My sister sent me this. Due to my family's obsession with "the Duke" and just the quote itself, it made my day!

Duck Spotting

Knee Deep in Valentine's

We decided to take off to the cabin for Valentine's Day/President's weekend. It was a last minute decision that led to not packing much - but luckily we could wash our clothes there! After much discussion, we decided to take the PeaPod along - even though she has a hard time falling asleep when her usual routine is disrupted. Let's be honest: even with her usual routine, she is not over joyous about bedtime. The girl's like the energizer bunny: unless you strap her down, she won't stop.
The weekend was beautiful! The snow up there was knee deep and soft. I've been feeling the Olympic spirit. I even tear up at the commercials. So I had to wear my hat! Never mind that I was in dental school during the 2002 Olympics, I still had to get the hat! It was awesome to watch the Olympics while at the cabin Yes, I know it is weird that the cabin has TV and we don't, but my grandparents addition of television out there was awesome because now we can watch Apollo Ono! And sometimes, like watching the Olympics, TV is a good thing! I know, you are shocked by that statement.
Me, nearly 32, piggy tails, sans makeup mind you :)!


PeaPod figured out that it was easier to army crawl on top of the snow instead of trying to walk through snow. It nearly as deep as she is tall. She thought it was a riot. She was still yelling for the deer to come out and play with her when we dragged her back inside that evening.The spontaneous overnight-er was a wonderful break from regular life.
We even saw a bald eagle soaring low along the treetops.

Christmas Day 2009 Bike Ride

Christmas Day 2009 Bike Ride, originally uploaded by LivysLaughter.

Christmas Test Run

Christmas Test Run, originally uploaded by LivysLaughter.

Christmas was a blast! There was a last minute request: PeaPod was adamant that Santa would bring her the sparkly new purple Hello Kitty two wheeled bike with training wheels. Santa had other wrapped presents planned, but he couldn't let her down! Especially since she would wake up every morning asking about "my Christmas bike". She would come out of her bedroom every morning before Christmas wondering if Santa had brought it yet. "Where's my Christmas bike? Where's Santa?" Who can stand in the way of such faith? So he switched a few toys around and made it happen! This was the first test run she took at 8am Christmas morning. We bundled up (despite being a little sick - hey, cold is good for fevers, right?!?) and took a very quick test ride outside. It was so cold that we scurried back to the house where I turned a blind eye to her riding it around the house. Luckily for my furniture, she steers pretty well and the basement is unfinished!

Build Today

Build today,
then strong and sure,
With a firm and ample base;
And ascending and secure.
Shall tomorrow find its place.
- Henry Wadsworth Longfellow