tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15506442708267249182024-03-16T13:51:46.039-05:00offshore cpaa resource for expatriates in Grand Cayman // a journal for family and friendsOffshorecpahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05566196350953308001noreply@blogger.comBlogger352125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1550644270826724918.post-89322641303601830852017-04-16T22:46:00.003-05:002020-06-08T07:45:13.755-05:00Life, as we currently know itWell. It's been a long time. Much longer than I intended.<br />
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My <a href="http://offshorecpa.blogspot.com/2016/02/6-things-you-didnt-know-about-locked-inn.html">last post</a> was during the month we launched our <a href="http://www.lockedinncayman.com/">escape room business</a>.<br />
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A lot has happened since then. We now have a son who will be <i>a whole year old</i> in a few weeks.</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">March 2017 // 9 months</td></tr>
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And we have a new house. Our first venture into home ownership. It only took 32 years for us to feel ready!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrtkk6v1ToZCWpQAcR2kFADCEw_4Pq3-1z4jeroNlKCf5yVoasunQlE86rQp-8Tkp-jdQVIxHmPgiC_OLtPbqsnljaHXQcU_OzgYO-qS83r1AcuED6d9IEepBraiwPASgJErqdp1kp7aI/s1600/IMG_7587.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrtkk6v1ToZCWpQAcR2kFADCEw_4Pq3-1z4jeroNlKCf5yVoasunQlE86rQp-8Tkp-jdQVIxHmPgiC_OLtPbqsnljaHXQcU_OzgYO-qS83r1AcuED6d9IEepBraiwPASgJErqdp1kp7aI/s640/IMG_7587.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">January 2017 // 7 months<br />
IKEA highchair accessories from <a href="https://www.etsy.com/shop/YeahBabyGoods">Yeah Baby Goods</a></td></tr>
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So why am I choosing today to write a blog post? Because this is the first weekend in the past 14 months that we are not doing some combination of 1) working at our business; 2) planning a major move; 3) breastfeeding a child; 4) hosting guests; 5) traveling; or 6) working at our regular day jobs. This weekend - Easter weekend 2017 - has been an absolute GIFT. And so I'm taking an hour - one WHOLE hour - and documenting some random thoughts that have been rolling around in my head for the past year or so.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">March 2017 // 9 months</td></tr>
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Here goes. In no particular order.<br />
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// 1 // You'll never know what kind of parent you'll be until you are one.<br />
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Case in point: Nate.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">August 2016 // 2 months</td></tr>
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This guy. Was. Freaking out. Was convinced having a baby would ruin everything. No more freedom. No more fun. No more adventure.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">April 2016 // 7 months pregnant</td></tr>
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Then he met his son.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">June 2016 // birth-day</td></tr>
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This guy can't get enough time with Axel. I'm talking leaving work early, just to see this kid. Going to all the wellness check ups and asking the doctor all kinds of questions. Reading books (again and again) and singing really silly songs. Going on walks and "swimming" in the pool. He's blown me away.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">June 2016 // 3 weeks</td></tr>
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Trust me, it's a miracle.<br />
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// 2 // Pregnancy is a gift.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">March 2016 // 6 months pregnant</td></tr>
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Putting aside all the aches and pains and (for some) sickness and exhaustion, pregnancy was such a marvelous process to experience. And I say marvelous for a reason: I continuously marveled at the creative work going on inside me. And what a faith-building experience! No matter how many of the "rules" I followed - avoiding the foods on the naughty list and taking my prenatals and exercising and hydrating and whatnot - it doesn't all just magically add up to a healthy little brain and set of lungs and strong heartbeat. That's God's work, and His alone. I was just one fortunate little vessel.<br />
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And baby kicks. Seriously - those little kicks were the <u>cutest</u> thing my body has ever done.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjC20P3GDr1yY4XnrNpNzghnlUw17PlDZ0fsR-0SnTuxF2p-bJAlLbeKe6HfLiPNWzfxZ5oONCyndAZBX6_ojBLk93FhLgjDApSiHVZOexth8AcNbp09P9cHwDOjCiV0IYwsulCe2CjZcg/s1600/IMG_5323.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjC20P3GDr1yY4XnrNpNzghnlUw17PlDZ0fsR-0SnTuxF2p-bJAlLbeKe6HfLiPNWzfxZ5oONCyndAZBX6_ojBLk93FhLgjDApSiHVZOexth8AcNbp09P9cHwDOjCiV0IYwsulCe2CjZcg/s640/IMG_5323.jpg" width="426" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">February 2016 // 5 months pregnant<br />
photo: <a href="http://www.caribbeansnowflake.com/">Maya Lewis</a></td></tr>
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// 3 // Starting a business, buying a house, and having a baby all in one year is not advisable.<br />
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I mean, it can be done. We did do all those things. But you won't have time to blog. Just so you know.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhq5rBnSiCdUocN4575VvZFlzT_VZ2kJBcS7qpRFJa4HOgTfxdiSns9HF9lToEql0fpwEdIBq7GED0U_-QDaWi9n8yRz9GqXPOyaosOWz4ECQRIjst24zXaHlD4R2JGSlrtNUz-e4ikaUQ/s1600/IMG_5217.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhq5rBnSiCdUocN4575VvZFlzT_VZ2kJBcS7qpRFJa4HOgTfxdiSns9HF9lToEql0fpwEdIBq7GED0U_-QDaWi9n8yRz9GqXPOyaosOWz4ECQRIjst24zXaHlD4R2JGSlrtNUz-e4ikaUQ/s640/IMG_5217.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Nate preparing for our first test night.<br />
That logo is supposed to be sideways. I think.</td></tr>
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// 4 // I now understand what parents mean.<br />
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When they say, "My baby was up every two hours last night!"<br />
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When they say, "Sometimes we would just drive the baby around to get him to sleep."<br />
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When they say, "The only thing that kept her from crying was to hold her all day!"<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-3in4d6pOfkc/V29HoBUx-jI/AAAAAAABNnI/dKe-XS3XEbIVKYu7Av1htRh_u6T_lbs6QCPcB/s1600/IMG_5547.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-3in4d6pOfkc/V29HoBUx-jI/AAAAAAABNnI/dKe-XS3XEbIVKYu7Av1htRh_u6T_lbs6QCPcB/s640/IMG_5547.JPG" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">June 2016 // 2.5 weeks<br />
SO TIRED. But sleeping babies are THE BEST to hold.</td></tr>
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I now get it. I might not agree with every tactic parents use, but I do have a lot more sympathy now. And at the end of the day, every parent is trying to do their best and still remain sane. I get that. Do your thing, and parent on.<br />
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// 5 // The Cayman family comes through when you need them.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPsUVnc1RL41ZzzQjr63jatT3mmHPxnFVoA5v4l1Beo-urkaIXVrW8PQLFFlGUBDZpqijMK0EJKIDJd46TUpqZIzbks8py6B81uGr8T-HScZ7u8kf799PqOtjEy7kYGx7olWal7eXkVKU/s1600/E00A1826.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPsUVnc1RL41ZzzQjr63jatT3mmHPxnFVoA5v4l1Beo-urkaIXVrW8PQLFFlGUBDZpqijMK0EJKIDJd46TUpqZIzbks8py6B81uGr8T-HScZ7u8kf799PqOtjEy7kYGx7olWal7eXkVKU/s640/E00A1826.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Three of the wonderful girls who hosted my baby shower.<br />
photo: Maya Lewis</td></tr>
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In Axel's early days, when I was still trying to figure out breastfeeding and sleep deprivation and pain management and how to get out of my bedroom before 10 a.m., the many members of my Cayman family were so instrumental in keeping our little family afloat. There were many meals delivered and words of encouragement spoken and prayers prayed over us. One friend in particular did my laundry, hung my curtains, and wiped tears off my face when those inevitable baby blues hit me in the middle of the day one day. That visit was a gift that I'll never forget.<br />
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// 6 // Also, enough can't be said about your <i>actual</i> family.<br />
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My mom visited right after Axel was born.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-H5hTOncxgtk/V4qxu7QL7mI/AAAAAAABO5A/XuPiKFv3vPMZLhFIjH5NIR5sXlt_6TiVgCPcB/s1600/IMG_6677.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-H5hTOncxgtk/V4qxu7QL7mI/AAAAAAABO5A/XuPiKFv3vPMZLhFIjH5NIR5sXlt_6TiVgCPcB/s640/IMG_6677.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">June 2016 // 2 weeks</td></tr>
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Then Nate's parents visited.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqIdiTp7bDcjvJqB396SvhG2Ky6GYIIcpNPTt-sIUg2NtWq0_kiGQRt-YldS9GbDQbW0ylGWDNPoABxAhvvLVqtp-9rei5ISRnRAHS3fuEYtj8-JFYMNuxBWm-hjFDcseGLtXvbBVESxQ/s1600/IMG_6787.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqIdiTp7bDcjvJqB396SvhG2Ky6GYIIcpNPTt-sIUg2NtWq0_kiGQRt-YldS9GbDQbW0ylGWDNPoABxAhvvLVqtp-9rei5ISRnRAHS3fuEYtj8-JFYMNuxBWm-hjFDcseGLtXvbBVESxQ/s640/IMG_6787.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">July 2016 // 6 weeks</td></tr>
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Then Alli visited.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitChy2_ETnyC0u3KyWQhpHJgCa1YZ3Ut428sD7ewBkpdyJ54nlKSiz-NdQ61-OmzaEWti4ykxUm5s8Cmkv66kB5hvDXXodMehw3U0-jYICIFHH0l31N-MmRHJjFc8PCSQH6d2SxsvH_a8/s1600/IMG_7002.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitChy2_ETnyC0u3KyWQhpHJgCa1YZ3Ut428sD7ewBkpdyJ54nlKSiz-NdQ61-OmzaEWti4ykxUm5s8Cmkv66kB5hvDXXodMehw3U0-jYICIFHH0l31N-MmRHJjFc8PCSQH6d2SxsvH_a8/s640/IMG_7002.jpg" width="426" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">August 2016 // 2.5 months</td></tr>
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All of these people helped keep me alive with love, encouragement, and FOOD. I just couldn't get enough food. Thank you all for making the trip to see us during Axel's early days!!<br />
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// 7 // Going back to work was hard but good.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgU597phk3YVk2qTq8wksxn3inw7WvRBzAW7eePeCLLnj87_HdqjE27SiyHo9EXj1P67bhpltUF9aq7og24kRwX1RdMLcoIcBtkKCtZdFXU6VL-GmwSsgcVwVG_78d8nWYqp94jMI5_0LU/s1600/IMG_6654.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgU597phk3YVk2qTq8wksxn3inw7WvRBzAW7eePeCLLnj87_HdqjE27SiyHo9EXj1P67bhpltUF9aq7og24kRwX1RdMLcoIcBtkKCtZdFXU6VL-GmwSsgcVwVG_78d8nWYqp94jMI5_0LU/s640/IMG_6654.JPG" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">September 2016 // 3 months<br />
Our final days of my maternity leave, exploring Dallas</td></tr>
