tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24583542303287891512024-03-13T07:24:46.975-07:00Shaha ShenanigansMarindahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04603818218940309239noreply@blogger.comBlogger304125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2458354230328789151.post-20171938811709458122022-10-09T13:55:00.003-07:002022-10-09T14:00:02.332-07:00Visiting Maribor, Wine Country<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeLb26EB5mvqqk8_oOrA4xVmOwPBN2GCthYYqiLMK5qv3j2h89c1imc0XW6v4pV_vKvselVH25VQV0fCS_uJlsQvYR4auPK9CDP_o0y4E8ngAzPI93VZLqdrBEBumZy0MdumKEVRwznhOBHVTHGASvB5sBu6w1PdrOaLSfHX2Vy7U0E4au1A7M_jOn/s4032/20220924_123219.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeLb26EB5mvqqk8_oOrA4xVmOwPBN2GCthYYqiLMK5qv3j2h89c1imc0XW6v4pV_vKvselVH25VQV0fCS_uJlsQvYR4auPK9CDP_o0y4E8ngAzPI93VZLqdrBEBumZy0MdumKEVRwznhOBHVTHGASvB5sBu6w1PdrOaLSfHX2Vy7U0E4au1A7M_jOn/w640-h480/20220924_123219.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Last Saturday my kids were supposed to attend a primary activity at the district primary president's home out in Maribor, in Eastern Slovenia, a good 1.5 hour drive from Ljubljana. Being the good little ambassadors my kids are, they invited a couple of their friends from school to go with them. It was a great opportunity for us to visit this part of the country, famous for its vineyards and wine... Perfect time of year too as the vineyards are in full bloom! </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"> Then the activity got cancelled because none of the other families could make it.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;">But I said, screw it, we're going anyway. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Cosette brought Marielle and James brought Dante. Caroline begrudgingly tagged along grumbling that as a twelve year old she was too old for such nonsense as primary.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;">And Emily had other plans with school friends so she got left behind 😞</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;">The Fidler family was gracious to have us over, even though the official activity was canceled. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Before we went to their home, we visited a beautiful spot in the vineyards famous for its overlook of a road that is naturally shaped like a heart. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Can you see the 💚 ??</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiO69gB-MTJP_cz7auig-tRVEakF50fvyBNJr-g6C80_W3hUcvWqmp7AlJbbm_zePVDv-QbXAuorr6fhLBsviPUobdAlWq4ozrA9ynJQsHZ48Rjz0BUY4gwmY5c4nPZsNzARgHxgIRIpLSWsrE18r0muibKHlPgV9kEpoCq8DpUZbbo6nR_74zD9ptW/s1344/IMG-20220924-WA0025.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="756" data-original-width="1344" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiO69gB-MTJP_cz7auig-tRVEakF50fvyBNJr-g6C80_W3hUcvWqmp7AlJbbm_zePVDv-QbXAuorr6fhLBsviPUobdAlWq4ozrA9ynJQsHZ48Rjz0BUY4gwmY5c4nPZsNzARgHxgIRIpLSWsrE18r0muibKHlPgV9kEpoCq8DpUZbbo6nR_74zD9ptW/w640-h360/IMG-20220924-WA0025.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDBs5rCi5r6tIGMEa9LZZlf5gpgR4F8ak0f2qC0LVMc4A4xaS9dfmEfSlQo0DmItj5qDpDB4VmIpvdtl8ccu3RcFZ4jo1mN5oYxiQ0eIogeGkD9mo-mB8Z5CG6SJupN5pVmB-DvGlFnGYK9HrQiyToSUR57Ns_xg-udO0j4NLfS2-u4epnryfjKzjt/s1344/IMG-20220924-WA0024.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="756" data-original-width="1344" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDBs5rCi5r6tIGMEa9LZZlf5gpgR4F8ak0f2qC0LVMc4A4xaS9dfmEfSlQo0DmItj5qDpDB4VmIpvdtl8ccu3RcFZ4jo1mN5oYxiQ0eIogeGkD9mo-mB8Z5CG6SJupN5pVmB-DvGlFnGYK9HrQiyToSUR57Ns_xg-udO0j4NLfS2-u4epnryfjKzjt/w640-h360/IMG-20220924-WA0024.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div></div><p></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIVSfRNiI3LJ1x0AWiDkPBKMI50lI1BD0QtoKDOkt0IPJ8H-mCHiJhUug0OtmSG_n0bgbIHbSnfutIElDw_h9edWuSvqUndCdRiefOVCIRNUHmLFwzq489cdTcdgS-9uOQqgsDCHP7jkF8R61Ujwkr5exEnINsJNcZj4dxjll8F9hES9hsgBQwbL9e/s4032/20220924_122437.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIVSfRNiI3LJ1x0AWiDkPBKMI50lI1BD0QtoKDOkt0IPJ8H-mCHiJhUug0OtmSG_n0bgbIHbSnfutIElDw_h9edWuSvqUndCdRiefOVCIRNUHmLFwzq489cdTcdgS-9uOQqgsDCHP7jkF8R61Ujwkr5exEnINsJNcZj4dxjll8F9hES9hsgBQwbL9e/w640-h480/20220924_122437.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;">James, not quite feeling the 💜</span></td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br style="text-align: left;" /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmVdOrV-D6CXA6UWYqF03HY3iPC5BPzJOomZdv-efM9eKF4hNDAsgYYtTqZAaI_ZKI8_IdFRX_HCLZdzpmve-Lus8Vktssi8vtTy099PbX8nc_5h2tXIYJEGJjpwImYu5BvDpMIAb5-dmCwAFzJCpcVn7R5Hpi19fduF5eSVG916lRXabdD4eHfK5M/s4032/20220924_122333.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmVdOrV-D6CXA6UWYqF03HY3iPC5BPzJOomZdv-efM9eKF4hNDAsgYYtTqZAaI_ZKI8_IdFRX_HCLZdzpmve-Lus8Vktssi8vtTy099PbX8nc_5h2tXIYJEGJjpwImYu5BvDpMIAb5-dmCwAFzJCpcVn7R5Hpi19fduF5eSVG916lRXabdD4eHfK5M/w640-h480/20220924_122333.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Aww, these two girls are so cute together!</span></td></tr></tbody></table><div><br /></div></div><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;">The heart-shaped road was a cool photo op, but I was more enchanted with the surrounding views:</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoGj_8Y9G_YWT6dyqsxp4w7RqTeji3XklPUJmKEeTfPDDbJPnaUiIUFOfPZi4xTnHyjkYv-PNban1uBKjXH8ijYtG1VH8SF5nXY5li16sRKChNnFp45DRlLyjbBtrrM6ruSkVQ-VFsGcW7F63RbolWqBWicIwLEO6_VjgnsrIda2zWzqJwB7_CChYI/s4032/20220924_124224.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoGj_8Y9G_YWT6dyqsxp4w7RqTeji3XklPUJmKEeTfPDDbJPnaUiIUFOfPZi4xTnHyjkYv-PNban1uBKjXH8ijYtG1VH8SF5nXY5li16sRKChNnFp45DRlLyjbBtrrM6ruSkVQ-VFsGcW7F63RbolWqBWicIwLEO6_VjgnsrIda2zWzqJwB7_CChYI/w640-h480/20220924_124224.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCHEDfnY5fimRCu-X6yfW7T_8dVvcstJ-IdzCXGDdFcACPFbUCAaT3xYFp5IncxSCzy5o-5UsigiowRo_rzs9a_0OcTDOHeJsJnyCTUZP3xTFuMzln_9Kq8p1eQPOuVR8Hz7pAJ7LPoV6HOOQKU6rpV-ewqwC9iXXVl6KRBMneKDfdobqnRSd82Ry1/s2944/20220924_123522.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2208" data-original-width="2944" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCHEDfnY5fimRCu-X6yfW7T_8dVvcstJ-IdzCXGDdFcACPFbUCAaT3xYFp5IncxSCzy5o-5UsigiowRo_rzs9a_0OcTDOHeJsJnyCTUZP3xTFuMzln_9Kq8p1eQPOuVR8Hz7pAJ7LPoV6HOOQKU6rpV-ewqwC9iXXVl6KRBMneKDfdobqnRSd82Ry1/w640-h480/20220924_123522.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSsgj_-uhpJFKbOR69hjCFF2oS2HTCCTGubWXICa7otNyggea3i_uNbFxmMKsoeu3cZmwjGz2fu3vQ4u9pBvqp-6Ai7tG5j4Q20GgrXCjFGyVMYC_LJSsPB2VcYw8rmrUv_6kry_JvPwXMgYSV-LF9Ler3Vpry2OXwbxpaqukgUQCNChhYPXQPz_Ek/s4032/20220924_123901.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSsgj_-uhpJFKbOR69hjCFF2oS2HTCCTGubWXICa7otNyggea3i_uNbFxmMKsoeu3cZmwjGz2fu3vQ4u9pBvqp-6Ai7tG5j4Q20GgrXCjFGyVMYC_LJSsPB2VcYw8rmrUv_6kry_JvPwXMgYSV-LF9Ler3Vpry2OXwbxpaqukgUQCNChhYPXQPz_Ek/w640-h480/20220924_123901.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br style="text-align: left;" /><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiv6QIfTldd_Og77SL3jALeVvM48fZRH6jB80CG6kiz5vNPfHMZuuIMbJEepEAyaMlFmJ1nX7gsJRkKnv0DVkbr7EzxgzHS8ZRaWiH_qpM0TTZRKSJm3jpS8ePoPXdrqjo6qZZfsk-orEJuYR961c2go1lIJwu1iYaXEtkjiIinQrjsPC0rUUk9lrqW/s4032/20220924_123941.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiv6QIfTldd_Og77SL3jALeVvM48fZRH6jB80CG6kiz5vNPfHMZuuIMbJEepEAyaMlFmJ1nX7gsJRkKnv0DVkbr7EzxgzHS8ZRaWiH_qpM0TTZRKSJm3jpS8ePoPXdrqjo6qZZfsk-orEJuYR961c2go1lIJwu1iYaXEtkjiIinQrjsPC0rUUk9lrqW/w640-h480/20220924_123941.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br style="text-align: left;" /><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBd33XYiMUJ_r54uxKDJax6zdH1_fvcR2AHrjKqH81wA4j2hIQv4k9Jj74MwRHajTrOHTaE_yrqU_R-cOso5EuYF4H_yJc0szIn_nVvQefj6ZNg03xIVU4ttpqfRwrQFvz6vFKG56aexRM8t3BpuiE7tCefOnqlTxfTCVPbu5yGWbePNlncydcD7_N/s4032/20220924_124144.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBd33XYiMUJ_r54uxKDJax6zdH1_fvcR2AHrjKqH81wA4j2hIQv4k9Jj74MwRHajTrOHTaE_yrqU_R-cOso5EuYF4H_yJc0szIn_nVvQefj6ZNg03xIVU4ttpqfRwrQFvz6vFKG56aexRM8t3BpuiE7tCefOnqlTxfTCVPbu5yGWbePNlncydcD7_N/w640-h480/20220924_124144.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><br style="text-align: left;" /><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmJBuwFR8KkyjfdU-46vNEm-IJds0yWbUjhNC9sDR_r5QUo1bm_Uu4c2phcJCU5IQekKfnjLexvwDkwE2ksfZF_P3I3ifWUWqJE94VcBn1IuaJIyrnHqKERi4-dFlZ60i3azMEi-LT-am7l5XceQxrbsfOFxVlj3LGo13SbROeQTcJKE6MAvngFLhJ/s4032/20220924_123917.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmJBuwFR8KkyjfdU-46vNEm-IJds0yWbUjhNC9sDR_r5QUo1bm_Uu4c2phcJCU5IQekKfnjLexvwDkwE2ksfZF_P3I3ifWUWqJE94VcBn1IuaJIyrnHqKERi4-dFlZ60i3azMEi-LT-am7l5XceQxrbsfOFxVlj3LGo13SbROeQTcJKE6MAvngFLhJ/w640-h480/20220924_123917.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><br style="text-align: left;" /><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJAp9zbq7jHRamXmumKexFR5yRtCc2Vue4Yz4efUk1T3zjcxXe_QIKIm298KlKDXzkWM5EIeZDiIipNzQWl9ENqtxBV31tnL-0DQ8n5RwlHixQ43d0aaZvh1xg0uGtKjK1SE6DfKy8ZHzx7G0o31Uu4gTqVkEJZlViBgMViOBj69x9nLVx-Bb212Hx/s4032/20220924_123307.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJAp9zbq7jHRamXmumKexFR5yRtCc2Vue4Yz4efUk1T3zjcxXe_QIKIm298KlKDXzkWM5EIeZDiIipNzQWl9ENqtxBV31tnL-0DQ8n5RwlHixQ43d0aaZvh1xg0uGtKjK1SE6DfKy8ZHzx7G0o31Uu4gTqVkEJZlViBgMViOBj69x9nLVx-Bb212Hx/w640-h480/20220924_123307.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br style="text-align: left;" /><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglEK8AWC0XHgIjBSyuIuYI2r2qMAb4XmLwxhvjkm-dSiq1SG8_JaPjOzuEGFnlsxy4-wdiH1zknbmADpc7sbqKU8Zx8xiEEtN1U_lvKbYOQhcYj3yfyQV5uMI0DVRIDalySv7G1TRlhowKYhnjSE9MqI4Z8sHi7sbGosEkuU1ovGQJwQ9YoUcQ7HkB/s4032/20220924_123046.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglEK8AWC0XHgIjBSyuIuYI2r2qMAb4XmLwxhvjkm-dSiq1SG8_JaPjOzuEGFnlsxy4-wdiH1zknbmADpc7sbqKU8Zx8xiEEtN1U_lvKbYOQhcYj3yfyQV5uMI0DVRIDalySv7G1TRlhowKYhnjSE9MqI4Z8sHi7sbGosEkuU1ovGQJwQ9YoUcQ7HkB/w640-h480/20220924_123046.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br style="text-align: left;" /><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Then we drove a little ways and climbed to an overlook tower. There was this walking group that was out with their poles trekking along the narrow roads that weaved through the vineyards. One lady was super friendly and invited us to join them. They were off to some wine festival in a nearby village. When we told her we were from the states she told us the funniest story:</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-size: medium;">She was a foreign exchange student at a university in Arkansas when Clinton was governor. He hosted a reception for all the foreign exchange students, and when he asked her where she was from upon meeting her, she replied, "Slovenia." He said, "Where the hell is that?" She had the audacity to say, "You know, if you're going to be running for president, you really should know your geography!" And he said, "Aww, I know enough" which apparently was true since he went on to be elected president! 😂</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEial-jzRION0zlI3tllkXA9o3vPab-ZAFCB2j9Pq2rpgztHQAT5eVvRk1XLYUHzhkPhRKTojKkvHwUWRaafkPw0xqEOkQ6LvSJfZsuV4QqTHm_sZkPHnrsysVJ6MQTv9oR6B530OXMdEL8F89niWUD1S7v1mymKBII0mwtAEJ2AuRDTSyXfekTA_sM1/s4032/20220924_132742.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEial-jzRION0zlI3tllkXA9o3vPab-ZAFCB2j9Pq2rpgztHQAT5eVvRk1XLYUHzhkPhRKTojKkvHwUWRaafkPw0xqEOkQ6LvSJfZsuV4QqTHm_sZkPHnrsysVJ6MQTv9oR6B530OXMdEL8F89niWUD1S7v1mymKBII0mwtAEJ2AuRDTSyXfekTA_sM1/w480-h640/20220924_132742.jpg" width="480" /></a></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div><br /></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXA9KYEXa9zcyNIvuVszSW4wdJvp3C8km2UuEnSTbjpblVpcqymprQuEZuiyHKAyeW8nvVoYe0FWMrHlnQ-xygF9O8U4NQyfH1cke9uPm1i4t5VyFoSDFE4DorEx0krYYWUa40sRUQ5YLu5YudA4rzXCnbmVU9L5CMnEQaYkf3ElorzDgYz1M2EBg-/s4032/20220924_132607.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXA9KYEXa9zcyNIvuVszSW4wdJvp3C8km2UuEnSTbjpblVpcqymprQuEZuiyHKAyeW8nvVoYe0FWMrHlnQ-xygF9O8U4NQyfH1cke9uPm1i4t5VyFoSDFE4DorEx0krYYWUa40sRUQ5YLu5YudA4rzXCnbmVU9L5CMnEQaYkf3ElorzDgYz1M2EBg-/w640-h480/20220924_132607.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br style="text-align: left;" /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-uuy0Gcm2KhzzLq54flGbeYFwYGrqA01yaSBbzsFSf_V8rpA9zBr01cS8oLBu2wT9C_c3kadsAJzNpXtrbeSLpszo88Jv18DnO8Ug0b8cjZtagvOyb1ESIulX1y5zXIUxKSv1Cl1sIBYi4Cna0XcqHUuddIRqvaNCA1E4nIMJ9nox39o5GpEEGRmf/s4032/20220924_132506.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-uuy0Gcm2KhzzLq54flGbeYFwYGrqA01yaSBbzsFSf_V8rpA9zBr01cS8oLBu2wT9C_c3kadsAJzNpXtrbeSLpszo88Jv18DnO8Ug0b8cjZtagvOyb1ESIulX1y5zXIUxKSv1Cl1sIBYi4Cna0XcqHUuddIRqvaNCA1E4nIMJ9nox39o5GpEEGRmf/w640-h480/20220924_132506.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Views from the tower</span></td></tr></tbody></table><br style="text-align: left;" /><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtTSC8J4wsJn673hjWgGEskbS01ejbSZMHpV_cx3f40spvEC9fS-pzBtY8YRi1U7zOWZKU55LLNtj00RXWeXIS8PPDsNpDxsOSzm2FGumNDp55jeaP_CyxlcbGQFKyzraSTC604FtcjJTTmdvF8HD0Dk45bDF9HmlF4ewjGracl7VwLM2QAJIxLz37/s4032/20220924_132515.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtTSC8J4wsJn673hjWgGEskbS01ejbSZMHpV_cx3f40spvEC9fS-pzBtY8YRi1U7zOWZKU55LLNtj00RXWeXIS8PPDsNpDxsOSzm2FGumNDp55jeaP_CyxlcbGQFKyzraSTC604FtcjJTTmdvF8HD0Dk45bDF9HmlF4ewjGracl7VwLM2QAJIxLz37/w480-h640/20220924_132515.jpg" width="480" /></a><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcx1jIH2JuJqb9kqmDGR3ZFN3gZydRPpNmWkqIdIxLvI7RC0qs7j70UnxKNf9PL7uxMF9ZVYMsmEpJ-mqYl1zmJNS4a2x3Y8im2rejl_vPYtTbTzhlG6geLBlKJ9Ol2yTTX-lbrRVzDB8XwoMYScS5fDjnyF25YStOSoR5jHL4eqTOQtxnvdGt7qWZ/s1024/IMG-20221009-WA0002.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1024" data-original-width="768" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcx1jIH2JuJqb9kqmDGR3ZFN3gZydRPpNmWkqIdIxLvI7RC0qs7j70UnxKNf9PL7uxMF9ZVYMsmEpJ-mqYl1zmJNS4a2x3Y8im2rejl_vPYtTbTzhlG6geLBlKJ9Ol2yTTX-lbrRVzDB8XwoMYScS5fDjnyF25YStOSoR5jHL4eqTOQtxnvdGt7qWZ/w480-h640/IMG-20221009-WA0002.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2rG7Pycbb0B6Bb93nvfgZrJFGANTsD0nGcw2ymMIh7sjKUMcs5jZhiFdiAEln46WZxVYaAaTPev2eCulR4pbgWqKEgKOCFmGkhnwQbiFdy3joklBz_KHOYTCk93eEdFwUxTrnG1_lkDSHzeiyyheGGK6L9WuRN_H8YGMCpR0PshbJ5GtDYONsyBOU/s4032/20220924_133034.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2rG7Pycbb0B6Bb93nvfgZrJFGANTsD0nGcw2ymMIh7sjKUMcs5jZhiFdiAEln46WZxVYaAaTPev2eCulR4pbgWqKEgKOCFmGkhnwQbiFdy3joklBz_KHOYTCk93eEdFwUxTrnG1_lkDSHzeiyyheGGK6L9WuRN_H8YGMCpR0PshbJ5GtDYONsyBOU/w640-h480/20220924_133034.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;">Then it was on to the Fidlers home where we enjoyed čevapčiči, chicken wings, apple crisp, horseback rides, and good company. They live on seven acres of land and have chickens, horses, cats, and a dog. Marielle was terrified of all of them... even the chickens! 😂 I admired (and a little bit envied) their garden. I'm so mad I didn't think to get a group photo of our two families. The Fidlers are such nice people. She's from Salzburg, Austria, and he is from the Maribor area. He converted to the church as a young adult and shortly thereafter served a mission to California. He is the branch president over the Maribor branch, the only other branch besides the one we attend. So, just he and Ben are the only branch presidents in the whole country!</span></div></div><p></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheAQRl1QeOvIrv_G4-xAazStKYCTf8albLBheqhQUqhSUl2m5lyBKCoHS6FmBHJyH2B-uaBhCniONHQQbcjKHQQZjeceYFdqTrQu66PdN9Yd9Be6vh6WVzxF2BmQcJF9WEMuYw7Sdm9oLtYGH30JB1-0MamZbWQHbPLwovtjA06eBGq95tUKmniljd/s4032/20220924_171027.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheAQRl1QeOvIrv_G4-xAazStKYCTf8albLBheqhQUqhSUl2m5lyBKCoHS6FmBHJyH2B-uaBhCniONHQQbcjKHQQZjeceYFdqTrQu66PdN9Yd9Be6vh6WVzxF2BmQcJF9WEMuYw7Sdm9oLtYGH30JB1-0MamZbWQHbPLwovtjA06eBGq95tUKmniljd/w480-h640/20220924_171027.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"> Marielle's little safety zone, where the animals couldn't get to her 😅</span></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><p></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxIkx6s76nRKVrYTcqfhEXmVfKzvwkNkNwu3rVCsC8gaJFjz1PDT90yq2VzRNiI-NEekO8A4p661IWZoTF88H1fxRv4eA2Swb2BE6JT7vCiHxw8eSRwY_bXcwq9Nf3ru8M79X1lf4SEC6tFOTZ6g--M9pEX4si7yUP5UXhy5ht_yPwqMyMhMZrjSN-/s1024/IMG-20220924-WA0021.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="768" data-original-width="1024" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxIkx6s76nRKVrYTcqfhEXmVfKzvwkNkNwu3rVCsC8gaJFjz1PDT90yq2VzRNiI-NEekO8A4p661IWZoTF88H1fxRv4eA2Swb2BE6JT7vCiHxw8eSRwY_bXcwq9Nf3ru8M79X1lf4SEC6tFOTZ6g--M9pEX4si7yUP5UXhy5ht_yPwqMyMhMZrjSN-/w640-h480/IMG-20220924-WA0021.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Cosette chugging down a beer 😂 (alcohol-free of course)</span><br /><br /></td></tr></tbody></table><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiO7zpyUIzMdBvMZDpEOA2ONj5GaHoCkjQB2S0qsCYYjZrl0kew5BY9KKwxBZ8hw7h_FcGWbRTct4wwQkuM14i1ac4O6BrhSgGIhdWVP-CtukOTBNFPijb7a_FNDO681kiMAdS3xEFLpMeX7raZjxYLXQNABEK1ko971tAPbj5Je4asL1TCFkDpMxf6/s4032/20220924_145700.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiO7zpyUIzMdBvMZDpEOA2ONj5GaHoCkjQB2S0qsCYYjZrl0kew5BY9KKwxBZ8hw7h_FcGWbRTct4wwQkuM14i1ac4O6BrhSgGIhdWVP-CtukOTBNFPijb7a_FNDO681kiMAdS3xEFLpMeX7raZjxYLXQNABEK1ko971tAPbj5Je4asL1TCFkDpMxf6/w640-h480/20220924_145700.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_eP2hAabpV-qrbUlYFCA1kynnaloV13tOriU8iqoxYwMm_rWIDAMpD743GARoFIKTYMJpG2c3yQdwcOYrgwNL_Q76A3ISsdJAS5A4kNzeZ_SfbzPegNAZtRtk_eSIzUoFzsy-mgciP5tA-o0fmGMa_No-rotFvCnNKcDvUuUZFdBTbYjOBGZuhV3U/s4032/20220924_145603.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_eP2hAabpV-qrbUlYFCA1kynnaloV13tOriU8iqoxYwMm_rWIDAMpD743GARoFIKTYMJpG2c3yQdwcOYrgwNL_Q76A3ISsdJAS5A4kNzeZ_SfbzPegNAZtRtk_eSIzUoFzsy-mgciP5tA-o0fmGMa_No-rotFvCnNKcDvUuUZFdBTbYjOBGZuhV3U/w640-h480/20220924_145603.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_LBsSZm3G9DA_jClc-GtrlwWfryXq18tbZ6PaKN--m2LXhboKe8GJ9vmsXDK3__4mf1oHqzK_o5dipzYsrS2aMNa_yjfWogKezf3k0yK4rqcE30ijmwbFyQ2WC0Q_WOfTTED6bl2HgvoraRbqCh-0cPJ8OSdtvwx8eMqEA5B2lbs_1Xf_S3wb5UQc/s4032/20220924_175804.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_LBsSZm3G9DA_jClc-GtrlwWfryXq18tbZ6PaKN--m2LXhboKe8GJ9vmsXDK3__4mf1oHqzK_o5dipzYsrS2aMNa_yjfWogKezf3k0yK4rqcE30ijmwbFyQ2WC0Q_WOfTTED6bl2HgvoraRbqCh-0cPJ8OSdtvwx8eMqEA5B2lbs_1Xf_S3wb5UQc/w640-h480/20220924_175804.jpg" width="640" /></a><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiB_CpY7wDTL260Un9jr0BCokFK0y4OKsb1qhjx0OPyqXROB4eyJuOd1kQzMV3RPNH0BIqml99LHkRztBOYkdam3ABK1z6cEFpkRK6IGHb7wiYD7NB1HllCHEqCOb1MOUIxF9AzlWVosKnw2jEPC4fOwASD4hPJqHyG38HbuhLRLDRALGQjEu7CVge7/s1024/IMG-20221009-WA0003.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="768" data-original-width="1024" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiB_CpY7wDTL260Un9jr0BCokFK0y4OKsb1qhjx0OPyqXROB4eyJuOd1kQzMV3RPNH0BIqml99LHkRztBOYkdam3ABK1z6cEFpkRK6IGHb7wiYD7NB1HllCHEqCOb1MOUIxF9AzlWVosKnw2jEPC4fOwASD4hPJqHyG38HbuhLRLDRALGQjEu7CVge7/w640-h480/IMG-20221009-WA0003.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcUJM50x4M08RjZXAREPtbLgwEe26JhjY5efRhj67zA_8WCvhHeaQ6hZ2XaUHJl3punk-io6D4xN6oxbm2vqhaLFqOLv6yr18ubTjXkqHRQymoMmeL-pWJ8ahJMq3K1wc0RQ3mKHB-SseCBYbqPF0ycXRXV0VEiCd8DF45CPQCQ_HkZCw532AQFuHq/s1024/IMG-20221009-WA0005.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="768" data-original-width="1024" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcUJM50x4M08RjZXAREPtbLgwEe26JhjY5efRhj67zA_8WCvhHeaQ6hZ2XaUHJl3punk-io6D4xN6oxbm2vqhaLFqOLv6yr18ubTjXkqHRQymoMmeL-pWJ8ahJMq3K1wc0RQ3mKHB-SseCBYbqPF0ycXRXV0VEiCd8DF45CPQCQ_HkZCw532AQFuHq/w640-h480/IMG-20221009-WA0005.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Even the horse can see how crazy she is</span></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAWxhogsgc5FJ5sDd24UC4ZYIG2gFvQBIIZqIDbvH_NDj9NTevDKSrZLKRca6sYUHn1gbEffaQMxaf_Cu3k6_6pen4p88hfB4XG0fxVa71KU2IjpTL2WlKAv8TRRAjSyYm18r1RAtq2ft2TSsr84BlFr8g7yOImjrdqvVy3yNQISLun8zxfS6W64Wk/s1024/IMG-20221009-WA0004.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="768" data-original-width="1024" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAWxhogsgc5FJ5sDd24UC4ZYIG2gFvQBIIZqIDbvH_NDj9NTevDKSrZLKRca6sYUHn1gbEffaQMxaf_Cu3k6_6pen4p88hfB4XG0fxVa71KU2IjpTL2WlKAv8TRRAjSyYm18r1RAtq2ft2TSsr84BlFr8g7yOImjrdqvVy3yNQISLun8zxfS6W64Wk/w640-h480/IMG-20221009-WA0004.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEih67R0uCXh8IQGpJ77k3MVgA1CeE4TVLi7CJYNjKvliPGSQtIMiCouebAb5fUAn-n3VldfFQF8JQOIz7liU8u3R7vT_Kwj49r07GuNhy3N8YslQKkxS-DpGe6L-M048b0GbocGFX2zsT6uaiu5z3n3DN9ZCY-B-mVNN6cPcCgtgSqY6DAvFfRGOBbB/s1024/IMG-20220924-WA0018.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="768" data-original-width="1024" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEih67R0uCXh8IQGpJ77k3MVgA1CeE4TVLi7CJYNjKvliPGSQtIMiCouebAb5fUAn-n3VldfFQF8JQOIz7liU8u3R7vT_Kwj49r07GuNhy3N8YslQKkxS-DpGe6L-M048b0GbocGFX2zsT6uaiu5z3n3DN9ZCY-B-mVNN6cPcCgtgSqY6DAvFfRGOBbB/w640-h480/IMG-20220924-WA0018.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Cosette's first time on a horse!!</span><br /><br /></td></tr></tbody></table></div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6zeyWNdgU2cb30986bcGcAA8Z0_XPlVnPaswNoWIueCgjSNYrbX_x-uhLAWTqo7rK042c3r15MQSJc-10k1z8PTqn_MEW_FPebv9U7i51O46VdXxGm8GYcJ8tjUQ8zyD5nfgUWVbn0sf2GbR0aBR0cyVzovzodQ_MN5jXvuk-LDTUIdxQxq4KF-dE/s1024/IMG-20220924-WA0015.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="768" data-original-width="1024" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6zeyWNdgU2cb30986bcGcAA8Z0_XPlVnPaswNoWIueCgjSNYrbX_x-uhLAWTqo7rK042c3r15MQSJc-10k1z8PTqn_MEW_FPebv9U7i51O46VdXxGm8GYcJ8tjUQ8zyD5nfgUWVbn0sf2GbR0aBR0cyVzovzodQ_MN5jXvuk-LDTUIdxQxq4KF-dE/w640-h480/IMG-20220924-WA0015.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;">I loved my horse ride... the highlight of the day!<br /><br />Thank you, Fidlers, for an awesome day!!</span></td></tr></tbody></table><br />Marinda Shahahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08331984352649799897noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2458354230328789151.post-7976999684024567952022-10-03T13:51:00.009-07:002022-10-04T00:13:24.696-07:00Monument Unveiling Ceremony<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;">We had a really neat experience on Saturday that is worth documenting. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Ben, as the US military representative in Slovenia, was invited to speak at a monument unveiling ceremony that honored ten US crew members of a B-24 bomber that crashed in Slovenia on March 19, 1944. The wreck was a result of an attack by German fighter planes on a fleet of US bombers that was en route back to Italy from bombing a munitions factory in Austria. The bomber, "Moo Juice" came down in the Slovenian woods near a small settlement named Štravberk, near the village of Otočec in the region of Novo Mesto. Three men were killed before hitting the ground, while the rest were forced to eject. Five men were captured by Nazi sympathizers and turned over to the German occupiers, where they ended up in a prisoner camp but miraculously survived. The final two members were rescued by partisans with the help of the local residents. They sheltered them, fed them, nursed their wounds, and ultimately led them on a long and dangerous trek to safety in present day Bosnia from where they were able to fly back to their airbase in Italy. Tragically, a villager who helped one of the US airmen link up with the partisans, was ratted out by Nazi sympathizers, arrested, and sent to a concentration camp where he ultimately died. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"> The ceremony, accompanied by a brass band, was attended by several villagers, the mayor of Novo Mesto, and Slovenia's minister of defense. They, along with Ben, gave great speeches. But the highlight was hearing from one of the surviving crew member's son, Steve Nordwell, who traveled all the way from Seattle with his daughter to attend this ceremony. It was his first trip ever to Slovenia, and a real treat to learn more about his father's extraordinary experience. He expressed his gratitude for those that helped save the life of his father, Ernest Nordwell, and he held up a family picture showing his father's large posterity, saying none of them would be here today if it hadn't been for these selfless and courageous Slovenians. It was so touching!</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGVqvYeQe2jFf09GzewA734NqQT-5ULMfnJ7uEDfy_5lc8gYunCe3L-_xwSNe14_0n-SJlD8_At6_k182gp3UsnxISG2jdDMX7QsG7ZUSyMdWhqrjvqyGpKuq-OWM-RXiHoYGn6JgsuQ76IaZSDC_wRivDOkqGgYeR642wa1XUa7Fat_orJDF5L8X3/s1599/IMG-20221003-WA0007.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1599" data-original-width="899" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGVqvYeQe2jFf09GzewA734NqQT-5ULMfnJ7uEDfy_5lc8gYunCe3L-_xwSNe14_0n-SJlD8_At6_k182gp3UsnxISG2jdDMX7QsG7ZUSyMdWhqrjvqyGpKuq-OWM-RXiHoYGn6JgsuQ76IaZSDC_wRivDOkqGgYeR642wa1XUa7Fat_orJDF5L8X3/w360-h640/IMG-20221003-WA0007.jpg" width="360" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Steve Nordwell, son of nose-gunner Ernest Nordwell, </span></td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"> and his daughter.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Here is the brass band playing the Slovenian National Anthem:</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dxh784ykqKo01MO1gHzjrOEky-_LnBBsL271Hdw_W3qKrYUbKvFxkjKeh8vzTjjQGMFz858LCp4W2aMz7Mxcg' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;">And here is the speech by Ben: </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;">If you're patient and wait until the end you can hear him recite some poetry in Slovenian 💞</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dwtR_t_24fTQdAQiQFxARnlXrqZVbWuPNEFKI8LBKW_hlzOSMm8sZoAs6qCQ32n5_Q9pWkt55u_z1s2xMxHSw' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe></span></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Bravo Ben!!👏👏👏</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBBjGdio-EeWiYHDLd-27sylXJyfdzK8Y6zbz9mxGWV391snGO45UCsnbw82YPCxDVvwJPoDSnxLMi6ZNMjnacZ-vfCSK74qqlctLGrORsZi-x8qF1E3QgFpA3oQuAD9-s5fgRQGbNP34Ucq1RTZjNfd-e1kF4ARTga0OOqmiKfjGQzybW9iwENAPq/s1024/IMG-20221002-WA0018.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="576" data-original-width="1024" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBBjGdio-EeWiYHDLd-27sylXJyfdzK8Y6zbz9mxGWV391snGO45UCsnbw82YPCxDVvwJPoDSnxLMi6ZNMjnacZ-vfCSK74qqlctLGrORsZi-x8qF1E3QgFpA3oQuAD9-s5fgRQGbNP34Ucq1RTZjNfd-e1kF4ARTga0OOqmiKfjGQzybW9iwENAPq/w640-h360/IMG-20221002-WA0018.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Unveiling of the Monument</span></td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9VA4SgYhFpSJcA45nFaIMjXGYnAD9Ia0miREGBOQYJncPXXD3yLUIY-V_isvCQ1JHdoA2DdRp2xg3m6AJ1ulhZxW17CF6M20j2iXPqcUABTa1hDQgFxtTFFcb7dkfOZ96L2LfnPy-5g8_j0nhB7MYCUlmjTBZeoul-84VhPbqqsyFNJ93G3PWkF-F/s1024/IMG-20221002-WA0001.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="768" data-original-width="1024" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9VA4SgYhFpSJcA45nFaIMjXGYnAD9Ia0miREGBOQYJncPXXD3yLUIY-V_isvCQ1JHdoA2DdRp2xg3m6AJ1ulhZxW17CF6M20j2iXPqcUABTa1hDQgFxtTFFcb7dkfOZ96L2LfnPy-5g8_j0nhB7MYCUlmjTBZeoul-84VhPbqqsyFNJ93G3PWkF-F/w640-h480/IMG-20221002-WA0001.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Villagers in attendance</span></td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifH4rsa663b_eMsJVo_ImqXvStaguhZsZ1jN8_yX7gEYibyA59pfHVxIJq_Jk3eDl9Wk-3hI_zc83GijVtefZd97J9R5JrmAWzxvsTZDX4HRvjFKIbtZyjwKWg9iAAlIMR7ymmMDsP0wu8G8aP3e7Kk5OkHAc8EOiO7Ro71Cr5qVgvOUUP7EOOLYLf/s1024/IMG-20221001-WA0009.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1024" data-original-width="768" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifH4rsa663b_eMsJVo_ImqXvStaguhZsZ1jN8_yX7gEYibyA59pfHVxIJq_Jk3eDl9Wk-3hI_zc83GijVtefZd97J9R5JrmAWzxvsTZDX4HRvjFKIbtZyjwKWg9iAAlIMR7ymmMDsP0wu8G8aP3e7Kk5OkHAc8EOiO7Ro71Cr5qVgvOUUP7EOOLYLf/w480-h640/IMG-20221001-WA0009.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Emily was sick, so she couldn't come 😔</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9ykuEp9sC5v-lrj8cThPfsUDgd74t0P3jjUuGlW9aoKF1ezsI4DrBQ-ETsEAPuad8Qq5J7Qs0rkAXzDjCF-gWs1aaUEVC3iUj6E9g0NkeeFuWQYGA1nIdW9yqxCiAt-5PWU2yYmHTg2pdKgG_uh1M3SdYil339G3MMN24hGcT8H2Ec8QAU2tqgESN/s1024/IMG-20221001-WA0004.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1024" data-original-width="768" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9ykuEp9sC5v-lrj8cThPfsUDgd74t0P3jjUuGlW9aoKF1ezsI4DrBQ-ETsEAPuad8Qq5J7Qs0rkAXzDjCF-gWs1aaUEVC3iUj6E9g0NkeeFuWQYGA1nIdW9yqxCiAt-5PWU2yYmHTg2pdKgG_uh1M3SdYil339G3MMN24hGcT8H2Ec8QAU2tqgESN/w480-h640/IMG-20221001-WA0004.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQCwv20Jqhr5yfxcPtV1i1R8jHm6ZRgkERkBD9uXNHg3n9UMF3xmoEmsduOKA1bxIJ9BRXqPQjSRmczfYDmr2r0ZYrs35Ibo78BXIuVG4CsfR9vwr2FwuHZb1MuCXXVvQ_aRhpIYVRf6HQoclVDbl_EYpQCzHCbTXrM5DBrc1eRBNBJ5Gfbc96aRvl/s1024/IMG-20221002-WA0004.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1024" data-original-width="768" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQCwv20Jqhr5yfxcPtV1i1R8jHm6ZRgkERkBD9uXNHg3n9UMF3xmoEmsduOKA1bxIJ9BRXqPQjSRmczfYDmr2r0ZYrs35Ibo78BXIuVG4CsfR9vwr2FwuHZb1MuCXXVvQ_aRhpIYVRf6HQoclVDbl_EYpQCzHCbTXrM5DBrc1eRBNBJ5Gfbc96aRvl/w480-h640/IMG-20221002-WA0004.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVWaDdfRZVjKw_GfhTJKZF-I0A6ue1ChzXNixVn5iI5bfRwfCp2Ilcq9MhvR2smSp1AlWrFePEYhSZlWcJRCMWE1OGMb8wy6L7CBH0M7MaDzGh0ZRP4fkxUeTZZfCyqsYnFGYE5Mc2KjJZD4iEiJH8XSerXup9dZ1m46xUe83H7vFXc2GMI7st5q6u/s1024/IMG-20221002-WA0006.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="768" data-original-width="1024" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVWaDdfRZVjKw_GfhTJKZF-I0A6ue1ChzXNixVn5iI5bfRwfCp2Ilcq9MhvR2smSp1AlWrFePEYhSZlWcJRCMWE1OGMb8wy6L7CBH0M7MaDzGh0ZRP4fkxUeTZZfCyqsYnFGYE5Mc2KjJZD4iEiJH8XSerXup9dZ1m46xUe83H7vFXc2GMI7st5q6u/w640-h480/IMG-20221002-WA0006.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Caroline, exhibiting her reverence for the monument. </span></td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;">After the ceremony we enjoyed a lunch with all of the villagers. It included delicious tender venison stew (goulash), and locally prepared breads and pastries. We sat with Steve and his daughter and enjoyed learning more about his father's incredible experience. We also conversed with the daughter of the last surviving eyewitness to the crash, Franc Blažič, who sadly passed away last year. He was just 14 years old when it happened. He helped collect and bury the bodies of those that perished.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPz9w-Cemv0yrONKgplyfSgbrw6D59i3RfpE2nLPl-VLJXYBwTDhZzPk5STjxUvrAgRKEI7CQaL6OO736opz9dB3ohLlD07cTJrEvInOD8UzLs1AB8P_QWjqBaH9jhl-hIaN_4S2qdoMbJ5AfPRPZPZGp5mYb96jE4hKWXJNJ9Zi-xjIPRrN3QSrGi/s1024/IMG-20221002-WA0003.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="768" data-original-width="1024" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPz9w-Cemv0yrONKgplyfSgbrw6D59i3RfpE2nLPl-VLJXYBwTDhZzPk5STjxUvrAgRKEI7CQaL6OO736opz9dB3ohLlD07cTJrEvInOD8UzLs1AB8P_QWjqBaH9jhl-hIaN_4S2qdoMbJ5AfPRPZPZGp5mYb96jE4hKWXJNJ9Zi-xjIPRrN3QSrGi/w640-h480/IMG-20221002-WA0003.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;">The tent where we gathered for lunch </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqbIuVsXwOCuXx2LKeBjmzCS4Crjk06iIdEu8bIyFAXmqmdOywb-KesEl-Ghyef9ZRCcOTLCIv5vWHc57Zj8fplq8zjE0J5jJmtb7KWypzEdt92tAKkRLi96BGIf2xHbGJulJR_RsuhpVGYWleHdoVXQRCf6R5ttYqViKZdu5iwAyjuS2Lpz4P3jnT/s1024/IMG-20221001-WA0003.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="768" data-original-width="1024" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqbIuVsXwOCuXx2LKeBjmzCS4Crjk06iIdEu8bIyFAXmqmdOywb-KesEl-Ghyef9ZRCcOTLCIv5vWHc57Zj8fplq8zjE0J5jJmtb7KWypzEdt92tAKkRLi96BGIf2xHbGJulJR_RsuhpVGYWleHdoVXQRCf6R5ttYqViKZdu5iwAyjuS2Lpz4P3jnT/w640-h480/IMG-20221001-WA0003.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Steve kept saying what a priceless experience this was for them. It was fun to watch them experience this precious day!</span></td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;">The villagers were so friendly and hospitable! The son of Franc Blažič, the last surviving witness to the crash who died last year, invited us to his home down the road. First we stopped by his late father's home, which still remains in the family. One of the airmen landed in his backyard! The home was covered in amazing vines with perfectly ripe grapes!</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghAqQ-7z9rmAlpRodjeAp2p9V1uBNzQo7W3bSsAAfYFQOCXfiZ67gkPOr0Z3Y3MtfWjHwBeNfTXkGUqHU-NGWpMnZFh3UVuzrykmKaIjwaAbkp49Q3TFyJZ5Gs0AjUA_Chv0IJHbIJBoP3jXskb3bkoWh7b17dgGsYG8QRpqwGlnIDVCCSrinLcMxc/s1024/IMG-20221001-WA0013.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="768" data-original-width="1024" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghAqQ-7z9rmAlpRodjeAp2p9V1uBNzQo7W3bSsAAfYFQOCXfiZ67gkPOr0Z3Y3MtfWjHwBeNfTXkGUqHU-NGWpMnZFh3UVuzrykmKaIjwaAbkp49Q3TFyJZ5Gs0AjUA_Chv0IJHbIJBoP3jXskb3bkoWh7b17dgGsYG8QRpqwGlnIDVCCSrinLcMxc/w640-h480/IMG-20221001-WA0013.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvyFTsgQg4ZLdZdqww28r9cAuSyWhcaQcBLZ6zpbYvSsIkH4RFJ9T8ej4xBPzVrd6sBHYJqk5Tn4kPtpuOOC0V-LeT6_9_HMz_z7Ju04gUpYdcc5kveOS0djgtwS-YFNFKRQQiwTdh50cSi88rNolhPJWcOt5lyKgsBf_3J4ZEj-33IaLUOC06xJGq/s1024/IMG-20221001-WA0019.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1024" data-original-width="768" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvyFTsgQg4ZLdZdqww28r9cAuSyWhcaQcBLZ6zpbYvSsIkH4RFJ9T8ej4xBPzVrd6sBHYJqk5Tn4kPtpuOOC0V-LeT6_9_HMz_z7Ju04gUpYdcc5kveOS0djgtwS-YFNFKRQQiwTdh50cSi88rNolhPJWcOt5lyKgsBf_3J4ZEj-33IaLUOC06xJGq/w480-h640/IMG-20221001-WA0019.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRlvr9Td3xr9Pw3hoRb6Dx4eNMQqxzyA5wx0VXa6pCETe6jAIAVMxU4dq79EEVdPSKXmLUsKh2f3FLqby_DXsorPSyP8VlL3OkirlDU_lUaT699587YfWgLZAvD4UGQh4iCK0GZi9-N2PP18b7dY73JSkrHbU3msqqvCguMBwUbgDt5Fgg7FhvaOjn/s1024/IMG-20221001-WA0016.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1024" data-original-width="768" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRlvr9Td3xr9Pw3hoRb6Dx4eNMQqxzyA5wx0VXa6pCETe6jAIAVMxU4dq79EEVdPSKXmLUsKh2f3FLqby_DXsorPSyP8VlL3OkirlDU_lUaT699587YfWgLZAvD4UGQh4iCK0GZi9-N2PP18b7dY73JSkrHbU3msqqvCguMBwUbgDt5Fgg7FhvaOjn/w480-h640/IMG-20221001-WA0016.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhekAJ4exqKSEtk0MAHRuUMCuH99Z1G7X7z25PzlaczlYLfV6iydNR9q9ksoxuleXuQnOOTRbHyL4eQWP1lvvWYp9X_eziMCYpUCiCD9adnGvEaOjHEfv6W3-xuKPWKmj4q50vlYCdjiHXdTGq0Buml6oa9xP1XWZu9tCjwRMf5rhG0nODPQFqM9jXr/s1024/IMG-20221001-WA0017.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1024" data-original-width="768" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhekAJ4exqKSEtk0MAHRuUMCuH99Z1G7X7z25PzlaczlYLfV6iydNR9q9ksoxuleXuQnOOTRbHyL4eQWP1lvvWYp9X_eziMCYpUCiCD9adnGvEaOjHEfv6W3-xuKPWKmj4q50vlYCdjiHXdTGq0Buml6oa9xP1XWZu9tCjwRMf5rhG0nODPQFqM9jXr/w480-h640/IMG-20221001-WA0017.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFtRezuBVt0aZW0zvTvf6hlSAK8Ap2UHDwL-Ujch6NJskpE1aIxWvD9ENMR-bRwK9aM8QGEaKvA1Qbv04devz5EQ1KjnNfl_qU7d3v9Lac6eFoPccYlk0naazGfgpNvQP3QJ2jS6PkHlzAENjoZBH5WEo5olkasPA9bylHY5adO3KVRRcOCqsvBhoJ/s1024/IMG-20221001-WA0015.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1024" data-original-width="768" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFtRezuBVt0aZW0zvTvf6hlSAK8Ap2UHDwL-Ujch6NJskpE1aIxWvD9ENMR-bRwK9aM8QGEaKvA1Qbv04devz5EQ1KjnNfl_qU7d3v9Lac6eFoPccYlk0naazGfgpNvQP3QJ2jS6PkHlzAENjoZBH5WEo5olkasPA9bylHY5adO3KVRRcOCqsvBhoJ/w480-h640/IMG-20221001-WA0015.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYWJ6HhGFqhqN07Qb19sS1TPmapFd_hAPSsLYB4Paclo-0ayiJA3e5Gs_NIUOFqRx8eHluKMflZ3fGAoavjaKUUzJK_VNnlS4xRYBXuX0PN8L_9cIpNePZ454DQ6ddPn-3T5ewbKWkj6DbMqIBaYwPuo10WPdi9BeJHkJKwbsaRJu3oDD5n_kA-7hc/s1024/IMG-20221002-WA0007.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="768" data-original-width="1024" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYWJ6HhGFqhqN07Qb19sS1TPmapFd_hAPSsLYB4Paclo-0ayiJA3e5Gs_NIUOFqRx8eHluKMflZ3fGAoavjaKUUzJK_VNnlS4xRYBXuX0PN8L_9cIpNePZ454DQ6ddPn-3T5ewbKWkj6DbMqIBaYwPuo10WPdi9BeJHkJKwbsaRJu3oDD5n_kA-7hc/w640-h480/IMG-20221002-WA0007.jpg" width="640" /></a><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Before we knew it he was getting out the ladder to trim us some bunches of grapes!</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjd-9wJBGtiFnuaviU6ccXcBF-oBYOZmLp6i7MNFunM8GnJfPMwaEVDWDTwszucB_88b8Rl1wmB4z2MHZi1EkSs348rbPOF_9wRTWw2Jl-ddzxIaKQliZF_3t1RmCQZtzgNRHsmvl8tRJTrleBOoYDNF-CF4fbxAUleqhlnfMw_QsaMloChDVYRy0f2/s1024/IMG-20221002-WA0008.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1024" data-original-width="768" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjd-9wJBGtiFnuaviU6ccXcBF-oBYOZmLp6i7MNFunM8GnJfPMwaEVDWDTwszucB_88b8Rl1wmB4z2MHZi1EkSs348rbPOF_9wRTWw2Jl-ddzxIaKQliZF_3t1RmCQZtzgNRHsmvl8tRJTrleBOoYDNF-CF4fbxAUleqhlnfMw_QsaMloChDVYRy0f2/w480-h640/IMG-20221002-WA0008.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4Euspedx7stcJjSXdDhUyR0PAewXUSWgWYOeRs8yIjo_zsJ5Hh2qTAb7zjI384_SC0TqL1-VG_A5Qt7O84MX9O5LeER7e5n5_d02xxlL9V0TJsnGYWNynpVfvEB1Xrum91kmJFaMPpwXHQG1fm30yMBwZieafG1YeZI08hinqoQL1hRUd4bCm13EI/s1024/IMG-20221002-WA0000.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1024" data-original-width="768" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4Euspedx7stcJjSXdDhUyR0PAewXUSWgWYOeRs8yIjo_zsJ5Hh2qTAb7zjI384_SC0TqL1-VG_A5Qt7O84MX9O5LeER7e5n5_d02xxlL9V0TJsnGYWNynpVfvEB1Xrum91kmJFaMPpwXHQG1fm30yMBwZieafG1YeZI08hinqoQL1hRUd4bCm13EI/w480-h640/IMG-20221002-WA0000.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;">They were soooo tasty!</span></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMm89KkIfmChmsvXYnxg17rmus7cI_zZfQgQ7lfR6Qc_dZEspai_YzX2Q3W4H5rRZg2rSNA2ueBolJCAuVYYg3VaLtYaFxwFOlAUYzbrZz0u2Up6BojhMFxq3xLo2YNkOW0NeEoCS-mXO77QYw0lJRWK5-EqGQqdrQR1Olbp6m1nCMoTl7dCAa393j/s1024/IMG-20221002-WA0002.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="768" data-original-width="1024" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMm89KkIfmChmsvXYnxg17rmus7cI_zZfQgQ7lfR6Qc_dZEspai_YzX2Q3W4H5rRZg2rSNA2ueBolJCAuVYYg3VaLtYaFxwFOlAUYzbrZz0u2Up6BojhMFxq3xLo2YNkOW0NeEoCS-mXO77QYw0lJRWK5-EqGQqdrQR1Olbp6m1nCMoTl7dCAa393j/w640-h480/IMG-20221002-WA0002.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Somebody has been busy. My dad would appreciate this woodpile. In fact, I thought of my dad several times during the day. He would have LOVED this experience. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIuTSYGdsbldATkciCfOr7kqMMY3334SOx73NotLReJWHMJfrrIDefNbOLO4pmBfzr5UkR6ro4uK4nSJWyN1xN00c6j3q0ykbUFAkSsmxqg09xsEbVf3huHUcQ0E70Foe3VI4nH0DWNUMcw6-0YSektmF7eWTGY4rEMgOhxBdpJyq7971QRUf4MwxV/s1024/IMG-20221003-WA0004.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="768" data-original-width="1024" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIuTSYGdsbldATkciCfOr7kqMMY3334SOx73NotLReJWHMJfrrIDefNbOLO4pmBfzr5UkR6ro4uK4nSJWyN1xN00c6j3q0ykbUFAkSsmxqg09xsEbVf3huHUcQ0E70Foe3VI4nH0DWNUMcw6-0YSektmF7eWTGY4rEMgOhxBdpJyq7971QRUf4MwxV/w640-h480/IMG-20221003-WA0004.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Cosette, my faithful prop in all my pics.</span></td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><span style="font-size: medium;">Then the son took us to his home where he brought out the ponies for the kids to enjoy. His love for horses and his land was very apparent, especially with all the horse paraphernalia and decor in his home! </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpQJh-821yzwPjm0wQS0YifamMEykQOAD3Yiwf1V4wH0U2NTStI6iTst2fK1IlHY1ogIM40XmBawJ328GnhUd60c2GhdX1evwz1qTRfFQr3aspafjYtDOwEGl7dA7fMlFBj7NgepvJh5kS3_4HM6mqQjgF7bJJ_y2sx_3n0-AzJOWYVHJNyom2r1s5/s1024/IMG-20221002-WA0015.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="768" data-original-width="1024" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpQJh-821yzwPjm0wQS0YifamMEykQOAD3Yiwf1V4wH0U2NTStI6iTst2fK1IlHY1ogIM40XmBawJ328GnhUd60c2GhdX1evwz1qTRfFQr3aspafjYtDOwEGl7dA7fMlFBj7NgepvJh5kS3_4HM6mqQjgF7bJJ_y2sx_3n0-AzJOWYVHJNyom2r1s5/w640-h480/IMG-20221002-WA0015.