4 Generations

I'm in the process of cleaning up my photo archives and realized I've never posted these pics.  I had these pictures taken a while ago with plans on doing something with them, but then got super busy.  Between my job at Oprah.com, kids school, kids activities and Trent's work schedule I just let them sit and sit and sit on the shelf.  Now that I'm footloose and fancy free, it's time to get busy finishing said project!!

They were taken by Lori Compas, who was so nice to work with me over the phone to get everything set up so I didn't have to worry as I road tripped across the country with my kids!

So here they are for posterity's sake.  All of us in my Grandma's yard! 

Emry Abigail Price, Kristine Kay (Meyer) May, Carley Alene Price, Millie (May) Price & Marjorie Pauline (Oettmeier) Parker

we needed a shot with luke included too!

After the generation photos were done I couldn't pass up the opportunity to have shots taken of me with the kids.  I love how they turned out, precious!!

da BOWLER

When I was in high school, the town hang out was the bowling alley.  In junior high we had a few dances there, but otherwise it wasn't a place I frequented with my family.  I remember the anticipation of being able to go there as a freshman and "hang out" with the high schoolers.  I was more excited to go there after my first football game as a freshman than to see the game.

True, I was adopted by a few upper class-men since I was on the "varsity dance team" but we only had a varsity team, so that didn't mean much.  As a freshman you're kind of a novelty anyway...like a new toy.  I also benefited because my BFF, Julie, was a looker.  And since we were pretty much inseparable, even accused by some of sharing a brain, those first few months of high school we always ended up doubling.  But, going to the bowling alley as a freshman felt like an accomplishment, like "we'd made it to the big time!!"

It didn't take long for the reality to settle in...da Bowler...as nicknamed by Amber Rose...was kind of lame!  We never seemed to bowl, just stand around to see who'd show up, talk for a while and then either congregate at someone's house or go home.  Pretty lame-O! 

Fast forward a few years...ok like 13 or something, and I once again found myself excited to be driving down Main Street to da Bowler!  A few days ago my friend, Audra, told me that Eric (my guy BFF & locker mate from high school) and his wifey, Heather, were bringing up a few friends for the weekend and wanted to meet up with who ever was around Saturday night at...you guessed it, da Bowler.

It had been way too long since I'd seen them, and while I've been at my parents place I admit to being a bit of a hermit.  After hugs all around the first thing out of Eric's mouth is that he and Heather stalk my blog...and NEVER leave comments.  I'm happy that they are checking in on me, but not leaving comments is totally uncool so I gave it to him with both barrels!

Then Eric informs me that he's expecting a blog post about our little get together because Pat (remember farmer Pat & the cool dairy farm) had mentioned the May sister's blogging about his farm!!  Well I couldn't let the challenge go unanswered so I got my phone out and started taking pictures.  I hope this is living up to your expectations Eric!!  ha ha!  I'm expecting a comment or else!!

High School Mascot...the Vikings

I laughed when Audra pointed out that our 1996-97 pom squad made the cut and was on the wall for display.  Does this mean we're famous?

They recently redid da Bowler...now it's all high tech.  It's more like a sports bar now.  Pretty cool.  Colfax is moving up in the world!

Audra & Pat Higbie

Ok, yo, I have no clue what I was doing in this picture...nerd alert!  Here I am with Heather Michaels, Amber Braten & Audra Higbie

Eric Michaels, Kyle Knutson & Pat Higbie.  Too bad Brady didn't get into this shot.

The night could have gotten a little boring...but they pulled out Karaoke just in time!  This was my first time at an official Karaoke night anywhere.  I guess I'm a nerd, but I've never experienced it.  Audra totally rocked the house, but their was another chick.....oh my!  she was scary and she kept on going up all night long.  we decided that she was trying to sing the entire monster ballad album. 

A little Sweet Child of Mine...Go Audra!!!

No bowling alley is complete without the video games!! 

They've had Mrs. Pac-man here as long as I can remember.

Are these the coolest bowling shoes ever?  I couldn't believe it when they handed me these beauties over the counter.  I was totally stylin'

Actually, in all fairness, I'm glad you put me up to blogging this Eric.  I wouldn't have otherwise and it was a fun time.  I ended up seeing tons of people I haven't seen in a long time, some since graduation even.

I hope your upcoming travels and move go smoothly.  If the Canucks don't like you, they're crazy!  I am very jealous that you're going to New Zealand, it's on my list of someday's.  I wish you two lots of luck!  Remember that my door is always open, we'd love visitors in Spain.  luv ya!!

Shadow Shot Sunday #6

Oh, happy day!!  

I've been waiting to post these shadow shots, I am infatuated with them!!  

They are from St. Mark's square in Venice.  

I love how clear and crisp the shadows are.

Geometric shapes are always attractive and these are perfection.

Simple in design, but gorgeous.

Don't forget to check out the other wonderful shadow shots over at Hey Harriet!!  

happy viewing

Winter Morning Stroll

This morning while I was watching the news, Poppy was driving me berserk!!  She was absolutely wild at the back door carrying on, jumping up to see out the window and whining.  I knew she didn't need to go out because she'd just been, so finally CeCe and I went over to investigate.  Out in the yard we spied the reason for her crazed behavior...

