tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-51329752233398106052024-03-12T23:36:37.029-05:00a place to landMrs. Rippkehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17523287464405486664noreply@blogger.comBlogger127125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5132975223339810605.post-88086404039985603022010-08-08T17:22:00.026-05:002010-08-08T21:40:54.374-05:00rippkes relocatedWell, we made it! The Rippkes are now Nashvillians. The summer has flown by in a blur of packing, moving, Iowa, family, working, packing, moving, Tennesee, unpacking, starting a business, working, repeat. Actually, only repeat the work part. We're finally settled, unpacked, and finding Nashville to be a very easy place to call home.<br /><br />We tried to spend as much of our last couple of weeks in Corpus with the wonderful family we gained while there. Saying goodbye to our friends, jobs, and church was so bittersweet. We knew that it was time for us to move on and start something new, but we were so so so blessed in Corpus that it would've been easy to stay comfortable exactly the way things were. It was time for change though. Time to get closer to home, time to venture to a new city, time to set some new goals, time for Rippke Design! But we'll get to that in a bit...<br /><br />After wrapping things up in Corpus, we spent two days on the road headed towards Iowa. We hadn't seen our families much over the last three years, and decided that since we weren't in any rush we'd head home for a bit to join in some of the summer festivities. We started out with my little brother's high school graduation...and we didn't really stop there. My sister, grandpa, and close family friend all celebrated birthdays in the first couple weeks of us being back. Fortunately we got to see some of the good friends we hadn't seen since before we left for Texas three years ago. Some even longer. I got to spend some time with my "best friend since I was five" and her two little boys. Who are, by the way, the coolest kids ever. I also got to catch up with my best friend since middle school, and even some old teachers. It always amazes me where everyone ends up after all this time.<br /><br />Oh, and Nate and I celebrated our four year anniversary this past June. Four years! Crazy.<br /><br />We spent the beginning of July out at the family farm, and up in the twin cities. Nate had a show with the Sons of the Republic up in St. Paul...something that hadn't happened in over three years, but definitely needs to be a more regular occurrence. We always have a great time with the guys. And who doesn't love the twin cities?<br /><br />Out at the farm my dad taught me to drive the '64 John Deer. So, I'm basically ready to be a farmer. Ok maybe not, but I didn't crash it, stall it, or run it off any roads, so I think that counts for something right? We hadn't seen Iowa NOT covered in snow in three years...it's lovely. I highly recommend taking a trip to Iowa if you've never been. But go during spring or something, not during winter. Unless that's your thing.<br /><br />Unlike our move to Corpus, we had help this time. Awesome help. My mom, grandma, and papa loaded up the minivan and followed our Penske South! We spent a few days unloading, unwrapping, washing, organizing, shopping, and eating. Lots of yummy eating. Nashville has pretty much anything you could possibly need. Or want. Which has proven to be a weakness for Nate and I. You'd think living just a few miles from Dave Ramsey's radio studio would be a constant reminder to buckle down. But there are shows, and farmer's markets, and shopping, and tons of food, and and and...well, like I said, weakness. But we're getting better. The ridiculous heat has kept us inside for most of the time since we've been here. Which is probably helping.<br /><br />Now, back to the business part of our time here! Part of the reason we decided to relocate was to expand our wedding invitation business, <a href="http://arippke.etsy.com/">Izzy and the Bean Design</a>, and to venture out as freelancers/form our own graphic and web design firm, <a href="http://rippkedesign.com/">Rippke Design.</a><br /><br />And we are <i>thrilled</i>.<br /><br />Thrilled to be working together. Thrilled to be working in this city. Thrilled for what's ahead! We recently launched our new site, and are busy at work refining our goals for Rippke Design. Our third weekend here was spent attending our first Nashville bridal show. It was a great way to meet local couples, and introduce ourselves to several of the other wedding vendors from the area.<br /><br />We're finding that we like it here. Our friends, the Thackers, are helping us get adjusted, and we've had some luck finding a church to call home. Once it cools off a bit I suspect our neighbors will be out and about more. And hopefully, now that we're closer to Iowa, we'll be around more often and miss out on less.<br /><br />And maybe have a few more visitors? Hmm? Yes, yes you should come visit. Now then, pictures, lots of pictures. This is what happens when you don't keep up on this sort of thing...<br /><br /><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-size:15.8333px;"></span><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_PjNGYr6fVEI/TF9KyN_250I/AAAAAAAAC5Q/t4UUv-tNdAM/s1600/31747_756955233650_16911010_43505203_7746515_n.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 299px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_PjNGYr6fVEI/TF9KyN_250I/AAAAAAAAC5Q/t4UUv-tNdAM/s400/31747_756955233650_16911010_43505203_7746515_n.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5503199496281450306" /></a></div><div>Our last weekend in Corpus.</div><div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_PjNGYr6fVEI/TF9KxyxmWlI/AAAAAAAAC5I/bqEAy6YyncA/s1600/31747_756955193730_16911010_43505199_5302724_n.jpg"></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_PjNGYr6fVEI/TF9Kxm4DSbI/AAAAAAAAC5A/siCDelRSAEY/s1600/31747_756955158800_16911010_43505195_3682250_n.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 292px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_PjNGYr6fVEI/TF9Kxm4DSbI/AAAAAAAAC5A/siCDelRSAEY/s400/31747_756955158800_16911010_43505195_3682250_n.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5503199485779724722" /></a></div><div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_PjNGYr6fVEI/TF9Kxm4DSbI/AAAAAAAAC5A/siCDelRSAEY/s1600/31747_756955158800_16911010_43505195_3682250_n.jpg"></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_PjNGYr6fVEI/TF9KxUNlhcI/AAAAAAAAC44/JLC33_PE4MY/s1600/31747_756955153810_16911010_43505194_5313595_n.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_PjNGYr6fVEI/TF9KxUNlhcI/AAAAAAAAC44/JLC33_PE4MY/s400/31747_756955153810_16911010_43505194_5313595_n.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5503199480769775042" /></a></div><div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_PjNGYr6fVEI/TF9KxUNlhcI/AAAAAAAAC44/JLC33_PE4MY/s1600/31747_756955153810_16911010_43505194_5313595_n.jpg"></a>Our last day in Corpus. Lunch with the City Church crew.</div><div><br /></div><div><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 324px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_PjNGYr6fVEI/TF9KxyxmWlI/AAAAAAAAC5I/bqEAy6YyncA/s400/31747_756955193730_16911010_43505199_5302724_n.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5503199488973888082" /></div><div>My Corpus lady friends. :)</div><div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_PjNGYr6fVEI/TF9KxC-8rVI/AAAAAAAAC4w/DRIkxwf2qRE/s1600/31747_756955073970_16911010_43505187_4928183_n.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_PjNGYr6fVEI/TF9KxC-8rVI/AAAAAAAAC4w/DRIkxwf2qRE/s400/31747_756955073970_16911010_43505187_4928183_n.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5503199476144975186" /></a></div><div>We miss these guys.</div><div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_PjNGYr6fVEI/TF8-BQWXGKI/AAAAAAAAC3w/LK1KsgMUDzc/s1600/30811_749142425580_16911010_43214438_2417463_n.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 299px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_PjNGYr6fVEI/TF8-BQWXGKI/AAAAAAAAC3w/LK1KsgMUDzc/s400/30811_749142425580_16911010_43214438_2417463_n.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5503185460959582370" /></a><div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_PjNGYr6fVEI/TF8-BQWXGKI/AAAAAAAAC3w/LK1KsgMUDzc/s1600/30811_749142425580_16911010_43214438_2417463_n.jpg"></a>Saying farewell to the City Church family.</div><div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_PjNGYr6fVEI/TF8-BEFtLjI/AAAAAAAAC3o/iNNF9_x9MUw/s1600/30811_749142415600_16911010_43214436_7193616_n.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_PjNGYr6fVEI/TF8-BEFtLjI/AAAAAAAAC3o/iNNF9_x9MUw/s400/30811_749142415600_16911010_43214436_7193616_n.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5503185457668501042" /></a></div><div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_PjNGYr6fVEI/TF8-BEFtLjI/AAAAAAAAC3o/iNNF9_x9MUw/s1600/30811_749142415600_16911010_43214436_7193616_n.jpg"></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_PjNGYr6fVEI/TF8-A6Ef8DI/AAAAAAAAC3g/eAPMFfhJckw/s1600/30811_749142410610_16911010_43214435_215600_n.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_PjNGYr6fVEI/TF8-A6Ef8DI/AAAAAAAAC3g/eAPMFfhJckw/s400/30811_749142410610_16911010_43214435_215600_n.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5503185454979084338" /></a></div><div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_PjNGYr6fVEI/TF8-A6Ef8DI/AAAAAAAAC3g/eAPMFfhJckw/s1600/30811_749142410610_16911010_43214435_215600_n.jpg"></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_PjNGYr6fVEI/TF89q5tkmzI/AAAAAAAAC3Y/rr5HiJm-OZI/s1600/30811_749142385660_16911010_43214432_6043236_n.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_PjNGYr6fVEI/TF89q5tkmzI/AAAAAAAAC3Y/rr5HiJm-OZI/s400/30811_749142385660_16911010_43214432_6043236_n.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5503185076925799218" /></a></div><div>Our Corpus scrapbook. Thanks Mendy! :)</div><div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_PjNGYr6fVEI/TF89q5tkmzI/AAAAAAAAC3Y/rr5HiJm-OZI/s1600/30811_749142385660_16911010_43214432_6043236_n.jpg"></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_PjNGYr6fVEI/TF89quDHPjI/AAAAAAAAC3Q/dS0cd6d6OoU/s1600/30811_749116717100_16911010_43213493_689867_n.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 266px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_PjNGYr6fVEI/TF89quDHPjI/AAAAAAAAC3Q/dS0cd6d6OoU/s400/30811_749116717100_16911010_43213493_689867_n.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5503185073794924082" /></a></div><div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_PjNGYr6fVEI/TF89quDHPjI/AAAAAAAAC3Q/dS0cd6d6OoU/s1600/30811_749116717100_16911010_43213493_689867_n.jpg"></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_PjNGYr6fVEI/TF89qMfZYjI/AAAAAAAAC3I/bzohPcyp7Ps/s1600/30811_749116697140_16911010_43213491_2161090_n.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_PjNGYr6fVEI/TF89qMfZYjI/AAAAAAAAC3I/bzohPcyp7Ps/s400/30811_749116697140_16911010_43213491_2161090_n.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5503185064786747954" /></a></div><div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_PjNGYr6fVEI/TF89pzEHzgI/AAAAAAAAC3A/cO8VhaJ2ydo/s1600/30811_749116647240_16911010_43213483_3942527_n.jpg"></a><br /></div><div><div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_PjNGYr6fVEI/TF9LImJBaaI/AAAAAAAAC5Y/StBdaBCMcX0/s1600/31747_756964914250_16911010_43505904_1606719_n.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_PjNGYr6fVEI/TF9LImJBaaI/AAAAAAAAC5Y/StBdaBCMcX0/s400/31747_756964914250_16911010_43505904_1606719_n.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5503199880719460770" /></a></div><div>Packed up and leaving Corpus.</div><div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-size:15.8333px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-size:13.1944px;"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 310px; height: 400px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_PjNGYr6fVEI/TF9LI2WcgsI/AAAAAAAAC5g/_6MYAneWx9c/s400/31747_756964984110_16911010_43505914_4320582_n.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5503199885070729922" /></span></span></div><div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_PjNGYr6fVEI/TF9LImJBaaI/AAAAAAAAC5Y/StBdaBCMcX0/s1600/31747_756964914250_16911010_43505904_1606719_n.jpg"></a><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-size:medium;">Heading to Iowa!</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-size:15.8333px;"></span><br /><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_PjNGYr6fVEI/TF9MLBdPTQI/AAAAAAAAC7o/Viz-lW8UakU/s400/40220_777633304630_16911010_44288863_3234405_n.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5503201021923380482" /></div><div>Iowa.</div><div><br /></div><div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_PjNGYr6fVEI/TF9Lxl3pINI/AAAAAAAAC6o/9xHRbDqx3QY/s1600/34229_766021325130_16911010_43864147_3988593_n.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_PjNGYr6fVEI/TF9Lxl3pINI/AAAAAAAAC6o/9xHRbDqx3QY/s400/34229_766021325130_16911010_43864147_3988593_n.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5503200585021202642" /></a><div>Breakfast at the Grove Cafe - Ames, Iowa</div><div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_PjNGYr6fVEI/TF9Lxl3pINI/AAAAAAAAC6o/9xHRbDqx3QY/s1600/34229_766021325130_16911010_43864147_3988593_n.jpg"></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_PjNGYr6fVEI/TF9LJp3dbeI/AAAAAAAAC54/9RV7-gAv024/s1600/34229_766021320140_16911010_43864146_7727417_n.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 299px; height: 400px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_PjNGYr6fVEI/TF9LJp3dbeI/AAAAAAAAC54/9RV7-gAv024/s400/34229_766021320140_16911010_43864146_7727417_n.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5503199898899410402" /></a></div><div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_PjNGYr6fVEI/TF9LJp3dbeI/AAAAAAAAC54/9RV7-gAv024/s1600/34229_766021320140_16911010_43864146_7727417_n.jpg"></a>One mighty big pancake. Grove Cafe.</div><div><div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_PjNGYr6fVEI/TF9KfESBGVI/AAAAAAAAC4o/DsitARSbEHU/s1600/31747_756928083060_16911010_43504171_720552_n.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_PjNGYr6fVEI/TF9KfESBGVI/AAAAAAAAC4o/DsitARSbEHU/s400/31747_756928083060_16911010_43504171_720552_n.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5503199167255746898" /></a></div><div>My bestest friend since I was five. And her cuuuuuuute lil boys.</div><div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_PjNGYr6fVEI/TF9KfESBGVI/AAAAAAAAC4o/DsitARSbEHU/s1600/31747_756928083060_16911010_43504171_720552_n.jpg"></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_PjNGYr6fVEI/TF9Ke3nfgXI/AAAAAAAAC4g/wRLOPTPHhFY/s1600/31747_756925029180_16911010_43504071_5310310_n.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 301px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_PjNGYr6fVEI/TF9Ke3nfgXI/AAAAAAAAC4g/wRLOPTPHhFY/s400/31747_756925029180_16911010_43504071_5310310_n.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5503199163856159090" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_PjNGYr6fVEI/TF9KeXmeInI/AAAAAAAAC4Y/m4oCrZCHpI8/s1600/31747_756924984270_16911010_43504066_220309_n.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_PjNGYr6fVEI/TF9KeXmeInI/AAAAAAAAC4Y/m4oCrZCHpI8/s400/31747_756924984270_16911010_43504066_220309_n.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5503199155261940338" /></a></div><div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_PjNGYr6fVEI/TF9KeXmeInI/AAAAAAAAC4Y/m4oCrZCHpI8/s1600/31747_756924984270_16911010_43504066_220309_n.jpg"></a>Lil bro's graduation day.</div><div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_PjNGYr6fVEI/TF9KeHLzcmI/AAAAAAAAC4Q/osmOR9xWG7Y/s1600/31747_756924914410_16911010_43504057_139896_n.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 301px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_PjNGYr6fVEI/TF9KeHLzcmI/AAAAAAAAC4Q/osmOR9xWG7Y/s400/31747_756924914410_16911010_43504057_139896_n.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5503199150855123554" /></a></div><div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_PjNGYr6fVEI/TF9KeHLzcmI/AAAAAAAAC4Q/osmOR9xWG7Y/s1600/31747_756924914410_16911010_43504057_139896_n.jpg"></a><br /><br /></div><div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_PjNGYr6fVEI/TF8-CCswm1I/AAAAAAAAC4A/u84hNuJinmU/s1600/31747_756924799640_16911010_43504041_4395032_n.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_PjNGYr6fVEI/TF8-CCswm1I/AAAAAAAAC4A/u84hNuJinmU/s400/31747_756924799640_16911010_43504041_4395032_n.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5503185474475301714" /></a></div><div>Gpa and Gma Drapal.</div><div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_PjNGYr6fVEI/TF8-CCswm1I/AAAAAAAAC4A/u84hNuJinmU/s1600/31747_756924799640_16911010_43504041_4395032_n.jpg"></a><br /></div><div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_PjNGYr6fVEI/TF9MKh3m63I/AAAAAAAAC7g/ifJ8jlJKH3c/s1600/37986_777637191840_16911010_44289012_4130265_n.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 299px; height: 400px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_PjNGYr6fVEI/TF9MKh3m63I/AAAAAAAAC7g/ifJ8jlJKH3c/s400/37986_777637191840_16911010_44289012_4130265_n.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5503201013444045682" /></a></div><div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_PjNGYr6fVEI/TF9MKh3m63I/AAAAAAAAC7g/ifJ8jlJKH3c/s1600/37986_777637191840_16911010_44289012_4130265_n.jpg"></a>Our anniversary.</div><div><br /></div><div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_PjNGYr6fVEI/TF9LzQDbm_I/AAAAAAAAC7A/CyUduzR_Mvk/s1600/34913_765757493850_16911010_43856676_3522758_n.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 297px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_PjNGYr6fVEI/TF9LzQDbm_I/AAAAAAAAC7A/CyUduzR_Mvk/s400/34913_765757493850_16911010_43856676_3522758_n.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5503200613524806642" /></a></div><div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_PjNGYr6fVEI/TF9LzQDbm_I/AAAAAAAAC7A/CyUduzR_Mvk/s1600/34913_765757493850_16911010_43856676_3522758_n.jpg"></a>Sons of the Republic at the Turf Club.</div><div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_PjNGYr6fVEI/TF9Ly70TGFI/AAAAAAAAC64/NVW9l80yQJ0/s1600/34902_765757927980_16911010_43856686_2787085_n.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 266px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_PjNGYr6fVEI/TF9Ly70TGFI/AAAAAAAAC64/NVW9l80yQJ0/s400/34902_765757927980_16911010_43856686_2787085_n.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5503200608092624978" /></a></div><div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_PjNGYr6fVEI/TF9Ly70TGFI/AAAAAAAAC64/NVW9l80yQJ0/s1600/34902_765757927980_16911010_43856686_2787085_n.jpg"></a>Yep, I married a rock star.</div><div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-size:15.8333px;"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_PjNGYr6fVEI/TF9L0JpL-xI/AAAAAAAAC7I/FNnS_5Q9PHE/s400/34913_765757513810_16911010_43856680_5203414_n.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5503200628983986962" /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-size:medium;">Sons getting some post show fried goodness at Mickey's Diner.</span></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-size:medium;"><br /></span></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-size:15.8333px;"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 299px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_PjNGYr6fVEI/TF9MJ0Il-cI/AAAAAAAAC7Y/KRR_veC7kNI/s400/35338_766077926700_16911010_43866224_3284113_n.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5503201001167256002" /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">Dad teaching me how to drive the John Deer.</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span"></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-size:15.8333px;"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_PjNGYr6fVEI/TF9MJU-aB5I/AAAAAAAAC7Q/r6P9BbSV6tE/s400/35338_766077906740_16911010_43866220_4455038_n.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5503200992803030930" /></span></div><div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_PjNGYr6fVEI/TF9LyI9DniI/AAAAAAAAC6w/y5R_rthTAy8/s1600/34504_766079423700_16911010_43866309_5001463_n.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_PjNGYr6fVEI/TF9LyI9DniI/AAAAAAAAC6w/y5R_rthTAy8/s400/34504_766079423700_16911010_43866309_5001463_n.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5503200594439151138" /></a></div><div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_PjNGYr6fVEI/TF9LyI9DniI/AAAAAAAAC6w/y5R_rthTAy8/s1600/34504_766079423700_16911010_43866309_5001463_n.jpg"></a>Swinging out at the farm with papa and my sis.</div><div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_PjNGYr6fVEI/TF9LJXd_7UI/AAAAAAAAC5w/FAxHLDsxKsU/s1600/34099_766078794960_16911010_43866275_3560687_n.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 299px; height: 400px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_PjNGYr6fVEI/TF9LJXd_7UI/AAAAAAAAC5w/FAxHLDsxKsU/s400/34099_766078794960_16911010_43866275_3560687_n.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5503199893960781122" /></a></div><div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_PjNGYr6fVEI/TF9LJXd_7UI/AAAAAAAAC5w/FAxHLDsxKsU/s1600/34099_766078794960_16911010_43866275_3560687_n.jpg"></a>Dad, sis, and me on the tractor.</div><div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_PjNGYr6fVEI/TF9LJFJKHeI/AAAAAAAAC5o/Ox-QtfsDaPE/s1600/34011_766077058440_16911010_43866174_853301_n.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 266px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_PjNGYr6fVEI/TF9LJFJKHeI/AAAAAAAAC5o/Ox-QtfsDaPE/s400/34011_766077058440_16911010_43866174_853301_n.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5503199889041530338" /></a></div><div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_PjNGYr6fVEI/TF9LJFJKHeI/AAAAAAAAC5o/Ox-QtfsDaPE/s1600/34011_766077058440_16911010_43866174_853301_n.jpg"></a>All the kiddos.</div><div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_PjNGYr6fVEI/TF9qUzEffoI/AAAAAAAAC9Q/-6qDmk53Cag/s1600/34099_766078784980_16911010_43866273_3446673_n.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 281px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_PjNGYr6fVEI/TF9qUzEffoI/AAAAAAAAC9Q/-6qDmk53Cag/s400/34099_766078784980_16911010_43866273_3446673_n.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5503234175209012866" /></a><br /></div><div>Nate's parents, Nate, my mom, Cathy, Anne, and Grace. Enjoying the evening out at the farm.</div><div><br /></div><div><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 299px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_PjNGYr6fVEI/TF9MLl3OFII/AAAAAAAAC7w/L4JQMD31V0Q/s400/40287_777634612010_16911010_44288883_3956725_n.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5503201031696028802" /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">Visiting the Dass family in Sioux City, Iowa.</span></span></div><div><div><br /></div></div></div><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 299px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_PjNGYr6fVEI/TF9NJmbv7HI/AAAAAAAAC74/1fZItkEL9Vo/s400/Picture+45.png" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5503202097001131122" /></div><div>Heading to Tennessee! Izzy and Bean on the drive down. They sleep the WHOLE way. Which is fantastic.</div><div><br /></div><div><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 272px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_PjNGYr6fVEI/TF9NKzke28I/AAAAAAAAC8A/b3K7oiOR_Ig/s400/Picture+47.png" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5503202117707291586" /></div><div>Heading into downtown Nashville.</div><div><br /></div><div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_PjNGYr6fVEI/TF9N83pVz1I/AAAAAAAAC84/y7n4huJCq_Q/s1600/Picture+71.png"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 283px; height: 400px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_PjNGYr6fVEI/TF9N83pVz1I/AAAAAAAAC84/y7n4huJCq_Q/s400/Picture+71.png" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5503202977794871122" /></a><div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_PjNGYr6fVEI/TF9N83pVz1I/AAAAAAAAC84/y7n4huJCq_Q/s1600/Picture+71.png"></a>My new Waffle House mug. Thanks Nate. :)</div><div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_PjNGYr6fVEI/TF9N8MyxBEI/AAAAAAAAC8w/NxLj8EW--3E/s1600/Picture+66.png"></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_PjNGYr6fVEI/TF9N7QRo1QI/AAAAAAAAC8o/Z-SOeZRLOP8/s1600/Picture+62.png"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_PjNGYr6fVEI/TF9N7QRo1QI/AAAAAAAAC8o/Z-SOeZRLOP8/s400/Picture+62.png" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5503202950046602498" /></a></div><div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_PjNGYr6fVEI/TF9N7QRo1QI/AAAAAAAAC8o/Z-SOeZRLOP8/s1600/Picture+62.png"></a>Hanging out downtown Franklin, the suburb we live in.</div><div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_PjNGYr6fVEI/TF9N6WFLSUI/AAAAAAAAC8g/ySYtmGiBqsc/s1600/Picture+56.png"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 293px; height: 400px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_PjNGYr6fVEI/TF9N6WFLSUI/AAAAAAAAC8g/ySYtmGiBqsc/s400/Picture+56.png" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5503202934425078082" /></a></div><div>Took our first trip to Grimey's.</div><div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_PjNGYr6fVEI/TF9N6WFLSUI/AAAAAAAAC8g/ySYtmGiBqsc/s1600/Picture+56.png"></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_PjNGYr6fVEI/TF9NN837R2I/AAAAAAAAC8Y/o2IhSA0VEgA/s1600/Picture+52.png"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_PjNGYr6fVEI/TF9NN837R2I/AAAAAAAAC8Y/o2IhSA0VEgA/s400/Picture+52.png" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5503202171744372578" /><br /></a><div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_PjNGYr6fVEI/TF9NN837R2I/AAAAAAAAC8Y/o2IhSA0VEgA/s1600/Picture+52.png"></a>Izzy loves our new home in Franklin.</div><div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_PjNGYr6fVEI/TF9NMxCQ9nI/AAAAAAAAC8Q/EWxRJQqmjE0/s1600/Picture+50.png"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 296px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_PjNGYr6fVEI/TF9NMxCQ9nI/AAAAAAAAC8Q/EWxRJQqmjE0/s400/Picture+50.png" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5503202151386642034" /></a></div><div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_PjNGYr6fVEI/TF9NMxCQ9nI/AAAAAAAAC8Q/EWxRJQqmjE0/s1600/Picture+50.png"></a>So does Bean. Laziest.</div><div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_PjNGYr6fVEI/TF9NLz_CrII/AAAAAAAAC8I/SAVc2PDWPE8/s1600/Picture+48.png"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_PjNGYr6fVEI/TF9NLz_CrII/AAAAAAAAC8I/SAVc2PDWPE8/s400/Picture+48.png" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5503202134998559874" /></a></div><div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_PjNGYr6fVEI/TF9NLz_CrII/AAAAAAAAC8I/SAVc2PDWPE8/s1600/Picture+48.png"></a>Took a trip to the Yazoo brewery here in town. That's some mighty fine pale ale in that growler.</div><div></div></div></div></div></div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_PjNGYr6fVEI/TF9YsVP_GtI/AAAAAAAAC9I/2eRh4Ftd4ns/s1600/39014_775602409560_16911010_44219736_657350_n.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 263px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_PjNGYr6fVEI/TF9YsVP_GtI/AAAAAAAAC9I/2eRh4Ftd4ns/s400/39014_775602409560_16911010_44219736_657350_n.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5503214788311718610" /></a><div>Nate setting up at the wedding fair!</div>Mrs. Rippkehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17523287464405486664noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5132975223339810605.post-5071430638822396532010-04-11T21:53:00.008-05:002010-04-11T22:42:53.872-05:00aaaaaaaand we're outta hereDon't worry, we're not leaving the internet (that'd be the day)...but we are leaving Texas. Yep, the Rippkes are on the move! We've loved our time in Corpus, and are going to miss everyone like crazy (seriously, I'm already stressing about it a bit), but it's time for us to move a little closer to home and test out the waters of being full-time freelance graphic designers.<div><br /></div><div>Where are you going you ask? Well, we're heading back home to Iowa for a bit this spring to spend time with family and friends (wooo!) before heading to Nashville to start the next chapter. We've decided on Nashville for several reasons. It gets us about 10 hours closer to home which will be a wonderful change. It's also a larger city, and somewhere we could see ourselves setting up design shop, and possibly settling long term. </div><div><br /></div><div>So, we're five weeks out as of tomorrow. Time is going by so quickly already. I know we need to to start putting to do lists together, sorting through all of our stuff (hopefully minimizing it), and maybe start putting some solid plans together...but we're having way more fun hanging out with people and pretending like they're coming along with us (but seriously, you are right?). </div><div><br /></div><div>We'll be sad to say goodbye to good friends, our loving church family, and our wonderful jobs. But, while we know there is a lot of change coming up, we're excited and hopeful for it all...plus, we can keep in touch on Facebook right? Thank goodness for the internet...