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Three generations of ponies... daughter, mother, grandmother. The grandmother is over thirty years old!<br /></span><br /><span style="font-size: medium;">Then he brought out all this wreckage from the B-24 bomber that they have found and kept in the family over the years. </span></td></tr></tbody></table><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLNgR2pCcvGDeoy8TU428TSfvtAwfpTq1T2kyJ_5A_QleGmsT1kr94lRBlBJM_Sy_D6PQzWYn5uCLbj82Lf91JeYT18Cef0IIXq2A089-u5pSrif32c1kOlcSj_JOUOoYWEvtUmbYH0rVUmAHbNfxcq-6z7Uf9SCpkuRStrSYWvBExh7PJ7tWzuK08/s1024/IMG-20221002-WA0014.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1024" data-original-width="768" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLNgR2pCcvGDeoy8TU428TSfvtAwfpTq1T2kyJ_5A_QleGmsT1kr94lRBlBJM_Sy_D6PQzWYn5uCLbj82Lf91JeYT18Cef0IIXq2A089-u5pSrif32c1kOlcSj_JOUOoYWEvtUmbYH0rVUmAHbNfxcq-6z7Uf9SCpkuRStrSYWvBExh7PJ7tWzuK08/w480-h640/IMG-20221002-WA0014.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;">A rusted oxygen tank from the plane. The locals repurposed many of the parts and used them as kitchenware or in whatever innovative fashion they could think of 😂</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgj05E1T0IBcJ5QvEhHxdVNElhuJTHacJdiDIJ5V9pwA7jA5eNaw3tk7cjbJZBPqPkM-FGqNTJ50pW9sSZJGMIEb3rJ8xBDap6ZFs6uyAL37LInyyByHAmMhxHp1VMBpauW5YvHw39mN4_vEbNOFadzTqL4ODvatpxC8IIjFUwmDOsi6Z8hSXbIccDt/s1024/IMG-20221002-WA0013.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="768" data-original-width="1024" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgj05E1T0IBcJ5QvEhHxdVNElhuJTHacJdiDIJ5V9pwA7jA5eNaw3tk7cjbJZBPqPkM-FGqNTJ50pW9sSZJGMIEb3rJ8xBDap6ZFs6uyAL37LInyyByHAmMhxHp1VMBpauW5YvHw39mN4_vEbNOFadzTqL4ODvatpxC8IIjFUwmDOsi6Z8hSXbIccDt/w640-h480/IMG-20221002-WA0013.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Artifacts from the wreckage</span></td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsbq3wHODbnLPbb7O67gyPUi1BOQ10n20IVc1ig6R0-1plWbqUpvetIOdFqVYQXS31c4X7rCTR5I7jaZIxLqUwY4bsWTILJynzCxRNvIL-aIhNlSgaLowAm4a-bmV3mtNwPTNY0QhhNPgpk64UFFhNexGdP0SdUZcuinf_BicbsFUW-MWJo6VGAHnA/s1024/IMG-20221002-WA0012.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1024" data-original-width="768" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsbq3wHODbnLPbb7O67gyPUi1BOQ10n20IVc1ig6R0-1plWbqUpvetIOdFqVYQXS31c4X7rCTR5I7jaZIxLqUwY4bsWTILJynzCxRNvIL-aIhNlSgaLowAm4a-bmV3mtNwPTNY0QhhNPgpk64UFFhNexGdP0SdUZcuinf_BicbsFUW-MWJo6VGAHnA/w480-h640/IMG-20221002-WA0012.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;">A live round that they found in the area recently. So cool!</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgwdpAgBLhhNHJMb3JyzO9qyXkrR41DtRiF425HOFRjg8XFhLKM1HnAKjOAUnPFVNNqf-ov7ZANjg_MmY5zrKILIkTP5h7QsDshHj-CRViP-Hdv8-wATmJIgOQWqxzyefrmTbG5xaKQDGTCeckQLw_DsdCp-n_nfX4GlwTyYjVAuQVAJeSt1uklgE8/s1024/IMG-20221002-WA0011.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="768" data-original-width="1024" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgwdpAgBLhhNHJMb3JyzO9qyXkrR41DtRiF425HOFRjg8XFhLKM1HnAKjOAUnPFVNNqf-ov7ZANjg_MmY5zrKILIkTP5h7QsDshHj-CRViP-Hdv8-wATmJIgOQWqxzyefrmTbG5xaKQDGTCeckQLw_DsdCp-n_nfX4GlwTyYjVAuQVAJeSt1uklgE8/w640-h480/IMG-20221002-WA0011.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;">On the left you have the son of the Slovenian farmer who witnessed the wreck and helped in the aftermath (and his grandkids), and on the right you have the son and granddaughter of the surviving crew member.<br />Soooo cool!</span></td></tr></tbody></table><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj88ZCB5JCx7nBZMQsP1-DA6_dKrPOAIrKPBQLXDf9zfyv08zMF1EIyS-LBnVmWBtgr18N3Dm05-fgq2rD7kL4mJKDEI5lqCZ_oMCE54I6pd01efao0wW8eJqcBmAYYx9ngxAp1ptF2cr9pvqW6TBuQ4m_MFRNlJmtIXVka0YFfhJZfn3lQb-krL9vi/s1024/IMG-20221002-WA0009.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1024" data-original-width="768" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj88ZCB5JCx7nBZMQsP1-DA6_dKrPOAIrKPBQLXDf9zfyv08zMF1EIyS-LBnVmWBtgr18N3Dm05-fgq2rD7kL4mJKDEI5lqCZ_oMCE54I6pd01efao0wW8eJqcBmAYYx9ngxAp1ptF2cr9pvqW6TBuQ4m_MFRNlJmtIXVka0YFfhJZfn3lQb-krL9vi/w480-h640/IMG-20221002-WA0009.jpg" width="480" /></span></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Ben presented him with a 101st airborne patch, screaming eagle. He loved it! </span></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><span style="font-size: medium;">All around, a great experience!</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"> It's interesting to see that even though those who were part of the events on March 19, 1944 are no longer here, the significance of it is remembered and preserved by their posterity. Slovenians and Americans alike hold these events close to their hearts! Both are duly proud of their heritage.</span><br /><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /></div><br /> <p></p>Marinda Shahahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08331984352649799897noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2458354230328789151.post-16668468031888693232022-10-03T01:57:00.009-07:002022-10-03T03:34:24.980-07:00Birthday Surprise<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><span style="font-size: medium;">Saturday, January 8, I got the surprise of my life when I came home from dinner with Ben and my friends greeted me with a surprise "40th" birthday party! </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;">This is 2022, so a couple years late for my true "40th." Sadly, I had spent my 40th alone with James and Cosette, we had arrived in Slovenia just two days before, having flown from Spain. Em, C, and Ben were in route, driving our Honda from Madrid to Ljubljana. They didn't make it in time. So I guess Ben always felt bad about this. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;">This party was a surprise, because one, this was Ben's brainchild, and I just couldn't envision him planning, organizing, and executing such a party. Sorry, Ben, just didn't see that coming. Then on top of that, he was still recovering from his recent ankle surgery and hobbling around on crutches, who would have thunk??? </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"> January 8 was a Saturday, and I had gone skiing with the kids and Maliha and other friends. Cosette did a lesson and then after that I took her on the bunny slope for a couple of hours while the older ones joined Maliha's kids on the bigger slopes. Hanging with Cosette on the bunny slope was a disaster, I am not a ski instructor! She has come so far since that January day, but man, was that a miserable afternoon... we were falling on top of each other, she was crying, wrecking, etc. Around 3:00 Maliha brought my kids back and said she needed to get home (I had no idea why) and encouraged me to get going back too. But no, we stayed until 4:00 closing and then there was a huge line at the gondola to get off the mountain. We didn't get home until 5:30. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhmVEd1wz-DRN5pur5aw_kKXSTCxHkawgicsMYB3i0wK5pArbdM-C0lZfA4slL3-p5-s4mUGj17sEfrolCtYWxUZPIqDq6iiVJjF7P09ZDWRa9ZhSzzz6NglR8KclxaXVfDLVtz-PhT79DjqMupWlHKKSAtAA5MYhQowfi-Rv27ULedv3bUx8cXo1iR=s4032" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhmVEd1wz-DRN5pur5aw_kKXSTCxHkawgicsMYB3i0wK5pArbdM-C0lZfA4slL3-p5-s4mUGj17sEfrolCtYWxUZPIqDq6iiVJjF7P09ZDWRa9ZhSzzz6NglR8KclxaXVfDLVtz-PhT79DjqMupWlHKKSAtAA5MYhQowfi-Rv27ULedv3bUx8cXo1iR=w640-h480" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The only picture I took that day as we were leaving... the light was so pretty</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Back home Ben was a nervous wreck about making our dinner reservation, which was at 6:00. Little did I know he had a strict timeline he was keeping to. I kept asking, couldn't we just push it back 30 minutes? I was soooo tired. And I needed more time to turn around and get ready for my hot birthday dinner date. Nope! He was adamant! There was to be no changing the reservation, couldn't possibly do it. I thought Ben was just exhibiting his usual unyielding military tendencies. Par for the course.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">As we raced to the restaurant, Ben missed an important exit off the freeway and was sooo upset. It was not a forgiving mistake, it delayed us another 15 minutes. He was so stressed out I had to tell him everything was going to be ok!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">When we got to the restaurant he was like, "Ok. No appetizers! No bread! No desserts! Let's just share a meal. The kids have something planned for you and you don't want to be too full." I pushed back, "This is my birthday dinner. I'm going to eat whatever I want and take as long as I want." I certainly didn't make it easy on Ben, poor guy. I kept foiling his plan to hurry and get us out of there. I kept saying, "Why don't you just relax? I really want to just savor this meal and this time with you!" Poor, poor Ben. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">We did have a really good meal, slow roasted veal and delicious roasted vegetables. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">We finally made it back home, an hour off target I believe by this point and this is what I was greeted with: </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/iwKRreQpmLE" width="320" youtube-src-id="iwKRreQpmLE"></iframe></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjKCBCr2RYP09s-Kswuy4P7RHSji-e4QFg6k7mmNjpiTg0eDhfxFyKNsP-Ks2HU8uVIlKBvy--cJN_clbln2WqWB7bb6bWtcSpv_2wVCycZOh7hAgkfY2FqAlTwmlgoqhwfYqF_4ZIzp73_XT95TBZgNT58OGszX-IiJBhyoVQEX0LqBj5GBnX3ofOM=s2016" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1512" data-original-width="2016" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjKCBCr2RYP09s-Kswuy4P7RHSji-e4QFg6k7mmNjpiTg0eDhfxFyKNsP-Ks2HU8uVIlKBvy--cJN_clbln2WqWB7bb6bWtcSpv_2wVCycZOh7hAgkfY2FqAlTwmlgoqhwfYqF_4ZIzp73_XT95TBZgNT58OGszX-IiJBhyoVQEX0LqBj5GBnX3ofOM=w640-h480" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Left to Right: Siu-May Grueber, Phaedra Gywn, Carrie Braman, Nikki Schultz, Mike Baron, Jay Geiger, Lauren Mark, Elissa Baron, me, Ben, Tom Walker, Chris Grueber</td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Food, friends, family. I was literally shocked. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEj63XOGBpLb_h3IHEX_50iwe0bE9y-Fpl8pGGY84eHCAuwbgS7jXa1GzNchhDj52OsOdpwwVDP5VCoMHkig_w5sMHTBRIlZAJsUn2aaLngkAJfrxqu_hYKABNNQXYD0TJq9tfBMxsbXDPL5FnAoRwExl_Ew48qnc0d_9kMeMJgVz-qMMIkp7MZe-1Nf=s2016" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1512" data-original-width="2016" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEj63XOGBpLb_h3IHEX_50iwe0bE9y-Fpl8pGGY84eHCAuwbgS7jXa1GzNchhDj52OsOdpwwVDP5VCoMHkig_w5sMHTBRIlZAJsUn2aaLngkAJfrxqu_hYKABNNQXYD0TJq9tfBMxsbXDPL5FnAoRwExl_Ew48qnc0d_9kMeMJgVz-qMMIkp7MZe-1Nf=w640-h480" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjYYqK_3KOqB-mzWCNk-bhroX2VnezjtEHHgxsDVFrNBq8-ZRgAUmGAfuBX1ruCLN2BWpcr5X3pTr6duoz_i9MCOyhinGZ81nW-oikkLca6uP5PbpGi_LBAOCHpxGQHh-gmCujhF7yxkQ-rVOcYfYxh_J2W4Fv0kq96upeDE0ZPrrSe3CMbmCH2HjmW=s1600" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjYYqK_3KOqB-mzWCNk-bhroX2VnezjtEHHgxsDVFrNBq8-ZRgAUmGAfuBX1ruCLN2BWpcr5X3pTr6duoz_i9MCOyhinGZ81nW-oikkLca6uP5PbpGi_LBAOCHpxGQHh-gmCujhF7yxkQ-rVOcYfYxh_J2W4Fv0kq96upeDE0ZPrrSe3CMbmCH2HjmW=w640-h480" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgaJCUCKrB1-l3qLq31h0eYgTrAa2gkc-jD6d5kO0gnar299hJRfjzNNlfrCt1PqPhWxIoFGnhFajBaGsO_SfAbiGLiDFkk9o2ugf7mdp02UZPghqRB9nVOMG6fld8KXtxPdu0zUVgW_P5dhS38MUko3LYoVYzsy4r5UntJ9DQ_CjLpzyH9tpOTWwhi=s1024" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1024" data-original-width="768" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgaJCUCKrB1-l3qLq31h0eYgTrAa2gkc-jD6d5kO0gnar299hJRfjzNNlfrCt1PqPhWxIoFGnhFajBaGsO_SfAbiGLiDFkk9o2ugf7mdp02UZPghqRB9nVOMG6fld8KXtxPdu0zUVgW_P5dhS38MUko3LYoVYzsy4r5UntJ9DQ_CjLpzyH9tpOTWwhi=w480-h640" width="480" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Maliha was a huge help... She prepared a ton of the food along with other friends. The kids were so excited. Thanks, Ben!! </div><br /><br /></div><br /> <p></p>Marinda Shahahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08331984352649799897noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2458354230328789151.post-8936306531295992712022-02-15T13:35:00.008-08:002022-02-15T13:49:24.860-08:00<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEixVcmEazz24JbOsltUtdsQnSJKoZzlGNvf_ADKhOPE20S89Lc1Vg-vjrbWFKfOMkV6x3hHkCi_cgwquDcsnh2cvDgnz50FIVBmEmHggQxiDux8i_JE5wvgWAHraBFBLaId4vtAVA49Asw1F88MAbHHvBMPG-HRPK0ajuCqvh081U2Xbtk5FoawyfDt=s2016" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1512" data-original-width="2016" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEixVcmEazz24JbOsltUtdsQnSJKoZzlGNvf_ADKhOPE20S89Lc1Vg-vjrbWFKfOMkV6x3hHkCi_cgwquDcsnh2cvDgnz50FIVBmEmHggQxiDux8i_JE5wvgWAHraBFBLaId4vtAVA49Asw1F88MAbHHvBMPG-HRPK0ajuCqvh081U2Xbtk5FoawyfDt=w640-h480" width="640" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-size: medium;">Saturday we had a great day skiing at Vogel. Em, Caroline, James and I went with my tried and true ski partner, Maliha and her 11 year old son Shaun. Usually her 15 year old Aidan comes along too. It's actually works out well for the both of us because we both love to ski, but we both have incapacitated husbands this season. Tom has had hip issues the past several months, and of course, Ben is still healing from his ankle surgery--he won't be hitting the slopes anytime soon. So, most Saturdays Maliha and I head out with the kids. She talked me into getting a season pass for all the Slovenian resorts (very affordable!), so that has kept us going back! </span><p></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgKquE0qJIF1ihRvhTU-QSorEJ9EiMD75ZMRyV5ylTDT-rHgoBkzmHgdUNpabI47zX091RbTqeESgwNrz7pm5QziYPmWlCfmBBlcFn7-YVCZl6YePNKsEbNbY0-zbHIHR4_2ljCzHTnmRfYqtG5KuXpCKHHY9TCDCMcJ7zkZPmuNGEe4YT-s5fFscNN=s4032" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgKquE0qJIF1ihRvhTU-QSorEJ9EiMD75ZMRyV5ylTDT-rHgoBkzmHgdUNpabI47zX091RbTqeESgwNrz7pm5QziYPmWlCfmBBlcFn7-YVCZl6YePNKsEbNbY0-zbHIHR4_2ljCzHTnmRfYqtG5KuXpCKHHY9TCDCMcJ7zkZPmuNGEe4YT-s5fFscNN=w640-h480" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;">The great thing about Emily's getup is I can ALWAYS find her on the slopes</span></td></tr></tbody></table><p><br /></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgiv5rcyMNvGqCnCiRd_HSwA8BBtu9ax2BcbIbUh9h9u0Z77gZM0wylidg1_xS34JjegvBqpWhIeSZfYra53P3jH5LDck6akGiIMaxZrfd65Yi_U2EsnBI8xSzIjBma_V5aiOJWt75YMADkMsiYThCiDMzYJFtMn0e6Eu9CNxRTJ2egnXUM8lnezBwH=s4032" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgiv5rcyMNvGqCnCiRd_HSwA8BBtu9ax2BcbIbUh9h9u0Z77gZM0wylidg1_xS34JjegvBqpWhIeSZfYra53P3jH5LDck6akGiIMaxZrfd65Yi_U2EsnBI8xSzIjBma_V5aiOJWt75YMADkMsiYThCiDMzYJFtMn0e6Eu9CNxRTJ2egnXUM8lnezBwH=w640-h480" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;">The view from the observation deck... that's beatuiful Lake Bohinj</span></td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEihP5hkCYH3QJ_aK1Eegr-rcoMbOdA-x-tGtoJv3A8GmSiph2OxA5bmXG7HXKdd9XbQJhQYFt5pPWuQb4Y-MJwA2MjcSI3H3A5_Kgmc0sIdDgfjyC6sZCnfxuXktvcmE-c_hhmFi5ISHl8HG2x4dfGCaA0GPREoa8EnDmouAjswo4E_497Ik0ccjthx=s4032" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br /><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEihP5hkCYH3QJ_aK1Eegr-rcoMbOdA-x-tGtoJv3A8GmSiph2OxA5bmXG7HXKdd9XbQJhQYFt5pPWuQb4Y-MJwA2MjcSI3H3A5_Kgmc0sIdDgfjyC6sZCnfxuXktvcmE-c_hhmFi5ISHl8HG2x4dfGCaA0GPREoa8EnDmouAjswo4E_497Ik0ccjthx=w640-h480" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div><p><span style="font-size: medium;">Most outings involve some crazy mishap with our kids that is document worthy, and Saturday was no exception. </span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">The skies were sunny and blue, slopes were great with a fresh skiff of snow, and the resort was quite crowded as it was a weekend. By 3:00, as we were finishing the day I thought to myself, "Wow, we haven't had any misadventures like we usually do." Such innocence. Little did I know, my thoughts were premature.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;"> One of the downsides of Vogel is that a lot of the lifts are T-bars. I don't know if T-bars are really a thing back in the states, I certainly don't recall ever having to deal with them, but this is what they look like: </span></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiyJxS30MrgfMDGilqxE0MybLf6h_ZcEIfcJ_3KnMCTvIWilJ2qM2vjDoDl10Yy2T0EQAUDMy20kzFvVdJbktqiWDf6LHyrPEzxQ97n7aFgIaU5VoQStX6NN840yLZws1XBMRiim3-Q6bAL5Ju-wxmy_l4U2qPxbqeC1E1u1gnEbimJ1sqqiLsw7pp4" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1365" data-original-width="2048" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiyJxS30MrgfMDGilqxE0MybLf6h_ZcEIfcJ_3KnMCTvIWilJ2qM2vjDoDl10Yy2T0EQAUDMy20kzFvVdJbktqiWDf6LHyrPEzxQ97n7aFgIaU5VoQStX6NN840yLZws1XBMRiim3-Q6bAL5Ju-wxmy_l4U2qPxbqeC1E1u1gnEbimJ1sqqiLsw7pp4=w640-h426" width="640" /></a></div><br /><p></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;">And this is how you're SUPPOSED to sit on them:</span></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEipMQVXxPyfds4UEqyM-Ezx7gKmU9Ng1g5--NbZbcYoq_zThsdEgGc79zzhHI8w-YnWXsQPz0fjxmmOTm1mJD8vLz4_vtqGtSPmj1uGE912ZNhWd1L_jdM0Geov6OYH8zG67UXGqI9Fpgc5_mPgbNHWQF4z7G2eCxqgbZHoRWyhfv6hV4AM-GsV3IFM" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1300" data-original-width="863" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEipMQVXxPyfds4UEqyM-Ezx7gKmU9Ng1g5--NbZbcYoq_zThsdEgGc79zzhHI8w-YnWXsQPz0fjxmmOTm1mJD8vLz4_vtqGtSPmj1uGE912ZNhWd1L_jdM0Geov6OYH8zG67UXGqI9Fpgc5_mPgbNHWQF4z7G2eCxqgbZHoRWyhfv6hV4AM-GsV3IFM=w424-h640" width="424" /></a></div><p><br /></p><span style="font-size: medium;">As you can see, they're not exactly a secure apparatus. It really takes some dexterity to master the T-bar. Admittedly, last year, I was a hot mess trying to get on that thing. Lots of embarrassing fails as I tried to catch it, tame it, and mount it. How I cursed the T-bar! On Saturday, though, I was quite impressed with the kids and how smoothly they mounted the t-bars with no major incidents. Maliha in her nice and helpful way, teamed up with James. Shaun and Caroline were partners, and Emily rode with me. We had no serious issues, until literally the last T-bar lift of the day. </span><p></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">Caroline and Shaun were a ways up in front of the lift line, with Maliha and James behind them. Following them was a random couple, then a single person, and then finally Emily and me. Em and I are always last in line because Miss Em likes to very gingerly and carefully glide down the mountain. Shaun and Caroline, on the other hand, are always first in the lift line because they like to recklessly barrel down the mountain. As I stood a ways behind them in the line and watched them head up the slope, I noticed they had not mounted the t-bar correctly, neither of them were sitting on it but were both clinging to the vertical rod with their arms, holding on for dear life. I cringed watching them, they were past the point of no return going up that steep slope. If they let go, the would certainly wreck. I didn't have much time to react though because soon it was Emily's and my turn to get on. I grabbed the vertical pole as it whipped around and sat on the bar, but Em had a hard time mounting and missed it. She kind of panicked so I turned around as I was going up the hill telling her not to worry, she could grab the next one. Not seeing what was in front of me, I was suddenly ripped from the t-bar. Miss Caroline, careening down the slope, had taken me out. I was down on the ground, dazed and confused as I watched Caroline slide further on down the hill, backwards on her stomach, no skis, one glove, and take out Emily who was on the t-bar behind me. I looked up in front of me to see several people, poles, and skis splayed across the slope. It was like a mass casualty event. Caroline kept sliding down, kind of whimpering, obviously scared. Shaun wasn't far behind her, he was sliding on his butt, turning around and out of control, whizzing past me. FINALLY the lift operator turned off the lift. I don't know why he waited so long, maybe he was just enjoying the show. Caroline and Shaun in their impossible position on the t-bar, had fallen off and taken out James, Maliha, three strangers, myself, and Emily as they slid uncontrollably down the mountain in the path of oncoming t-bar riders. I didn't even see them coming since I was turned around trying to coach Emily onto the lift. As I laid there and saw it all before me, I thought, "Well, there's our jacked up story of the day! We can't seem to go home without one!" </span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">We were all a mess trying to gather our equipment. Maliha and James were at the top gathering gloves, skis and poles. The other people who had been wiped out were able to get up and make their way down. In the meantime, there was a long line of people at the bottom just watching the whole spectacle and waiting for us to get out of the way so lift operations could resume. The operator made his way up to help us, he actually seemed genuinely concerned about our well being, which was a nice change from the usual annoyed and grumpy operators we encounter. He carried my skis down and even called for back-up, another resort employee with a neon vest came on site to help clean up the mess that we all were. Talk about embarrassing. We finally made our way down, with our tails between our legs, past the line of people who had all seen our downfall and who were patiently waiting for us to recover ourselves so they could continue on with what little was left of their ski day. Finally the lift was turned back on. Shaun and Caroline, didn't seem too fazed by the whole thing, Caroline's gloveless hand was icy cold, and her elbow was scratched up, but other than that, they were smiling and laughing. I don't know how they don't get embarrassed, but I suppose I was embarrassed enough for the both of them</span><span style="font-size: large;">. </span><span style="font-size: medium;">It's always something crazy with those two! </span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p><p><br /></p>Marinda Shahahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08331984352649799897noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2458354230328789151.post-1944986135516046042022-02-09T21:48:00.019-08:002022-10-03T03:38:42.322-07:00Slemenova Špica<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhYOslnjrEEMRAqIjxph0Gd1MZ1sFSRryeZ-kXjtXPPfDK1efFFAC101FkQWCnQFCYFWqaUonZp9-JRS_jdJmscGHnC0x-FlDUa4YY4AiAfur7hujDuHnY2igMkIFrdv_8JPJA0DPYhJzY1uK2lCQ_HWxIokB1_54wtj3xc8CTjsUxENoH1C6QyQj_I=s2016" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2016" data-original-width="1512" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhYOslnjrEEMRAqIjxph0Gd1MZ1sFSRryeZ-kXjtXPPfDK1efFFAC101FkQWCnQFCYFWqaUonZp9-JRS_jdJmscGHnC0x-FlDUa4YY4AiAfur7hujDuHnY2igMkIFrdv_8JPJA0DPYhJzY1uK2lCQ_HWxIokB1_54wtj3xc8CTjsUxENoH1C6QyQj_I=w480-h640" width="480" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Slemenova Špica is hands down my favorite hike I've done in Slovenia. I went on a beautiful September day with friends Maliha, Lauren, and all the kiddos. It was the British school's fall break, so they all had it off. My kids did not, so I let them play hookie. Such a good mom. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEj4TDENsK-CJOXSUfuJ0btfXBdaaTW63FOqUY9G70NMDCtJcdKkYHqIbiXXJWg89SqP0F65aeGJuzEO8RiiltvBPYdVaOP97S-aZ37bvt3VXv4H-uKbhXhcPUstHrBqNmei-dn4rUuDAF6LYiK3SXm_Jq2GscxyYBl5zCQIDO_2gALfJtTvCHz7DGOL=s4618" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4618" data-original-width="3464" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEj4TDENsK-CJOXSUfuJ0btfXBdaaTW63FOqUY9G70NMDCtJcdKkYHqIbiXXJWg89SqP0F65aeGJuzEO8RiiltvBPYdVaOP97S-aZ37bvt3VXv4H-uKbhXhcPUstHrBqNmei-dn4rUuDAF6LYiK3SXm_Jq2GscxyYBl5zCQIDO_2gALfJtTvCHz7DGOL=w480-h640" width="480" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;">What makes this hike so great is that you start at the summit of the Julian Alps known as Vršič Pass, elevation 1611 meters or 5,285 feet. That's almost exactly a mile! (For reference, the highest peak in Slovenia is Mt. Triglav, at 9,396 feet.) It's a long windy road to the top, guaranteed to get the kids carsick. But it's great to start hiking on top of the mountains as opposed to the bottom! The path does have some inclines, but the pictures make it look like you've been climbing for days! It's only five kms roundtrip and takes about 3-4 hours to complete...very doable with kids. Tough kids, that is. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhU9YIk08ytM39CTJrQHxSXlJ2CgVY4Rrg8LhukPE-InzPpr_kIEcqwbAK9vGl2xvX4G9Gz0xBv716pv-JtL0EuVbEKv72gpXlzxjg5UosUu2OrtxfeG-XI_VDSHS_e8LJ1NvAWDeoe7pwKU5JAt_tX647y5WNf6LKQrnP6Jkmc3Ry5YPatzeSjB6Pq=s2048" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhU9YIk08ytM39CTJrQHxSXlJ2CgVY4Rrg8LhukPE-InzPpr_kIEcqwbAK9vGl2xvX4G9Gz0xBv716pv-JtL0EuVbEKv72gpXlzxjg5UosUu2OrtxfeG-XI_VDSHS_e8LJ1NvAWDeoe7pwKU5JAt_tX647y5WNf6LKQrnP6Jkmc3Ry5YPatzeSjB6Pq=w480-h640" width="480" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;">First we stopped at the Russian Orthodox Chapel on the way up to the summit. This was built to commemorate the Russian POWs from WWI who perished in an avalanche while building the road up to the pass. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEj5JMLA6Xql3LDCUkgDqWfO-gM4wPnkRNomxeZPXUWjti0P-5PoqMBmbn_g8hAiQCvJWELF-Quu2AN4rS4Eyuaek6cXbdV1GEHnDP72XPMAll1JM1uLWSHEORpvNZg-xbYH528gaLgWJZvqXRMn16ILFsS3Q9hjnLHYJcP-8Gm1-XNwQrPy-6QKUXFv=s4618" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4618" data-original-width="3464" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEj5JMLA6Xql3LDCUkgDqWfO-gM4wPnkRNomxeZPXUWjti0P-5PoqMBmbn_g8hAiQCvJWELF-Quu2AN4rS4Eyuaek6cXbdV1GEHnDP72XPMAll1JM1uLWSHEORpvNZg-xbYH528gaLgWJZvqXRMn16ILFsS3Q9hjnLHYJcP-8Gm1-XNwQrPy-6QKUXFv=w480-h640" width="480" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;">And then it was time to hit the trail</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjdQa-voc3RkIyJM-8NOUkXq8h26wfbt_-oqWnCSYDepA7HXQR0XeLmF2RaihSyDHLwV6KC1DCxN9EYj1Zsz114RLxxDKDDxCTkEMZMlKgxbnNswf10GmRvlG-94R0qqbYwnJ_oiNV5KLPQYgV_uHHSzA1eYwzMpjbLK0MJB9MtBUQ10zZaaF5oPIOw=s4618" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4618" data-original-width="3464" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjdQa-voc3RkIyJM-8NOUkXq8h26wfbt_-oqWnCSYDepA7HXQR0XeLmF2RaihSyDHLwV6KC1DCxN9EYj1Zsz114RLxxDKDDxCTkEMZMlKgxbnNswf10GmRvlG-94R0qqbYwnJ_oiNV5KLPQYgV_uHHSzA1eYwzMpjbLK0MJB9MtBUQ10zZaaF5oPIOw=w480-h640" width="480" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhZGCMRjDwsPkDz7co5yNlcZ0itSowBSweqWsms5GpYbLxYt32OyQpksa82Lff9uQLAqXwBgXETgv1JlOfmx9FwCRLaoBZfvfdQAmTCAksjVuynrcVriw__Mba1TpU4YDZXlFJw5MvxN4F151q4wjaBgiOlPwe-SC8IdtOzs2qz8wHSaLqYZ4XzaTlX=s4618" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4618" data-original-width="3464" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhZGCMRjDwsPkDz7co5yNlcZ0itSowBSweqWsms5GpYbLxYt32OyQpksa82Lff9uQLAqXwBgXETgv1JlOfmx9FwCRLaoBZfvfdQAmTCAksjVuynrcVriw__Mba1TpU4YDZXlFJw5MvxN4F151q4wjaBgiOlPwe-SC8IdtOzs2qz8wHSaLqYZ4XzaTlX=w480-h640" width="480" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: left;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: left;"> </span></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhNeHE0lNYudZjnFxduAz7TOsUIMPRW3zcmY402UaMJ6SOq7d2Jps_8lRUAZywIhG1AXhjrgpdgPSzc2H_nqd05sm1EZ7ppKGU50kpb8kxcsfXbiW9NesNMfwveEWLNI2MSa5H7Df_FK9K2t-dwGHktKcULKA0_pBe2fesmMquAVkp9QxB9Hzzkw-O_=s4618" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3464" data-original-width="4618" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhNeHE0lNYudZjnFxduAz7TOsUIMPRW3zcmY402UaMJ6SOq7d2Jps_8lRUAZywIhG1AXhjrgpdgPSzc2H_nqd05sm1EZ7ppKGU50kpb8kxcsfXbiW9NesNMfwveEWLNI2MSa5H7Df_FK9K2t-dwGHktKcULKA0_pBe2fesmMquAVkp9QxB9Hzzkw-O_=w640-h480" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Taking a break, admiring the views<br /></span><br /></td></tr></tbody></table><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiR0JWT-7_4MjH-i4-kxxOBPMFPQBfQ_wjhW7a7lQS6pd46LgUHr-D2SbBq8O3Xah_dGfiBBzWstEZXmymTgtgWr0LqK3EIfFpdGEPTcIFW7gAnVy-J8SpDD59aEvnyOAiQLxmG_6Jg6IAK0sDVMdha1pXEGMoZDBD20qsqj_DL1JK_UQ6L9SuecE0v=s4618" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3464" data-original-width="4618" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiR0JWT-7_4MjH-i4-kxxOBPMFPQBfQ_wjhW7a7lQS6pd46LgUHr-D2SbBq8O3Xah_dGfiBBzWstEZXmymTgtgWr0LqK3EIfFpdGEPTcIFW7gAnVy-J8SpDD59aEvnyOAiQLxmG_6Jg6IAK0sDVMdha1pXEGMoZDBD20qsqj_DL1JK_UQ6L9SuecE0v=w640-h480" width="640" /></a><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjm4FbJ_VhKnQNnTBDhaqg3raLl1wqIR8-fXN3W9ZMLqfIqnggIaZa4LgZqch-HRXmEt2-RRcNhGqP5U2DjnkLQ5LL1Pk1AcU9sAup3MJJY9VF0_jF1mE9OUcXoL4xuKP3TX894dymZ0L5-bfbauJMA4iYdfPGRqXBod8lfPps3qTOYaT6Nek9aklCm=s4618" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3464" data-original-width="4618" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjm4FbJ_VhKnQNnTBDhaqg3raLl1wqIR8-fXN3W9ZMLqfIqnggIaZa4LgZqch-HRXmEt2-RRcNhGqP5U2DjnkLQ5LL1Pk1AcU9sAup3MJJY9VF0_jF1mE9OUcXoL4xuKP3TX894dymZ0L5-bfbauJMA4iYdfPGRqXBod8lfPps3qTOYaT6Nek9aklCm=w640-h480" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgH6QRti5XzRJqsAmslPIVtGSznxaG_PRI7XrtQLWr-G2Hs3QoXmoDWOXI0dlIy8sZqZCEAlIZ3c--W1syWzFm-_KbZBONeN8RCxFPhvgzba61KdovDtAiSuj5JDaP4KtqDGNe-VHLhsM2HzA_qu9bfm3qG4aXZAW1Feor4mizUp3sMNlcPqNnKS2qq=s4618" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4618" data-original-width="3464" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgH6QRti5XzRJqsAmslPIVtGSznxaG_PRI7XrtQLWr-G2Hs3QoXmoDWOXI0dlIy8sZqZCEAlIZ3c--W1syWzFm-_KbZBONeN8RCxFPhvgzba61KdovDtAiSuj5JDaP4KtqDGNe-VHLhsM2HzA_qu9bfm3qG4aXZAW1Feor4mizUp3sMNlcPqNnKS2qq=w480-h640" width="480" /></a><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;">After a gradual and somewhat challenging incline, we reached the saddle, which was about the half way point </span></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhYOslnjrEEMRAqIjxph0Gd1MZ1sFSRryeZ-kXjtXPPfDK1efFFAC101FkQWCnQFCYFWqaUonZp9-JRS_jdJmscGHnC0x-FlDUa4YY4AiAfur7hujDuHnY2igMkIFrdv_8JPJA0DPYhJzY1uK2lCQ_HWxIokB1_54wtj3xc8CTjsUxENoH1C6QyQj_I=s2016" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2016" data-original-width="1512" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhYOslnjrEEMRAqIjxph0Gd1MZ1sFSRryeZ-kXjtXPPfDK1efFFAC101FkQWCnQFCYFWqaUonZp9-JRS_jdJmscGHnC0x-FlDUa4YY4AiAfur7hujDuHnY2igMkIFrdv_8JPJA0DPYhJzY1uK2lCQ_HWxIokB1_54wtj3xc8CTjsUxENoH1C6QyQj_I=w480-h640" width="480" /></a></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgNo97xhKMeArhJ3B-yqhQGDZY-8tcMHM8C0E3p_RW6HYxuMC6AQXBodYfIL9_5ts8q762STy7KgKlXvlscyngGaowmFDvazDNxDtnBeRHwYd4sBDtj8jhiD0jqXcGBUiL-SuJkGnl32fhebH-lqOpDuoP2He6HN5eXM149xu2TpVnZQPhlPQVOM_YQ=s4618" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4618" data-original-width="3464" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgNo97xhKMeArhJ3B-yqhQGDZY-8tcMHM8C0E3p_RW6HYxuMC6AQXBodYfIL9_5ts8q762STy7KgKlXvlscyngGaowmFDvazDNxDtnBeRHwYd4sBDtj8jhiD0jqXcGBUiL-SuJkGnl32fhebH-lqOpDuoP2He6HN5eXM149xu2TpVnZQPhlPQVOM_YQ=w480-h640" width="480" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;">The trail leveled out and was lovely on the other side</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEggYimVEWlG_4_hlXoB0ocjcanuHtn-wpAsR1kS3BWuDi157GnnkOwjj5ks3YBxcBTOF0Uc4chX0Y9uj4RFm-R70sL4B44McgGPmYPGFJZPpxVb5bBKrFCvFSBiS2ZLSpqzyZfbgamSPTjBr_W3yxsIT43kjlrR0AV8YcwMxLzYod11dBwFSSE9Vui1=s4618" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4618" data-original-width="3464" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEggYimVEWlG_4_hlXoB0ocjcanuHtn-wpAsR1kS3BWuDi157GnnkOwjj5ks3YBxcBTOF0Uc4chX0Y9uj4RFm-R70sL4B44McgGPmYPGFJZPpxVb5bBKrFCvFSBiS2ZLSpqzyZfbgamSPTjBr_W3yxsIT43kjlrR0AV8YcwMxLzYod11dBwFSSE9Vui1=w480-h640" width="480" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhUMze2oPooQGlzXmEnkp9MkGCRQ9mA9cYDE1WXXUeOizutuPcqcjGKm4QKfRYpCwZ2p_fXbBjfJoi651LKO4O9hxoVkFwAotua5T7Ih7zw3zJ7-8sqzQNNg3-GgoMASPRl41VEZNGdsP_g9IUdAeYMV4L_zxWut9wcdgPUF5aXX_omBSZ8BhQa6Bgw=s4618" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4618" data-original-width="3464" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhUMze2oPooQGlzXmEnkp9MkGCRQ9mA9cYDE1WXXUeOizutuPcqcjGKm4QKfRYpCwZ2p_fXbBjfJoi651LKO4O9hxoVkFwAotua5T7Ih7zw3zJ7-8sqzQNNg3-GgoMASPRl41VEZNGdsP_g9IUdAeYMV4L_zxWut9wcdgPUF5aXX_omBSZ8BhQa6Bgw=w480-h640" width="480" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjcXRU-bmRap8HEAlLan2KreSluYEYPwuXt-2cjBMka0rJapP-BHxH4CxDnLiyETSBiGggllriugCwy6-wghSxQ2jdd0iJVp45RlOsXalhIvklYKGsDSdrWw5N0dPSzt5CsjU7kHxAlKF4Ngry8pWP-fNuV7dRc8Bd1g4aWLbiBIRkk7wytmJIZxBAg=s4618" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3464" data-original-width="4618" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjcXRU-bmRap8HEAlLan2KreSluYEYPwuXt-2cjBMka0rJapP-BHxH4CxDnLiyETSBiGggllriugCwy6-wghSxQ2jdd0iJVp45RlOsXalhIvklYKGsDSdrWw5N0dPSzt5CsjU7kHxAlKF4Ngry8pWP-fNuV7dRc8Bd1g4aWLbiBIRkk7wytmJIZxBAg=w640-h480" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiY462-B1Wco_2WVsUgRoaUd4nKkreDOssjIJ5fa-GOB7QjX1iKQ3a37ilM5HXPXWijVkEdo0wqt5qZP9mOnR8mL1UQ6gtznkxE-x2ZipOhlVkoKd6O2SDT22SUqKuRCGpQLezNcNb8yJqm0h2XhzQvXlBYuo05kCOzTE6ySNIUtu0AQJb6a83UpQyh=s4618" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3464" data-original-width="4618" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiY462-B1Wco_2WVsUgRoaUd4nKkreDOssjIJ5fa-GOB7QjX1iKQ3a37ilM5HXPXWijVkEdo0wqt5qZP9mOnR8mL1UQ6gtznkxE-x2ZipOhlVkoKd6O2SDT22SUqKuRCGpQLezNcNb8yJqm0h2XhzQvXlBYuo05kCOzTE6ySNIUtu0AQJb6a83UpQyh=w640-h480" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjAVbZz9eC225O5DgEUZnpk4dPKLQ7EvQvF8tv6IrmwpK4UmTvdjcJ954qIemEmuZ47PlASVpLCZj1LaK96aQRk0vQMSDAGXmmze-KF5fEr3N2jy_wrREhyGSykR15l4CocfbybuplMxdYnAmrQ8iEEk0ulI4rr6URbBybmLwp9DZOPJGTVmm1GwYUm=s4618" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3464" data-original-width="4618" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjAVbZz9eC225O5DgEUZnpk4dPKLQ7EvQvF8tv6IrmwpK4UmTvdjcJ954qIemEmuZ47PlASVpLCZj1LaK96aQRk0vQMSDAGXmmze-KF5fEr3N2jy_wrREhyGSykR15l4CocfbybuplMxdYnAmrQ8iEEk0ulI4rr6URbBybmLwp9DZOPJGTVmm1GwYUm=w640-h480" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Views into Austria</span></td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjRBv5M4X5b48OlXCS1zvE8Xg5tnmgDJqs51pBVnJoLRCwBTjfAAZzj9S1QYQYoxpaudFtZiSmSU_F7KcqwMoHSCDwiJwGcRvLIdPHv4cMHAV80tSxG42-zh8mIBdtW_cHApFYq8dq0VWug62vZtigFTPAqDwAioylRXQHQmtY4fd14vVGZGZIyNl_R=s4618" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3464" data-original-width="4618" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjRBv5M4X5b48OlXCS1zvE8Xg5tnmgDJqs51pBVnJoLRCwBTjfAAZzj9S1QYQYoxpaudFtZiSmSU_F7KcqwMoHSCDwiJwGcRvLIdPHv4cMHAV80tSxG42-zh8mIBdtW_cHApFYq8dq0VWug62vZtigFTPAqDwAioylRXQHQmtY4fd14vVGZGZIyNl_R=w640-h480" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;">And then we came to the last challenging climb to the top</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhIkCajkOFGwaz9bknVbERtyu8jGdjJhFdtthstVT1uDl3LmHJJGgXpmEPlnFLCjAdgpUZMrYvE2_pE-8z3EdmJ_vxvjpIAgjCq1UYs14HxpgDgqJLuMTGceZ7AQeVigP0kQl6pgLs0_BRvxyrOX07KCNjFsR2J1mCxVKBkS5iLcea14tgkrNVzuFOs=s4618" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3464" data-original-width="4618" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhIkCajkOFGwaz9bknVbERtyu8jGdjJhFdtthstVT1uDl3LmHJJGgXpmEPlnFLCjAdgpUZMrYvE2_pE-8z3EdmJ_vxvjpIAgjCq1UYs14HxpgDgqJLuMTGceZ7AQeVigP0kQl6pgLs0_BRvxyrOX07KCNjFsR2J1mCxVKBkS5iLcea14tgkrNVzuFOs=w640-h480" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Look at those mountains! 😍😍😍 And those tough kids!!</span></div><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhHOS3YmqsI1MiKV-hDgjgCNf4ZAeEAcG0LImGo79_dcYUfXoG0ujtnbkeZ_yR2fr41Ry44qR9NSi0_mlENFnPH4O691dByLqU7qFBxBb3Kbq8oFEMgJvFS8qviyo30EZ1fjK1WSdgOvcjmGiIpwavmkCMsAk7Y2j9Cd-mIFRVwgXvHjU3ANaZSot-j=s4618" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4618" data-original-width="3464" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhHOS3YmqsI1MiKV-hDgjgCNf4ZAeEAcG0LImGo79_dcYUfXoG0ujtnbkeZ_yR2fr41Ry44qR9NSi0_mlENFnPH4O691dByLqU7qFBxBb3Kbq8oFEMgJvFS8qviyo30EZ1fjK1WSdgOvcjmGiIpwavmkCMsAk7Y2j9Cd-mIFRVwgXvHjU3ANaZSot-j=w480-h640" width="480" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-size: medium;">And here we are at the top!</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dxqq9cRNfdA_-ix97sDUI9Gr_BZ5KEtiNXhxIpQjUNFGyiQZiqp-zIhVu0aYfeoxvaHj95US44XrwTsArw58g' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div><br /><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br style="text-align: left;" /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEio7W3EiO9WNCkxyOQfyp57GWN6FVyLvnmSbGbl4akLi0Rdd9NnR-jgcreFeiSRFL6dgL02u6Wdhib9BKTnI6w7u55XOrG4tEtTcZG-PPYlyjCuIHGJxFXIiBIvpW-c_5sBOXAI5DQx4wFJ1RvzkW0dC34SsUfTvr0DMfqknHaowYsiTVOCX7ipEPv1=s4618" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4618" data-original-width="3464" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEio7W3EiO9WNCkxyOQfyp57GWN6FVyLvnmSbGbl4akLi0Rdd9NnR-jgcreFeiSRFL6dgL02u6Wdhib9BKTnI6w7u55XOrG4tEtTcZG-PPYlyjCuIHGJxFXIiBIvpW-c_5sBOXAI5DQx4wFJ1RvzkW0dC34SsUfTvr0DMfqknHaowYsiTVOCX7ipEPv1=w480-h640" width="480" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Proud little mountaineers. I think her cousin's camp t-shirt gave her super powers.</span></td></tr></tbody></table><div><br /></div></div></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjWmLe0oBqidWCcioMr0ikvJkDHUoIZfG1WEQWeGXFa2tnL_fDTZbB53SPMxpTGU81N6kKlSVXzOLRZswdZ2PfuwM0noSLoQ96LnUNBgtFqe9GhDHwMSeJ4FfxwT8heZ4lK8Q-Ps6UTk8pUc-Yn9PkzvmyFUYVY-dJq6TTCIJhfrHlW8woRbZsM_rpH=s4618" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3464" data-original-width="4618" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjWmLe0oBqidWCcioMr0ikvJkDHUoIZfG1WEQWeGXFa2tnL_fDTZbB53SPMxpTGU81N6kKlSVXzOLRZswdZ2PfuwM0noSLoQ96LnUNBgtFqe9GhDHwMSeJ4FfxwT8heZ4lK8Q-Ps6UTk8pUc-Yn9PkzvmyFUYVY-dJq6TTCIJhfrHlW8woRbZsM_rpH=w640-h480" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Again, views into Austria. I think I spy the Von Trapp family </span></td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhM1S4clglkEIlLVI9bt2ZPDrbFWcA22ITKD6D6AFo_54bJqeBYEkyA1Tpo7CRKkmROMrF2YIPL66Pg_j09UHh88MCLpcbKUQCayRQ1wnqi8aEzathwbJtsF2muAzJmvyse66FlkbC-j1oPjqNK5HzH2dECSZqAKGTHNn9wV0r47WCQ5Z4dLVUcEcf1=s4618" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3464" data-original-width="4618" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhM1S4clglkEIlLVI9bt2ZPDrbFWcA22ITKD6D6AFo_54bJqeBYEkyA1Tpo7CRKkmROMrF2YIPL66Pg_j09UHh88MCLpcbKUQCayRQ1wnqi8aEzathwbJtsF2muAzJmvyse66FlkbC-j1oPjqNK5HzH2dECSZqAKGTHNn9wV0r47WCQ5Z4dLVUcEcf1=w640-h480" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;">This is the direction we came from. You can see the saddle we passed through. Those are the magnificent Julian Alps in the background</span></td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgCczgKxwbiA5IEldF3oDeWZjsIPdy6AWICBa8z2VwETQScpep9-Zg3I7ii27Qffpwg04ja7OZdG7Nv3cd00lL5NzzOcsknkcnTEHKLpF4tMXdMWtgka6wPYKdc_p2ZOwqjrtdKetkEmBHLit4x41PND5eN_4VsNaRDmjIxiCcpB1dzhsGa0ziZCdEo=s4618" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3464" data-original-width="4618" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgCczgKxwbiA5IEldF3oDeWZjsIPdy6AWICBa8z2VwETQScpep9-Zg3I7ii27Qffpwg04ja7OZdG7Nv3cd00lL5NzzOcsknkcnTEHKLpF4tMXdMWtgka6wPYKdc_p2ZOwqjrtdKetkEmBHLit4x41PND5eN_4VsNaRDmjIxiCcpB1dzhsGa0ziZCdEo=w640-h480" width="640" /></a></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Then we descended a bit to a clearing where we picnicked. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgYhyZnSpGGvnQdIUH6ZKYaxBCla0AKMpmdSp2OgSldkDHEthxeMAFvXtWlWABbvPjn8zn9ldsYUmU9TPGFV5R5n2YdwtA7nD3lcOwMNsL5w6PLRjqu-GF4mnHSZ1xI1iKKkfK4nXFfSjHEnXtVWfoxghMmhB-5-La9mRIGtEaFajBW_t0Qv6qA9OiQ=s4618" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3464" data-original-width="4618" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgYhyZnSpGGvnQdIUH6ZKYaxBCla0AKMpmdSp2OgSldkDHEthxeMAFvXtWlWABbvPjn8zn9ldsYUmU9TPGFV5R5n2YdwtA7nD3lcOwMNsL5w6PLRjqu-GF4mnHSZ1xI1iKKkfK4nXFfSjHEnXtVWfoxghMmhB-5-La9mRIGtEaFajBW_t0Qv6qA9OiQ=w640-h480" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br style="text-align: left;" /><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhKlaEMwYTn2h12zf6dWMU4eTdv1luUpxAmfK03xs9uvIb-zzl9uXoBlnBzWd1YxlNIyKwuoQmhJDNpad1S9zBTiDcWvu3i9IaeHkDSiaM-9n_vsZe4KZ4y7tp0dKv52WunkUG-7fLQo5bctUT6YVZShhNBIihSunA_a0jOJlLyfQRz_JXwG2M5tciY=s4618" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3464" data-original-width="4618" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhKlaEMwYTn2h12zf6dWMU4eTdv1luUpxAmfK03xs9uvIb-zzl9uXoBlnBzWd1YxlNIyKwuoQmhJDNpad1S9zBTiDcWvu3i9IaeHkDSiaM-9n_vsZe4KZ4y7tp0dKv52WunkUG-7fLQo5bctUT6YVZShhNBIihSunA_a0jOJlLyfQRz_JXwG2M5tciY=w640-h480" width="640" /></a></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;">Emily is so sophisticated eating her chickpea salad</span></div><div><br /></div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhra3maCwtwhqvvf4but1D0fYRVe0ukOn49OMGV-7PdAdFdKuOG69VNpfrsec1b_Uy0kU8xeVrBdf2Bz69H4WkWywESsXJDT2g9K5CfMoo-vHasql73Sx4TBjc4BKV9WMGAYDi8YaRL331rth20Z03HYV-6GuM5nViZQS0AP_xkp1O8HwJkKp8nfi09=s4618" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3464" data-original-width="4618" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhra3maCwtwhqvvf4but1D0fYRVe0ukOn49OMGV-7PdAdFdKuOG69VNpfrsec1b_Uy0kU8xeVrBdf2Bz69H4WkWywESsXJDT2g9K5CfMoo-vHasql73Sx4TBjc4BKV9WMGAYDi8YaRL331rth20Z03HYV-6GuM5nViZQS0AP_xkp1O8HwJkKp8nfi09=w640-h480" width="640" /></a></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjkj6np14sCzETJZyU7qPTYO1zge7FCrJL24PGOMbkTiN2yJOM0yQF5EOHQTBhrNTHKG2d-K5vy3ntB6RIfUGNqncnbKOycGkYUhVuTuOJcWs2Ie-ApZUdJi6EkrKmkGfDtNS79RCIN4JfiSO6TGORvTWiHOwxR_Wm0vICYccsZj_rp-HQmYhxYWhCm=s4618" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3464" data-original-width="4618" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjkj6np14sCzETJZyU7qPTYO1zge7FCrJL24PGOMbkTiN2yJOM0yQF5EOHQTBhrNTHKG2d-K5vy3ntB6RIfUGNqncnbKOycGkYUhVuTuOJcWs2Ie-ApZUdJi6EkrKmkGfDtNS79RCIN4JfiSO6TGORvTWiHOwxR_Wm0vICYccsZj_rp-HQmYhxYWhCm=w640-h480" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;">These cute little locals were there to greet us at the parking lot. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><p></p>Marinda Shahahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08331984352649799897noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2458354230328789151.post-33008506769689550842022-02-06T21:58:00.004-08:002022-02-15T14:10:26.592-08:00Medical Adventures in Europe Part II<p style="text-align: center;"> *Please read Part I before proceeding*</p><p style="text-align: center;"> <span style="font-size: medium;">Following our return from our failed medical trip to Vienna, Ben went about his daily life with his heavy uncomfortable, plastered cast. He went to work, embassy events, school events, church, etc. all while in a lot of pain. In the meantime, he emailed his x-rays to his cousin Jimmy, who was previously stationed at Landstuhl, Germany as an orthopedic surgeon for the Army, to get a second opinion. Upon reviewing his x-rays, Jimmy recommended he go to Landstuhl to get it treated where he could get more aggressive treatment like surgery that would help his ankle heal more correctly and quickly. </span></p><p> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEi5V-_E2iVbd07SnYUiNe4iFoSb5N4Z-Bc_TpgwGXpHfm7BIkBn_Cvdo1-aFz4Y_RK_tDqng2rGMdz0zeSQ7CuvMTKsTApikGGm00gsN0bc8CMLBqDWsUUpVrPo2wVbDVIZyzshzQp4T4TVGxgEsnzppY3uoSlCGxFj29hT7BUtMDWi2zntXm0PsI-9=s4032" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEi5V-_E2iVbd07SnYUiNe4iFoSb5N4Z-Bc_TpgwGXpHfm7BIkBn_Cvdo1-aFz4Y_RK_tDqng2rGMdz0zeSQ7CuvMTKsTApikGGm00gsN0bc8CMLBqDWsUUpVrPo2wVbDVIZyzshzQp4T4TVGxgEsnzppY3uoSlCGxFj29hT7BUtMDWi2zntXm0PsI-9=w480-h640" width="480" /></a></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">When Ben first proposed a doctor's visit to Landstuhl I thought he was out of his mind. How would he even get there? He couldn't drive the nine hours. He'd have to fly. And how would that even be possible given how immobile he was? But Ben pursued this course undeterred. He coordinated with the medical center in Landstuhl and made arrangements to stay with his brother who is stationed there. He bought a ticket for early Monday morning, the Monday before Christmas. Knowing there was a good chance he would be getting surgery and with his ability to be home in time for Christmas in question, I was feeling quite overwhelmed by the whole ordeal, but these feelings were mitigated by the assurance that he was going to finally get proper medical care. We got up at 4:30 Monday morning and I drove him to the airport. We were met by a medical attendant at check-in who put him in a wheel chair, and I was able to accompany him as far as security. Then it was adios, amigo! </span></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjvPmLlRUxecyKAc-zrs_nkivmkXaebULY8ikJ7F_YMEKM3UrfKXbdF-8fZNSpA_yJuSC3-w_a5Cyy2NoLG6CLKg_GFQuT0VyZtvGvR2Nr0JunUEqq-LwZoohNfnpYS5zQ5m2AsHe9s22o0ozyCn0fXihQ7a2BjMfdmWETrH1hVgLtLUhfY9vvkobjz=s4032" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjvPmLlRUxecyKAc-zrs_nkivmkXaebULY8ikJ7F_YMEKM3UrfKXbdF-8fZNSpA_yJuSC3-w_a5Cyy2NoLG6CLKg_GFQuT0VyZtvGvR2Nr0JunUEqq-LwZoohNfnpYS5zQ5m2AsHe9s22o0ozyCn0fXihQ7a2BjMfdmWETrH1hVgLtLUhfY9vvkobjz=w480-h640" width="480" /></a></div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgoZy_ZuNKodMDBGWMuLugqnCeud2lt6YoX1jsm49nScwdlreX7uwNSlwg6aehxOFrulKwkDISQ6McKg0VL8VeJFqPTACdAsFLeiGNJev9hgmG-sU8uuAB1eNzL4FRwFXSzQBfIYfpzBZ_mA5u4vpaPG0Xe1Albe6cnn-MfwDLzNm5LOldipvjINsyI=s4032" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgoZy_ZuNKodMDBGWMuLugqnCeud2lt6YoX1jsm49nScwdlreX7uwNSlwg6aehxOFrulKwkDISQ6McKg0VL8VeJFqPTACdAsFLeiGNJev9hgmG-sU8uuAB1eNzL4FRwFXSzQBfIYfpzBZ_mA5u4vpaPG0Xe1Albe6cnn-MfwDLzNm5LOldipvjINsyI=w480-h640" width="480" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Going through security with his "medical attendant"</span></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium; text-align: left;">On the drive home on that dark December morning I was able to call Ben's parents as well as my mom. They had all shown so much concern since the whole ordeal started, so it was nice to receive a much needed moral boost from them. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium; text-align: left;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium; text-align: left;">The silver lining to this whole experience was that his brother Joe and wife Bethany were able to be there from start to finish while he was in Germany. After landing in Frankfurt, he took a 1.5 hour shuttle to Landstuhl Medical Center, where he was greeted by Bethany. She helped him navigate the huge facility thanks to her firsthand knowledge of its layout. Her son Ryan had several visits to the orthopedist for a broken arm, so she definitely knew where to go! His appointment was at 9:00 and they did a CT scan on his ankle and leg. The results revealed a much more complicated injury than initially thought. First off, he had three different breaks in his ankle, all concentrated in the same area. He also had a piece of loose bone floating around. Then the real kicker was that he had a break in both his tibia and fibula in his leg! The Slovenian doctors did not catch this at all. They didn't even bother to x-ray his leg. No wonder he was in so much pain! And how you get such an injury from slipping on ice is beyond me!</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: left;"><br /></span></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgYQFIyFFSZYCwPRXfPwxcbNad_C4DZeDKe4hC9agVEiTPlKlfv568il6lHcYgOhdtZzKSWC2cCe_xDeB6xMmqZMJtwA_YAolf60PrKIkNzfMaQKpOYtZvTnDmidrnMcSS8hD6mT5m5z1mqgtLxNSVPGhD63G3kJL_8PzRevSD0r0Tx-NU0bnOv0ztX=s2048" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgYQFIyFFSZYCwPRXfPwxcbNad_C4DZeDKe4hC9agVEiTPlKlfv568il6lHcYgOhdtZzKSWC2cCe_xDeB6xMmqZMJtwA_YAolf60PrKIkNzfMaQKpOYtZvTnDmidrnMcSS8hD6mT5m5z1mqgtLxNSVPGhD63G3kJL_8PzRevSD0r0Tx-NU0bnOv0ztX=w480-h640" width="480" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Plaster cast comes off, yay!</span></td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: left;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgrcnv5eOBO3lR5dZ5lQDPx-nfsVe_03AFrFJ_l9_Psnppnl-EVRTUtA6d3vBBXHfsxKFjdDUEFtt0_7MXtlRlKHhfwT99Jxa0zwNXxBhIkKI8HASDjjqESJZtMmrUD0BMw-vqbfe9CxvvcjdWizlyrtnrUoVOjD35m_9nMM4rQotCIbT30qFCZf5cq=s2048" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgrcnv5eOBO3lR5dZ5lQDPx-nfsVe_03AFrFJ_l9_Psnppnl-EVRTUtA6d3vBBXHfsxKFjdDUEFtt0_7MXtlRlKHhfwT99Jxa0zwNXxBhIkKI8HASDjjqESJZtMmrUD0BMw-vqbfe9CxvvcjdWizlyrtnrUoVOjD35m_9nMM4rQotCIbT30qFCZf5cq=w480-h640" width="480" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEg4oOd7yL3kWD6T8bRKXvAnZ6eQSwfozuQiNMco0p7zk8VmZqsXB74kohkB5-8zfZZHe66fcaHOeGH3pW6PbgPjmB2NymkKAnYUDekFt5FHjWgRzd3DethrpzW1R_4Wlt5mPS4gO2HtAs30QQtisMDmCyyvregk3HuouAZLhCuGKXnrHiOlma09HkKa=s2048" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEg4oOd7yL3kWD6T8bRKXvAnZ6eQSwfozuQiNMco0p7zk8VmZqsXB74kohkB5-8zfZZHe66fcaHOeGH3pW6PbgPjmB2NymkKAnYUDekFt5FHjWgRzd3DethrpzW1R_4Wlt5mPS4gO2HtAs30QQtisMDmCyyvregk3HuouAZLhCuGKXnrHiOlma09HkKa=w480-h640" width="480" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgW-kN-IBqK2tGBs3ZkHzU9nBnySxm_sKGrdebrQUYruIdG1zcgPD-E1QFhTOjPwIa3B7twfiD-v5jrZHIVLDKxZ3rtuLDOBS7OAe_Ol7M1vCE31VXAIz8gyq06RBesVGuMNxYYnC5mGtZeg-KTLhA8CjUFAbp9rhT-yB6NC5WSplpqYPC5Wsrm_LTp=s2048" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgW-kN-IBqK2tGBs3ZkHzU9nBnySxm_sKGrdebrQUYruIdG1zcgPD-E1QFhTOjPwIa3B7twfiD-v5jrZHIVLDKxZ3rtuLDOBS7OAe_Ol7M1vCE31VXAIz8gyq06RBesVGuMNxYYnC5mGtZeg-KTLhA8CjUFAbp9rhT-yB6NC5WSplpqYPC5Wsrm_LTp=s320" width="240" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;">It was decided he would have surgery first thing Tuesday morning. He was able to go home with Joe and Bethany and spend the night with their family. They only live about ten minutes from Landstuhl! What a huge blessing this was. I can't imagine how this would have all worked out otherwise. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;">I anxiously waited the next morning to hear the results of the surgery and was relieved to hear it was a success later in the afternoon! He got four screws and a plate inserted. I was able to talk to him before and after the surgery.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEi8TE4yaMWUYc8OEhsoDXYNIBLETNadgrBNGUNkQlyhS11t2fSAsJ4hjvZqC-5RNGJlUOTNUcScHbq9Cp7PIBk21dQoRz85aGzle-Cg4-ox8F5WAfB-aaCGOTNRAqIe7YEeSRxXWiuCAqB6Gh-R3ij8nDJmcm8y-No31CmXuqsTFfQXDg7ilGKZTYB_=s1600" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="900" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEi8TE4yaMWUYc8OEhsoDXYNIBLETNadgrBNGUNkQlyhS11t2fSAsJ4hjvZqC-5RNGJlUOTNUcScHbq9Cp7PIBk21dQoRz85aGzle-Cg4-ox8F5WAfB-aaCGOTNRAqIe7YEeSRxXWiuCAqB6Gh-R3ij8nDJmcm8y-No31CmXuqsTFfQXDg7ilGKZTYB_=w360-h640" width="360" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Pre-surgery. He looks totally normal, right?</span></td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <span style="font-size: medium;"> On the phone he sounded quite loopy with all the medication and everything. He was discharged late in the day and was able to go home with Joe and Bethany to recuperate.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjTEvD6-cXDAE6NfNyhAekw13Gtvg5DnVaInfzZtSV9tUEku_1ChriWJ5Wlxqi3nyzUQ5AXtX3ffeiO4S6BzDE7FhPgN7XwVCMeX2-CiAzFUAZ1oOs3r8Xk62y-kMXIst_NQ34HmLKDQVXq9akyGFrWXwvuq865vVnCFh93dESoh_VPnuRfm7x4pndn=s2048" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjTEvD6-cXDAE6NfNyhAekw13Gtvg5DnVaInfzZtSV9tUEku_1ChriWJ5Wlxqi3nyzUQ5AXtX3ffeiO4S6BzDE7FhPgN7XwVCMeX2-CiAzFUAZ1oOs3r8Xk62y-kMXIst_NQ34HmLKDQVXq9akyGFrWXwvuq865vVnCFh93dESoh_VPnuRfm7x4pndn=w640-h480" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;">He was so happy with his new flexi cast... His leg could breathe. <br />And don't you just love his t-shirt??<br /></span></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><span style="font-size: medium;">His surgery took place on Tuesday the 21st, and they would have preferred for him to stick around for another week to make sure there was no infection or complication. But the doctor felt confident enough to let him go on Thursday the 23rd so he could be home in time for Christmas. What a relief! </span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: left;"></span><br /><span style="text-align: left;"></span></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiKssPRXnePG26upTeL3gaZs5l-cUwm8LN8M1Ckb2WhEgwlmX4OOpZvyROLrWym54LK9j12WSqS3zpIroyzJjCN34fHHisptR6QXG_yXwuhjDsWAJl_XOQ-e0LW4ioyfQ2d7y1F-nlqIMeYg5da6mznmUa0wloLI7W9ndMQv4EXDqqUvMxUT9D8nUDO=s1024" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1024" data-original-width="768" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiKssPRXnePG26upTeL3gaZs5l-cUwm8LN8M1Ckb2WhEgwlmX4OOpZvyROLrWym54LK9j12WSqS3zpIroyzJjCN34fHHisptR6QXG_yXwuhjDsWAJl_XOQ-e0LW4ioyfQ2d7y1F-nlqIMeYg5da6mznmUa0wloLI7W9ndMQv4EXDqqUvMxUT9D8nUDO=w480-h640" width="480" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Frankfurt airport, humming "I'll be Home for Christmas."<br /></span><br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEit4CX12uEKbwi16b-WBMrvG_Lt_i-SkOjKWi7M-hzFzp6gQJ24jr1KMtXzdXyeCcVnz5Gs7X1xKLaOsJkGcn8iZeZ0VJBK4cgsNd3S63N_181x5l3VbdsJ0DZ1AlOLeZZTO7nFJRgqXtjsJyYbZ1dV4ImAinC9J001KmlbA_b3l41ZnQCZljPL7wkn=s2016" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2016" data-original-width="1512" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEit4CX12uEKbwi16b-WBMrvG_Lt_i-SkOjKWi7M-hzFzp6gQJ24jr1KMtXzdXyeCcVnz5Gs7X1xKLaOsJkGcn8iZeZ0VJBK4cgsNd3S63N_181x5l3VbdsJ0DZ1AlOLeZZTO7nFJRgqXtjsJyYbZ1dV4ImAinC9J001KmlbA_b3l41ZnQCZljPL7wkn=w480-h640" width="480" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Two days post-surgery, waiting to board his flight. </span></td></tr></tbody></table><span style="font-size: medium;"><br class="Apple-interchange-newline" /></span><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr></tr><tr></tr></tbody></table></td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Christmas was great. Here's a few pics:</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEi-vXqTm6ZGhE91lA7GlQP-vD7UI9kk6ptKSf0TJGXduRNrGp25TfNqvzHdzRecS8GtITSrU7xmWN4-HijpSe_SZUwwP9uyB8TBoLLN8Tfs2meFW-0UAp5YZKOlb6Apggy7auTK-OG3laFcmJUJJ0WckPi7OzTBLay_499qDVTB1-Vn8uxsmy__GtNd=s4032" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEi-vXqTm6ZGhE91lA7GlQP-vD7UI9kk6ptKSf0TJGXduRNrGp25TfNqvzHdzRecS8GtITSrU7xmWN4-HijpSe_SZUwwP9uyB8TBoLLN8Tfs2meFW-0UAp5YZKOlb6Apggy7auTK-OG3laFcmJUJJ0WckPi7OzTBLay_499qDVTB1-Vn8uxsmy__GtNd=w480-h640" width="480" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: left;"> <br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjDJ4piX6EnZ7NRej3LFi6FX5Wt1rFd0omtmUGeX-9ul6pEONWULwqMomgUgQxl2YTBJhp4KdyLWUEZ-zp-X14mum33vFhY6h3qK1zOF3oCLSP6bqMQshU51smuSinTdSQG-VLduaufJyZZPqj_T6xW50cqhNE-T_xwErDStc10ORInI_V8S6EyWuT_=s4032" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjDJ4piX6EnZ7NRej3LFi6FX5Wt1rFd0omtmUGeX-9ul6pEONWULwqMomgUgQxl2YTBJhp4KdyLWUEZ-zp-X14mum33vFhY6h3qK1zOF3oCLSP6bqMQshU51smuSinTdSQG-VLduaufJyZZPqj_T6xW50cqhNE-T_xwErDStc10ORInI_V8S6EyWuT_=w480-h640" width="480" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEh7wxBIWq_0D8ORQ0xCx_CB8BoDgQLHZv7BVcoIE__DLLTMZCMNT3XlGflyxwXo0rK5ue_MQHn4TGAtZPDHXylzZgJoS04jpGQ6oO7-ZCEa5-9TAxGPfq_K6yksgVbeXTzs5l-63WH7xYDleZ8C3A1PkZ2DiSjcHGd2CW73RSsCP7G0BwbLwnX9au8a=s4032" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEh7wxBIWq_0D8ORQ0xCx_CB8BoDgQLHZv7BVcoIE__DLLTMZCMNT3XlGflyxwXo0rK5ue_MQHn4TGAtZPDHXylzZgJoS04jpGQ6oO7-ZCEa5-9TAxGPfq_K6yksgVbeXTzs5l-63WH7xYDleZ8C3A1PkZ2DiSjcHGd2CW73RSsCP7G0BwbLwnX9au8a=w480-h640" width="480" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEi35kGegCJJehSJQB6XGCXfKWDkruH3BPO84OczrY5sgoBlBxTJoYg1ABuokip1ettH7LYT4ySkqB2kYwwZBz9LQlxtKVzVdoP8EsINdU8HFVyV271Do8t-RSFXrbJLsR12lgG9XgFfnj9T4ETEywyWcYeRS6Mu_yxO5Dcl6on1ZkVvy644CwJhUjlD=s4032" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEi35kGegCJJehSJQB6XGCXfKWDkruH3BPO84OczrY5sgoBlBxTJoYg1ABuokip1ettH7LYT4ySkqB2kYwwZBz9LQlxtKVzVdoP8EsINdU8HFVyV271Do8t-RSFXrbJLsR12lgG9XgFfnj9T4ETEywyWcYeRS6Mu_yxO5Dcl6on1ZkVvy644CwJhUjlD=w640-h480" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjFceWf0vdVCXekYl9RHamp5L0ZWvSfQiOEX6Rrq30DmNmGq2LEl3AZgJzp-ytr6x6zq8U6Vy7hTXMhEAmZYgYQfVWRVNrl3OTrK_wNRPcPmP6upbo8w5kjXvCbYU4wYIzroO5S-llcR_5AeMyFQJYzH8BZdAd9rIsKVNJN8ubajV1rGBZDF1GKwhBu=s4032" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjFceWf0vdVCXekYl9RHamp5L0ZWvSfQiOEX6Rrq30DmNmGq2LEl3AZgJzp-ytr6x6zq8U6Vy7hTXMhEAmZYgYQfVWRVNrl3OTrK_wNRPcPmP6upbo8w5kjXvCbYU4wYIzroO5S-llcR_5AeMyFQJYzH8BZdAd9rIsKVNJN8ubajV1rGBZDF1GKwhBu=w480-h640" width="480" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiR3WQMs64yq5fYFiS8AjoJpXO0MepS0di0L_sc_0kIEhkwR-LYICyduOvACNY3iaIr879BZ-Wg38uG49DT9d_wG1iajCZCkWTNuJ6kKFUCsYv6xerenCRnqEawER1gG2WfiNEyuoRP6S_B-PWmvynkwhrZncyd1GmodVLqUgQLyfpRXvjbIWiqtwU4=s4032" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiR3WQMs64yq5fYFiS8AjoJpXO0MepS0di0L_sc_0kIEhkwR-LYICyduOvACNY3iaIr879BZ-Wg38uG49DT9d_wG1iajCZCkWTNuJ6kKFUCsYv6xerenCRnqEawER1gG2WfiNEyuoRP6S_B-PWmvynkwhrZncyd1GmodVLqUgQLyfpRXvjbIWiqtwU4=w480-h640" width="480" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-size: medium;">We even had company both Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. Don't ask me how we pulled that off. Christmas Eve Phaedra, her mother, and her four year old daughter Marielle came. We had our traditional simple meal of bread, cheese, hot chocolate, fruit, and nuts. Then we performed the nativity. The Gywn family seemed to really like it. Phaedra said it reminded her of sweet memories when her dad used to read to them from the Bible. And Marielle LOVED being cast as Mary. We also sang and played carols on the piano, violin, and guitar. Phaedra loves the violin so it was fun to listen to all the great music.</span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEj68BDA4gLxJoxWne5dELZcKU_bPlWtUyIapy0LTkx-LWXIer1ysJvqm9-tVeuhKbY3aIFB66xdfsXbBaPiV04OuJEOHXLZkU9R9Ml_D9yWDYOd4E69cyj-NXP0i9-hmYAQCA4j5M3QpRk_rLVKvO6jP1GCTZemXw8Y2xFWJiSyguLnxruwDpkZ9qkx=s1024" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1024" data-original-width="768" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEj68BDA4gLxJoxWne5dELZcKU_bPlWtUyIapy0LTkx-LWXIer1ysJvqm9-tVeuhKbY3aIFB66xdfsXbBaPiV04OuJEOHXLZkU9R9Ml_D9yWDYOd4E69cyj-NXP0i9-hmYAQCA4j5M3QpRk_rLVKvO6jP1GCTZemXw8Y2xFWJiSyguLnxruwDpkZ9qkx=w480-h640" width="480" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Unfortunately this was the only photo we took, but isn't it precious??</span><br /><br /><span style="font-size: medium;">Christmas Day we had four elders over and Alejandra, a new sister in our branch who is from Dominican Republic and is training for the paralympics! She has a brittle bone disorder and competes in swimming. She's a ray of sunshine! I'm lame and don't have any photos from our Christmas meal, which was crock-pot carnitas. Had to keep it simple, no turkey this year! We did have pumpkin pie, though, my first stab at making it. It turned out amazing!<br /><br />The plan for Ben's post-op care was that he would go to the airbase at Aviano, Italy and be seen by the Orthopedic PA to get stitches removed and transition into a fiberglass cast. Aviano is only a two hour drive as opposed to the nine hour drive to Landstuhl. But, ironically the orthopedic PA was TDY to Landstuhl for medical training during two weeks following Christmas! <br /><br />We tried to figure out if we could get him in before she left, or if there was someone else who could see him, but it became increasingly clear that this wasn't going to be possible. It was so frustrating! Friday, New Year's Eve day, I woke up and said, "Well, I guess let's just drive up to Landstuhl with the whole family, make a holiday weekend out of it with Joe and Bethany, and get you seen first thing Monday morning." We didn't really have other options. So, that's exactly what we did! <br /> <br />I called Bethany and of course she said, "Sure! Come on up!" We spent the morning scrambling and packing and left by 1:45. The kids were sooo excited! The trip was smooth sailing, I was driving and getting us there REALLY fast... at the border of Austria in 50 minutes and at the German border in three hours. We were scheduled to get there around 10:00 but then we hit a snag about two-thirds of the way there when we came upon a really bad accident. We were at a standstill for over an hour. </span><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgsM7OCwrtCxPLr5yK4T2nM5W2OqVo9CgYP3cS3RiTCkZtT_h0rPqHNPi9B79orAt0yVdf6Y7FgzEx_Akj9Q8yfJq0IGp62BWeIig7Eody3VeoPnhos5Jx9GSVcn0LRq7--EgPMsvda2h2wg0VTqttuuyRu4vBR-oKc20AJjTy12fYT9FYrGkb5XCnx=s2563" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2136" data-original-width="2563" height="534" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgsM7OCwrtCxPLr5yK4T2nM5W2OqVo9CgYP3cS3RiTCkZtT_h0rPqHNPi9B79orAt0yVdf6Y7FgzEx_Akj9Q8yfJq0IGp62BWeIig7Eody3VeoPnhos5Jx9GSVcn0LRq7--EgPMsvda2h2wg0VTqttuuyRu4vBR-oKc20AJjTy12fYT9FYrGkb5XCnx=w640-h534" width="640" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-size: medium;">A helicopter even flew right over our van and landed in front of us on the freeway. Both directions were completely shut down. It looked like someone careened off the freeway going one direction, flipped their car and landed upside down going in the other direction. The chances for survival did not look good, which really puts your problems into perspective. <br /><br />We finally arrived at 11:30 pm, just in time to ring in the new year. J&B's kids were all totally surprised because they hadn't told them we were coming. The kids ran down the street to join neighbors in setting off fireworks. <br /></span><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjmbKre6717uoXRoRobUGjzKWFPEs2ZRtfoBzmaP9H5k5qWdp6isy2brTO-O-uVIPq5FODX7nqWHPE6sRlvDpTE8gIA_gLZyI65y_Pj8SgB3zcMkPm3sBllMADTDJ19v90eK0FvpjD19dA11xMRnVqA-gIXBaOmqT9ZqfBXisyiYKr_IlXmyE6PDWB4=s4032" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjmbKre6717uoXRoRobUGjzKWFPEs2ZRtfoBzmaP9H5k5qWdp6isy2brTO-O-uVIPq5FODX7nqWHPE6sRlvDpTE8gIA_gLZyI65y_Pj8SgB3zcMkPm3sBllMADTDJ19v90eK0FvpjD19dA11xMRnVqA-gIXBaOmqT9ZqfBXisyiYKr_IlXmyE6PDWB4=w480-h640" width="480" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjA7VsMVxabEV9yAEjEV3X5Jr_9Yinoewk1OZ4-GAQe2xHA320eAHU6AXfvOQZFyN78txea9TSrAzWekKlUfgbpeDf_MwGy8OjZb93rUn9ClxWeUXQ8VISIA5w181eGstguTdPSAqTq0Tu692jU3aN2BMMy6-9V7Ecn5fi7zq83eOAuCSYxVXtsZciH=s4032" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjA7VsMVxabEV9yAEjEV3X5Jr_9Yinoewk1OZ4-GAQe2xHA320eAHU6AXfvOQZFyN78txea9TSrAzWekKlUfgbpeDf_MwGy8OjZb93rUn9ClxWeUXQ8VISIA5w181eGstguTdPSAqTq0Tu692jU3aN2BMMy6-9V7Ecn5fi7zq83eOAuCSYxVXtsZciH=w480-h640" width="480" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-size: medium;">We had a wonderful weekend with their family. The kids just played and played in their gargantuan house. They even had some rare sunshine and I enjoyed a walk in the fields with Bethany and baby Evan behind their house. We went to the PX and did some shopping and bowling. I even bought a Persian rug on a whim! We attended church with them on Sunday. Bethany fed us well through the whole weekend. Then Monday morning Ben had his appointment to get his stitches removed and his new cast put on!</span><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEguxgglQ8VTnRGtvf0jVzS8M_nhOTp_KEv5Dh9o_XliS5FcUSTGCxwvdR5eDRtss-hNb6qV-O70IylQcJfT74QIwsen4HPOwfmRCkFwa9hycrPuAk8iiM_A5N6LdzcO9s6-5FOWjLWx1mPeOucq63I9wjENmjLwkRD4MUdmLrkZbAosnNpp2N9ndG95=s4032" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEguxgglQ8VTnRGtvf0jVzS8M_nhOTp_KEv5Dh9o_XliS5FcUSTGCxwvdR5eDRtss-hNb6qV-O70IylQcJfT74QIwsen4HPOwfmRCkFwa9hycrPuAk8iiM_A5N6LdzcO9s6-5FOWjLWx1mPeOucq63I9wjENmjLwkRD4MUdmLrkZbAosnNpp2N9ndG95=w480-h640" width="480" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhHIfnuM-9GOLR3hG8VHnmQfJpwv4UegxYDi0wnJDOD5GgwA91VecGiQNX_0LkW7RpIAeTanN-xjUSSIYbEs8bMnyev5bp8Hp-lupEXtvmi3T6SsoJVoft2eLMUIgRGegOPmGRw1m4nyDQerIJ1nJmScySmCBR562oDrT2lfZJASdYdjj8hqapUeV3v=s4032" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhHIfnuM-9GOLR3hG8VHnmQfJpwv4UegxYDi0wnJDOD5GgwA91VecGiQNX_0LkW7RpIAeTanN-xjUSSIYbEs8bMnyev5bp8Hp-lupEXtvmi3T6SsoJVoft2eLMUIgRGegOPmGRw1m4nyDQerIJ1nJmScySmCBR562oDrT2lfZJASdYdjj8hqapUeV3v=w480-h640" width="480" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhXHwGmKaFswnlzog3LbEanBryjDvt_Mxix2E7kn9XaCy82ZSc_7J5CL8f2WTuNLZTC7S3shz33pW0jCshpmDrlo6UCV8air64A5n5mLgwaDovwMV2OJbkBMISghgzS04twoCk-PC1jeWb25i7SqIsZ2swRhRAvBfve1YSO0TzPcJ2ubEJDBtkCZQEd=s4032" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhXHwGmKaFswnlzog3LbEanBryjDvt_Mxix2E7kn9XaCy82ZSc_7J5CL8f2WTuNLZTC7S3shz33pW0jCshpmDrlo6UCV8air64A5n5mLgwaDovwMV2OJbkBMISghgzS04twoCk-PC1jeWb25i7SqIsZ2swRhRAvBfve1YSO0TzPcJ2ubEJDBtkCZQEd=w480-h640" width="480" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-size: medium;">And I got to meet the orthopedist who performed the surgery. <br /><br />We had to drive home that day to get the kids back in time for school on Tuesday. They had already missed Monday! <br /></span><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhdaBjSoALQL5z8EJuA6PMJQWTyVYg2ne63y5YatnM8Rcu3jO5HgVJOr60gXIrtNLOHSCppot7D6MZcyEFnN9vmn70QLMTJVLopSDW6rStdjFPsYTb1aT8O_-hBEF3wPnD4LmQyetdjcQlcPKlJ1nyNjkcyX72aS957vYB_02ltoXzEcylZmMOu4GTD=s4032" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhdaBjSoALQL5z8EJuA6PMJQWTyVYg2ne63y5YatnM8Rcu3jO5HgVJOr60gXIrtNLOHSCppot7D6MZcyEFnN9vmn70QLMTJVLopSDW6rStdjFPsYTb1aT8O_-hBEF3wPnD4LmQyetdjcQlcPKlJ1nyNjkcyX72aS957vYB_02ltoXzEcylZmMOu4GTD=w640-h480" width="640" /></a></div><br /></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><span style="font-size: medium;">J&B's kids pushing off on our car as we say good-bye. Ryan chased us all the way down the street!</span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium; text-align: left;"> I'm so glad my kids got to spend the weekend with them. You just need family during the holidays. We've spent way too many holidays without them so this was a special treat this year!<br /><br /> This whole thing was such an ordeal. Ben did eventually get to Aviano to get his cast removed and transitioned to a boot. And he's currently doing physical therapy here in Slovenia. So, all told, he's had a trip to the ER in Slovenia, two trips to Germany, a trip to Italy with another pending, and PT here in Slovenia. It's been a wild ride and we both agree we can't wait to get back to the states to get more accessible healthcare! It's been a grueling process for this injury. Let's just hope we all stay healthy and safe the next 18 months until we're out of here! You can't tell I'm excited, can you??</span></div><p></p>Marinda Shahahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08331984352649799897noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2458354230328789151.post-28380045142311204782022-01-31T00:46:00.002-08:002022-02-03T21:39:43.562-08:00Medical Adventures in Europe Part I<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;">My life long friend told me recently that I need to write more stories, because I tend to have a lot of good ones. I'm kind of flattered that she's so amused by my stories, and I confess the past few months, for better or for worse, have given me some great material for the blog. I'm rusty with my writing though, so I hope it's not too painful of a read!</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;">I'll start with Ben's and mine recent medical debacles. On Tuesday, December 14, I had an appointment scheduled for an outpatient surgery at a hospital in Vienna, which is a four hour drive away. I had already had two very unpleasant and fruitless visits to an American OB/GYN at Aviano Air Base, Italy and a local OB/GYN here in Ljubljana; both doctors recommended surgery. However, there are no private hospitals in Slovenia, just public options. And when it comes to anything more complicated than receiving basic care, embassy families are typically sent to Austria, which has private hospitals and overall better care. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Traveling to another foreign country to undergo surgery was a stressful prospect in and of itself. I coordinated with Tricare and Zehra, the nurse at the embassy, several weeks in advance to make sure everything was planned and in order. There was loads of paperwork and organizing to be done. I was authorized a "medical attendant" to come with me, naturally that was to be Ben. We would be gone two days and one night, so I arranged for a hotel near the hospital and for the girls' Spanish tutor to babysit. Unfortunately, she cancelled last minute because her dad had a stroke in Spain and she was returning home. Sadly, he passed away a couple weeks later. So, in desperation, I asked the parents of each of my children's school friends if they could come home from school with them on Monday, spend the night, and go to school with them the next day. All of the friends' parents were super willing and helpful. Yay for awesome people! Cozy stayed with Marielle, James with Dante, and Em with Celeste. Caroline was at a ski trip at Kranjska Gora with her class for the week. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Despite my anxiety about the procedure, I was looking forward to this trip as a little "getaway" with Ben. We rarely have time to ourselves to do anything special. Austria had been locked down since mid-November because of a spike in Covid cases, but the Christmas markets were slated to re-open December 13! The plan was to leave Monday morning, the 13th, arrive in the afternoon and hit the Christmas markets before my early morning procedure the following morning. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Before leaving that morning, Ben said he needed to attend an office call with the Slovenian forces commander on a military base not far from Ljubljana. So in the meantime, I ran a few last minute errands parking the car at the embassy. As I was returning around 10:00 am, I saw Ben drive up in his work vehicle and he signaled for me to come over. He was sitting in the driver's seat in his uniform saying I was never going to believe this, but he sprained his ankle slipping on ice as he stepped off a curb into the street on his way to the meeting. He said he was in a lot of pain, and that he was going to need to get it looked at. I later found out that he limped into that meeting with the general and sat through it for an hour before coming back to the embassy! He hobbled into the embassy, changed his clothes, went down to the med unit, got some crutches, and headed to the ER with a driver from the motor-pool. I went home to do last minute preparations and waited to hear from him, fearing our carefully planned trip was in jeopardy. It was a long wait for him to be seen. They x-rayed his ankle and pronounced it broken. He called around 2:00 to relate the bad news, and I scrambled to think of our next move. Do I cancel my appointment? Do I go up by myself? Do I ask my friend Maliha to come with? Does Ben come up anyway? I was so disappointed, but I told Ben he didn't need to come, that it made most sense for me to call Maliha. But Ben, being the ever "can-do" guy said, "Let's just go. I'll be fine." Looking back, man, we were dumb. I had no idea how much pain he was in or how serious his injury was. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;">So, I drove to the ER and picked him up around 3:30... by now we were several hours off target of our departure time. His leg was wrapped in a big white heavy plaster cast. It looked awfully uncomfortable. He sat in the back seat with his leg elevated on the middle consul. Looking back, I can't believe I allowed for this to happen. It was dark most of the drive and it took us quite awhile to get up there, mostly because my visibility was bad due to winter conditions and a crummy windshield wiper, adding to the irritation of the whole ordeal.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhSEXRDI2LitQk4sda1J3ykmSAqZmElQnms8DbqFDUknIv9Bao-waEqUZApmssIfFeEjA2uWlN48Jgo3dVBHKEGOFfGisR0EOSm2XfAAeNBO7urmtD49f6hzvqVdTHL-_Elyt_5Xgzh26p_xUOhUYKCrYzLGm1cjHKQgVSL808lXLN72gjXj5meoZHC=s800" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="600" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhSEXRDI2LitQk4sda1J3ykmSAqZmElQnms8DbqFDUknIv9Bao-waEqUZApmssIfFeEjA2uWlN48Jgo3dVBHKEGOFfGisR0EOSm2XfAAeNBO7urmtD49f6hzvqVdTHL-_Elyt_5Xgzh26p_xUOhUYKCrYzLGm1cjHKQgVSL808lXLN72gjXj5meoZHC=w480-h640" width="480" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Our "romantic getaway" <br />Note the nasty windshield</span></td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;">We got in around 8:15 and drove directly to St. Stephen's Cathedral in the heart of the city. We easily found street parking. I had been to this same lively square ten years before with my family, my mom, and my sister Mary. This time the atmosphere was so much more muted and toned down. There were just a few people attending the market, the streets were quiet as cafes and restaurants were still closed. Ben rested in the cathedral, propping his foot up on one of the pews. He did get to hear a beautiful choir rehearse, so that was cool. I found a few ornaments to buy, but the stalls closed at 9 pm. We headed to our hotel near the hospital and got settled in. Poor Ben was so uncomfortable.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgWX8J3quRD7zXUNVKb2TkxlzD62NG-VSA-2tQ-FjCCKSILkdtB0WLbjoBcSH_y-J53nqih59M4zJIZ8C8LxVxCrs8UvbpC8-_wmLdb_92OXJqSl0VruA_m9-SxQ7vfO4nOEk2nMakM05cQBNhSoCMvxBlKEE302J22xWR977bEO53Bi4KZjpVmX25O=s4032" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgWX8J3quRD7zXUNVKb2TkxlzD62NG-VSA-2tQ-FjCCKSILkdtB0WLbjoBcSH_y-J53nqih59M4zJIZ8C8LxVxCrs8UvbpC8-_wmLdb_92OXJqSl0VruA_m9-SxQ7vfO4nOEk2nMakM05cQBNhSoCMvxBlKEE302J22xWR977bEO53Bi4KZjpVmX25O=w480-h640" width="480" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;">St. Stephen's Cathedral. Isn't it beautiful? Do you see Ben on his crutches?</span></td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgr0q-Rw1u1MFCjZxx1Yp9rry5w1ROvPMTD2_ZCbnTYtxUSA7Wlc8VK4RVGYrk-hUnlvnzAoXsbO16BITeGXRIF_JyhSVndrkp-IUDV6g-uz9_BqkYtJRXI7avgvyQXD7BuA4CQQLNuKM2dm4XmxVI70ATGylLqng9NMBLdbbhHm3BfSZPyzUPJ7K5F=s3648" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3648" data-original-width="2736" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgr0q-Rw1u1MFCjZxx1Yp9rry5w1ROvPMTD2_ZCbnTYtxUSA7Wlc8VK4RVGYrk-hUnlvnzAoXsbO16BITeGXRIF_JyhSVndrkp-IUDV6g-uz9_BqkYtJRXI7avgvyQXD7BuA4CQQLNuKM2dm4XmxVI70ATGylLqng9NMBLdbbhHm3BfSZPyzUPJ7K5F=w480-h640" width="480" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEimpkwFAdvlKoejHok4s0C0Oyw-oSQNB_wy99nMkVXo0p57gMUEesQWxjdFEnEmeyrQALPMiklUsOrhqq8xB9DEnyRO2Jkjsx9k5_QR3GHi5nk7Ykg8CNeBMN8c7gHs6M2adY-R1fY6WCntlfeZLr1m20zHA-OU0hmVWdJD64K9_owqXlyR2cmOzR-O=s4032" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEimpkwFAdvlKoejHok4s0C0Oyw-oSQNB_wy99nMkVXo0p57gMUEesQWxjdFEnEmeyrQALPMiklUsOrhqq8xB9DEnyRO2Jkjsx9k5_QR3GHi5nk7Ykg8CNeBMN8c7gHs6M2adY-R1fY6WCntlfeZLr1m20zHA-OU0hmVWdJD64K9_owqXlyR2cmOzR-O=w480-h640" width="480" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Quiet Streets</span></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEipQM1jjEJBwU8XuvvFPMPhijbvO_zxhfFW4SG2tISadTdHpRV5sLaN13httV98eIhgJmxDOVhjnwXqVNTg_9KRJoeaNpGQWcYfeZ9t2jQ-y3uLqcySDsWe3GY0Hjs4vc6HldZn0hNRMN3pQl0--hiJ8auudIwFyC3MtEOygGYSlLKTGZklr3HKbJfM=s2944" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2944" data-original-width="2208" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEipQM1jjEJBwU8XuvvFPMPhijbvO_zxhfFW4SG2tISadTdHpRV5sLaN13httV98eIhgJmxDOVhjnwXqVNTg_9KRJoeaNpGQWcYfeZ9t2jQ-y3uLqcySDsWe3GY0Hjs4vc6HldZn0hNRMN3pQl0--hiJ8auudIwFyC3MtEOygGYSlLKTGZklr3HKbJfM=w480-h640" width="480" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEh0fbHt0d8ewiQUzdKzZIDT0SxhPo8fyIR0BsmTp6_qvGYutvnEPOVnqlhHV5kJXQvZpW_H6pzxHfuXaabIYitjISL3tjYz3qnP_HbKc8Mp4Ax7U_6IjFDC78IXOhIyQX1iekzFlMgtVeQ6Gqrtlo13kZii58G9qjsAMr3lXK3hQAHdU0BT6TSrA1zd=s4032" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEh0fbHt0d8ewiQUzdKzZIDT0SxhPo8fyIR0BsmTp6_qvGYutvnEPOVnqlhHV5kJXQvZpW_H6pzxHfuXaabIYitjISL3tjYz3qnP_HbKc8Mp4Ax7U_6IjFDC78IXOhIyQX1iekzFlMgtVeQ6Gqrtlo13kZii58G9qjsAMr3lXK3hQAHdU0BT6TSrA1zd=w480-h640" width="480" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEi99HqiVGhm9YTPnXNQcp3k-6BLBHVV1temQJrzyYxqsbmirpFPLHYjQVLPbwUYtqqcF_lPVGUraJFRmR-RHgqJkeWpMEtGeFkiiYD8eaUDe8RhJxkvvDunLq3Tq_8ek3pJE93UvJv-BZ-dKaco61o-PfeHmGUC3NCA9e7ND0eVAUTZUqRRVX3owxeF=s4032" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEi99HqiVGhm9YTPnXNQcp3k-6BLBHVV1temQJrzyYxqsbmirpFPLHYjQVLPbwUYtqqcF_lPVGUraJFRmR-RHgqJkeWpMEtGeFkiiYD8eaUDe8RhJxkvvDunLq3Tq_8ek3pJE93UvJv-BZ-dKaco61o-PfeHmGUC3NCA9e7ND0eVAUTZUqRRVX3owxeF=w480-h640" width="480" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgFX8da7S3d0W8B5ziyuB87Y7sAmFKhdb3eWgGK9oZctJrggOOs4hTEWNIvcwM3nVVdvXnqCwsOUqyhd48JBfGvfMh8c5WsTlnTItyEu7aaebWVUTfvxY75qBATVMd6TVZ3so6SFPETi3J3FtN0AnsVASJUd6YJKDNGpqGmE6xIm6KXlobD08d2cE2H=s4032" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgFX8da7S3d0W8B5ziyuB87Y7sAmFKhdb3eWgGK9oZctJrggOOs4hTEWNIvcwM3nVVdvXnqCwsOUqyhd48JBfGvfMh8c5WsTlnTItyEu7aaebWVUTfvxY75qBATVMd6TVZ3so6SFPETi3J3FtN0AnsVASJUd6YJKDNGpqGmE6xIm6KXlobD08d2cE2H=w480-h640" width="480" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEj6uQoAOgcBsyKVY63SyjjayhNLB2mMdMoMzG8WKBC2oQW9ioxvIR_426c3znYP1_TJlTlzNK5qt_8hZgcZyZU_3joTPUhkxINOPZKlBT2tpXvIb_n8hYVwCh1Izy36rh2VUEYvrPR93KHXfucyyLVqfmG59oKtvff52KTTuj7ptrMZ7_WF-foN4aQn=s4032" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEj6uQoAOgcBsyKVY63SyjjayhNLB2mMdMoMzG8WKBC2oQW9ioxvIR_426c3znYP1_TJlTlzNK5qt_8hZgcZyZU_3joTPUhkxINOPZKlBT2tpXvIb_n8hYVwCh1Izy36rh2VUEYvrPR93KHXfucyyLVqfmG59oKtvff52KTTuj7ptrMZ7_WF-foN4aQn=w640-h480" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div><br /></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;">The next morning we headed to the hospital that was just down the street. I went to registration, and they told me they had not received the guarantee of payment from Tricare, so that was a bit of an ordeal to straighten out. Then finally I went in to see the doctor that was to perform the procedure. I expected everything to be prepared and ready to go. On the contrary, she asked me why I was there and what she could do for me. She had no idea that I needed a surgical procedure. I was baffled. Tricare and Zehra had assured me everything was communicated and arranged. The doctor was also flummoxed and scrambled to accommodate me. Luckily she was able to schedule the OR for that afternoon. She told me to come back at noon for all the pre-op paperwork. She also asked me if I had a PCR Test. In that moment I thought she asked if I had a PCT test, which despite the acronym being very similar, is quite different. PCT in Slovenia means proof of recovery, vaccine, or a negative test. I'm vaccinted. I'm asked for my PCT certificate several times a day, including twice already at the hospital. PCR, on the other hand, is a specific kind of covid test that can take hours to receive a result. The hospital protocol was that a negative PCR test was mandatory in order to enter the OR. My proof of vaccination, or PCT, was not adequate. I did not understand this at the time, and it would come back to bite me big time that afternoon.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;">We had a couple of hours to kill before being due back at the hospital, so we drove down to the Rathaus, (which was an adventure in and of itself) where there was supposed to be a wonderful Christmas market. We met up with Ben's Swiss counterpart who is posted in Vienna, Urs, and his wife Nadine. They were so nice and pleasant to spend an hour with. Ben rested on a bench with Urs while I shopped with Nadine. She showed me the stalls and the variety of handcraft goods that are made in Austria. The countless stalls were amazingly decorated and overflowing with wonderful food and beautiful hand-crafted goods. Unfortunately, I was fasting because of my procedure, but I scooped up some great ornaments. I vowed to come back after the surgery to spend more time shopping.