tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20375195897641216482024-03-06T03:51:02.528+03:00the little things...{theBalfamilyblog}{We are the Bal family, and this is a blog about the little things in our everyday life} the topics are limitless, but usually include photography, decorating, traveling, Air Force and military life, cooking and recipes, mommy ramblings, being thrifty, crafty projects, and a lot of ordinary everyday fun.heather@thelittlethingshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16514066648359274439noreply@blogger.comBlogger396125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2037519589764121648.post-24968112633208469292014-09-26T14:34:00.000+03:002020-10-09T14:38:57.164+03:00Everyday Life at IncirlikThe base where we live here in Turkey is small. I don't have any idea what the "official" acreage is, but if we get in the jeep to drive around base, it would probably only take about 20 minutes - and that would be if we were in Sunday driver mode.<br /><br />Of course we get out to see the area as much as we can...<br /><br /><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/heatherbalphotography/15277076062" title="IMG_0340 by Heather Bal, on Flickr"><img alt="IMG_0340" nbsp="" src="https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5571/15277076062_abffc3558a_z.jpg" width="800" /></a><br />Mountains near Pozantı<br /><br />And take trips whenever we are able...<br />
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<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/heatherbalphotography/15091031247" title="IMG_9272 by Heather Bal, on Flickr"><img alt="IMG_9272" nbsp="" src="https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5580/15091031247_a0cb462c42_z.jpg" width="800" /></a><br />Strasbourg, France<br />
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But we've found over the last couple years, time ends up going by and we've gone weeks without going off base! You'd think we'd go stir-crazy, huh? Honestly, sometimes we do. But for the most part, we stay busy and well entertained.<br /><br />A typical day here, is pretty much like a typical day anywhere. Work, school, grocery shopping, homework time, etc.<br />
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<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/heatherbalphotography/15090905309" title="IMG_1951 by Heather Bal, on Flickr"><img alt="IMG_1951" height="800" src="https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3896/15090905309_47b32baae6_b.jpg" /></a><br />Brennan's First Day of First Grade<br /><br />But then there are other things that make Everyday Life here a little unique.<br /><br />How, you ask? <br /><br />Well, the first thing would be personal interactions. I've heard this place described as "Mayberry" several times. I would have to say that is true. You pretty much know, or know of, or have seen everyone who lives on this base. While there are negatives associated with that, we've found that we've made some really great and close friends during our stay here.<br />
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Not that we wouldn't have become friends at other bases, but again the proximity and everyone doing pretty much the same things has been a real friendship accelerator. (We love you Incirlik friends!)<br />
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So what do we do with all the friends we've found here?<br /><br />Have lots of parties, of course!<br />
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Sometimes we just do random things...<br /><br /><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/heatherbalphotography/15091379168" title="Crab_Boil by Heather Bal, on Flickr"><img alt="Crab_Boil" height="571" src="https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5554/15091379168_6cc25b1fd5_c.jpg" width="800" /></a><br />
Crab Boil. Yum!<br /><br /><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/heatherbalphotography/15091266570" title="IMG_0323 by Heather Bal, on Flickr"><img alt="IMG_0323" height="571" src="https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3857/15091266570_34db7398b4_c.jpg" width="800" /></a><br />Impromptu Friday Night Peep Joisting!<br /><br />But we've found our favorite thing to do to amuse ourselves is have theme parties.<br /><br /><br />
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heather@thelittlethingshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16514066648359274439noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2037519589764121648.post-72044131080718476272014-09-16T13:25:00.000+03:002014-09-18T13:29:44.310+03:00Tuesday Travels - Elaiussa SebasteThis was a weekend trip we took last Summer.<br />
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The Elaiussa Sebaste, or what remains of it, is an ancient city site right outside of Kizkalesi that was built in the 2nd Century AD. Yep, 2nd century. I can't even begin to explain how surreal it is to be climbing up and around on structures that are that old. We have also felt it weird for us to be able to get so up close and personal with these artifacts and relics. Not that we're complaining, because it has been amazing, but back in the States the same site would have roped off areas, Do Not Touch Signs, and a tour guide. Not in Turkey. Maybe because there is so much that is historic here, it's not as big of deal? The amazing becomes common?<br />
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So as it was, we were on our own touring the relics of the Elaiussa Sebaste.<br />
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<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/heatherbalphotography/12187217233" title="IMG_7008 by Heather Bal, on Flickr"><img alt="IMG_7008" height="457" src="https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5540/12187217233_4765c4b6a8_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
Like how there is a house built right above the theatre?<br />
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<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/heatherbalphotography/12187157703" title="IMG_7014 by Heather Bal, on Flickr"><img alt="IMG_7014" height="457" src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7320/12187157703_f6a0ca85c1_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
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<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/heatherbalphotography/12187033423" title="IMG_7024 by Heather Bal, on Flickr"><img alt="IMG_7024" height="457" src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7352/12187033423_f85a6056ca_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
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<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/heatherbalphotography/12187160464" title="IMG_7028 by Heather Bal, on Flickr"><img alt="IMG_7028" height="457" src="https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5517/12187160464_6dd96e6f6c_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
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<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/heatherbalphotography/12187327356" title="IMG_7030 by Heather Bal, on Flickr"><img alt="IMG_7030" height="457" src="https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5527/12187327356_95dcf149ce_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
Another part of the ruins are across the highway.<br />
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<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/heatherbalphotography/12186938673" title="IMG_7031 by Heather Bal, on Flickr"><img alt="IMG_7031" height="457" src="https://farm3.staticflickr.com/2874/12186938673_71a1cb2526_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
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<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/heatherbalphotography/12186838813" title="IMG_7037 by Heather Bal, on Flickr"><img alt="IMG_7037" height="457" src="https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3827/12186838813_a35dd9695b_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
Part of the aquaduct.<br />
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<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/heatherbalphotography/12186851734" title="IMG_7053 by Heather Bal, on Flickr"><img alt="IMG_7053" height="457" src="https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3782/12186851734_0451322d31_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
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<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/heatherbalphotography/12186601754" title="IMG_7076 by Heather Bal, on Flickr"><img alt="IMG_7076" height="457" src="https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5542/12186601754_cf3443e7de_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
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<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/heatherbalphotography/12186648146" title="IMG_7086 by Heather Bal, on Flickr"><img alt="IMG_7086" height="457" src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7314/12186648146_5f1ec5bea6_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
Climbing on the ruins.<br />
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<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/heatherbalphotography/12186234453" title="IMG_7089 by Heather Bal, on Flickr"><img alt="IMG_7089" height="457" src="https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3761/12186234453_bfeb63f734_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
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<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/heatherbalphotography/12186125113" title="IMG_7094 by Heather Bal, on Flickr"><img alt="IMG_7094" height="457" src="https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5517/12186125113_d47c3c51b9_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
The tiny tiles amaze me.<br />
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<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/heatherbalphotography/12186487546" title="IMG_7095 by Heather Bal, on Flickr"><img alt="IMG_7095" height="457" src="https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3719/12186487546_6e386b6b3a_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
I like the pillars, too.<br />
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<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/heatherbalphotography/12186423976" title="IMG_8831 by Heather Bal, on Flickr"><img alt="IMG_8831" height="457" src="https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3822/12186423976_dde3f97b87_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
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<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/heatherbalphotography/12185949993" title="IMG_8842 by Heather Bal, on Flickr"><img alt="IMG_8842" height="457" src="https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3674/12185949993_8e23f90b4b_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
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<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/heatherbalphotography/12185700025" title="IMG_8843 by Heather Bal, on Flickr"><img alt="IMG_8843" height="457" src="https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5509/12185700025_3b6f2ee57c_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
A very large lizard!<br />
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<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/heatherbalphotography/12186310836" title="IMG_8844 by Heather Bal, on Flickr"><img alt="IMG_8844" height="457" src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7412/12186310836_76bcf126ba_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
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<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/heatherbalphotography/12186282246" title="IMG_8847 by Heather Bal, on Flickr"><img alt="IMG_8847" height="457" src="https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3789/12186282246_a5811a3cd7_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
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These were just a few pictures of what we saw that day. I hope they have done the place justice. :)<br />
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heather@thelittlethingshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16514066648359274439noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2037519589764121648.post-29388092525818701312014-02-15T10:45:00.001+02:002014-02-15T18:13:36.359+02:00Roman Bridges and Roaming Turkish RoadsOver the past weekend, there was a break in the rain, so we decided to get out of the house and see what we could see.<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/heatherbalphotography/12454241684/" title="IMG_9459 by Heather*B, on Flickr"><img alt="IMG_9459" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7388/12454241684_d9210dd4df_c.jpg" height="571" width="800" /></a><br />
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We ended up going to visit the Taşköprü, aka Adana's Stone Bridge, aka the Old Roman Bridge. You see how things seem to have many names around here? We always call it the Roman Bridge, so I will just stick with that. We have been past and seen the bridge many times, but we've never actually stopped to walk across or take pictures of it.<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/heatherbalphotography/12453887263/" title="IMG_9467 by Heather*B, on Flickr"><img alt="IMG_9467" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7357/12453887263_9e800f9312_c.jpg" height="571" width="800" /></a><br />
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They believe this bridge was built around 384 AD. Wow. What's even more wow is that the Roman bridge was still being used for cars up until 2007.<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/heatherbalphotography/12453729195/" title="IMG_9469 by Heather*B, on Flickr"><img alt="IMG_9469" src="http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3802/12453729195_43f9e31b4a_c.jpg" height="571" width="800" /></a><br />
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Ducks.<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/heatherbalphotography/12453725835/" title="IMG_9472 by Heather*B, on Flickr"><img alt="IMG_9472" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7340/12453725835_99505267c6_c.jpg" height="571" width="800" /></a><br />
One of the wild kitties that are everywhere in Turkey.<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/heatherbalphotography/12453878733/" title="IMG_9475 by Heather*B, on Flickr"><img alt="IMG_9475" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7291/12453878733_1bdd7859e8_c.jpg" height="571" width="800" /></a><br />
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After checking out the scenery from below, we walked across the bridge, weaving around the vendors and dodging bicycles and motorcycles. Knowing how Adana traffic is, I can't imagine vehicle traffic up here. Craziness.<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/heatherbalphotography/12453876833/" title="IMG_9477 by Heather*B, on Flickr"><img alt="IMG_9477" height="571" src="https://ycpi-farm8.staticflickr.com/7355/12453876833_334af53e4a_c.jpg" width="800" /></a><br />
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The view of the Central Mosque from the bridge.<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/heatherbalphotography/12453873393/" title="IMG_9479 by Heather*B, on Flickr"><img alt="IMG_9479" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7346/12453873393_37c5a0a90a_c.jpg" height="571" width="800" /></a><br />
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And then on the other side of the bridge. This walkway was right beside a little park that is apparently a very popular destination for wedding photographs. I so wanted to take pictures of some of the Turkish brides in their wedding dresses, but I didn't want to be rude. The dresses were amazing!<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/heatherbalphotography/12454213654/" title="IMG_9483 by Heather*B, on Flickr"><img alt="IMG_9483" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7370/12454213654_7a88e90c76_c.jpg" height="400" width="800" /></a><br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/heatherbalphotography/12453860593/" title="IMG_9491 by Heather*B, on Flickr"><img alt="IMG_9491" src="http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5508/12453860593_e5672b6e04_c.jpg" height="583" width="800" /></a><br />
