereal and pulled out the milk. Opening the container, I gagged. That's when it hit me. It was a brand new gallon of milk and it smelled rancid to me. The only other time that had happened was when I was pregnant with Lindsey and Owen. I looked at the calendar and tried to quiet my thoughts that I might be pregnant because it should have been 5 days too early to tell. As I put Owen down for his morning nap though, I felt like I might as well just take a test because it would quiet my concerns. Imagine my surprise when it came back with a very faint positive. A positive and Jon was going to be in Minnesota for THREE WHOLE DAYS!!!<br />
I was going crazy. I went to Pinterest to find ways to surprise him and tell him. I drove to three different stores trying to find a big brother shirt that would fit 13 month old Owen. Apparently stores only sell big brother shirts in size 2T and bigger unless you order online. I took two more tests, and sent a picture to a friend to make sure that someone else could see the positive as well, so that I wasn't doing all of this and my eyes were really playing tricks on me. I felt like I was going crazy and floating all at the same time.<br />
That night, Jon called me and Owen on Facetime just before Owen was going to bed. I filled him in on our day and then we got to talking about gift ideas for his mom's birthday. That's when I couldn't hold back any longer. I told him I had the perfect gift idea for her, another charm for her bracelet. He was really confused and said, "She doesn't need another charm. She already has one for Owen and and one for Lindsey." I grinned like an idiot and said, "Oh, but she does need another one, for another baby." It was so cool to see his eyes light up as he realized what I was saying. I took the phone into the bathroom and showed him the tests. He was happy, but we both realized that we needed to be cautiously excited at this point. There were so many variables and I hadn't even missed a cycle yet, but Jon encouraged me to call my OB right away the next morning.<br />
I was already scheduled for a yearly appointment the next week, but when I called my OB's office the next morning and explained my positive test, the nurse wanted to push my appointment back by a few weeks. I felt really anxious about that, and I'm going to blame hormones, and tearfully explained that I was hoping to be seen sooner because we'd lost Lindsey and I needed to know that everything was OK with this pregnancy. She put me on hold and came back to tell me that they had scheduled me for two blood draws the following Monday and Wednesday to check hormone levels and based on those results would then schedule an early ultrasound for my peace of mind.<br />
Monday I went for my blood draw and I was supposed to be exactly 4 weeks pregnant based on LMP. I checked online in the afternoon and my HCG level was 683. The average at 4 weeks is less than 99. I went for the repeat draw on Wednesday, and my levels had more than doubled to 1683. The nurse from my OBs office called back that evening and said she had scheduled me for an ultrasound on November 13 to "rule out multiples," because my HCG was very high. High HCG can also be an indicator of ectopic pregnancy or a blighted ovum, so I knew we weren't in the clear yet. <br />
Jon scheduled time off of work to come to the ultrasound with me. He chit chatted with the ultrasound technician as I got ready and based on my dates I was only 5 weeks 2 days pregnant. Jon explained to the nurse how we were having the ultrasound so early for peace of mind because of losing Lindsey. The tech was very sweet and understanding and Jon expressed that we were sort of hoping that this pregnancy might be twins again so that we would get the experience of raising two together. As soon as the ultrasound started, the tech said, "well, are you seeing what I'm seeing?" We both smiled and teared up as we responded, "are there really two?!" She spent quite awhile confirming that there were just two gestational sacs, each with a yolk sac a piece, so DI-DI twins, just like Lindsey and Owen. Having an ultrasound that early meant that it was too early to be able to see cardiac movement. She waited and waited, hoping to just see a flicker of a heartbeat in either sac, but calmed our nerves by explaining that even with advanced technology, the hearts are just too small to see beating until around 6 weeks.<br />
We then met with my OB's nurse who mentioned starting extra vitamins already and we scheduled a follow-up appointment for December when we'd really be able to see the babies' heartbeats. That follow-up appointment went well, and every appointment since has gone well. There has definitely been greater anxiety leading up to each appointment than there was with my first pregnancy. I know that every day that I have with these girls is a blessing. Although there is a lot of discomfort in pregnancy, I try to be thankful for it because it means that they are growing and developing well. I had so much happiness every day that I carried Lindsey and Owen that I don't want the worry from the outcome of that pregnancy, to effect the happiness of this pregnancy.<br />
I'm currently 22 weeks 5 days along and we have had two ultrasounds to confirm that we've got two girls on the way. Baby A is Alice Elaine and baby B is Eleanor Grace. Like I said before, Owen loves to give them "kisses." It's hilarious to watch him react when he can feel them move, because he likes to push them back. I know it's going to be a crazy adventure having three kids in the house under 21 months old, but I am truly so grateful for this opportunity to give Owen siblings to enjoy in this life. I know that he feels Lindsey's presence occasionally, but I loved having the companionship of my sisters throughout my life and know that he will too.<br />
This post ended up much longer than I had originally anticipated, but I hope that in reading it you can sense the joy that there is in our family. Having these baby girls will not replace losing Lindsey and I know that neither of these babies will have her spirit. She was and is her own person, waiting for us in the hereafter. I do like to think though, that these girls get to hang out with Lindsey for now, that she was the one that petitioned to send two down together. I joke that she told Heavenly Father, "Well, I tested it out, two can fit so send another set down please." I hope to blog more often before the girls get here and will hopefully add pictures to this post at some point, but for now, a certain little boy is waking up and is ready for some after nap snuggles.Rachaelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16365207325909399332noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6433165835233532138.post-76707588151368650252013-11-11T14:31:00.000-07:002013-11-11T14:36:17.954-07:00Rachael's Recounting of the Twin's Birth
<style>
<!--
/* Font Definitions */
@font-face
{font-family:"MS 明朝";
panose-1:0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0;
mso-font-charset:128;
mso-generic-font-family:roman;
mso-font-format:other;
mso-font-pitch:fixed;
mso-font-signature:1 134676480 16 0 131072 0;}
@font-face
{font-family:"MS 明朝";
panose-1:0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0;
mso-font-charset:128;
mso-generic-font-family:roman;
mso-font-format:other;
mso-font-pitch:fixed;
mso-font-signature:1 134676480 16 0 131072 0;}
@font-face
{font-family:Cambria;
panose-1:2 4 5 3 5 4 6 3 2 4;
mso-font-charset:0;
mso-generic-font-family:auto;
mso-font-pitch:variable;
mso-font-signature:3 0 0 0 1 0;}
/* Style Definitions */
p.MsoNormal, li.MsoNormal, div.MsoNormal
{mso-style-unhide:no;
mso-style-qformat:yes;
mso-style-parent:"";
margin-top:0in;
margin-right:0in;
margin-bottom:10.0pt;
margin-left:0in;
mso-pagination:widow-orphan;
font-size:12.0pt;
font-family:Cambria;
mso-ascii-font-family:Cambria;
mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-fareast-font-family:"MS 明朝";
mso-fareast-theme-font:minor-fareast;
mso-hansi-font-family:Cambria;
mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman";
mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-bidi;
mso-fareast-language:JA;}
.MsoChpDefault
{mso-style-type:export-only;
mso-default-props:yes;
font-size:10.0pt;
mso-ansi-font-size:10.0pt;
mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt;
font-family:Cambria;
mso-ascii-font-family:Cambria;
mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-fareast-font-family:"MS 明朝";
mso-fareast-theme-font:minor-fareast;
mso-hansi-font-family:Cambria;
mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman";
mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-bidi;
mso-fareast-language:JA;}
.MsoPapDefault
{mso-style-type:export-only;
margin-bottom:10.0pt;}
@page WordSection1
{size:8.5in 11.0in;
margin:1.0in 1.25in 1.0in 1.25in;
mso-header-margin:.5in;
mso-footer-margin:.5in;
mso-paper-source:0;}
div.WordSection1
{page:WordSection1;}
-->
</style>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
I know I need to document this not only for my sake, but for
Owen and for Lindsey, however it has taken me more than three weeks to find the
courage to go through all of these emotions again.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>How do you write about the happiest and
saddest day of your life without reliving it all?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’d love to just remember the happy, to go
back and change it all so that all we felt that day was joy, but I know that in
order to do that, I wouldn’t be honoring my sweet Lindsey girl.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I would never erase her from my memories and
I would never choose to not be her mother.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I just wish that I could change it so that she were here and home with
us, not waiting for us in heaven.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Here
it goes.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Sorry if I go back and forth
from that day to memories from things that happened previously, I just have to
mention them because they were the thoughts that got us through that day.</div>
<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/AVvXsEgU6npMhjDEgSGZV8IC-rS6GwlZCCTWfc8szyCeVjw15SDHHhW0gQMCdjK2VrOVEanwkeMR7HdZrtKdTPloJnmuwBkwYF0yWKtiOtXuvw2XukWkrjSOQkO_hFr2tODsnptY-stzFp88FGKz/s1600/familiesareforever.jpeg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgU6npMhjDEgSGZV8IC-rS6GwlZCCTWfc8szyCeVjw15SDHHhW0gQMCdjK2VrOVEanwkeMR7HdZrtKdTPloJnmuwBkwYF0yWKtiOtXuvw2XukWkrjSOQkO_hFr2tODsnptY-stzFp88FGKz/s320/familiesareforever.jpeg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Cambria;">Our family photo taken by Erin at Lindsey's blessing</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Let me start by saying that I was blessed to have the
perfect pregnancy.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Right from the start
when we found out in February, I felt great.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I had a few nauseous days and I got really tired for a while there at
the beginning, but really, I had a dream pregnancy.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Then, at 16 weeks to find out that our
miracle baby was really two miracle babies, I felt like I was floating for the
remainder of the pregnancy.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Everyone was
warning me that I’d have to go on bed rest because when you are having twins
you’ll start to go into labor early, or dilate early.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>With every passing week though, I felt strong
and healthy, and more energized and happy than I had in ages.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>After hoping and praying for a baby for so
long, I was just in awe that I was pregnant and that I was finally a
mother.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>My babies weren’t even here yet
and I was so grateful for the chance to be a mother.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Starting at 20 weeks I got to go in every 4
weeks to see Owen and Lindsey on ultrasound.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>They were measured and I was measured and everything looked great at
each appointment.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They were measuring so
close in size to one another and my body was doing a great job of stretching to
keep them in there without too much discomfort.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
At 34 weeks pregnant I had my last day of work at Deseret
Book and it seemed so bittersweet.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I
still had lots of energy, but I knew that I needed to rest before the twins
came.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I felt like I might over do it if
I kept working because I was feeling so good.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>So, I stayed home, well sort of.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>At that point I started having weekly appointments with my OB and weekly
NSTs at the hospital to make sure that the twins were both doing well.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Every week I got to hear their hearts beating
and at the beginning of the NSTs I got to see both of them wiggling and
interacting as they measured the amniotic fluid to ensure that both babies had
enough space and oxygen.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Every
appointment went well.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Every single
one.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>All the way up to week 37.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>That Friday I went for a NST and Lindsey’s
heart rate was really elevated.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She was
moving around like crazy and I was having a little bit of difficulty breathing
because of the way the bed was positioned, but the doctor who reviewed the
heart rate strip said everything looked fine and that Lindsey was okay because
her heart rate would come down between bursts of movement.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’d also had orange juice with my breakfast
that day and that always got her really excited.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>That was the Friday before our scheduled
C-Section.</div>
<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/AVvXsEgEB2wVyaXB3ZwKbNpjFoYv3E6u5z1_Elp2Z6M2036CxOpfSsVAn5r6QxlmjP2lP7I3rHzkCMT38_fyuAL8S4arDbXu3itoUp7abx3FgaYCKW5gmThs_5PBtNiKSS0D2NBnTmln6yzuQW7s/s1600/twinheads.jpeg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEB2wVyaXB3ZwKbNpjFoYv3E6u5z1_Elp2Z6M2036CxOpfSsVAn5r6QxlmjP2lP7I3rHzkCMT38_fyuAL8S4arDbXu3itoUp7abx3FgaYCKW5gmThs_5PBtNiKSS0D2NBnTmln6yzuQW7s/s320/twinheads.jpeg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Cambria;">One of many ultrasound shots that showed the two of them snuggled together head to head.</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">
I went in the following Monday for one last NST and one last
appointment to make sure that both babies were still positioned appropriately
for a low transverse incision.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Before
arriving for my NST I said a little prayer for Lindsey that her heart rate would
be healthy and that all would be well. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’d prayed every appointment that they would
find her heart beat.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>That seems strange
to say because I was never worried about finding Owen’s, but it’s the truth.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Just like Jon and I had prayed for both
babies before we even knew it was twins. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>All along Lindsey had been positioned in a way
that it made her movements hard to be detected from the outside.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She was sitting breech, almost folded in
half, with her bum over my cervix, her spine running up my right side, and her
head tucked just below my ribs.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Before
my appointments I would try to jostle my belly to make sure I could feel both
babies and with so little space, I started second guessing myself in knowing
that they were both okay.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There was no
reason for the fear, my monitoring and growth, and their growth was fine, so I
never mentioned the fear to my doctor or anyone else.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I didn’t want to be a crazy first time
mom.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So, at my NST Lindsey was doing
well.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I even got to watch as she
“practiced breathing.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>At a lot of my
appointments they pointed out the rise and fall of her chest as she breathed
the amniotic fluid in and out.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Owen was
seen practicing occasionally, but not as often as she did.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>That day, she even turned to look at the
ultrasound wand as the tech measured the amniotic fluid levels and I marveled
to know that my body was making these two perfectly sized little babies.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Her heart rate was in the normal range the
whole time and within the first 6 minutes of monitoring I passed the NST and
just had to stay hooked up until I hit the 20 minute mark and the doctor could
sign off on it.
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I went from my NST to my last OB appointment before their
scheduled C-section and Dr. Robinson heard both babies’ heartbeats again, around
140 each, just like they always were at my appointments with her.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She went over the list of things to look out
for and said, “Well, if none of those happen, I’ll see you at the hospital
Friday morning at 6.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She was so
confident that I’d make it to my scheduled time because I was 50% effaced and
had not dilated at all.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I went home and
looked forward to Friday, double and triple checking my hospital bag, finishing
the last few crafts and taking the time to print pictures for both of the babies’
baby books.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’d put off writing in their
books because I have horrible handwriting, but decided that it was finally
time.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>That and rearranging all of their
clothes in their dresser seemed like my biggest priorities that last week.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
On Tuesday night I sent Jon to bed and tried to make myself
comfortable on the couch for the night.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I’d given up sleeping in the bed because I was so big (52 inches around)
that trying to roll from side to side to get comfortable made it impossible to
breathe.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>After sitting on the couch for
a couple hours I went in and told Jon I was having contractions and that I
planned to sit in a warm bath to see if the contractions would go away.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>After soaking for 45 minutes and falling
asleep in the tub, only to wake up really cold, the contractions had stopped
and I decided I wanted to sleep in the bed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Jon was really concerned about the contractions and suggested we go to
the hospital and I almost agreed, but since I had only had 4 per hour for 2
hours and they stopped once I was in the bath, we both agreed it was better to
just wait until Friday.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Jon went to work;
I stayed home and watched Castle, wandering around when I was uncomfortable and
soaking in the tub when my lower back was sore.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>That’s what continued for the day Wednesday.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Jon checked in throughout the day to make
sure that I was still feeling the babies move and I was pretty sure that I was
feeling them both.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He checked on them
when he got home though and we both concluded that all was well. That night I
decided I wanted to go out to dinner one last time before the babies came, so
we went up to Cracker Barrel and then stopped at the Hennessey’s house to visit
for a bit before coming home.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Thursday was a repeat of Wednesday with the pacing and
trying to find a comfortable position and the soaking in the tub.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>At about 11 that morning I was so
uncomfortable that I text Jon and told him, “I think I’m in early labor or
something.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I can’t get comfortable no
matter what I do.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He responded that it
was a good thing we were going in the next morning to have the babies
then.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Less than 30 minutes later I
looked down at my stomach and noticed that it was listing to the left.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I text Jon and told him that I thought the
twins must be snuggling because every time I tried to shift them back to the
right, they would pull to the left.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The
lean to the left became more pronounced throughout the day and Jon could see it
when he got home from work.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He’d checked
frequently to see if I could feel both babies that day as well and although
there was less movement than usual, there was still a ton of movement so I said
yes.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Once we’d settled in for the night,
Jon brought a chair into the living room for me to sit in so that he could give
me a priesthood blessing for comfort in preparation for the surgery the next
morning.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As Jon placed his hands on my
head and began to reassure me that things would go well, his words changed
course and I was stunned to hear him use the exact words from my patriarchal
blessing to let me know that there are difficult decisions in being a parent and
raising children and that as long as I was prayerful, that I would find comfort
in my choices.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>That patriarchal blessing
had been given to me the winter before my 16<sup>th</sup> birthday as I
prepared to go and live with my sister Sarah in California.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I did not understand why Jon would be
prompted to say those words and mentioned that to him after.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He gave me a huge hug and said, “I don’t
know, they were just the words that you needed to hear I guess.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As the night got later I became more and more
uncomfortable and Jon became concerned about the babies.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I lay on the bed in our bedroom as Jon shined
the flashlight all around my belly trying to get the babies to move
around.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Owen was obviously moving and I
thought I could feel Lindsey’s flutterings in middle of my stomach.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I tried not to be paranoid though and decided
to soak once more in the bathtub.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was
12:30.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>After sitting in the tub and timing
what were now obviously contractions I realized that they were coming every 3-5
minutes and were lasting 30 to 90 seconds and increasing in intensity.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I went in and woke Jon up again.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This time telling him I was pretty sure I was
in labor, but that my water hadn’t broken.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>He said, “Well, lets get ready and head to the hospital.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>What’s the worst that they’ll do?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Tell us to come back in a few hours?”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I got in the shower and shaved my legs one
last time.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I dried and straightened my
hair, something I hadn’t done for weeks because I wanted to look beautiful for
my babies in their first day pictures.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Jon showered and at 2:00 am, we headed out the door for the hospital,
opting to take Jon’s car because I felt good enough to climb in.</div>
<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/AVvXsEhqjlvPe1yfJAN-uEM_rzeviCJU9DwxwOmBrvG52Pd72r6eJkqcxFUGMq2SGamV707m0oxxCiBz510ezJJFsnOUCr7ewN_Em-6rdWT8czapox520QYQUSsV2NqSkwLu790btoMUxQTCLD_R/s1600/38weeks.jpeg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqjlvPe1yfJAN-uEM_rzeviCJU9DwxwOmBrvG52Pd72r6eJkqcxFUGMq2SGamV707m0oxxCiBz510ezJJFsnOUCr7ewN_Em-6rdWT8czapox520QYQUSsV2NqSkwLu790btoMUxQTCLD_R/s320/38weeks.jpeg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Cambria;">The final belly shot in the mirror minutes before we left for the hospital.</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal">
We drove in nervous excitement to the hospital, marveling at
how little traffic there was and gritting through the contractions as I rubbed
the right side of my belly.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Whenever I
was worried during the pregnancy I’d rub Lindsey’s side and tell myself that it
would all be okay.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We parked in the
parking garage, not in a labor and delivery spot, and I walked very, very
slowly up the stairs to the hospital.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Jon kept teasing me that with every step I was going slower. We rode the
elevator to the fourth floor where I’d been on Monday for my NST.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We were greeted in labor and delivery by a
male nurse who took my information.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He
confirmed that we were preregistered and scheduled for a C-section that morning
at 7:30.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He shared that he had boy/girl
twins at home and we were so excited that we’d be joining that club so
soon.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Another nurse came and greeted us
and took us to a labor and delivery room where I was instructed to put on a
gown so that they could hook me up for monitoring.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I had my blue and pink belts from the NSTs
that I was so excited to use to listen to the babies one more time before they
were born.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The nurse told us when she came
back in and helped me into the bed that she had 13 year old girl twins at home
and how excited she was for us also.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As
she got the heart rate monitors untangled and the contraction monitor ready, I
kept thinking how perfect it was that we had the staff that we did that
day.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was then that everything
changed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The nurse asked where she could
find baby A’s heartbeat for monitoring, I showed her on my lower right side,
and as she placed the Doppler there, there was silence.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Jon and I both looked at each other, a little
worried, as she moved it around, not finding any noise.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’d prayed every other time that Lindsey
would be okay, this time I hadn’t because we were so close, I didn’t think
anything could go wrong.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The nurse
seemed worried, but said, “We’ll come back to baby A, where can I find baby
B?”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I showed her the upper left spot
where Owen’s chest was and as soon as the Doppler hit my skin we were hearing
his heart thumping steadily.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She then
put the contraction monitor on and I watched as my contractions were coming
quite steadily.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She went back to
Lindsey’s heart rate monitor and attempted again to find her heart beat.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She quieted Owen’s monitor so that we could
hear as the silence from her side continued.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>She told us not to worry as she called another nurse in to check and
called for a portable ultrasound so they could try to find her.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>When the portable ultrasound came in, the
other nurse moved the probe around and we could see Lindsey’s head and then
down to her chest and there was no movement. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’m pretty sure that was when my shaking
began.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I was trying to remain calm, but
I was hurting a lot from the constant contractions, and just didn’t want to
believe what I was seeing.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Jon held my
hand and kissed my forehead, and just said, “We can do this.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We’ll be okay.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We both knew inside that Lindsey had already
passed away, but neither of the nurses could say that, instead one of them went
to get the doctor who was on call for the night, so that she could confirm
things.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Jon grabbed the ultrasound probe
then and after finding her chest; we could see the chambers of her heart as
they sat motionless.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>When the doctor
came in I just wanted her to change what I already knew.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I asked the nurse if we could just try to zap
her, not meaning with electricity, but with the probe that I had heard them use
during other people’s NSTs.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’d heard
babies who were very inactive wake right up with the loud sound buzzed on their
mothers’ stomach.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The nurse squeezed my
arm and said, “I’m so sorry, it won’t help.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>She’s already gone.” I was in full shock at that point.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>What was supposed to be the very best day of
my life, when I got to hold my squirmy twins for the first time, had turned
into the saddest day.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was a day that
I had hoped I would never experience, after watching my parents lose my sister,
and my sister-in-law lose her son, I never wanted to know their pain.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Things started moving at a break neck pace at that
point.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>At least it felt like the world
was spinning out of control to me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The
doctor on call went and called Dr. Robinson and they decided they needed to get
Owen out as quickly as they could to ensure that he would be okay.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They started pumping me with IV fluids to
prep for the surgery and I listened as Jon had to call his parents and my
parents to tell them that we’d lost Lindsey.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>After he told his mom and dad, he asked if I wanted to use his phone to
call my parents and I just told him that I couldn’t because I didn’t want to
break their hearts.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He did it for me and
made that call over and over again to let the family know what was
happening.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was so early in the morning;
everyone thought we were just calling on our way to the hospital.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Jon tried to answer everyone’s questions as
best he could, even though neither of us had any clue as to what happened.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Every time he’d greet a new person over the
phone and say, “We lost Lindsey”, I would have to stifle a sob because I didn’t
want it to be true.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I think the hardest
call was when Jon said he needed to try to call Erin. We had both mentioned the
year before when James passed away that we felt like his passing was preparing
us for something.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We didn’t want it to
be this.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was obvious to us both that
the Lord knew that we would need the comfort of others who had this experience,
but we just didn’t want to be experiencing it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>He wasn’t able to get her on the phone while we were preparing for
surgery.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
When Dr. Robinson arrived I had to start signing papers and
listening as doctors, anesthesiologists, and nurses explained what would happen
next and have me sign forms to say that I understood.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I wasn’t scared at all about the surgery
anymore, I just wanted my babies out so I could hold and kiss them.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I wanted them to be delivered so that I could
see that Lindsey was really okay.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In my
head I just kept thinking, if they can get her out they can save her, they can
still bring her back.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>That’s what I kept
thinking until the doctor sat down with one last form and explained that
because Lindsey had not had a heart beat for more than 5 minutes prior to their
delivery, that no life saving measures would be performed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I felt like my heart was tearing as they
handed me a pen that I could not keep steady.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I kept muttering, “I understand,” as I signed the form.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I still couldn’t grasp it though, I still
hoped that something would change and they would pull her out and she’d cry and
squirm and turn nice and pink.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They then
explained as we walked to the operating room that they would wrap Lindsey up as
soon as she was delivered and have a nurse bring her to Jon so that he could
hold her and I could see her while they delivered Owen and as they checked him
to make sure he was okay.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Once we got to the operating room the anesthesiologist got
right to work.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Jon was trying to get the
camera working so that he could document their birth and for some reason, the
lens that was on it wouldn’t work.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I was
shaking so hard at that point that I started to worry about the spinal block
and my ability to stay still as they inserted the needle.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As I hugged the pillow and felt the slight
prick of the numbing shot I tried to will myself to calm down.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I knew that I needed to calm down for the
babies, that if I didn’t remain calm I might hyperventilate or throw up or
something and then I wouldn’t even be allowed to see them.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>By the time the spinal block was done, Jon
had finally fixed the camera and had a few shots of the operating room
floor.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I was asked to swing my legs up
onto the operating table and as I tried they felt very heavy.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As I turned I felt a gush of warm fluid and
one of the nurses said, “We’ve got a bloody show.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I listened as the nurses and doctors took a
count of all of the instruments and sutures, and as Dr. Robinson requested a
smaller scalpel and a tray for taking a biopsy of a mole of my stomach.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I was a little relieved that in all of the
commotion, she hadn’t forgotten about that.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Sometime close to this I started asking if they were putting medicine in
my IV really often because it kept burning every time they added more.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>By the second time I asked the anesthesiologist
brought an oxygen mask over and placed it over my mouth and nose.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I thought it was just standard procedure, but
I’d done a bad job of not hyperventilating and I needed it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I was shaking so hard at this point and I had
my arms laid out on the arm pieces of the bed and I kept wondering when they
were going to strap my arms down.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They
never did strap my arms down but I dutifully kept them stretched to my sides.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
When the surgery began Jon was standing near my head
watching and providing a calming commentary.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>He was asking lots of questions and the doctors were helping both of us
stay calm by answering them patiently.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I
remember at one point Jon teased me because they were cauterizing the incision
and he said, “Rachael, I can smell your flesh burning.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I couldn’t smell it because of the oxygen
mask.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Soon after that as they cut down
through another layer they hit a vein or an artery on my left side and I
spurted blood 6 feet or so and hit every person in the surgical area.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Jon cheered for me for getting them all and
the doctor teased that I needed to behave.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Then, they were deep enough to deliver the babies.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Lindsey was delivered first, just as was
always planned.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>When they broke her bag
of waters it was full of blood rather than clear amniotic fluid.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Jon asked if it was normal and they responded
that it wasn’t and that he’d see the difference when Owen was born.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He also asked if her cord looked normal, to
which they gave the same response.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Her
cord was red and shriveled instead of white and rubbery.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I could feel them tugging as they tried to
get her bum unwedged from my pelvis.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Jon
watched as her lower half came out, completely folded in half, the doctors then
had to work to get her head out.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She was
wedged under my ribcage.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I could feel
the pressure of the doctors pushing on my stomach trying to get her head out
and I just wanted to use my hand to push her head down because I could feel
exactly where she was.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Once she was
loose she came all the way out and Jon just exclaimed, “Oh, she’s
beautiful!”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>One of the nurses or doctors
commented that she was beautiful and that she had so much hair.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I just wanted to see her; I couldn’t believe
that she was actually born because she was so silent.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They called her birth time at 4:29 am.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Then as they wrapped her up to bring her to
us, Owen was born.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Jon could see the
difference because his amniotic fluid was the normal yellowish color and his
cord was fine.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He came out head first,
with his body sliding out easily after and made one loud squawk to mark his
entrance into the world at 4:30 am.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He
stretched all the way out and every marveled at him as well commenting on how
tall he was right from the start.</div>
<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/AVvXsEj4BuVRBQk2kgWvQa_yQEdd4jWDIjls6LCMcHJpzPs2yDgDfZkHpq0aPYojLQft8_e-kI1LdmJZNOOGS6ZmjFbwIyyfEE5BTj0_pIVOfgpuaWdni1LG3rd6wnhBEDe_i_BzyIhEHkO_OFlC/s1600/Hamilton-2.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4BuVRBQk2kgWvQa_yQEdd4jWDIjls6LCMcHJpzPs2yDgDfZkHpq0aPYojLQft8_e-kI1LdmJZNOOGS6ZmjFbwIyyfEE5BTj0_pIVOfgpuaWdni1LG3rd6wnhBEDe_i_BzyIhEHkO_OFlC/s320/Hamilton-2.jpg" width="213" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lindsey's toes. Owen definitely got Jon's feet, those pictures are still in the camera though.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The nurse brought Lindsey over for Jon to hold and after
briefly showing us Owen, they took him to be weighed, measured, and wiped
down.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We could hear him screaming about
it as we marveled at our sweet sleeping beauty.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>She looked so healthy and so alive.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Her lips and fingernails had a dark tint to them that made her look so
much more delicate and feminine.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We
noticed right away that she had my dimpled chin and it was so important to me
that Jon unwrap her lower body and show me her toes so I could know if she got
my feet or his.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She had mine, with the
overlapping second toe.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They had said
that I could hold Lindsey, but I was still shaking so hard and wearing the
oxygen mask that kept fogging up my glasses and I was still expecting that my
arms should be strapped down so I just laid arms out and watched as Jon
adoringly stroked her cheeks and kissed her head and loved on her.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was so beautiful to see him repeat the
process with Owen when he was brought around.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I had been a little concerned about loving one baby more than the other
or thinking one was cuter, but seeing the two of them, I knew that they were
two of the most beautiful babies and although they were obviously brother and
sister, they were so uniquely wonderful that there was enough room to have love
for each of them in my heart.</div>
<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/AVvXsEiNKvLHD56nmRlbZyrn59RJmnC9kzPOSXxrX3moO4x1uYP02SmhHMarKVjcYUgg6R1jaOkb20Yvce7RUKe9xM9hNNi57DiHQ_MQ-kqgPaiQXL8CRjf6XMtSOM-JjTEj-chOtBsIf92Nn-6S/s1600/Hamilton-5.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNKvLHD56nmRlbZyrn59RJmnC9kzPOSXxrX3moO4x1uYP02SmhHMarKVjcYUgg6R1jaOkb20Yvce7RUKe9xM9hNNi57DiHQ_MQ-kqgPaiQXL8CRjf6XMtSOM-JjTEj-chOtBsIf92Nn-6S/s320/Hamilton-5.jpg" width="213" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Holding hands, Owen on top, Lindsey on bottom.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<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/AVvXsEgTL8TqLDE8FpHsxlzjq4CqTluAun6TAzgzkAXdaQNxGYix1ID_oGbBcUjnhnKKgfhOe-1123R98savofyd776w-P7hiJ3uBG3F0Q2AwOuJ_AhQKUVCm207mwVIad3d5FTEqxViVAZ1TM3U/s1600/Hamilton-6.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTL8TqLDE8FpHsxlzjq4CqTluAun6TAzgzkAXdaQNxGYix1ID_oGbBcUjnhnKKgfhOe-1123R98savofyd776w-P7hiJ3uBG3F0Q2AwOuJ_AhQKUVCm207mwVIad3d5FTEqxViVAZ1TM3U/s320/Hamilton-6.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Brother and Sister all snuggled up in their going home outfits.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<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/AVvXsEjAJ7qmRhLRS5q5SGcsEek9qWw1ND-0VOA3mhA0l7ke8q_qP8U4KTER3SyQ3SFy_5_HBJTfe94FrnZmUIIx7KVux2SNmWUCcErOpcO6k8vGsH8WMiT0mwy_sfWzxehk1o4ZmP8V-dcAYEoR/s1600/Hamilton-7.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAJ7qmRhLRS5q5SGcsEek9qWw1ND-0VOA3mhA0l7ke8q_qP8U4KTER3SyQ3SFy_5_HBJTfe94FrnZmUIIx7KVux2SNmWUCcErOpcO6k8vGsH8WMiT0mwy_sfWzxehk1o4ZmP8V-dcAYEoR/s320/Hamilton-7.jpg" width="213" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">You can definitely tell that they are twins, yet they have their own looks for sure.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal">
As we enjoyed the babies they continued to work on me,
delivering the placentas and taking samples of cord blood and sending both
placentas to pathology to see if they could find the source of Lindsey’s
death.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They gave us the stats for both
babies then.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Lindsey was 6 lbs. 11 oz.
and 20 inches tall; Owen was 6 lbs. 12 oz. and 20.5 inches tall.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They gave Jon a tour of my uterus showing him
all of the parts and where they would all go as they put it back inside my
incision.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They then biopsied my mole and
the whole staff laughed as no one could find a Band-Aid to put over the three
stitches that were placed to allow the biopsy site to heal.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They covered it in gauze and surgical tape
instead.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I was then shifted to a
recovering bed and both babies were placed on me, one on either side, as they
wheeled me to the “VIP room” to recover and spend time with our sweet
babies.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The thing that broke my heart
the most about the ride though, was watching as they positioned the blankets
over Lindsey’s face so that prying eyes wouldn’t see that my sweet girl was
born sleeping.</div>
<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/AVvXsEgleB7Xt81V4gPFQWGJAVkGwL9lIkriD1h3jHcQGYoRgg5aDnnjlRDS0ZIc4gVQXC8qaofu5RpfV7UnLHdbfs5wwG3jZ5bmjAKlg0DI_6MJV5b0GXK8C-qsTYlVuVq3SUN8u1uoKBFGz0lE/s1600/210.tif" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgleB7Xt81V4gPFQWGJAVkGwL9lIkriD1h3jHcQGYoRgg5aDnnjlRDS0ZIc4gVQXC8qaofu5RpfV7UnLHdbfs5wwG3jZ5bmjAKlg0DI_6MJV5b0GXK8C-qsTYlVuVq3SUN8u1uoKBFGz0lE/s320/210.tif" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Cambria;">Head to head at Lindsey's blessing, they are so similar, yet so individual.</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Getting settled into the room, someone brought our things
from the first Labor and Delivery room and set them on the couch.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Then Jon began the task of making more phone
calls to the bishop, to his siblings, to my family to confirm that I was okay
and that Owen was healthy, and to a few friends to let them know what
happened.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>While that was going on nurses
were telling me that Now I Lay Me Down To Sleep had already been called and a
photographer would be there shortly to take pictures of my Lindsey girl.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They also brought in a white dress and
blanket for her to wear as well as a memory box for her clothes and hospital
things to be stored in.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The nursing
staff gifted us the Angel of Hope Willow Tree ornament that holds a lantern.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>While all of this was happening every person
who came in commented on the beauty of our babies.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Owen was so content and after just a few
minutes began rooting, ready to start eating right from the get go.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He latched on really well right away, but when
visitors began arriving, the nurse suggested giving him a binky so he’d
remember the suckling reflex.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Bishop
Chidester, Josh Lukenga, Patty Godfrey, and Trina Smith were the first visitors
of the morning.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They came to represent
the ward, but also as our friends.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Bishop confirmed that we would be allowed to give Lindsey a name and a
blessing and that we just needed to let him know when we wanted to do
that.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The next visitors were the
Talbots, the Morrisons, the Graves, and Beth Child.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Beth had stopped at our house to get
Lindsey’s blessing dress just in case we decided to use it for pictures.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>During this commotion we learned that Drew
and Susan had bought tickets and were on the first flight from San Diego, they
had dropped everything to be there for us.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>My mom was already booked on a flight to get there that night and my
sister Beth had packed bags and was driving up right away from Nevada.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I told my Dad to stay in Michigan and wait until
we had more plans about when the funeral and all of that would be.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was just a whirlwind of all of our
families and closest friends trying to get there to be with us and support us
as quickly as they could.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I don’t think
I’d ever felt such an outpouring of love.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I think one of the harder moments for Jon during this time period was
talking to Erin on the phone.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He finally
got in touch with her and after telling her, heard as she handed the phone to
Jon Mason and went outside to scream for a few minutes, to just shout to get
the pain out.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I was feeling like that
was what I wanted to do so badly, but I couldn’t.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I could already feel the strength and the
calm from everyone’s prayers washing over me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I just kept thinking we’ve been prepared for this, right from the
beginning.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We hadn’t ever really
considered it, but both Jon and I felt like we knew all along that this was a
possible outcome.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The Lord prepared us
through all of our life experiences to have both of these sweet babies come
into our lives, knowing full well that one of them would never have a chance to
take a breath in our arms.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We both knew
in the moment that it was all part of Heavenly Father’s plan for our family and
that this trial was something that we had agreed that we could handle.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It wasn’t just Jon and I who agreed to it,
Lindsey had agreed to be our daughter and to lead the way for us.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Owen had agreed to come to Earth with his
sister and be our happiness and our joy in such a sad time.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We had all been prepared.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>When that peace washed over me, I remembered
the words of Jon’s blessing and my testimony that this was part of a greater
plan was just reaffirmed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Jon had been
inspired to bless me with the same words that I had heard more than 10 years
before so that I would find comfort in knowing that this was the Lord’s plan
for me as a mother.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>For some reason I
have always needed two witnesses and in this circumstance I had it.</div>
<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/AVvXsEhkrBz7689fmQqWWP6IRUi5dDPU_XpRtpeN414HYNWi2auyGSmFHMd4H5JEnjb3vxcPbvYLrOaYqz_W_iv_p-WqgkpEXnymrR6SlAYXvktO9ok2h5qf1ddtKA1O1tTYS0oom1wu4Q31OuKs/s1600/Hamilton-8.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkrBz7689fmQqWWP6IRUi5dDPU_XpRtpeN414HYNWi2auyGSmFHMd4H5JEnjb3vxcPbvYLrOaYqz_W_iv_p-WqgkpEXnymrR6SlAYXvktO9ok2h5qf1ddtKA1O1tTYS0oom1wu4Q31OuKs/s320/Hamilton-8.jpg" width="213" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Cambria;">Our Sleeping Beauty, photo thanks to Now I Lay Me Down to Sleep</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal">
As visitors stayed and held both of my babies and stroked
their cheeks and cried on their heads, I slowly came out of the fog of the
narcotics from my surgery.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>My legs
regained feeling and my whole face and body began to itch.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I felt present in the experience, but so
distant from it all.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I was still shaking
so much that I was nervous to hold Owen at first and I had to sit in the
hospital bed and watch from afar as Jon had the opportunity to give Lindsey a
bath and dress her in her coming home outfit so that we could take pictures to
remember our sweet girl’s birthday.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In
all of it though, I felt my daughter’s presence there with me, reminding me
that she is mine and that I can do this.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>That I have to do this; I can make it through every day and every
challenge, for her.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Well, not just for
her, for her brother too.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>That’s the
remarkable blessing in all of this.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Owen
is safe and healthy and mine here on Earth as well as in the eternities.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In the last calendar year, I went from
thinking that I might not ever have children here on Earth, to having one
waiting for me in Heaven, watching over me, and another here on Earth with me,
for me to watch over and protect.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I am
so blessed in both instances and I need to remind myself on the hard days that
“its going to be okay and we can do this.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>We’ve been prepared and we are an eternal family and we can get through
anything as long as we rely on the Lord and remain faithful.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’ve quoted Neal A. Maxwell before, but I
have to keep reminding myself, “Faith in God includes faith in His
timing.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If I knew it to be true with
the conception of these sweet babies, then I know it to be true in the way that
I get to raise them too.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There are a lot
of other things from that first day and these first few weeks that I would like
to document, but this is what I need to share for now.</div>
Rachaelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16365207325909399332noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6433165835233532138.post-4664038282657593912013-06-21T17:00:00.001-06:002013-06-22T00:00:53.522-06:0024 WeeksThis week has been a wonderful whirlwind of fun with friends and family. Here is the week in review. <br />
<br />
Sunday - We celebrated Jon on his first Father's Day as a father to human babies, because last year he was celebrated as a father to Koda boy and Star girl. After having a delicious dinner of hot dogs, mac and cheese, and corn on the cob, we went for a walk to enjoy the finally cooled down temperatures. At 8, my friend Brynna called to see if I'd go for a walk with her, she was 39 weeks pregnant and hoping that walking might move things along a little. So, I went for a walk and Jon went to help Dustin with the evening routine at their house. After 40 minutes of walking and no contractions, we stopped back at their place to just relax for a bit. Well, relaxing lead to regular contractions for Brynna, which lead to full blown labor! Jon and I headed home at 10 when the contractions were about 7-10 minutes apart and we got the call at 11 that contractions were closer and they were going to head to the hospital. Jon and Koda stayed home to snuggle and I went over to their house to sleep so that the other two kids could just stay sleeping in their own beds. I was totally expecting to be there into the morning, but was pleasantly surprised when the text came at 5 am that their newest bundle had been delivered at 4:26 am and Brynna's mom was coming from the hospital to hang out with the kids for the rest of the day. What an awesome way to start the week though!<br />
<br />
Monday - Work from 9-5, then dinner at Cafe Rio where I had an awesome choking on cheese episode. Jon's such a trooper for being understanding when I get food stuck. It doesn't happen very often, but when it does it is a little scary. After dinner we headed to the hospital to meet the brand new baby! It was so special to hold her and be able to feel both of our babies squirming around at the same time. I have a feeling that they will all be great buds. Jon was brave and not only held a brand new baby, he even ventured to touch her hair. Soft spots creep him out a little bit.<br />
<br />
Tuesday - Work 8-6, not 6 on purpose but it turned out that way. It was really busy and I was luckily able to get a lot of much needed projects complete. Then came the fun of carpet shopping. We were able to look at remnants at RC Willey and although we didn't buy anything, we got a lot better idea of what we want and how much it will probably cost. Looking at carpet prompted online shopping for cribs as the reality set in that the nursery needs to be set for the twins to arrive in 11 weeks. They might come later, but that's as earlier as they would let them come. So now the war between <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B002HORL1I/ref=twister_B0016RSDYG?ie=UTF8&psc=1" target="_blank">this crib</a> and <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Babyletto-Madison-Convertible-Toddler-Espresso/dp/B00D2O7JTG/ref=sr_1_2?s=baby-products&ie=UTF8&qid=1371851920&sr=1-2&keywords=babyletto+madison" target="_blank">this crib</a> begins. Any input on either would be much appreciated.<br />
<br />
Wednesday - Work 8-5:30... again, the late hours not on purpose but I was able to get every project wrapped up before leaving work and coming home to prep for family to get to town. Rushed home from work to do the last minute tidying before the Barries arrived from Nevada to stay with us over night before heading up to Logan for the start of the Wasatch Back Ragnar. Mike, Maddie, Matthew, and a friend Allyson arrived at 7:30 and hung out til 8:30 when Mike went to get Beth from the airport. Matthew and I also went to Walmart to get a few last minute supplies for the race. We all hung out and finally headed to bed around 11:30.<br />
<br />
Thursday - The Ragnar crew was picked up by our family friend Nola at 4:30 am. Jon went to work as usual and Matthew and I got up at 9 to get ready to head to Huntsville to volunteer at exchange 9, Woody's field. We were in charge of listening to which teams were coming in and recording the time that they exchanged the wristband. We got there at 11:15 and the first runner made it into our exchange at 12:44. The next runner came in a 1:20... so that first team was crazy fast. We stayed until 3:45 when our volunteer shift was over and then headed to Layton to grab some dinner and hit up the toy store. After 2 hours of wandering around the mall, Toys'R'Us, and Barnes and Noble, we loaded back into the car Huntsville bound again.<br />
This time, we went to exchange 12 to volunteer in the merchandise tent. Our scheduled shift was from 7:15-midnight, but when we got there, we found out that almost all of the teams were all checked in at the exchange, so we'd probably be sent home early. I don't think I've ever been so excited about a volunteer shift ending early. The highway we took to get to Huntsville was closing at 9 pm and I didn't know how to get home an alternate way. So, Matthew and I folded shirts, hung hoodies on hangers, told customers that all of the clothing shrinks, and enjoyed socializing with our fellow volunteers. It turned out, one of the volunteers grew up in Green Valley, Nevada, where Matthew lives now, and where does he currently live? Bountiful, Utah. Crazy right? After chatting with him for a few minutes he told us a faster/easier way to get home and avoid the closed highway. I was very grateful for his input and even more grateful when at 9:20 we heard the cheer go up at the last team had checked in at exchange 12 so the merchandise tent would be closing for the evening.<br />
