Valerie's Adventures

Tournament of Roses 2012

Thursday, January 05, 2012 Valerie 0

January 2nd, 2012.  That date will never be forgotten in my memory.  It was the day that my parents and I had the experience of a lifetime.<br />
It all began back in December of 2010, when we found out the Wisconsin Badgers would be playing in the 2011 Rose Bowl game against Texas Christian.  We thought it would be fun to go cheer for them, since none of us had ever been to a Rose Bowl game.  However, after investigating online, the ticket prices were just too expensive, and so we ended up watching TCU beat Wisconsin on TV :(<br />
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Flash forward to December 2011, when we found out the Wisconsin Badgers would return again to Pasadena, this time to take on the Oregon Ducks.  Once again, the idea of actually going to the Rose Bowl game came up...and we were determined to make it happen this year!  Not knowing where to start, we began googling and asking people if they knew how to get tickets.  After not finding much, I randomly asked my co-workers at a staff meeting whether they had any tips.  That simple question led to a series of events that eventually brought my parents and I to a place we never even imagined.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrPjGrROiDGNuxLNOWUywL_9K21gUQS3xmL-AAfjm0ymnEVhyphenhyphen7esePr59bzU30qHo3HBLrTxsm4FM2nueU39Ct2s75-6A9ezzjSzn02zNk0iWUg6NFf6OUb1LjiMJOIjzOb5SNY2Poq35b/s1600/P1022319.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrPjGrROiDGNuxLNOWUywL_9K21gUQS3xmL-AAfjm0ymnEVhyphenhyphen7esePr59bzU30qHo3HBLrTxsm4FM2nueU39Ct2s75-6A9ezzjSzn02zNk0iWUg6NFf6OUb1LjiMJOIjzOb5SNY2Poq35b/s320/P1022319.JPG" width="320" /></a>My amazing boss Rick put me in contact with a wonderful APU student named Derek, who put me in contact with Bill, the Chief Operating Officer of the Tournament of Roses.  After a few moments on the phone with Bill, I quickly discovered that he is a kind and generous man, who was willing to help a stranger, even at the busiest time of the year for him.  Not only was he able to arrange Rose Bowl tickets for us to purchase, but he also arranged for us to have grandstand seats at the Rose Parade.  We could not believe it!  So, three days before Christmas I headed over to the Tournament House in Pasadena to pick up the tickets, which came in an envelope with all the information we needed for the upcoming day.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3kErAfzFPnrw1uYf4JX0Au9AOwd264XS_l5NfXmAc31tz5qoSnDaUxkb4NmK7LOZiX0yXGCGuOHsbNm0GbLAb9P_W11_VazMjbUwkyviuCkX66L2roV7DYX4WACXxv9whM78aPtC8UpSl/s1600/P1022337.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3kErAfzFPnrw1uYf4JX0Au9AOwd264XS_l5NfXmAc31tz5qoSnDaUxkb4NmK7LOZiX0yXGCGuOHsbNm0GbLAb9P_W11_VazMjbUwkyviuCkX66L2roV7DYX4WACXxv9whM78aPtC8UpSl/s200/P1022337.JPG" width="200" /></a></div>Rather than fight the traffic and parking, we decided to park at the Sierra Madre Metro station, and ride the train for 10 minutes to our stop.  We got off about 7 blocks from where our seats where located, and made it there by 6:30am, the time indicated on our tickets.  (Apparently we didn't actually need to be there that early, since most everyone else showed up at 7:30am.  We should have gone to Starbucks instead...)  It was still dark out, so they had big lights up in order to see the first float that was on display.  They had already put this one out, so it was prepped and ready to lead off the parade.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibRhCUphy-PUngLVndaD-CWzCvil-nvlJW8WrsWU1cpy-8D-v21iEDY5nfALrl4HHpZVVvlcnoJJOLJZoUWMIR0MFIzgN0L0zm3L2lJco4nlMo9rzYQlDWhN2jX98l1QvBCeMf-frLaCrI/s1600/P1022454.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibRhCUphy-PUngLVndaD-CWzCvil-nvlJW8WrsWU1cpy-8D-v21iEDY5nfALrl4HHpZVVvlcnoJJOLJZoUWMIR0MFIzgN0L0zm3L2lJco4nlMo9rzYQlDWhN2jX98l1QvBCeMf-frLaCrI/s320/P1022454.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>Our seats were on the northeast corner of Orange Grove and Colorado, right where they "make the turn" by the Norton Simon Museum.  Despite the sun in our eyes, it was a perfect spot to see all sides of the floats, as well as watch how all the different bands decided to tackle that corner.  The floats were absolutely beautiful, and it was amazing to see how much detail goes into making them.  When we looked at one up close, we could see all the tiny, little vases that housed each flower in order to keep it fresh.  On some of the floats, we could see the driver's head popping out, and each float had an escort to help it round the corner.  Despite the heat (80 degrees!), it was a perfect day for the parade, and we had a prime location to watch it!<br />