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We always have to take at least one selfie everywhere we go. We tried to get the Mosque in the background, but our heads were in the way. We did finally get one, but by the time that happened we were laughing and goofy, so just take my word for it, it's back there.<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/heatherbalphotography/12453857203/" title="IMG_9499 by Heather*B, on Flickr"><img alt="IMG_9499" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7294/12453857203_470aa0cc1d_c.jpg" height="571" width="800" /></a><br />
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After leaving the bridge, we decided to drive around for awhile. Here are some sheep going for a walk in the city. Not really that unusual in Adana.<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/heatherbalphotography/12453841083/" title="IMG_9500 by Heather*B, on Flickr"><img alt="IMG_9500" src="http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3693/12453841083_06fc375bce_c.jpg" height="571" width="800" /></a><br />
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Just your average chicken coop on wheels.<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/heatherbalphotography/12453679535/" title="IMG_9504 by Heather*B, on Flickr"><img alt="IMG_9504" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7460/12453679535_1c23f97680_c.jpg" height="571" width="800" /></a><br />
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Sometimes when we're out driving we follow the brown signs to see where they lead. They're like the Historical Marker signs back in the States. We can't always read the words, so it's always a surprise where we will end up.<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/heatherbalphotography/12453682975/" title="IMG_9502 by Heather*B, on Flickr"><img alt="IMG_9502" src="http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3816/12453682975_9f3a559e8d_c.jpg" height="571" width="800" /></a><br />
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This particular set of signs brought us here. A burial mound/cemetery site. It looked like there were spring flower bulbs planted everywhere throughout the stones. I'm sure it will be beautiful when they all bloom.<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/heatherbalphotography/12454176474/" title="IMG_9505 by Heather*B, on Flickr"><img alt="IMG_9505" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7325/12454176474_20b470727e_c.jpg" height="571" width="800" /></a><br />
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After driving for awhile more we ended up in Misis, and decided to visit the Misis Mosaic Museum. It was a small building (I think it was someone's house actually.) that contains floor mosaics from the Basilica of the the Ancient City Misis. The main display is from the 4th Century and depicts the animals of Noah's Ark. <br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/heatherbalphotography/12453825563/" title="IMG_9507 by Heather*B, on Flickr"><img alt="IMG_9507" src="http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2825/12453825563_cf66654517_c.jpg" height="571" width="800" /></a><br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/heatherbalphotography/12453818713/" title="IMG_9509 by Heather*B, on Flickr"><img alt="IMG_9509" src="http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3687/12453818713_fbc511ede3_c.jpg" height="571" width="800" /></a><br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/heatherbalphotography/12453661145/" title="IMG_9510 by Heather*B, on Flickr"><img alt="IMG_9510" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7430/12453661145_6bd56545e9_c.jpg" height="571" width="800" /></a><br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/heatherbalphotography/12454159544/" title="IMG_9511 by Heather*B, on Flickr"><img alt="IMG_9511" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7397/12454159544_a537d8ae91_c.jpg" height="571" width="800" /></a><br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/heatherbalphotography/12454154324/" title="IMG_9513 by Heather*B, on Flickr"><img alt="IMG_9513" src="http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3722/12454154324_1e94140df1_c.jpg" height="571" width="800" /></a><br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/heatherbalphotography/12453805583/" title="IMG_9514 by Heather*B, on Flickr"><img alt="IMG_9514" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7412/12453805583_54326ee4f0_c.jpg" height="571" width="800" /></a><br />
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There were more tile sections outside. We weren't sure if these were from the same site, or if these were different. They were still cool to look at. As I mentioned before, Turkey has a pretty nonchalant way of dealing with it's antiquities. Notice the drain pipe right next to this piece?<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/heatherbalphotography/12453647075/" title="IMG_9515 by Heather*B, on Flickr"><img alt="IMG_9515" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7386/12453647075_c57fdaf8cd_c.jpg" height="571" width="800" /></a><br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/heatherbalphotography/12453642795/" title="IMG_9516 by Heather*B, on Flickr"><img alt="IMG_9516" src="http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3754/12453642795_719b6a2f10_c.jpg" height="571" width="800" /></a><br />
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More tiles outside in the garden.<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/heatherbalphotography/12453638095/" title="IMG_9517 by Heather*B, on Flickr"><img alt="IMG_9517" height="571" src="https://s3.yimg.com/so/7366/12453638095_df7e5dbce8_c.jpg" width="800" /></a><br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/heatherbalphotography/12453787833/" title="IMG_9518 by Heather*B, on Flickr"><img alt="IMG_9518" src="http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3759/12453787833_407e91cd32_c.jpg" height="571" width="800" /></a><br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/heatherbalphotography/12453624725/" title="IMG_9520 by Heather*B, on Flickr"><img alt="IMG_9520" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7452/12453624725_c4fdf0c870_c.jpg" height="571" width="800" /></a><br />
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Columns and architectural pieces in the parking lot.<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/heatherbalphotography/12453774093/" title="IMG_9521 by Heather*B, on Flickr"><img alt="IMG_9521" height="571" src="https://farm3.staticflickr.com/2859/12453774093_fd946971c8_c.jpg" width="800" /></a><br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/heatherbalphotography/12453617465/" title="IMG_9522 by Heather*B, on Flickr"><img alt="IMG_9522" height="571" src="https://v4s.yimg.com/sk/3665/12453617465_95187ded05_c.jpg" width="800" /></a><br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/heatherbalphotography/12454096934/" title="IMG_9524 by Heather*B, on Flickr"><img alt="IMG_9524" src="http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2829/12454096934_dd27855f63_c.jpg" height="571" width="800" /></a><br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/heatherbalphotography/12453595155/" title="IMG_9530 by Heather*B, on Flickr"><img alt="IMG_9530" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7433/12453595155_de82a48e57_c.jpg" height="571" width="800" /></a><br />
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After leaving the Mosaic Museum we continued down the road to the site of another Roman bridge. This one is just called the Misis Bridge, named after the town.<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/heatherbalphotography/12453740123/" title="IMG_9531 by Heather*B, on Flickr"><img alt="IMG_9531" src="http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5514/12453740123_0b4ac6489f_c.jpg" height="571" width="800" /></a><br />
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You can still drive on this one, horses and wagons included. During the Middle Ages, this was part of the Silk Road.<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/heatherbalphotography/12453738973/" title="IMG_9546 by Heather*B, on Flickr"><img alt="IMG_9546" height="800" src="https://s2.yimg.com/sk/3818/12453738973_1602e497c7_c.jpg" width="571" /></a><br />
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Brennan asked me to take his picture! It's not often I get a voluntary picture without a monster face. :)<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/heatherbalphotography/12453584945/" title="IMG_9552 by Heather*B, on Flickr"><img alt="IMG_9552" src="http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5548/12453584945_ea6b484793_c.jpg" height="571" width="800" /></a><br />
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Our turn to drive over the bridge.<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/heatherbalphotography/12454081444/" title="IMG_9555 by Heather*B, on Flickr"><img alt="IMG_9555" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7438/12454081444_0a8f9f59f4_c.jpg" height="571" width="800" /></a><br />
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There was pretty farmland on the other side.<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/heatherbalphotography/12453726223/" title="IMG_9557 by Heather*B, on Flickr"><img alt="IMG_9557" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7371/12453726223_e201a27515_c.jpg" height="400" width="800" /></a><br />
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Some places we see in Turkey reminds us of being back in Utah.<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/heatherbalphotography/12453565025/" title="IMG_9558 by Heather*B, on Flickr"><img alt="IMG_9558" height="571" src="https://s2.yimg.com/sk/3812/12453565025_081be7e5e8_c.jpg" width="800" /></a><br />
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And then we end up in places like this, and know we are definitely in Turkey, haha. This is the main road in the village of Kizildere. I thought I had read there were some castle ruins not far from Misis. There probably are, but this was NOT the way to get there. After driving through the village and then hitting a dead end, we just turned around and called it a day.<br />
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As my facebook friends know, it was on the way back from Kizildere when we saw two turkeys in someone's front yard. So the big question of... "Are there turkeys in Turkey?" The answer is "Yes!"<br />
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There's definitely always something interesting to see around here!<br />
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heather@thelittlethingshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16514066648359274439noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2037519589764121648.post-12204104848987471322014-02-13T13:34:00.000+02:002020-10-09T14:37:43.117+03:00Being a Bal in TurkeyHaving the last name of Bal has had it's interesting moments through the years. Most of the time it's just getting people to understand that it's pronounced just like the word ball, but it just has one "l." At one time in Jason's Air Force career he had the call sign No L. You would think having a 3 letter last name wouldn't require you to have to spell it, but I do, all the time. And I always get the look of expectation like there should be more, or the question of "Is that it?"<br />
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heather@thelittlethingshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16514066648359274439noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2037519589764121648.post-66978709967124611592014-02-05T10:25:00.000+02:002014-02-05T10:27:23.117+02:00365 little things *24-31Is anyone else watching Sherlock?<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/heatherbalphotography/12317707544/" title="sherlock by Heather*B, on Flickr"><img alt="sherlock" src="http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5509/12317707544_cafd2632eb_c.jpg" height="600" width="800" /></a><br />
Ahhhh! I love this show! But now I am bummed that Season 3 is already over (all 3 episodes of it.) I guess I will just have to rewatch the old seasons. Thank goodness for Amazon Prime and a VPN.<br />
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And now onto the rest of January's photos...<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/heatherbalphotography/12317089925/" title="24-Jan24 by Heather*B, on Flickr"><img alt="24-Jan24" src="http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5473/12317089925_c545ff01df_c.jpg" height="571" width="800" /></a><br />
January 24 - Little Monsters. We had a no school day, so to keep the boys busy, (and for us to watch some Doctor Who together) my neighbor, Ashley, and her son, David, came over and we made Valentine crafts. We all made some of these furry creatures, and the boys made heart ninjas. Monsters and ninjas = Life with boys.<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/heatherbalphotography/12317243063/" title="25-Jan25 by Heather*B, on Flickr"><img alt="25-Jan25" src="http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2858/12317243063_cf79b59bc7_c.jpg" height="571" width="800" /></a><br />
January 25 - Like father, like son. So cute. It's like mirror image, time travelling technology!<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/heatherbalphotography/12317078075/" title="26-Jan26 by Heather*B, on Flickr"><img alt="26-Jan26" src="http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5503/12317078075_5fbba445aa_c.jpg" height="571" width="800" /></a><br />
January 26 - This house eats glass. I can't even tell you how many things have gotten broken since we've lived in this house. With marble counter tops and tile floors, we've had many, many casualties. These broken bits were formerly a bread pan. Argh!<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/heatherbalphotography/12317493744/" title="27-Jan27 by Heather*B, on Flickr"><img alt="27-Jan27" src="http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2818/12317493744_24a2ccae56_c.jpg" height="571" width="800" /></a><br />
January 27 - Cloudy day. This time of the year is typically the rainy season here in Turkey. This was one of those rainy days, and the clouds were doing some funky stuff, too.<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/heatherbalphotography/12317202753/" title="28-Jan28 by Heather*B, on Flickr"><img alt="28-Jan28" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7381/12317202753_6fb0deb337_c.jpg" height="571" width="800" /></a><br />
January 28 - Hello, Mr. Snail. Snails are EVERYWHERE and plentiful here. Escargot, anyone? Ha ha. This gigantic one was making his way in the grass beside our patio.<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/heatherbalphotography/12317476124/" title="29-Jan29 by Heather*B, on Flickr"><img alt="29-Jan29" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7355/12317476124_0075411d07_c.jpg" height="571" width="800" /></a><br />
January 29 - I like owls. I had forgotten I had this one, and found him the other day when I was going through some craft stuff. He's hanging out on the mantel now. He makes me happy.<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/heatherbalphotography/12317472324/" title="30-Jan30 by Heather*B, on Flickr"><img alt="30-Jan30" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7325/12317472324_4239192a0c_c.jpg" height="571" width="800" /></a><br />
January 30 - Oxidized chocolate. When you pay for Ghirardelli, it should not look like this. Just another quirk of living in Turkey, and believe me there are many!<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/heatherbalphotography/12317461554/" title="31-Jan31 by Heather*B, on Flickr"><img alt="31-Jan31" src="http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2831/12317461554_0bdd35eabf_c.jpg" height="571" width="800" /></a><br />
January 31 - Multi-Tasker. It was apparently a play Connect 4, Potato Heads, and do science projects all at the same time kind of day. If only I could do the same with laundry, PTA, housework and blogging. I think I need more hands.<br />
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heather@thelittlethingshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16514066648359274439noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2037519589764121648.post-13551878896000283182014-01-25T08:53:00.001+02:002014-01-25T08:54:41.271+02:00365 little things *17-23Hello. Has anyone else had a super fast week? I guess mine was quick because there was only school 3 days this week. That means we had time to get up to some fun stuff on the other 2 days, and you know what they say, "Time flies when you're having fun!" Haha. I had to.<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/heatherbalphotography/12128759703/" title="17-Jan17 by Heather*B, on Flickr"><img alt="17-Jan17" src="http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3689/12128759703_1586e1732d_c.jpg" height="571" width="800" /></a><br />
