tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-364615962024-03-23T12:51:40.651-05:00maine mommaKristin Zecchinellihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03669097079491245666noreply@blogger.comBlogger1485125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36461596.post-14386594674048458232021-05-16T19:27:00.004-05:002021-05-16T19:48:41.915-05:00last day of 16<p>we all know 2020 was a year like no other. it was the year you turned 16, just weeks into our national shutdown. we celebrated that day with a car parade complete with firetrucks. your friends couldn't come over and hang out back then. little did we know we'd only just be seeing some light here a whole year later. here we are. the eve of your 17th birthday. you are fully vaccinated. you've spent your entire 16th year in a mask, socially distant, no job, very little sports til now. your drivers permit completely on hold because drivers school shut down. right before the pandemic you had really found your place. you discovered you love filming movies with your friends. it became your passion that was completed sidelined by covid. it's been a year of doing the right thing, even when it hurt. and i am so proud of you. i know you've missed out on so much, sacrificed so much, but i hope you are proud of yourself too. you kept your family and community safe. i know it was not easy. </p><p>happy last day of 16 kellen and cheers to an amazing 17.</p><p>love you, </p><p>mom</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0jOp5g4vjyi9vye7QjOiN-cOxEF5QJxEeRd1fjsc8ZHOByqcNSdsq8YwzzEZjn-n-eubTXwDLRbZLmodW-eW0u2HXQ4JoEibFmDvl8wQGdBPsdGsZY1FQ1n1BMzBhe7xkFPfqvw/s1205/12567D99-0FEF-4DB5-9B5E-00CFA107C269.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1205" data-original-width="1205" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0jOp5g4vjyi9vye7QjOiN-cOxEF5QJxEeRd1fjsc8ZHOByqcNSdsq8YwzzEZjn-n-eubTXwDLRbZLmodW-eW0u2HXQ4JoEibFmDvl8wQGdBPsdGsZY1FQ1n1BMzBhe7xkFPfqvw/w640-h640/12567D99-0FEF-4DB5-9B5E-00CFA107C269.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div><p>16 was:</p><p></p><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>school shut down and went fully remote to finish your sophomore year</li><li>long curls to a short cut </li><li>masks, hand sanitizer, social distance</li><li>after many months of waiting, you earned your driver's permit. now it's practice practice practice.</li><li>socially distant fire pit nights</li><li>watching movies online with your friends</li><li>the election</li><li>in fall you returned to in person school 4 days a week for your junior year. things looked VERY different.</li><li>dressing up as biden π (you really nailed it)</li><li>riding in a car parade in portland celebrating biden's win</li><li>putting the finishing touches on Joker</li><li>among us (pink is SUS). now you and your sister play lots of valorant</li><li>cross country barely happened since our school was in the yellow zone (covid covid covid) spring brought track; running sprints fully masked with no spectators.</li><li>you never needed a covid test.</li><li>you were so excited to finally get your turn for a vaccine. (team Pfizer. THANK YOU SCIENCE!)</li><li>we stayed home, did not eat out. we enjoyed watching stuff on disney plus (thank you Marvel) we ordered a lot of your favorite Chinese take out.</li><li>you maintained honor roll in this very strange school year. even climbed up into high honors 2 quarters.</li><li>we have not traveled or seen family or our far away friends in almost 2 years. but change is coming.</li><li>you still play trumpet. like to paint your nails. got into fashion. love your dog. miss your friends. joke around with your little sister. love movies. and always make your bed. you're a good help at home and a great talker on the phone. </li><li>FAVORITES: drink: coffee oreo milkshakes actress: elizabeth olsen, tv show: The Umbrella Academy, food: pulled pork tacos, movie: Whiplash (though that was a very hard choice) actor: Sebastian Stan, favorite thing to do: make films or watch a film for the first time, favorite song: "Don't Dream it's Over" by Crowded House (he's throwing it back). favorite color: sky blue</li></ul><p></p>Kristin Zecchinellihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03669097079491245666noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36461596.post-81893844879397317372021-03-31T10:22:00.009-05:002021-03-31T16:52:03.222-05:00last day of 14<p> today is your last day of 14.</p><p>this was by far the craziest year of your life. it was 2020 after all. a global pandemic. an election year. civil unrest. black lives matter. you turned 14 just 2 weeks after quarantine began. we were all adjusting to the new normal then. fearful to go outside. school became fully remote. all friend contact became contained to screens. we (naively) believed this was temporary and we'd be beyond it "soon". now here i sit, a full year later, and sadly not much has changed. we do know better now how to protect ourselves and others. our small family unit has stayed safe and healthy. i do finally feel hope for this year ahead (thank you vaccines). through it all you've handled it with patience and grace. you've never complained about masking up, staying home, keeping others and yourself safe. you have sacrificed so much. you've witnessed some of the worst behavior of humankind this year. i hope the lesson of this mad/sad year is how connected we all are, and when someone suffers we all lose. how we must do better, be better, and make real lasting change. if the future looks more like you, i'm all in. </p><p>i'm always proud of you, but so much more so this year.</p><p>14 was:</p><p></p><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>shaving you head.</li><li>playing hangman on a white board with our neighbors.</li><li>remote school to end your middle school days</li><li>a parking lot graduation </li><li>among us (pink is SUS) even dressed up for halloween as pink</li><li>animal crossing </li><li>the summer of tie dye and bleach dip</li><li>in fall we returned to in person school, your first year of high school. it looked very different from anything we had known. masks. fully distanced. no cafeteria tables. no activities. you have a heavy honors class load and have been crushing it all year even with all the challenges.</li><li>the presidential election and how you danced when biden was finally announced the winner.</li><li>you sewed a quilt top.</li><li>you painted and redecorated your whole bedroom</li><li>knit a hat</li><li>you had a covid test (so far the only one in our little household to do so)</li><li>still vegetarian </li><li>you love thai milk bubble tea, spring rolls, BTS, learning a new language, art, the Umbrella Academy, especially Klausβ€οΈ, POSE, succulents... your favorite color is green, favorite food stuffed shells, favorite song "Dare" by gorillaz, favorite movie is still Howl's Moving Castle, like playing Valorant with your brother.</li><li>still dreams of going abroad. her recent interests are Spain, and Italy, though Japan would still be her #1 choice. </li><li>i call her my tiny activist, sometimes angry activist. she whole heartedly believes in rights for all and will no doubt fight for them. </li><li>the year of hoodies, but also lacy socks with platform mary janes, fishnets with your doc martens, cardigans and crop tops. </li></ul><div>i love you kid.</div><div>you inspire me.</div><div>you keep me on my toes.</div><div>when you laugh, it lights up a whole room. </div><div>always go for your dreams.</div><div>fight for justice and equality.</div><div>you make the world better.</div>i hope 15 is less stressful, safer, and oh so beautiful.<p></p><p>love, merm<br /></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1200" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiExmNiRJXeyTPYBsmpapDwFP5JD33a78s0Cagb0l2Y-xSe_oha63lgPyuuQ2yhYf01XOOWDZCoAqd0VsoYC9oGbml3oR4AwccmP3ZBH8gTIt71X8cKC1VcB0hnwzTXI5fZwmxFbA/w400-h400/AB3BB4B6-B8DA-4112-A41D-86346534CC56.jpeg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="400" /></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr></tbody></table><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiExmNiRJXeyTPYBsmpapDwFP5JD33a78s0Cagb0l2Y-xSe_oha63lgPyuuQ2yhYf01XOOWDZCoAqd0VsoYC9oGbml3oR4AwccmP3ZBH8gTIt71X8cKC1VcB0hnwzTXI5fZwmxFbA/s1200/AB3BB4B6-B8DA-4112-A41D-86346534CC56.jpeg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="clear: left; color: black; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><strike></strike></span></a></div><br /><p></p>Kristin Zecchinellihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03669097079491245666noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36461596.post-89037907059845233992020-05-16T18:38:00.000-05:002020-05-16T19:00:15.199-05:00last day of 15 ... in the time of covid<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCvz7TvM2oNe-QXPqjbVoKgFkeAgJiTP3tdt_xAIPBZUkt717lDvFN0stk2xlyBqfA3fRm1-3Bz804bMo6xJfMPJ1TO8JCN56Y7_8l7c_PW60olwYxGjqZeKJH59DAslSL7fK0Fw/s1600/7F0BCD28-2024-41C0-B84D-77B03FD59FAF.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1600" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCvz7TvM2oNe-QXPqjbVoKgFkeAgJiTP3tdt_xAIPBZUkt717lDvFN0stk2xlyBqfA3fRm1-3Bz804bMo6xJfMPJ1TO8JCN56Y7_8l7c_PW60olwYxGjqZeKJH59DAslSL7fK0Fw/s640/7F0BCD28-2024-41C0-B84D-77B03FD59FAF.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