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I was fortunate enough to take three full months off work to be with Axel, and when I started back at work, I did a full month at part-time. It was hard to say goodbye to the little guy and look at him as he watched me go out the door. Thankfully, Axel has a wonderful nanny who cares for him while I'm at work, and the two of them are very fond of each other. It keeps me from worrying about him during the day, and lets me do what I need to do in the office.<br />
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I find myself looking forward to heading home again, eager for an hour or so with my little buddy before going through the bedtime routine and tucking him in for the night. I feel so engaged with him during these moments - I make the most of the time I get with him, and I live for the weekends (especially long weekends, like this one!), when we get to spend time together as a family.<br />
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// 8 // I won't forget the earliest memories.<br />
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Axel was born at 12:27 a.m., in the middle of the night. I wouldn't have it any other way - we had a full 24 hours to say "Happy birthday!" to him - on his actual birth-day! The next night, Axel and I were alone in the hospital, and I thought it would be a good time to finally get some rest. Axel had other ideas, and there was no negotiating with this little man. He just wanted to be held, looking right up at my face, with his eyes and mouth wide open, as still as could be. So we talked and sang and stared and got to know one another. As one friend told me, "You can sleep when you're 60!" That night was not designed for sleep. It was meant for bonding.<br />
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I wrote this all down in a journal, because I never want to forget this memory - one of the most precious of my life.<br />
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Okay so that was quite an assortment, and I'm sure I could go on, but I only gave myself an hour to pump this out, so I'll stop here.<br />
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Thanks for reading, and if you want more timely updates from me, check out my <a href="http://www.instagram.com/offshorecpa">Instagram</a>! I promise to post more than once a year!<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">April 2017 // 10 months</td></tr>
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Offshorecpahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05566196350953308001noreply@blogger.com14tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1550644270826724918.post-30513485055560064412016-02-08T05:30:00.000-05:002016-02-08T05:30:18.066-05:006 Things You Didn't Know About Locked Inn<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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We've been working on some big, new things for 2016. One worth mentioning is a business project called <a href="http://www.lockedinncayman.com/">Locked Inn Cayman</a> - a brand new escape room business located in downtown George Town that just opened its doors on February 1st! After trying some escape rooms in the States last year and getting absolutely <i>hooked</i>, we partnered with some good friends to bring this unique entertainment experience to the Cayman market.<br />
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If you've never done an escape room before, you're in for a real treat. We have four unique room designs that all involve different clues and puzzles that must be solved in order to conduct a successful escape. Our visitors have really enjoyed the challenges of solving the clue sets that make their escapes such triumph!<br />
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While all booking information and frequently asked questions are covered on the Locked Inn <a href="http://www.lockedinncayman.com/">website</a>, I thought it would be fun to post an insider's guide to Cayman's newest attraction. So here's the scoop on the largest escape room business in the Caribbean!<br />
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<b>1. It's not as scary as it sounds.</b><br />
Remember that last haunted house you went to? This is nothing like that. Think less <i>Saw</i> and more <i>National Treasure</i>. (For the record, I can't watch horror films.) Screams will be from excitement, pain from high-fives, and adrenaline from victorious escapes!<br />
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<b>2. You don't need 6 people to book a room.</b><br />
Our rooms are designed for two to six, so you can certainly book with fewer people, which will just mean more clues to go around!<br />
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<b>3. Locked Inn is really easy to find.</b><br />
Cayman locals: Remember the old SeƱor Frog's? We're in the same place, on the second floor right behind the Flagship building downtown. Still not sure? Check out this <a href="http://lockedinncayman.com/contact-us/">handy map</a> to pinpoint exactly where to find us.<br />
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<b>4. We have a great space for groups.</b><br />
Interested in turning your escape experience into a full social event? <a href="mailto:info@lockedinncayman.com">Ask us</a> about reserving our entertaining space, which features plenty of seating and a great breeze!<br />
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<b>5. Locked Inn is one of thousands of escape rooms worldwide.</b><br />
We have the very first escape rooms in the Western Caribbean, but escape rooms are popping up all over the world, especially popular in Asia, Europe, and North America. A visit to Locked Inn will put you on the cutting edge of this worldwide trend!<br />
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<b>6. You're going to have more fun than you think.</b><br />
Here's your chance to think outside the box, use your wits, and solve unique clues and puzzles! The challenge will give you a thrill!<br />
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For more info and to book your room escape, check out our <a href="http://www.lockedinncayman.com/">website</a>, like us on <a href="https://www.facebook.com/LockedInnCayman/">Facebook</a>, follow us on <a href="https://www.instagram.com/lockedinncayman/">Instagram</a> and <a href="https://twitter.com/LockedInnCayman">Twitter</a>, and check out our 5-star reviews on <a href="http://www.tripadvisor.com/Attraction_Review-g147366-d9603779-Reviews-Locked_Inn_Cayman-George_Town_Grand_Cayman_Cayman_Islands.html">TripAdvisor</a>. We'd love to see you check in at Locked Inn soon!Offshorecpahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05566196350953308001noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1550644270826724918.post-66082371793404241652015-12-31T17:48:00.001-05:002015-12-31T17:51:38.672-05:00November: Welcome back, family!November was wonderful month in Cayman: We finished out the hurricane season (quietly, thank God), the breezes picked up again, and the island started getting into holiday mode. We also got our first public holiday after a long "holiday desert" stretch during the summer and fall, and a three-day weekend in lovely November was enough to tempt my parents to visit the island again.<br />
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Traveling all the way from sunny Southwest Florida (and leaving behind their beloved Golden Retriever) afforded me the treat of one-on-one time with Mom and Dad!<br />
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They arrived just before the weekend, so we introduced them to Nate's Friday afternoon ritual of a sunset Spikeball session.</div>
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The boys played while the visiting parents compared notes on their expat kids.</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My mom + Kelly's mom. Plus Dex.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Former Pennsylvanians meet Michiganians.</td></tr>
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Other beach-goers included our favorite little person.<br />
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Just look at that pout! Irresistible.<br />
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This kid is quickly learning to mobilize, and her balance on shifting sands is noteworthy!<br />
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Mom and Dad's <a href="http://offshorecpa.blogspot.com/2011/02/house-guests5.html">first visit</a> was over four years ago, and we didn't get the chance to take them to all our favorite island spots, so I decided that Monday's day off would be the perfect opportunity to drive them to <a href="http://offshorecpa.blogspot.com/search/label/Rum%20Point?max-results=6">Rum Point</a> - the long way. Driving through the eastern districts is one of my favorite ways to relax and "get away" without jumping on a plane. The island's natural beauty speaks for itself and never ceases to impress the visitor and resident alike. If you're keen to give it a try, I recommend putting your car on South Church Street in George Town and following the "beach road" all the way through South Sound, Prospect, Bodden Town, East End, Gun Bay, and North Side, keeping the coast on your right.<br />
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The sea views you'll see on this 45-minute drive will take your breath away.</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Shot two years ago on an annual trip to EE for <a href="http://www.caribbeansnowflake.com/">Maya's</a> birthday.</td></tr>
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Arriving at Rum Point, we found some shady chairs away from the hubbub of splashing kids and incoming boats for a nice afternoon of total relaxation.</div>
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I was distracted only by the vibrant Caribbean colors surrounding us.<br />
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Mom and Dad's long weekend visit ended all too quickly, but since they are just a short flight away now, I have a feeling we'll be seeing them in Cayman more than once every four years.</div>
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Oh, and do yourself a favor: Go back to the blog post of their <a href="http://offshorecpa.blogspot.com/2011/02/house-guests5.html">first visit</a> and scroll to the bottom where I shared a video of my sister and her thoughtful approach to dog-sitting in M&D's absence. I just die.</div>
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Also visiting in November: Nate's childhood best friend and his lovely (pregnant!) wife. That's right: Phil and Lindsey joined us for their third visit to Cayman!</div>
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Once again, Spikeball reigned supreme during a lovely Friday sunset.</div>
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And while the boys displayed random acts of creatively flinging themselves on the sand in pursuit of a rubber ball, Lindsey and I compared baby bumps.</div>
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For those of you who haven't heard the news, Nate and I are expecting our first child in June 2016! What makes it all the more exciting is that Phil & Lindsey are just 10 weeks ahead of us! I foresee two new little people who are about to become long-distance best friends.</div>
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More on that to come, I am sure.</div>
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Taking advantage of the November weather and wind, the four of us went up to <a href="http://offshorecpa.blogspot.com/search/label/Barkers%20National%20Park?max-results=6">Barkers</a> on the weekend to join the <a href="http://offshorecpa.blogspot.com/search/label/kitesurfing?max-results=6">kite crew</a>. Nate had to dust off his kite after a long break, but it was great to see him back on the water!</div>