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After the parade was over, we made our way on foot up to the Rose Bowl stadium to get ready for the big game.  There were SO many people there, and I was really glad we didn't attempt to park there, since parking cost $40!  We had brought water and snacks, so we just sat outside the stadium on a patch of grass and watched all the crazy people walk by.  We were right next to a little rose garden, and for some reason people did not want to walk an extra 10 feet to walk on the path.  Instead, they just marched right on through that rose garden, pricking themselves on the thorns and getting their shirts caught.  Once people saw others going through the rose garden, they thought it was a good idea, I suppose, so masses of people tried to follow their lead.  It became so ridiculous that I could not help but laugh at these crazy people, and give a nod to those with common sense enough to walk on the actual path.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgw44fPAEsZRzHJ1HR4gbJ2Rt5s5eZn-6gTbDaGYfvwMNOTeN0C7TjyrXk21HOpMVRHbX6acOM8hZjdSgJTnlUw94W19iQdaRaiJw7nDDm8RTgHppHOS6yw_4eVdIpxNQ1xzWMPffojoNT6/s1600/P1022507.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgw44fPAEsZRzHJ1HR4gbJ2Rt5s5eZn-6gTbDaGYfvwMNOTeN0C7TjyrXk21HOpMVRHbX6acOM8hZjdSgJTnlUw94W19iQdaRaiJw7nDDm8RTgHppHOS6yw_4eVdIpxNQ1xzWMPffojoNT6/s320/P1022507.JPG" width="320" /></a>Once it was time to head into the stadium, we were not exactly sure where our seats were, because none of us had ever been to the venue before.  But we had looked at an aerial view from Google Maps, so we knew we were on the same side as the press box.  When we finally made it to our seats, we discovered that we were on the 50-yard line, 8 rows behind the Wisconsin bench!  Not only that, but we were immersed in a sea of Badger fans!  Because we were so close, we ended up standing for the majority of the game, but everyone else in the stadium was standing too, because the game was so exciting! <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglbb8tksBaIuzTrTKuDMZrsYII_8WTnPpsLq3Q4hmarSjixV_2tyF6LEpiREYL7sUlT98sRSj2DfxqGn6VypXTYSWdCxeVvJGT6h6ejVdd5FtqVjiVLR7YUugTewQX6imBwKwhWbrdWBMW/s1600/P1022516.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglbb8tksBaIuzTrTKuDMZrsYII_8WTnPpsLq3Q4hmarSjixV_2tyF6LEpiREYL7sUlT98sRSj2DfxqGn6VypXTYSWdCxeVvJGT6h6ejVdd5FtqVjiVLR7YUugTewQX6imBwKwhWbrdWBMW/s200/P1022516.JPG" width="200" /></a><br />
It seemed like a fast-paced game, as both teams scored touchdown after touchdown.  By halftime the score was tied 28-28.  We had been standing for 2 hours already by halftime, and needed a break.  But then...the Wisconsin band came onto the field and completely blew us away.  Their marching lines were perfect, their sound massive, and their energy intoxicating.  We couldn't help but stand up and cheer for them!<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNYozVx7tHIr56CRnJ4cjRM4YWYVHcYn1kqrA5q4S1xUnloPF0nqd0NRmBbP8G7hJo-MdWohd07YbruJp1b0WUIhfNVniFZ6fn4dWTK2hkJ2IZN7bcoZbA7fytJLHbcO_Ph0F6Ewm_FWbr/s1600/P1022530.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNYozVx7tHIr56CRnJ4cjRM4YWYVHcYn1kqrA5q4S1xUnloPF0nqd0NRmBbP8G7hJo-MdWohd07YbruJp1b0WUIhfNVniFZ6fn4dWTK2hkJ2IZN7bcoZbA7fytJLHbcO_Ph0F6Ewm_FWbr/s320/P1022530.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>The second half of the game did not go as well for Wisconsin, and though we had the chance to tie the game towards the end, an unlucky fumble sealed the result.  Oregon ended up winning 45-38.  The confetti went flying, and the yellow in the stands erupted.  The sea of red stood in disbelief.  This was the 2nd consecutive year that Wisconsin went home empty-handed.  The noise began dying down and the seats began to empty.  And then...the Wisconsin band started marching back out on to the field.  They raised their instruments to play the fight song.  One by one, Badger fans looked up and began clapping along, singing "On, Wisconsin!"  After that came the alma mater, as they raised their hands to form a "W."  Then came a pop song...and a polka...and the chicken dance...and another polka...on and on the music continued for half an hour, song after song.  Wisconsin fans were smiling, dancing, and having fun together as a community.  My parents and I watched with tears in our eyes as these stubborn mid-Westerners picked themselves back up after losing, and had the time of their lives.<br />
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It was a once in a lifetime experience for us, an incredible day that we will not soon forget.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHzeJuDpBwtivwUwm-VGAb5-JZjF_wZYOm7DF9ycINHjtgx4G2etmPTCw3SHetwQMPQNTJp3YQS-avoFcfSTX9_OgcAeliNnMQ4HwikqlVQhmp2UHuYu0diMdSDClwWZ8PLTN-mc09FnJR/s1600/P1022504.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHzeJuDpBwtivwUwm-VGAb5-JZjF_wZYOm7DF9ycINHjtgx4G2etmPTCw3SHetwQMPQNTJp3YQS-avoFcfSTX9_OgcAeliNnMQ4HwikqlVQhmp2UHuYu0diMdSDClwWZ8PLTN-mc09FnJR/s400/P1022504.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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Tournament of Roses 2012

