tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-90910662432148273602024-03-13T11:47:00.064-07:00The SmithsAll Things Fridge-Door WorthyThe Smith's Fridge Doorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02382847533369616755noreply@blogger.comBlogger211125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9091066243214827360.post-79051946690803993322012-09-14T12:24:00.000-07:002012-09-14T12:24:14.149-07:00Christmas Cards!I know that Christmas is still nearly 3 months away, but I was really excited to share these adorable Christmas cards that I got for free from Shutterfly.com!! I LOVE their website and storing all of my photos on it, and all of my orders come out flawless. :)<br />
<br />
<div class="sflyProductPreviewWidget" style="height: 494px; width: 425px;">
<div class="sflyProductPreviewWidgetTop" style="background-image: url(http://cdn.staticsfly.com/img_/share/preview/msc/widget/top.gif); height: 6px;">
</div>
<div class="sflyProductPreviewWidgetCenter" style="background-image: url(http://cdn.staticsfly.com/img_/share/preview/msc/widget/bg.gif); background-repeat: repeat-y; height: 482px; padding: 0 6px 0 6px;">
<div class="sflyProductPreviewLogo" style="height: 34px; padding: 14px 0 0 14px; width: 105px;">
<img src="http://cdn.staticsfly.com/img_/share/preview/msc/widget/logo.gif" style="background: #ffffff; border: none; box-shadow: none; padding: 0;" /></div>
<div class="sflyProductPreviewContainer" style="height: 350px; padding: 0; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://share.shutterfly.com/action/welcome?sid=9AcNWTRk0av_A&cid=SFLYOCWIDGET&eid=118"><img src="http://images-community.shutterfly.com/prs/v1/9AcNWTRk0as/9AcNWTRk0as7C/p/67b0de21b3127d902548/JPEG/1347650419000/0/" style="background: #ffffff; border: none; box-shadow: none; padding: 0;" /></a></div>
<div class="sflyProductPreviewMessageContainer" style="background-color: #f4f4e9; height: 55px; line-height: 19px; padding: 15px 0 15px 0; text-align: center;">
<div class="sflyProductPreviewTitle" style="color: #333333; font-family: arial, sans-seris; font-size: 15px; font-weight: bold;">
<span>Stationery card</span></div>
<div class="sflyProductPreviewViewCollection" style="color: #333333; font-family: arial, sans-seris; font-size: 13px;">
<span>View the entire <a href="http://www.shutterfly.com/cards-stationery" style="color: #6666cc;">collection</a> of cards.</span></div>
</div>
</div>
<div class="sflyProductPreviewWidgetBottom" style="background-image: url(http://cdn.staticsfly.com/img_/share/preview/msc/widget/bottom.gif); height: 6px;">
</div>
</div>
The Smith's Fridge Doorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02382847533369616755noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9091066243214827360.post-245145280819794592012-09-08T22:22:00.000-07:002012-09-08T23:15:04.016-07:00Our Adoption Part 2: Bringing Amelia Home<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
After waiting in Salt Lake City for our paperwork to be approved to be able to cross state lines, we were able to board our flight back home to Los Angeles when Amelia was 6-days-old. We were a little worried before our flight, but she was such a doll and slept the entire flight without a single incident and everyone couldn't help but admire how adorable she was. It was so wonderful to be able to get back home to our apartment and adjust to being a family together. :) We worked through those <strike>exhausting</strike> amazing sleepless nights with our little Cricket chirping away through the midnight hours and it was fun to see the cats try to adjust to this new little being in the house. I also spent many, many hours just gazing at this amazing little baby who I felt so happy and proud to call my child.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-3kHb5eZsfgE/UEVZ9T_TQUI/AAAAAAAAC1E/1rtlCz-9c2A/s1600/134.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="239" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-3kHb5eZsfgE/UEVZ9T_TQUI/AAAAAAAAC1E/1rtlCz-9c2A/s320/134.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sadie trying to decided what to do about Amelia</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-tde4aVjuZz8/UEVaFB6-hAI/AAAAAAAAC1M/7QCi2bjcSOA/s1600/156.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-tde4aVjuZz8/UEVaFB6-hAI/AAAAAAAAC1M/7QCi2bjcSOA/s320/156.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Precious little moments with my sweet baby girl</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Twnn1uOZhGA/UEVaK3XJRpI/AAAAAAAAC1U/dOooDhHvTjw/s1600/191.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Twnn1uOZhGA/UEVaK3XJRpI/AAAAAAAAC1U/dOooDhHvTjw/s320/191.JPG" width="239" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I love how this little babe sprawls out while she sleeps</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="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-UOEMkyud5rI/UEVaPq9o-iI/AAAAAAAAC1c/ITwfaDZ0Mt0/s1600/187.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-UOEMkyud5rI/UEVaPq9o-iI/AAAAAAAAC1c/ITwfaDZ0Mt0/s320/187.JPG" width="239" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Amelia May's first bath. Her umbilical stump fell off at 10 days, so she got to take a bath before she was even 2 weeks old!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-hzdHVmPY8SI/UEVaUfMkvJI/AAAAAAAAC1o/SZAne1UbKS0/s1600/211.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-hzdHVmPY8SI/UEVaUfMkvJI/AAAAAAAAC1o/SZAne1UbKS0/s320/211.JPG" width="239" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I love this little Cricket!! Always so wide-eyed!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-aB3akxsxjFc/UEVaeT8YNbI/AAAAAAAAC2A/8zZ0M_4nN94/s1600/235.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-aB3akxsxjFc/UEVaeT8YNbI/AAAAAAAAC2A/8zZ0M_4nN94/s320/235.JPG" width="239" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">More bath-time fun! She looks so grumpy, but she actually really loves her baths!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-WYIVD-Mi8PY/UEValu4krUI/AAAAAAAAC2I/dvChn2fy-CE/s1600/252.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-WYIVD-Mi8PY/UEValu4krUI/AAAAAAAAC2I/dvChn2fy-CE/s320/252.JPG" width="239" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Spending time on the Santa Monica Pier</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-b5mDanba128/UEVacBdz-MI/AAAAAAAAC14/dqgZIUF1dts/s1600/224.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-b5mDanba128/UEVacBdz-MI/AAAAAAAAC14/dqgZIUF1dts/s320/224.JPG" width="239" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mesmerized by her mobile</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-1zQ8X659M-c/UEVaYzFD-7I/AAAAAAAAC1w/dYagtETSKEo/s1600/214.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-1zQ8X659M-c/UEVaYzFD-7I/AAAAAAAAC1w/dYagtETSKEo/s320/214.JPG" width="239" /></a></div>
It's so hard to believe that only a few months ago we were praying for this little girl to be in our arms. I know that my Heavenly Father had his hand in making Michael and me parents and now that she is here, I couldn't imagine myself without her beautiful little life as a part of mine. I love her more than I ever could have imagined and I know that everyday will be better than the last.The Smith's Fridge Doorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02382847533369616755noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9091066243214827360.post-26210632708929098962012-08-16T17:11:00.001-07:002012-09-08T23:14:39.920-07:00Our Adoption Part 1 - Meeting our Baby Girl<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