Jan 17 - Clothes Bal. Chloe seems to have a revolving list of nicknames, Clothes Bal being the most recent one. Of course, she answers to all of them with licks and exuberant happiness.<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/heatherbalphotography/12129143436/" title="18-Jan18 by Heather*B, on Flickr"><img alt="18-Jan18" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7445/12129143436_33e48d723c_c.jpg" height="800" width="572" /></a><br />
Jan 18 - Dondurma. Dondurma is Turkish for ice cream in case you hadn't deduced that. :) <br />
On Saturday, a few ladies and I from our squadron spouses group went on an outing to the Women's Market in Adana. We had a fun time shopping, and then afterwards we had lunch, and then made a stop at the ice cream shop. Turkish ice cream is tasty. This is the Kup Amaretto from Mado.<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/heatherbalphotography/12128868074/" title="19-Jan19 by Heather*B, on Flickr"><img alt="19-Jan19" src="http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3729/12128868074_28ec81214b_c.jpg" height="571" width="800" /></a><br />
Jan 19 - Skyfall Bridge, James Bond Bridge, German Bridge, Koca Köprü, Varda Viaduct. i.e. A Bridge With Many Names. Jason, Brennan and I went adventuring on Sunday to go check out this bridge, and a canyon nearby. This is the train bridge in the chase scene in the beginning of the James Bond movie, <i>Skyfall</i>. It is also the tallest bridge in Turkey. That became quite obvious as we walked across it. I'm glad there was a guard rail.<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/heatherbalphotography/12128852184/" title="20-Jan20 by Heather*B, on Flickr"><img alt="20-Jan20" src="http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2816/12128852184_1b92b9c779_c.jpg" height="571" width="800" /></a><br />
Jan 20 - "It's Starting to Look Valentiney Around Here!" Or according to Brennan, "Yay, gumballs!"<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/heatherbalphotography/12128848984/" title="21-Jan21 by Heather*B, on Flickr"><img alt="21-Jan21" src="http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5523/12128848984_c246e2931f_c.jpg" height="571" width="800" /></a><br />
Jan 21 - Oh No, Two Decorating Pictures In A Row. I couldn't resist though, the mercury glass candle holders Andrew got me for Christmas finally made it through the mail (and unbroken!), so I had to put them out right away. Can you tell I love them just a little bit. :)<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/heatherbalphotography/12129112526/" title="22-Jan22 by Heather*B, on Flickr"><img alt="22-Jan22" src="http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3795/12129112526_f3fd2dee1c_c.jpg" height="571" width="800" /></a><br />
Jan 22 - A Growing Collection. Brennan picks up "treasures" almost every time we walk home from school. These are the things that haven't blown away or got knocked off by the neighborhood cat.<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/heatherbalphotography/12128720243/" title="23-Jan23 by Heather*B, on Flickr"><img alt="23-Jan23" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7318/12128720243_bd584e587d_c.jpg" height="571" width="800" /></a><br />
Jan 23- 12 minutes. That was about the amount of time that all of the laundry was done this week. That never happens around here, so I had to document the occasion.<br />
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heather@thelittlethingshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16514066648359274439noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2037519589764121648.post-90758977995451492014-01-21T11:50:00.000+02:002014-01-21T11:50:01.043+02:00Tuesday Travels - KizkalesiBack in early July we spent a few days in Kizkalesi, another Mediterranean coastal town. Kizkalesi is in the Mersin province and it's English translation is "maiden's castle."<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/heatherbalphotography/11884803076/" title="IMG_8824 by Heather*B, on Flickr"><img alt="IMG_8824" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7417/11884803076_26e172ee8f_c.jpg" height="571" width="800" /></a><br />
The legend of Kizkalesi Castle is that a fortune teller told the king that his daughter would be killed by a snakebite. He thought to protect her by building this castle off the shore to protect her from snakes. The castle didn't protect her though. In the end, a snake was brought to the island in a basket of fruit, and she was bitten and died. Apparently the same story is told for a Kizkalesi Castle in Istanbul, so who knows if the tale is true or not.<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/heatherbalphotography/11883958545/" title="IMG_8825 by Heather*B, on Flickr"><img alt="IMG_8825" src="http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5495/11883958545_3f08792a57_c.jpg" height="571" width="800" /></a><br />
This beach was definitely more crowded than the one in Karatas.<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/heatherbalphotography/11884403584/" title="IMG_8823 by Heather*B, on Flickr"><img alt="IMG_8823" src="http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5490/11884403584_27e0de8e46_c.jpg" height="571" width="800" /></a><br />
Give Brennan a pail and shovel and a spot to dig and he's good.<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/heatherbalphotography/11883995685/" title="IMG_8822 by Heather*B, on Flickr"><img alt="IMG_8822" src="http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5484/11883995685_3d89864a78_c.jpg" height="571" width="800" /></a><br />
I think he was building a castle.<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/heatherbalphotography/11884277103/" title="IMG_8820 by Heather*B, on Flickr"><img alt="IMG_8820" src="http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2892/11884277103_11918d5a58_c.jpg" height="571" width="800" /></a><br />
There were vendors walking around selling about anything you could imagine. That takes some skills to balance a big tray of bread on your head. Also check out the lady sitting on the left. That is one version of a Turkish swimsuit. Basically fully clothed, including a head scarf.<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/heatherbalphotography/11884284193/" title="IMG_8815 by Heather*B, on Flickr"><img alt="IMG_8815" src="http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5518/11884284193_54511d3b75_c.jpg" height="571" width="800" /></a><br />
Brennan has such an easy time making friends. He met this little girl at the Rain Cafe, a little restaurant that was close to the hotel where we stayed. I don't know how much they understood each other, but they had fun playing games.<br />
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In Kizkalesi there is another castle onshore called Korykos Castle. With it being so crowded, and so HOT we spent our time in town on the beach, but both castles are open for touring. Kizkalesi isn't too far away from us, so we plan to go back on a slower weekend.<br />
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heather@thelittlethingshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16514066648359274439noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2037519589764121648.post-8787550123093300962014-01-17T10:24:00.000+02:002014-01-17T10:24:08.684+02:00365 little things *10-16<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/heatherbalphotography/11992335193/" title="10-Jan10 by Heather*B, on Flickr"><img alt="10-Jan10" src="http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2856/11992335193_736879b9d6_c.jpg" height="571" width="800" /></a><br />
January 10 - Sick Day. Jason hardly ever gets sick, but when he does, he's down for the count. Our couch was Sick Central for a few days over this one. Poor guy. Thankfully, he's much better now.<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/heatherbalphotography/11992335443/" title="11-Jan11 by Heather*B, on Flickr"><img alt="11-Jan11" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7357/11992335443_d3c3804abc_c.jpg" width="600" /></a><br />
January 11 - Goofiness in 3D. Brennan loves looking at 3D books, and taking selfies on my tablet. Combine the two, and throw in Mommy as a willing participant, and you have lots of giggles and goofy faces.<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/heatherbalphotography/11992335453/" title="12-Jan12 by Heather*B, on Flickr"><img alt="12-Jan12" src="http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5512/11992335453_375d31d519_c.jpg" height="571" width="800" /></a><br />
January 12 - Scooting Around. I'm sure that technically he's too big for this scooter, but he still likes it, so we're good. This was Sunday, and since Jason was feeling a little better and a bit claustrophobic, we went for a drive and then came home and spent some time hanging out outside.<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/heatherbalphotography/11992335463/" title="13-Jan13 by Heather*B, on Flickr"><img alt="13-Jan13" src="http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3745/11992335463_63d0dee188_c.jpg" height="571" width="800" /></a><br />
January 13 - There Will Be Days Like This. This was one of those days, I was busy all day, and didn't even think about picking up my camera until it was way past dark. This Dreamlite puppy is part of Brennan's bedtime routine. **♪ Dream Lite, sleep tight, starry night with Dream Lite.... ♫** Just in case it's been awhile since that song has been stuck in your head. You're welcome.<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/heatherbalphotography/11992335473/" title="14-Jan14 by Heather*B, on Flickr"><img alt="14-Jan14" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7370/11992335473_dc9493af9e_c.jpg" height="571" width="800" /></a><br />
January 14 - Bunting in Progress. I've been working on some Valentine crafts this week. This doily bunting was easy, and it consisted of stuff I already had. The best kind of project!<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/heatherbalphotography/11992335483/" title="15-Jan15 by Heather*B, on Flickr"><img alt="15-Jan15" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7422/11992335483_f98090465d_c.jpg" height="571" width="800" /></a><br />
January 15 - Bye, Bye Banana Tree. - Well, at least temporarily. Our gardener let us know it was time to hack down our gigantic banana tree for the winter. Boo. I know it has to be cut back, and that it will grow back fast, but our backyard looks so barren without it in the meantime.<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/heatherbalphotography/11992345183/" title="16-Jan16 by Heather*B, on Flickr"><img alt="16-Jan16" src="http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2863/11992345183_d28bb9437d_c.jpg" height="571" width="800" /></a><br />
January 16 - Artsy Organization. I've been in house fluffing mode,so today I gathered up all of the art supplies we use most often, and put them all together in a tray on the dining room table. It makes sense, since that's where we use them the most, and their colorful togetherness makes me happy. (For now.) :)<br />
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Anybody else out there doing a photo project this year? Let me know...I'd love to follow along!<br />
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heather@thelittlethingshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16514066648359274439noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2037519589764121648.post-36226536568090901962014-01-14T10:16:00.000+02:002014-01-14T10:16:00.511+02:00Tuesday Travels - Karatas BeachIt's hard to believe we've been in Turkey for over a year now. Last year started terribly with me breaking my ankle, so we were unable to do much or go far from the house until the summer months came around. We did get out as soon as I was able, but those adventures never made it to the blog.<br />
<br />Well, with a new year comes a new start, and since I know you all want to see some pictures of Turkey, I'm going to backtrack and post about those trips until I get caught up. As you can see, I even got really clever, and I'm calling the catch up posts Tuesday Travels.<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/heatherbalphotography/11884458906/" title="Tuesday_Travel by Heather*B, on Flickr"><img alt="Tuesday_Travel" height="427" src="http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5533/11884458906_0b432ae621_c.jpg" width="800" /></a><br />
Are you ready?<br />
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Our first stop is Karatas Beach, located on the coast of the Mediterranean Sea, in the Adana Province. I don't have many pictures, because I spent most of the time just enjoying the beach, and not taking pictures.<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/heatherbalphotography/11884158126/" title="IMG_8795 by Heather*B, on Flickr"><img alt="IMG_8795" height="495" src="http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2882/11884158126_cb12ea42fb_c.jpg" width="800" /></a><br />
Karatas Beach. It's pretty cool when you go to the beach in Turkey. No sooner than your feet hit the sand, a beach attendant is there to bring you chairs and an umbrella. (For a small fee, of course.)<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/heatherbalphotography/11883335295/" title="IMG_8793 by Heather*B, on Flickr"><img alt="IMG_8793" height="571" src="http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3796/11883335295_20f5ac0c04_c.jpg" width="800" /></a><br />
The water was nice and warm. Brennan loves to swim. I think this summer we need to get him into swimming lessons.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/heatherbalphotography/11883579183/" title="IMG_8797 by Heather*B, on Flickr"><img alt="IMG_8797" height="571" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7299/11883579183_4fef6f3b4c_c.jpg" width="800" /></a><br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/heatherbalphotography/11883292535/" title="IMG_8801 by Heather*B, on Flickr"><img alt="IMG_8801" height="571" src="http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2882/11883292535_3424099f01_c.jpg" width="800" /></a><br />
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Like I said, not many pictures of our trip to Karatas, but we had a fun time. It is on our list to go back to this summer.<br />
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heather@thelittlethingshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16514066648359274439noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2037519589764121648.post-80764616203637886472014-01-10T15:23:00.000+02:002014-01-17T09:33:58.238+02:00Photo Project -The 2014 Edition: 365 little things *1-9If you've been hanging around here for awhile, you know I'm not much on making and keeping New Year's resolutions. You may have also observed I am a big fan of photography, and like to start off the year with a photo project. This year will be no exception. Maybe I will get further through the year with this one. And maybe, since I was the world's worst blogger of 2013, I will get back into the groove of blogging two or three times a week. This will hopefully guarantee at least one of those times. :)<br />
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Alrighty then.<br />
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<b><i>Photo Project - The 2014 Edition: 365 little things</i></b> begins now.<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/heatherbalphotography/11850693023/" title="1-Jan1_1202am by Heather*B, on Flickr"><img alt="1-Jan1_1202am" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7314/11850693023_8edb35fbfe_c.jpg" height="571" width="800" /></a><br />
January 1 - 12:02 a.m. (Ok, so obviously I didn't take this picture. But, since I have no rules for my photo project, I'm going with it. I don't remember who did take this picture that night, so thank you picture taker, and welcome to the project!) This was how Jason and I started 2014. Having fun with friends, decked out in 1920s style! Here's to a great 2014!<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/heatherbalphotography/11851204526/" title="2-Jan2 by Heather*B, on Flickr"><img alt="2-Jan2" src="http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3673/11851204526_dfee574e20_c.jpg" height="571" width="800" /></a><br />
January 2 - <strike>Reality Bites.</strike> Back to Reality. Time to unpack all of our bags from our trip to the States. I really detest unpacking. I may or may not have lived out of this suitcase for a few more days after this picture was taken, and Jason may or may not have put this stuff away for me in the end.<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/heatherbalphotography/11850689813/" title="3-Jan3 by Heather*B, on Flickr"><img alt="3-Jan3" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7364/11850689813_8a31486114_c.jpg" height="571" width="800" /></a><br />