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiCAvi5z4q9zkZ7gStirjw3d75igXGWf20GspIhC_Tb3_oqK-mbez9-aS_ZjIYxl4n-SEDKeD-KK1tF0XiJC3TK2MWG3qA6057Fw9Gdy7glhq0j2Jt5swlQVzjkB93p3QIHuoR3FgLKhlxf1rHyvjAQfCEODsBV7HiNEq8AL5-Ph-25K80DwixiTwoU=s4032" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiCAvi5z4q9zkZ7gStirjw3d75igXGWf20GspIhC_Tb3_oqK-mbez9-aS_ZjIYxl4n-SEDKeD-KK1tF0XiJC3TK2MWG3qA6057Fw9Gdy7glhq0j2Jt5swlQVzjkB93p3QIHuoR3FgLKhlxf1rHyvjAQfCEODsBV7HiNEq8AL5-Ph-25K80DwixiTwoU=w640-h480" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgX4TH7a4bndXGX9J2G4ad73RmL4o-QGbyWUHnOpVWF2Lrm6dkaZ1mj7LdOoEUZ_6qyQyVEWTpaeNu2TCpvVXh6Gyr51Rn7SyeUeTxjU2BcASdG7ZInin9PAHGwvE6g0NUflnWeZdNN3UKq53JpkUASaYRfqgsstIg321usrsBm00XNViXvPNtx2VCK=s4032" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgX4TH7a4bndXGX9J2G4ad73RmL4o-QGbyWUHnOpVWF2Lrm6dkaZ1mj7LdOoEUZ_6qyQyVEWTpaeNu2TCpvVXh6Gyr51Rn7SyeUeTxjU2BcASdG7ZInin9PAHGwvE6g0NUflnWeZdNN3UKq53JpkUASaYRfqgsstIg321usrsBm00XNViXvPNtx2VCK=w640-h480" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;">The atmosphere and markets were just magical. And crowds very small.</span></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgS8nj_lux7OklLNy9uSrPC6ua6N2NioILFqn0OREjkTFAx9D_yaBSk7dntvSRMpsnUTSV71Cjm3Lbz2dwMuxkZBdO07sXf-AAuQ4sAs9aEsV5qk5CIzceH9h4UJ3GjUVFa7Aq-kxu_4yfO_z1gK9RpAsap-O3pRxq0knfSLXIg256pWJApv0uj7bTS=s4032" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgS8nj_lux7OklLNy9uSrPC6ua6N2NioILFqn0OREjkTFAx9D_yaBSk7dntvSRMpsnUTSV71Cjm3Lbz2dwMuxkZBdO07sXf-AAuQ4sAs9aEsV5qk5CIzceH9h4UJ3GjUVFa7Aq-kxu_4yfO_z1gK9RpAsap-O3pRxq0knfSLXIg256pWJApv0uj7bTS=w640-h480" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhEONQF5s-AVerKPjxNmw1QyFSGHE256eKzki5oiWg2yhK5WNylfcC4AEHjDHqhxNRVu2U_gWu_SAk8V73fQUBN9d3fZS9mC-Nu8dbmywSMTnvfIUhQ9hMty39v-KHBuDdx3tZI2WZFIzQONObrNEDOFi-ij7EojOC1qqV9QWsHe1zzZYbGwrDvBbu3=s4032" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhEONQF5s-AVerKPjxNmw1QyFSGHE256eKzki5oiWg2yhK5WNylfcC4AEHjDHqhxNRVu2U_gWu_SAk8V73fQUBN9d3fZS9mC-Nu8dbmywSMTnvfIUhQ9hMty39v-KHBuDdx3tZI2WZFIzQONObrNEDOFi-ij7EojOC1qqV9QWsHe1zzZYbGwrDvBbu3=w640-h480" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEinfV3_cqFZrs-G1OY73sHQJQmS4cyAKbtCZgBRMzGz6VWbD-wksiH6nwxhtUDOEyeMAtkX1ZoOx6lsrP5LqzSzNObfaYo9f-D1N6tvLFtm82r1hi1Uj6V4mONctNoK-elLUrITtzc0iSb3onRCLTCPfiFALMqi1jJ-xA1rNED4o9QaYpEYrH_j14-9=s4032" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEinfV3_cqFZrs-G1OY73sHQJQmS4cyAKbtCZgBRMzGz6VWbD-wksiH6nwxhtUDOEyeMAtkX1ZoOx6lsrP5LqzSzNObfaYo9f-D1N6tvLFtm82r1hi1Uj6V4mONctNoK-elLUrITtzc0iSb3onRCLTCPfiFALMqi1jJ-xA1rNED4o9QaYpEYrH_j14-9=w640-h480" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Upon our return to the hospital around noon, I went back to registration to fill out more forms, and they asked me for my PCR test. Understanding PCT I showed them my vaccine certificate that I show multiple times a day everywhere I go. No, they clarified, PCR, not PCT. PCR? I don't have a PCR test! I have a proof of vaccination. What would I need a PCR test for? They explained it was mandatory to enter the OR and that they would have to cancel my appointment without one. I couldn't believe what I was hearing. My eyes were hot with tears as I explained all the hassle we had gone through to get up there, including my husband with a broken ankle. I asked if I could get a PCR test right then at the hospital, and they said it takes a day to get the results. A rapid antigen test wouldn't do. I asked to speak to the doctor, she came over and reiterated what the nurse had told me. She said, "I thought you had a PCR test. That's what you said this morning!" I thought you meant PCT, not PCR! I called Tricare, so irate with the whole experience and how they had set me up for failure. All they could do was apologize profusely. I was borderline angry with the doctor as I asked her how I wasn't notified of these requirements and how she was unaware of my procedure I thought was planned. I was confused as to where the blame should fall... the doctor, Zehra, or Tricare. After sifting through it all, the blame was ultimately to be placed at Tricare's feet. They took over the case from Zehra and then didn't communicate properly with the doctor what kind of procedure I needed done, and since the doctor didn't know I needed surgery, she hadn't told Tricare about the PCR requirement. We talked to the doctor about rescheduling for the following day, but I was concerned about getting back to our kids plus Ben was so uncomfortable. It turned out the OR was booked the rest of the week anyway, it wasn't an option. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiAAEb0QMnvrdMcNhtdIOLNIE_NfX5JlIGFb-II_-I3SX5VyIRJrFPZRcuZtj_svnrGIHKHwKWHdqPnbxTx7lLpC_YuhUT9LdwYO6cFPER986pqktAQIOzniuyfVgRoZmljerMVL8My-CNG7NDIFBv7sH7FpIeYzUZHPt3pgx0tQSaM2Np8l6dOEjxr=s4032" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiAAEb0QMnvrdMcNhtdIOLNIE_NfX5JlIGFb-II_-I3SX5VyIRJrFPZRcuZtj_svnrGIHKHwKWHdqPnbxTx7lLpC_YuhUT9LdwYO6cFPER986pqktAQIOzniuyfVgRoZmljerMVL8My-CNG7NDIFBv7sH7FpIeYzUZHPt3pgx0tQSaM2Np8l6dOEjxr=w480-h640" width="480" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Long-suffering Ben waiting for me to be admitted to the OR</span></td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;">So, very deflated we made our way back home, but not without stopping first at the Rathaus Christmas for some seriously needed retail therapy. Ben stayed in the car and I returned to all the stalls I had eyed earlier and unleashed with a fury, finding some great Christmas treasures. We drove home again in the dark, again with crappy vision because of the damn windshield wiper. I was tired from doing all the driving too. Ben ended up driving for about an hour. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><span style="font-size: medium;">The next week we plugged along with all of our normal day-to-day routines. Ben went to work. He attended the embassy Christmas party, James' and Cosette's school Christmas concert, and Emily's violin recital. He went to church. But he was REALLY uncomfortable all week and in a lot of pain. Sensing something was wrong, he sent his x-rays to his cousin Jimmy, who is an orthopedic surgeon and had previously been assigned at the Army medical facility in Landstuhl, Germany. Jimmy recommended he get his ankle looked at more carefully with a CT scan and that he could possibly need surgery. It turns out the injury was much worse than we realized. DUH, DUH, DUH... Stay tuned for the gripping sequel coming soon!<br /> </span><p></p>Marinda Shahahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08331984352649799897noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2458354230328789151.post-1722311749313436862021-05-30T06:52:00.002-07:002021-05-30T12:36:10.571-07:00Girl Scout Family Campout<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-oMhQnvuQNnM/YLN7RNlbkgI/AAAAAAAAhK0/mfoVeNvxA3MoVilYGqZTedpfI1EhPNyKwCPcBGAsYHg/s4032/IMG_3982.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-oMhQnvuQNnM/YLN7RNlbkgI/AAAAAAAAhK0/mfoVeNvxA3MoVilYGqZTedpfI1EhPNyKwCPcBGAsYHg/w640-h480/IMG_3982.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Left to Right: Alena Braman, Caroline Shaha, Avery Hart, Emily Shaha, Sam Marolf, Evenlyn Denyer</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;">We had such a great weekend at the Girl Scout Campout at Šobec, next to Bled. Being out in nature with friends and family while somebody else has planned it all, what's not to love?</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Our wonderful leaders Carrie Braman and Amanda Hart planned and organized everything. So so grateful for all their hard work and dedication!</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-3KnnjSt2OGs/YLN7RBbu--I/AAAAAAAAhK0/KjTdtHRzwaEUj9igL32KXv8ZThUTCPB0QCPcBGAsYHg/s3792/IMG_3981.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2801" data-original-width="3792" height="472" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-3KnnjSt2OGs/YLN7RBbu--I/AAAAAAAAhK0/KjTdtHRzwaEUj9igL32KXv8ZThUTCPB0QCPcBGAsYHg/w640-h472/IMG_3981.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Hiking to the Sava River... Max Marolf, Ethan Hart, James Shaha</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-GNPPNDKJ5Zg/YLN7RLJe3WI/AAAAAAAAhK0/Ysxg4ke_e7oOnq99suLpzuIagJXx64mkwCPcBGAsYHg/s4032/IMG_4003.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-GNPPNDKJ5Zg/YLN7RLJe3WI/AAAAAAAAhK0/Ysxg4ke_e7oOnq99suLpzuIagJXx64mkwCPcBGAsYHg/w640-h480/IMG_4003.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Girl Scouts has been a saving grace for my girls. With the American school closing and then having to start over at an international school as the only Americans in their classes, combined with the pains of Covid restrictions this past year, GSA has been a haven for them. Every two weeks they can let down their guard, relax, and be themselves around other like-minded anglophones. This pictured group of Americans go to four different schools, but they all come together every two weeks for GSA. (I know you're thinking, "But there's boys in this picture!" Siblings and parents were invited to the campout, but they don't attend the meetings.) </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-XGk_dGj60Nc/YLN7RAGBzfI/AAAAAAAAhK0/YrXs94vJLiYmT1I38he2-ynxaExfbjhRQCPcBGAsYHg/s4032/IMG_4004.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-XGk_dGj60Nc/YLN7RAGBzfI/AAAAAAAAhK0/YrXs94vJLiYmT1I38he2-ynxaExfbjhRQCPcBGAsYHg/w640-h480/IMG_4004.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-size: medium;">For several months they had to meet on zoom, but the past couple months with restrictions lifted, they have been meeting in the spacious backyard of the ambassador's residence which is currently unoccupied. They've been having a blast. </span></div></div><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Sm6rctAM4og/YLN2t9glwRI/AAAAAAAAhJU/wjQlyBAKhrEkrQmFQhmNjYjDyHHjCbn5wCLcBGAsYHQ/s2016/image11.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1512" data-original-width="2016" height="480" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Sm6rctAM4og/YLN2t9glwRI/AAAAAAAAhJU/wjQlyBAKhrEkrQmFQhmNjYjDyHHjCbn5wCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h480/image11.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-py2L0vsi_aQ/YLOW7OlWGyI/AAAAAAAAhMQ/JwS8662zRKkQHBLXnUmnwIdnNZATNW2JgCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_3433.JPG" style="font-size: large; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-py2L0vsi_aQ/YLOW7OlWGyI/AAAAAAAAhMQ/JwS8662zRKkQHBLXnUmnwIdnNZATNW2JgCLcBGAsYHQ/w480-h640/IMG_3433.JPG" width="480" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Group effort setting up the beast of a tent</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-wHg03NcB19M/YLN2tslkhuI/AAAAAAAAhJM/vsog_P3TZ1UjN5RstlaI4FpoCP0MyB0IgCLcBGAsYHQ/s2016/image0.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1512" data-original-width="2016" height="480" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-wHg03NcB19M/YLN2tslkhuI/AAAAAAAAhJM/vsog_P3TZ1UjN5RstlaI4FpoCP0MyB0IgCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h480/image0.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;">It was a very cool and mild weekend, and constantly threatened rain. The rain didn't come until Saturday night, and the girls got drenched in their fair-weather tent. Luckily for the parents, we were warm and dry in our "bungalows." That's the secret to happy camping... kids in tents, parents in bungalows. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-iU8eOz_GZXg/YLN2BM3v2zI/AAAAAAAAhIQ/I2WCfSBmfGYByVmJBLx80SAoswi1FLZggCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/18.%2Btie-dying%2Bwith%2BCarrie%252C%2BLon%2BBramen.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="480" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-iU8eOz_GZXg/YLN2BM3v2zI/AAAAAAAAhIQ/I2WCfSBmfGYByVmJBLx80SAoswi1FLZggCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h480/18.%2Btie-dying%2Bwith%2BCarrie%252C%2BLon%2BBramen.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-2wj86gaNRLc/YLN2BN05pgI/AAAAAAAAhIM/MzDHjIhFFHQbwosihN7zq0I42Q4Z_WmGwCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/20.%2Bknot%2Btying%2Bwith%2BChris%2Band%2BAmanda%2BHart.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="480" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-2wj86gaNRLc/YLN2BN05pgI/AAAAAAAAhIM/MzDHjIhFFHQbwosihN7zq0I42Q4Z_WmGwCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h480/20.%2Bknot%2Btying%2Bwith%2BChris%2Band%2BAmanda%2BHart.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><p><span style="font-size: medium;">Saturday morning they rotated to different stations at the bungalows. The Harts are teaching knot tying. </span></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-aDD0Ua9hRec/YLOOlW3DGHI/AAAAAAAAhLU/jSocUYH8P2sgVMGob9vwjXQFiP9T7v2JACLcBGAsYHQ/s2016/gsaknots.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2016" data-original-width="1512" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-aDD0Ua9hRec/YLOOlW3DGHI/AAAAAAAAhLU/jSocUYH8P2sgVMGob9vwjXQFiP9T7v2JACLcBGAsYHQ/w480-h640/gsaknots.jpeg" width="480" /></a></div><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-VLX8BHv8Z70/YLOOlpLF06I/AAAAAAAAhLc/6OleW978VbIP2vp9EadXDyj3rYvlSCe6QCLcBGAsYHQ/s2016/gsacampout.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1512" data-original-width="2016" height="480" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-VLX8BHv8Z70/YLOOlpLF06I/AAAAAAAAhLc/6OleW978VbIP2vp9EadXDyj3rYvlSCe6QCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h480/gsacampout.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /> <a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-dKEHGochMqM/YLN2u8wAnHI/AAAAAAAAhJY/fy7QC_tSrQM0VPvR8kVnNB3EnxdkbTmSgCLcBGAsYHQ/s2016/image7.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1512" data-original-width="2016" height="480" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-dKEHGochMqM/YLN2u8wAnHI/AAAAAAAAhJY/fy7QC_tSrQM0VPvR8kVnNB3EnxdkbTmSgCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h480/image7.jpeg" width="640" /></a><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;">The Bramans taught tie-dying</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-vAAaXq_jqyE/YLOOmL9Q5hI/AAAAAAAAhLg/1_JnUSo3YYknfMz68xRcdYXSOsVm_mrKQCLcBGAsYHQ/s2016/gsatiedye.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2016" data-original-width="1512" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-vAAaXq_jqyE/YLOOmL9Q5hI/AAAAAAAAhLg/1_JnUSo3YYknfMz68xRcdYXSOsVm_mrKQCLcBGAsYHQ/w480-h640/gsatiedye.jpeg" width="480" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-aAQekzboLKE/YLN2vUqbZzI/AAAAAAAAhJc/pGW7kKH3z4s8ubp1Y2nKb8dZNZUQcI0nACLcBGAsYHQ/s2016/image8.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1512" data-original-width="2016" height="480" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-aAQekzboLKE/YLN2vUqbZzI/AAAAAAAAhJc/pGW7kKH3z4s8ubp1Y2nKb8dZNZUQcI0nACLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h480/image8.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-gqelCVI-uh0/YLN2v6ZrE4I/AAAAAAAAhJg/f49V3h6zLWcptMNSm6y5CIxFsVOMamp9gCLcBGAsYHQ/s2016/image9.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1512" data-original-width="2016" height="480" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-gqelCVI-uh0/YLN2v6ZrE4I/AAAAAAAAhJg/f49V3h6zLWcptMNSm6y5CIxFsVOMamp9gCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h480/image9.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Kyle helped them make trail mix. </span></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-GwwmvQrRHyw/YLN7REk_96I/AAAAAAAAhK0/VLSkwZhItOEMVdiwhIcTWjYOmfyklpy_wCPcBGAsYHg/s4032/IMG_3967.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-GwwmvQrRHyw/YLN7REk_96I/AAAAAAAAhK0/VLSkwZhItOEMVdiwhIcTWjYOmfyklpy_wCPcBGAsYHg/w480-h640/IMG_3967.jpeg" width="480" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Hi Kyle!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-k-nUSeF2vuw/YLOOltWF_pI/AAAAAAAAhLY/YaF2OB_SE-sU_3dYlRttoPnOh5NwHEGVgCLcBGAsYHQ/s2016/gsajars.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1512" data-original-width="2016" height="480" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-k-nUSeF2vuw/YLOOltWF_pI/AAAAAAAAhLY/YaF2OB_SE-sU_3dYlRttoPnOh5NwHEGVgCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h480/gsajars.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;">The Denyers led jar painting to make little lanterns</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-E9uwE2Nj2eg/YLOVvLOX-KI/AAAAAAAAhL8/LPt5ZTAbF7gU3IV1gb3L9hEkTyXLKTMtgCLcBGAsYHQ/s2016/image5.jpeg" style="font-size: medium; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2016" data-original-width="1512" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-E9uwE2Nj2eg/YLOVvLOX-KI/AAAAAAAAhL8/LPt5ZTAbF7gU3IV1gb3L9hEkTyXLKTMtgCLcBGAsYHQ/w480-h640/image5.jpeg" width="480" /></a></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;">And the Shahas led rock painting.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-VYST3FIeSwQ/YLOW7EWiy7I/AAAAAAAAhMM/DBGstnl26a0iKLdtyVi2mwzHA1y4cYXYgCLcBGAsYHQ/s2016/image1.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1512" data-original-width="2016" height="480" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-VYST3FIeSwQ/YLOW7EWiy7I/AAAAAAAAhMM/DBGstnl26a0iKLdtyVi2mwzHA1y4cYXYgCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h480/image1.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div><br /></span></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-idWVw7WWu3M/YLN7RACK_-I/AAAAAAAAhK0/L1wx4qLCkywadD-s4EPSLmZ5THTusFVpgCPcBGAsYHg/s4032/IMG_3974.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-idWVw7WWu3M/YLN7RACK_-I/AAAAAAAAhK0/L1wx4qLCkywadD-s4EPSLmZ5THTusFVpgCPcBGAsYHg/w640-h480/IMG_3974.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;">That afternoon JB led us on a long hike. We found frogs, tadpoles, cows, snails, and dead mice. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-XfZLyHeGudE/YLOW56p-y4I/AAAAAAAAhME/Mn1viBonom0EbGfJOboGLJcTf5HiSuzxwCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_3434.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-XfZLyHeGudE/YLOW56p-y4I/AAAAAAAAhME/Mn1viBonom0EbGfJOboGLJcTf5HiSuzxwCLcBGAsYHQ/w480-h640/IMG_3434.JPG" width="480" /></a></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-kai7z_e9f8Q/YLN2DE_ByEI/AAAAAAAAhIU/H0Nib8Ivw800HeyEQY5g5TCThdtfom1WACLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/28.%2Bhike%2Bled%2Bby%2BJB%2BLeedy.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="480" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-kai7z_e9f8Q/YLN2DE_ByEI/AAAAAAAAhIU/H0Nib8Ivw800HeyEQY5g5TCThdtfom1WACLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h480/28.%2Bhike%2Bled%2Bby%2BJB%2BLeedy.JPG" width="640" /></a><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Why hasn't somebody told me to burn those pants? You have all failed me. </span></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-NhN_ApBcsF8/YLPofIg5tCI/AAAAAAAAhNQ/M6BrKmUC1RY4Fb4AGQi9eF6gAziDJCXIACPcBGAsYHg/s4032/PXL_20210522_122622332.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-NhN_ApBcsF8/YLPofIg5tCI/AAAAAAAAhNQ/M6BrKmUC1RY4Fb4AGQi9eF6gAziDJCXIACPcBGAsYHg/w640-h480/PXL_20210522_122622332.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Could anything be cuter???</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ntFT0Qd6_lo/YLN7RCcdN8I/AAAAAAAAhK0/f6EBIcqh3SQd8P_D6sIl1Xhn_gCzOn1jgCPcBGAsYHg/s4032/IMG_3972.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ntFT0Qd6_lo/YLN7RCcdN8I/AAAAAAAAhK0/f6EBIcqh3SQd8P_D6sIl1Xhn_gCzOn1jgCPcBGAsYHg/w480-h640/IMG_3972.jpeg" width="480" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-MwD-CQyQHVM/YLN7RNFYuHI/AAAAAAAAhK0/L6BkaNOwdO0CT9-JjDS2A-3YLmRKowmagCPcBGAsYHg/s4032/IMG_3966.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-MwD-CQyQHVM/YLN7RNFYuHI/AAAAAAAAhK0/L6BkaNOwdO0CT9-JjDS2A-3YLmRKowmagCPcBGAsYHg/w480-h640/IMG_3966.jpeg" width="480" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"> Cosette just ran around the whole weekend like she was one of the scouts. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-D8fvZbRUhxw/YLN2c2R6rCI/AAAAAAAAhIs/rD4NuDdllmod82RzzCuivGnmov0yFd0bQCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/20210521_184829.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1152" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-D8fvZbRUhxw/YLN2c2R6rCI/AAAAAAAAhIs/rD4NuDdllmod82RzzCuivGnmov0yFd0bQCLcBGAsYHQ/w360-h640/20210521_184829.jpg" width="360" /></a><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;">The infamous Girl Scout fair-weather tent.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-wqZ5plckyAk/YLN2abLBcvI/AAAAAAAAhIo/VlN2pYabUsgg5LHIRdhco5ZLa3Y6CCFkgCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/20210522_171526.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1152" data-original-width="2048" height="360" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-wqZ5plckyAk/YLN2abLBcvI/AAAAAAAAhIo/VlN2pYabUsgg5LHIRdhco5ZLa3Y6CCFkgCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h360/20210522_171526.jpg" width="640" /></a></div></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-rHdu6wcPrXk/YLN7RPQ2ueI/AAAAAAAAhK0/ZATDVyd3tEIXxPgq-DF0qzshrEYMVQCmgCPcBGAsYHg/s4032/IMG_3960.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-rHdu6wcPrXk/YLN7RPQ2ueI/AAAAAAAAhK0/ZATDVyd3tEIXxPgq-DF0qzshrEYMVQCmgCPcBGAsYHg/w480-h640/IMG_3960.jpeg" width="480" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Euorpean campground rules are weird. No open fires! The grill was the extent of our outdoor fire. </span></div><br /><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-1jn6TFI_-aI/YLN2tvgpQbI/AAAAAAAAhJI/xhGymhk39qEPWnNIRgtXI-H79vlLRrEnQCLcBGAsYHQ/s2016/image12.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2016" data-original-width="1512" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-1jn6TFI_-aI/YLN2tvgpQbI/AAAAAAAAhJI/xhGymhk39qEPWnNIRgtXI-H79vlLRrEnQCLcBGAsYHQ/w480-h640/image12.jpeg" width="480" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Someone even brought sparklers!</span></div><br /><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-czcZs1m12oA/YLN2eeBhrSI/AAAAAAAAhI0/hJAj-J2j9tgK7Ys2Qz0RsCvrqzcpkDz0QCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/20210522_182242.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1152" data-original-width="2048" height="360" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-czcZs1m12oA/YLN2eeBhrSI/AAAAAAAAhI0/hJAj-J2j9tgK7Ys2Qz0RsCvrqzcpkDz0QCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h360/20210522_182242.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;">Another weird aspect of European campgrounds: they come with fancy restaurants. Saturday night we enjoyed a lovely dinner, and they had a wonderful outdoor playground just outside from where we were eating. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_v4pzqSbkJM/YLN2dZ5d-MI/AAAAAAAAhIw/4Y7TMDblC1IBpZrJK3jU0XK8njydZyJBgCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/20210522_132638.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1152" data-original-width="2048" height="360" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_v4pzqSbkJM/YLN2dZ5d-MI/AAAAAAAAhIw/4Y7TMDblC1IBpZrJK3jU0XK8njydZyJBgCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h360/20210522_132638.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-X3Whh6S_03k/YLORf9TcneI/AAAAAAAAhLw/0sd-F1nGzNY-PcO9QSOlt-RlG6dAQpVAwCPcBGAsYHg/s4048/IMG_20210523_084143.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3036" data-original-width="4048" height="480" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-X3Whh6S_03k/YLORf9TcneI/AAAAAAAAhLw/0sd-F1nGzNY-PcO9QSOlt-RlG6dAQpVAwCPcBGAsYHg/w640-h480/IMG_20210523_084143.jpg" width="640" /></a></div></div><span style="text-align: center;"><div style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></div><div style="font-size: x-large;"><br style="font-size: medium;" /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-size: medium;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_1v2qiKzGwA/YLPofIwIVUI/AAAAAAAAhNQ/OQQtLaz8iuQDK1jO_-mK3yzx62wHGp-ngCPcBGAsYHg/s4032/PXL_20210523_064309974.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_1v2qiKzGwA/YLPofIwIVUI/AAAAAAAAhNQ/OQQtLaz8iuQDK1jO_-mK3yzx62wHGp-ngCPcBGAsYHg/w640-h480/PXL_20210523_064309974.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div></div><div style="font-size: x-large;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Sunday morning, pancake breakfast and closing circle. We had to leave before 9:00 to make it back in time for our first day back at church in 11 months! We had to go because Ben was being called as branch president! Couldn't really skip out ;)</span></div></div><div style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-size: large; text-align: center;"><br /></span></div><span style="font-size: medium;">I think this weekend felt especially wonderful because we were able to participate in things we haven't been able to do for so long... gather with friends, eat at a restaurant, visit and socialize in person! I grew up going to church camps and youth activities all the time. I love the sense of community that I grew up with living in a small town, going to the same school and church with my friends and neighbors. I have missed this aspect sooooo much in our military life. So it was nice to have a taste of that this weekend. There are six families participating in GSA this year... three will leave this summer! And as far as we know, there are no new girls moving in this summer. Hopefully next year something can work out!</span></span>Marinda Shahahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08331984352649799897noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2458354230328789151.post-30152849792230061072021-04-18T03:52:00.005-07:002021-04-18T04:17:45.301-07:00New Year's Eve 2020<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;">We had to ring out the horrid year of 2020 in style!</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Fireworks show at the castle cancelled, gathering not allowed.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;">But we made the best of it.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Homemade pizza and Ticket to Ride to keep us awake until midnight!</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-TmSuqxlTrHo/YHwNBaEV4xI/AAAAAAAAgRk/TjOknl3PZdIBH0hb1R4LYAzOc5QydxA7QCPcBGAsYHg/s4048/IMG_20201231_200626.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4048" data-original-width="3036" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-TmSuqxlTrHo/YHwNBaEV4xI/AAAAAAAAgRk/TjOknl3PZdIBH0hb1R4LYAzOc5QydxA7QCPcBGAsYHg/w480-h640/IMG_20201231_200626.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-DggJLidLJ4o/YHwNBcXEj0I/AAAAAAAAgRk/LyxRuSh23zoSrzxqsjA6A__rKkZYi6W7wCPcBGAsYHg/s4048/IMG_20201231_201132.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4048" data-original-width="3036" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-DggJLidLJ4o/YHwNBcXEj0I/AAAAAAAAgRk/LyxRuSh23zoSrzxqsjA6A__rKkZYi6W7wCPcBGAsYHg/w480-h640/IMG_20201231_201132.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Their super cute aprons we got from a local seamstress at the market</span></td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;">So much cooler than buying on amazon!</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-g0JQkwkP6fg/YHwNBYGqTWI/AAAAAAAAgRk/KURz1nxUZ2IDStZZFP9f3r7v2PIIAIrqQCPcBGAsYHg/s4048/IMG_20201231_204609.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4048" data-original-width="3036" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-g0JQkwkP6fg/YHwNBYGqTWI/AAAAAAAAgRk/KURz1nxUZ2IDStZZFP9f3r7v2PIIAIrqQCPcBGAsYHg/w480-h640/IMG_20201231_204609.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-TMml5pnH_ss/YHwNBZ-NekI/AAAAAAAAgRk/bJ1Xp5gwrgk-s0O5wIrfsU6aObwxP5YGQCPcBGAsYHg/s1114/IMG_20201231_205810%257E2.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1114" data-original-width="833" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-TMml5pnH_ss/YHwNBZ-NekI/AAAAAAAAgRk/bJ1Xp5gwrgk-s0O5wIrfsU6aObwxP5YGQCPcBGAsYHg/w478-h640/IMG_20201231_205810%257E2.jpg" width="478" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Caroline's handiwork</span></td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-xNqALHY_4Eo/YHwNBdo1FDI/AAAAAAAAgRk/1iv_7N9oJyQSZ0n_IVWguPWPZ1NZgkuYQCPcBGAsYHg/s4048/IMG_20201231_234659.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3036" data-original-width="4048" height="480" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-xNqALHY_4Eo/YHwNBdo1FDI/AAAAAAAAgRk/1iv_7N9oJyQSZ0n_IVWguPWPZ1NZgkuYQCPcBGAsYHg/w640-h480/IMG_20201231_234659.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;">It was the only way we could get ourselves to all stay up past midnight... a three hour long game of our newly acquired Ticket to Ride! It was a lot of fun! </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dw7o7huRAigWecI-V0w2-_Rbq-gdS-vZLSgkW9QIrJq9qW-mX-8ZKWr4zUV8fn8LC4aIzBwfN_5iDsKFTj54A' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;">And our payoff for staying up until midnight. The official show was cancelled, but our neighbors didn't disappoint!</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;">The next day we were allowed to leave our municipality just for New Year's Day. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;">We drove to Bled where we met with our church friends, the Majc family. We hadn't left our region or seen our friends in so long, it was such a great escape! I just wish I had gotten a photo of everyone! The Majc family includes Davor, Stanka, Miha, Matej, Manca, Matevž.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;">And no, I can't keep their names straight in case you were wondering.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dzaXOe7_PKqvd4kJ2ZaUwIg13ZqcXU0m1liadEZc4xl1HorbFrue0Peftj1TJbtQQP-8G8Rm_ehYixDTJtjrA' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The bells of the village welcoming us as we parked our car. Such a cool place!</div><br /><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-NKl8LfEvLvk/YHwJednf3wI/AAAAAAAAgRU/7CNjWKP0jqsmFreg5W9MFcLbECchPk_-ACPcBGAsYHg/s4048/IMG_20210101_121239.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4048" data-original-width="3036" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-NKl8LfEvLvk/YHwJednf3wI/AAAAAAAAgRU/7CNjWKP0jqsmFreg5W9MFcLbECchPk_-ACPcBGAsYHg/w480-h640/IMG_20210101_121239.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-PJNNc5bFvTc/YHwJeejbMjI/AAAAAAAAgRU/8azWc30a78oCA7Tpmdsmbg6RI3ZT_hG5gCPcBGAsYHg/s4048/IMG_20210101_122210.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3036" data-original-width="4048" height="480" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-PJNNc5bFvTc/YHwJeejbMjI/AAAAAAAAgRU/8azWc30a78oCA7Tpmdsmbg6RI3ZT_hG5gCPcBGAsYHg/w640-h480/IMG_20210101_122210.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div> <iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dyVg4wGPp5KftCNIWrKK9dMCeV5TWBBdJdzd91uDwqqqx9pQm1YW7YhucgDf8hw3PkKScHl1jIV5rorlyfbug' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div><div> Because who needs a sled? Davor created this luge for the kiddos</div><div><br /></div><div> <iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dzsPD7AT2g0aFHsob9WTUi4FZq3DW0vTQs7lsjXY_9obZvkFwjIzUfkWVhPOdfGL6_uDzFGgYj0i9f7PvGrRg' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-jI7e9OuheuY/YHwJeWW_JyI/AAAAAAAAgRU/FducSKLzKBUqVPIQTChZGf1mncZAVFoSQCPcBGAsYHg/s4048/IMG_20210101_134553.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3036" data-original-width="4048" height="480" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-jI7e9OuheuY/YHwJeWW_JyI/AAAAAAAAgRU/FducSKLzKBUqVPIQTChZGf1mncZAVFoSQCPcBGAsYHg/w640-h480/IMG_20210101_134553.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-kUuRIXnVOqI/YHwJeRoaAOI/AAAAAAAAgRU/1pbN-5kkAJY2h3m0SImGzO994JMj-P0BgCPcBGAsYHg/s4048/IMG_20210101_141711.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4048" data-original-width="3036" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-kUuRIXnVOqI/YHwJeRoaAOI/AAAAAAAAgRU/1pbN-5kkAJY2h3m0SImGzO994JMj-P0BgCPcBGAsYHg/w480-h640/IMG_20210101_141711.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><br /> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dx6h095VlO2k-pH_Gps0uvI2gTvH1lS5NoS9zPp421gvq-XrGAOc1_f4nq5pGutmPqnONazxg2ovjtBiZYQzA' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Em rocks it!</span></div> <br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dzkrXZiaCCdI-HIBrwMWQJ4M4vMmkX21CvcVh_P7g-OCYYcoS-ybXtI8GluGUHJdxT5MsUqt0S8pyPsmoFyaA' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe></span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;"> As does James</span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dztNilP0VirmvSYbIWki8yqYQMINffyvSvFM2ntFlkrEkwSipoLzwj_8guDbdHHvl2rrBhYXlYZSXZzAyR72Q' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div><span style="font-size: medium;"> And of course Benny Boy</span><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><p></p></div>Marinda Shahahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08331984352649799897noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2458354230328789151.post-78054110673328013382021-04-11T06:43:00.003-07:002021-04-11T06:47:40.769-07:00Snowshoeing in Pokljuka<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Ok, I know it's April and here I am posting these winter wonderland pictures, bear with me while I catch up!!</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Over Christmas break, while the ski resorts were still closed, I organized (yes it was me of course!) a snow shoeing expedition for January 2. We had been cooped in the house over the break and I wanted to do something out in nature and enjoy beautiful Slovenian winter... do I really have to explain myself?? </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-xChWASdgBzY/YHL1Nlbp3QI/AAAAAAAAgHQ/QFTwnxSle28cVCH1vtI2H72_lZKBVmmYwCPcBGAsYHg/s4048/IMG_20210102_110801.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4048" data-original-width="3036" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-xChWASdgBzY/YHL1Nlbp3QI/AAAAAAAAgHQ/QFTwnxSle28cVCH1vtI2H72_lZKBVmmYwCPcBGAsYHg/w480-h640/IMG_20210102_110801.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;">We went with the Harts, Chris and Amanda, because they are awesome and I can always count on them being game for whatever. I simply googled snowshoeing trek Slovenia and lots of tour guides came up, but I was hard pressed to find anyone operating during the lockdown!! Finally I found a guy. He was great. He directed us to go to Pokljuka Planina, above Lake Bled to meet him for the trek. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;">The Harts brought their three kids over and we had Judith watch them for the day. We left early, around 8:00 am on a RAINY morning. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;">As we got above Bled, the rain quickly turned to snow and we found that the road up had not been plowed. Snow was falling and the roads were pretty slick! Chris was driving his Honda Pilot and we finally decided we would have to turn around because his vehicle wasn't having it!</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;">We went back down to the bottom and pulled over and called our guide. He was already up at our meeting point since he had spent the night. He said he couldn't come down to meet us because his tiny car would never make it back up! He couldn't understand why a plow hadn't come through yet, normally the roads would be fine. We sat there deliberating what to do, fearing that we might have to cancel our carefully organized day, when finally we spotted a trusty snowplow making its way up the mountain! Yay!</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><p></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-8LDrBgWX7WA/YHL1NtsIwtI/AAAAAAAAgHQ/Fr3LYhERptcYcQyBMwuUNtgSzAwKFgpKQCPcBGAsYHg/s4048/IMG_20210102_095522.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4048" data-original-width="3036" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-8LDrBgWX7WA/YHL1NtsIwtI/AAAAAAAAgHQ/Fr3LYhERptcYcQyBMwuUNtgSzAwKFgpKQCPcBGAsYHg/w480-h640/IMG_20210102_095522.jpg" width="480" /></span></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Following the plow up the mountain, we would have never been able to make it without it!</span></td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br style="text-align: left;" /><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-1RDLaBBhPY8/YHL1NrDxVOI/AAAAAAAAgHQ/iKpDxC8Eij0qSbZjF-SzZ9WNbZc-CDqmQCPcBGAsYHg/s4048/IMG_20210102_101029.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4048" data-original-width="3036" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-1RDLaBBhPY8/YHL1NrDxVOI/AAAAAAAAgHQ/iKpDxC8Eij0qSbZjF-SzZ9WNbZc-CDqmQCPcBGAsYHg/w480-h640/IMG_20210102_101029.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;">Waiting for it to pour down the salt</span></div></div><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Finally we made it to the top and met our guide!</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-jF4by-RZ0a0/YHL1NmtI6FI/AAAAAAAAgHQ/9_yjg9ArYVUixlKApJS2LMzGa_1qNUohQCPcBGAsYHg/s4048/IMG_20210102_102837.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3036" data-original-width="4048" height="480" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-jF4by-RZ0a0/YHL1NmtI6FI/AAAAAAAAgHQ/9_yjg9ArYVUixlKApJS2LMzGa_1qNUohQCPcBGAsYHg/w640-h480/IMG_20210102_102837.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;">I was simply amazed by the mounds of snow up on the planina. It was sooooo beautiful. There was a cross country track up there and lots of skiers utilizing it. They were hardcore... above is a pic of them!</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><p></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-X_NvyGRCWMc/YHL1NmSR6sI/AAAAAAAAgHQ/ZCGHdYgLxfwRCXaJImL1ao0neL6UMU-SQCPcBGAsYHg/s4048/IMG_20210102_104726.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3036" data-original-width="4048" height="480" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-X_NvyGRCWMc/YHL1NmSR6sI/AAAAAAAAgHQ/ZCGHdYgLxfwRCXaJImL1ao0neL6UMU-SQCPcBGAsYHg/w640-h480/IMG_20210102_104726.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /><span style="font-size: medium;">A little kid out cross-country skiing!<br /></span><br /></td></tr></tbody></table><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /><span style="font-size: medium;">We snowshoed about 5 kms or so to a hut. It was hard work but the scenery was unreal!!</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-gSOdYbCQjwk/YHL1NjZvt6I/AAAAAAAAgHQ/0bkKCiBT30AM81EktkdpLCdRQzedBcofQCPcBGAsYHg/s4048/IMG_20210102_124904.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4048" data-original-width="3036" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-gSOdYbCQjwk/YHL1NjZvt6I/AAAAAAAAgHQ/0bkKCiBT30AM81EktkdpLCdRQzedBcofQCPcBGAsYHg/w480-h640/IMG_20210102_124904.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-3xnFa5Sw1EU/YHL1Nt4cyCI/AAAAAAAAgHQ/GBczSLs2pqEQrIn2Hnfb_53jGDioJR75wCPcBGAsYHg/s4048/IMG_20210102_110223.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4048" data-original-width="3036" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-3xnFa5Sw1EU/YHL1Nt4cyCI/AAAAAAAAgHQ/GBczSLs2pqEQrIn2Hnfb_53jGDioJR75wCPcBGAsYHg/w480-h640/IMG_20210102_110223.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-fAMevSJ_UF4/YHL1NuPzdOI/AAAAAAAAgHQ/CHdX95IdKhkXh1rM_y8Vft4EzRhUZItTACPcBGAsYHg/s4048/IMG_20210102_111105.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4048" data-original-width="3036" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-fAMevSJ_UF4/YHL1NuPzdOI/AAAAAAAAgHQ/CHdX95IdKhkXh1rM_y8Vft4EzRhUZItTACPcBGAsYHg/w480-h640/IMG_20210102_111105.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-DntfBpaPm0M/YHL1NnqPOYI/AAAAAAAAgHQ/Vgf_E7ltogc5KgQTS4wVzn9M-U6yEikFACPcBGAsYHg/s4048/IMG_20210102_113939.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3036" data-original-width="4048" height="480" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-DntfBpaPm0M/YHL1NnqPOYI/AAAAAAAAgHQ/Vgf_E7ltogc5KgQTS4wVzn9M-U6yEikFACPcBGAsYHg/w640-h480/IMG_20210102_113939.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-jGd_hOhQfb0/YHL1NsU4mBI/AAAAAAAAgHQ/sh5q3CXW69Qm0MypDXEzXzAVWBSbNWVKACPcBGAsYHg/s4048/IMG_20210102_114018.