fifteen was...<br />
<br />
<ul>
<li>your first summer job. you worked really hard and then built your own PC with your earnings.</li>
<li>you ran cross country and track. set a new school record with your relay team and shaved 3 minutes off your cross country time from last season.</li>
<li>you and your friends started making π₯ movies. filmed a great production of IT and had a movie screening night with all your friends. </li>
<li>started your sophomore year. really liked your courses and teachers.</li>
<li>covid hit. school stopped. socializing stopped. a new very different life began.</li>
<li>still play your trumpet. we love going to your concerts.</li>
<li>got to watch a real live movie production of Someday Summer and were asked to be an extra in the film!</li>
<li>represented your school at a student athlete conference.</li>
<li>cheered on Bernie again. and sad to see him leave the race again.</li>
<li>played lots of fortnite.</li>
<li>watched LOTS of movies with your friends.</li>
</ul>
fifteen was a year full of good memories and ending in this strange time of pandemic and social distancing. i hope you can get back to doing all the things you love and being with your friends soon. know we are so proud of you and can't wait to see what sixteen has in store for you.(driving!!!!)<br />
<ul>
</ul>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
love you!</div>
<div>
mom</div>
Kristin Zecchinellihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03669097079491245666noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36461596.post-21248122648124827332020-03-31T15:53:00.001-05:002020-03-31T16:00:18.738-05:00last day of 13<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWDAkWd43Kh_9un06gBxn-RCNmsGik5moHQ4wjtvImSEo37CKPx64syzqbc51AO8i0lYA8jZowvQNvc0Q8HjMreFp98DHtVrlsonuQu7MAB_e5NGUIMiVQBMpXqsva-yURa7_LRg/s1600/5BA915CC-138E-4954-9CAE-6BAD795A276B.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1600" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWDAkWd43Kh_9un06gBxn-RCNmsGik5moHQ4wjtvImSEo37CKPx64syzqbc51AO8i0lYA8jZowvQNvc0Q8HjMreFp98DHtVrlsonuQu7MAB_e5NGUIMiVQBMpXqsva-yURa7_LRg/s640/5BA915CC-138E-4954-9CAE-6BAD795A276B.jpeg" width="640" /></a><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
what i want to remember about 13:<br />
<br />
<ul>
<li>short hair / to green hair / to longer curly purple hair / back to shaved head</li>
<li>doc martens with rainbow laces </li>
<li>knee high tube socks</li>
<li>hoodies all day every day </li>
<li>first pair of prescription π glasses (purple frames of course)</li>
<li>attended our first pride parade π³οΈβπ </li>
<li>teaching yourself how to play the ukulele </li>
<li>sax solos in jazz band</li>
<li>leadership school at camp kieve last april and this february </li>
<li>got the part of diana in your school production of anne of green gables</li>
<li>went vegetarian </li>
<li>ramen and thai milk tea with mango pop</li>
<li>making bead bracelets </li>
<li>sewed your first quilt </li>
<li>BEETLEJUICE BEETLEJUICE BEETLEJUICE!</li>
<li>discovered you prefer lakes to the ocean</li>
<li>love to sit in your room on your phone watching videos with your headphones on.</li>
<li>favorite things: band~BTS, book & movie ~Call Me by Your Name, color~purple, food~ramen, favorite game~animal crossing, favorite animal~ frogs & snails, song ~ mikrokosmos, favorite flavor ice cream-chunky monkey</li>
</ul>
Kristin Zecchinellihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03669097079491245666noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36461596.post-40083331823609514082019-03-31T09:00:00.000-05:002020-03-31T16:13:01.449-05:00last day of 12<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-obiHyxsllyPStD0mF-X-M7Ih5Oyeup-K1Rt8Z1NnP4GIas64u8x1Hp5elelZO8b7V7nqQgf4VpaiIMH-X6xiSYgJhIJ566zbwKpw9dd8m2Rv1VQNAlLvxHmzOULcCCjYJD671g/s1600/EC44220A-BB28-49D5-80AB-3360C3EF1DC4.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1600" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-obiHyxsllyPStD0mF-X-M7Ih5Oyeup-K1Rt8Z1NnP4GIas64u8x1Hp5elelZO8b7V7nqQgf4VpaiIMH-X6xiSYgJhIJ566zbwKpw9dd8m2Rv1VQNAlLvxHmzOULcCCjYJD671g/s640/EC44220A-BB28-49D5-80AB-3360C3EF1DC4.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsGIaRJyY0mCD_k1cinndfKTnBAaqBvPK7AwWop6TliVKWX8qljBBN0w-64_BQqnmTdR2Bc2T1Ydq_lOGePDCpBDUZQdQEv6W64QirA0zNGpoKRnU1jdfx_WXlJDkzvGU2PVQ_FA/s1600/60286B20-D69F-43AA-9476-7A66B1AB93F5.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1600" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsGIaRJyY0mCD_k1cinndfKTnBAaqBvPK7AwWop6TliVKWX8qljBBN0w-64_BQqnmTdR2Bc2T1Ydq_lOGePDCpBDUZQdQEv6W64QirA0zNGpoKRnU1jdfx_WXlJDkzvGU2PVQ_FA/s640/60286B20-D69F-43AA-9476-7A66B1AB93F5.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />Kristin Zecchinellihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03669097079491245666noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36461596.post-17622070194351674202018-03-31T09:13:00.000-05:002018-03-31T10:32:28.619-05:00last day of eleven <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAIai3feJIZ5r5MFnlEkm5tSaaTR7zvf65imDLMK6BzI2_yDV0jxbF_hZqGbQtH1fclqUXop-YUDZpbRtfZpQ4MgtcdQwCBSWaVkFnCD3PkpIc6MLk1E67Q9mHe7tgNQgkUGK_yA/s1600/last+day+of+11.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAIai3feJIZ5r5MFnlEkm5tSaaTR7zvf65imDLMK6BzI2_yDV0jxbF_hZqGbQtH1fclqUXop-YUDZpbRtfZpQ4MgtcdQwCBSWaVkFnCD3PkpIc6MLk1E67Q9mHe7tgNQgkUGK_yA/s640/last+day+of+11.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
11 was a big year sweet girl.<br />
things i want to remember about 11...<br />
<br />
<ul>
<li>you taught yourself how to play the ukulele by watching youtube tutorials</li>
<li>did your dance makeup all by yourself, first time applying mascara</li>
<li>first time in NYC. saw Cats on Broadway, kicked like a rockette,went to the Top of the Rock, central park, and so much more. then returned a second time for Comic Con.</li>
<li>always had your nose in a book (harry potter, secret garden, underland chronicles to name a few)</li>
<li>read the entire Harry Potter series in one summer</li>
<li>went away for 5 whole days to sleep away camp at Kieve with your whole 6th grade class. i missed you like crazy! while there you did SO many amazing things: climbed high into the tree tops and repelled down, made it to the top of the climbing wall.</li>
<li>started advanced science and english courses this year which you enjoy</li>
<li>shaved part of your head! :)</li>
<li>love ALL things anime, kawaii, and Japanese, even taught yourself how to count to 10 in Japanese </li>
<li>you've become obsessed with Sailor Moon, the new Queer Eye for the Straight Guy (jonathan is your fave) , funny memes and ALL THINGS SLIME! glitter slime, fluffy slime, clear slime, crunchy slime, cloud slime...</li>
<li>you have your own made up words that make me laugh, like moother, merm, schnazzy, ececucame, furrfurr to name a few</li>
<li>always wearing your fun fake π€ glasses, cool pins, overalls, and harry potter socks.</li>
<li>danced in several ceilis.</li>
<li>ice skated for the first time ever and really liked it, so much so you went again </li>
<li>saw Michael Franti in concert </li>
<li>really got into watching the winter olympics </li>
<li>play the alto sax in concert band, and tenor sax in jazz band.</li>
<li>were chosen to perform in the 6th grade honors band.</li>
<li>love being involved; civil rights club, student council, band, and lots of fun with your friends. </li>
<li>maybe the biggest milestone this year, you became an AUNT to "tiny child" Harrison. you adore him.</li>
</ul>
<div>
happy almost birthday to you casey shea.</div>
<div>
you keep on being the fun, silly, smart, outgoing, strong girl you are. looking forward to 12.</div>
<div>
<b>BOOP!</b></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
love,</div>
<div>
"merm"</div>
Kristin Zecchinellihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03669097079491245666noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36461596.post-22152697602583887402016-11-06T22:11:00.001-05:002016-11-06T22:11:11.332-05:00treatersHalloween 2016 brought to you by Chewbacca and Pikachu :)<br />
I'm so glad they still enjoy dressing up and having fun.<br />
I must admit this was the easiest halloween by far. I sewed nothing.<br />
They both chose these soft zip up pj's to wear.<br />
Kellen already had the mask from his last birthday.<br />
Casey just needed a Pokeball. After searching for one with no luck,<br />
we decided to paint her plastic pumpkin instead. Instant pokeball.<br />
<br />
A fun safe night was had with their buddies.<br />
Bonus, no rain! <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8etVvORrJmmCDTmXpxmkz0amzordpRCwNN2wVgEPZBO6peNRWIMhYgIAuWWms8Hz53DHd2MuU_Wq01uXrVP9uJPHSi_krVFhZ-Nggg2i2fjA3uYBkO-jn7kWK3bmkogZVEqevpg/s1600/halloween+2016.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8etVvORrJmmCDTmXpxmkz0amzordpRCwNN2wVgEPZBO6peNRWIMhYgIAuWWms8Hz53DHd2MuU_Wq01uXrVP9uJPHSi_krVFhZ-Nggg2i2fjA3uYBkO-jn7kWK3bmkogZVEqevpg/s640/halloween+2016.jpg" width="428" /></a></div>