It's amazing how time seems relative to the situation that you are in. I woke up today and realized that Amelia is 3-months-old and it hit me! Her little life has been such a whirlwind of decisions, traveling on airplanes, moving across the country and learning to adjust to a new life in Provo, and I haven't even documented her life here on the blog. Amelia's adoption process seems like such a long time ago when I think about, but when I start to really ponder everything we went through to bring home our own little baby, I realize how substantial every little moment of our adoption was. Well, rather than tell the entire story of how Amelia became our little girl, I just thought I would post a pictorial timeline of our little cricket and give a few captions. We've been through a lot in the past 3+ months, and these pictures don't do justice, but I think they are better than nothing. I'm beyond happy to have this sweet little girl in my life, and I feel so blessed and privileged to be called her mommy. </div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Sqe9ISKyHT8/UC14CMzAWyI/AAAAAAAACxs/g7cQNfqRM74/s1600/049.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Sqe9ISKyHT8/UC14CMzAWyI/AAAAAAAACxs/g7cQNfqRM74/s400/049.JPG" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Preparing for baby! Nursery is almost ready and we are almost ready, as well!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-cAAY5XkCH0M/UC14OHwtwBI/AAAAAAAACyc/s3RUot3H9I8/s1600/028.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-cAAY5XkCH0M/UC14OHwtwBI/AAAAAAAACyc/s3RUot3H9I8/s320/028.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I'm so grateful to my mom for snapping this picture of the Michael and me seeing Amelia for the first time. She was so beautiful and I couldn't help but completely break and down and cry. </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-IgzrFuILry0/UC14YoygBrI/AAAAAAAACys/0Bxc2mv6TcY/s1600/026.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-IgzrFuILry0/UC14YoygBrI/AAAAAAAACys/0Bxc2mv6TcY/s320/026.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Amelia May Smith, born May 16th at 5:18 pm. 7lbs 12oz and 21 inches long. Unfortunately, after she was born, the doctors were afraid that she had a infection and they had to put her on antibiotics and monitor her oxygen levels. </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-POXbvcYU5EI/UC14cKm-uAI/AAAAAAAACy0/1z9qB_Rvd5Y/s1600/031.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-POXbvcYU5EI/UC14cKm-uAI/AAAAAAAACy0/1z9qB_Rvd5Y/s320/031.JPG" width="239" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Holding Amelia for the first time. I couldn't stop crying. Amelia's birth mother and father are amazing and we all sat in the NICU with Amelia for a while and talked.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-YTQDC_T2xQs/UC14hEIjJ7I/AAAAAAAACy8/lfUd4fklIUI/s1600/069.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-YTQDC_T2xQs/UC14hEIjJ7I/AAAAAAAACy8/lfUd4fklIUI/s320/069.JPG" width="239" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Michael holding Amelia for the first time as her father. This was such a special moment after the papers were signed in the hospital.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-8IseA4sVZAA/UC14pNTjG_I/AAAAAAAACzE/BROWw0sFwFo/s1600/074.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="239" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-8IseA4sVZAA/UC14pNTjG_I/AAAAAAAACzE/BROWw0sFwFo/s320/074.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Showing off Amelia May Smith. I didn't stop crying for about 5 days straight. She was born on Wednesday and we were able to take her home on Saturday afternoon. It was such an amazing experience. </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-7sGyCoJauNI/UC14yeaWdMI/AAAAAAAACzM/XNRjJRX0yGU/s1600/065.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-7sGyCoJauNI/UC14yeaWdMI/AAAAAAAACzM/XNRjJRX0yGU/s320/065.JPG" width="239" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I love this little cricket.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-QI6cWPVR6_w/UC141zb7YjI/AAAAAAAACzU/eDifZl9CuSs/s1600/075.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-QI6cWPVR6_w/UC141zb7YjI/AAAAAAAACzU/eDifZl9CuSs/s320/075.JPG" width="239" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Leaving the hospital</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-YMYZFxmcTgY/UC15AAiHQSI/AAAAAAAACzg/Z-QVq9DfIGw/s1600/088.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-YMYZFxmcTgY/UC15AAiHQSI/AAAAAAAACzg/Z-QVq9DfIGw/s320/088.JPG" width="239" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Staying with mom and dad in Provo waiting for our approval to head back home to LA.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-eQVlrG7hSnY/UC15HfyFwaI/AAAAAAAACzo/84lnL0UK_Gw/s1600/110.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-eQVlrG7hSnY/UC15HfyFwaI/AAAAAAAACzo/84lnL0UK_Gw/s320/110.JPG" width="239" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sleepy Smiles.</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-UYfbaOIgFH4/UC15LJkuk5I/AAAAAAAACzw/cRGyLbVpT9c/s1600/103.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="239" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-UYfbaOIgFH4/UC15LJkuk5I/AAAAAAAACzw/cRGyLbVpT9c/s320/103.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">She was so incredibly tiny!! I can't believe how adorably small she was. </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
The Smith's Fridge Doorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02382847533369616755noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9091066243214827360.post-5734594893355360612012-05-28T15:13:00.000-07:002012-09-08T23:14:11.138-07:00So Blessed to be a Mommy...<div style="text-align: center;">
Well, we've had quite the epic past 5 months or so... but it's all been worth it.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I'd like to introduce you all to little miss Amelia May Smith. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-XG0vHebhdjQ/T8P4WDY9wEI/AAAAAAAACu4/qeWpF59Qz-8/s1600/photo.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-XG0vHebhdjQ/T8P4WDY9wEI/AAAAAAAACu4/qeWpF59Qz-8/s320/photo.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
She was born Wednesday, May 16th at 6:18 pm and weighed 7 lbs 12 ounces and was 21 inches long. We couldn't be more in love and we can't believe the journey we've been on. I will spend more time in the coming days filling you all in on our entire journey, but I just wanted everyone to see our little cricket. Our hearts have been filled with eternal love for this little girl and I feel so blessed to be a mommy. This has been 7 years in the making, but it feels right to call her our daughter. We love you so much little Amelia May!! </div>
The Smith's Fridge Doorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02382847533369616755noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9091066243214827360.post-80781433227231032692012-04-15T18:30:00.004-07:002012-04-15T18:41:14.292-07:00Hitting Golf Balls Off A Building<div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-l66UVcjrqdE/T4t3bMwhxyI/AAAAAAAACus/K3pfpsYm7So/s1600/CIMG3467.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-l66UVcjrqdE/T4t3bMwhxyI/AAAAAAAACus/K3pfpsYm7So/s400/CIMG3467.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5731806259924027170" border="0" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Brit, Drew, Mike and Me<br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div>Here in LA there is a driving range on top of a 6 story building downtown. It's really fun to go and hit golf balls off of. We've only been twice and we've been both times with our friends Drew and Brit and we hope to go back again soon! The second time we went, we thought to bring our camera along so that we could take some pictures of the fun we had!<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-pipyF0AxKjA/T4t279vnISI/AAAAAAAACuI/kNQ4dRIKqy4/s1600/CIMG3450.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-pipyF0AxKjA/T4t279vnISI/AAAAAAAACuI/kNQ4dRIKqy4/s400/CIMG3450.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5731805723317707042" border="0" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Brit and Drew were both awesome! I wish I could say the same for me and Mike. I guess we just need a little more practice. :)<br /><br /></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-_aLCbMyR7Yc/T4t27i18GPI/AAAAAAAACt4/w9Tl124oiCs/s1600/CIMG3445.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-_aLCbMyR7Yc/T4t27i18GPI/AAAAAAAACt4/w9Tl124oiCs/s400/CIMG3445.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5731805716096489714" border="0" /></a><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-RCdRQNBKcTE/T4t28VcDm6I/AAAAAAAACuQ/nWc5r78LS1w/s1600/CIMG3452.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-RCdRQNBKcTE/T4t28VcDm6I/AAAAAAAACuQ/nWc5r78LS1w/s400/CIMG3452.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5731805729678138274" border="0" /></a><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ZNQYxZv9iBs/T4t27Q3FQ-I/AAAAAAAACtw/-6Gc5Md-8SI/s1600/CIMG3442.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ZNQYxZv9iBs/T4t27Q3FQ-I/AAAAAAAACtw/-6Gc5Md-8SI/s400/CIMG3442.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5731805711269446626" border="0" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Here's to more practice! <br /></div>The Smith's Fridge Doorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02382847533369616755noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9091066243214827360.post-1392450285533412572012-04-15T18:09:00.005-07:002012-04-15T18:41:25.323-07:00New Year's Eve in Malibu<div style="text-align: center;">For New Year's Eve we were invited to stay the night with some friends who were house-sitting in Malibu. We went along with a few other couples and we had such a great time! <br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;">We enjoyed ourselves eating yummy secret-recipe burgers made by Josh, playing a fun Charades-One Word game, swimming in the pool, watching the Big Apple Ball drop at Midnight while drinking sparking cider, and even a 3am game of Risk. We had such a wonderful New Year's Eve and we even enjoyed some sunshine on the car ride back home. <br /><br />We are so lucky to have such wonderful friends here in LA!!