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4048" data-original-width="3036" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-jGd_hOhQfb0/YHL1NsU4mBI/AAAAAAAAgHQ/sh5q3CXW69Qm0MypDXEzXzAVWBSbNWVKACPcBGAsYHg/w480-h640/IMG_20210102_114018.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ldWt9smsyqo/YHL1Nq3m5fI/AAAAAAAAgHQ/blxDHX4MSlwO9Sq3eHbJFQXnScritGy4ACPcBGAsYHg/s4048/IMG_20210102_115224.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4048" data-original-width="3036" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ldWt9smsyqo/YHL1Nq3m5fI/AAAAAAAAgHQ/blxDHX4MSlwO9Sq3eHbJFQXnScritGy4ACPcBGAsYHg/w480-h640/IMG_20210102_115224.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-bj28jH3i-IE/YHL1NldsCuI/AAAAAAAAgHQ/Tn0LOhQOpugUKHwmawvSpByUb395-GBuACPcBGAsYHg/s4048/IMG_20210102_115244.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4048" data-original-width="3036" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-bj28jH3i-IE/YHL1NldsCuI/AAAAAAAAgHQ/Tn0LOhQOpugUKHwmawvSpByUb395-GBuACPcBGAsYHg/w480-h640/IMG_20210102_115244.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Ih7ZLrBFPxE/YHL1NiEXcaI/AAAAAAAAgHQ/TAqXjdJ1eS4D3QgsVSP3c4LmQ4zDRlTtgCPcBGAsYHg/s4048/IMG_20210102_115259_1.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4048" data-original-width="3036" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Ih7ZLrBFPxE/YHL1NiEXcaI/AAAAAAAAgHQ/TAqXjdJ1eS4D3QgsVSP3c4LmQ4zDRlTtgCPcBGAsYHg/w480-h640/IMG_20210102_115259_1.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_70Q1kB5czg/YHL1Nir78JI/AAAAAAAAgHQ/uPAihI8iB2AlCIer-iU2mWxLuFDMIsEJgCPcBGAsYHg/s4048/IMG_20210102_120414.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4048" data-original-width="3036" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_70Q1kB5czg/YHL1Nir78JI/AAAAAAAAgHQ/uPAihI8iB2AlCIer-iU2mWxLuFDMIsEJgCPcBGAsYHg/w480-h640/IMG_20210102_120414.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;">The hut we hiked to... of course it was CLOSED!</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-MzkEt3QPvvg/YHL1Ns_c9wI/AAAAAAAAgHQ/-J6HqCNfVQsuo-PY9DBqJ2-InbSSJDLugCPcBGAsYHg/s4048/IMG_20210102_122505.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3036" data-original-width="4048" height="480" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-MzkEt3QPvvg/YHL1Ns_c9wI/AAAAAAAAgHQ/-J6HqCNfVQsuo-PY9DBqJ2-InbSSJDLugCPcBGAsYHg/w640-h480/IMG_20210102_122505.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;">But we were greeted by this sweet nativity set. Can you find the crèche? </span></div><p><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p><span style="font-size: medium;">Our guide pulled out his thermostat of hot tea which he ate with a bit of dark chocolate. We Americans dug into our rotisserie chickens, pb&j sandwiches, and backpacks full of various food items. We're gross. </span><p></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">All in all it was a great day, physically challenging and in an amazing setting!</span></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div> <p></p>Marinda Shahahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08331984352649799897noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2458354230328789151.post-77534992052337296432021-03-28T07:07:00.103-07:002021-03-30T13:21:11.875-07:00Ski Touring<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-hrhZGeyL71Q/YBvSMkpNfeI/AAAAAAAAe1c/-VcgK4XQrx4SZK5Hbyah0fSnHbWIWdMqQCLcBGAsYHQ/s1024/whatsapp.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><img border="0" data-original-height="768" data-original-width="1024" height="480" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-hrhZGeyL71Q/YBvSMkpNfeI/AAAAAAAAe1c/-VcgK4XQrx4SZK5Hbyah0fSnHbWIWdMqQCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h480/whatsapp.jpeg" width="640" /></span></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: white; font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: white; font-family: arial; font-size: medium;">On MLK Day the ODC organized a "ski touring" expedition led by one of the locally employed staff, Boštjan, who is a member of the Slovene mountain infantry. He's the hardcore guy on the right. I'm the not so hardcore girl third from left. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: white; font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: white; font-family: arial; font-size: medium;">We went up the Tamar Valley in the Kranjska Gora mountain region. This was another day when the kids were all in school and Ben and I got to play hooky. Simply amazing. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: white; font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: white; font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><span style="text-align: start; white-space: pre-wrap;">This winter Slovenia has received more snowfall than in over a decade and the bitter irony is that all the ski resorts were CLOSED </span><span style="text-align: start; white-space: pre-wrap;">up until this point. So to have a day to be out in a winter wonderland enjoying the snow and a good workout was most welcomed! </span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: start; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="background-color: white; font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><span style="background-color: white; text-align: start; white-space: pre-wrap;"> This was my first time ski touring, different from cross country skiing... you put skins on the bottom of your skis to go on flat and uphill terrain. It kicked my butt but it was so much fun and the scenery couldn't be beat! We did 15 kms in a valley on mostly flat terrain until the very end where we skied UP to the mouth of a canyon where Boštjan did some avalanche rescue training with us. It was legit as he made us carry our own beacons, shovels, and avalanche probes.</span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-XBD7gDknoo4/YGBnVEy8AlI/AAAAAAAAfyI/3KChg8mTk_sHMJVDWSvzH2qxI3Ni34eXwCLcBGAsYHQ/s1024/xcski.jpeg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1024" data-original-width="768" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-XBD7gDknoo4/YGBnVEy8AlI/AAAAAAAAfyI/3KChg8mTk_sHMJVDWSvzH2qxI3Ni34eXwCLcBGAsYHQ/w480-h640/xcski.jpeg" width="480" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;">For the first half, the trail looked mostly like this. It was a workout!</span></td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-DOcb1xUnnZA/YGBnVim8H9I/AAAAAAAAfyM/NDyRfptuhUg_HH5TLfLm2DgHIDaHTyXvwCLcBGAsYHQ/s1024/xcski2.jpeg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1024" data-original-width="768" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-DOcb1xUnnZA/YGBnVim8H9I/AAAAAAAAfyM/NDyRfptuhUg_HH5TLfLm2DgHIDaHTyXvwCLcBGAsYHQ/w480-h640/xcski2.jpeg" width="480" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Then we arrived at this little mountain hut with a little chapel whose roof looked like it was about to collapse due to the amount of snow on it. All closed due to covid of course. Go pee in the woods!</span><br /><br /></td></tr></tbody></table><p></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-FLsya3jwpz0/YGBnWKnJ61I/AAAAAAAAfyQ/34FiIurmnTA2LJxiECCQiJSx7xlQcVI5QCLcBGAsYHQ/s1024/xcski3.jpeg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1024" data-original-width="768" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-FLsya3jwpz0/YGBnWKnJ61I/AAAAAAAAfyQ/34FiIurmnTA2LJxiECCQiJSx7xlQcVI5QCLcBGAsYHQ/w480-h640/xcski3.jpeg" width="480" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Next we skied through some dense woods as we approached the mountains, an interesting section! I may have been lucky enough to watch Chris, Amanda, and Ben all fall on their butts in this part</span></td></tr></tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-CGjb39jYvF8/YGBnWqs7hiI/AAAAAAAAfyU/AHytjYwBv1gxnfz6RSwWHazyon9LgCU_wCLcBGAsYHQ/s1024/xcski4.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1024" data-original-width="768" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-CGjb39jYvF8/YGBnWqs7hiI/AAAAAAAAfyU/AHytjYwBv1gxnfz6RSwWHazyon9LgCU_wCLcBGAsYHQ/w480-h640/xcski4.jpeg" width="480" /></a></div><div><br /></div></td></tr></tbody></table><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/--tSLcsLqHzc/YGBnSgbcyOI/AAAAAAAAfx0/PCPx4nZKIhgI0SdJVGP0hfx43foxnkR2ACLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/xc15.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/--tSLcsLqHzc/YGBnSgbcyOI/AAAAAAAAfx0/PCPx4nZKIhgI0SdJVGP0hfx43foxnkR2ACLcBGAsYHQ/w480-h640/xc15.jpeg" width="480" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;">When we emerged from the wooded area, we came to the mouth of a canyon in the mountain, and this is where I about threw in the towel as we were already really spent... uphill to the canyon!</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-clSCMNYo-7Q/YGBnRaYPTSI/AAAAAAAAfxo/7qbhsaVdxlM2eeuflXAmOwM6JCvl-N_LwCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/xc12.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-clSCMNYo-7Q/YGBnRaYPTSI/AAAAAAAAfxo/7qbhsaVdxlM2eeuflXAmOwM6JCvl-N_LwCLcBGAsYHQ/w480-h640/xc12.jpeg" width="480" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-LWzVdmlNOT0/YGBnXGeZTYI/AAAAAAAAfyY/jUpBQIlqnOo20MeRZ_bhgJoAmC5f0Y8NQCLcBGAsYHQ/s1024/xcski5.jpeg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1024" data-original-width="768" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-LWzVdmlNOT0/YGBnXGeZTYI/AAAAAAAAfyY/jUpBQIlqnOo20MeRZ_bhgJoAmC5f0Y8NQCLcBGAsYHQ/w480-h640/xcski5.jpeg" width="480" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Amanda making her way up. Look at that amazing frozen waterfall behind her! I felt like we were on the set of Frozen, full expecting Olaf to show up at any moment. </span></td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-3uT7BteKlt8/YGBnSN9RRWI/AAAAAAAAfxw/9Q5RSxvqPN4N3rbWpcfgAwS8fduyPVx7ACLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/xc14.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-3uT7BteKlt8/YGBnSN9RRWI/AAAAAAAAfxw/9Q5RSxvqPN4N3rbWpcfgAwS8fduyPVx7ACLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h480/xc14.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-R1mqSBP-u0w/YGBnXjVFUrI/AAAAAAAAfyc/5ch7ECiWsOgnIDQCEluL5S0fwcrznr45ACLcBGAsYHQ/s1024/xcski6.jpeg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1024" data-original-width="768" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-R1mqSBP-u0w/YGBnXjVFUrI/AAAAAAAAfyc/5ch7ECiWsOgnIDQCEluL5S0fwcrznr45ACLcBGAsYHQ/w480-h640/xcski6.jpeg" width="480" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Hardcore Ben and Chris</span></td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-WNQSMZvZhEE/YGBnRcuoNaI/AAAAAAAAfxs/9WzbYavjwiUax0Gb-qBUetQTgRtWvc_pgCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/xc11.jpeg"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-WNQSMZvZhEE/YGBnRcuoNaI/AAAAAAAAfxs/9WzbYavjwiUax0Gb-qBUetQTgRtWvc_pgCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h480/xc11.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Up top we were completely pooped. I'm staring off into the distance contemplating how it was possible I made it up there. So glad I have Amanda for these outings. What am I going to do when she leaves this summer??? </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-WB6SxFp6IHg/YGBhHx6XWFI/AAAAAAAAfxY/9LtKoGPv-JYBzG4aPTkfhy9LrI6e78gFQCPcBGAsYHg/s4048/IMG_20210118_133657.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4048" data-original-width="3036" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-WB6SxFp6IHg/YGBhHx6XWFI/AAAAAAAAfxY/9LtKoGPv-JYBzG4aPTkfhy9LrI6e78gFQCPcBGAsYHg/w480-h640/IMG_20210118_133657.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Meanwhile, Boštjana didn't lose any time as he began digging a cave used for instructing us on how to survive an avalanche. </span></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-4d9ua_HOv0s/YGBhHxl4omI/AAAAAAAAfxY/GuVGQakLxig-vaRcfMAH2Ge2rV2IsYrzwCPcBGAsYHg/s4048/IMG_20210118_133142.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4048" data-original-width="3036" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-4d9ua_HOv0s/YGBhHxl4omI/AAAAAAAAfxY/GuVGQakLxig-vaRcfMAH2Ge2rV2IsYrzwCPcBGAsYHg/w480-h640/IMG_20210118_133142.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;">The amazing canyon. Boštjana's probe told us that there had been an avalanche in recent days. And we were hanging out here whyyyy?????</span></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-GoAxWckFejw/YGBnTjL-VvI/AAAAAAAAfx8/Dbl5krqO8p8bMlKiOFKYzOJY7oXH_SPOwCLcBGAsYHQ/s1024/xc7.jpeg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1024" data-original-width="768" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-GoAxWckFejw/YGBnTjL-VvI/AAAAAAAAfx8/Dbl5krqO8p8bMlKiOFKYzOJY7oXH_SPOwCLcBGAsYHQ/w480-h640/xc7.jpeg" width="480" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;">My Benny Boy. Being the awesome wife that I am, I packed us each a pb&j sandwich and an apple for the entire day. We needed about four times that amount of food. </span></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-tKFQipMX8Zk/YGBnUCVruUI/AAAAAAAAfyA/3DkJc17WgUIuWTbp484jUCbIlMfANa4kACLcBGAsYHQ/s1024/xc8.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="768" data-original-width="1024" height="480" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-tKFQipMX8Zk/YGBnUCVruUI/AAAAAAAAfyA/3DkJc17WgUIuWTbp484jUCbIlMfANa4kACLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h480/xc8.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-461l4LK4z5g/YGBnUhslwPI/AAAAAAAAfyE/fhJ_NruQPTggEXDpUmm0zTVHWreRfCOjQCLcBGAsYHQ/s1024/xc9.jpeg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="768" data-original-width="1024" height="480" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-461l4LK4z5g/YGBnUhslwPI/AAAAAAAAfyE/fhJ_NruQPTggEXDpUmm0zTVHWreRfCOjQCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h480/xc9.jpeg" width="640" /></a><br /><br /></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Boštjana really got into his training session on how to dig someone out of an avalanche. Oh, and get this, Irena's father (the other lady on our expedition) died in an avalanche rescuing some hikers! How she has the courage to go on such outings is really something! <br /><br /></span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dzE2RCn2e6OBhWJRBGz3xebRfSU7zBl-FMnPxY-vSAw1oHl-mBbCXFynTi6prAvH-xG4uxlDVjz7WfgrTpAaQ' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div><br /><span style="font-size: medium;">"Don't dig down, ok?.... Because he will die."😨😂</span><br /><br /><br /><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dxGE99enUeSkQR96paB7PPoXNZjGGMzuxcW-1mxu3UfTepCkC9bticcDVRRmu6rqa6ZaEXLdQL8gzCpO3g2mw' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe><br /><br /><span style="font-size: medium;">It's a race against time!</span><br /><br /><br /></td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dxCJhNT7RYLPTk1nugprHK9CKmT57umSs6gOkH6d1MMIcgn0nJ3ZCUh5OmrYojaR49hSX50l7x7fIHsJrSh2Q' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Clearly the coolest Slovene I know</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-oJEDYkzUZs8/YGBnTGmEmuI/AAAAAAAAfx4/nTHLNgL0LREn3iiITO1oRcVniinfIvw6ACLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/xc16.jpeg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-oJEDYkzUZs8/YGBnTGmEmuI/AAAAAAAAfx4/nTHLNgL0LREn3iiITO1oRcVniinfIvw6ACLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h480/xc16.jpeg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div>Someone help her. </span></td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><br /></div><p></p><br /><p></p>Marinda Shahahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08331984352649799897noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2458354230328789151.post-1648519793056800822021-03-21T14:01:00.004-07:002021-03-30T13:33:35.796-07:00Skiing in Slovenia<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;">The ski resorts finally opened the latter half of the season. Covid, true to its joy-sucking nature, forced the resorts to close through January... such bitter irony as Slovenia has received more snow than in a decade! We were so happy when they opened again! We've been able to go as a family a handful of times during the weekends and during ski week in February. Ben and I were also able to sneak away on President's Day go for a DoD sponsored outing. I've even gotten in a few weekdays with friends Amanda and Maliha. It's too easy with Krvavec being just a 30 minute drive from Ljubljana... and it's so affordable! On promotion days you can get a full day ticket for 25euro, children 15euro. It's too convenient and too inexpensive not to take advantage.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;">This season we explored Kransjka Gora and Vogel for the first time. We took the kids twice during ski week. That was kind of a wild experience.... I'll share the story below. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-uWX-8_vR2_0/YFcug1-XS_I/AAAAAAAAfps/PofE7dPNIXAtc--OVPmAlUPzJbfP1rzLgCPcBGAsYHg/s4048/IMG_20210227_113455.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4048" data-original-width="3036" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-uWX-8_vR2_0/YFcug1-XS_I/AAAAAAAAfps/PofE7dPNIXAtc--OVPmAlUPzJbfP1rzLgCPcBGAsYHg/w480-h640/IMG_20210227_113455.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Kranjska Gora during ski week</span><br /><br /><br /></td></tr></tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-vSL3EHr0rJ4/YFc104oMcQI/AAAAAAAAfqk/QbgwflenXYA1df6tRRJLrgR0O7dTvCsNACLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/ematkjg.jpeg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-vSL3EHr0rJ4/YFc104oMcQI/AAAAAAAAfqk/QbgwflenXYA1df6tRRJLrgR0O7dTvCsNACLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h480/ematkjg.jpeg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Em showing her stuff</span></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-l5kwBhAwcvI/YFcug31v5XI/AAAAAAAAfps/WAcDnR4LkycSJLkY42nFUpi7ZTy--YQHACPcBGAsYHg/s2803/IMG_20210227_111838.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2803" data-original-width="1989" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-l5kwBhAwcvI/YFcug31v5XI/AAAAAAAAfps/WAcDnR4LkycSJLkY42nFUpi7ZTy--YQHACPcBGAsYHg/w454-h640/IMG_20210227_111838.jpg" width="454" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;">The backside which had several black runs unbeknownst to us... <br />Some days are rough</span></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-OHhJZ44qWq0/YFcug9p8ftI/AAAAAAAAfps/tsTksDCuWDM11lNAvkrih-fWmq6wPFKVgCPcBGAsYHg/s4048/IMG_20210227_141452.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4048" data-original-width="3036" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-OHhJZ44qWq0/YFcug9p8ftI/AAAAAAAAfps/tsTksDCuWDM11lNAvkrih-fWmq6wPFKVgCPcBGAsYHg/w480-h640/IMG_20210227_141452.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Love the beautiful mountains at Kranjska Gora</span></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-iOhF58mQIkM/YFcugzn3OiI/AAAAAAAAfps/asSp3VSTLgAoSF_K14ELYuKoT8YueRyuQCPcBGAsYHg/s4048/IMG_20210223_162734.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4048" data-original-width="3036" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-iOhF58mQIkM/YFcugzn3OiI/AAAAAAAAfps/asSp3VSTLgAoSF_K14ELYuKoT8YueRyuQCPcBGAsYHg/w480-h640/IMG_20210223_162734.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Palačinke (Slovene pancakes)</span></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-uJ61TwT7kWE/YFcug4od1SI/AAAAAAAAfps/i0V4vwxcxog_5twWokSwrjzwR_D0LqehQCPcBGAsYHg/s4048/IMG_20210223_162727.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4048" data-original-width="3036" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-uJ61TwT7kWE/YFcug4od1SI/AAAAAAAAfps/i0V4vwxcxog_5twWokSwrjzwR_D0LqehQCPcBGAsYHg/w480-h640/IMG_20210223_162727.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-QSl914t59_0/YFc3O4ZdPcI/AAAAAAAAfq0/Dtb2tGC6dSA4lYJdyFznIc1PDqtYklGmACLcBGAsYHQ/s1024/b%2526c.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1024" data-original-width="768" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-QSl914t59_0/YFc3O4ZdPcI/AAAAAAAAfq0/Dtb2tGC6dSA4lYJdyFznIc1PDqtYklGmACLcBGAsYHQ/w480-h640/b%2526c.jpeg" width="480" /></a></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; font-family: Times; letter-spacing: normal; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; orphans: 2; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-thickness: initial; text-transform: none; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;"></table><p></p><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_LxW1dWpClE/YFcugwJyyMI/AAAAAAAAfps/B8ETFDyRirIvoo89XLZfGAqiONJ8TI2PgCPcBGAsYHg/s4048/IMG_20210227_164748.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3036" data-original-width="4048" height="480" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_LxW1dWpClE/YFcugwJyyMI/AAAAAAAAfps/B8ETFDyRirIvoo89XLZfGAqiONJ8TI2PgCPcBGAsYHg/w640-h480/IMG_20210227_164748.jpg" style="cursor: move;" width="640" /></a> <span style="font-size: medium;"> Driving home from Kranjska Gora, mountains are so beautiful</span><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;">I thought I had everything organized so well for our first outing to Kranjska Gora! I had enrolled Cosette in a ski school for half the day, I had purchased our tickets online so we could avoid the ticket counter and go through the fast kiosk line, and I had loaded all the gear in the van the day before. </span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;">Well, upon arrival we found that I had failed to pack James' ski boots. Whoops. Ben went off to the rental shop with him. Meanwhile, I stood in the "fast" kiosk line with the girls only to find a super long line because the kiosk machine was broken. We had to wait almost 45 minutes to get our tickets. And the worst part, I showed up at the ski school office for Cosette's class and no one answered the door. I thought I heard voices so I gave the door a good banging, and finally some ski bum answered and said, "sorry, ski school is closed." Um, I enrolled my 4 year old yesterday. "Did you get a confirmation email?" Uh, I don't think so. "You have to have a confirmation email. It's closed." I was suuuuuuper annoyed at this point. So, I told Ben to take the three kids and go have fun while I stayed with Cozy on the button lifts. Who needs an instructor when you have someone as awesome as MOM to do the job?? Well, turns out I am a sorry excuse for an instructor. We stood in a super long line, apparently we chose the busiest day of ski week to go skiing (Tuesday, who knew?). When we finally got up to the button lift, I awkwardly tried to position her on my lap while putting the lift through both our pairs of legs, basically trying to mimic what I saw other skiers doing with their kids. Of course, we were a complete disaster and they had to stop the lift for us to get ourselves straightened out properly. There's no such wrath as that of as a Slovenian ski lift operator. Man, was he ornery! I think a sense of humor should be a qualification for the job. Anyway, after we made it very awkwardly to the top, I had her hold on to my pole as I gently zig-zagged down the hill with her, but of course we biffed it on a turn and I landed in the most painful position with her on top of me in tears. I couldn't move my legs unless I popped off my skis, which I was eventually able to accomplish. After we made it down the hill Ben met me and offered to switch me out. I was already exhausted. Thank you Ben! </span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;"> I joined the kids and decided to take them to the backside of the mountain since the frontside was kind of a bunch of sissy slopes. Well, this was our first time back there, and unbeknownst to us, it was all red and black runs... they were a little more treacherous for the kids. We managed our way down some red runs, and then took a lift all the way to the top. I told everyone to follow me so that we would stay together and I would guide them on the red runs, avoiding the black. Well, as soon as we started our way down, James immediately passed me. He has no qualms about skiing, the steeper the slope the better. He also doesn't listen. So, with no choice but to follow him, we missed the important left hand turn for the red run and found ourselves on a black run. I carefully made my way down with Em and Caroline behind me. James made it down to where it flattened out, and then pretty much launched himself off the ledge of another black run, not waiting for anyone. I couldn't see him after he went over the ledge. I didn't know what to do... go after him or stay with the girls who were making their way very gingerly down. Caroline made it down pretty quickly, in her very graceful style (pizza position full blast), but Em was not having it. She was wrecking, crying, stuck in the snow, wouldn't get up, mad. I stood and patiently waited. It took her almost a half an hour to get herself down the hill. At one point she beckoned for me to come up to help her. Like that was going to happen! At this point I was really regretting not having enrolled them in more ski lessons... really, they've had very minimal instruction. In the meantime I called Ben and told him to watch for James, as I was certain he would flush out at the bottom. But Ben said there was no sign of him. He was worried and wanted to call ski patrol. Ugh, no thank you. I was confident James would show up. When Emily finally made it down, we had the option to go down the steep black ledge that James took, or take the split off to the left which was a gentler red run, and in theory should have all lead to the same place, but as it was our first time, we weren't sure. There was no way the girls were going on the black, so I sent them off to the left and I actually headed off in another direction in case James went to a different base. After not finding him, I finally caught up with everyone at the bottom about 45 minutes later to find them all sitting in the snow calmly eating sandwiches, James included. I asked for the whole story and apparently James went over the ledge, crashed, and just laid there, waiting for us to show up. And of course, we didn't. I said, "Did anyone stop and help you." "Yeah." "Did they speak English??" "Yeah." I really never got the full picture because James isn't the most verbose 7 year old kid, but he did mention rather proudly, "Mom, I know how to say, 'Are you ok?' in Slovenian now" because apparently he's been asked that quite a few times during our stay here. The rest of the afternoon I chilled out with Cozy and Em who had had enough, while the others skied. What a day!</span></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-0wSqueOcBHI/YFcugy8k-FI/AAAAAAAAfps/Be9SmjCW7nY45J7vv6lDRiwqbYhDnw72wCPcBGAsYHg/s4048/IMG_20210215_125923.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4048" data-original-width="3036" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-0wSqueOcBHI/YFcugy8k-FI/AAAAAAAAfps/Be9SmjCW7nY45J7vv6lDRiwqbYhDnw72wCPcBGAsYHg/w480-h640/IMG_20210215_125923.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"> <span style="font-size: medium;">President's Day at Vogel... Kids in school, Ben off work means the two of us get to enjoy on our own! Score!!<br /></span><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-UJekPmq32Yo/YFc3QRz2SwI/AAAAAAAAfrQ/ma3eWFIk9TMwRxdqlOJlhOGfOPws9sUqwCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/matvogel.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-UJekPmq32Yo/YFc3QRz2SwI/AAAAAAAAfrQ/ma3eWFIk9TMwRxdqlOJlhOGfOPws9sUqwCLcBGAsYHQ/w480-h640/matvogel.jpeg" width="480" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div></td></tr></tbody></table></div><div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-LFGZDWZvo2Y/YFc3Q3aOxaI/AAAAAAAAfrY/hj6YFyl6duAkPM4B-hZaW280aoAytD7RgCLcBGAsYHQ/s1024/vogel.jpeg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="768" data-original-width="1024" height="480" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-LFGZDWZvo2Y/YFc3Q3aOxaI/AAAAAAAAfrY/hj6YFyl6duAkPM4B-hZaW280aoAytD7RgCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h480/vogel.jpeg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Those mountains! The scenery reminded me of an illustration out of a Dr. Seuss book or something.</span></td></tr></tbody></table><p><span style="font-size: medium;"><br />This resort is at a very high altitude... you have to take a huge gondola to get to the top, and the views of Lake Bohinj below are breathtaking!</span></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-x8BlIrUPrRQ/YFc3OjcT8PI/AAAAAAAAfq4/xXfq7Y6Gcz4n9bdaQRFDLgwXzGpzlTxFgCLcBGAsYHQ/s1024/b%2526mbohinj.jpeg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="768" data-original-width="1024" height="480" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-x8BlIrUPrRQ/YFc3OjcT8PI/AAAAAAAAfq4/xXfq7Y6Gcz4n9bdaQRFDLgwXzGpzlTxFgCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h480/b%2526mbohinj.jpeg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;">That's Triglav poking out of Ben's head... the highest mountain in Slovenia!</span></td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-i5ZT-99A_Ac/YFc3Psht-4I/AAAAAAAAfrE/un2kdQSjYSYnmo0ZO406oyJofEVhtAY7QCLcBGAsYHQ/s1024/bohinj.jpeg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="768" data-original-width="1024" height="480" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-i5ZT-99A_Ac/YFc3Psht-4I/AAAAAAAAfrE/un2kdQSjYSYnmo0ZO406oyJofEVhtAY7QCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h480/bohinj.jpeg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;">View from the top of Vogel, Lake Bohinj below. At the end of the day, Ben and I skied all the way down to the lake! They had enough snow that the trail was open all the way down to the bottom. That was a somewhat treacherous and very memorable run. </span></td></tr></tbody></table><div><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-qhYQbyuJPw0/YFcug2Ny_JI/AAAAAAAAfps/T3k5KiLn_GUeAPzyuQh3tYL2lY-VxHGrwCPcBGAsYHg/s4048/IMG_20210215_125902.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3036" data-original-width="4048" height="480" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-qhYQbyuJPw0/YFcug2Ny_JI/AAAAAAAAfps/T3k5KiLn_GUeAPzyuQh3tYL2lY-VxHGrwCPcBGAsYHg/w640-h480/IMG_20210215_125902.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;">The bluebird skies were amazing!</span></td></tr></tbody></table><div><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-FifiQ0lYBIc/YFc3PSnE9wI/AAAAAAAAfrA/-NFdKG-dG_Ipz7XQfKXkRLT06LNmOkFAwCLcBGAsYHQ/s1024/b%2526mvogel.jpeg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="768" data-original-width="1024" height="480" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-FifiQ0lYBIc/YFc3PSnE9wI/AAAAAAAAfrA/-NFdKG-dG_Ipz7XQfKXkRLT06LNmOkFAwCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h480/b%2526mvogel.jpeg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Carefree parents... welcome to the forties! It's awesome!</span></td></tr></tbody></table><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;">A day at Krvavec with friends... really cold and snowy, but they had fun:</span></div><div><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Ei--iWolA-o/YFczBctS_uI/AAAAAAAAfqQ/Jnrux-7_xE83OmhIFCikNxXVd9wdmyzpACLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/c%2526a.jpeg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Ei--iWolA-o/YFczBctS_uI/AAAAAAAAfqQ/Jnrux-7_xE83OmhIFCikNxXVd9wdmyzpACLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h480/c%2526a.jpeg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Avery and Caroline... BFF's</span></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-zzYxDzlvHoU/YFcy_jXPlCI/AAAAAAAAfqM/s2_VDPdfw7Qaf5_N10Mos0SjjXYIzZKBACLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/j%2526e.jpeg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-zzYxDzlvHoU/YFcy_jXPlCI/AAAAAAAAfqM/s2_VDPdfw7Qaf5_N10Mos0SjjXYIzZKBACLcBGAsYHQ/w480-h640/j%2526e.jpeg" width="480" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Ethan and James... BFF's</span></td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br style="text-align: center;" /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-zLBwYOyA1-U/YFc1w0gjwZI/AAAAAAAAfqc/GllhGvORqE0R2h22xNd_1RCLEeDFOSdswCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/bentpole.jpeg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-zLBwYOyA1-U/YFc1w0gjwZI/AAAAAAAAfqc/GllhGvORqE0R2h22xNd_1RCLEeDFOSdswCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h480/bentpole.jpeg" width="640" /></span></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Mishap on the lift leads to a bent pole</span></td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-qAGWaOaHMPE/YFcug_SISKI/AAAAAAAAfps/C3zi0g7EJrUpe7oMHj9zLBqFDks1sOnFgCPcBGAsYHg/s4048/IMG_20210130_110604.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4048" data-original-width="3036" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-qAGWaOaHMPE/YFcug_SISKI/AAAAAAAAfps/C3zi0g7EJrUpe7oMHj9zLBqFDks1sOnFgCPcBGAsYHg/w480-h640/IMG_20210130_110604.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Em, easy to find on any run due to her bright colored apparel. Note the photo-bomber. </span></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-USQlAy3Irn8/YFc3Pr76X0I/AAAAAAAAfrI/M4E5I0TxpNQpKELYaTCH53X5DNGuhw_6ACLcBGAsYHQ/s1024/dod.jpeg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="768" data-original-width="1024" height="480" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-USQlAy3Irn8/YFc3Pr76X0I/AAAAAAAAfrI/M4E5I0TxpNQpKELYaTCH53X5DNGuhw_6ACLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h480/dod.jpeg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;">DoD Outing. We're pretty much all incognito.</span></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-v9w_ulb41TU/YFc3PwIERUI/AAAAAAAAfrM/NxR6uQcs-VkhT5wsCAA817ecT-ixcGB5QCLcBGAsYHQ/s1024/dodkrv.jpeg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="768" data-original-width="1024" height="480" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-v9w_ulb41TU/YFc3PwIERUI/AAAAAAAAfrM/NxR6uQcs-VkhT5wsCAA817ecT-ixcGB5QCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h480/dodkrv.jpeg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;">DoD Team</span></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-V1BnlQm7Q58/YFc3QhiuizI/AAAAAAAAfrU/j7_CUIzKr_w2HtWXKawFAaaEXh4dwREBgCLcBGAsYHQ/s1024/troll.jpeg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1024" data-original-width="768" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-V1BnlQm7Q58/YFc3QhiuizI/AAAAAAAAfrU/j7_CUIzKr_w2HtWXKawFAaaEXh4dwREBgCLcBGAsYHQ/w480-h640/troll.jpeg" width="480" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;">This guy is awesome</span></td></tr></tbody></table><p></p></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Ck5OJ6qhdIs/YFer76iPB6I/AAAAAAAAfr8/ERC2cVRC1HII9GReuWVrHOj3YKoDuWTrgCLcBGAsYHQ/s960/mountains.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="960" height="480" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Ck5OJ6qhdIs/YFer76iPB6I/AAAAAAAAfr8/ERC2cVRC1HII9GReuWVrHOj3YKoDuWTrgCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h480/mountains.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-fA5iCx62MK4/YFer61ykheI/AAAAAAAAfr0/PY0zvgt_D7UYZ3dgObLMQPv_FFygVzFwACLcBGAsYHQ/s960/gang.jpeg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="960" height="480" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-fA5iCx62MK4/YFer61ykheI/AAAAAAAAfr0/PY0zvgt_D7UYZ3dgObLMQPv_FFygVzFwACLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h480/gang.jpeg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Amanda, me, Maliha, Kyle</span></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-KBoB2ZgsWRs/YFer66m823I/AAAAAAAAfr4/LYt4F6W51XUX9QPjzxER-pu5rHxl2XoPQCLcBGAsYHQ/s960/coolladies.jpeg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="710" data-original-width="960" height="474" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-KBoB2ZgsWRs/YFer66m823I/AAAAAAAAfr4/LYt4F6W51XUX9QPjzxER-pu5rHxl2XoPQCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h474/coolladies.jpeg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;">We are soooooo hip</span></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-lEjkTR-S9SU/YFer6-NfjbI/AAAAAAAAfrw/pglCpqh7_14-SvBlihw6Mg8UXr63u5k9QCLcBGAsYHQ/s960/amanda%2526me.jpeg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="720" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-lEjkTR-S9SU/YFer6-NfjbI/AAAAAAAAfrw/pglCpqh7_14-SvBlihw6Mg8UXr63u5k9QCLcBGAsYHQ/w480-h640/amanda%2526me.jpeg" width="480" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;">I'm getting a little too chummy with the troll</span><br /><br /><span style="font-size: medium;">And that's a wrap! I'm sure some of our fondest memories in Slovenia will be tied to these winter days on the slopes. So much fun!</span></td></tr></tbody></table><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span><div><br /></div>Marinda Shahahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08331984352649799897noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2458354230328789151.post-77337170846819954552021-02-07T13:38:00.008-08:002021-03-30T13:40:00.549-07:00My Birthday!<blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px;"><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-size: x-large; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ezyU-rL2eE0/YCBflrH5xsI/AAAAAAAAe84/ZphW_ZmkRScH9gL_qp1QUYmZsTrF8LlxQCLcBGAsYHQ/s1080/138144918_10159148171943185_6992118238276153448_o.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1080" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ezyU-rL2eE0/YCBflrH5xsI/AAAAAAAAe84/ZphW_ZmkRScH9gL_qp1QUYmZsTrF8LlxQCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h640/138144918_10159148171943185_6992118238276153448_o.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-size: medium;">My birthday came on a Saturday, at the end of a discouraging week, in already discouraging times. The previous week brought record breaking numbers of covid cases and deaths in the US as well as here in Slovenia, it was the first week back to online learning after a highly anticipated return to in-person learning didn't pan out, a return to strict lockdown measures, the very disturbing and horrific capitol riots, and a bleak outlook for my sister, who I share a birthday with by the way, as she navigates the break-up of her 23 year marriage. Phew! That's a lot! </span></span><span style="font-size: medium; text-align: left;"> </span></div></blockquote><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Add to that nowhere to really go for my birthday, no celebration with friends, no restaurants open, or places to travel. I was bracing for a disappointing day. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;">To make things even more potentially upsetting, it was on a Saturday, meaning I would be with all of my family the entire day. The kids were a bit over-anticipating this day. They were so wound up about my birthday this year, I don't know why. Perhaps because there is literally NOTHING else going on in their lives... it was like the one scrap of excitement they could grab on to and they had big hopes for my day! There was much discussion about the choice of cake, and whisperings among the kids and Ben as they formulated their plans. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;">We had a yummy crepe breakfast and then decided to go hiking. I have an AllTrails app on my phone and just kind of looked up some places in our region. The day prior it had snowed off and on, and there was just a skiff of fresh powder. We set out for a trail called <b>Grmada</b>, just a 20 minute drive from the house.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;">The drive over was so lovely... all the surrounding hills covered in a fresh coating of snow, church steeples, snow-covered meadows, etc... just so picturesque. It felt so good to get out and enjoy a different view than the inside of my house!