<br />Kristin Zecchinellihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03669097079491245666noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36461596.post-80118194074829133182016-05-16T16:15:00.000-05:002016-05-16T16:15:01.056-05:00what i want to remember about 11birthday eve is upon us.<br />
my boy's last day of 11.<br />
i think this year flashed by quicker than most. not sure if it's just how acutely i feel he is growing up, no longer a little boy, but a young man. right on the cusp of puberty. i'm sure this year ahead will bring a changing voice, and the year he grows taller than me. i will forever miss the tiny chubby boy with the big round noggin and sweet blonde curls, but now i get to know the young man growing before me, and of course that is a gift in a new lanky package.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwmngwmitvLYQBdY-0SOKPtLDw39SHayUligukMXyx_bYaeAp4ppvtswOTcNFSDB2QL6f_yeG1JnZ9S3sCm8uL40AkEQ-g0yYCtAy4kOmeLs3H-RZaOl8THpUJgGZ4RoLW5ujlAQ/s1600/kellen+11+mosaic.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwmngwmitvLYQBdY-0SOKPtLDw39SHayUligukMXyx_bYaeAp4ppvtswOTcNFSDB2QL6f_yeG1JnZ9S3sCm8uL40AkEQ-g0yYCtAy4kOmeLs3H-RZaOl8THpUJgGZ4RoLW5ujlAQ/s640/kellen+11+mosaic.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
11 was...<br />
<ul>
<li>the year of star wars. the new movie and the deepened love of all things star wars. the year you built the lego millennium falcon and Poe's x-wing jet.</li>
<li>the year you went away from home for a full week with your fellow 6th graders to Camp Kieve where you climbed rock walls, lip synced with your buddies, ate lots of food and experienced so many cool things all on your own. (that was HUGE on my momma heart)</li>
<li>the year you continued to grow in your soccer game, becoming one of your team's lead goal scorers. also the year your dadda helped coach your team. making it an extra special season for you both.</li>
<li>you really blossomed as a trumpet player. leaps and bounds from your beginning last year. </li>
<li>were chosen for district band.</li>
<li>the year you and your sister stopped sharing a bedroom and created solo spaces all your own.</li>
<li>got a new big queen bed to sleep in</li>
<li>dressed as a really awesome scarecrow for halloween</li>
<li>like playing video games, TF2 was a big fave this year </li>
<li>continued to draw some great art. big nate style is still your favorite.</li>
<li>your favorite books are The Land of Stories series</li>
<li>your favorite music is movie soundtracks, like Star Wars and The Batman vs Superman soundtrack</li>
<li>you love to hang out with your buddies.</li>
<li>love to play with Harper.</li>
<li>LOVE comic books </li>
<li>became really interested in the presidential election, especially in Bernie Sanders, even attended a rally here in Maine and got to see him speak. you did a report on him for English class and even dressed up like him that day. </li>
<li>and you are still the best beach bum i know. </li>
</ul>
eleven was full of goodness, just like you.<br />
my wish is that you keep your sweetness. I know that can be tough in a world that doesn't always value gentle kindhearted boys. i promise to continue to remind you that that's what makes you you and we all are so much better knowing you. the world is better with you in it.<br />
<br />
happy birthday eve my sweet boy.<br />
love,<br />
mommaKristin Zecchinellihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03669097079491245666noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36461596.post-22147064975364531002016-04-11T20:36:00.001-05:002016-04-11T20:36:37.358-05:00what i want to remember about nine<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjz8sGQN320JSScuJ96dQp0zqM4gxn2HFwkHMsOyZzNlSEWMNGH_QAt7ylSF_SvlIb5iCGSq2kB-QKqjMs5z_TbGFiDvp77W_UyN1sflBfpQQJKoUDoRO6YNCzBrVCd1gR4Y-EQFg/s1600/casey+age+9+mosaic.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjz8sGQN320JSScuJ96dQp0zqM4gxn2HFwkHMsOyZzNlSEWMNGH_QAt7ylSF_SvlIb5iCGSq2kB-QKqjMs5z_TbGFiDvp77W_UyN1sflBfpQQJKoUDoRO6YNCzBrVCd1gR4Y-EQFg/s640/casey+age+9+mosaic.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
what i want to remember about nine:<br />
<ul>
<li>the year you taught yourself how to do a handstand and a one handed cartwheel </li>
<li>the year you won "most promising dancer" award at your dance school</li>
<li>the year you found out you definitely had allergies, no cats or bee stings for you</li>
<li>you requested Totoro on your jack-o-lantern</li>
<li>you moved up to the advanced Irish step class and tried hard shoes for the first time ever</li>
<li>we took our first ever trip to Maratha's Vineyard as a family where you dug clams and actually ate one!</li>
<li>you won a bike at school, but then re-donated it to another student because you already had a bike and wanted someone else who needed it more to have the new one</li>
<li>you mastered your new snow tube</li>
<li>you gave harper thousands of kisses</li>
<li>you started middle school (!!!) </li>
<li>your great teachers were Mrs Lees for 3rd grade (i think a big fave of yours) and now Mrs Allen for 4th</li>
<li>you are an AVID reader</li>
<li>you still collect all things tiny. right now, heavy on the shopkins :) </li>
<li>your favorite things: writing, mac n cheese, chicken caesar salads, the color yellow, the song "America's Sweetheart", playing outside, your best buddies kailee and charlotte, dancing, favorite puppy, sleeping in, and laughing </li>
</ul>
NINE was mighty fine!<br />
i admire your spunk, your spirit, your brain, your physical strength in that amazing tiny body of yours, your smile that lights up a room, your sense of humor, your kindness.<br />
<br />
LOVE you kiddo!<br />
xo<br />
momma Kristin Zecchinellihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03669097079491245666noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36461596.post-80022898088342346092016-01-30T22:04:00.001-05:002016-01-30T23:09:10.950-05:00fun jar 2015Many years ago, before my young ones were even born, my best girlfriend started saving wine corks in a fish bowl. Each cork marked with permanent marker telling the date and what event happened when the wine was opened. A party, birthday, anniversary, gathering, all easily reminisced over by looking through the fish bowl of corks. Feeling sad? grab the fish bowl! Right there were the good times spent with friends and family. I too started to date special corks of my own, trouble is I've never been much of a drinker, especially a wine drinker, so my collection was pretty sparse, but none the less, I loved the idea of saving little mementos of good times that you could hold in your hand.<br />
<br />
Not til just 2 years ago did I pick this little ritual back up with a twist that better fit our family. The "fun jar" was born. I bought a simple glass cookie jar with a lid. Glass, because you want to be able to SEE what's inside, much like the fish bowl my bff used all those years ago. Then whenever we remembered, we'd toss in little bits of memories made. Ticket stubs, dinner receipts, ribbon, confetti, recital programs, band concert programs, wrist bands, game tickets, teacher awards, notes, drawings, etc. No rules, just whenever something seemed special, or fun, toss it in the jar. Then at the end of the year, OR as in the case this year, the beginning of the new year, we gather together around the table and bit by bit, go through the jar's contents. You'd be surprised how much you forget in just 1 year! I love it for that reason, not only is it special moments for us, but it's a time we spend remembering all we actually did do! The <i>"oh yeah I forgot all about that! That was really fun!" </i>come spilling out as each little piece is revealed. Then when we are all done reminiscing, we bag the year's contents up in a big ziplock bag and store it for years to come, and the empty jar goes back on the bookcase where we begin all over again for the new year.<br />
<br />
Today after breakfast I remembered we hadn't yet emptied our jar from 2015, so we cleared off the table, gathered around, and bit by bit, had lots of smiles and <i>"oh yeahs"</i> as we looked at each object in our jar. Such a simple happiness.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEht5Omj4YsvduFwrWaNQlb4XRRUKKzrwlioPlztvJQRP5OUw6h-c2FhDVT_UQtzKjg-9pHHyeYK_pUnD50r_XNaIJT3138T2gATO_HNSHRcI2Q2gYZ8bBXHl1v9MIqR6QTVmuvcuQ/s1600/time+cap1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEht5Omj4YsvduFwrWaNQlb4XRRUKKzrwlioPlztvJQRP5OUw6h-c2FhDVT_UQtzKjg-9pHHyeYK_pUnD50r_XNaIJT3138T2gATO_HNSHRcI2Q2gYZ8bBXHl1v9MIqR6QTVmuvcuQ/s640/time+cap1.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<span id="goog_1230923229"></span><span id="goog_1230923230"></span><br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPXUpaimCdlAU_edCjtvBmAGogqqnBbnR0KlKw3Mh1HhcYjujxwEBGfJIrrkXtpIJ6079DqLiSmM4_Ffck5T_YOR2UqoTm7_ntwMWZuboaT9_-_T6hOyxJfhjK3kc0_DK7M0pnqQ/s1600/time+cap3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPXUpaimCdlAU_edCjtvBmAGogqqnBbnR0KlKw3Mh1HhcYjujxwEBGfJIrrkXtpIJ6079DqLiSmM4_Ffck5T_YOR2UqoTm7_ntwMWZuboaT9_-_T6hOyxJfhjK3kc0_DK7M0pnqQ/s640/time+cap3.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigxefaJGzNaXMIOKzWfwe21FqcKhOexAIjvP5pv4Rf6yviBvJkVbqnE-21r_V-rdVqxxftRaO-FpOABW8IZZbo2E2eoUv0a7wHaYfCX0-EboNTbmh3kp79AXyeDtRoTrKVom_vfA/s1600/time+cap4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigxefaJGzNaXMIOKzWfwe21FqcKhOexAIjvP5pv4Rf6yviBvJkVbqnE-21r_V-rdVqxxftRaO-FpOABW8IZZbo2E2eoUv0a7wHaYfCX0-EboNTbmh3kp79AXyeDtRoTrKVom_vfA/s640/time+cap4.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkFkmSwDetTYg40h1JZtYiBJdVFM5FvdAPceQ_3JKtClkogPxQC9_NGPD-DlGxC43GgnVDYc5rGHZah5J4jeacxZvgcobz2CiL2cCIXm1t5qbe2TVkDOzDheqhQFSn1YoEKx6wmg/s1600/time+cap2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkFkmSwDetTYg40h1JZtYiBJdVFM5FvdAPceQ_3JKtClkogPxQC9_NGPD-DlGxC43GgnVDYc5rGHZah5J4jeacxZvgcobz2CiL2cCIXm1t5qbe2TVkDOzDheqhQFSn1YoEKx6wmg/s640/time+cap2.jpg" width="640" /></a>in this year's jar?<br />
