IN LOVING MEMORY

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Chloe Hazel Blevins

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Our hearts ache for our dear friends, Ethan and Katrina, whose little angel passed away yesterday, unexpectedly. We know her sweet spirit is very much alive with her Father in Heaven.

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*Even if you don't know them, would you mind
sending a little prayer of comfort their way?

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BEDBUGGS

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Meet Krista.

She is an old friend of mine who has started up her own Etsy Shop.
http://www.etsy.com/shop/bedbuggs.
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I like her cute ideas, so I am passing them on to you. Wouldn't these make the cutest gifts? {sneak peek below} If you like what you see, leave a friendly comment on her blog , buy something fun, and help support her new business!
http://jacobkristaflamm.blogspot.com/
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She makes:
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Hairbows
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Hats {love the brim!}

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And my favorite--her own original invention:

BedBuggs!

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These hot/cold rice packs come with a removable, washable flannel cover (like a pillow sham). They can be zapped in the mircrowave, or placed in the freezer depending upon on your needs. .

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Just a few of the options. {scarab beetle}
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More to choose from on her site. {bee}

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GINGERBREAD

The 2nd Annual Gingerbread house building get-together was a success...well, I guess depending upon what you consider to be the meaning of success. This is Andrew's gingerbread box with gumdrops. After several vigorous tests, Andrew proclaimed it to be earthquake proof.

After more experiments with flying remote controls, Andrew concluded that his structure was NOT however, airplane crash proof.

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Jared thought his was #1 though.

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Amanda's cute pregnant self built an impressive 2-story mansion.

I was mostly proud of my chimney. And the snowman.

The only things missing from the evening were our Hayashi and Blevin friends. We miss you guys. =(

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I PROMISE...

This is the very, final post about Washington. I just had to share a few random happenings from our vacay.

On a dirt road drive near Palmer Lake, we happened upon the coolest, oldest wood building ever. (the little red sign may or may not say 'No Trespassing')

Inside were the coolest old beams wrapped with vines that had worked their way through the walls.


All I could think about was what an awesome setting it would be to take portraits. When I mentioned it to Andrew he snapped one for me. =)

Once again, I was this close to the border and couldn't get across. I had forgotten my birth certificate. Who cares about Canada, anyway? =(

Later, we were here...

(Can you say GORGEOUS?)

...when I almost died.

After pausing to take a picture of my predicament, Andrew risked everything to save me. My hero.

After Andrew graduates, we plan on moving here. Anyone care to join us? We'll have plenty of room.

Apparently, apples is to Washington as potatoes is to Idaho. We passed THOUSANDS of these apple picking boxes stacked in rows, patiently waiting for fall.

This is a bush that made me very happy, because it reminded me of Christmas.

Have I mentioned that Washington is gorgeous?

Look who we got to sit by on the drive there and back! No one could keep her entertained and happy quite like Andrew.

We stopped in a little touristy town that reminded us of West Yellowstone or a mini Jackson Hole. Very cute place to walk around.

Well, darn. Now you know all about my whorish, beer drinking ways.

It just seemed right to be holding drippy ice cream cones in such a quaint, happy place.

So we did.

MEANWHILE, BACK AT THE LAKE...

Friends and family are enjoying a relaxing, peaceful day in the sun: swimming, splashing, and playing on the water toys. When suddenly...

...Everyone gangs up and decides that Bodey needs to be shoved from the tramp.

A few brave souls make the first tentative moves!

But to no avail! Bodey is much too powerful for their compounded strength!

But then, what is this?

His attackers lash out with a combined ferocity that can not be matched...even by Bodey's massive fortitude!

His enemies celebrate their triumph!

And scorn him from their stronghold.

But the struggle is soon forgotten. All are too worn out and sun burnt.

And besides, Bodey is a pretty cool guy to have around.

18 REASONS WHY YOU SHOULD BE JEALOUS OF US

1.) Our friends invited us to vacation with them in Washington at their parent's house on Lake Palmer.

2.) The deck was larger than the square footage of our home...

3.) And it provided us with views such as this...

4.) We enjoyed a private dock and beach...

5.) From which deer drank from the lake in the mornings.

6.) We played with toys such as these...

7.) And took countless rides on just about the only boat on the lake.
{Amanda and Ashlyn}



8. And got in some sweet wake-boarding time
{Andrew jumping}



9.) All while Osprey hunted for fish nearby

10.) We plucked and ate peaches whenever we felt like it...


...Directly off from the beach.

11.) We got to hang out with all these cool people.



12.) The guys went out fishing early every morning



13.)...And caught LOTS of them to clean on the beach and smoke for dinners.
{Wyatt and Cody}



14.) From our bedroom window, I watched a bald eagle dive and snatch a fish out the water! I caught up with it later to snap this picture.

15.) We were constantly entertained by this rambunctious little one

16.) On a drive above the lake, wild rams let us get super close.

17.) Our friend's aunt brought her harp to the lake. As humorous as that sounds, the background music was sure pretty to match the scenery. =)

18.) The reason I look so happy and relaxed in this picture is because...I AM. Unforgettable vacation.

Are you jealous yet? =)