</div><div><div><br /></div><div><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 269px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_PjNGYr6fVEI/S8KLmXfHx5I/AAAAAAAAC2w/cfGQc_WjoY0/s400/Picture+1.png" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5459079189582301074" /></div></div>Mrs. Rippkehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17523287464405486664noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5132975223339810605.post-76484568853791707392010-04-05T21:35:00.028-05:002010-06-10T11:51:08.990-05:00aaaaaaaand we're back<div>Take a trip with me if you will....back to, oh, say winter. You know, that time of year about four months ago, when it was chilly, when there was snow on the ground up North...when I was actually updating this thing. Yeah, sorry. I'm back now though (thanks to a reminder from my dear friend Emily). We've been a tad bit busy, and exciting things are happening in our little family.</div><div><br /></div><div>Let's start back in January...</div><div><br /></div><div>Well, I took my first trip to South Padre and the Mexican/Texas border. Nate had already been last year with his grandma, but it was a new adventure for me. Karina and her family (some seriously fabulous people by the way) invited us down to the valley to celebrate her birthday. They've been in South Texas for years and years, and are no strangers to the border city of Nuevo Progreso, so I was thankful for their guidance throughout the city...let's just say it's a little out of my comfort zone. The party never stops with the Paris clan though. And I can't complain. We continued the party the following weekend here in Corpus. Here are some of the pictures...</div><div><br /></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_PjNGYr6fVEI/S4WQRmUnFkI/AAAAAAAACxo/y95GQU_bcKg/s1600-h/19441_720003340540_16911010_42337182_1384170_n.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 299px; height: 400px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_PjNGYr6fVEI/S4WQRmUnFkI/AAAAAAAACxo/y95GQU_bcKg/s400/19441_720003340540_16911010_42337182_1384170_n.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5441914356766283330" /></a><div>As always we were welcomed with a hug, a cold beverage, and enough delicious homemade food for an army.</div><div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_PjNGYr6fVEI/S4WQRBxuQ1I/AAAAAAAACxg/HhKoXkQh8ME/s1600-h/19441_720003400420_16911010_42337194_3670188_n.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_PjNGYr6fVEI/S4WQRBxuQ1I/AAAAAAAACxg/HhKoXkQh8ME/s400/19441_720003400420_16911010_42337194_3670188_n.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5441914346956276562" /></a></div><div>Nate getting ready to head out for the day.</div><div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_PjNGYr6fVEI/S4WQQifxZGI/AAAAAAAACxY/jwaB5kjkox4/s1600-h/19441_720003405410_16911010_42337195_4636797_n.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 299px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_PjNGYr6fVEI/S4WQQifxZGI/AAAAAAAACxY/jwaB5kjkox4/s400/19441_720003405410_16911010_42337195_4636797_n.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5441914338559485026" /></a></div><div>Fun with tourist photo spots. :)</div><div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_PjNGYr6fVEI/S4WQJEafVmI/AAAAAAAACxQ/XgDd972DsCI/s1600-h/19441_720003610000_16911010_42337230_3498160_n.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_PjNGYr6fVEI/S4WQJEafVmI/AAAAAAAACxQ/XgDd972DsCI/s400/19441_720003610000_16911010_42337230_3498160_n.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5441914210225182306" /></a></div><div>Mmmm wanna wannas in South Padre.</div><div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_PjNGYr6fVEI/S4WQIaeJ3aI/AAAAAAAACxI/MWjieaLGe8o/s1600-h/19441_720003590040_16911010_42337226_2424199_n.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_PjNGYr6fVEI/S4WQIaeJ3aI/AAAAAAAACxI/MWjieaLGe8o/s400/19441_720003590040_16911010_42337226_2424199_n.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5441914198966263202" /></a></div><div>South Padre Island.</div><div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_PjNGYr6fVEI/S4WQH9ylqAI/AAAAAAAACxA/A8Idx-nqPrg/s1600-h/19441_720003600020_16911010_42337228_910052_n.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_PjNGYr6fVEI/S4WQH9ylqAI/AAAAAAAACxA/A8Idx-nqPrg/s400/19441_720003600020_16911010_42337228_910052_n.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5441914191267342338" /></a></div><div>Barbara, Chase, and Karina enjoying the view.</div><div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_PjNGYr6fVEI/S4WQHTmWB2I/AAAAAAAACw4/MmLdwXWt-jE/s1600-h/19441_720003605010_16911010_42337229_997567_n.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 299px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_PjNGYr6fVEI/S4WQHTmWB2I/AAAAAAAACw4/MmLdwXWt-jE/s400/19441_720003605010_16911010_42337229_997567_n.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5441914179941697378" /></a></div><div>Ed and Nate.</div><div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_PjNGYr6fVEI/S4WQGzWRIkI/AAAAAAAACww/kW_6zZYjGiw/s1600-h/19441_720003430360_16911010_42337199_6551568_n.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 299px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_PjNGYr6fVEI/S4WQGzWRIkI/AAAAAAAACww/kW_6zZYjGiw/s400/19441_720003430360_16911010_42337199_6551568_n.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5441914171284333122" /></a></div><div>Driving into Mexico.</div><div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_PjNGYr6fVEI/S4WPxR1oVlI/AAAAAAAACwo/owAWQhXAiuw/s1600-h/19441_720003435350_16911010_42337200_2830622_n.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 299px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_PjNGYr6fVEI/S4WPxR1oVlI/AAAAAAAACwo/owAWQhXAiuw/s400/19441_720003435350_16911010_42337200_2830622_n.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5441913801511818834" /></a></div><div>Nuevo Progreso, MX.</div><div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_PjNGYr6fVEI/S4WPwgVhnSI/AAAAAAAACwg/CNXS7ZMphAA/s1600-h/19441_720003450320_16911010_42337203_6666588_n.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 299px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_PjNGYr6fVEI/S4WPwgVhnSI/AAAAAAAACwg/CNXS7ZMphAA/s400/19441_720003450320_16911010_42337203_6666588_n.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5441913788223823138" /></a></div><div>A visor with built in hair...classic.</div><div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_PjNGYr6fVEI/S4WPvzLaSXI/AAAAAAAACwY/KU4qYXQgaiQ/s1600-h/19441_720003440340_16911010_42337201_2459928_n.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 299px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_PjNGYr6fVEI/S4WPvzLaSXI/AAAAAAAACwY/KU4qYXQgaiQ/s400/19441_720003440340_16911010_42337201_2459928_n.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5441913776101804402" /></a></div><div>Totally should have bought this.</div><div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_PjNGYr6fVEI/S4WPvd9uEbI/AAAAAAAACwQ/4FlOkfHaJaE/s1600-h/19441_720003460300_16911010_42337204_8096614_n.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 299px; height: 400px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_PjNGYr6fVEI/S4WPvd9uEbI/AAAAAAAACwQ/4FlOkfHaJaE/s400/19441_720003460300_16911010_42337204_8096614_n.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5441913770407236018" /></a></div><div>Big hats.</div><div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_PjNGYr6fVEI/S4WPuxQI-_I/AAAAAAAACwI/vIzP1BCQUwg/s1600-h/19441_720003470280_16911010_42337206_5373424_n.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_PjNGYr6fVEI/S4WPuxQI-_I/AAAAAAAACwI/vIzP1BCQUwg/s400/19441_720003470280_16911010_42337206_5373424_n.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5441913758404901874" /></a></div><div>Tiny hats.</div><div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_PjNGYr6fVEI/S4WPaCXC0RI/AAAAAAAACwA/Pf8xmW1Kvio/s1600-h/19441_720003485250_16911010_42337208_3636658_n.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_PjNGYr6fVEI/S4WPaCXC0RI/AAAAAAAACwA/Pf8xmW1Kvio/s400/19441_720003485250_16911010_42337208_3636658_n.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5441913402220007698" /></a></div><div>Snackin' on the street.</div><div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_PjNGYr6fVEI/S4WPZbp3paI/AAAAAAAACv4/CYnsQmCU3HM/s1600-h/19441_720003490240_16911010_42337209_7201486_n.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_PjNGYr6fVEI/S4WPZbp3paI/AAAAAAAACv4/CYnsQmCU3HM/s400/19441_720003490240_16911010_42337209_7201486_n.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5441913391829984674" /></a></div><div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_PjNGYr6fVEI/S4WPY3W84lI/AAAAAAAACvw/wZa6GI_RaGQ/s1600-h/19441_720003495230_16911010_42337210_1356920_n.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 301px; height: 400px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_PjNGYr6fVEI/S4WPY3W84lI/AAAAAAAACvw/wZa6GI_RaGQ/s400/19441_720003495230_16911010_42337210_1356920_n.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5441913382086959698" /></a></div><div>Apparently they were yummy. Nate is braver than I...</div><div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_PjNGYr6fVEI/S4WPYMq_1OI/AAAAAAAACvo/qai0pOR-vjg/s1600-h/19441_720003505210_16911010_42337212_546132_n.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_PjNGYr6fVEI/S4WPYMq_1OI/AAAAAAAACvo/qai0pOR-vjg/s400/19441_720003505210_16911010_42337212_546132_n.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5441913370628314338" /></a></div><div>So was Chase.</div><div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_PjNGYr6fVEI/S4WPXjhH_7I/AAAAAAAACvg/E6-AnqMozhM/s1600-h/19441_720003520180_16911010_42337215_1587322_n.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 299px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_PjNGYr6fVEI/S4WPXjhH_7I/AAAAAAAACvg/E6-AnqMozhM/s400/19441_720003520180_16911010_42337215_1587322_n.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5441913359581052850" /></a></div><div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_PjNGYr6fVEI/S4WPHzd1LuI/AAAAAAAACvY/OsldKJDRdY4/s1600-h/19441_720003545130_16911010_42337217_3363450_n.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 299px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_PjNGYr6fVEI/S4WPHzd1LuI/AAAAAAAACvY/OsldKJDRdY4/s400/19441_720003545130_16911010_42337217_3363450_n.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5441913088984297186" /></a></div><div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_PjNGYr6fVEI/S4WPHTwo7jI/AAAAAAAACvQ/Fw17f1Mw4EI/s1600-h/19441_720003560100_16911010_42337220_1383041_n.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 301px; height: 400px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_PjNGYr6fVEI/S4WPHTwo7jI/AAAAAAAACvQ/Fw17f1Mw4EI/s400/19441_720003560100_16911010_42337220_1383041_n.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5441913080473251378" /></a></div><div>Karina and Consuelo.</div><div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_PjNGYr6fVEI/S4WPGzF-DGI/AAAAAAAACvI/hnqmrGGdyis/s1600-h/19441_720003570080_16911010_42337222_5411615_n.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 299px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_PjNGYr6fVEI/S4WPGzF-DGI/AAAAAAAACvI/hnqmrGGdyis/s400/19441_720003570080_16911010_42337222_5411615_n.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5441913071704345698" /></a></div><div>A dinner of red fish and flounder.</div><div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_PjNGYr6fVEI/S4WPGacjRYI/AAAAAAAACvA/ugNIqDFH7s0/s1600-h/19441_720003580060_16911010_42337224_5154012_n.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_PjNGYr6fVEI/S4WPGacjRYI/AAAAAAAACvA/ugNIqDFH7s0/s400/19441_720003580060_16911010_42337224_5154012_n.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5441913065088173442" /></a></div><div>Back in the states...</div><div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_PjNGYr6fVEI/S4WPFyEhf5I/AAAAAAAACu4/JRENwpWwdhI/s1600-h/19441_720003585050_16911010_42337225_1531806_n.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_PjNGYr6fVEI/S4WPFyEhf5I/AAAAAAAACu4/JRENwpWwdhI/s400/19441_720003585050_16911010_42337225_1531806_n.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5441913054249975698" /></a><br /></div><div>in time for some jello poke cake. yuuuuum!</div><div><br /><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 299px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_PjNGYr6fVEI/S7qkEMXMK2I/AAAAAAAACyI/iEUPEBiJVqo/s400/21032_528412929851_76000851_31439475_2887640_n.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5456854290457701218" /></div><div>Karina and her parents during bday weekend two - Corpus Christi</div><div><br /></div><div><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 299px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_PjNGYr6fVEI/S7qkEayMuiI/AAAAAAAACyQ/HkFJusoZYgc/s400/21032_528412939831_76000851_31439477_5099577_n.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5456854294329080354" /></div><div>The boys. Nate and Cory.</div><div><br /></div><div><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 299px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_PjNGYr6fVEI/S7qkKA0GxyI/AAAAAAAACyY/F_nxCJ0hHDw/s400/21032_528412954801_76000851_31439480_4948974_n.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5456854390436972322" /></div><div>Soon to be married, Taylor and Kayci. Our newest Corpus friends. :)</div><div><br /></div><div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_PjNGYr6fVEI/S7qkEayMuiI/AAAAAAAACyQ/HkFJusoZYgc/s1600/21032_528412939831_76000851_31439477_5099577_n.jpg"></a><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 299px; height: 400px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_PjNGYr6fVEI/S7qkDyaIveI/AAAAAAAACyA/GTYwocQZ3PM/s400/21032_528412924861_76000851_31439474_7535988_n.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5456854283490737634" /><br />Mmmm. Jello poke cake and coconut strawberry cake.</div><div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_PjNGYr6fVEI/S7qkDgGmxQI/AAAAAAAACx4/lG1Eqtz4Isw/s1600/21032_528412904901_76000851_31439470_6655499_n.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 299px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_PjNGYr6fVEI/S7qkDgGmxQI/AAAAAAAACx4/lG1Eqtz4Isw/s400/21032_528412904901_76000851_31439470_6655499_n.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5456854278576981250" /></a></div><div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_PjNGYr6fVEI/S7qkDgGmxQI/AAAAAAAACx4/lG1Eqtz4Isw/s1600/21032_528412904901_76000851_31439470_6655499_n.jpg"></a>Brenda (Chase's mom), Shannon, and Cory.</div><div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_PjNGYr6fVEI/S7qkDeNfCnI/AAAAAAAACxw/6Dyl7Y810jI/s1600/21032_528412894921_76000851_31439468_5414392_n.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 299px; height: 400px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_PjNGYr6fVEI/S7qkDeNfCnI/AAAAAAAACxw/6Dyl7Y810jI/s400/21032_528412894921_76000851_31439468_5414392_n.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5456854278068963954" /></a></div><div>And us. :) I look super short.</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>FEBRUARY</div><div>Alright, so now, February. The man of the house turned 29 this year. Yep, that's right, Nate's almost 30. Get ready for a major party in about 11 months. It also happened to be Super Bowl weekend, so we had a joint party over at Kayci and Taylor's new place.</div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_PjNGYr6fVEI/S7qlXJOiMOI/AAAAAAAACyw/fM7y89o9mS8/s1600/25553_731884760080_16911010_42660393_2381480_n.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 298px; height: 400px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_PjNGYr6fVEI/S7qlXJOiMOI/AAAAAAAACyw/fM7y89o9mS8/s400/25553_731884760080_16911010_42660393_2381480_n.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5456855715545231586" /></a><div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_PjNGYr6fVEI/S7qlXJOiMOI/AAAAAAAACyw/fM7y89o9mS8/s1600/25553_731884760080_16911010_42660393_2381480_n.jpg"></a>Karina spoiled Nate with homemade cheesecake and bailey's. :) Mmm.</div><div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_PjNGYr6fVEI/S7qlW0qL3EI/AAAAAAAACyo/p4A_mn-MIcI/s1600/25553_731884735130_16911010_42660391_6605067_n.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 301px; height: 400px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_PjNGYr6fVEI/S7qlW0qL3EI/AAAAAAAACyo/p4A_mn-MIcI/s400/25553_731884735130_16911010_42660391_6605067_n.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5456855710024064066" /></a></div><div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_PjNGYr6fVEI/S7qlW0qL3EI/AAAAAAAACyo/p4A_mn-MIcI/s1600/25553_731884735130_16911010_42660391_6605067_n.jpg"></a>And looooads of topping options for the cheesecake.</div><div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_PjNGYr6fVEI/S7qmpDt3SsI/AAAAAAAACy4/Ol5kzCBV4Uc/s1600/Picture+1.png"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 301px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_PjNGYr6fVEI/S7qmpDt3SsI/AAAAAAAACy4/Ol5kzCBV4Uc/s400/Picture+1.png" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5456857122815298242" /></a></div><div>Chase and Karina lookin cute.</div><div><br /></div><div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_PjNGYr6fVEI/S7qmpDt3SsI/AAAAAAAACy4/Ol5kzCBV4Uc/s1600/Picture+1.png"></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_PjNGYr6fVEI/S7qlWb6of5I/AAAAAAAACyg/pfKzd3zZ9wk/s1600/25553_731884790020_16911010_42660395_2863896_n.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 299px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_PjNGYr6fVEI/S7qlWb6of5I/AAAAAAAACyg/pfKzd3zZ9wk/s400/25553_731884790020_16911010_42660395_2863896_n.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5456855703382163346" /></a><br /></div><div>Cory and Shannon celebrating with us.</div><div><br /></div><div>Towards the end of February we celebrated Nate and his coworker's design achievements at the ADDY awards. Spending time with the Kailo crew is always a fun time...especially when there's a photo booth and 80's props involved. </div><div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_PjNGYr6fVEI/S7qp-xPrTxI/AAAAAAAACzg/0cjIMtppYLQ/s1600/26988_729087625560_16911010_42580059_5824251_n.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 181px; height: 400px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_PjNGYr6fVEI/S7qp-xPrTxI/AAAAAAAACzg/0cjIMtppYLQ/s400/26988_729087625560_16911010_42580059_5824251_n.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5456860794348850962" /></a></div><div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_PjNGYr6fVEI/S7qp-xPrTxI/AAAAAAAACzg/0cjIMtppYLQ/s1600/26988_729087625560_16911010_42580059_5824251_n.jpg"></a>See...</div><div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_PjNGYr6fVEI/S7qp-NFm5kI/AAAAAAAACzY/rWTgihOs7FE/s1600/26988_729086393030_16911010_42580040_224015_n.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 299px; height: 400px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_PjNGYr6fVEI/S7qp-NFm5kI/AAAAAAAACzY/rWTgihOs7FE/s400/26988_729086393030_16911010_42580040_224015_n.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5456860784642942530" /></a></div><div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_PjNGYr6fVEI/S7qp-NFm5kI/AAAAAAAACzY/rWTgihOs7FE/s1600/26988_729086393030_16911010_42580040_224015_n.jpg"></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_PjNGYr6fVEI/S7qp9zOBK7I/AAAAAAAACzQ/KtlZCT13ADE/s1600/26988_729086412990_16911010_42580043_5072567_n.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 311px; height: 400px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_PjNGYr6fVEI/S7qp9zOBK7I/AAAAAAAACzQ/KtlZCT13ADE/s400/26988_729086412990_16911010_42580043_5072567_n.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5456860777698896818" /></a></div><div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_PjNGYr6fVEI/S7qp9zOBK7I/AAAAAAAACzQ/KtlZCT13ADE/s1600/26988_729086412990_16911010_42580043_5072567_n.jpg"></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_PjNGYr6fVEI/S7qpyKfFVLI/AAAAAAAACzI/n6lKBNWu5Kg/s1600/26988_729086403010_16911010_42580041_239800_n.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 305px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_PjNGYr6fVEI/S7qpyKfFVLI/AAAAAAAACzI/n6lKBNWu5Kg/s400/26988_729086403010_16911010_42580041_239800_n.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5456860577786057906" /></a><br /></div><div>Um, awesome.</div><div><br /></div><div>February also had some cute and lazy pup pup moments. Just in case you thought you might get a post on here without a dachshund photo...</div><div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_PjNGYr6fVEI/S7qtXauuQoI/AAAAAAAAC0Y/iXi5PIIyi90/s1600/Picture+1.png"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 298px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_PjNGYr6fVEI/S7qtXauuQoI/AAAAAAAAC0Y/iXi5PIIyi90/s400/Picture+1.png" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5456864516336665218" /></a></div><div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_PjNGYr6fVEI/S7qtXauuQoI/AAAAAAAAC0Y/iXi5PIIyi90/s1600/Picture+1.png"></a>Beanie Ween. She put herself like this by the way.</div><div><br /><div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_PjNGYr6fVEI/S7qnYJ32P7I/AAAAAAAACzA/_q6k69ySTnw/s1600/Picture+2.png"></a><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 298px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_PjNGYr6fVEI/S7qq7NkRqQI/AAAAAAAAC0Q/Wb4oirIW6yc/s400/26205_733801074770_16911010_42716160_4383174_n.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5456861832743594242" /><div>The snuggliest.</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>MARCH</div><div>Almost caught up. Moving on.</div>We made a trip up to San Antonio at the beginning of the month to see Dave Ramsey. Needless to say, it was pretty awesome. Even in our nosebleed seats (that's what happens when you're late, whops).<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_PjNGYr6fVEI/S7qqyaPsPKI/AAAAAAAAC0I/kBvT0j4CZQA/s1600/25553_731885603390_16911010_42660408_7606239_n.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 262px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_PjNGYr6fVEI/S7qqyaPsPKI/AAAAAAAAC0I/kBvT0j4CZQA/s400/25553_731885603390_16911010_42660408_7606239_n.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5456861681528093858" /></a></div><div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_PjNGYr6fVEI/S7qqyaPsPKI/AAAAAAAAC0I/kBvT0j4CZQA/s1600/25553_731885603390_16911010_42660408_7606239_n.jpg"></a>Dave Ramsey Live</div><div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_PjNGYr6fVEI/S7qqyIvFWFI/AAAAAAAAC0A/5GoHZcOV-xY/s1600/25553_731885623350_16911010_42660409_7945926_n.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 296px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_PjNGYr6fVEI/S7qqyIvFWFI/AAAAAAAAC0A/5GoHZcOV-xY/s400/25553_731885623350_16911010_42660409_7945926_n.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5456861676827924562" /></a></div><div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_PjNGYr6fVEI/S7qqyIvFWFI/AAAAAAAAC0A/5GoHZcOV-xY/s1600/25553_731885623350_16911010_42660409_7945926_n.jpg"></a>The borrower is slave to the lender...it's right there in Proverbs.</div><div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_PjNGYr6fVEI/S7qqwl1-I4I/AAAAAAAACzo/gepSTJwcpfg/s1600/26205_733801054810_16911010_42716158_4889888_n.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 299px; height: 400px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_PjNGYr6fVEI/S7qqwl1-I4I/AAAAAAAACzo/gepSTJwcpfg/s400/26205_733801054810_16911010_42716158_4889888_n.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5456861650281702274" /></a></div><div>The event got us inspired and when we were offered a painting job we jumped all over it. :)</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>During their spring break my family took a trip to San Diego. My sister sent me this picture of my dad, and I am still laughing...</div></div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_PjNGYr6fVEI/S7qulP3AQ1I/AAAAAAAAC1A/5NvG2o4KFcQ/s1600/24748_735843441850_16927663_42794368_2656386_n.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_PjNGYr6fVEI/S7qulP3AQ1I/AAAAAAAAC1A/5NvG2o4KFcQ/s400/24748_735843441850_16927663_42794368_2656386_n.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5456865853448405842" /></a><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_PjNGYr6fVEI/S7qulP3AQ1I/AAAAAAAAC1A/5NvG2o4KFcQ/s1600/24748_735843441850_16927663_42794368_2656386_n.jpg"></a>The weekend before Easter City Church hosted an Easter festival in the park behind the church. The weather was perfect, and we had a great turn out. We are very blessed to have such a wonderful church family. They've been an awesome support system, and our family away from home.</div><div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_PjNGYr6fVEI/S7qukf4Gv6I/AAAAAAAAC04/wBDe_ab-SRw/s1600/25485_736815758320_16911010_42823364_4683264_n.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 299px; height: 400px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_PjNGYr6fVEI/S7qukf4Gv6I/AAAAAAAAC04/wBDe_ab-SRw/s400/25485_736815758320_16911010_42823364_4683264_n.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5456865840568123298" /></a></div><div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_PjNGYr6fVEI/S7qukf4Gv6I/AAAAAAAAC04/wBDe_ab-SRw/s1600/25485_736815758320_16911010_42823364_4683264_n.jpg"></a>Angi and Valor. :)</div><div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_PjNGYr6fVEI/S7qukNt9g1I/AAAAAAAAC0w/OeuH8DyXbCg/s1600/25485_736815743350_16911010_42823361_7054758_n.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 299px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_PjNGYr6fVEI/S7qukNt9g1I/AAAAAAAAC0w/OeuH8DyXbCg/s400/25485_736815743350_16911010_42823361_7054758_n.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5456865835693736786" /></a></div><div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_PjNGYr6fVEI/S7qukNt9g1I/AAAAAAAAC0w/OeuH8DyXbCg/s1600/25485_736815743350_16911010_42823361_7054758_n.jpg"></a>Nate and Pastor Dave.</div><div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_PjNGYr6fVEI/S7qujgWvVwI/AAAAAAAAC0o/redmtdzWA3o/s1600/25485_736815753330_16911010_42823363_4264738_n.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 299px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_PjNGYr6fVEI/S7qujgWvVwI/AAAAAAAAC0o/redmtdzWA3o/s400/25485_736815753330_16911010_42823363_4264738_n.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5456865823516743426" /></a></div><div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_PjNGYr6fVEI/S7qujgWvVwI/AAAAAAAAC0o/redmtdzWA3o/s1600/25485_736815753330_16911010_42823363_4264738_n.jpg"></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_PjNGYr6fVEI/S7qujQFZB8I/AAAAAAAAC0g/ERofMi6qZi4/s1600/25485_736816456920_16911010_42823385_990688_n.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 299px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_PjNGYr6fVEI/S7qujQFZB8I/AAAAAAAAC0g/ERofMi6qZi4/s400/25485_736816456920_16911010_42823385_990688_n.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5456865819149010882" /></a></div><div>The kiddos hunting for eggs.</div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_PjNGYr6fVEI/S7qvjFoU5rI/AAAAAAAAC1Q/fXOQB_kVFoE/s1600/25485_736817100630_16911010_42823410_198604_n.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 299px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_PjNGYr6fVEI/S7qvjFoU5rI/AAAAAAAAC1Q/fXOQB_kVFoE/s400/25485_736817100630_16911010_42823410_198604_n.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5456866915854378674" /></a><div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_PjNGYr6fVEI/S7qvjFoU5rI/AAAAAAAAC1Q/fXOQB_kVFoE/s1600/25485_736817100630_16911010_42823410_198604_n.jpg"></a>Ah, water balloons.</div><div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_PjNGYr6fVEI/S7qvilAPcBI/AAAAAAAAC1I/B-50DiUat8E/s1600/25485_736817090650_16911010_42823409_545901_n.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 299px; height: 400px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_PjNGYr6fVEI/S7qvilAPcBI/AAAAAAAAC1I/B-50DiUat8E/s400/25485_736817090650_16911010_42823409_545901_n.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5456866907096313874" /></a></div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_PjNGYr6fVEI/S7qwqQBWc0I/AAAAAAAAC1Y/2ICYJ1M87D0/s1600/25485_736816397040_16911010_42823374_3274096_n.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_PjNGYr6fVEI/S7qwqQBWc0I/AAAAAAAAC1Y/2ICYJ1M87D0/s400/25485_736816397040_16911010_42823374_3274096_n.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5456868138414404418" /></a><div>And music by the fabulous Steven Hansen</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>The following day our good friends invited us out to Kingsville for the air show...being a jet pilot might be a tad more adventurous than being a graphic designer...</div><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_PjNGYr6fVEI/S7qyrwH7PQI/AAAAAAAAC2A/K9Dt26IBLMc/s1600/25485_738342813090_16911010_42875600_4862484_n.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 301px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_PjNGYr6fVEI/S7qyrwH7PQI/AAAAAAAAC2A/K9Dt26IBLMc/s400/25485_738342813090_16911010_42875600_4862484_n.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5456870363235040514" /></a><div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_PjNGYr6fVEI/S7qyrwH7PQI/AAAAAAAAC2A/K9Dt26IBLMc/s1600/25485_738342813090_16911010_42875600_4862484_n.jpg"></a>Nate looking sharp.</div><div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_PjNGYr6fVEI/S7qyrnObH3I/AAAAAAAAC14/JWfsI41Cpmk/s1600/25485_738342833050_16911010_42875602_1828478_n.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 299px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_PjNGYr6fVEI/S7qyrnObH3I/AAAAAAAAC14/JWfsI41Cpmk/s400/25485_738342833050_16911010_42875602_1828478_n.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5456870360846376818" /></a></div><div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_PjNGYr6fVEI/S7qyrnObH3I/AAAAAAAAC14/JWfsI41Cpmk/s1600/25485_738342833050_16911010_42875602_1828478_n.jpg"></a></div><div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_PjNGYr6fVEI/S7qyrNUxSxI/AAAAAAAAC1w/yOYuK41oA_g/s1600/25485_738342838040_16911010_42875603_6814056_n.