movie tickets to Paddington, Peanuts, Minions, Hotel Transylvania 2, Pan, Avengers Age of Ultron, Star Wars The Force Awakens, dance recital programs, marching band program, last elementary violin concert ever program (!!!!), star student tickets from school, Island Queen ferry schedule which took us to Martha's Vineyard, photo from Kellen's time at Camp Kieve and a leaf from there, ribbon from a gift, confetti from new year eve poppers, wristbands from Aquaboggan, MeCAF, Summit Adventures, Palace Playland, Funtown Splashtown (band trip), voter stickers, Casey's "tiniest pencil ever, a shiny rock, a flower barrette Casey found and liked, a playing card found on the beach when the kids came with me and watched the sunrise, popcorn bag from the new library grand opening party, first official day of summer parking permit ticket, last day of summer dinner receipt from Surf6, a hand tracing of kellen's, paper flowers they made me for Mother's day, a sticker from Maxwells Strawberry Farm, parking permit from Philly, map of the Franklin Institute, receipt from shake shack with Jen, smiley face token, Lego Exhibit Tickets, bowling receipt with our neighbors, a list Casey wrote of all she hoped to do in Philly, handwritten letters from "Big Nana" that Pa found and gifted us, a dried flower, field day ribbon, school friend birthday party invites, a brochure of The Frances (sailboat) from our anniversary sunset cruise, fortune cookie fortunes, all of this year's holiday photo cards we received, and perhaps the biggest surprise of all was finding 2 of Harper's puppy fang teeth in the bottom of the jar! (eep! so tiny)<br />
<br />
My advice, make your own fun jar, or fish bowl.<br />
You won't regret it.<br />
I promise. Kristin Zecchinellihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03669097079491245666noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36461596.post-88317981979006663092015-06-13T21:29:00.002-05:002015-06-13T21:29:37.098-05:00what i want to remember about 10TEN<br />
10 was...<br />
reading.<br />
drawing drawing drawing. <br />
the year you joined band and chose the trumpet for your instrument.<br />
soccer, this year you busted out and scored many goals for your team.<br />
it was the year of our epic winter.<br />
your 5th grade year where you are so well liked and admired by your teachers especially mrs clark and ms day.<br />
the year you took home winner twice in spirit week, once for wacky wednesday and again for throwback thursday when you dressed as a greaser and mr shabo said you could join his band. :)<br />
the very first time you ever kayaked (thank you meredith).<br />
we brought home puppy harper to join the family.<br />
you still own the beach, master wave rider and boogie boarder. <br />
puberty is just beginning (you proudly announced after a shower that you were growing armpit hair... one or two)<br />
you still have that great head of golden curls<br />
and the very best heart of any boy i know.<br />
i am privileged to watch you grow. and and speaking of growing, you are getting TALL, who knows next year you may be as tall as your momma. <br />
<br />
<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNrFbjfYaryntWHoBeO9KMHb2kEZfqB6IUG4m70SNqVBLGPevBwDVetlGO92WbPgcFDZn3-7TQeV3YIHe0MgYv16vzvn6VyhfvrG4gy0SBQ6I_l0ipuJZp00McrlW1B3-qGC0mUw/s1600/mosaic2eb0a2caf96d2e3dadcd9520a88e16d9e08bfadd.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNrFbjfYaryntWHoBeO9KMHb2kEZfqB6IUG4m70SNqVBLGPevBwDVetlGO92WbPgcFDZn3-7TQeV3YIHe0MgYv16vzvn6VyhfvrG4gy0SBQ6I_l0ipuJZp00McrlW1B3-qGC0mUw/s640/mosaic2eb0a2caf96d2e3dadcd9520a88e16d9e08bfadd.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
stay sweet dear boy. it is a GIFT. a huge gift that you share with the world.<br />
for your birthday dinner you asked for shrimp and cheeseburgers. daddy said thats the young man's surf and turf. i love that! and YOU.<br />
<br />
ten was grand.<br />
cheers to your 11th year!<br />
i love you,<br />
xo<br />
momma<br />
<br />
<br />Kristin Zecchinellihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03669097079491245666noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36461596.post-67887580209481463752015-03-31T07:31:00.000-05:002015-03-31T07:31:00.396-05:00eight was greateight was great!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEid3jX19ayjQz8G6RM-_N0uOvLTcpciQDJ-zvIbAdbqshPa_F4iUXZJsgsdiSosnJptiHD1LKgsXuGeo4EqpT4o6eD5D7SddWVh40lEXCdZtxVTY3Kk-ze15ZCPxImZpnK6tgtntw/s1600/mosaic7f3b0435659b6df6327838cf20abea9b42e35b63.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEid3jX19ayjQz8G6RM-_N0uOvLTcpciQDJ-zvIbAdbqshPa_F4iUXZJsgsdiSosnJptiHD1LKgsXuGeo4EqpT4o6eD5D7SddWVh40lEXCdZtxVTY3Kk-ze15ZCPxImZpnK6tgtntw/s1600/mosaic7f3b0435659b6df6327838cf20abea9b42e35b63.jpg" height="640" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
what i want to remember about you at 8:<br />
<ul>
<li>8 was the year you conquered a few fears. </li>
<li>you learned how to ride your bike solo and we went on our first ever family bike ride.</li>
<li>by the end of last summer you were tackling the bigger ocean waves right along side your brother on your boogie board.</li>
<li>you cut 8 inches off your hair and donated it to pantene's beautiful lengths to help make a wig for patients fighting cancer</li>
<li>you were ladybug girl for halloween</li>
<li>we moved into a house of our own and welcomed a puppy into our family.</li>
<li>you discovered taylor swift</li>
<li>you mastered your cartwheel</li>
<li>you dyed your hair purple... then blue... then more purple.</li>
<li>you danced in the nutcracker</li>
<li>a photo of you sledding was in our local newspaper</li>
<li>you ran for class president</li>
<li>became a great partner in the kitchen wanting to help cook and bake more</li>
<li>learned how to hand sew, needlepoint and latch hook</li>
<li>you love to draw, dance, sing, play and laugh your big laugh (i hope you ALWAYS do)</li>
<li>you still ADORE all things tiny</li>
<li>we may need an extension on our house for all your beanie boos</li>
<li>you are an amazing speller/story writer and all around student </li>
</ul>
today is your last day of 8.<br />
i asked a few questions this morning while bouncing on your bed exclaiming today is your last day of eight!!! eight is great!!!!! (she asked me to stop bouncing) :) <br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<i>what's your favorite color? BLUE AND YELLOW</i><br />
<i>what's your favorite song? SUGAR (by Maroon 5)</i><br />
<i>your lucky number is 3 </i><br />
<i>what's your favorite food? SPAGHETTI</i><br />
<i>what's your favorite subject at school? SCIENCE</i></blockquote>
tomorrow you wake to a new year around the sun.<br />
happy birthday eve sweet girl.<br />
i love you.<br />
xoxo,<br />
mommaKristin Zecchinellihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03669097079491245666noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36461596.post-60813091865424060752015-01-31T14:32:00.000-05:002015-01-31T14:32:12.393-05:00january joy<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
this past week has gifted us more than our share of snow.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
23 inches in tuesday's blizzard.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
and 6 more inches yesterday.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
they tell us there's more on the way monday.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
thankful for <a href="http://www.urbandictionary.com/define.php?term=Bluebird+Day" target="_blank">bluebird days</a> after storms.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
and little ones who remind me that snow is not just shoveling and cold wet feet & hands...</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
no, snow is pure, fresh, amazing, fun.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
especially 8 foot snow pile hills in your own driveway. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
perfect for belly sliding. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
january joy.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