January 3 - Reading<i><b> Divergent</b></i>. Has any one else read this series yet? I was engrossed, and had to read all three books, back to back. Thank goodness the series was all written, because I hate to start a book and then find out I have to wait for months or years (Diana Gabaldon. Grr.) to see how the story ends. It didn't end how I thought it would, but it was still a good read.<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/heatherbalphotography/11850401825/" title="4-Jan4 by Heather*B, on Flickr"><img alt="4-Jan4" src="http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5542/11850401825_85158e81d0_c.jpg" height="571" width="800" /></a><br />
January 4 - Goggle-y eyes. Brennan still loves to play in the bath tub. And, yes, googles are a requirement.<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/heatherbalphotography/11850818254/" title="5-Jan5 by Heather*B, on Flickr"><img alt="5-Jan5" src="http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5545/11850818254_27e3504c2f_c.jpg" height="571" width="800" /></a><br />
January 5 - In the Cartoon Zone. I'm not sure what show he was watching so intently, but he wasn't missing a bit of it! I like that he's holding Darth Vader's lightsaber. Stars Wars and Legos are his current obsessions.<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/heatherbalphotography/11850398035/" title="6-Jan6 by Heather*B, on Flickr"><img alt="6-Jan6" src="http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5542/11850398035_6e6d4c3723_c.jpg" height="571" width="800" /></a><br />
January 6 - Makin' Mayo. Back in December, Jason and I decided to go Paleo. We took a break while we were in Indiana, and now we are back on the wagon again. One of the things I do every week is make a batch of mayo. It is a bit time consuming, and sometimes it doesn't turn out. This was a good batch, and later helped to make some Ranch Dip and Honey Mustard Sauce. Yum!<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/heatherbalphotography/11851193376/" title="7_Jan7 by Heather*B, on Flickr"><img alt="7_Jan7" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7441/11851193376_95085a74f6_c.jpg" height="572" width="800" /></a><br />
January 7 - Tiny Daisy. Brennan and I walked home from school this day, and he picked me a little flower on our walk. I love that he can be such a sweet boy.<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/heatherbalphotography/11850814474/" title="8-Jan8 by Heather*B, on Flickr"><img alt="8-Jan8" src="http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2870/11850814474_692b0c635d_c.jpg" height="571" width="800" /></a><br />
January 8 - Legos, Legos, Everywhere. I mentioned earlier that Brennan's newest interest is Legos. I did not realize before now how Legos can fully infiltrate your life. These tiny plastic bits end up everywhere! This is the pile that is perpetually on the bar in our kitchen. Brennan likes to sit there and play with them while I'm chopping and cooking stuff. Thankfully I haven't stepped on one barefoot yet, but I'm sure that day will come.<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/heatherbalphotography/11850676203/" title="9-Jan9 by Heather*B, on Flickr"><img alt="9-Jan9" src="http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3752/11850676203_d8aef992c6_c.jpg" height="571" width="800" /></a><br />
January 9 - Snowflake Ring from a 5-year-old: Priceless. Back in December there was a Christmas Shop set up at school for the kids to buy gifts for their friends and family. Brennan bought me an ornament and this snowflake ring. He asked me to put it in my jewelry box with my other rings. You know I had to say yes to that. :)<br />
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<img align="center" src="http://i114.photobucket.com/albums/n249/heatherb2881/PostSignature_blue.jpg" style="border: 0;" />heather@thelittlethingshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16514066648359274439noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2037519589764121648.post-10778483589300419492014-01-09T13:39:00.000+02:002020-10-09T14:40:35.353+03:00Paleo.... What?You may have noticed me mention "Paleo" a couple of times since I've rebooted the blog. Believe me, I've been asked on more than one occasion what that's all about. You may recall I went gluten-free a couple of years back? For us, Paleo has just become a natural progression of that.<br />
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So what is Paleo? Instead of me typing out a big long guide to Paleo, below the picture is a link to an excellent article that tells all about it. It also has Lego illustrations, so it is entertaining, and well as informative.<br />
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<img alt=" The Beginner's Guide to Paleo." border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizb3hJ0Jx_h6WhpHyUNfgQQb5fRNptCevQBgixJX1fN_PDChf56BWCkUkCIoKESwsE535l99mfYnAH_3ESiNXfbshDOFCf-iWYDzxvP_nBJ5sfY8fr55zDL_umiJ14zGQn-eNyCh-k1g8/s1600/Leaning-Caveman-Grok.jpg" title="The Beginner's Guide to Paleo" width="800" /></div>
--> Link to: <a href="http://www.nerdfitness.com/blog/2010/10/04/the-beginners-guide-to-the-paleo-diet/" target="_blank">The Beginner's Guide to Paleo.</a><br />
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If you don't want to click over and read that (Though if you are interested, you should, it's great info.) here's a picto-word gram to help you out.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinnVMteaf3LxUqK1NdNfQfgqUX2MgxFOXXABWhDMU3FxPTiamkKGw-eoRbgQT7JqK4bn7Jeb1MrN__PsDcDDcM4jR0MJtmenX_lbSOf4T3Y0Pz5vitFh5cBaIbZYxwaQtLg8POj-08GOg/s1600/PaleoChart.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinnVMteaf3LxUqK1NdNfQfgqUX2MgxFOXXABWhDMU3FxPTiamkKGw-eoRbgQT7JqK4bn7Jeb1MrN__PsDcDDcM4jR0MJtmenX_lbSOf4T3Y0Pz5vitFh5cBaIbZYxwaQtLg8POj-08GOg/s1600/PaleoChart.jpg" /></a></div>
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Any clearer, now? For us, since we'd already cut out gluten, it was just a matter of cutting out processed sugars, dairy and legumes. Oh, and Jason cut out Diet Coke, which if you know him at all, you know that is a REALLY big deal. Looking at the list, it does seem a little overwhelming. But it's totally doable. </div>
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Here are some of the replacement staples in our pantry:</div>
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In place of regular flour, we use almond flour, coconut flour, tapioca starch, and arrowroot flour.<br />
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In place of refined white and brown sugar, we use maple syrup, honey, and coconut sugar.</div>
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Instead of vegetable and canola oils, we use olive oil, coconut oil, ghee, and bacon grease.</div>
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That's not so bad, right? Of course there are the beans and peas that we've had to give up, but that has just made us try veggies we don't normally buy to add variety.</div>
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The rest of pantry stocking is mostly reading labels and lots of prepping and preparing things yourself. When you start looking at labels, you'd be amazed at some of the junk that is in seemingly healthy foods. </div>
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As for preparing things yourself, I now make all of our mayonnaise and sauces and dressing. Well, except mustard, Paleo-friendly mustard is easy to find. The rest is just basically a combination of oils, vinegars, herbs, spices and juices. Keep an eye out and I will post our favorite sauce recipes soon!</div>
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And last, but definitely not least is the prepping. I'm not going to lie about the prepping. It is totally a pain. Mostly in the back, because there is a ton of standing and chopping stuff. You also have to plan meals so you aren't overbuying and wasting food. Since fresh is the best way to go, it's easy for your produce to go bad before you get a chance to use it. </div>
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In addition to chopping and prepping stuff, I try to have cook days a couple times a week. Like on Sunday, I cook up enough breakfast food to last a few days, and I try to have meats or other protein available that just need popped in the microwave for a warm up. We've found the worst thing about Paleo is the lack of "convenience" food. When you get hungry on Paleo, you really are hungry, and not just having a case of the munchies. It's "I need food right now" hungry! </div>
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So overall, Paleo is a bit more time consuming than how we used to eat, but it's totally worth it in the end.</div>
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heather@thelittlethingshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16514066648359274439noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2037519589764121648.post-85860111332278928732014-01-09T11:51:00.000+02:002014-01-09T11:51:06.131+02:00Happy 2014!Happy New Year Friends and Family! I hope you all had a wonderful holiday and your new year is starting off just right! We are all doing great! After a short, but much needed trip back to the States, we are settled back into daily life here in Turkey.<br />
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It was nice to be back in the USA after being gone for a year. It was nice to drive down the highway, and no other cars, buses, scooters, horse and buggies, or man pulled carts were trying to share the lane with us. There was also very little honking. I had almost forgotten that driving could actually be a peaceful experience. Of course, it was also great making the rounds and getting to hang out with our families.<br />
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<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="571" mozallowfullscreen="" msallowfullscreen="" nbsp="" oallowfullscreen="" src="https://www.flickr.com/photos/heatherbalphotography/11851551486/player/905125d82d" webkitallowfullscreen="" width="800"></iframe><br />
This was Brennan's first Christmas in Indiana. He had a blast!<br />
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<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="571" mozallowfullscreen="" msallowfullscreen="" nbsp="" oallowfullscreen="" src="https://www.flickr.com/photos/heatherbalphotography/11850954553/player/e4f4c6501b" webkitallowfullscreen="" width="800"></iframe><br />He was apparently a very good boy in 2013, because Santa found him at Grandma Brenda's house, and also left him a letter saying there were presents under the tree back in Turkey, too.<br />
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Santa was smart and left the lightsabers in Turkey!<br />
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Unfortunately, we did have to leave this little beauty back in Indiana with her parents. And who is this darling girl, you ask? Introducing Miss Paisley Elizabeth, our new grand daughter! We are over-the-top excited! She was born back in early December, and I do believe she was everyone's best Christmas present. :)<br /><br /><iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="640" mozallowfullscreen="" msallowfullscreen="" nbsp="" oallowfullscreen="" src="https://www.flickr.com/photos/heatherbalphotography/11851117213/player/b025913cf2" webkitallowfullscreen="" width="800"></iframe><br />The happy parents. :)<br />
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<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="583" mozallowfullscreen="" msallowfullscreen="" nbsp="" oallowfullscreen="" src="https://www.flickr.com/photos/heatherbalphotography/11851133433/player/6fc1f3d896" webkitallowfullscreen="" width="800"></iframe><br />Four generations.<br />
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<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="571" mozallowfullscreen="" msallowfullscreen="" nbsp="" oallowfullscreen="" src="https://www.flickr.com/photos/heatherbalphotography/11851066705/player/e389c52857" webkitallowfullscreen="" width="800"></iframe><br />I know, it's hard to stand the cuteness! Congratulations Shanny and Logan!<br /><br />And one more today, just because I had to...<br /><iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="583" mozallowfullscreen="" msallowfullscreen="" nbsp="" oallowfullscreen="" src="https://www.flickr.com/photos/heatherbalphotography/11851724636/player/f566e3421b" webkitallowfullscreen="" width="800"></iframe><br />
Tammy and Jason. This is Jason's cousin, Tammy, who also has the distinction of being one of the blog's biggest fans! We don't get to see her very often (like in over ten years), but our trips to Indiana overlapped this time, and it was great to see her! I warned her that pictures on my camera were fair game for blogging, so I totally had to follow through with that, right!?<br /><br />Happy 2014!<br />
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heather@thelittlethingshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16514066648359274439noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2037519589764121648.post-31072193694413276492013-10-15T11:03:00.000+03:002013-10-15T11:15:02.242+03:00Dressing Up, Bowling, And A New CarpetHello Everyone! First of all I would like to thank the sweet reader who emailed me to see everything was ok with us since it has been so long since I last posted. And also for everyone who has mentioned they miss my blog posts and enjoy reading and keeping up with us. I miss it all too. Since I've gotten so far behind, though, it just seems overwhelming to start again. I'll get it together soon. Maybe I'll start with a year in review, and do monthly recaps until I catch up.<br />
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But for now, I want to share our fun-filled weekend with you.<br />
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First there was this. Which was technically not a weekend event, since it was on Thursday night, but is going to make the cut regardless, because anytime we are able to get all dressed up, get a babysitter, and go out by ourselves is worthy of documenting.<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/heatherbalphotography/10285862235/" title="Us by Heather*B, on Flickr"><img alt="Us" height="571" src="http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5330/10285862235_fd8955c77b_c.jpg" width="800" /></a><br />
Aren't we cute? This was a graduation ceremony/dinner for an ALS class that included one of Jason's Staff Sergeants. Congratulations Eric!<br />
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On Saturday, we HAD to go visit Sparky the Fire Dog and his friends. Earlier in the week, Brennan's kindergarten class went on a field trip to the fire station for Fire Prevention Week. While they were there, the firefighters told the kids they would be at the BX at 10:00 on Saturday, and everyone needed to come. Brennan took that to heart, and on Saturday morning, he was ready to go bright and early with this fireman hat on.<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/heatherbalphotography/10286001084/" title="IMG_9932 by Heather*B, on Flickr"><img alt="IMG_9932" height="571" src="http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3731/10286001084_dae85b309f_c.jpg" width="800" /></a><br />
Looks like a future fireman to me!<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/heatherbalphotography/10285999354/" title="IMG_9934 by Heather*B, on Flickr"><img alt="IMG_9934" height="571" src="http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3735/10285999354_46fa877dcd_c.jpg" width="800" /></a><br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/heatherbalphotography/10286112535/" title="IMG_9937 by Heather*B, on Flickr"><img alt="IMG_9937" height="571" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7435/10286112535_78e4ceb283_c.jpg" width="800" /></a><br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/heatherbalphotography/10286110135/" title="IMG_9938 by Heather*B, on Flickr"><img alt="IMG_9938" height="571" src="http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5520/10286110135_c07890cd5b_c.jpg" width="800" /></a><br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/heatherbalphotography/10286107765/" title="IMG_9940 by Heather*B, on Flickr"><img alt="IMG_9940" height="800" src="http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2843/10286107765_87f97d5502_c.jpg" width="571" /></a><br />
Sparky!<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/heatherbalphotography/10285990514/" title="IMG_9941 by Heather*B, on Flickr"><img alt="IMG_9941" height="572" src="http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5444/10285990514_e9a60ca029_c.jpg" width="800" /></a><br />