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_PjNGYr6fVEI/S7qyrNUxSxI/AAAAAAAAC1w/yOYuK41oA_g/s400/25485_738342838040_16911010_42875603_6814056_n.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5456870353893673746" /></a></div><div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_PjNGYr6fVEI/S7qyrNUxSxI/AAAAAAAAC1w/yOYuK41oA_g/s1600/25485_738342838040_16911010_42875603_6814056_n.jpg"></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_PjNGYr6fVEI/S7qyq2t5bEI/AAAAAAAAC1o/ZFS8VC4ps5I/s1600/25485_738342848020_16911010_42875604_284981_n.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 298px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_PjNGYr6fVEI/S7qyq2t5bEI/AAAAAAAAC1o/ZFS8VC4ps5I/s400/25485_738342848020_16911010_42875604_284981_n.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5456870347825048642" /></a></div><div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_PjNGYr6fVEI/S7qyq2t5bEI/AAAAAAAAC1o/ZFS8VC4ps5I/s1600/25485_738342848020_16911010_42875604_284981_n.jpg"></a>The trainer jet</div><div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_PjNGYr6fVEI/S7qyqgtmf-I/AAAAAAAAC1g/89StjiTVxEQ/s1600/25485_738343272170_16911010_42875613_5391676_n.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 298px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_PjNGYr6fVEI/S7qyqgtmf-I/AAAAAAAAC1g/89StjiTVxEQ/s400/25485_738343272170_16911010_42875613_5391676_n.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5456870341918228450" /></a><div>Blue Angels 5 and 6</div><div><br /></div><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 299px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_PjNGYr6fVEI/S7qzCCtZLPI/AAAAAAAAC2Q/rf6nK2hUKIQ/s400/25485_738343287140_16911010_42875616_5122342_n.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5456870746181151986" /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_PjNGYr6fVEI/S7qzB6qarWI/AAAAAAAAC2I/sd9g5d6C3r0/s1600/25485_738343277160_16911010_42875614_6471118_n.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 299px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_PjNGYr6fVEI/S7qzB6qarWI/AAAAAAAAC2I/sd9g5d6C3r0/s400/25485_738343277160_16911010_42875614_6471118_n.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5456870744021183842" /></a><div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_PjNGYr6fVEI/S7qzB6qarWI/AAAAAAAAC2I/sd9g5d6C3r0/s1600/25485_738343277160_16911010_42875614_6471118_n.jpg"></a><br /><div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_PjNGYr6fVEI/S7qzB6qarWI/AAAAAAAAC2I/sd9g5d6C3r0/s1600/25485_738343277160_16911010_42875614_6471118_n.jpg"></a><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 299px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_PjNGYr6fVEI/S7qzDXc-y9I/AAAAAAAAC2o/uD5ni-I-HJU/s400/25485_738343312090_16911010_42875621_5790653_n.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5456870768929328082" /></div><div><br /></div><div><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_PjNGYr6fVEI/S7qzC8fGjlI/AAAAAAAAC2g/JsROuHkNMak/s400/25485_738343297120_16911010_42875618_4125900_n.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5456870761690467922" /></div><div>My first air show. :)</div><div><br /></div></div></div>Mrs. Rippkehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17523287464405486664noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5132975223339810605.post-20929165060539773372010-01-15T11:33:00.021-06:002010-01-25T11:31:27.026-06:00since we don't send xmas letters - the 2009 edition<div>As has been the case for the past three years, Nate and I (and both pup pups) jumped in the car and headed home to Ames, Iowa for a nice long Christmas vacation. Fortunately we headed North between storms, and the roads were fabulous for our two day trip. But once we got there it didn't take long for mother nature to start burying us in a winter wonderland. <br /></div><div><br /></div><div>All-in-all we had some 20 inches, but being snowed in (literally) with family on Christmas Eve is never a bad thing...not with our families anyways. :) And with the endless supply of food that both of our mom's provide there's no chance of going hungry...or becoming even slightly unfull for that matter.</div><div><br /></div><div>Of course the two weeks flew by, and leaving always sucks. But knowing that we'll be home again in a mere three and a half months made it a little easier. Hopefully by May some of this snow will be gone.</div><div><br /></div><div>The Lord has blessed us with this wonderful time spent with family, a new church home and friends here in Corpus, and good health in 2009. We see exciting things on the horizon for 2010, and we hope the New Year finds you well.</div><div><br /></div><div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_PjNGYr6fVEI/S1CqYK70xXI/AAAAAAAACug/QHItr3aJykw/s1600-h/19141_712273745710_16911010_42054080_7794202_n.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_PjNGYr6fVEI/S1CqYK70xXI/AAAAAAAACug/QHItr3aJykw/s400/19141_712273745710_16911010_42054080_7794202_n.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5427024883210306930" /></a></div><div>Me waist deep in snow - Sioux City, IA</div><div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_PjNGYr6fVEI/S1CqX5q7DRI/AAAAAAAACuY/Es3TLln-Txo/s1600-h/19141_712273725750_16911010_42054077_346423_n.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_PjNGYr6fVEI/S1CqX5q7DRI/AAAAAAAACuY/Es3TLln-Txo/s400/19141_712273725750_16911010_42054077_346423_n.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5427024878576012562" /></a></div><div>Heading down Highway 20 on our way from Ames to Sioux City.</div><div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_PjNGYr6fVEI/S1Co4Yhae0I/AAAAAAAACtQ/2oDaU6R01QI/s1600-h/21041_711223954500_16911010_42015157_8177520_n.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_PjNGYr6fVEI/S1Co4Yhae0I/AAAAAAAACtQ/2oDaU6R01QI/s400/21041_711223954500_16911010_42015157_8177520_n.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5427023237590186818" /></a></div><div>Nate and I with our build-a-bears we made for Toys for Tots. I think this was everyone's favorite part of Grace's "gift of giving" Christmas this year.</div><div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_PjNGYr6fVEI/S1Co4COSL8I/AAAAAAAACtI/LpYlZ9lGqJw/s1600-h/21041_711223964480_16911010_42015159_369536_n.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_PjNGYr6fVEI/S1Co4COSL8I/AAAAAAAACtI/LpYlZ9lGqJw/s400/21041_711223964480_16911010_42015159_369536_n.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5427023231604371394" /></a></div><div>My bro and sis and me.</div><div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_PjNGYr6fVEI/S1Co34OtPSI/AAAAAAAACtA/-DkiApodNS0/s1600-h/21041_711223989430_16911010_42015164_3245810_n.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_PjNGYr6fVEI/S1Co34OtPSI/AAAAAAAACtA/-DkiApodNS0/s400/21041_711223989430_16911010_42015164_3245810_n.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5427023228921789730" /></a><br />Grace, Nate, Gma, Papa, Me, Dad, Mom, Emily, Emily B, and Andrew all posing with our animals we built.</div><div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_PjNGYr6fVEI/S1Cn6pbeFUI/AAAAAAAACsg/qfWfCIcL2eY/s1600-h/21041_711223999410_16911010_42015166_8242307_n.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_PjNGYr6fVEI/S1Cn6pbeFUI/AAAAAAAACsg/qfWfCIcL2eY/s400/21041_711223999410_16911010_42015166_8242307_n.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5427022176976770370" /></a></div><div>Grace packing up the toys for the kiddos.</div><div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_PjNGYr6fVEI/S1Cn6GEatWI/AAAAAAAACsY/m7BeaylmKkI/s1600-h/21041_711223869670_16911010_42015142_1799012_n.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_PjNGYr6fVEI/S1Cn6GEatWI/AAAAAAAACsY/m7BeaylmKkI/s400/21041_711223869670_16911010_42015142_1799012_n.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5427022167484839266" /></a></div><div>Another part of Grace's Christmas celebration was picking out kids to buy books for at Barnes and Noble.</div><div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_PjNGYr6fVEI/S1Cn57H2ZoI/AAAAAAAACsQ/teduXT3agjo/s1600-h/21041_711223884640_16911010_42015145_531496_n.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 297px; height: 400px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_PjNGYr6fVEI/S1Cn57H2ZoI/AAAAAAAACsQ/teduXT3agjo/s400/21041_711223884640_16911010_42015145_531496_n.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5427022164546446978" /></a></div><div>Gma choose a classic for a lil' 1 year old girl.</div><div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_PjNGYr6fVEI/S1Cn5tmuRdI/AAAAAAAACsI/3T8jecKASao/s1600-h/21041_711223844720_16911010_42015138_4565856_n.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_PjNGYr6fVEI/S1Cn5tmuRdI/AAAAAAAACsI/3T8jecKASao/s400/21041_711223844720_16911010_42015138_4565856_n.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5427022160917841362" /></a></div><div>Buying dog toys/treats for all the puppies of the family and the animal shelter. Dad and Gma bought for our Izzy girl. Spoiled pups.</div><div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_PjNGYr6fVEI/S1Cn5Y2NVUI/AAAAAAAACsA/KTVHb2MaxKw/s1600-h/21041_711224039330_16911010_42015173_2939304_n.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_PjNGYr6fVEI/S1Cn5Y2NVUI/AAAAAAAACsA/KTVHb2MaxKw/s400/21041_711224039330_16911010_42015173_2939304_n.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5427022155345646914" /></a></div><div>Nate and me with Gma and Papa.</div><div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_PjNGYr6fVEI/S1CnnnIMOYI/AAAAAAAACr4/PDtiMcj-7mM/s1600-h/21041_711224044320_16911010_42015174_2586134_n.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_PjNGYr6fVEI/S1CnnnIMOYI/AAAAAAAACr4/PDtiMcj-7mM/s400/21041_711224044320_16911010_42015174_2586134_n.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5427021849941522818" /></a></div><div>Arts and crafts time! Coloring the ornaments we got from Gma and Papa.</div><div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_PjNGYr6fVEI/S1CnnMLfwpI/AAAAAAAACrw/gWNvf-TGPhk/s1600-h/21041_711224213980_16911010_42015207_3831930_n.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 306px; height: 400px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_PjNGYr6fVEI/S1CnnMLfwpI/AAAAAAAACrw/gWNvf-TGPhk/s400/21041_711224213980_16911010_42015207_3831930_n.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5427021842707628690" /></a></div><div>Every year my mom makes an ornament with the kiddos at the preschool she teaches at and gives it to the family. This year's is a fabulous silver and sequined ball.</div><div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_PjNGYr6fVEI/S1Cnm0Mu9xI/AAAAAAAACro/kmwem0E-1kE/s1600-h/21041_711224149110_16911010_42015194_7732298_n.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_PjNGYr6fVEI/S1Cnm0Mu9xI/AAAAAAAACro/kmwem0E-1kE/s400/21041_711224149110_16911010_42015194_7732298_n.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5427021836270368530" /></a></div><div>My brother and his girlfriend, Em B., have a thing for animal print...these are the matching Pjs they got. Oh yes, they are ladies Pjs.</div><div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_PjNGYr6fVEI/S1CnmtBcRcI/AAAAAAAACrg/NOEv-fDWzy4/s1600-h/21041_711224308790_16911010_42015226_3813427_n.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_PjNGYr6fVEI/S1CnmtBcRcI/AAAAAAAACrg/NOEv-fDWzy4/s400/21041_711224308790_16911010_42015226_3813427_n.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5427021834343957954" /></a></div><div>We spend a good portion of our time together telling ridiculous stories and laughing until we're all crying and holding our stomaches.</div><div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_PjNGYr6fVEI/S1CnmQXyrtI/AAAAAAAACrY/51ICwqGmw4Y/s1600-h/21041_711224318770_16911010_42015228_3085509_n.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_PjNGYr6fVEI/S1CnmQXyrtI/AAAAAAAACrY/51ICwqGmw4Y/s400/21041_711224318770_16911010_42015228_3085509_n.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5427021826653073106" /></a><div>This trip home was no exception...</div><div><br /><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_PjNGYr6fVEI/S1CpSal-ucI/AAAAAAAACto/mGuLtvMPopY/s400/17144_713950924630_16927663_42120464_4269263_n.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5427023684822809026" /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_PjNGYr6fVEI/S1CoZz-C4bI/AAAAAAAACs4/EIh2BiTkCOk/s1600-h/19141_713316056910_16911010_42089752_521707_n.jpg"></a></div><div>Nate is a giant.</div><div><br /></div><div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_PjNGYr6fVEI/S1CoZz-C4bI/AAAAAAAACs4/EIh2BiTkCOk/s1600-h/19141_713316056910_16911010_42089752_521707_n.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_PjNGYr6fVEI/S1CoZz-C4bI/AAAAAAAACs4/EIh2BiTkCOk/s400/19141_713316056910_16911010_42089752_521707_n.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5427022712382087602" /></a></div><div>My dad's parents. Gma and Gpa.</div><div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_PjNGYr6fVEI/S1CoZsC09OI/AAAAAAAACsw/LRXFKEGd4xM/s1600-h/19141_712273805590_16911010_42054092_5651255_n.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_PjNGYr6fVEI/S1CoZsC09OI/AAAAAAAACsw/LRXFKEGd4xM/s400/19141_712273805590_16911010_42054092_5651255_n.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5427022710254662882" /></a></div><div>She makes the BEST cookies in the world. I ate them until I was literally sick.</div><div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_PjNGYr6fVEI/S1CoZV2P-fI/AAAAAAAACso/iVWntoB4kAg/s1600-h/19141_712273506190_16911010_42054039_4234124_n.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_PjNGYr6fVEI/S1CoZV2P-fI/AAAAAAAACso/iVWntoB4kAg/s400/19141_712273506190_16911010_42054039_4234124_n.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5427022704296327666" /></a><div>My great-grandparent's (dad's side) marriage certificate.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_PjNGYr6fVEI/S1CpSDg0KcI/AAAAAAAACtg/hVJgZe4Z4EA/s1600-h/19141_712279179820_16911010_42054188_2643232_n.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 268px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_PjNGYr6fVEI/S1CpSDg0KcI/AAAAAAAACtg/hVJgZe4Z4EA/s400/19141_712279179820_16911010_42054188_2643232_n.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5427023678627129794" /></a></div><div>Nate and I enjoying Christmas at his parent's house.</div><div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_PjNGYr6fVEI/S1CnT638ZYI/AAAAAAAACrQ/KQP_gW-0nrU/s1600-h/22172_1157122020853_1611812191_371084_5759325_n.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 268px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_PjNGYr6fVEI/S1CnT638ZYI/AAAAAAAACrQ/KQP_gW-0nrU/s400/22172_1157122020853_1611812191_371084_5759325_n.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5427021511644702082" /></a></div><div>The Rippke clan. Becki, me, Nate, Gma Jo, Erin, Jamie, Byron, and pup pup Jack.</div><div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_PjNGYr6fVEI/S1CnTk4Nu1I/AAAAAAAACrI/jINa-sw9R04/s1600-h/22172_1157122220858_1611812191_371089_1343618_n.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 268px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_PjNGYr6fVEI/S1CnTk4Nu1I/AAAAAAAACrI/jINa-sw9R04/s400/22172_1157122220858_1611812191_371089_1343618_n.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5427021505740258130" /></a></div><div>Siblings. :)</div><div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_PjNGYr6fVEI/S13RQhILYOI/AAAAAAAACuw/jJmT2zUi7SQ/s1600-h/19141_712279164850_16911010_42054185_8256905_n.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_PjNGYr6fVEI/S13RQhILYOI/AAAAAAAACuw/jJmT2zUi7SQ/s400/19141_712279164850_16911010_42054185_8256905_n.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5430726807379468514" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_PjNGYr6fVEI/S1CnTcettpI/AAAAAAAACrA/ysHSRo2yoOg/s1600-h/19141_712273601000_16911010_42054057_8155355_n.jpg"></a></div><div>The whole fam playing apples to apples</div><div><br /></div><div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_PjNGYr6fVEI/S1CnTcettpI/AAAAAAAACrA/ysHSRo2yoOg/s1600-h/19141_712273601000_16911010_42054057_8155355_n.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_PjNGYr6fVEI/S1CnTcettpI/AAAAAAAACrA/ysHSRo2yoOg/s400/19141_712273601000_16911010_42054057_8155355_n.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5427021503485818514" /></a><br /></div><div>Playing with Nate's new toy his parent's gave him.</div><div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_PjNGYr6fVEI/S1CnTH4IbKI/AAAAAAAACq4/D0-UtqXjYmQ/s1600-h/19141_712273755690_16911010_42054082_7646314_n.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_PjNGYr6fVEI/S1CnTH4IbKI/AAAAAAAACq4/D0-UtqXjYmQ/s400/19141_712273755690_16911010_42054082_7646314_n.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5427021497955282082" /></a><br /></div></div>The Dass family...the Sioux City branch of the Family.</div><div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_PjNGYr6fVEI/S1CpEyJ7GzI/AAAAAAAACtY/Wf6PTKgpjsU/s1600-h/19141_712273780640_16911010_42054087_6545864_n.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_PjNGYr6fVEI/S1CpEyJ7GzI/AAAAAAAACtY/Wf6PTKgpjsU/s400/19141_712273780640_16911010_42054087_6545864_n.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5427023450629413682" /></a><br />Nate and his dad.</div><div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_PjNGYr6fVEI/S1CpzDI8p-I/AAAAAAAACuI/hAetnHHWwJc/s1600-h/19141_713316186650_16911010_42089774_1060494_n.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_PjNGYr6fVEI/S1CpzDI8p-I/AAAAAAAACuI/hAetnHHWwJc/s400/19141_713316186650_16911010_42089774_1060494_n.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5427024245462706146" /></a></div><div>The deer in Grace's backyard.</div><div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_PjNGYr6fVEI/S1Cpy46722I/AAAAAAAACuA/A0V-7xiC1Z0/s1600-h/19141_713316086850_16911010_42089758_6662279_n.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_PjNGYr6fVEI/S1Cpy46722I/AAAAAAAACuA/A0V-7xiC1Z0/s400/19141_713316086850_16911010_42089758_6662279_n.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5427024242719578978" /></a></div><div>Dad and Em on New Year's. We had a quiet evening in waiting for the ball to drop.</div><div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_PjNGYr6fVEI/S1CpyuW1fMI/AAAAAAAACt4/qpYiIykTRmk/s1600-h/19141_713316081860_16911010_42089757_1528118_n.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_PjNGYr6fVEI/S1CpyuW1fMI/AAAAAAAACt4/qpYiIykTRmk/s400/19141_713316081860_16911010_42089757_1528118_n.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5427024239883812034" /></a></div><div>Woo party.</div><div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_PjNGYr6fVEI/S1CpyNPt5TI/AAAAAAAACtw/fKmOdHCHhwQ/s1600-h/19141_713316171680_16911010_42089771_6884274_n.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_PjNGYr6fVEI/S1CpyNPt5TI/AAAAAAAACtw/fKmOdHCHhwQ/s400/19141_713316171680_16911010_42089771_6884274_n.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5427024230995584306" /></a><br /></div><div>Em just graduated from her esthetician and massage classes (she's fabulous by the way). She also waxes ears...here are my dad's...haha.</div>Mrs. Rippkehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17523287464405486664noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5132975223339810605.post-17658390983067753522009-12-05T12:58:00.001-06:002009-12-05T13:00:23.556-06:00a south texas hallothankgivxmasWe hope everyone's halloween and thanksgiving were fabulous! And that your Christmas season is finding you well. We've had a busy fall/winter...with lots and lots of pictures to do the story telling. We're so thankful to have been blessed with wonderful friends down here in South Texas. <div><br /></div><div>But don't you worry Iowa, we'll be home soon! And a very happy birthday to my dad!! Woo!</div><div><br /></div><div>Oh, and it snowed here yesterday. SNOW. Yes, all the way down here in Corpus Christi, TX. It may have only been a minute or so of actual flurries, but it still counts. So we'll start out with how the pups are dealing with the cold weather...<br /><div><br /></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_PjNGYr6fVEI/SxqhsIWaI8I/AAAAAAAACqU/2JBvMmKLKKw/s1600-h/Picture+3.png"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 266px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_PjNGYr6fVEI/SxqhsIWaI8I/AAAAAAAACqU/2JBvMmKLKKw/s400/Picture+3.png" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5411815681766859714" /></a><div>Lazily, of course. Izzy's got to stay all wrapped up. Since it's never been turned on, our heater stinks too much to use. It's a little chilly in here. :)</div><div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_PjNGYr6fVEI/SxqhsIWaI8I/AAAAAAAACqU/2JBvMmKLKKw/s1600-h/Picture+3.png"></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_PjNGYr6fVEI/Sxqhq74oFMI/AAAAAAAACqM/qU2JaKGGMCc/s1600-h/Picture+2.png"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 265px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_PjNGYr6fVEI/Sxqhq74oFMI/AAAAAAAACqM/qU2JaKGGMCc/s400/Picture+2.png" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5411815661240849602" /></a></div><div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_PjNGYr6fVEI/Sxqhq74oFMI/AAAAAAAACqM/qU2JaKGGMCc/s1600-h/Picture+2.png"></a>I had it out for my shoulder the other day and Bean discovered the heating pad. She loves it so much I kept it out for her to snuggle with. What doxie doesn't love to be warm? </div><div><br /></div><div><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 268px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_PjNGYr6fVEI/SxqlBkj968I/AAAAAAAACqk/eM1pUHOwV-Y/s400/12149_348753030537_172977865537_9739764_2722603_n.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5411819348652059586" /></div><div>Carol and Mark Scott were kind enough to invite the Kailo Communications gang and their spouses over for a fabulous holiday dinner. </div><div><br /></div><div><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 266px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_PjNGYr6fVEI/SxqlBUyXExI/AAAAAAAACqc/gw9SLtjFF1I/s400/12149_348753045537_172977865537_9739766_4595833_n.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5411819344417461010" /></div><div>The Kailo team. Nate's got fantastic co-workers. :)</div><div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_PjNGYr6fVEI/SxqhpzNZDJI/AAAAAAAACqE/KD8XUsGPjqI/s1600-h/Picture+4.png"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 305px; height: 400px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_PjNGYr6fVEI/SxqhpzNZDJI/AAAAAAAACqE/KD8XUsGPjqI/s400/Picture+4.png" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5411815641732156562" /></a></div><div>Our little tree is all ready for Christmas! The dog stockings are hanging on the table under the tree...you can't really see them. </div><div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_PjNGYr6fVEI/SxqhpzNZDJI/AAAAAAAACqE/KD8XUsGPjqI/s1600-h/Picture+4.png"></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_PjNGYr6fVEI/SxqhpJp600I/AAAAAAAACp8/2fBr2wFvKmQ/s1600-h/Picture+9.png"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 299px; height: 400px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_PjNGYr6fVEI/SxqhpJp600I/AAAAAAAACp8/2fBr2wFvKmQ/s400/Picture+9.png" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5411815630577521474" /></a></div><div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_PjNGYr6fVEI/SxqhpJp600I/AAAAAAAACp8/2fBr2wFvKmQ/s1600-h/Picture+9.png"></a>We had a church potluck/outside service and I made my first batch of pasta salad. Mmm.</div><div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_PjNGYr6fVEI/Sxqhn01tM9I/AAAAAAAACp0/yyxdGNcpwYE/s1600-h/Picture+24.png"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_PjNGYr6fVEI/Sxqhn01tM9I/AAAAAAAACp0/yyxdGNcpwYE/s400/Picture+24.png" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5411815607809946578" /></a></div><div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_PjNGYr6fVEI/Sxqhn01tM9I/AAAAAAAACp0/yyxdGNcpwYE/s1600-h/Picture+24.png"></a>Lazy Saturday. Too cute. I had to include this.</div><div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_PjNGYr6fVEI/Sxqgg6O64bI/AAAAAAAACps/MYmd_cuMW_Y/s1600-h/16543_703253327700_16911010_41810544_7648952_n.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 266px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_PjNGYr6fVEI/Sxqgg6O64bI/AAAAAAAACps/MYmd_cuMW_Y/s400/16543_703253327700_16911010_41810544_7648952_n.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5411814389487165874" /></a></div><div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_PjNGYr6fVEI/Sxqgg6O64bI/AAAAAAAACps/MYmd_cuMW_Y/s1600-h/16543_703253327700_16911010_41810544_7648952_n.jpg"></a>Our wonderful friends Karina and Chase (and both of their families) invited us to join them for Thanksgiving. Chase bought and moved into a gorgeous house just in time to host the celebration. This is us in his backyard with the grapefruit tree.</div><div><br /></div><div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_PjNGYr6fVEI/SxqggkUPw7I/AAAAAAAACpk/a2fXvlEutMg/s1600-h/16543_703253207940_16911010_41810522_2872022_n.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 266px; height: 400px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_PjNGYr6fVEI/SxqggkUPw7I/AAAAAAAACpk/a2fXvlEutMg/s400/16543_703253207940_16911010_41810522_2872022_n.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5411814383603925938" /></a></div><div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_PjNGYr6fVEI/SxqggkUPw7I/AAAAAAAACpk/a2fXvlEutMg/s1600-h/16543_703253207940_16911010_41810522_2872022_n.jpg"></a>Fresh grapefruit from the tree in the yard.</div><div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_PjNGYr6fVEI/SxqggWKLEkI/AAAAAAAACpc/k0Pg2LBiJCQ/s1600-h/16543_703253197960_16911010_41810520_2101771_n.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 266px; height: 400px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_PjNGYr6fVEI/SxqggWKLEkI/AAAAAAAACpc/k0Pg2LBiJCQ/s400/16543_703253197960_16911010_41810520_2101771_n.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5411814379803578946" /></a></div><div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_PjNGYr6fVEI/SxqggWKLEkI/AAAAAAAACpc/k0Pg2LBiJCQ/s1600-h/16543_703253197960_16911010_41810520_2101771_n.jpg"></a>Strait from tree to glass...doesn't get much fresher.</div><div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_PjNGYr6fVEI/Sxqgf5HY4rI/AAAAAAAACpU/1i-o_c5KXn4/s1600-h/16543_703253202950_16911010_41810521_2827914_n.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 268px; height: 400px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_PjNGYr6fVEI/Sxqgf5HY4rI/AAAAAAAACpU/1i-o_c5KXn4/s400/16543_703253202950_16911010_41810521_2827914_n.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5411814372007273138" /></a></div><div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_PjNGYr6fVEI/Sxqgf5HY4rI/AAAAAAAACpU/1i-o_c5KXn4/s1600-h/16543_703253202950_16911010_41810521_2827914_n.jpg"></a>In goes the fried turkey! This was Nate and my first fried turkey experience.</div><div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_PjNGYr6fVEI/SxqgfmdMoLI/AAAAAAAACpM/lCZS70lD-oc/s1600-h/16543_703253227900_16911010_41810526_4492450_n.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 266px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_PjNGYr6fVEI/SxqgfmdMoLI/AAAAAAAACpM/lCZS70lD-oc/s400/16543_703253227900_16911010_41810526_4492450_n.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5411814366998470834" /></a></div><div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_PjNGYr6fVEI/SxqgfmdMoLI/AAAAAAAACpM/lCZS70lD-oc/s1600-h/16543_703253227900_16911010_41810526_4492450_n.jpg"></a>Chase with his fried turkey, Karina with her first ever roasted turkey. Delicious!</div><div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_PjNGYr6fVEI/SxqgM9aSLyI/AAAAAAAACpE/HKIptTyRqlM/s1600-h/16543_703253242870_16911010_41810528_5889428_n.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 266px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_PjNGYr6fVEI/SxqgM9aSLyI/AAAAAAAACpE/HKIptTyRqlM/s400/16543_703253242870_16911010_41810528_5889428_n.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5411814046742753058" /></a></div><div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_PjNGYr6fVEI/SxqgM9aSLyI/AAAAAAAACpE/HKIptTyRqlM/s1600-h/16543_703253242870_16911010_41810528_5889428_n.jpg"></a>Getting everything ready to eat.</div><div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_PjNGYr6fVEI/SxqgMiSSd0I/AAAAAAAACo8/eWCyVZaOJsw/s1600-h/16543_703253257840_16911010_41810531_7351362_n.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 266px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_PjNGYr6fVEI/SxqgMiSSd0I/AAAAAAAACo8/eWCyVZaOJsw/s400/16543_703253257840_16911010_41810531_7351362_n.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5411814039461459778" /></a></div><div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_PjNGYr6fVEI/SxqgMiSSd0I/AAAAAAAACo8/eWCyVZaOJsw/s1600-h/16543_703253257840_16911010_41810531_7351362_n.jpg"></a>So much food. SO good. We had EVERYTHING. Mmm.</div><div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_PjNGYr6fVEI/SxqgMr6UX-I/AAAAAAAACo0/6gvZrogjc_4/s1600-h/16543_703253267820_16911010_41810533_4110455_n.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 266px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_PjNGYr6fVEI/SxqgMr6UX-I/AAAAAAAACo0/6gvZrogjc_4/s400/16543_703253267820_16911010_41810533_4110455_n.