i needed reminding.</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7TR02bXY62N1Sesv3BPtV6V6J2xDj2_PW-6JZqgp_QfU9Vrb60PBYzd5-ZMowNtw6DSNn8otwiEnjJUKN1t_gC1Hmzpy9H4o5qoqniLZzKC7CjcbAJnGRr1p4NoXpmo05c8039A/s1600/hands+up+casey.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7TR02bXY62N1Sesv3BPtV6V6J2xDj2_PW-6JZqgp_QfU9Vrb60PBYzd5-ZMowNtw6DSNn8otwiEnjJUKN1t_gC1Hmzpy9H4o5qoqniLZzKC7CjcbAJnGRr1p4NoXpmo05c8039A/s1600/hands+up+casey.jpg" height="428" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjw1tev7IaBp96alnNbVvkyD_9JiIwJKf7ZeLXeTt5Zx6GyFtnFK-t02yQY59rAuQ6fjKUmhZVVUjVRUJxH77rwDywHlZZ1gbUF8X88AgUbQ6EzrpfYcvqVWGLsR4y66sfujtYYWw/s1600/snow+slide+casey+3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjw1tev7IaBp96alnNbVvkyD_9JiIwJKf7ZeLXeTt5Zx6GyFtnFK-t02yQY59rAuQ6fjKUmhZVVUjVRUJxH77rwDywHlZZ1gbUF8X88AgUbQ6EzrpfYcvqVWGLsR4y66sfujtYYWw/s1600/snow+slide+casey+3.jpg" height="428" width="640" /></a></div>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAm2WW0beQ8hIxZjLCtHfpMQcp9DymzPoSil5mAuccdYbkbXJAe4gSc3Gup3J7Kj8dNL0ZIc3Isrsms8qjfqRb6iDvnasQbJuCdgYjQFEDq1On0D9vtR1DajtIFYWGXsswoIeDSQ/s1600/snow+slide+casey+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAm2WW0beQ8hIxZjLCtHfpMQcp9DymzPoSil5mAuccdYbkbXJAe4gSc3Gup3J7Kj8dNL0ZIc3Isrsms8qjfqRb6iDvnasQbJuCdgYjQFEDq1On0D9vtR1DajtIFYWGXsswoIeDSQ/s1600/snow+slide+casey+2.jpg" height="428" width="640" /></a><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlQL5nMrPwJzHIOX3i6YtAliK1qGCTLU6zIp-owsKSBrifTT7FjVVDc4i64yn8rB-3Fy0IcNmjWGfqp3KHGJtchXVfr14-h7nQgaUUXG6ROYXG2FxUV207swnc72TPHf5HofGj_A/s1600/snow+slide+casey.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlQL5nMrPwJzHIOX3i6YtAliK1qGCTLU6zIp-owsKSBrifTT7FjVVDc4i64yn8rB-3Fy0IcNmjWGfqp3KHGJtchXVfr14-h7nQgaUUXG6ROYXG2FxUV207swnc72TPHf5HofGj_A/s1600/snow+slide+casey.jpg" height="428" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMtHg7ADQDCkZ2dpSTwjXR1NbYmkrhz-RIWWeZLLwm0UBJ56k6f_AO-b13QLLG__SItnfnoZpMPd5FPSOAEiFDtA8LODUJryvApnkgGeuWmFFEwoe7ySkK-JSxxd0YsSLkSd3wUg/s1600/snow+face+casey.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMtHg7ADQDCkZ2dpSTwjXR1NbYmkrhz-RIWWeZLLwm0UBJ56k6f_AO-b13QLLG__SItnfnoZpMPd5FPSOAEiFDtA8LODUJryvApnkgGeuWmFFEwoe7ySkK-JSxxd0YsSLkSd3wUg/s1600/snow+face+casey.jpg" height="428" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<!-- Blogger automated replacement: "https://images-blogger-opensocial.googleusercontent.com/gadgets/proxy?url=http%3A%2F%2F4.bp.blogspot.com%2F-vsWvjZOegMc%2FVM0r00f_J7I%2FAAAAAAAAFec%2FH4xjKL4B7KY%2Fs1600%2Fsnow%252Bslide%252Bcasey%252B3.jpg&container=blogger&gadget=a&rewriteMime=image%2F*" with "https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjw1tev7IaBp96alnNbVvkyD_9JiIwJKf7ZeLXeTt5Zx6GyFtnFK-t02yQY59rAuQ6fjKUmhZVVUjVRUJxH77rwDywHlZZ1gbUF8X88AgUbQ6EzrpfYcvqVWGLsR4y66sfujtYYWw/s1600/snow+slide+casey+3.jpg" -->Kristin Zecchinellihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03669097079491245666noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36461596.post-23231067989056166672015-01-16T11:40:00.003-05:002015-01-16T11:40:49.032-05:00winter beachthis winter has been far more ice than snow.<br />
i prefer snow <i>ANY</i> day to ice.<br />
but this past week we finally got a good fluffy snowfall, so i took myself to the beach.<br />
january in maine. <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihlBWaDJp-dmYYtygtPrueiArftKlfZzgA7tnq1eZHHR_hw63lwJUZuz2sQ354JPYUX2k2ygAURCXagEYCrXiIT4gRciMUE9qaXJuNtr9UpUXD4ZExT4ET22EnKonWrtXukJyx7Q/s1600/2015+jan+snow7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihlBWaDJp-dmYYtygtPrueiArftKlfZzgA7tnq1eZHHR_hw63lwJUZuz2sQ354JPYUX2k2ygAURCXagEYCrXiIT4gRciMUE9qaXJuNtr9UpUXD4ZExT4ET22EnKonWrtXukJyx7Q/s1600/2015+jan+snow7.jpg" height="428" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjW03ISMXEHzDvx_NKiLeSc7nN-ryv80AZ2aVvuiNJj_N_kYpmchZ5WbezhU5j93it0ZIeT68Th-P1lo8ojVncImRyRhfNUIxEZ3C0YZ7oH052rSVBLpiJyunVoiei0zvHg7AV2ag/s1600/2015+jan+snow1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjW03ISMXEHzDvx_NKiLeSc7nN-ryv80AZ2aVvuiNJj_N_kYpmchZ5WbezhU5j93it0ZIeT68Th-P1lo8ojVncImRyRhfNUIxEZ3C0YZ7oH052rSVBLpiJyunVoiei0zvHg7AV2ag/s1600/2015+jan+snow1.jpg" height="428" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAEbJQYnkytCsHd2x-689OjWJcKA2w5kwpsSCrPtGqjLoi4nGm1igO3VbFZ3HnjMVtEff6JB_0D8qoSfCRa7zLnKnJx4qfi757a1gk6Gpw7h4xEXrW-DMXafVYtj_-YXCYMAR9zw/s1600/2015+jan+snow5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAEbJQYnkytCsHd2x-689OjWJcKA2w5kwpsSCrPtGqjLoi4nGm1igO3VbFZ3HnjMVtEff6JB_0D8qoSfCRa7zLnKnJx4qfi757a1gk6Gpw7h4xEXrW-DMXafVYtj_-YXCYMAR9zw/s1600/2015+jan+snow5.jpg" height="428" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqxJ2v2KtbMmgvUqJ5WaqSdMLMf0ZMSCW4hbkVO9OmWOOMdB7iz4xucomKHWiYMnSOEE4zNjtYi3Kt5dYvLOvtHVNR_TNLVG36u_cgDpMrVLwW0OXTlQeFlj2GxILw-IVCENAGFQ/s1600/2015+jan+snow4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqxJ2v2KtbMmgvUqJ5WaqSdMLMf0ZMSCW4hbkVO9OmWOOMdB7iz4xucomKHWiYMnSOEE4zNjtYi3Kt5dYvLOvtHVNR_TNLVG36u_cgDpMrVLwW0OXTlQeFlj2GxILw-IVCENAGFQ/s1600/2015+jan+snow4.jpg" height="428" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHVTk4gtAEobU86d7J6scw0-Sa5p2Xe1UelStYY2ml17TpRAMp57oyQbBDHCbP7Gsvyoo8CR4YxC1PMqyFgRvcRj5WpJYht3TVWiPSAoNhCa0c6wXXZI1DVJckvAQtjk-AlwpKVQ/s1600/2015+jan+snow2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHVTk4gtAEobU86d7J6scw0-Sa5p2Xe1UelStYY2ml17TpRAMp57oyQbBDHCbP7Gsvyoo8CR4YxC1PMqyFgRvcRj5WpJYht3TVWiPSAoNhCa0c6wXXZI1DVJckvAQtjk-AlwpKVQ/s1600/2015+jan+snow2.jpg" height="428" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmhKBgTxU33bR6p4UNW9ePqUJavWcyUP2hDPDLV4cHrG02aW6d4ECjzoGVUbtjRa82q-V1MlEU1k-Vu5mfLmsxY6PvycaHDF484GxcWxIyoaBzeNZGka5AY8Oemwdkh5Dbi7ohWA/s1600/2015+jan+snow3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmhKBgTxU33bR6p4UNW9ePqUJavWcyUP2hDPDLV4cHrG02aW6d4ECjzoGVUbtjRa82q-V1MlEU1k-Vu5mfLmsxY6PvycaHDF484GxcWxIyoaBzeNZGka5AY8Oemwdkh5Dbi7ohWA/s1600/2015+jan+snow3.jpg" height="428" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVLOEtNdWp9yrllGWVaZH_Dg2u9mzKdXXaFevTLYriyT5QuhEItwTttDmaWDP2sDpkpF8MEH6pKFuuMuEP3efSsa29YqCxeBPE3Hb5am19myWILjDyaQfVhHNdZQqFv72JpL-rqw/s1600/2015+jan+snow6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVLOEtNdWp9yrllGWVaZH_Dg2u9mzKdXXaFevTLYriyT5QuhEItwTttDmaWDP2sDpkpF8MEH6pKFuuMuEP3efSsa29YqCxeBPE3Hb5am19myWILjDyaQfVhHNdZQqFv72JpL-rqw/s1600/2015+jan+snow6.jpg" height="428" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />Kristin Zecchinellihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03669097079491245666noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36461596.post-65040946771417701662014-12-08T11:31:00.003-05:002014-12-08T11:33:45.293-05:00tradition<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
yesterday was tree day. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
one of my very favorite days of the year. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
and this the first of many christmases in our new home. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
we were gifted sunshine and blue skies! </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
drive to<a href="http://www.holmestreefarm.com/" target="_blank"> Holmes Tree Farm</a>.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
grab a saw. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
walk til we find <b><i>"the one"</i></b>.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
cut it down.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
see santa. (casey asked for 2 stuffed puppies, and kellen a new land of stories book) </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
pick out a special ornament for the year. (kellen picked a wooden winter scene and casey a hedgehog)</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
drink warm cider and eat a hot cider donut & free candy cane.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
drive it home.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
deck the halls. (in your fuzzy pjs)</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
place the star. (this year was Casey's turn)</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
then grab your pillows, blankets and art stuff and just hang out right there under your tree.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