He was just a little excited to have on the fire suit and to stand by the truck.<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/heatherbalphotography/10286084856/" title="IMG_9943 by Heather*B, on Flickr"><img alt="IMG_9943" height="572" src="http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2812/10286084856_52d6342846_c.jpg" width="800" /></a><br />
One with Daddy.<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/heatherbalphotography/10286081786/" title="IMG_9945 by Heather*B, on Flickr"><img alt="IMG_9945" height="572" src="http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5326/10286081786_0009ce7dcb_c.jpg" width="800" /></a><br />
A hug goodbye for Sparky.<br />
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After our visit with the firemen and Sparky, Jason had to go work on a squadron Halloween project and Brennan and I went to the commissary. I know that doesn't sound like fun, but since we weren't getting much, I let Brennan push around one of the kid size carts, and he had a blast at that.<br />
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Later that evening, we went to a BBQ at some friends' house. It was nice just to sit back and relax. We had a good time conversing around the fire, playing cards, Brennan played Wii with some other boys, we all had some great food (and there may have been a few drinks for the adults.)<br />
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Then Sunday was pajama day! Yay! Brennan and I are big fans of pajama days, and since he started school we haven't had a chance to have one. Jason, not so much, but he does occasionally enjoy a lounge around the house day.<br />
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On Monday we went into the Alley to one of the carpet shops. Originally, we weren't planning on buying anything, but after being offered a really great Columbus Day Sale deal, we ended up coming home with this new addition to our Turkish carpet collection.<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/heatherbalphotography/10286347236/" title="IMG_9986 by Heather*B, on Flickr"><img alt="IMG_9986" height="571" src="http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3737/10286347236_3a14700721_c.jpg" width="800" /></a><br />
What do you think? This is the biggest carpet we've bought so far. It's a nice and neutral grey, so when my frequent urge to redecorate strikes again, it should transition just fine. (Speaking of redecorating...some of that will be happening soon, so stay tuned!)<br />
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After our carpet buying trip, we headed to the bowling alley for some bowling and pizza.<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/heatherbalphotography/10286666766/" title="IMG_9956 by Heather*B, on Flickr"><img alt="IMG_9956" height="571" src="http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2818/10286666766_a2c934b7bd_c.jpg" width="800" /></a><br />
It was Brennan's first time bowling. I think this picture sums up how he felt about that.<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/heatherbalphotography/10286663756/" title="IMG_9958 by Heather*B, on Flickr"><img alt="IMG_9958" height="571" src="http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5539/10286663756_1c2a056a9f_c.jpg" width="800" /></a><br />
He used the rack for a little bit.<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/heatherbalphotography/10286657486/" title="IMG_9964 by Heather*B, on Flickr"><img alt="IMG_9964" height="571" src="http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3701/10286657486_16b77864f3_c.jpg" width="800" /></a><br />
But most of the time he wanted to bowl like Daddy.<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/heatherbalphotography/10286678545/" title="IMG_9961 by Heather*B, on Flickr"><img alt="IMG_9961" height="572" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7351/10286678545_9d71910682_c.jpg" width="800" /></a><br />
Checking out the scoreboard controls. Does anyone actually know how to score bowling by themselves anymore?<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/heatherbalphotography/10286680345/" title="IMG_9962 by Heather*B, on Flickr"><img alt="IMG_9962" height="571" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7323/10286680345_2490cef6b7_c.jpg" width="800" /></a><br />
The monster face. This is Brennan's current photo face. I think it's payback for all the times I've told him to smile with his teeth, haha.<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/heatherbalphotography/10286662885/" title="IMG_9967 by Heather*B, on Flickr"><img alt="IMG_9967" height="571" src="http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5522/10286662885_e5b70e4621_c.jpg" width="800" /></a><br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/heatherbalphotography/10286662325/" title="IMG_9970 by Heather*B, on Flickr"><img alt="IMG_9970" height="571" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7299/10286662325_0548c1d6e7_c.jpg" width="800" /></a><br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/heatherbalphotography/10286536814/" title="IMG_9974 by Heather*B, on Flickr"><img alt="IMG_9974" height="571" src="http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2820/10286536814_5fc52844b8_c.jpg" width="800" /></a><br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/heatherbalphotography/10286639396/" title="IMG_9975 by Heather*B, on Flickr"><img alt="IMG_9975" height="571" src="http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3713/10286639396_24345b6b52_c.jpg" width="800" /></a><br />
Pizza at the bowling alley must be better than pizza at home. Brennan ate a whole small cheese pizza all by himself.<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/heatherbalphotography/10286652435/" title="IMG_9981 by Heather*B, on Flickr"><img alt="IMG_9981" height="572" src="http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5482/10286652435_c88747eb56_c.jpg" width="800" /></a><br />
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Jason was the bowling winner, of course. Sadly, I think Brennan beat me at a couple of games, too. We'll just say that it was because he had bumpers.<br />
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Yep, that's it.<br />
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heather@thelittlethingshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16514066648359274439noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2037519589764121648.post-92188787324478019192013-06-21T14:19:00.001+03:002013-06-21T14:23:51.620+03:00The Rockets Red Glare.Today Brennan and I had fun putting together a fun project for our Summer decor.<br />
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Paper Rockets!<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/heatherbalphotography/9100307250/" title="IMG_6726 by Heather*B, on Flickr"><img alt="IMG_6726" height="571" src="http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5344/9100307250_5cd6021e70_c.jpg" width="800" /></a><br />
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First we started with some empty paper rolls.<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/heatherbalphotography/9098107267/" title="IMG_6681 by Heather*B, on Flickr"><img alt="IMG_6681" height="571" src="http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5510/9098107267_dd0dff4106_c.jpg" width="800" /></a><br />
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And some patriotic colored paper and card stock. See it there behind the photobombing 5-year-old?<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/heatherbalphotography/9098104371/" title="IMG_6683 by Heather*B, on Flickr"><img alt="IMG_6683" height="571" src="http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5523/9098104371_57e7f83a56_c.jpg" width="800" /></a><br />
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Then I just cut the paper to fit the rolls and let Brennan have at it with some modge podge.<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/heatherbalphotography/9098101607/" title="IMG_6690 by Heather*B, on Flickr"><img alt="IMG_6690" height="571" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7331/9098101607_dbcc41ec43_c.jpg" width="800" /></a><br />
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Ta Da!<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/heatherbalphotography/9098099307/" title="IMG_6691 by Heather*B, on Flickr"><img alt="IMG_6691" height="571" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7349/9098099307_866b197b51_c.jpg" width="800" /></a><br />
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To make the caps for the rockets, I cut circles out of the paper. I just traced a cup to get the shape.<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/heatherbalphotography/9100330514/" title="IMG_6692 by Heather*B, on Flickr"><img alt="IMG_6692" height="572" src="http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2835/9100330514_1dc9244eb0_c.jpg" width="800" /></a><br />
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Cut a slit halfway through the circle and shape and glue like so.<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/heatherbalphotography/9100327248/" title="IMG_6693 by Heather*B, on Flickr"><img alt="IMG_6693" height="571" src="http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3779/9100327248_5b0b50a041_c.jpg" width="800" /></a><br />
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Crafting is always better with some good music.<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/heatherbalphotography/9100324112/" title="IMG_6695 by Heather*B, on Flickr"><img alt="IMG_6695" height="571" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7299/9100324112_95f4268d0a_c.jpg" width="800" /></a><br />
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Brennan testing out the zoomability of our rockets. As you can see, after the modge podge-ing I lost him to the water sprinklers. He was on a cookie break.<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/heatherbalphotography/9100321446/" title="IMG_6697 by Heather*B, on Flickr"><img alt="IMG_6697" height="571" src="http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2876/9100321446_f92cdc5fb4_c.jpg" width="800" /></a><br />
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Hot glue on some sticks. I just used some skewers. Oh, and I forgot to mention, I glued on some ribbon for the sparks.<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/heatherbalphotography/9098082833/" title="IMG_6713 by Heather*B, on Flickr"><img alt="IMG_6713" height="571" src="http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2839/9098082833_cdba3a726e_c.jpg" width="800" /></a><br />
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"3-2-1 Blast off! Wow, Mom, they zoom even better with the sticks!"<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/heatherbalphotography/9100313958/" title="IMG_6718 by Heather*B, on Flickr"><img alt="IMG_6718" height="571" src="http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2885/9100313958_173613cc09_c.jpg" width="800" /></a><br />
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And there you have it, our fun Fourth of July centerpiece! Does anybody else get the feeling that these rockets will spend more time out of the pitcher than in it? :)<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/heatherbalphotography/9098075847/" title="IMG_6724 by Heather*B, on Flickr"><img alt="IMG_6724" height="571" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7332/9098075847_4c9eba126b_c.jpg" width="800" /></a><br />
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<span style="text-align: start;">Here is the </span><a href="http://pinterest.com/pin/221520875394705341/" style="text-align: start;">link</a><span style="text-align: start;"> to this picture on pinterest that was the inspiration for our rockets.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1z0ct_XcwE45irbLYvhnKxl35c7-WU7IhXrVInySqazjiiiE4yY43oKpu9npmFRrZFYozXOF0iHdkKVlNXtcZJjYlWcbDdA04u9wDLkv8MQ0bcK0QznKzObjM8hLK_KL3yNHNWgUCqWw/s1600/rockets.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1z0ct_XcwE45irbLYvhnKxl35c7-WU7IhXrVInySqazjiiiE4yY43oKpu9npmFRrZFYozXOF0iHdkKVlNXtcZJjYlWcbDdA04u9wDLkv8MQ0bcK0QznKzObjM8hLK_KL3yNHNWgUCqWw/s320/rockets.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<img align="center" src="http://i114.photobucket.com/albums/n249/heatherb2881/PostSignature_blue.jpg" style="border: 0;" />heather@thelittlethingshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16514066648359274439noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2037519589764121648.post-19215903373549256382013-06-12T11:04:00.000+03:002013-06-12T11:21:41.942+03:00Fun With DaddyIt's almost Father's Day. (Just FYI, honey - you will<i> love</i> your gift.) And looking through the ton of pictures that I need to edit on my computer, I think it's the perfect time for a Daddy filled post.<br />
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Here are some of the things that have been happening these days.<br />
<span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: x-large;">Nerf Battles</span><br />
This just spontaneously happens in our house.<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/heatherbalphotography/9021582601/" title="IMG_6021 by Heather*B, on Flickr"><img alt="IMG_6021" height="572" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7426/9021582601_45a2ab9783_c.jpg" width="800" /></a><br />
Brennan thinks he's being sneaky.<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/heatherbalphotography/9023802568/" title="IMG_6023 by Heather*B, on Flickr"><img alt="IMG_6023" height="571" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8418/9023802568_87bdcbf266_c.jpg" width="800" /></a><br />
But Daddy is pretty fast.<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/heatherbalphotography/9023799924/" title="IMG_6031 by Heather*B, on Flickr"><img alt="IMG_6031" height="571" src="http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2893/9023799924_0bbd36b37b_c.jpg" width="800" /></a><br />
Brennan always thinks the best place to be, is the one Jason just left.<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/heatherbalphotography/9021570815/" title="IMG_6033 by Heather*B, on Flickr"><img alt="IMG_6033" height="571" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8402/9021570815_be916f308f_c.jpg" width="800" /></a><br />
And then before you know it, chairs are sideways on the floor, there are darts stuck everywhere, and the dog has decided the best thing to do would be to hide in the laundry room.<br />
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Fun.<br />
<span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: x-large;">Our Camping Trip in the Living Room</span><br />
Brennan has been wanting to go camping. So instead hauling everything out and trying to find someplace to camp around here, we decided to do a test run in the living Room.<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/heatherbalphotography/9023917990/" title="IMG_6052 by Heather*B, on Flickr"><img alt="IMG_6052" height="571" src="http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3802/9023917990_a36e254e5f_c.jpg" width="800" /></a><br />
Setting up the tent.<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/heatherbalphotography/9021686255/" title="IMG_6058 by Heather*B, on Flickr"><img alt="IMG_6058" height="571" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8409/9021686255_3563bfc3ef_c.jpg" width="800" /></a><br />
He was only a little excited.<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/heatherbalphotography/9021682651/" title="IMG_6064 by Heather*B, on Flickr"><img alt="IMG_6064" height="571" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7459/9021682651_b2f0ff2177_c.jpg" width="800" /></a><br />
Jason is not a big fan of s'mores (I know, not normal, right?) But he always helps make them with us anyway.<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/heatherbalphotography/9023903466/" title="IMG_6069 by Heather*B, on Flickr"><img alt="IMG_6069" height="571" src="http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2844/9023903466_2117c99cba_c.jpg" width="800" /></a><br />
S'mores on the grill. We really need to get a fire pit. :)<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/heatherbalphotography/9021671339/" title="IMG_6093 by Heather*B, on Flickr"><img alt="IMG_6093" height="572" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7455/9021671339_163c1e9fb3_c.jpg" width="800" /></a><br />
Sweet man.<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/heatherbalphotography/9023892712/" title="IMG_6097 by Heather*B, on Flickr"><img alt="IMG_6097" height="571" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7301/9023892712_8acabb9ab0_c.jpg" width="800" /></a><br />