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5411814042045276130" /></a></div><div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_PjNGYr6fVEI/SxqgMr6UX-I/AAAAAAAACo0/6gvZrogjc_4/s1600-h/16543_703253267820_16911010_41810533_4110455_n.jpg"></a>Everyone around the table.</div><div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_PjNGYr6fVEI/SxqgMF9irHI/AAAAAAAACos/ElvNXKuokew/s1600-h/16543_703253302750_16911010_41810539_2755682_n.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 325px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_PjNGYr6fVEI/SxqgMF9irHI/AAAAAAAACos/ElvNXKuokew/s400/16543_703253302750_16911010_41810539_2755682_n.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5411814031858248818" /></a></div><div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_PjNGYr6fVEI/SxqgMF9irHI/AAAAAAAACos/ElvNXKuokew/s1600-h/16543_703253302750_16911010_41810539_2755682_n.jpg"></a>Video chatting with my grandparents and family back in Iowa on Thanksgiving. Haha, I didn't warn them I was taking this. :) Sorry...</div><div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_PjNGYr6fVEI/SxqgL_9WcEI/AAAAAAAACok/sAm7d6N4iio/s1600-h/16543_703253282790_16911010_41810535_5555261_n.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 266px; height: 400px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_PjNGYr6fVEI/SxqgL_9WcEI/AAAAAAAACok/sAm7d6N4iio/s400/16543_703253282790_16911010_41810535_5555261_n.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5411814030246834242" /></a></div><div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_PjNGYr6fVEI/SxqgL_9WcEI/AAAAAAAACok/sAm7d6N4iio/s1600-h/16543_703253282790_16911010_41810535_5555261_n.jpg"></a>Getting ready for the A&M/UT game. Can't have a party without queso! Seriously. I am addicted to queso.</div><div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_PjNGYr6fVEI/SxqfyHynpQI/AAAAAAAACoc/st1ZB0de2mU/s1600-h/16543_706084598810_16911010_41871131_2449577_n.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 266px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_PjNGYr6fVEI/SxqfyHynpQI/AAAAAAAACoc/st1ZB0de2mU/s400/16543_706084598810_16911010_41871131_2449577_n.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5411813585672709378" /></a></div><div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_PjNGYr6fVEI/SxqfyHynpQI/AAAAAAAACoc/st1ZB0de2mU/s1600-h/16543_706084598810_16911010_41871131_2449577_n.jpg"></a>Day two of eating/celebrating was Chase's bday. Started out the evening with crab legs in the backyard.</div><div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_PjNGYr6fVEI/Sxqfx89ac0I/AAAAAAAACoU/w3W-XogBK4o/s1600-h/16543_706084558890_16911010_41871123_6028675_n.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 267px; height: 400px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_PjNGYr6fVEI/Sxqfx89ac0I/AAAAAAAACoU/w3W-XogBK4o/s400/16543_706084558890_16911010_41871123_6028675_n.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5411813582765192002" /></a></div><div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_PjNGYr6fVEI/Sxqfx89ac0I/AAAAAAAACoU/w3W-XogBK4o/s1600-h/16543_706084558890_16911010_41871123_6028675_n.jpg"></a>The tallest and shortest at the party. So cute.</div><div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_PjNGYr6fVEI/SxqfxjweBuI/AAAAAAAACoM/Ca6FhEp9_sI/s1600-h/16543_706084593820_16911010_41871130_7881978_n.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 266px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_PjNGYr6fVEI/SxqfxjweBuI/AAAAAAAACoM/Ca6FhEp9_sI/s400/16543_706084593820_16911010_41871130_7881978_n.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5411813576000014050" /></a></div><div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_PjNGYr6fVEI/SxqfxjweBuI/AAAAAAAACoM/Ca6FhEp9_sI/s1600-h/16543_706084593820_16911010_41871130_7881978_n.jpg"></a>Karina's grandma Evelyn. :)</div><div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_PjNGYr6fVEI/SxqfxDyvJXI/AAAAAAAACoE/CjVMvpJKvUY/s1600-h/16543_706084633740_16911010_41871138_7987124_n.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 266px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_PjNGYr6fVEI/SxqfxDyvJXI/AAAAAAAACoE/CjVMvpJKvUY/s400/16543_706084633740_16911010_41871138_7987124_n.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5411813567419590002" /></a></div><div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_PjNGYr6fVEI/SxqfxDyvJXI/AAAAAAAACoE/CjVMvpJKvUY/s1600-h/16543_706084633740_16911010_41871138_7987124_n.jpg"></a>The grandkiddos.</div><div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_PjNGYr6fVEI/SxqfwFnifoI/AAAAAAAACn8/LbMfyMu51dQ/s1600-h/Picture+5.png"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 299px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_PjNGYr6fVEI/SxqfwFnifoI/AAAAAAAACn8/LbMfyMu51dQ/s400/Picture+5.png" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5411813550729625218" /></a><br /><div>A cute little package from my mama. :)</div><div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_PjNGYr6fVEI/Su9YVI7teZI/AAAAAAAACnE/InRWUwVMDRI/s1600-h/13941_696225077370_16911010_41567280_4748406_n.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 299px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_PjNGYr6fVEI/Su9YVI7teZI/AAAAAAAACnE/InRWUwVMDRI/s400/13941_696225077370_16911010_41567280_4748406_n.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5399631598438939026" /></a><div>I mentioned that Chase got a new home, but so did Karina. And it is CUTE! She hosted a Halloween eve housewarming party - and made a TON of fabulous food.</div><div><div><br /></div><div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_PjNGYr6fVEI/Su9YU2bu6VI/AAAAAAAACm8/tOC5bjzXI_Q/s1600-h/13941_696230376750_16911010_41567666_5504795_n.jpg" style="text-decoration: none;"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 193px; height: 400px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_PjNGYr6fVEI/Su9YU2bu6VI/AAAAAAAACm8/tOC5bjzXI_Q/s400/13941_696230376750_16911010_41567666_5504795_n.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5399631593472977234" /></a></div><div>Our last minute, low budget Halloween costumes. :) Since I couldn't find the bright yellow hair I needed to be the Lichtenstein painting girl I just went as "pop art." </div><div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_PjNGYr6fVEI/Su9YUtWt6cI/AAAAAAAACm0/-9sKqiqHyRQ/s1600-h/13941_696225097330_16911010_41567283_4443105_n.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 301px; height: 400px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_PjNGYr6fVEI/Su9YUtWt6cI/AAAAAAAACm0/-9sKqiqHyRQ/s400/13941_696225097330_16911010_41567283_4443105_n.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5399631591036021186" /></a></div><div>Nate as "the captain's quarter." I love this. Gotta love an abstract costume.</div><div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_PjNGYr6fVEI/Su9YUaNBjlI/AAAAAAAACms/9wO4CA1XQlg/s1600-h/13941_696232562370_16911010_41567796_7494455_n.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_PjNGYr6fVEI/Su9YUaNBjlI/AAAAAAAACms/9wO4CA1XQlg/s400/13941_696232562370_16911010_41567796_7494455_n.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5399631585895091794" /></a></div><div>A toast, to halloween and some seriously awesome friends.</div><div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_PjNGYr6fVEI/Su9YUAsGm5I/AAAAAAAACmk/pTYpn9UYwV8/s1600-h/13941_696233226040_16911010_41567808_4146344_n.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 301px; height: 400px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_PjNGYr6fVEI/Su9YUAsGm5I/AAAAAAAACmk/pTYpn9UYwV8/s400/13941_696233226040_16911010_41567808_4146344_n.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5399631579046124434" /></a></div><div>Lizzie as the fabulous Audrey Hepburn.</div><div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_PjNGYr6fVEI/Su9YF8mbmBI/AAAAAAAACmc/hYtePDy4JaQ/s1600-h/13941_696225072380_16911010_41567279_8164002_n.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 299px; height: 400px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_PjNGYr6fVEI/Su9YF8mbmBI/AAAAAAAACmc/hYtePDy4JaQ/s400/13941_696225072380_16911010_41567279_8164002_n.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5399631337430423570" /></a></div><div>Karina made us more food. </div><div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_PjNGYr6fVEI/Su9YFm4HfZI/AAAAAAAACmU/CsvcLKbxB3o/s1600-h/13941_696225042440_16911010_41567274_474500_n.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 301px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_PjNGYr6fVEI/Su9YFm4HfZI/AAAAAAAACmU/CsvcLKbxB3o/s400/13941_696225042440_16911010_41567274_474500_n.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5399631331599023506" /></a></div><div>Chase and Karina, the "cookie scout" and the boy scout.</div><div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_PjNGYr6fVEI/Su9YFm6ljsI/AAAAAAAACmM/M65sI6Ye3q4/s1600-h/13941_696225027470_16911010_41567271_625725_n.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_PjNGYr6fVEI/Su9YFm6ljsI/AAAAAAAACmM/M65sI6Ye3q4/s400/13941_696225027470_16911010_41567271_625725_n.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5399631331609382594" /></a></div><div>Out people watching at Aria.</div><div><br /></div><div><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 299px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_PjNGYr6fVEI/Su9ZLIRI4OI/AAAAAAAACnU/ClQm6j1iJyY/s400/13941_696225012500_16911010_41567269_6505575_n.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5399632525973315810" /></div><div>Probably my favorite...</div><div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_PjNGYr6fVEI/Su9YFWXqVGI/AAAAAAAACmE/1xwRsf4yGDI/s1600-h/13941_696225017490_16911010_41567270_4258113_n.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_PjNGYr6fVEI/Su9YFWXqVGI/AAAAAAAACmE/1xwRsf4yGDI/s400/13941_696225017490_16911010_41567270_4258113_n.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5399631327167927394" /></a></div><div>We got a nice one too though. :)</div><div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_PjNGYr6fVEI/Su9YFHSv1AI/AAAAAAAACl8/bFIQmZp2ZsQ/s1600-h/13941_696225002520_16911010_41567267_1637807_n.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 299px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_PjNGYr6fVEI/Su9YFHSv1AI/AAAAAAAACl8/bFIQmZp2ZsQ/s400/13941_696225002520_16911010_41567267_1637807_n.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5399631323120784386" /></a><br /></div><div>Not sure what Nate is so nervous about.</div></div></div><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_PjNGYr6fVEI/SvCRCZDG4hI/AAAAAAAACns/UDkx9pKsHpQ/s1600-h/SSPX0700.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_PjNGYr6fVEI/SvCRCZDG4hI/AAAAAAAACns/UDkx9pKsHpQ/s400/SSPX0700.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5399975423486910994" /></a><div>Since we're eating at home a lot more, we're trying to make it fun at least. Good thing Brooke and Wil are so much fun...and conveniently live across the hall...and have the cutest baby EVER. This night we made homemade pizzas.</div><div><br /></div><div><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_PjNGYr6fVEI/SvCRwP537II/AAAAAAAACn0/XsEoJspytqY/s400/SSPX0697.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5399976211306245250" /></div><div>It actually ended up being a log harder than we thought haha.</div><div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_PjNGYr6fVEI/SvCQyk_UeZI/AAAAAAAACnk/bquYyZISqpI/s1600-h/SSPX0696.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_PjNGYr6fVEI/SvCQyk_UeZI/AAAAAAAACnk/bquYyZISqpI/s400/SSPX0696.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5399975151814343058" /></a><div>Annsley laughing super hard even though she was sooo tired. Such a cutie!</div></div></div></div>Mrs. Rippkehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17523287464405486664noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5132975223339810605.post-24970455131481203052009-10-26T16:50:00.005-05:002009-11-02T16:04:51.573-06:00don't even worry about the umbrella<div>I don't know if this officially ended the drought or not but it certainly flooded our yard, parking lot, and roads back to work within a matter of minutes...and if they actually had basements down here it probably would've been bad news. </div><div><br /></div><div>Now if only it were the weekend we could've snuggled up with the pups and a nice cup of tea...</div><div><br /></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_PjNGYr6fVEI/SuYZqan7TuI/AAAAAAAAClw/HqwioTqMS7c/s1600-h/11344_694518682000_16911010_41507228_2689916_n.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 600px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_PjNGYr6fVEI/SuYZqan7TuI/AAAAAAAAClw/HqwioTqMS7c/s800/11344_694518682000_16911010_41507228_2689916_n.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5397029419942104802" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_PjNGYr6fVEI/SuYZqH-uAjI/AAAAAAAAClo/tidmG0FlnNM/s1600-h/11344_694518677010_16911010_41507227_4088794_n.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 266px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_PjNGYr6fVEI/SuYZqH-uAjI/AAAAAAAAClo/tidmG0FlnNM/s400/11344_694518677010_16911010_41507227_4088794_n.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5397029414937428530" /></a>Mrs. Rippkehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17523287464405486664noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5132975223339810605.post-78725697012653968902009-09-30T09:49:00.047-05:002009-10-16T14:32:35.192-05:00i'll take mine scattered, covered, and pickled please<div>Well, we made it back from Nashville in one piece. What an excellent city to spend a week in. For those of you who haven't been to Nashville, I think if you mixed Austin, Omaha, and Kansas City you'd end up with something pretty similar. Completely unique, but similarly comfortable. If you haven't been to all of those cities, well, then I can't help you much. But anywho, the landscape is absolutely beautiful. It's not quite <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic;">in</span> the mountains, but it's definitely hilly. You know, like you'd want to make sure your bike brakes were in really good shape before cycling your way around the city. And even though it rained almost the entire time we were there, it was still lovely. </div><div><br /></div><div>When we got to TN we spent the afternoon in Memphis. It started pouring though, so our visit got cut a little short. But we managed to make it to a rather quiet Beale Street and Sun Studio before we had to make our way East.</div><div><br /></div><div>Our friends, Paul and Lisa, moved to Nashville right around the same time we left Iowa and they were kind enough to show us around some of their favorite parts of the city. Nate and Paul recorded some music (why the heck not, it is Nashville after all), and I do believe that Nate now has himself a "long distance band." I know we're both looking forward to hearing the new tracks.</div><div><br /></div><div>Most of our time was spent driving around exploring the city. We went down music row and Nate showed me where the label he (38th Parallel) used to be on. And I <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic;">finally</span> got to meet his friend Anita, from back in the 38th days (and his <a href="http://www.springboardentertainment.com/">Springboard Entertainment</a> internship). </div><div><br /></div><div>The highlight of the trip (for me anyways) was definitely our trip to Financial Peace Plaza to watch the <a href="http://daveramsey.com/">Dave Ramsey Show</a> live. This has been something I've wanted to do since we started listening to the show over a year ago. It was pretty spectacular. Everyone that worked there was super welcoming. There was a little cafe, and an area where Nate and I could hang out and watch the show for a bit. I was like a geeky, giddy, little kid. I admit, I was ridiculous. But then...I got to meet Dave. Yep, we met him. It was awesome. Really really really awesome. Best part of the trip.</div><div><br /></div><div>The second highlight of the trip...Waffle House...mmmm diner food.</div><div><br /></div><div>On our way home from Nashville we met up with Nate's mom and sister for a family wedding just outside of Dallas. I got to meet some of Nathan's family members I hadn't ever met before. I'm still working on everyone's names...but I think I'm getting it down. We were glad to get to spend the weekend with everyone. Getting to see family is always nice. :) Especially when it's for a giant party.</div><div><br /></div><div>Upon our arrival back to the real world (Corpus Christi), Nate and I had some dachshund business to take care of. Izzy had her second round of shots. We avoided any allergic reactions this time so it looks like splitting the vaccines will probably work for her from now on. Bean had a slightly more major vet trip this past week. She had some baby teeth pulled that had refused to fall out on their own over the last year and a half or so. Not exactly pleasant for her...but necessary none the less. The meds of course made her a little slower than usual, but they didn't stop her from running strait to a bone she'd secretly hidden away the instant she got home. We put a quick end to that. Apparently two holes in her mouth doesn't even slow her down...</div><div><br /></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_PjNGYr6fVEI/SspOfmM-jII/AAAAAAAAClA/hN58eUZL9lw/s1600-h/7619_688012450540_16911010_41283469_995119_n.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 299px; height: 400px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_PjNGYr6fVEI/SspOfmM-jII/AAAAAAAAClA/hN58eUZL9lw/s400/7619_688012450540_16911010_41283469_995119_n.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5389206208840109186" /></a><div>Beanie with her IV bandage.</div><div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_PjNGYr6fVEI/SspOfYAxi9I/AAAAAAAACk4/Ku9TJFzlV30/s1600-h/7619_688012445550_16911010_41283468_4584580_n.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 299px; height: 400px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_PjNGYr6fVEI/SspOfYAxi9I/AAAAAAAACk4/Ku9TJFzlV30/s400/7619_688012445550_16911010_41283468_4584580_n.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5389206205030829010" /></a></div><div>So sleepy and woosie from anesthesia.</div><div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_PjNGYr6fVEI/SsNyCcL_OoI/AAAAAAAACkw/CEUfeo42ECE/s1600-h/7619_685122866290_16911010_41174377_8184024_n.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_PjNGYr6fVEI/SsNyCcL_OoI/AAAAAAAACkw/CEUfeo42ECE/s400/7619_685122866290_16911010_41174377_8184024_n.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5387274965517023874" /></a></div><div>On the road...a super old gas pump somewhere in the Eastern part of TX.</div><div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_PjNGYr6fVEI/SsNyB_fUHYI/AAAAAAAACko/Pu8hrdQVsmQ/s1600-h/7619_685122876270_16911010_41174378_3648369_n.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 301px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_PjNGYr6fVEI/SsNyB_fUHYI/AAAAAAAACko/Pu8hrdQVsmQ/s400/7619_685122876270_16911010_41174378_3648369_n.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5387274957813456258" /></a></div><div>Rain greeted us as we entered Tennessee.</div><div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_PjNGYr6fVEI/SsNyBmLKJWI/AAAAAAAACkg/ROvTEnfin8Q/s1600-h/7619_685122896230_16911010_41174382_6422925_n.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_PjNGYr6fVEI/SsNyBmLKJWI/AAAAAAAACkg/ROvTEnfin8Q/s400/7619_685122896230_16911010_41174382_6422925_n.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5387274951018030434" /></a></div><div>Beale Street is pretty quiet on a Sunday morning.</div><div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_PjNGYr6fVEI/SsNyBeTwAVI/AAAAAAAACkY/Yqg7vHqLZB0/s1600-h/7619_685122931160_16911010_41174388_6585095_n.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 302px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_PjNGYr6fVEI/SsNyBeTwAVI/AAAAAAAACkY/Yqg7vHqLZB0/s400/7619_685122931160_16911010_41174388_6585095_n.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5387274948906582354" /></a></div><div>Sun Studio. Memphis, TN</div><div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_PjNGYr6fVEI/SsNxyODP2AI/AAAAAAAACkQ/Fj1rWHw0Bhc/s1600-h/7619_685122936150_16911010_41174389_3910442_n.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 301px; height: 400px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_PjNGYr6fVEI/SsNxyODP2AI/AAAAAAAACkQ/Fj1rWHw0Bhc/s400/7619_685122936150_16911010_41174389_3910442_n.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5387274686844360706" /></a></div><div>Nate checking out some Elvis and Johnny Cash in Sun Studio.</div><div><br /><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 298px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_PjNGYr6fVEI/SsNxjwryQ7I/AAAAAAAACjg/CBM8XOiIhbw/s400/7619_685123006010_16911010_41174402_7418919_n.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5387274438443156402" /></div><div>Downtown Nashville.</div><div><br /></div><div><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 299px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_PjNGYr6fVEI/SsNxjSOqABI/AAAAAAAACjY/IdImwj-7zr8/s400/7619_685123011000_16911010_41174403_8309582_n.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5387274430267916306" /></div><div>Some interesting buildings downtown.</div><div><br /></div><div><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 301px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_PjNGYr6fVEI/SsNxx9Zt0VI/AAAAAAAACkI/CXM1GLCecIY/s400/7619_685122946130_16911010_41174391_5916478_n.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5387274682375197010" /></div><div>My first Waffle House trip. They made me wear a hat since I was "Waffle House virgin."</div><div><br /></div><div><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 298px; height: 400px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_PjNGYr6fVEI/SsNxxT3LAOI/AAAAAAAACkA/f4IfumfHESg/s400/7619_685122951120_16911010_41174392_3527520_n.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5387274671224455394" /></div><div>Nate wore one too so I wasn't the only one. :)</div><div><br /></div><div><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 298px; height: 400px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_PjNGYr6fVEI/SspVtJ_jQyI/AAAAAAAAClI/rDfOPjNpU98/s400/7619_685122976070_16911010_41174396_8108538_n.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5389214138367165218" /><br /></div><div>I'm a regular now...</div><div><br /></div><div><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 295px; height: 400px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_PjNGYr6fVEI/SsNxxKbqrCI/AAAAAAAACj4/8Rv1V0u8aVw/s400/7619_685122956110_16911010_41174393_2536357_n.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5387274668693171234" /></div><div>Mmmm, diner coffee.</div><div><br /></div><div><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 297px; height: 400px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_PjNGYr6fVEI/SsNxwvPYT8I/AAAAAAAACjw/FwscGkxuKOI/s400/7619_685122961100_16911010_41174394_929530_n.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5387274661393878978" /></div><div>Scattered, smothered, covered, chucked, and pickled. We owe this idea to our fabulous neighbor, Wil. Genius. </div><div><br /></div><div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_PjNGYr6fVEI/SsNxwvPYT8I/AAAAAAAACjw/FwscGkxuKOI/s1600-h/7619_685122961100_16911010_41174394_929530_n.jpg"></a></div><div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_PjNGYr6fVEI/SsNxkFvJOhI/AAAAAAAACjo/WWFGq2MnkKs/s1600-h/7619_685122971080_16911010_41174395_2826830_n.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 285px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_PjNGYr6fVEI/SsNxkFvJOhI/AAAAAAAACjo/WWFGq2MnkKs/s400/7619_685122971080_16911010_41174395_2826830_n.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5387274444094388754" /></a><br />Our Waffle House date. The first of what I assume will be many...<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_PjNGYr6fVEI/SsNxjF1KvHI/AAAAAAAACjQ/3EIu7g8QSQY/s1600-h/7619_685123015990_16911010_41174404_70372_n.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 266px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_PjNGYr6fVEI/SsNxjF1KvHI/AAAAAAAACjQ/3EIu7g8QSQY/s400/7619_685123015990_16911010_41174404_70372_n.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5387274426939784306" /></a></div><div>Nashville is green and beautiful. :)</div><div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_PjNGYr6fVEI/SsNxi0UjyqI/AAAAAAAACjI/TnlGGE5CY9E/s1600-h/7619_685123025970_16911010_41174405_1370360_n.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 265px; height: 400px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_PjNGYr6fVEI/SsNxi0UjyqI/AAAAAAAACjI/TnlGGE5CY9E/s400/7619_685123025970_16911010_41174405_1370360_n.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5387274422239611554" /></a><br />Delicious ham, pineapple, and green olive pizza in Franklin, TN.</div><div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_PjNGYr6fVEI/SsNxPlMQ0GI/AAAAAAAACi4/GVIi8dvJz_c/s1600-h/7619_685700563580_16911010_41195788_4856924_n.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 299px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_PjNGYr6fVEI/SsNxPlMQ0GI/AAAAAAAACi4/GVIi8dvJz_c/s400/7619_685700563580_16911010_41195788_4856924_n.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5387274091760767074" /></a></div><div>Nate and Anita (from Springboard Entertainment) at the Rose Pepper.</div><div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_PjNGYr6fVEI/SsNxPGH-zkI/AAAAAAAACiw/yAMxgIa_AWg/s1600-h/7619_685700568570_16911010_41195789_3586203_n.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 299px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_PjNGYr6fVEI/SsNxPGH-zkI/AAAAAAAACiw/yAMxgIa_AWg/s400/7619_685700568570_16911010_41195789_3586203_n.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5387274083421310530" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_PjNGYr6fVEI/SspVtpXGZwI/AAAAAAAAClQ/rwpUCDSu1_g/s400/7619_685700533640_16911010_41195783_4986471_n.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5389214146787436290" /></div><div>Pie n' pint night at the Family Wash. Good food, good live music, and good company.</div><div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_PjNGYr6fVEI/SsNxOwzHl2I/AAAAAAAACio/j6NNHPJ-FuA/s1600-h/7619_685700623460_16911010_41195798_7139267_n.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_PjNGYr6fVEI/SsNxOwzHl2I/AAAAAAAACio/j6NNHPJ-FuA/s400/7619_685700623460_16911010_41195798_7139267_n.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5387274077696661346" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 301px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_PjNGYr6fVEI/SspV0CPfLxI/AAAAAAAAClY/9ZNy-MLloys/s400/7619_685700618470_16911010_41195797_6651022_n.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5389214256545607442" /></div><div>Oh yeah. The highlight of the trip.</div><div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_PjNGYr6fVEI/SsNxOogAiEI/AAAAAAAACig/v-ud4MvlPqY/s1600-h/7619_685700588530_16911010_41195792_6835414_n.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 298px; height: 400px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_PjNGYr6fVEI/SsNxOogAiEI/AAAAAAAACig/v-ud4MvlPqY/s400/7619_685700588530_16911010_41195792_6835414_n.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5387274075469023298" /></a></div><div>Nate watching Dave live at FPP.</div><div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_PjNGYr6fVEI/SsNw8FbrIBI/AAAAAAAACiY/pOhhAqNmgvs/s1600-h/7619_685700598510_16911010_41195794_5266564_n.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 301px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_PjNGYr6fVEI/SsNw8FbrIBI/AAAAAAAACiY/pOhhAqNmgvs/s400/7619_685700598510_16911010_41195794_5266564_n.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5387273756817956882" /></a></div><div>Dave doing the radio show.</div><div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_PjNGYr6fVEI/SsNw7oVKq9I/AAAAAAAACiQ/Ya9DjZRUxuc/s1600-h/7619_685700608490_16911010_41195795_7626892_n.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 350px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_PjNGYr6fVEI/SsNw7oVKq9I/AAAAAAAACiQ/Ya9DjZRUxuc/s400/7619_685700608490_16911010_41195795_7626892_n.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5387273749006035922" /></a></div><div>This was my favorite part of the trip.</div><div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_PjNGYr6fVEI/SsNw7X5zufI/AAAAAAAACiI/MECwIPJ9cg0/s1600-h/7619_685700613480_16911010_41195796_6391133_n.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_PjNGYr6fVEI/SsNw7X5zufI/AAAAAAAACiI/MECwIPJ9cg0/s400/7619_685700613480_16911010_41195796_6391133_n.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5387273744596318706" /></a></div><div>Me and Dave. I was too chicken to ask for one when we met him...</div><div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_PjNGYr6fVEI/SsNw7ETOCaI/AAAAAAAACiA/WazMwuur584/s1600-h/7619_685700643420_16911010_41195802_3086786_n.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 301px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_PjNGYr6fVEI/SsNw7ETOCaI/AAAAAAAACiA/WazMwuur584/s400/7619_685700643420_16911010_41195802_3086786_n.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5387273739334191522" /></a></div><div>Nate and I at the Opry Hotel.</div><div><br /></div><div><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 298px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_PjNGYr6fVEI/SspV5eFp2-I/AAAAAAAAClg/Pdn92qO0WXE/s400/7619_685700638430_16911010_41195801_7690781_n.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5389214349919902690" /></div><div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_PjNGYr6fVEI/SsNw6qx4CwI/AAAAAAAACh4/VwuWaYbb0E8/s1600-h/7619_685700653400_16911010_41195804_7604349_n.