</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;">The trail was navigable except for the very beginning where we had to cross a small stream, but there was no bridge and it was just a bit too wide to jump over. We stood there trying to figure out how to get across when a nice couple came by and as they maneuvered their way across on stepping stones, they turned around to help each of the kids over. So nice, I wish I had a picture of the group effort. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-N1Q9W8ggszk/YB_YL-IcwqI/AAAAAAAAe60/QkanRO0XAogAZSgh6-CRVFgu6hwipraPgCPcBGAsYHg/s4048/IMG_20210109_112138.jpg"><img border="0" data-original-height="4048" data-original-width="3036" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-N1Q9W8ggszk/YB_YL-IcwqI/AAAAAAAAe60/QkanRO0XAogAZSgh6-CRVFgu6hwipraPgCPcBGAsYHg/w480-h640/IMG_20210109_112138.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Those are corn husks!</span></div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-HcDdJOMhwFM/YB_RDMcr1HI/AAAAAAAAe4U/6145C3_rIVMw3hpsbhxrhMUwoLM0CNzfgCLcBGAsYHQ/s1024/bday.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1024" data-original-width="768" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-HcDdJOMhwFM/YB_RDMcr1HI/AAAAAAAAe4U/6145C3_rIVMw3hpsbhxrhMUwoLM0CNzfgCLcBGAsYHQ/w480-h640/bday.jpeg" width="480" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-fRkAitbnU7U/YCBT1PiWSTI/AAAAAAAAe7s/MC4ChnAojlkohqvgS29G_omkM5yOq1QowCPcBGAsYHg/s4048/IMG_20210109_113444.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4048" data-original-width="3036" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-fRkAitbnU7U/YCBT1PiWSTI/AAAAAAAAe7s/MC4ChnAojlkohqvgS29G_omkM5yOq1QowCPcBGAsYHg/w480-h640/IMG_20210109_113444.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-5hyXN8ncsX0/YB_XGdE-RCI/AAAAAAAAe6Q/MIsSPPQ6TaUHzoWzTwNk5DC44X2h5gmHACLcBGAsYHQ/s1024/a.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1024" data-original-width="768" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-5hyXN8ncsX0/YB_XGdE-RCI/AAAAAAAAe6Q/MIsSPPQ6TaUHzoWzTwNk5DC44X2h5gmHACLcBGAsYHQ/w480-h640/a.jpeg" width="480" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-TpEFBx-_N9g/YB_YsCBUbmI/AAAAAAAAe7I/6wYPjfmTMWMpQ8gUCvchQ9ls0nwkKPRcQCLcBGAsYHQ/s1024/em.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1024" data-original-width="768" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-TpEFBx-_N9g/YB_YsCBUbmI/AAAAAAAAe7I/6wYPjfmTMWMpQ8gUCvchQ9ls0nwkKPRcQCLcBGAsYHQ/w480-h640/em.jpeg" width="480" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;">The trail was steep and muddy down below, but once we came up to the ridge line where it leveled off, we had some really beautiful views! </span></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-iXOrf3mphGo/YB_XDqWQ4II/AAAAAAAAe5o/hSzzsa-VTOIXmbU-bjVdp19PJCBHGoFowCLcBGAsYHQ/s1024/WhatsApp%2BImage%2B2021-01-10%2Bat%2B7.42.03%2BPM%2B%25281%2529.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1024" data-original-width="768" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-iXOrf3mphGo/YB_XDqWQ4II/AAAAAAAAe5o/hSzzsa-VTOIXmbU-bjVdp19PJCBHGoFowCLcBGAsYHQ/w480-h640/WhatsApp%2BImage%2B2021-01-10%2Bat%2B7.42.03%2BPM%2B%25281%2529.jpeg" width="480" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_kHS0Ue3UZw/YB_XEl7VOqI/AAAAAAAAe5w/ppEZXWC3B646TbikamD5L3ERz4oppd9VgCLcBGAsYHQ/s1024/WhatsApp%2BImage%2B2021-01-10%2Bat%2B7.42.03%2BPM%2B%25282%2529.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1024" data-original-width="768" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_kHS0Ue3UZw/YB_XEl7VOqI/AAAAAAAAe5w/ppEZXWC3B646TbikamD5L3ERz4oppd9VgCLcBGAsYHQ/w480-h640/WhatsApp%2BImage%2B2021-01-10%2Bat%2B7.42.03%2BPM%2B%25282%2529.jpeg" width="480" /></a></div><div><br /></div></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-aTVk9JBChSs/YB_XEiPIQUI/AAAAAAAAe50/tyAZZaQIHxAf-SBojRKhFgjgllAme07HgCLcBGAsYHQ/s1024/WhatsApp%2BImage%2B2021-01-10%2Bat%2B7.42.03%2BPM%2B%25283%2529.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1024" data-original-width="768" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-aTVk9JBChSs/YB_XEiPIQUI/AAAAAAAAe50/tyAZZaQIHxAf-SBojRKhFgjgllAme07HgCLcBGAsYHQ/w480-h640/WhatsApp%2BImage%2B2021-01-10%2Bat%2B7.42.03%2BPM%2B%25283%2529.jpeg" width="480" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ClmhxNmBBUk/YB_XE0QQebI/AAAAAAAAe54/rc6ZinIKd9wdkA9uOAYngJQVCRAp87FNACLcBGAsYHQ/s1024/WhatsApp%2BImage%2B2021-01-10%2Bat%2B7.42.03%2BPM%2B%25284%2529.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1024" data-original-width="768" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ClmhxNmBBUk/YB_XE0QQebI/AAAAAAAAe54/rc6ZinIKd9wdkA9uOAYngJQVCRAp87FNACLcBGAsYHQ/w480-h640/WhatsApp%2BImage%2B2021-01-10%2Bat%2B7.42.03%2BPM%2B%25284%2529.jpeg" width="480" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-2e9Tm9irZHM/YB_TaeFyGYI/AAAAAAAAe40/uDpqSW_ch_ga2F1bh4yagDmL8f--WPNpwCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_1283.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="480" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-2e9Tm9irZHM/YB_TaeFyGYI/AAAAAAAAe40/uDpqSW_ch_ga2F1bh4yagDmL8f--WPNpwCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h480/IMG_1283.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-qfdBoHbPx4M/YB_XFWMmJII/AAAAAAAAe6A/jGKL5kqAd7M3dBoOV4lOuUzqmTpweKKYwCLcBGAsYHQ/s1024/WhatsApp%2BImage%2B2021-01-10%2Bat%2B7.42.03%2BPM%2B%25286%2529.jpeg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1024" data-original-width="768" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-qfdBoHbPx4M/YB_XFWMmJII/AAAAAAAAe6A/jGKL5kqAd7M3dBoOV4lOuUzqmTpweKKYwCLcBGAsYHQ/w480-h640/WhatsApp%2BImage%2B2021-01-10%2Bat%2B7.42.03%2BPM%2B%25286%2529.jpeg" width="480" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Unfortunately, as you can see, the kids weren't equipped so well in the shoe department. By the time we got to the top their feet were wet and cold. I felt badly about this. We need sturdier outdoor shoes!</span></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-0mjSvf1M1jM/YB_XFo8m2xI/AAAAAAAAe6E/jCYY_yiRZIkgeFy5ghbsEYpQpSw16DmogCLcBGAsYHQ/s1024/WhatsApp%2BImage%2B2021-01-10%2Bat%2B7.42.03%2BPM%2B%25288%2529.jpeg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="768" data-original-width="1024" height="480" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-0mjSvf1M1jM/YB_XFo8m2xI/AAAAAAAAe6E/jCYY_yiRZIkgeFy5ghbsEYpQpSw16DmogCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h480/WhatsApp%2BImage%2B2021-01-10%2Bat%2B7.42.03%2BPM%2B%25288%2529.jpeg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Simply beautiful? So tranquil up there too</span></td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-T0QyhEuxqVc/YB_YpoX6l5I/AAAAAAAAe68/-xfIfW39q1Qvs-lSND1SF0wcJOgC0yy1wCLcBGAsYHQ/s1080/137576997_10159148171908185_2256670050405270901_o.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1080" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-T0QyhEuxqVc/YB_YpoX6l5I/AAAAAAAAe68/-xfIfW39q1Qvs-lSND1SF0wcJOgC0yy1wCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h640/137576997_10159148171908185_2256670050405270901_o.jpg" width="640" /></span></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Cosette was mostly carried the whole way up and down on Ben's shoulders. I don't know how he did it. </span> </td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-F8I3Br5o-w0/YB_YphiBWfI/AAAAAAAAe7E/jB-Mn1YW2nAAHOPvF4m2hPjcLvcpstSYgCLcBGAsYHQ/s1080/138238745_10159148171928185_7451572244872201170_o%2B%25281%2529.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1080" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-F8I3Br5o-w0/YB_YphiBWfI/AAAAAAAAe7E/jB-Mn1YW2nAAHOPvF4m2hPjcLvcpstSYgCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h640/138238745_10159148171928185_7451572244872201170_o%2B%25281%2529.jpg" width="640" /></span></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Up top during our "picnic" We technically didn't make it to the very top, the kids had had enough of the cold... but this was a beautiful spot with a nice overlook so we called it good.</span></td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-hEOofsMTqxs/YCBb2e-hEtI/AAAAAAAAe8k/nFnW1RpJlMovl12rJ10nTYj-6Coa47ukgCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/WhatsApp%2BImage%2B2021-02-07%2Bat%2B10.28.30%2BPM.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-hEOofsMTqxs/YCBb2e-hEtI/AAAAAAAAe8k/nFnW1RpJlMovl12rJ10nTYj-6Coa47ukgCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h480/WhatsApp%2BImage%2B2021-02-07%2Bat%2B10.28.30%2BPM.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-W9zoiA6iU2M/YB_XDuYELJI/AAAAAAAAe5k/B__YA-hXr_IDbty5SNws8Dnulwlr8yX_gCLcBGAsYHQ/s1024/WhatsApp%2BImage%2B2021-01-10%2Bat%2B7.42.03%2BPM%2B%252811%2529.jpeg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="768" data-original-width="1024" height="480" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-W9zoiA6iU2M/YB_XDuYELJI/AAAAAAAAe5k/B__YA-hXr_IDbty5SNws8Dnulwlr8yX_gCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h480/WhatsApp%2BImage%2B2021-01-10%2Bat%2B7.42.03%2BPM%2B%252811%2529.jpeg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Heading back down!</td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div></div><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-R60-N3-OZr4/YB_XEYSTICI/AAAAAAAAe5s/IQfu5pgmCeE8UjkpYanrQHsFR9a_SF6kgCLcBGAsYHQ/s1024/WhatsApp%2BImage%2B2021-01-10%2Bat%2B7.42.03%2BPM%2B%252812%2529.jpeg" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="768" data-original-width="1024" height="480" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-R60-N3-OZr4/YB_XEYSTICI/AAAAAAAAe5s/IQfu5pgmCeE8UjkpYanrQHsFR9a_SF6kgCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h480/WhatsApp%2BImage%2B2021-01-10%2Bat%2B7.42.03%2BPM%2B%252812%2529.jpeg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Selfie with everyone. Where's James? Oh yeah, he's off on the trail ahead where he'll get stopped by a random Slovene lady asking if he's lost and his silence due to lack of understanding will cause her to worry and she'll stay with him until we show up. Not the first time it's happened here. </span><br /><br /></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Rh6x3D84Q7w/YB_XF1eSM9I/AAAAAAAAe6I/yZNX9ijQa1kSV4beo4DdMZVt7dF6Mrl8gCLcBGAsYHQ/s1024/WhatsApp%2BImage%2B2021-01-10%2Bat%2B7.42.03%2BPM.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1024" data-original-width="768" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Rh6x3D84Q7w/YB_XF1eSM9I/AAAAAAAAe6I/yZNX9ijQa1kSV4beo4DdMZVt7dF6Mrl8gCLcBGAsYHQ/w480-h640/WhatsApp%2BImage%2B2021-01-10%2Bat%2B7.42.03%2BPM.jpeg" width="480" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Qn0i00Ip-cQ/YCBcUbTN-zI/AAAAAAAAe8s/Sko_x_308vk1st6YET-Mfmp1TQsMy6qewCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/WhatsApp%2BImage%2B2021-02-07%2Bat%2B10.31.00%2BPM.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Qn0i00Ip-cQ/YCBcUbTN-zI/AAAAAAAAe8s/Sko_x_308vk1st6YET-Mfmp1TQsMy6qewCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h480/WhatsApp%2BImage%2B2021-02-07%2Bat%2B10.31.00%2BPM.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-mgpDDna14wY/YB_XF1n7TQI/AAAAAAAAe6M/A_9RoEfPKQ0QT4p_NSSaTphM_MJXf_wCQCLcBGAsYHQ/s1024/WhatsApp%2BImage%2B2021-01-10%2Bat%2B7.43.30%2BPM.jpeg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="768" data-original-width="1024" height="480" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-mgpDDna14wY/YB_XF1n7TQI/AAAAAAAAe6M/A_9RoEfPKQ0QT4p_NSSaTphM_MJXf_wCQCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h480/WhatsApp%2BImage%2B2021-01-10%2Bat%2B7.43.30%2BPM.jpeg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Back home it was crazy cake baking, spa pedicure (in the living room), a movie, gifts (smart watch!), etc. Ben and Caroline put together this amazing video of my family who sent in tributes... Ben headed that up and I so appreciate him for doing that. I felt overwhelmed by all the love and celebration... absolutely no disappointment! What a day!</span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /></div><br /> <p></p>Marinda Shahahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08331984352649799897noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2458354230328789151.post-90922603022491809352019-08-11T15:03:00.001-07:002019-08-11T15:03:20.396-07:00Summer Dayzzzz<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Summer dayzzzz...</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Since we received the news that we are heading to Slovenia, it's been hard to keep my head in the game, I feel as though my head is constantly spinning. I have to deliberately stay focused. Caroline and James had a sleep over at Kassy and David's house the other night, and Ben is in France... so for 24 hours it was just Em, Cosette, and me. We had a good time. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Z22JSWuR4CU/XVCLOlSrBYI/AAAAAAAAI1Q/9OJPKcvHTeEViiSJwaTmWA9hAJkLSpvZACKgBGAs/s1600/20190809_171854.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Z22JSWuR4CU/XVCLOlSrBYI/AAAAAAAAI1Q/9OJPKcvHTeEViiSJwaTmWA9hAJkLSpvZACKgBGAs/s640/20190809_171854.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Gran Plaza 2 mall... hitting the rebajas. </span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-EEYc7085mjQ/XVCLOg5r0qI/AAAAAAAAI1Q/0mRNUDwtqc8e_odqQJiP2Mlgb4jNCjbGgCKgBGAs/s1600/20190810_111940.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-EEYc7085mjQ/XVCLOg5r0qI/AAAAAAAAI1Q/0mRNUDwtqc8e_odqQJiP2Mlgb4jNCjbGgCKgBGAs/s640/20190810_111940.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Saturday breakfast at Mallorca. </span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Haircut gone awry. Whoops!</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-r62uNlr93dU/XVCLXEBRaAI/AAAAAAAAI1U/rlIEW0x_KS0yAy45qtVOETNilkic2ngHQCKgBGAs/s1600/20190810_214748.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-r62uNlr93dU/XVCLXEBRaAI/AAAAAAAAI1U/rlIEW0x_KS0yAy45qtVOETNilkic2ngHQCKgBGAs/s640/20190810_214748.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
Super ugly picture of me, but I had the best morning trekking through Casa de Campo, breaking in my hiking boots to prepare for our trek next month on the camino. Beck, Bon, Tammy, and me! I love Casa de Campo. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-NWxWduarVsA/XVCLXLILOHI/AAAAAAAAI1U/btjrOy1-lpIVLjv3XoSmoTIA-_J6CYOCgCKgBGAs/s1600/20190810_100715.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-NWxWduarVsA/XVCLXLILOHI/AAAAAAAAI1U/btjrOy1-lpIVLjv3XoSmoTIA-_J6CYOCgCKgBGAs/s640/20190810_100715.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Read-a-thon: It's a new trend I'm starting with the kids. They love it and I love it. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-FFBDUoJfv58/XVCLOlEm0JI/AAAAAAAAI1Q/vUKn42kb6foxSyAmIA-EAJ8BebIntUAWQCKgBGAs/s1600/20190810_202532.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-FFBDUoJfv58/XVCLOlEm0JI/AAAAAAAAI1Q/vUKn42kb6foxSyAmIA-EAJ8BebIntUAWQCKgBGAs/s640/20190810_202532.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />Marinda Shahahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08331984352649799897noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2458354230328789151.post-78686307441861059682019-07-28T13:45:00.000-07:002019-07-28T13:53:46.369-07:0075th Anniversary of Day<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">Ben and I were delighted to be invited by the French attaches to Spain, Francois and Xavier, to attend the ceremonies commemorating the 75th anniversary of the D-day invasion in Normandy. At first I wasn't so sure I would go... I had already been to Normandy on three different occasions, and it would be tough to get away during the last month of school, and arrange for childcare, etc. Mom encouraged me to go while she was visiting last month, and of course Ben was more than game. So, we made it happen. I'm so glad. Some things are definitely worth the effort. </span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">We only had one full day there, and two half days... so it wasn't much time, but we packed in what we could. We flew into Paris, rented a car, and headed out to Normandy. Although the other American attaches had been invited, along with the British and Canadian, our group ended up being quite small. It was myself, Ben, Kevin (another American army officer who works at the embassy), and Xavier. Xavier forgot his driver's license, so he couldn't rent a car. The four of us crammed into a teeny rental, and since Kevin is 6'7", he sat shotgun. I was in the back seat with Xavier and Ben drove. Talk about an odd arrangement. We didn't touch down in Paris until late afternoon on the 5th, so by the time we hit the road we were in rush hour traffic. It took us a good four hours to travel to Grand Camp Maisy, arriving at almost 9 pm. We went directly to a restaurant where we were greeted by Xavier's wife's (Tatiana) aunt and uncle, Gerard and Brigette. They were the kindest folks. He had such a kind, gentil light about him, it reminded me so much of the amazing people I met on my mission. My French was pretty rusty, but with a little time it warmed up, and before too long I was communicating pretty effectively with them. They spoke clearly and slowly, and I was amazed at how well I understood. I think the Spanish just speak way too fast, which is why I have a harder time. </span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">It was a seafood restaurant, right in the harbor and I ordered the "huitres" French for oysters, having confused them with moules, or mussels. They brought out the hugest plate of oysters... I should have taken a picture, I could barely stomach them. I think Gerard and Brigette got a kick out of my reaction. I had to basically slurp them down out of their shell, they were FRESH from the ocean, not a thing done to them, you could still taste the salt water. It was freak nasty. Ben went easy and ordered the "seafood platter." I couldn't stop laughing when I saw his plate. He definitely had his work cut out for him... snails, whole shrimp, every type of crustacean you could think of. Poor guy but he handled it like a champ.</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-DVW8WyqaHwc/XQDf_sf2MYI/AAAAAAAAHn4/7vL-9BvJTPQ8ZwCwjZTZ4AxXjn3FPjymwCKgBGAs/s1600/IMG_20190609_222312_139.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="774" data-original-width="774" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-DVW8WyqaHwc/XQDf_sf2MYI/AAAAAAAAHn4/7vL-9BvJTPQ8ZwCwjZTZ4AxXjn3FPjymwCKgBGAs/s640/IMG_20190609_222312_139.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">On the way back to the restaurant I rode in their car, which was fun, and we did a quick stop at Point-du-Hoc (which I didn't get a picture of), it was close to 11:00 at this point and there wasn't much daylight left, but was amazed at what little remained. We were the only ones there and sweet memories of being there with my dad flooded over me. I miss him so much, but I love times like this when I feel him close. </span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">They welcomed us warmly to their home where we spent the night and had to get up early the next day for the ceremony. They live right on Omaha Beach, as in you walk ten steps from their front door and you're across the street on the beach. Amazing! There were re-enactors out there bright and early at sunrise. </span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-GYLyx9Nq04M/XQDf_qMZU5I/AAAAAAAAHn4/rviaTsASyqMz0bIRnftLQLJpuCfq8HY7ACKgBGAs/s1600/IMG_20190609_233803_611.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="768" data-original-width="768" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-GYLyx9Nq04M/XQDf_qMZU5I/AAAAAAAAHn4/rviaTsASyqMz0bIRnftLQLJpuCfq8HY7ACKgBGAs/s640/IMG_20190609_233803_611.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-YzQhlZ4HZHc/XQDf_nF3C4I/AAAAAAAAHn4/ZUM8RGWdXDIivBlDfs_pplKHwuEU3FlKwCKgBGAs/s1600/IMG_20190609_233803_650.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="903" data-original-width="903" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-YzQhlZ4HZHc/XQDf_nF3C4I/AAAAAAAAHn4/ZUM8RGWdXDIivBlDfs_pplKHwuEU3FlKwCKgBGAs/s640/IMG_20190609_233803_650.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ylke5CnLGQk/XQDgUXFR9oI/AAAAAAAAHoA/vovw_1ZBnnIEmaBJnGBHZz3YmKteTjYqQCKgBGAs/s1600/20190606_070905.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ylke5CnLGQk/XQDgUXFR9oI/AAAAAAAAHoA/vovw_1ZBnnIEmaBJnGBHZz3YmKteTjYqQCKgBGAs/s640/20190606_070905.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Ysbi-BFdka0/XQDgUc0ooaI/AAAAAAAAHoA/vdexYb9P0asVDrXTEhLykMpJRwLdQjbbwCKgBGAs/s1600/20190606_070810.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Ysbi-BFdka0/XQDgUc0ooaI/AAAAAAAAHoA/vdexYb9P0asVDrXTEhLykMpJRwLdQjbbwCKgBGAs/s640/20190606_070810.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">We had to leave early (7:00ish) to drive to the meeting point where they were shuttling all the attendees to the ceremony. Xavier was able to get us VIP seating and treatment because of our association with him. He was escorting an American veteran, 95 years old named Charles Juror living in Alicante, who was receiving the French legion of Honor award. Because of this, we were able to get special bracelets that got us into the tents where they served food and where the veterans and family members were mingling, as well as other foreign dignitaries, military generals, politicians, etc. It was pretty amazing. </span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">We then took our seat at the ceremony and I was just amazed that we actually got to sit where we did. We were in very comfortable chairs close to the stage. The weather couldn't have been lovelier. </span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-VekuC4Szxe8/XQDf_r9QkII/AAAAAAAAHn4/qVbLpcCvRlQktdKxJHbVEHLfsGCyAhuxwCKgBGAs/s1600/IMG_20190609_233803_644.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="774" data-original-width="774" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-VekuC4Szxe8/XQDf_r9QkII/AAAAAAAAHn4/qVbLpcCvRlQktdKxJHbVEHLfsGCyAhuxwCKgBGAs/s640/IMG_20190609_233803_644.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Waiting for the ceremony to start. Kevin got accosted where ever we went. Everyone wanted a picture with him!</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ouWCCosMz9M/XQDf_r4KuGI/AAAAAAAAHn4/XP93Xcgv-LQjgrG9EzJANPLX48tb32wMgCKgBGAs/s1600/IMG_20190609_222312_184.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="774" data-original-width="774" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ouWCCosMz9M/XQDf_r4KuGI/AAAAAAAAHn4/XP93Xcgv-LQjgrG9EzJANPLX48tb32wMgCKgBGAs/s640/IMG_20190609_222312_184.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">The Media</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-lerEG42Vlrw/XQDf_uhzIqI/AAAAAAAAHn4/EMbbDvM2SNovKDuu49NdEwh_rDXKltdlQCKgBGAs/s1600/IMG_20190609_222312_140.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="774" data-original-width="774" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-lerEG42Vlrw/XQDf_uhzIqI/AAAAAAAAHn4/EMbbDvM2SNovKDuu49NdEwh_rDXKltdlQCKgBGAs/s640/IMG_20190609_222312_140.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Waiting for the ceremony to begin... You can see the veterans getting seated on the stage. There were 130ish total, only 30 who were Dday veterans. Not sure how many will be left at the 80th ceremony.</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-8FLoZbDELLY/XQDgUZ4GloI/AAAAAAAAHoA/V9W55Z40okwwVXfPqLr1xgGM-NI9SpX3QCKgBGAs/s1600/20190606_095948.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-8FLoZbDELLY/XQDgUZ4GloI/AAAAAAAAHoA/V9W55Z40okwwVXfPqLr1xgGM-NI9SpX3QCKgBGAs/s640/20190606_095948.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-dpKB4JfY0dw/XQDgUdastSI/AAAAAAAAHoA/3VEPNWV3hEQ6YnSWhyMsRkR9GY-b4f8-ACKgBGAs/s1600/20190606_100016.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-dpKB4JfY0dw/XQDgUdastSI/AAAAAAAAHoA/3VEPNWV3hEQ6YnSWhyMsRkR9GY-b4f8-ACKgBGAs/s640/20190606_100016.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-0AY68orBIYk/XQDgUelzGQI/AAAAAAAAHoA/ja8QMcnANhQN_Guz2brAK_hGVdlpnIVOQCKgBGAs/s1600/20190606_095611.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-0AY68orBIYk/XQDgUelzGQI/AAAAAAAAHoA/ja8QMcnANhQN_Guz2brAK_hGVdlpnIVOQCKgBGAs/s640/20190606_095611.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_2nNVcEEH8o/XQDgUU-5qmI/AAAAAAAAHoA/RPYf2fQRwWIy19wtTTvYrvPuLhqSP617QCKgBGAs/s1600/20190606_112319.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_2nNVcEEH8o/XQDgUU-5qmI/AAAAAAAAHoA/RPYf2fQRwWIy19wtTTvYrvPuLhqSP617QCKgBGAs/s640/20190606_112319.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-mdvEG6NGAUY/XT4LGzNfMpI/AAAAAAAAIn0/LT2BHn6_OKcwItjf_RoqNJ-tslXWTdXdwCKgBGAs/s1600/20190606_121749.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-mdvEG6NGAUY/XT4LGzNfMpI/AAAAAAAAIn0/LT2BHn6_OKcwItjf_RoqNJ-tslXWTdXdwCKgBGAs/s640/20190606_121749.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-85hDS8gA9wA/XT4LGwckUMI/AAAAAAAAIn0/Ta6bpsFpSnIvP4rNRtpKe2w2Ii3RfhCIgCKgBGAs/s1600/20190606_130440.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-85hDS8gA9wA/XT4LGwckUMI/AAAAAAAAIn0/Ta6bpsFpSnIvP4rNRtpKe2w2Ii3RfhCIgCKgBGAs/s640/20190606_130440.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-size: large;">Both Pres. Macron and Pres. Trump were there along with both First Ladies. The ceremony started almost a half an hour late because Macron didn't show up on time! Both gave fine speeches, although I thought Trump's was a little more personable as he highlighted the heroic stories of various veterans on stage. Macron then awarded five veterans the legion of honor medal, including Mr. Juroe Xavier escorted. So cool! Then they took some time with the veterans</span></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Dy8VOeovwVQ/XQDf_j8EtDI/AAAAAAAAHn4/VM8NikLcWL4V6qaDqK1wzp-mLalHQxx9QCKgBGAs/s1600/IMG-20190609-WA0008.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="font-size: 12.800000190734863px; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="360" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Dy8VOeovwVQ/XQDf_j8EtDI/AAAAAAAAHn4/VM8NikLcWL4V6qaDqK1wzp-mLalHQxx9QCKgBGAs/s640/IMG-20190609-WA0008.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<span style="font-size: large;">Following the ceremony we wandered the grounds... they were crowded with visitors, there were bands playing and there seemed to be a lot of fanfare. I was grateful this wasn't my first experience there... it was quite the contrast from the subdued and reverent visits of times past. </span></div>
<div>
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-MbWVGIIxA7g/XQDf_u8UjJI/AAAAAAAAHn4/ETpFOpPgoUERp-pL65r3VbEHp8gyjR45gCKgBGAs/s1600/IMG_20190609_222312_185.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="774" data-original-width="774" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-MbWVGIIxA7g/XQDf_u8UjJI/AAAAAAAAHn4/ETpFOpPgoUERp-pL65r3VbEHp8gyjR45gCKgBGAs/s640/IMG_20190609_222312_185.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-LqpB51yyrbo/XQDgUSjhW0I/AAAAAAAAHoA/i_PhblRhkqsJjFa_SldKDUNEMBZsasDmACKgBGAs/s1600/20190606_133810.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-LqpB51yyrbo/XQDgUSjhW0I/AAAAAAAAHoA/i_PhblRhkqsJjFa_SldKDUNEMBZsasDmACKgBGAs/s640/20190606_133810.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ieMzFp59mbM/XQDgUd41TVI/AAAAAAAAHoA/QywUMmwb0KMshOOsNIWDS-o9OfQa8ZB6gCKgBGAs/s1600/20190606_134020.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ieMzFp59mbM/XQDgUd41TVI/AAAAAAAAHoA/QywUMmwb0KMshOOsNIWDS-o9OfQa8ZB6gCKgBGAs/s640/20190606_134020.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">The Red Carpet laid out for the presidents</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-cb_Oux0W1IE/XQDgURtflFI/AAAAAAAAHoA/AcbRx-GzM1YkcHIT8WoSuLDUu-MnQFMAgCKgBGAs/s1600/20190606_132535.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-cb_Oux0W1IE/XQDgURtflFI/AAAAAAAAHoA/AcbRx-GzM1YkcHIT8WoSuLDUu-MnQFMAgCKgBGAs/s640/20190606_132535.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-FS2eOdTaQu0/XQDgUa3m0mI/AAAAAAAAHoA/yMxc9w6EtSQkyS-iMpNRn3nVt1TSjg1xwCKgBGAs/s1600/20190606_132303.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-FS2eOdTaQu0/XQDgUa3m0mI/AAAAAAAAHoA/yMxc9w6EtSQkyS-iMpNRn3nVt1TSjg1xwCKgBGAs/s640/20190606_132303.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-size: large;">Following the ceremony we had to wait around for the buses. We went back to the tent and were able to spend a few minutes with Mr. Juroe. It was interesting to talk to him as he briefly told us of his experience as a logistician on June 6 and how he made two different landings. The first boat he was on was torpedoed so he had to abandon ship. Ben was also speaking to the commander of USAREUR (US Army Europe), General Cavoli, and while I was standing waiting for him, a lady approached me who was waiting to get a ride back with the General. She introduced herself as Susan Eisenhower... indeed the granddaughter of President Eisenhower. How amazing was that! It was surreal to have a sidebar conversation with her while we were waiting on our rides. She said that her family had adjoining property to his in Gettysburg where he retired and she saw him every day in her youth. </span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-size: large;">After waiting for quite some time to take the bus back, we went to pick up our stuff from Gerard and Brigette's. There were more shenanigans on the beach. And they shared with us pictures from the parade that went through their street. </span></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-CaSiRDZrq4o/XQDf_jCdJsI/AAAAAAAAHn4/Cs_GgG6EW946AGFowdk03NtQF0z260C0wCKgBGAs/s1600/IMG_20190609_233803_613.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="903" data-original-width="903" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-CaSiRDZrq4o/XQDf_jCdJsI/AAAAAAAAHn4/Cs_GgG6EW946AGFowdk03NtQF0z260C0wCKgBGAs/s640/IMG_20190609_233803_613.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-B8GPMxbUOpQ/XQDf_n92k9I/AAAAAAAAHn4/lyPZMLrNwoIwjqw0cFtmPEgFRD6N_rC3gCKgBGAs/s1600/IMG_20190609_222312_142.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="774" data-original-width="774" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-B8GPMxbUOpQ/XQDf_n92k9I/AAAAAAAAHn4/lyPZMLrNwoIwjqw0cFtmPEgFRD6N_rC3gCKgBGAs/s640/IMG_20190609_222312_142.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-xRIyhFY4V6Y/XQDgUbbKT8I/AAAAAAAAHoA/tvOI4koEBD0uKANENBi_0Hicot-g6L0TwCKgBGAs/s1600/20190606_164638.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-xRIyhFY4V6Y/XQDgUbbKT8I/AAAAAAAAHoA/tvOI4koEBD0uKANENBi_0Hicot-g6L0TwCKgBGAs/s640/20190606_164638.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-1DC4f5V0mCc/XQDf_vz3H9I/AAAAAAAAHn4/0TxhiQ7XFPkaSoRdKcEs6-HQy2m7Vw5wACKgBGAs/s1600/IMG_20190609_233803_612.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="768" data-original-width="768" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-1DC4f5V0mCc/XQDf_vz3H9I/AAAAAAAAHn4/0TxhiQ7XFPkaSoRdKcEs6-HQy2m7Vw5wACKgBGAs/s640/IMG_20190609_233803_612.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-0H1NselIIes/XT4JzYakk0I/AAAAAAAAIng/v2XTMbvxHiAjzL7uunn8YBRHuKEZcCu8wCKgBGAs/s1600/20190607_092120.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-0H1NselIIes/XT4JzYakk0I/AAAAAAAAIng/v2XTMbvxHiAjzL7uunn8YBRHuKEZcCu8wCKgBGAs/s640/20190607_092120.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<span style="font-size: large;">That night we headed to the large manor of Fracois' aunt and uncle where we spent the night. This French couple were from Paris and came out to Normandy on the weekends. They were a little more formal and stiff compared to Gerard and Brigette. Everyone was grateful for my French skills as I bridged the gap between the two groups. Of course, Xavier is French, but his English isn't too strong. It was helpful that I could translate for Ben and Kevin. </span></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/--9LsTNTmT9k/XT4KTrS-4HI/AAAAAAAAIno/sWNtxSPsPZUxEZfllYgVA8GIE_1ZwTfIACKgBGAs/s1600/20190606_194642.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/--9LsTNTmT9k/XT4KTrS-4HI/AAAAAAAAIno/sWNtxSPsPZUxEZfllYgVA8GIE_1ZwTfIACKgBGAs/s640/20190606_194642.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-EXc6TCgDTrU/XQDgUSMiIOI/AAAAAAAAHoA/Fbl5WkP3lL40A4-5gsiNPTDciTVI82jagCKgBGAs/s1600/20190607_091907.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-EXc6TCgDTrU/XQDgUSMiIOI/AAAAAAAAHoA/Fbl5WkP3lL40A4-5gsiNPTDciTVI82jagCKgBGAs/s640/20190607_091907.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-CSUmKqwqlRY/XQDgURxoXqI/AAAAAAAAHoA/Qy_S3yPH-B8CWrDg_wVOHIF0_0ER7pNeACKgBGAs/s1600/20190606_201954.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-CSUmKqwqlRY/XQDgURxoXqI/AAAAAAAAHoA/Qy_S3yPH-B8CWrDg_wVOHIF0_0ER7pNeACKgBGAs/s640/20190606_201954.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<span style="font-size: large;">The next afternoon we had to head back to the airport, so we decided to spend our last sliver of time in Carentan, where a 101st re-elistment ceremony was happening in the town square. The setting was unbelievable. There were re-enactors there as well as real soldiers. I'm really glad we went. </span></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-dxs7FxGyKZ8/XQDf_sC3U9I/AAAAAAAAHn4/_Ru7moMJfIckL-REPNP49m5iSh2TYVStACKgBGAs/s1600/IMG_20190609_233803_646.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="774" data-original-width="774" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-dxs7FxGyKZ8/XQDf_sC3U9I/AAAAAAAAHn4/_Ru7moMJfIckL-REPNP49m5iSh2TYVStACKgBGAs/s640/IMG_20190609_233803_646.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-FeAP3XzR2tQ/XQDgUS1azqI/AAAAAAAAHoA/7ySpSAGZJx8XMDdXiuTWUe5XH7SOrWXJQCKgBGAs/s1600/20190607_103030.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-FeAP3XzR2tQ/XQDgUS1azqI/AAAAAAAAHoA/7ySpSAGZJx8XMDdXiuTWUe5XH7SOrWXJQCKgBGAs/s640/20190607_103030.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-LRzvcY4vC8Q/XQDf_uX95LI/AAAAAAAAHn4/r0QJpHRIsj0LQgLvvdH2L9j62rYm-BwygCKgBGAs/s1600/IMG_20190609_233803_643.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="774" data-original-width="774" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-LRzvcY4vC8Q/XQDf_uX95LI/AAAAAAAAHn4/r0QJpHRIsj0LQgLvvdH2L9j62rYm-BwygCKgBGAs/s640/IMG_20190609_233803_643.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-neLQ-iZ2pMI/XQDgUc2KAiI/AAAAAAAAHoA/fst0-T7FlGsR8apzs61dHSmO-ffyJdydACKgBGAs/s1600/20190607_113034.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-neLQ-iZ2pMI/XQDgUc2KAiI/AAAAAAAAHoA/fst0-T7FlGsR8apzs61dHSmO-ffyJdydACKgBGAs/s640/20190607_113034.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-So0e3XiPd7w/XQDgURpyzII/AAAAAAAAHoA/gDw_iz8Dos8yQTOn7I46tvZHiu5Vp8_ogCKgBGAs/s1600/20190607_105947.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-So0e3XiPd7w/XQDgURpyzII/AAAAAAAAHoA/gDw_iz8Dos8yQTOn7I46tvZHiu5Vp8_ogCKgBGAs/s640/20190607_105947.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">General Milley, chief of staff of the Army presided over the ceremony. He will assume command as the Chairman of the Joint Chief of Staff this summer. </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9318s8u4brI/XQDf_nXS4gI/AAAAAAAAHn4/ECdWiKPKLv0qSLNIaIwCZMcbksgKd8SGQCKgBGAs/s1600/IMG_20190609_233803_651.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="774" data-original-width="774" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9318s8u4brI/XQDf_nXS4gI/AAAAAAAAHn4/ECdWiKPKLv0qSLNIaIwCZMcbksgKd8SGQCKgBGAs/s640/IMG_20190609_233803_651.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
Marinda Shahahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08331984352649799897noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2458354230328789151.post-42874878394470065972019-06-13T13:54:00.001-07:002019-06-13T13:54:09.930-07:00These Are the Days, We'll RememberToday was one of those days that is just practically perfect... I love this time of year... this is our third June here in Spain, and sadly, our last. I really feel like I could stay here forever. I love our home, I especially love our little yard this time of year. We have beautiful flowers in pots on the patio and hanging on the fence that separates the pool. The only noise we have back here is the constant chatter of birds. The ivy is in full bloom and hangs all along the fence, and I love the fronds from our neighbor's palm tree that pour over the fence into our yard. The days are super long right now, the park is full in the evenings. James is old enough now, almost six, where he can run back and forth to the park without having me to accompany him. And he is comfortable now, he just got past the barrier, where he is not nervous to invite kids he doesn't know to play with him. He loves being at the soccer pitch and kicking the ball with Paquito. Paquito is a good neighbor friend. He is hilarious, he showed up at the door last night at 9 asking if James could come to the park... just as we were saying family prayers and sending them up to bed. Only in Spain. How I will miss Spain! I've never been happier, I don't think, in our entire married life than I have been here. Perhaps Monterey, but we've been in Spain much longer and it will always hold a special place in my heart. Cosette is so funny, she is almost three and she is exploding with personality and self confidence and cracks me up every day with her, "Thanks, Mom" and her enthusiastic, "You're welcome!" Today she excitedly reported to me that there were ants in the playroom, I got a little vacuum and took care of them. Afterwards, "Thanks, Mom!" Any little thing I do for her she repeats it. It's hilarious. And sweet tender James was concerned about the ants being vacuumed up. "So I guess when they get sucked in the vacuum they don't stay alive?" he said defeatedly. "Yes, James. Does that make you sad?" He nods his head, "Maybe next time you can just take them outside." "Ok, James. I'll do that." Cosette has lately been leaving the house wandering on her own. The other morning, when there were FOUR adults in the house (myself, Reed, Amber, and Karla the housekeeper), I got a call from Kevin asking if I was missing one of my kids. HE found her up at the guardhouse while he was waiting for a cab to go to the airport. She was in her pajamas and piggy slippers. When I went to get her, she was just so pleased with herself... thought she was the funniest little thing. Just this past week she wandered off to the park while I was making dinner. When I realized she wasn't in the house I sent Caroline after her and she reported to me that she was at the park... yep, made her way there herself, crossing the busy road in our neighborhood to get there. <br />
<br />
I took Cosette on a bike ride today... we went to the pirate ship park at Casa de Campo, but since no kids showed up and she was bored (she always wants a kid to play with), we headed on down to the lake. How cool it is that I can ride my bike from my house to such a beautiful little place... they've made some improvements and there is now a walkway with railings, places to picnic and sit on benches. WE had a great time down there looking at the ducks, wish we had had more time, but I had to make it back to my Spanish lesson. Usually my weeks are more busy, but since I had planned on going to the attache trip, and then decided against it last minute, my week was pretty clear. No attache events, no bookclub, no appointments, or even shopping or errands, besides the groceries. Cozy and I have been able to spend some nice outdoor time together. I ran five miles yesterday in Casa de Campo and went on a bike ride with Cozy the day before to the playground at the same place. A number of kids were there and she tagged along with them and was happy the whole morning as I contentedly worked on my embroidery. She is becoming quite independent. A mother I was sitting by at our little playground tonight at our urbanization was commenting on what a tough little cookie she was. She was jumping on the tramp with about 5 other kids who were stepping on her, jumping into her, rolling over her, etc. ...she was just getting battered and loved every minute of it.<br />
<br />