Time for some snuggling.<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/heatherbalphotography/9021659417/" title="IMG_6101 by Heather*B, on Flickr"><img alt="IMG_6101" height="571" src="http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3691/9021659417_075849e101_c.jpg" width="800" /></a><br />
And book reading. A camping book, of course.<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/heatherbalphotography/9023878212/" title="IMG_6105 by Heather*B, on Flickr"><img alt="IMG_6105" height="571" src="http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2819/9023878212_42a3863dbb_c.jpg" width="800" /></a><br />
One perk of camping inside - the view from the tent!<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/heatherbalphotography/9023873556/" title="IMG_6113 by Heather*B, on Flickr"><img alt="IMG_6113" height="571" src="http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2881/9023873556_3ff14a5795_c.jpg" width="800" /></a><br />
He should be sleeping, but he's still too excited.<br />
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Eventually, he did fall asleep. We did too, after having to refill the air mattress, and realizing that sleeping on the floor when you have a perfectly fine bed upstairs, is not all that great.<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/heatherbalphotography/9023870172/" title="IMG_6124 by Heather*B, on Flickr"><img alt="IMG_6124" height="571" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7433/9023870172_60db0ec799_c.jpg" width="800" /></a><br />
The next morning. (We all survived!) He thought we should keep the tent up all the time. Uh, sorry, no.<br />
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<span style="font-size: x-large;"><br />The Dirty Dash</span><br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/heatherbalphotography/8767544032/" title="IMG_6242 by Heather*B, on Flickr"><img alt="IMG_6242" height="571" src="http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2829/8767544032_7e713a3317_c.jpg" width="800" /></a><br />
A little fun in the mud.<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/heatherbalphotography/8767286168/" title="IMG_6345 by Heather*B, on Flickr"><img alt="IMG_6345" height="800" src="http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5442/8767286168_44501ab7f1_c.jpg" width="571" /></a><br />
After.<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/heatherbalphotography/8767100450/" title="IMG_6424 by Heather*B, on Flickr"><img alt="IMG_6424" height="571" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8263/8767100450_4b8c70dedc_c.jpg" width="800" /></a><br />
And then after being hosed off.<br />
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">We be Pirates! (and Princesses!)</span><br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/heatherbalphotography/8768286045/" title="IMAG0484 by Heather*B, on Flickr"><img alt="IMAG0484" height="640" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7408/8768286045_123f8b5745_z.jpg" width="480" /></a><br />
We had fun dressing up for a party a few weeks back.<br />
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">Showin' Some Love</span><br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/heatherbalphotography/8773085188/" title="IMAG0477 by Heather*B, on Flickr"><img alt="IMAG0477" height="640" src="http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2890/8773085188_2de88e3cb4_z.jpg" width="571" /></a><br />
He ♥'s his daddy.<br />
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Me too.<br />
xoxo, <img align="center" src="http://i114.photobucket.com/albums/n249/heatherb2881/PostSignature_blue.jpg" style="border: 0px;" />heather@thelittlethingshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16514066648359274439noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2037519589764121648.post-27242842541088512312013-06-10T13:10:00.000+03:002013-06-11T20:51:13.673+03:00Let Me Wipe Away the Dust...So, hmmm, yeah... Hi. Fancy seeing me here in the blogging world, right?<br />
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Since I've haven't written anything in months, I think I'm long overdue for an update!<br />
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First of all, we are all doing well here. As you might have seen in my last post, Jason was selected for Master Sergeant. Yay, Honey! We are all excited about that. Now we just have to wait until next year sometime, when he will finally get to put on that stripe.<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/heatherbalphotography/9004442487/" title="IMG_6513 by Heather*B, on Flickr"><img alt="IMG_6513" height="640" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7431/9004442487_6846e830fc_z.jpg" width="512" /></a><br />
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Brennan is super happy that he will be starting kindergarten in the fall. I am excited and sad. But I guess that is how every Mommy is. We hope to do lots of projects and fun stuff this summer. Oh, and I've already started buying school supplies, I don't know which on of us is more excited about that.<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/heatherbalphotography/9004479389/" title="IMG_6468 by Heather*B, on Flickr"><img alt="IMG_6468" height="457" src="http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5336/9004479389_f463a31683_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
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As for me and my <a href="http://jbhmbal.blogspot.com/2013/01/injure-lik.html">ankle</a>, I've been to physical therapy twice now. It has really helped. For the most part, and depending what shoes I have on, I can walk normally. I still have a problem going downstairs without looking all awkward, but it will all come in time. My ankle and foot still swell up everyday, and my scars are quite lovely. The doctor said the swelling will probably be around for a year or so, and scars are scars, they will fade over time.<br />
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So, we've been in Turkey for over six months now. A fourth of the time we will be here. Wow.<br />
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A few views of Turkey so far...<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/heatherbalphotography/9005289012/" title="IMG_5993 by Heather*B, on Flickr"><img alt="IMG_5993" height="457" src="http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5350/9005289012_d9e2e0c5e6_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
<a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sabanc%C4%B1_Merkez_Camii">Sabancı Merkez Camii</a><br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/heatherbalphotography/9005416222/" title="IMG_5994 by Heather*B, on Flickr"><img alt="IMG_5994" height="457" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7323/9005416222_12e336f3e2_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
Horse drawn wagon on the road.<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/heatherbalphotography/9004234867/" title="IMG_5995 by Heather*B, on Flickr"><img alt="IMG_5995" height="458" src="http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2894/9004234867_be33e63db9_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
I love the crosswalk man. You must wear a fedora to walk here, haha.<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/heatherbalphotography/9005400942/" title="IMG_5997 by Heather*B, on Flickr"><img alt="IMG_5997" height="457" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7311/9005400942_c16c912d4e_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
Dur means stop. (That was your Turkish word for the day.)<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/heatherbalphotography/9004220639/" title="IMG_6013 by Heather*B, on Flickr"><img alt="IMG_6013" height="457" src="http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5442/9004220639_6e03dbb915_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
Bread from a cart. Yum!<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/heatherbalphotography/9005393098/" title="IMG_6015 by Heather*B, on Flickr"><img alt="IMG_6015" height="427" src="http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5336/9005393098_56956458c2_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
Brennan at the Atatürk Parkı in Mersin.<br />
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Obviously, we haven't had much chance to travel around yet. I am sure our next year and a half will be full of Turkish travels.<br />
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After being stuck on the couch for months, I am ready!<br />
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<img align="center" src="http://i114.photobucket.com/albums/n249/heatherb2881/PostSignature_blue.jpg" style="border: 0;" />
heather@thelittlethingshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16514066648359274439noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2037519589764121648.post-49854613329641852672013-05-23T16:22:00.000+03:002013-05-23T16:22:06.375+03:00Drum Roll, Please...The list is out, and congratulations are in order...<br /><br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/heatherbalphotography/8791229427/" title="MSgtJason by Heather*B, on Flickr"><img alt="MSgtJason" height="640" src="http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3715/8791229427_a5f4d14723_z.jpg" width="489" /></a><br />
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Job well done, my love!<br />
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xoxo,<br />
<img align="center" src="http://i114.photobucket.com/albums/n249/heatherb2881/PostSignature_blue.jpg" style="border: 0;" />
heather@thelittlethingshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16514066648359274439noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2037519589764121648.post-52975747924832059222013-02-28T09:53:00.000+02:002013-02-28T09:53:13.550+02:00Pretty in PinkIt's been awhile since I've taken any pictures of Chloe. Well, pictures that didn't include shenanigans in the backyard or that could be submitted to <a href="http://dogshaming.com/">dogshaming.com</a>.<br />
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Like these...<br />
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I love the look on her face here. This is totally one of those pictures that needs thought bubbles photoshopped in. <span style="font-size: x-small;">(Yeah, I didn't do that obviously.)</span><br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/heatherbalphotography/8509405069/" title="What? by Heather*B, on Flickr"><img alt="What?" height="458" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8515/8509405069_5e4967584d_z.jpg" width="640" /></a>The dog protruding out of our fence is Brutus, our neighbor doggie. I don't really know why our fences are built with holes in them, but I am glad Chloe isn't any smaller...she can't get her whole body through to the other side either.<br />
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As Brennan would say, "Silly Brutus." <span style="font-size: xx-small;">(...and another missed thought bubble opportunity.)</span></div>
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/heatherbalphotography/8510512050/" title="Brutus by Heather*B, on Flickr"><img alt="Brutus" height="457" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8099/8510512050_fcd50f4394_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
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So back to Chloe's photo op. She just had to have some new PINK prettiness for her pictures. My opinion, not hers, of course. Aww, doesn't she look like a little princess?<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/heatherbalphotography/8509372895/" title="Chloe_2 by Heather*B, on Flickr"><img alt="Chloe_2" height="640" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8250/8509372895_6e36606a8f_z.jpg" width="512" /></a><br />
Ha, looks are definitely deceiving in her case! Our current nicknames for her are<i> Hog Dog</i>, <i>Grumpy Old Man</i>, <i>Scruffaluffagus</i>, and <i>The Lorax</i>. Can pink polka dots counteract all that?<br /><br />Besides the the beard and eyebrows making her look like a grumpy male Dr. Suess character; we've decided her goal each time she goes outside is to bring every bit of dirt and plant life from the backyard, back inside with her. And most days - she does a REALLY great job!<br />
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She's very much a tomboy, so I tried to girly her up.<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/heatherbalphotography/8510482284/" title="Chloe_1 by Heather*B, on Flickr"><img alt="Chloe_1" height="640" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8532/8510482284_9ce390b603_z.jpg" width="512" /></a><br />
Check out that new ID tag. Cute, right!? I love the pink and the little bow. I found it at the Etsy seller <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/MODPawed?ref=seller_info">ModPaw'd</a>. I am super happy with their service and the quality of the tag. They have lots of really neat designs. This one is called the Bella. <br />
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I love it. I've already decided when Chloe gets a new collar, I will order a new tag to match.<br />
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Coordinating collars and tags...I'll make her girly yet!<br />
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p.s. Just so you know, I did photoshop out our address on Chloe's tag, it is not a flaw in the stamping.<br />
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<img align="center" src="http://i114.photobucket.com/albums/n249/heatherb2881/PostSignature_blue.jpg" style="border: 0;" />
heather@thelittlethingshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16514066648359274439noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2037519589764121648.post-53618791750556367422013-02-26T12:41:00.001+02:002013-02-26T17:42:47.923+02:00And Then He Was FiveBrennan's fifth birthday was last week. Um, I have a five-year-old! Wow, where does the time go?<br />
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Of course, he was all kinds of excited. He is very proud of being five. Not that he's not also looking toward the future. Actually, I think he's got his 6th-10th birthdays already planned, haha. He's got goals, you see. This past summer he got to hang out with his cousins while we were in Indiana. He found a buddy in his cousin Matthew. Matthew was 10 at the time, and to Brennan that is his ultimate goal. To be a big kid, and be 10 like Matthew. :) I'm just glad time doesn't fly by quite as fast as he wants it to!<br />
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Brennan is still all about Spiderman, so we had a Spiderman filled birthday.<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/heatherbalphotography/8508860567/" title="IMG_5639 by Heather*B, on Flickr"><img alt="IMG_5639" height="457" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8226/8508860567_e5ce851686_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
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I even hobbled around and made a Spidey cake.<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/heatherbalphotography/8509970302/" title="IMG_5626 by Heather*B, on Flickr"><img alt="IMG_5626" height="458" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8239/8509970302_2eb6704606_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
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Time to open presents!<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/heatherbalphotography/8508858931/" title="IMG_5644 by Heather*B, on Flickr"><img alt="IMG_5644" height="458" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8370/8508858931_c5b60a2c89_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
These Magformers are awesome. We have played with them every day since he opened them up.<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/heatherbalphotography/8508857785/" title="IMG_5649 by Heather*B, on Flickr"><img alt="IMG_5649" height="458" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8094/8508857785_6bcf064c53_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/heatherbalphotography/8509963804/" title="IMG_5653 by Heather*B, on Flickr"><img alt="IMG_5653" height="457" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8514/8509963804_2e4a460d63_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/heatherbalphotography/8508854639/" title="IMG_5655 by Heather*B, on Flickr"><img alt="IMG_5655" height="457" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8226/8508854639_cb9505e95b_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