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And since being outside and on the beach is what "winter" is all about around here, on another occasion we introduced P&L to Baby R while she discovered a waterfall of sand on the beach with her mom.<br />
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She really did think it was a waterfall and kept trying to stick her face into the stream to get what she was convinced would be a refreshing drink. Hilarious and unbelievably adorable!<br />
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All that sand had to come off at some point, and Jeremy was ready to give his little girl a cleansing dip in the Caribbean Sea. This kid is definitely an island baby!<br />
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We are so glad that our family (blood and otherwise) were able to visit us this November. I'm pretty sure that 2016 is going to be a busy, non-stop year, so we're clinging to our freestyle life as long as we can. Phil & Lindsey, you're going to be super duper parents, and we're going to be taking copious notes for our adventure that will begin right after yours! xoxo</div>
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Offshorecpahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05566196350953308001noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1550644270826724918.post-36895401571553268822015-11-05T06:00:00.000-05:002015-11-05T06:00:08.669-05:00October: Autumn on RepeatOf all the current forms of social media at the moment, <a href="https://instagram.com/offshorecpa/">Instagram</a> is my favorite. I follow people and companies that inspire me. I enjoy the expressions of faith, art, and love in my feed. And I often find that the simple stream of photos lets me travel the world over right on my phone.<br />
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<blockquote class="instagram-media" data-instgrm-captioned="" data-instgrm-version="5" style="background: #FFF; border-radius: 3px; border: 0; box-shadow: 0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width: 658px; padding: 0; width: -webkit-calc(100% - 2px); width: 99.375%; width: calc(100% - 2px);">
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<a href="https://instagram.com/p/9Lr2sTMaSx/" style="color: black; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px; text-decoration: none; word-wrap: break-word;" target="_blank">Happiness is getting to pick up a Douglass princess from school. In the fall. While kicking leaves. ššā¤ļø (latergram) š·: @megdouglass #fall #autumn #Pennsylvania</a></div>
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A photo posted by offshorecpa (@offshorecpa) on <time datetime="2015-10-23T13:56:55+00:00" style="font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17px;">Oct 23, 2015 at 6:56am PDT</time></div>
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One of my favorite 'grammers is Kiel James Patrick (<a href="https://instagram.com/kjp/">@KJP</a>), many of whose images are sourced in New England - a lovely place at any time of year, but in autumn, they are s<i>eriously</i> ablaze with beauty up there.<br />
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Take a look.<br />
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<a href="https://instagram.com/p/9az-1RrcqN/" style="color: black; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px; text-decoration: none; word-wrap: break-word;" target="_blank">Back home in Rhode Island I awoke to a seasonably eerie fog upon the Lake. ššš</a></div>
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A photo posted by Kiel James Patrick (@kjp) on <time datetime="2015-10-29T10:56:32+00:00" style="font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17px;">Oct 29, 2015 at 3:56am PDT</time></div>
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<a href="https://instagram.com/p/81ZlRoLck2/" style="color: black; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px; text-decoration: none; word-wrap: break-word;" target="_blank">@sarahKJP my Woman Crush Wednesday for the past 181 months</a></div>
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A photo posted by Kiel James Patrick (@kjp) on <time datetime="2015-10-14T22:13:58+00:00" style="font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17px;">Oct 14, 2015 at 3:13pm PDT</time></div>
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<a href="https://instagram.com/p/8QskBJrcj4/" style="color: black; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px; text-decoration: none; word-wrap: break-word;" target="_blank">Maybe I can't stop the downpour, but I will always join you for a walk in the rain.</a></div>
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A photo posted by Kiel James Patrick (@kjp) on <time datetime="2015-09-30T16:07:55+00:00" style="font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17px;">Sep 30, 2015 at 9:07am PDT</time></div>
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Now, I may not be from New England, but images like these put me in mind of my home state of Pennsylvania, with its rolling hills and clear, crisp skies and maple trees galore. You may recall that we traveled to PA <a href="http://offshorecpa.blogspot.com/2014/11/an-autumn-affair.html">last year for my sister's wedding</a>, and I am 100% convinced that October is the best month of all in the Northeast. And with a feed like KJP's bombarding me every day with bright orange pumpkins, cozy scarves and sweaters, and more multi-colored fallen leaves than I have ever seen, I could literally <i>smell</i> fall just sitting here in the Cayman Islands. And it smelled so good that I convinced Nate to let me book a ticket.<br />
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I found some leaves to bury my feet in.<br />
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For the first half of my fall trip, Nate was abroad for work, so I embarked on a cross-state tour to see the VIPs in my life.<br />
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Flying into Philly, I took the train to one of the suburbs to see a long-time friend, along with her husband and her one-year-old.<br />
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Little boys love trains, and this one was no exception!<br />
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We took him on the train one day to go into Center City, which, per my request, started at <a href="http://www.readingterminalmarket.org/">Reading Terminal Market</a>.<br />
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All the familiar local foods were found in abundance, including cheesesteaks...<br />
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...and donuts, freshly made as you waited in line.<br />
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I want one of these donut rollers!<br />
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We then made our way to Franklin Square, a revitalized historic park that features wide open spaces, a fountain, and a carousel, right in the middle of the city.<br />
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Reenergized from his power nap, Baby H enjoyed the space to run, the pumpkins, and the mums.</div>
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He had mixed feelings about his first carousel ride, but his mom loved it.<br />
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One day, Lorraine and I drove to Princeton for a talk she needed to attend. I took the opportunity to explore the grounds, which were covered with evidences of fall.<br />
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I had a wonderful time being part of this family's life for a few days, enjoying the city in the fall, and playing with Baby H during this exploratory age. What a treasure of a trip!<br />
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After leaving the Philadelphia area, I drove westward to Lancaster county, with scenes like this flanking me the moment I got off the PA turnpike.<br />
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After winding my way through the country roads, my sweet little Grandma was ready for my arrival, with a roast chicken dinner to warm my chilly bones.<br />
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We took a long walk around her beautiful neighborhood, collecting leaves and counting Canada geese as they prepared for their winter trek.<br />
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Inspired by the covered bridge in KJP's photo above, the next day we drove around Lancaster County to discover covered bridges and their charming surroundings.<br />
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I highly recommend this kind of relaxing "Sunday drive" activity. I followed the directions that I found <a href="http://www.discoverlancaster.com/activities/pa-covered-bridges.asp">here</a> - there are five different routes to choose from!<br />
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Apart from losing cell service at one point (that's rural PA for you!) and wondering if I was still on the right country road, that afternoon was the perfect adventure for Grandma and me.</div>
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Kissing Grandma goodbye and traveling northward, I arrived in my hometown on a warm, sunny fall afternoon, marveling at how our little city just glows in October.</div>
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These were taken on the street next to the college I attended during freshman year. These color combos just jump off the screen!<br />
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Finally, I was reunited with THIS GUY.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12.8px;">Still rocking the military winter coat, 13 years later.</td></tr>
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While in town, we enjoyed some good catch-up coffees and lunches with family and a few friends. Our favorite haunts: <a href="http://www.bullfrogbrewery.com/">Bullfrog Brewery</a> and <a href="http://www.alabastercoffee.com/">Alabaster Coffee</a>. When in Williamsport, you must visit those places.<br />
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On the weekend, Nate's family organized a day trip to Pine Creek Gorge (locally known as "the Pennsylvania Grand Canyon"). We arrived at a scenic overlook, which still boasted some remaining fall colors. (The peak week for this northern location was probably a couple weeks before our visit.)<br />
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To add even more beauty to this backdrop, I snapped a few shots of these wonderful people.</div>
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We did a casual hike down the Turkey Path Trail to the bottom of the gorge and back up - a 2 mile trek, which was just enough to get us to shed some layers along the way.<br />
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I am very privileged to be part of this fantastic family.<br />
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And I'm also privileged to be from a beautiful part of U.S. I may not have any plans to live there, but these autumn visits back home are the highlight of my year.</div>
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Happy Fall, y'all!Offshorecpahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05566196350953308001noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1550644270826724918.post-37073601832811768782015-09-23T06:00:00.000-05:002015-09-23T06:00:00.208-05:00August Sunsets & Celebrations<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