<br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-DsdvbbTj1zQ/T4tzXOcJPfI/AAAAAAAACtY/d8ru2f3bG50/s1600/CIMG3401.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-DsdvbbTj1zQ/T4tzXOcJPfI/AAAAAAAACtY/d8ru2f3bG50/s400/CIMG3401.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5731801793609416178" border="0" /></a></div> <div style="text-align: center;">The Girls won the Charades-One Word Game!! Woot Woot!!<br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Vjl2GptQqWY/T4tzXQgX3zI/AAAAAAAACtg/bVTvXl7Ey34/s1600/CIMG3396.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Vjl2GptQqWY/T4tzXQgX3zI/AAAAAAAACtg/bVTvXl7Ey34/s400/CIMG3396.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5731801794164023090" border="0" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">The Flower Boys. Aren't they cute!?<br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-xomuY6vvWGw/T4tzWqlC7EI/AAAAAAAACtM/zTR-bn4bLPE/s1600/CIMG3408.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-xomuY6vvWGw/T4tzWqlC7EI/AAAAAAAACtM/zTR-bn4bLPE/s400/CIMG3408.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5731801783983074370" border="0" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Waiting for the ball to drop!<br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-FB0MPqxl-v8/T4tzWbPDVeI/AAAAAAAACtA/iNY_K7PKTd8/s1600/CIMG3410.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-FB0MPqxl-v8/T4tzWbPDVeI/AAAAAAAACtA/iNY_K7PKTd8/s400/CIMG3410.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5731801779864294882" border="0" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Austin and Rachel Robinson<br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-IFlrtVEgw6o/T4tzHhkNQBI/AAAAAAAACso/LqjfUeTBcr4/s1600/CIMG3416.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-IFlrtVEgw6o/T4tzHhkNQBI/AAAAAAAACso/LqjfUeTBcr4/s400/CIMG3416.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5731801523865600018" border="0" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Rachel and Heather preparing the Cidar! YUM!<br /><br /></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-4D1j5eYZPiI/T4tzHGDj_iI/AAAAAAAACsY/Zc7EEj6dsSs/s1600/CIMG3424.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-4D1j5eYZPiI/T4tzHGDj_iI/AAAAAAAACsY/Zc7EEj6dsSs/s400/CIMG3424.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5731801516480921122" border="0" /></a><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-pRd0v3uXO2g/T4tzGjdFBkI/AAAAAAAACsQ/abIS7NFVL6U/s1600/CIMG3431.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-pRd0v3uXO2g/T4tzGjdFBkI/AAAAAAAACsQ/abIS7NFVL6U/s400/CIMG3431.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5731801507192702530" border="0" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Happy New Year's with our New Year's Hats on with Heather and Kael Alden<br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-cEjv_8QrPQE/T4tzF6hq1GI/AAAAAAAACsE/j5hXRAJ6Ou8/s1600/CIMG3432.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-cEjv_8QrPQE/T4tzF6hq1GI/AAAAAAAACsE/j5hXRAJ6Ou8/s400/CIMG3432.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5731801496206103650" border="0" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">3am game of Risk<br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-aOUIHZrYPQY/T4tzICUsXJI/AAAAAAAACs0/UAUP5_UUcyE/s1600/CIMG3414.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-aOUIHZrYPQY/T4tzICUsXJI/AAAAAAAACs0/UAUP5_UUcyE/s400/CIMG3414.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5731801532658900114" border="0" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Happy New Year 2012!! We had such a great time! Thanks Sarah and Josh Rivera for inviting us!! We had so much fun!<br /></div>The Smith's Fridge Doorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02382847533369616755noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9091066243214827360.post-70415973495882294542012-04-11T12:42:00.005-07:002012-04-15T18:40:16.747-07:00Christmas in Utah!<div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-yxhQuF9-G7Q/T4XihQ-PlfI/AAAAAAAACr4/TZJbA_lOvZ0/s1600/CIMG3376.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 292px; height: 400px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-yxhQuF9-G7Q/T4XihQ-PlfI/AAAAAAAACr4/TZJbA_lOvZ0/s400/CIMG3376.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5730235162018420210" border="0" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Annual Christmas photo at the Daynes' home<br /></div><br />This past Christmas Michael and I were able to drive out to Utah with some of our friends here in LA since our parents both live in Provo. It was really nice to take the 11-hour drive and be able to sit back and relax the entire time (thanks Kael for driving) and we even made some great stops along the way at the outlet mall and a yummy Greek restaurant. Once we got to Utah we spent some really exciting days with both my family and Mike's. Our agenda included my family's annual Christmas Fondue Dinner, Christmas Eve at Michael's sister's home, some wonderful, but very sad visits with Michael father in the hospital, and breakfast at Joe's in Provo before we headed back home. Unfortunately, we didn't get many pictures, but we still have a wonderful Christmas Vacation, nonetheless.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;">My super-duper adorable niece, Emily.<br /></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9qRdiAVqAY0/T4Xg1norhtI/AAAAAAAACrQ/bCi0RGki8UY/s1600/CIMG3392.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9qRdiAVqAY0/T4Xg1norhtI/AAAAAAAACrQ/bCi0RGki8UY/s400/CIMG3392.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5730233312676120274" border="0" /></a><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-d_YAZF2UGxY/T4XhlIvbQQI/AAAAAAAACrg/mZVjwEGBHgw/s1600/CIMG3390.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-d_YAZF2UGxY/T4XhlIvbQQI/AAAAAAAACrg/mZVjwEGBHgw/s400/CIMG3390.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5730234129016635650" border="0" /></a>The Smith's Fridge Doorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02382847533369616755noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9091066243214827360.post-7138123067447995552012-04-10T20:53:00.005-07:002012-04-15T18:39:55.935-07:00Michael's Trip to Egypt<div style="text-align: center;"><span style="text-decoration: underline;"></span>Last October Michael had the opportunity to take a trip to Cairo, Egypt with some of his classmates to research housing. Although he left me behind in LA to take a quick 6 day "vacation" without me, at least he took pictures galore! Be prepared for LOTS and LOTS of them!<br /><br />dinner in the desert<br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-JEo9qdX602I/T4UJfzHe1eI/AAAAAAAACqY/OXRFM1hAcKU/s1600/CIMG3304.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-JEo9qdX602I/T4UJfzHe1eI/AAAAAAAACqY/OXRFM1hAcKU/s400/CIMG3304.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5729996542801008098" border="0" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"> view of a pyramid<br /></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-uzlLiZUMThw/T4UJfflkNoI/AAAAAAAACqI/kHNOtm2v0J8/s1600/CIMG3230.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-uzlLiZUMThw/T4UJfflkNoI/AAAAAAAACqI/kHNOtm2v0J8/s400/CIMG3230.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5729996537558480514" border="0" /></a><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-mSP96W-EuhE/T4UJfAziwJI/AAAAAAAACp8/rw-znjrQW4M/s1600/CIMG3224.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-mSP96W-EuhE/T4UJfAziwJI/AAAAAAAACp8/rw-znjrQW4M/s400/CIMG3224.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5729996529295605906" border="0" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">this picture looks photoshopped!<br /></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-2tsi03rJBVo/T4UJeyJg-xI/AAAAAAAACp0/IRdwU-0R7D0/s1600/CIMG3219.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-2tsi03rJBVo/T4UJeyJg-xI/AAAAAAAACp0/IRdwU-0R7D0/s400/CIMG3219.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5729996525361232658" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-QZArbFyei64/T4UJgEaygwI/AAAAAAAACqk/3vYY1DchDOE/s1600/CIMG3305.