January 2nd, 2012. That date will never be forgotten in my memory. It was the day that my parents and I had the experience of a lifetime. ...

Autumn Haas Arrived!

Tuesday, October 25, 2011 Valerie 0

Autumn Haas Arrived!

The overgrown pumpkin patch Back in February, my mom decided to cut up a rotting pumpkin and stick it 2 feet underground to use as mulch ...

Last One Standing

Tuesday, September 20, 2011 Valerie 0

<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPr7_4RLckDpKJ1Q_nB0b6HsH4P4pV5bfH3nh9RMpOCN9jQk4z5HbqYgaLz12kSJqiAdkZNly6T6fpxrz5BhYWxtuOCbhg3lns_20Jp5WS_kzRmM8t1RkQMYen8v4YhdRsu077z88OhmPx/s1600/P9172203.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPr7_4RLckDpKJ1Q_nB0b6HsH4P4pV5bfH3nh9RMpOCN9jQk4z5HbqYgaLz12kSJqiAdkZNly6T6fpxrz5BhYWxtuOCbhg3lns_20Jp5WS_kzRmM8t1RkQMYen8v4YhdRsu077z88OhmPx/s200/P9172203.jpg" width="150" /></a>Well, it's official...I am the last of my cousins who is still single.  But when you have a family as incredible as mine is, being the only one without a spouse really isn't that bad.<br />
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This weekend, the Watson family welcomed its newest member, Brad Walker, who married my cousin Linsey.  The wedding was held in beautiful Breckenridge, Colorado, and turned out to be absolutely perfect, despite the rainy weather.  I enjoyed the spectacular view of the Rocky Mountains, the cool temperatures, and the fresh mountain air. <br />
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But most of all, I enjoyed my family.  I can't imagine anyone else in the world who is as blessed as I am with such an amazing family.  Every person has their own unique personality, and I appreciate all the quirks of each individual.  I am whole-heartedly devoted to my family, but it is always nice to be reminded of their love and friendship.  And what better way to be reminded than at a wedding?<br />
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZPs79zouROtcU0sQzBgg91Z06qoJomYXzxGBWInwTHI_vVuCShnUio92qwqttmR7VkRAey3BJloHC62uAqGFWgObTLaDX-tNUUFOGVZgOniuYkWu48FGkbk2WQk76QE7Uv1oL0DWy_YnR/s1600/P9162159.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZPs79zouROtcU0sQzBgg91Z06qoJomYXzxGBWInwTHI_vVuCShnUio92qwqttmR7VkRAey3BJloHC62uAqGFWgObTLaDX-tNUUFOGVZgOniuYkWu48FGkbk2WQk76QE7Uv1oL0DWy_YnR/s200/P9162159.jpg" width="150" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">At the museum</td></tr>
</tbody></table>I started off the weekend by visiting my Aunt Sally in Denver, from my dad's side of the family.  We get along great because of her practicality, sense of humor, and adventurous spirit - there is never a dull moment when she is around!  Although our time together was short on this trip, we had lots of fun talking, running errands, visiting the animal shelter she volunteers at, and going for a nice, long walk.<br />