This year's August weather brought a whole lot of heat and sunshine. Always looking for the silver lining in that humidity-laden cloud, we made the best of it with quality time at the pool, the beach, and catching a few beautiful sunsets.</div>
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<a name='more'></a>Although we no longer live in our beach-front condo in West Bay, we fortunately have friends who do! That spot near <a href="http://offshorecpa.blogspot.com/search/label/Barkers%20National%20Park?max-results=6">Barkers</a> is still one of our very favorite haunts in Grand Cayman, so we were thrilled to spend an evening in the pool with these pals, which included our favorite 5-month-old little person.<br />
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<a href="http://offshorecpa.blogspot.com/2015/07/baby-lifestyle-shoot-14-weeks.html">Baby R</a> is already a pro at chillaxin'. She's happy for any willing volunteer to act as her pool lounger.<br />
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At this stage, she's still discovering her fingers and toes. This particular evening was a Taste-Your-Toes experience.<br />
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In or out of the water, she is an absolute cuddle muffin and adored by all.<br />
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Moving from the pool to the beach, the sunset crew set up camp to watch the sky's evening show.<br />
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Sunsets like this were a big part of what originally lured us to stay in Cayman, and they now form a constant reminder of the simple things that keep us immensely content.</div>
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A couple weeks later, we met Jeremy, Sheena & co. for a Seven Mile Beach sunset.</div>
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It was just before the baby's bed time. Her smiley personality gets me grinning every time!</div>
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And who could resist those dimples?!<br />
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She loves it when her mom counts slowly to 3... the anticipation of a tickle-fest usually incites baby girl giggles.<br />
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At five-and-a-half months, Baby R is learning about her mobility and is on the verge of showcasing her crawling skills.</div>
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Which leads to progression off the beach mat, which leads to sand in the eyes.<br />
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Down by the water, the guys took in the peaceful view.<br />
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The baby is <i>always</i> watching and observing, especially amused by her "older sister" (the dog.)<br />
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I'm sure this was the first of many Cayman sunsets we'll enjoy with this pint-sized sweetness!</div>
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Speaking of pint-sized, one of my favorite kids turned five recently, and I got to take photos at her beach birthday party.</div>
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<a href="http://offshorecpa.blogspot.com/2013/09/surfside-birthday.html">Two years ago</a>, she co-swam everywhere with her mom at her birthday party. But this year, she's an independent fish in the water!</div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-f7DgDTBLVCM/Ve0DSM4U4wI/AAAAAAABIfE/V9eOcgt69iI/s1600/Jodi%2527s%2B5th%2BBirthday-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-f7DgDTBLVCM/Ve0DSM4U4wI/AAAAAAABIfE/V9eOcgt69iI/s640/Jodi%2527s%2B5th%2BBirthday-1.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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I love this watermelon-eating-paddleboard-riding hang-out session.<br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-OKRqauPw20w/Ve0DSI_xseI/AAAAAAABIfE/kpBya-R60J8/s1600/Jodi%2527s%2B5th%2BBirthday-14.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-OKRqauPw20w/Ve0DSI_xseI/AAAAAAABIfE/kpBya-R60J8/s640/Jodi%2527s%2B5th%2BBirthday-14.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Of course no birthday party is complete without games, and this one had a Pirate's Treasure theme.<br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-O2vbhZiei6U/Ve0DSENnlsI/AAAAAAABIfE/lmx2Lt-mPrQ/s1600/Jodi%2527s%2B5th%2BBirthday-78.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-O2vbhZiei6U/Ve0DSENnlsI/AAAAAAABIfE/lmx2Lt-mPrQ/s640/Jodi%2527s%2B5th%2BBirthday-78.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
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The kids were all too eager to dig around in the white sand of Seven Mile Beach looking for treasure tokens.<br />
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The next activity got all the adults involved in a sandy mermaid competition.<br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-zru3bVxO1Ag/Ve0DSK3RanI/AAAAAAABIfE/DlPOoWoLri4/s1600/Jodi%2527s%2B5th%2BBirthday-56.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-zru3bVxO1Ag/Ve0DSK3RanI/AAAAAAABIfE/DlPOoWoLri4/s640/Jodi%2527s%2B5th%2BBirthday-56.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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That's one easy way to get a bunch of 5-year-olds to all stay seated simultaneously!<br />
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The post-contest clean-up was like the Running of the Bulls - best to stay in the clear on the sidelines.<br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-3EbOSzSkGuk/Ve0DSA26l7I/AAAAAAABIfE/Y7eQAw24Sb0/s1600/Jodi%2527s%2B5th%2BBirthday-64.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-3EbOSzSkGuk/Ve0DSA26l7I/AAAAAAABIfE/Y7eQAw24Sb0/s640/Jodi%2527s%2B5th%2BBirthday-64.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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A treasure hunt ensued with clues that had kids and parents running all over Public Beach in search of a treasure chest.</div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/--_4DOLL20eM/Ve0DSF6irXI/AAAAAAABIfE/547ro1N3m7k/s1600/Jodi%2527s%2B5th%2BBirthday-87.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/--_4DOLL20eM/Ve0DSF6irXI/AAAAAAABIfE/547ro1N3m7k/s640/Jodi%2527s%2B5th%2BBirthday-87.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Gold doubloons were discovered and devoured!<br />
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Ice cream cones were dished out to everyone, and we sang "Happy Birthday" while the birthday girl handled her sparkler with care.<br />
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Understandably, blowing out a sparkler is no small challenge.<br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Cndja5YdJLk/Ve0DSF6DytI/AAAAAAABIfE/_sslZzhQl1M/s1600/Jodi%2527s%2B5th%2BBirthday-103.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="427" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Cndja5YdJLk/Ve0DSF6DytI/AAAAAAABIfE/_sslZzhQl1M/s640/Jodi%2527s%2B5th%2BBirthday-103.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-vdJR_Sa3EvA/Ve0DSJ0JcyI/AAAAAAABIfE/9HlyO0ctdBU/s1600/Jodi%2527s%2B5th%2BBirthday-105.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-vdJR_Sa3EvA/Ve0DSJ0JcyI/AAAAAAABIfE/9HlyO0ctdBU/s640/Jodi%2527s%2B5th%2BBirthday-105.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Which is why one of the party goers tried to help things along.<br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-rPXgMiADp4s/Ve0DSGFtwoI/AAAAAAABIfE/WsuUj8NV1b0/s1600/Jodi%2527s%2B5th%2BBirthday-110.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-rPXgMiADp4s/Ve0DSGFtwoI/AAAAAAABIfE/WsuUj8NV1b0/s640/Jodi%2527s%2B5th%2BBirthday-110.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Nope, don't need your help, girlfriend.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Funniest photo of the day</td></tr>
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She got to her ice cream cone eventually.<br />
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Happy birthday, Sweet J! Here's to many more years of celebrating that joy-filled smile! xoxo<br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-VIMhnygAW64/Ve0DSNAq7mI/AAAAAAABIfE/1RbIdZgzRKg/s1600/Jodi%2527s%2B5th%2BBirthday-112.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-VIMhnygAW64/Ve0DSNAq7mI/AAAAAAABIfE/1RbIdZgzRKg/s640/Jodi%2527s%2B5th%2BBirthday-112.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
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Offshorecpahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05566196350953308001noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1550644270826724918.post-10998429247415489372015-09-14T06:00:00.000-05:002015-09-14T06:22:47.231-05:00Chicago in the Summer<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
From time to time, Nate has to travel to the Chicago area for work. I usually stay back in Cayman to hold down the fort, but when I found out he had to be in Chicago in the dead of summer, I knew I had to find a way to go along.</div>
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Because <a href="http://offshorecpa.blogspot.com/search/label/Chicago?max-results=6">Chicago</a> in the summer is downright glorious. </div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-o8sJDkJycjM/VeHkGd526iI/AAAAAAABH1c/68oF7pc1fT8/s1600/IMG_3114.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-o8sJDkJycjM/VeHkGd526iI/AAAAAAABH1c/68oF7pc1fT8/s640/IMG_3114.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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We only had three full days to be in Chicago and its suburbs, so we made sure to prioritize and do the most important things first. Like go to the <a href="http://www.chicagohotdogfest.com/">Chicago Hot Dog Fest</a> near the <a href="http://www.chicagohistory.org/">Chicago History Museum</a>.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzkkRMpKHJ0PMx3GyrsPCrEiK5sAnIZQW8qlyzsoFfMdX1NB2hXbFUuNErRRldNsDG_M_KArkFhgov_XAJosCo0vIY2l_qPcbplh5eIrFAoaeUfMIIUNmFJiWnQASggWQxaxPmR7OO9GI/s1600/IMG_4378.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzkkRMpKHJ0PMx3GyrsPCrEiK5sAnIZQW8qlyzsoFfMdX1NB2hXbFUuNErRRldNsDG_M_KArkFhgov_XAJosCo0vIY2l_qPcbplh5eIrFAoaeUfMIIUNmFJiWnQASggWQxaxPmR7OO9GI/s640/IMG_4378.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Girl on the left: "But you can see my face. It's awkward."<br />
via iPhone</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Rebel</td></tr>
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My favorite dog was the North Carolina-style: Pulled pork and coleslaw on top, baby.</div>
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[ missing photo. must have scarfed it down too quickly. ]</div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-58A1S2NHiwo/VeHkGYlwUuI/AAAAAAABH1c/rhcEvDP5sGU/s1600/IMG_3111.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-58A1S2NHiwo/VeHkGYlwUuI/AAAAAAABH1c/rhcEvDP5sGU/s640/IMG_3111.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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And doesn't Hot Dog Fest just <i>scream</i> classic Americana summer?!<br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-sZBGKYNibfs/VeHkGaipcHI/AAAAAAABH1Y/UPmUeOOLZOw/s1600/IMG_3120.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-sZBGKYNibfs/VeHkGaipcHI/AAAAAAABH1Y/UPmUeOOLZOw/s640/IMG_3120.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