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-QZArbFyei64/T4UJgEaygwI/AAAAAAAACqk/3vYY1DchDOE/s400/CIMG3305.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5729996547445392130" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-fyOGqvWozjY/T4UJRVZndnI/AAAAAAAACpY/UnA2WY1EcMA/s1600/CIMG3190.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-fyOGqvWozjY/T4UJRVZndnI/AAAAAAAACpY/UnA2WY1EcMA/s400/CIMG3190.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5729996294305838706" border="0" /></a><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-GrYp8RPi7oQ/T4UJRM3RI4I/AAAAAAAACpM/1zxXr5w3cyw/s1600/CIMG3184.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-GrYp8RPi7oQ/T4UJRM3RI4I/AAAAAAAACpM/1zxXr5w3cyw/s400/CIMG3184.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5729996292014285698" border="0" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">the tourists<br /></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Xyzi9rURAt0/T4UJQ-POe0I/AAAAAAAACpA/8tz8N2jPrYo/s1600/CIMG3179.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Xyzi9rURAt0/T4UJQ-POe0I/AAAAAAAACpA/8tz8N2jPrYo/s400/CIMG3179.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5729996288088243010" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-CBpE9w4TWPM/T4UJQoqIlEI/AAAAAAAACo4/WFa6D29gkEA/s1600/CIMG3178.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-CBpE9w4TWPM/T4UJQoqIlEI/AAAAAAAACo4/WFa6D29gkEA/s400/CIMG3178.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5729996282295522370" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-c4L90y-0vu8/T4UJR8rP89I/AAAAAAAACpk/QBrc98DiOHU/s1600/CIMG3202.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-c4L90y-0vu8/T4UJR8rP89I/AAAAAAAACpk/QBrc98DiOHU/s400/CIMG3202.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5729996304848778194" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-WiYjkMWTho4/T4UJB5HqiQI/AAAAAAAACoc/vwaqGSDa8j4/s1600/CIMG3119.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-WiYjkMWTho4/T4UJB5HqiQI/AAAAAAAACoc/vwaqGSDa8j4/s400/CIMG3119.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5729996029016312066" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-3n_-yQWOGtk/T4UJBq-Q4KI/AAAAAAAACoQ/ECJypo-anhA/s1600/CIMG3118.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-3n_-yQWOGtk/T4UJBq-Q4KI/AAAAAAAACoQ/ECJypo-anhA/s400/CIMG3118.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5729996025218785442" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-iFoYMGXcMI4/T4UJBOUOHAI/AAAAAAAACoE/WBvwOeCInbI/s1600/CIMG3110.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-iFoYMGXcMI4/T4UJBOUOHAI/AAAAAAAACoE/WBvwOeCInbI/s400/CIMG3110.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5729996017526250498" border="0" /></a><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Dyo9kddSNko/T4UJA7CKIAI/AAAAAAAACn8/Mi9U7QvD2ZU/s1600/CIMG3004.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Dyo9kddSNko/T4UJA7CKIAI/AAAAAAAACn8/Mi9U7QvD2ZU/s400/CIMG3004.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5729996012350218242" border="0" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">the Arabian horse was biting Michael<br /></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Kal-NFQC06c/T4UJCDhVCnI/AAAAAAAACos/UQv31gg2GQo/s1600/CIMG3156.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Kal-NFQC06c/T4UJCDhVCnI/AAAAAAAACos/UQv31gg2GQo/s400/CIMG3156.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5729996031808309874" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-J_1ICAHcY1E/T4UIoO0TwNI/AAAAAAAACnk/2pAFL4WgFc0/s1600/CIMG2983.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-J_1ICAHcY1E/T4UIoO0TwNI/AAAAAAAACnk/2pAFL4WgFc0/s400/CIMG2983.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5729995588164108498" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-sIdaiaxsjPA/T4UInkBFF1I/AAAAAAAACnY/DmXOfyGBq9E/s1600/CIMG2979.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-sIdaiaxsjPA/T4UInkBFF1I/AAAAAAAACnY/DmXOfyGBq9E/s400/CIMG2979.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5729995576674948946" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-vub4TDejAAM/T4UInDVHRuI/AAAAAAAACnM/u1Pwe6FaxPU/s1600/CIMG2966.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-vub4TDejAAM/T4UInDVHRuI/AAAAAAAACnM/u1Pwe6FaxPU/s400/CIMG2966.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5729995567900608226" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-zsYVn3ANzsc/T4UImgxn5DI/AAAAAAAACnA/gWMRfVjej5o/s1600/.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 291px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-zsYVn3ANzsc/T4UImgxn5DI/AAAAAAAACnA/gWMRfVjej5o/s400/.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5729995558624945202" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-wOVriAKlhKQ/T4UIolcl45I/AAAAAAAACns/rtCMCqldu_E/s1600/CIMG3001.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-wOVriAKlhKQ/T4UIolcl45I/AAAAAAAACns/rtCMCqldu_E/s400/CIMG3001.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5729995594238649234" border="0" /></a><br />I'm pretty jealous that Michael went on this amazing trip without me, but I can't wait for all the great trips we will be able to go on once he is finally finished with school in June. We have so much to look forward to!The Smith's Fridge Doorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02382847533369616755noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9091066243214827360.post-56996729921662510142012-03-27T23:02:00.002-07:002012-03-27T23:04:41.961-07:00Better Late than Never!!It's been too long since I've blogged, and let's just say I've had my fair share of blogging withdrawels over the past 4 months. The good news is, the computer and picture loading problems have been solved, so expect a recap of what the Smiths have been up to for the past few months in many, many, many posts to come!<br /><br />Stay Tuned!The Smith's Fridge Doorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02382847533369616755noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9091066243214827360.post-24506386590661737632011-11-26T17:35:00.000-08:002012-04-15T18:39:00.146-07:00"Happy 30th Birthday!" "To ME?" "Yes, to you!"<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-mvhjfspsJCs/TtGUd3evgBI/AAAAAAAACkA/HYs7Q4Z1t1c/s1600/310403_2339995453225_1050081990_2711202_1149723397_n.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5679483845920915474" border="0" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-mvhjfspsJCs/TtGUd3evgBI/AAAAAAAACkA/HYs7Q4Z1t1c/s400/310403_2339995453225_1050081990_2711202_1149723397_n.jpg" /></a><br /><br /><div align="center">That's right! I just joined the 30+ club. This is going to be my year, do you hear me?!? :)</div>The Smith's Fridge Doorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02382847533369616755noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9091066243214827360.post-26875150355135008042011-11-26T17:07:00.000-08:002011-11-26T17:35:26.093-08:002nd Annual Yosemite Trip<div align="center"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-1SpPBE4JBRE/TtGPSx02U1I/AAAAAAAACj0/ArVRZOk2smY/s1600/328416_10150347243268826_558688825_8086058_1442629393_o.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 267px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5679478157866324818" border="0" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-1SpPBE4JBRE/TtGPSx02U1I/AAAAAAAACj0/ArVRZOk2smY/s400/328416_10150347243268826_558688825_8086058_1442629393_o.jpg" /></a></div><br /><div align="center">Matt and Ashley Marriano, Kael and Heather Alden, Sarah and Josh Rivera, Austin and Rachel Robinson and Mike and me! Such a great photo op. </div><br /><br /><div align="center">In the Fall of 2010 Michael and I had the chance to go to Yosemite National Park with the Robinsons. It was so much fun and you can read all about it <a href="http://smithfridgedoor.blogspot.com/2010/08/yosemite-national-park.html">here</a>. Well, this year at the end of September, thanks to the thinking and planning of some really great friends, we were able to go again and this time we had lots more people to enjoy the trip with!! I love Yosemite and I can't believe how amazingly gorgeous it is. I wish it were just a little bit closer so that we could go more often. </div><br /><br /><div align="center">The weekend trip consisted of a 9 mile hike up to the top (and edge) of North Dome, some AMAZING meals planned and cooked by the Riveras, some yummy 'smores roasted over some much needed warm fires, and two fun car rides back and forth from LA to Yosemite. <a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-pWOr0GMPQ2U/TtGPSotTSuI/AAAAAAAACjo/ps-B3PsJwIs/s1600/329668_10150347248418826_558688825_8086095_58688335_o.