I also got to see the girls perform in their gymnastics routine yesterday... this was a big part of the reason I didn't go on the attache trip. I'm so glad I was there, front row, to see them perform... they did such a great job and had so much confidence. Caroline was so cute in her red leotard, as she looked over at me a number of times with a huge smile on her face. Emily was elegant and graceful and did a great job with her hula-hoops. I recorded the numbers of course, so they are there for posterity.<br />
<br />
Anyway, on the bike ride home today, my bike started making a terrible squeaking noise, and a group of bikers (they are everywhere in casa de campo), probably in their sixties, rode past and asked if they could help me fix the bike. I got off and all three of them surrounded the bike, theorizing on where the noise came from and how to fix it... this was all in Spanish of course. I just love the Spaniards. Finally one of them got out his little Allen wrench and tightened a bolt and lo and behold it was just fine and I was on my way.<br />
<br />
School is out next week, and things will be wild for the next couple months... but I plan to savor this time. I truly am so sad about leaving... I will mourn leaving this place more than any other place I've lived. I love our home, our yard, our neighborhood, the people we've met, friends we 've made, the Spanish people in general are just so wonderful. There's so much vitality here... Spain has a pulse that I just love.<br />
<br />
It was so fun to have Reed here with his family for a couple weeks, mostly to see him reunite with this country he loves so much. He was practically giddy the whole time here. I wonder how many times he ate churros con chocolate in the two week span. He loves the food, the culture, the people. It was so fun to share that love with him. Now we have something that even bonds us more. James and Hyrum had a great time together... they are both desperate for more boy time, so I'm really glad they got it. Their last night here, we went to a Real Madrid basketball game and watched Jaycee Carroll play... he got us free tickets on the fifth row behind the team's bench. This was especially awesome for Reed because he was a HUGE fan of Jaycee when he played at Utah State... Reed calls it the "golden age" of USU basketball and that Jaycee was the best player to come out of that school. So, to see him play in the semi-finals here in Madrid was just a real treat. WE waited around for him to come out from the locker room with the other teammate's families, but he didn't show! When Ben texted him, he said he didn't know we'd be waiting and left through another door. That was really disappointing because Reed was so looking forward to visiting with him. Well, then he offered to let us come to the training facilities in the morning where they would be having practice and give us a tour around. Of course, I couldn't go because we had church and I had to teach a lesson and take the kids! I couldn't believe how fast Reed and Ben accepted Jaycee's offer. It's like they didn't even give skipping church a second thought! So funny. So, that ended up being a really nice experience for Reed and he got in a really good visit with Jaycee. Marinda Shahahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08331984352649799897noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2458354230328789151.post-28550020506879132412019-06-02T11:35:00.002-07:002019-06-02T11:44:41.680-07:00Cordoba's Patio Festival<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">Life is very busy and full here, especially now that we're down to our last year, I'm feeling like I have to cram everything in! Por ejemplo, on a random Tuesday I took Cosette on the speed train down to Cordoba to see the patio festival... because I've never been and I knew this was my last chance to see it. Crazy? yes. Worth it? Absolutely. </span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-1DJXfxUp928/XPQO9djICoI/AAAAAAAAHck/x-nQMIFfJeYQ_f-2gCjE4n91Yxwk3iAkgCKgBGAs/s1600/20190514_094921.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-1DJXfxUp928/XPQO9djICoI/AAAAAAAAHck/x-nQMIFfJeYQ_f-2gCjE4n91Yxwk3iAkgCKgBGAs/s640/20190514_094921.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">Cosette was actually a solid traveler on the almost two hour train ride. She had a little purse with her little toys and kept herself very busy. But, you have to remember, the train is the easy party. First you have to take a cab to the cercanias station. Then you have to take the cercanias to the main train station, book it to a whole different part of the station, go through security, find your platform and board to get to this point. Then you can finally kick up your feet and relax. </span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-wxPLIH8j7BI/XPQO9ahMi2I/AAAAAAAAHck/OGsB72HHK_cbdxQ2pWls8MdpX4b8nj2hgCKgBGAs/s1600/20190514_122405.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-wxPLIH8j7BI/XPQO9ahMi2I/AAAAAAAAHck/OGsB72HHK_cbdxQ2pWls8MdpX4b8nj2hgCKgBGAs/s640/20190514_122405.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;">The festival is actually an annual contest among the residents of the city to see who can display the most beautiful patio... Flowers galore. Patios are actually inner courtyards, designed to help keep the home cool in one of the hottest cities in Europe, and a place to have your own private little garden. Most had little fountains or running water.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">First annoying thing about this festival was that it ran from 11-2 pm and 6-10 pm (got to love Spain). So yeah, we arrived at the station at 11:30 and had exactly 2.5 hours to see what we could. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Second annoying thing, everyone else in the world knows about the patio festival... so many dang tourists where ever we go. They are taking over the world! (And yes, I realize I'm one of them but somehow prefer to see myself as not).</span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-0GVPOMY3c7I/XPQO9Y8XvbI/AAAAAAAAHck/TOTztBxUucc-RbR2b4HqGhAgAxnVJry5gCKgBGAs/s1600/20190514_122340.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-0GVPOMY3c7I/XPQO9Y8XvbI/AAAAAAAAHck/TOTztBxUucc-RbR2b4HqGhAgAxnVJry5gCKgBGAs/s640/20190514_122340.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-UP2FJpeox54/XPQO9bEEAXI/AAAAAAAAHck/9mvNXCTopVc5CEDcYIjW7v6-wY6gWZqBwCKgBGAs/s1600/20190514_122327.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-UP2FJpeox54/XPQO9bEEAXI/AAAAAAAAHck/9mvNXCTopVc5CEDcYIjW7v6-wY6gWZqBwCKgBGAs/s640/20190514_122327.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;">We had to wait in line a half an hour just to see this patio. And there were a ton of patios. I knew we couldn't continue to roll like this, so we took a cab over to a less busy part of the city where we had much better luck.</span><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Ir1iPKr27vI/XPQO9Sjv50I/AAAAAAAAHck/vltTWn8cj38vaCgrJlSlXjcpDE1GsQrNQCKgBGAs/s1600/20190514_122258.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Ir1iPKr27vI/XPQO9Sjv50I/AAAAAAAAHck/vltTWn8cj38vaCgrJlSlXjcpDE1GsQrNQCKgBGAs/s640/20190514_122258.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">This is how Cosette feels about getting her pic taken over and over</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-0Bu4PIJs-MQ/XPQO9V1dVEI/AAAAAAAAHck/ddtWUI9JjvoLt4gB4kBKEsOwxVJOyW9AACKgBGAs/s1600/20190514_122218.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-0Bu4PIJs-MQ/XPQO9V1dVEI/AAAAAAAAHck/ddtWUI9JjvoLt4gB4kBKEsOwxVJOyW9AACKgBGAs/s640/20190514_122218.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Tourists, go away please</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-wFpe1vO2qZ8/XPQO9THICAI/AAAAAAAAHck/H6V0oa8P4fw6ujBFsbFg_UYyIySoMB21QCKgBGAs/s1600/20190514_115807.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-wFpe1vO2qZ8/XPQO9THICAI/AAAAAAAAHck/H6V0oa8P4fw6ujBFsbFg_UYyIySoMB21QCKgBGAs/s640/20190514_115807.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-3dQQcwxkyIo/XPQO9WQfNmI/AAAAAAAAHck/XV1shWd0H38NhG3xIioxCcyIOknvaaPGgCKgBGAs/s1600/20190514_122535.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-3dQQcwxkyIo/XPQO9WQfNmI/AAAAAAAAHck/XV1shWd0H38NhG3xIioxCcyIOknvaaPGgCKgBGAs/s640/20190514_122535.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;">The next part of the city had patios that had more variety and were just gorgeous in my opinion. We were able to hit 6-7 with no problem before time ran out. And of course, pictures don't do them justice.</span><br />
<div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-size: large;">This was my very favorite one: It was huge and the bougainvillea was stunning. </span></div>
<div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-4QefHCzgoLs/XPQO9bGIfdI/AAAAAAAAHck/Rs6P61jbRO4AmaOwbdER9aQetBpI1zkvQCKgBGAs/s1600/IMG_20190514_164118_315.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="774" data-original-width="774" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-4QefHCzgoLs/XPQO9bGIfdI/AAAAAAAAHck/Rs6P61jbRO4AmaOwbdER9aQetBpI1zkvQCKgBGAs/s640/IMG_20190514_164118_315.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-mLlGDK-JAU4/XPQO9fVcalI/AAAAAAAAHck/8aCO1NFS-ToXAquKeKyhoiLHhX4y7kNsgCKgBGAs/s1600/20190514_132624.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-mLlGDK-JAU4/XPQO9fVcalI/AAAAAAAAHck/8aCO1NFS-ToXAquKeKyhoiLHhX4y7kNsgCKgBGAs/s640/20190514_132624.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
</div>
<div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-hYDCRR5jh0o/XPQO9RZHCwI/AAAAAAAAHck/yoMkuvDUQuA9vVtQiWjDUXEhh5c4mxL3ACKgBGAs/s1600/IMG_20190514_164118_298.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="774" data-original-width="774" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-hYDCRR5jh0o/XPQO9RZHCwI/AAAAAAAAHck/yoMkuvDUQuA9vVtQiWjDUXEhh5c4mxL3ACKgBGAs/s640/IMG_20190514_164118_298.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-BX8Gm0A31cc/XPQO9TkxMKI/AAAAAAAAHck/6Wphf2t9ntoejcvfD1tVXTkBameqAYsNQCKgBGAs/s1600/20190514_133017.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-BX8Gm0A31cc/XPQO9TkxMKI/AAAAAAAAHck/6Wphf2t9ntoejcvfD1tVXTkBameqAYsNQCKgBGAs/s640/20190514_133017.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-TNBfvU7BWb8/XPQO9b5-NDI/AAAAAAAAHck/6b32D9-HFkQCasZtZ55zNqq0RaOcG_elACKgBGAs/s1600/20190514_132934.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-TNBfvU7BWb8/XPQO9b5-NDI/AAAAAAAAHck/6b32D9-HFkQCasZtZ55zNqq0RaOcG_elACKgBGAs/s640/20190514_132934.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-DnFIimMpPWM/XPQO9Se_IsI/AAAAAAAAHck/ktpkIGP_XqMnKApZ9earXyNdTer0NVFLgCKgBGAs/s1600/20190514_132850.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-DnFIimMpPWM/XPQO9Se_IsI/AAAAAAAAHck/ktpkIGP_XqMnKApZ9earXyNdTer0NVFLgCKgBGAs/s640/20190514_132850.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-QFwiDXUtKfc/XPQO9eLY0cI/AAAAAAAAHck/_Te9MTFBWB4oP1ciHyoMmDvFhgKAQQpBACKgBGAs/s1600/20190514_132819.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-QFwiDXUtKfc/XPQO9eLY0cI/AAAAAAAAHck/_Te9MTFBWB4oP1ciHyoMmDvFhgKAQQpBACKgBGAs/s640/20190514_132819.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-WB8n3X5M8GQ/XPQO9an7AGI/AAAAAAAAHck/tPKmUNwzkWko7V3sH6UgmhTgASvRMgkbgCKgBGAs/s1600/20190514_132712.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-WB8n3X5M8GQ/XPQO9an7AGI/AAAAAAAAHck/tPKmUNwzkWko7V3sH6UgmhTgASvRMgkbgCKgBGAs/s640/20190514_132712.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Gy1WCAftEXo/XPQO9Yq9DHI/AAAAAAAAHck/D0igl7eXYwY_T1UhmWscdYw-cWCTwG6FgCKgBGAs/s1600/20190514_132516.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Gy1WCAftEXo/XPQO9Yq9DHI/AAAAAAAAHck/D0igl7eXYwY_T1UhmWscdYw-cWCTwG6FgCKgBGAs/s640/20190514_132516.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-tx66U_Gvnuk/XPQO9dMvN7I/AAAAAAAAHck/ZjiJL7tVMW8aoZbosm0kQHz2jAFSqvRfgCKgBGAs/s1600/20190514_131722.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-tx66U_Gvnuk/XPQO9dMvN7I/AAAAAAAAHck/ZjiJL7tVMW8aoZbosm0kQHz2jAFSqvRfgCKgBGAs/s640/20190514_131722.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Cozy was so done getting her pic taken</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Cna3dX1AiK0/XPQO9ZCSBII/AAAAAAAAHck/op3so1pwssIPbo0uDFKWHh4_KHqM22nwwCKgBGAs/s1600/20190514_131638.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Cna3dX1AiK0/XPQO9ZCSBII/AAAAAAAAHck/op3so1pwssIPbo0uDFKWHh4_KHqM22nwwCKgBGAs/s640/20190514_131638.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-snMdGsnHTr8/XPQO9Vyg3bI/AAAAAAAAHck/3D92I0lc9OoIcZOAFwF2MSzgePOQBClYQCKgBGAs/s1600/20190514_131252.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-snMdGsnHTr8/XPQO9Vyg3bI/AAAAAAAAHck/3D92I0lc9OoIcZOAFwF2MSzgePOQBClYQCKgBGAs/s640/20190514_131252.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-waEdR-yeDHA/XPQO9QJQQzI/AAAAAAAAHck/d580sca1_DY1tcD61RzaKmSDkO-8fiKkACKgBGAs/s1600/20190514_131246.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-waEdR-yeDHA/XPQO9QJQQzI/AAAAAAAAHck/d580sca1_DY1tcD61RzaKmSDkO-8fiKkACKgBGAs/s640/20190514_131246.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-UAC99Zfak_Y/XPQO9azbd2I/AAAAAAAAHck/WoC1N2j-hq0zyZYWA8b9348a5fTPZV90ACKgBGAs/s1600/20190514_131154.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-UAC99Zfak_Y/XPQO9azbd2I/AAAAAAAAHck/WoC1N2j-hq0zyZYWA8b9348a5fTPZV90ACKgBGAs/s640/20190514_131154.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-vSzfWWGk2pE/XPQO9dLDFvI/AAAAAAAAHck/CTtT7enIfVQ6TNBPDLqG123XBTi24OnXwCKgBGAs/s1600/20190514_130955.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-vSzfWWGk2pE/XPQO9dLDFvI/AAAAAAAAHck/CTtT7enIfVQ6TNBPDLqG123XBTi24OnXwCKgBGAs/s640/20190514_130955.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-uowYIE03OiM/XPQO9ZUMSfI/AAAAAAAAHck/R1c3RgRKB0cW0K8CLcU4LsUOVe9xKTyxwCKgBGAs/s1600/20190514_130923.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-uowYIE03OiM/XPQO9ZUMSfI/AAAAAAAAHck/R1c3RgRKB0cW0K8CLcU4LsUOVe9xKTyxwCKgBGAs/s640/20190514_130923.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Ro9v_UKIBYc/XPQO9VOCf0I/AAAAAAAAHck/2FoWT0WnGSka3nKu_8ffXZ1QYv7pepAqwCKgBGAs/s1600/20190514_130636.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Ro9v_UKIBYc/XPQO9VOCf0I/AAAAAAAAHck/2FoWT0WnGSka3nKu_8ffXZ1QYv7pepAqwCKgBGAs/s640/20190514_130636.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: start;">
r</div>
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-VGUkcdOj0RY/XPQO9XJyfPI/AAAAAAAAHck/Pcey1JubNMkVxAX9VvhHkmC1BWzsajdyACKgBGAs/s1600/20190514_133658.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-VGUkcdOj0RY/XPQO9XJyfPI/AAAAAAAAHck/Pcey1JubNMkVxAX9VvhHkmC1BWzsajdyACKgBGAs/s640/20190514_133658.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-IK89dAgGc7M/XPQO9QdIzII/AAAAAAAAHck/ooSnPAjIwUk_xz3iAKyOQ_-NTGB3K0l4gCKgBGAs/s1600/IMG_20190514_164118_357.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="774" data-original-width="774" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-IK89dAgGc7M/XPQO9QdIzII/AAAAAAAAHck/ooSnPAjIwUk_xz3iAKyOQ_-NTGB3K0l4gCKgBGAs/s640/IMG_20190514_164118_357.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ikvlqia-j7c/XPQO9T_DiNI/AAAAAAAAHck/4VSCKgUQIP4AO4c3g_sLqzs1j5-rKQ0TgCKgBGAs/s1600/IMG_20190514_164118_317.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="774" data-original-width="774" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ikvlqia-j7c/XPQO9T_DiNI/AAAAAAAAHck/4VSCKgUQIP4AO4c3g_sLqzs1j5-rKQ0TgCKgBGAs/s640/IMG_20190514_164118_317.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-W4q28_u-Fhc/XPQO9aXUrWI/AAAAAAAAHck/uWlvq66H6d0uA4_Fur7zHrEx5m2e4PpywCKgBGAs/s1600/20190514_140523.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-W4q28_u-Fhc/XPQO9aXUrWI/AAAAAAAAHck/uWlvq66H6d0uA4_Fur7zHrEx5m2e4PpywCKgBGAs/s640/20190514_140523.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-EjJfYZgq8DE/XPQO9ZE6ElI/AAAAAAAAHck/ZZ8KCJNVgC8IneGu9W2_Cw2UT1rffZq2wCKgBGAs/s1600/20190514_140434.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-EjJfYZgq8DE/XPQO9ZE6ElI/AAAAAAAAHck/ZZ8KCJNVgC8IneGu9W2_Cw2UT1rffZq2wCKgBGAs/s640/20190514_140434.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-c3tIYBpt-HA/XPQO9Tslo6I/AAAAAAAAHck/CFsIssgGT0g3uAImF9xk1nh9UZR9XmYfwCKgBGAs/s1600/20190514_135458.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-c3tIYBpt-HA/XPQO9Tslo6I/AAAAAAAAHck/CFsIssgGT0g3uAImF9xk1nh9UZR9XmYfwCKgBGAs/s640/20190514_135458.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/--M6tq5_YDeg/XPQO9ee4tpI/AAAAAAAAHck/C1WwLJbJvrMs0OTkZliHy8sxPZb8c5ifQCKgBGAs/s1600/IMG_20190514_164118_325.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="774" data-original-width="774" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/--M6tq5_YDeg/XPQO9ee4tpI/AAAAAAAAHck/C1WwLJbJvrMs0OTkZliHy8sxPZb8c5ifQCKgBGAs/s640/IMG_20190514_164118_325.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-tG5Lvk8Y44o/XPQO9d-Eg8I/AAAAAAAAHck/dFv2Hp5YdkMPr6qLbQmJjt3dsPfumzT2wCKgBGAs/s1600/20190514_135416.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-tG5Lvk8Y44o/XPQO9d-Eg8I/AAAAAAAAHck/dFv2Hp5YdkMPr6qLbQmJjt3dsPfumzT2wCKgBGAs/s640/20190514_135416.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-bBSNmT71TQE/XPQO9Rv246I/AAAAAAAAHck/tLNALmSvhdk3ECq5v6uC_Be9_Z3pDFvSgCKgBGAs/s1600/20190514_135336.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-bBSNmT71TQE/XPQO9Rv246I/AAAAAAAAHck/tLNALmSvhdk3ECq5v6uC_Be9_Z3pDFvSgCKgBGAs/s640/20190514_135336.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-g4oYqp_Ad30/XPQO9S_R7YI/AAAAAAAAHck/mo5Ypz2gSFIRs5qNmLt33_k_7WZztAy8wCKgBGAs/s1600/20190514_135322.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-g4oYqp_Ad30/XPQO9S_R7YI/AAAAAAAAHck/mo5Ypz2gSFIRs5qNmLt33_k_7WZztAy8wCKgBGAs/s640/20190514_135322.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-esGa-mpF0xk/XPQO9QfcqeI/AAAAAAAAHck/jCyabnCv2vQlF0z_ZGUI621-qvxuoZEdACKgBGAs/s1600/20190514_134917.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-esGa-mpF0xk/XPQO9QfcqeI/AAAAAAAAHck/jCyabnCv2vQlF0z_ZGUI621-qvxuoZEdACKgBGAs/s640/20190514_134917.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-xzW-ezp-iBA/XPQO9TCP_nI/AAAAAAAAHck/OKFor8_u5xUKL6niAFaGXCUt-rTG2bBbQCKgBGAs/s1600/20190514_134852.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-xzW-ezp-iBA/XPQO9TCP_nI/AAAAAAAAHck/OKFor8_u5xUKL6niAFaGXCUt-rTG2bBbQCKgBGAs/s640/20190514_134852.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-LmCnk9XkEvc/XPQO9TI4TBI/AAAAAAAAHck/NXB4bRU7JPQFBWkzD5GtwGm7MPOd7SMAACKgBGAs/s1600/20190514_134816.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-LmCnk9XkEvc/XPQO9TI4TBI/AAAAAAAAHck/NXB4bRU7JPQFBWkzD5GtwGm7MPOd7SMAACKgBGAs/s640/20190514_134816.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
I think it's safe to say you got the idea.</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-UTOgSipQh1w/XPQO9XnMDLI/AAAAAAAAHck/2fEidwwTxY0H44C7W9dFVBpAN9-sMnFHgCKgBGAs/s1600/20190514_134741.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-UTOgSipQh1w/XPQO9XnMDLI/AAAAAAAAHck/2fEidwwTxY0H44C7W9dFVBpAN9-sMnFHgCKgBGAs/s640/20190514_134741.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
Marinda Shahahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08331984352649799897noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2458354230328789151.post-13942245593756589382019-05-12T09:21:00.001-07:002019-05-12T09:21:11.169-07:00<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<iframe width="320" height="266" class="YOUTUBE-iframe-video" data-thumbnail-src="https://i9.ytimg.com/vi/CkgikipoGQ4/default.jpg?sqp=CLCP4eYF&rs=AOn4CLBgJmN7kBWC256wcUa5aEpUSf5o0w" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/CkgikipoGQ4?feature=player_embedded" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe></div>
<br />Marinda Shahahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08331984352649799897noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2458354230328789151.post-30547541281028988272019-05-12T09:13:00.000-07:002019-06-02T10:45:39.143-07:00Virgin Mary Day<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">For Nana and Grandpa Allan's last day in Spain, we got to attend James' school production of Virgin Mary Day. It's a day of song, prayer, and remembrance. And super cute kids. The production that is 110% Catholic. Obviously we're not Catholic, but we love the school, and the language immersion is critical, so we're willing to allow for the religious education along with everything else. This is the sort of thing I'm going to miss when we go back to conventional life in the U.S. It was fun to share it with Nana and Allan. </span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Cx74OQlZYJo/XNhFAQJMLXI/AAAAAAAAG6k/ET7E_WmHJ30UlV-7AyXI921o17bX0IXMQCKgBGAs/s1600/20190510_095957.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Cx74OQlZYJo/XNhFAQJMLXI/AAAAAAAAG6k/ET7E_WmHJ30UlV-7AyXI921o17bX0IXMQCKgBGAs/s640/20190510_095957.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Daf2e7teMUA/XNhFAWCwM5I/AAAAAAAAG6k/nmsaDJSeVmkdPUwGJJdNXevqdC7HEBpfwCKgBGAs/s1600/20190510_095951.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Daf2e7teMUA/XNhFAWCwM5I/AAAAAAAAG6k/nmsaDJSeVmkdPUwGJJdNXevqdC7HEBpfwCKgBGAs/s640/20190510_095951.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Do you see cutie James, back and center? </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<iframe width="320" height="266" class="YOUTUBE-iframe-video" data-thumbnail-src="https://i9.ytimg.com/vi/GAHcZK8qmzk/default.jpg?sqp=CJyW0OcF&rs=AOn4CLD_3534hNKi3AjJ_UjGf7jKSOevlQ" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/GAHcZK8qmzk?feature=player_embedded" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe></div>
<br />Marinda Shahahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08331984352649799897noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2458354230328789151.post-46477995640524032132019-05-12T08:31:00.000-07:002019-05-12T08:58:55.056-07:00Parque Monasterio de Piedra<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/--838a0LDOpg/XNhAxVJwBeI/AAAAAAAAG6E/QtbJ5xMTWxE6HpKNWeq8tV-3zkMezceegCKgBGAs/s1600/IMG-20190512-WA0012.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1024" data-original-width="768" height="640" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/--838a0LDOpg/XNhAxVJwBeI/AAAAAAAAG6E/QtbJ5xMTWxE6HpKNWeq8tV-3zkMezceegCKgBGAs/s640/IMG-20190512-WA0012.jpg" width="480" /></a></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">Ben's been a gem lately. Friday night we were laying on our bed exhausted as we were recovering from a long week and he asked me what I was thinking about. I said, "What we're going to do tomorrow." I always have to be planning ahead with out family. I mentioned that maybe we could go to Parque Monasterio de Piedra, which has been on my weekend bucket list for months now, but even as I said it, the thought made me tired. He said, "Let's go for it." I said, "Are you sure? It's a 2.5 hour drive." And he said, "That sounds fun. I'd like to do it." Sometimes you just need that extra push from your partner to make things happen. </span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">I often feel our Saturdays have gotten away from us. There's usually always something going on between birthday parties, play dates, baseball games, events for Ben's work, or church obligations (Ben just got released from being YM president for over a year). So, we reclaimed our weekend yesterday and it was such a fantastic day!</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">The drive up there, in the province of Zaragoza, Aragon was really beautiful... we passed through red rock scenery, green plains, and quaint quiet little towns... we even passed a couple castles. Plenty of sunshine too. The roads were clear and mostly empty, which is something I love about Spain after coming from Germany when it seemed the roads were always packed on the weekends. We eventually made our way to some mountains where this park is located, it has loads of waterfalls thanks to the river that flows through this canyon. And it has a 12th century monastery which we didn't have the time to visit, but maybe next time! </span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">The kids really loved our day out which made me so happy. There was plenty to explore, to climb and run around, and spectacular scenery all around. Caroline even said this was the best day ever! Which means a lot, coming from her. I've heard more than once that it's been the worst day ever... this is the first I've heard her say best day ever. </span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Lbd5EvunyOE/XNg4K9K-aCI/AAAAAAAAG5c/_JEmAyb3v14_n-wGmcE8-vp4ODMwpW4IACKgBGAs/s1600/20190511_154359.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Lbd5EvunyOE/XNg4K9K-aCI/AAAAAAAAG5c/_JEmAyb3v14_n-wGmcE8-vp4ODMwpW4IACKgBGAs/s640/20190511_154359.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Me with the littles. </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ObTapuTBawc/XNg4K_EFcRI/AAAAAAAAG5c/M857jzGdX68aWwH4_lgu9BAW2cqUifSTACKgBGAs/s1600/20190511_154444.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ObTapuTBawc/XNg4K_EFcRI/AAAAAAAAG5c/M857jzGdX68aWwH4_lgu9BAW2cqUifSTACKgBGAs/s640/20190511_154444.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-EaiGmnlpBSk/XNg4K4XOzLI/AAAAAAAAG5c/DuYJtaqcFQEN0tkdsQv5jJnT5iaTXzLXwCKgBGAs/s1600/20190511_155407.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-EaiGmnlpBSk/XNg4K4XOzLI/AAAAAAAAG5c/DuYJtaqcFQEN0tkdsQv5jJnT5iaTXzLXwCKgBGAs/s640/20190511_155407.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-BzqJs6-RB2c/XNg4K7CWdII/AAAAAAAAG5c/nAnZvu-MPHQUbMksMd7eR0HFPEJI3boGgCKgBGAs/s1600/20190511_160252.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-BzqJs6-RB2c/XNg4K7CWdII/AAAAAAAAG5c/nAnZvu-MPHQUbMksMd7eR0HFPEJI3boGgCKgBGAs/s640/20190511_160252.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-v6ttbj6qCBo/XNg4K62hEsI/AAAAAAAAG5c/BEoErp9MAGYvgEsYza99Uy24kufNukUZwCKgBGAs/s1600/20190511_155828.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-v6ttbj6qCBo/XNg4K62hEsI/AAAAAAAAG5c/BEoErp9MAGYvgEsYza99Uy24kufNukUZwCKgBGAs/s640/20190511_155828.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-SV3W4OqfsB4/XNg4K8m0HRI/AAAAAAAAG5c/a4bjm_cUhU4trVkETIzVuckPptMHnaS-ACKgBGAs/s1600/20190511_161718.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-SV3W4OqfsB4/XNg4K8m0HRI/AAAAAAAAG5c/a4bjm_cUhU4trVkETIzVuckPptMHnaS-ACKgBGAs/s640/20190511_161718.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-M0qdhHYPwQg/XNg4K7U8iPI/AAAAAAAAG5c/wdS3HG7O0-sow2Ki6aj9oGr_YmLBaauDgCKgBGAs/s1600/20190511_161522.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-M0qdhHYPwQg/XNg4K7U8iPI/AAAAAAAAG5c/wdS3HG7O0-sow2Ki6aj9oGr_YmLBaauDgCKgBGAs/s640/20190511_161522.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-OBG9MpHnbrM/XNg4K4oR7JI/AAAAAAAAG5c/AUwqJTtwB1UN3hKYJoi3Q3gxMjFPwyz8wCKgBGAs/s1600/20190511_162319.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-OBG9MpHnbrM/XNg4K4oR7JI/AAAAAAAAG5c/AUwqJTtwB1UN3hKYJoi3Q3gxMjFPwyz8wCKgBGAs/s640/20190511_162319.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-oiQwXjQP3-Y/XNg4K_199gI/AAAAAAAAG5c/id9hFn9A0ZEXiAJHCvC1qel8HjLRuufjACKgBGAs/s1600/20190511_163422.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-oiQwXjQP3-Y/XNg4K_199gI/AAAAAAAAG5c/id9hFn9A0ZEXiAJHCvC1qel8HjLRuufjACKgBGAs/s640/20190511_163422.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-LGmCfV_4s-Y/XNg4K1gLKJI/AAAAAAAAG5c/EIaiStvSY7Qy7tA26l43YJzRVYSO4VakACKgBGAs/s1600/20190511_163758.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-LGmCfV_4s-Y/XNg4K1gLKJI/AAAAAAAAG5c/EIaiStvSY7Qy7tA26l43YJzRVYSO4VakACKgBGAs/s640/20190511_163758.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-RChwmGNRVOQ/XNg4Kxuj0hI/AAAAAAAAG5c/5y9h0DbxA8Munw7kGNa9xLjytkhxg6TRQCKgBGAs/s1600/20190511_164012.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-RChwmGNRVOQ/XNg4Kxuj0hI/AAAAAAAAG5c/5y9h0DbxA8Munw7kGNa9xLjytkhxg6TRQCKgBGAs/s640/20190511_164012.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-UG_iLyvtOwE/XNg4K9zczHI/AAAAAAAAG5c/HKjAdiHTUhw_jeHYlXtaPQesOBOjkV9DACKgBGAs/s1600/20190511_162847.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-UG_iLyvtOwE/XNg4K9zczHI/AAAAAAAAG5c/HKjAdiHTUhw_jeHYlXtaPQesOBOjkV9DACKgBGAs/s640/20190511_162847.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-SoYstP8nq94/XNg4K21bbTI/AAAAAAAAG5c/-J9h6-ctSWYJPevIijLwD-PZLDL5aslYgCKgBGAs/s1600/20190511_164126.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-SoYstP8nq94/XNg4K21bbTI/AAAAAAAAG5c/-J9h6-ctSWYJPevIijLwD-PZLDL5aslYgCKgBGAs/s640/20190511_164126.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-J0JT0UsZi5k/XNg4K5JlbPI/AAAAAAAAG5c/W-LC8INHkOkdD9v_76cX-U1fqFmgBmF5ACKgBGAs/s1600/20190511_164210.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-J0JT0UsZi5k/XNg4K5JlbPI/AAAAAAAAG5c/W-LC8INHkOkdD9v_76cX-U1fqFmgBmF5ACKgBGAs/s640/20190511_164210.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-t79gu1xmUAk/XNg4K2AlguI/AAAAAAAAG5c/zhFVdRFr5W0bzGQMk-1PblPZHEwhNpbFQCKgBGAs/s1600/20190511_164459.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-t79gu1xmUAk/XNg4K2AlguI/AAAAAAAAG5c/zhFVdRFr5W0bzGQMk-1PblPZHEwhNpbFQCKgBGAs/s640/20190511_164459.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-28A12BoB9K8/XNg4K0qOw1I/AAAAAAAAG5c/8_gtUAzr4jgBAuhPOUy6s823dZS5sXRcwCKgBGAs/s1600/20190511_165908.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-28A12BoB9K8/XNg4K0qOw1I/AAAAAAAAG5c/8_gtUAzr4jgBAuhPOUy6s823dZS5sXRcwCKgBGAs/s640/20190511_165908.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-7fNTuqbR0TU/XNg4Kza3TpI/AAAAAAAAG5c/KiR4ExEHew4uH9Lp8x8utcCbNoBBtim5wCKgBGAs/s1600/20190511_182033.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-7fNTuqbR0TU/XNg4Kza3TpI/AAAAAAAAG5c/KiR4ExEHew4uH9Lp8x8utcCbNoBBtim5wCKgBGAs/s640/20190511_182033.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-2yY1D8AjhOk/XNg4Kx7P83I/AAAAAAAAG5c/ivWjrT9MKHIUpahmFGJqjt23N4dvRx90wCKgBGAs/s1600/20190511_172442.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-2yY1D8AjhOk/XNg4Kx7P83I/AAAAAAAAG5c/ivWjrT9MKHIUpahmFGJqjt23N4dvRx90wCKgBGAs/s640/20190511_172442.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-VmYobsk755A/XNg4K5wfObI/AAAAAAAAG5c/xH8C_cXh5cMxrkg3ESQAwVHTGSPD1DsdQCKgBGAs/s1600/20190511_175738.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-VmYobsk755A/XNg4K5wfObI/AAAAAAAAG5c/xH8C_cXh5cMxrkg3ESQAwVHTGSPD1DsdQCKgBGAs/s640/20190511_175738.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-P4qjEUmI82w/XNg4UrbOxaI/AAAAAAAAG5g/sxFCCAdnVxk3tK4VyLz3JocblDsXy8izgCKgBGAs/s1600/IMG_20190512_150236_687.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="768" data-original-width="768" height="640" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-P4qjEUmI82w/XNg4UrbOxaI/AAAAAAAAG5g/sxFCCAdnVxk3tK4VyLz3JocblDsXy8izgCKgBGAs/s640/IMG_20190512_150236_687.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-BsrkSnDBxVE/XNhAxcwifZI/AAAAAAAAG6E/bdjNHdk2XtUk_xzQgyp0RvrJdzOn7iVKACKgBGAs/s1600/IMG-20190512-WA0013.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1024" data-original-width="768" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-BsrkSnDBxVE/XNhAxcwifZI/AAAAAAAAG6E/bdjNHdk2XtUk_xzQgyp0RvrJdzOn7iVKACKgBGAs/s640/IMG-20190512-WA0013.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">Seriously, what's not to like? It's the type of place that we would go back to with our visitors, which are going to be plentiful over the next few months. The place reminded me of southern Utah, like a miniature version of Zion National Park, which is probably why I found myself so happy there. </span>Marinda Shahahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08331984352649799897noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2458354230328789151.post-44675028907233213572019-04-21T14:31:00.002-07:002019-04-21T14:31:10.966-07:00<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<iframe width="320" height="266" class="YOUTUBE-iframe-video" data-thumbnail-src="https://i9.ytimg.com/vi/SdqaNJ1CaCU/default.jpg?sqp=CNjB8-UF&rs=AOn4CLBWgZtdyXBWOC8ihNpE-0-qo4vCBQ" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/SdqaNJ1CaCU?feature=player_embedded" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe></div>
<br />Marindahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04603818218940309239noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2458354230328789151.post-40679664521117387222019-04-21T14:18:00.002-07:002019-05-12T09:20:18.755-07:00Sweet Child of Mine<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">One of my favorite memories from our attache parties is this little gem from Ben at the International Fest held at the US embassy in September. I'll let the videos speak for themselves. He pulled this off completely sober, making it all the more impressive. </span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><iframe width="320" height="266" class="YOUTUBE-iframe-video" data-thumbnail-src="https://i9.ytimg.com/vi/uQTuaFgXmnY/default.jpg?sqp=CLCP4eYF&rs=AOn4CLBI545JEKsvy0RPp2MRxH4JXh4cVQ" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/uQTuaFgXmnY?feature=player_embedded" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<iframe allowfullscreen="" class="YOUTUBE-iframe-video" data-thumbnail-src="https://i9.ytimg.com/vi/8rEmC7Hfvl4/default.jpg?sqp=CNS68-UF&rs=AOn4CLBXEC4XGwnlnqNpoHpWFyzytXJvOQ" frameborder="0" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/8rEmC7Hfvl4?feature=player_embedded" width="320"></iframe></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<iframe allowfullscreen="" class="YOUTUBE-iframe-video" data-thumbnail-src="https://i9.ytimg.com/vi/tPr6fJzTvPo/default.jpg?sqp=CIC98-UF&rs=AOn4CLCriyihzBGYwK5yvk7wYWK0jVImkw" frameborder="0" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/tPr6fJzTvPo?feature=player_embedded" width="320"></iframe></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<iframe allowfullscreen="" class="YOUTUBE-iframe-video" data-thumbnail-src="https://i9.ytimg.com/vi/J2oIA2HejGg/default.jpg?sqp=CIC98-UF&rs=AOn4CLCHgki7-cVywtjFY7gtTTH27LNWcQ" frameborder="0" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/J2oIA2HejGg?feature=player_embedded" width="320"></iframe></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />Marindahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04603818218940309239noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2458354230328789151.post-61309648699673142342019-03-31T13:14:00.000-07:002019-03-31T13:30:30.102-07:00Valladolid<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-EVwKDjaQGjU/XKEONuOmXZI/AAAAAAAAF3c/tHs_ZjoW29c85Gm-eXG0FwJOo8Bu2cnngCKgBGAs/s1600/20190330_180207.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-EVwKDjaQGjU/XKEONuOmXZI/AAAAAAAAF3c/tHs_ZjoW29c85Gm-eXG0FwJOo8Bu2cnngCKgBGAs/s640/20190330_180207.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">Aren't these kiddos just so cute... even with their tight-lipped smiles?? My girls are growing up fast and I feel like quality time with them constantly eludes me. Their school day is so long and their hours at home so short. When they are home it's like they're always on the march with me constantly giving orders... dinner, clean up, music practice, homework, pjs, bedtime... if we're lucky we get some reading time in cuddled up on the couch together, most recently The Secret Garden. Add the crazily chaotic Cosette in the thick of all this, minus Ben half the time, and I got to say our time together isn't what I would call ideal. </span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">So, this weekend was a little gift. </span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">The attache organization planned a trip for us to Valladolid, a town just two hours north of us... I had no idea it was so chock-full of history and culture... it's not found in any of my travel books. </span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">We came to learn it was a predominant medieval city where the catholic monarchs Ferdinand and Isabel were wed and was the capital of the kingdom of Castile and later of united Spain (thank you wikipedia). Cervantes had a home here (would have loved to visit the museum) and Christopher Columbus died here. </span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">So, after much deliberation, we decided to go on the trip, take the two older girls and leave the two younger ones with the Mizells since they owe us big time. We dropped them off around 10:30 a.m. on Saturday and headed to the girls' school for their open day (next post). After seeing them in all their academic splendor, we headed to Valladolid.</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">It was such a gorgeous day for a drive, and it felt so good to get out and explore. We have less than a year left here in Madrid and I feel like our time is slipping away! I am amazed (rather dismayed) at how our weekends are constantly eaten up with baseball, school events, work events, or church obligations. I miss the days in Germany when we could take off on any given Saturday. It's ironic because in Germany the weather usually was the culprit in foiling our plans. Here the weather couldn't be more perfect, and yet our plates are more full than ever with life's demands. </span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">Anyway, it was splendid to be out and about with the girls without the constant work and distraction of our littles. We popped into shops, ate tapas and ice cream, and participated in all the events without stress. I was amazed at how well they got along with each other. They didn't fight or bicker once. They were constantly playing and laughing and giggling... they are soooo lucky to have each other. </span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ndMAPXzVUDE/XKEaWzH529I/AAAAAAAAF4U/_Ne_9irBXGY2J_xptXaNNsDWFDTz7q-EQCKgBGAs/s1600/IMG-20190331-WA0025.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1024" data-original-width="768" height="640" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ndMAPXzVUDE/XKEaWzH529I/AAAAAAAAF4U/_Ne_9irBXGY2J_xptXaNNsDWFDTz7q-EQCKgBGAs/s640/IMG-20190331-WA0025.jpg" width="480" /></a> </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ru1vgujzyNw/XKEONtJJ_fI/AAAAAAAAF3c/f9XsWoIVUPkrzIOVYEajJjtr906_G1JGACKgBGAs/s1600/20190330_174535.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ru1vgujzyNw/XKEONtJJ_fI/AAAAAAAAF3c/f9XsWoIVUPkrzIOVYEajJjtr906_G1JGACKgBGAs/s640/20190330_174535.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Military headquarters. Isn't Emily soooo tall?</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-jtL0dF4ZGkM/XKEONi8QYvI/AAAAAAAAF3c/GZYqDK4qZSA9WB3-g5_1gUdAH-4eMDyRwCKgBGAs/s1600/20190330_174601.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-jtL0dF4ZGkM/XKEONi8QYvI/AAAAAAAAF3c/GZYqDK4qZSA9WB3-g5_1gUdAH-4eMDyRwCKgBGAs/s640/20190330_174601.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-WJtmQ-gAnBY/XKEONj2akYI/AAAAAAAAF3c/GUIFGVBZR6QaY0QsvY5Ore6rljpmt7JhQCKgBGAs/s1600/20190330_180212.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-WJtmQ-gAnBY/XKEONj2akYI/AAAAAAAAF3c/GUIFGVBZR6QaY0QsvY5Ore6rljpmt7JhQCKgBGAs/s640/20190330_180212.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Plaza Mayor</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Pnty40DouAs/XKEONsTUaII/AAAAAAAAF3c/snJ21jkrErIeCs7aDVIpLCCURTG3fjilACKgBGAs/s1600/20190330_181001.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Pnty40DouAs/XKEONsTUaII/AAAAAAAAF3c/snJ21jkrErIeCs7aDVIpLCCURTG3fjilACKgBGAs/s640/20190330_181001.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">We stopped to take the picture after the fact, but on the left in that red building is where Christopher Columbus died, never fully realizing he made it to the "new world"</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-vf3BK-mbNhc/XKEONlw-ZjI/AAAAAAAAF3c/a2xMzpPE7HUgVYOq6O6MU-C26RIFzaJmACKgBGAs/s1600/20190330_182046.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-vf3BK-mbNhc/XKEONlw-ZjI/AAAAAAAAF3c/a2xMzpPE7HUgVYOq6O6MU-C26RIFzaJmACKgBGAs/s640/20190330_182046.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-OxN4x6sdq30/XKET_4ZKNnI/AAAAAAAAF3o/SSc-tjyy2McZqVpA6A6ea8Y0TVFCLwPbQCKgBGAs/s1600/20190330_182839.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-OxN4x6sdq30/XKET_4ZKNnI/AAAAAAAAF3o/SSc-tjyy2McZqVpA6A6ea8Y0TVFCLwPbQCKgBGAs/s640/20190330_182839.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Valladolid cathedral that never was completely finished since they ran out of resources and moved the capital to Madrid</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-dxa8QExDRtQ/XKET_9SZdfI/AAAAAAAAF3o/Nxs-yVbTJOkUf4sVD-cNYor3j5eKEa11gCKgBGAs/s1600/20190330_183836.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-dxa8QExDRtQ/XKET_9SZdfI/AAAAAAAAF3o/Nxs-yVbTJOkUf4sVD-cNYor3j5eKEa11gCKgBGAs/s640/20190330_183836.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption"><span style="font-size: small;">You can see how the backside of the cathedral was never completed</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-U-PHZO7KtXQ/XKET_0qT0bI/AAAAAAAAF3o/EIRDflaQO4Eoqk5cqWXTWSDQC5Dd3ZxrACKgBGAs/s1600/20190330_185555.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-U-PHZO7KtXQ/XKET_0qT0bI/AAAAAAAAF3o/EIRDflaQO4Eoqk5cqWXTWSDQC5Dd3ZxrACKgBGAs/s640/20190330_185555.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">College of San Gregorio which houses the National Sculpture Museum (fantastic!)</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-MPzeyHnDkjE/XKET_12txpI/AAAAAAAAF3o/WS6Fp_pKDwAbGD-M8OBKJh3OXSBzdRHHACKgBGAs/s1600/20190330_183536.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-MPzeyHnDkjE/XKET_12txpI/AAAAAAAAF3o/WS6Fp_pKDwAbGD-M8OBKJh3OXSBzdRHHACKgBGAs/s640/20190330_183536.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Muc4pykNNOU/XKET_8rTkVI/AAAAAAAAF3o/k7KLM7fMW4wJg3CsEkleos4GDYcSpL0yQCKgBGAs/s1600/20190330_221657.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1171" height="640" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Muc4pykNNOU/XKET_8rTkVI/AAAAAAAAF3o/k7KLM7fMW4wJg3CsEkleos4GDYcSpL0yQCKgBGAs/s640/20190330_221657.jpg" width="468" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-QPx9NNEWOIw/XKET_y0URgI/AAAAAAAAF3o/U8-9jBmbRC05iFyCHFV_JStIzn1ZmjYKwCKgBGAs/s1600/20190330_184051.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-QPx9NNEWOIw/XKET_y0URgI/AAAAAAAAF3o/U8-9jBmbRC05iFyCHFV_JStIzn1ZmjYKwCKgBGAs/s640/20190330_184051.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Bell tower from the 13th century</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9qhmxpCXyVM/XKEbUrUt3AI/AAAAAAAAF5E/vgltkr5NjEoLWhHPs9GmgE9iTmMFbNDlgCKgBGAs/s1600/IMG-20190331-WA0028.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1024" data-original-width="768" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9qhmxpCXyVM/XKEbUrUt3AI/AAAAAAAAF5E/vgltkr5NjEoLWhHPs9GmgE9iTmMFbNDlgCKgBGAs/s640/IMG-20190331-WA0028.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Tapas... I ordered the callo (in the foreground) after the waiter convinced me how delicious it was cooked in a tomato herb sauce... doesn't matter what sauce it comes in, can't take away from the fact that it's COW INTESTINES. I forced down two bites and couldn't stomach (haha!) any more</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-RckFQZFTHkk/XKEbUqiYxBI/AAAAAAAAF5E/MkMT6o7xYpsRnQ7ntG2CgY1ofPW7ZNNmwCKgBGAs/s1600/IMG-20190331-WA0022.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="768" data-original-width="1024" height="480" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-RckFQZFTHkk/XKEbUqiYxBI/AAAAAAAAF5E/MkMT6o7xYpsRnQ7ntG2CgY1ofPW7ZNNmwCKgBGAs/s640/IMG-20190331-WA0022.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">The very idea of Callo</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;">t<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Lgqe4lIXBos/XKEXAj3XsTI/AAAAAAAAF30/PHUXRHuLsFMdtO-IyaWCd23TWugKFlXIgCKgBGAs/s1600/20190331_115754.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Lgqe4lIXBos/XKEXAj3XsTI/AAAAAAAAF30/PHUXRHuLsFMdtO-IyaWCd23TWugKFlXIgCKgBGAs/s640/20190331_115754.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">That would be a bat on the wall</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-NC6CUfxe7II/XKEXAonFEQI/AAAAAAAAF30/VFEY6xh9mUYmdUN20R1VPTszIdqdM5wUACKgBGAs/s1600/20190331_115752.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-NC6CUfxe7II/XKEXAonFEQI/AAAAAAAAF30/VFEY6xh9mUYmdUN20R1VPTszIdqdM5wUACKgBGAs/s640/20190331_115752.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-SvMV9RZG380/XKEXAqP5pUI/AAAAAAAAF30/LTaS5QB99KgMajcQzvqRHSlpcGtrtuA1gCKgBGAs/s1600/20190331_110603.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-SvMV9RZG380/XKEXAqP5pUI/AAAAAAAAF30/LTaS5QB99KgMajcQzvqRHSlpcGtrtuA1gCKgBGAs/s640/20190331_110603.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