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_PjNGYr6fVEI/SsNw6qx4CwI/AAAAAAAACh4/VwuWaYbb0E8/s400/7619_685700653400_16911010_41195804_7604349_n.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5387273732483451650" /></a></div><div>Downtown Nashville.</div><div><br /></div><div><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 299px; height: 400px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_PjNGYr6fVEI/SsNxP4-D-eI/AAAAAAAACjA/c6Bf_nuIGsg/s400/7619_685700518670_16911010_41195780_2155975_n.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5387274097069914594" /></div><div>Hanging out with Paul at 3 Crow Bar in East Nashville.</div><div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_PjNGYr6fVEI/SsNwk40D2pI/AAAAAAAAChw/xEju40tzLW0/s1600-h/7619_685710768130_16911010_41196261_5781745_n.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 299px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_PjNGYr6fVEI/SsNwk40D2pI/AAAAAAAAChw/xEju40tzLW0/s400/7619_685710768130_16911010_41196261_5781745_n.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5387273358293588626" /></a></div><div>Same deal...</div><div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_PjNGYr6fVEI/SsNwkb6EZfI/AAAAAAAACho/NJUBONBwAWw/s1600-h/7619_685710773120_16911010_41196262_245452_n.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 265px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_PjNGYr6fVEI/SsNwkb6EZfI/AAAAAAAACho/NJUBONBwAWw/s400/7619_685710773120_16911010_41196262_245452_n.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5387273350534161906" /></a></div><div>Best tobacco sign ever? Probably.</div><div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_PjNGYr6fVEI/SsNwkKpXEDI/AAAAAAAAChg/Xe6xDZFZPs4/s1600-h/7619_685985821920_16911010_41204275_8009857_n.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 298px; height: 400px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_PjNGYr6fVEI/SsNwkKpXEDI/AAAAAAAAChg/Xe6xDZFZPs4/s400/7619_685985821920_16911010_41204275_8009857_n.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5387273345900679218" /></a></div><div>The most ridiculous album cover...and band name.</div><div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_PjNGYr6fVEI/SsNwj3EXcyI/AAAAAAAAChY/pW1QIQ0jCqE/s1600-h/7619_685985841880_16911010_41204278_2639919_n.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 301px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_PjNGYr6fVEI/SsNwj3EXcyI/AAAAAAAAChY/pW1QIQ0jCqE/s400/7619_685985841880_16911010_41204278_2639919_n.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5387273340645241634" /></a></div><div>Nate at the Yazoo brewery in Nashville.</div><div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_PjNGYr6fVEI/SsNwjoISIJI/AAAAAAAAChQ/B27vf8ixs1s/s1600-h/7619_685985866830_16911010_41204282_8275684_n.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_PjNGYr6fVEI/SsNwjoISIJI/AAAAAAAAChQ/B27vf8ixs1s/s400/7619_685985866830_16911010_41204282_8275684_n.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5387273336635138194" /></a></div><div>Nate and Paul enjoying a couple of pints of Yazoo.</div><div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_PjNGYr6fVEI/SsNwUW8r-pI/AAAAAAAAChI/1B9DRNXcYUA/s1600-h/7619_686437167420_16911010_41221512_2898220_n.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 298px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_PjNGYr6fVEI/SsNwUW8r-pI/AAAAAAAAChI/1B9DRNXcYUA/s400/7619_686437167420_16911010_41221512_2898220_n.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5387273074325060242" /></a></div><div>Waiting for the reception to start (Rockwall, TX).</div><div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_PjNGYr6fVEI/SsNwUD-u-UI/AAAAAAAAChA/jT-KG3ynxy0/s1600-h/7619_686437172410_16911010_41221513_8058257_n.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 299px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_PjNGYr6fVEI/SsNwUD-u-UI/AAAAAAAAChA/jT-KG3ynxy0/s400/7619_686437172410_16911010_41221513_8058257_n.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5387273069233371458" /></a></div><div>Me, Nate, and Nate's sis Jamie.</div><div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_PjNGYr6fVEI/SsNwThSbFQI/AAAAAAAACg4/NOwfksMdy6E/s1600-h/7619_686437192370_16911010_41221517_3780962_n.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 299px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_PjNGYr6fVEI/SsNwThSbFQI/AAAAAAAACg4/NOwfksMdy6E/s400/7619_686437192370_16911010_41221517_3780962_n.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5387273059920712962" /></a></div><div>Nate, Me, Becki (my mother-in-law), and Jamie</div><div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_PjNGYr6fVEI/SsNwTb641QI/AAAAAAAACgw/YQBfZOgpGLM/s1600-h/7619_686437202350_16911010_41221519_1952160_n.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 301px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_PjNGYr6fVEI/SsNwTb641QI/AAAAAAAACgw/YQBfZOgpGLM/s400/7619_686437202350_16911010_41221519_1952160_n.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5387273058479822082" /></a><br /></div><div>Mashed potatoes in a martini glass. Mmmm.</div>Mrs. Rippkehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17523287464405486664noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5132975223339810605.post-84402546341819357892009-08-30T20:33:00.005-05:002009-10-06T10:35:49.112-05:00i wonder how you'd log my bday as a star date...<div>August has flown by for us down here. It seems like the weeks are going by faster and faster, and we are getting busier and busier. We shot the cover for the next issue of The One, which comes out in October. The main prop this time was an excellent old car. I wish I knew enough about cars to tell you what it is...but I don't...so you can just look at the pictures and take your best guess. We also took the magazine to two summer wedding fairs, and will be attending the winter one as well.<br /></div><div><br /></div><div> </div><div>Annnd, it happened. I turned twenty-five. Ick. And it was on a Monday. Boo. But Nate threw me an excellent little birthday party. I had mentioned a while back that I wanted a spongebob and star trek birthday...and he totally delivered. You're never too old for spongebob. </div><div> </div><div><br /></div><div>Never. </div><div> </div><div><br /></div><div>And Cap't Picard, you're always welcome at my birthday parties.</div><div><br /></div><div> </div><div>We didn't get to celebrate for long though. Little Beanie ween managed to give us quite a scare and we spent most of my birthday evening in the ER vet clinic getting her leg/back checked out. Fortunately it was just a sprain or something and not her back. And it slowed her down for a grand total of about 19 seconds before she was back harassing her older sister...ugh, the crazy beast needs to take a chill pill.</div><div><br /></div><div> </div><div>Next month Nate and I are heading to Nashville for our first vacation (just the two of us) since our honeymoon. CAN NOT WAIT! It'll be my first time to the city, but I already know I'm going to love it. And yes, we will be making a trip to Financial Peace Plaza. Hopefully <a href="http://daveramsey.com/">Dave Ramsey</a> will be doing the show live that week. Feel free to let me know if you've got any must see/dos! We're starting to get our plans figured out.</div><div> </div><div><br /></div><div>Might as well start out with super cute pics of a dachshund...</div><div><br /></div><div> </div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_PjNGYr6fVEI/SpsXAP9HAuI/AAAAAAAACgg/h7O2yuXuA18/s1600-h/Picture+24.png"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 600px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_PjNGYr6fVEI/SpsXAP9HAuI/AAAAAAAACgg/h7O2yuXuA18/s800/Picture+24.png" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5375915873247101666" /></a><div>Beanie ween taking a Sunday nap.</div><div><br /></div><div> <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_PjNGYr6fVEI/SpsW-ak8fAI/AAAAAAAACgY/Gyt4bNSGG3Y/s1600-h/Picture+26.png"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 266px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_PjNGYr6fVEI/SpsW-ak8fAI/AAAAAAAACgY/Gyt4bNSGG3Y/s400/Picture+26.png" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5375915841738800130" /></a></div><div>Ridiculous.</div><div><br /></div><div> <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(85, 26, 139); text-decoration: underline;"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 579px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_PjNGYr6fVEI/SpskCefZA1I/AAAAAAAACgo/5LgPhR0ws9A/s800/Picture+27.png" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5375930205159883602" /> </span></div><div>Nicki Bursae and I taking advantage of the photobooth at the wedding fair. </div><div><br /></div><div><div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_PjNGYr6fVEI/SpsTXKoWuGI/AAAAAAAACgI/1YHCGou9RU4/s1600-h/Picture+23.png"></a> <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_PjNGYr6fVEI/SpsS62An2fI/AAAAAAAACgA/3DnGcUSWreQ/s1600-h/Picture+22.png"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 265px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_PjNGYr6fVEI/SpsS62An2fI/AAAAAAAACgA/3DnGcUSWreQ/s400/Picture+22.png" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5375911382336657906" /></a></div><div>The car's proud parents.</div><div><br /></div><div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_PjNGYr6fVEI/SpsS62An2fI/AAAAAAAACgA/3DnGcUSWreQ/s1600-h/Picture+22.png"></a> <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_PjNGYr6fVEI/SpsS53QElHI/AAAAAAAACf4/AjiKeodGG5A/s1600-h/Picture+15.png"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 600px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_PjNGYr6fVEI/SpsS53QElHI/AAAAAAAACf4/AjiKeodGG5A/s800/Picture+15.png" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5375911365490021490" /></a></div><div>The super cute cover couple, Marcos and Anna.</div><div><br /></div><div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_PjNGYr6fVEI/SpsS53QElHI/AAAAAAAACf4/AjiKeodGG5A/s1600-h/Picture+15.png"></a> <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_PjNGYr6fVEI/SpsS48TTdzI/AAAAAAAACfw/NdNBOmJZ0YA/s1600-h/Picture+16.png"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 600px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_PjNGYr6fVEI/SpsS48TTdzI/AAAAAAAACfw/NdNBOmJZ0YA/s800/Picture+16.png" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5375911349665888050" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_PjNGYr6fVEI/SpsS48TTdzI/AAAAAAAACfw/NdNBOmJZ0YA/s1600-h/Picture+16.png"></a> <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_PjNGYr6fVEI/SpsS4AK7BiI/AAAAAAAACfo/PV9Z27G5nzY/s1600-h/Picture+14.png"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 600px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_PjNGYr6fVEI/SpsS4AK7BiI/AAAAAAAACfo/PV9Z27G5nzY/s800/Picture+14.png" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5375911333524604450" /></a></div><div>The cover was shot by Bellezza Photography</div><div><br /></div><div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_PjNGYr6fVEI/SpsS4AK7BiI/AAAAAAAACfo/PV9Z27G5nzY/s1600-h/Picture+14.png"></a> <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_PjNGYr6fVEI/SpsRdsrRW3I/AAAAAAAACfg/D9xaKzRm1hM/s1600-h/Picture+18.png"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 266px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_PjNGYr6fVEI/SpsRdsrRW3I/AAAAAAAACfg/D9xaKzRm1hM/s400/Picture+18.png" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5375909782103350130" /></a></div><div>Trying to get a shot inside the car.</div><div><br /></div><div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_PjNGYr6fVEI/SpsRdsrRW3I/AAAAAAAACfg/D9xaKzRm1hM/s1600-h/Picture+18.png"></a> <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_PjNGYr6fVEI/SpsRc8PsZnI/AAAAAAAACfY/hS28kH__jy8/s1600-h/Picture+12.png"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 600px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_PjNGYr6fVEI/SpsRc8PsZnI/AAAAAAAACfY/hS28kH__jy8/s800/Picture+12.png" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5375909769102780018" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div> </div><div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_PjNGYr6fVEI/SpsRb848EuI/AAAAAAAACfQ/HrRxUHtU1zA/s1600-h/Picture+9.png"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 266px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_PjNGYr6fVEI/SpsRb848EuI/AAAAAAAACfQ/HrRxUHtU1zA/s400/Picture+9.png" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5375909752095904482" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_PjNGYr6fVEI/SpsRb848EuI/AAAAAAAACfQ/HrRxUHtU1zA/s1600-h/Picture+9.png"></a> <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_PjNGYr6fVEI/SpsRaxa9puI/AAAAAAAACfI/erlBF-jHnI4/s1600-h/Picture+7.png"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 600px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_PjNGYr6fVEI/SpsRaxa9puI/AAAAAAAACfI/erlBF-jHnI4/s800/Picture+7.png" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5375909731837519586" /></a><div> </div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_PjNGYr6fVEI/SpKvhGZcQDI/AAAAAAAACeo/aOi5a6ahazs/s1600-h/5931_673609603960_16911010_40708093_2978238_n.jpg"></a></div><div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_PjNGYr6fVEI/SpKvhGZcQDI/AAAAAAAACeo/aOi5a6ahazs/s1600-h/5931_673609603960_16911010_40708093_2978238_n.jpg" style="text-decoration: none;"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 299px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_PjNGYr6fVEI/SpKvhGZcQDI/AAAAAAAACeo/aOi5a6ahazs/s400/5931_673609603960_16911010_40708093_2978238_n.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5373550288594288690" /></a><div>My chocolate birthday cake made by Karina. :) Thanks lady!! Yummy.</div><div><br /></div><div> <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_PjNGYr6fVEI/SpKvgqSkQSI/AAAAAAAACeg/5pbotuYGhWo/s1600-h/5931_673609623920_16911010_40708097_5357852_n.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 536px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_PjNGYr6fVEI/SpKvgqSkQSI/AAAAAAAACeg/5pbotuYGhWo/s800/5931_673609623920_16911010_40708097_5357852_n.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5373550281049260322" /></a></div><div>Nate threw me the spongebob/star trek bday I always wanted.</div><div><br /></div><div> <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_PjNGYr6fVEI/SpKvft1V-8I/AAAAAAAACeY/YR52ofAC8nQ/s1600-h/5931_673609618930_16911010_40708096_2300871_n.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 535px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_PjNGYr6fVEI/SpKvft1V-8I/AAAAAAAACeY/YR52ofAC8nQ/s800/5931_673609618930_16911010_40708096_2300871_n.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5373550264820562882" /></a></div><div>Complete with brie, champagne, and spongebob plates.</div><div><br /></div><div> <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_PjNGYr6fVEI/SpKvfE3848I/AAAAAAAACeQ/gl5gV1bRqV8/s1600-h/5931_673609598970_16911010_40708092_5480604_n.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 535px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_PjNGYr6fVEI/SpKvfE3848I/AAAAAAAACeQ/gl5gV1bRqV8/s800/5931_673609598970_16911010_40708092_5480604_n.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5373550253825647554" /></a></div><div>Bean scared at the ER, Nate being super bored.</div><div><br /></div><div> <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_PjNGYr6fVEI/SpKveeimNzI/AAAAAAAACeI/XawnYqsk-B4/s1600-h/5931_673000295020_16911010_40679264_3638627_n.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_PjNGYr6fVEI/SpKveeimNzI/AAAAAAAACeI/XawnYqsk-B4/s400/5931_673000295020_16911010_40679264_3638627_n.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5373550243535533874" /></a></div><div>And then taking it easy once home.</div><div><br /></div><div> <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_PjNGYr6fVEI/Sn-GaTIuHcI/AAAAAAAACeA/YTlUpGZHKjI/s1600-h/Picture+16.png"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 538px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_PjNGYr6fVEI/Sn-GaTIuHcI/AAAAAAAACeA/YTlUpGZHKjI/s800/Picture+16.png" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5368157067220491714" /></a></div><div>On the water out in Ingelside to celebrate the Texas A&M graduation.</div><div><br /></div><div> <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_PjNGYr6fVEI/Sn-GZvnnikI/AAAAAAAACd4/svhqDbmES1w/s1600-h/Picture+17.png"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_PjNGYr6fVEI/Sn-GZvnnikI/AAAAAAAACd4/svhqDbmES1w/s400/Picture+17.png" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5368157057686407746" /></a></div><div>The crew, minus the graduation girl. Oops.</div><div><br /></div><div> <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_PjNGYr6fVEI/Sn-GYtrlO-I/AAAAAAAACdw/ElwdZ4kUZno/s1600-h/Picture+20.png"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 298px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_PjNGYr6fVEI/Sn-GYtrlO-I/AAAAAAAACdw/ElwdZ4kUZno/s400/Picture+20.png" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5368157039986293730" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div> <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_PjNGYr6fVEI/Sn-GXxH_ZWI/AAAAAAAACdo/LvB_9C6TVBg/s1600-h/Picture+21.png"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 535px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_PjNGYr6fVEI/Sn-GXxH_ZWI/AAAAAAAACdo/LvB_9C6TVBg/s800/Picture+21.png" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5368157023730885986" /></a></div><div>Graduation girl. Congrats Ashley!</div><div><br /></div><div> <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_PjNGYr6fVEI/Sn-GXZtkD_I/AAAAAAAACdg/X_-GJfCBwnY/s1600-h/ashley_gradinvite.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 266px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_PjNGYr6fVEI/Sn-GXZtkD_I/AAAAAAAACdg/X_-GJfCBwnY/s400/ashley_gradinvite.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5368157017446027250" /></a> </div><div>The grad announcements I designed for her. :)</div><div><br /></div> <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_PjNGYr6fVEI/SpdCvZTMt8I/AAAAAAAACe4/cVzoOcGg7LA/s1600-h/Picture+10.png"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 298px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_PjNGYr6fVEI/SpdCvZTMt8I/AAAAAAAACe4/cVzoOcGg7LA/s400/Picture+10.png" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5374838062302672834" /></a><div>Karina and Chase at the Hooks game. We went to celebrate Karina's new and fabulous JOB! Woooo for employment! And for good friends.</div><div><br /></div><div> <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_PjNGYr6fVEI/SpdCt-pL1_I/AAAAAAAACew/Mty63vR0f_w/s1600-h/Picture+9.png"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 302px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_PjNGYr6fVEI/SpdCt-pL1_I/AAAAAAAACew/Mty63vR0f_w/s400/Picture+9.png" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5374838037967263730" /></a> </div></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div></div>Mrs. Rippkehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17523287464405486664noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5132975223339810605.post-89142846153439138532009-07-28T22:29:00.024-05:002009-10-06T10:41:01.407-05:00360 or bust...or get some stitches<div>I'd have to sit and think about it for a bit, but most likely I'd conclude that the best part about living in Corpus Christi is the ability to go on vacation without having to travel more than an hour from your home. A swimmable beach is only about ten minutes from our apartment, although honestly neither Nate or I are huge friends of salt water. Buuut, fortunately for us we have spectacular friends...and, come to find out, they have a spectacular lake house. A lake house! Fresh water! It almost felt like Iowa...</div><div><br /></div><div>We spent most of the day boating, eating, and meeting some new friends. Karina did have a bit of an accident and ended up needing stitches. :( But don't worry she totally completed her knee boarding 360 beforehand...so all in all it was a successful day. We are so thankful for our friends down here and their awesome families as well.</div><div><br /></div><div>A couple of weeks ago Nate attended the "Voyage: A Journey Through Our Solar System" ribbon cutting ceremony and family star gazing night. The Voyage project is an educational scale model of our solar system. A one ten <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic;">billionth </span>scale model in fact. Space is craaaazy huge.<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic;"> </span>During the morning celebration <a href="http://blogontheuniverse.org/about-drjeff/">Dr. Jeff Goldstein</a>, Center Director for the National Center for Earth and Space Science Education, lead a group of space enthusiasts (Nate included) down the bay front to each of the scale size planetary models where he explained their size, gravity, etc. in relation to each other using landmarks from around our city. I'm kind of bummed I missed out...Nate's been pretty pumped about space ever since<a href="http://blogontheuniverse.org/about-drjeff/">.</a></div><a href="http://blogontheuniverse.org/about-drjeff/"><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 23px; text-decoration: underline;"><br /></span></div></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_PjNGYr6fVEI/Sm_GNfOKEsI/AAAAAAAACdA/WYfzFD6WVpc/s1600-h/Picture+4.png"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 600px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_PjNGYr6fVEI/Sm_GNfOKEsI/AAAAAAAACdA/WYfzFD6WVpc/s800/Picture+4.png" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5363723616243028674" /></a><div>Bean also wants to let you know it's hot down here right now. She got way too tired being out in the heat.</div><div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_PjNGYr6fVEI/Sm_GMuReqoI/AAAAAAAACc4/RT5Rpwibvkc/s1600-h/Picture+3.png"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 600px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_PjNGYr6fVEI/Sm_GMuReqoI/AAAAAAAACc4/RT5Rpwibvkc/s800/Picture+3.png" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5363723603103623810" /></a></div><div>Really really tired...but really really cute. :)<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_PjNGYr6fVEI/Sm_Dl8C3SvI/AAAAAAAACcU/qIpZz3kob84/s1600-h/6451_669866295580_16911010_40556635_7771665_n.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 299px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_PjNGYr6fVEI/Sm_Dl8C3SvI/AAAAAAAACcU/qIpZz3kob84/s400/6451_669866295580_16911010_40556635_7771665_n.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5363720737762265842" /></a></div><div>The Carlisle lake house :) You'll notice the dock is no longer <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic;">in</span> the water...</div><div><br /></div><div><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 301px; height: 400px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_PjNGYr6fVEI/Sm_DzP9aLLI/AAAAAAAACcc/F7bHP6U3BKQ/s400/6451_669866305560_16911010_40556637_1444343_n.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5363720966446394546" /></div><div>Having so much fun on the boat.</div><div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_PjNGYr6fVEI/Sm_WY0iMVtI/AAAAAAAACdY/2gmMcIccLFo/s1600-h/6451_669866375420_16911010_40556647_1199768_n.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 299px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_PjNGYr6fVEI/Sm_WY0iMVtI/AAAAAAAACdY/2gmMcIccLFo/s400/6451_669866375420_16911010_40556647_1199768_n.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5363741403128813266" /></a></div><div>Nate hanging out on the boat.</div><div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_PjNGYr6fVEI/Sm_DlUd18xI/AAAAAAAACcE/RgZEXC-9oDE/s1600-h/6451_669866325520_16911010_40556639_7504215_n.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_PjNGYr6fVEI/Sm_DlUd18xI/AAAAAAAACcE/RgZEXC-9oDE/s400/6451_669866325520_16911010_40556639_7504215_n.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5363720727138005778" /></a></div><div>Cap't Terrel driving while Chase shows off his wake boarding skills.</div><div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_PjNGYr6fVEI/Sm_DlQTUDZI/AAAAAAAACb8/ZprXfmdZnok/s1600-h/6451_669866315540_16911010_40556638_4844616_n.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 387px; height: 400px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_PjNGYr6fVEI/Sm_DlQTUDZI/AAAAAAAACb8/ZprXfmdZnok/s400/6451_669866315540_16911010_40556638_4844616_n.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5363720726020099474" /></a></div><div>Pretty lady Karina</div><div><br /></div><div><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 299px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_PjNGYr6fVEI/Sm_DljGrbyI/AAAAAAAACcM/Xvatu-sYGoQ/s400/6451_669866270630_16911010_40556632_7376228_n.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5363720731067379490" /><br />So, apparently we're having a drought in Texas...</div><div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_PjNGYr6fVEI/Sm_DRycigOI/AAAAAAAACbs/2QBI5LfUYNU/s1600-h/6451_669866445280_16911010_40556659_6722589_n.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 298px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_PjNGYr6fVEI/Sm_DRycigOI/AAAAAAAACbs/2QBI5LfUYNU/s400/6451_669866445280_16911010_40556659_6722589_n.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5363720391588217058" /></a></div><div>Karina sliced her foot while out on the boat and had to go get stitches :(</div><div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_PjNGYr6fVEI/Sm_DRmw1_lI/AAAAAAAACbk/Kj0zrkjloaM/s1600-h/6451_669866440290_16911010_40556658_6316645_n.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 299px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_PjNGYr6fVEI/Sm_DRmw1_lI/AAAAAAAACbk/Kj0zrkjloaM/s400/6451_669866440290_16911010_40556658_6316645_n.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5363720388452154962" /></a></div><div>Our new friends Lizzie and John. Nate's fellow Corpus Christi beardmate.</div><div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_PjNGYr6fVEI/Sm_DRRA0hZI/AAAAAAAACbc/Eikf5jU9qaY/s1600-h/6451_669866485200_16911010_40556666_6384625_n.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_PjNGYr6fVEI/Sm_DRRA0hZI/AAAAAAAACbc/Eikf5jU9qaY/s400/6451_669866485200_16911010_40556666_6384625_n.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5363720382613587346" /></a></div><div>My favorite from the evening.</div><div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_PjNGYr6fVEI/Sm_DRXrzvLI/AAAAAAAACbU/HKWuws1TKUE/s1600-h/6451_669866410350_16911010_40556653_4001413_n.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_PjNGYr6fVEI/Sm_DRXrzvLI/AAAAAAAACbU/HKWuws1TKUE/s400/6451_669866410350_16911010_40556653_4001413_n.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5363720384404503730" /></a></div><div>The view from the house.</div><div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_PjNGYr6fVEI/Sm_DQ82HHcI/AAAAAAAACbM/JgzBucyihkc/s1600-h/6451_669866340490_16911010_40556642_7461640_n.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_PjNGYr6fVEI/Sm_DQ82HHcI/AAAAAAAACbM/JgzBucyihkc/s400/6451_669866340490_16911010_40556642_7461640_n.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5363720377199959490" /></a><br />Ranger looking studly out on the boat. </div><div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_PjNGYr6fVEI/Sm_FAJ6md7I/AAAAAAAACcs/sRN_hDTbih8/s1600-h/voyage-hi-res7.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_PjNGYr6fVEI/Sm_FAJ6md7I/AAAAAAAACcs/sRN_hDTbih8/s400/voyage-hi-res7.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5363722287673931698" /></a></div><div>Dr. Goldstein at the Voyage Solar System ribbon cutting<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_PjNGYr6fVEI/Sm_E_e5TxZI/AAAAAAAACck/Um5Osvg0lpY/s1600-h/voyage-hi-res3.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 600px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_PjNGYr6fVEI/Sm_E_e5TxZI/AAAAAAAACck/Um5Osvg0lpY/s800/voyage-hi-res3.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5363722276125787538" /></a><br />Dr. Goldstein teaching everyone about the solar system.</div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_PjNGYr6fVEI/Sm_OhISv9fI/AAAAAAAACdQ/034lSsDiFdQ/s1600-h/5655_227658680537_172977865537_7606182_7863170_n.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 600px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_PjNGYr6fVEI/Sm_OhISv9fI/AAAAAAAACdQ/034lSsDiFdQ/s800/5655_227658680537_172977865537_7606182_7863170_n.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5363732749778679282" /></a><div>The first few of the planets. The rest literally take you all the way down the bay.</div>Mrs. Rippkehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17523287464405486664noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5132975223339810605.post-69001440792098124002009-07-10T20:52:00.006-05:002009-07-14T10:23:58.906-05:00she's arrived!As promised here are some pics from Annsley's first 36 hours. :) She's pretty cute and snuggly. This is the best type of new neighbor! A huge congrats to Brooke and Wil!<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_PjNGYr6fVEI/Slfy1sUQiyI/AAAAAAAACas/RXioOOr-WoE/s1600-h/DSCN0586.JPG"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_PjNGYr6fVEI/Slfy1sUQiyI/AAAAAAAACas/RXioOOr-WoE/s400/DSCN0586.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5357017286023613218" /></a><div>Annsley MacLaine Spann, born July 9th at 10:51 am</div><div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_PjNGYr6fVEI/Slfy1brR_KI/AAAAAAAACak/yDj7l8txsdM/s1600-h/DSCN0584.JPG"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_PjNGYr6fVEI/Slfy1brR_KI/AAAAAAAACak/yDj7l8txsdM/s400/DSCN0584.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5357017281556774050" /></a></div><div>9lbs 2 oz of cuteness!