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 267px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5679478155418749666" border="0" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-pWOr0GMPQ2U/TtGPSotTSuI/AAAAAAAACjo/ps-B3PsJwIs/s400/329668_10150347248418826_558688825_8086095_58688335_o.jpg" /></a>Heather and I walking along the edge of North Dome<br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-MVBmcweiwsw/TtGPRxLNLXI/AAAAAAAACjc/3M4LW8ETi94/s1600/331392_10150347251898826_558688825_8086123_176712728_o.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 267px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5679478140511792498" border="0" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-MVBmcweiwsw/TtGPRxLNLXI/AAAAAAAACjc/3M4LW8ETi94/s400/331392_10150347251898826_558688825_8086123_176712728_o.jpg" /></a> walking along the edge of North Dome<br /><br /><div><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-8PxP2W8gefo/TtGPRqI77VI/AAAAAAAACjM/AepQgY8yQ7o/s1600/331697_10150347258703826_558688825_8086188_545006491_o.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 267px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5679478138623225170" border="0" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-8PxP2W8gefo/TtGPRqI77VI/AAAAAAAACjM/AepQgY8yQ7o/s400/331697_10150347258703826_558688825_8086188_545006491_o.jpg" /></a> The girls sitting at Glacier Point<br /><br /><div><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-V6NexgqIbgA/TtGPRtzPsOI/AAAAAAAACjE/WZU-TMZXqPA/s1600/340750_10150347261178826_558688825_8086203_219945690_o.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 267px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5679478139605987554" border="0" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-V6NexgqIbgA/TtGPRtzPsOI/AAAAAAAACjE/WZU-TMZXqPA/s400/340750_10150347261178826_558688825_8086203_219945690_o.jpg" /></a> We hope that we can make this a tradition and go back again next year for a 3rd Annual Yosemite Trip :) </div><br /><div></div><br /><div>And Thanks Kael for taking such amazing pictures! </div></div><br /></div>The Smith's Fridge Doorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02382847533369616755noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9091066243214827360.post-2032273246663287252011-11-15T20:11:00.000-08:002011-11-16T12:52:42.640-08:00Another AWESOME Blog!!So many style and design blogs out there, but every once in a while a REALLY GREAT one comes along. I want to rant and rave about a new Style Blog that's been launched recently by my friend Paige Cordon, who I have to say, has the most amazing style and it always looks so effortless. :) And what's even better than a great style blog? A great style blog with a GIVEAWAY! So, check out<a href="http://whatmodernmomswear.blogspot.com/"></a> <a href="http://whatmodernmomswear.blogspot.com/2011/11/giveaway.html">http://whatmodernmomswear.blogspot.com/2011/11/giveaway.html</a> and enter yourself in a giveaway and also read up on some truly wonderful style advice. :)<br /><br />Enjoy.The Smith's Fridge Doorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02382847533369616755noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9091066243214827360.post-65893914267683141462011-11-04T22:53:00.000-07:002011-11-16T12:56:41.688-08:00Obsessed!<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-LtJxlgo-fXg/TrTQFFJHV4I/AAAAAAAACig/l1KQzEoFhOA/s1600/103887711_GXy6udA7_b.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 192px; height: 256px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-LtJxlgo-fXg/TrTQFFJHV4I/AAAAAAAACig/l1KQzEoFhOA/s400/103887711_GXy6udA7_b.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5671386616464627586" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-fRFBcGtDvQo/TrTQFIP8nLI/AAAAAAAACiY/4Ad5TkWsqRw/s1600/102218049_qeKBhFMa_c.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 400px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-fRFBcGtDvQo/TrTQFIP8nLI/AAAAAAAACiY/4Ad5TkWsqRw/s400/102218049_qeKBhFMa_c.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5671386617298590898" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-LG_ChdtUmxU/TrTQFQ7Iu8I/AAAAAAAACiw/Rf7eC3MufMA/s1600/239077991_DylhOFsR_b.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 191px; height: 370px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-LG_ChdtUmxU/TrTQFQ7Iu8I/AAAAAAAACiw/Rf7eC3MufMA/s400/239077991_DylhOFsR_b.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5671386619627224002" border="0" /></a><br />Oh, dear me. I am obsessed with these boots. I think a pair in green or turquoise would simply make any rainy day bright. :)The Smith's Fridge Doorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02382847533369616755noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9091066243214827360.post-28489106434477032992011-10-25T23:31:00.000-07:002011-11-16T12:52:42.640-08:00Mighty Fine Design!It may not be a surprise, but I absolutely LOVE design. I also have to say that thanks to Pinterest, I've lost many more hours each week "pinning" all of those great designs that I see. Well, a friend of a friend launched a great new design blog called The Rustic Alley. Allison is truly talented and it as quickly become one of my favorite blogs to stalk. You should check it out. Oh, and while you're at it, check out the AWESOME giveaway she has going this week. I know I want a 3 day, 2 night stay in a great condo in Tahoe. How about you?<br /><br /><a href="http://therusticalley.blogspot.com/2011/10/need-trip-win-ck-condos-giveaway.html">http://therusticalley.blogspot.com/2011/10/need-trip-win-ck-condos-giveaway.html</a>The Smith's Fridge Doorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02382847533369616755noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9091066243214827360.post-70179906042587491012011-10-08T12:17:00.000-07:002011-11-16T12:54:10.853-08:00Final Weekly Wrap-up In Pictures: Week 8<div style="text-align: center;">Monday - Praying at the center of the earth<br /></div><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-TPsPAcX9coc/TpCi_CoooqI/AAAAAAAACb8/9QpKj8D79aA/s1600/CIMG2367.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-TPsPAcX9coc/TpCi_CoooqI/AAAAAAAACb8/9QpKj8D79aA/s400/CIMG2367.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5661203935527477922" border="0" /></a><br /><div style="text-align: center;">Tuesday - Michael at the Forbidden City<br /></div><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-le7Mc2ACVVk/TpCi-8DXhjI/AAAAAAAACb0/jhASUEp9bO0/s1600/CIMG2606.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-le7Mc2ACVVk/TpCi-8DXhjI/AAAAAAAACb0/jhASUEp9bO0/s400/CIMG2606.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5661203933760554546" border="0" /></a><br /><div style="text-align: center;">Wednesday - Smoking over my food? Why thank you.<br /></div><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Ij8BetkykOM/TpCi-ku2ImI/AAAAAAAACbs/Fkv-EKgjbRs/s1600/CIMG2784.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Ij8BetkykOM/TpCi-ku2ImI/AAAAAAAACbs/Fkv-EKgjbRs/s400/CIMG2784.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5661203927500464738" border="0" /></a><br />Thursday - Shopkeeper<br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-N4p6rXLSMEg/TpCi_3dKsvI/AAAAAAAACcM/8Cv5N7wZAIk/s1600/CIMG2736.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-N4p6rXLSMEg/TpCi_3dKsvI/AAAAAAAACcM/8Cv5N7wZAIk/s400/CIMG2736.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5661203949706457842" border="0" /></a><br /><div style="text-align: center;">Friday - An original Chinese garden entrance<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-bnJ3m4VoASI/TpCi_meZm_I/AAAAAAAACcE/gtPMiscQz7Y/s1600/CIMG2739.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-bnJ3m4VoASI/TpCi_meZm_I/AAAAAAAACcE/gtPMiscQz7Y/s400/CIMG2739.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5661203945148226546" border="0" /></a>Well, I had an amazing summer that I will NEVER FORGOT!! I'm so happy that I was able to document all of our adventures and blog about them, even if it is mainly for myself. Thanks for reading along. And if you ever have a chance to go to China? GO!! It will change your life!!!<br /></div>The Smith's Fridge Doorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02382847533369616755noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9091066243214827360.post-90651010445689837582011-10-08T11:37:00.000-07:002011-11-16T12:57:12.542-08:00Wangfujing Market and FRIED SCORPION!!!<div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-g_xbBJJOGDk/TpCgSDnLfPI/AAAAAAAACa0/zBcSTmPs-bI/s1600/CIMG2773.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-g_xbBJJOGDk/TpCgSDnLfPI/AAAAAAAACa0/zBcSTmPs-bI/s400/CIMG2773.