Exchange 12 is at Snowbasin Ski Resort, so before we left, I went in and got a Dr. Pepper. Before I get feedback that caffeine is so bad for pregnant people, let me say, this is the first time I've had caffeine in 6 months and my doctor said that it is safe to have one serving of caffeinated soda per day if I wanted. So, Dr. P in hand, we headed back to the car to drive home, a little more alert. We made it back at 10:30 pm and Matthew headed straight to bed. It had definitely been a long day. Jon and our friend Stratton were hanging out watching Pawn Stars, so after cleaning out my car, I sat down to relax with them. I think that's when the caffeine hit the babies. They were bouncing off of the walls, literally. After feeling someone bumping my hands up near my ribs 8 or 10 times, I called Jon over to very carefully put his fingers where mine had been. We'd tried to have him feel the babies countless times over the last few weeks and every time, they'd stop as soon as his hand was there. This time he felt it!!! He was so excited! He was pretty worn out from the day though too, so after finishing an episode of Swamp People and teaching Stratton which families on the show are crazy and which ones we really like, Stratton headed home and we went to bed.<br />
<br />
Friday - So, it had already been a great week up to this point, but add to the week our 24 week ultrasound appointment and it's just icing on the cake. Jon went into work early and Matthew and I both got to sleep in. At 10:20 we headed into Salt Lake for my appointment and Jon met us there at the scheduled time of 11 am. At the 20 week ultrasound everything had measured well and right on schedule, but we hadn't been able to get really clear shots of Lindsey's arms. So, that was the number 1 priority today. As the tech moved the wand around we were not only able to see Lindsey's arms, but also see that she might have hitch hikers thumbs like her dad! She had her hands fisted up most of the time, but she did unclench the right one just enough to show that her thumb can bend pretty far. She was in a better position today to be measured. It was really cool to have Matthew there with us to see the ultrasound. His birthday is in September, so he'll probably be sharing his birth month with these two and he really was able to see a lot of the things that the tech was pointing out.<br />
I have to say, I always thought ultrasound appointments would be cool, but seeing these two interact with one another in utero is really just awesome. Lindsey is breech right now, her bum pressing on the bottom of my uterus and her head up on my right side. Owen is transverse, spread across my abdomen with his feet on my left, his spine against my ribs, and his head right next to Lindsey's. When one of them startles and wiggles, the other one usually responds. We watched as the tech took measurements and discovered yet again that they are measuring right on for their gestational age. Lindsey is actually a little bigger. She is about 1 lb 8 oz and Owen is about 1 lb 7 oz. That means they are both 50th percentile for size. When listening to their heart rates we learned that not only do they like to be active at the same time, they share the same heart rate too. Last time it was 140 and 142, this time, they were both exactly 155. We got some cute pictures that I will post as well. The tech finished up the ultrasound and then the doctor came in to interpret/go over everything we'd seen. At this point he said everything looks great with the babies, but we did find two anomalies with me that he said not to worry about. I have two small fibroids on the outside of my uterus. They don't know what causes them, but 25% of women in their childbearing years have them. We just have to monitor and make sure that they don't get too big and there is a chance that they will shrink or disappear after the babies are born. So, even though I initially started to freak out inside when the doctor told us about them, I'm feeling more calm. Jon said as he headed back to work, "Don't worry about those right now, the babies are fine and you are fine." I really appreciate his level headedness, even though I'd bet anyone $10 that he went on webMD and looked up uterine fibroids as soon as he got to work.<br />
That's been the week so far. We heard from the Ragnar crew that they will be done around 5 this evening and we should see them back here in Bountiful at 7 or 7:30. They are super troopers because they are running with 10 runners instead of 12 after they had someone back out and another runner injured his knee two days before the race. Right around the time they get home, Jon and I also get to go to a wedding reception for our buddy Curt. See, amazing week right? Oh and we have a Stake Chuck Wagon breakfast at 8:30 tomorrow, then a baby shower for Lindsey and Owen at 11:30. The shower will probably get a post of its own.<br />
<br />
And the reward for either scrolling to the bottom to find the pictures or making it through my ramblings, ultrasound pictures that you may have already seen on Facebook!<br />
<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://fbcdn-sphotos-a-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-ash3/q71/s720x720/1044565_10100946980545369_1782079554_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://fbcdn-sphotos-a-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-ash3/q71/s720x720/1044565_10100946980545369_1782079554_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Owen's head on the left, Lindsey's head on the right.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<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://fbcdn-sphotos-d-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-prn2/q71/s720x720/971390_10100946980585289_103629353_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://fbcdn-sphotos-d-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-prn2/q71/s720x720/971390_10100946980585289_103629353_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lindsey's profile with her arm up by her head.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<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://sphotos-b.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-prn1/q71/s720x720/994293_10100946980630199_603625629_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://sphotos-b.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-prn1/q71/s720x720/994293_10100946980630199_603625629_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Owen's profile, his head is tilted so his nose isn't as prominent.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<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://fbcdn-sphotos-g-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-ash3/1016687_10100946980500459_799387006_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://fbcdn-sphotos-g-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-ash3/1016687_10100946980500459_799387006_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lindsey's right hand, pointer finger out, thumb tucked in to the fist. It looked like she had a hitch hikers thumb just before we got the picture.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />Rachaelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16365207325909399332noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6433165835233532138.post-25531307555876772342013-06-09T20:19:00.002-06:002013-06-09T20:19:53.137-06:00Sometimes the Internet is No GoodThis afternoon I was having a fantastic time on pinterest. Pinning cute baby picture ideas, pinning cute quilts, just pinning away. Then I noticed a pin about the number of diapers that it takes on average to diaper twins for one year. I followed the link and started reading this lady's blog. It was very informative, so I read a couple of other posts that she wrote. That's when the internet turned into a no good, dirty rotten scoundrel. I followed a link to her birth story. I am so glad that she shared it, but still, reading some people's birth stories are TERRIFYING!!! Especially twin birth stories of people who never wanted a C-section. Just reading through it had me crying for her and for the fact that she didn't get to see each of the babies before they were wheeled away to the NICU. I read the comments that people left and they mostly linked to similar horrendous experiences. So, rather than feeling betrayed by the internet for now making me feel somewhat paranoid that my body will go into labor at 28 weeks (I'm 22 weeks right now) or that none of the hospital staff will answer any of my questions (we picked the doctor that we go to because of the time that she takes with each patient to answer any and all questions), I am going to make a plan for the worst. Here it goes.<br />
<br />
1. My babies will probably be delivered via C-section and there is absolutely nothing wrong with that. I would love to deliver them vaginally because I have heard that the recovery is much easier, but I will do what is best for the babies and not be afraid. During our infertility treatments I had no fear about egg retrieval, where I underwent anesthesia and was on bed rest for 2 days after, so if I could have no fear going into that process of wanting to have babies (egg retrieval was always a success, the embryos fertilized as well, they just never implanted), I should have no fear of a process for actually bringing the babies into the world. Yes, there are horror stories, but I have to trust that the doctors I am seeing are very skilled in what they do and will know how to take care of things.<br />
<br />
2. After a C-section, there is a chance that I won't be able to see the babies before they are taken away to be checked on. I will probably feel very sad about this, but I know that Jon will be able to go with them and he will have seen them and he loves them every ounce as much as I do. I know that they won't be taken away just to hurt my feelings, but because there is a need for them to be cared for.<br />
<br />
3. I might have the babies sooner than the end of September or even have to be on bed rest for awhile. Now, this might be the hardest one for me to accept. So far, I have been really active this pregnancy. I am on my feet for most of my 8 hour shifts at work and although I am sore and sleepy by the end, my feet are not uber swollen, and I am able to look forward to a shift the next day. Since we found out that we are having twins though, our doctor has changed her recommendation on daily activity and starting at 24 weeks she wants to restrict me to walking less than 3 miles a day and limit my actual exercise to zero. That just seems crazy to me. It seems counter intuitive to be less active and I think most everyone would agree that it seems that way. So, I pried further at my last appointment as to why I have to be restricted, and apparently, the body doesn't pay attention to how many babies there are, just the size of the uterus in regards to when to go into labor. Most women who are having twins reach the measurements of a singleton full term pregnancy at 28 weeks. At that point, their bodies think it's just time to deliver. So, really, my body just needs to cooperate, and if it doesn't, I just need to accept that these two are going to make me slow down.<br />
<br />
4. This one is not related to having the babies, but relates to getting ready. According to most of the twin pins I've followed and what everyone says, I need to have the nursery prepped and ready to go by 28 weeks. That is 6 short weeks away. I should probably solidify crib choice and mattress choice and maybe get carpet ordered since we already cut out the carpet that was in that room previously. We bought paint already, we just need to put it on the walls... so the next few weekends will be fun project weekends for sure.<br />
<br />
So, there are all of my reasons to not be afraid, so here I go to try to not be afraid. Now I'm going to go snuggle the cutest dog on earth to help calm my nerves even more.Rachaelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16365207325909399332noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6433165835233532138.post-42829413990769469192013-05-24T12:54:00.003-06:002013-05-24T12:54:14.447-06:0020 Weeks Down<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
This morning we had our much anticipated 20 week ultrasound. It was such a fun experience and the doctor, ultrasound tech, and student who worked with us were some of the most friendly I have encountered. Not that I have really encountered a lot, but they were very thorough and friendly which was fantastic. Last night I was very concerned about the appointment, I didn't feel worried about the health of the babies, but I had this odd fear that Fetal Fotos got the gender wrong and that we were really having two boys. I would have been happy to have two boys, but I had this irrational fear that if it were two boys that the one would be scarred from being referred to as Lindsey for an entire month. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Good thing those concerns were put to bed at the appointment today. Baby A is still a little girl, Lindsey, and baby B is still a little boy, Owen. They are measuring within 3 days of the date we originally thought, but they did move the 40 week date to October 11th, from October 12. Both Owen and Lindsey measured in right at 11 oz, so it's good to know that they are close in size. The doctor at LDS hospital said that there is a 75% chance that they will be born between 35 and 37 weeks gestation. It's crazy to think that they could be here in 15 short weeks. She also said that if I get to 38 weeks they will have mercy on me and induce labor. That means rather than October babies, we will have mid-late September babies.</div>
<br />
<br />
It was amazing to see all of the anatomy that they were measuring today. We got to see the four chambers of each baby's heart and the two main arteries as well. We looked at the bladder, kidneys, diaphragm, and stomach too. Spinal measurements, brain, and amniotic fluid measurements were all taken as well. At one point the ultrasound showed the blood flow from the umbilical cord into the body. It is just so amazing to be able to see the miracle of growing life inside of me. Jon and I both feel that these babies are a miracle in our lives, but really, every life is a miracle. We are so grateful that these two are so healthy. We learned from the anatomy scan that they both have intact upper lips, so cleft lip/palate is ruled out. We saw that the neural tube on each baby is fully encased, ruling out spina bifida and other spine issues. We saw the 20 fingers and 20 toes. We saw all of the necessary parts of the heart and two function kidneys per baby. How amazing. When I think about the time in which we live, where there are so many medical procedures and advances that allow for us to have this knowledge, I cannot help but be grateful to have been born when I was. I know that people in olden times were blessed in other ways, but what a relief it is to be able to spend an hour at the doctor and see that all is well.<br />
<br />
Well, I should be heading into work, but I wanted to write about the experience while it was still fresh in my mind. Oh, I wanted to squash the boy/girl heartrate myth too. Lindsey was 142 BPM and Owen was 140 BPM. <br />
<br />
Sorry if our blog has turned into a baby update blog. I'm not very good at keeping a journal and feel like some of these things just need to be documented, and I'd love for family and friends to be able to enjoy them as well.<br />
<br />
<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;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://fbcdn-sphotos-h-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-frc3/379767_10100908335954439_1988948223_n.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="320" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Owen on the right, Lindsey on the left. Those are their heads.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<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;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://fbcdn-sphotos-b-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-frc3/970314_10100908335714919_1526572370_n.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="320" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Owen's profile.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<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://fbcdn-sphotos-c-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-prn1/946915_10100908335625099_1194465440_n.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://fbcdn-sphotos-c-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-prn1/946915_10100908335625099_1194465440_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lindsey's profile.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<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;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://sphotos-b.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-frc3/298559_10100908335764819_1955241969_n.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="320" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Owen proving that he's still a boy.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<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://sphotos-a.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ash3/941469_10100908335824699_1581866802_n.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://sphotos-a.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ash3/941469_10100908335824699_1581866802_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lindsey proving that she's still a girl.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<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://sphotos-b.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-prn1/946776_10100908335465419_301198370_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://sphotos-b.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-prn1/946776_10100908335465419_301198370_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lindsey's feet.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<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://fbcdn-sphotos-a-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-prn2/983943_10100908335545259_67150743_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://fbcdn-sphotos-a-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-prn2/983943_10100908335545259_67150743_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Owen's left foot.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Rachaelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16365207325909399332noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6433165835233532138.post-76953105550635745462013-05-12T01:06:00.002-06:002013-05-12T01:59:02.441-06:00No Better Way to CelebrateThis is the first year that in the traditional sense I can celebrate Mother's Day and it's been an interesting slew of emotions. So, since I'm up at 1 am with heartburn and I'm feeling all emotional because I can't stop thinking about all of the amazing women in my life, I thought I'd write about it.<br />
<br />
Let me start out by explaining that I don't love Mother's Day. I do love my mother though. I think she so is amazing! She is such a loving person and I don't know many people who work as hard as her. When I think about the experiences that she had in raising 5 daughters, I am just so impressed that she not only put up with us, but did so lovingly. I can't imagine that my sisters and I made things easy for her and thinking about the amount of stress that we added to her life, I hope that the joy that we brought and will still bring to her can outweigh that. The thing about Mother's Day for me though, is that I feel like it cheapens the way that I am able to show my love for my mom. I know that it doesn't change the fact that I can tell her I love her every day, but it makes me feel like if I don't find just the right gift to express my gratitude at her willingness to bring me into this world and care for me, then I'm not being grateful that she's my mother. I guess what I'm trying to say is, I know I'll never find a gift that can truly express my love for my mom, so I hope that I can show her in my words and actions that she is the best.<br />
<br />
Now, not to discount anything that I have just said about my wonderful mother, I also take issue with Mother's Day because there are so many women, who do not fall into the traditional category of mother, who deserve the love and admiration that mothers get. I hope I can explain this the way that it feels in my heart. I think about women who do not or cannot have children often on Mother's Day, whether it is their choice or not to be childless. It makes my heart hurt to think that they don't have the chance to feel the amazing love from someone this day each year that I have toward my own mother. Every woman should have the chance to be appreciated for their divine role as nurturers in our society today. I think about Dar, my god-mom, who has been such an amazing influence for good in my life, and just know that she deserves to be celebrated on Mother's Day also. I celebrate her, not to discount the love I have for my mom, but because she has also been integral in my raising. Just because she did not birth me, doesn't mean that she doesn't love me less than if she had. There isn't a day during the year that is set up for me to tell her that I love her also, so I choose to share this day with her. I really hope that she and my mom both know that celebrating them both does not take away from celebrating them individually. I know that they each have unique roles in my life and I am glad that there is an excuse once a year to be overly emotional in expressing the gratitude that I have for them, even when a greeting card cannot do the sentiment justice.<br />
<br />
Along similar lines to explaining that all women should be celebrated, I think about how I felt on Mother's Days past. I know that my reactions to past holidays were my own sour puss moods because that's the way that I chose to look at things, but I also know that there are probably a lot of women who share my feelings. Prior to this year, when Jon and I are now expecting children to join our family, I felt like Mother's Day was a holiday for rubbing salt in the wound that we might not have children. It made me sad the years when we were struggling to become pregnant to think that I might never have a child, let alone a child who would feel the same love for me that I had for my own mother. It was a reminder that even though I had the righteous desire to be a caregiver to a precious child, that the desire might not be enough to get a child here to share my life with. During those years I struggled to explain to Jon how I was feeling, rather I made outlandish demands of delicious breakfast or my favorite dinner on Mother's Day to help cover up the way I was really feeling. He was such a trooper and always went along with it, but I am glad that this year I could tell him that none of those things matter anymore. I know that being pregnant has helped me to be able to move past my sour puss feelings, but I like to hope that even if we weren't blessed with these growing babies that I would see the value in just showing love for all women on this day. I know that Jon values me as his wife and, that in the years past, even when we weren't expecting, that he still loved me and my potential to be a nurturer to his future children. I am so glad that he put up with my silly demands and that he's been there to help me see that God has a plan in all of this.<br />
<br />
I guess where I am going in all of this is just to say that this Mother's Day I am feeling extra grateful for God's plan to send us to Earth in families, whether they be birth families, or the families of people we choose to love who surround us. I've come to really see that although having a holiday to remind us to express our love is great, it's even better to express that love year round. I don't think greeting cards or chocolates are necessary for the celebration of love between us, I think it's more genuine when we find simple ways to show that we care. I keep singing the song from the movie Enchanted in my head, "That's How You Know." Although the song does give examples of going on picnics and buying flowers, it's mostly about showing the other person that you love them through your every day words and deeds. I hope that this Mother's Day and in years to come, that I can find ways to show my family that I love them. I also hope that I can find a way to express these feeling of love and understanding for the plan that God has for us in my lesson at church tomorrow. When I originally started preparing it I was feeling somewhat overwhelmed. The theme is the power of faith and character, which seemed rather vague at first, but I think I see now, that it's really a lesson all about attitude. I pray that I'll be able to share my changed attitude toward this holiday with the women at church and express my love for them and the examples that they set for me as well.<br />
<br />
Now that I have rambled for an hour, I should probably try to sleep again so that I don't end up rambling forever at church tomorrow. If you take anything away from my post though, I hope it's this, you are loved. I know it's the day for loving my mom, and I do and I'll tell her too, but we can celebrate mothers because of God's plan to send us to Earth in family units, and that plan alone is evidence that we are all so loved. Sorry if that's preachy, but it's how I'm feeling tonight/ this morning.Rachaelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16365207325909399332noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6433165835233532138.post-19356991908921221682013-05-10T16:50:00.000-06:002013-05-10T16:50:46.786-06:00Nursery PlanningI thought it was hard to wrap my mind around decorating one nursery. Picking a theme, finding coordinating fabrics, seeing what furniture I can already reuse from around my house, it all seemed a little out of my decorating skill set. Well, it got a heck of a lot harder when I realized we'd be cramming 2 cribs into the space we'd planned for 1, and coordinating for a boy and a girl. You see, there aren't many "girl" items that are actually neutral.<br />
<br />
Seriously, go look at baby girl items with polka dots, they all have pink in them. The "boy" ones are definitely the more neutral of the two, with all bright rainbow colors, well, all colors excluding purple. So, imagine my guilt when I came home this afternoon after having some fun registering at Target and Babies'R'Us to find that all of the bright colorful nursery things I registered for were labeled, "boy." Totally unfair. I promise I'm not trying to prevent Lindsey from being girly, I have just never loved pink or purple myself and thinking of finding a way to incorporate those colors into a room she'll be sharing with her brother, just didn't work out. So, for my non-Pintresty friends, I'm sharing my very basic nursery plans here on the blog. (It's also for the non-Pintresty me, who only figured out how to pin things after my oldest sister told me I needed to learn last week.)<br />
<br />
To start, let me explain that I do plan to have Owen and Lindsey share a crib when they are tiny, but I do want to get 2 matching cribs so that when they are ready to sleep alone, or if they hate cuddling one another from the start, we can split them up. It also has to do with the fact that big box stores offer a twin discount where you get an extra 10% off when you purchase 2 of the same large item for twins.<br />
<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="http://media-cache-ec3.pinimg.com/originals/52/9f/7d/529f7d330c1409ce02c07ea450bc12c7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="229" src="http://media-cache-ec3.pinimg.com/originals/52/9f/7d/529f7d330c1409ce02c07ea450bc12c7.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This is the way I'd like to orient the cribs under the window in the nursery.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<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="http://img1.targetimg1.com/wcsstore/TargetSAS//img/p/14/03/14033701_120711210000.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://img1.targetimg1.com/wcsstore/TargetSAS//img/p/14/03/14033701_120711210000.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This is the crib that I am in love with... but I could go for the IKEA equivalent.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
So, that's hopefully what the cribs will look like, white and modern and very streamlined. They convert to toddler beds too so I'm thinking we'll get a few years use out of them before switching to bunk beds.<br />
<br />
Now, onto the fabric, and finding something that can work for a boy and a girl. Let's rewind to Christmas of 2011, when I found an adorable Alexander Henry print that I could not leave at Joann's. I convinced Jon at the time that I would make my own bedding set, if he'd get me a few yards of the fabric. Being the loving husband that he is, he bought me 11 yards, definitely enough for two quilts, two crib skits, and a valance to go over the window coverings. Want to know something awesome about the fabric? It's Noah's Ark themed, two by two! It's totally perfect!<br />
<br />
<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="http://store.sewnatural.net/stores_app/images/images_269/AHF-7225-B.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://store.sewnatural.net/stores_app/images/images_269/AHF-7225-B.JPG" width="297" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">See, bright animals in pairs! It's called "It's Gonna Rain"</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<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="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v705/BonEful7/1%20BonEful%20Fabric%2012%20RAINBOW/DSC_0209-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="319" src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v705/BonEful7/1%20BonEful%20Fabric%2012%20RAINBOW/DSC_0209-1.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ahh! And while searching for an image to share of the fabric I have, I found the coordinating stripe! I am doomed! Really, I can use any bright dots, stripes, and solids to go along with the other as long as it excludes pink and purple. Sorry Lindsey.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Hm, so I've covered fabrics/ colors, cribs... what else? Changing table and chair are the other two BIG things in the room.<br />
<br />
<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="http://www.ikea.com/us/en/images/products/expedit-shelving-unit__0092710_PE229408_S4.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://www.ikea.com/us/en/images/products/expedit-shelving-unit__0092710_PE229408_S4.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Rather than getting furniture with drawers, I love the idea of these shelves that could be used for cloth bins on top and toys/books on bottom. I'd put it horizontal and set the changing pad on top.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<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="http://img2.targetimg2.com/wcsstore/TargetSAS//img/p/14/36/14360968_121213183000.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://img2.targetimg2.com/wcsstore/TargetSAS//img/p/14/36/14360968_121213183000.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">As for a chair, I think I am in love with this staple from Target. The gray is perfect for draping a bright blanket over and it looks somewhat similar to my favorite chair at my parents' house that they used for rocking me and all of my sisters.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
So, that's all I've got planned so far really. We bought paint for the nursery and our room earlier this week. They are from the same gray family, the nursery will just be one shade lighter than our room. We like gray because it is such a neutral backdrop for dressing things up with bright pops of color.<br />
<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="http://img3.targetimg3.com/wcsstore/TargetSAS//img/p/14/41/14413595_130121183000.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://img3.targetimg3.com/wcsstore/TargetSAS//img/p/14/41/14413595_130121183000.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Speaking of bright pops of color, isn't this crib bumper adorable? And it's breathable, so I won't worry that they are squishing their faces against it.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Well, that's all I've got really. If you have any cute ideas, send them my way. Just remember, no pink or purple... Oh, and since I didn't want to post a bump shot on Facebook, if you're reading the blog, here's a shot from this morning of my 18 week bump.<br />
<br />
<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/AVvXsEil4UF-fnA228wnrKcoTlQ-rwc8p92KmjgD3rJeQ86MqaY5gdKMvLmAEmV3KqoLUT9vNEuZVQl0mQvTv2eb14-xBXqmyduOfN6avrXWh-Gm2Lm72MNVjv_04uS0T7U5NUtFcx81ySxRbah_/s1600/photo.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEil4UF-fnA228wnrKcoTlQ-rwc8p92KmjgD3rJeQ86MqaY5gdKMvLmAEmV3KqoLUT9vNEuZVQl0mQvTv2eb14-xBXqmyduOfN6avrXWh-Gm2Lm72MNVjv_04uS0T7U5NUtFcx81ySxRbah_/s320/photo.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sorry for the awkwardness of the photo, I haven't mastered self shots of the bump yet and when Jon tries to take them I usually look really grouchy... I should work on that.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />Rachaelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16365207325909399332noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6433165835233532138.post-37341708281222963222013-04-30T06:45:00.000-06:002013-04-30T06:45:16.718-06:00Seeing DoubleI decided to make use of this time, since I can't sleep anyway to write down my thoughts on our family's latest news. I should probably go back to December to start the explanation though.<br />
<br />
As I've posted about before, Jon and I had some fertility issues and we sought out the help of a specialist to become pregnant. We did a round of IVF at the end of September and had two embryos put back, but neither of them implanted. We were sad, but knew that we needed to try again, just to exhaust all possibilities. We jumped right back into the game and underwent our second IVF procedure in November. Again, we had two embryos placed, with high hopes that we would end up with a positive result, and possibly twins. We found out on December 10th that neither of the embryos had implanted, which was pretty devastating at the time.<br />
<br />
Feeling quite discouraged, we decided that we needed a break from all of the treatments. For Christmas we even bought a copy of the movie UP! and after sobbing through the scene where Carl and Ellie find out that they will not be able to have children, Jon and I talked through our feelings. We decided that if kids weren't in the cards for us, then we'd just have to have a lot of great adventures. It wasn't at all a sad moment for us, mostly just a realization that we could be happy where we were at in life. We planned to look into different treatment options, but wanted to take some time to just enjoy the ride. I like to explain that at this point, I stopped praying my begging prayers. We'd been praying to get pregnant for so long, and instead of focusing on that, I prayed that we'd be happy and that we'd find ways to reach out to people around us to invite them into our adventures. It wasn't giving up on the desire to have children, more a transition to finding happiness in the moment.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://images2.wikia.nocookie.net/__cb20101202045430/pixar/images/c/c7/Up_ellie_and_carl.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="179" src="http://images2.wikia.nocookie.net/__cb20101202045430/pixar/images/c/c7/Up_ellie_and_carl.png" width="320" /></a></div>
So, all of that went down the week of Christmas and New Years. Rather than bringing the holidays down, it set Jon and I up for an awesome week of birthday celebrations. It's so fun having our birthdays in the same week. We got a special treat when Mom and Dad Hamilton flew out to Utah to enjoy some winter fun the days between our birthdays. Jon and his Dad went skiing, we all went sledding, we enjoyed a dinner out with friends and family. It was just a blast. It was so nice to not be thinking about dates and timing, especially since my January cycle came right on time after our failed attempt and cycle in December. It really seemed like my body was getting back to its normal routine and for that I was grateful.<br />
<br />
The rest of January was pretty uneventful. We kept working and Jon worked hard in his class at Weber State. Things were great. I had a fun trip down to Vegas to look forward to in the middle of February, to see my mom and my sister Beth's family. Jon and I both had a trip to Florida to look forward to at the end of February as well. Toward the end of January temperatures were really cold, it didn't hit 20*s for a week, and we had not seen the sun because of air pollution for 19 days. Jon could tell that I was not feeling my happiest, even with the extra vitamin D pills I was taking, and after I broke down crying because I wanted an ice cream cone, he took matters into his hands and drove me to a tanning salon to sign me up for an unlimited month pass. It would be a great way to get vitamin D to even out my mood, and a great prep for our upcoming trips.<br />
<br />
I tanned a few times and ended up with a really bad burn that landed me in instacare the first weekend of February. It was that same weekend that I had decided to start taking my prenatal vitamins again, and also the weekend Jon was at Flaming Gorge ice fishing. I had taken prenatals religiously since we got married, but after the second IVF treatment, Jon and I both gave up our daily vitamins, opting only for vitamin D. I didn't start the vitamins in hopes of becoming pregnant, more in coming to terms with the fact that the prenatals don't cause any harm and getting myself healthy is important. This is the funny part though, Jon came home from Flaming Gorge to me crying hysterically as I itched the sensitive skin on my stomach and back, telling him I felt crazy and that I wanted to rip my skin off. It turns out that prenatals are high in niacin, that draws the blood to the surface of the skin... making a sunburn hurt worse than it should. Jon, being the amazing husband that he is, did not laugh at me, he just got me in the 4runner and drove me to instacare to figure out what was wrong. The doctor there didn't look too hard, just prescribed an oral hydrocortizone. It soothed the itching and I was able to function and think like a human again. That was February 3rd.<br />
<br />
On the 5th, my friend Sara text me to find out what the game plan was for more treatment options. It had been 2 months since we got the news, which was the spacing between our last IVF attempts. I told her we didn't really have a plan, that we were just enjoying the journey, but mentioned the text conversation to Jon that night. He agreed with enjoying the journey, but also questioned me about my last cycle. It seemed like it had been awhile since I'd had one. We looked at the calendars and realized I was 5 days late, since my cycles are naturally very short. I chalked it up to side effects from the residual hormones, but Jon pressed further and said it wouldn't hurt to test. We didn't have any tests on hand, so Wednesday after work I went to Walmart and bought a two pack of clearblue digital tests. They were on sale. Come Thursday morning I didn't want to take the test, I knew it would be negative and I didn't want to be sad. So, I asked Jon if he was sure we should test. He said he needed to know.<br />
<br />
I went in the bathroom and took care of business. I left the test on the counter and went to leave the bathroom, Jon came in and started staring at the test. I told him to leave it alone, that it would take awhile to process. He told me he'd just watch it for a minute. It shows an hour glass blinking while it processes. I went and sat on our bed and he walked in holding the test less than a minute later. His head was down and he looked really sad. Even though I was happy with where we were at, testing puts that little twinkle of hope in your heart that maybe it could work. Since Jon looked so sad, I immediately got defensive. I said, "You knew it would be negative, you can't be so sad about it now." He looked up and just smiled at me and said, "read it!" It said, "PREGNANT!" I'm pretty sure my eyes were huge and I jumped up to hug Jon, muttering that there was no way. We had to make sure, so we did the second test and it came back positive just as quickly. Jon and I were on cloud nine. He even offered to take the day off of work so we could celebrate. Instead he went to work, while I had the whole day off. He text me from work about 30 minutes into his day saying, "you need to buy a different test, I read online that clear blue gives false positives. Go buy a pink dye test, don't worry about finding one on sale." So, I did as he asked. I drove over to Walgreens, got a third test and took it as soon as I got home. This one was a standard test, so I watched as the positive line showed up dark before the control line was even saturated. I sent him a picture and then floated for the rest of the day.<br />
<br />
At this point, we knew we had to wait to tell family until we'd see them, it was only a couple weeks away. But the wait was killing both of us. We went and got blood tests done to make sure the HCG numbers were increasing well, and although they were high, we chalked it up to the fact that we were further along than we originally though. Our reveals went well when we did see family, but they weren't extra cutesy, so we made plans for an awesome gender reveal. We also went to our first appointment at the OBs office right after getting back from Florida. The Nurse Practitioner brought in a hand held ultrasound and after finding the yolk sac, turned the screen to show us our baby's beating heart. That did us in. We were both crying, which made her cry, and she requested we come back in two weeks to hear the heartbeat. Seeing the heartbeat had been amazing, but we were stoked to hear it too. So... two weeks later we went back and she found a strong heartbeat at 170 bpm right away, she didn't even have to move the Doppler at all.<br />
<br />
Then, two weeks after that I got a little scared, I had some spotting and even though the nurse told me not to worry as long as it didn't continue, I was still very concerned. Lucky for Jon and I, our friends the Farrs have a fetal Doppler. They were kind enough to let us borrow it, so that we could hear the baby from home. We found the heartbeat, and although it sounded echo-y, we thought it was just because of the placenta. A few times as we listened it was weird though, we'd be in one spot measuring the heartbeat at 135 bpm and then it would fade out, so I'd move the Doppler wand and find it again, but this time at 155 bpm. I figured the baby was just dancing around in there.<br />
<br />
I went to my 13 week appointment and the doctor didn't measure or set up an ultrasound, she said we wouldn't schedule that until the week of May 27th, and that I'd just come back April 29th to hear the heartbeat again. At 13 weeks I had not gained any weight, so she mentioned some dietary things, especially since I had developed a sensitivity to milk and then sent me on my way. I started getting antsy to know gender at that point. Anyone who knows me knows that I HATE surprises. Jon and I decided that we'd like to go to Fetal Fotos to find out the gender, so we called and set up an appointment for April 29th in the evening. I already had the day off of work to go to my OB appointment, so it just made sense.<br />
<br />
Fast forward to earlier this week. Tuesday I worked in the evening, so in the morning I was sitting on the couch watching Star and Koda as they stared out the windows. As I sat so still I felt a rolling sensation from my belly button down to my pelvis. I text Jon to tell him that I thought I felt the baby move and he was very excited. I figured it was a one time thing, so imagine my surprise when the next evening I was laying on the couch with the cat snuggled on my belly and I felt a pressure type sensation where the cat was laying. I had Jon come push in the spot where I felt it and he could feel that it was more firm in that spot, but couldn't feel movement. Then the morning of April 29th finally came. I was laying in bed and I could feel a firm spot on my left lower abdomen. Jon woke up to get ready for work and I had him come feel it. He thought it was really cool, then hopped in the shower. When he got out of the shower, he came over to feel it again and I showed him that the firm spot wasn't on the left anymore, that it was on the right, so our baby really is active. He jokingly said, "Or maybe there are two babies in there." We both laughed and continued with our daily prep.<br />
<br />
Finally the time for my appointment came and I made it to the Avenues safe and sound. (I mention that because at my 10 week appointment I almost got hit by an ambulance that was coming off of a side street very quickly with no lights or siren going.) I waited for 45 minutes and finally got to see the doctor. I'd been weighed in, and at 16 weeks, I'm up 4 lbs, but I'm visibly showing. The doctor said it was pretty normal and not to worry, but to continue taking calcium supplements to ensure that the baby has strong bones. She then did the Doppler as she continued to tell me about the upcoming appointments and how we'd have an ultrasound on May 28th to determine gender and size. The Doppler kept making an odd sound and it sounded echo-y again. The doctor asked if I'd used lotion on my stomach today, because that can cause the sound waves to bounce funny and cause the static and echo. I said I hadn't, but she still seemed unfazed. She was unfazed until she told me I wouldn't feel the baby kick or move until 20-25 weeks and I responded that I had already felt the baby move. She told me I could not have felt the baby yet and that it was probably just gas bubbles causing the pressure... I decided I knew my body better, but not to argue. I set up all of my appointments from May 28th through September 17th then headed home to wait for Fetal Fotos.<br />
<br />
Jon came home from work and we had some dinner, then loaded Koda in the car to come with us to our off the record ultrasound appointment. We love to bring Koda with us when we have short errands to run because he gets so excited to ride in the car. We waited for a bit while the previous appointment finished and chatted it up with the couple as they waited for their ultrasound pictures, DVD, and CD to be complete. Then we headed back. I climbed up on the table and the tech squirted warm goo all over my abdomen. She hit record on the DVD, then placed the ultrasound wand on my stomach. She moved the wand left to right and first there was one little orb skull on the left, then as it faded out, there was a second little orb skull on the right. I wasn't sure if I had seen correctly and she slowly moved the wand until both little skulls were showing. She then said, "first off, did you know you are having twins?" Jon and I looked at each other said, "No.... YES!!!!!!!!!!" The yes a cheer of excitement at the prospect of two little ones joining our family. I had tears running down my cheeks at this point, but I wasn't sobbing. I think that we had both been prepared for news like that, even though neither of us knew we were having twins. We then stared in amazement at the screen as she showed us baby A, head down near my cervix, kicking baby B right in the head, as this baby was further up pushing his/her feet against the highest point in my uterus. That was all the confirmation I needed to know that I had felt my baby, wait, babies, move on Tuesday. As the tech moved the wand around we saw baby A's cute legs stretched straight out with the ankles crossed. I looked at it and said, "I think that one is a girl." The tech said she agreed 80% and would come back to baby A to verify after checking out baby B. So baby B decided to sit in the same position, ankles crossed, legs pretty close together, until the tech jabbed where the legs were a few times. HE gave up the modesty and spread his legs showing off. Jon and I were so excited. When we thought there was only one, we thought it was a boy, so to find out there really is a boy was just so fun. Then, the tech went back to baby A, and jabbed a few times until SHE finally spread her legs a tiny bit to reveal three little lines. We went in thinking we were having one healthy baby, and found out we are having one of each healthy baby! We continued the ultrasound session and got a few cute face shots, spine shots, baby B, Owen, waving shots, and baby A, Lindsey, kicking shots. They were sooo active and squirmy.<br />
<br />
I mentioned before that we had a fun gender reveal plan, and we did, but it went out the window when we found out that there was one of each. We just couldn't hold it in. So, we called our families and shared the news. To say that everyone was shocked was an understatement. To say that we are shocked is also an understatement. Hence me being awake at 3:30 in the morning because I can't turn my brain off and just need to share our story. I'm seeing double from my blurry eyes, and double for all of the adventures to come with these 2 little ones joining our family. It's going to be fun calling my OB this morning to let her know there are really two little ones in there, and that her Doppler isn't broken. Oh, and since there are a ton of words in this post, here is some cuteness to reward you for making it through this post. <br />
<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/AVvXsEiEojcJTZ4naMu-36WveTvUKip9RatItFv9UYpz7WjSh7QzakoK8Gv8KVwgomvR2QSHkM4b7fv0eSbdbZ4cgWvXXX22lyLZtARLSd0KlGIi0dl9NwGrAmw1Y7T4BYHbaEQPaV2dyAa6rzhj/s1600/HAMILTON_3.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEojcJTZ4naMu-36WveTvUKip9RatItFv9UYpz7WjSh7QzakoK8Gv8KVwgomvR2QSHkM4b7fv0eSbdbZ4cgWvXXX22lyLZtARLSd0KlGIi0dl9NwGrAmw1Y7T4BYHbaEQPaV2dyAa6rzhj/s320/HAMILTON_3.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lindsey Diane</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<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/AVvXsEh73zUrV6rtnDiequAQYzHnQzV3enKfE-z9AZ8wf5mDyiFrfRjU7gtRtXyck1_o4Emft3rrBDB7bTs1NVKeBcqouocUXHovdLX9FzFh-QYfdD9LndinbYc8fuKdQN6FJfxzioQt3I-OJMUz/s1600/HAMILTON_4.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh73zUrV6rtnDiequAQYzHnQzV3enKfE-z9AZ8wf5mDyiFrfRjU7gtRtXyck1_o4Emft3rrBDB7bTs1NVKeBcqouocUXHovdLX9FzFh-QYfdD9LndinbYc8fuKdQN6FJfxzioQt3I-OJMUz/s320/HAMILTON_4.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Owen Jonathan</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<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/AVvXsEhRyCbS-QppjdHGoH7vSb-9syyiLZjnvPQ60mBeXpvdJzOWh0sxrK0n-2LMpTumyNcxf7hWNYlLu6KQOtlbVQjCCWcGxKI8IXI5czOzhEJKju_awI60Ba91-sGIAerUpyjGBB3Y3htrM58M/s1600/HAMILTON_19.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRyCbS-QppjdHGoH7vSb-9syyiLZjnvPQ60mBeXpvdJzOWh0sxrK0n-2LMpTumyNcxf7hWNYlLu6KQOtlbVQjCCWcGxKI8IXI5czOzhEJKju_awI60Ba91-sGIAerUpyjGBB3Y3htrM58M/s320/HAMILTON_19.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lindsey's head is on the left and that's her foot. Owen's head is at the bottom. The squiggly white line is the separation in their sacs.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<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/AVvXsEjjLygUo7j__Sh_tIb8kYpAfTL1VauGliDPlcxiouvST6mvSTMh4n1feSAScCVfJLSpXoD5O0y4752JJRc-qBLpfzM005H3VzWaByeHwbWEvIGkkS8Z4PhkBbS_iO93l7NnWvpHJn36bIzt/s1600/HAMILTON_21.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjLygUo7j__Sh_tIb8kYpAfTL1VauGliDPlcxiouvST6mvSTMh4n1feSAScCVfJLSpXoD5O0y4752JJRc-qBLpfzM005H3VzWaByeHwbWEvIGkkS8Z4PhkBbS_iO93l7NnWvpHJn36bIzt/s320/HAMILTON_21.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Told you he was showing off.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<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/AVvXsEg6YpYVttK-6PIuaZLAJ18vuVTuVLVLbGAbO35dnoa0UOVdtBCw4p08fLAeH9xctfJBaSO_r9qykylTbGKxaJ_fjC2oHxGMeEs4NCMXiTWCHtGnCx5Gfq9AbBJNNyOGOya_KOMIi1UlRMpR/s1600/HAMILTON_9.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6YpYVttK-6PIuaZLAJ18vuVTuVLVLbGAbO35dnoa0UOVdtBCw4p08fLAeH9xctfJBaSO_r9qykylTbGKxaJ_fjC2oHxGMeEs4NCMXiTWCHtGnCx5Gfq9AbBJNNyOGOya_KOMIi1UlRMpR/s320/HAMILTON_9.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">She was a little more timid, but you can see those splayed legs and the little bubble between them is her umbilical cord.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />Rachaelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16365207325909399332noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6433165835233532138.post-20777317657702393692013-01-18T14:26:00.002-07:002013-01-18T14:26:23.408-07:00NostalgiaBefore I get writing, I promise this is not a rant, but it might be random ramblings.<br />
<br />
Jon and I both celebrated our birthdays last week and we had a wonderful time doing so. Jon's parents came out to celebrate on his actual birthday and we enjoyed the biggest snowstorm Utah has seen since 1968. During the crazy snow storm, Jon went skiing with his dad at Brighton. It was so fun to listen to Jon reminisce about learning to ski when he was little. The week leading up to it was almost better than the week before Christmas because he had all of these great memories to bring up. He talked about how it was such a fun thing to get to spend time, just him and his dad, on the lift and out on the runs. Jon's love of memories and following traditions have to be two of my favorite things about him. His sentimentality this month may have rubbed off on me because for the last few days I have been feeling almost homesick for times when I was younger.<br />
<br />
As I was driving all over Davis County for work this week, I kept thinking about the carefree days in college when I worked at an orthodontic lab picking up and delivering study models and retainers. It was so fun. I could rock out to mix CDs from high school and it was at the perfect time of day to call family in all time zones as I wound through the streets of the small towns south of Provo. Then, today as I was flipping through radio stations, I came to a station that played 4 songs in a row from a mix tape that my sisters made when I was in elementary school called the Boy Mix. It made me miss our road trips down to Indiana to see Beth. Just Jessiy, Maggie, and me driving in the dark to spend the weekend with Beth. Maggie and I would grill Jessiy to find out what the latest news from Sarah was since she was living in Utah going to BYU. It really made me miss those days, when I could be with my sisters all of the time, or at least talk to them all of the time when they were out of state.<br />
<br />
When I was younger I always looked at people in their twenties and thirties and thought I would never get there. I would never be older and looking back at my younger days missing them. But really, I do. I don't know if it was turning 26, or just this homesick feeling I have that has me thinking about all of this, but I miss the ease of life when I was younger. I don't think that life is harder now really or that I'm even necessarily more busy then I was at some of the younger times that I miss. I think it has to do with the proximity of all of the people I cared about. Most of the time, the days that I miss are the days when I was with my sisters or my best friends from growing up. Or, I was living in Provo and driving down to Henderson or 29 Palms to see my sisters on my spare weekends because weekends weren't full of church responsibilities or even really job responsibilities. I didn't have to think about what time it was in another time zone before placing a call and with friends, I could mostly tell from the time of day where they would be to meet up with them.<br />
<br />
I guess what I am getting at is this. I love my life and I love all of the experiences that I have had so far to make my life what it is. I'm happy where I am right now, I love my home, my husband, and our creatures that keep us company, but I also love the memories and times that made me who I am today. January is a hard month for me to be happy usually. I often think about January 1998 when my sister Jessiy was killed and it wears me down. This year though, I am trying to focus on the fun memories of spending time with her and the memories of how losing her brought me and my sisters closer. I'm so grateful for the time that I had with her and for the memories that I do have. I'm thankful that even now, when we all live so far apart, that I am still part of that eternal family. I wish I could herd everyone closer together, but for now, facetime and phone calls will have to do. I sure do love these sisters of mine.<br />
<br />
<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/AVvXsEjZ4niCu2wE-kWZLc9IpdY7hX7X-dcM_be4G2sB9M-NkMoKcTnq0mVsxrDz81NgOYEMm3AxqL8CK3UnXxaMl-2MB78T7dQfmq3cP3WOEYihKQFsIgPQq7oST0n17vCZWjRbDe0QNeoNgsof/s1600/maggie.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZ4niCu2wE-kWZLc9IpdY7hX7X-dcM_be4G2sB9M-NkMoKcTnq0mVsxrDz81NgOYEMm3AxqL8CK3UnXxaMl-2MB78T7dQfmq3cP3WOEYihKQFsIgPQq7oST0n17vCZWjRbDe0QNeoNgsof/s320/maggie.jpeg" width="274" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Maggie</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
<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/AVvXsEgqzhus-78ASaiTp3TEYUODVgnc0JZ58B6JmUF1oQRxw5PfpzOtdBMeKZr4qhR0f32dtR5Sr6ioIxiBHSrKRcdssce2msYwk1i0lTSCk-7SA5pjrtJR2tWQbB5_Lw2aw_ZYVIApK2C_qjNl/s1600/scan0008.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="217" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqzhus-78ASaiTp3TEYUODVgnc0JZ58B6JmUF1oQRxw5PfpzOtdBMeKZr4qhR0f32dtR5Sr6ioIxiBHSrKRcdssce2msYwk1i0lTSCk-7SA5pjrtJR2tWQbB5_Lw2aw_ZYVIApK2C_qjNl/s320/scan0008.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Jessiy</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<br />
<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/AVvXsEhcPeBkWC6ubu2tN4RgCogxmOS6f2Q3UyxYq4gNysHzSmZR9aa5fFSMTrNN4lAlldUFNVMZLJLkAuf8b5u4xAYyuTHy7sx1Gkuw1yZlvWIoDFpzCUwd3PlgrW_dRoj55A1N5HL1r7iEGZcy/s1600/sarah_2.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcPeBkWC6ubu2tN4RgCogxmOS6f2Q3UyxYq4gNysHzSmZR9aa5fFSMTrNN4lAlldUFNVMZLJLkAuf8b5u4xAYyuTHy7sx1Gkuw1yZlvWIoDFpzCUwd3PlgrW_dRoj55A1N5HL1r7iEGZcy/s320/sarah_2.jpeg" width="310" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sarah</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<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/AVvXsEhiRUN-51whQKgGh33Cl072oRlebszeT6gs2KHF2CEQaKa2UsBr4ktGRW6eY_1k4ahzBODkH8aJhtdqJYs5Be2broiDFabxelw4fuBa7J_cze_CdVQ5wTc9Ah6ZezoacyIWPLqoxbgGGBvq/s1600/beth1_2.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiRUN-51whQKgGh33Cl072oRlebszeT6gs2KHF2CEQaKa2UsBr4ktGRW6eY_1k4ahzBODkH8aJhtdqJYs5Be2broiDFabxelw4fuBa7J_cze_CdVQ5wTc9Ah6ZezoacyIWPLqoxbgGGBvq/s320/beth1_2.jpg" width="307" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Beth</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Rachaelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16365207325909399332noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6433165835233532138.post-89581755165654925172012-11-06T11:23:00.001-07:002012-11-06T11:23:14.108-07:00It's Not Just MeSo, I promise after this post that I'll just start writing in a journal, because this is supposed to be the Hamilton Times, not Rachael's Rants and Ramblings. <br />
<br />
I came across a post on a friend's blog today that really impacted me because it was so straight forward and honest. <a href="http://remesserly.blogspot.com/p/pregnancy-challenge.html">She said</a>, "Some people really don't get it. I'm seriously convinced that there are
those who think everyone wants to hear about their pregnancy, or their
sister's baby or how wonderful parenthood is... I'm here to let you know not everyone is strong enough to hear anything dealing with children." Although, I don't have the exact same sentiment, I can sympathize. Attending church on Sunday and sitting through an hour long lesson on Motherhood had me really bugged. I felt like the only people who were being taught were the ones with children. There was the occasional side note of, "For those single sisters who do not have children, they have the opportunity to be nurturers to nieces, nephews, and neighbors." What about the non-single sisters who do not or cannot have children? That was the question I was thinking of non-stop, rather than opening my heart to the spirit of the message. I had this bitter and angry feeling after leaving Relief Society and it stuck with me until this morning when I read my friend's post.<br />
<br />
After reading her statement I realized that people do not realize how difficult it is to be dealing with infertility. They just don't understand because they have never experienced it. They don't know what to say or do and because the person struggling with infertility is so emotionally vulnerable it just ends up hurting. So, here's an awesome <a href="http://www.resolve.org/support-and-services/for-family--friends/infertility-etiquette.html">link</a> and a few of my favorite portions of the Infertility Etiquette Guide from Resolve, the National Infertility Association. I've shared this with my family before, but figure, anyone can learn something from reading it. Here are the sections that are most meaningful to me.<br />
<br />
"<i>Infertility is, indeed, a very painful struggle. The pain is similar
to the grief over losing a loved one, but it is unique because it is a
recurring grief. When a loved one dies, he isn't coming back. There is
no hope that he will come back from the dead. You must work through the
stages of grief, accept that you will never see this person again, and
move on with your life. </i><br />
<br />
<i>The grief of infertility is not so cut and dry. Infertile people
grieve the loss of the baby that they may never know. They grieve the
loss of that baby who would have had mommy's nose and daddy's eyes. But,
each month, there is the hope that maybe that baby will be conceived
after all. No matter how hard they try to prepare themselves for bad
news, they still hope that this month will be different. Then, the bad
news comes again, and the grief washes over the infertile couple anew.