She wanted to be let out to chase the squirrel so bad, but no can do... she's on probation.  Grandma has filed a restraining order against her on behalf of all backyard creatures.  Poppy has recently been caught red pawed with a few birds and a shrew.  So far no one has come to her defense, so until further notice she's in the "doghouse"!!

I noticed that the squirrel had a bit of frost on it's coat, so I quickly grabbed my camera.  The last few weeks we've been having the most spectacular hoarfrost covering the trees in the early morning hours. Today's wasn't the best we've seen, but it was nice and I wanted to get a few pictures in case we don't see it again this winter.

So, while CeCe finished up her cereal out I went with camera in hand to see what I could find.

I couldn't resist posting this last picture of CeCe.  She's getting so big, so fast.  It's been fun to have her home with me and be my little shadow throughout the day!  If you look close, you can see part of her milk mustache from breakfast.  I love it, it's so her!

Have a Happy Day!!

Happy Valentine's Day from our house to yours!

Shadow Shot Sunday #5

Here are a few shadows from my recent trip to Italy.  The craftsmanship of the ironworks on the windows, benches and building decorations were beautiful. I'm having so much fun looking for interesting shadows wherever I go.  Even my husband has been getting into the spirit.  He was on the look out and spotted a few for me during our trip.  I'll post others next time.

If you want to see more click over to Hey Harriet's website!! 

Family Funnies

A few days ago Carley was in the bathroom trying to have a bm.  She was slightly constipated so it took her a few minutes to get things going.  She called for me to come into the bathroom.  When I arrived she announced the following in the most serious, matter of fact voice: 

Carley:  "Mom, my tummy is hurting."
Me:  "Sometimes that happens, you have to be patient."
Carley:  "In 3 minutes I am going to die."

drama!!!


Last night while watching a movie Luke got chilled and wanted to sit next to me to warm up.  He asked me why you get warmed up when you sit by someone or if you're in a room with a lot of people.  As we were discussing the effects of body heat Emry chimed in:

Emry:  "We are warm blooded."
Me:  "Yes, Emry that's right we are."
Emry:  "It's a good thing we're not cold blooded.  pause, pause, pause.  Because then we'd be like, you know, amphibians."

Paris

I made it to Paris and the city was enchanting!  The blue topped buildings are so iconic...gorgeous!  On the way to my hotel I passed the Arc de Triumph, it's stunning.  Someday I'd like to see it up close, but today is not that day.  I'm only here for an overnight layover so I'm just focusing on the Eiffel Tower. 

Here are the facts (which I totally stole from the Internet):

• It was named after one the most influential people in its construction, a contractor, engineer, architect and showman by the name of Gustave Eiffel.
• The Eiffel tower was finished March 31,1889 (also Luke's b-day, he's totally obsessed now).  It took around two years and two months to build. It was built during the years of 1887-1889.
• The Eiffel Tower uses 7.5 kilowatt hours of electricity annually. Much of this electricity is consumed by The Eiffel Tower at Night where a gold light illuminates Paris.  
• It is used as a radio broadcasting tower and observation tower. 
• Stephen Sauvestre was the main architect in charge of the Eiffel Tower. There were around 50 other engineers, 100 iron workers and 121 construction workers working on construction of the Eiffel Tower.
• It is made of 2.5 million rivets, 15,000 pieces of iron and 40 tons of paint. The main component of the Eiffel tower is iron.
• One person died from constructing the Eiffel Tower. 
• The Eiffel tower height is approximately 984-990 feet tall/high (depending on temperature) or 324 meters tall/high
• The Eiffel tower weighs approximately 10,000 tons, 7.3 thousand of them being the metal.
• The Eiffel Tower is coated with dark brown paint. It is re coated every 7 years. In late 2008, the Eiffel Tower will have been painted 19 times.
• Approximately 6.8 million people visit the Eiffel Tower every year. It is estimated that over a quarter of a billion people have view the Eiffel Tower in its long history.
• There are 1665 stairs steps in the Eiffel Tower.  (832 on each side.  750 of which I ascended on foot!  It took me some time, let me tell you, but I did it!  It was rainy weather and the stairs were slick, so the stairs to the very tippy top were not open to me)
• The City of Paris currently owns the Eiffel Tower.
• The Eiffel Tower had 108 stories.

Here are some of my favorite photographs from my evening in Paris:

I was in love with these bare trees in the park.  I could have stared at them for hours, the branches were mesmerizing.

Light 'em up!  This is like old Hollywood magic!

It sparkles on the hour!

The hotel Trent picked out for me was so sweet!  It was super chic and cozy.  I had a room with a view of the tower and I was absolutely giddy!  I got a lot of fabulous pictures from my balcony!  Maybe I shouldn't admit this, but they had the best snacks in the minibar...yummy!  I ate every single one as I lounged on the bed and read my book in peace and enjoyed my last night of vacation!!