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5661200963672440050" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/--o_14FvfyI8/TpCgTOwpFiI/AAAAAAAACbU/Njwq5p2xU7o/s1600/CIMG2794.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/--o_14FvfyI8/TpCgTOwpFiI/AAAAAAAACbU/Njwq5p2xU7o/s400/CIMG2794.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5661200983844787746" border="0" /></a>Yes, I ate a fried scorpion. I decided when I got to China that I was going to eat something outrageous and not long after, I decided that it was going to be a fried scorpion. Lucky for me, when my parents came to Beijing my dad decided that he was going to eat a fried scorpion as well. I had heard a lot about the Wangfujing market and I knew that it would be the PERFECT place to eat my fried scorpion because they fry pretty much EVERYTHING there from scorpion to rattlesnake to seahorse.<br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-qdSP_kuRx4E/TpCgSe_BCKI/AAAAAAAACa8/tieU3VgXtpA/s1600/CIMG2771.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-qdSP_kuRx4E/TpCgSe_BCKI/AAAAAAAACa8/tieU3VgXtpA/s400/CIMG2771.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5661200971020175522" border="0" /></a><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-oLRDW-htKzw/TpCgSmcfKTI/AAAAAAAACbE/4MsyexhuMKc/s1600/CIMG2775.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-oLRDW-htKzw/TpCgSmcfKTI/AAAAAAAACbE/4MsyexhuMKc/s400/CIMG2775.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5661200973022832946" border="0" /></a><br />We started out by trying a few "normal" things like seasoned lamb on a stick and some strange fried seafood, then my dad and I decided we were ready.<br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ibYtlVqkobg/TpCgS4Ji_TI/AAAAAAAACbM/A9qplTW6Fp8/s1600/CIMG2791.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ibYtlVqkobg/TpCgS4Ji_TI/AAAAAAAACbM/A9qplTW6Fp8/s400/CIMG2791.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5661200977775230258" border="0" /></a><br />I got some great pics of him eating his fried friend, but sadly there was a camera malfunction and I didn't get mine on camera. My dad offered to buy another one so I could eat it on camera, but there was NOTHING that could get me to do that EVER AGAIN. It tasted just like it sounds in case you are wondering...<br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-M18iIaCFQno/TpChOkDYtrI/AAAAAAAACbc/JlFeXGfRV9A/s1600/CIMG2782.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-M18iIaCFQno/TpChOkDYtrI/AAAAAAAACbc/JlFeXGfRV9A/s400/CIMG2782.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5661202003172832946" border="0" /></a>We decided to finish off with some candied fruit which was AWESOME and really took that gritty taste out of my mouth.<br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-zfvYdUAB5nw/TpChPGSZUSI/AAAAAAAACbk/XbZ6oxYLIX8/s1600/CIMG2796.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-zfvYdUAB5nw/TpChPGSZUSI/AAAAAAAACbk/XbZ6oxYLIX8/s400/CIMG2796.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5661202012362592546" border="0" /></a>Over all, I'm glad I did it, but I would never do it again. :)<br /></div>The Smith's Fridge Doorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02382847533369616755noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9091066243214827360.post-69848028577916133762011-10-08T11:20:00.000-07:002011-11-16T12:54:10.854-08:00The Forbidden City<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-en1VFI82Mns/TpCVix6CqlI/AAAAAAAACaM/nt5Vo8rNglQ/s1600/CIMG2577.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-en1VFI82Mns/TpCVix6CqlI/AAAAAAAACaM/nt5Vo8rNglQ/s400/CIMG2577.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5661189156349586002" border="0" /></a>Michael and I never really got the chance to visit the Forbidden City until my parents came into town. It was amazing, but unfortunately the weather was not in our favor. It would have been even more impressive I'm sure if it had also been a beautiful day outside. The Forbidden City was actually forbidden to anyone outside of the royal family and his servants. It is unbelievable how HUGE the forbidden city was!! We walked the entire length of it from south to north and wondered if it would ever end!<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;">My parents inside of one of the squares. There were about 5 total.<br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Ebm13bwmB5M/TpCVimk37II/AAAAAAAACaE/nBMfm_nsI9k/s1600/CIMG2573.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Ebm13bwmB5M/TpCVimk37II/AAAAAAAACaE/nBMfm_nsI9k/s400/CIMG2573.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5661189153308011650" border="0" /></a>Michael and I at the entrance.<br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-T4wFrYBMvVU/TpCVie8zmnI/AAAAAAAACZ8/wKN-q6yKzow/s1600/CIMG2572.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-T4wFrYBMvVU/TpCVie8zmnI/AAAAAAAACZ8/wKN-q6yKzow/s400/CIMG2572.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5661189151260908146" border="0" /></a>Just outside Qianmen Gate.<br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-QPy7tb99l5c/TpCViE-ZpoI/AAAAAAAACZ0/vaBP8Ra1wVM/s1600/CIMG2562.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-QPy7tb99l5c/TpCViE-ZpoI/AAAAAAAACZ0/vaBP8Ra1wVM/s400/CIMG2562.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5661189144288274050" border="0" /></a>Another one of the huge Forbidden City Squares.<br /></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-HhXWI0uZz0o/TpCVjCh_u9I/AAAAAAAACaU/qcKuOnjxeh8/s1600/CIMG2582.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-HhXWI0uZz0o/TpCVjCh_u9I/AAAAAAAACaU/qcKuOnjxeh8/s400/CIMG2582.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5661189160812133330" border="0" /></a>At the North Entrance to the Forbidden City, where we exited from, had an amazing Chinese garden and was really neat to see. It was packed, so we could hardly get a good picture, though...<br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-4YJmqUyUBSs/TpCXp4rwOQI/AAAAAAAACak/V7rI_LI--Fs/s1600/CIMG2611.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-4YJmqUyUBSs/TpCXp4rwOQI/AAAAAAAACak/V7rI_LI--Fs/s400/CIMG2611.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5661191477451045122" border="0" /></a><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-B67-hAhCEGM/TpCXpmv-peI/AAAAAAAACac/pV6gK12ZuA4/s1600/CIMG2610.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-B67-hAhCEGM/TpCXpmv-peI/AAAAAAAACac/pV6gK12ZuA4/s400/CIMG2610.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5661191472636929506" border="0" /></a><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-V7pOzzlsNfo/TpCXqBiVA1I/AAAAAAAACas/QQK5VfKcxaI/s1600/CIMG2612.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-V7pOzzlsNfo/TpCXqBiVA1I/AAAAAAAACas/QQK5VfKcxaI/s400/CIMG2612.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5661191479827432274" border="0" /></a>I'm so glad I got to finally see the inside of the Forbidden City since I had passed it atleast 10 times while living in Beijing. :)The Smith's Fridge Doorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02382847533369616755noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9091066243214827360.post-37323066986869859672011-10-07T17:42:00.000-07:002011-11-16T12:54:10.854-08:00Weekly Wrap-up In Pictures: Week 7<div style="text-align: center;">Monday - Inside the Bird's Nest at the Olympic Village<br /></div><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-56gRXAMlwsE/To-fCA6FllI/AAAAAAAACZU/P8jWj1Mz_mQ/s1600/CIMG2619.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-56gRXAMlwsE/To-fCA6FllI/AAAAAAAACZU/P8jWj1Mz_mQ/s400/CIMG2619.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5660918113580193362" border="0" /></a><br /><div style="text-align: center;">Tuesday - at the Lama Temple<br /></div><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-mmBFo80_BJE/To-fBUHvckI/AAAAAAAACY8/dAvkQNBJvQs/s1600/CIMG2715.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-mmBFo80_BJE/To-fBUHvckI/AAAAAAAACY8/dAvkQNBJvQs/s400/CIMG2715.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5660918101557867074" border="0" /></a><br /><div style="text-align: center;">Wednesday - I don't know what this sign says, but it is entertaining nonetheless...<br /></div><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-WaUAdyJwP-A/To-fB4uBx9I/AAAAAAAACZM/-gtlLW0HOkM/s1600/CIMG2733.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-WaUAdyJwP-A/To-fB4uBx9I/AAAAAAAACZM/-gtlLW0HOkM/s400/CIMG2733.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5660918111382128594" border="0" /></a><br /><div style="text-align: center;">Thursday- me and my mamma<br /></div><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-bNbjuvSGqJ4/To-fBm6NtEI/AAAAAAAACZE/2wNTdCgnmy8/s1600/CIMG2724.