This process happens month after month, year after year. It is like
having a deep cut that keeps getting opened right when it starts to
heal.</i>"<br />
<br />
I appreciate this section because it validates the fact that it is an actual grief that I feel every month and that I am not alone in getting my hopes up every month and being let down every time as well. I am not trying to invalidate the pain of people who have lost loved ones, I just appreciate that this shows that they are both forms of grief.<br />
<br />
<strong>"<i>Don't Minimize the Problem</i></strong><br />
<br />
<i>Comments like, "Just enjoy being able to sleep late . . . .travel . .
etc.," do not offer comfort. Instead, these comments make infertile
people feel like you are minimizing their pain. You wouldn't tell
somebody whose parent just died to be thankful that he no longer has to
buy Father's Day or Mother's Day cards. Losing that one obligation
doesn't even begin to compensate for the incredible loss of losing a
parent. In the same vein, being able to sleep late or travel does not
provide comfort to somebody who desperately wants a child.</i>"<br />
<br />
I like this section because I think this is the most common gut reaction that people have when they find out that we are struggling with infertility. They act like it's no big deal. This one and relax have to be the most irritating to me.<br />
<br />
<strong>"<i>Don't Complain About Your Pregnancy</i></strong><br />
<i>This message is for pregnant women-Just being around you is painful
for your infertile friends. Seeing your belly grow is a constant
reminder of what your infertile friend cannot have. Unless an infertile
women plans to spend her life in a cave, she has to find a way to
interact with pregnant women. However, there are things you can do as
her friend to make it easier. </i><br />
<i>The number one rule is DON'T COMPLAIN ABOUT YOUR PREGNANCY. I
understand from my friends that, when you are pregnant, your hormones
are going crazy and you experience a lot of discomfort, such as
queasiness, stretch marks, and fatigue. You have every right to vent
about the discomforts to any one else in your life, but don't put your
infertile friend in the position of comforting you.</i>"<br />
<br />
I don't always agree with this one, because I do have a lot of pregnant friends and I can interact with them just fine most days. It's just like my friend's post though, if I'm not up to talking about your pregnancy or your sister's cousin's baby, then let me leave the conversation and do not be offended. Some days I am just not strong enough to handle your hormones and mine. Post all you want on facebook and your blog, because I can choose not to read it, but don't force me to be a part of a conversation that I just don't feel up to having.<br />
<br />
So, there is the end of Rachael's Rants and Ramblings. I hope that this was somewhat educational, if not an education on how I'm feeling and what I'm thinking, then an education in infertility. It's a real issue. 7.3 Million people in the United States struggle with it and if more people were willing to talk about it and be open about it, then maybe less people would deal with this grief on their own. I'm glad to have such supportive friends and family who help share these feelings and make me feel less alone.Rachaelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16365207325909399332noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6433165835233532138.post-31142498672049568982012-10-30T12:48:00.001-06:002012-10-30T12:48:32.455-06:00Ready for an UpdateI've been wanting to update the blog for a bit, but wanted to make sure I was in a good place before doing so. I'm pretty sure I'm in a good place now so here it goes.<br />
<br />
After the last post it took about a week to get the blood work back and about a week longer to get a straight answer from the doctor about the results. Here's what we found. Both of the embryos did implant, but they did not survive and cysts formed around them. We can not definitively say, but the doctor seemed confident when he said, that the embryos did not survive because of elevated C reactive protein levels. I had elevated C reactive protein levels because of the daily progesterone shots. Progesterone does not come in a raw form, it has to be injected in an oil, most commonly sesame oil because it is the least expensive form (at $60 per 8 day vial). It turns out that I have a sensitivity, not an allergy, to sesame oil and that caused the reaction in my blood and a week long case of hives at every injection site. The treatment for getting rid of the cysts is taking birth control to level out hormone levels, but I refused to take birth control, I'd rather let my body get itself back into whack on its own. I did, however, agree to take oral hydro cortisone to help lower the reactive proteins and to make the itching stop. So that's what we learned from try number one of IVF.<br />
<br />
Now, most people have asked or are wondering, when will you do try number two. The answer is, I don't know. It's hard to want to try again when you know how crappy it feels to have it not work out. When we do try again I'll be on progesterone in olive oil instead of sesame oil though, I do know that. With holidays coming up, it's hard to want to try again when it could end up ruining the holiday season. Then, there's the Hamilton family trip (most likely in February) which means based on cycle dates January and February are probably out... so who knows when a good time will be. I'm sure that we'll know when it's the right time, but for now, we've got no clue and I'm pretty okay with that.<br />
<br />
Since I only expressed anger and frustration in my last post, let me tell you a little about my personality. I pretty much hate feeling sad. It makes me feel powerless. So, I just feel angry about things so that I can feel in control, until I'm out of the zone of time when I might feel sad and then I just try to avoid feeling anything in general. I did pretty well avoiding things, but with my collection of baby stuff in the basement bedroom, it was kind of hard to avoid feelings forever. So that I don't have to feel sad when I see those things, I returned the bumbo seat to Walmart since they were recalled anyway and gave my dream car seat in the fabric that I loved the most to my sister-in-law. She'll be able to use it before I will, so at least it will get some use before it expires in 2015. It served me well as a model for the canopies and seat pads that I made in the past though. Now I just need to find a home for the stroller and a pottery barn boys bedding set. <br />
<br />
<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/AVvXsEi_VTC6Eok1iAoCJF9sFwAN9jXz8v4afLV3BL54yynrYIygjcd_XBSF_1E-rpV68yCrfdyoprAMGBeVrvGY8ZThHsSiDsDn3VC4P14WnX3fHnnrNdbLYu0ibwhQruDhAN6kUByUS3bWt4hq/s1600/P1010416.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_VTC6Eok1iAoCJF9sFwAN9jXz8v4afLV3BL54yynrYIygjcd_XBSF_1E-rpV68yCrfdyoprAMGBeVrvGY8ZThHsSiDsDn3VC4P14WnX3fHnnrNdbLYu0ibwhQruDhAN6kUByUS3bWt4hq/s320/P1010416.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This was my dream carseat</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
Just as I expected from the last post, I got all three reactions that I anticipated and I have to say, that I appreciated all of them. I even did okay with pregnancy announcements within the same week of finding out that our IVF cycle failed and only cried a little bit. I mostly loved my parents' willingness to say that they would drop everything and come out to visit if that's what I needed to feel better. They are so supportive and although I turned down their offer, knowing that I was more important than any work responsibilities made me understand that it's a relationship like theirs with me that really makes me want to have kids. I am so grateful to have such amazing people in my life. Since I feel like I am rambling now, I'll leave you with a quote shared by a great friend when she found out about our failed attempt. <span class="userContent">"In India, we have a saying: Everything will
be all right in the end. So if it is not all right, it is not yet the
end." -The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel So here's to this not being the end.</span><br />
Rachaelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16365207325909399332noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6433165835233532138.post-48300937968425610252012-09-19T18:19:00.000-06:002012-09-20T10:27:17.788-06:00Let's Be RealHave you ever written a post when you were so angry that your hands were literally shaking? No? I hadn't until just now, and it's probably a big mistake, but oh well, I need to write about this and haven't because I cared too much about people 1. being rude, 2. expressing pity, 3. acting like it's no big deal.<br />
<br />
Well, you know what? Screw all of the people who would have those responses. I feel really angry right now and I want to be open about why.<br />
<br />
Jon and I have been trying to get pregnant since May 2010. A little less than a year after we got married. Do the math and you will see that it's going on 2.5 years that we have been trying. In this amount of time I have seen people get married and pop out two children, and although I am happy for them, every time I see a birth announcement, ultrasound, or "I'm going to be a big sister/brother" post on Facebook it still feels like a stab in the heart.<br />
<br />
Now, this is where you are probably thinking, why haven't they gone to a doctor? Well, we have. We had a diagnosable issue that was addressed with medication and Jon and I were both considered in good health. Since it had been more than a year since we started trying, we sought the help of a fertility specialist, who, after getting the hormone levels worked out with a medication, said we would be great candidates for <a href="http://www.utahinfertility.com/services/iui-interuterine-insemination">IUI</a>. Well, six months down the road and three failed IUI attempts later, the doctor said we had to move on to the big guns, <a href="http://www.utahinfertility.com/minimal-stimulation-ivf">IVF</a>.<br />
<br />
Minimal stimulation IVF involves oral medication to increase the number of follicles that hold eggs. Then, daily shots to increase the size of the eggs and another daily shot that prevents the eggs from ovulating on their own. Finally, when they get to a good size, I trigger the eggs to be released with two shots of HCG and go into the doctor for a <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TC9UaNtpweE">procedure where they remove the eggs</a>. To help along the process, an awesome embryologist takes a sample from Jon, picks out the best sperm, and using a robotic arm with a microscopic needle, <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LYQVxd1MHuk">injects one sperm</a> into each retrieved egg. What is now formed is an embryo that is observed for two days to ensure that it is maturing properly and then the best two are <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MtoU_1VlzJs&feature=related">transferred back into the uterus</a>. Strict bedrest is enforced for two days after embryo transfer to allow the embryos the best possible chance of implantation and vigorous exercise as well as lifting items over 10 pounds are prohibited until a blood pregnancy test can be administered 12 days after transfer.<br />
<br />
So, that's sort of the science behind IVF. Here are some stats from our IVF cycle. We had 4 healthy eggs retrieved and all 4 were fertilized and survived the ICSI process. After two days of observation, the healthiest embryos were selected for transfer (we had a 9 celled AB quality embryo and an 8 celled A quality embryo). I was on bedrest and spent a relaxing weekend watching TV and reading. The other 2 embryos were observed for progress so that they could be frozen and used in future cycles to have more children. Sadly, neither of the "extra" embryos survived to become blastocysts. We were reassured at this stage that although those two did not make it, the environment in the uterus is much more friendly to embryos and that all was well. My hormone levels were checked and I diligently took a shot of progesterone in the hip every morning and tracked my weight and waist.<br />
<br />
Fast forward 12 days. This morning we went in for our HCG beta test, to find out if the embryos took. Upon arrival we were warmly greeted and everyone happily joked that we would have good news in an hour and a half when the blood work came back. I should have realized that when it took three tries to get the blood sample that nothing good was going to happen. The results came back negative. My HCG level was less than 1. Jon was loving enough to be the one to take the call and share the bad news with me. The doctor got lucky because I might have cussed him out if I had been the first to talk to him. After talking to Jon for a moment, the doctor wanted to talk to me and ask me questions about a family history of miscarriage. A history that I brought up 8 months ago and he chose to blow off. I was even taking baby aspirin at the time to deal with what I thought could be a problem and he told me to stop, for fear that it would thin my blood which could cause excessive bleeding during egg retrieval. I really appreciated being told by the nurses that only 1 in 10 IVF transfers don't take and that we had such great odds of things working. It sure made me feel great to be the 1 in 10 for whom it did not work. Well, thanks doc, for saying things like, With the quality of the embryos it should have worked, we'll just have to do some blood work to figure things out. Oh, and thanks doc, for faxing the order into the lab by my house, but, coding everything the wrong way so that I had to wait an hour for you to take their call and get things clarified. Oh, and thanks doc, for taking their call and rather than listening to the lab tech chick when she tried to get answers to her questions, you just told her that the results from this morning were correct and that I was not in fact pregnant so that when she got off of the phone she apologized five times for my unfortunate circumstances. Oh, and thanks doc, for ordering a test that costs $750 and is not covered by insurance to run a genetic test for a disorder of which my family has no history. Oh, and the solution for the disorder is to take 2 to 3 times the recommended dose of folic acid? I'm pretty sure it doesn't cost $750 to buy folic acid supplements from Costco. Thanks also for not having an answer for the lab tech chick and rather than you calling her back with the answer, you had your secretary call my cell phone to give me the answer. I had a great time putting your secretary on hold while I waited for lab tech chick to finish running drug tests for the other two people in the waiting area. It was just a blast spending that much time in the Lab Corp waiting area feeling angry and ready to cry. But really, thanks lab tech chick for being so nice about things, I know you hate your job, but you were really nice to me. Oh, and thanks to the Wendy's fast food guy for giving me my first taste of soda/caffeine/DrPepper in a month when I left the lab to come home and vent to my dog. Oh and thanks to the Red Cross, for calling to see if I'll donate blood tomorrow. I'm pretty sure that after 4 needle pricks and 4 vials of blood today I don't want to go. Call me next week and I'll be there, but today is not such a good day to say you want to do anything with my blood.<br />
<br />
So, there. That's why I am so angry that my hands are shaking as I type. I'm sick of infertility and not knowing why.<br />
<br />
To diffuse this anger and help you see that I am not a bitter witch I will say this, I am grateful that I live in a time when all of this is diagnosable. I am grateful that the doctor called in labs to try to find an answer as to why things didn't work. I am grateful to have such an affordable doctor who is really qualified and probably just as stumped by my body as I am. I am grateful that knowing I'm not pregnant means that I can ride every ride at Lagoon this Halloween and enjoy all of the rides at Disneyland when we go for Mickey's Halloween party. I wish that I were not able to ride them, but I can't change what's already happened. I'm also grateful to have such a supportive family and amazing group of friends who offer prayers and comfort but also know that it's okay to just be MAD. I'm grateful that even though this outcome is not at all what I wanted, that rather than praying for a baby, we all along have been praying for God's will to happen. I kind of hate that His will doesn't match mine right now, but He's got more experience than I do, so I just need to accept all of this. I just wish that for once there could be good news for us. Like I said, I'm happy when other people get good news, but it still hurts inside. So, thanks for letting me be real and let you know about this life experience that we are having. Sorry there are no pictures, but hey, I included some educational links.<!--1--><!--1--><!--1-->Rachaelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16365207325909399332noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6433165835233532138.post-25563512966863021882012-03-30T12:57:00.002-06:002012-10-30T11:09:21.471-06:00He Loves Me Because I'm CrazyPretty much anyone who reads this blog knows that I am a nut for baby gear. I blame my fascination on the fact that I worked at Babies'R'Us, but Jon knows the real reason, it's because I am crazy. Well, crazy me got some birthday money back in January and it's been eating a hole in my sock drawer waiting for the perfect deal to come along. See, I have a list of all of the baby gear that I want to own some day, and not just the brand, the specific fabric and style.<br />
<br />
Over the last three years we've collected quite a bit of this gear (carseat, stroller, high chair, pack n play, monitor, etc) for use when friends and family come over, but a few of the things do not come up used and in good condition on Craigslist and KSL very often. So, I've been patiently stalking Amazon and a few other retailers websites. Imagine my surprise when I found the exact Ergobaby Carrier that I had been coveting for months on Amazon on sale more than 30% off! Happy Birthday to me and the awesome carrier we'll use someday.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://store.ergobaby.com/UserFiles/Images/Products/EveningInInnsbruck_BCO001PPB84_L.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://store.ergobaby.com/UserFiles/Images/Products/EveningInInnsbruck_BCO001PPB84_L.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
Having a little bit of cash left in that sock drawer was eating away at me though. Silly? Yes. I should have been using it to get a couple new shirts for work or something practical, that I might actually need in the next few months, but no, I kept searching for that last item on my list. My dream diaper bag. Is it weird to have a dream diaper bag? Probably. Oh well. I was amazed to find out this last Saturday that the exact bag in the exact fabric that I wanted from Nordstrom was on sale! Basically half of the price of all of the other PPB bags. Not only was it on sale, but the store only a couple cities away had it in stock! I asked Jon if I was crazy for wanting it. After having dreams about wearing it to Disneyland (it's from a limited edition line called It's a Small World) three nights in a row, I decided to just bite the bullet and get the bag.<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://g-lvl3.nordstromimage.com/imagegallery/store/product/Gigantic/17/_6576257.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://g-lvl3.nordstromimage.com/imagegallery/store/product/Gigantic/17/_6576257.jpg" width="208" /></a></div>
I texted Jon right after I bought it today and his response, "dang it, I was going to get it for you on Monday and save it as a surprise for Mothers' Day." Oops. I guess I should have been more patient, but if anything I just learned that even though he might think I'm cuckoo he really does listen when I mention the things I am passionate about.<br />
<br />
P.S. This post is in no way an announcement of pregnancy. It's just me showing all of you what Jon deals with on a daily basis. We're hoping for an announcement of that variety in the next few months though. Stay tuned for more updates.Rachaelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16365207325909399332noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6433165835233532138.post-85547992837611146852011-12-11T23:29:00.000-07:002011-12-11T23:29:11.313-07:00Family PhotosJon and I are jumping on the Christmas Card bandwagon this year and decided that we needed a family photo taken for said Christmas card. We got a new fancy camera for Christmas this year and asked our friend Scott to test it out for us by taking the photos. We think that he did a fantastic job even if two of the photo subjects were a little squirmy.<br />
<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/AVvXsEgY_PKvMqrA_OAA8G1vigmGHYL57sWJknfcxFuI7t-t67Un_hYBn9gl8Q1fQgykz4vV9NnLBavIbxGawEC47Xu3VIaKs7O62NZhs-V2oTELsVg0hnj3x98mJAJ-UUzqTYq3pcvWkEMOjDrx/s1600/Just+Us.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgY_PKvMqrA_OAA8G1vigmGHYL57sWJknfcxFuI7t-t67Un_hYBn9gl8Q1fQgykz4vV9NnLBavIbxGawEC47Xu3VIaKs7O62NZhs-V2oTELsVg0hnj3x98mJAJ-UUzqTYq3pcvWkEMOjDrx/s320/Just+Us.JPG" width="213" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Just Us in our coordinating sweaters.</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<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/AVvXsEg8zC2IZbPRH_CTW-VSPFumhnwHjierM8FFLaCF6Wym2sAkZQ7I70_t8oGOfgr00dBLvnkdPFH8axSmH1H7g0TRul5vOK93bU4dC4jrySD2l27Bce-9PVidPeQ9-sXwAur6MzyXo03S3SgK/s1600/With+Animals.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8zC2IZbPRH_CTW-VSPFumhnwHjierM8FFLaCF6Wym2sAkZQ7I70_t8oGOfgr00dBLvnkdPFH8axSmH1H7g0TRul5vOK93bU4dC4jrySD2l27Bce-9PVidPeQ9-sXwAur6MzyXo03S3SgK/s320/With+Animals.JPG" width="213" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">With the squirmy creatures.</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<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/AVvXsEhhJ4UYWhWVf5MVh9Sg0hh01bGxaT_Z0PfdIrnUAjYsPwuayS6l1EQs94qzpfN2TpBIZvfdiFGmhW4aOJskO6Qb62bDlTo26pUoa8HugCidvZawFmqJXYAK3V00rXPjfNf-f7bNjYks7aRO/s1600/IMG_0341.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhJ4UYWhWVf5MVh9Sg0hh01bGxaT_Z0PfdIrnUAjYsPwuayS6l1EQs94qzpfN2TpBIZvfdiFGmhW4aOJskO6Qb62bDlTo26pUoa8HugCidvZawFmqJXYAK3V00rXPjfNf-f7bNjYks7aRO/s320/IMG_0341.JPG" width="213" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My favorite outtake that Jon says no to putting on the card...</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<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/AVvXsEgDaHMiXssjn2ma1VUEc8X7G0goury2BQPNxUrrKDnV1mBj9tsjx4-6ebRxfDR8X83ggR9D8WBH2B6XaYwq5dm_EBzMozWC6JEpIGIIvdppQZC3A3prrBu07MERppm12XzwJ5142tuuF97t/s1600/IMG_0342.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDaHMiXssjn2ma1VUEc8X7G0goury2BQPNxUrrKDnV1mBj9tsjx4-6ebRxfDR8X83ggR9D8WBH2B6XaYwq5dm_EBzMozWC6JEpIGIIvdppQZC3A3prrBu07MERppm12XzwJ5142tuuF97t/s320/IMG_0342.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">And just because we all know that animal pictures are cuter than people pictures... Sleeping Koda.</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<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/AVvXsEhctq6ElXhmABeRKAQC4QZNzPhlQ3HjrxFoHuNWevj_szIML149o7Aqtx3s9u4YWQEweDc_O9zHKl4McK5b9n8NPnCOY_d7rwbEIJ9ZxfzpmhpKvUsDJNCDNDYbVHLgFq3EFywCWrdvVj8R/s1600/IMG_0235.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhctq6ElXhmABeRKAQC4QZNzPhlQ3HjrxFoHuNWevj_szIML149o7Aqtx3s9u4YWQEweDc_O9zHKl4McK5b9n8NPnCOY_d7rwbEIJ9ZxfzpmhpKvUsDJNCDNDYbVHLgFq3EFywCWrdvVj8R/s320/IMG_0235.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The sticker on her forehead says, "Star." We thought that it fit quite well.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>Rachaelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16365207325909399332noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6433165835233532138.post-23162729488312629342011-11-22T07:49:00.001-07:002011-11-22T08:12:28.602-07:00Thanksgiving<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">Ugh, we still haven't been able to figure out how to get our France post to show that we posted it less than 5 months ago. <br />
<br />
Oh well, at least Thanksgiving is only TWO days away!<br />
<br />
Thanksgiving is one of my favorite holidays. If you know me, you're probably thinking, "ANY holiday where you get to eat as much as you want would be your favorite holiday!" And you would probably be right... but Thanksgiving is different. While I do love the food... turkey, mashed potatoes & gravy, broccoli casserole, stuffing, and pumpkin pie (mmmmmm)... Thanksgiving is about more than that.<br />
<br />
One of my other favorite things is to spend time with family, so this holiday is the perfect opportunity to combine the two. Although my parents and most of my siblings will be in San Diego this year, we do have Rachael's sister and her family coming up from Las Vegas to spend Thanksgiving with us. I'm really excited to have them visit and enjoy the holiday here in good ol' Utah.<br />
<br />
In addition to the food and family, I love this holiday because SO many people actually take the time to think about what they're thankful for, something that seems to fall by the wayside most of the time.<br />
<br />
I am thankful for so much, and I won't bore you with my list, but I will just say that at the top of it is my wonderful wife, Rachael. She is more amazing than I can express in a blog post. I am so thankful that she is my wife, and that we get to be together forever. <br />
<br />
Now I just have to work as hard as I can to make sure she feels the same! :)<br />
<br />
Happy Thanksgiving everyone!!!<br />
</div>Jonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11084428924608285986noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6433165835233532138.post-1759036752612123202011-11-16T13:00:00.000-07:002011-11-16T14:41:23.225-07:00France!<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhb4dw7bbS-khyphenhyphenjZ-NqNTPKZpO21VDHexNPzxHB6tB_PhrCwbo8MR_Rwf6wkmVIjZgO3T9fEkWojzYN-uK4ukvMvbgpwWaNJcFEYnIqrK53klXxkmqqn-MGNragrV-ANFJbOZMP2dKX48Kz/s1600/P1020463.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br />
</a></div><style>
<!-- /* Font Definitions */ @font-face {font-family:Arial; panose-1:2 11 6 4 2 2 2 2 2 4; mso-font-charset:0; mso-generic-font-family:auto; mso-font-pitch:variable; mso-font-signature:3 0 0 0 1 0;} @font-face {font-family:"Trebuchet MS"; panose-1:2 11 6 3 2 2 2 2 2 4; mso-font-charset:0; mso-generic-font-family:auto; mso-font-pitch:variable; mso-font-signature:3 0 0 0 1 0;} @font-face {font-family:"Droid Serif"; mso-font-alt:"Times New Roman"; mso-font-charset:0; mso-generic-font-family:auto; mso-font-pitch:auto; mso-font-signature:0 0 0 0 0 0;} /* Style Definitions */ p.MsoNormal, li.MsoNormal, div.MsoNormal {mso-style-parent:""; margin:0in; margin-bottom:.0001pt; line-height:115%; mso-pagination:widow-orphan; font-size:11.0pt; font-family:Arial; mso-fareast-font-family:Arial; mso-bidi-font-family:Arial; color:black;} h1 {mso-style-link:"Heading 1 Char"; mso-style-next:Normal; margin-top:24.0pt; margin-right:0in; margin-bottom:6.0pt; margin-left:0in; mso-pagination:widow-orphan; mso-outline-level:1; font-size:24.0pt; font-family:Arial; mso-fareast-font-family:Arial; mso-bidi-font-family:Arial; color:black; mso-font-kerning:0pt; mso-bidi-font-weight:bold;} h2 {mso-style-link:"Heading 2 Char"; mso-style-next:Normal; margin-top:.25in; margin-right:0in; margin-bottom:4.0pt; margin-left:0in; mso-pagination:widow-orphan; mso-outline-level:2; font-size:18.0pt; font-family:Arial; mso-fareast-font-family:Arial; mso-bidi-font-family:Arial; color:black; mso-bidi-font-weight:bold;} h3 {mso-style-link:"Heading 3 Char"; mso-style-next:Normal; margin-top:14.0pt; margin-right:0in; margin-bottom:4.0pt; margin-left:0in; mso-pagination:widow-orphan; mso-outline-level:3; font-size:14.0pt; font-family:Arial; mso-fareast-font-family:Arial; mso-bidi-font-family:Arial; color:black; mso-bidi-font-weight:bold;} h4 {mso-style-link:"Heading 4 Char"; mso-style-next:Normal; margin-top:12.0pt; margin-right:0in; margin-bottom:2.0pt; margin-left:0in; mso-pagination:widow-orphan; mso-outline-level:4; font-size:12.0pt; font-family:Arial; mso-fareast-font-family:Arial; mso-bidi-font-family:Arial; color:black; mso-bidi-font-weight:bold;} h5 {mso-style-link:"Heading 5 Char"; mso-style-next:Normal; margin-top:11.0pt; margin-right:0in; margin-bottom:2.0pt; margin-left:0in; mso-pagination:widow-orphan; mso-outline-level:5; font-size:11.0pt; font-family:Arial; mso-fareast-font-family:Arial; mso-bidi-font-family:Arial; color:black; mso-bidi-font-weight:bold;} h6 {mso-style-link:"Heading 6 Char"; mso-style-next:Normal; margin-top:10.0pt; margin-right:0in; margin-bottom:2.0pt; margin-left:0in; mso-pagination:widow-orphan; mso-outline-level:6; font-size:10.0pt; font-family:Arial; mso-fareast-font-family:Arial; mso-bidi-font-family:Arial; color:black; mso-bidi-font-weight:bold;} span.Heading1Char {mso-style-name:"Heading 1 Char"; mso-style-locked:yes; mso-style-link:"Heading 1"; mso-ansi-font-size:24.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size:24.0pt; font-family:Arial; mso-ascii-font-family:Arial; mso-fareast-font-family:Arial; mso-hansi-font-family:Arial; mso-bidi-font-family:Arial; color:black; font-weight:bold;} span.Heading2Char {mso-style-name:"Heading 2 Char"; mso-style-locked:yes; mso-style-link:"Heading 2"; mso-ansi-font-size:18.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size:18.0pt; font-family:Arial; mso-ascii-font-family:Arial; mso-fareast-font-family:Arial; mso-hansi-font-family:Arial; mso-bidi-font-family:Arial; color:black; font-weight:bold;} span.Heading3Char {mso-style-name:"Heading 3 Char"; mso-style-locked:yes; mso-style-link:"Heading 3"; mso-ansi-font-size:14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size:14.0pt; font-family:Arial; mso-ascii-font-family:Arial; mso-fareast-font-family:Arial; mso-hansi-font-family:Arial; mso-bidi-font-family:Arial; color:black; font-weight:bold;} span.Heading4Char {mso-style-name:"Heading 4 Char"; mso-style-locked:yes; mso-style-link:"Heading 4"; mso-ansi-font-size:12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size:12.0pt; font-family:Arial; mso-ascii-font-family:Arial; mso-fareast-font-family:Arial; mso-hansi-font-family:Arial; mso-bidi-font-family:Arial; color:black; font-weight:bold;} span.Heading5Char {mso-style-name:"Heading 5 Char"; mso-style-locked:yes; mso-style-link:"Heading 5"; mso-ansi-font-size:11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size:11.0pt; font-family:Arial; mso-ascii-font-family:Arial; mso-fareast-font-family:Arial; mso-hansi-font-family:Arial; mso-bidi-font-family:Arial; color:black; font-weight:bold;} span.Heading6Char {mso-style-name:"Heading 6 Char"; mso-style-locked:yes; mso-style-link:"Heading 6"; font-family:Arial; mso-ascii-font-family:Arial; mso-fareast-font-family:Arial; mso-hansi-font-family:Arial; mso-bidi-font-family:Arial; color:black; font-weight:bold;} @page Section1 {size:8.5in 11.0in; margin:1.0in 1.25in 1.0in 1.25in; mso-header-margin:.5in; mso-footer-margin:.5in; mso-paper-source:0;} div.Section1 {page:Section1;} /* List Definitions */ @list l0 {mso-list-id:1; mso-list-type:hybrid; mso-list-template-ids:1 -1 -1 -1 -1 -1 -1 -1 -1 -1;} @list l0:level1 {mso-level-number-format:bullet; mso-level-text:●; mso-level-tab-stop:.25in; mso-level-number-position:left; text-indent:-.25in; mso-ansi-font-size:12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size:12.0pt; mso-ascii-font-family:"Droid Serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"Droid Serif"; mso-hansi-font-family:"Droid Serif"; mso-bidi-font-family:"Droid Serif"; color:black; mso-ansi-font-weight:normal; mso-bidi-font-weight:normal; mso-ansi-font-style:normal; mso-bidi-font-style:normal; text-decoration:none; text-underline:none; text-decoration:none; text-line-through:none;} @list l0:level2 {mso-level-number-format:bullet; mso-level-text:○; mso-level-tab-stop:.75in; mso-level-number-position:left; text-indent:-.25in; mso-ansi-font-size:12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size:12.0pt; mso-ascii-font-family:"Droid Serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"Droid Serif"; mso-hansi-font-family:"Droid Serif"; mso-bidi-font-family:"Droid Serif"; color:black; mso-ansi-font-weight:normal; mso-bidi-font-weight:normal; mso-ansi-font-style:normal; mso-bidi-font-style:normal; text-decoration:none; text-underline:none; text-decoration:none; text-line-through:none;} @list l0:level3 {mso-level-number-format:bullet; mso-level-text:■; mso-level-tab-stop:1.25in; mso-level-number-position:right; text-indent:-9.0pt; mso-ansi-font-size:12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size:12.0pt; mso-ascii-font-family:"Droid Serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"Droid Serif"; mso-hansi-font-family:"Droid Serif"; mso-bidi-font-family:"Droid Serif"; color:black; mso-ansi-font-weight:normal; mso-bidi-font-weight:normal; mso-ansi-font-style:normal; mso-bidi-font-style:normal; text-decoration:none; text-underline:none; text-decoration:none; text-line-through:none;} @list l0:level4 {mso-level-number-format:bullet; mso-level-text:●; mso-level-tab-stop:1.75in; mso-level-number-position:left; text-indent:-.25in; mso-ansi-font-size:12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size:12.0pt; mso-ascii-font-family:"Droid Serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"Droid Serif"; mso-hansi-font-family:"Droid Serif"; mso-bidi-font-family:"Droid Serif"; color:black; mso-ansi-font-weight:normal; mso-bidi-font-weight:normal; mso-ansi-font-style:normal; mso-bidi-font-style:normal; text-decoration:none; text-underline:none; text-decoration:none; text-line-through:none;} @list l0:level5 {mso-level-number-format:bullet; mso-level-text:○; mso-level-tab-stop:2.25in; mso-level-number-position:left; text-indent:-.25in; mso-ansi-font-size:12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size:12.0pt; mso-ascii-font-family:"Droid Serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"Droid Serif"; mso-hansi-font-family:"Droid Serif"; mso-bidi-font-family:"Droid Serif"; color:black; mso-ansi-font-weight:normal; mso-bidi-font-weight:normal; mso-ansi-font-style:normal; mso-bidi-font-style:normal; text-decoration:none; text-underline:none; text-decoration:none; text-line-through:none;} @list l0:level6 {mso-level-number-format:bullet; mso-level-text:■; mso-level-tab-stop:2.75in; mso-level-number-position:right; text-indent:-9.0pt; mso-ansi-font-size:12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size:12.0pt; mso-ascii-font-family:"Droid Serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"Droid Serif"; mso-hansi-font-family:"Droid Serif"; mso-bidi-font-family:"Droid Serif"; color:black; mso-ansi-font-weight:normal; mso-bidi-font-weight:normal; mso-ansi-font-style:normal; mso-bidi-font-style:normal; text-decoration:none; text-underline:none; text-decoration:none; text-line-through:none;} @list l0:level7 {mso-level-number-format:bullet; mso-level-text:●; mso-level-tab-stop:3.25in; mso-level-number-position:left; text-indent:-.25in; mso-ansi-font-size:12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size:12.0pt; mso-ascii-font-family:"Droid Serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"Droid Serif"; mso-hansi-font-family:"Droid Serif"; mso-bidi-font-family:"Droid Serif"; color:black; mso-ansi-font-weight:normal; mso-bidi-font-weight:normal; mso-ansi-font-style:normal; mso-bidi-font-style:normal; text-decoration:none; text-underline:none; text-decoration:none; text-line-through:none;} @list l0:level8 {mso-level-number-format:bullet; mso-level-text:○; mso-level-tab-stop:3.75in; mso-level-number-position:left; text-indent:-.25in; mso-ansi-font-size:12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size:12.0pt; mso-ascii-font-family:"Droid Serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"Droid Serif"; mso-hansi-font-family:"Droid Serif"; mso-bidi-font-family:"Droid Serif"; color:black; mso-ansi-font-weight:normal; mso-bidi-font-weight:normal; mso-ansi-font-style:normal; mso-bidi-font-style:normal; text-decoration:none; text-underline:none; text-decoration:none; text-line-through:none;} @list l0:level9 {mso-level-number-format:bullet; mso-level-text:■; mso-level-tab-stop:4.25in; mso-level-number-position:right; text-indent:-9.0pt; mso-ansi-font-size:12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size:12.0pt; mso-ascii-font-family:"Droid Serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"Droid Serif"; mso-hansi-font-family:"Droid Serif"; mso-bidi-font-family:"Droid Serif"; color:black; mso-ansi-font-weight:normal; mso-bidi-font-weight:normal; mso-ansi-font-style:normal; mso-bidi-font-style:normal; text-decoration:none; text-underline:none; text-decoration:none; text-line-through:none;} @list l1 {mso-list-id:2; mso-list-type:hybrid; mso-list-template-ids:2 -1 -1 -1 -1 -1 -1 -1 -1 -1;} @list l1:level1 {mso-level-number-format:bullet; mso-level-text:●; mso-level-tab-stop:.25in; mso-level-number-position:left; text-indent:-.25in; mso-ansi-font-size:12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size:12.0pt; mso-ascii-font-family:"Droid Serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"Droid Serif"; mso-hansi-font-family:"Droid Serif"; mso-bidi-font-family:"Droid Serif"; color:black; mso-ansi-font-weight:normal; mso-bidi-font-weight:normal; mso-ansi-font-style:normal; mso-bidi-font-style:normal; text-decoration:none; text-underline:none; text-decoration:none; text-line-through:none;} @list l1:level2 {mso-level-number-format:bullet; mso-level-text:○; mso-level-tab-stop:.75in; mso-level-number-position:left; text-indent:-.25in; mso-ansi-font-size:12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size:12.0pt; mso-ascii-font-family:"Droid Serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"Droid Serif"; mso-hansi-font-family:"Droid Serif"; mso-bidi-font-family:"Droid Serif"; color:black; mso-ansi-font-weight:normal; mso-bidi-font-weight:normal; mso-ansi-font-style:normal; mso-bidi-font-style:normal; text-decoration:none; text-underline:none; text-decoration:none; text-line-through:none;} @list l1:level3 {mso-level-number-format:bullet; mso-level-text:■; mso-level-tab-stop:1.25in; mso-level-number-position:right; text-indent:-9.0pt; mso-ansi-font-size:12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size:12.0pt; mso-ascii-font-family:"Droid Serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"Droid Serif"; mso-hansi-font-family:"Droid Serif"; mso-bidi-font-family:"Droid Serif"; color:black; mso-ansi-font-weight:normal; mso-bidi-font-weight:normal; mso-ansi-font-style:normal; mso-bidi-font-style:normal; text-decoration:none; text-underline:none; text-decoration:none; text-line-through:none;} @list l1:level4 {mso-level-number-format:bullet; mso-level-text:●; mso-level-tab-stop:1.75in; mso-level-number-position:left; text-indent:-.25in; mso-ansi-font-size:12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size:12.0pt; mso-ascii-font-family:"Droid Serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"Droid Serif"; mso-hansi-font-family:"Droid Serif"; mso-bidi-font-family:"Droid Serif"; color:black; mso-ansi-font-weight:normal; mso-bidi-font-weight:normal; mso-ansi-font-style:normal; mso-bidi-font-style:normal; text-decoration:none; text-underline:none; text-decoration:none; text-line-through:none;} @list l1:level5 {mso-level-number-format:bullet; mso-level-text:○; mso-level-tab-stop:2.25in; mso-level-number-position:left; text-indent:-.25in; mso-ansi-font-size:12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size:12.0pt; mso-ascii-font-family:"Droid Serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"Droid Serif"; mso-hansi-font-family:"Droid Serif"; mso-bidi-font-family:"Droid Serif"; color:black; mso-ansi-font-weight:normal; mso-bidi-font-weight:normal; mso-ansi-font-style:normal; mso-bidi-font-style:normal; text-decoration:none; text-underline:none; text-decoration:none; text-line-through:none;} @list l1:level6 {mso-level-number-format:bullet; mso-level-text:■; mso-level-tab-stop:2.75in; mso-level-number-position:right; text-indent:-9.0pt; mso-ansi-font-size:12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size:12.0pt; mso-ascii-font-family:"Droid Serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"Droid Serif"; mso-hansi-font-family:"Droid Serif"; mso-bidi-font-family:"Droid Serif"; color:black; mso-ansi-font-weight:normal; mso-bidi-font-weight:normal; mso-ansi-font-style:normal; mso-bidi-font-style:normal; text-decoration:none; text-underline:none; text-decoration:none; text-line-through:none;} @list l1:level7 {mso-level-number-format:bullet; mso-level-text:●; mso-level-tab-stop:3.25in; mso-level-number-position:left; text-indent:-.25in; mso-ansi-font-size:12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size:12.0pt; mso-ascii-font-family:"Droid Serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"Droid Serif"; mso-hansi-font-family:"Droid Serif"; mso-bidi-font-family:"Droid Serif"; color:black; mso-ansi-font-weight:normal; mso-bidi-font-weight:normal; mso-ansi-font-style:normal; mso-bidi-font-style:normal; text-decoration:none; text-underline:none; text-decoration:none; text-line-through:none;} @list l1:level8 {mso-level-number-format:bullet; mso-level-text:○; mso-level-tab-stop:3.75in; mso-level-number-position:left; text-indent:-.25in; mso-ansi-font-size:12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size:12.0pt; mso-ascii-font-family:"Droid Serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"Droid Serif"; mso-hansi-font-family:"Droid Serif"; mso-bidi-font-family:"Droid Serif"; color:black; mso-ansi-font-weight:normal; mso-bidi-font-weight:normal; mso-ansi-font-style:normal; mso-bidi-font-style:normal; text-decoration:none; text-underline:none; text-decoration:none; text-line-through:none;} @list l1:level9 {mso-level-number-format:bullet; mso-level-text:■; mso-level-tab-stop:4.25in; mso-level-number-position:right; text-indent:-9.0pt; mso-ansi-font-size:12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size:12.0pt; mso-ascii-font-family:"Droid Serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"Droid Serif"; mso-hansi-font-family:"Droid Serif"; mso-bidi-font-family:"Droid Serif"; color:black; mso-ansi-font-weight:normal; mso-bidi-font-weight:normal; mso-ansi-font-style:normal; mso-bidi-font-style:normal; text-decoration:none; text-underline:none; text-decoration:none; text-line-through:none;} @list l2 {mso-list-id:3; mso-list-type:hybrid; mso-list-template-ids:3 -1 -1 -1 -1 -1 -1 -1 -1 -1;} @list l2:level1 {mso-level-number-format:bullet; mso-level-text:●; mso-level-tab-stop:.25in; mso-level-number-position:left; text-indent:-.25in; mso-ansi-font-size:12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size:12.0pt; mso-ascii-font-family:"Droid Serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"Droid Serif"; mso-hansi-font-family:"Droid Serif"; mso-bidi-font-family:"Droid Serif"; color:black; mso-ansi-font-weight:normal; mso-bidi-font-weight:normal; mso-ansi-font-style:normal; mso-bidi-font-style:normal; text-decoration:none; text-underline:none; text-decoration:none; text-line-through:none;} @list l2:level2 {mso-level-number-format:bullet; mso-level-text:○; mso-level-tab-stop:.75in; mso-level-number-position:left; text-indent:-.25in; mso-ansi-font-size:12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size:12.0pt; mso-ascii-font-family:"Droid Serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"Droid Serif"; mso-hansi-font-family:"Droid Serif"; mso-bidi-font-family:"Droid Serif"; color:black; mso-ansi-font-weight:normal; mso-bidi-font-weight:normal; mso-ansi-font-style:normal; mso-bidi-font-style:normal; text-decoration:none; text-underline:none; text-decoration:none; text-line-through:none;} @list l2:level3 {mso-level-number-format:bullet; mso-level-text:■; mso-level-tab-stop:1.25in; mso-level-number-position:right; text-indent:-9.0pt; mso-ansi-font-size:12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size:12.0pt; mso-ascii-font-family:"Droid Serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"Droid Serif"; mso-hansi-font-family:"Droid Serif"; mso-bidi-font-family:"Droid Serif"; color:black; mso-ansi-font-weight:normal; mso-bidi-font-weight:normal; mso-ansi-font-style:normal; mso-bidi-font-style:normal; text-decoration:none; text-underline:none; text-decoration:none; text-line-through:none;} @list l2:level4 {mso-level-number-format:bullet; mso-level-text:●; mso-level-tab-stop:1.75in; mso-level-number-position:left; text-indent:-.25in; mso-ansi-font-size:12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size:12.0pt; mso-ascii-font-family:"Droid Serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"Droid Serif"; mso-hansi-font-family:"Droid Serif"; mso-bidi-font-family:"Droid Serif"; color:black; mso-ansi-font-weight:normal; mso-bidi-font-weight:normal; mso-ansi-font-style:normal; mso-bidi-font-style:normal; text-decoration:none; text-underline:none; text-decoration:none; text-line-through:none;} @list l2:level5 {mso-level-number-format:bullet; mso-level-text:○; mso-level-tab-stop:2.25in; mso-level-number-position:left; text-indent:-.25in; mso-ansi-font-size:12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size:12.0pt; mso-ascii-font-family:"Droid Serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"Droid Serif"; mso-hansi-font-family:"Droid Serif"; mso-bidi-font-family:"Droid Serif"; color:black; mso-ansi-font-weight:normal; mso-bidi-font-weight:normal; mso-ansi-font-style:normal; mso-bidi-font-style:normal; text-decoration:none; text-underline:none; text-decoration:none; text-line-through:none;} @list l2:level6 {mso-level-number-format:bullet; mso-level-text:■; mso-level-tab-stop:2.75in; mso-level-number-position:right; text-indent:-9.0pt; mso-ansi-font-size:12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size:12.0pt; mso-ascii-font-family:"Droid Serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"Droid Serif"; mso-hansi-font-family:"Droid Serif"; mso-bidi-font-family:"Droid Serif"; color:black; mso-ansi-font-weight:normal; mso-bidi-font-weight:normal; mso-ansi-font-style:normal; mso-bidi-font-style:normal; text-decoration:none; text-underline:none; text-decoration:none; text-line-through:none;} @list l2:level7 {mso-level-number-format:bullet; mso-level-text:●; mso-level-tab-stop:3.25in; mso-level-number-position:left; text-indent:-.25in; mso-ansi-font-size:12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size:12.0pt; mso-ascii-font-family:"Droid Serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"Droid Serif"; mso-hansi-font-family:"Droid Serif"; mso-bidi-font-family:"Droid Serif"; color:black; mso-ansi-font-weight:normal; mso-bidi-font-weight:normal; mso-ansi-font-style:normal; mso-bidi-font-style:normal; text-decoration:none; text-underline:none; text-decoration:none; text-line-through:none;} @list l2:level8 {mso-level-number-format:bullet; mso-level-text:○; mso-level-tab-stop:3.75in; mso-level-number-position:left; text-indent:-.25in; mso-ansi-font-size:12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size:12.0pt; mso-ascii-font-family:"Droid Serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"Droid Serif"; mso-hansi-font-family:"Droid Serif"; mso-bidi-font-family:"Droid Serif"; color:black; mso-ansi-font-weight:normal; mso-bidi-font-weight:normal; mso-ansi-font-style:normal; mso-bidi-font-style:normal; text-decoration:none; text-underline:none; text-decoration:none; text-line-through:none;} @list l2:level9 {mso-level-number-format:bullet; mso-level-text:■; mso-level-tab-stop:4.25in; mso-level-number-position:right; text-indent:-9.0pt; mso-ansi-font-size:12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size:12.0pt; mso-ascii-font-family:"Droid Serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"Droid Serif"; mso-hansi-font-family:"Droid Serif"; mso-bidi-font-family:"Droid Serif"; color:black; mso-ansi-font-weight:normal; mso-bidi-font-weight:normal; mso-ansi-font-style:normal; mso-bidi-font-style:normal; text-decoration:none; text-underline:none; text-decoration:none; text-line-through:none;} @list l3 {mso-list-id:4; mso-list-type:hybrid; mso-list-template-ids:4 -1 -1 -1 -1 -1 -1 -1 -1 -1;} @list l3:level1 {mso-level-number-format:bullet; mso-level-text:●; mso-level-tab-stop:.25in; mso-level-number-position:left; text-indent:-.25in; mso-ansi-font-size:12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size:12.0pt; mso-ascii-font-family:"Droid Serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"Droid Serif"; mso-hansi-font-family:"Droid Serif"; mso-bidi-font-family:"Droid Serif"; color:black; mso-ansi-font-weight:normal; mso-bidi-font-weight:normal; mso-ansi-font-style:normal; mso-bidi-font-style:normal; text-decoration:none; text-underline:none; text-decoration:none; text-line-through:none;} @list l3:level2 {mso-level-number-format:bullet; mso-level-text:○; mso-level-tab-stop:.75in; mso-level-number-position:left; text-indent:-.25in; mso-ansi-font-size:12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size:12.0pt; mso-ascii-font-family:"Droid Serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"Droid Serif"; mso-hansi-font-family:"Droid Serif"; mso-bidi-font-family:"Droid Serif"; color:black; mso-ansi-font-weight:normal; mso-bidi-font-weight:normal; mso-ansi-font-style:normal; mso-bidi-font-style:normal; text-decoration:none; text-underline:none; text-decoration:none; text-line-through:none;} @list l3:level3 {mso-level-number-format:bullet; mso-level-text:■; mso-level-tab-stop:1.25in; mso-level-number-position:right; text-indent:-9.0pt; mso-ansi-font-size:12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size:12.0pt; mso-ascii-font-family:"Droid Serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"Droid Serif"; mso-hansi-font-family:"Droid Serif"; mso-bidi-font-family:"Droid Serif"; color:black; mso-ansi-font-weight:normal; mso-bidi-font-weight:normal; mso-ansi-font-style:normal; mso-bidi-font-style:normal; text-decoration:none; text-underline:none; text-decoration:none; text-line-through:none;} @list l3:level4 {mso-level-number-format:bullet; mso-level-text:●; mso-level-tab-stop:1.75in; mso-level-number-position:left; text-indent:-.25in; mso-ansi-font-size:12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size:12.0pt; mso-ascii-font-family:"Droid Serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"Droid Serif"; mso-hansi-font-family:"Droid Serif"; mso-bidi-font-family:"Droid Serif"; color:black; mso-ansi-font-weight:normal; mso-bidi-font-weight:normal; mso-ansi-font-style:normal; mso-bidi-font-style:normal; text-decoration:none; text-underline:none; text-decoration:none; text-line-through:none;} @list l3:level5 {mso-level-number-format:bullet; mso-level-text:○; mso-level-tab-stop:2.25in; mso-level-number-position:left; text-indent:-.25in; mso-ansi-font-size:12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size:12.0pt; mso-ascii-font-family:"Droid Serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"Droid Serif"; mso-hansi-font-family:"Droid Serif"; mso-bidi-font-family:"Droid Serif"; color:black; mso-ansi-font-weight:normal; mso-bidi-font-weight:normal; mso-ansi-font-style:normal; mso-bidi-font-style:normal; text-decoration:none; text-underline:none; text-decoration:none; text-line-through:none;} @list l3:level6 {mso-level-number-format:bullet; mso-level-text:■; mso-level-tab-stop:2.75in; mso-level-number-position:right; text-indent:-9.0pt; mso-ansi-font-size:12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size:12.0pt; mso-ascii-font-family:"Droid Serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"Droid Serif"; mso-hansi-font-family:"Droid Serif"; mso-bidi-font-family:"Droid Serif"; color:black; mso-ansi-font-weight:normal; mso-bidi-font-weight:normal; mso-ansi-font-style:normal; mso-bidi-font-style:normal; text-decoration:none; text-underline:none; text-decoration:none; text-line-through:none;} @list l3:level7 {mso-level-number-format:bullet; mso-level-text:●; mso-level-tab-stop:3.25in; mso-level-number-position:left; text-indent:-.25in; mso-ansi-font-size:12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size:12.0pt; mso-ascii-font-family:"Droid Serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"Droid Serif"; mso-hansi-font-family:"Droid Serif"; mso-bidi-font-family:"Droid Serif"; color:black; mso-ansi-font-weight:normal; mso-bidi-font-weight:normal; mso-ansi-font-style:normal; mso-bidi-font-style:normal; text-decoration:none; text-underline:none; text-decoration:none; text-line-through:none;} @list l3:level8 {mso-level-number-format:bullet; mso-level-text:○; mso-level-tab-stop:3.75in; mso-level-number-position:left; text-indent:-.25in; mso-ansi-font-size:12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size:12.0pt; mso-ascii-font-family:"Droid Serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"Droid Serif"; mso-hansi-font-family:"Droid Serif"; mso-bidi-font-family:"Droid Serif"; color:black; mso-ansi-font-weight:normal; mso-bidi-font-weight:normal; mso-ansi-font-style:normal; mso-bidi-font-style:normal; text-decoration:none; text-underline:none; text-decoration:none; text-line-through:none;} @list l3:level9 {mso-level-number-format:bullet; mso-level-text:■; mso-level-tab-stop:4.25in; mso-level-number-position:right; text-indent:-9.0pt; mso-ansi-font-size:12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size:12.0pt; mso-ascii-font-family:"Droid Serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"Droid Serif"; mso-hansi-font-family:"Droid Serif"; mso-bidi-font-family:"Droid Serif"; color:black; mso-ansi-font-weight:normal; mso-bidi-font-weight:normal; mso-ansi-font-style:normal; mso-bidi-font-style:normal; text-decoration:none; text-underline:none; text-decoration:none; text-line-through:none;} @list l4 {mso-list-id:5; mso-list-type:hybrid; mso-list-template-ids:5 -1 -1 -1 -1 -1 -1 -1 -1 -1;} @list l4:level1 {mso-level-number-format:bullet; mso-level-text:●; mso-level-tab-stop:.25in; mso-level-number-position:left; text-indent:-.25in; mso-ansi-font-size:12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size:12.0pt; mso-ascii-font-family:"Droid Serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"Droid Serif"; mso-hansi-font-family:"Droid Serif"; mso-bidi-font-family:"Droid Serif"; color:black; mso-ansi-font-weight:normal; mso-bidi-font-weight:normal; mso-ansi-font-style:normal; mso-bidi-font-style:normal; text-decoration:none; text-underline:none; text-decoration:none; text-line-through:none;} @list l4:level2 {mso-level-number-format:bullet; mso-level-text:○; mso-level-tab-stop:.75in; mso-level-number-position:left; text-indent:-.25in; mso-ansi-font-size:12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size:12.0pt; mso-ascii-font-family:"Droid Serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"Droid Serif"; mso-hansi-font-family:"Droid Serif"; mso-bidi-font-family:"Droid Serif"; color:black; mso-ansi-font-weight:normal; mso-bidi-font-weight:normal; mso-ansi-font-style:normal; mso-bidi-font-style:normal; text-decoration:none; text-underline:none; text-decoration:none; text-line-through:none;} @list l4:level3 {mso-level-number-format:bullet; mso-level-text:■; mso-level-tab-stop:1.25in; mso-level-number-position:right; text-indent:-9.0pt; mso-ansi-font-size:12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size:12.0pt; mso-ascii-font-family:"Droid Serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"Droid Serif"; mso-hansi-font-family:"Droid Serif"; mso-bidi-font-family:"Droid Serif"; color:black; mso-ansi-font-weight:normal; mso-bidi-font-weight:normal; mso-ansi-font-style:normal; mso-bidi-font-style:normal; text-decoration:none; text-underline:none; text-decoration:none; text-line-through:none;} @list l4:level4 {mso-level-number-format:bullet; mso-level-text:●; mso-level-tab-stop:1.75in; mso-level-number-position:left; text-indent:-.25in; mso-ansi-font-size:12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size:12.0pt; mso-ascii-font-family:"Droid Serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"Droid Serif"; mso-hansi-font-family:"Droid Serif"; mso-bidi-font-family:"Droid Serif"; color:black; mso-ansi-font-weight:normal; mso-bidi-font-weight:normal; mso-ansi-font-style:normal; mso-bidi-font-style:normal; text-decoration:none; text-underline:none; text-decoration:none; text-line-through:none;} @list l4:level5 {mso-level-number-format:bullet; mso-level-text:○; mso-level-tab-stop:2.25in; mso-level-number-position:left; text-indent:-.25in; mso-ansi-font-size:12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size:12.0pt; mso-ascii-font-family:"Droid Serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"Droid Serif"; mso-hansi-font-family:"Droid Serif"; mso-bidi-font-family:"Droid Serif"; color:black; mso-ansi-font-weight:normal; mso-bidi-font-weight:normal; mso-ansi-font-style:normal; mso-bidi-font-style:normal; text-decoration:none; text-underline:none; text-decoration:none; text-line-through:none;} @list l4:level6 {mso-level-number-format:bullet; mso-level-text:■; mso-level-tab-stop:2.75in; mso-level-number-position:right; text-indent:-9.0pt; mso-ansi-font-size:12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size:12.0pt; mso-ascii-font-family:"Droid Serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"Droid Serif"; mso-hansi-font-family:"Droid Serif"; mso-bidi-font-family:"Droid Serif"; color:black; mso-ansi-font-weight:normal; mso-bidi-font-weight:normal; mso-ansi-font-style:normal; mso-bidi-font-style:normal; text-decoration:none; text-underline:none; text-decoration:none; text-line-through:none;} @list l4:level7 {mso-level-number-format:bullet; mso-level-text:●; mso-level-tab-stop:3.25in; mso-level-number-position:left; text-indent:-.25in; mso-ansi-font-size:12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size:12.0pt; mso-ascii-font-family:"Droid Serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"Droid Serif"; mso-hansi-font-family:"Droid Serif"; mso-bidi-font-family:"Droid Serif"; color:black; mso-ansi-font-weight:normal; mso-bidi-font-weight:normal; mso-ansi-font-style:normal; mso-bidi-font-style:normal; text-decoration:none; text-underline:none; text-decoration:none; text-line-through:none;} @list l4:level8 {mso-level-number-format:bullet; mso-level-text:○; mso-level-tab-stop:3.75in; mso-level-number-position:left; text-indent:-.25in; mso-ansi-font-size:12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size:12.0pt; mso-ascii-font-family:"Droid Serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"Droid Serif"; mso-hansi-font-family:"Droid Serif"; mso-bidi-font-family:"Droid Serif"; color:black; mso-ansi-font-weight:normal; mso-bidi-font-weight:normal; mso-ansi-font-style:normal; mso-bidi-font-style:normal; text-decoration:none; text-underline:none; text-decoration:none; text-line-through:none;} @list l4:level9 {mso-level-number-format:bullet; mso-level-text:■; mso-level-tab-stop:4.25in; mso-level-number-position:right; text-indent:-9.0pt; mso-ansi-font-size:12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size:12.0pt; mso-ascii-font-family:"Droid Serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"Droid Serif"; mso-hansi-font-family:"Droid Serif"; mso-bidi-font-family:"Droid Serif"; color:black; mso-ansi-font-weight:normal; mso-bidi-font-weight:normal; mso-ansi-font-style:normal; mso-bidi-font-style:normal; text-decoration:none; text-underline:none; text-decoration:none; text-line-through:none;} @list l5 {mso-list-id:6; mso-list-type:hybrid; mso-list-template-ids:6 -1 -1 -1 -1 -1 -1 -1 -1 -1;} @list l5:level1 {mso-level-number-format:bullet; mso-level-text:●; mso-level-tab-stop:.25in; mso-level-number-position:left; text-indent:-.25in; mso-ansi-font-size:12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size:12.0pt; mso-ascii-font-family:"Droid Serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"Droid Serif"; mso-hansi-font-family:"Droid Serif"; mso-bidi-font-family:"Droid Serif"; color:black; mso-ansi-font-weight:normal; mso-bidi-font-weight:normal; mso-ansi-font-style:normal; mso-bidi-font-style:normal; text-decoration:none; text-underline:none; text-decoration:none; text-line-through:none;} @list l5:level2 {mso-level-number-format:bullet; mso-level-text:○; mso-level-tab-stop:.75in; mso-level-number-position:left; text-indent:-.25in; mso-ansi-font-size:12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size:12.0pt; mso-ascii-font-family:"Droid Serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"Droid Serif"; mso-hansi-font-family:"Droid Serif"; mso-bidi-font-family:"Droid Serif"; color:black; mso-ansi-font-weight:normal; mso-bidi-font-weight:normal; mso-ansi-font-style:normal; mso-bidi-font-style:normal; text-decoration:none; text-underline:none; text-decoration:none; text-line-through:none;} @list l5:level3 {mso-level-number-format:bullet; mso-level-text:■; mso-level-tab-stop:1.25in; mso-level-number-position:right; text-indent:-9.0pt; mso-ansi-font-size:12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size:12.0pt; mso-ascii-font-family:"Droid Serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"Droid Serif"; mso-hansi-font-family:"Droid Serif"; mso-bidi-font-family:"Droid Serif"; color:black; mso-ansi-font-weight:normal; mso-bidi-font-weight:normal; mso-ansi-font-style:normal; mso-bidi-font-style:normal; text-decoration:none; text-underline:none; text-decoration:none; text-line-through:none;} @list l5:level4 {mso-level-number-format:bullet; mso-level-text:●; mso-level-tab-stop:1.75in; mso-level-number-position:left; text-indent:-.25in; mso-ansi-font-size:12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size:12.0pt; mso-ascii-font-family:"Droid Serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"Droid Serif"; mso-hansi-font-family:"Droid Serif"; mso-bidi-font-family:"Droid Serif"; color:black; mso-ansi-font-weight:normal; mso-bidi-font-weight:normal; mso-ansi-font-style:normal; mso-bidi-font-style:normal; text-decoration:none; text-underline:none; text-decoration:none; text-line-through:none;} @list l5:level5 {mso-level-number-format:bullet; mso-level-text:○; mso-level-tab-stop:2.25in; mso-level-number-position:left; text-indent:-.25in; mso-ansi-font-size:12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size:12.0pt; mso-ascii-font-family:"Droid Serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"Droid Serif"; mso-hansi-font-family:"Droid Serif"; mso-bidi-font-family:"Droid Serif"; color:black; mso-ansi-font-weight:normal; mso-bidi-font-weight:normal; mso-ansi-font-style:normal; mso-bidi-font-style:normal; text-decoration:none; text-underline:none; text-decoration:none; text-line-through:none;} @list l5:level6 {mso-level-number-format:bullet; mso-level-text:■; mso-level-tab-stop:2.75in; mso-level-number-position:right; text-indent:-9.0pt; mso-ansi-font-size:12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size:12.0pt; mso-ascii-font-family:"Droid Serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"Droid Serif"; mso-hansi-font-family:"Droid Serif"; mso-bidi-font-family:"Droid Serif"; color:black; mso-ansi-font-weight:normal; mso-bidi-font-weight:normal; mso-ansi-font-style:normal; mso-bidi-font-style:normal; text-decoration:none; text-underline:none; text-decoration:none; text-line-through:none;} @list l5:level7 {mso-level-number-format:bullet; mso-level-text:●; mso-level-tab-stop:3.25in; mso-level-number-position:left; text-indent:-.25in; mso-ansi-font-size:12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size:12.0pt; mso-ascii-font-family:"Droid Serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"Droid Serif"; mso-hansi-font-family:"Droid Serif"; mso-bidi-font-family:"Droid Serif"; color:black; mso-ansi-font-weight:normal; mso-bidi-font-weight:normal; mso-ansi-font-style:normal; mso-bidi-font-style:normal; text-decoration:none; text-underline:none; text-decoration:none; text-line-through:none;} @list l5:level8 {mso-level-number-format:bullet; mso-level-text:○; mso-level-tab-stop:3.75in; mso-level-number-position:left; text-indent:-.25in; mso-ansi-font-size:12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size:12.0pt; mso-ascii-font-family:"Droid Serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"Droid Serif"; mso-hansi-font-family:"Droid Serif"; mso-bidi-font-family:"Droid Serif"; color:black; mso-ansi-font-weight:normal; mso-bidi-font-weight:normal; mso-ansi-font-style:normal; mso-bidi-font-style:normal; text-decoration:none; text-underline:none; text-decoration:none; text-line-through:none;} @list l5:level9 {mso-level-number-format:bullet; mso-level-text:■; mso-level-tab-stop:4.25in; mso-level-number-position:right; text-indent:-9.0pt; mso-ansi-font-size:12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size:12.0pt; mso-ascii-font-family:"Droid Serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"Droid Serif"; mso-hansi-font-family:"Droid Serif"; mso-bidi-font-family:"Droid Serif"; color:black; mso-ansi-font-weight:normal; mso-bidi-font-weight:normal; mso-ansi-font-style:normal; mso-bidi-font-style:normal; text-decoration:none; text-underline:none; text-decoration:none; text-line-through:none;} @list l6 {mso-list-id:7; mso-list-type:hybrid; mso-list-template-ids:7 -1 -1 -1 -1 -1 -1 -1 -1 -1;} @list l6:level1 {mso-level-number-format:bullet; mso-level-text:●; mso-level-tab-stop:.25in; mso-level-number-position:left; text-indent:-.25in; mso-ansi-font-size:12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size:12.0pt; mso-ascii-font-family:"Droid Serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"Droid Serif"; mso-hansi-font-family:"Droid Serif"; mso-bidi-font-family:"Droid Serif"; color:black; mso-ansi-font-weight:normal; mso-bidi-font-weight:normal; mso-ansi-font-style:normal; mso-bidi-font-style:normal; text-decoration:none; text-underline:none; text-decoration:none; text-line-through:none;} @list l6:level2 {mso-level-number-format:bullet; mso-level-text:○; mso-level-tab-stop:.75in; mso-level-number-position:left; text-indent:-.25in; mso-ansi-font-size:12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size:12.0pt; mso-ascii-font-family:"Droid Serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"Droid Serif"; mso-hansi-font-family:"Droid Serif"; mso-bidi-font-family:"Droid Serif"; color:black; mso-ansi-font-weight:normal; mso-bidi-font-weight:normal; mso-ansi-font-style:normal; mso-bidi-font-style:normal; text-decoration:none; text-underline:none; text-decoration:none; text-line-through:none;} @list l6:level3 {mso-level-number-format:bullet; mso-level-text:■; mso-level-tab-stop:1.25in; mso-level-number-position:right; text-indent:-9.0pt; mso-ansi-font-size:12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size:12.0pt; mso-ascii-font-family:"Droid Serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"Droid Serif"; mso-hansi-font-family:"Droid Serif"; mso-bidi-font-family:"Droid Serif"; color:black; mso-ansi-font-weight:normal; mso-bidi-font-weight:normal; mso-ansi-font-style:normal; mso-bidi-font-style:normal; text-decoration:none; text-underline:none; text-decoration:none; text-line-through:none;} @list l6:level4 {mso-level-number-format:bullet; mso-level-text:●; mso-level-tab-stop:1.75in; mso-level-number-position:left; text-indent:-.25in; mso-ansi-font-size:12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size:12.0pt; mso-ascii-font-family:"Droid Serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"Droid Serif"; mso-hansi-font-family:"Droid Serif"; mso-bidi-font-family:"Droid Serif"; color:black; mso-ansi-font-weight:normal; mso-bidi-font-weight:normal; mso-ansi-font-style:normal; mso-bidi-font-style:normal; text-decoration:none; text-underline:none; text-decoration:none; text-line-through:none;} @list l6:level5 {mso-level-number-format:bullet; mso-level-text:○; mso-level-tab-stop:2.25in; mso-level-number-position:left; text-indent:-.25in; mso-ansi-font-size:12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size:12.0pt; mso-ascii-font-family:"Droid Serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"Droid Serif"; mso-hansi-font-family:"Droid Serif"; mso-bidi-font-family:"Droid Serif"; color:black; mso-ansi-font-weight:normal; mso-bidi-font-weight:normal; mso-ansi-font-style:normal; mso-bidi-font-style:normal; text-decoration:none; text-underline:none; text-decoration:none; text-line-through:none;} @list l6:level6 {mso-level-number-format:bullet; mso-level-text:■; mso-level-tab-stop:2.75in; mso-level-number-position:right; text-indent:-9.0pt; mso-ansi-font-size:12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size:12.0pt; mso-ascii-font-family:"Droid Serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"Droid Serif"; mso-hansi-font-family:"Droid Serif"; mso-bidi-font-family:"Droid Serif"; color:black; mso-ansi-font-weight:normal; mso-bidi-font-weight:normal; mso-ansi-font-style:normal; mso-bidi-font-style:normal; text-decoration:none; text-underline:none; text-decoration:none; text-line-through:none;} @list l6:level7 {mso-level-number-format:bullet; mso-level-text:●; mso-level-tab-stop:3.25in; mso-level-number-position:left; text-indent:-.25in; mso-ansi-font-size:12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size:12.0pt; mso-ascii-font-family:"Droid Serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"Droid Serif"; mso-hansi-font-family:"Droid Serif"; mso-bidi-font-family:"Droid Serif"; color:black; mso-ansi-font-weight:normal; mso-bidi-font-weight:normal; mso-ansi-font-style:normal; mso-bidi-font-style:normal; text-decoration:none; text-underline:none; text-decoration:none; text-line-through:none;} @list l6:level8 {mso-level-number-format:bullet; mso-level-text:○; mso-level-tab-stop:3.75in; mso-level-number-position:left; text-indent:-.25in; mso-ansi-font-size:12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size:12.0pt; mso-ascii-font-family:"Droid Serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"Droid Serif"; mso-hansi-font-family:"Droid Serif"; mso-bidi-font-family:"Droid Serif"; color:black; mso-ansi-font-weight:normal; mso-bidi-font-weight:normal; mso-ansi-font-style:normal; mso-bidi-font-style:normal; text-decoration:none; text-underline:none; text-decoration:none; text-line-through:none;} @list l6:level9 {mso-level-number-format:bullet; mso-level-text:■; mso-level-tab-stop:4.25in; mso-level-number-position:right; text-indent:-9.0pt; mso-ansi-font-size:12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size:12.0pt; mso-ascii-font-family:"Droid Serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"Droid Serif"; mso-hansi-font-family:"Droid Serif"; mso-bidi-font-family:"Droid Serif"; color:black; mso-ansi-font-weight:normal; mso-bidi-font-weight:normal; mso-ansi-font-style:normal; mso-bidi-font-style:normal; text-decoration:none; text-underline:none; text-decoration:none; text-line-through:none;} @list l7 {mso-list-id:8; mso-list-type:hybrid; mso-list-template-ids:8 -1 -1 -1 -1 -1 -1 -1 -1 -1;} @list l7:level1 {mso-level-number-format:bullet; mso-level-text:●; mso-level-tab-stop:.25in; mso-level-number-position:left; text-indent:-.25in; mso-ansi-font-size:12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size:12.0pt; mso-ascii-font-family:"Droid Serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"Droid Serif"; mso-hansi-font-family:"Droid Serif"; mso-bidi-font-family:"Droid Serif"; color:black; mso-ansi-font-weight:normal; mso-bidi-font-weight:normal; mso-ansi-font-style:normal; mso-bidi-font-style:normal; text-decoration:none; text-underline:none; text-decoration:none; text-line-through:none;} @list l7:level2 {mso-level-number-format:bullet; mso-level-text:○; mso-level-tab-stop:.75in; mso-level-number-position:left; text-indent:-.25in; mso-ansi-font-size:12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size:12.0pt; mso-ascii-font-family:"Droid Serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"Droid Serif"; mso-hansi-font-family:"Droid Serif"; mso-bidi-font-family:"Droid Serif"; color:black; mso-ansi-font-weight:normal; mso-bidi-font-weight:normal; mso-ansi-font-style:normal; mso-bidi-font-style:normal; text-decoration:none; text-underline:none; text-decoration:none; text-line-through:none;} @list l7:level3 {mso-level-number-format:bullet; mso-level-text:■; mso-level-tab-stop:1.25in; mso-level-number-position:right; text-indent:-9.0pt; mso-ansi-font-size:12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size:12.0pt; mso-ascii-font-family:"Droid Serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"Droid Serif"; mso-hansi-font-family:"Droid Serif"; mso-bidi-font-family:"Droid Serif"; color:black; mso-ansi-font-weight:normal; mso-bidi-font-weight:normal; mso-ansi-font-style:normal; mso-bidi-font-style:normal; text-decoration:none; text-underline:none; text-decoration:none; text-line-through:none;} @list l7:level4 {mso-level-number-format:bullet; mso-level-text:●; mso-level-tab-stop:1.75in; mso-level-number-position:left; text-indent:-.25in; mso-ansi-font-size:12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size:12.0pt; mso-ascii-font-family:"Droid Serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"Droid Serif"; mso-hansi-font-family:"Droid Serif"; mso-bidi-font-family:"Droid Serif"; color:black; mso-ansi-font-weight:normal; mso-bidi-font-weight:normal; mso-ansi-font-style:normal; mso-bidi-font-style:normal; text-decoration:none; text-underline:none; text-decoration:none; text-line-through:none;} @list l7:level5 {mso-level-number-format:bullet; mso-level-text:○; mso-level-tab-stop:2.25in; mso-level-number-position:left; text-indent:-.25in; mso-ansi-font-size:12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size:12.0pt; mso-ascii-font-family:"Droid Serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"Droid Serif"; mso-hansi-font-family:"Droid Serif"; mso-bidi-font-family:"Droid Serif"; color:black; mso-ansi-font-weight:normal; mso-bidi-font-weight:normal; mso-ansi-font-style:normal; mso-bidi-font-style:normal; text-decoration:none; text-underline:none; text-decoration:none; text-line-through:none;} @list l7:level6 {mso-level-number-format:bullet; mso-level-text:■; mso-level-tab-stop:2.75in; mso-level-number-position:right; text-indent:-9.0pt; mso-ansi-font-size:12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size:12.0pt; mso-ascii-font-family:"Droid Serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"Droid Serif"; mso-hansi-font-family:"Droid Serif"; mso-bidi-font-family:"Droid Serif"; color:black; mso-ansi-font-weight:normal; mso-bidi-font-weight:normal; mso-ansi-font-style:normal; mso-bidi-font-style:normal; text-decoration:none; text-underline:none; text-decoration:none; text-line-through:none;} @list l7:level7 {mso-level-number-format:bullet; mso-level-text:●; mso-level-tab-stop:3.25in; mso-level-number-position:left; text-indent:-.25in; mso-ansi-font-size:12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size:12.0pt; mso-ascii-font-family:"Droid Serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"Droid Serif"; mso-hansi-font-family:"Droid Serif"; mso-bidi-font-family:"Droid Serif"; color:black; mso-ansi-font-weight:normal; mso-bidi-font-weight:normal; mso-ansi-font-style:normal; mso-bidi-font-style:normal; text-decoration:none; text-underline:none; text-decoration:none; text-line-through:none;} @list l7:level8 {mso-level-number-format:bullet; mso-level-text:○; mso-level-tab-stop:3.75in; mso-level-number-position:left; text-indent:-.25in; mso-ansi-font-size:12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size:12.0pt; mso-ascii-font-family:"Droid Serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"Droid Serif"; mso-hansi-font-family:"Droid Serif"; mso-bidi-font-family:"Droid Serif"; color:black; mso-ansi-font-weight:normal; mso-bidi-font-weight:normal; mso-ansi-font-style:normal; mso-bidi-font-style:normal; text-decoration:none; text-underline:none; text-decoration:none; text-line-through:none;} @list l7:level9 {mso-level-number-format:bullet; mso-level-text:■; mso-level-tab-stop:4.25in; mso-level-number-position:right; text-indent:-9.0pt; mso-ansi-font-size:12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size:12.0pt; mso-ascii-font-family:"Droid Serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"Droid Serif"; mso-hansi-font-family:"Droid Serif"; mso-bidi-font-family:"Droid Serif"; color:black; mso-ansi-font-weight:normal; mso-bidi-font-weight:normal; mso-ansi-font-style:normal; mso-bidi-font-style:normal; text-decoration:none; text-underline:none; text-decoration:none; text-line-through:none;} @list l8 {mso-list-id:9; mso-list-type:hybrid; mso-list-template-ids:9 -1 -1 -1 -1 -1 -1 -1 -1 -1;} @list l8:level1 {mso-level-number-format:bullet; mso-level-text:●; mso-level-tab-stop:.25in; mso-level-number-position:left; text-indent:-.25in; mso-ansi-font-size:12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size:12.0pt; mso-ascii-font-family:"Droid Serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"Droid Serif"; mso-hansi-font-family:"Droid Serif"; mso-bidi-font-family:"Droid Serif"; color:black; mso-ansi-font-weight:normal; mso-bidi-font-weight:normal; mso-ansi-font-style:normal; mso-bidi-font-style:normal; text-decoration:none; text-underline:none; text-decoration:none; text-line-through:none;} @list l8:level2 {mso-level-number-format:bullet; mso-level-text:○; mso-level-tab-stop:.75in; mso-level-number-position:left; text-indent:-.25in; mso-ansi-font-size:12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size:12.0pt; mso-ascii-font-family:"Droid Serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"Droid Serif"; mso-hansi-font-family:"Droid Serif"; mso-bidi-font-family:"Droid Serif"; color:black; mso-ansi-font-weight:normal; mso-bidi-font-weight:normal; mso-ansi-font-style:normal; mso-bidi-font-style:normal; text-decoration:none; text-underline:none; text-decoration:none; text-line-through:none;} @list l8:level3 {mso-level-number-format:bullet; mso-level-text:■; mso-level-tab-stop:1.25in; mso-level-number-position:right; text-indent:-9.0pt; mso-ansi-font-size:12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size:12.0pt; mso-ascii-font-family:"Droid Serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"Droid Serif"; mso-hansi-font-family:"Droid Serif"; mso-bidi-font-family:"Droid Serif"; color:black; mso-ansi-font-weight:normal; mso-bidi-font-weight:normal; mso-ansi-font-style:normal; mso-bidi-font-style:normal; text-decoration:none; text-underline:none; text-decoration:none; text-line-through:none;} @list l8:level4 {mso-level-number-format:bullet; mso-level-text:●; mso-level-tab-stop:1.75in; mso-level-number-position:left; text-indent:-.25in; mso-ansi-font-size:12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size:12.0pt; mso-ascii-font-family:"Droid Serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"Droid Serif"; mso-hansi-font-family:"Droid Serif"; mso-bidi-font-family:"Droid Serif"; color:black; mso-ansi-font-weight:normal; mso-bidi-font-weight:normal; mso-ansi-font-style:normal; mso-bidi-font-style:normal; text-decoration:none; text-underline:none; text-decoration:none; text-line-through:none;} @list l8:level5 {mso-level-number-format:bullet; mso-level-text:○; mso-level-tab-stop:2.25in; mso-level-number-position:left; text-indent:-.25in; mso-ansi-font-size:12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size:12.0pt; mso-ascii-font-family:"Droid Serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"Droid Serif"; mso-hansi-font-family:"Droid Serif"; mso-bidi-font-family:"Droid Serif"; color:black; mso-ansi-font-weight:normal; mso-bidi-font-weight:normal; mso-ansi-font-style:normal; mso-bidi-font-style:normal; text-decoration:none; text-underline:none; text-decoration:none; text-line-through:none;} @list l8:level6 {mso-level-number-format:bullet; mso-level-text:■; mso-level-tab-stop:2.75in; mso-level-number-position:right; text-indent:-9.0pt; mso-ansi-font-size:12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size:12.0pt; mso-ascii-font-family:"Droid Serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"Droid Serif"; mso-hansi-font-family:"Droid Serif"; mso-bidi-font-family:"Droid Serif"; color:black; mso-ansi-font-weight:normal; mso-bidi-font-weight:normal; mso-ansi-font-style:normal; mso-bidi-font-style:normal; text-decoration:none; text-underline:none; text-decoration:none; text-line-through:none;} @list l8:level7 {mso-level-number-format:bullet; mso-level-text:●; mso-level-tab-stop:3.25in; mso-level-number-position:left; text-indent:-.25in; mso-ansi-font-size:12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size:12.0pt; mso-ascii-font-family:"Droid Serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"Droid Serif"; mso-hansi-font-family:"Droid Serif"; mso-bidi-font-family:"Droid Serif"; color:black; mso-ansi-font-weight:normal; mso-bidi-font-weight:normal; mso-ansi-font-style:normal; mso-bidi-font-style:normal; text-decoration:none; text-underline:none; text-decoration:none; text-line-through:none;} @list l8:level8 {mso-level-number-format:bullet; mso-level-text:○; mso-level-tab-stop:3.75in; mso-level-number-position:left; text-indent:-.25in; mso-ansi-font-size:12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size:12.0pt; mso-ascii-font-family:"Droid Serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"Droid Serif"; mso-hansi-font-family:"Droid Serif"; mso-bidi-font-family:"Droid Serif"; color:black; mso-ansi-font-weight:normal; mso-bidi-font-weight:normal; mso-ansi-font-style:normal; mso-bidi-font-style:normal; text-decoration:none; text-underline:none; text-decoration:none; text-line-through:none;} @list l8:level9 {mso-level-number-format:bullet; mso-level-text:■; mso-level-tab-stop:4.25in; mso-level-number-position:right; text-indent:-9.0pt; mso-ansi-font-size:12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size:12.0pt; mso-ascii-font-family:"Droid Serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"Droid Serif"; mso-hansi-font-family:"Droid Serif"; mso-bidi-font-family:"Droid Serif"; color:black; mso-ansi-font-weight:normal; mso-bidi-font-weight:normal; mso-ansi-font-style:normal; mso-bidi-font-style:normal; text-decoration:none; text-underline:none; text-decoration:none; text-line-through:none;} @list l9 {mso-list-id:10; mso-list-type:hybrid; mso-list-template-ids:10 -1 -1 -1 -1 -1 -1 -1 -1 -1;} @list l9:level1 {mso-level-number-format:bullet; mso-level-text:●; mso-level-tab-stop:.25in; mso-level-number-position:left; text-indent:-.25in; mso-ansi-font-size:12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size:12.0pt; mso-ascii-font-family:"Droid Serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"Droid Serif"; mso-hansi-font-family:"Droid Serif"; mso-bidi-font-family:"Droid Serif"; color:black; mso-ansi-font-weight:normal; mso-bidi-font-weight:normal; mso-ansi-font-style:normal; mso-bidi-font-style:normal; text-decoration:none; text-underline:none; text-decoration:none; text-line-through:none;} @list l9:level2 {mso-level-number-format:bullet; mso-level-text:○; mso-level-tab-stop:.75in; mso-level-number-position:left; text-indent:-.25in; mso-ansi-font-size:12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size:12.0pt; mso-ascii-font-family:"Droid Serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"Droid Serif"; mso-hansi-font-family:"Droid Serif"; mso-bidi-font-family:"Droid Serif"; color:black; mso-ansi-font-weight:normal; mso-bidi-font-weight:normal; mso-ansi-font-style:normal; mso-bidi-font-style:normal; text-decoration:none; text-underline:none; text-decoration:none; text-line-through:none;} @list l9:level3 {mso-level-number-format:bullet; mso-level-text:■; mso-level-tab-stop:1.25in; mso-level-number-position:right; text-indent:-9.0pt; mso-ansi-font-size:12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size:12.0pt; mso-ascii-font-family:"Droid Serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"Droid Serif"; mso-hansi-font-family:"Droid Serif"; mso-bidi-font-family:"Droid Serif"; color:black; mso-ansi-font-weight:normal; mso-bidi-font-weight:normal; mso-ansi-font-style:normal; mso-bidi-font-style:normal; text-decoration:none; text-underline:none; text-decoration:none; text-line-through:none;} @list l9:level4 {mso-level-number-format:bullet; mso-level-text:●; mso-level-tab-stop:1.75in; mso-level-number-position:left; text-indent:-.25in; mso-ansi-font-size:12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size:12.0pt; mso-ascii-font-family:"Droid Serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"Droid Serif"; mso-hansi-font-family:"Droid Serif"; mso-bidi-font-family:"Droid Serif"; color:black; mso-ansi-font-weight:normal; mso-bidi-font-weight:normal; mso-ansi-font-style:normal; mso-bidi-font-style:normal; text-decoration:none; text-underline:none; text-decoration:none; text-line-through:none;} @list l9:level5 {mso-level-number-format:bullet; mso-level-text:○; mso-level-tab-stop:2.25in; mso-level-number-position:left; text-indent:-.25in; mso-ansi-font-size:12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size:12.0pt; mso-ascii-font-family:"Droid Serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"Droid Serif"; mso-hansi-font-family:"Droid Serif"; mso-bidi-font-family:"Droid Serif"; color:black; mso-ansi-font-weight:normal; mso-bidi-font-weight:normal; mso-ansi-font-style:normal; mso-bidi-font-style:normal; text-decoration:none; text-underline:none; text-decoration:none; text-line-through:none;} @list l9:level6 {mso-level-number-format:bullet; mso-level-text:■; mso-level-tab-stop:2.75in; mso-level-number-position:right; text-indent:-9.0pt; mso-ansi-font-size:12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size:12.0pt; mso-ascii-font-family:"Droid Serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"Droid Serif"; mso-hansi-font-family:"Droid Serif"; mso-bidi-font-family:"Droid Serif"; color:black; mso-ansi-font-weight:normal; mso-bidi-font-weight:normal; mso-ansi-font-style:normal; mso-bidi-font-style:normal; text-decoration:none; text-underline:none; text-decoration:none; text-line-through:none;} @list l9:level7 {mso-level-number-format:bullet; mso-level-text:●; mso-level-tab-stop:3.25in; mso-level-number-position:left; text-indent:-.25in; mso-ansi-font-size:12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size:12.0pt; mso-ascii-font-family:"Droid Serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"Droid Serif"; mso-hansi-font-family:"Droid Serif"; mso-bidi-font-family:"Droid Serif"; color:black; mso-ansi-font-weight:normal; mso-bidi-font-weight:normal; mso-ansi-font-style:normal; mso-bidi-font-style:normal; text-decoration:none; text-underline:none; text-decoration:none; text-line-through:none;} @list l9:level8 {mso-level-number-format:bullet; mso-level-text:○; mso-level-tab-stop:3.75in; mso-level-number-position:left; text-indent:-.25in; mso-ansi-font-size:12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size:12.0pt; mso-ascii-font-family:"Droid Serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"Droid Serif"; mso-hansi-font-family:"Droid Serif"; mso-bidi-font-family:"Droid Serif"; color:black; mso-ansi-font-weight:normal; mso-bidi-font-weight:normal; mso-ansi-font-style:normal; mso-bidi-font-style:normal; text-decoration:none; text-underline:none; text-decoration:none; text-line-through:none;} @list l9:level9 {mso-level-number-format:bullet; mso-level-text:■; mso-level-tab-stop:4.25in; mso-level-number-position:right; text-indent:-9.0pt; mso-ansi-font-size:12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size:12.0pt; mso-ascii-font-family:"Droid Serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"Droid Serif"; mso-hansi-font-family:"Droid Serif"; mso-bidi-font-family:"Droid Serif"; color:black; mso-ansi-font-weight:normal; mso-bidi-font-weight:normal; mso-ansi-font-style:normal; mso-bidi-font-style:normal; text-decoration:none; text-underline:none; text-decoration:none; text-line-through:none;} @list l10 {mso-list-id:11; mso-list-type:hybrid; mso-list-template-ids:11 -1 -1 -1 -1 -1 -1 -1 -1 -1;} @list l10:level1 {mso-level-number-format:bullet; mso-level-text:●; mso-level-tab-stop:.25in; mso-level-number-position:left; text-indent:-.25in; mso-ansi-font-size:12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size:12.0pt; mso-ascii-font-family:"Droid Serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"Droid Serif"; mso-hansi-font-family:"Droid Serif"; mso-bidi-font-family:"Droid Serif"; color:black; mso-ansi-font-weight:normal; mso-bidi-font-weight:normal; mso-ansi-font-style:normal; mso-bidi-font-style:normal; text-decoration:none; text-underline:none; text-decoration:none; text-line-through:none;} @list l10:level2 {mso-level-number-format:bullet; mso-level-text:○; mso-level-tab-stop:.75in; mso-level-number-position:left; text-indent:-.25in; mso-ansi-font-size:12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size:12.0pt; mso-ascii-font-family:"Droid Serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"Droid Serif"; mso-hansi-font-family:"Droid Serif"; mso-bidi-font-family:"Droid Serif"; color:black; mso-ansi-font-weight:normal; mso-bidi-font-weight:normal; mso-ansi-font-style:normal; mso-bidi-font-style:normal; text-decoration:none; text-underline:none; text-decoration:none; text-line-through:none;} @list l10:level3 {mso-level-number-format:bullet; mso-level-text:■; mso-level-tab-stop:1.25in; mso-level-number-position:right; text-indent:-9.0pt; mso-ansi-font-size:12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size:12.0pt; mso-ascii-font-family:"Droid Serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"Droid Serif"; mso-hansi-font-family:"Droid Serif"; mso-bidi-font-family:"Droid Serif"; color:black; mso-ansi-font-weight:normal; mso-bidi-font-weight:normal; mso-ansi-font-style:normal; mso-bidi-font-style:normal; text-decoration:none; text-underline:none; text-decoration:none; text-line-through:none;} @list l10:level4 {mso-level-number-format:bullet; mso-level-text:●; mso-level-tab-stop:1.75in; mso-level-number-position:left; text-indent:-.25in; mso-ansi-font-size:12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size:12.0pt; mso-ascii-font-family:"Droid Serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"Droid Serif"; mso-hansi-font-family:"Droid Serif"; mso-bidi-font-family:"Droid Serif"; color:black; mso-ansi-font-weight:normal; mso-bidi-font-weight:normal; mso-ansi-font-style:normal; mso-bidi-font-style:normal; text-decoration:none; text-underline:none; text-decoration:none; text-line-through:none;} @list l10:level5 {mso-level-number-format:bullet; mso-level-text:○; mso-level-tab-stop:2.25in; mso-level-number-position:left; text-indent:-.25in; mso-ansi-font-size:12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size:12.0pt; mso-ascii-font-family:"Droid Serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"Droid Serif"; mso-hansi-font-family:"Droid Serif"; mso-bidi-font-family:"Droid Serif"; color:black; mso-ansi-font-weight:normal; mso-bidi-font-weight:normal; mso-ansi-font-style:normal; mso-bidi-font-style:normal; text-decoration:none; text-underline:none; text-decoration:none; text-line-through:none;} @list l10:level6 {mso-level-number-format:bullet; mso-level-text:■; mso-level-tab-stop:2.75in; mso-level-number-position:right; text-indent:-9.0pt; mso-ansi-font-size:12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size:12.0pt; mso-ascii-font-family:"Droid Serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"Droid Serif"; mso-hansi-font-family:"Droid Serif"; mso-bidi-font-family:"Droid Serif"; color:black; mso-ansi-font-weight:normal; mso-bidi-font-weight:normal; mso-ansi-font-style:normal; mso-bidi-font-style:normal; text-decoration:none; text-underline:none; text-decoration:none; text-line-through:none;} @list l10:level7 {mso-level-number-format:bullet; mso-level-text:●; mso-level-tab-stop:3.25in; mso-level-number-position:left; text-indent:-.25in; mso-ansi-font-size:12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size:12.0pt; mso-ascii-font-family:"Droid Serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"Droid Serif"; mso-hansi-font-family:"Droid Serif"; mso-bidi-font-family:"Droid Serif"; color:black; mso-ansi-font-weight:normal; mso-bidi-font-weight:normal; mso-ansi-font-style:normal; mso-bidi-font-style:normal; text-decoration:none; text-underline:none; text-decoration:none; text-line-through:none;} @list l10:level8 {mso-level-number-format:bullet; mso-level-text:○; mso-level-tab-stop:3.75in; mso-level-number-position:left; text-indent:-.25in; mso-ansi-font-size:12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size:12.0pt; mso-ascii-font-family:"Droid Serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"Droid Serif"; mso-hansi-font-family:"Droid Serif"; mso-bidi-font-family:"Droid Serif"; color:black; mso-ansi-font-weight:normal; mso-bidi-font-weight:normal; mso-ansi-font-style:normal; mso-bidi-font-style:normal; text-decoration:none; text-underline:none; text-decoration:none; text-line-through:none;} @list l10:level9 {mso-level-number-format:bullet; mso-level-text:■; mso-level-tab-stop:4.25in; mso-level-number-position:right; text-indent:-9.0pt; mso-ansi-font-size:12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size:12.0pt; mso-ascii-font-family:"Droid Serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"Droid Serif"; mso-hansi-font-family:"Droid Serif"; mso-bidi-font-family:"Droid Serif"; color:black; mso-ansi-font-weight:normal; mso-bidi-font-weight:normal; mso-ansi-font-style:normal; mso-bidi-font-style:normal; text-decoration:none; text-underline:none; text-decoration:none; text-line-through:none;} @list l11 {mso-list-id:12; mso-list-type:hybrid; mso-list-template-ids:12 -1 -1 -1 -1 -1 -1 -1 -1 -1;} @list l11:level1 {mso-level-number-format:bullet; mso-level-text:●; mso-level-tab-stop:.25in; mso-level-number-position:left; text-indent:-.25in; mso-ansi-font-size:12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size:12.0pt; mso-ascii-font-family:"Droid Serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"Droid Serif"; mso-hansi-font-family:"Droid Serif"; mso-bidi-font-family:"Droid Serif"; color:black; mso-ansi-font-weight:normal; mso-bidi-font-weight:normal; mso-ansi-font-style:normal; mso-bidi-font-style:normal; text-decoration:none; text-underline:none; text-decoration:none; text-line-through:none;} @list l11:level2 {mso-level-number-format:bullet; mso-level-text:○; mso-level-tab-stop:.75in; mso-level-number-position:left; text-indent:-.25in; mso-ansi-font-size:12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size:12.0pt; mso-ascii-font-family:"Droid Serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"Droid Serif"; mso-hansi-font-family:"Droid Serif"; mso-bidi-font-family:"Droid Serif"; color:black; mso-ansi-font-weight:normal; mso-bidi-font-weight:normal; mso-ansi-font-style:normal; mso-bidi-font-style:normal; text-decoration:none; text-underline:none; text-decoration:none; text-line-through:none;} @list l11:level3 {mso-level-number-format:bullet; mso-level-text:■; mso-level-tab-stop:1.25in; mso-level-number-position:right; text-indent:-9.0pt; mso-ansi-font-size:12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size:12.0pt; mso-ascii-font-family:"Droid Serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"Droid Serif"; mso-hansi-font-family:"Droid Serif"; mso-bidi-font-family:"Droid Serif"; color:black; mso-ansi-font-weight:normal; mso-bidi-font-weight:normal; mso-ansi-font-style:normal; mso-bidi-font-style:normal; text-decoration:none; text-underline:none; text-decoration:none; text-line-through:none;} @list l11:level4 {mso-level-number-format:bullet; mso-level-text:●; mso-level-tab-stop:1.75in; mso-level-number-position:left; text-indent:-.25in; mso-ansi-font-size:12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size:12.0pt; mso-ascii-font-family:"Droid Serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"Droid