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The birthday hat. Ha!<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/heatherbalphotography/8509960674/" title="IMG_5657 by Heather*B, on Flickr"><img alt="IMG_5657" height="640" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8241/8509960674_4fb35e5674_z.jpg" width="457" /></a><br />
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Can't have a birthday without balloons!<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/heatherbalphotography/8509958030/" title="IMG_5668 by Heather*B, on Flickr"><img alt="IMG_5668" height="457" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8375/8509958030_874dd9d6ae_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/heatherbalphotography/8508849285/" title="IMG_5670 by Heather*B, on Flickr"><img alt="IMG_5670" height="457" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8529/8508849285_3f4d0ab4c2_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
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The birthday boy with his cake.<br />
<b><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/heatherbalphotography/8509955058/" title="IMG_5677 by Heather*B, on Flickr"><img alt="IMG_5677" height="640" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8104/8509955058_035d48f2a1_z.jpg" width="457" /></a></b><br />
Please ignore the black run on the front of the cake. Turkey runs on 220v electricity. We can use our 110v appliances here with step down transformers, BUT the hertz are different, so things like mixers, hair clippers, fans, and digital clocks run too fast. So, no low speed on my mixer makes it hard not to overmix icing. It was still tasty though. :)<br />
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Five candles.<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/heatherbalphotography/8509953968/" title="IMG_5679 by Heather*B, on Flickr"><img alt="IMG_5679" height="457" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8244/8509953968_55a4a15ea8_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
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Make a wish!<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/heatherbalphotography/8508845381/" title="IMG_5692 by Heather*B, on Flickr"><img alt="IMG_5692" height="457" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8098/8508845381_11f908b0e8_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/heatherbalphotography/8509950084/" title="IMG_5693 by Heather*B, on Flickr"><img alt="IMG_5693" height="640" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8100/8509950084_95ef1263a7_z.jpg" width="457" /></a><br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/heatherbalphotography/8508842239/" title="IMG_5696 by Heather*B, on Flickr"><img alt="IMG_5696" height="457" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8086/8508842239_cfb44ea3e9_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/heatherbalphotography/8508840855/" title="IMG_5697 by Heather*B, on Flickr"><img alt="IMG_5697" height="457" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8507/8508840855_c983285994_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
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I like how he had to stop and watch the smoke from the first one he blew out.<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/heatherbalphotography/8508838937/" title="IMG_5698 by Heather*B, on Flickr"><img alt="IMG_5698" height="457" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8516/8508838937_004b33e608_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/heatherbalphotography/8509944082/" title="IMG_5699 by Heather*B, on Flickr"><img alt="IMG_5699" height="457" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8370/8509944082_03cb07ae28_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
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Still mesmerized.<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/heatherbalphotography/8509942490/" title="IMG_5700 by Heather*B, on Flickr"><img alt="IMG_5700" height="457" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8379/8509942490_8547b3dc93_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
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Alright. Time to get down to business.<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/heatherbalphotography/8508833757/" title="IMG_5701 by Heather*B, on Flickr"><img alt="IMG_5701" height="457" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8241/8508833757_4c64807fe1_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
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Fist clenched in determination!<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/heatherbalphotography/8509938852/" title="IMG_5704 by Heather*B, on Flickr"><img alt="IMG_5704" height="457" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8232/8509938852_421ee42207_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
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Another breath.<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/heatherbalphotography/8508829971/" title="IMG_5705 by Heather*B, on Flickr"><img alt="IMG_5705" height="457" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8509/8508829971_1a632cce67_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/heatherbalphotography/8509973904/" title="IMG_5707 by Heather*B, on Flickr"><img alt="IMG_5707" height="427" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8109/8509973904_a18ef75baf_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
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He did it! But, of course, I don't have a picture of that. :P<br />
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Happy Birthday, Little Man! We love you so much!!<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/heatherbalphotography/8508825767/" title="IMG_5712 by Heather*B, on Flickr"><img alt="IMG_5712" height="457" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8506/8508825767_76817b65cc_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
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XOXO,<br />
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<img align="center" src="http://i114.photobucket.com/albums/n249/heatherb2881/PostSignature_blue.jpg" style="border: 0px;" />
heather@thelittlethingshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16514066648359274439noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2037519589764121648.post-45449378982764920852013-01-31T15:23:00.000+02:002013-01-31T15:24:56.098+02:00Injure-likI have had a long week. Well, I guess, almost week and a half now. Why, you ask? Well, if you didn't catch my super witty title, it is because I am down for the count (or at least grounded to the couch) for awhile. As in a broken and dislocated ankle, reconstructed tendon, two giganto screws, one plate, six pins, and a whole lot of stitches down. It has not been fun. And I'm not going to lie, I didn't come up with my super witty title, the guy in the physical therapy office at the clinic did, when he fitted and showed me how to use my crutches. By the way, crutches aren't fun either.<br />
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So...yeah, we've been here two months now, and I've already added myself to the Injured at Incirlik roster. Oh, and how did I do such a number on myself, you ask? It was done on an Instrument of Doom called a bicycle. Ha. I got distracted, got too close to the curb, and fell off. Actually, I put my leg out to try to keep myself from falling off, and that's when some crazy combination of geometry, momentum, and torque all got the best of my tibia and fibula. I don't have another scratch on me, not even a skinned knee or hand or elbow. My Doctor expresses amazement every time he sees me. Apparently, he's never seen anything quite like it. And just from a bike wreck. He originally thought I got hit by a car. :-S Wow. What can I say, my first broken bone ever, I guess I just had to do it with gusto.<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/heatherbalphotography/8431662325/" title="splint by Heather*B, on Flickr"><img alt="splint" height="640" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8510/8431662325_34e6067cf5_z.jpg" width="457" /></a><br />
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Here is my splinted and wrapped up ankle. I should get a hard cast next week. I will save you're eyes from seeing what a dislocated foot looks like. Even the x-rays are cringe worthy. On the bright side, I get to wear yoga pants every day, and don't feel bad about it one bit. :)<br />
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<a href="http://pinterest.com/pin/221520875393697733/" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="425" src="http://media-cache-ec3.pinterest.com/550/a4/e7/b8/a4e7b89b4362ea0ead049190dbf4a2ee.jpg" width="595" /></a></div>
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Source: <a href="http://hahasforhoohas.com/yoga-has-nothing-to-do-with-yoga-pants-funny-ecard/" style="color: #76838b; font-size: 10px; text-decoration: underline;">hahasforhoohas.com</a> via <a href="http://pinterest.com/littlethingsH/" style="color: #76838b; font-size: 10px; text-decoration: underline;" target="_blank">Heather</a> on <a href="http://pinterest.com/" style="color: #76838b; text-decoration: underline;" target="_blank">Pinterest</a></div>
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In other news, our jeep is in Turkey. We don't have it yet, because of all the paperwork rig-a-ma-roll, but at least it is in the same country with us. Also, our household goods are being delivered tomorrow. Yay! Well, everything but one carton, it hasn't made it yet. Weird that they got separated, but we'll take what we can get. :)<br />
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P.S. A super big thanks to everyone who has helped us out since my injury - meals, babysitting Brennan, driving us around, just being there and checking on us - it means so much, and has made a rough time so much smoother! THANK YOU Incirlik friends!<br />
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P.S.S. A special thanks to Jason. He has taken perfect care of me and Brennan, made arrangements, cooked, cleaned, mastered laundry duty, and has just overall taken up all my slack without one bit of complaint. Thank you, Honey. I love you.<br />
<img align="center" src="http://i114.photobucket.com/albums/n249/heatherb2881/PostSignature_blue.jpg" style="border: 0;" />
heather@thelittlethingshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16514066648359274439noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2037519589764121648.post-19343143008011671872013-01-03T11:44:00.000+02:002013-01-03T11:46:30.695+02:00Christmas and a Brand New YearHappy New Year! I hope everyone had a wonderful Christmas! We had a nice quiet one - family time, friends, lots of food, presents. Fun.<br />
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This year Santa got cookies and milk<i> and</i> chocolate covered cherries. We also had to put carrots out for the reindeer, plus a pan of water. Brennan is very thorough. No thirsty reindeer at our house. Christmas Eve we watched Santa Claus is Comin' to Town and the listened to a reading of 'Twas the Night Before Christmas. Brennan said he was "so nervous" when I tucked him in. I don't know if he was nervous because he was excited, or nervous because he was afraid he was going to be on the naughty list. Ha.<br />
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As it turned out, he did make it onto the good list. This was right as he realized Santa had left presents under the tree. I love it!<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/heatherbalphotography/8341634226/" title="Santa Came! by Heather*B, on Flickr"><img alt="Santa Came!" height="640" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8495/8341634226_644891fa5c_z.jpg" width="457" /></a><br />
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Brennan had a blast opening his presents and helping us open ours. He was just as excited about the presents that weren't his. See my new Keurig on the couch. Yep, awesome! Thanks Santa! ;)<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/heatherbalphotography/8341656956/" title="Opening Presents by Heather*B, on Flickr"><img alt="Opening Presents" height="458" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8081/8341656956_a62481ffba_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/heatherbalphotography/8340620229/" title="I think he loved them. by Heather*B, on Flickr"><img alt="I think he loved them." height="457" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8215/8340620229_71c69f2e48_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
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Brennan's new scooter. The scooter that was the stand-in for the skateboard that was on his list. Which prompted a discussion about Santa not always getting you want you want, but what is best for you after Brennan told us Santa "let him down" by not giving him a skateboard. I think all is good now. And for as many times as Brennan has wiped out on this thing, Santa definitely made the right call. :)<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/heatherbalphotography/8341692744/" title="IMG_5454 by Heather*B, on Flickr"><img alt="IMG_5454" height="640" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8351/8341692744_a0421b5a00_z.jpg" width="427" /></a><br />
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Jason got a home beer making kit. He's been wanting one forever, so he is a happy camper, or in this case, Beermaker. Apparently, coffee and beer make the world go 'round in our house. Ha ha!<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/heatherbalphotography/8341676804/" title="Christmas Beer by Heather*B, on Flickr"><img alt="Christmas Beer" height="457" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8224/8341676804_3ea5a5f865_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
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The rest of the week we spent mostly kicked back relaxing. It was nice. Apparently, I was extra relaxed, because the only other picture on my camera after opening Christmas presents is the cinnamon roll Christmas tree I made for breakfast Christmas day. I know, right, totally not my normal take pictures of everything self. :)<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/heatherbalphotography/8340650719/" title="Cinnamon Roll Tree by Heather*B, on Flickr"><img alt="Cinnamon Roll Tree" height="640" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8494/8340650719_e2f5902386_z.jpg" width="457" /></a><br />
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And so that is that. Farewell 2012! I can't say it was a bad year, because it did have lots of good parts, but is was definitely a year of change and being unsettled for us. With Jason's deployment, we were apart for half of it, and then after he got back, most of our time and efforts were focused on getting ready for our big move. So now here we are, in Turkey, (most of) the hard parts are over, and this year we can hopefully just focus on being together, having some fun and adventures, and enjoying this amazing opportunity we have to be part of a different country and culture.<br />
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Welcome 2013!<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/heatherbalphotography/8340683135/" title="Happy 2013! by Heather*B, on Flickr"><img alt="Happy 2013!" height="446" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8213/8340683135_2d25aeb55f_z.jpg" width="625" /></a><br />
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I'm looking forward to it!<br />
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<img align="center" src="http://i114.photobucket.com/albums/n249/heatherb2881/PostSignature_blue.jpg" style="border: 0;" />
heather@thelittlethingshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16514066648359274439noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2037519589764121648.post-45861670765008478662012-12-24T09:20:00.000+02:002012-12-24T09:20:06.662+02:00Merry Christmas!Here's wishing a <span style="font-size: large;">Very Merry Christmas</span> from our house to yours!<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/heatherbalphotography/8303264726/" title="Christmas_Card_2012 by Heather*B, on Flickr"><img alt="Christmas_Card_2012" height="556" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8072/8303264726_827b5e913f_z.jpg" width="400" /></a><br />
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I usually design and send out Christmas cards every year, but with all of the excitement these past few weeks, it just didn't happen.<br />
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I found this card on <a href="http://www.shutterfly.com/">Shutterfly</a> this morning and thought it was cute. They have some nice New Year's cards too...so maybe I'll try that instead.<br />