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My parents and aunt & uncle arrived at Sally's the day after I did, and all of us visited the Forney Museum of Transportation.  They had every type of original transportation device you could imagine, from the Model T to Amelia Earhart's Goldbug Kissel, stagecoaches and a school bus, military vehicles and taxi cabs.  They also had refurbished trains (my Uncle Cliff's favorite), a wall full of bicycles beginning in the late 1800s (my aunt Sally's favorite), and a huge room full of Honda and Indian motorcycles (my dad's favorite).  It was quite fascinating, and I highly recommend visiting the museum if you are ever in Denver.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzWLmRaqbL02RJxCRhpI4uMK0eqP5vtJ0iu9kjFldXUZygF_E4mzi4A51QIfWP4J8MtVssTsNcQFl0iibLH1H3IqVRgWrBvRFfGv3S0VLf30RNatnuu-fqFjdkoa0MdiP6wVXxzQ8IEVyn/s1600/P9162187.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzWLmRaqbL02RJxCRhpI4uMK0eqP5vtJ0iu9kjFldXUZygF_E4mzi4A51QIfWP4J8MtVssTsNcQFl0iibLH1H3IqVRgWrBvRFfGv3S0VLf30RNatnuu-fqFjdkoa0MdiP6wVXxzQ8IEVyn/s200/P9162187.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">With cousins Matt & Linsey</td></tr>
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After that we headed up to Breckenridge for the wedding rehearsal and rehearsal dinner.  The rehearsal itself went fast, and the rehearsal dinner was a good time for our family to visit with each other, and get acquainted with the Walker family.  But the best part of the evening for me was hanging out with my cousin Matt (who has always been like a big brother to me) at the after-party.  We don't get to see each other that often, so spending one-on-one time with him was a delight!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVE9CppIk1e7K80kCZJQuqB5i4s59-WfSNZJQSw4rsTfYtkFAFYY8Tjivs7pLnfu_yAB8KyyDfIYp45d7U7byK-1iMdbEoc6IJ3F3Sh49QKfxxClFfbI5yRoxLb5riWolhYi35dyCH9V22/s1600/P9172211.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVE9CppIk1e7K80kCZJQuqB5i4s59-WfSNZJQSw4rsTfYtkFAFYY8Tjivs7pLnfu_yAB8KyyDfIYp45d7U7byK-1iMdbEoc6IJ3F3Sh49QKfxxClFfbI5yRoxLb5riWolhYi35dyCH9V22/s200/P9172211.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Dancing with my Daddy</td></tr>
</tbody></table>The next day was the wedding - what a great one!  I think it was the smallest wedding I had been to in a while, with just under 100 people.  But between the scenic view, the beautiful flowers, and the fun company, it was a wedding to remember.  My cousin Linsey was an absolute knock-out in her wedding dress, and we were all so happy for her and Brad to start their life together.  After the sweet ceremony and cocktail hour, the reception began.  The food was delicious, the toasts heartfelt and humorous, and we all danced the night away.<br />
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So at last I return to LA with fun memories, full of love for my family, and sad that this fantastic weekend had to end.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_bTlWVZ_PslTjM2jOV4cFMRLDZuInffV0IkoFXGmlkUkuv8FGWuTH6xy8lWAqFlt43IQb71TrrhRmdN79U9xqJ5Zhh3CiRdW5QwvDDCRD1qDd7V66afem7ZJZ40ZV5OXxaIwLyB0M1o2c/s1600/P9172224+-+Version+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="235" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_bTlWVZ_PslTjM2jOV4cFMRLDZuInffV0IkoFXGmlkUkuv8FGWuTH6xy8lWAqFlt43IQb71TrrhRmdN79U9xqJ5Zhh3CiRdW5QwvDDCRD1qDd7V66afem7ZJZ40ZV5OXxaIwLyB0M1o2c/s320/P9172224+-+Version+2.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">With the Bride & Groom - cousin Linsey & new cousin, Brad!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>