Serif"; mso-hansi-font-family:"Droid Serif"; mso-bidi-font-family:"Droid Serif"; color:black; mso-ansi-font-weight:normal; mso-bidi-font-weight:normal; mso-ansi-font-style:normal; mso-bidi-font-style:normal; text-decoration:none; text-underline:none; text-decoration:none; text-line-through:none;} @list l11:level5 {mso-level-number-format:bullet; mso-level-text:○; mso-level-tab-stop:2.25in; mso-level-number-position:left; text-indent:-.25in; mso-ansi-font-size:12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size:12.0pt; mso-ascii-font-family:"Droid Serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"Droid Serif"; mso-hansi-font-family:"Droid Serif"; mso-bidi-font-family:"Droid Serif"; color:black; mso-ansi-font-weight:normal; mso-bidi-font-weight:normal; mso-ansi-font-style:normal; mso-bidi-font-style:normal; text-decoration:none; text-underline:none; text-decoration:none; text-line-through:none;} @list l11:level6 {mso-level-number-format:bullet; mso-level-text:■; mso-level-tab-stop:2.75in; mso-level-number-position:right; text-indent:-9.0pt; mso-ansi-font-size:12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size:12.0pt; mso-ascii-font-family:"Droid Serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"Droid Serif"; mso-hansi-font-family:"Droid Serif"; mso-bidi-font-family:"Droid Serif"; color:black; mso-ansi-font-weight:normal; mso-bidi-font-weight:normal; mso-ansi-font-style:normal; mso-bidi-font-style:normal; text-decoration:none; text-underline:none; text-decoration:none; text-line-through:none;} @list l11:level7 {mso-level-number-format:bullet; mso-level-text:●; mso-level-tab-stop:3.25in; mso-level-number-position:left; text-indent:-.25in; mso-ansi-font-size:12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size:12.0pt; mso-ascii-font-family:"Droid Serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"Droid Serif"; mso-hansi-font-family:"Droid Serif"; mso-bidi-font-family:"Droid Serif"; color:black; mso-ansi-font-weight:normal; mso-bidi-font-weight:normal; mso-ansi-font-style:normal; mso-bidi-font-style:normal; text-decoration:none; text-underline:none; text-decoration:none; text-line-through:none;} @list l11:level8 {mso-level-number-format:bullet; mso-level-text:○; mso-level-tab-stop:3.75in; mso-level-number-position:left; text-indent:-.25in; mso-ansi-font-size:12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size:12.0pt; mso-ascii-font-family:"Droid Serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"Droid Serif"; mso-hansi-font-family:"Droid Serif"; mso-bidi-font-family:"Droid Serif"; color:black; mso-ansi-font-weight:normal; mso-bidi-font-weight:normal; mso-ansi-font-style:normal; mso-bidi-font-style:normal; text-decoration:none; text-underline:none; text-decoration:none; text-line-through:none;} @list l11:level9 {mso-level-number-format:bullet; mso-level-text:■; mso-level-tab-stop:4.25in; mso-level-number-position:right; text-indent:-9.0pt; mso-ansi-font-size:12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size:12.0pt; mso-ascii-font-family:"Droid Serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"Droid Serif"; mso-hansi-font-family:"Droid Serif"; mso-bidi-font-family:"Droid Serif"; color:black; mso-ansi-font-weight:normal; mso-bidi-font-weight:normal; mso-ansi-font-style:normal; mso-bidi-font-style:normal; text-decoration:none; text-underline:none; text-decoration:none; text-line-through:none;} @list l12 {mso-list-id:13; mso-list-type:hybrid; mso-list-template-ids:13 -1 -1 -1 -1 -1 -1 -1 -1 -1;} @list l12:level1 {mso-level-number-format:bullet; mso-level-text:●; mso-level-tab-stop:.25in; mso-level-number-position:left; text-indent:-.25in; mso-ansi-font-size:12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size:12.0pt; mso-ascii-font-family:"Droid Serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"Droid Serif"; mso-hansi-font-family:"Droid Serif"; mso-bidi-font-family:"Droid Serif"; color:black; mso-ansi-font-weight:normal; mso-bidi-font-weight:normal; mso-ansi-font-style:normal; mso-bidi-font-style:normal; text-decoration:none; text-underline:none; text-decoration:none; text-line-through:none;} @list l12:level2 {mso-level-number-format:bullet; mso-level-text:○; mso-level-tab-stop:.75in; mso-level-number-position:left; text-indent:-.25in; mso-ansi-font-size:12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size:12.0pt; mso-ascii-font-family:"Droid Serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"Droid Serif"; mso-hansi-font-family:"Droid Serif"; mso-bidi-font-family:"Droid Serif"; color:black; mso-ansi-font-weight:normal; mso-bidi-font-weight:normal; mso-ansi-font-style:normal; mso-bidi-font-style:normal; text-decoration:none; text-underline:none; text-decoration:none; text-line-through:none;} @list l12:level3 {mso-level-number-format:bullet; mso-level-text:■; mso-level-tab-stop:1.25in; mso-level-number-position:right; text-indent:-9.0pt; mso-ansi-font-size:12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size:12.0pt; mso-ascii-font-family:"Droid Serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"Droid Serif"; mso-hansi-font-family:"Droid Serif"; mso-bidi-font-family:"Droid Serif"; color:black; mso-ansi-font-weight:normal; mso-bidi-font-weight:normal; mso-ansi-font-style:normal; mso-bidi-font-style:normal; text-decoration:none; text-underline:none; text-decoration:none; text-line-through:none;} @list l12:level4 {mso-level-number-format:bullet; mso-level-text:●; mso-level-tab-stop:1.75in; mso-level-number-position:left; text-indent:-.25in; mso-ansi-font-size:12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size:12.0pt; mso-ascii-font-family:"Droid Serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"Droid Serif"; mso-hansi-font-family:"Droid Serif"; mso-bidi-font-family:"Droid Serif"; color:black; mso-ansi-font-weight:normal; mso-bidi-font-weight:normal; mso-ansi-font-style:normal; mso-bidi-font-style:normal; text-decoration:none; text-underline:none; text-decoration:none; text-line-through:none;} @list l12:level5 {mso-level-number-format:bullet; mso-level-text:○; mso-level-tab-stop:2.25in; mso-level-number-position:left; text-indent:-.25in; mso-ansi-font-size:12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size:12.0pt; mso-ascii-font-family:"Droid Serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"Droid Serif"; mso-hansi-font-family:"Droid Serif"; mso-bidi-font-family:"Droid Serif"; color:black; mso-ansi-font-weight:normal; mso-bidi-font-weight:normal; mso-ansi-font-style:normal; mso-bidi-font-style:normal; text-decoration:none; text-underline:none; text-decoration:none; text-line-through:none;} @list l12:level6 {mso-level-number-format:bullet; mso-level-text:■; mso-level-tab-stop:2.75in; mso-level-number-position:right; text-indent:-9.0pt; mso-ansi-font-size:12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size:12.0pt; mso-ascii-font-family:"Droid Serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"Droid Serif"; mso-hansi-font-family:"Droid Serif"; mso-bidi-font-family:"Droid Serif"; color:black; mso-ansi-font-weight:normal; mso-bidi-font-weight:normal; mso-ansi-font-style:normal; mso-bidi-font-style:normal; text-decoration:none; text-underline:none; text-decoration:none; text-line-through:none;} @list l12:level7 {mso-level-number-format:bullet; mso-level-text:●; mso-level-tab-stop:3.25in; mso-level-number-position:left; text-indent:-.25in; mso-ansi-font-size:12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size:12.0pt; mso-ascii-font-family:"Droid Serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"Droid Serif"; mso-hansi-font-family:"Droid Serif"; mso-bidi-font-family:"Droid Serif"; color:black; mso-ansi-font-weight:normal; mso-bidi-font-weight:normal; mso-ansi-font-style:normal; mso-bidi-font-style:normal; text-decoration:none; text-underline:none; text-decoration:none; text-line-through:none;} @list l12:level8 {mso-level-number-format:bullet; mso-level-text:○; mso-level-tab-stop:3.75in; mso-level-number-position:left; text-indent:-.25in; mso-ansi-font-size:12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size:12.0pt; mso-ascii-font-family:"Droid Serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"Droid Serif"; mso-hansi-font-family:"Droid Serif"; mso-bidi-font-family:"Droid Serif"; color:black; mso-ansi-font-weight:normal; mso-bidi-font-weight:normal; mso-ansi-font-style:normal; mso-bidi-font-style:normal; text-decoration:none; text-underline:none; text-decoration:none; text-line-through:none;} @list l12:level9 {mso-level-number-format:bullet; mso-level-text:■; mso-level-tab-stop:4.25in; mso-level-number-position:right; text-indent:-9.0pt; mso-ansi-font-size:12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size:12.0pt; mso-ascii-font-family:"Droid Serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"Droid Serif"; mso-hansi-font-family:"Droid Serif"; mso-bidi-font-family:"Droid Serif"; color:black; mso-ansi-font-weight:normal; mso-bidi-font-weight:normal; mso-ansi-font-style:normal; mso-bidi-font-style:normal; text-decoration:none; text-underline:none; text-decoration:none; text-line-through:none;} @list l13 {mso-list-id:14; mso-list-type:hybrid; mso-list-template-ids:14 -1 -1 -1 -1 -1 -1 -1 -1 -1;} @list l13:level1 {mso-level-number-format:bullet; mso-level-text:●; mso-level-tab-stop:.25in; mso-level-number-position:left; text-indent:-.25in; mso-ansi-font-size:12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size:12.0pt; mso-ascii-font-family:"Droid Serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"Droid Serif"; mso-hansi-font-family:"Droid Serif"; mso-bidi-font-family:"Droid Serif"; color:black; mso-ansi-font-weight:bold; mso-bidi-font-weight:bold; mso-ansi-font-style:normal; mso-bidi-font-style:normal; text-decoration:none; text-underline:none; text-decoration:none; text-line-through:none;} @list l13:level2 {mso-level-number-format:bullet; mso-level-text:○; mso-level-tab-stop:.75in; mso-level-number-position:left; text-indent:-.25in; mso-ansi-font-size:12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size:12.0pt; mso-ascii-font-family:"Droid Serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"Droid Serif"; mso-hansi-font-family:"Droid Serif"; mso-bidi-font-family:"Droid Serif"; color:black; mso-ansi-font-weight:bold; mso-bidi-font-weight:bold; mso-ansi-font-style:normal; mso-bidi-font-style:normal; text-decoration:none; text-underline:none; text-decoration:none; text-line-through:none;} @list l13:level3 {mso-level-number-format:bullet; mso-level-text:■; mso-level-tab-stop:1.25in; mso-level-number-position:right; text-indent:-9.0pt; mso-ansi-font-size:12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size:12.0pt; mso-ascii-font-family:"Droid Serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"Droid Serif"; mso-hansi-font-family:"Droid Serif"; mso-bidi-font-family:"Droid Serif"; color:black; mso-ansi-font-weight:bold; mso-bidi-font-weight:bold; mso-ansi-font-style:normal; mso-bidi-font-style:normal; text-decoration:none; text-underline:none; text-decoration:none; text-line-through:none;} @list l13:level4 {mso-level-number-format:bullet; mso-level-text:●; mso-level-tab-stop:1.75in; mso-level-number-position:left; text-indent:-.25in; mso-ansi-font-size:12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size:12.0pt; mso-ascii-font-family:"Droid Serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"Droid Serif"; mso-hansi-font-family:"Droid Serif"; mso-bidi-font-family:"Droid Serif"; color:black; mso-ansi-font-weight:bold; mso-bidi-font-weight:bold; mso-ansi-font-style:normal; mso-bidi-font-style:normal; text-decoration:none; text-underline:none; text-decoration:none; text-line-through:none;} @list l13:level5 {mso-level-number-format:bullet; mso-level-text:○; mso-level-tab-stop:2.25in; mso-level-number-position:left; text-indent:-.25in; mso-ansi-font-size:12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size:12.0pt; mso-ascii-font-family:"Droid Serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"Droid Serif"; mso-hansi-font-family:"Droid Serif"; mso-bidi-font-family:"Droid Serif"; color:black; mso-ansi-font-weight:bold; mso-bidi-font-weight:bold; mso-ansi-font-style:normal; mso-bidi-font-style:normal; text-decoration:none; text-underline:none; text-decoration:none; text-line-through:none;} @list l13:level6 {mso-level-number-format:bullet; mso-level-text:■; mso-level-tab-stop:2.75in; mso-level-number-position:right; text-indent:-9.0pt; mso-ansi-font-size:12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size:12.0pt; mso-ascii-font-family:"Droid Serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"Droid Serif"; mso-hansi-font-family:"Droid Serif"; mso-bidi-font-family:"Droid Serif"; color:black; mso-ansi-font-weight:bold; mso-bidi-font-weight:bold; mso-ansi-font-style:normal; mso-bidi-font-style:normal; text-decoration:none; text-underline:none; text-decoration:none; text-line-through:none;} @list l13:level7 {mso-level-number-format:bullet; mso-level-text:●; mso-level-tab-stop:3.25in; mso-level-number-position:left; text-indent:-.25in; mso-ansi-font-size:12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size:12.0pt; mso-ascii-font-family:"Droid Serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"Droid Serif"; mso-hansi-font-family:"Droid Serif"; mso-bidi-font-family:"Droid Serif"; color:black; mso-ansi-font-weight:bold; mso-bidi-font-weight:bold; mso-ansi-font-style:normal; mso-bidi-font-style:normal; text-decoration:none; text-underline:none; text-decoration:none; text-line-through:none;} @list l13:level8 {mso-level-number-format:bullet; mso-level-text:○; mso-level-tab-stop:3.75in; mso-level-number-position:left; text-indent:-.25in; mso-ansi-font-size:12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size:12.0pt; mso-ascii-font-family:"Droid Serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"Droid Serif"; mso-hansi-font-family:"Droid Serif"; mso-bidi-font-family:"Droid Serif"; color:black; mso-ansi-font-weight:bold; mso-bidi-font-weight:bold; mso-ansi-font-style:normal; mso-bidi-font-style:normal; text-decoration:none; text-underline:none; text-decoration:none; text-line-through:none;} @list l13:level9 {mso-level-number-format:bullet; mso-level-text:■; mso-level-tab-stop:4.25in; mso-level-number-position:right; text-indent:-9.0pt; mso-ansi-font-size:12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size:12.0pt; mso-ascii-font-family:"Droid Serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"Droid Serif"; mso-hansi-font-family:"Droid Serif"; mso-bidi-font-family:"Droid Serif"; color:black; mso-ansi-font-weight:bold; mso-bidi-font-weight:bold; mso-ansi-font-style:normal; mso-bidi-font-style:normal; text-decoration:none; text-underline:none; text-decoration:none; text-line-through:none;} @list l14 {mso-list-id:15; mso-list-type:hybrid; mso-list-template-ids:15 -1 -1 -1 -1 -1 -1 -1 -1 -1;} @list l14:level1 {mso-level-number-format:bullet; mso-level-text:●; mso-level-tab-stop:.25in; mso-level-number-position:left; text-indent:-.25in; mso-ansi-font-size:12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size:12.0pt; mso-ascii-font-family:"Droid Serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"Droid Serif"; mso-hansi-font-family:"Droid Serif"; mso-bidi-font-family:"Droid Serif"; color:black; mso-ansi-font-weight:normal; mso-bidi-font-weight:normal; mso-ansi-font-style:normal; mso-bidi-font-style:normal; text-decoration:none; text-underline:none; text-decoration:none; text-line-through:none;} @list l14:level2 {mso-level-number-format:bullet; mso-level-text:○; mso-level-tab-stop:.75in; mso-level-number-position:left; text-indent:-.25in; mso-ansi-font-size:12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size:12.0pt; mso-ascii-font-family:"Droid Serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"Droid Serif"; mso-hansi-font-family:"Droid Serif"; mso-bidi-font-family:"Droid Serif"; color:black; mso-ansi-font-weight:normal; mso-bidi-font-weight:normal; mso-ansi-font-style:normal; mso-bidi-font-style:normal; text-decoration:none; text-underline:none; text-decoration:none; text-line-through:none;} @list l14:level3 {mso-level-number-format:bullet; mso-level-text:■; mso-level-tab-stop:1.25in; mso-level-number-position:right; text-indent:-9.0pt; mso-ansi-font-size:12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size:12.0pt; mso-ascii-font-family:"Droid Serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"Droid Serif"; mso-hansi-font-family:"Droid Serif"; mso-bidi-font-family:"Droid Serif"; color:black; mso-ansi-font-weight:normal; mso-bidi-font-weight:normal; mso-ansi-font-style:normal; mso-bidi-font-style:normal; text-decoration:none; text-underline:none; text-decoration:none; text-line-through:none;} @list l14:level4 {mso-level-number-format:bullet; mso-level-text:●; mso-level-tab-stop:1.75in; mso-level-number-position:left; text-indent:-.25in; mso-ansi-font-size:12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size:12.0pt; mso-ascii-font-family:"Droid Serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"Droid Serif"; mso-hansi-font-family:"Droid Serif"; mso-bidi-font-family:"Droid Serif"; color:black; mso-ansi-font-weight:normal; mso-bidi-font-weight:normal; mso-ansi-font-style:normal; mso-bidi-font-style:normal; text-decoration:none; text-underline:none; text-decoration:none; text-line-through:none;} @list l14:level5 {mso-level-number-format:bullet; mso-level-text:○; mso-level-tab-stop:2.25in; mso-level-number-position:left; text-indent:-.25in; mso-ansi-font-size:12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size:12.0pt; mso-ascii-font-family:"Droid Serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"Droid Serif"; mso-hansi-font-family:"Droid Serif"; mso-bidi-font-family:"Droid Serif"; color:black; mso-ansi-font-weight:normal; mso-bidi-font-weight:normal; mso-ansi-font-style:normal; mso-bidi-font-style:normal; text-decoration:none; text-underline:none; text-decoration:none; text-line-through:none;} @list l14:level6 {mso-level-number-format:bullet; mso-level-text:■; mso-level-tab-stop:2.75in; mso-level-number-position:right; text-indent:-9.0pt; mso-ansi-font-size:12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size:12.0pt; mso-ascii-font-family:"Droid Serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"Droid Serif"; mso-hansi-font-family:"Droid Serif"; mso-bidi-font-family:"Droid Serif"; color:black; mso-ansi-font-weight:normal; mso-bidi-font-weight:normal; mso-ansi-font-style:normal; mso-bidi-font-style:normal; text-decoration:none; text-underline:none; text-decoration:none; text-line-through:none;} @list l14:level7 {mso-level-number-format:bullet; mso-level-text:●; mso-level-tab-stop:3.25in; mso-level-number-position:left; text-indent:-.25in; mso-ansi-font-size:12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size:12.0pt; mso-ascii-font-family:"Droid Serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"Droid Serif"; mso-hansi-font-family:"Droid Serif"; mso-bidi-font-family:"Droid Serif"; color:black; mso-ansi-font-weight:normal; mso-bidi-font-weight:normal; mso-ansi-font-style:normal; mso-bidi-font-style:normal; text-decoration:none; text-underline:none; text-decoration:none; text-line-through:none;} @list l14:level8 {mso-level-number-format:bullet; mso-level-text:○; mso-level-tab-stop:3.75in; mso-level-number-position:left; text-indent:-.25in; mso-ansi-font-size:12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size:12.0pt; mso-ascii-font-family:"Droid Serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"Droid Serif"; mso-hansi-font-family:"Droid Serif"; mso-bidi-font-family:"Droid Serif"; color:black; mso-ansi-font-weight:normal; mso-bidi-font-weight:normal; mso-ansi-font-style:normal; mso-bidi-font-style:normal; text-decoration:none; text-underline:none; text-decoration:none; text-line-through:none;} @list l14:level9 {mso-level-number-format:bullet; mso-level-text:■; mso-level-tab-stop:4.25in; mso-level-number-position:right; text-indent:-9.0pt; mso-ansi-font-size:12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size:12.0pt; mso-ascii-font-family:"Droid Serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"Droid Serif"; mso-hansi-font-family:"Droid Serif"; mso-bidi-font-family:"Droid Serif"; color:black; mso-ansi-font-weight:normal; mso-bidi-font-weight:normal; mso-ansi-font-style:normal; mso-bidi-font-style:normal; text-decoration:none; text-underline:none; text-decoration:none; text-line-through:none;} @list l15 {mso-list-id:16; mso-list-type:hybrid; mso-list-template-ids:16 -1 -1 -1 -1 -1 -1 -1 -1 -1;} @list l15:level1 {mso-level-number-format:bullet; mso-level-text:●; mso-level-tab-stop:.25in; mso-level-number-position:left; text-indent:-.25in; mso-ansi-font-size:12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size:12.0pt; mso-ascii-font-family:"Droid Serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"Droid Serif"; mso-hansi-font-family:"Droid Serif"; mso-bidi-font-family:"Droid Serif"; color:black; mso-ansi-font-weight:normal; mso-bidi-font-weight:normal; mso-ansi-font-style:normal; mso-bidi-font-style:normal; text-decoration:none; text-underline:none; text-decoration:none; text-line-through:none;} @list l15:level2 {mso-level-number-format:bullet; mso-level-text:○; mso-level-tab-stop:.75in; mso-level-number-position:left; text-indent:-.25in; mso-ansi-font-size:12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size:12.0pt; mso-ascii-font-family:"Droid Serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"Droid Serif"; mso-hansi-font-family:"Droid Serif"; mso-bidi-font-family:"Droid Serif"; color:black; mso-ansi-font-weight:normal; mso-bidi-font-weight:normal; mso-ansi-font-style:normal; mso-bidi-font-style:normal; text-decoration:none; text-underline:none; text-decoration:none; text-line-through:none;} @list l15:level3 {mso-level-number-format:bullet; mso-level-text:■; mso-level-tab-stop:1.25in; mso-level-number-position:right; text-indent:-9.0pt; mso-ansi-font-size:12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size:12.0pt; mso-ascii-font-family:"Droid Serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"Droid Serif"; mso-hansi-font-family:"Droid Serif"; mso-bidi-font-family:"Droid Serif"; color:black; mso-ansi-font-weight:normal; mso-bidi-font-weight:normal; mso-ansi-font-style:normal; mso-bidi-font-style:normal; text-decoration:none; text-underline:none; text-decoration:none; text-line-through:none;} @list l15:level4 {mso-level-number-format:bullet; mso-level-text:●; mso-level-tab-stop:1.75in; mso-level-number-position:left; text-indent:-.25in; mso-ansi-font-size:12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size:12.0pt; mso-ascii-font-family:"Droid Serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"Droid Serif"; mso-hansi-font-family:"Droid Serif"; mso-bidi-font-family:"Droid Serif"; color:black; mso-ansi-font-weight:normal; mso-bidi-font-weight:normal; mso-ansi-font-style:normal; mso-bidi-font-style:normal; text-decoration:none; text-underline:none; text-decoration:none; text-line-through:none;} @list l15:level5 {mso-level-number-format:bullet; mso-level-text:○; mso-level-tab-stop:2.25in; mso-level-number-position:left; text-indent:-.25in; mso-ansi-font-size:12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size:12.0pt; mso-ascii-font-family:"Droid Serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"Droid Serif"; mso-hansi-font-family:"Droid Serif"; mso-bidi-font-family:"Droid Serif"; color:black; mso-ansi-font-weight:normal; mso-bidi-font-weight:normal; mso-ansi-font-style:normal; mso-bidi-font-style:normal; text-decoration:none; text-underline:none; text-decoration:none; text-line-through:none;} @list l15:level6 {mso-level-number-format:bullet; mso-level-text:■; mso-level-tab-stop:2.75in; mso-level-number-position:right; text-indent:-9.0pt; mso-ansi-font-size:12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size:12.0pt; mso-ascii-font-family:"Droid Serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"Droid Serif"; mso-hansi-font-family:"Droid Serif"; mso-bidi-font-family:"Droid Serif"; color:black; mso-ansi-font-weight:normal; mso-bidi-font-weight:normal; mso-ansi-font-style:normal; mso-bidi-font-style:normal; text-decoration:none; text-underline:none; text-decoration:none; text-line-through:none;} @list l15:level7 {mso-level-number-format:bullet; mso-level-text:●; mso-level-tab-stop:3.25in; mso-level-number-position:left; text-indent:-.25in; mso-ansi-font-size:12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size:12.0pt; mso-ascii-font-family:"Droid Serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"Droid Serif"; mso-hansi-font-family:"Droid Serif"; mso-bidi-font-family:"Droid Serif"; color:black; mso-ansi-font-weight:normal; mso-bidi-font-weight:normal; mso-ansi-font-style:normal; mso-bidi-font-style:normal; text-decoration:none; text-underline:none; text-decoration:none; text-line-through:none;} @list l15:level8 {mso-level-number-format:bullet; mso-level-text:○; mso-level-tab-stop:3.75in; mso-level-number-position:left; text-indent:-.25in; mso-ansi-font-size:12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size:12.0pt; mso-ascii-font-family:"Droid Serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"Droid Serif"; mso-hansi-font-family:"Droid Serif"; mso-bidi-font-family:"Droid Serif"; color:black; mso-ansi-font-weight:normal; mso-bidi-font-weight:normal; mso-ansi-font-style:normal; mso-bidi-font-style:normal; text-decoration:none; text-underline:none; text-decoration:none; text-line-through:none;} @list l15:level9 {mso-level-number-format:bullet; mso-level-text:■; mso-level-tab-stop:4.25in; mso-level-number-position:right; text-indent:-9.0pt; mso-ansi-font-size:12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size:12.0pt; mso-ascii-font-family:"Droid Serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"Droid Serif"; mso-hansi-font-family:"Droid Serif"; mso-bidi-font-family:"Droid Serif"; color:black; mso-ansi-font-weight:normal; mso-bidi-font-weight:normal; mso-ansi-font-style:normal; mso-bidi-font-style:normal; text-decoration:none; text-underline:none; text-decoration:none; text-line-through:none;} @list l16 {mso-list-id:17; mso-list-type:hybrid; mso-list-template-ids:17 -1 -1 -1 -1 -1 -1 -1 -1 -1;} @list l16:level1 {mso-level-number-format:bullet; mso-level-text:●; mso-level-tab-stop:.25in; mso-level-number-position:left; text-indent:-.25in; mso-ansi-font-size:12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size:12.0pt; mso-ascii-font-family:"Droid Serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"Droid Serif"; mso-hansi-font-family:"Droid Serif"; mso-bidi-font-family:"Droid Serif"; color:black; mso-ansi-font-weight:normal; mso-bidi-font-weight:normal; mso-ansi-font-style:normal; mso-bidi-font-style:normal; text-decoration:none; text-underline:none; text-decoration:none; text-line-through:none;} @list l16:level2 {mso-level-number-format:bullet; mso-level-text:○; mso-level-tab-stop:.75in; mso-level-number-position:left; text-indent:-.25in; mso-ansi-font-size:12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size:12.0pt; mso-ascii-font-family:"Droid Serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"Droid Serif"; mso-hansi-font-family:"Droid Serif"; mso-bidi-font-family:"Droid Serif"; color:black; mso-ansi-font-weight:normal; mso-bidi-font-weight:normal; mso-ansi-font-style:normal; mso-bidi-font-style:normal; text-decoration:none; text-underline:none; text-decoration:none; text-line-through:none;} @list l16:level3 {mso-level-number-format:bullet; mso-level-text:■; mso-level-tab-stop:1.25in; mso-level-number-position:right; text-indent:-9.0pt; mso-ansi-font-size:12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size:12.0pt; mso-ascii-font-family:"Droid Serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"Droid Serif"; mso-hansi-font-family:"Droid Serif"; mso-bidi-font-family:"Droid Serif"; color:black; mso-ansi-font-weight:normal; mso-bidi-font-weight:normal; mso-ansi-font-style:normal; mso-bidi-font-style:normal; text-decoration:none; text-underline:none; text-decoration:none; text-line-through:none;} @list l16:level4 {mso-level-number-format:bullet; mso-level-text:●; mso-level-tab-stop:1.75in; mso-level-number-position:left; text-indent:-.25in; mso-ansi-font-size:12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size:12.0pt; mso-ascii-font-family:"Droid Serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"Droid Serif"; mso-hansi-font-family:"Droid Serif"; mso-bidi-font-family:"Droid Serif"; color:black; mso-ansi-font-weight:normal; mso-bidi-font-weight:normal; mso-ansi-font-style:normal; mso-bidi-font-style:normal; text-decoration:none; text-underline:none; text-decoration:none; text-line-through:none;} @list l16:level5 {mso-level-number-format:bullet; mso-level-text:○; mso-level-tab-stop:2.25in; mso-level-number-position:left; text-indent:-.25in; mso-ansi-font-size:12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size:12.0pt; mso-ascii-font-family:"Droid Serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"Droid Serif"; mso-hansi-font-family:"Droid Serif"; mso-bidi-font-family:"Droid Serif"; color:black; mso-ansi-font-weight:normal; mso-bidi-font-weight:normal; mso-ansi-font-style:normal; mso-bidi-font-style:normal; text-decoration:none; text-underline:none; text-decoration:none; text-line-through:none;} @list l16:level6 {mso-level-number-format:bullet; mso-level-text:■; mso-level-tab-stop:2.75in; mso-level-number-position:right; text-indent:-9.0pt; mso-ansi-font-size:12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size:12.0pt; mso-ascii-font-family:"Droid Serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"Droid Serif"; mso-hansi-font-family:"Droid Serif"; mso-bidi-font-family:"Droid Serif"; color:black; mso-ansi-font-weight:normal; mso-bidi-font-weight:normal; mso-ansi-font-style:normal; mso-bidi-font-style:normal; text-decoration:none; text-underline:none; text-decoration:none; text-line-through:none;} @list l16:level7 {mso-level-number-format:bullet; mso-level-text:●; mso-level-tab-stop:3.25in; mso-level-number-position:left; text-indent:-.25in; mso-ansi-font-size:12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size:12.0pt; mso-ascii-font-family:"Droid Serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"Droid Serif"; mso-hansi-font-family:"Droid Serif"; mso-bidi-font-family:"Droid Serif"; color:black; mso-ansi-font-weight:normal; mso-bidi-font-weight:normal; mso-ansi-font-style:normal; mso-bidi-font-style:normal; text-decoration:none; text-underline:none; text-decoration:none; text-line-through:none;} @list l16:level8 {mso-level-number-format:bullet; mso-level-text:○; mso-level-tab-stop:3.75in; mso-level-number-position:left; text-indent:-.25in; mso-ansi-font-size:12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size:12.0pt; mso-ascii-font-family:"Droid Serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"Droid Serif"; mso-hansi-font-family:"Droid Serif"; mso-bidi-font-family:"Droid Serif"; color:black; mso-ansi-font-weight:normal; mso-bidi-font-weight:normal; mso-ansi-font-style:normal; mso-bidi-font-style:normal; text-decoration:none; text-underline:none; text-decoration:none; text-line-through:none;} @list l16:level9 {mso-level-number-format:bullet; mso-level-text:■; mso-level-tab-stop:4.25in; mso-level-number-position:right; text-indent:-9.0pt; mso-ansi-font-size:12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size:12.0pt; mso-ascii-font-family:"Droid Serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"Droid Serif"; mso-hansi-font-family:"Droid Serif"; mso-bidi-font-family:"Droid Serif"; color:black; mso-ansi-font-weight:normal; mso-bidi-font-weight:normal; mso-ansi-font-style:normal; mso-bidi-font-style:normal; text-decoration:none; text-underline:none; text-decoration:none; text-line-through:none;} @list l17 {mso-list-id:18; mso-list-type:hybrid; mso-list-template-ids:18 -1 -1 -1 -1 -1 -1 -1 -1 -1;} @list l17:level1 {mso-level-number-format:bullet; mso-level-text:●; mso-level-tab-stop:.25in; mso-level-number-position:left; text-indent:-.25in; mso-ansi-font-size:12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size:12.0pt; mso-ascii-font-family:"Droid Serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"Droid Serif"; mso-hansi-font-family:"Droid Serif"; mso-bidi-font-family:"Droid Serif"; color:black; mso-ansi-font-weight:normal; mso-bidi-font-weight:normal; mso-ansi-font-style:normal; mso-bidi-font-style:normal; text-decoration:none; text-underline:none; text-decoration:none; text-line-through:none;} @list l17:level2 {mso-level-number-format:bullet; mso-level-text:○; mso-level-tab-stop:.75in; mso-level-number-position:left; text-indent:-.25in; mso-ansi-font-size:12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size:12.0pt; mso-ascii-font-family:"Droid Serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"Droid Serif"; mso-hansi-font-family:"Droid Serif"; mso-bidi-font-family:"Droid Serif"; color:black; mso-ansi-font-weight:normal; mso-bidi-font-weight:normal; mso-ansi-font-style:normal; mso-bidi-font-style:normal; text-decoration:none; text-underline:none; text-decoration:none; text-line-through:none;} @list l17:level3 {mso-level-number-format:bullet; mso-level-text:■; mso-level-tab-stop:1.25in; mso-level-number-position:right; text-indent:-9.0pt; mso-ansi-font-size:12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size:12.0pt; mso-ascii-font-family:"Droid Serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"Droid Serif"; mso-hansi-font-family:"Droid Serif"; mso-bidi-font-family:"Droid Serif"; color:black; mso-ansi-font-weight:normal; mso-bidi-font-weight:normal; mso-ansi-font-style:normal; mso-bidi-font-style:normal; text-decoration:none; text-underline:none; text-decoration:none; text-line-through:none;} @list l17:level4 {mso-level-number-format:bullet; mso-level-text:●; mso-level-tab-stop:1.75in; mso-level-number-position:left; text-indent:-.25in; mso-ansi-font-size:12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size:12.0pt; mso-ascii-font-family:"Droid Serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"Droid Serif"; mso-hansi-font-family:"Droid Serif"; mso-bidi-font-family:"Droid Serif"; color:black; mso-ansi-font-weight:normal; mso-bidi-font-weight:normal; mso-ansi-font-style:normal; mso-bidi-font-style:normal; text-decoration:none; text-underline:none; text-decoration:none; text-line-through:none;} @list l17:level5 {mso-level-number-format:bullet; mso-level-text:○; mso-level-tab-stop:2.25in; mso-level-number-position:left; text-indent:-.25in; mso-ansi-font-size:12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size:12.0pt; mso-ascii-font-family:"Droid Serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"Droid Serif"; mso-hansi-font-family:"Droid Serif"; mso-bidi-font-family:"Droid Serif"; color:black; mso-ansi-font-weight:normal; mso-bidi-font-weight:normal; mso-ansi-font-style:normal; mso-bidi-font-style:normal; text-decoration:none; text-underline:none; text-decoration:none; text-line-through:none;} @list l17:level6 {mso-level-number-format:bullet; mso-level-text:■; mso-level-tab-stop:2.75in; mso-level-number-position:right; text-indent:-9.0pt; mso-ansi-font-size:12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size:12.0pt; mso-ascii-font-family:"Droid Serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"Droid Serif"; mso-hansi-font-family:"Droid Serif"; mso-bidi-font-family:"Droid Serif"; color:black; mso-ansi-font-weight:normal; mso-bidi-font-weight:normal; mso-ansi-font-style:normal; mso-bidi-font-style:normal; text-decoration:none; text-underline:none; text-decoration:none; text-line-through:none;} @list l17:level7 {mso-level-number-format:bullet; mso-level-text:●; mso-level-tab-stop:3.25in; mso-level-number-position:left; text-indent:-.25in; mso-ansi-font-size:12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size:12.0pt; mso-ascii-font-family:"Droid Serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"Droid Serif"; mso-hansi-font-family:"Droid Serif"; mso-bidi-font-family:"Droid Serif"; color:black; mso-ansi-font-weight:normal; mso-bidi-font-weight:normal; mso-ansi-font-style:normal; mso-bidi-font-style:normal; text-decoration:none; text-underline:none; text-decoration:none; text-line-through:none;} @list l17:level8 {mso-level-number-format:bullet; mso-level-text:○; mso-level-tab-stop:3.75in; mso-level-number-position:left; text-indent:-.25in; mso-ansi-font-size:12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size:12.0pt; mso-ascii-font-family:"Droid Serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"Droid Serif"; mso-hansi-font-family:"Droid Serif"; mso-bidi-font-family:"Droid Serif"; color:black; mso-ansi-font-weight:normal; mso-bidi-font-weight:normal; mso-ansi-font-style:normal; mso-bidi-font-style:normal; text-decoration:none; text-underline:none; text-decoration:none; text-line-through:none;} @list l17:level9 {mso-level-number-format:bullet; mso-level-text:■; mso-level-tab-stop:4.25in; mso-level-number-position:right; text-indent:-9.0pt; mso-ansi-font-size:12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size:12.0pt; mso-ascii-font-family:"Droid Serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"Droid Serif"; mso-hansi-font-family:"Droid Serif"; mso-bidi-font-family:"Droid Serif"; color:black; mso-ansi-font-weight:normal; mso-bidi-font-weight:normal; mso-ansi-font-style:normal; mso-bidi-font-style:normal; text-decoration:none; text-underline:none; text-decoration:none; text-line-through:none;} @list l18 {mso-list-id:19; mso-list-type:hybrid; mso-list-template-ids:19 -1 -1 -1 -1 -1 -1 -1 -1 -1;} @list l18:level1 {mso-level-number-format:bullet; mso-level-text:●; mso-level-tab-stop:.25in; mso-level-number-position:left; text-indent:-.25in; mso-ansi-font-size:12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size:12.0pt; mso-ascii-font-family:"Droid Serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"Droid Serif"; mso-hansi-font-family:"Droid Serif"; mso-bidi-font-family:"Droid Serif"; color:black; mso-ansi-font-weight:normal; mso-bidi-font-weight:normal; mso-ansi-font-style:normal; mso-bidi-font-style:normal; text-decoration:none; text-underline:none; text-decoration:none; text-line-through:none;} @list l18:level2 {mso-level-number-format:bullet; mso-level-text:○; mso-level-tab-stop:.75in; mso-level-number-position:left; text-indent:-.25in; mso-ansi-font-size:12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size:12.0pt; mso-ascii-font-family:"Droid Serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"Droid Serif"; mso-hansi-font-family:"Droid Serif"; mso-bidi-font-family:"Droid Serif"; color:black; mso-ansi-font-weight:normal; mso-bidi-font-weight:normal; mso-ansi-font-style:normal; mso-bidi-font-style:normal; text-decoration:none; text-underline:none; text-decoration:none; text-line-through:none;} @list l18:level3 {mso-level-number-format:bullet; mso-level-text:■; mso-level-tab-stop:1.25in; mso-level-number-position:right; text-indent:-9.0pt; mso-ansi-font-size:12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size:12.0pt; mso-ascii-font-family:"Droid Serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"Droid Serif"; mso-hansi-font-family:"Droid Serif"; mso-bidi-font-family:"Droid Serif"; color:black; mso-ansi-font-weight:normal; mso-bidi-font-weight:normal; mso-ansi-font-style:normal; mso-bidi-font-style:normal; text-decoration:none; text-underline:none; text-decoration:none; text-line-through:none;} @list l18:level4 {mso-level-number-format:bullet; mso-level-text:●; mso-level-tab-stop:1.75in; mso-level-number-position:left; text-indent:-.25in; mso-ansi-font-size:12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size:12.0pt; mso-ascii-font-family:"Droid Serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"Droid Serif"; mso-hansi-font-family:"Droid Serif"; mso-bidi-font-family:"Droid Serif"; color:black; mso-ansi-font-weight:normal; mso-bidi-font-weight:normal; mso-ansi-font-style:normal; mso-bidi-font-style:normal; text-decoration:none; text-underline:none; text-decoration:none; text-line-through:none;} @list l18:level5 {mso-level-number-format:bullet; mso-level-text:○; mso-level-tab-stop:2.25in; mso-level-number-position:left; text-indent:-.25in; mso-ansi-font-size:12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size:12.0pt; mso-ascii-font-family:"Droid Serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"Droid Serif"; mso-hansi-font-family:"Droid Serif"; mso-bidi-font-family:"Droid Serif"; color:black; mso-ansi-font-weight:normal; mso-bidi-font-weight:normal; mso-ansi-font-style:normal; mso-bidi-font-style:normal; text-decoration:none; text-underline:none; text-decoration:none; text-line-through:none;} @list l18:level6 {mso-level-number-format:bullet; mso-level-text:■; mso-level-tab-stop:2.75in; mso-level-number-position:right; text-indent:-9.0pt; mso-ansi-font-size:12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size:12.0pt; mso-ascii-font-family:"Droid Serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"Droid Serif"; mso-hansi-font-family:"Droid Serif"; mso-bidi-font-family:"Droid Serif"; color:black; mso-ansi-font-weight:normal; mso-bidi-font-weight:normal; mso-ansi-font-style:normal; mso-bidi-font-style:normal; text-decoration:none; text-underline:none; text-decoration:none; text-line-through:none;} @list l18:level7 {mso-level-number-format:bullet; mso-level-text:●; mso-level-tab-stop:3.25in; mso-level-number-position:left; text-indent:-.25in; mso-ansi-font-size:12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size:12.0pt; mso-ascii-font-family:"Droid Serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"Droid Serif"; mso-hansi-font-family:"Droid Serif"; mso-bidi-font-family:"Droid Serif"; color:black; mso-ansi-font-weight:normal; mso-bidi-font-weight:normal; mso-ansi-font-style:normal; mso-bidi-font-style:normal; text-decoration:none; text-underline:none; text-decoration:none; text-line-through:none;} @list l18:level8 {mso-level-number-format:bullet; mso-level-text:○; mso-level-tab-stop:3.75in; mso-level-number-position:left; text-indent:-.25in; mso-ansi-font-size:12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size:12.0pt; mso-ascii-font-family:"Droid Serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"Droid Serif"; mso-hansi-font-family:"Droid Serif"; mso-bidi-font-family:"Droid Serif"; color:black; mso-ansi-font-weight:normal; mso-bidi-font-weight:normal; mso-ansi-font-style:normal; mso-bidi-font-style:normal; text-decoration:none; text-underline:none; text-decoration:none; text-line-through:none;} @list l18:level9 {mso-level-number-format:bullet; mso-level-text:■; mso-level-tab-stop:4.25in; mso-level-number-position:right; text-indent:-9.0pt; mso-ansi-font-size:12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size:12.0pt; mso-ascii-font-family:"Droid Serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"Droid Serif"; mso-hansi-font-family:"Droid Serif"; mso-bidi-font-family:"Droid Serif"; color:black; mso-ansi-font-weight:normal; mso-bidi-font-weight:normal; mso-ansi-font-style:normal; mso-bidi-font-style:normal; text-decoration:none; text-underline:none; text-decoration:none; text-line-through:none;} @list l19 {mso-list-id:20; mso-list-type:hybrid; mso-list-template-ids:20 -1 -1 -1 -1 -1 -1 -1 -1 -1;} @list l19:level1 {mso-level-number-format:bullet; mso-level-text:●; mso-level-tab-stop:.25in; mso-level-number-position:left; text-indent:-.25in; mso-ansi-font-size:12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size:12.0pt; mso-ascii-font-family:"Droid Serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"Droid Serif"; mso-hansi-font-family:"Droid Serif"; mso-bidi-font-family:"Droid Serif"; color:black; mso-ansi-font-weight:normal; mso-bidi-font-weight:normal; mso-ansi-font-style:normal; mso-bidi-font-style:normal; text-decoration:none; text-underline:none; text-decoration:none; text-line-through:none;} @list l19:level2 {mso-level-number-format:bullet; mso-level-text:○; mso-level-tab-stop:.75in; mso-level-number-position:left; text-indent:-.25in; mso-ansi-font-size:12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size:12.0pt; mso-ascii-font-family:"Droid Serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"Droid Serif"; mso-hansi-font-family:"Droid Serif"; mso-bidi-font-family:"Droid Serif"; color:black; mso-ansi-font-weight:normal; mso-bidi-font-weight:normal; mso-ansi-font-style:normal; mso-bidi-font-style:normal; text-decoration:none; text-underline:none; text-decoration:none; text-line-through:none;} @list l19:level3 {mso-level-number-format:bullet; mso-level-text:■; mso-level-tab-stop:1.25in; mso-level-number-position:right; text-indent:-9.0pt; mso-ansi-font-size:12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size:12.0pt; mso-ascii-font-family:"Droid Serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"Droid Serif"; mso-hansi-font-family:"Droid Serif"; mso-bidi-font-family:"Droid Serif"; color:black; mso-ansi-font-weight:normal; mso-bidi-font-weight:normal; mso-ansi-font-style:normal; mso-bidi-font-style:normal; text-decoration:none; text-underline:none; text-decoration:none; text-line-through:none;} @list l19:level4 {mso-level-number-format:bullet; mso-level-text:●; mso-level-tab-stop:1.75in; mso-level-number-position:left; text-indent:-.25in; mso-ansi-font-size:12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size:12.0pt; mso-ascii-font-family:"Droid Serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"Droid Serif"; mso-hansi-font-family:"Droid Serif"; mso-bidi-font-family:"Droid Serif"; color:black; mso-ansi-font-weight:normal; mso-bidi-font-weight:normal; mso-ansi-font-style:normal; mso-bidi-font-style:normal; text-decoration:none; text-underline:none; text-decoration:none; text-line-through:none;} @list l19:level5 {mso-level-number-format:bullet; mso-level-text:○; mso-level-tab-stop:2.25in; mso-level-number-position:left; text-indent:-.25in; mso-ansi-font-size:12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size:12.0pt; mso-ascii-font-family:"Droid Serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"Droid Serif"; mso-hansi-font-family:"Droid Serif"; mso-bidi-font-family:"Droid Serif"; color:black; mso-ansi-font-weight:normal; mso-bidi-font-weight:normal; mso-ansi-font-style:normal; mso-bidi-font-style:normal; text-decoration:none; text-underline:none; text-decoration:none; text-line-through:none;} @list l19:level6 {mso-level-number-format:bullet; mso-level-text:■; mso-level-tab-stop:2.75in; mso-level-number-position:right; text-indent:-9.0pt; mso-ansi-font-size:12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size:12.0pt; mso-ascii-font-family:"Droid Serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"Droid Serif"; mso-hansi-font-family:"Droid Serif"; mso-bidi-font-family:"Droid Serif"; color:black; mso-ansi-font-weight:normal; mso-bidi-font-weight:normal; mso-ansi-font-style:normal; mso-bidi-font-style:normal; text-decoration:none; text-underline:none; text-decoration:none; text-line-through:none;} @list l19:level7 {mso-level-number-format:bullet; mso-level-text:●; mso-level-tab-stop:3.25in; mso-level-number-position:left; text-indent:-.25in; mso-ansi-font-size:12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size:12.0pt; mso-ascii-font-family:"Droid Serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"Droid Serif"; mso-hansi-font-family:"Droid Serif"; mso-bidi-font-family:"Droid Serif"; color:black; mso-ansi-font-weight:normal; mso-bidi-font-weight:normal; mso-ansi-font-style:normal; mso-bidi-font-style:normal; text-decoration:none; text-underline:none; text-decoration:none; text-line-through:none;} @list l19:level8 {mso-level-number-format:bullet; mso-level-text:○; mso-level-tab-stop:3.75in; mso-level-number-position:left; text-indent:-.25in; mso-ansi-font-size:12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size:12.0pt; mso-ascii-font-family:"Droid Serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"Droid Serif"; mso-hansi-font-family:"Droid Serif"; mso-bidi-font-family:"Droid Serif"; color:black; mso-ansi-font-weight:normal; mso-bidi-font-weight:normal; mso-ansi-font-style:normal; mso-bidi-font-style:normal; text-decoration:none; text-underline:none; text-decoration:none; text-line-through:none;} @list l19:level9 {mso-level-number-format:bullet; mso-level-text:■; mso-level-tab-stop:4.25in; mso-level-number-position:right; text-indent:-9.0pt; mso-ansi-font-size:12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size:12.0pt; mso-ascii-font-family:"Droid Serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"Droid Serif"; mso-hansi-font-family:"Droid Serif"; mso-bidi-font-family:"Droid Serif"; color:black; mso-ansi-font-weight:normal; mso-bidi-font-weight:normal; mso-ansi-font-style:normal; mso-bidi-font-style:normal; text-decoration:none; text-underline:none; text-decoration:none; text-line-through:none;} ol {margin-bottom:0in;} ul {margin-bottom:0in;} -->