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Along with hot dog festing, we spent much of our first day meandering the streets on the city's <a href="https://www.divvybikes.com/">Divvy bikes</a>.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDgd5nZo78fvTPZWwWDFtrDNxCwRceCfseb_LCvc0_0lDKTQMS8Mvw4jXDer86-jKOUO0o1jKd-bpr_8xXy2oZJb8Da4I7hlwoxzPVWT1tKE0aoSD02WvIAaNUtVm_k3q1_-FjMRKLxsE/s1600/IMG_4361.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDgd5nZo78fvTPZWwWDFtrDNxCwRceCfseb_LCvc0_0lDKTQMS8Mvw4jXDer86-jKOUO0o1jKd-bpr_8xXy2oZJb8Da4I7hlwoxzPVWT1tKE0aoSD02WvIAaNUtVm_k3q1_-FjMRKLxsE/s640/IMG_4361.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">via iPhone</td></tr>
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We started out riding the length of the <a href="http://www.the606.org/">Bloomingdale Trail</a> - an elevated railway-turned-bikepath running east/west through the city.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9i54aRzZyelndiXI4r3qYXXFucc6atpJCQCn1jwm_DfpXFt3yDQkq93rcNfz9fFPpTlr6oC2WFvhYuOdaIPzyHdlddw2JirN2i2pJfVSTR2Bg5if6rM_T704-ReTfy5WM9_Kvewx4g4U/s1600/IMG_4360.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9i54aRzZyelndiXI4r3qYXXFucc6atpJCQCn1jwm_DfpXFt3yDQkq93rcNfz9fFPpTlr6oC2WFvhYuOdaIPzyHdlddw2JirN2i2pJfVSTR2Bg5if6rM_T704-ReTfy5WM9_Kvewx4g4U/s640/IMG_4360.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">via iPhone</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSmdojL0fjYmznk6z5V3icTgf22On6errjnZGgr-xmWFymxJ8ZH99X2vYmM8Ugt-UmeObXjfUosf_Rjr2qDCuoW652PjAHv2Rn_LTLxVzCobF2cdR18m04jNU8J2xcVw13gg9kiptRJME/s1600/IMG_4379.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSmdojL0fjYmznk6z5V3icTgf22On6errjnZGgr-xmWFymxJ8ZH99X2vYmM8Ugt-UmeObXjfUosf_Rjr2qDCuoW652PjAHv2Rn_LTLxVzCobF2cdR18m04jNU8J2xcVw13gg9kiptRJME/s640/IMG_4379.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">via iPhone</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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With tons of stations at which to pick up and drop off, we had plenty of excuses to stop.<br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-U5KW_E6momI/VeHkGSMOevI/AAAAAAABH1c/yaNzpkx3bZ8/s1600/IMG_3129-2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-U5KW_E6momI/VeHkGSMOevI/AAAAAAABH1c/yaNzpkx3bZ8/s640/IMG_3129-2.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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One such stop was on the waterfront, with epic views of Chicago's famous architecture contrasted with the natural crystal blue waters of the great lake.</div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-A5QGOaDjaH0/VeHkGWOU9TI/AAAAAAABH1c/jG2DXqk6ufA/s1600/IMG_3127.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-A5QGOaDjaH0/VeHkGWOU9TI/AAAAAAABH1c/jG2DXqk6ufA/s640/IMG_3127.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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I may be partial to the white sands of Grand Cayman, but Chicago has figured out how to do summer on the shores of Lake Michigan.<br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-rNX-Y1hLoKI/VeHkGQXw98I/AAAAAAABH1c/6qpDpcQR2BM/s1600/IMG_3135.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-rNX-Y1hLoKI/VeHkGQXw98I/AAAAAAABH1c/6qpDpcQR2BM/s640/IMG_3135.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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We later enjoyed dinner at the Purple Pig - a restaurant right along the river with personable staff, and inventive menu, and no reservations (so you know it's good.)<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj212j0uW__vTIMMGPuNRttsl2dpwNxqwUno3rD6LnYNPSiQCDBtZDXbof2NdCsduMhd-sfXAhn0rSzQ_iaYeZLk9YHcrK3o4CpwNjnkSzr_d6kJYxHWfz7dhDVJ1LIgwCVE1zwouQO9ko/s1600/IMG_4369.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj212j0uW__vTIMMGPuNRttsl2dpwNxqwUno3rD6LnYNPSiQCDBtZDXbof2NdCsduMhd-sfXAhn0rSzQ_iaYeZLk9YHcrK3o4CpwNjnkSzr_d6kJYxHWfz7dhDVJ1LIgwCVE1zwouQO9ko/s640/IMG_4369.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A "Smear": Salt-cured Greek yogurt with Strawberry Rhubarb Preserves & Pistachio<br />
via iPhone</td></tr>
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We ended our first night at a Second City show - a famous comedy club that had me in stitches from the first sketch. </div>
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Laughing is my favorite.</div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidLtLtOzybN7ko_Ih9-VsmioH-AKaL_TdKV543NjCW7ZXQwPOFRdXVN-4TUYjAGD_ROj_k0vwsgt9VOnt-b_asaiEEs_GqdKhfFBld2ht0bOXambSDfM1dbbng6Kdw4oLEdchf3c6F8nU/s1600/IMG_4362.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidLtLtOzybN7ko_Ih9-VsmioH-AKaL_TdKV543NjCW7ZXQwPOFRdXVN-4TUYjAGD_ROj_k0vwsgt9VOnt-b_asaiEEs_GqdKhfFBld2ht0bOXambSDfM1dbbng6Kdw4oLEdchf3c6F8nU/s640/IMG_4362.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">via iPhone</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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We stayed in an apartment in Wheaton, and it wasn't long before I was crushing hard on this sweet, little college town.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjc0oG77yhAXXSYl3JVGcHHezWdimYj9c6p2SxemKQPBafYMyrklyVfrgggR77agaIMp-idY9zDGJp347peYQe8vxwoUuR9PW9HI-WnzMS0PoBvdA6sKIgqgYJioAqqxmxVkxkQ5Xa5ztE/s1600/IMG_4364.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjc0oG77yhAXXSYl3JVGcHHezWdimYj9c6p2SxemKQPBafYMyrklyVfrgggR77agaIMp-idY9zDGJp347peYQe8vxwoUuR9PW9HI-WnzMS0PoBvdA6sKIgqgYJioAqqxmxVkxkQ5Xa5ztE/s640/IMG_4364.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">via iPhone</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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Cupid's first arrow: Waking up to the bustling French market right outside our doorstep.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-d8P4WFxr-YY/VeHkVIOGkgI/AAAAAAABH18/hjWsricLz2o/s1600/IMG_3151.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-d8P4WFxr-YY/VeHkVIOGkgI/AAAAAAABH18/hjWsricLz2o/s640/IMG_3151.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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I have a major weakness for farm-fresh fruits and veggies.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-3PqrazJwuv0/VeHkGfsOfGI/AAAAAAABH1Y/Uj1XzyPUFqE/s1600/IMG_3152.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-3PqrazJwuv0/VeHkGfsOfGI/AAAAAAABH1Y/Uj1XzyPUFqE/s640/IMG_3152.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-iHC5xNqDJGQ/VeHkGRgi8RI/AAAAAAABH1Y/sLOt84aqwss/s1600/IMG_3154.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-iHC5xNqDJGQ/VeHkGRgi8RI/AAAAAAABH1Y/sLOt84aqwss/s640/IMG_3154.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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And I have an even bigger weakness for pretzels.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-o4-1rPhEJRc/VeHkGe83vaI/AAAAAAABH1c/sJ-fM3jE5TQ/s1600/IMG_3157.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-o4-1rPhEJRc/VeHkGe83vaI/AAAAAAABH1c/sJ-fM3jE5TQ/s640/IMG_3157.jpg" width="426" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I do not classify these as carbs. I consider them to be Life Bread.</td></tr>
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Arms full of summer berries, locally-made jams, and of course, hot pretzels, we parked ourselves inside <a href="http://www.rivercityroaster.com/">River City Roasters</a>, where a perfectly prepared cortado tried to convince me to do something productive with my lazy Saturday.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0QHdGQQZvpMDieVIL0Z6vEfLGba_xYTB4eAsA1cdZ_5HI4BgSzUziPgNdahuE7ZDebTRMt9yDgBZ40G2xqLiAni_biO-5BFJ_eB0rjRDjawvEDNnmGrw82eMWtyTvHpkK0aD7nVELhig/s1600/IMG_4363.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0QHdGQQZvpMDieVIL0Z6vEfLGba_xYTB4eAsA1cdZ_5HI4BgSzUziPgNdahuE7ZDebTRMt9yDgBZ40G2xqLiAni_biO-5BFJ_eB0rjRDjawvEDNnmGrw82eMWtyTvHpkK0aD7nVELhig/s640/IMG_4363.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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But I wasn't having it. I instead perused Instagram for about an hour.</div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVdEQ91KnF-ZQOszQQgkjNDmXJ3Po48BrH-KvbN_1rOck59r7RYyJRHhtQ6AIISlCOHqdMhvqbnkvUboWGIi7jEsfTa4tcoMekTraDWDP-qeFr3RR0TlSVanc5xRPqY-kxP9G-X_K193E/s1600/IMG_4128.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVdEQ91KnF-ZQOszQQgkjNDmXJ3Po48BrH-KvbN_1rOck59r7RYyJRHhtQ6AIISlCOHqdMhvqbnkvUboWGIi7jEsfTa4tcoMekTraDWDP-qeFr3RR0TlSVanc5xRPqY-kxP9G-X_K193E/s640/IMG_4128.jpg" width="478" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">via iPhone</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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The most difficult thing we did all day (by far) was attempt to outwit the puzzles of one of the rooms of <a href="http://www.doaroomescape.com/">D.O.A. Room Escape</a> in Addison. If you haven't tried an escape room, you are missing out on an excellent hour of challenging, mind-bending entertainment. </div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkEj0wi08t0ry3YRX2c1lcG_jOpmq60Rd0XOZsTK70W6EwqWI8oOiQViLvhZ-rKVto26DlVAgf5p1JoaqiKzHNfMYC7ncJJkYDUUaxDTvXKXHhNcYAFIZjOnXvpKFkIweE-bT4MHE1bFQ/s1600/DOA+Room+Escape.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkEj0wi08t0ry3YRX2c1lcG_jOpmq60Rd0XOZsTK70W6EwqWI8oOiQViLvhZ-rKVto26DlVAgf5p1JoaqiKzHNfMYC7ncJJkYDUUaxDTvXKXHhNcYAFIZjOnXvpKFkIweE-bT4MHE1bFQ/s640/DOA+Room+Escape.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">photo credit: <a href="http://www.doaroomescape.com/">D.O.A. Room Escape</a></td></tr>
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And if you just so happen to leave feeling a little stupider than when you walked in, know that you're in good company.<br />
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After a delightful dinner at <a href="https://www.coopershawkwinery.com/">Cooper's Hawk</a>, we sampled another local Wheaton gem: <a href="http://kimmersicecream.com/">Kimmer's Ice Cream</a>.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg90ODzzG_1AoSsj-lthKGHYVDoa_1W7ZojSoHtpaxkHBbo52fytC7j-ycLheej1y_hxBLjdMVBAt5dVfjWvuLtuuaFtEYHq5LiwM0zOYSC8dIvJDfSah3AsBkbuK60AEov0CUGuGIgVuQ/s1600/IMG_4365.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg90ODzzG_1AoSsj-lthKGHYVDoa_1W7ZojSoHtpaxkHBbo52fytC7j-ycLheej1y_hxBLjdMVBAt5dVfjWvuLtuuaFtEYHq5LiwM0zOYSC8dIvJDfSah3AsBkbuK60AEov0CUGuGIgVuQ/s640/IMG_4365.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">via iPhone</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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The girls behind the counter could not have been nicer, and the worst part of the whole experience was trying to narrow down the flavor possibilities!<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-uMOzWr_9k4g/VeHkGd_rHDI/AAAAAAABH1Y/Rrw6nr6iAh4/s1600/IMG_3163.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-uMOzWr_9k4g/VeHkGd_rHDI/AAAAAAABH1Y/Rrw6nr6iAh4/s640/IMG_3163.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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On Day 3, we started our day with a walk to the <a href="http://www.eggharborcafe.com/location/wheaton/">Egg Harbor Cafe</a>, a friendly diner-style place with huge tables, an overwhelming breakfast menu, and bottomless coffee.<br />
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<div style="text-align: center;">
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2d4QNvbz-6pERGTWQG35o48pR158RDKBKwmmXtFt8gUstrLf9LJUoJFrasqxwcrunSTmSGTQ5h_RSEUanTucrzqF0kn0QhlGrTMCS203SrozD18yUtDwyXyQ16Q-Zc7F6uhvDdL7Za2A/s1600/IMG_4367.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2d4QNvbz-6pERGTWQG35o48pR158RDKBKwmmXtFt8gUstrLf9LJUoJFrasqxwcrunSTmSGTQ5h_RSEUanTucrzqF0kn0QhlGrTMCS203SrozD18yUtDwyXyQ16Q-Zc7F6uhvDdL7Za2A/s640/IMG_4367.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">via iPhone</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjy8Z0xeX-7PBAqOFTJUvOuaiBd9Ebvb4RfpNNrmRp4ZD1e0vsj8fcJ7iKfE3AEoQ3LoSjPfNQtQg0vP7cWvyUPIUkjfQzUpQMuDIzQ2baU6xFaQxbqpZdScu7wXCCHPwPFYo56FWD9CO4/s1600/IMG_4368.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjy8Z0xeX-7PBAqOFTJUvOuaiBd9Ebvb4RfpNNrmRp4ZD1e0vsj8fcJ7iKfE3AEoQ3LoSjPfNQtQg0vP7cWvyUPIUkjfQzUpQMuDIzQ2baU6xFaQxbqpZdScu7wXCCHPwPFYo56FWD9CO4/s640/IMG_4368.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">via iPhone</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</div>