</div><div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_PjNGYr6fVEI/Slfy1P1I4LI/AAAAAAAACac/RHX26Y-X0Sw/s1600-h/DSCN0580.JPG"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_PjNGYr6fVEI/Slfy1P1I4LI/AAAAAAAACac/RHX26Y-X0Sw/s400/DSCN0580.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5357017278376894642" /></a></div><div>Mama Brooke looking super cute. :)</div><div><br /></div><div><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_PjNGYr6fVEI/Slfy2XxhgnI/AAAAAAAACa8/1I2QY9TFTuc/s400/DSCN0577.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5357017297689084530" /></div><div>Daddy Will who is super excited to be a dad. :)</div><div><br /></div><div><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 399px; height: 300px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_PjNGYr6fVEI/Slf0YqPZFJI/AAAAAAAACbE/8vA6plnMnXA/s400/Picture+16.png" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5357018986273379474" /></div><div>Me meeting Annsley. :) </div><div><br /></div><div><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_PjNGYr6fVEI/Slfy2Gol9cI/AAAAAAAACa0/jPyPa9jIVdw/s400/DSCN0588.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5357017293088224706" /><br />Nate meeting Annsley</div>Mrs. Rippkehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17523287464405486664noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5132975223339810605.post-37465857523951347122009-07-07T14:53:00.023-05:002009-07-09T16:23:05.274-05:00not my chair, not my problem...but we do only have one bathroom...sorry<div>This past week my family (8 of them anyways) came down for a visit. Of course time flew by and the six days were gone before I even knew it...although my gut has not forgotten. :) We eat a lot when we get together. Especially when my mom arrives with a tupperware of <a href="http://www.cooks.com/rec/view/0,1730,148187-238194,00.html">scotcheroos</a>. And then makes the best banana bread I've ever had. Mmmm. Ate it so fast I didn't even get a picture of it...</div><div><br /></div><div>But enough about food. We did more than just stuff our faces...it was actually a pretty relaxing time together. Nothing too caarraazzy <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic;">(Em and Curty, enter lizard accent here)</span>, just lots of youtube, movies, game playing, and some time swimming in the pool and gulf.</div><div><br /></div><div>Plus it was an excellent few days off work and away from the computer.</div><div><br /></div><div>We miss you guys! Come visit again soon!</div><div><br /></div><div>After they left we spent time with Brooke and Wil before baby Annsley's arrival. Buuuuut....as of this morning she's here! And I'm completely excited about my first visit to the hospital to meet her! Pictures coming soon... :)</div><div><br /></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_PjNGYr6fVEI/SlZJ9xdfPMI/AAAAAAAACaU/Roplk8lEuM4/s1600-h/5291_664551681110_16911010_40320905_2599343_n.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_PjNGYr6fVEI/SlZJ9xdfPMI/AAAAAAAACaU/Roplk8lEuM4/s400/5291_664551681110_16911010_40320905_2599343_n.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5356550132401650882" /></a><div>Mm, yes, breaking out the peace sign.</div><div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_PjNGYr6fVEI/SlZJ9l_mdYI/AAAAAAAACaM/Kw3ZFztUNTY/s1600-h/5291_664551676120_16911010_40320904_6710401_n.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_PjNGYr6fVEI/SlZJ9l_mdYI/AAAAAAAACaM/Kw3ZFztUNTY/s400/5291_664551676120_16911010_40320904_6710401_n.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5356550129323505026" /></a></div><div>A delicious family dinner at Carino's. Grace, my mom, and my dad.</div><div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_PjNGYr6fVEI/SlZJ9TtTgLI/AAAAAAAACaE/el_VwTaqZro/s1600-h/5291_664551641190_16911010_40320897_2785236_n.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_PjNGYr6fVEI/SlZJ9TtTgLI/AAAAAAAACaE/el_VwTaqZro/s400/5291_664551641190_16911010_40320897_2785236_n.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5356550124414927026" /></a></div><div>Playing some Loaded Questions. Probably the best game ever. Oh, I also got to meet my lil bro's girlfriend, Emily B. (we call her Em B. since my sis is also Emily)</div><div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_PjNGYr6fVEI/SlZJ9Ofmu-I/AAAAAAAACZ8/IYggUCoiDn8/s1600-h/5291_664551621230_16911010_40320894_6638144_n.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_PjNGYr6fVEI/SlZJ9Ofmu-I/AAAAAAAACZ8/IYggUCoiDn8/s400/5291_664551621230_16911010_40320894_6638144_n.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5356550123015289826" /></a></div><div>Izzy being super cute...Nate's not bad either. :)</div><div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_PjNGYr6fVEI/SlZJ8xv9p1I/AAAAAAAACZ0/-wVdmL0Bd3I/s1600-h/5291_664551611250_16911010_40320892_4193897_n.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_PjNGYr6fVEI/SlZJ8xv9p1I/AAAAAAAACZ0/-wVdmL0Bd3I/s400/5291_664551611250_16911010_40320892_4193897_n.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5356550115299272530" /></a></div><div>Best 4h of July family picture ever.</div><div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_PjNGYr6fVEI/SlZJzN1zHsI/AAAAAAAACZs/Ysf5cygVdTk/s1600-h/5291_664551596280_16911010_40320889_7441944_n.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_PjNGYr6fVEI/SlZJzN1zHsI/AAAAAAAACZs/Ysf5cygVdTk/s400/5291_664551596280_16911010_40320889_7441944_n.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5356549951041248962" /></a></div><div>Dad skim boarding...?</div><div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_PjNGYr6fVEI/SlZJy7fHQnI/AAAAAAAACZk/XcrAu6mJjCU/s1600-h/5291_664551591290_16911010_40320888_6137037_n.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_PjNGYr6fVEI/SlZJy7fHQnI/AAAAAAAACZk/XcrAu6mJjCU/s400/5291_664551591290_16911010_40320888_6137037_n.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5356549946114261618" /></a></div><div>Em and Curtis with some excellent hair.</div><div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_PjNGYr6fVEI/SlZJyx9Aq5I/AAAAAAAACZc/NGCWSDi4nbo/s1600-h/5291_664551571330_16911010_40320886_1777315_n.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_PjNGYr6fVEI/SlZJyx9Aq5I/AAAAAAAACZc/NGCWSDi4nbo/s400/5291_664551571330_16911010_40320886_1777315_n.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5356549943555304338" /></a></div><div>Staying a tad cooler in the shade. Gma Jones, me, my dad, my mom, and Grace.</div><div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_PjNGYr6fVEI/SlZJynUI7RI/AAAAAAAACZU/nEI6YUspjxA/s1600-h/5291_664551551370_16911010_40320882_3365415_n.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_PjNGYr6fVEI/SlZJynUI7RI/AAAAAAAACZU/nEI6YUspjxA/s400/5291_664551551370_16911010_40320882_3365415_n.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5356549940699524370" /></a></div><div>The kiddos.</div><div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_PjNGYr6fVEI/SlZJyOdUheI/AAAAAAAACZM/Z98tc6BgAIQ/s1600-h/5291_664551531410_16911010_40320878_1714087_n.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_PjNGYr6fVEI/SlZJyOdUheI/AAAAAAAACZM/Z98tc6BgAIQ/s400/5291_664551531410_16911010_40320878_1714087_n.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5356549934027146722" /></a></div><div>Swimming in the gulf.</div><div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_PjNGYr6fVEI/SlZJoVEorYI/AAAAAAAACZE/Y-1HlNq4_Xs/s1600-h/5291_664551511450_16911010_40320874_7143761_n.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_PjNGYr6fVEI/SlZJoVEorYI/AAAAAAAACZE/Y-1HlNq4_Xs/s400/5291_664551511450_16911010_40320874_7143761_n.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5356549764003966338" /></a></div><div>So much good mexican food at La Playa. Mmm.</div><div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_PjNGYr6fVEI/SlZJoaQSEwI/AAAAAAAACY8/M7jvzDR2fOU/s1600-h/5291_664551506460_16911010_40320873_1993603_n.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_PjNGYr6fVEI/SlZJoaQSEwI/AAAAAAAACY8/M7jvzDR2fOU/s400/5291_664551506460_16911010_40320873_1993603_n.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5356549765394993922" /></a></div><div>Cutie patooties, Curtis and my sis Emily.</div><div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_PjNGYr6fVEI/SlZJn5jTR0I/AAAAAAAACY0/sOggXfsNHFQ/s1600-h/5291_664551496480_16911010_40320871_5406844_n.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_PjNGYr6fVEI/SlZJn5jTR0I/AAAAAAAACY0/sOggXfsNHFQ/s400/5291_664551496480_16911010_40320871_5406844_n.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5356549756616394562" /></a></div><div>Me and Brooke (and baby Annsley) at Rudy's.</div><div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_PjNGYr6fVEI/SlZJnlHn2TI/AAAAAAAACYs/F5q-EV-WMaE/s1600-h/5291_664551491490_16911010_40320870_7688534_n.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_PjNGYr6fVEI/SlZJnlHn2TI/AAAAAAAACYs/F5q-EV-WMaE/s400/5291_664551491490_16911010_40320870_7688534_n.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5356549751131593010" /></a></div><div>Mmm BBQ. We eat a lot when my family's in town...</div><div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_PjNGYr6fVEI/SlZJnvTRInI/AAAAAAAACYk/aJvMa1JtRTQ/s1600-h/5291_664551471530_16911010_40320866_629117_n.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_PjNGYr6fVEI/SlZJnvTRInI/AAAAAAAACYk/aJvMa1JtRTQ/s400/5291_664551471530_16911010_40320866_629117_n.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5356549753864790642" /></a></div><div>Bean getting so much lovin' from Emily B. and Andrew.</div><div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_PjNGYr6fVEI/SlUSwx-i2BI/AAAAAAAACYc/xrfp0kBnLSQ/s1600-h/SSPX0593.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_PjNGYr6fVEI/SlUSwx-i2BI/AAAAAAAACYc/xrfp0kBnLSQ/s400/SSPX0593.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5356207961085761554" /></a></div><div>Hanging out with Brooke and Wil one last time before Annsley arrives. Wil's going to be a very serious dad...I can totally tell... :)</div><div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_PjNGYr6fVEI/SlUSwtGGDYI/AAAAAAAACYU/0vUSScVfQAc/s1600-h/SSPX0595.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_PjNGYr6fVEI/SlUSwtGGDYI/AAAAAAAACYU/0vUSScVfQAc/s400/SSPX0595.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5356207959775251842" /></a></div><div>Don't look at Nate's cards. He's serious about his Phase 10.</div><div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_PjNGYr6fVEI/SlUSwjJIzII/AAAAAAAACYM/DcjangBCh1c/s1600-h/SSPX0596.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_PjNGYr6fVEI/SlUSwjJIzII/AAAAAAAACYM/DcjangBCh1c/s400/SSPX0596.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5356207957103660162" /></a></div><div>Brooke (and Annsley) playing from the floor. She's going to kill me for this...haha...</div><div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_PjNGYr6fVEI/SlUSwTXi8sI/AAAAAAAACYE/cmYa7ZuDctU/s1600-h/SSPX0598.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_PjNGYr6fVEI/SlUSwTXi8sI/AAAAAAAACYE/cmYa7ZuDctU/s400/SSPX0598.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5356207952869126850" /></a><br />Wil was totally the champ. </div>Mrs. Rippkehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17523287464405486664noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5132975223339810605.post-76038342006136737512009-06-26T17:34:00.003-05:002009-06-26T17:48:44.260-05:00shoot a t-shirt up here rusty<div>This week Nate and I were invited to join some of the good folks from AG|CM for a night of baseball over at Whataburger Field...up in one of the suites. We love the suites. It's definitely the best way to watch a baseball game. Especially when it's hot outside and there are hot dogs waiting for me in the air conditioning. :) So thank you to Ken and the crew for a fantastic evening! </div><div><br /></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_PjNGYr6fVEI/SkU1NloI5-I/AAAAAAAACX0/PXIIsI_nzws/s1600-h/SSPX0586.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_PjNGYr6fVEI/SkU1NloI5-I/AAAAAAAACX0/PXIIsI_nzws/s400/SSPX0586.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5351742239754741730" /></a><div>A beautiful night for a game.</div><div><br /><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_PjNGYr6fVEI/SkU1C6h7UKI/AAAAAAAACXc/zD-uu_s1sNE/s400/SSPX0567.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5351742056387268770" /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_PjNGYr6fVEI/SkU1Da46WnI/AAAAAAAACXs/yyAUZizFDtY/s1600-h/SSPX0582.jpg"></a></div><div>Nate watching the game.</div><div><br /></div><div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_PjNGYr6fVEI/SkU1Da46WnI/AAAAAAAACXs/yyAUZizFDtY/s1600-h/SSPX0582.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_PjNGYr6fVEI/SkU1Da46WnI/AAAAAAAACXs/yyAUZizFDtY/s400/SSPX0582.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5351742065073609330" /></a></div><div>Best seats in the house. :)</div><div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_PjNGYr6fVEI/SkU1DHVksQI/AAAAAAAACXk/c0XCFq8dYU4/s1600-h/SSPX0578.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_PjNGYr6fVEI/SkU1DHVksQI/AAAAAAAACXk/c0XCFq8dYU4/s400/SSPX0578.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5351742059825115394" /></a></div><div>Mmmm nothing like a hot dog at a baseball game.</div><div><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_PjNGYr6fVEI/SkU1Cu91BJI/AAAAAAAACXU/GgI-GAg9vuM/s1600-h/SSPX0575.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_PjNGYr6fVEI/SkU1Cu91BJI/AAAAAAAACXU/GgI-GAg9vuM/s400/SSPX0575.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5351742053283071122" /></a></div><div>Whataburger Field</div><div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_PjNGYr6fVEI/SkU1CkUBiAI/AAAAAAAACXM/KEASvQlw2DY/s1600-h/SSPX0556.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_PjNGYr6fVEI/SkU1CkUBiAI/AAAAAAAACXM/KEASvQlw2DY/s400/SSPX0556.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5351742050423375874" /></a><br /></div><div>Bean being ridiculously cute. Had to grab the phone to snap this one.</div>Mrs. Rippkehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17523287464405486664noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5132975223339810605.post-41324126685808550902009-06-21T20:46:00.018-05:002009-06-22T11:51:19.377-05:00everybody's working for the weekend<div>Nate and I are having a string of fabulous weekends. Mostly in part to our fabulous friends Karina and Chase...and their awesome families. :) LC Rocks (probably the best 80's cover band ever) was in Corpus this weekend. We spent Friday night out with the Paris family living it up and dancing til our feet were sore...or in Karina's case bleeding and broken. Oops.</div><div><br /></div><div>Saturday we spent another perfect day at Chase's dad's house lounging around the pool with more coronas, queso (I may have an addiction), and the BEST low cal margaritas ever. I need to get the recipe from Karina and post it up here for y'all to try. Seriously yummy. Thanks to Chase and Captain Ed (Karina's dad) we enjoyed a fried feast of red fish and chicken, and I got a lesson on frying stuff in your backyard. Yes, the chicken was for us Iowan non seafood eaters (thanks for thinking of us guys!). Although, I think Nate is developing a taste for red fish. He even ate the throat. The throat! Pretty impressed by his bravery.</div><div><br /></div><div>Also, Happy father's day to my pops! Love you and see you in about a week! :)</div><div><br /></div><div><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_PjNGYr6fVEI/Sj7sGM6PJYI/AAAAAAAACXA/NgWXzGO623Y/s400/Picture+4.png" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5349972998651585922" /></div><div>The four of us at Aria. </div><div><br /></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_PjNGYr6fVEI/Sj7lJsSzFFI/AAAAAAAACW4/z1HZoNkyNsc/s1600-h/Picture+3.png"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 301px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_PjNGYr6fVEI/Sj7lJsSzFFI/AAAAAAAACW4/z1HZoNkyNsc/s400/Picture+3.png" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5349965362034316370" /></a><div>Chase, Karina, and Karina's lovely parents - Ed and Barbara. Happy 25th anniversary Ed and Barbara! See you in the valley soon!!</div><div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_PjNGYr6fVEI/Sj7k7nsEZgI/AAAAAAAACWw/6KYkhGSIHBM/s1600-h/Picture+5.png"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_PjNGYr6fVEI/Sj7k7nsEZgI/AAAAAAAACWw/6KYkhGSIHBM/s400/Picture+5.png" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5349965120279963138" /></a></div><div>Chase and Karina. :)</div><div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_PjNGYr6fVEI/Sj7k6u_FS0I/AAAAAAAACWo/MiW0VS7Tg1o/s1600-h/Picture+7.png"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 299px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_PjNGYr6fVEI/Sj7k6u_FS0I/AAAAAAAACWo/MiW0VS7Tg1o/s400/Picture+7.png" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5349965105058892610" /></a></div><div>Some excellent 80's hair and wardrobe. </div><div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_PjNGYr6fVEI/Sj7k54m_97I/AAAAAAAACWg/13oLbT8Z01U/s1600-h/Picture+9.png"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_PjNGYr6fVEI/Sj7k54m_97I/AAAAAAAACWg/13oLbT8Z01U/s400/Picture+9.png" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5349965090462365618" /></a></div><div>Karina dancing it up on stage. riiiiiiiiiiiiiiiight <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(255, 102, 0);">^</span></span> here. :)</div><div><br /></div><div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_PjNGYr6fVEI/Sj7k4jHv-oI/AAAAAAAACWY/MABumpIokUc/s1600-h/Picture+10.png"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 299px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_PjNGYr6fVEI/Sj7k4jHv-oI/AAAAAAAACWY/MABumpIokUc/s400/Picture+10.png" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5349965067514280578" /></a></div><div>Coy lounging in the pool.</div><div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_PjNGYr6fVEI/Sj7k3WXXLKI/AAAAAAAACWQ/52oLCmps3o8/s1600-h/Picture+11.png"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_PjNGYr6fVEI/Sj7k3WXXLKI/AAAAAAAACWQ/52oLCmps3o8/s400/Picture+11.png" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5349965046910233762" /></a></div><div>Nate and me. Hutch snuck in the shot too.</div><div><br /><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 298px; height: 400px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_PjNGYr6fVEI/Sj7j6RZc6bI/AAAAAAAACWA/a5d6QLF5ink/s400/Picture+13.png" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5349963997604800946" /></div><div>Captain Ed and his fishing rod lighter.</div><div><br /><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_PjNGYr6fVEI/Sj7j6nc07qI/AAAAAAAACWI/6Trs3_42qTA/s400/Picture+12.png" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5349964003524538018" /></div><div>Getting the oil going.</div><div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_PjNGYr6fVEI/Sj7j6PBJIpI/AAAAAAAACV4/QTVJYTd3QUo/s1600-h/Picture+14.png"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 299px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_PjNGYr6fVEI/Sj7j6PBJIpI/AAAAAAAACV4/QTVJYTd3QUo/s400/Picture+14.png" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5349963996965970578" /></a></div><div>Cuties.</div><div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_PjNGYr6fVEI/Sj7j5R6AHUI/AAAAAAAACVw/u0pcTPnOJ78/s1600-h/Picture+15.png"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_PjNGYr6fVEI/Sj7j5R6AHUI/AAAAAAAACVw/u0pcTPnOJ78/s400/Picture+15.png" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5349963980561456450" /></a></div><div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_PjNGYr6fVEI/Sj7j34TpKPI/AAAAAAAACVo/z09HehhlA3k/s1600-h/Picture+17.png"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_PjNGYr6fVEI/Sj7j34TpKPI/AAAAAAAACVo/z09HehhlA3k/s400/Picture+17.png" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5349963956509812978" /></a></div><div>mmm hushpuppies. </div><div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_PjNGYr6fVEI/Sj7jM-9MWqI/AAAAAAAACVg/Z30-pO32tUI/s1600-h/Picture+18.png"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_PjNGYr6fVEI/Sj7jM-9MWqI/AAAAAAAACVg/Z30-pO32tUI/s400/Picture+18.png" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5349963219560323746" /></a></div><div>and some french fries. mmm.</div><div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_PjNGYr6fVEI/Sj7jMXDU_tI/AAAAAAAACVY/zwhcws2qD9I/s1600-h/Picture+20.png"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 299px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_PjNGYr6fVEI/Sj7jMXDU_tI/AAAAAAAACVY/zwhcws2qD9I/s400/Picture+20.png" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5349963208848637650" /></a></div><div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_PjNGYr6fVEI/Sj7jLwe8sZI/AAAAAAAACVQ/TQikth9Soi8/s1600-h/Picture+21.png"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_PjNGYr6fVEI/Sj7jLwe8sZI/AAAAAAAACVQ/TQikth9Soi8/s400/Picture+21.png" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5349963198495502738" /></a></div><div>Karina and Juliana.</div><div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_PjNGYr6fVEI/Sj7jKqEvIcI/AAAAAAAACVI/QarJTR5yT14/s1600-h/Picture+24.png"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 299px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_PjNGYr6fVEI/Sj7jKqEvIcI/AAAAAAAACVI/QarJTR5yT14/s400/Picture+24.png" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5349963179595080130" /></a></div><div>The girls.</div><div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_PjNGYr6fVEI/Sj7jJ5RY9qI/AAAAAAAACVA/n9YSk9pJpOY/s1600-h/Picture+25.png"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 299px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_PjNGYr6fVEI/Sj7jJ5RY9qI/AAAAAAAACVA/n9YSk9pJpOY/s400/Picture+25.png" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5349963166494815906" /></a><br /></div><div>Probably my favorite. Ha.</div>Mrs. Rippkehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17523287464405486664noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5132975223339810605.post-91586015253194214452009-06-19T19:58:00.014-05:002009-10-06T10:48:25.680-05:00if we'd gotten married in the 70's<div>Happy Anniversary to us! Woo hoo! Three years of what have actually been almost 100% wedded bliss. :) We've been very blessed.</div><div><br /></div><div>We hadn't really had <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic;">great</span> "couple" pictures taken since our wedding, so we decided that to celebrate this year we wanted to do some sort of awesome editorial type shoot. Luckily for us we know THE BEST photographer...and she lives in our building...and she also happens to be an excellent friend. Her name is Nicki Bursae and incase you missed it a second ago, she is THE BEST! We couldn't be happier with the pictures. </div><div><br /></div><div>Check out her <a href="http://www.nickibursae.com/">work here</a>. And hire her if you're in the Corpus Christi or South Texas area.Or anywhere actually...she travels. :) Doooo it. She also took <a href="http://nickibursaephotography.blogspot.com/2009/01/test_02.html">these pictures</a> of our little family last year. </div><div><br /></div><a href="http://www.nickibursae.com/"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 266px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_PjNGYr6fVEI/Sjw1LvyG5aI/AAAAAAAACT4/Nb9fkatq_hc/s400/Picture+2.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5349208933330773410" /></a><div>LOVE. :)</div><div><br /></div><div><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 266px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_PjNGYr6fVEI/Sjw84p6peCI/AAAAAAAACUg/-hXfLtAfyWk/s400/Picture+4.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5349217401431488546" /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); text-decoration: underline;"><br /></span></div><div>Our favorite. Look how cute Nate is! Totally married a stud.</div><div><br /></div><div><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 266px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_PjNGYr6fVEI/Sjw7Xuh33tI/AAAAAAAACUQ/9pBtUQNtlhE/s400/Picture+6.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5349215736222441170" /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); text-decoration: underline;"><br /></span></div><div><br /><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 266px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_PjNGYr6fVEI/Sjw9GfOlVtI/AAAAAAAACUo/HY47aHSpNTM/s400/Picture+3.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5349217639080482514" /></div><div>hehe. :)</div><div><br /><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 266px; height: 400px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_PjNGYr6fVEI/Sjw-F0JpwZI/AAAAAAAACUw/x1iFx_r544o/s400/Picture+9.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5349218727028703634" /></div><div>Check it out. I have legs in this shot. You'd never know I'm 5' 2'' :)</div><div><a href="http://www.nickibursae.com/"><br /></a><a href="http://www.nickibursae.com/"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 266px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_PjNGYr6fVEI/Sjw0q4QBGbI/AAAAAAAACTQ/NRkf69LVdVw/s400/Picture+8.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5349208368668023218" /></a><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 266px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_PjNGYr6fVEI/Sjw6qZWDQNI/AAAAAAAACUI/rkYp_QgUOt0/s400/Picture+7.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5349214957441597650" /></div><div>It's a fact. Everyone looks cool in Elvis sunglasses.<br /><a href="http://www.nickibursae.com/"></a><a href="http://www.nickibursae.com/"><br /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_PjNGYr6fVEI/Sjw-QcvMlxI/AAAAAAAACU4/pvGk2rZwz00/s1600-h/Picture+5.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 266px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_PjNGYr6fVEI/Sjw-QcvMlxI/AAAAAAAACU4/pvGk2rZwz00/s400/Picture+5.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5349218909722285842" /></a><br /></div><div>Isn't she fabulous! SO glad to have these photos!</div>Mrs. Rippkehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17523287464405486664noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5132975223339810605.post-13725541516647887032009-06-09T23:45:00.020-05:002009-06-13T11:56:29.581-05:00give me a floatie and a lime and i'm good to go<div>June 9th already!? Actually it may be the 10th now...</div><div><br /></div><div>This is the first time that I actually have memory of blogging about this date exactly a year ago...it's my Papa's birthday! Yay! Happy Birthday! Miss you and love you! Geesh, our time in Corpus is flying by. We just signed another year long lease today...<br /></div><div><br /></div><div>I guess that puts us here on this date next year too.</div><div><br /></div><div>The beginning of June has been exciting around the studio. The latest issue of The One is out...and it's full of color! It's such a fun project to work on, and we're really excited about the buzz it's been getting around town. Oh, and next week it's my two year anniversary at the studio! Woo! Yay for jobs at excellent design firms!</div><div><br /></div><div>Our weeks have continued to be busy with work, social events, and spending some time relaxing with friends. We spent last weekend up in Austin with Rachel (having a total blast), and then this weekend a group of ladies from Brooke's church threw a baby shower for her and baby Annsley. Just one month until she's due! Yay! We can't wait to have a baby across the hall to go squeeze and kiss...and then leave with her mom and dad so we can go sleep ha. Kidding. We will gladly take baby sitting duty for them in those first few weeks so they can try to catch up on sleep every once in a while.</div><div><br /></div><div>To celebrate our three year anniversary this year Nate and I decided to have some excellent photos taken (since we really haven't had any taken since the wedding). Luckily for us we know the best photographer in town! Our neighbor, <a href="http://nickibursae.com/">Nicki Bursae</a>, put together some awesome scenerios and we couldn't be more excited to see the final results! There's one sneak peek below... </div><div><br /></div><div>For the remainder of the weekend we spent time some together and took it pretty easy. Chase and Karina invited us over to Chase's dad's place for an afternoon of lounging in the pool with some coronas, burgers, and a giant bowl of queso. The weather was perfect, the company was great, and I didn't get sun burned! Yay!</div><div><br /></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_PjNGYr6fVEI/Si9Bqr1icHI/AAAAAAAACSw/r5pdOC52bko/s1600-h/Picture+24.png"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 265px; height: 400px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_PjNGYr6fVEI/Si9Bqr1icHI/AAAAAAAACSw/r5pdOC52bko/s400/Picture+24.png" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5345563484289658994" /></a><div>Bean has some big o' ears.</div><div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_PjNGYr6fVEI/Si9Bp4-ji8I/AAAAAAAACSo/fMtT6i0QpqA/s1600-h/Picture+26.png"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 266px; height: 400px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_PjNGYr6fVEI/Si9Bp4-ji8I/AAAAAAAACSo/fMtT6i0QpqA/s400/Picture+26.png" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5345563470637272002" /></a></div><div>The latest and greatest issue of The One! Our 1st anniversary issue!</div><div><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); text-decoration: underline;"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 265px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_PjNGYr6fVEI/SjBFdaq4wvI/AAAAAAAACS4/DFFgxzYvefA/s400/Picture+29.png" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5345849129366504178" /><br /></span></div><div>One of my favorite spreads.