</style><br />
<div class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: blue; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">As some of you know, we love to travel. We are extremely blessed to have the opportunity to visit so many places, to experience different cultures, and most importantly, to be able to spend time with family. This year, we had the amazing opportunity to go with my family to visit France and Switzerland. Our trip was from July 23<sup>rd</sup> to August 2<sup>nd</sup>.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: blue; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: blue; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Rachael and I flew out of Salt Lake. We met my family in Dallas, and flew to Paris on the same flight.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: blue; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: blue; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">The following is our itinerary, put together by my sister, Erin, and her husband Jon M. Thanks Erin and Jon for putting this together!!!</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: blue; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><br />
</span></div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><b><u><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="text-decoration: none;"></span></span></u></b></div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><b><u><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">France Itinerary</span></u></b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";"></span></div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><b><u><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="text-decoration: none;"></span></span></u></b></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Note: </span></b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">for each applicable site, we’ve put the page no. referencing the site in the “Paris Pass Guide.” Look at the guide for more info., nearest metro stations, normal price of admissions, and mini-maps.<b></b></span></div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b><u><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Day 1</span></u></b><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">: Sunday (7/24)<u></u></span></b></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.5in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list .25in .5in; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="font-family: "Droid Serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">●<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";"> </span></span><u><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">9:15 a.m.</span></u><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"> - Arrival at Paris - Charles de Gaulle airport; go through customs, get baggage, complain about lost baggage<u></u></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.5in; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo2; tab-stops: list .25in .5in; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="font-family: "Droid Serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">●<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";"> </span></span><u><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">10:15 a.m.</span></u><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"> - take train to <b>Hotel Novotel Paris Tour Eiffel</b>, 61 Quai de Grenelle, 75015 Paris, (33) 1/40582000<u></u></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 1in; mso-list: l1 level2 lfo2; tab-stops: list .75in 1.0in; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="font-family: "Droid Serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">○<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";"> </span></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">RER B/Blue train to St. Michel/Notre Dame station; transfer to RER C, direction Versailles, exit at Champ de Mars/Tour Eiffel; walk 10 min. - travel time approx. 1 hour</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.5in; mso-list: l2 level1 lfo3; tab-stops: list .25in .5in; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="font-family: "Droid Serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">●<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";"> </span></span><u><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">2:30 p.m.</span></u><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"> - <b>Paris Opera House</b> (Palais Garnier - 8 rue Scribe, 9eme) tour; travel by Metro. Pg. 103.<u></u></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 1in; mso-list: l2 level2 lfo3; tab-stops: list .75in 1.0in; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="font-family: "Droid Serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">○<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";"> </span></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Also nearby: the <b>Paris Story</b> 1 hour multimedia exhibit. Pg. 96.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.5in; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="font-family: "Droid Serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">●<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";"> </span></span><u><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">3:45 p.m.</span></u><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"> - watch part of the <b>Tour de France</b> final stage from <b>Les Tuileries </b>Gardens; travel by Metro (or walk if we’re up to it), Tuileries station.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifa8uTkhOE_RuiJ7xzJ_Zdc0FLLqkRB4KSIUG0CXAk9UopT02uZXimilYxjbs-RyWYVH_iQgQkH-u9K45xih9cyR2XpUtDEY9Kmom_mwahmwx2YNEHS6UkQ_U2qePc_VOKluYfVth_PF6f/s1600/P1010500.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320px" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifa8uTkhOE_RuiJ7xzJ_Zdc0FLLqkRB4KSIUG0CXAk9UopT02uZXimilYxjbs-RyWYVH_iQgQkH-u9K45xih9cyR2XpUtDEY9Kmom_mwahmwx2YNEHS6UkQ_U2qePc_VOKluYfVth_PF6f/s320/P1010500.JPG" width="240px" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.5in; text-indent: -0.25in;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.5in; mso-list: l3 level1 lfo4; tab-stops: list .25in .5in; text-indent: -0.25in;"><br />
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: list .5in;"><u><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="text-decoration: none;"></span></span></u></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: list .5in;"><span style="color: blue; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">We had dinner that night at a little café near our hotel. Jet lag finally caught up to most of us by this point, and I’m sure that every one of us was sleeping at the table during this meal.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: blue; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">French cuisine is definitely different than American fare, and Rachael and I are not as adventurous when eating abroad as we would like. But then again, it would be really sad to get food poisoning while traveling, so we don’t mind sticking to the more tame options.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: list .5in;"><span style="color: blue; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><br />
</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b><u><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Day 2</span></u></b><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">: Monday (7/25)</span></b></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><br />
</span></b></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"></span></b></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: blue; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">We started the day with breakfast at the hotel. They had it set up buffet-style, and tried to Americanize it by adding scrambled eggs (powdered) and bacon (way undercooked) and fowl (turkey) sausage. It was really good! The hot chocolate was probably the highlight of breakfast at this hotel. Think European chocolate in beverage form.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
<span style="color: blue; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"></span></b></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.5in; mso-list: l5 level1 lfo6; tab-stops: list .25in .5in; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="font-family: "Droid Serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">●<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";"> </span></span><u><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">8:30 a.m.</span></u><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"> - <b>Les Cars Rouges</b> - Paris hop-on, hop-off double-decker bus, catch it at the Eiffel Tower, take it to Stop 3, Musée de Louvre. Pg. 101.<u></u></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.5in; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="font-family: "Droid Serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">●<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";"> </span></span><u><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">9 a.m.</span></u><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"> - visit <b>Le Louvre</b> - Paris Bus (hop-on, hop-off), stop 3; use our passes to avoid the line by going to the Richelieu entrance. Pg. 28.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.5in; mso-list: l5 level1 lfo6; tab-stops: list .25in .5in; text-indent: -0.25in;"><br />
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: list .5in;"><u><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="text-decoration: none;"></span></span></u></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: blue; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">The Louvre is amazing! Unfortunately, it’s also AMAZINGLY HUGE. There is so much to see and learn that we could not even visit all of the wings of the museum, let alone see all of the incredible art. I guess that means that I will have to take Rachael back another time!</span></div><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/AVvXsEj9QPYgV4pLlZ5thDFvsL37908K8frV37dbsvdWAO5dmP2vN1fw2EamY6vXjristpce5ZCaB09VGGlvXPnbZLZ9pZyFs9sbLXPW5ICBwg93lbrEd-BDHjFJLg7d4J_svZcYXw1sE4GDUtAT/s1600/P1010544.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320px" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9QPYgV4pLlZ5thDFvsL37908K8frV37dbsvdWAO5dmP2vN1fw2EamY6vXjristpce5ZCaB09VGGlvXPnbZLZ9pZyFs9sbLXPW5ICBwg93lbrEd-BDHjFJLg7d4J_svZcYXw1sE4GDUtAT/s320/P1010544.JPG" width="240px" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Jon and John the Baptist</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<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/AVvXsEj8rMsCmIp7cZdmoPXVmvaATiIy75APZHsuTjJnbTBIjKQBcTrtxuJG4P_xQGDqloCmN5Sga14Luy7UBqTje8GUKrmbLPXW5oon_Tby6aadB-9opNNedeSCKuUcWj4aGX2pntt47N8n-CsY/s1600/P1010554.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320px" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8rMsCmIp7cZdmoPXVmvaATiIy75APZHsuTjJnbTBIjKQBcTrtxuJG4P_xQGDqloCmN5Sga14Luy7UBqTje8GUKrmbLPXW5oon_Tby6aadB-9opNNedeSCKuUcWj4aGX2pntt47N8n-CsY/s320/P1010554.JPG" width="240px" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Mona Lisa, notice the hoards of people reflected back in the glass.</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<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/AVvXsEhbkGUzfShfqLkCKY2GM4ltmC9tdwOQUrTfFDmQEUewv_PaCgwSnbX8W948C9kF0KvbpPntLne_OQuh3U1QCw3Ozo3vT540HTT1cr6AlA_ju2U2YgDijMSw2Z4S68RMpCKKSsIRJXas8nR-/s1600/P1010626.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320px" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbkGUzfShfqLkCKY2GM4ltmC9tdwOQUrTfFDmQEUewv_PaCgwSnbX8W948C9kF0KvbpPntLne_OQuh3U1QCw3Ozo3vT540HTT1cr6AlA_ju2U2YgDijMSw2Z4S68RMpCKKSsIRJXas8nR-/s320/P1010626.JPG" width="240px" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">In front of the Notre Dame.</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<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/AVvXsEiQU_Jd8bbJ00_4LLS2C9EEUdroC0xNvtQ6LsHnQ9pJ-A-q1CnaircVC0kbYahDxryuDj0K61AefNka9ACmF_pU-QQCRCn08Z7wgsb8-5CssJG_UL2zYirfxY2Ce06Dw6DOi77jK1Vl8yRF/s1600/P1010610.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320px" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQU_Jd8bbJ00_4LLS2C9EEUdroC0xNvtQ6LsHnQ9pJ-A-q1CnaircVC0kbYahDxryuDj0K61AefNka9ACmF_pU-QQCRCn08Z7wgsb8-5CssJG_UL2zYirfxY2Ce06Dw6DOi77jK1Vl8yRF/s320/P1010610.JPG" width="240px" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Rose Window in the Notre Dame.</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<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/AVvXsEhq4SHQNH7jUQzVKcuaGE4VZoxzYpt6qNI4MV0cs7-e3BeU2G3Jr7GN_Vjgme2y6c1BEboq8GPVe2oEE2ypA2aLpvqUSmUBj0BIwBjJ-ecD9xUMH4KaMDc_alBIXb8jB2YJywXL8kbVkhaE/s1600/P1010568.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320px" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhq4SHQNH7jUQzVKcuaGE4VZoxzYpt6qNI4MV0cs7-e3BeU2G3Jr7GN_Vjgme2y6c1BEboq8GPVe2oEE2ypA2aLpvqUSmUBj0BIwBjJ-ecD9xUMH4KaMDc_alBIXb8jB2YJywXL8kbVkhaE/s320/P1010568.JPG" width="240px" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This one is for Rachael's Dad who always joked that one's butt might fall off.</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 1in; mso-list: l5 level2 lfo6; tab-stops: list .75in 1.0in; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="font-family: "Droid Serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">○<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";"> </span></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Eat lunch in this area after the museum</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.5in; mso-list: l6 level1 lfo7; tab-stops: list .25in .5in; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="font-family: "Droid Serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">●<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";"> </span></span><u><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Afternoon</span></u><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"> - visit <b>l’Ile de France</b>, including la Câthédrale de <b>Notre Dâme</b> (towers open until 5:30 p.m.); la <b>Conciergerie </b>(last admission at 5:30 p.m., pg. 70), and la <b>Sainte-Chappelle</b> (open until 6 p.m., pg. 72).<u></u></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12pt;"></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.5in; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="font-family: "Droid Serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">●<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";"> </span></span><u><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Evening</span></u><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"> - ride Les Cars Rouges the whole way around the city. We saw Paris the quickest way possible, and still had a blast. We saw l’Arc de Triomphe, drove down the Champs-Elysees.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.5in; mso-list: l5 level1 lfo6; tab-stops: list .25in .5in; text-indent: -0.25in;"><br />
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: list .5in;"><u><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="text-decoration: none;"></span></span></u></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: blue; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">We ended the evening with a trip to Montmarte. We sat on the steps of Sacre Coeur, watched some amazing street performers, saw people get arrested for selling little trinkets on the sidewalk, and went inside the church. Afterward, we had dinner at a café in the center of a courtyard where artists gather. On the way down, we stopped and took pictures of the Eiffel Tower from a distance. It was another great day. The best memory of the day was David racing with the funicular as we left Montmarte after a 3 hour dinner. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: list .5in;"><span style="color: blue; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><br />
</span></div><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/AVvXsEhu5kLXpiC64oBQvV628LYN5FVtGo6DTZ-c0yqkRpeE6XFUHZ2K3pDB0lcc9wnqJtM9htqTlsdlPja5nOGE8sZI-2x9SHQRIZePD-HQH1Hc55D9lAZflMzg8wXDaEzI4BIbcdZ1h3UvJlzQ/s1600/P1010639.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320px" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhu5kLXpiC64oBQvV628LYN5FVtGo6DTZ-c0yqkRpeE6XFUHZ2K3pDB0lcc9wnqJtM9htqTlsdlPja5nOGE8sZI-2x9SHQRIZePD-HQH1Hc55D9lAZflMzg8wXDaEzI4BIbcdZ1h3UvJlzQ/s320/P1010639.JPG" width="240px" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Jon and James waiting to ride the finicular</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<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/AVvXsEjcvPlmmWob7ilzDs0yQuADj5XRfUhC-26Z6v0n7Zuv5hXfT9VuD1P7BUQLadbre7HM5M6XJGr1aNPwD_V2bYJ_pc3o34tMqlh38kY7SZInUUV-JmZPyKzbHoDIDOE6DEvD1FVWXyGx_ffD/s1600/P1010641.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320px" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcvPlmmWob7ilzDs0yQuADj5XRfUhC-26Z6v0n7Zuv5hXfT9VuD1P7BUQLadbre7HM5M6XJGr1aNPwD_V2bYJ_pc3o34tMqlh38kY7SZInUUV-JmZPyKzbHoDIDOE6DEvD1FVWXyGx_ffD/s320/P1010641.JPG" width="240px" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Amazing street performers!</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<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/AVvXsEiMastGhyphenhyphenXClykdJfwa-o636ik7y8xN77MB-Auj-Pi_iI9oaUOkohltf2cwkQvrWJHIwqBDA5L_-AfhHkaIKG5zhpgvWiHgrseydY1uzqFGCN-PQJ7zyIdNGtXFT7MERBpZtsu1JnSjo98D/s1600/P1010650.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320px" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMastGhyphenhyphenXClykdJfwa-o636ik7y8xN77MB-Auj-Pi_iI9oaUOkohltf2cwkQvrWJHIwqBDA5L_-AfhHkaIKG5zhpgvWiHgrseydY1uzqFGCN-PQJ7zyIdNGtXFT7MERBpZtsu1JnSjo98D/s320/P1010650.JPG" width="240px" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">View of the Eiffel Tower from Montmarte.</td></tr>
</tbody></table><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: blue; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><br />
</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b><u><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Day 3</span></u></b><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">:</span></b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"> <b>Tuesday (7/26)<u></u></b></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"></span></b></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.5in; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="font-family: "Droid Serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">●<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";"> </span></span><u><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">8:30 a.m.</span></u><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"> - <b>Eiffel Tower</b> (approx. 17 minute walk from the hotel) - ticket windows open at 9 a.m., and there will be a line, so the earlier we get there the better. To go to the top will take from 30 - 90 minutes (depending on the crowd.)</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.5in; mso-list: l7 level1 lfo8; tab-stops: list .25in .5in; text-indent: -0.25in;"><br />
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: list .5in;"><u><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="text-decoration: none;"></span></span></u></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: list .5in;"><span style="color: blue; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">This is a great, but frustrating memory. We went to the Eiffel Tower, but we didn’t get to go inside. My dad waited in line while the rest of the family enjoyed a leisurely breakfast (it wasn’t really leisurely… we were running VERY late) and when we got there, the annoying little French man (who HAPPENED to be the security guard) wouldn’t let us get in line with my dad, and the line was 2 hours long. After a pointless argument in which some choice words were exchanged, we decided to just come back another day.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: list .5in;"><span style="color: blue; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: blue; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">So, we decided to go to the Trocadero to take pictures. It was pretty cool, because the last time my family went to Paris, we took family pictures at the same place, so we posed the same way.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><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/AVvXsEjzy6Xuu0L4pRbJESjguibzMfgXoZkAmoLI8cdZGZtvXbTV43ZGfH5YZRAOfIzdb3sqinEH7NANtOJDYlaatnlitDTKMWOsX3BGUK-0jHA47EDyxzLSlACh3BTjHCmPIanksz1B_zL2_1oe/s1600/P1010684.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320px" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzy6Xuu0L4pRbJESjguibzMfgXoZkAmoLI8cdZGZtvXbTV43ZGfH5YZRAOfIzdb3sqinEH7NANtOJDYlaatnlitDTKMWOsX3BGUK-0jHA47EDyxzLSlACh3BTjHCmPIanksz1B_zL2_1oe/s320/P1010684.JPG" width="240px" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Replica of a photo taken when the Hamilton's toured Europe in their youth </td></tr>
</tbody></table><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.5in; mso-list: l8 level1 lfo9; tab-stops: list .25in .5in; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="font-family: "Droid Serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">●<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";"> </span></span><u><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">10:30 a.m.</span></u><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"> - <b>Musée d’Orsay</b> - skip the lines by going to Entrance C. Pg. 26<u></u></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.5in; mso-list: l6 level1 lfo7; tab-stops: list .25in .5in; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="font-family: "Droid Serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">●<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";"> </span></span><u><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Proposed Split-Up Time</span></u><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">: if you want to do the Catacombs, this is probably the best time.<u></u></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 1in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 1in; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="font-family: "Droid Serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">○<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";"> </span></span><u><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">2 p.m.</span></u><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"> - <b>Paris Catacombs</b>, 1, avenue of Colonel Henri Rol-Tanguy, 14e; admission 8 euros; last admission at 4 p.m.; 45 min. tour; Metro stop Denfert-Rochereau.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 1in; mso-list: l6 level2 lfo7; tab-stops: list .75in 1.0in; text-indent: -0.25in;"><br />
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: list 1.0in;"><u><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="text-decoration: none;"></span></span></u></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: blue; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Unfortunately, after waiting in line, we were unable to visit the Catacombs this day. We met the rest of the family at the Pantheon, and continued on the next activity. There are no pictures from this phase of the day because there are no photos allowed in the<span style="color: blue;"> </span></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: blue;">Musée d’Orsay. We did have a chance to see Van Gogh's "self portrait" that isn't really a self portrait.</span><b><br />
</b></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: list 1.0in;"><span style="color: blue; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><br />
</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.5in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.5in; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="font-family: "Droid Serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">●<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";"> </span></span><u><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">8 p.m.</span></u><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"> -<b> Bateaux Parisiens Seine River Cruise</b> - 1 hour cruise, (available 10 a.m.-8:30 p.m., every 30 minutes; departs from Port de la Bourdonnais, Trocadero metro stop. Pg. 100.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.5in; mso-list: l9 level1 lfo10; tab-stops: list .25in .5in; text-indent: -0.25in;"><br />
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: list .5in;"><u><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="text-decoration: none;"></span></span></u></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: list .5in;"><span style="color: blue; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">This was a fun activity. We rode in one of the glass-covered boats in the Seine, past Notre Dame, and through Paris. I thought it would be more romantic, but those boats are LOADED with loud American tourists. We learned a lot about the city, and it was a great experience.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: list .5in;"><span style="color: blue; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: blue; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Following the boat tour, we walked along the shore of the Seine, past the Eiffel Tower, and were fortunate enough to see it when they turn the thousands of flashing lights that are positioned all over it. With the beauty of the river, and the Eiffel Tower, with the old buildings of the city as a backdrop, it’s no wonder Paris is considered to be such a romantic place. I felt so lucky to be there with Rachael!</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><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/AVvXsEh6zydgOM9B_I3IZfAJvtxOJ1aRJGd40x5EBBN8XnjAjdNpIi6uP8H7APuIZPqI84aSxafnXI8U_Alc1V3V7p2_Xv7P8eiBfJNLw6fetzf8S3XoC8faFdSWEtTUtDAml66nigsdLlyH8dBt/s1600/P1010778.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320px" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6zydgOM9B_I3IZfAJvtxOJ1aRJGd40x5EBBN8XnjAjdNpIi6uP8H7APuIZPqI84aSxafnXI8U_Alc1V3V7p2_Xv7P8eiBfJNLw6fetzf8S3XoC8faFdSWEtTUtDAml66nigsdLlyH8dBt/s320/P1010778.JPG" width="240px" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Best shot of the glittering on the Eiffel Tower, there are better ones of the tower, but this shows the sparkle.</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<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/AVvXsEiwIEgzZ9si3NfaOCi796LY9HyrXZgogz2W56EGjrl3vtS3OrsvSbJ_AdrmSXZ0O5gKHjL0v65eQBGXp2pG1z7swYpl_4sNfP4YtvbTECTxFQLtGbtBR_9WgW92wqYqN_mqanm1kEcyNdj5/s1600/P1010709.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320px" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwIEgzZ9si3NfaOCi796LY9HyrXZgogz2W56EGjrl3vtS3OrsvSbJ_AdrmSXZ0O5gKHjL0v65eQBGXp2pG1z7swYpl_4sNfP4YtvbTECTxFQLtGbtBR_9WgW92wqYqN_mqanm1kEcyNdj5/s320/P1010709.JPG" width="240px" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">We look cheesy, but this was on the boat. Notice Jon's dad's "phone" next to us that told about the points of interest that we were riding past.</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><br />
<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/AVvXsEhv78GcT7Lkw17BV_ihG08PU0iz6iy0OTimZwgPpzM8WuuPMAj3RsYfeIP8wyWCHAmQIImjaiNTg-cCdT4fYWonxDZf8vOJDKwatMhGaKsxOAkG9dz_tlB1n_FKZfpiuLcbrnDgvzqRu6QC/s1600/P1010719.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320px" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhv78GcT7Lkw17BV_ihG08PU0iz6iy0OTimZwgPpzM8WuuPMAj3RsYfeIP8wyWCHAmQIImjaiNTg-cCdT4fYWonxDZf8vOJDKwatMhGaKsxOAkG9dz_tlB1n_FKZfpiuLcbrnDgvzqRu6QC/s320/P1010719.JPG" width="240px" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">View of Notre Dame from the boat.</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<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/AVvXsEi4xkmXli1HosvcA8eXjZOj4K0A6ppPnQRWJbDkCE8oBf-bT2wZ9HaypVPNeybAi58Ub0HF_owQTi8Bo-X2UqE4kGi4iq1G8aLNQx5kZVt4utlHKnYtN5r1z-31HJ8sj-E-Bq36E12GzNJJ/s1600/P1010757.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320px" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4xkmXli1HosvcA8eXjZOj4K0A6ppPnQRWJbDkCE8oBf-bT2wZ9HaypVPNeybAi58Ub0HF_owQTi8Bo-X2UqE4kGi4iq1G8aLNQx5kZVt4utlHKnYtN5r1z-31HJ8sj-E-Bq36E12GzNJJ/s320/P1010757.JPG" width="240px" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Night shot from the boat of the beautiful Tower.</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<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/AVvXsEjejGeesVLRbY0z2BoiTyqjWbjCfNvRR3i5fGgBdJaIOZGnLnQcfv3Br_caCxvL24kxjSZVPp15yBmricIKtjmC3w_A0pC436Kfu1L2dscbcCvtexWABBj1YU2Tc00vGQY9coM43nK5MX6D/s1600/P1010767.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320px" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjejGeesVLRbY0z2BoiTyqjWbjCfNvRR3i5fGgBdJaIOZGnLnQcfv3Br_caCxvL24kxjSZVPp15yBmricIKtjmC3w_A0pC436Kfu1L2dscbcCvtexWABBj1YU2Tc00vGQY9coM43nK5MX6D/s320/P1010767.JPG" width="240px" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Another cool night one just before the twinkling began.</td></tr>
</tbody></table><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: list .5in;"><span style="color: blue; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><br />
</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b><u><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Day 4</span></u></b><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">: Wednesday (7/27)<u></u></span></b></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.5in; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="font-family: "Droid Serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">●<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";"> </span></span><u><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">8 a.m.</span></u><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"> - Drew, Jon H., Jon M. pick up rental cars</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.5in; mso-list: l10 level1 lfo11; tab-stops: list .25in .5in; text-indent: -0.25in;"><br />
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: list .5in;"><u><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="text-decoration: none;"></span></span></u></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: list .5in;"><span style="color: blue; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">What a fun experience! Driving in the city is definitely a fun thing to do when the city was designed with pedestrians and horses as the main mode of transportation!</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: list .5in;"><span style="color: blue; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: list .5in;"><span style="color: blue; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">After dropping the cars off at the hotel, we walked over to the Eiffel tower, and this time we got to go up! It is awesome to see the city from that vantage point. It looks like a bunch of wagon wheels, with the streets as the spokes. The buildings are so well built that they have been there for hundreds of years!</span><br />
<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/AVvXsEjM_S-HCndbwxu7z5wLKvGLjCpZtjIiJ2vvUH_6dpNzo80LNBPDaXK7sK2IeGX4lKmJ0ozoNlC2Exh2OoYhp8pigFEloFPB5qE8jwrP7IpYJpTxFQZfk1J4WQV43XCnGxkrFiXSsbSMDm6Y/s1600/P1010829.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240px" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjM_S-HCndbwxu7z5wLKvGLjCpZtjIiJ2vvUH_6dpNzo80LNBPDaXK7sK2IeGX4lKmJ0ozoNlC2Exh2OoYhp8pigFEloFPB5qE8jwrP7IpYJpTxFQZfk1J4WQV43XCnGxkrFiXSsbSMDm6Y/s320/P1010829.JPG" width="320px" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">On the terrace of the Eiffel Tower.</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<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/AVvXsEioSeHDW5y8EszC6m8s6cJ4qelVhrBV1TlSNBJg8Ho_da45XWOn5knwuJa_H-btxrr0yKgKxrVXZlb-REClk1o1o8Jl7d4GVOVKOqXAJKJzQAP0tyPr5yX5QoOuijAcH94VFpAvO00x3OAW/s1600/P1010830.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240px" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioSeHDW5y8EszC6m8s6cJ4qelVhrBV1TlSNBJg8Ho_da45XWOn5knwuJa_H-btxrr0yKgKxrVXZlb-REClk1o1o8Jl7d4GVOVKOqXAJKJzQAP0tyPr5yX5QoOuijAcH94VFpAvO00x3OAW/s320/P1010830.JPG" width="320px" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">One of the legs of the Tower.</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<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/AVvXsEgSpkeUEe7SaFpq0JJJqiq7q2vnD_yZQNNIw0p_LlvgHj4vjkWxrGDsdRhfZrajes5fut_DousOEf1YxiZfcaDHdG1g7jwXyIMACN1qVZgSKOB2D5SiAVsO-eJI1AZTzM-hDupzNe3zKmbj/s1600/P1010831.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320px" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSpkeUEe7SaFpq0JJJqiq7q2vnD_yZQNNIw0p_LlvgHj4vjkWxrGDsdRhfZrajes5fut_DousOEf1YxiZfcaDHdG1g7jwXyIMACN1qVZgSKOB2D5SiAVsO-eJI1AZTzM-hDupzNe3zKmbj/s320/P1010831.JPG" width="240px" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Being goofy, they stuck their heads through the fence to get a unique shot.</td></tr>
</tbody></table><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/AVvXsEhbIrA8A_o-k1J8sY5dGsyw7PCOeHdddSSx_XXepfuADTm_o1mMXkP8g281qPIkrYx55JPJiax8J_a4KRK-xdTFsEi5y_DeSKpawxDhJNcVlDobB0hsDy3GWwKubjPVQFLOR7GzVzqX7jrY/s1600/P1010801.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320px" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbIrA8A_o-k1J8sY5dGsyw7PCOeHdddSSx_XXepfuADTm_o1mMXkP8g281qPIkrYx55JPJiax8J_a4KRK-xdTFsEi5y_DeSKpawxDhJNcVlDobB0hsDy3GWwKubjPVQFLOR7GzVzqX7jrY/s320/P1010801.JPG" width="240px" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A view from the top.</td></tr>
</tbody></table></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: list .5in;"><span style="color: blue; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: blue; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">After the Eiffel Tower, we split up. Erin and Jon and their family went to Versailles, and the rest of us went to the Paris Catacombs. After waiting in line AGAIN, we got to go in! Another amazing experience! The catacombs are a series of chambers that are the final resting place of six million people. The bones have been arranged along the walls, with femurs interlocked log cabin style, and skulls arranged in crosses and various other religious symbols. The rest of the bones are piled behind the façade, and it as a really cool experience thinking about what these people did and saw in their lives.</span><br />
<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/AVvXsEhvvkmB22q8ZMAkkWhhOQIGU0KNvKuNhmrNoY-2zxZu8TH0yzmKD5-6-W9qcmn_9WgK2JP90tfIBK5ywQ_ML4Dpy8u8gf2YF5PkEXLFAzljbDoHEE-f8fm2wtDZHeWeOOsNl7iRVSUBx8w0/s1600/P1010876.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240px" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvvkmB22q8ZMAkkWhhOQIGU0KNvKuNhmrNoY-2zxZu8TH0yzmKD5-6-W9qcmn_9WgK2JP90tfIBK5ywQ_ML4Dpy8u8gf2YF5PkEXLFAzljbDoHEE-f8fm2wtDZHeWeOOsNl7iRVSUBx8w0/s320/P1010876.JPG" width="320px" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Entrance to the area where the bones are located.</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<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/AVvXsEg2UxGpgaq6-FzHI8hWFHM3RyDfImmcRVlIiYsxnju2Gd5DFHcexrzOlTJSP3c4TiNS8AC8w9rrdZKxLTD3LGlq6O7Y6UFcoRE9XXSKKoeWfUHAugkxGJpno52X6WADiRhxZbhr98KrXt80/s1600/P1010887.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320px" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2UxGpgaq6-FzHI8hWFHM3RyDfImmcRVlIiYsxnju2Gd5DFHcexrzOlTJSP3c4TiNS8AC8w9rrdZKxLTD3LGlq6O7Y6UFcoRE9XXSKKoeWfUHAugkxGJpno52X6WADiRhxZbhr98KrXt80/s320/P1010887.JPG" width="240px" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A cross made out of skulls.</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<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/AVvXsEjjF6xS2knkv5mKzik20pvoTzXZeIN7bcpSOCBBYjB4DNiTIHXEJqIjBga0B90Ss0EhTJyPL-QnPFL-bLp-p4cNY-qiSxNbkgcASRW8vUuijD9sLZ9aaEx9dcj9PSNs27qbpPUShcNEW3ju/s1600/P1010888.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320px" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjF6xS2knkv5mKzik20pvoTzXZeIN7bcpSOCBBYjB4DNiTIHXEJqIjBga0B90Ss0EhTJyPL-QnPFL-bLp-p4cNY-qiSxNbkgcASRW8vUuijD9sLZ9aaEx9dcj9PSNs27qbpPUShcNEW3ju/s320/P1010888.JPG" width="240px" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The smiling skull.</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<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/AVvXsEhTDNATQLDIq6cmGf3491JHXUcaegSNjcqk1HMHtTwiERcWn7OpdFfW4HJ5yhwAA-K8uteEfqDyplUF9nx3YNzCwX8wK5JfAUBIoJiy7WNkiPZdKbCgXFUxorzT6G3RptpkwE48htmSvBKc/s1600/P1010901.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240px" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTDNATQLDIq6cmGf3491JHXUcaegSNjcqk1HMHtTwiERcWn7OpdFfW4HJ5yhwAA-K8uteEfqDyplUF9nx3YNzCwX8wK5JfAUBIoJiy7WNkiPZdKbCgXFUxorzT6G3RptpkwE48htmSvBKc/s320/P1010901.JPG" width="320px" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A shot of the log cabin action. This is how the first two feet are on all sides of the walkway, behind that the bones are just in piles.</td></tr>
</tbody></table></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: list .5in;"><span style="color: blue; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><br />
</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.5in; mso-list: l11 level1 lfo12; tab-stops: list .25in .5in; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="font-family: "Droid Serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">●<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";"> </span></span><u><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">9:30 a.m.</span></u><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"> - tour the <b>Palace of</b> <b>Versailles</b> and its gardens<u></u></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 1in; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="font-family: "Droid Serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">○<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";"> </span></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">If we want to, and there’s time, we might want to drive to see one of the other chateaux in greater Paris. Pp. 74-83.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 1in; mso-list: l11 level2 lfo12; tab-stops: list .75in 1.0in; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><br />
</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: list 1.0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: blue; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">After the catacombs, we met Erin and Jon and the kids at Versailles. We got there right before closing, and had to hurry through, but we were able to see many of the rooms, and the hall of mirrors, before going out to the gardens. We spent a couple of hours walking through the immense backyard, and took pictures. I found a four-leaf clover, and we pressed it in our Paris Pass book. Eventually, we were pretty much the only people there, and it was so great to be able to spend some quiet time with my family in a place that has so much historical significance.</span><br />
<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/AVvXsEg8RSubXNGGoVRs3HBzfYZOvEbSuMlFiu9lF6SKdL9khcKYqrTlhoh9JNX5S_sGmC4HrshzCIk1Jn9wtLkvxvRoeDOTTawH-acqWZ0a84CD93t6cgbVlzfEfvloBxnS7xSxF5GGi0gNeapg/s1600/P1010922.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320px" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8RSubXNGGoVRs3HBzfYZOvEbSuMlFiu9lF6SKdL9khcKYqrTlhoh9JNX5S_sGmC4HrshzCIk1Jn9wtLkvxvRoeDOTTawH-acqWZ0a84CD93t6cgbVlzfEfvloBxnS7xSxF5GGi0gNeapg/s320/P1010922.JPG" width="240px" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ceiling of the Hall of Mirrors.</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<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/AVvXsEhM6yi84jTGBfTuIuTZuvAh4jS0BeGgWf-6f_RaTm1YEaDlIcmMX3nYgVgEmR2QoCcZF8z0QujCzNqyGVYUr5Oy8_KUOxKM3yGb_Kumly0bdVceqIJS70dCRgy0XIJh0Oe9U6epcRtIIyRx/s1600/P1010923.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320px" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhM6yi84jTGBfTuIuTZuvAh4jS0BeGgWf-6f_RaTm1YEaDlIcmMX3nYgVgEmR2QoCcZF8z0QujCzNqyGVYUr5Oy8_KUOxKM3yGb_Kumly0bdVceqIJS70dCRgy0XIJh0Oe9U6epcRtIIyRx/s320/P1010923.JPG" width="240px" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">More standard shot of the Hall of Mirrors.</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<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/AVvXsEj0-_yzY3ioiln8eqOECOM8hZqz3-5BXL8eszNXvEocelw2RkWNGbHoppmFqIrb4Y3zfpwd1h38edLVtP7KE45eH9xPsHd1Sb_aYxgBe4rKb_lDnuDMD1OB7mAKHwIjxGldajnLy_EHhciY/s1600/P1010924.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320px" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0-_yzY3ioiln8eqOECOM8hZqz3-5BXL8eszNXvEocelw2RkWNGbHoppmFqIrb4Y3zfpwd1h38edLVtP7KE45eH9xPsHd1Sb_aYxgBe4rKb_lDnuDMD1OB7mAKHwIjxGldajnLy_EHhciY/s320/P1010924.JPG" width="240px" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Diana, the goddess of Paris.</td></tr>
</tbody></table><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/AVvXsEgNomKaUIQRsrZL2stF5WcN075puLR2l9Ys5KXpSLDC-iKZ3G17scXVXFXcm62qZ_XdN3JR29LVLPFiNTfiTBCK5FrREezLVZqumOB0R42ml9o6D3NsDaTDy8lzKBD2OgHxVHwfmXUMpji5/s1600/P1010951.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240px" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNomKaUIQRsrZL2stF5WcN075puLR2l9Ys5KXpSLDC-iKZ3G17scXVXFXcm62qZ_XdN3JR29LVLPFiNTfiTBCK5FrREezLVZqumOB0R42ml9o6D3NsDaTDy8lzKBD2OgHxVHwfmXUMpji5/s320/P1010951.JPG" width="320px" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Jon's awesome 4-leaf clover!</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<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/AVvXsEi3O5FG1PGDtrogNwJMQFKNsLWz064fG9aLSHY5UMO0zRODt04cPcQiM9GONV-VMl3EM6N75JYMfj4fzj7pOiZmxLFAgmi5jirV2ueuXF2lZqCZg9hWOXcXcQEjZ4-stfD5xbC1YG7nza4G/s1600/P1010974.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320px" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3O5FG1PGDtrogNwJMQFKNsLWz064fG9aLSHY5UMO0zRODt04cPcQiM9GONV-VMl3EM6N75JYMfj4fzj7pOiZmxLFAgmi5jirV2ueuXF2lZqCZg9hWOXcXcQEjZ4-stfD5xbC1YG7nza4G/s320/P1010974.JPG" width="240px" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ben showing off his muscles in front of the entry.</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<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/AVvXsEg4HTUkiT677BSg4EANI6rGfoTQyLjVD_Sr7-5shyphenhyphenyUxuKJXKDTF3IkD0TSdrIAYfFIP02iOmC3LkLbjh8TP8alscPitWSrOFkoDEU4M8gNhulw2mlF3h8eloNoQ_A5_ZyjM_XrLPOrCc7M/s1600/P1010955.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240px" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4HTUkiT677BSg4EANI6rGfoTQyLjVD_Sr7-5shyphenhyphenyUxuKJXKDTF3IkD0TSdrIAYfFIP02iOmC3LkLbjh8TP8alscPitWSrOFkoDEU4M8gNhulw2mlF3h8eloNoQ_A5_ZyjM_XrLPOrCc7M/s320/P1010955.JPG" width="320px" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I thought this was too funny not to share.</td></tr>
</tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: list 1.0in;"><span style="color: blue; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><br />
</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 9pt; line-height: 115%;"></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b><u><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Day 5:</span></u></b><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"> Thursday (7/28) – EARLY Breakfast at the hotel - Drive to Broc, Switzerland: 7hrs, Drive to Gruyère, 10 min.<u></u></span></b></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"></span></b></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.5in; mso-list: l13 level1 lfo14; tab-stops: list .25in .5in; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="font-family: "Droid Serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">●<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";"> </span></span><u><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">This is our biggest driving day</span></u><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"> - we need to be on the road by <u>8am</u> at the latest in order to get to the chocolate factory on time. The chocolate factory - keep that in your mind, and you will find the motivation you need to arise early and hit the road. Just imagine Erin stuffing her face full of chocolate even faster than David can. In fact - let’s have a chocolate eating contest this trip!!! It’s ON! It’s So ON!<u></u></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.5in; mso-list: l14 level1 lfo15; tab-stops: list .25in .5in; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="font-family: "Droid Serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">●<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";"> </span></span><u><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">8 a.m.</span></u><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"> - drive to <b>Cailler Chocolate factory </b>– About 7 driving hours; hours 10 a.m. - 6 p.m. (last show starts at 5:15pm)<u></u></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.5in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 1in; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="font-family: "Droid Serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">○<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";"> </span></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Maison Cailler Chocolaterie, Rue Jules Bellet 7, 1636 Broc, Admission: Adults (groups of 10+) 8 chf, kids free</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 1in; mso-list: l14 level2 lfo15; tab-stops: list .75in 1.0in; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><br />