<br />
With enough food in our stomachs to last us the day, we went back into the city to see Kurios - a traveling <a href="https://www.cirquedusoleil.com/usa/chicago/kurios/buy-tickets?">Cirque du Soleil</a> show. The show had endless creativity, from set design to costumes to unexpected thrills, and the acrobats and actors had limitless talent.<br />
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Check out the promo video:<br />
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<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="360" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/HmnJBc0M1lY" width="640"></iframe>
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It ranked right up there as one of the best Cirque shows I've ever seen. Absolutely outstanding.<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
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The rest of the day we spent furniture shopping (all looking; no buying) on North Ave. Talk about a furniture Mecca: Crate & Barrel, Restoration Hardware, CB2, west elm, Pottery Barn, and The Container Store all in a one block stretch.<br />
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We toured them all. We are power shoppers.<br />
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Lest you think this was the worst day of Nate's life, let me assure you that shopping for couches has its inherent perks:<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-I3D3qf8FYKqwi8-ARgkjphVsWwER5GpZ_kmwTypCHl_k2KJ2XCzvLJrpTriqcdnjiy8r7Yar9iVHhNe8zoS_EXrmuen4NXJZ4f3NR8Pex8PoZDoweGaOlTYKOeL0jwhdcKDMPM0jUCA/s1600/1-iPhone.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="456" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-I3D3qf8FYKqwi8-ARgkjphVsWwER5GpZ_kmwTypCHl_k2KJ2XCzvLJrpTriqcdnjiy8r7Yar9iVHhNe8zoS_EXrmuen4NXJZ4f3NR8Pex8PoZDoweGaOlTYKOeL0jwhdcKDMPM0jUCA/s640/1-iPhone.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">via iPhone</td></tr>
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And as if the plethora of furniture stores wasn't enough, when we'd tired of lamps, side tables, and headboards, we waltzed through the pearly gates of <i>the most amazing</i> Whole Foods on the planet.<br />
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Picnic dinner in our living room just got fresh. Real fresh.<br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-EWQhI93vQQE/VeHkGeZXkwI/AAAAAAABH1c/zyHsQSLPByE/s1600/IMG_3167.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-EWQhI93vQQE/VeHkGeZXkwI/AAAAAAABH1c/zyHsQSLPByE/s640/IMG_3167.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
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The next day was work-from-Wheaton and fly-to-Cayman day. </div>
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Our vacation was a short three-day trip, but we packed in so many of my favorite things that it felt like we'd gotten away for a week. For this island-dweller, Chicago in the summer is an absolute delight!</div>
<br />Offshorecpahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05566196350953308001noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1550644270826724918.post-68281011141137487232015-08-27T06:00:00.000-05:002015-08-28T06:18:27.285-05:00July: Traveling to Toronto<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Nate's new job requires more travel than I'm used to, which would normally be a negative, except when I can tag along for a mini-vaca weekend. The first trip of this nature was last month when I met him in the city of: </div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmKKe2gF9HqvIB5l6lCV7OchzDpb7ioFNHU-KyZecey75GARJZAhYQAgPK_Ya0vUA8m09EnTbLRVvcZQtI-mXTEaebjEsZZl9fjpwSC8B3JaBLLM9aaZ_tgdbBNZ8hr_ZCLACov1Jtjg0/s1600/vscocam-photo-1+%25287%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmKKe2gF9HqvIB5l6lCV7OchzDpb7ioFNHU-KyZecey75GARJZAhYQAgPK_Ya0vUA8m09EnTbLRVvcZQtI-mXTEaebjEsZZl9fjpwSC8B3JaBLLM9aaZ_tgdbBNZ8hr_ZCLACov1Jtjg0/s640/vscocam-photo-1+%25287%2529.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">iPhone photo</td></tr>
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Along with this trip being our first time in Canada for quite a while, this was our very first visit to Toronto, which I learned is the 4th largest city in North America.</div>
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Unfortunately, about 24 hours before my flight, Nate found out he'd be working intensely for most of my 5-day visit. So I emailed some Canadian friends, got on the internet, and figured out what I could do to entertain myself while he worked.</div>
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My first idea: An art museum.</div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-TlSZFZaUmJA/Vc0z7DZwQYI/AAAAAAABHhs/rGWb8y7ll_k/s1600/IMG_3004.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-TlSZFZaUmJA/Vc0z7DZwQYI/AAAAAAABHhs/rGWb8y7ll_k/s640/IMG_3004.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Not that Nate can't do art. He did <a href="http://offshorecpa.blogspot.com/2011/10/eurotrip-2011-paris2.html">The Louvre on his birthday</a> one year. But we didn't stay very long.</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Local artist sketching outside the AGO.</td></tr>
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The <a href="http://www.ago.net/home">Art Gallery of Ontario</a>, or the AGO, is a wonderful art museum in Toronto's downtown, near Chinatown. After taking the metro from our hotel in Yorkville, I walked into the AGO with absolutely no prior knowledge or information about their exhibits or collections. Armed with a museum map, I climbed the Frank Gehry-designed staircase and headed to the Canadian permanent collection.</div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-4zlbbrqipAY/Vc0z7AWjCDI/AAAAAAABHhs/pH-h_2Q8Y2U/s1600/IMG_3005.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-4zlbbrqipAY/Vc0z7AWjCDI/AAAAAAABHhs/pH-h_2Q8Y2U/s640/IMG_3005.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
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With not much art history education in my past, I really enjoyed learning about the Group of Seven: Canadian landscape painters largely influenced by Tom Thompson, who is responsible for these two iconic paintings of native jack pine trees in Canada's Algonquin Park.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>The Jack Pine</i>, Tom Thompson</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>The West Wind</i>, Tom Thompson</td></tr>
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My overall observation of Canadian art is that there are a lot of beautiful landscapes from this vast country. By the time I left the museum, I felt like I had been on a tour of the gorgeous Canadian wilderness. My favorite artwork was highlighted in a special exhibit of Emily Carr's work, who did many forest and seascape paintings in the Pacific Northwest. Perhaps my favorite painting in the whole place was a beautiful depiction of a church in the midst of a native forest. It reminded me of how enjoying our God-given natural surroundings is an excellent way to connect with and appreciate our Creator.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhe5tVdPhyIUek1XvExAz7JMARFdeMWcFsyO8GZj7nihcNwNPbzOZorfOJQXM8fbHmVwUbxN9Q6Ra4iQuUAZNHhd_LWHjZkAubltN-aAC4IQfUuUCSL6or89yJ2vhNSabYSOikhhBfrhFo/s1600/IMG_3904.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhe5tVdPhyIUek1XvExAz7JMARFdeMWcFsyO8GZj7nihcNwNPbzOZorfOJQXM8fbHmVwUbxN9Q6Ra4iQuUAZNHhd_LWHjZkAubltN-aAC4IQfUuUCSL6or89yJ2vhNSabYSOikhhBfrhFo/s640/IMG_3904.JPG" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Indian Church</i>, Emily Carr</td></tr>
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After the museum, I made my way over to the St. Lawrence Market for some lunch, catching a nice view of the CN Tower along the way.</div>
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The <a href="http://www.stlawrencemarket.com/">St. Lawrence Market</a> reminded me of Reading Terminal Market in Philly - a big brick building with lots of farm-fresh goodness and local delicacies inside.<br />
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And it was huge inside! Two full levels!<br />
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I took my time in this glorious place - trying meat and cheese samples, taking loads of photos, and planning my attack on the mediterranean antipasta stalls.<br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-rT5gVZzn3GM/Vc0z7MNHLpI/AAAAAAABHhs/55JlZbeIBo8/s1600/IMG_3026.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-rT5gVZzn3GM/Vc0z7MNHLpI/AAAAAAABHhs/55JlZbeIBo8/s640/IMG_3026.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Give it ALL to me.</td></tr>
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I took my lunch to a nearby park, because Toronto in July is delightful, and I just cannot be outdoors enough in these northern cities. Making my way back to Yorkville, I did a little shopping, a little snacking, and a little wandering around the upscale neighborhood.<br />
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On Day 2, I was able to peel Nate away from his laptop for a half day bicycle tour of Downtown Toronto. Throughout our travels, we have found that bike tours are an excellent way to orient yourself in a new place, all while getting some historical and cultural context, as well as a local's tips about where to go and what to see.</div>
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<a href="http://torontobicycletours.com/">Toronto Bicycle Tours</a> led us around the city, including many highlights all over Downtown, including:</div>
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[ UNION MARKET ]</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">iPhone photo</td></tr>
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[ THE FINANCIAL DISTRICT ]</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">That's real gold! // iPhone photo</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_GV9P5tmcqy_zFS-ffXRsJDjTLymM725Z5Dj3_V03yCCZmjim86EJ37GhTnzld5aB8Ye3xFfcRF9ruADGJcYwO5TJD2cJf8j5_c37TJjHmYELOezlI-wSOyd7sAGm8sQ_bg1jqyidrak/s1600/IMG_4301.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_GV9P5tmcqy_zFS-ffXRsJDjTLymM725Z5Dj3_V03yCCZmjim86EJ37GhTnzld5aB8Ye3xFfcRF9ruADGJcYwO5TJD2cJf8j5_c37TJjHmYELOezlI-wSOyd7sAGm8sQ_bg1jqyidrak/s640/IMG_4301.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Forget the Bull and the Bear; Toronto has chilled-out cows! // iPhone photo</td></tr>
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[ CN TOWER ]</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgw_LrPQz3sOxuEKAVeEvOgGosm9gHxt3zfQH9c0G5ItSPhKbw6B8zuadXNZfoVd3yMPETbzEnkAu3LT8skqplR22mGxEIe9AQ9TbLBZjs_0wITvXSXk7DZ87RiiKNePtcMFy806QXCNug/s1600/IMG_4294.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgw_LrPQz3sOxuEKAVeEvOgGosm9gHxt3zfQH9c0G5ItSPhKbw6B8zuadXNZfoVd3yMPETbzEnkAu3LT8skqplR22mGxEIe9AQ9TbLBZjs_0wITvXSXk7DZ87RiiKNePtcMFy806QXCNug/s640/IMG_4294.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">iPhone photo</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrY3IMW4l3kA6AKWCwCbp8WGcgbZiaG4orvGXCCmT4C9T2cEYGdoCYGm3uSETqCct1_7DXZ-3gXzat3Kx9S6psvJg_3UkeXgGzNp7HYgiwCn4TV4Hz8KhD-cI7pVhQXMYCQ_qm-jJ1alI/s1600/IMG_4286.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrY3IMW4l3kA6AKWCwCbp8WGcgbZiaG4orvGXCCmT4C9T2cEYGdoCYGm3uSETqCct1_7DXZ-3gXzat3Kx9S6psvJg_3UkeXgGzNp7HYgiwCn4TV4Hz8KhD-cI7pVhQXMYCQ_qm-jJ1alI/s640/IMG_4286.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">iPhone photo</td></tr>