Last One Standing

Well, it's official...I am the last of my cousins who is still single. But when you have a family as incredible as mine is, being the o...

I'm an Aunt!

Tuesday, August 23, 2011 Valerie 1

<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1kACxLKnn4Q-NIQu8oiVr8T1-PXFYCURSNWdqzLdUuceBJ3YhW5ucyTzFjWttEF3-vbIxRk74FIC3oSFixKUe6aPy69RCgbp_1gYWohX5kd-UruyajIh45ds10Be7186Yt0vloGklBEZs/s1600/311371_678743136720_56902582_35192941_8214666_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" qaa="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1kACxLKnn4Q-NIQu8oiVr8T1-PXFYCURSNWdqzLdUuceBJ3YhW5ucyTzFjWttEF3-vbIxRk74FIC3oSFixKUe6aPy69RCgbp_1gYWohX5kd-UruyajIh45ds10Be7186Yt0vloGklBEZs/s320/311371_678743136720_56902582_35192941_8214666_n.jpg" width="252" /></a>This weekend I went home for one last "hoorah" with my cousin, Sarah, before she had her baby.  Keep in mind that Sarah is like my sister, since we are both only-children and have become very close over the last several years.  We had the whole weekend planned out with fun activities to spend time together.</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">As I was driving home, Sarah called me on my cell phone to tell me that she was at the hospital and already in labor!  On the one hand, I was sad that we didn't get to spend much time together, but on the other hand...I'm now an aunt!</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div>Poor Sarah spent 24 hours in labor, but she finally gave birth to the most beautiful baby girl on Saturday, August 20th at 5:50pm.  Weighing in at 7lbs. even and 19" long, it was a joy to welcome TESS ASHLEY HAYDEN into the world.  It just goes to show that God arranges all things perfectly in His timing.

I'm an Aunt!

This weekend I went home for one last "hoorah" with my cousin, Sarah, before she had her baby. Keep in mind that Sarah is like my...