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-bNbjuvSGqJ4/To-fBm6NtEI/AAAAAAAACZE/2wNTdCgnmy8/s400/CIMG2724.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5660918106601403458" border="0" /></a><br /><div style="text-align: center;">Friday - Houhai Bar District at night<br /></div><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-TQehx2XW94g/To-fCYtipPI/AAAAAAAACZc/_8SJ-O6JYJA/s1600/CIMG2848.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-TQehx2XW94g/To-fCYtipPI/AAAAAAAACZc/_8SJ-O6JYJA/s400/CIMG2848.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5660918119970022642" border="0" /></a><br /><div style="text-align: center;">Saturday - MEGA SIZED COTTON CANDY!! It was GINORMOUS!!<br /></div><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-OwjyrgjcU6k/To-fwcGTYQI/AAAAAAAACZk/IphxKzkM4L4/s1600/CIMG2828.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-OwjyrgjcU6k/To-fwcGTYQI/AAAAAAAACZk/IphxKzkM4L4/s400/CIMG2828.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5660918911153168642" border="0" /></a><br /><div style="text-align: center;">Sunday<br /></div><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-fdaC7U8A2ZA/To-fwkN8JLI/AAAAAAAACZs/lKiPq2v9ZEw/s1600/CIMG2851.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-fdaC7U8A2ZA/To-fwkN8JLI/AAAAAAAACZs/lKiPq2v9ZEw/s400/CIMG2851.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5660918913332683954" border="0" /></a>The Smith's Fridge Doorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02382847533369616755noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9091066243214827360.post-37899787306047465082011-10-07T17:36:00.000-07:002011-11-16T12:58:12.348-08:00Qianmen, Allie and Chinese Candy<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ABDs4_M7tLI/To-cCmbUy3I/AAAAAAAACYs/Lnq_dlVJ_tw/s1600/CIMG2507.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ABDs4_M7tLI/To-cCmbUy3I/AAAAAAAACYs/Lnq_dlVJ_tw/s400/CIMG2507.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5660914825116830578" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-dSz5cSUzLww/To-cCaoqUtI/AAAAAAAACYk/A9AjSlFLoo8/s1600/CIMG2506.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-dSz5cSUzLww/To-cCaoqUtI/AAAAAAAACYk/A9AjSlFLoo8/s400/CIMG2506.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5660914821951541970" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-YSXQJn5GMX0/To-cCwF_LoI/AAAAAAAACY0/lq1fxvNPKSE/s1600/CIMG2512.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-YSXQJn5GMX0/To-cCwF_LoI/AAAAAAAACY0/lq1fxvNPKSE/s400/CIMG2512.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5660914827711688322" border="0" /></a><br />I loved having a friend in Beijing that I could get together with and I loved that Allie wanted to see all of the same city sites as me. On this particular occasion, we decided to stroll around one of the busy tourist markets just south of Tian'anmen Square called Qianmen, and test out some Chinese candy. Unfortunately, we were not too impressed with the Chinese treats but at least a couple of them were good. :)The Smith's Fridge Doorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02382847533369616755noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9091066243214827360.post-88797483912942768562011-10-07T15:41:00.000-07:002011-11-16T12:56:41.688-08:00Harry Potter 3D Asian Style<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-6zFMuxBu_Hg/To-aZ9GCboI/AAAAAAAACYU/hJkpy3doxi0/s1600/CIMG2380.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-6zFMuxBu_Hg/To-aZ9GCboI/AAAAAAAACYU/hJkpy3doxi0/s400/CIMG2380.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5660913027315297922" border="0" /></a>Just because we weren't in the States for the premiere of Harry Potter doesn't mean we weren't going to be part of all the Harry <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">Hooplah</span>! We actually went to see the premiere of Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part 2 at the big "Western-Style Movie Theater" for a midnight movie and it was <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">soooo</span> worth it. It really made me miss being home for the premiere of a great Hollywood movie, but having the experience in Beijing was worthwhile, especially since they have THE BEST movie theater popcorn! It was actually caramel corn and it was super yummy!! Oh, and did I mention the movie was in 3D? Awe-some!<br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-iJtQjhfijDA/To-aaB3VRjI/AAAAAAAACYc/cn_uMSRN4k0/s1600/CIMG2385.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-iJtQjhfijDA/To-aaB3VRjI/AAAAAAAACYc/cn_uMSRN4k0/s400/CIMG2385.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5660913028595795506" border="0" /></a>The Smith's Fridge Doorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02382847533369616755noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9091066243214827360.post-76527806457003465122011-10-07T15:27:00.000-07:002011-11-16T12:54:10.855-08:00Mutianyu Great Wall and Factories<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-DjCQJfmFOX4/To9_m-PW8cI/AAAAAAAACYE/zzftYhJ6qbo/s1600/CIMG2667.JPG"><br /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-gNYSHHWh_Gk/To9_nPazJ5I/AAAAAAAACYM/lCGLlmx2N2A/s1600/CIMG2652.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-gNYSHHWh_Gk/To9_nPazJ5I/AAAAAAAACYM/lCGLlmx2N2A/s400/CIMG2652.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5660883568758564754" border="0" /></a><br />Close to the end of my trip, my parents came out to visit and see some of the sights. I was excited to take them to see the Great Wall and this time we decided to go to another section a little closer to Beijing called Mutianyu. It was beautiful as well but had many more tourists. We had decided to take a private tour and this also included two factories, one to a silk factory to see how they make silk blankets and another to see how Chinese cloisonne is made. Both factories were really interesting and the Great Wall as once again spectacular. I'm glad I was able to show my parents around Beijing, as well.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;">My Parents on the Great Wall. Aren't they cute? :)<br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-DjCQJfmFOX4/To9_m-PW8cI/AAAAAAAACYE/zzftYhJ6qbo/s1600/CIMG2667.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-DjCQJfmFOX4/To9_m-PW8cI/AAAAAAAACYE/zzftYhJ6qbo/s400/CIMG2667.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5660883564147175874" border="0" /></a>Another Gorgeous View on the Great Wall<br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-iNmW9HkQTM4/To9_mfyw6UI/AAAAAAAACX8/GiDrb-yPjPo/s1600/CIMG2647.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-iNmW9HkQTM4/To9_mfyw6UI/AAAAAAAACX8/GiDrb-yPjPo/s400/CIMG2647.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5660883555974179138" border="0" /></a>Riding up to the Great Wall<br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-B9qyNhV1Gq4/To9_mLQhmwI/AAAAAAAACX0/cQI5uxJiH7k/s1600/CIMG2639.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-B9qyNhV1Gq4/To9_mLQhmwI/AAAAAAAACX0/cQI5uxJiH7k/s400/CIMG2639.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5660883550461860610" border="0" /></a>Cloisonne Factory<br /></div><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-2JBWTBOe2dI/To9_l-FwP6I/AAAAAAAACXs/b7GnmgZLkVI/s1600/CIMG2630.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-2JBWTBOe2dI/To9_l-FwP6I/AAAAAAAACXs/b7GnmgZLkVI/s400/CIMG2630.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5660883546927021986" border="0" /></a>The Smith's Fridge Doorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02382847533369616755noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9091066243214827360.post-77072585423819775842011-10-03T19:08:00.000-07:002011-11-16T12:58:12.349-08:00Ancient Observatory<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-zyxcEML6bRc/Topr7CxYzrI/AAAAAAAACXc/zoqBIgYNy3A/s1600/CIMG2537.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-zyxcEML6bRc/Topr7CxYzrI/AAAAAAAACXc/zoqBIgYNy3A/s400/CIMG2537.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5659454543844921010" border="0" /></a>Another great site! This time I went to see the Ancient Observatory. It was located right in the middle of a modern city area and I found it incredible, even though it was pretty small. The site is home to numerous Astrological devices dating to as early as the 15th century!<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-zP5e48FA0Ng/Topr68LUitI/AAAAAAAACXU/ieN3mcGIJaA/s1600/CIMG2552.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-zP5e48FA0Ng/Topr68LUitI/AAAAAAAACXU/ieN3mcGIJaA/s400/CIMG2552.