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[ THE DISTILLERY DISTRICT ]</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh38-jiP4ocsBrmimk9RWWoa-1TexUmT6x7pmEbKzrP7ooVX1_xCCOX9wke93ibpRMfUav2zRlzTMdIMcS-CSN-uPCk5dMp9LAivoxC_pYDJMbocX058CEfk0QbsOqm3bpDNqfiFP1zspQ/s1600/vscocam-photo-1+%25285%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh38-jiP4ocsBrmimk9RWWoa-1TexUmT6x7pmEbKzrP7ooVX1_xCCOX9wke93ibpRMfUav2zRlzTMdIMcS-CSN-uPCk5dMp9LAivoxC_pYDJMbocX058CEfk0QbsOqm3bpDNqfiFP1zspQ/s640/vscocam-photo-1+%25285%2529.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">iPhone photo</td></tr>
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After the tour, I wanted Nate to experience the St. Lawrence Market, so we foraged and got a whole bunch of meats, cheeses, olives, breads, fruits, and cookies and marched off to the park.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_dQE0Xa6mtDJzEsO3pWesF7Eka8GxUAfKCHA4Fzz3KxtstXA5JSDMERvi5u6VrM0hKqB9VEI1zJQW6tOJiSLoEW5abMQh5i7mPpbDnMDkgpiRtoKTww6w-HTu4u57XJd113HVaWSWK4E/s1600/IMG_4285.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_dQE0Xa6mtDJzEsO3pWesF7Eka8GxUAfKCHA4Fzz3KxtstXA5JSDMERvi5u6VrM0hKqB9VEI1zJQW6tOJiSLoEW5abMQh5i7mPpbDnMDkgpiRtoKTww6w-HTu4u57XJd113HVaWSWK4E/s640/IMG_4285.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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The local bee population wasted no time in introducing themselves. Granted, we were visitors in their neighborhood, so after about 60 seconds of buzzy lunch, we marched back to the market.</div>
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The setting wasn't glamorous, but it was cool, safe, and quiet!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRIDLJA__SbEdIa9LSUiNU9lBmFN1mB8jnuYu8IssjJSl3o8MuINUt495I-XkJvGTCEvjow_RVCVMzEUg6r1TiV12j3NdWBTkiyO-JG0eYKQqet5FhYr_92WxFyFU0F0a0y2K5pFAFbe8/s1600/IMG_4284.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRIDLJA__SbEdIa9LSUiNU9lBmFN1mB8jnuYu8IssjJSl3o8MuINUt495I-XkJvGTCEvjow_RVCVMzEUg6r1TiV12j3NdWBTkiyO-JG0eYKQqet5FhYr_92WxFyFU0F0a0y2K5pFAFbe8/s640/IMG_4284.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
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Not all of our adventures were in Downtown Toronto. We must have been missing Cayman's sea breeze, because the second half of our visit was spent visiting Jill & Jamie's family home in The Beaches.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcMZdhu_5n9pmpinYr54Us00S-jfho0F0vhemQOgkFY2HddZjMxQ7hVeUOtok9yfrNQbFNv0TcCVOC3ZcvEsbyvclkCKmhrJvCtqINF3D4Q6UXjyEk3eOb-0HGrJFjBuwGA8gyIXUXUxE/s1600/vscocam-photo-5+%25282%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcMZdhu_5n9pmpinYr54Us00S-jfho0F0vhemQOgkFY2HddZjMxQ7hVeUOtok9yfrNQbFNv0TcCVOC3ZcvEsbyvclkCKmhrJvCtqINF3D4Q6UXjyEk3eOb-0HGrJFjBuwGA8gyIXUXUxE/s640/vscocam-photo-5+%25282%2529.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The sand may not be white and fine, but the views of Lake Ontario are quite ocean-like! // iPhone photo</td></tr>
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East of the city's fray, The Beaches is a lovely neighborhood full of sensible brick homes with yards and big hardwood trees, all within blocks of the local coffee shop, toy store, juice bar, bagel place, grocery store, church, and the lake.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrvz6c1gTGOUIh3xV2bEQDY5F5k9A0xD-xD-CmyGjJyDilWpgIyAVFswYdwFK5_zmw49V8G1egf0eZoPZpVG-9vbCnstd8Ff4LRlOaI_g-YuNYFAtuYnE3PtgbrT7Fdkk1U1BGuEr3foY/s1600/IMG_4247.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrvz6c1gTGOUIh3xV2bEQDY5F5k9A0xD-xD-CmyGjJyDilWpgIyAVFswYdwFK5_zmw49V8G1egf0eZoPZpVG-9vbCnstd8Ff4LRlOaI_g-YuNYFAtuYnE3PtgbrT7Fdkk1U1BGuEr3foY/s640/IMG_4247.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A representative sample. // iPhone photo</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKS96AJM9gIqkJ3pfMHG9FBS9Dx5R2obu-QpoHa_ojbDC7ov2P8PctWD_3V_nuAvKSg9pCRtubw4Kh9u93bRWE8-AuBx8sqqGkn8MN_u8hyphenhyphenKv3KLa6HN_iSXPokt6kENQTo6W16QBJpFM/s1600/IMG_4266.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKS96AJM9gIqkJ3pfMHG9FBS9Dx5R2obu-QpoHa_ojbDC7ov2P8PctWD_3V_nuAvKSg9pCRtubw4Kh9u93bRWE8-AuBx8sqqGkn8MN_u8hyphenhyphenKv3KLa6HN_iSXPokt6kENQTo6W16QBJpFM/s640/IMG_4266.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Only in Canada</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4GtYpZDAVGT0oYLJqT9LBdIUTBkNjPrLqKaYzv1SUC3FdloY1_BaBS896GRQSIIwueN-STiO90guFlaq04qRgRK_4lPHkb55JlAxTT82BMaHDPe6ZYL9l4usPoAQUJw6NoDLNeSOvqvY/s1600/IMG_4246.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4GtYpZDAVGT0oYLJqT9LBdIUTBkNjPrLqKaYzv1SUC3FdloY1_BaBS896GRQSIIwueN-STiO90guFlaq04qRgRK_4lPHkb55JlAxTT82BMaHDPe6ZYL9l4usPoAQUJw6NoDLNeSOvqvY/s640/IMG_4246.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A safe neighborhood // iPhone photo</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJJssovkpGsqxN1_ld21AyEwnDrno3z5xPc8B4cVNIpGw0Wf7sbx0l-CQK5p4Gk-wHq85-JgcQ_NsZG7yuaV4774XB085r_YsWqXeRg-GRZOHUkz7WmIqOcBeHWXgrFsYri6LCB-H9pp0/s1600/IMG_4234.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJJssovkpGsqxN1_ld21AyEwnDrno3z5xPc8B4cVNIpGw0Wf7sbx0l-CQK5p4Gk-wHq85-JgcQ_NsZG7yuaV4774XB085r_YsWqXeRg-GRZOHUkz7WmIqOcBeHWXgrFsYri6LCB-H9pp0/s640/IMG_4234.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">She has the place on lockdown. // iPhone photo</td></tr>
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On Day 3, I accompanied J&J and their brood to the <a href="https://www.ripleyaquariums.com/canada/">Ripley's Aquarium of Canada</a>. No matter how many sea creatures I have seen on scuba dives, an aquarium still holds so much wonder for the vast sea life in our planet's oceans. Everyone enjoyed this excursion, from the young...<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGnji0H07M5pxrUNbmsbkKaNpzijeJRyWLUZA63SuXMpoFq2gGM9ajADERdTlhWBo1uLO5P8R6-vXxOSVAiKrqwYbURJealbxtkm3lHfq8JBZKdwh4nFy4FKurK9PTKvCzzEtDb_Y5ldQ/s1600/IMG_4269.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGnji0H07M5pxrUNbmsbkKaNpzijeJRyWLUZA63SuXMpoFq2gGM9ajADERdTlhWBo1uLO5P8R6-vXxOSVAiKrqwYbURJealbxtkm3lHfq8JBZKdwh4nFy4FKurK9PTKvCzzEtDb_Y5ldQ/s640/IMG_4269.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">iPhone photo</td></tr>
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...to the not-as-young.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8QF2KolXo2iNVX1_sd5j9lUkGdgddcIkVo0vowchuswzjLPEY29F-Ibj2i1crojatGndllhmFn-hz1-XcmxzoaOHXIH27FJxubYuyQ4tbl8Iu6SXzsHZ_Lxpv_sHK5Pj9hjwLauWvD_g/s1600/IMG_4026.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8QF2KolXo2iNVX1_sd5j9lUkGdgddcIkVo0vowchuswzjLPEY29F-Ibj2i1crojatGndllhmFn-hz1-XcmxzoaOHXIH27FJxubYuyQ4tbl8Iu6SXzsHZ_Lxpv_sHK5Pj9hjwLauWvD_g/s640/IMG_4026.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">iPhone photo</td></tr>
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Top tip: The aquarium is located downtown right next to the Blue Jays stadium, and we made the mistake of picking a weekend game day for our aquarium visit. The ticket line was way out the door. Buy tickets online, which lets you skip the ticket line and go right into the aquarium.</div>
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Later in the evening, Nate and Jamie played catch with the kids in the backyard. I snapped a few shots of these happy faces.</div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-zjQE5eQiMBw/Vc00iypqDII/AAAAAAABHmE/FZkfapOJ_d4/s1600/IMG_3044.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-zjQE5eQiMBw/Vc00iypqDII/AAAAAAABHmE/FZkfapOJ_d4/s640/IMG_3044.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-pJg-K9ZRhjI/Vc00i7YctdI/AAAAAAABHmM/OZG0Zzw-5CE/s1600/IMG_3045.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-pJg-K9ZRhjI/Vc00i7YctdI/AAAAAAABHmM/OZG0Zzw-5CE/s640/IMG_3045.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Crazy Canadian</td></tr>
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On Day 4, Nate was buried with work again, so I decided to check out Kensington Market - a downtown neighborhood highlighted on the bike tour.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHXazVvGO3U7hWXYPnzjuiztk9yglN-GNXImoHcQPOJhZHJssL8dCRfL3r7PFaX2CUte3fZ4fWHL6vLKjgWaXtuTOsIjvhcy2YItI3e3YHgMebdV0pPs7HmLPESw6e2HWvATT7XNdTjck/s1600/IMG_4249.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHXazVvGO3U7hWXYPnzjuiztk9yglN-GNXImoHcQPOJhZHJssL8dCRfL3r7PFaX2CUte3fZ4fWHL6vLKjgWaXtuTOsIjvhcy2YItI3e3YHgMebdV0pPs7HmLPESw6e2HWvATT7XNdTjck/s640/IMG_4249.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">iPhone photo</td></tr>
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This area has an eclectic mix of shops, markets, eateries, and homes. </div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNFYKr_ns__X6TOcjPbH0LBamivIoQox9qc_x1bhA8YWiFMn1JGBXLSXJ3ax9aiU_pEeKpE3drZIe8cygOZ-Yo7Wbk3MnW4Spc0paDGjxXf3PzrqAiS-HxAZjSYAW4F0Roa5qAncKIBfs/s1600/vscocam-photo-1+%25286%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNFYKr_ns__X6TOcjPbH0LBamivIoQox9qc_x1bhA8YWiFMn1JGBXLSXJ3ax9aiU_pEeKpE3drZIe8cygOZ-Yo7Wbk3MnW4Spc0paDGjxXf3PzrqAiS-HxAZjSYAW4F0Roa5qAncKIBfs/s640/vscocam-photo-1+%25286%2529.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">iPhone photo</td></tr>
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No high-rises or chain restaurants here - the historical value of the neighborhood, which includes Victorian row houses and a long history of an open market culture, has been preserved and celebrated.</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">iPhone photo</td></tr>
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I could have browsed the vintage clothing stores, gift shops, and local food joints for days.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfrWhZAPh5Vvla_-4bWyurlKrr-Ey3F0HOffvNmMDB_-H8OKJU3vaBYnwFwek3w-mlI9bEZrTS2q-SENpzSTaQOJkb04V56Y6tBdUKPi4Fw2DHS051TtGb2jOLhie_hkovkxAZI83EDm0/s1600/IMG_4256.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfrWhZAPh5Vvla_-4bWyurlKrr-Ey3F0HOffvNmMDB_-H8OKJU3vaBYnwFwek3w-mlI9bEZrTS2q-SENpzSTaQOJkb04V56Y6tBdUKPi4Fw2DHS051TtGb2jOLhie_hkovkxAZI83EDm0/s640/IMG_4256.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">iPhone photo</td></tr>
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And that pretty much wraps up our first visit to Toronto! I was <u>more</u> than impressed with what we saw, and I'm going to keep this city on our short list for weekend escapes (with direct flights from Cayman as an added temptation.)<br />
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But only in the summer. I'm such a winter wimp.<br />
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Offshorecpahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05566196350953308001noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1550644270826724918.post-17550326005347216252015-08-07T06:31:00.001-05:002015-08-07T06:31:32.239-05:00Seven Mile Beach Hotels: Not Just for the Tourist<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I can only imagine how tourists must feel when they check into one of the hotels along Seven Mile Beach. The blue Caribbean Sea, so flat and gentle; the white sand beaches, perfect for long walks or relaxing in the sun; and endless foodie experiences with an excellent view of SMB's beautiful sunsets. It really is the perfect recipe for a vacation in paradise. </div>