We saw some pretty morbid depictions of the crucifixion inside the museum, and I'm only posting this one because of Emily's comment and she looked it over... "He looks relaxed." Emily's hilarious sometimes... with zero intent.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-FUlS2ODiua8/XKEXfNef9NI/AAAAAAAAF38/H0dnXvHRa7sk1glpckH2Ce8slTGC0t6bwCKgBGAs/s1600/20190331_110610.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-FUlS2ODiua8/XKEXfNef9NI/AAAAAAAAF38/H0dnXvHRa7sk1glpckH2Ce8slTGC0t6bwCKgBGAs/s640/20190331_110610.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-kIxfjZ3mmTU/XKEX71d5hsI/AAAAAAAAF4E/YirTy-RkL7o5Bhq_WC1fhBwSZhzwYH7iACKgBGAs/s1600/20190331_103807.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-kIxfjZ3mmTU/XKEX71d5hsI/AAAAAAAAF4E/YirTy-RkL7o5Bhq_WC1fhBwSZhzwYH7iACKgBGAs/s640/20190331_103807.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-2NrwSKCvKnI/XKEXAge1qEI/AAAAAAAAF30/AtYDFtXUXpoL1I2ToVFgkqHyMyFy6OcFwCKgBGAs/s1600/20190331_104031.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-2NrwSKCvKnI/XKEXAge1qEI/AAAAAAAAF30/AtYDFtXUXpoL1I2ToVFgkqHyMyFy6OcFwCKgBGAs/s640/20190331_104031.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Choir stall... the woodwork was AMAZING!</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-PLjL9GwqZDw/XKEXAgmoRlI/AAAAAAAAF30/yJmwP-oi94Ux_ic6Kz6RsjJBgUpC_ftKgCKgBGAs/s1600/20190331_103023.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-PLjL9GwqZDw/XKEXAgmoRlI/AAAAAAAAF30/yJmwP-oi94Ux_ic6Kz6RsjJBgUpC_ftKgCKgBGAs/s640/20190331_103023.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">16th c. altarpiece of San Benito by Alonso Burruguete</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-uhebBEllEjg/XKEXAlgiiNI/AAAAAAAAF30/Z0LprvfV8y0TOe-G86brUb87IWkSC8WkACKgBGAs/s1600/20190331_102152.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-uhebBEllEjg/XKEXAlgiiNI/AAAAAAAAF30/Z0LprvfV8y0TOe-G86brUb87IWkSC8WkACKgBGAs/s640/20190331_102152.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-1fzFZSFoXDk/XKEbUsHstCI/AAAAAAAAF5E/VPUlEqOVG-Mi10XJPoQdpQN_6qkw_xtQwCKgBGAs/s1600/IMG-20190331-WA0000.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-1fzFZSFoXDk/XKEbUsHstCI/AAAAAAAAF5E/VPUlEqOVG-Mi10XJPoQdpQN_6qkw_xtQwCKgBGAs/s640/IMG-20190331-WA0000.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">A good lookin' bunch of attaches, right?</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-GofAjUq-QwE/XKEbUq04pbI/AAAAAAAAF5E/KgGuZD4n9SMv7obd5zFfSEv0C4Kvj59GQCKgBGAs/s1600/IMG-20190331-WA0016.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-GofAjUq-QwE/XKEbUq04pbI/AAAAAAAAF5E/KgGuZD4n9SMv7obd5zFfSEv0C4Kvj59GQCKgBGAs/s640/IMG-20190331-WA0016.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Lunch was cordero! (lamb)</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Nicj9Oewpok/XKEcbjEe_XI/AAAAAAAAF5c/BlrSM1ZIj2AOBgtE96t3siZvYGQzTi3OQCKgBGAs/s1600/20190331_215624.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="682" data-original-width="858" height="508" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Nicj9Oewpok/XKEcbjEe_XI/AAAAAAAAF5c/BlrSM1ZIj2AOBgtE96t3siZvYGQzTi3OQCKgBGAs/s640/20190331_215624.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Kids' table</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
And that's a wrap. <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />Marinda Shahahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08331984352649799897noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2458354230328789151.post-78912949696498926882019-03-03T08:38:00.002-08:002019-03-03T08:38:18.046-08:00February Happenings<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Here's a rundown of our month. In future posts I'll try to break it down weekly... this post is kind of overwhelming. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
First and foremost... amazing weather! I don't know if I should be celebrating, because isn't this just a manifestation of global warming?? But man, who's going to complain? February has indeed been very pleasant. I love the climate here in Spain! It's probably what I'll miss most. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-3pjFj0vrzic/XHLWwBBbnkI/AAAAAAAAFOM/iNpmm-FyaYMdwNytOrlj_zbeimzC6BH3gCKgBGAs/s1600/Screenshot_20190223-140811.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="720" height="640" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-3pjFj0vrzic/XHLWwBBbnkI/AAAAAAAAFOM/iNpmm-FyaYMdwNytOrlj_zbeimzC6BH3gCKgBGAs/s640/Screenshot_20190223-140811.jpg" width="360" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Yesterday, Ben was invited to a military formation where the queen attended and gave a speech. We decided against the younger kids going, especially Cosette at this stage... she's a crazy handful is all I can say. So, it was Dad and the two older girls. I was experiencing a little bit of FOMO (fear of missing out) but was happy they could have this experience and so grateful for the awesome pictures!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-qhJuekY5XtE/XHLU6dSb0II/AAAAAAAAFNs/dxZZbEPoVHgPVkItRgjFPgfwHXwpviWaACKgBGAs/s1600/IMG-20190223-WA0000.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="768" data-original-width="1024" height="480" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-qhJuekY5XtE/XHLU6dSb0II/AAAAAAAAFNs/dxZZbEPoVHgPVkItRgjFPgfwHXwpviWaACKgBGAs/s640/IMG-20190223-WA0000.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
And they got to meet the queen!! Isn't she stunning? I particularly appreciate the two photo bombers on the left and right... haha. </div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-MB3aMcH3-B0/XHLU6X3tGNI/AAAAAAAAFNs/feJ8KzGny3YRyu-cLWl5M3_74XMMbUePQCKgBGAs/s1600/IMG-20190223-WA0002.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="768" data-original-width="1024" height="480" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-MB3aMcH3-B0/XHLU6X3tGNI/AAAAAAAAFNs/feJ8KzGny3YRyu-cLWl5M3_74XMMbUePQCKgBGAs/s640/IMG-20190223-WA0002.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
She also talked to the girls for a few minutes, which is super cool. She reportedly asked them how they liked Spain and if they were learning Spanish... Si, Señora! </div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-X6aq5XfKYC8/XHLU6d2jknI/AAAAAAAAFNs/KnmmpFLOs7gYxDq2W-FnLTNrcj-CoaGYQCKgBGAs/s1600/IMG-20190223-WA0003.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="768" data-original-width="1024" height="480" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-X6aq5XfKYC8/XHLU6d2jknI/AAAAAAAAFNs/KnmmpFLOs7gYxDq2W-FnLTNrcj-CoaGYQCKgBGAs/s640/IMG-20190223-WA0003.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
My only regret was that I didn't get them fancied up a little more. I went on a run before they had to leave and ran out of time to do something special with their hair.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Giaiw9xFxwQ/XHv-H8Wi2UI/AAAAAAAAFVA/1gMZjMEISs8Rsuxi0RwNoXd4k-oZMmYdwCKgBGAs/s1600/IMG-20190303-WA0038.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1024" data-original-width="768" height="640" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Giaiw9xFxwQ/XHv-H8Wi2UI/AAAAAAAAFVA/1gMZjMEISs8Rsuxi0RwNoXd4k-oZMmYdwCKgBGAs/s640/IMG-20190303-WA0038.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Meanwhile, keeping' it real on the home front. James had Axle over to play with which is always helpful for me when they have a playmate. Busy, busy boys. Look at their creation!</div>
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-uY_rqK60QzE/XHLW0c5rGlI/AAAAAAAAFOQ/IfE79vUGFjMFTjJLQdQVZN4r2PxJBVNEgCKgBGAs/s1600/20190223_121518.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-uY_rqK60QzE/XHLW0c5rGlI/AAAAAAAAFOQ/IfE79vUGFjMFTjJLQdQVZN4r2PxJBVNEgCKgBGAs/s640/20190223_121518.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
And keeping' it real with Coze. She is seriously keeping me on my toes all waking hours (and sometimes non-waking hours) of the day. We managed a bike ride yesterday to town after the crew got home and these are the only photos I got! Yes, she has pastry crumbs in her hair! We biked to a pasteleria called Mallorca right here in Pozuelo. It's a bit of a haul on the bike trail with lots of ups and downs but the kids actually did really well, albeit they were smoked by the end. They are getting better and better on their bikes! They complained about going, but when they got home they were beaming with pride for finishing the ride (maybe just happy to be done?). I love seeing that kind of progress and development in them. It's good to push our kids to do hard things!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-9Gy9ymplgNw/XHLZ-Dk-rKI/AAAAAAAAFOc/KUk7O1q2aaIq_Mbuly7rysUwyaRmeA9dACKgBGAs/s1600/20190223_175019.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-9Gy9ymplgNw/XHLZ-Dk-rKI/AAAAAAAAFOc/KUk7O1q2aaIq_Mbuly7rysUwyaRmeA9dACKgBGAs/s640/20190223_175019.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-SHRtdlUxOCs/XHLZ-NvNdEI/AAAAAAAAFOc/qUQWS7I--_EiBYnpEx9IULabwDNYFpyzQCKgBGAs/s1600/20190223_175004.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-SHRtdlUxOCs/XHLZ-NvNdEI/AAAAAAAAFOc/qUQWS7I--_EiBYnpEx9IULabwDNYFpyzQCKgBGAs/s640/20190223_175004.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
And some more exciting (or not so exciting) events from February. I taught a couple women from our spouse association how to make homemade rolls... Grandma Williams's recipe. They had previously been dinner guests in our home and had partaken of the sweet manna from heaven and requested a demonstration. We finally fixed a date and made it happen. One other friend, Maria from Spain, couldn't make it at the last minute. So it was France from France (yes, that's really her name) and Ana from Portugal.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ivlJPms_E9U/XHLVZCQIFZI/AAAAAAAAFN8/UFRNT47mAhghQwsJdgqH2hNEwFPvJdjkACKgBGAs/s1600/IMG-20190204-WA0002.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="972" data-original-width="1296" height="480" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ivlJPms_E9U/XHLVZCQIFZI/AAAAAAAAFN8/UFRNT47mAhghQwsJdgqH2hNEwFPvJdjkACKgBGAs/s640/IMG-20190204-WA0002.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Enjoying our chicken pillows... Ana on the left and France on the right.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
With the dough we made dinner rolls, cinnamon rolls, and chicken pillows... which was probably biting off a bit more than I should have (no pun intended, haha). It took the better part of four hours to do it all, but I think they had a nice time and enjoyed learning.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-DYMj3u8k5s0/XHLVZN-uGII/AAAAAAAAFN8/xBujPyaI6bccXgZnV_wnO5OqTrTkVqN7QCKgBGAs/s1600/IMG-20190204-WA0004.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-DYMj3u8k5s0/XHLVZN-uGII/AAAAAAAAFN8/xBujPyaI6bccXgZnV_wnO5OqTrTkVqN7QCKgBGAs/s640/IMG-20190204-WA0004.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-My1A0-dRx7Q/XHLVZAM6dMI/AAAAAAAAFN8/PNXFCnvSnRQ7wK1TFQs25GZPIn9DMyKOACKgBGAs/s1600/IMG-20190204-WA0003.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-My1A0-dRx7Q/XHLVZAM6dMI/AAAAAAAAFN8/PNXFCnvSnRQ7wK1TFQs25GZPIn9DMyKOACKgBGAs/s640/IMG-20190204-WA0003.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-HOcCpltAmp4/XHLVZC1aFOI/AAAAAAAAFN8/XuNQSJ0-qTg03OvgVaTT4Tp9vOA1mMDUACKgBGAs/s1600/IMG-20190204-WA0007.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-HOcCpltAmp4/XHLVZC1aFOI/AAAAAAAAFN8/XuNQSJ0-qTg03OvgVaTT4Tp9vOA1mMDUACKgBGAs/s640/IMG-20190204-WA0007.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-hKfptVQXt_M/XHLVZENY5mI/AAAAAAAAFN8/i_hda8C7smUjbVA3v8VBV6anPqZRznhLACKgBGAs/s1600/IMG-20190204-WA0008.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-hKfptVQXt_M/XHLVZENY5mI/AAAAAAAAFN8/i_hda8C7smUjbVA3v8VBV6anPqZRznhLACKgBGAs/s640/IMG-20190204-WA0008.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-7dV3GQnvKXQ/XHLVZIHKr7I/AAAAAAAAFN8/E54LlxLVB8cig588jpg4TgP7f867KywkQCKgBGAs/s1600/IMG-20190206-WA0000.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="777" data-original-width="1600" height="310" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-7dV3GQnvKXQ/XHLVZIHKr7I/AAAAAAAAFN8/E54LlxLVB8cig588jpg4TgP7f867KywkQCKgBGAs/s640/IMG-20190206-WA0000.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-CHYezXUDdnM/XHLVZDaqfMI/AAAAAAAAFN8/CvrlMgbd_0IBdnozW5lQAYpiPt-q4eyOwCKgBGAs/s1600/IMG-20190206-WA0001.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="777" height="640" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-CHYezXUDdnM/XHLVZDaqfMI/AAAAAAAAFN8/CvrlMgbd_0IBdnozW5lQAYpiPt-q4eyOwCKgBGAs/s640/IMG-20190206-WA0001.jpg" width="310" /></a></div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-L_t6_mu-H-c/XHLNdvLs3MI/AAAAAAAAFLQ/lqZi5DcBS1gYSKuGgdPHOG95kUzsrFvRACKgBGAs/s1600/20190204_144238.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-L_t6_mu-H-c/XHLNdvLs3MI/AAAAAAAAFLQ/lqZi5DcBS1gYSKuGgdPHOG95kUzsrFvRACKgBGAs/s640/20190204_144238.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-QbgC_U84H_g/XHLNdp_JU0I/AAAAAAAAFLQ/R5ZesMdk1ZElCBjQ0flBW_u34I0A18vPQCKgBGAs/s1600/20190204_132637.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-QbgC_U84H_g/XHLNdp_JU0I/AAAAAAAAFLQ/R5ZesMdk1ZElCBjQ0flBW_u34I0A18vPQCKgBGAs/s640/20190204_132637.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
Ben and I attended an '80's party for our friend Jens from Germany. The best part of the party was the music. So fun to dance! But when midnight strikes, I turn into a pumpkin and am done partying. Actually, it's more like 11:00. Can we go home now?</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-qPD1ku-Cn3E/XHLVDSV2t0I/AAAAAAAAFNw/0dp_Fu0oL1Ih-NbUR2z-1vu5ZX9mDdFNgCKgBGAs/s1600/IMG-20190203-WA0000.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1024" data-original-width="768" height="640" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-qPD1ku-Cn3E/XHLVDSV2t0I/AAAAAAAAFNw/0dp_Fu0oL1Ih-NbUR2z-1vu5ZX9mDdFNgCKgBGAs/s640/IMG-20190203-WA0000.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-mCMy1kLFubI/XHLVDSrQAuI/AAAAAAAAFNw/QHuApOXzYe8KvYkEO5F56wEI_k6Ji2OWwCKgBGAs/s1600/IMG-20190203-WA0001.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="769" data-original-width="1024" height="480" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-mCMy1kLFubI/XHLVDSrQAuI/AAAAAAAAFNw/QHuApOXzYe8KvYkEO5F56wEI_k6Ji2OWwCKgBGAs/s640/IMG-20190203-WA0001.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-lib8nw_VpJc/XHLVDbvac7I/AAAAAAAAFNw/g_VL0mycSz8PR6xxzUD_lZNNK5--tX43wCKgBGAs/s1600/IMG-20190203-WA0002.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1024" data-original-width="768" height="640" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-lib8nw_VpJc/XHLVDbvac7I/AAAAAAAAFNw/g_VL0mycSz8PR6xxzUD_lZNNK5--tX43wCKgBGAs/s640/IMG-20190203-WA0002.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-3m4_jl9i9iI/XHLM8IRSOTI/AAAAAAAAFLA/vme4v3o32KUhgWaoy8iF5aK2J6nqfUjMwCKgBGAs/s1600/20190202_191901.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-3m4_jl9i9iI/XHLM8IRSOTI/AAAAAAAAFLA/vme4v3o32KUhgWaoy8iF5aK2J6nqfUjMwCKgBGAs/s640/20190202_191901.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Also, my Spanish tutor, Teresa, who I'm totally in love with, taught me how to make Cocido, a traditional Madrileno dish. It's basically a glorified pot roast with chick peas. The broth is pretty intense though... they add bones, lard, chorizo, and lots of other unidentifiable objects to give it flavor. It turned out alright, but what I really enjoyed was the soup I made with the leftovers. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-hetVgqfkv-I/XHLe5SKTpyI/AAAAAAAAFOo/E8Prgb3_Pn8ukqXiwrsXEcFgDR8-szCQQCKgBGAs/s1600/IMG-20190207-WA0001.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1024" data-original-width="768" height="640" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-hetVgqfkv-I/XHLe5SKTpyI/AAAAAAAAFOo/E8Prgb3_Pn8ukqXiwrsXEcFgDR8-szCQQCKgBGAs/s640/IMG-20190207-WA0001.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-EdoDrMeVMq8/XHLe_LUj-rI/AAAAAAAAFOs/u0gPXH6dXwcSexJt0QxE6azcrPnw90FdwCKgBGAs/s1600/20190211_125904.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-EdoDrMeVMq8/XHLe_LUj-rI/AAAAAAAAFOs/u0gPXH6dXwcSexJt0QxE6azcrPnw90FdwCKgBGAs/s640/20190211_125904.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-fw8cTmZpE4I/XHLNdhg4w4I/AAAAAAAAFLQ/f2GOWgsswAUkqirckrtmjqiPiRlYdzZwwCKgBGAs/s1600/20190207_120327.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-fw8cTmZpE4I/XHLNdhg4w4I/AAAAAAAAFLQ/f2GOWgsswAUkqirckrtmjqiPiRlYdzZwwCKgBGAs/s640/20190207_120327.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Teresa, my favorite Spaniard. Maybe some time I'll dedicate an entire post to her. </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Caroline's domineering personality is strong as ever... Signs, like this, posted on her door have become more frequent when she feels she's been served some serious injustice by me, which is quite often these days. <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-zwevX81RgCM/XHLNdrpkvrI/AAAAAAAAFLQ/RiSZqbABSGgT0gW__dbiOkTrNvHJFJ-agCKgBGAs/s1600/20190204_204442.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-zwevX81RgCM/XHLNdrpkvrI/AAAAAAAAFLQ/RiSZqbABSGgT0gW__dbiOkTrNvHJFJ-agCKgBGAs/s640/20190204_204442.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
And at the beginning part of the month, we had the Mizell children stay with us for TEN days! Their parents went to the states job hunting for their upcoming departure from the state department. It was challenging, mostly because Ben was gone for a good chunk of it and Cozy was extra high maintenance. Some of the suffering was self-inflicted because I thought it would be a good time to potty train... I forget what a herculean task that is. But the kids had a blast and it was a special time for them. Here are some photos:<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/--PUi5goSQmo/XHLNduh0htI/AAAAAAAAFLQ/DU95LemDJTUlLmfy_X4KXqwTsxKTB_j9QCKgBGAs/s1600/20190205_161853.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/--PUi5goSQmo/XHLNduh0htI/AAAAAAAAFLQ/DU95LemDJTUlLmfy_X4KXqwTsxKTB_j9QCKgBGAs/s640/20190205_161853.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-r9UsHDl13Fs/XHLNdspLm-I/AAAAAAAAFLQ/OoPjsbze6WkZJYLOHv41FyKN8FsWKCLKwCKgBGAs/s1600/20190207_191947.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-r9UsHDl13Fs/XHLNdspLm-I/AAAAAAAAFLQ/OoPjsbze6WkZJYLOHv41FyKN8FsWKCLKwCKgBGAs/s640/20190207_191947.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-np-C1uRbDXo/XHv5u4XatRI/AAAAAAAAFT4/PpqPmY_YlT04JLqPDQXTt1k6vwbmy_yqQCKgBGAs/s1600/20190208_214742.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-np-C1uRbDXo/XHv5u4XatRI/AAAAAAAAFT4/PpqPmY_YlT04JLqPDQXTt1k6vwbmy_yqQCKgBGAs/s640/20190208_214742.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-6LrD1c6WUUw/XHv5uwRJEoI/AAAAAAAAFT4/p-3Mx1DKgzkDKleF_OY6zP_E0IwrWn94ACKgBGAs/s1600/20190208_214516.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-6LrD1c6WUUw/XHv5uwRJEoI/AAAAAAAAFT4/p-3Mx1DKgzkDKleF_OY6zP_E0IwrWn94ACKgBGAs/s640/20190208_214516.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-I7bOebBiErM/XHv5uxpYpFI/AAAAAAAAFT4/AXwTImC-45cUgRFDuVY_bnKkOz74dc2TwCKgBGAs/s1600/20190208_214453.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-I7bOebBiErM/XHv5uxpYpFI/AAAAAAAAFT4/AXwTImC-45cUgRFDuVY_bnKkOz74dc2TwCKgBGAs/s640/20190208_214453.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-N63yQhWDat8/XHv5u8M0QkI/AAAAAAAAFT4/CYpjuhnWwlwPhkgRi1uMuqOlmH79R7HLACKgBGAs/s1600/20190210_180115.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-N63yQhWDat8/XHv5u8M0QkI/AAAAAAAAFT4/CYpjuhnWwlwPhkgRi1uMuqOlmH79R7HLACKgBGAs/s640/20190210_180115.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-7kMaPZS7CnU/XHLNduAwuGI/AAAAAAAAFLQ/JaDtORozaaQ7M1H_xyhMSplWluH9qqF-QCKgBGAs/s1600/20190207_184059.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-7kMaPZS7CnU/XHLNduAwuGI/AAAAAAAAFLQ/JaDtORozaaQ7M1H_xyhMSplWluH9qqF-QCKgBGAs/s640/20190207_184059.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div>
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-lAQp2fPRcZ0/XHv7DtL6CkI/AAAAAAAAFUQ/MwQ3zTu4q9MLd0dPTxuSpLkaS7s798PpgCKgBGAs/s1600/IMG_20190213_162047_766.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1600" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-lAQp2fPRcZ0/XHv7DtL6CkI/AAAAAAAAFUQ/MwQ3zTu4q9MLd0dPTxuSpLkaS7s798PpgCKgBGAs/s640/IMG_20190213_162047_766.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
And Potty Training: Heaven help me! The good news is that it's done now... it only took her a couple days ago to get the hang of holding it until she got to the potty, but it's still an effort. She still wants someone to accompany her and help her every time. Baby steps.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-y8Fa7YMnI6w/XHLNdgO9HqI/AAAAAAAAFLQ/UaXq0sWkz7E0AuAwwuKsAVySrLGzkMXiwCKgBGAs/s1600/20190206_091325.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-y8Fa7YMnI6w/XHLNdgO9HqI/AAAAAAAAFLQ/UaXq0sWkz7E0AuAwwuKsAVySrLGzkMXiwCKgBGAs/s640/20190206_091325.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ku-ENFoE4fo/XHv6Wxkd-rI/AAAAAAAAFUA/9jfNaAUKhyUh4QDyACtHHHh8_JhPsTWKQCKgBGAs/s1600/20190208_201907.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ku-ENFoE4fo/XHv6Wxkd-rI/AAAAAAAAFUA/9jfNaAUKhyUh4QDyACtHHHh8_JhPsTWKQCKgBGAs/s640/20190208_201907.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-lARYB943tMU/XHLNdsNy54I/AAAAAAAAFLQ/IVfyN4xlzns0V2Q548Jy39xRpWqYEf6PACKgBGAs/s1600/20190211_224316.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1223" height="640" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-lARYB943tMU/XHLNdsNy54I/AAAAAAAAFLQ/IVfyN4xlzns0V2Q548Jy39xRpWqYEf6PACKgBGAs/s640/20190211_224316.jpg" width="488" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
We also transitioned to the big girl bed... lots of changes for this one. But she was more than done with the crib... throwing horrible fits at bed time and crawling into bed with her siblings instead. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-2o0ATU0D_2E/XHv6w-NIAvI/AAAAAAAAFUI/txgGpSb7s0QitIwKCdBcLEmNg_G4f_TrQCKgBGAs/s1600/IMG_20190222_231429_927.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1600" height="640" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-2o0ATU0D_2E/XHv6w-NIAvI/AAAAAAAAFUI/txgGpSb7s0QitIwKCdBcLEmNg_G4f_TrQCKgBGAs/s640/IMG_20190222_231429_927.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-cek_c4tht1A/XHv6wxR0qXI/AAAAAAAAFUI/3MYd2eLZUyQq7pyVv9t_P7FEkNJkdUQGACKgBGAs/s1600/20190218_211613.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-cek_c4tht1A/XHv6wxR0qXI/AAAAAAAAFUI/3MYd2eLZUyQq7pyVv9t_P7FEkNJkdUQGACKgBGAs/s640/20190218_211613.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-yB3FymQX3oM/XHv-5PdqeYI/AAAAAAAAFVY/F20Uadr5GFkIeRYZwI42aws6vXChbYCewCKgBGAs/s1600/IMG-20190303-WA0036.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1024" data-original-width="768" height="640" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-yB3FymQX3oM/XHv-5PdqeYI/AAAAAAAAFVY/F20Uadr5GFkIeRYZwI42aws6vXChbYCewCKgBGAs/s640/IMG-20190303-WA0036.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-5SS60Zs5cqQ/XHv6w5XgUII/AAAAAAAAFUI/BsYwqHEnN4M1RQC_anjwhOpRmR0elcl2QCKgBGAs/s1600/20190202_010655.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-5SS60Zs5cqQ/XHv6w5XgUII/AAAAAAAAFUI/BsYwqHEnN4M1RQC_anjwhOpRmR0elcl2QCKgBGAs/s640/20190202_010655.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
She'd opt to sleep anywhere but her crib!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-OmvMYysFi4A/XHv6w7d208I/AAAAAAAAFUI/Cwf6ESet6YgBGBYxa-GFySPN561kCFaJACKgBGAs/s1600/20190221_210925.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-OmvMYysFi4A/XHv6w7d208I/AAAAAAAAFUI/Cwf6ESet6YgBGBYxa-GFySPN561kCFaJACKgBGAs/s640/20190221_210925.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
But now she's doing great in her bed, a much easier transition than I anticipated.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Also, this girl loves to play in the bidet! She makes such a mess with the soap and water, but it's better than letting her have the phone, which is her first choice!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-PrJKWzPENio/XHv9usXe4gI/AAAAAAAAFU0/H4fN3jxMp-0W641MxKrud8PwFqqyJqkFgCKgBGAs/s1600/20190228_110650.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-PrJKWzPENio/XHv9usXe4gI/AAAAAAAAFU0/H4fN3jxMp-0W641MxKrud8PwFqqyJqkFgCKgBGAs/s640/20190228_110650.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ubPoO7d07Z8/XHv9ulTVDqI/AAAAAAAAFU0/lkWUeIOP0qwF8pj-TNDs830DsyPVvnqNQCKgBGAs/s1600/20190228_110628.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ubPoO7d07Z8/XHv9ulTVDqI/AAAAAAAAFU0/lkWUeIOP0qwF8pj-TNDs830DsyPVvnqNQCKgBGAs/s640/20190228_110628.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-hHWJfEOdcUE/XHv-rJRv_RI/AAAAAAAAFVQ/GhLJrvx8cUcRevXeMGIrer4-CWsmZV-RQCKgBGAs/s1600/20190217_172311.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-hHWJfEOdcUE/XHv-rJRv_RI/AAAAAAAAFVQ/GhLJrvx8cUcRevXeMGIrer4-CWsmZV-RQCKgBGAs/s640/20190217_172311.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Sunday stroll around the hood. I do love this girl...</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-n6jdEUfCxuM/XHv-rJLmQmI/AAAAAAAAFVQ/L4BJvj2J21YAtBb2AiPPibOeRPp72lnkQCKgBGAs/s1600/20190221_172341.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-n6jdEUfCxuM/XHv-rJLmQmI/AAAAAAAAFVQ/L4BJvj2J21YAtBb2AiPPibOeRPp72lnkQCKgBGAs/s640/20190221_172341.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
But she's crazy. </div>
<br />
Ben and I spent President's Day together... so nice because the kids are in school and Karla can stay with Cosette. We met a colleague for coffee (hot chocolate) and then wandered El Retiro and went for lunch. Such a beautiful day! We love the city.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-EBUPBBDGeM8/XHv-H17XaSI/AAAAAAAAFVA/c4OIwOnD_BU7s4M_fCNkr9lzpuE1SBlwQCKgBGAs/s1600/IMG-20190303-WA0039.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="768" data-original-width="1024" height="480" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-EBUPBBDGeM8/XHv-H17XaSI/AAAAAAAAFVA/c4OIwOnD_BU7s4M_fCNkr9lzpuE1SBlwQCKgBGAs/s640/IMG-20190303-WA0039.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-B7hAh3Xihtc/XHv-H61QeeI/AAAAAAAAFVA/WCc5N1R9MeMSR0gY_REoQbyNwSJsQ6KkACKgBGAs/s1600/IMG-20190303-WA0040.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="768" data-original-width="1024" height="480" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-B7hAh3Xihtc/XHv-H61QeeI/AAAAAAAAFVA/WCc5N1R9MeMSR0gY_REoQbyNwSJsQ6KkACKgBGAs/s640/IMG-20190303-WA0040.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-x8jS1rAs78I/XHv9umn2ToI/AAAAAAAAFU0/Q5oKRbg9arwFhSKlnT6ifr5xY-DDE28uwCKgBGAs/s1600/20190227_110715.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-x8jS1rAs78I/XHv9umn2ToI/AAAAAAAAFU0/Q5oKRbg9arwFhSKlnT6ifr5xY-DDE28uwCKgBGAs/s640/20190227_110715.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Waiting for a parent-teacher conference at the school... Emily got tons of praises from her teachers. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
And I love the little photos Agatha sends from Todos Ninos. I get to peek at what James is up to during the day. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-p8JWpXQgg_w/XHv-rMOk2PI/AAAAAAAAFVQ/72iTsxZi8yotg-rMjDUQ9c3C-q2TxuwHQCKgBGAs/s1600/IMG-20190211-WA0004.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-p8JWpXQgg_w/XHv-rMOk2PI/AAAAAAAAFVQ/72iTsxZi8yotg-rMjDUQ9c3C-q2TxuwHQCKgBGAs/s640/IMG-20190211-WA0004.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-h31EfG4SIgM/XHv-rAlGZ_I/AAAAAAAAFVQ/xCgajOqt-aUG0jOqzV5HkXqECXtXMgsGgCKgBGAs/s1600/IMG-20190211-WA0006.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-h31EfG4SIgM/XHv-rAlGZ_I/AAAAAAAAFVQ/xCgajOqt-aUG0jOqzV5HkXqECXtXMgsGgCKgBGAs/s640/IMG-20190211-WA0006.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-LAf82WdD-R8/XHv-rM5BfUI/AAAAAAAAFVQ/OUgYOmJOV0Yn3KPV5sYGo7vgJ84jMzXRwCKgBGAs/s1600/IMG-20190219-WA0001.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-LAf82WdD-R8/XHv-rM5BfUI/AAAAAAAAFVQ/OUgYOmJOV0Yn3KPV5sYGo7vgJ84jMzXRwCKgBGAs/s640/IMG-20190219-WA0001.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-st-C9bXvekc/XHv-rEcQdNI/AAAAAAAAFVQ/TiUBujzCK8MnY81tnL06CBCdEW0L4q9ZQCKgBGAs/s1600/IMG-20190219-WA0000.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-st-C9bXvekc/XHv-rEcQdNI/AAAAAAAAFVQ/TiUBujzCK8MnY81tnL06CBCdEW0L4q9ZQCKgBGAs/s640/IMG-20190219-WA0000.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-gNLYn9mAhdM/XHv-rP_-7EI/AAAAAAAAFVQ/lLrH4ZUi-u8v-xmXYknqB15AyCAaWModgCKgBGAs/s1600/IMG-20190201-WA0001.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-gNLYn9mAhdM/XHv-rP_-7EI/AAAAAAAAFVQ/lLrH4ZUi-u8v-xmXYknqB15AyCAaWModgCKgBGAs/s640/IMG-20190201-WA0001.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-4qXHQn4Cwl0/XHv-rPBB0SI/AAAAAAAAFVQ/Ho-C-PEqjzwp64JuurL1pRyUm-yMeTq8wCKgBGAs/s1600/IMG-20190129-WA0003.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-4qXHQn4Cwl0/XHv-rPBB0SI/AAAAAAAAFVQ/Ho-C-PEqjzwp64JuurL1pRyUm-yMeTq8wCKgBGAs/s640/IMG-20190129-WA0003.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
We hosted a Valentine Couples Party with attaches and their spouses from Italy, Germany, and the U.S. It was a lot of work, and kind of fun. I don't know how much hosting I'll be doing in the future. We made these amazing raspberry cupcakes... the only pic I got a picture of. We can solely thank them for our extra five pounds because we made way too many and had a ton of leftovers. </div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Qd0cMjI4yeg/XHv-rEEHUWI/AAAAAAAAFVQ/3FnpQy3bclI8MbqJ7znrDHSMPk9ISN6PwCKgBGAs/s1600/20190217_004819.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Qd0cMjI4yeg/XHv-rEEHUWI/AAAAAAAAFVQ/3FnpQy3bclI8MbqJ7znrDHSMPk9ISN6PwCKgBGAs/s640/20190217_004819.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
And that's a wrap of the month! See you next time!</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
Marinda Shahahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08331984352649799897noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2458354230328789151.post-8631031213492992752019-01-20T09:08:00.001-08:002019-01-20T09:10:42.468-08:00Sorolla<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">Testing, Testing, 1 2 3... is anybody there??</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">Ahem.</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">It's been two and a half years since I've posted an entry. </span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">I'm feeling a bit giddy to be back...</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">I stopped because life was overwhelming as we were expecting our fourth child and preparing to move back to the states. And honestly sometimes I felt bogged down in blogging. We'd go on a trip and I would take 1000 pictures and then to have to delete, edit, transfer, download, and post them all just got too much. And then I'd get behind and feel compelled to catch up. Leave no photo behind!!!</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">But now that I can automatically upload photos from my phone without having to actually download them to my computer is a DEAL BREAKER. </span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">And I'm not expecting another child.</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">And there is no move in the foreseeable future.</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">And I missed this form of record keeping.</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">And I'm going to scale back on how many photos I take.</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">One thing that turned me away from blogging is that I haven't been able to find a way to make a physical copy of the blog. As in, a book.</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">So, instead I turned to making digital photo books as a way of chronicling our family life. </span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">And I think I successfully made ONE.</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">Can I just say I hate making photo books??</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">So, back to what I know.</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">We are so happy in Spain. I truly enjoy it here. Even in the heart of January I've been able to keep my spirits up. I had seasonal depression in Germany, without a doubt. And winters were so dang long. Spain has a pleasantness about it, even in the dead of winter. Sunshine. Plant life. Nice people. Casa de Campo is beautiful. It doesn't feel like everything dies in the winter... lots of coniferous trees. The clear bright skies are incredibly beautiful and uplifting.</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-zafymrHjXas/XESdySFDr8I/AAAAAAAAEck/cvwOa6-VxMIwXHq4vRtVqHt5UgYWr9yywCKgBGAs/s1600/IMG_20190119_165540_036.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="774" data-original-width="774" height="640" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-zafymrHjXas/XESdySFDr8I/AAAAAAAAEck/cvwOa6-VxMIwXHq4vRtVqHt5UgYWr9yywCKgBGAs/s640/IMG_20190119_165540_036.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Yesterday Ben and I dragged all four kids to the Sorolla Museum, in the heart of Madrid. It's not easy to do on a Saturday. The kids have been in school all week and would much prefer to just hang out at home. And Dad too for that matter. I can't say I blame them so sometimes I give into their desires... and sometimes I put my foot down and drag. I knew nothing about the impressionist artist Joaquin Sorolla until my Spanish tutor/dispenser of knowledge on all things Madrid told me about him and his museum and said we had to go. (Can I just say I adore my tutor Teresa? More about her another day). I got some exposure to his work when I visited a Mediterranean exhibition a couple weeks ago, which was absolutely delightful. His works contain primarily beach scenes with women and children, and he's known for his striking way of capturing sunlight in his art. </span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-bIS179M7LPA/XESdydosv4I/AAAAAAAAEck/OMtlu2Jm_MkJZQCam1j3FJ3xXKGoELXGACKgBGAs/s1600/20190119_133015.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-bIS179M7LPA/XESdydosv4I/AAAAAAAAEck/OMtlu2Jm_MkJZQCam1j3FJ3xXKGoELXGACKgBGAs/s640/20190119_133015.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">These are Sorolla's gardens. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">The museum, which was his former home, was amazing and I didn't take a single photo because I had to be on my kids like a hawk. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">I swear I could hear the collective sigh of relief from the staff when we finally left.</span></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-74y5NKPR2v4/XESdycLL7HI/AAAAAAAAEck/PuzdS6B2WEoWDtVXSQamFg8snyYQc5XqwCKgBGAs/s1600/20190119_132814.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-74y5NKPR2v4/XESdycLL7HI/AAAAAAAAEck/PuzdS6B2WEoWDtVXSQamFg8snyYQc5XqwCKgBGAs/s640/20190119_132814.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-CrH-B4c29v0/XESdybgVTgI/AAAAAAAAEck/BEs6U8Eb8LUXdXBPMxQvz16J9HyhhPjhgCKgBGAs/s1600/20190119_132717.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-CrH-B4c29v0/XESdybgVTgI/AAAAAAAAEck/BEs6U8Eb8LUXdXBPMxQvz16J9HyhhPjhgCKgBGAs/s640/20190119_132717.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">But it's somewhere I could see myself visiting again and again. Without children, perhaps. </span></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Ye_zl_ITJoU/XESdyRknNUI/AAAAAAAAEck/1EEQfLrSzBg13jp2l44wjeuXwJdqo4oTQCKgBGAs/s1600/20190119_133019.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Ye_zl_ITJoU/XESdyRknNUI/AAAAAAAAEck/1EEQfLrSzBg13jp2l44wjeuXwJdqo4oTQCKgBGAs/s640/20190119_133019.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />Marinda Shahahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08331984352649799897noreply@blogger.com0