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5659454542074645202" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-NFaF8S2HZ9U/Topr5lAuEJI/AAAAAAAACXM/LljPab-P1KI/s1600/CIMG2543.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-NFaF8S2HZ9U/Topr5lAuEJI/AAAAAAAACXM/LljPab-P1KI/s400/CIMG2543.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5659454518676295826" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-HFy1cfWE4eo/Topr5Qw08hI/AAAAAAAACXE/LEoFncvXB8k/s1600/CIMG2518.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-HFy1cfWE4eo/Topr5Qw08hI/AAAAAAAACXE/LEoFncvXB8k/s400/CIMG2518.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5659454513240928786" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-qOxg184sC2k/Topr7oEQEEI/AAAAAAAACXk/rJGS58z713U/s1600/CIMG2551.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-qOxg184sC2k/Topr7oEQEEI/AAAAAAAACXk/rJGS58z713U/s400/CIMG2551.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5659454553856151618" border="0" /></a>The Smith's Fridge Doorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02382847533369616755noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9091066243214827360.post-10107540016052031322011-10-03T18:53:00.000-07:002011-11-16T12:54:10.856-08:00798 Art District<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-RGB_Tv8F310/ToppDbg8o4I/AAAAAAAACWc/CkpTiaCbDSE/s1600/CIMG2408.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-RGB_Tv8F310/ToppDbg8o4I/AAAAAAAACWc/CkpTiaCbDSE/s400/CIMG2408.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5659451389390922626" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-NKO-DqbYQmg/ToppETu2KUI/AAAAAAAACW0/QhJStfWXSGA/s1600/CIMG2428.JPG"><br /></a><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-eWhO32KTnyk/ToppEidCp4I/AAAAAAAACW8/0sMB3tRp7EY/s1600/CIMG2423.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-eWhO32KTnyk/ToppEidCp4I/AAAAAAAACW8/0sMB3tRp7EY/s400/CIMG2423.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5659451408433457026" border="0" /></a><br />We had the chance to go to an amazing area in Beijing called the 798 Art District. It was incredible with hundreds of art galleries and museums and most of them were free. It was also fun to go with Allie and Steve and see another side of Beijing.<br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-xeHoXU2fKQ4/ToppEHPD_2I/AAAAAAAACWs/_f1wphpeWg0/s1600/CIMG2416.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-xeHoXU2fKQ4/ToppEHPD_2I/AAAAAAAACWs/_f1wphpeWg0/s400/CIMG2416.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5659451401127067490" border="0" /></a>More Art gallaries<br /></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-RbqndyI2UJc/ToppD9kicgI/AAAAAAAACWk/1G23xPKgp7w/s1600/CIMG2413.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-RbqndyI2UJc/ToppD9kicgI/AAAAAAAACWk/1G23xPKgp7w/s400/CIMG2413.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5659451398532788738" border="0" /></a><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-NKO-DqbYQmg/ToppETu2KUI/AAAAAAAACW0/QhJStfWXSGA/s1600/CIMG2428.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-NKO-DqbYQmg/ToppETu2KUI/AAAAAAAACW0/QhJStfWXSGA/s400/CIMG2428.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5659451404481603906" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-eWhO32KTnyk/ToppEidCp4I/AAAAAAAACW8/0sMB3tRp7EY/s1600/CIMG2423.JPG"><br /></a>The Smith's Fridge Doorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02382847533369616755noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9091066243214827360.post-51067336816985770082011-10-03T18:14:00.000-07:002011-11-16T12:54:10.856-08:00Bell and Drum Towers and Chinese Yogurt<div style="text-align: center;">Hi friends! I'm back with the last few weeks of our trip to China so expect a lot of posts recapping the final destinations and sights from our final days.<br /><br />Bell Tower<br /></div><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-rpHPWeQDLZY/TophVxcm31I/AAAAAAAACWE/Wmevf5Mhi3U/s1600/CIMG2478.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-rpHPWeQDLZY/TophVxcm31I/AAAAAAAACWE/Wmevf5Mhi3U/s400/CIMG2478.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5659442908422922066" border="0" /></a><br /><div style="text-align: center;">Michael and I had an afternoon to spare and decided to see the Bell and Drum Towers in the Old part of Beijing. These towers were really amazing and used to notify Beijingers of the time until 1924!<br /><br />Bell Tower<br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-vLVIJpTgPnU/TopgVvU-uaI/AAAAAAAACV8/g2uUZDgo3y0/s1600/CIMG2473.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-vLVIJpTgPnU/TopgVvU-uaI/AAAAAAAACV8/g2uUZDgo3y0/s400/CIMG2473.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5659441808342432162" border="0" /></a>View of the surrounding Hutongs from the Bell Tower<br /></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-EdoYy3cSmAc/TopgVKzDo-I/AAAAAAAACV0/fg1acs6-k9w/s1600/CIMG2460.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-EdoYy3cSmAc/TopgVKzDo-I/AAAAAAAACV0/fg1acs6-k9w/s400/CIMG2460.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5659441798536471522" border="0" /></a><br /><div style="text-align: center;">Funny bathroom sign. I'm so glad that I was able to use a 3-star toilet but to be honest, I didn't really notice much of a difference... LOL!<br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-XccgU0yzxFA/TopgU40LUXI/AAAAAAAACVs/-pT9PAJjaO4/s1600/CIMG2451.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-XccgU0yzxFA/TopgU40LUXI/AAAAAAAACVs/-pT9PAJjaO4/s400/CIMG2451.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5659441793709330802" border="0" /></a>Staircase up to the Drum tower!! You can't really tell, but it was LONG and STEEP!<br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-H7GAGJ4Z7Fo/TopgUmalQNI/AAAAAAAACVk/uoPfe82S4Iw/s1600/CIMG2167.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-H7GAGJ4Z7Fo/TopgUmalQNI/AAAAAAAACVk/uoPfe82S4Iw/s400/CIMG2167.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5659441788770140370" border="0" /></a>Drum performance<br /></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/---Kr2BBR4ec/TopgUdYB4tI/AAAAAAAACVc/b639COAT260/s1600/CIMG2464.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/---Kr2BBR4ec/TopgUdYB4tI/AAAAAAAACVc/b639COAT260/s400/CIMG2464.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5659441786343514834" border="0" /></a><br /><div style="text-align: center;">We also finally tried the Chinese yogurt we'd been seeing all over town, and it was better than I thought it was going to be. It pretty much tasted like Greek yogurt. What you do is buy the yogurt at a small store and use a straw to drink the yogurt right there. After you finish, you leave the ceramic container and it is recycled for you. I'm glad I tried it at least once, and it was great to sit and enjoy it outside of the Bell and Drum towers, too.<br /></div><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-WPrHipWJAeM/TophWVsxSZI/AAAAAAAACWM/fD57L8PL-8o/s1600/CIMG2480.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-WPrHipWJAeM/TophWVsxSZI/AAAAAAAACWM/fD57L8PL-8o/s400/CIMG2480.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5659442918154389906" border="0" /></a><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-upxAfQey8LA/TophWs5uYAI/AAAAAAAACWU/4k1S9l4hwWw/s1600/CIMG2481.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-upxAfQey8LA/TophWs5uYAI/AAAAAAAACWU/4k1S9l4hwWw/s400/CIMG2481.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5659442924382740482" border="0" /></a>The Smith's Fridge Doorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02382847533369616755noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9091066243214827360.post-80085835334450498062011-08-31T18:54:00.000-07:002011-11-16T12:58:12.349-08:00Back in the U. S. of A.!Hello everyone~
<br />
<br />I am officially back home in Los Angeles. I still have a lot to update on our blog, but since I left my laptop and camera in Beijing with Michael, those last few posts are just going to have to wait. As for being back home, it was a bittersweet experience boarding my plane bound for California. Even though I had a difficult time adjusting to China when I first arrived, I began to absolutely LOVE it. The food, the public transportation, the prices of things... but it is good to be home in the USA.
<br />
<br />Things I have to look forward to in September?
<br />
<br />1. School starts on Sept. 6th! How lucky and I that I only have 8 students this year. :)
<br />2. Michael comes home on the 14th! I am so excited to see my hubby!
<br />3. My 30th birthday on the 29th... YIKES!!
<br />The Smith's Fridge Doorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02382847533369616755noreply@blogger.com2