</div><div><br /><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 267px; height: 400px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_PjNGYr6fVEI/Si87PmXyliI/AAAAAAAACSQ/2rM2kE5_yCU/s400/Picture+23.png" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5345556421896476194" /><div>This is Frank. He is a retired cop, from Iowa City, that Nate met randomly in a park down town this morning. They got to talking (because Nate is excellent at making conversation with anyone) and he asked Nate to take his picture...</div><div><br /><div><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 266px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_PjNGYr6fVEI/Si87QKXn5YI/AAAAAAAACSY/RyTZ09PB4yQ/s400/4422_1113207764338_1651247310_276752_763486_n.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5345556431559452034" /></div><div>A sneak peek of the photos Nate and I had taken by the fabulously talented Nicki Bursae. We've only seen two of the pics, but they promise to be spectaclar! I married a total stud. Check out the Elvis sunglasses.</div><div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_PjNGYr6fVEI/Si87PY6s3KI/AAAAAAAACSI/0oe0eaj1wSM/s1600-h/4593_519219857841_76000881_31083587_7520591_n.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_PjNGYr6fVEI/Si87PY6s3KI/AAAAAAAACSI/0oe0eaj1wSM/s400/4593_519219857841_76000881_31083587_7520591_n.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5345556418284805282" /></a></div><div>Me and Nate at Surf Club.</div><div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_PjNGYr6fVEI/Si87PLd7LSI/AAAAAAAACSA/miinDgjWIMo/s1600-h/4593_519219862831_76000881_31083588_3583043_n.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_PjNGYr6fVEI/Si87PLd7LSI/AAAAAAAACSA/miinDgjWIMo/s400/4593_519219862831_76000881_31083588_3583043_n.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5345556414674447650" /></a></div><div>Our favorites...Karina, Chase, and a sunburny Terrell. :)</div><div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_PjNGYr6fVEI/Si87O-aX8WI/AAAAAAAACR4/ZmMkZzpT2pM/s1600-h/SSPX0525.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_PjNGYr6fVEI/Si87O-aX8WI/AAAAAAAACR4/ZmMkZzpT2pM/s400/SSPX0525.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5345556411169894754" /></a></div><div>Chase and Karina :) Once again, I went out and forgot our lil point and shoot camera...so you get the phone.</div><div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_PjNGYr6fVEI/Si86zMbZWVI/AAAAAAAACRw/JAnJCLclYlo/s1600-h/SSPX0526.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_PjNGYr6fVEI/Si86zMbZWVI/AAAAAAAACRw/JAnJCLclYlo/s400/SSPX0526.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5345555933895940434" /></a></div><div>My lovely Corpus BFF being all pretty as usual.</div><div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_PjNGYr6fVEI/Si86y-BqPLI/AAAAAAAACRo/u2uSFPIkalM/s1600-h/SSPX0527.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 261px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_PjNGYr6fVEI/Si86y-BqPLI/AAAAAAAACRo/u2uSFPIkalM/s400/SSPX0527.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5345555930029898930" /></a></div><div>cute nate and pirate nate.</div><div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_PjNGYr6fVEI/Si86ysm-EaI/AAAAAAAACRg/DKmNe3PxS50/s1600-h/SSPX0532.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_PjNGYr6fVEI/Si86ysm-EaI/AAAAAAAACRg/DKmNe3PxS50/s400/SSPX0532.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5345555925354549666" /></a></div><div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_PjNGYr6fVEI/Si86yQY9jAI/AAAAAAAACRY/PZEsrtbmbLc/s1600-h/SSPX0541.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_PjNGYr6fVEI/Si86yQY9jAI/AAAAAAAACRY/PZEsrtbmbLc/s400/SSPX0541.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5345555917779602434" /></a></div><div>Brooke and her mom. 1 month til baby Annsley arrives!</div><div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_PjNGYr6fVEI/Si86yTK0enI/AAAAAAAACRQ/6qZ736DnJ6A/s1600-h/SSPX0542.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_PjNGYr6fVEI/Si86yTK0enI/AAAAAAAACRQ/6qZ736DnJ6A/s400/SSPX0542.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5345555918525594226" /></a><br /></div><div>Such a cute lil mommy-to-be. :)</div></div></div><div><br /></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_PjNGYr6fVEI/SiNDR0LVXuI/AAAAAAAACRI/96bY4qQiApg/s1600-h/4432_654666066960_16911010_39866743_6035917_n.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 263px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_PjNGYr6fVEI/SiNDR0LVXuI/AAAAAAAACRI/96bY4qQiApg/s400/4432_654666066960_16911010_39866743_6035917_n.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5342187556334558946" /></a><div>Our drive up to Austin was lovely.</div><div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_PjNGYr6fVEI/SiNDRxx-qSI/AAAAAAAACRA/Zjj9YiOX7dw/s1600-h/4432_654665433230_16911010_39866735_6061953_n.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 307px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_PjNGYr6fVEI/SiNDRxx-qSI/AAAAAAAACRA/Zjj9YiOX7dw/s400/4432_654665433230_16911010_39866735_6061953_n.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5342187555691342114" /></a><div>Me and Rachel enjoying a Lone Star...ah, Texas.</div><div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_PjNGYr6fVEI/SiNC9QKV6BI/AAAAAAAACQ4/TO6Jgn3pczA/s1600-h/4432_654665423250_16911010_39866733_3778908_n.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_PjNGYr6fVEI/SiNC9QKV6BI/AAAAAAAACQ4/TO6Jgn3pczA/s400/4432_654665423250_16911010_39866733_3778908_n.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5342187203069339666" /></a></div><div>Nate and Rachel at Mean Eyed Cats...a Johnny Cash bar.</div><div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_PjNGYr6fVEI/SiNC9LLZSEI/AAAAAAAACQw/J2IG-Z9UVIo/s1600-h/n16911010_39866732_4843220.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_PjNGYr6fVEI/SiNC9LLZSEI/AAAAAAAACQw/J2IG-Z9UVIo/s400/n16911010_39866732_4843220.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5342187201731577922" /></a></div><div>See.</div><div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_PjNGYr6fVEI/SiNC8K0U_MI/AAAAAAAACQo/xfQ_nuT3-6c/s1600-h/Picture+6.png"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 303px; height: 400px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_PjNGYr6fVEI/SiNC8K0U_MI/AAAAAAAACQo/xfQ_nuT3-6c/s400/Picture+6.png" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5342187184454958274" /></a></div><div>I have the best date around. :)</div><div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_PjNGYr6fVEI/SiNC7L4RG7I/AAAAAAAACQg/T9uWZu6-YX4/s1600-h/Picture+5.png"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 290px; height: 400px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_PjNGYr6fVEI/SiNC7L4RG7I/AAAAAAAACQg/T9uWZu6-YX4/s400/Picture+5.png" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5342187167560047538" /></a><br /></div><div>Back from Austin, out on the town in Corpus.</div></div>Mrs. Rippkehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17523287464405486664noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5132975223339810605.post-17589945874024149082009-05-25T22:31:00.005-05:002009-05-25T23:09:31.275-05:00ok mother nature, i get it, sunscreen is good<div>Happy Memorial Day everyone! Hopefully you found some fun and rest on your day off if you got one. Nate and I spent the day with friends at the beach. An event all too rare considering we live less than five minutes from it. It was a beautiful day here in South Texas, and the constant breeze made it all too easy for me to disregard the sun as <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic;">hot</span>. In case you don't know...I'm pale. </div><div><br /></div><div>And now pretty sunburny.</div><div><br /></div><div>Ouch.</div><div><br /></div><div>Totally worth it though.</div><div><br /></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_PjNGYr6fVEI/ShtjsiHHoWI/AAAAAAAACQQ/8uqjme2iuyA/s1600-h/Picture+9.png"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 262px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_PjNGYr6fVEI/ShtjsiHHoWI/AAAAAAAACQQ/8uqjme2iuyA/s400/Picture+9.png" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5339971399899914594" /></a><div>Nate and I at the beach.</div><div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_PjNGYr6fVEI/ShtjiT7vGxI/AAAAAAAACQI/uwWYRxShcVw/s1600-h/Picture+8.png"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 288px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_PjNGYr6fVEI/ShtjiT7vGxI/AAAAAAAACQI/uwWYRxShcVw/s400/Picture+8.png" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5339971224295381778" /></a></div><div>Nate, Chase, and Terrell with the pups. Our dogs did not get to go. Can you imagine Bean at the beach for multiple hours? Think of all of the nastiness she'd eat. Uck.</div><div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_PjNGYr6fVEI/Shtjhj5L6-I/AAAAAAAACQA/nWoIahwUJCY/s1600-h/Picture+7.png"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 272px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_PjNGYr6fVEI/Shtjhj5L6-I/AAAAAAAACQA/nWoIahwUJCY/s400/Picture+7.png" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5339971211399785442" /></a></div><div>Me and Karina. This is a good illustration of how pale I was.</div><div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_PjNGYr6fVEI/Shtjg0Oqu2I/AAAAAAAACP4/8zRiFwUA1eg/s1600-h/Picture+6.png"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 301px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_PjNGYr6fVEI/Shtjg0Oqu2I/AAAAAAAACP4/8zRiFwUA1eg/s400/Picture+6.png" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5339971198604983138" /></a></div><div>Terrell and Chase with the all important cooler.</div><div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_PjNGYr6fVEI/Shtjf6YTJ-I/AAAAAAAACPw/wRBIs2myC4w/s1600-h/Picture+5.png"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_PjNGYr6fVEI/Shtjf6YTJ-I/AAAAAAAACPw/wRBIs2myC4w/s400/Picture+5.png" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5339971183076124642" /></a></div><div>There were about a million people down the seashore today. And quite a bit of seaweed actually.</div><div><br /></div><div><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 263px; height: 400px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_PjNGYr6fVEI/ShtrT__7YZI/AAAAAAAACQY/KsSmSAZRAoE/s400/Picture+10.png" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5339979774519107986" /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(85, 26, 139); text-decoration: underline;"><br /></span></div><div>And pain. My legs are the worst. Ouch. Thank goodness our neighbors had some aloe vera.<br /><br /></div>Mrs. Rippkehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17523287464405486664noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5132975223339810605.post-18308264953164416442009-05-23T15:41:00.005-05:002009-05-23T15:54:36.536-05:00spring cleaning's not just for the closetIn case you were worried that we weren't obsessed enough with our dogs, here are some more pictures of them just to prove that, yes, we even think they're adorable when nakie. And yes, we document everything these dogs do. Just wait until we have kids some day! Good thing digital cameras were invented.<br /><div><br /></div><div>But they are cute. Admit it.</div><div><br /></div><div><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 267px; height: 400px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_PjNGYr6fVEI/Shhgr9ePeKI/AAAAAAAACPg/bg2Yw1bhEn8/s400/Picture+5.png" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5339123666599770274" /><br />Izzy gettin' all cleaned up. They're not really fans of the tub.<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_PjNGYr6fVEI/ShhgrUZVofI/AAAAAAAACPQ/H0We8oC7fsI/s1600-h/Picture+23.png"></a></div><div><br /></div><div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_PjNGYr6fVEI/ShhgrUZVofI/AAAAAAAACPQ/H0We8oC7fsI/s1600-h/Picture+23.png" style="text-decoration: none;"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 266px; height: 400px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_PjNGYr6fVEI/ShhgrUZVofI/AAAAAAAACPQ/H0We8oC7fsI/s400/Picture+23.png" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5339123655573348850" /></a></div><div>All sudsy. </div><div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_PjNGYr6fVEI/ShhgKpGxOVI/AAAAAAAACPI/Kzrd2nIpKxY/s1600-h/Picture+25.png"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 266px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_PjNGYr6fVEI/ShhgKpGxOVI/AAAAAAAACPI/Kzrd2nIpKxY/s400/Picture+25.png" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5339123094196926802" /></a></div><div>Bean still yelling about us getting her all wet. Not happy.</div><div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_PjNGYr6fVEI/ShhgKR6WGOI/AAAAAAAACPA/lgwjN2oBkQ4/s1600-h/Picture+26.png"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 266px; height: 400px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_PjNGYr6fVEI/ShhgKR6WGOI/AAAAAAAACPA/lgwjN2oBkQ4/s400/Picture+26.png" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5339123087970801890" /></a></div><div>Nakie Izzy! So cute.</div><div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_PjNGYr6fVEI/ShhgKLjugJI/AAAAAAAACO4/tOdEh32EVzU/s1600-h/Picture+27.png"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 267px; height: 400px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_PjNGYr6fVEI/ShhgKLjugJI/AAAAAAAACO4/tOdEh32EVzU/s400/Picture+27.png" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5339123086265319570" /></a></div><div>Wrinkle neck.</div><div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_PjNGYr6fVEI/ShhgJ3TuBXI/AAAAAAAACOw/Tu69EbccAn8/s1600-h/Picture+28.png"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 266px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_PjNGYr6fVEI/ShhgJ3TuBXI/AAAAAAAACOw/Tu69EbccAn8/s400/Picture+28.png" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5339123080829470066" /></a></div><div>She's such a lady.</div><div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_PjNGYr6fVEI/ShhgJu_WBuI/AAAAAAAACOo/vkeUigTB_-s/s1600-h/Picture+30.png"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 266px; height: 400px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_PjNGYr6fVEI/ShhgJu_WBuI/AAAAAAAACOo/vkeUigTB_-s/s400/Picture+30.png" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5339123078596527842" /></a><br /></div><div>Bean finally chilling out. </div>Mrs. Rippkehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17523287464405486664noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5132975223339810605.post-3915685122884390232009-05-21T21:58:00.010-05:002009-05-22T23:37:20.090-05:00check for beach bugs when you're done in thereHappy long weekend everyone! Well...hopefully you get a long weekend. Nate and I are lucky enough to have one, and I know we'll spend most of it catching up on rest, some projects, and things around the house we've been meaning to do for a while. Maybe that painting...?<div><br /></div><div>The best news of the week is that my family is coming to visit over the fourth! Woo <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">Hoo</span>! Pretty excited about that. We LOVE company. And we're getting a bunch this time. It's kind of become a tradition for my mom to be here for the fourth. Can't break it now!</div><div><br /></div><div>Nate's been taking a bunch of pictures this week. He's been out in the island dunes shooting pictures of a gorgeous beach house, at a Junior Achievement hall of fame dinner, and at Corpus Christi's second Social Media Club meeting...well, we both attended that...but Nate has taken on a leadership role in the group. I mostly just have fun. :)</div><div><br /></div><div>Izzy and Bean are doing well. Not a whole lot is new with them. Just cute as ever and excited for company to come and give them lots of hugs and kisses. </div><div><br /></div><div>Happy birthday to my little sis! <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">Wooooooo</span>! Miss you and love you! We'll celebrate when you get down here in a month.</div><div><br /></div><div>PS, if you haven't seen Star Trek go see it. Pure awesomeness. <br /><div><br /><div><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_PjNGYr6fVEI/Shd4TrlnO1I/AAAAAAAACOg/8eAlPKyhcxg/s400/n172977865537_6760493_8027333.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5338868162784344914" /><br /><div>Nate in the dunes. House is somewhere to the right I'm assuming. :) Thanks for snapping this picture Krystal (Nate's newest fabulous co-worker)!</div><div><br /></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_PjNGYr6fVEI/ShYVvG0GhGI/AAAAAAAACOQ/ejEwRQ6vrHg/s1600-h/4437_652460871190_16911015_39769854_5567578_n.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 266px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_PjNGYr6fVEI/ShYVvG0GhGI/AAAAAAAACOQ/ejEwRQ6vrHg/s400/4437_652460871190_16911015_39769854_5567578_n.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5338478307321480290" /></a><div>Everyone at <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">smccc</span> hanging out before the meeting.</div><div><br /></div><div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_PjNGYr6fVEI/ShYVvPuKsXI/AAAAAAAACOI/KIg4xnaUNqQ/s1600-h/_MG_0601.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 266px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_PjNGYr6fVEI/ShYVvPuKsXI/AAAAAAAACOI/KIg4xnaUNqQ/s400/_MG_0601.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5338478309712507250" /></a></div><div>Krystal, Michelle, Nicki and me talking about some tweets and such.</div><div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_PjNGYr6fVEI/ShYVu0t6MbI/AAAAAAAACOA/rRiEDoHtPY8/s1600-h/_MG_0571.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 266px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_PjNGYr6fVEI/ShYVu0t6MbI/AAAAAAAACOA/rRiEDoHtPY8/s400/_MG_0571.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5338478302463668658" /></a><br /></div><div>Michelle: friend, communications director for The Chamber of Commerce, and my fellow Dave Ramsey fan/cheerleader. Go Dave!</div></div></div></div>Mrs. Rippkehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17523287464405486664noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5132975223339810605.post-59227443966864852342009-05-10T23:55:00.011-05:002009-05-13T12:05:31.981-05:00i dare you to eat the guts<div>Whew. Now that Nate and I actually have a bit of a break in our schedule, I've got some catching up to do! I'm not sure where this last month has gone, but I do know that it must be summer because it's starting to get quite warm down here.</div><div><br /></div><div>There is some exciting stuff happening here in Corpus so we've been filling our time with a more active social life than usual, as well as some house painting on the side. Now if we could just get motivated enough to finish our own painting...</div><div><br /></div><div>Quick "happy mother's day!" to my mom. Miss you and love you...hope to see you soon. :) </div><div><br /></div><div>Nate's parents came to visit a couple of weeks ago (we love company, y'all should come visit again soon!). We only had a couple of days together, but we made the most of it. There were some events going on here in Corpus, and since we had the weekend free we decided to take a day trip up to San Antonio to enjoy the riverwalk and alamo.</div><div><br /></div><div>Since then we've been working hard at the studio to finish up the latest issues of The One. It's going to be fantastic! I'm excited to post photos of it once we send it off to press. The cover is stunning.</div><div><br /></div><div>Most of the rest of our free time has been spent with the excellent friends we've made of the last two years (yeah, it's already been two years!). Karina and Chase had us over for a crawfish cookout. Since this is not something that's <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic;">huge</span> in Iowa it was definitely entertaining. Nate and I aren't seafood people so it was more of a spectator sport for us. And let me tell ya, Chase and Terrell are pros.</div><div><br /></div><div>Also, Corpus Christi is now home to it's very own social media club. Nate and I have taken interest in becoming an active part of it and have enjoyed all of the networking opportunities and friends we've met through it. We're excited for what it has to bring to this city, and are looking forward to next month's meeting.</div><div><br /></div><div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_PjNGYr6fVEI/Sge52ZCxdAI/AAAAAAAACN4/BJ1NffNZE8o/s1600-h/Picture+33.png"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_PjNGYr6fVEI/Sge52ZCxdAI/AAAAAAAACN4/BJ1NffNZE8o/s400/Picture+33.png" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5334436627730232322" /></a></div><div>Nate and Karina catching some rays. <br /><br /><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 298px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_PjNGYr6fVEI/Sge5oExjr9I/AAAAAAAACNw/Y0iArtuSoAQ/s400/Picture+31.png" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5334436381771149266" /></div><div>Terrell and Chase dominating some crawfish.</div><div><br /></div><div><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 301px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_PjNGYr6fVEI/Sge5mNr9zMI/AAAAAAAACNg/iVS0Cy3goVY/s400/Picture+28.png" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5334436349803875522" /></div><div>mmmmmm?</div><div><br /></div><div><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 308px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_PjNGYr6fVEI/Sge5nEdC7_I/AAAAAAAACNo/FjOSGurgABE/s400/Picture+29.png" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5334436364505247730" /></div><div>No plates needed.</div><div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_PjNGYr6fVEI/Sge3X9_2ntI/AAAAAAAACNI/yqT5SQ54mMM/s1600-h/Picture+24.png"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 301px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_PjNGYr6fVEI/Sge3X9_2ntI/AAAAAAAACNI/yqT5SQ54mMM/s400/Picture+24.png" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5334433906050899666" /></a></div><div>Our friend/neighbor, Nicki, at social media club. She's an excellent <a href="http://nickibursae.com/">photographer</a> here in town.</div><div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_PjNGYr6fVEI/Sge3XJFi4YI/AAAAAAAACNA/Sq5LpVJ5k3k/s1600-h/Picture+23.png"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 298px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_PjNGYr6fVEI/Sge3XJFi4YI/AAAAAAAACNA/Sq5LpVJ5k3k/s400/Picture+23.png" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5334433891847692674" /></a></div><div>Nate looking pretty rad in my sunglasses. Oh yeah, it's summer down here.</div><div><br /></div><div><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 265px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_PjNGYr6fVEI/Sge5klfgXPI/AAAAAAAACNQ/LH7pr0FDmyM/s400/Picture+25.png" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5334436321834327282" /></div><div>Family picture with Nate's parents. :)</div><div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_PjNGYr6fVEI/Sge3WXKYfbI/AAAAAAAACM4/9aQ7Ac07_KA/s1600-h/Picture+22.png"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 312px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_PjNGYr6fVEI/Sge3WXKYfbI/AAAAAAAACM4/9aQ7Ac07_KA/s400/Picture+22.png" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5334433878446210482" /></a></div><div>Nate and me at the Alamo.</div><div><br /><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 268px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_PjNGYr6fVEI/Sge16HfTG8I/AAAAAAAACMg/2dFTbDAoidY/s400/Picture+5.png" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5334432293691005890" /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_PjNGYr6fVEI/Sge3VlbdGiI/AAAAAAAACMw/_7j39WIkepI/s1600-h/Picture+21.png"></a></div><div>A photo Byron took at the Alamo.</div><div><br /></div><div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_PjNGYr6fVEI/Sge3VlbdGiI/AAAAAAAACMw/_7j39WIkepI/s1600-h/Picture+21.png"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_PjNGYr6fVEI/Sge3VlbdGiI/AAAAAAAACMw/_7j39WIkepI/s400/Picture+21.png" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5334433865096043042" /></a></div><div>We ate at a place called Dick's on the riverwalk. </div><div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_PjNGYr6fVEI/Sge3UlnhzZI/AAAAAAAACMo/9ZaFksxjPU0/s1600-h/Picture+20.png"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 303px; height: 400px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_PjNGYr6fVEI/Sge3UlnhzZI/AAAAAAAACMo/9ZaFksxjPU0/s400/Picture+20.png" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5334433847966813586" /></a></div><div>Nate in his bib. Probably needed...</div><div><br /><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_PjNGYr6fVEI/Sge12xADTGI/AAAAAAAACMQ/b3Q7lY0_l3k/s400/Picture+3.png" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5334432236114758754" /></div><div>Me with Becki and byron at the riverwalk.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_PjNGYr6fVEI/Sge11HugBQI/AAAAAAAACMI/AIwHvvKBYrY/s1600-h/Picture+2.png"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 266px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_PjNGYr6fVEI/Sge11HugBQI/AAAAAAAACMI/AIwHvvKBYrY/s400/Picture+2.png" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5334432207855420674" /></a><br />Nate and his dad went to the boat show. Apparently some of this was going on...</div>Mrs. Rippkehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17523287464405486664noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5132975223339810605.post-55466424297219890802009-04-12T19:01:00.012-05:002009-04-13T12:37:45.258-05:00here comes the easter beanie...and her sidekick izzy<div>Happy Easter from the Rippke family! We hope today finds you and your family well, renewed, and at peace.</div><div><br /></div><div>We spent the majority of the day after church lounging around in a day of rest with the pup pups. And taking some pics of them...cause they're sooooo unbearably cute... :)</div><div><br /></div><div><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 266px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_PjNGYr6fVEI/SeKIH37fATI/AAAAAAAACL4/OlJ9Yst43sc/s400/natebean.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5323967378359255346" /><br /></div><div><br /></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_PjNGYr6fVEI/SeKC6Sa6hZI/AAAAAAAACLY/oIwEBvKMwOg/s1600-h/Picture+2.png"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 267px; height: 400px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_PjNGYr6fVEI/SeKC6Sa6hZI/AAAAAAAACLY/oIwEBvKMwOg/s400/Picture+2.png" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5323961647394096530" /></a><div>Me and my girls spending some time together. :)</div><div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_PjNGYr6fVEI/SeKC6JScdvI/AAAAAAAACLQ/5f2_4Hwac2Y/s1600-h/Picture+4.png"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 268px; height: 400px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_PjNGYr6fVEI/SeKC6JScdvI/AAAAAAAACLQ/5f2_4Hwac2Y/s400/Picture+4.png" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5323961644942653170" /></a></div><div>Seriously, Bean would sleep all day if we let her...and sometimes we do.</div><div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_PjNGYr6fVEI/SeKC5p8N2uI/AAAAAAAACLI/nutWq8kBm_Y/s1600-h/Picture+5.png"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 266px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_PjNGYr6fVEI/SeKC5p8N2uI/AAAAAAAACLI/nutWq8kBm_Y/s400/Picture+5.png" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5323961636527921890" /></a></div><div>She's so snuggly. :) </div><div><br /><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 266px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_PjNGYr6fVEI/SeKCZ9t5jaI/AAAAAAAACK4/fnrL-tbCqcc/s400/Picture+8.png" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5323961092080766370" /></div><div>Izzy enjoying a little Sunday afternoon rawhide.</div><div><br /><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 266px; height: 400px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_PjNGYr6fVEI/SeKCa73DSKI/AAAAAAAACLA/mclhtm6Lfkc/s400/Picture+6.png" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5323961108762151074" /><br /></div><div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_PjNGYr6fVEI/SeKCYDPLHsI/AAAAAAAACKo/oCuUz4osNdk/s1600-h/Picture+10.png"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 266px; height: 400px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_PjNGYr6fVEI/SeKCYDPLHsI/AAAAAAAACKo/oCuUz4osNdk/s400/Picture+10.png" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5323961059202768578" /></a><br />Nate enjoying his Easter candy. Thanks Mrs. Johnson!</div><div><br /><br /></div>Mrs. Rippkehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17523287464405486664noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5132975223339810605.post-11567838653095401212009-04-04T21:34:00.014-05:002009-04-04T22:09:21.438-05:00don't try to take off in this windThis last Wednesday we shot the cover for the next issue of The One on the USS Lexington. In an attempt to catch the sunrise in the photos we arrived at a time of morning I'm not sure I even knew existed. Unfortunately it was completely overcast. So, no sun. But, no squinting either. :)<br /><br />Dustin Ashcraft took the actual pictures for the cover (not these...), and Josh Salinas had the impossible task of trying to reign in the models hair during what had to be 30 mph winds. It was pretty ridiculous.<br /><br />I took a bunch of behind the scenes photos. So here's your sneak peak...