Sarah's Baby Shower

Monday, July 18, 2011 Valerie 1

<div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinZ8WKuokSCoVPRW0w-dNLsei4hYimR-KRpvVLt3nu2L5pSw5IbDfIUMrvsFn_t7apxl3PWTTEf1sRXZeaYIORPKMSAv9zJFUpgEBW87pNrZjEE1PWrVDis6HtuZYKd6kpdUwlQ_Iu_7ab/s1600/P7162123+-+Version+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinZ8WKuokSCoVPRW0w-dNLsei4hYimR-KRpvVLt3nu2L5pSw5IbDfIUMrvsFn_t7apxl3PWTTEf1sRXZeaYIORPKMSAv9zJFUpgEBW87pNrZjEE1PWrVDis6HtuZYKd6kpdUwlQ_Iu_7ab/s200/P7162123+-+Version+2.jpg" width="163" /></a></div><div>On Saturday we celebrated the soon-to-be birth of my "sister" Sarah's little girl.  I am SO excited for her and her husband Chad, as I know they will make wonderful parents.  And of course, I cannot wait to be an aunt to their little one!  Although Sarah is technically my cousin, we are both only children and have grown so close over the years that we call each other <i>sister</i>.  And she really is the best sister one could ask for.</div><div><br />
</div><div>The baby shower was held at my parent's house, but hosted by Sarah's 2 cousins from the other side of the family, Lisa and Jennifer.  They put in so much time hand-making the decorations and putting everything together perfectly.  The theme was "feathering the nest," so they went all-out with birdhouses, nests, tree branches, and even little stuffed birds (which Jennifer sewed herself).  We had about 30 people there in the backyard and the weather was perfect.</div><div><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhl7ZB18eCJ_vFEmCbTDaH0rQ0dmltDHBEoSlTzRsnmsilyFM0uT00KfmpBYj4cFAMQva08KvCxlRDZFdJJ9ufYi9dVTOcHoYfMGaU0uclG2ELqP_WT0pEH0cWQIeAsnA9jJKsj9r1BBcZE/s1600/P7162127.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhl7ZB18eCJ_vFEmCbTDaH0rQ0dmltDHBEoSlTzRsnmsilyFM0uT00KfmpBYj4cFAMQva08KvCxlRDZFdJJ9ufYi9dVTOcHoYfMGaU0uclG2ELqP_WT0pEH0cWQIeAsnA9jJKsj9r1BBcZE/s200/P7162127.JPG" width="200" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKm1DgTrRHPc4MESGqOGjeBi-TYM5igUaW1xYas6IoidU-r9Ewmpj7PsfX751hduvnzoldieB6FS6hlBuHyNZpVAIEftNtRZ1FrAqUb_XJcFfshhs7YMWj_C8R3iTg0CmLJiWJWxQRJol8/s1600/P7162121.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKm1DgTrRHPc4MESGqOGjeBi-TYM5igUaW1xYas6IoidU-r9Ewmpj7PsfX751hduvnzoldieB6FS6hlBuHyNZpVAIEftNtRZ1FrAqUb_XJcFfshhs7YMWj_C8R3iTg0CmLJiWJWxQRJol8/s200/P7162121.JPG" width="150" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvQ0BzLkA0h-A8t08Yqkjz_uGNY8gaDkfpR92ANcUV-yARs8bVOyPDe8x6MrUm45Wnjokj8oty_MWu5fYoDcKA0e7VKcTT7NLn0odvJO9lpuDyF34gOtEGTlxJ13GCLUCcfpH5ssgn_JBR/s1600/P7162112.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvQ0BzLkA0h-A8t08Yqkjz_uGNY8gaDkfpR92ANcUV-yARs8bVOyPDe8x6MrUm45Wnjokj8oty_MWu5fYoDcKA0e7VKcTT7NLn0odvJO9lpuDyF34gOtEGTlxJ13GCLUCcfpH5ssgn_JBR/s200/P7162112.JPG" width="150" /></a></div><br />
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Sarah's Baby Shower

On Saturday we celebrated the soon-to-be birth of my "sister" Sarah's little girl. I am SO excited for her and her husband Ch...