</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: list 1.0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: list 1.0in;"><span style="color: blue; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">My sister Erin, my brother in-law, Jon M., and my brother David all served missions in the Geneva Switzerland mission. When my family went to pick up my sister from her mission, they went to this chocolate factory and did a tour. After the tour, they were led into a room full of chocolate… and were told they could eat as much as they wanted!</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: list 1.0in;"><span style="color: blue; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: list 1.0in;"><span style="color: blue; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Needless to say, I was jealous that I had missed it (I was still on my mission at the time), but we remedied that by going to the chocolate factory on this trip!</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: list 1.0in;"><span style="color: blue; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: list 1.0in;"><span style="color: blue; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">The tour was good, but the part we were all looking forward to was the chocolate tasting room. The tour ended, and we walked through a door… and there was a bowl of sample Branches bars. Little tiny bite sized ones. What the heck? Everyone was disappointed. This was NOT what we were expecting. We had been tricked! So, we did the only reasonable thing we could do. Each of us grabbed handfuls of those little tiny Branches bars we and stuffed our pockets full. Take that chocolate factory!</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: list 1.0in;"><span style="color: blue; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: list 1.0in;"><span style="color: blue; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Feeling vindicated, we walked down the hall toward the exit, through another door, and into….</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: list 1.0in;"><span style="color: blue; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: list 1.0in;"><span style="color: blue; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">THE CHOCOLATE TASTING ROOM! </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: list 1.0in;"><span style="color: blue; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: blue; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Boy did we feel like greedy, American idiots! We got to eat as much chocolate as we could (which I found is not all that much when the chocolate is as rich as it was there)! It was so cool! Not only did we get all the chocolate we wanted while were there, but we had our own little stash to keep us satisfied for the rest of the trip.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: list 1.0in;"><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/AVvXsEidMTaoIeRIr_G6_K_oJuOzZzRAvtSomkANuKkCP8SNtBlZBSURTM2jNTlJIEdhlz9mHuxSdCGAUELBnXhICfbnruqTWOPkXDGe5tWDqiELGt5sa2VtSug995txsmXSow6RUacnJD_7jEKC/s1600/P1010981.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240px" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidMTaoIeRIr_G6_K_oJuOzZzRAvtSomkANuKkCP8SNtBlZBSURTM2jNTlJIEdhlz9mHuxSdCGAUELBnXhICfbnruqTWOPkXDGe5tWDqiELGt5sa2VtSug995txsmXSow6RUacnJD_7jEKC/s320/P1010981.JPG" width="320px" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Jon driving our car, Emperor Zurg.</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<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/AVvXsEj_Nm2ZUSCsHkPMJbLtyN0FjvEHLuY494I3nNhIpHy7WkZMcKdmrmQ7OMjEVSLFIs-uoMAHM752GSSERPCy8s7EmhwdyP2ov7BZfYAmlu-DBqJ3Dk40E9mrxdBfZFppTqGJGcguW3bLR-yI/s1600/P1010992.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240px" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_Nm2ZUSCsHkPMJbLtyN0FjvEHLuY494I3nNhIpHy7WkZMcKdmrmQ7OMjEVSLFIs-uoMAHM752GSSERPCy8s7EmhwdyP2ov7BZfYAmlu-DBqJ3Dk40E9mrxdBfZFppTqGJGcguW3bLR-yI/s320/P1010992.JPG" width="320px" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">There were vineyards all over the hillsides along the drive. So beautiful.</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<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/AVvXsEh9TqIN84ZrQXyoztp7jW1XKc8BJVVzlDAJUIf83EuFl35dp01wqctY-k8GT5otZEhxHYTjUwH1Ok4LlaAUwOKgaRnt29S3v_n6shMi-hn5XgVwHEgHpaC3Gf5fmnUEm39gPh_LF42_FcLU/s1600/P1020004.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240px" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9TqIN84ZrQXyoztp7jW1XKc8BJVVzlDAJUIf83EuFl35dp01wqctY-k8GT5otZEhxHYTjUwH1Ok4LlaAUwOKgaRnt29S3v_n6shMi-hn5XgVwHEgHpaC3Gf5fmnUEm39gPh_LF42_FcLU/s320/P1020004.JPG" width="320px" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The chocolate tasting room.</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<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/AVvXsEhnTd3SKAlSofnwNB6rIjf8FuYT2o50ARFfDcV-QOoyFNX1drxLpnTX5pPn_y8227D1JSVXsAVZl8wqT2XRPPWZr49PQXBfXyQpMcKXiS9JK7WwRz65Hi3-pAZOmpBM5M0JeRUjnCJAZLhO/s1600/P1020016.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240px" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnTd3SKAlSofnwNB6rIjf8FuYT2o50ARFfDcV-QOoyFNX1drxLpnTX5pPn_y8227D1JSVXsAVZl8wqT2XRPPWZr49PQXBfXyQpMcKXiS9JK7WwRz65Hi3-pAZOmpBM5M0JeRUjnCJAZLhO/s320/P1020016.JPG" width="320px" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Had to get a photo with the factory in the background.</td></tr>
</tbody></table><span style="color: blue; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><br />
</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><u><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="text-decoration: none;"></span></span></u></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.5in; mso-list: l14 level1 lfo15; tab-stops: list .25in .5in; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="font-family: "Droid Serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">●<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";"> </span></span><u><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Post-chocolate tour</span></u><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"> - drive to <b>Gruyère</b>; <b>Cheese Factory</b> Hours: 9 a.m. - 7 p.m., Misses Schneiter Catherine, 1663 Moléson-sur-Gruyère; Admission: Adults (groups of 10+) 4 chf, kids 2chf<u></u></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.5in; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="font-family: "Droid Serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">●<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";"> </span></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Have dinner in Gruyère</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.5in; mso-list: l14 level1 lfo15; tab-stops: list .25in .5in; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><br />
</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: list .5in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: blue; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">We missed the tour of the Gruyere Cheese Factory, but we did get to have diner in the little village. We had the stereotypical Swiss Fondue and it was AMAZING!</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: list .5in;"><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/AVvXsEidEuIzb6EUmvkPuyPg4Q2N7mASmr53Idwegx6AeTW-CxnLmTZZvvXFIh0QiDSTM8HuIHFQkqk-bH3LSyPFabo9sp1EOF5h41n-pk5agAT8O2VWY0sSByriEMiLN9NzSb__Cw0jWJ68mhyphenhyphen1/s1600/P1020027.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320px" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidEuIzb6EUmvkPuyPg4Q2N7mASmr53Idwegx6AeTW-CxnLmTZZvvXFIh0QiDSTM8HuIHFQkqk-bH3LSyPFabo9sp1EOF5h41n-pk5agAT8O2VWY0sSByriEMiLN9NzSb__Cw0jWJ68mhyphenhyphen1/s320/P1020027.JPG" width="240px" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">First shots of Gruyere. It was such an adorable town!</td></tr>
</tbody></table><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/AVvXsEjcWmme0LONHVrLUsdM5v548k3wzJHEHC-2t2Olj2O-BqM9P6ZRKQV-6LzxfHS2midv5f2E-zzVwaYCslVO4IgNsOYF3EqQ52oNjDNG-7d7eM7YxJjDSqTW1bbby58a02zMeiW4DqnLPRn_/s1600/P1020028.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320px" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcWmme0LONHVrLUsdM5v548k3wzJHEHC-2t2Olj2O-BqM9P6ZRKQV-6LzxfHS2midv5f2E-zzVwaYCslVO4IgNsOYF3EqQ52oNjDNG-7d7eM7YxJjDSqTW1bbby58a02zMeiW4DqnLPRn_/s320/P1020028.JPG" width="240px" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">We've decided that next time we are in Europe we want to spend more time in Switzerland. One day in this beauty was not enough.</td></tr>
</tbody></table></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.5in; mso-list: l14 level1 lfo15; tab-stops: list .25in .5in; text-indent: -0.25in;"><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/AVvXsEhXRNxiq7v3fb0cWyRlmhAA1DSUlk-46uuv5hjanZV9_QcuelaSOdUifr4HtQgnCnqyXQ5iVAbbJv8dGLarKrMtndgiyw2GCZNO-wdNMecfQi8PqG_eLYBiPoS-nFrb64f20DFjMaVhxk_E/s1600/P1020036.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240px" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXRNxiq7v3fb0cWyRlmhAA1DSUlk-46uuv5hjanZV9_QcuelaSOdUifr4HtQgnCnqyXQ5iVAbbJv8dGLarKrMtndgiyw2GCZNO-wdNMecfQi8PqG_eLYBiPoS-nFrb64f20DFjMaVhxk_E/s320/P1020036.JPG" width="320px" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Stretching our amazing fondu.</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<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/AVvXsEg64jMCBQlgyhCaNwKshtYSaEiWUQXv_OM6n-PwuS3SGaQfmC85GPM5xIxafDZV2ajSAAu45UNeWA9oaur83pZDcJI92HkbDbqprdVVn4igR9t1A-FdUD9HiVmisayxDKleUKQF8ID7DFaJ/s1600/P1020049.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240px" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg64jMCBQlgyhCaNwKshtYSaEiWUQXv_OM6n-PwuS3SGaQfmC85GPM5xIxafDZV2ajSAAu45UNeWA9oaur83pZDcJI92HkbDbqprdVVn4igR9t1A-FdUD9HiVmisayxDKleUKQF8ID7DFaJ/s320/P1020049.JPG" width="320px" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Awesome web and spider that we spotted on the Castle in Gruyere.</td></tr>
</tbody></table><span style="font-family: "Droid Serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">●<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";"> </span></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Drive back to <b>Lausanne</b> to the <b>Hotel Crystal</b>, </span><span style="color: #282828; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Rue Chaucrau 5 - 1003 Lausanne, Tél +4121 317.03.03</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b><u><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Day 6:</span></u></b><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"> Friday (7/29) – Breakfast at the hotel – Drive to Gap: 5 hours<u></u></span></b></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.5in; mso-list: l15 level1 lfo16; tab-stops: list .25in .5in; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="font-family: "Droid Serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">●<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";"> </span></span><u><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">9:30 a.m.</span></u><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"> - leave hotel<u></u></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.5in; mso-list: l15 level1 lfo16; tab-stops: list .25in .5in; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="font-family: "Droid Serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">●<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";"> </span></span><u><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">10 a.m.</span></u><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"> - tour the <b>Chateau de Chillon</b> (website:</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";"><a href="http://www.chillon.ch/en/"><span style="color: black; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; text-decoration: none;"> </span></a><a href="http://www.chillon.ch/en/"><span style="color: #000099; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">http</span></a><a href="http://www.chillon.ch/en/"><span style="color: #000099; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">://</span></a><a href="http://www.chillon.ch/en/"><span style="color: #000099; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">www</span></a><a href="http://www.chillon.ch/en/"><span style="color: #000099; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">.</span></a><a href="http://www.chillon.ch/en/"><span style="color: #000099; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">chillon</span></a><a href="http://www.chillon.ch/en/"><span style="color: #000099; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">.</span></a><a href="http://www.chillon.ch/en/"><span style="color: #000099; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">ch</span></a><a href="http://www.chillon.ch/en/"><span style="color: #000099; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">/</span></a><a href="http://www.chillon.ch/en/"><span style="color: #000099; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">en</span></a><a href="http://www.chillon.ch/en/"><span style="color: #000099; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">/</span></a></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">), Open from 9am – 7pm, Adults – 12 chf, Students w/i.d.10 chf, kids free<u></u></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.5in; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="font-family: "Droid Serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">●<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";"> </span></span><u><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">1 p.m.</span></u><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"> - drive through <b>Evian</b> and stop and visit the medieval town of <b>Yvoire</b> (Photos:</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";"><a href="http://www.yvoiretourism.com/chapitre10_fr_2.html"><span style="color: black; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; text-decoration: none;"> </span></a><a href="http://www.yvoiretourism.com/chapitre10_fr_2.html"><span style="color: #000099; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">http</span></a><a href="http://www.yvoiretourism.com/chapitre10_fr_2.html"><span style="color: #000099; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">://</span></a><a href="http://www.yvoiretourism.com/chapitre10_fr_2.html"><span style="color: #000099; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">www</span></a><a href="http://www.yvoiretourism.com/chapitre10_fr_2.html"><span style="color: #000099; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">.</span></a><a href="http://www.yvoiretourism.com/chapitre10_fr_2.html"><span style="color: #000099; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">yvoiretourism</span></a><a href="http://www.yvoiretourism.com/chapitre10_fr_2.html"><span style="color: #000099; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">.</span></a><a href="http://www.yvoiretourism.com/chapitre10_fr_2.html"><span style="color: #000099; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">com</span></a><a href="http://www.yvoiretourism.com/chapitre10_fr_2.html"><span style="color: #000099; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">/</span></a><a href="http://www.yvoiretourism.com/chapitre10_fr_2.html"><span style="color: #000099; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">chapitre</span></a><a href="http://www.yvoiretourism.com/chapitre10_fr_2.html"><span style="color: #000099; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">10_</span></a><a href="http://www.yvoiretourism.com/chapitre10_fr_2.html"><span style="color: #000099; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">fr</span></a><a href="http://www.yvoiretourism.com/chapitre10_fr_2.html"><span style="color: #000099; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">_2.</span></a><a href="http://www.yvoiretourism.com/chapitre10_fr_2.html"><span style="color: #000099; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">html</span></a></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"> )</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.5in; mso-list: l15 level1 lfo16; tab-stops: list .25in .5in; text-indent: -0.25in;"><br />
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: list .5in;"><u><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="text-decoration: none;"></span></span></u></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: list .5in;"><span style="color: blue; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">This was a really neat little town. The architecture was awesome, but it has been turned into a tourist attraction with gift shops all over the place. We were craving ice cream. So we got a little bowl:</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: list .5in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><br />
</span><br />
<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/AVvXsEhRjp3iGu3O67OoVYkesbbw5vXcppbSchA1sQkg872RI4Diq2Xryc83eri1pyUTOEsGkftOdNA6HMEbq71Tk724T6FiNz5E8cd5SMZWJXn88F_EpdMuc-WFO49RUEzP2sYRDyZexkLh-LeJ/s1600/P1020202.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320px" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRjp3iGu3O67OoVYkesbbw5vXcppbSchA1sQkg872RI4Diq2Xryc83eri1pyUTOEsGkftOdNA6HMEbq71Tk724T6FiNz5E8cd5SMZWJXn88F_EpdMuc-WFO49RUEzP2sYRDyZexkLh-LeJ/s320/P1020202.JPG" width="240px" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">It was $2.50 for one scoop or $10 for 10 scoops... we went with the ten and split it 4 ways.</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<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/AVvXsEiNuGLZfkVfrG2nxqquf1dPVrsX4obyuuMK6clnRjogOP9jBkXhkF67mFStlX0RLI_Kr0X7wKG_nBCfyxmOGmFWbmBaAniVsZ0PxgJl_MwIxVqiKNDRX43hlmxoBrNku1Htc-2eR-K4t401/s1600/P1020125.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320px" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNuGLZfkVfrG2nxqquf1dPVrsX4obyuuMK6clnRjogOP9jBkXhkF67mFStlX0RLI_Kr0X7wKG_nBCfyxmOGmFWbmBaAniVsZ0PxgJl_MwIxVqiKNDRX43hlmxoBrNku1Htc-2eR-K4t401/s320/P1020125.JPG" width="240px" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The fountain in the center of the Chateau Chillon.</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<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/AVvXsEjMM0H9Hr-YCmiRfooBVNbRmdgIMl50NhiiGcCiz2wOEewsKYiMZwYxoBa_lJ4RLvkgpIP2AXHkH8qFCEqkBx55I-A6khsICqqpj3xJZJ2WhA3fE0NHuAmNcHH0cgxZ0w89Yf58AFg7LTGK/s1600/P1020188.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320px" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMM0H9Hr-YCmiRfooBVNbRmdgIMl50NhiiGcCiz2wOEewsKYiMZwYxoBa_lJ4RLvkgpIP2AXHkH8qFCEqkBx55I-A6khsICqqpj3xJZJ2WhA3fE0NHuAmNcHH0cgxZ0w89Yf58AFg7LTGK/s320/P1020188.JPG" width="240px" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Looking down from the watch tower at the Chateau Chillon.</td></tr>
</tbody></table><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/AVvXsEhefYK1UJWkPpU87IaH_PZJElRruZ7c5lC5o1hTt1xcy_2HlaXE0AdWd1qDR_YXNtjmjA3ebzkyD5x9I5t-Zi8MeVo5OH1u7q2eDqRmahE_c5TOAtv6nEIqGtyOeIsA9VmRAja7KAhF1juq/s1600/P1020211.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240px" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhefYK1UJWkPpU87IaH_PZJElRruZ7c5lC5o1hTt1xcy_2HlaXE0AdWd1qDR_YXNtjmjA3ebzkyD5x9I5t-Zi8MeVo5OH1u7q2eDqRmahE_c5TOAtv6nEIqGtyOeIsA9VmRAja7KAhF1juq/s320/P1020211.JPG" width="320px" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Driving to the hotel that night we spotted this amazing store! It totally made Rachael homesick.</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br />
</td></tr>
</tbody></table></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.5in; mso-list: l15 level1 lfo16; tab-stops: list .25in .5in; text-indent: -0.25in;"><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/AVvXsEjjPdxcBkOX38TNOS3aBNYHQOtlXPGEEVGaOZZreHtW40QcdEBADVMAH1u98g5mVtbFO8Jt8jk8kBIUqA_E46L_cXQ25dBxEK9cuutp3-ol_KqpacjN1cRcR7Syf3BLkU0XjzQGCs0ZoayO/s1600/P1020216.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240px" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjPdxcBkOX38TNOS3aBNYHQOtlXPGEEVGaOZZreHtW40QcdEBADVMAH1u98g5mVtbFO8Jt8jk8kBIUqA_E46L_cXQ25dBxEK9cuutp3-ol_KqpacjN1cRcR7Syf3BLkU0XjzQGCs0ZoayO/s320/P1020216.JPG" width="320px" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Gorgeous sunflower fields on the drive as well.</td></tr>
</tbody></table><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/AVvXsEi03HwoUvbAhBI4E0oKrBF8CZvUFGSTdiCqW_PgAQI_dbO2XI1JetG_UB2hCYELyjGsNI-pQwjYq9M1btXIOdbcjZp8KOAdMTkBjcXN9FokPm9jACUXFDNn1iZcX3GE4fBT8FbyOVetidEX/s1600/P1020218.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240px" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi03HwoUvbAhBI4E0oKrBF8CZvUFGSTdiCqW_PgAQI_dbO2XI1JetG_UB2hCYELyjGsNI-pQwjYq9M1btXIOdbcjZp8KOAdMTkBjcXN9FokPm9jACUXFDNn1iZcX3GE4fBT8FbyOVetidEX/s320/P1020218.JPG" width="320px" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Church building from both David and Erin's first mission areas.</td></tr>
</tbody></table><span style="font-family: "Droid Serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">●<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";"> </span></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Stay in <b>Gap</b> – <b>Hotel Ibis</b>, </span><span style="color: #491616; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">5/7 Bld Georges Pompidou, 05000 - GAP</span><span style="color: #491616; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 9pt; line-height: 115%;">, </span><span style="color: #491616; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">(+33)4/92535757</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b><u><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Day 7:</span></u></b><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"> Saturday (7/30) – Breakfast at the hotel - Drive to Aix: 2hr, Drive to Cassis: 30min<u></u></span></b></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.5in; mso-list: l16 level1 lfo17; tab-stops: list .25in .5in; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="font-family: "Droid Serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">●<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";"> </span></span><u><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">9 a.m.</span></u><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"> - leave for <b>Aix-en-Provence</b>, stopping at villages along the way<u></u></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.5in; mso-list: l16 level1 lfo17; tab-stops: list .25in .5in; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="font-family: "Droid Serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">●<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";"> </span></span><u><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Noon</span></u><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"> - lunch in Aix.<u></u></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.5in; mso-list: l16 level1 lfo17; tab-stops: list .25in .5in; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="font-family: "Droid Serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">●<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";"> </span></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">See Aix-en-Provence – guided tour???</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.5in; mso-list: l16 level1 lfo17; tab-stops: list .25in .5in; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="font-family: "Droid Serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">●<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";"> </span></span><u><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">2:30 p.m.</span></u><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"> - leave Aix<u></u></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.5in; mso-list: l16 level1 lfo17; tab-stops: list .25in .5in; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="font-family: "Droid Serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">●<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";"> </span></span><u><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">3 p.m.</span></u><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"> - drive into <b>Cassis</b>; </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";"><a href="http://calanques.visite.free.fr/img_g/portmiou.bmp"><span style="color: #000099; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">http</span></a><a href="http://calanques.visite.free.fr/img_g/portmiou.bmp"><span style="color: #000099; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">://</span></a><a href="http://calanques.visite.free.fr/img_g/portmiou.bmp"><span style="color: #000099; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">calanques</span></a><a href="http://calanques.visite.free.fr/img_g/portmiou.bmp"><span style="color: #000099; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">.</span></a><a href="http://calanques.visite.free.fr/img_g/portmiou.bmp"><span style="color: #000099; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">visite</span></a><a href="http://calanques.visite.free.fr/img_g/portmiou.bmp"><span style="color: #000099; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">.</span></a><a href="http://calanques.visite.free.fr/img_g/portmiou.bmp"><span style="color: #000099; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">free</span></a><a href="http://calanques.visite.free.fr/img_g/portmiou.bmp"><span style="color: #000099; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">.</span></a><a href="http://calanques.visite.free.fr/img_g/portmiou.bmp"><span style="color: #000099; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">fr</span></a><a href="http://calanques.visite.free.fr/img_g/portmiou.bmp"><span style="color: #000099; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">/</span></a><a href="http://calanques.visite.free.fr/img_g/portmiou.bmp"><span style="color: #000099; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">img</span></a><a href="http://calanques.visite.free.fr/img_g/portmiou.bmp"><span style="color: #000099; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">_</span></a><a href="http://calanques.visite.free.fr/img_g/portmiou.bmp"><span style="color: #000099; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">g</span></a><a href="http://calanques.visite.free.fr/img_g/portmiou.bmp"><span style="color: #000099; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">/</span></a><a href="http://calanques.visite.free.fr/img_g/portmiou.bmp"><span style="color: #000099; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">portmiou</span></a><a href="http://calanques.visite.free.fr/img_g/portmiou.bmp"><span style="color: #000099; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">.</span></a><a href="http://calanques.visite.free.fr/img_g/portmiou.bmp"><span style="color: #000099; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">bmp</span></a></span><u><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"></span></u></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.5in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 1in; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="font-family: "Droid Serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">○<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";"> </span></span><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Boat trip</span></b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"> to the Calanques or <b>kayak</b> ?– to see 8 Calanques, 1 hr 30 min, Adults: 21 E, Children 14 E, departs 10:30, 11, 1:30, 2, 2:30, 4pm; to see 3 Calanques – 45 min, Adults 14 E, Children 7 E</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 1in; mso-list: l16 level2 lfo17; tab-stops: list .75in 1.0in; text-indent: -0.25in;"><br />
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: list 1.0in;"><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"></span></b></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: blue; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Another cool experience! We took a boat out to the white cliffs along the coast. It was simply beautiful scenery, AND we got to go on a boat, which is one of my most favorite things.</span><br />
<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/AVvXsEgPq7SLhFKssL0lJYZ2yo6PAABkb-1ojEztXqVT8lFX6KKadTcsH6X5HuFLUmu-Zcbn7oRMPsK76cFErprcMsqVHM9JSGVXla_EUxihJqyvj0bpQzhJvseReVvHgFJFmIkBcIVxSQWCT3Bl/s1600/P1020224.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240px" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPq7SLhFKssL0lJYZ2yo6PAABkb-1ojEztXqVT8lFX6KKadTcsH6X5HuFLUmu-Zcbn7oRMPsK76cFErprcMsqVHM9JSGVXla_EUxihJqyvj0bpQzhJvseReVvHgFJFmIkBcIVxSQWCT3Bl/s320/P1020224.JPG" width="320px" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Some really fancy expensive car that Jon will have to explain at a later date.</td></tr>
</tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: blue; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"></span></div><br />
<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/AVvXsEi_OnUmffwRYGPgiMX3CL35JnFTq5wLYFXSISq4f_z29qTZng36A2zJrUv3TiF6gEkUQnugKu4qSp0ts9SC3gzZcccvNPP3GVZlRUq1nbyudV9RxDA1ZlOXNtOM03fTmeLxQuHfJgTQbHYG/s1600/P1020286.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240px" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_OnUmffwRYGPgiMX3CL35JnFTq5wLYFXSISq4f_z29qTZng36A2zJrUv3TiF6gEkUQnugKu4qSp0ts9SC3gzZcccvNPP3GVZlRUq1nbyudV9RxDA1ZlOXNtOM03fTmeLxQuHfJgTQbHYG/s320/P1020286.JPG" width="320px" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Riding the boat back to shore.</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<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/AVvXsEhTplGBXLRT8SchYM7z0It_CioRvCR7Kpqw1rTkEkGutSNMH52wVC7ezKhBPbqKNVgxVYRihFHobnR6-2H-WKCw82NQdTRVO2A20tH-mZGOF2c_shm3O-VdPuQiIuCjJHfyJivNDLLc-KAQ/s1600/P1020235.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240px" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTplGBXLRT8SchYM7z0It_CioRvCR7Kpqw1rTkEkGutSNMH52wVC7ezKhBPbqKNVgxVYRihFHobnR6-2H-WKCw82NQdTRVO2A20tH-mZGOF2c_shm3O-VdPuQiIuCjJHfyJivNDLLc-KAQ/s320/P1020235.JPG" width="320px" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Charlotte and Ben spitting over the edge of the boat.</td></tr>
</tbody></table></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: list 1.0in;"><span style="color: blue; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><br />
</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.5in; mso-list: l16 level1 lfo17; tab-stops: list .25in .5in; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="font-family: "Droid Serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">●<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";"> </span></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Dinner in Cassis</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.5in; mso-list: l16 level1 lfo17; tab-stops: list .25in .5in; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="font-family: "Droid Serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">●<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";"> </span></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Drive to <b>Novotel Marseille Est</b>, </span><span style="color: #4d4d4d; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">184 Avenue de Saint Menet, MARSEILLE, (+33)4/91439060 </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b><u><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Day 8:</span></u></b><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"> Sunday (7/ 31) – Breakfast at the hotel - Drive to Baux: 1hr 15min, Drive to St. Remy: 15min, Drive to Roussillon 1hr, Drive to Gordes: 15 min, Drive to Avignon: 1hr.<u></u></span></b></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.5in; mso-list: l17 level1 lfo18; tab-stops: list .25in .5in; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="font-family: "Droid Serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">●<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";"> </span></span><u><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">9 a.m.</span></u><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"> - leave Marseille<b>,</b> drive to <b>Château de Baux de Provence</b> (Ancient stone hilltop village and castle ruins– get there by car); and, <b>Saint Rémy de Provence</b> (typical provencal town with Roman Ruins)<u></u></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><u><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="text-decoration: none;"></span></span></u></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.5in; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="font-family: "Droid Serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">●<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";"> </span></span><u><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Afternoon</span></u><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"> - <b>Roussillon</b> and <b>Gordes</b></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.5in; mso-list: l17 level1 lfo18; tab-stops: list .25in .5in; text-indent: -0.25in;"><br />
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: list .5in;"><u><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="text-decoration: none;"></span></span></u></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: list .5in;"><span style="color: blue; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">After dinner in Gordes, some of us stopped at a French cemetery. It was interesting to see the customs of different cultures. One of the crypts had a hole rusted in the metal door in the front. We all wondered (admit it, so would you) if we would be able to see anything inside, so I took a picture, and was surprised to see…</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: list .5in;"><span style="color: blue; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: list .5in;"><span style="color: blue; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: blue; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Yep, those are body bags! Probably 15-20 of them! It was a very… interesting and unexpected discovery!</span><br />
<br />
<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/AVvXsEjPManoB54X8Bvzbudx1fWcfqJWuwr_v2M3Yt8KE8hTAexx0OvWdxUTKqOLVGUZXjTtGye6-IBJ6_NcsFj0paOy_lq4J5zAeJScLsLIAghxjHA_7HX2sC6fpOjaKwXKnu9TXoSzzPppPjex/s1600/P1020290.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240px" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPManoB54X8Bvzbudx1fWcfqJWuwr_v2M3Yt8KE8hTAexx0OvWdxUTKqOLVGUZXjTtGye6-IBJ6_NcsFj0paOy_lq4J5zAeJScLsLIAghxjHA_7HX2sC6fpOjaKwXKnu9TXoSzzPppPjex/s320/P1020290.JPG" width="320px" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Most docile big dog ever. Just hanging out in front of a shop.</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<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/AVvXsEhDPJEY4Xauycsw4CF0YkFLVokb-9czh8baGMVhzBYiJ_hc6X4SNAn_9vhXpziTWpF7iun_l0VAfixlHqXIPF2snG-1ON8EO-HPSpgVnZ4GhQbs07h1n6wT5qwEajlG9bKuUktiHOweeD2w/s1600/P1020303.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320px" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDPJEY4Xauycsw4CF0YkFLVokb-9czh8baGMVhzBYiJ_hc6X4SNAn_9vhXpziTWpF7iun_l0VAfixlHqXIPF2snG-1ON8EO-HPSpgVnZ4GhQbs07h1n6wT5qwEajlG9bKuUktiHOweeD2w/s320/P1020303.JPG" width="240px" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Entrance to the little town up on the hill.</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<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/AVvXsEjfH5Xd7-vLE9rwLkOUV8HgGqPDq2Wr4uXaNa9QRMk66lzVmKjVI7CdlJ8CCZqFOj7pZrhROAGmsdnqNugh3XFonVqI_OW16SEC-PYHNApb-iuAZcmlo7PgY9Z02EPIyVqgNdhcSOlaLUbr/s1600/P1020302.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320px" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfH5Xd7-vLE9rwLkOUV8HgGqPDq2Wr4uXaNa9QRMk66lzVmKjVI7CdlJ8CCZqFOj7pZrhROAGmsdnqNugh3XFonVqI_OW16SEC-PYHNApb-iuAZcmlo7PgY9Z02EPIyVqgNdhcSOlaLUbr/s320/P1020302.JPG" width="240px" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Had to get a shot of one of the French Provincial tourist traps.</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<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/AVvXsEgGEjvqHd4k5x21nCPrLrMgtfU8AvTBY6MVCjD0xoT-MxdIXUV-MHYYGtu9AddYpqH_qPYxuTfS3J-qJV_Ll8CLos9RKlE_fNNts8sl61H6Ns68u4kp3Bm4MUshIQ_My0PvqyYgri_HP1V-/s1600/P1020318.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240px" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGEjvqHd4k5x21nCPrLrMgtfU8AvTBY6MVCjD0xoT-MxdIXUV-MHYYGtu9AddYpqH_qPYxuTfS3J-qJV_Ll8CLos9RKlE_fNNts8sl61H6Ns68u4kp3Bm4MUshIQ_My0PvqyYgri_HP1V-/s320/P1020318.JPG" width="320px" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The wall that surrounds the city.</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<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/AVvXsEgX-VTe7_jSnwdtv-E6SB1NU0vSGuehuexvemPBtynlJTDDxGdWgPYXciZumUEZhEUK9OGbrZHYdoxdq4qfl3TfBdw9HIUmMIyOj5-S6aVAmpq9ODFFqzRF8h77y4fvPj3yWvDHPW_oda9D/s1600/P1020335.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240px" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgX-VTe7_jSnwdtv-E6SB1NU0vSGuehuexvemPBtynlJTDDxGdWgPYXciZumUEZhEUK9OGbrZHYdoxdq4qfl3TfBdw9HIUmMIyOj5-S6aVAmpq9ODFFqzRF8h77y4fvPj3yWvDHPW_oda9D/s320/P1020335.JPG" width="320px" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">At dinner Jon and David showed off their magic skills.</td></tr>
</tbody></table><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/AVvXsEjqGAJzyqTOLr6D2YHFlvkK_mJgJqP7lD2JlbZ8TFOwvuQuGrjZQgiYXeEM5KGJgsFFd8Yr6XNnEWEvkmmupSK3gyLH0emMYBpQEXy6vLnctReQiVSYP3Se_4ea8nR5Ow__yErGErsW95S4/s1600/P1020341.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240px" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqGAJzyqTOLr6D2YHFlvkK_mJgJqP7lD2JlbZ8TFOwvuQuGrjZQgiYXeEM5KGJgsFFd8Yr6XNnEWEvkmmupSK3gyLH0emMYBpQEXy6vLnctReQiVSYP3Se_4ea8nR5Ow__yErGErsW95S4/s320/P1020341.JPG" width="320px" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Best Pizza EVER!</td></tr>
</tbody></table><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/AVvXsEi_yfqpRzE7-B9YS7v7gJBugp11yGwCY5A6BvsEdX9Yk8hEuoDyJ8ObR1gzR9-vqcMlk_w79__MXopewEwhlaWWx5ixPYJrn8AV8UGU5gC49ImuS2kROa_2DZAOhs2ZoRJJTeAjifY3q90q/s1600/P1020342.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320px" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_yfqpRzE7-B9YS7v7gJBugp11yGwCY5A6BvsEdX9Yk8hEuoDyJ8ObR1gzR9-vqcMlk_w79__MXopewEwhlaWWx5ixPYJrn8AV8UGU5gC49ImuS2kROa_2DZAOhs2ZoRJJTeAjifY3q90q/s320/P1020342.JPG" width="240px" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Best soda too!</td></tr>
</tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><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/AVvXsEjNRM2cpaI3OHb6-kDfI95Hl4P4_0GkQ1s1GzOuQz7osDNyzillQSqJmrMJCbUIK2y4-ToelOdAYCJ58m6HZeyhYwFHFzwRmZ6y6bg2DcL5viHP6rJ1DMbcKspBCXRks3clAQVbNSD7gbkY/s1600/P1020353.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240px" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNRM2cpaI3OHb6-kDfI95Hl4P4_0GkQ1s1GzOuQz7osDNyzillQSqJmrMJCbUIK2y4-ToelOdAYCJ58m6HZeyhYwFHFzwRmZ6y6bg2DcL5viHP6rJ1DMbcKspBCXRks3clAQVbNSD7gbkY/s320/P1020353.JPG" width="320px" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">And the infamous body bags.</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<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/AVvXsEi8uLXitl80hnAXtCjNeDhStRCdgdltebU0kAxhIREDr45HO93XxVNyAeZj-3KfPX-fZZnmQsXxeq-U0JrAxVkjCojBW7U2rMcnoFkUjadNic2Q1z4cHf53trw6mRv_peJjZUfZ8pNkIzGV/s1600/P1020354.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240px" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8uLXitl80hnAXtCjNeDhStRCdgdltebU0kAxhIREDr45HO93XxVNyAeZj-3KfPX-fZZnmQsXxeq-U0JrAxVkjCojBW7U2rMcnoFkUjadNic2Q1z4cHf53trw6mRv_peJjZUfZ8pNkIzGV/s320/P1020354.JPG" width="320px" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">View from the cemetery.</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<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/AVvXsEi5_zKaPxQPQG8jzNlylJ7ABDBo_S56FfOWA1vtlpgtBZrw7Mhk7EMuyOjR6yjhmX8ee_Po1iZjd0jTFiW-CwKjjAXeftyrwPUB4PXErwye33nXOQOtsIIqX8-SHG6En3-VSeQ_k60wE8jI/s1600/P1020350.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240px" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5_zKaPxQPQG8jzNlylJ7ABDBo_S56FfOWA1vtlpgtBZrw7Mhk7EMuyOjR6yjhmX8ee_Po1iZjd0jTFiW-CwKjjAXeftyrwPUB4PXErwye33nXOQOtsIIqX8-SHG6En3-VSeQ_k60wE8jI/s320/P1020350.JPG" width="320px" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This is what the cemetery looked like.</td></tr>
</tbody></table></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: list .5in;"><span style="color: blue; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><br />
</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.5in; mso-list: l17 level1 lfo18; tab-stops: list .25in .5in; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="font-family: "Droid Serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">●<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";"> </span></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Stay in Avignon at the <b>Kyriad Avignon</b>, 2 Rue Mere Theresa,, Avignon, +33 4 32 76 88 00</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b><u><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Day 9:</span></u></b><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"> Monday (8/1) – Breakfast NOT included at this hotel. Drive to Orange: 30min, Drive to Valence: 1hr 15min, Drive to Lyon: 1hr 15min.<u></u></span></b></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12pt;"></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.5in; mso-list: l18 level1 lfo19; tab-stops: list .25in .5in; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="font-family: "Droid Serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">●<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";"> </span></span><u><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">9 a.m.</span></u><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"> - take the first tour of <b>Palais des Papes</b> in Avignon, open from 9am-8pm; audio tour - Adults 10.50 E, Students 5E, kids free<u></u></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: list .5in;"><u><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="text-decoration: none;"></span></span></u></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: list .5in;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">We didn’t actually do the tour, and it was too expensive to justify walking onto the Pont d’Avignon, but it was cool to see!</span></b></div><div class="MsoNormal"><u><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="text-decoration: none;"></span></span></u></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.5in; mso-list: l18 level1 lfo19; tab-stops: list .25in .5in; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="font-family: "Droid Serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">●<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";"> </span></span><u><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">11 a.m.</span></u><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"> - Leave Avignon, drive to <b>Orange</b>; have lunch in Orange, visit Roman ampitheatre<u></u></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.5in; mso-list: l18 level1 lfo19; tab-stops: list .25in .5in; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="font-family: "Droid Serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">●<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";"> </span></span><u><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">4 p.m.</span></u><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"> - leave Orange, drive to <b>Valence</b> for dinner<u></u></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.5in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 1in; mso-list: l18 level2 lfo19; tab-stops: list .75in 1.0in; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="font-family: "Droid Serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">○<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";"> </span></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">If some people want to leave Orange early to visit the caves in <b>l’Ardeche</b> they can, but they would have to still plan on being to Valence by 5:30 p.m.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.5in; mso-list: l18 level1 lfo19; tab-stops: list .25in .5in; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="font-family: "Droid Serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">●<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";"> </span></span><u><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">7:00 p.m.</span></u><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"> - visit the <b>Chateau de Crussol</b> (hike up a hill to the ruins of a castle built in the 12th century)<u></u></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><u><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="text-decoration: none;"></span></span></u></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: list .5in;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><br />
<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/AVvXsEjFBDFexJDdHWPvxJfWfcniwVV4yQn_Qg8CYaae2dQr61hzsXbVNr20DVLjbQQEKP7bmz3PuBgplRcdZDezjnKefHzq8GtaYpiaARwVpZ0lp_s33-3FxJOIlLtKYrudujjI8oaSEYzgmkFP/s1600/P1020376.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240px" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFBDFexJDdHWPvxJfWfcniwVV4yQn_Qg8CYaae2dQr61hzsXbVNr20DVLjbQQEKP7bmz3PuBgplRcdZDezjnKefHzq8GtaYpiaARwVpZ0lp_s33-3FxJOIlLtKYrudujjI8oaSEYzgmkFP/s320/P1020376.JPG" width="320px" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">In Avignon at the Palais de Papes where we were asked to leave because our children were so loud that the workers could not do their jobs. Bahaha.</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<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/AVvXsEh5MHnBeV5nhsjaq8P7mqGeynYy-a-S4Ya04ed2SELMSu9G1uV7TqIjnTrmEOQTy1NNs4BVhN7dhRqpDgwqF-oat_Iuvk6wEe-lYgn-RK_dlGHDjWYYIS4UZV2MrxpTE5njaVnYM7qav2ub/s1600/P1020379.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240px" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5MHnBeV5nhsjaq8P7mqGeynYy-a-S4Ya04ed2SELMSu9G1uV7TqIjnTrmEOQTy1NNs4BVhN7dhRqpDgwqF-oat_Iuvk6wEe-lYgn-RK_dlGHDjWYYIS4UZV2MrxpTE5njaVnYM7qav2ub/s320/P1020379.JPG" width="320px" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Baby James eating his foot as we tried to decide where to go next.</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<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/AVvXsEgC1jzM_vlqUHexIgWdczsXv9lcDGXEohdnlcE2wvxgKdjpk7eFTTIx290AB4GXONWnbD1Ud0OtEnBWqP7wf1xhzoSJaexfvZZzxHi-S7rXbxwXwDAaIVAMoCXr4gbUdtJWeaS5bvXXKPEI/s1600/P1020380.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240px" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgC1jzM_vlqUHexIgWdczsXv9lcDGXEohdnlcE2wvxgKdjpk7eFTTIx290AB4GXONWnbD1Ud0OtEnBWqP7wf1xhzoSJaexfvZZzxHi-S7rXbxwXwDAaIVAMoCXr4gbUdtJWeaS5bvXXKPEI/s320/P1020380.JPG" width="320px" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The central plaza of the palais de Papes.</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br />
</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br />
</td></tr>
</tbody></table></div><div class="MsoNormal"><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/AVvXsEiJYlaXHZr18YSO80IiTxqSp4-riaeJKnFunwEJaBeZxPi5Qf4SzzEUwZ_vAy_Wh1-21nzpGC01q8pOpuMAcZTxK3VbwFB4gsD605bvjaHg-wTEmJx-tD_4Eaey8fO2Ce16XZfuRpBSFwyw/s1600/P1020417.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240px" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJYlaXHZr18YSO80IiTxqSp4-riaeJKnFunwEJaBeZxPi5Qf4SzzEUwZ_vAy_Wh1-21nzpGC01q8pOpuMAcZTxK3VbwFB4gsD605bvjaHg-wTEmJx-tD_4Eaey8fO2Ce16XZfuRpBSFwyw/s320/P1020417.JPG" width="320px" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Roman Amphitheater Ruins in Arles.</td></tr>
</tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: blue; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"></span></div><span style="color: blue; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">This was really cool! We hiked up to the ruins, and the view was INCREDIBLE. To think that the ruins were once a little city was awesome. The walls of the structures were still there, but all of the wooden parts, like the roofs and any other structures that would have been wooden, are long gone.</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixEz-KJeKhiRjN72-GpGo8VJJbo_tBfi81ASBeI9-CBMRoY6ZtR5h5dVzgorznD4Zmn8VAai4fg1tL3ouXcBctcoxyYz9f63V0eyI0M0-0v39pBT5wwV0zPtpXkSDHKEfZspnxBhRK_gS_/s1600/P1020447.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240px" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixEz-KJeKhiRjN72-GpGo8VJJbo_tBfi81ASBeI9-CBMRoY6ZtR5h5dVzgorznD4Zmn8VAai4fg1tL3ouXcBctcoxyYz9f63V0eyI0M0-0v39pBT5wwV0zPtpXkSDHKEfZspnxBhRK_gS_/s320/P1020447.JPG" width="320px" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjo3ITftPH_0oBM2Iqw8Y8BuMKiiFT-3A0ePTxD3VSGtfjpAr67GQZIfju9lyxHVQoec0ywQOhiOeedMiQfG8gxLOF_bPQzvw5js8nT90P1oPFcwEmFGLEYN2w6sGMOyukuBdceda0H8UkM/s1600/P1020459.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320px" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjo3ITftPH_0oBM2Iqw8Y8BuMKiiFT-3A0ePTxD3VSGtfjpAr67GQZIfju9lyxHVQoec0ywQOhiOeedMiQfG8gxLOF_bPQzvw5js8nT90P1oPFcwEmFGLEYN2w6sGMOyukuBdceda0H8UkM/s320/P1020459.JPG" width="240px" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvcZ0ShH9c8ajEXN91VCedZraXKkL7nExu2QhrLNFpfn8KqSoVu5Qn1pAVpIM2o9dW6vAltXvmpNOZjWcTe_lLbGJfCzr4MTxw0VeE5Ez2H4pPcHTvQMVYzDgegIX0LXLQ2Q0ojmeTHfNN/s1600/P1020455.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320px" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvcZ0ShH9c8ajEXN91VCedZraXKkL7nExu2QhrLNFpfn8KqSoVu5Qn1pAVpIM2o9dW6vAltXvmpNOZjWcTe_lLbGJfCzr4MTxw0VeE5Ez2H4pPcHTvQMVYzDgegIX0LXLQ2Q0ojmeTHfNN/s320/P1020455.JPG" width="240px" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZ1OGxc7pND7jlIysmnPQ7uC3MPxNdCV_vyzadrHdjtEQLQF8HGuWrxjIP6Rh25RzIZeXQ1Y3SPk43m5x2_9VbbgMrGu8tlyVvTmGPyswZZkGUD2N2g_9GN4U4KJuIHCLVzP_ORRW15WjK/s1600/P1020442.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240px" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZ1OGxc7pND7jlIysmnPQ7uC3MPxNdCV_vyzadrHdjtEQLQF8HGuWrxjIP6Rh25RzIZeXQ1Y3SPk43m5x2_9VbbgMrGu8tlyVvTmGPyswZZkGUD2N2g_9GN4U4KJuIHCLVzP_ORRW15WjK/s320/P1020442.JPG" width="320px" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJYlaXHZr18YSO80IiTxqSp4-riaeJKnFunwEJaBeZxPi5Qf4SzzEUwZ_vAy_Wh1-21nzpGC01q8pOpuMAcZTxK3VbwFB4gsD605bvjaHg-wTEmJx-tD_4Eaey8fO2Ce16XZfuRpBSFwyw/s1600/P1020417.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br />
</a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxkXKOqWToymxLD761B2H9XKXH-P7tXI3THCTml7a5q495bZC5Zyg7Qz6HdxYFkaYSK5KzkvEnYpeb_Fd0OF3KkMd13uZBtWoSEIGgucpvb7DY3nyu0dGb_6IdxqOhfXbUp6qS4R8DApaf/s1600/P1020448.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240px" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxkXKOqWToymxLD761B2H9XKXH-P7tXI3THCTml7a5q495bZC5Zyg7Qz6HdxYFkaYSK5KzkvEnYpeb_Fd0OF3KkMd13uZBtWoSEIGgucpvb7DY3nyu0dGb_6IdxqOhfXbUp6qS4R8DApaf/s320/P1020448.JPG" width="320px" /></a></div><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2Q9zbx4wkOjcPSuKnrInPZxrkHpFCS9XeI15nbtPIQXftEHjSGKKz_Byvlq-D-WBkTuRx3oZmbtn1oLQG3jtsgcx58ekfyE2L7AvGHV2-YLZV45q_-Ew9MJKTqP_kBb7-GyKPtS7Z-YVk/s1600/P1020451.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240px" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2Q9zbx4wkOjcPSuKnrInPZxrkHpFCS9XeI15nbtPIQXftEHjSGKKz_Byvlq-D-WBkTuRx3oZmbtn1oLQG3jtsgcx58ekfyE2L7AvGHV2-YLZV45q_-Ew9MJKTqP_kBb7-GyKPtS7Z-YVk/s320/P1020451.JPG" width="320px" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyZdDnL9198O2eUcqdXsFK1kG9Uz1OKUNsxyQlcKxJ5dCLva1e8zmbypj0VjYghDsnvd3NfHN4Wo2RcNie0cDfoY45HAe8u4M6Nbmt8I9-M6puZ3JUwBEkLrf-5EsjxG03T7D-uVxK9Mv0/s1600/P1020452.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240px" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyZdDnL9198O2eUcqdXsFK1kG9Uz1OKUNsxyQlcKxJ5dCLva1e8zmbypj0VjYghDsnvd3NfHN4Wo2RcNie0cDfoY45HAe8u4M6Nbmt8I9-M6puZ3JUwBEkLrf-5EsjxG03T7D-uVxK9Mv0/s320/P1020452.JPG" width="320px" /></a></div></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhb4dw7bbS-khyphenhyphenjZ-NqNTPKZpO21VDHexNPzxHB6tB_PhrCwbo8MR_Rwf6wkmVIjZgO3T9fEkWojzYN-uK4ukvMvbgpwWaNJcFEYnIqrK53klXxkmqqn-MGNragrV-ANFJbOZMP2dKX48Kz/s1600/P1020463.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320px" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhb4dw7bbS-khyphenhyphenjZ-NqNTPKZpO21VDHexNPzxHB6tB_PhrCwbo8MR_Rwf6wkmVIjZgO3T9fEkWojzYN-uK4ukvMvbgpwWaNJcFEYnIqrK53klXxkmqqn-MGNragrV-ANFJbOZMP2dKX48Kz/s320/P1020463.JPG" width="240px" /></a><span style="color: blue; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"> </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: list .5in;"><span style="color: blue; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><br />
</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.5in; mso-list: l18 level1 lfo19; tab-stops: list .25in .5in; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="font-family: "Droid Serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">●<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";"> </span></span><u><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">8:00 p.m.</span></u><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"> - drive to Lyon; stay at the <b>Novotel Lyon Gerland</b>, 70 avenue Leclerc, Lyon Cedex 07,+33 4 72 71 11 11<u></u></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b><u><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Day 10:</span></u></b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"> <b>Tuesday (8/2) – Breakfast at the hotel<u></u></b></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.5in; mso-list: l19 level1 lfo20; tab-stops: list .25in .5in; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="font-family: "Droid Serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">●<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";"> </span></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Fly out of Lyon Airport</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: list .5in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><br />
</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: list .5in;"><span style="color: blue; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">What a great trip this was! Rachael and I had such a great time visiting France and Switzerland, enjoying some great cuisine, and learning about the history and culture of that part of the world. But, even with all the incredible cultural experiences, delicious meals, and fun activities, the best part of the trip was being able to spend so much time making great memories with family. We are so blessed to have had the opportunity to be with them, and we are so thankful to my parents for giving us that amazing experience!</span></div></div>Jonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11084428924608285986noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6433165835233532138.post-36463668190156850212011-07-14T00:37:00.051-06:002011-07-14T10:20:21.589-06:00Finally...<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4tIo1n3RzSSOEnbDfcSDM5B0afPqT6wrrscd3jFAwV-Sms3wHVzNdAULNpC_BkB9n2y3cc9Mi9rgRQUGSxxPf5nHh5qSAc-FNuA5OVdfIcdBqFtD83GYrkhvEUpRBZ2lh3ZtNl9wxMQZB/s1600/P1020638.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a>Ok, so I'm not a very good blogger. It takes me forever to get around to uploading my pictures and then once they are uploaded I just worry that I am not witty enough to entertain the 5 of you who read this. I decided to update though because seeing the pictures of little baby Koda make me miss him being so tiny. So here is an update of photos of our cute animals.<br />
<br />
<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/AVvXsEgJoILOHaJ7lu-tN2iRY7GdPb_v4bgRAboEr213dkF09cQO7P4TtsIBqH5g6Ijx4Ze_aZd8hobt2YO8NFXDi5t_iN_tcScqybe7OicEP4f9xAO27Fx8jXnqkC1NOUaCMvtYxFMmXT625k1f/s1600/P1020623.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJoILOHaJ7lu-tN2iRY7GdPb_v4bgRAboEr213dkF09cQO7P4TtsIBqH5g6Ijx4Ze_aZd8hobt2YO8NFXDi5t_iN_tcScqybe7OicEP4f9xAO27Fx8jXnqkC1NOUaCMvtYxFMmXT625k1f/s320/P1020623.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">We had some friends visit with a baby and we laid out this mat for her, Star decided that it was a cat mat, not a baby mat. Don't worry, it is washable.</td></tr>
</tbody></table><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/AVvXsEjejLNc23_40HAePn4UwS48FjbmFE0xJCxjx2gvzLaiAQpNU-jX5lJxffsWosELKgIFokbt2p4u6HR5CfrqTo9hQRYxIElybLLYa-nIOvOCEH2f5rrlbk-RYoym-oSvrvh5OOO5Egej13Sj/s1600/P1020632.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjejLNc23_40HAePn4UwS48FjbmFE0xJCxjx2gvzLaiAQpNU-jX5lJxffsWosELKgIFokbt2p4u6HR5CfrqTo9hQRYxIElybLLYa-nIOvOCEH2f5rrlbk-RYoym-oSvrvh5OOO5Egej13Sj/s320/P1020632.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Koda eating with his momma Misty on the day we picked him up.</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br />
</td></tr>
</tbody></table><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/AVvXsEg4tIo1n3RzSSOEnbDfcSDM5B0afPqT6wrrscd3jFAwV-Sms3wHVzNdAULNpC_BkB9n2y3cc9Mi9rgRQUGSxxPf5nHh5qSAc-FNuA5OVdfIcdBqFtD83GYrkhvEUpRBZ2lh3ZtNl9wxMQZB/s1600/P1020638.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4tIo1n3RzSSOEnbDfcSDM5B0afPqT6wrrscd3jFAwV-Sms3wHVzNdAULNpC_BkB9n2y3cc9Mi9rgRQUGSxxPf5nHh5qSAc-FNuA5OVdfIcdBqFtD83GYrkhvEUpRBZ2lh3ZtNl9wxMQZB/s320/P1020638.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">All tuckered out when he was still small enough for that bed.</td></tr>
</tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><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/AVvXsEh-ExHK7aXPB-M2TXLy-fFcAouAAeXrSssB27RNrd3qGwk1X4W2INWw4NkGwtFcnncjTTrQNipEGTvWgkqMk9UWBp-y7dBEf59obEIM0r-wLRNufzEPI2rz-IbatA6W_X1lly96pSHpzF6L/s1600/P1020612.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-ExHK7aXPB-M2TXLy-fFcAouAAeXrSssB27RNrd3qGwk1X4W2INWw4NkGwtFcnncjTTrQNipEGTvWgkqMk9UWBp-y7dBEf59obEIM0r-wLRNufzEPI2rz-IbatA6W_X1lly96pSHpzF6L/s320/P1020612.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Star likes to snuggle when Koda is not around.</td></tr>
</tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><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/AVvXsEhF9NJcLVKfPcQI29Mr6M2f9tot477qx_4weyIrRAdKAugD85jjteIHkWDEDC0JqVj1dKoGjlN7hJGz80qZwr841wDMB-WLt7v3QhEImhTgZRorXHt-6BU49wWeNsZhjmnuEswpW9RtFP56/s1600/P1010431.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhF9NJcLVKfPcQI29Mr6M2f9tot477qx_4weyIrRAdKAugD85jjteIHkWDEDC0JqVj1dKoGjlN7hJGz80qZwr841wDMB-WLt7v3QhEImhTgZRorXHt-6BU49wWeNsZhjmnuEswpW9RtFP56/s320/P1010431.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">See what I mean about being small enough for the bed? And he's even bigger than this now!</td></tr>
</tbody></table><span id="goog_1074115851"></span><span id="goog_1074115852"></span><br />
<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/AVvXsEiceWkJfS2z7OWAp1fwPqUgFoLJ7m5nvy3H-vaCc8tQqkH3_NC3x3mcMK3VQe8cM7SaVqKsPdXQSGy2xv6X1NO-vl8zww_8B8Wftej6H4zSxOKcOMEZOdaZvAqnwuLZoclKwfFD-RaO0z4p/s1600/P1020728.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiceWkJfS2z7OWAp1fwPqUgFoLJ7m5nvy3H-vaCc8tQqkH3_NC3x3mcMK3VQe8cM7SaVqKsPdXQSGy2xv6X1NO-vl8zww_8B8Wftej6H4zSxOKcOMEZOdaZvAqnwuLZoclKwfFD-RaO0z4p/s320/P1020728.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">He gave up on squeezing into that tiny bed, opting instead to use it as a pillow.</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br />
</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br />
</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<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/AVvXsEiuqoWt0ff-8V7pF6sOh8p0qWvMZqQqouvq1SUgE2iJqEc4DREmwYdf32mlYE6e_6TIv2Dq_hkdP99makGBIfgJD_YjcXhXJqZtmnrFB-q7Im019fmwgYh_SLbBk4R_mDBJXTiO4L3IhVae/s1600/P1020639.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuqoWt0ff-8V7pF6sOh8p0qWvMZqQqouvq1SUgE2iJqEc4DREmwYdf32mlYE6e_6TIv2Dq_hkdP99makGBIfgJD_YjcXhXJqZtmnrFB-q7Im019fmwgYh_SLbBk4R_mDBJXTiO4L3IhVae/s320/P1020639.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">See, they don't hate each other. These next few pictures are not in age order.</td></tr>
</tbody></table><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/AVvXsEgBmjfFGCb5z5LovvVknRmFcGLcR2ofScNvvG8lHX-Lfd1Gih_soDFYzd_sPgbSSJcGy5MKpGfnNg5-7nvcV0AvguEH6dqVYO_0_kEpswceBQ4nbDlroPeghLzyEI_O3O0OqutC30E7JUGC/s1600/P1020634.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBmjfFGCb5z5LovvVknRmFcGLcR2ofScNvvG8lHX-Lfd1Gih_soDFYzd_sPgbSSJcGy5MKpGfnNg5-7nvcV0AvguEH6dqVYO_0_kEpswceBQ4nbDlroPeghLzyEI_O3O0OqutC30E7JUGC/s320/P1020634.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sleeping near one another. I am pretty sure she was still bigger than him in this picture.</td></tr>
</tbody></table><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/AVvXsEgs78Zn16gITWVIj4LLwpl6wtVA4nfEcn66tW4wSZyciawWL2J8YQki-_zVAf7AEgNmqf6J64Cw_g1HqXgT68BGThY7__uh4iifYaPWDLROkHsk6tiI-AIonbIdfSsKKsGaPmt9SWDhK4dL/s1600/P1020714.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgs78Zn16gITWVIj4LLwpl6wtVA4nfEcn66tW4wSZyciawWL2J8YQki-_zVAf7AEgNmqf6J64Cw_g1HqXgT68BGThY7__uh4iifYaPWDLROkHsk6tiI-AIonbIdfSsKKsGaPmt9SWDhK4dL/s320/P1020714.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I look crazy, but they were so close to snuggling I had to share.</td></tr>
</tbody></table><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/AVvXsEjsJsRyWTAgPpJbVVHC_QoEo2hVbFJq0-LWKBbIuDVjFvDPLqeENGksR4YR7x4Ep1sdzLe4pJAzIjNQ47pqkYrJzCGnONBdOIxA82cFX-pqIGTlejMNVo6XUmvcW6y2Orie66a25JcytNzi/s1600/P1020719.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsJsRyWTAgPpJbVVHC_QoEo2hVbFJq0-LWKBbIuDVjFvDPLqeENGksR4YR7x4Ep1sdzLe4pJAzIjNQ47pqkYrJzCGnONBdOIxA82cFX-pqIGTlejMNVo6XUmvcW6y2Orie66a25JcytNzi/s320/P1020719.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">They got even closer when Jon was trying to sleep.</td></tr>
</tbody></table><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/AVvXsEj6q0hqPCdxwzPw83i1njipXnGMFtxDmlh6iXnFkH0h6Lci8R_Ad54nk6DM_qc-tbs_grsyqiLlgnsly9GMdPfqfRFmY1q0l5MpEn7BQ7kCpQHOKNboyInM3h5connzY6gIkS2OwU-q3U-k/s1600/P1020710.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6q0hqPCdxwzPw83i1njipXnGMFtxDmlh6iXnFkH0h6Lci8R_Ad54nk6DM_qc-tbs_grsyqiLlgnsly9GMdPfqfRFmY1q0l5MpEn7BQ7kCpQHOKNboyInM3h5connzY6gIkS2OwU-q3U-k/s320/P1020710.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I'm not sure who liked this little bed more, Star...</td></tr>
</tbody></table><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/AVvXsEgJbyhipe2uXYQz6eWQsr3ztRMYIw51f0sgAzE_uWno-Qz0XDCJJ499PNVSwOJ_VDBGlgGcYDt0uSo8kAX3c5P6kpMMKQyL4i6nCnnVuc0sS_UcQAFWbmBHOC-PCjMIJl95E9vfI6YRo5lf/s1600/P1020713.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJbyhipe2uXYQz6eWQsr3ztRMYIw51f0sgAzE_uWno-Qz0XDCJJ499PNVSwOJ_VDBGlgGcYDt0uSo8kAX3c5P6kpMMKQyL4i6nCnnVuc0sS_UcQAFWbmBHOC-PCjMIJl95E9vfI6YRo5lf/s320/P1020713.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Or Dakota.</td></tr>
</tbody></table><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/AVvXsEh2KbctPKRY_A4vF60DpgZwpcpTom2GRSgx05lPRJgr2_KnKxrlWx5V5OlWLG4bg_VJhKZ_Pum7nYOU-C1hS8jlE0Wg4H-NOABxRKS1ez5m14DBKHEmmaFOeGEtFOtMFlrQyLLzBCl6AsvE/s1600/P1020739.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2KbctPKRY_A4vF60DpgZwpcpTom2GRSgx05lPRJgr2_KnKxrlWx5V5OlWLG4bg_VJhKZ_Pum7nYOU-C1hS8jlE0Wg4H-NOABxRKS1ez5m14DBKHEmmaFOeGEtFOtMFlrQyLLzBCl6AsvE/s320/P1020739.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Last but not least, Koda's favorite hiding spot. Under our bed where Star hides as well.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>Sorry if this is a picture overload. I figured it was better than trying to write about our boring day to day life.Rachaelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16365207325909399332noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6433165835233532138.post-67924651482069960142011-05-15T20:48:00.000-06:002011-05-15T20:48:16.199-06:00He's Home!We brought Koda home tonight and man is he one cute little guy. Star did not want to be near him at first. She did everything she could to get away, but now that he's asleep upstairs, she's walking near him, sniffing him, and just trying to decide if he's friend or foe. I have more photos on the camera to add, but here are a few to keep everyone happy.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><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/AVvXsEhF1Zs82oUsFw4p8z4x5H6RLSQYSwccJTTo91AimVTbwmeE24CtGpJu59fDuPvb_pFkwY_Ml7IK6wes7VTCSuELrP3Pksza9VFWnw4R3caXs0kDLDySuXdvXsnjgnRLzHVY1cZ0dpQy-kPT/s1600/CIMG0041.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhF1Zs82oUsFw4p8z4x5H6RLSQYSwccJTTo91AimVTbwmeE24CtGpJu59fDuPvb_pFkwY_Ml7IK6wes7VTCSuELrP3Pksza9VFWnw4R3caXs0kDLDySuXdvXsnjgnRLzHVY1cZ0dpQy-kPT/s320/CIMG0041.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Star trying to get out of the laundry room/ bedroom</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<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/AVvXsEhsZ46rtaisone1O9zLdQSIJjgzXXGxE-M5S2qKXkhXhbbDgFYtsEuKvhVa36656hcTk3plmUytWSOJMr7OCdf__yosN8TBOPtc6EB94MWevuH0zwpvFMzXa17ZhH_h8ZMGUEva_YCPoqY9/s1600/CIMG0042.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsZ46rtaisone1O9zLdQSIJjgzXXGxE-M5S2qKXkhXhbbDgFYtsEuKvhVa36656hcTk3plmUytWSOJMr7OCdf__yosN8TBOPtc6EB94MWevuH0zwpvFMzXa17ZhH_h8ZMGUEva_YCPoqY9/s320/CIMG0042.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Koda testing out his basement bed and checking out his toys</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<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/AVvXsEgWyE2vBBTY3NMQveO8IhfIODTsAlnQWR6TTRRyfcIG-u3sxjwaqF_38GyqYGqb409abhyphenhyphenbQV_yZNB1ErOE1c5mmLGFYR3lx5R7fZWu5_oqqbtvsvIMzT34Ut1ENYxFOWns5cKee-1gvd-Y/s1600/CIMG0045.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWyE2vBBTY3NMQveO8IhfIODTsAlnQWR6TTRRyfcIG-u3sxjwaqF_38GyqYGqb409abhyphenhyphenbQV_yZNB1ErOE1c5mmLGFYR3lx5R7fZWu5_oqqbtvsvIMzT34Ut1ENYxFOWns5cKee-1gvd-Y/s320/CIMG0045.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">He likes his basement bed and his upstairs one too</td></tr>
</tbody></table>In the last photo you can see Dakota snuggling his pheasant. When we saw this pheasant yesterday Jon NEEDED it because his Kodi dog had a favorite pheasant growing up. Let's hope that Koda loves this one just as much.Rachaelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16365207325909399332noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6433165835233532138.post-85921905336341740892011-04-25T23:15:00.000-06:002011-04-25T23:15:26.321-06:00Expanding the FamilyAs you've seen over the last few weeks our little family is growing. After having Star for a few months we decided to get a puppy as well. Last week we announced that it would either be Almond Joy or String Bean. Well... We made the official decision tonight and the newest member of the Hamilton family is... STRING BEAN!!! (His name will now be Dakota, but I thought String Bean was pretty sweet.)<br />
<br />
We fell in love with the way that he sleeps on his back when we were visiting with the puppies tonight and loved that he has a ticklish spot on his tummy. He's also a total snuggle bug and we are hoping that he and Star learn to snuggle each other quickly. He'll be coming home with us on the 15th of 16th of May and we could not be more excited.<br />
<br />
And since a post isn't very enjoyable without pictures, here are some shots of the whole brood of pups. <br />
<br />
<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/AVvXsEjquzo3qbNGGEVIctT_1Fm2221I1QBz_L0F_c9KoILyItXxt8WyQQUGsYETeAq5MljN7P8ujBvoIiBbVZcsgVuFXTTKsKwLSferMbQjtZnTIPx8kibjfKz-97cR2ElU8iJHqLngHy95EftI/s1600/P1020587.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjquzo3qbNGGEVIctT_1Fm2221I1QBz_L0F_c9KoILyItXxt8WyQQUGsYETeAq5MljN7P8ujBvoIiBbVZcsgVuFXTTKsKwLSferMbQjtZnTIPx8kibjfKz-97cR2ElU8iJHqLngHy95EftI/s320/P1020587.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The five of them all cuddled. Dakota/String Bean is in the middle with the green ribbon.</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<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/AVvXsEiT6QpHa0yixdSUZQg2TCzxfr7DP3aVHC94HZpq8RqK3Icrtc04QjfE5wco9uA5NpKNTmkR0l2bLtiu8-iRHjgAWCE8TT2nypdXdMx95Tv0i0h0BI5B21h8SOxVNR-b5ZcVRmEZgDm_0f7e/s1600/P1020588.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiT6QpHa0yixdSUZQg2TCzxfr7DP3aVHC94HZpq8RqK3Icrtc04QjfE5wco9uA5NpKNTmkR0l2bLtiu8-iRHjgAWCE8TT2nypdXdMx95Tv0i0h0BI5B21h8SOxVNR-b5ZcVRmEZgDm_0f7e/s320/P1020588.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">See how he's cuddled up by the runt's head? So cute right! The one at the top is Almond Joy, the other boy.</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<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/AVvXsEimh-r9GRO7tFp2TNCyvsMOzd4OLQezQjTnQkl7bqTthbfMf0hAPiAK3f60F2q3oizUQq96R5L9TwfrCyQs0YPg-noWO5mFyiagZ-BgcT5QiSompQkUF4-KBAUMCQyGCsteDrWkn2lIzsGd/s1600/P1020589.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimh-r9GRO7tFp2TNCyvsMOzd4OLQezQjTnQkl7bqTthbfMf0hAPiAK3f60F2q3oizUQq96R5L9TwfrCyQs0YPg-noWO5mFyiagZ-BgcT5QiSompQkUF4-KBAUMCQyGCsteDrWkn2lIzsGd/s320/P1020589.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">They were in a puppy circle. So, so, so precious!!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>Rachaelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16365207325909399332noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6433165835233532138.post-7090043154251846242011-04-20T09:18:00.001-06:002011-04-20T09:18:00.279-06:00Just so Star doesn't feel left outWow, two posts in one week!<br />
<br />
I was worried that Star would be jealous of the new puppy, so here is a post of my favorite Star spots in the house.<br />
<br />
<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/AVvXsEhQbOQIWNvjl5YSCR7qQANK8ubVsmZzkAnvBD-29ZnFfhQ-MdRO0o8DM95D5bJP7q9ia0PRbnQ9ZEQ74shTgz21ClpE2DvL71A9y9fYUqThTc4NZSw6s_u0yhUWqQf_wpaNkLm8gIzbfwgD/s1600/P1020534.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQbOQIWNvjl5YSCR7qQANK8ubVsmZzkAnvBD-29ZnFfhQ-MdRO0o8DM95D5bJP7q9ia0PRbnQ9ZEQ74shTgz21ClpE2DvL71A9y9fYUqThTc4NZSw6s_u0yhUWqQf_wpaNkLm8gIzbfwgD/s320/P1020534.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">She loves to hug Jon.</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<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/AVvXsEgpof4IaREL8yASS-SArGSKGKNxDpwpy5dsb_xKCqg3EbAmUCB2wYSEWMKAtbIfF0rbCzgkRxfVXDw12-zqBJOFBtqa79jaAMVJWFPJCQvkocZKhGTIs2xklnZxQonen1Wz1TTE9zJzUNGC/s1600/P1020540.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpof4IaREL8yASS-SArGSKGKNxDpwpy5dsb_xKCqg3EbAmUCB2wYSEWMKAtbIfF0rbCzgkRxfVXDw12-zqBJOFBtqa79jaAMVJWFPJCQvkocZKhGTIs2xklnZxQonen1Wz1TTE9zJzUNGC/s320/P1020540.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Hiding under the entertainment center</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<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/AVvXsEjvJ3ox9RZslt5XwWBaWAqN642tq-sxS37Mw9phuOy3oKFC_isy4DsGbqeJGBVN3yDa5XgneZnZIOefQbPmzbKhLBN3qkGoPtLx2izZMPnbrvmzhP8Iqtc5yTRBlU9M03xQgmECVAGQ7Gjc/s1600/P1020531.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvJ3ox9RZslt5XwWBaWAqN642tq-sxS37Mw9phuOy3oKFC_isy4DsGbqeJGBVN3yDa5XgneZnZIOefQbPmzbKhLBN3qkGoPtLx2izZMPnbrvmzhP8Iqtc5yTRBlU9M03xQgmECVAGQ7Gjc/s320/P1020531.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Coming in and out at her leisure</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<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/AVvXsEh1UaS3Ws7FFDYRJIron1lkCKOTpVoZGEn_4p-OUeGck8PiLBRPOD7Ka74tj7WO637PMcO1kdAChVD-PfAch4KG39JI-8bGywA9GjyQcf7K6E8kpEUjYfCo_pJJClyZ78WEPkDaxbggmm18/s1600/P1020548.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1UaS3Ws7FFDYRJIron1lkCKOTpVoZGEn_4p-OUeGck8PiLBRPOD7Ka74tj7WO637PMcO1kdAChVD-PfAch4KG39JI-8bGywA9GjyQcf7K6E8kpEUjYfCo_pJJClyZ78WEPkDaxbggmm18/s320/P1020548.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I call this the roast pig</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<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/AVvXsEju2a4kK3VB0FRLfu74HMclgMyuaQFrg5L_MnncifxpPJZhNIXYJk6Wh4qLyeTS6XoPicMsptcv_U3b_aEvGAmiwfmbcPYFwApECL4MhzJO2NcZTijwOtSEPnifMioqBJnaOcZPst4S1UGt/s1600/P1020552.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEju2a4kK3VB0FRLfu74HMclgMyuaQFrg5L_MnncifxpPJZhNIXYJk6Wh4qLyeTS6XoPicMsptcv_U3b_aEvGAmiwfmbcPYFwApECL4MhzJO2NcZTijwOtSEPnifMioqBJnaOcZPst4S1UGt/s320/P1020552.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Jon is her favorite. She loves to lay on his legs.</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<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/AVvXsEhuvVgVeIDALzfpjvj__Y9N8vR7zFJsI9gqqNJys5VgJeoSNVhn9za6cUwuOMcgs1fmlu_YzaPT4hXNJuR2hUK5VKvdJqP3HPytX1XxFT82VS_VoxfQ7vCdxbah5mvWOihqmwse5k1CeM2i/s1600/P1020558.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuvVgVeIDALzfpjvj__Y9N8vR7zFJsI9gqqNJys5VgJeoSNVhn9za6cUwuOMcgs1fmlu_YzaPT4hXNJuR2hUK5VKvdJqP3HPytX1XxFT82VS_VoxfQ7vCdxbah5mvWOihqmwse5k1CeM2i/s320/P1020558.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">See, another Jon's lap shot.</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<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/AVvXsEjFryP84ZxL9866Owf_DzhAWkHFJeeZuTnNQFMHW7DQ9SU2KJB4i66OQpJGQHOSzthgpLUn6tdS4vctgi4glhrOOp_IdonR88cr2c0A9-cVL4VaMapmfWd4B0_47YPZIS2H5XW2Rt5xiC97/s1600/P1020562.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFryP84ZxL9866Owf_DzhAWkHFJeeZuTnNQFMHW7DQ9SU2KJB4i66OQpJGQHOSzthgpLUn6tdS4vctgi4glhrOOp_IdonR88cr2c0A9-cVL4VaMapmfWd4B0_47YPZIS2H5XW2Rt5xiC97/s320/P1020562.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Avoiding the snow</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<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/AVvXsEjL6dlg2oUQOJnxU-cUOMLgGK7xTNI710DZX8Ag8dDJpkFetMgZmip4H8lTUCBcqdzxTyuhe83klMlBfiJgBHDPI_1ixWacp-lsM8Tni4VX_JMQEwuTZtHzZqcwxBEg-pRMIPyYt5vAxwPk/s1600/P1020565.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjL6dlg2oUQOJnxU-cUOMLgGK7xTNI710DZX8Ag8dDJpkFetMgZmip4H8lTUCBcqdzxTyuhe83klMlBfiJgBHDPI_1ixWacp-lsM8Tni4VX_JMQEwuTZtHzZqcwxBEg-pRMIPyYt5vAxwPk/s320/P1020565.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This is how she sits ALL night. On either one of us.</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<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/AVvXsEgvn8VsDYimtGgkeyoCV5xSdRQx1Ysk2wzwJA23AeiBBVrYTOq-iS31BFZbJ4CJ11gLJoOOj7D3TpG9llnVgAxXMqb95RcUvxIKU6mqeVbyAWFAGPjzH38p5DkciV-JbhCssHrG-nhhvl2b/s1600/P1020566.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvn8VsDYimtGgkeyoCV5xSdRQx1Ysk2wzwJA23AeiBBVrYTOq-iS31BFZbJ4CJ11gLJoOOj7D3TpG9llnVgAxXMqb95RcUvxIKU6mqeVbyAWFAGPjzH38p5DkciV-JbhCssHrG-nhhvl2b/s320/P1020566.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Curled up behind Jon's booty. So funny.</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<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/AVvXsEgakJxkCSM6TkX_nFxeZx3aknL1wEGJ4aGrxKjiGSGsM0cVuK3Qw4lITE2tfCFMgCo41NnS6V5f-pp0we03SVFVrxVjAvqZpGsJvoQ99f_JahAdxrc2YMHClrXa3QFIi8joNwpSrIqZsUvq/s1600/P1020571.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgakJxkCSM6TkX_nFxeZx3aknL1wEGJ4aGrxKjiGSGsM0cVuK3Qw4lITE2tfCFMgCo41NnS6V5f-pp0we03SVFVrxVjAvqZpGsJvoQ99f_JahAdxrc2YMHClrXa3QFIi8joNwpSrIqZsUvq/s320/P1020571.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I guess the sun was too bright for her.</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<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/AVvXsEgRT08fEESbBFe7gNfMRQJMbcKYpHFoMcO49urA2Oh8h47hNcXpLyVGCmW_1o6CgaQtldikQrYCvu_uoXvZEe2zfWGLY5bwWJECzYnlvAGDdC4Wfe4C5hNvE8yUEgXsLdffoJ3LnAyg5mBw/s1600/P1020572.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRT08fEESbBFe7gNfMRQJMbcKYpHFoMcO49urA2Oh8h47hNcXpLyVGCmW_1o6CgaQtldikQrYCvu_uoXvZEe2zfWGLY5bwWJECzYnlvAGDdC4Wfe4C5hNvE8yUEgXsLdffoJ3LnAyg5mBw/s320/P1020572.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">All stretched out</td></tr>
</tbody></table>Rachaelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16365207325909399332noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6433165835233532138.post-78381581550350828962011-04-17T20:45:00.000-06:002011-04-17T21:15:25.448-06:00Meet Dakota!I thought about writing a few posts in the last month, but they were all about Star... and I was worried everyone would think I was a crazy cat lady. So... instead of writing about Star all of the time, this is a post about our puppy Dakota.<br /><br />Jon grew up with a cute dog named <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">Kodi</span>. That is short for Kodiak <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">Marshmallow</span> Bear Hamilton. Well, since <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">Kodi</span> got "hammered, I mean tooled"(see story below) a few years ago, Jon has been wanting a puppy of his own. He wanted one just like <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">Kodi</span> though. A yellow lab that is almost white who loves life and being with people. Well, lucky for us, one of my co-workers has a yellow lab who just had a litter of the cutest yellow lab puppies. Jon wanted to have a dog just like <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">Kodi</span>, so he specifically asked if we could get a boy dog. Lucky for us there are two boy dogs in the litter. Here are some pictures of the cute boys. We have to wait for the sire's owner to choose the pick of the litter before we know which boy we can bring home. They are equally adorable so we would be happy with either.<br /><table class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;" align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXSoqn2utQgeUgooJtEz2U2qwNbaIj7_UZhI4FF5akXIbDF4rY2iFKhviBBlKawFsOxKUU4QHGs9lK617uRgY4o9pqPGpQYbfdVeNt78b6576P_AMH0wdRRPOvijS-o2K971i0x9VNGvwI/s1600/P1020576.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXSoqn2utQgeUgooJtEz2U2qwNbaIj7_UZhI4FF5akXIbDF4rY2iFKhviBBlKawFsOxKUU4QHGs9lK617uRgY4o9pqPGpQYbfdVeNt78b6576P_AMH0wdRRPOvijS-o2K971i0x9VNGvwI/s320/P1020576.JPG" border="0" height="320" width="240" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Jon with the boys</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;" align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRwXrA_ZpqczaZXKCmokyfexaKVl_KYkTu-1XO3NcLVOYzR41l4cswLxIH2yDhKSPghjT4RCGLlQEREI6Iox7VT_nHI1iufecGJao0Ce5PiWJxn-N24xdAwccqz9GzUElwMDUUuT1i19Cn/s1600/P1020577.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRwXrA_ZpqczaZXKCmokyfexaKVl_KYkTu-1XO3NcLVOYzR41l4cswLxIH2yDhKSPghjT4RCGLlQEREI6Iox7VT_nHI1iufecGJao0Ce5PiWJxn-N24xdAwccqz9GzUElwMDUUuT1i19Cn/s320/P1020577.JPG" border="0" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This is the blue puppy, Almond Joy</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;" align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiaaD8T-sosu9cwNnz8qMS0mrh2XVXCtyHtH4OsGjOpNYaQnlojMXt-UoqC1u22-9aOAsAQSjrPBVWV9-7N9j6EgucAdEwsSwIdQebpLAGw6h9blqv_MnqDGjzBte9NsHJW7TtscqFkcHg/s1600/P1020578.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiaaD8T-sosu9cwNnz8qMS0mrh2XVXCtyHtH4OsGjOpNYaQnlojMXt-UoqC1u22-9aOAsAQSjrPBVWV9-7N9j6EgucAdEwsSwIdQebpLAGw6h9blqv_MnqDGjzBte9NsHJW7TtscqFkcHg/s320/P1020578.JPG" border="0" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This is the green puppy, String Bean</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;" align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrJX8pDU1znfZ05woi6fAZ2sNdbLK8wdgndOTJAh1ccNynAHr9yaJ77eI8MH181nZtF4aZpUaxc2F-z3tjtVQybtoQOMGupfXYodVTlj8jZG8DLY0xlH7zTHtVGJwj0cI43vHUIX7LFek2/s1600/P1020579.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrJX8pDU1znfZ05woi6fAZ2sNdbLK8wdgndOTJAh1ccNynAHr9yaJ77eI8MH181nZtF4aZpUaxc2F-z3tjtVQybtoQOMGupfXYodVTlj8jZG8DLY0xlH7zTHtVGJwj0cI43vHUIX7LFek2/s320/P1020579.JPG" border="0" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Me with both of the boys</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;" align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuCFzE31GJI3RZT-53Y_9lvT3KV-1eIMGXTgMujtrNzbBqCxBKcBQEQyYmN6hAjZUOOGd99gL4Ev9e1ZNohbPaJrCI5LC0GBn5d9GZegf-D6Y0skTkx3_1Kb1g3tS6G_gzlQkq4VRwwErP/s1600/P1020581.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuCFzE31GJI3RZT-53Y_9lvT3KV-1eIMGXTgMujtrNzbBqCxBKcBQEQyYmN6hAjZUOOGd99gL4Ev9e1ZNohbPaJrCI5LC0GBn5d9GZegf-D6Y0skTkx3_1Kb1g3tS6G_gzlQkq4VRwwErP/s320/P1020581.JPG" border="0" height="320" width="240" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Are they not just the cutest? </td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;" align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIu2zO1Km83HYfya3J5gzz4Eb5kyXAl6ESNWM1dFwKA5qR9Sr5Hk2HuvR4ui5gC5rVZnkYIhOxeOYDBMi9o9CvpnG3OhXtpp1ktRWwE5PV5b5eP5nAIYcKEhXSzlNp93vfsM_y40c334ij/s1600/P1020582.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIu2zO1Km83HYfya3J5gzz4Eb5kyXAl6ESNWM1dFwKA5qR9Sr5Hk2HuvR4ui5gC5rVZnkYIhOxeOYDBMi9o9CvpnG3OhXtpp1ktRWwE5PV5b5eP5nAIYcKEhXSzlNp93vfsM_y40c334ij/s320/P1020582.JPG" border="0" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This is String Bean's favorite sleeping position. He will probably be the boy we bring home and rename Dakota in about a month. Either he or Almond Joy would be a wonderful addition to our family.</td></tr></tbody></table><br />Here is the hammered story according to Erin, Jon's older sister.<br /><br />"Growing up we had a yellow lab named <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">Kodi</span>. He was a member-of-the-family pet. He died about three years ago, and Sam only saw him a few times before he died. So, a couple of days ago I took the kids to San Diego to help my mom put up the Christmas decorations, and while we were decorating the tree, Sam found an ornament in the shape of a doghouse with a picture of our beloved pet inside. I asked him if he remembered <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6">Kodi</span>. He said yes, and then asked what had happened to him. I explained that he had gotten too old. "Oh no" Sam exclaimed with genuine concern and sadness. That was all he said about it, but he seemed thoughtful after my explanation. Later that night, Sam was saying the prayer at dinner. He prayed for the food, and every member of the family, and then he said: "And please bless <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_7">Kodi</span>, who got hammered - I mean <span style="font-style: italic;">tooled</span>." I just about fell off my chair I was laughing so hard!!!! Ah, I needed a laugh, thanks Sam."Rachaelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16365207325909399332noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6433165835233532138.post-56621042280055967842011-03-01T20:19:00.001-07:002011-03-01T20:22:16.097-07:00A Look at Our Paint<div style="text-align: left;">I mentioned on <a href="http://every-day-is-awesome.blogspot.com/">my group blog</a> last week that Jon and I are repainting the majority of the upstairs of our house. It's been a long project and we lost a little steam so we are taking a break from painting for awhile. We have successfully finished the paint in the hallway and living room though. The living room is called barefoot beach and although I don't think you can tell from the pictures, it is a light tan/gray. In the hallway we have country beige. The two colors were on the same paint chip and the color we selected for the kitchen and bathroom was as well. When we get the motivation those rooms will be tattered sail.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><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/AVvXsEiUUU8owXlYP1f0WLVKTsqMzwEQKmEw8r3AdqQ3iQCFiNoDnEfBkZ-Jpiho-uZs8tKfDe-0giBOefxFBu84DdWTA4oHgsZfPfHN5nOvM5bjDA67GDGkPBahJFwl5rpKhiz85huGDftXx5C0/s1600/P1020462.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUUU8owXlYP1f0WLVKTsqMzwEQKmEw8r3AdqQ3iQCFiNoDnEfBkZ-Jpiho-uZs8tKfDe-0giBOefxFBu84DdWTA4oHgsZfPfHN5nOvM5bjDA67GDGkPBahJFwl5rpKhiz85huGDftXx5C0/s320/P1020462.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The first finished corner with crown molding in the living room. Barefoot Beach is the color.</td></tr>
</tbody></table><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/AVvXsEhc87s95qV1LYZjf5vK__CoZnWiAJ3a6t5fa1LQB1w-MreqVP5w0dOcAH36PHCKOkub8OWb5FTC2OO3_CiEyw1l2dvbHVJT7WuzjyggnLzySE3Sc7q7C5q9qubYBHygJjr1q3SKWNb_U-iB/s1600/P1020463.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhc87s95qV1LYZjf5vK__CoZnWiAJ3a6t5fa1LQB1w-MreqVP5w0dOcAH36PHCKOkub8OWb5FTC2OO3_CiEyw1l2dvbHVJT7WuzjyggnLzySE3Sc7q7C5q9qubYBHygJjr1q3SKWNb_U-iB/s320/P1020463.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Here's another shot of the wall color and our cute kitty Star.</td></tr>
</tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><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/AVvXsEhM9LdZrP_3PrH6D-6JYchEqZ6eNGHtRw5EIV3XbPcwITy1ZfCJfdXzCbL-I5V9tBnzmzzYQbQYMzEBP17CoS9e4uzaM08ID41zBnBHYRD-vulDimic1uyH7A8YruWm6joWJuluG6vt6rYC/s1600/P1010410.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhM9LdZrP_3PrH6D-6JYchEqZ6eNGHtRw5EIV3XbPcwITy1ZfCJfdXzCbL-I5V9tBnzmzzYQbQYMzEBP17CoS9e4uzaM08ID41zBnBHYRD-vulDimic1uyH7A8YruWm6joWJuluG6vt6rYC/s320/P1010410.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Tired after all of the painting, Star curled up with me.</td></tr>
</tbody></table><div style="text-align: left;">In other news, I rearranged the basement a bit this week. I was sad that Curt moved and the basement seemed lonely, so I spent my spare time this week reorganizing it. Ask Jon, that's my favorite leisure-time activity. So, rather than thoroughly explaining what I did, I'll let the pictures speak for themselves.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"></div><div style="text-align: center;"></div><div style="text-align: center;"><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/AVvXsEiPJxEKruJl5BnPoY4vVR6yWWWencYG00Oeg_GgXPiOgustpOebAhF-yCCYCJ09SQe1Mhyphenhyphen-X14Ql2OapfoGPRmYR9FbJ0M_yh9m9hVW-l_PGKIBineIea7gI4AJ2SHTRSlcHoEyulRZe-O5/s1600/P1020454.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPJxEKruJl5BnPoY4vVR6yWWWencYG00Oeg_GgXPiOgustpOebAhF-yCCYCJ09SQe1Mhyphenhyphen-X14Ql2OapfoGPRmYR9FbJ0M_yh9m9hVW-l_PGKIBineIea7gI4AJ2SHTRSlcHoEyulRZe-O5/s320/P1020454.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The storage room now has a second makeshift guest bed in it. Inflatable mattress on a bed frame.</td></tr>
</tbody></table><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/AVvXsEjcVjDmfW5iGp1NBxkQUnlcOkt1UnwDBCaTVucsqlFhNsaJf4cKikK6N4cUBPWGaqDQctvjvTisSpPVUeQ181SaBGLUktze9v38rl5Dn_fklCSCjqJZrHRq3z0erU_fUo3qYJtmbKEyeUDf/s1600/P1020460.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcVjDmfW5iGp1NBxkQUnlcOkt1UnwDBCaTVucsqlFhNsaJf4cKikK6N4cUBPWGaqDQctvjvTisSpPVUeQ181SaBGLUktze9v38rl5Dn_fklCSCjqJZrHRq3z0erU_fUo3qYJtmbKEyeUDf/s320/P1020460.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Fully covered the green couches look better and I found the perfect spot for showcasing the plaque my mom made us for Christmas.</td></tr>
</tbody></table><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/AVvXsEjBCd_uz-dXOyqegQSA-GRtPhrW1eQwuIAOW4jOyp_Nhd1Xe0mzfkK97M9vsRHc7qxBDbNTlxX0CVepYkCMDI6_M6ICGKKBwv_PLDPlKQxWqSdCrZinJBsFQzGMR-bxwybGq0GFAfmhfXOF/s1600/P1020461.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBCd_uz-dXOyqegQSA-GRtPhrW1eQwuIAOW4jOyp_Nhd1Xe0mzfkK97M9vsRHc7qxBDbNTlxX0CVepYkCMDI6_M6ICGKKBwv_PLDPlKQxWqSdCrZinJBsFQzGMR-bxwybGq0GFAfmhfXOF/s320/P1020461.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I moved the LoveSac and put our game collection on the shelves downstairs so it can be more of a hangout room. I know the pheasants look weird, but I haven't found a better home for them.</td></tr>
</tbody></table><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/AVvXsEh5vuD78IJzmJsIKStFZ7q4W_Apo76-SjGR0_1W5O_RC-HjaWkeRAV4jc8Va8zwsJ9Hy3oLGuBsR90IWkIyLzZr3FOyeldkRkcp0dLaNl22RHq0Nq1IxfSndMMNdY1ZEbSPtAkd1F-XiWde/s1600/P1020457.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5vuD78IJzmJsIKStFZ7q4W_Apo76-SjGR0_1W5O_RC-HjaWkeRAV4jc8Va8zwsJ9Hy3oLGuBsR90IWkIyLzZr3FOyeldkRkcp0dLaNl22RHq0Nq1IxfSndMMNdY1ZEbSPtAkd1F-XiWde/s320/P1020457.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I moved my awesome secretary to the basement with some help from Jon. I wanted it in the family room down there so I can sew with the TV on.</td></tr>
</tbody></table><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/AVvXsEiyR4lbR2GiWNX_CVcxek6Et3AptBectJDTbbvWe78gQloXOC-cOZ6NKXdpa8YQ4Jc2PVfYgBZOpoiHFKR7ib7qLgU_R0BYU2sEHTyAsrDCQJ_qgqWHtOeLVeZ7SVQYq-6kwjjzR34HHeqk/s1600/P1020456.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyR4lbR2GiWNX_CVcxek6Et3AptBectJDTbbvWe78gQloXOC-cOZ6NKXdpa8YQ4Jc2PVfYgBZOpoiHFKR7ib7qLgU_R0BYU2sEHTyAsrDCQJ_qgqWHtOeLVeZ7SVQYq-6kwjjzR34HHeqk/s320/P1020456.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Folded out with my sewing machine on it. The drawers are full of scrap fabric, yarn, and current projects.</td></tr>
</tbody></table></div>Rachaelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16365207325909399332noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6433165835233532138.post-61827227458813857842011-02-25T22:29:00.000-07:002011-02-25T22:29:30.380-07:00Meet Star<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/AVvXsEiTt0bFwWpLrLcSdgr-PcVE2TJfrM4ylU0i5f87T61uB9Y2m9ljcmUD3mbLP3OaBOeuyTWc8uO6TeCdQmWK8lFACfu0jom60asj01SI0EYwwFdWtLHCo0S70N6XO5oeXd9DbqfFhkcOR9Bu/s1600/P1010407.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTt0bFwWpLrLcSdgr-PcVE2TJfrM4ylU0i5f87T61uB9Y2m9ljcmUD3mbLP3OaBOeuyTWc8uO6TeCdQmWK8lFACfu0jom60asj01SI0EYwwFdWtLHCo0S70N6XO5oeXd9DbqfFhkcOR9Bu/s320/P1010407.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Notice the adorable line that runs down her nose.</td></tr>
</tbody></table> Meet Star, our adorable new kitty. Paws moved to North Salt Lake this week. Curt moved back home while his parents finish out their mission and Paws would have missed him if we kept her here. With no Paws to curl up at the foot of the bed at night, Jon and I were very lonely. So, to solve that lonely problem, we adopted Star. Star lived with Curt's brother's family for a the last four years and they have loved her. With their two cute kiddos though, they felt like Star might enjoy a little more attention. Problem solved, we would love to give her oodles of attention and cuddles. Jon just took these pictures so she blinked with the flash, but you can tell how cute she is anyway.<br />
<br />
<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/AVvXsEgJ7u8oe7mynT-Ko78r3GCbsvICDj1FOjhyOJgatko66D_X6iqyuv4ec1X-IfMcGc0153L27ZWZyMRV-lrLjs8KM1eWC_9dFDw4hcT4dRP_TV74GvDmaXl8yc9mf9IVGCH2BLmcMiwBXRLM/s1600/P1010409.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJ7u8oe7mynT-Ko78r3GCbsvICDj1FOjhyOJgatko66D_X6iqyuv4ec1X-IfMcGc0153L27ZWZyMRV-lrLjs8KM1eWC_9dFDw4hcT4dRP_TV74GvDmaXl8yc9mf9IVGCH2BLmcMiwBXRLM/s320/P1010409.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Showcasing her cute tortie colors and the new paint on our wall.</td></tr>
</tbody></table><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/AVvXsEitX71b85wXVzdVH5XqWuauR_lPzr4k36LNqEaLxAuQqs2Jc3jwz-LBzBTvZQ3hElPm6rJJuDTkhHk1wISnXO26wfmCciuHobTzzFgGEHYYSycwQtRcpuW4GqMwbcYAs1zK0-iYajduY3s7/s1600/P1010408.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitX71b85wXVzdVH5XqWuauR_lPzr4k36LNqEaLxAuQqs2Jc3jwz-LBzBTvZQ3hElPm6rJJuDTkhHk1wISnXO26wfmCciuHobTzzFgGEHYYSycwQtRcpuW4GqMwbcYAs1zK0-iYajduY3s7/s320/P1010408.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">She's very petite compared to Paws, but we still love her.</td></tr>
</tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"> </div><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/AVvXsEiILdM3LYiTWMv02_oWZ3q6p7V7TuRg86wACrXii0Mi4gze4mK0My5ooz9Y0dTAiqKFcRKhNl83AGTiWupu8su1qzB2lZRhl-AqiiYdU2XxWqL0MF5PKDGORionkqOTH4dvK4CZwul6Eu9t/s1600/Photo+8.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiILdM3LYiTWMv02_oWZ3q6p7V7TuRg86wACrXii0Mi4gze4mK0My5ooz9Y0dTAiqKFcRKhNl83AGTiWupu8su1qzB2lZRhl-AqiiYdU2XxWqL0MF5PKDGORionkqOTH4dvK4CZwul6Eu9t/s320/Photo+8.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Hopping up to the top of the chair.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>Rachaelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16365207325909399332noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6433165835233532138.post-92053566075070753622011-02-07T10:03:00.000-07:002011-02-07T10:03:09.966-07:00DetroitFor those few who actually read this blog, I am sure that you were aware that I hail from Detroit, Michigan. I am very proud of this fact and I love my home state and my home town. A lot of people scoff when I tell them I am from Detroit, saying things like, "aren't you glad to be out of there?" Well, honestly, no. If it were plausible for me to live and work in Michigan I would be back there in a heartbeat. Jon might protest that a bit, since he hates the cold, but I love where my roots are. I love that you can trace my parents history and everything goes back to that beautiful place. <br />
<br />
If it were up to me, I'd go back every summer and take a trip to the UP with my mom, driving the back roads and visiting the Edmund Fitzgerald via glass bottom boat. We'd drive out to Holland for the Tulip Festival in the spring. We'd paddle boat and hike at Kensington, Sleeping Bear Dunes, and maybe even along the coastline of Lake Michigan. I really wish that people could just go there and understand how amazing it is. Rather than protesting and saying that Michigan is one of the last places they would ever want to go, why not give it a chance. Sure, some of the Detroit area looks very sad, but the people who are rebuilding it have a deep love for it. The trees, the water, the hearty people, everything about that place makes me feel loved and warm inside.<br />
<br />
Well, rather than trying to convert you all to a love of my home, here are a few videos that remind me why I love Detroit. Kid Rock, Eminem, and Tim Allen are all featured in these, and they really do show their love through their words. Enjoy. Warning to my friends from Detroit, these might make you uber homesick.<br />
<br />
<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="390" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/SKL254Y_jtc" title="YouTube video player" width="640"></iframe><br />
Chrysler Super Bowl Ad<br />
<br />
<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="344" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/RfD1mY1fpZg?fs=1" width="425"></iframe><br />
Eminem's Letter to Detroit<br />
<br />
<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="390" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/9KduJrlKDps" title="YouTube video player" width="640"></iframe><br />
Pure Michigan Ad Campaign featuring Tim Allen's voice<br />
<br />
<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="390" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/aoYZdPh917w" title="YouTube video player" width="480"></iframe><br />
Kid Rock's AMA performance<br />
<br />
<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="390" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/uwIGZLjugKA" title="YouTube video player" width="480"></iframe><br />
Kid Rock's Summertime in Michigan<br />
<br />
And just for fun, you should probably read this <a href="http://www.freep.com/article/20110207/COL32/110207004/Video-Did-you-feel-Ad-says-Motor-City-back?odyssey=mod%7Cnewswell%7Ctext%7CFRONTPAGE%7Cp">article</a> too. The Freep does a really good job of summing up the spirit of the Chrysler commercial that aired during last night's Super Bowl.Rachaelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16365207325909399332noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6433165835233532138.post-2400578594869808732011-02-04T22:27:00.001-07:002011-02-04T22:32:15.977-07:00Prepping for the SuperbowlNeither Jon nor myself are big NFL fans. Actually, of all of the professional sports, I think that football is my least favorite. Don't get me wrong. I like college football and I enjoyed watching high school football when I was in high school, but professional football just seems so fake to me. I would rather watch baseball, hockey, or even curling, before I would choose to sit down and watch an NFL game.<br />
<br />
That being said, Jon and I will be watching the Superbowl on Sunday evening, but just for the enjoyment of the company and the awesomely hilarious commercials. Prepping for the commercials, Jon found this jewel on the internet this morning. His eyes start to water from laughing so hard every time he watches it. It reminds both of us of Sam and his Star Wars fanaticism. So, sit back and enjoy some amazing marketing from Volkswagen.<br />
<br />
<br />
<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="295" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/R55e-uHQna0?fs=1" width="480"></iframe>Rachaelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16365207325909399332noreply@blogger.com3