a truly wonderful day.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiU1NTKVtnuK-IXCrmLgh9oMXxgwSUYqy4ahKUA0mBOHGUrJCD6Oo1DoJ1IymB32wwCliQ_5tSsEXg6VQXZUq-mp-TiTMthaCQHniRt4u7369nOYZ0wODn2KJM-2yFE17AJPIUvDQ/s1600/2014+cmas+tree+2.jpg" height="428" width="640" /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivM-HURqK0RfTU0lAhqSRo_qxaFR503FXw4vOJVAHgokjXq64dLvuRcWg41Xvzgt5WcTqkGRxM4BZWEXK9xN9ZBirMc15EoAxmATQYF34y1_x2SdX-wI-5-BY5elxYS8wA5N_2Ow/s1600/2014+cmas+tree+5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivM-HURqK0RfTU0lAhqSRo_qxaFR503FXw4vOJVAHgokjXq64dLvuRcWg41Xvzgt5WcTqkGRxM4BZWEXK9xN9ZBirMc15EoAxmATQYF34y1_x2SdX-wI-5-BY5elxYS8wA5N_2Ow/s1600/2014+cmas+tree+5.jpg" height="640" width="427" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEwr3Q23diWLxpxD7NB4cEiHiYiQ2-WSUD6WL8BMzafROmX0IRhaLlPiIAD48OLUitMX0x_-7hBsBZhRrFSTmJ9F0x433bvitFpbESw7DKSx7I7EtRJFHPKK4u50r4KOX-8QfMzA/s1600/2014+cmas+tree+3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEwr3Q23diWLxpxD7NB4cEiHiYiQ2-WSUD6WL8BMzafROmX0IRhaLlPiIAD48OLUitMX0x_-7hBsBZhRrFSTmJ9F0x433bvitFpbESw7DKSx7I7EtRJFHPKK4u50r4KOX-8QfMzA/s1600/2014+cmas+tree+3.jpg" height="428" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSAVItUawlC8CHfizlVo1fPnd-8PV6wd_jKW_3z-cQzh6J5KAipikqn3EcZacffUaOIk5MmKg6yWYXUBM2sMVNAMRaFu-RV4rezNPF_Wc6rreeOzW8OqVb7EeRSRIWWqiTwVkqIg/s1600/2014+cmas+tree.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSAVItUawlC8CHfizlVo1fPnd-8PV6wd_jKW_3z-cQzh6J5KAipikqn3EcZacffUaOIk5MmKg6yWYXUBM2sMVNAMRaFu-RV4rezNPF_Wc6rreeOzW8OqVb7EeRSRIWWqiTwVkqIg/s1600/2014+cmas+tree.jpg" height="428" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbNCFWkwifec-YxsJmuEqGVtGhhQvBBhFlzSjGSfX9hhOArDqvM5H4qB_7j7Wydecxm5M4kFh66VaQWrs2FHo3q-EAOuDp5HJSFpUIYpx8y8_KVb50wFfJ5zpFtg4yF9ahqm24rA/s1600/2014+cmas+tree+4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbNCFWkwifec-YxsJmuEqGVtGhhQvBBhFlzSjGSfX9hhOArDqvM5H4qB_7j7Wydecxm5M4kFh66VaQWrs2FHo3q-EAOuDp5HJSFpUIYpx8y8_KVb50wFfJ5zpFtg4yF9ahqm24rA/s1600/2014+cmas+tree+4.jpg" height="428" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGdgjYp14e4mq1CmPAYyiLKd4KuiKKMgh-2qjqUQ1BTJOCMFyzDARt5646AQwZXLpwiXLMyShzdKouoqW6lw4avMhvqIP7Z7pxlXeO6J4EOAL-VMjoVPzHPUpcZDMpPFS_NCFdRw/s1600/2014+cmas+tree+6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGdgjYp14e4mq1CmPAYyiLKd4KuiKKMgh-2qjqUQ1BTJOCMFyzDARt5646AQwZXLpwiXLMyShzdKouoqW6lw4avMhvqIP7Z7pxlXeO6J4EOAL-VMjoVPzHPUpcZDMpPFS_NCFdRw/s1600/2014+cmas+tree+6.jpg" height="428" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYnT175_vDUrw3gtwhVOVTaPN1dAov43FVeoetZylyccOYDmDPOCtOi8zGTK7ttmsYZ6u7qLyBW2p_YR64jxZsJDbZTzbB_L-PTutpw7Apv59GH34_gMrtymKzmHHnCQJgmNrcbg/s1600/habit+dec+7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYnT175_vDUrw3gtwhVOVTaPN1dAov43FVeoetZylyccOYDmDPOCtOi8zGTK7ttmsYZ6u7qLyBW2p_YR64jxZsJDbZTzbB_L-PTutpw7Apv59GH34_gMrtymKzmHHnCQJgmNrcbg/s1600/habit+dec+7.jpg" height="428" width="640" /></a></div>
all is merry and bright.<br />
xo<br />
<br />Kristin Zecchinellihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03669097079491245666noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36461596.post-83226539629090611612014-12-03T21:01:00.001-05:002014-12-03T21:01:18.575-05:00white<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8uqDHaCRtxQkaQGw95RckV8HV3EunbEZRxr2TfjivPqCux9X4Zsgnasi0CHoQRdsYD_mn9rK_Kuyj1qi9-3g55_032NBLZ0I2X6CRLVBULqAcY_lXojoZEFYqcgalVCxuNbo2tQ/s1600/nov+snow+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8uqDHaCRtxQkaQGw95RckV8HV3EunbEZRxr2TfjivPqCux9X4Zsgnasi0CHoQRdsYD_mn9rK_Kuyj1qi9-3g55_032NBLZ0I2X6CRLVBULqAcY_lXojoZEFYqcgalVCxuNbo2tQ/s1600/nov+snow+1.jpg" height="428" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQhjTgaFXpnnaMPaEx0UoPkBOtBVcK0UNOQq2R3psUIa_nQgMsdh9BOW-zHjHpb0LXDFxd2OqAU4AMk-3UG67YHF7724YcyHQbBKPe_1KhZSoTdI2W8MxWiTpENwRQh89-xUe2aw/s1600/nov+snow+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQhjTgaFXpnnaMPaEx0UoPkBOtBVcK0UNOQq2R3psUIa_nQgMsdh9BOW-zHjHpb0LXDFxd2OqAU4AMk-3UG67YHF7724YcyHQbBKPe_1KhZSoTdI2W8MxWiTpENwRQh89-xUe2aw/s1600/nov+snow+2.jpg" height="428" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMPaf1Vs7DTvQ2NSoU_qUlaqpjtcEP0GDvGckUWu1xiRCvX4dkiRiNleDezFD-YmO3KrnvW5xDsww5YzQHbBPaoN5j38jUOTHqKPu_G_KaYnJSXVhB6pOi0VoAVymYOM_XF6lpyw/s1600/nov+snow+4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMPaf1Vs7DTvQ2NSoU_qUlaqpjtcEP0GDvGckUWu1xiRCvX4dkiRiNleDezFD-YmO3KrnvW5xDsww5YzQHbBPaoN5j38jUOTHqKPu_G_KaYnJSXVhB6pOi0VoAVymYOM_XF6lpyw/s1600/nov+snow+4.jpg" height="428" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipz_52o_eHnKpXClM3ID5-J4uExsbVdJ8PM9niFRDx6MYw4p-fYokc-uYGcKpp12oDJma6vX6ew44cTiiu4YcvBeoSSZyIOnlsNDLavOtGxvVP077H4EytR4dvhUTy-n048gtqWg/s1600/nov+snow+5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipz_52o_eHnKpXClM3ID5-J4uExsbVdJ8PM9niFRDx6MYw4p-fYokc-uYGcKpp12oDJma6vX6ew44cTiiu4YcvBeoSSZyIOnlsNDLavOtGxvVP077H4EytR4dvhUTy-n048gtqWg/s1600/nov+snow+5.jpg" height="428" width="640" /></a></div>
it's early.<br />
i can appreciate this beauty with un-winter weary eyes.<br />
<br />
our little home is surrounded on 2 sides by woods.<br />
winter woods.<br />
narnia.<br />
<br />
hello winter.<br />
welcome back. <br />
<br />
<br />Kristin Zecchinellihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03669097079491245666noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36461596.post-21713444770765482932014-10-31T20:56:00.000-05:002014-10-31T20:56:15.161-05:00happy halloweenwe've had a fun week carving our jack-o-lanterns, gathering the last bits of costumes, and then getting dressed up twice. once for school (dug out stuff from our dress up box) and then tonight for treating around the neighborhood. <br />
first the pumpkins. kellen always sketches out a whole page before choosing his perfect design.<br />
casey knew what she wanted right away and went for it. i love their pumpkins every year, but i do think these are my new favorites.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWcPNLY_A2YawLqTxRpaBb1_uLcimibzdLCSz_UZPQLVwtPEh4VNPDp9JViQVvPmFXrXDhKzyfOCLmANWEJSLhO0GM3IgINZSz9qzKhlLF7wDzpJvNdGQet-Uiq5MG-s1PCT47yw/s1600/2014+pumpkin+sketches.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWcPNLY_A2YawLqTxRpaBb1_uLcimibzdLCSz_UZPQLVwtPEh4VNPDp9JViQVvPmFXrXDhKzyfOCLmANWEJSLhO0GM3IgINZSz9qzKhlLF7wDzpJvNdGQet-Uiq5MG-s1PCT47yw/s1600/2014+pumpkin+sketches.jpg" height="427" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlfKSNNcgKTA5sbJb0ESU_YBr_gpuZPN7MXaQdF5TUf-kdUCL9TXsGz7ow1QfPVqzbZYtesgoZc9VjeGAgoRvqgO5Ew6xwyWVJQymDIUQ4ogZ8DMyaBnTON21ooYtkRuEekgG61Q/s1600/2014+pumpkin+jacks.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
kitty and blockhead</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlfKSNNcgKTA5sbJb0ESU_YBr_gpuZPN7MXaQdF5TUf-kdUCL9TXsGz7ow1QfPVqzbZYtesgoZc9VjeGAgoRvqgO5Ew6xwyWVJQymDIUQ4ogZ8DMyaBnTON21ooYtkRuEekgG61Q/s1600/2014+pumpkin+jacks.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlfKSNNcgKTA5sbJb0ESU_YBr_gpuZPN7MXaQdF5TUf-kdUCL9TXsGz7ow1QfPVqzbZYtesgoZc9VjeGAgoRvqgO5Ew6xwyWVJQymDIUQ4ogZ8DMyaBnTON21ooYtkRuEekgG61Q/s1600/2014+pumpkin+jacks.jpg" height="428" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
they both decided to be book characters this year.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Casey chose<a href="http://www.amazon.com/Ladybug-Girl-David-Soman/dp/0803731957/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1414806741&sr=8-2&keywords=ladybug+girl" target="_blank"> Ladybug Girl</a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
and Kellen was Bilbo Baggins from <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Hobbit-Unexpected-Journey-bonus-features/dp/B00BMVTS1S/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1414806779&sr=8-1&keywords=the+hobbit" target="_blank">The Hobbit</a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0GIaq35yrtes6_6hyphenhyphenvbzmJ0u4Tr1cmFxt83aEkWho-HBHfD-gFEN5Rn1Qdfd_FiJxQk-feBNE6JdzJV7qcFxcFGnnCv-pVwu8Mt0NFSuY2QPY5ISneCF6nKkSeG_xJE-a_Hy1ow/s1600/halloween+2014+kids+4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0GIaq35yrtes6_6hyphenhyphenvbzmJ0u4Tr1cmFxt83aEkWho-HBHfD-gFEN5Rn1Qdfd_FiJxQk-feBNE6JdzJV7qcFxcFGnnCv-pVwu8Mt0NFSuY2QPY5ISneCF6nKkSeG_xJE-a_Hy1ow/s1600/halloween+2014+kids+4.jpg" height="428" width="640" /></a></div>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj47fjp__PuBnJBLpPAFofby7fQMwFrxEgQ7rlH3AWJB_gNhS7Egwl4Gw8WJM-2-MR92ieKTaSOn0AnRTZPktra3rFHMCe-rrGELo7jWS_bYKwq6_QkyjsnNG_whLwi8oH09Dt1Zw/s1600/halloween+2014+kids+6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj47fjp__PuBnJBLpPAFofby7fQMwFrxEgQ7rlH3AWJB_gNhS7Egwl4Gw8WJM-2-MR92ieKTaSOn0AnRTZPktra3rFHMCe-rrGELo7jWS_bYKwq6_QkyjsnNG_whLwi8oH09Dt1Zw/s1600/halloween+2014+kids+6.jpg" height="428" width="640" /></a><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfzLxXyac5SOwLoLu5dfcFuSeti3J2T1xwj13zUNjK2yxUkNTMtVFyGr5xFqLY1kI8kNWxZlN14IfN5wgQiHAxVVjDfsanyf9J8TM3OUc9zzVakWfXUPXt380dLL74kTq1DXfWBA/s1600/halloween+2014+kids+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfzLxXyac5SOwLoLu5dfcFuSeti3J2T1xwj13zUNjK2yxUkNTMtVFyGr5xFqLY1kI8kNWxZlN14IfN5wgQiHAxVVjDfsanyf9J8TM3OUc9zzVakWfXUPXt380dLL74kTq1DXfWBA/s1600/halloween+2014+kids+2.jpg" height="428" width="640" /></a></div>
we met up with Minecraft Steve and a friendly ghost for a walk around the hood for treats.<br />
it did not rain, or snow, so it was a win! a bit chilly but nothing a hot shower and cup of cocoa couldn't cure. <br />
<br />
happy halloween everyone!Kristin Zecchinellihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03669097079491245666noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36461596.post-8529582313785584332014-10-19T13:04:00.000-05:002014-10-19T13:25:31.614-05:00october hellohi.<br />
well i have neglected this space terribly through summer and here we are well into october!<br />
life is good, and full, and busy.<br />
we moved.<br />
we settled in.<br />
we soaked up as much summer as possible.<br />
a girl i love cut 9 inches of her hair off and donated it.<br />
a boy i love played a fall season of soccer where he really bloomed into a good scorer this year. (having only scored one goal all last year)<br />
school is in full swing and they are both doing amazing (3rd and 5th graders!!!)<br />
that soccer playing boy, picked up the trumpet and is giving it a try.<br />