<div><br /><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 600px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_PjNGYr6fVEI/Sdgew7XFRxI/AAAAAAAACKU/Pvb82hwy4PM/s800/Picture+3.png" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5321036785655301906" /><div>We were in a little room called "the helicopter room" right off of the flight deck. </div><div><br /><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 600px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_PjNGYr6fVEI/SdgcIClh_tI/AAAAAAAACJ0/sQyeKdoscHM/s800/Picture+19.png" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5321033884197060306" /><br />Monica being a pilot?? I can't remember...it was too early...<div><br /><div><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 600px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_PjNGYr6fVEI/SdgewmuSbII/AAAAAAAACKM/d1kaIOiKtIg/s800/Picture+2.png" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5321036780115487874" /></div><div>Josh working on her make-up.</div><div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_PjNGYr6fVEI/SdgbKF1y0vI/AAAAAAAACJc/u7wNS3PxsTc/s1600-h/Picture+15.png"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 600px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_PjNGYr6fVEI/SdgbKF1y0vI/AAAAAAAACJc/u7wNS3PxsTc/s800/Picture+15.png" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5321032819918689010" /></a></div><div>Buttoning up the dress.</div><div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_PjNGYr6fVEI/SdgbJ9IdTiI/AAAAAAAACJU/auy1YnF5mjc/s1600-h/Picture+14.png"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 600px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_PjNGYr6fVEI/SdgbJ9IdTiI/AAAAAAAACJU/auy1YnF5mjc/s800/Picture+14.png" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5321032817581051426" /></a></div><div>Ashley spilt coffee on herself. haha.</div><div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_PjNGYr6fVEI/SdgbJZv4A0I/AAAAAAAACJM/IZrfXkyqvcY/s1600-h/Picture+11.png"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_PjNGYr6fVEI/SdgbJZv4A0I/AAAAAAAACJM/IZrfXkyqvcY/s400/Picture+11.png" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5321032808082703170" /></a></div><div>It was seriously so windy.</div><div><br /></div><div><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_PjNGYr6fVEI/SdgcIi-gEgI/AAAAAAAACJ8/_GtOBgXOgdw/s400/Picture+22.png" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5321033892891726338" /></div><div>A cloudy chilly morning on Corpus Christi Bay.</div><div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_PjNGYr6fVEI/SdgbJJMvthI/AAAAAAAACJE/TTBy7HTg514/s1600-h/Picture+8.png"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 600px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_PjNGYr6fVEI/SdgbJJMvthI/AAAAAAAACJE/TTBy7HTg514/s800/Picture+8.png" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5321032803640391186" /></a></div><div>This is Dustin.</div><div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_PjNGYr6fVEI/SdgbIbXc1OI/AAAAAAAACI8/rkTXRlpIHT4/s1600-h/Picture+7.png"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 266px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_PjNGYr6fVEI/SdgbIbXc1OI/AAAAAAAACI8/rkTXRlpIHT4/s400/Picture+7.png" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5321032791337260258" /></a><br />The lovely couple. :)</div><div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_PjNGYr6fVEI/SdgaIsnRY0I/AAAAAAAACI0/WnX_gK6fgQY/s1600-h/Picture+6.png"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 600px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_PjNGYr6fVEI/SdgaIsnRY0I/AAAAAAAACI0/WnX_gK6fgQY/s800/Picture+6.png" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5321031696455394114" /></a></div><div>So cute.</div><div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_PjNGYr6fVEI/SdgaIIpXgdI/AAAAAAAACIs/S2as9xlm4Jo/s1600-h/Picture+5.png"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 600px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_PjNGYr6fVEI/SdgaIIpXgdI/AAAAAAAACIs/S2as9xlm4Jo/s800/Picture+5.png" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5321031686800507346" /></a></div><div>Ashley trying not to blow away. Looking super pumped.</div><div><br /><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 266px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_PjNGYr6fVEI/SdgaGu1PYtI/AAAAAAAACIc/WJIOJHiIQ00/s400/Picture+3.png" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5321031662691115730" /></div><div>Our task for the morning: don't let this piece of equipment end up in the gulf.</div><div><br /><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 600px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_PjNGYr6fVEI/SdgaHyrR0iI/AAAAAAAACIk/UX0gGmxVEYs/s800/Picture+4.png" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5321031680902943266" /></div><div>Love this pose.</div><div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_PjNGYr6fVEI/SdgaFqOVM6I/AAAAAAAACIU/EanfUyW-jy0/s1600-h/Picture+2.png"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 266px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_PjNGYr6fVEI/SdgaFqOVM6I/AAAAAAAACIU/EanfUyW-jy0/s400/Picture+2.png" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5321031644274308002" /></a><br />Finishing up the shoot. Looking super awesome.</div></div></div></div>Mrs. Rippkehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17523287464405486664noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5132975223339810605.post-71851845608146880012009-04-03T18:11:00.005-05:002009-04-03T18:19:24.285-05:00you'd look like this too on the way down<div>As promised, my parents sent over the last few images from our Disney trip. And they are pretty fantastic.</div><div><br /></div><div>Especially this first one...</div><div><br /></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_PjNGYr6fVEI/SdaYwaXygOI/AAAAAAAACIM/KYet_Ntm-EE/s1600-h/sc0fc37857sm.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 320px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_PjNGYr6fVEI/SdaYwaXygOI/AAAAAAAACIM/KYet_Ntm-EE/s400/sc0fc37857sm.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5320607967265063138" /></a><div>Yep. We're wearing matching shirts. And yes, I do look like I'm about to die. Probably my favorite from the whole trip.</div><div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_PjNGYr6fVEI/SdaYwTxTlZI/AAAAAAAACIE/t2LAxZ2xPjo/s1600-h/sc0fc364ffsm%27.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 400px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_PjNGYr6fVEI/SdaYwTxTlZI/AAAAAAAACIE/t2LAxZ2xPjo/s400/sc0fc364ffsm%27.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5320607965493040530" /></a></div><div>avoiding a t-rex</div><div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_PjNGYr6fVEI/SdaYwI7O9NI/AAAAAAAACH8/gF0mEijaxSs/s1600-h/sc0fc392c3sm.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 316px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_PjNGYr6fVEI/SdaYwI7O9NI/AAAAAAAACH8/gF0mEijaxSs/s400/sc0fc392c3sm.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5320607962581890258" /></a></div><div>All of us in our hotel</div><div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_PjNGYr6fVEI/SdaYwB6XnGI/AAAAAAAACH0/Oaqexq0R7J0/s1600-h/sc0fc385f5sm.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 288px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_PjNGYr6fVEI/SdaYwB6XnGI/AAAAAAAACH0/Oaqexq0R7J0/s400/sc0fc385f5sm.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5320607960699214946" /></a><br /></div><div>Everyone at EPCOT</div>Mrs. Rippkehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17523287464405486664noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5132975223339810605.post-23938731496618595272009-03-29T21:57:00.016-05:002009-04-03T18:23:14.891-05:00there's a great big beautiful tomorrowA week has passed since we got back from Disney...and I don't think a day has gone by that Nate and I haven't said to each other "man, I wish we were back in Disney." I'm saving my giant mickey lollypop my dad gave me for one of those days when I'm really missing it.<br /><br />Needless to say, Nate's first trip (our first trip together) to Disney was a blast. A HUUUUUUGE thank you to mom and dad for this excellent Christmas present. The hotel was awesome, the food was awesome, and of course the company was awesome. <div><br /></div><div>And for the record Nate's favorite ride was the tower of terror. Picture coming soon if mom and dad will ever email it to me.....yeah, mom, you.....send it over. :)</div><div><br /></div><div>Mine...hmmm....probably spaceship earth, rockin' roller coaster, and space mountain.</div><div><br /></div><div>Can't deny that I still love Carousel of Progress though...<br /><div><br />Since we've been home we've been enjoying our souvenirs (especially my tomorrowland mug), and Nate's been trying to mimik some of the african food dishes we had while we were there. We took a ton of pictures. And even though I narrowed it down a bunch, I've still got a ton up on here. So I'll keep this short and let the photos talk...</div><div><br /></div><div>Oh, and in case you missed it, check out Nate and my future in the previous entry (courtesy of Spaceship Earth). </div><div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_PjNGYr6fVEI/SdA9I3oUe0I/AAAAAAAACHs/87oOU_ZjDl0/s1600-h/2663_632999077780_16911010_39302417_2655174_n.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 280px; height: 400px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_PjNGYr6fVEI/SdA9I3oUe0I/AAAAAAAACHs/87oOU_ZjDl0/s400/2663_632999077780_16911010_39302417_2655174_n.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5318818382505868098" /></a></div><div>Splash Mountain. Check Nate out. Awesome.</div><div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_PjNGYr6fVEI/SdA9I8c7jMI/AAAAAAAACHk/ihFH0ovjwR0/s1600-h/2663_632999272390_16911010_39302419_623062_n.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 151px; height: 400px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_PjNGYr6fVEI/SdA9I8c7jMI/AAAAAAAACHk/ihFH0ovjwR0/s400/2663_632999272390_16911010_39302419_623062_n.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5318818383800274114" /></a></div><div>Check Nate out here too...he's good...</div><div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_PjNGYr6fVEI/SdA9IvUGL-I/AAAAAAAACHc/4B-DjAaVoJ0/s1600-h/2663_633008603690_16911010_39302787_2068079_n.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_PjNGYr6fVEI/SdA9IvUGL-I/AAAAAAAACHc/4B-DjAaVoJ0/s400/2663_633008603690_16911010_39302787_2068079_n.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5318818380273561570" /></a><br />Nate and I at the Star Wars ride. I have a feeling if Nate had gone to Disney when he was 8 this picture would've been very similar (minus me though).<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_PjNGYr6fVEI/SdA7rwjxgAI/AAAAAAAACHU/sdYVgcol8GY/s1600-h/DSCN0286.JPG"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_PjNGYr6fVEI/SdA7rwjxgAI/AAAAAAAACHU/sdYVgcol8GY/s400/DSCN0286.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5318816782879916034" /></a></div><div>Nate's pizza he made. Very similar to the african influenced one at Animal Kingdom Lodge.</div><div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_PjNGYr6fVEI/SdA7rgHeaHI/AAAAAAAACHM/enKziEPcV0g/s1600-h/DSCN0284.JPG"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_PjNGYr6fVEI/SdA7rgHeaHI/AAAAAAAACHM/enKziEPcV0g/s400/DSCN0284.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5318816778466257010" /></a></div><div>So proud. Check out the mickey cork stopper.</div><div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_PjNGYr6fVEI/SdA7re0WePI/AAAAAAAACHE/NzNkVv20F7Y/s1600-h/DSCN0277.JPG"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_PjNGYr6fVEI/SdA7re0WePI/AAAAAAAACHE/NzNkVv20F7Y/s400/DSCN0277.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5318816778117609714" /></a></div><div>My tomorrowland mug. I know, it's a mug, but it's so excellent.</div><div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_PjNGYr6fVEI/SdA7q96sokI/AAAAAAAACG8/B2nCzjWrXkc/s1600-h/DSCN0276.JPG"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_PjNGYr6fVEI/SdA7q96sokI/AAAAAAAACG8/B2nCzjWrXkc/s400/DSCN0276.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5318816769285857858" /></a><br /><div>the other side...</div><div><br /></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_PjNGYr6fVEI/SdA6BBrXa6I/AAAAAAAACG0/oMYklBLE1Yw/s1600-h/2663_632609418660_16911010_39284386_5047084_n.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_PjNGYr6fVEI/SdA6BBrXa6I/AAAAAAAACG0/oMYklBLE1Yw/s400/2663_632609418660_16911010_39284386_5047084_n.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5318814949229161378" /></a></div><div>Nate's first monorail ride.</div><div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_PjNGYr6fVEI/SdA6BDpfcsI/AAAAAAAACGs/e4_YyCSHwEE/s1600-h/2663_632609433630_16911010_39284389_3200602_n.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_PjNGYr6fVEI/SdA6BDpfcsI/AAAAAAAACGs/e4_YyCSHwEE/s400/2663_632609433630_16911010_39284389_3200602_n.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5318814949758169794" /></a></div><div>Us relaxing in a hammock at the Polynesian. </div><div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_PjNGYr6fVEI/SdA6BBHTWFI/AAAAAAAACGk/9TlX3O-ojF8/s1600-h/2663_632609453590_16911010_39284393_1061273_n.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_PjNGYr6fVEI/SdA6BBHTWFI/AAAAAAAACGk/9TlX3O-ojF8/s400/2663_632609453590_16911010_39284393_1061273_n.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5318814949077899346" /></a></div><div>We got to watch the space shuttle launch.</div><div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_PjNGYr6fVEI/SdA6BH1xe0I/AAAAAAAACGc/8up3xWWt4Hs/s1600-h/2663_632609523450_16911010_39284406_8160146_n.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_PjNGYr6fVEI/SdA6BH1xe0I/AAAAAAAACGc/8up3xWWt4Hs/s400/2663_632609523450_16911010_39284406_8160146_n.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5318814950883425090" /></a></div><div>Andrew (my bro) and Jamie sportin the mickey ears.</div><div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_PjNGYr6fVEI/SdA52spZHDI/AAAAAAAACGU/1am0knfPv7g/s1600-h/2663_632609543410_16911010_39284409_5791533_n.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_PjNGYr6fVEI/SdA52spZHDI/AAAAAAAACGU/1am0knfPv7g/s400/2663_632609543410_16911010_39284409_5791533_n.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5318814771785047090" /></a></div><div>Us in front of the castle. :)</div><div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_PjNGYr6fVEI/SdA52Uf9ydI/AAAAAAAACGM/XaAL8dkC39M/s1600-h/2663_632609548400_16911010_39284410_3287397_n.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_PjNGYr6fVEI/SdA52Uf9ydI/AAAAAAAACGM/XaAL8dkC39M/s400/2663_632609548400_16911010_39284410_3287397_n.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5318814765303056850" /></a></div><div>The whole group.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_PjNGYr6fVEI/SdA52I44uaI/AAAAAAAACF8/rY6HE5y0Fe4/s1600-h/2663_632609598300_16911010_39284420_3202834_n.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_PjNGYr6fVEI/SdA52I44uaI/AAAAAAAACF8/rY6HE5y0Fe4/s400/2663_632609598300_16911010_39284420_3202834_n.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5318814762186357154" /></a></div><div>Em and Curtis got soaked on splash mountain. hahaha. sorry...<br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_PjNGYr6fVEI/SdA5n7RbTKI/AAAAAAAACFk/XSMYd-Px0lw/s1600-h/2663_632609628240_16911010_39284425_7588874_n.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_PjNGYr6fVEI/SdA5n7RbTKI/AAAAAAAACFk/XSMYd-Px0lw/s400/2663_632609628240_16911010_39284425_7588874_n.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5318814518013021346" /></a></div><div>arggggg.</div><div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_PjNGYr6fVEI/SdA5nyPwn3I/AAAAAAAACFc/jPJlSo77S1s/s1600-h/2663_632614892690_16911010_39284732_6169961_n.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_PjNGYr6fVEI/SdA5nyPwn3I/AAAAAAAACFc/jPJlSo77S1s/s400/2663_632614892690_16911010_39284732_6169961_n.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5318814515590111090" /></a></div><div>most frosting ever.</div><div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_PjNGYr6fVEI/SdA5n00mLVI/AAAAAAAACFU/2mtAl8mVOXw/s1600-h/2663_632616374720_16911010_39284815_6689141_n.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_PjNGYr6fVEI/SdA5n00mLVI/AAAAAAAACFU/2mtAl8mVOXw/s400/2663_632616374720_16911010_39284815_6689141_n.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5318814516281486674" /></a></div><div>the kids.</div><div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_PjNGYr6fVEI/SdA5nv4zADI/AAAAAAAACFM/xJLzWUdW7KQ/s1600-h/2663_632616384700_16911010_39284817_7912053_n.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_PjNGYr6fVEI/SdA5nv4zADI/AAAAAAAACFM/xJLzWUdW7KQ/s400/2663_632616384700_16911010_39284817_7912053_n.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5318814514956927026" /></a><br />everyone on a dinosaur.</div><div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_PjNGYr6fVEI/SdA41Nn7WMI/AAAAAAAACE8/bwjNbBSPQ5I/s1600-h/2663_632619488480_16911010_39285018_4598868_n.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_PjNGYr6fVEI/SdA41Nn7WMI/AAAAAAAACE8/bwjNbBSPQ5I/s400/2663_632619488480_16911010_39285018_4598868_n.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5318813646765906114" /></a></div><div>Nate and I about to see our future on Spaceship Earth.</div><div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_PjNGYr6fVEI/SdA41IsvX9I/AAAAAAAACE0/4Cjmsetf5So/s1600-h/2663_632619498460_16911010_39285020_1799977_n.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_PjNGYr6fVEI/SdA41IsvX9I/AAAAAAAACE0/4Cjmsetf5So/s400/2663_632619498460_16911010_39285020_1799977_n.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5318813645443915730" /></a></div><div>In our time travel machines. For real.</div><div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_PjNGYr6fVEI/SdA409u7JUI/AAAAAAAACEs/S5w3RF92NQE/s1600-h/2663_632619528400_16911010_39285026_894433_n.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_PjNGYr6fVEI/SdA409u7JUI/AAAAAAAACEs/S5w3RF92NQE/s400/2663_632619528400_16911010_39285026_894433_n.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5318813642500285762" /></a></div><div>No caption...</div><div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_PjNGYr6fVEI/SdA40Qxt52I/AAAAAAAACEk/aIprgeUgNOU/s1600-h/2663_632619598260_16911010_39285039_2563854_n.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_PjNGYr6fVEI/SdA40Qxt52I/AAAAAAAACEk/aIprgeUgNOU/s400/2663_632619598260_16911010_39285039_2563854_n.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5318813630432405346" /></a></div><div>The music playing Delbot. Nate and Curtis' favorite.</div><div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_PjNGYr6fVEI/SdA4lBVcBSI/AAAAAAAACEc/PgKw-bFK_8c/s1600-h/2663_632619603250_16911010_39285040_7995973_n.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_PjNGYr6fVEI/SdA4lBVcBSI/AAAAAAAACEc/PgKw-bFK_8c/s400/2663_632619603250_16911010_39285040_7995973_n.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5318813368589223202" /></a></div><div>Nate's first mickey ice cream.</div><div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_PjNGYr6fVEI/SdA4lK1PZBI/AAAAAAAACEU/5KvbNIbDW5k/s1600-h/2663_632619628200_16911010_39285044_8360702_n.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_PjNGYr6fVEI/SdA4lK1PZBI/AAAAAAAACEU/5KvbNIbDW5k/s400/2663_632619628200_16911010_39285044_8360702_n.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5318813371138532370" /></a></div><div>A classic of my dad at Honey I Shrunk the Audience. So cheesy and awesome.</div><div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_PjNGYr6fVEI/SdA4lNk9a2I/AAAAAAAACEM/2mLZloqBEwA/s1600-h/2663_632619648160_16911010_39285048_3202279_n.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_PjNGYr6fVEI/SdA4lNk9a2I/AAAAAAAACEM/2mLZloqBEwA/s400/2663_632619648160_16911010_39285048_3202279_n.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5318813371875552098" /></a></div><div>Me and my pops.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_PjNGYr6fVEI/SdA4kyhYt2I/AAAAAAAACD8/6kxIlp1s670/s1600-h/2663_632619663130_16911010_39285051_6638605_n.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_PjNGYr6fVEI/SdA4kyhYt2I/AAAAAAAACD8/6kxIlp1s670/s400/2663_632619663130_16911010_39285051_6638605_n.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5318813364612806498" /></a></div><div>Gma and Papa and the siblings.</div><div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_PjNGYr6fVEI/SdA4HAoZHPI/AAAAAAAACD0/ya7EgnNimsk/s1600-h/2663_632621778890_16911010_39285149_2264787_n.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 306px; height: 400px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_PjNGYr6fVEI/SdA4HAoZHPI/AAAAAAAACD0/ya7EgnNimsk/s400/2663_632621778890_16911010_39285149_2264787_n.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5318812853004213490" /></a></div><div>Nate and I at Blizzard Beach. I totally got sunburnt. Lame.</div><div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_PjNGYr6fVEI/SdA4GaRgSGI/AAAAAAAACDk/SJRnQUAdMtU/s1600-h/2663_632621828790_16911010_39285158_1662621_n.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_PjNGYr6fVEI/SdA4GaRgSGI/AAAAAAAACDk/SJRnQUAdMtU/s400/2663_632621828790_16911010_39285158_1662621_n.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5318812842707667042" /></a></div><div>My bro, the big cheese.</div><div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_PjNGYr6fVEI/SdA4FpUKKOI/AAAAAAAACDc/8TCdTuTEkSc/s1600-h/2663_632621833780_16911010_39285159_4143925_n.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_PjNGYr6fVEI/SdA4FpUKKOI/AAAAAAAACDc/8TCdTuTEkSc/s400/2663_632621833780_16911010_39285159_4143925_n.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5318812829565462754" /></a></div><div>Dad, Nate, and I riding the bus.</div><div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_PjNGYr6fVEI/SdA4FK5O1CI/AAAAAAAACDU/XJ5mfbuyqb8/s1600-h/2663_632621843760_16911010_39285161_6248632_n.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_PjNGYr6fVEI/SdA4FK5O1CI/AAAAAAAACDU/XJ5mfbuyqb8/s400/2663_632621843760_16911010_39285161_6248632_n.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5318812821399458850" /></a></div><div>Uncle Johnny and my mom.</div><div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_PjNGYr6fVEI/SdA3ziX5XsI/AAAAAAAACDM/C7uzxZSD_b4/s1600-h/2663_632619588280_16911010_39285037_3058917_n.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_PjNGYr6fVEI/SdA3ziX5XsI/AAAAAAAACDM/C7uzxZSD_b4/s400/2663_632619588280_16911010_39285037_3058917_n.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5318812518464446146" /></a></div><div>Papa J on a Segway. </div><div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_PjNGYr6fVEI/SdA3zH4GEzI/AAAAAAAACDE/gZp2SBTqXao/s1600-h/2663_632619573310_16911010_39285034_2350017_n.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_PjNGYr6fVEI/SdA3zH4GEzI/AAAAAAAACDE/gZp2SBTqXao/s400/2663_632619573310_16911010_39285034_2350017_n.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5318812511351739186" /></a></div><div>Me on a segway. I want one.</div><div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_PjNGYr6fVEI/SdA3y5BjZWI/AAAAAAAACC8/3UIDZNEEphY/s1600-h/2663_632621848750_16911010_39285162_4894705_n.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_PjNGYr6fVEI/SdA3y5BjZWI/AAAAAAAACC8/3UIDZNEEphY/s400/2663_632621848750_16911010_39285162_4894705_n.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5318812507364877666" /></a></div><div>The segway riding group. They took a tour around EPCOT before it opened. I slept...</div><div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_PjNGYr6fVEI/SdA3yeN7XXI/AAAAAAAACC0/vhS753tQmKU/s1600-h/2663_632622267910_16911010_39285199_5978881_n.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_PjNGYr6fVEI/SdA3yeN7XXI/AAAAAAAACC0/vhS753tQmKU/s400/2663_632622267910_16911010_39285199_5978881_n.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5318812500169022834" /></a></div><div>Geekiest ever. That's my man.</div><div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_PjNGYr6fVEI/SdA3xwwZ_vI/AAAAAAAACCs/C8U8fvy818k/s1600-h/2663_632622487470_16911010_39285211_7527802_n.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_PjNGYr6fVEI/SdA3xwwZ_vI/AAAAAAAACCs/C8U8fvy818k/s400/2663_632622487470_16911010_39285211_7527802_n.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5318812487965605618" /></a><br /></div><div>Gma, Papa, and Uncle Johnny at Hollywood Studios (formerly MGM).</div></div>Mrs. Rippkehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17523287464405486664noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5132975223339810605.post-57610164056680157692009-03-19T09:23:00.006-05:002009-03-24T11:15:43.179-05:00a preview of our future...and our tripSo Disney is a pretty fantastic place. They've made a lot of updates since I was here last...one of my personal favorites has been the upgrades to Spaceship Earth a.k.a the big golf ball in Epcot. I've only got a second to write, so obviously I'll write more later, but here's a short preview of Nate and I <a href="http://parklink.disney.go.com/parklink/dis/pi/globekioskvideo/2009-03-18/3d1a49a7510705bd">in the future (click)</a>. It looks pretty perfect to me.<div><br /><div><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 349px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_PjNGYr6fVEI/SckHHD-AHCI/AAAAAAAACCk/zK0nLivXlbM/s400/spaceship+earth.png" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5316788652993420322" /><br /></div><div><br /></div></div>Mrs. Rippkehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17523287464405486664noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5132975223339810605.post-49359013382956291062009-03-09T23:34:00.014-05:002009-03-11T09:56:49.300-05:00unload the questions, then cross the borderWell, as you can tell from my lack of blogging lately, not a whole lot has been going on down here...and maily I just haven't taken any pictures...which is pretty much my favorite part of this whole blog thing. But we did get ourselves a new little point and shoot camera, so I should be able to take more pictures now. Not that the SLR isn't an excellent camera, but let's just say it doesn't fit in my pocket while I'm dancing it up on the dance floor. Yeah, that's right, I dance it up. <div><br /></div><div>Annnnnnd, that means I can take lots and lots of pictures during our upcoming vacation to Disney with my family. Yay! <div><br />Nate went down to Mexico with his Gma a couple of weeks ago. I, unfortunately, was feeling less than ideal and decided walking around Mexico for the day probably wasn't in my best interest. Nate however, had a pretty good time, bought some new dress shoes, and enjoyed an adult beverage in a bar/pharmacy (no that's not a joke) all before noon. See, this is why I needed the point and shoot camera. No pictures. Bummer.</div><div><br />The following weekend Nate headed up to the Dallas area for his first official work trip (aww, all growed up). It was for the TPRA conference (TX Public Relations Association). He had an excellent time, met lots of people, and has a newly found interest in studying social media. I got to spend a lot of time at Brooke and Wil's watching the game show network. They kept me entertained, and I even found a church I think we'll be happy to be a part of. All in all it was a productive weekend.</div><div><br /></div><div>This weekend we took Izzy and Bean to the park down on the bay (also sad that I have no pics of this because it was awesome). They had a puppy play date with their new bestest friends, Bella and Rook. Rook, by the way, looks almost exactly like Bean...only with normal length legs. They had a pretty excellent time, and slept for the <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic;">entire</span> rest of the weekend. Which was great because that's exactly what I did too...</div><div><br /></div><div>...except for the intense game playing we did later at Ashley and Lupe's place. Loaded Questions is pretty much the best game ever.</div><div><br /></div><div><div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_PjNGYr6fVEI/SbXuxrRW5cI/AAAAAAAACCU/dueQTGnulGc/s1600-h/Picture+5.png"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 299px; height: 400px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_PjNGYr6fVEI/SbXuxrRW5cI/AAAAAAAACCU/dueQTGnulGc/s400/Picture+5.png" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5311413872749897154" /></a></div><div>Nate trying to figure out how to outsmart me. Unsuccessful...</div><div><br /></div><div><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_PjNGYr6fVEI/SbbcK0_UzHI/AAAAAAAACCc/SrYks6RZjcI/s400/Picture+4.png" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5311674889111129202" /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(85, 26, 139); text-decoration: underline;"><br /></span></div><div>Ashley and Lupe. Happy birthday Lupe!!</div><div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_PjNGYr6fVEI/SbXuwfHBgAI/AAAAAAAACCE/vGZELNhp3IQ/s1600-h/Picture+3.png"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 303px; height: 400px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_PjNGYr6fVEI/SbXuwfHBgAI/AAAAAAAACCE/vGZELNhp3IQ/s400/Picture+3.png" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5311413852305457154" /></a></div><div>Bella. Post park cocklebur haircut. Poor pup.</div><div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_PjNGYr6fVEI/SbXuv_5Ys3I/AAAAAAAACB8/V1f1BV7bFbU/s1600-h/Picture+2.png"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 297px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_PjNGYr6fVEI/SbXuv_5Ys3I/AAAAAAAACB8/V1f1BV7bFbU/s400/Picture+2.png" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5311413843926758258" /></a><br /><div>No, this is not Bean...it's Rook. See, they totally look alike. They were meant for each other.</div></div></div></div>Mrs. Rippkehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17523287464405486664noreply@blogger.com0