Lesson in History

Tuesday, July 05, 2011 Valerie 0

<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXYsTqIJW7XiytjkLa5hr6ObncPgWVR_DSPBo97w-TbkrMjRuB_iErsxTJGZhIw2fRL4rDqdV5lMx69-TYYguJJp8I6PzSSxco09wv97WZrVgoCgpsRDhaRyZjyqIBw00oQVNtMw3z_vPl/s1600/P7022101.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXYsTqIJW7XiytjkLa5hr6ObncPgWVR_DSPBo97w-TbkrMjRuB_iErsxTJGZhIw2fRL4rDqdV5lMx69-TYYguJJp8I6PzSSxco09wv97WZrVgoCgpsRDhaRyZjyqIBw00oQVNtMw3z_vPl/s200/P7022101.JPG" width="150" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">In front of the bow</td></tr>
</tbody></table>In celebrating the 235th anniversary of our nation's independence this weekend, my parents and I went to visit my "grandparents" in the Bay Area.  Although we are not related, Floyd and Billie have been a part of our family since before <u><i><b>I</b></i></u> was a part of our family.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmqzPk3jN5IZucufpBMMCc-veQsKTQlYp8dcy08Oxrnh0MOzvMfx9yQ3wuMkeB8S2-syzDP_Tnzl830mOaN55Oo9MQAcWkWsGD-7vpfFWxK_cMpf0alvgjmeFbnicOizhoOrpvbpknRRjK/s1600/P7022094+-+Version+3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmqzPk3jN5IZucufpBMMCc-veQsKTQlYp8dcy08Oxrnh0MOzvMfx9yQ3wuMkeB8S2-syzDP_Tnzl830mOaN55Oo9MQAcWkWsGD-7vpfFWxK_cMpf0alvgjmeFbnicOizhoOrpvbpknRRjK/s320/P7022094+-+Version+3.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">On the flight deck</td></tr>
</tbody></table>My Grandpa Floyd served on the <i>U.S.S. Hornet</i> aircraft carrier during WWII in the Pacific.  Joining the US Navy at age 17, he was in charge of steering a little landing craft, similar to the ones you always see on documentaries of D-Day.  By a series of chance events (although, he would say it was God looking out for him), including his unit being deployed without him, Floyd ended up on the Hornet.  He was called up to the Bridge to begin steering the ship, because he rated as an "expert helmsman," to which Floyd's reaction was..."this ain't no 35-foot landing craft!"  So, at age 17, Floyd was in charge of steering an 876-foot long, ship that weighed 34,000 tons and housed over 3,000 men.<br />
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Floyd has so many fascinating stories to share, so I was excited to join him on the ship where it all happened.  He served on the Hornet from 1943 to 1946, and saw plenty of combat during that time, earning a star for each of the 9 battles he was in.  Floyd was also at the helm during a typhoon that caused the ship to list as far as 47° - the only instruction the captain gave him was, "<u>Lad, do something</u>!"<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-wfqpA4JJrJ9BB9W3CoY0S4GYvd0t5F-R2IJ41nSv2VMFL18iOL4zpSFZ3zObJ2CqKm10wEf0K7zKrYU74fYhnqq7QbYQwNVfkqwvs1XErI6SHQOcjDanB6EwZnfFcLgzNaMbhou-hodt/s1600/P7022089.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-wfqpA4JJrJ9BB9W3CoY0S4GYvd0t5F-R2IJ41nSv2VMFL18iOL4zpSFZ3zObJ2CqKm10wEf0K7zKrYU74fYhnqq7QbYQwNVfkqwvs1XErI6SHQOcjDanB6EwZnfFcLgzNaMbhou-hodt/s200/P7022089.JPG" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">With Floyd at the helm</td></tr>
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<div class="MsoNormal">It is just so incredible to hear about the War from someone who actually experienced it first-hand, so I made sure to record a lot of videos!  Our time on the <i>U.S.S. Hornet</i> with someone who actually served on the ship was the perfect way to celebrate our nation's independence and those who protect it.  We had a wonderful weekend together, and I am so proud to call Floyd Moss, helmsman of a WWII aircraft carrier, "Grandpa"!<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Here are just a couple of the amazing stories I captured on video:<br />
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Lesson in History

In front of the bow In celebrating the 235th anniversary of our nation's independence this weekend, my parents and I went to visit my...

Flying Solo

Monday, June 20, 2011 Valerie 0

<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi94qogM0z_15MZ1u6bsgRHx46rbk666pNhq69n-o0rXqFQmneN0NKJno2RNTuz6W896OOFcZHaKN3ponyUVzRin33Qev7nmdRoW-GsCjfxJ0sZPoSs5PR-DTAJpNn46TZXK_9R9HOkj0pJ/s1600/image.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi94qogM0z_15MZ1u6bsgRHx46rbk666pNhq69n-o0rXqFQmneN0NKJno2RNTuz6W896OOFcZHaKN3ponyUVzRin33Qev7nmdRoW-GsCjfxJ0sZPoSs5PR-DTAJpNn46TZXK_9R9HOkj0pJ/s320/image.jpg" width="320" /></a>Today was my first trip to Disneyland by myself.  Many people have recommended going to Disneyland alone, and I finally took them up on it!  It was actually pretty fun walking around leisurely, not having to race off to the next line.  Lines aren't fun to stand in, especially when you're by yourself, so I only went on one ride - Buzz Light Year!  I need a little more practice shooting with both hands at the same time, but I think I did fairly well for the first try.  As you can tell in the picture, my right hand is a little stronger than my left hand...

Flying Solo

Today was my first trip to Disneyland by myself. Many people have recommended going to Disneyland alone, and I finally took them up on it! ...