making me i am a soccer momma and band momma. :)<br />
we are busy readying up for winter. ordered and stacked 3 cords of wood. this is a new life skill for us having never had a wood stove before now. we are excited to see how well we do this winter with it. learning curve! <br />
i've been making a lot more crock pot meals lately, they seem to suit the colder weather.<br />
we have yet to fit in our annual apple picking trip. and we have a porch full of pumpkins waiting to be carved. halloween is fast approaching too! i better finish up those costumes.<br />
busy gathering leaves, bittersweet and chestnuts.<br />
taking walks and leaf peeping drives. <br />
getting outside as much as possible before winter gear is required...<br />
<br />
some recent photos: <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
pre haircut</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEim8Ri0AqQgJv6UlT_CnrEhVHuzo2ClOVoUd-ryNl8zH09De6kUHgqvdi_NmU_MYLch02R2GaM4H777nTFY2WDy6FluO2ehhW9ihdDE50ClBRgfz6nkCVj9b9Lckc7Z8xWrzVm34Q/s1600/new+hair+before.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEim8Ri0AqQgJv6UlT_CnrEhVHuzo2ClOVoUd-ryNl8zH09De6kUHgqvdi_NmU_MYLch02R2GaM4H777nTFY2WDy6FluO2ehhW9ihdDE50ClBRgfz6nkCVj9b9Lckc7Z8xWrzVm34Q/s1600/new+hair+before.jpg" height="428" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiATtLdG6PyiYkGCjcf9s357bcAQaTDbkQJpf0mp-PEjiyZ4r-Pxn3xvTl16o11ZIcNlkNty8wPVx0tYTpFTpWDkDZbb_NnIMRCleFradHjpL8b9gzQp-WCKrX0wpnS0wiwFIGAyw/s1600/new+hair+before+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiATtLdG6PyiYkGCjcf9s357bcAQaTDbkQJpf0mp-PEjiyZ4r-Pxn3xvTl16o11ZIcNlkNty8wPVx0tYTpFTpWDkDZbb_NnIMRCleFradHjpL8b9gzQp-WCKrX0wpnS0wiwFIGAyw/s1600/new+hair+before+2.jpg" height="428" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
after :)</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIJkSG67wBY_dHvk9LB31CZliqGfeDlcnfFi-nJXTsBrQk5EJf4rYVL4sgd1JoZRLGfqjoh1M1mCVjFySWADgagoMPQbULImh0H1-6nqfUAAuV0SreSH3IjskZpB5jO-uQwyze6g/s1600/new+hair+3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIJkSG67wBY_dHvk9LB31CZliqGfeDlcnfFi-nJXTsBrQk5EJf4rYVL4sgd1JoZRLGfqjoh1M1mCVjFySWADgagoMPQbULImh0H1-6nqfUAAuV0SreSH3IjskZpB5jO-uQwyze6g/s1600/new+hair+3.jpg" height="427" width="640" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeYNbgbpCEoPUzMyG2C8tjtMJkYmwGARqzqkaJIgiS8vo1B2xIHDlEzoladlZNor_m_dD9DC5rQAQar9a9TRdrQ8hT1zCN5_3DF_QtLAyt9edJTdZUAlBHkrIEWHsTsBDMH6ox-g/s1600/new+hair+5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeYNbgbpCEoPUzMyG2C8tjtMJkYmwGARqzqkaJIgiS8vo1B2xIHDlEzoladlZNor_m_dD9DC5rQAQar9a9TRdrQ8hT1zCN5_3DF_QtLAyt9edJTdZUAlBHkrIEWHsTsBDMH6ox-g/s1600/new+hair+5.jpg" height="428" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibDXWf5rEkFkwAnC-KGxCtvYDVBbsUg2w53hKEML9FZSDSxYDWFOC_rHA4xUogwoo6hAmJZBSKqruk2GnZBghILMq8U5IQyTRrqLeqi-8jtbPZsQNHIH84jQ1MAc-NBdPX1nxOwg/s1600/new+hair+4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibDXWf5rEkFkwAnC-KGxCtvYDVBbsUg2w53hKEML9FZSDSxYDWFOC_rHA4xUogwoo6hAmJZBSKqruk2GnZBghILMq8U5IQyTRrqLeqi-8jtbPZsQNHIH84jQ1MAc-NBdPX1nxOwg/s1600/new+hair+4.jpg" height="428" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjcrs3R57DBvq8UKAsIDOxJDK7jDIHyV1IUdQMVxGS1zaa1YWiOB9Bm4qrHJnlxwFpLYvBONoBjcjwt0Xuvt5IpAJ6OwcnR426WGIXkm_NmbpicFuoSsVCu26rtSLWzqprT9k7MA/s1600/k+soccer+2014.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjcrs3R57DBvq8UKAsIDOxJDK7jDIHyV1IUdQMVxGS1zaa1YWiOB9Bm4qrHJnlxwFpLYvBONoBjcjwt0Xuvt5IpAJ6OwcnR426WGIXkm_NmbpicFuoSsVCu26rtSLWzqprT9k7MA/s1600/k+soccer+2014.jpg" height="428" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2xuDucF9RGig14Mn9lE_FfYKEsiPTykhtYRXIhi0Rku2blG8etQn9B_-8DO5Cw7jE7kCHb-e_iv2DjIHZ5N55e0NS246OuRGBe3q8Rki1hoknaWpxzxCJs9_Yh5xq6ZfegBNYsw/s1600/kellen+soccer+2014+3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2xuDucF9RGig14Mn9lE_FfYKEsiPTykhtYRXIhi0Rku2blG8etQn9B_-8DO5Cw7jE7kCHb-e_iv2DjIHZ5N55e0NS246OuRGBe3q8Rki1hoknaWpxzxCJs9_Yh5xq6ZfegBNYsw/s1600/kellen+soccer+2014+3.jpg" height="428" width="640" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgISIWZFJqoybQ-w7uepaXtbntS87NLDNIfINAx-TL-qMbC7yjlUTULjBW9vqCiItiqn6wVJlc9tp2QqGTiDT7OApVTkN1WmyOI-BFBxek0wJuCOOPU6VozXgcInkBwiBiZj7vOMw/s1600/offering.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgISIWZFJqoybQ-w7uepaXtbntS87NLDNIfINAx-TL-qMbC7yjlUTULjBW9vqCiItiqn6wVJlc9tp2QqGTiDT7OApVTkN1WmyOI-BFBxek0wJuCOOPU6VozXgcInkBwiBiZj7vOMw/s1600/offering.jpg" height="428" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnaa-zap2StKqWFs5yqNgOmlibD4UOxV0i_TfvsMVOVVR1HSSKSm0NKX6n3CgXOvQwwkbEaAEORDbWZ0BEY_l8Q7L-THct9Lg88sB49YISQfrc72nUhU85gCvRZM7efXExQQaE_w/s1600/golden+blur.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnaa-zap2StKqWFs5yqNgOmlibD4UOxV0i_TfvsMVOVVR1HSSKSm0NKX6n3CgXOvQwwkbEaAEORDbWZ0BEY_l8Q7L-THct9Lg88sB49YISQfrc72nUhU85gCvRZM7efXExQQaE_w/s1600/golden+blur.jpg" height="428" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEX9Yigaqe3-h_HDqq4YtOTwe8JfOwNVDqif4lronawQx4VQE87RVCfOJJa0fd3T2W0SrafIUpW-_tPSyXglVdGiLhY0d1Afl_WwOE073-MqF-ezwmqC6b0OQvQYbCWxunW_ZtTg/s1600/leaf+wood+pile.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEX9Yigaqe3-h_HDqq4YtOTwe8JfOwNVDqif4lronawQx4VQE87RVCfOJJa0fd3T2W0SrafIUpW-_tPSyXglVdGiLhY0d1Afl_WwOE073-MqF-ezwmqC6b0OQvQYbCWxunW_ZtTg/s1600/leaf+wood+pile.jpg" height="428" width="640" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkLuJGHjbWeffVOl5lBGFxjnvF7NPaRrxrscc4CiCxnbnaa00Xo5osVDPSGdSAf-AmZIphjIspEujTRGJ13rSpWH01_LEuQPzGAWw3AdqcpmeUkque03jI-XPDkomVfj7EPU_Ucw/s1600/gather.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkLuJGHjbWeffVOl5lBGFxjnvF7NPaRrxrscc4CiCxnbnaa00Xo5osVDPSGdSAf-AmZIphjIspEujTRGJ13rSpWH01_LEuQPzGAWw3AdqcpmeUkque03jI-XPDkomVfj7EPU_Ucw/s1600/gather.jpg" height="428" width="640" /></a></div>
happy october everyone.<br />
xo<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />Kristin Zecchinellihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03669097079491245666noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36461596.post-43657144213123197382014-07-28T21:49:00.001-05:002014-07-28T21:49:05.491-05:00summer nights<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7XCGJEIQlu3R9zbuDIHNDAX_RURy9Z8EEIEKqKsRnlfxr_KjrDKxvvF5f2v-MOtLFCkhoYlgfZyLXtAqxUs6vzfAQUATmV0Kl1MX5WC8eW-BIiOobNxnTYYXrydvMZPjPjIGCGg/s1600/the+summer+book.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7XCGJEIQlu3R9zbuDIHNDAX_RURy9Z8EEIEKqKsRnlfxr_KjrDKxvvF5f2v-MOtLFCkhoYlgfZyLXtAqxUs6vzfAQUATmV0Kl1MX5WC8eW-BIiOobNxnTYYXrydvMZPjPjIGCGg/s1600/the+summer+book.jpg" height="428" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
end of july is creeping ever so near, yet it feels like summer has only just arrived. oh summer please slow down. we just saw far away family off today after a few days visit. so nice to share our new home with them. i spent the day stripping beds, cleaning, and rearranging our space back to just us 4. the rains fell hard early, then gave way to clearer skies this afternoon. we had a simple dinner of blt sandwiches (SO good), then packed a basket of books, beach toys, cameras, and 2 travel mugs of coffee and headed to the beach. evenings at the beach are an entirely different thing. the sand is wide open. dogs are there. usually a kite flier or 2. many couples walking hand in hand. it's quieter, feels more private and intimate. i love that time. i need to remember to do this so much more.we made it home just in time, as the rain arrived once more. <br />
<br />
are you reading this summer? my husband found me the book in my hands above, that i have been seeking unsuccessfully at our local libraries, <a href="http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/79550.The_Summer_Book" target="_blank"><u>The Summer Book</u></a> by Tove Jansson. so excited to dive in. i'm also finishing up the<a href="http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/77156.Plainsong?from_search=true" target="_blank"> <u>Plainsong</u></a> trilogy by Kent Haruf and then i have <a href="http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/18144099-delancey?from_search=true" target="_blank"><u>Delancey</u></a> waiting in the wings. what are you reading?<br />
<br />
happy july.<br />
xo <br />
<br />
<br />
<br />Kristin Zecchinellihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03669097079491245666noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36461596.post-52417550980230732712014-07-17T22:58:00.002-05:002014-07-17T23:03:43.049-05:00salty sandy sweetness<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgP_YYWNsEicI57qnvdWQN_LDK0wGI5msI1b5RWs0kA4ogCv6hPvoXAVlgDaf49vFKgemQUSCpmwtlLyUrKZ6UDzbGG_sKUpi-7hMsszW35_5qfUYUxGO28HnuFhIHb9n0jsqY9pw/s1600/casey+watermelon+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgP_YYWNsEicI57qnvdWQN_LDK0wGI5msI1b5RWs0kA4ogCv6hPvoXAVlgDaf49vFKgemQUSCpmwtlLyUrKZ6UDzbGG_sKUpi-7hMsszW35_5qfUYUxGO28HnuFhIHb9n0jsqY9pw/s1600/casey+watermelon+2.jpg" height="427" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
baby blue skies<br />
wispy clouds<br />
chipped pink nailpolish<br />
salty skin<br />
sticky sweet watermelon slices<br />
<br />