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For now I'm off to start making some tasty treats for our Christmas dinner tomorrow!<br />
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xo,<br />
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<img align="center" src="http://i114.photobucket.com/albums/n249/heatherb2881/PostSignature_blue.jpg" style="border: 0;" />
heather@thelittlethingshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16514066648359274439noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2037519589764121648.post-42720551757503863602012-12-20T15:51:00.001+02:002012-12-20T15:51:10.504+02:00The Week Before Christmas......and all through the house we are battling mud and leaks and a spider or two. Actually, I haven't seen a spider in a couple of days, so maybe they all drowned, ha!<br />
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As for the mud, this is what it looked like outside most of the week.<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/heatherbalphotography/8291229494/" title="IMG_5433 by Heather*B, on Flickr"><img alt="IMG_5433" height="457" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8083/8291229494_130ca7531e_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
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I knew we were coming here in the rainy season, but after Utah and it's lack of rain, constant rain for days has us considering building an ark!<br />
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Here is what the front of our house currently looks like.<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/heatherbalphotography/8291225244/" title="IMG_5435 by Heather*B, on Flickr"><img alt="IMG_5435" height="457" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8072/8291225244_e6d0f8db09_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
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Very festive, don't you think? Yesterday morning I came downstairs to a dining room floor full of water. It seems that our front window casing has sprung a leak! Since the constant rain makes it impossible to repair at the moment, this is the only solution for now. I'm thinking of it as fancy etched glass, and not as plastic sheeting sandbagged to the front of my house. :)<br />
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One the bright side, people here are awesome! A new friend has remedied our lack of a Christmas tree.<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/heatherbalphotography/8290199663/" title="IMG_5384 by Heather*B, on Flickr"><img alt="IMG_5384" height="640" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8214/8290199663_08c1be448a_z.jpg" width="457" /></a><br />
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Brennan was so happy to be able to decorate a tree.<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/heatherbalphotography/8291272150/" title="IMG_5385 by Heather*B, on Flickr"><img alt="IMG_5385" height="640" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8493/8291272150_4302fb2d64_z.jpg" width="457" /></a><br />
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Poor guy... This really was his happy face. He had a few days of not feeling good. Headaches and fever. No worries though, he's back to his normal self now.<br />
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Yesterday, we went to see Santa.<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/heatherbalphotography/8290241117/" title="Brennan_Santa by Heather*B, on Flickr"><img alt="Brennan_Santa" height="640" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8211/8290241117_3d0d11b5e2_z.jpg" width="457" /></a><br />
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And to make some Christmas crafts.<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/heatherbalphotography/8291297148/" title="IMG_5416 by Heather*B, on Flickr"><img alt="IMG_5416" height="457" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8217/8291297148_e4bf0bd696_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/heatherbalphotography/8290290011/" title="IMG_5424 by Heather*B, on Flickr"><img alt="IMG_5424" height="457" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8491/8290290011_0b700ddc8a_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
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I think he had fun.<br />
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<img align="center" src="http://i114.photobucket.com/albums/n249/heatherb2881/PostSignature_blue.jpg" style="border: 0;" />
heather@thelittlethingshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16514066648359274439noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2037519589764121648.post-31564292487124004772012-12-13T12:46:00.001+02:002012-12-13T12:50:03.480+02:00A Little Bit o' ChristmasUsually every year by this time in December, my house is all decked, my presents are all wrapped, and we are fully immersed in fun Christmas crafts, cookie making, and holiday outings.<br />
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This year we are doing everything low key. Make that really low key. Of course, that is not by choice, just the circumstances we are in at the moment; I'm not going all bah humbuggy on you.<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/heatherbalphotography/8269561844/" title="Soapy Santa by Heather*B, on Flickr"><img alt="Soapy Santa" height="457" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8487/8269561844_eb772e6e88_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
Ho, ho, ho! It's Santa Brennan.<br />
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As of today, I have no wrapping done. Actually, I don't even have any wrapping paper, and some of my need-to-wrap gifts won't even get here until after Christmas. We haven't done any cookie baking yet. I do plan on doing that soon. (The commissary here has several gluten-free flour options. Yay!) Brennan has decided Santa needs chocolate chip cookies this year. Sounds good to me. :)<br />
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As for all the other trimmings, I don't have any Christmas-y smelling candles, or a mantel to hang our stockings, or even a Christmas tree. But we have had a fun time making a couple craft projects to make it a little festive around here.<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/heatherbalphotography/8269551200/" title="Pinecone Bokeh by Heather*B, on Flickr"><img alt="Pinecone Bokeh" height="458" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8083/8269551200_bc60ebd4b4_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
On our daily outings to the playground, Brennan has been collecting pinecones.<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/heatherbalphotography/8268483915/" title="Sparkly Pinecones by Heather*B, on Flickr"><img alt="Sparkly Pinecones" height="640" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8212/8268483915_c47b40a3a7_z.jpg" width="457" /></a><br />
I told you it wouldn't take long to use my new glitter!<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/heatherbalphotography/8269554804/" title="Pinecone Decor by Heather*B, on Flickr"><img alt="Pinecone Decor" height="427" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8480/8269554804_0afb4aa0af_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/heatherbalphotography/8268471437/" title="Paper Chain by Heather*B, on Flickr"><img alt="Paper Chain" height="457" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8068/8268471437_92c7790d92_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
We've also made some paper chains.<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/heatherbalphotography/8269550018/" title="Paper Christmas by Heather*B, on Flickr"><img alt="Paper Christmas" height="457" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8061/8269550018_e48e9fc8b7_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
Easy pack Christmas decor. :)<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/heatherbalphotography/8268477609/" title="Felt Banner by Heather*B, on Flickr"><img alt="Felt Banner" height="457" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8338/8268477609_49305f30c5_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
And we made a felt banner.<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/heatherbalphotography/8269534174/" title="Making the Banner by Heather*B, on Flickr"><img alt="Making the Banner" height="482" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8503/8269534174_522176f4c8_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
Banner making.<br />
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I was also able to mail over a couple of our favorites.<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/heatherbalphotography/8269538452/" title="Advent Calendar by Heather*B, on Flickr"><img alt="Advent Calendar" height="640" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8064/8269538452_387f2c0ba1_z.jpg" width="457" /></a><br />
Our <a href="http://jbhmbal.blogspot.com/2010/12/our-advent-tree.html" target="_blank">Christmas advent tree</a>.<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/heatherbalphotography/8268474285/" title="Jar Snow Globes by Heather*B, on Flickr"><img alt="Jar Snow Globes" height="640" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8360/8268474285_78ccfb1240_z.jpg" width="457" /></a><br />
The <a href="http://jbhmbal.blogspot.com/2011/12/last-minute-christmas-project.html" target="_blank">snow globes we made last year,</a> and our tiny first Christmas tree.<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/heatherbalphotography/8269544726/" title="Brennan Nativity by Heather*B, on Flickr"><img alt="Brennan Nativity" height="457" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8204/8269544726_ff75f357ef_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
Brennan's nativity<span style="font-size: x-small;">...and Spider-man gloves, and Matchbox cars, and Transformers.</span> :)<br />
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And as is <a href="http://jbhmbal.blogspot.com/2009/12/friday-favorites-christmas-ornaments.html" target="_blank">our tradition</a>, our Christmas ornaments for this year.<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/heatherbalphotography/8269548302/" title="Family Ornament 2012 by Heather*B, on Flickr"><img alt="Family Ornament 2012" height="640" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8216/8269548302_242a457f5d_z.jpg" width="457" /></a><br />
Our family ornament. Fitting for all the National Park exploring we did this year. We found this leaf at Bryce Canyon National Park.<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/heatherbalphotography/8269547316/" title="Brennan Ornament 2012 by Heather*B, on Flickr"><img alt="Brennan Ornament 2012" height="640" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8199/8269547316_283fb435a1_z.jpg" width="457" /></a><br />
Brennan's ornament. Since we are now international, Santa on a globe was perfect for this year. Brennan has had concerns that Santa won't find him. I think the little man will be getting his<a href="http://www.portablenorthpole.com/home" target="_blank"> yearly email from Santa</a> any day now. :)<br />
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He will not, however, be getting the skateboard that he put on his Christmas list. I don't think my Mommy nerves are up for that yet. Yikes.<br />
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<img align="center" src="http://i114.photobucket.com/albums/n249/heatherb2881/PostSignature_blue.jpg" style="border: 0;" />
heather@thelittlethingshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16514066648359274439noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2037519589764121648.post-41364530984536582342012-12-11T14:01:00.000+02:002012-12-11T14:04:05.997+02:00Our New HouseThe title today pretty much takes care of the intro...so here it is - our new house!<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/heatherbalphotography/8263072383/" title="First Days in Turkey by Heather*B, on Flickr"><img alt="First Days in Turkey" height="458" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8482/8263072383_373923d70d_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
The front of the house. Complete with sunshiney day. :)<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/heatherbalphotography/8263078805/" title="First Days in Turkey by Heather*B, on Flickr"><img alt="First Days in Turkey" height="457" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8362/8263078805_97bb658cd7_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
The back patio.<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/heatherbalphotography/8263080463/" title="First Days in Turkey by Heather*B, on Flickr"><img alt="First Days in Turkey" height="458" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8493/8263080463_89004f7251_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
The humongous banana tree.<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/heatherbalphotography/8264144616/" title="First Days in Turkey by Heather*B, on Flickr"><img alt="First Days in Turkey" height="458" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8354/8264144616_307d9012a1_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
The backyard. See Chloe checking it out in the corner?<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/heatherbalphotography/8264138442/" title="First Days in Turkey by Heather*B, on Flickr"><img alt="First Days in Turkey" height="457" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8060/8264138442_c5cee9fdd2_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
Come on in! Like my new wreath? The Community Center had a Wine, Cheese, and Wreath Making night this past Saturday. It was fun!<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/heatherbalphotography/8264133116/" title="First Days in Turkey by Heather*B, on Flickr"><img alt="First Days in Turkey" height="458" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8072/8264133116_1949df6f58_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
The kitchen.<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/heatherbalphotography/8263063099/" title="First Days in Turkey - Dining Room by Heather*B, on Flickr"><img alt="First Days in Turkey - Dining Room" height="427" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8482/8263063099_18a31632a6_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
The dining room. We built a new dining room table before we left Utah, and I refinished the hutch and buffet. (I know, finally!) I sure hope it all fits in there. All the furniture we have in here now is loaner stuff.<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/heatherbalphotography/8264134688/" title="First Days in Turkey by Heather*B, on Flickr"><img alt="First Days in Turkey" height="457" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8359/8264134688_081af2df94_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
The living room and a goofy Brennan playing PBS Kids. Poor kid - it's been raining, he's not in preschool, we don't have a tv at the moment and most of his stuff and our art stuff isn't here. To combat boredom, his normal hour of computer time a day has been expanded a little. We still get our daily dose of Curious George though. Thank goodness for streaming Netflix!<br />
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...and that's all I have for now. We also have three bedrooms upstairs, 2 1/2 baths, lots of closets and storage spaces, and a laundry room. When we get all our things here, and I get everything all snazzy I will give you a full tour.<br />
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Though that will probably not be until sometime around Valentine's Day. In the meantime, I'm sure it will continue to be interesting. Without all of our stuff here, we're learning to do a lot of improvising.<br />
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Like this:<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/heatherbalphotography/8263081793/" title="First Days in Turkey by Heather*B, on Flickr"><img alt="First Days in Turkey" height="457" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8497/8263081793_308c959454_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
How about a pot of brownies? We have no mixing bowls in the house, so a pot worked in a pinch!<br />
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They were still yummy, of course. :)<br />
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<img align="center" src="http://i114.photobucket.com/albums/n249/heatherb2881/PostSignature_blue.jpg" style="border: 0;" />
heather@thelittlethingshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16514066648359274439noreply@blogger.com0