oh summer, we love you.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFu1zE-4tqbomPdjMZIAIf8nw-5mR2M6hocqbMkkUs3U1KDKcmn1kpBHdB6qfwY0dzZ9lDGtGhDrUvuRKwOdPTmxhjhsukZv0dJ0d53Z-7LN3bQ1ClxIdYIWpdF8WJUjbL9K9DAw/s1600/watermelon+slice+casey.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFu1zE-4tqbomPdjMZIAIf8nw-5mR2M6hocqbMkkUs3U1KDKcmn1kpBHdB6qfwY0dzZ9lDGtGhDrUvuRKwOdPTmxhjhsukZv0dJ0d53Z-7LN3bQ1ClxIdYIWpdF8WJUjbL9K9DAw/s1600/watermelon+slice+casey.jpg" height="428" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />Kristin Zecchinellihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03669097079491245666noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36461596.post-5039961290500123652014-07-14T15:39:00.003-05:002014-07-14T15:39:27.706-05:00homethings we are loving about our new home<br />
<ul>
<li>wildflowers</li>
<li>woods</li>
<li>awesome neighbors</li>
<li>resident chipmunk family, (all named of course) Summer, Chippy, Autumn & Spring</li>
<li>lots of birds, and a nest of robins we have our eye on</li>
<li>our home is on the end of a dead end street = NO car traffic = play play play all day long</li>
<li>family room fun</li>
<li>our own basketball hoop </li>
<li>a garage for the jeep! (no more wet seats)</li>
<li>sunlight, breezes and so much green</li>
</ul>
it's good to be home. Kristin Zecchinellihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03669097079491245666noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36461596.post-40858366285139134492014-07-03T08:57:00.000-05:002014-07-03T08:57:03.480-05:00july june went zoom!<br />
SO much happened here in june.<br />
end of school activities for one 2nd grader and one 4th grader, full of field trips & art shows<br />
then one very special dance recital for our irish stepper<br />
all the while packing up our townhouse to prepare for our big move into a home of our very own. the first home we have owned in many years. big exciting (a bit stressful) good good stuff, all packed into those days of june.<br />
<br />
so hello july! <i>PHEW</i><br />
we welcome you.<br />
we are all moved in, mostly unboxed even. enjoying discovering the light in our new space, the yard, fave nooks, etc. settling in, feeling like ours already. i have some pretty pink roses (yay!), and a crop of poison ivy (eek!) the yin and yang of home-ownership. <br />
<br />
now that the whirlwind of june is behind us i hope to fill july with as much sand, play, corn on the cob, strawberries, blueberries, salt water and ice pops and i can.<br />
because summer is here! and she is so very fleeting.<br />
<br />
i haven't had much time to pick up my own camera these days, so here's some <a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/14811117@N02/14561688251/in/photostream" target="_blank">flickr love</a> showing all the goodness of the summer i love so much. <br />
<br />
happy july everyone!<br />
xo<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGjUjiUdmlumeae3qDWBTAe4eBYIe3ddna7wMZi7GEtKWLApsDrVMhQKMyKLTsSV2NM2eCreGmVwQiYH7qP4uUhBfgDKRo6DWd-h-noXTAEAuRucN_ZHEJCB0eToytUKDV5Kaq-Q/s1600/mosaic5985dd10176252d3febd6955f56fc38b88057368.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGjUjiUdmlumeae3qDWBTAe4eBYIe3ddna7wMZi7GEtKWLApsDrVMhQKMyKLTsSV2NM2eCreGmVwQiYH7qP4uUhBfgDKRo6DWd-h-noXTAEAuRucN_ZHEJCB0eToytUKDV5Kaq-Q/s1600/mosaic5985dd10176252d3febd6955f56fc38b88057368.jpg" height="640" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />Kristin Zecchinellihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03669097079491245666noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36461596.post-87357372702541549462014-06-03T19:55:00.002-05:002014-06-03T19:55:49.739-05:00first evertonight we loaded up all four bikes and hit the trail together.<br />
our first official family bike ride ever. <br />
i have been dreaming of this day.<br />
excited to make this part of our routine as a family.<br />
so proud of my girl who out pedaled us all tonight.<br />
go casey go!!!!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJ8FAA_Nh_gTY8yD51vDt1GEw3eEwUL3Hft2qbTbylB932_8TBWsNYAn45jNlYdJOGJ-dVDiptHm87DEfdcx6txb0mRpkYu6pgaPMGbBSE1iL5cTgaGfDsTL2qpRHnC-x-2hTkNQ/s1600/june+3+bike+ride+3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJ8FAA_Nh_gTY8yD51vDt1GEw3eEwUL3Hft2qbTbylB932_8TBWsNYAn45jNlYdJOGJ-dVDiptHm87DEfdcx6txb0mRpkYu6pgaPMGbBSE1iL5cTgaGfDsTL2qpRHnC-x-2hTkNQ/s1600/june+3+bike+ride+3.jpg" height="428" width="640" /></a></div>
june you are off to an amazing start!<br />
<br />Kristin Zecchinellihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03669097079491245666noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36461596.post-78211093188342844132014-06-02T09:00:00.001-05:002014-06-02T09:00:30.736-05:00hello junejune arrived on a sunday. a gorgeous sunday.<br />
unfortunately working in the restaurant, or most service jobs, means you work on weekends.<br />
jason made good use of the weather and loaded up the bikes and took kellen and casey to the eastern trail to get casey's "bike legs" back. she had just learned to ride a bike without training wheels at the end of last summer so she was rusty, but mostly rusty in her mind, fearing that she couldn't do it all over again. she was wrong. we knew that, but convincing her is not always so easy. she was up and riding in no time jason said. her confidence grew so quickly he couldn't keep up with her on foot. i was sorry to miss that, but happy that she had such a good time and gained back that confidence she had forgotten about all winter.<br />
when i did get home from work, we cooked burgers, corn on the cob and split a beer. the perfect summery meal in my opinion. then we packed up a blanket and headed to the beach hoping it wouldn't be too windy. it wasn't. the sunset was getting that great summer gold color, we stripped off our shoes, cuffed our jeans and stuck our feet in the water. OMG cold! like really really<b> painfully</b> cold. there was only one soul in the water, a brave surfer fully outfitted in a wetsuit. <br />
it was the perfect day/night to welcome in the summer month.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
hello june.<br />
we love you.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgl9usEsLwzHwpOityRq6XntMoYMpRzNTUn_3gsaslkR8psy482wQtvK0OEvsiJY6Pns04JtHr__L5sg8dk7EiaTgYD-N9z5O-DxLwptxNdGEU3nyHcwi6-9c-gpzrNHLfZ58N6jw/s1600/june+1_.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgl9usEsLwzHwpOityRq6XntMoYMpRzNTUn_3gsaslkR8psy482wQtvK0OEvsiJY6Pns04JtHr__L5sg8dk7EiaTgYD-N9z5O-DxLwptxNdGEU3nyHcwi6-9c-gpzrNHLfZ58N6jw/s1600/june+1_.jpg" height="428" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwqLJWiuQ6xZOatXoUKnyrhXYjx0au-bb3kdH_nJkUU7IoKEYoZvzGLrcMFj9dVjPXMNhE90DGpIsk4jouHfHQBHrvZhFa_9rBqBtUkV6IRpCL-0Tx8sbVsx0RpLEeBZEtmgFvJA/s1600/june+1++habit+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwqLJWiuQ6xZOatXoUKnyrhXYjx0au-bb3kdH_nJkUU7IoKEYoZvzGLrcMFj9dVjPXMNhE90DGpIsk4jouHfHQBHrvZhFa_9rBqBtUkV6IRpCL-0Tx8sbVsx0RpLEeBZEtmgFvJA/s1600/june+1++habit+2.jpg" height="428" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmkO6PStIfLtPbSuplsXfhoIBXvCOF5mtTRWlzu_oPTeiBCcSiuct0Lkyz9Es2WPflIjlxZxYTo4Q7Ws1RiG8MgfazFO30LionKvOwcbd0P1TUQGHPhLpnLjV4_bL4vqPOl7C4MA/s1600/june+1++kids.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmkO6PStIfLtPbSuplsXfhoIBXvCOF5mtTRWlzu_oPTeiBCcSiuct0Lkyz9Es2WPflIjlxZxYTo4Q7Ws1RiG8MgfazFO30LionKvOwcbd0P1TUQGHPhLpnLjV4_bL4vqPOl7C4MA/s1600/june+1++kids.jpg" height="428" width="640" /></a></div>
<span id="goog_875538152"></span><span id="goog_875538153"></span><br />Kristin Zecchinellihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03669097079491245666noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36461596.post-39879963103729779632014-05-28T20:02:00.003-05:002014-05-28T20:02:47.907-05:0021 candles !!!!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5I4WsO8cNnhbq4LDbqavqvuqs3RkyDC2WgG_J9H34oBaBo7AEyxLH5Llk-O3-JmC95v3LnSv8auttdqKZqYCcK1kAznbCxRX5n4AbMIjghIRHateeB93Mc_RZB5FUvBdcgin3aA/s1600/4647990846_6d7c396fb3_z.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5I4WsO8cNnhbq4LDbqavqvuqs3RkyDC2WgG_J9H34oBaBo7AEyxLH5Llk-O3-JmC95v3LnSv8auttdqKZqYCcK1kAznbCxRX5n4AbMIjghIRHateeB93Mc_RZB5FUvBdcgin3aA/s1600/4647990846_6d7c396fb3_z.jpg" height="456" width="640" /></a></div>
once upon a time,<br />
a long long time ago,<br />
there was a tiny baby girl who made me a momma...<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhREaWORgo-wLRYX5yO4Rbu6Hm7ZRV8yAUB7v0LTjyJke_szJS0Vq2137S1MgUoIoBWALJToRO78mwOAu3Rgeqc9RVUDjsZWB8ksAyts-BrIB_TH7pT0zO-r8o4Pghct_OssR2Cyw/s1600/21st+bday.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhREaWORgo-wLRYX5yO4Rbu6Hm7ZRV8yAUB7v0LTjyJke_szJS0Vq2137S1MgUoIoBWALJToRO78mwOAu3Rgeqc9RVUDjsZWB8ksAyts-BrIB_TH7pT0zO-r8o4Pghct_OssR2Cyw/s1600/21st+bday.jpg" height="428" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
today we lit 21 candles on her birthday cake!<br />
<br />
happy twenty first birthday to my girl.<br />
you looked radiant tonight.<br />
may your new year be full of love and laughter.<br />
<br />
PS~ <i>"liquor before beer, never fear... beer than liquor, never sicker." </i> ;)<br />
<br />
xo,<br />
momma <br />
<br />Kristin Zecchinellihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03669097079491245666noreply@blogger.com5