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But why should the tourists have all the fun?</div>
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Sometimes we locals have to play tourist for a day or two.</div>
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During the 4th of July long weekend here in Cayman, we decided to do just that and take advantage of the hotels that are located almost squarely in our backyard. First up was a birthday brunch at the <a href="http://www.marriott.com/hotels/travel/gcmgc-grand-cayman-marriott-beach-resort/">Marriott</a> - a hotel property I cannot get enough of since their major remodel last year.</div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-1NMevwUIyX8/Vawz9n1w1UI/AAAAAAABHB8/MRGp_4cpA_w/s1600/IMG_2947.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-1NMevwUIyX8/Vawz9n1w1UI/AAAAAAABHB8/MRGp_4cpA_w/s640/IMG_2947.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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I love the <a href="http://offshorecpa.blogspot.com/search/label/Stingray%20City?max-results=6">stingray</a> wall that greets visitors upon entry - a gorgeous representation of the creatures that <a href="http://offshorecpa.blogspot.com/2010/09/discovering-island.html">helped convince me</a> that Cayman needed to be my home.</div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-fEADMVDEkY0/Vawz9qPeUkI/AAAAAAABHB8/pi2KZpFhtjM/s1600/IMG_2931.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-fEADMVDEkY0/Vawz9qPeUkI/AAAAAAABHB8/pi2KZpFhtjM/s640/IMG_2931.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
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This birthday brunch was for David, who arrived in style while Nate acted as impromptu paparazzi.</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Google Auto Awesome'd this for me.</td></tr>
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The hotel staff were good enough to take over camera duties for a group shot by the stingrays. My guess is that there are a lot of visitors that ask for a photo against this backdrop.</div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9-JwJkfayWc/Vawz9knmsYI/AAAAAAABHB4/ZB_HNXPk-TA/s1600/IMG_2944.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9-JwJkfayWc/Vawz9knmsYI/AAAAAAABHB4/ZB_HNXPk-TA/s640/IMG_2944.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Brunch started at noon, and since we were early, the Marriott staff provided cocktails to get us started.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDG0huFRFl1otiQgNdGYUBo5zC0YsvYipJlJyO0tGRXLUa418s-ra_b53UUeqyYiBpPSSxMDU0P4dGa8A19H0nDmHl4KB8cNEdRPXBzDRh29WmDqGInRhXqSFalSQBLXclEmjH4AkpDoo/s1600/1-Exports21.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="376" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDG0huFRFl1otiQgNdGYUBo5zC0YsvYipJlJyO0tGRXLUa418s-ra_b53UUeqyYiBpPSSxMDU0P4dGa8A19H0nDmHl4KB8cNEdRPXBzDRh29WmDqGInRhXqSFalSQBLXclEmjH4AkpDoo/s640/1-Exports21.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://www.marriott.com/hotels/hotel-information/restaurant/gcmgc-grand-cayman-marriott-beach-resort/">Anchor & Den's</a> Sunday brunch is a terrific mix of clean, modern styling, classic breakfast offerings, and creative weekly themes that keep the food selections fresh and varied.</div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ysmRBQXM03A/Vawz9hcOipI/AAAAAAABHB8/FyBYtWlo8bA/s1600/IMG_2954.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ysmRBQXM03A/Vawz9hcOipI/AAAAAAABHB8/FyBYtWlo8bA/s640/IMG_2954.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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I never know quite where to start with these large brunch displays - my problem is that I honestly like nearly <i>every</i> kind of quality food! I tried to get a good sampling on my first plate, and I ended up with everything from French toast to sushi!<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Random things that all made my mouth water.</td></tr>
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The next plate was no less random - a little bit of Greek salad, American grilled corn on the cob, Eggs Benedict, and that darn French toast again. It was <i>that</i> good.<br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Buq-dmRFzIU/Vawz9qJi1wI/AAAAAAABHB8/2xfA9OgAgNk/s1600/IMG_2958.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Buq-dmRFzIU/Vawz9qJi1wI/AAAAAAABHB8/2xfA9OgAgNk/s640/IMG_2958.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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The Marriott's brunch includes an amazing made-to-order crĆŖpe station. Nate got a banana Nutella combo, of course, while I opted for lemon curd and fresh berries.<br />
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No photo at this point in the experience. My stomach had taken over all operations.<br />
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Since this brunch was over the 4th of July weekend, there was an American theme throughout the food selections, including this version of a flag cake, which is much fancier than any of the flag cakes I've attempted.<br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Pny4vhxqlX0/Vawz9oY-o5I/AAAAAAABHB8/w9uonQB-Ci4/s1600/IMG_2960.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Pny4vhxqlX0/Vawz9oY-o5I/AAAAAAABHB8/w9uonQB-Ci4/s640/IMG_2960.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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I'll admit that the desserts were a tad disappointing - they were all very pretty, but I didn't try anything that blew me away. But hey, the rest of the food was so tasty and filling that I didn't really have room for the last course. No big loss.</div>
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Anchor & Den's brunch has quickly become a favorite place for a Sunday feast on SMB, and it certainly lived up to expectations. I'd say it's the best brunch I've been to thus far.</div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7PTOGn16XVTH68ePaVGz2yCqcB526wVnE7yxTy7BBGHUWECac8udj0JdhebY7RhY-vX8XvjfPRoR4yraVlbPfoSPrSinxirEUhc6QJGwLO5nKBChQQ32MuB_mOREx7ELihBPKUqSAa2I/s1600/IMG_3753.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7PTOGn16XVTH68ePaVGz2yCqcB526wVnE7yxTy7BBGHUWECac8udj0JdhebY7RhY-vX8XvjfPRoR4yraVlbPfoSPrSinxirEUhc6QJGwLO5nKBChQQ32MuB_mOREx7ELihBPKUqSAa2I/s640/IMG_3753.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The boys looking dapper.</td></tr>
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Later that evening, Nate and I checked into the <a href="http://www.ritzcarlton.com/en/Properties/GrandCayman/Default.htm?utm_campaign=TBPSUSEGPB205&src=ps&pId=rztbppc">Ritz Carlton</a> for a one-night staycation in one of SMB's finest spots.</div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">View from our balcony</td></tr>
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We had the opportunity to do this <a href="http://offshorecpa.blogspot.com/2013/04/the-ritz-staycation.html">a couple years ago</a>, and it was such a relaxing, enjoyable experience that we jumped at the chance for a repeat.<br />
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Vacation highlights not captured in photo form:<br />
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- The incredibly kind, friendly, patient Ritz staff. Their customer service is unparalleled and makes every Ritz experience so positive.<br />
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- Yoga class outside on the lawn. Outdoor yoga just makes sense to me.<br />
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- One incredibly lazy afternoon by the pool. David and Kelly joined Nate and I as we plunked ourselves down on the comfortable loungers and proceeded to barely move a muscle for the rest of the afternoon. We got into the pool, we got out of the pool, and we refilled our drinks. Other than that, we did basically nothing. It was glorious.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-RCHg4IR7-_A/VaxDX4gSp4I/AAAAAAABHDo/lNVYOp_JoMA/s1600/IMG_2966.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-RCHg4IR7-_A/VaxDX4gSp4I/AAAAAAABHDo/lNVYOp_JoMA/s640/IMG_2966.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A breakfast sandwich from Paperman's is a treat in and of itself.<br />
With this view? Divine.</td></tr>
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While nothing beats a new adventure that transports us away from all that's familiar and mundane, I'm thankful that when we don't have the time to catch a flight, we can escape reality right across the street. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkFf2gtWt0Bp9fYs_JkiFEnFcvX2iWVvONT0Tp961rMdiTazlBQGzyhfg7rHQ73YIiFdv2XOOTZotk63m9NevXmBTVFU8y0kgLfIXYlRCsVwE8agkwHzsrxm1opp16May0CKMZpBI4bw4/s1600/IMG_2688.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkFf2gtWt0Bp9fYs_JkiFEnFcvX2iWVvONT0Tp961rMdiTazlBQGzyhfg7rHQ73YIiFdv2XOOTZotk63m9NevXmBTVFU8y0kgLfIXYlRCsVwE8agkwHzsrxm1opp16May0CKMZpBI4bw4/s640/IMG_2688.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Seven Mile Beach will always feel like a vacation to me.</div>
<br />Offshorecpahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05566196350953308001noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1550644270826724918.post-79038591969930014542015-07-20T06:00:00.000-05:002015-07-20T06:00:00.753-05:00Baby Lifestyle Shoot: 14 WeeksLast month, I was randomly over at Jeremy and Sheena's house one afternoon, just hanging out with the family of three. There was nothing "special" going on, but something told me to take my camera along.<div>
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I used to do this all the time when we first moved to Cayman; my first DSLR was literally attached to me at the hip. I barely ate a meal that wasn't photographically documented back then! I've backed off a lot (there are only so many photos I have the time to take, cull, edit, and post), but I still get a lot of joy from those unexpected, candid moments that are captured forever through a digital photo I've taken.</div>
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I think what inspired me on this particular day was the realization that in the life of an infant, every week their looks and abilities and personalities are changing, and I hadn't gotten any real photos of this new baby since she was, well, a <a href="http://offshorecpa.blogspot.com/2015/04/a-newborn-shoot.html">new baby</a>.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg83nrrAK1S-1SBVb1JLgeouwj4Z3cEOtsYG4Zw00yBSmWaU7d2WdYIwVPRoxiDES_W9CGQbURnksGXWp4vyDVFk5XkaJNnOjDdiSSf03ohRHO9r_JXV0BflA7-0IXoT4RoN9LmJ-20nh4/s1600/1-Exports20.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="256" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg83nrrAK1S-1SBVb1JLgeouwj4Z3cEOtsYG4Zw00yBSmWaU7d2WdYIwVPRoxiDES_W9CGQbURnksGXWp4vyDVFk5XkaJNnOjDdiSSf03ohRHO9r_JXV0BflA7-0IXoT4RoN9LmJ-20nh4/s640/1-Exports20.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Updated photos were a necessity. This young one, at 14 weeks, had mastered the back-to-front roll and the forearm hold. She's also a skilled DJ.</div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-lgO_tht-Gjo/VYbBWfqAybI/AAAAAAABGyw/aLFW-UISHBI/s1600/IMG_2843.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-lgO_tht-Gjo/VYbBWfqAybI/AAAAAAABGyw/aLFW-UISHBI/s640/IMG_2843.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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She laughs a whole lot now, and is particularly fond of the airplane move.<br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-wkDMltz5d-w/VYbBWSLDnwI/AAAAAAABG04/6vaYWRq8hR4/s1600/IMG_2856.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-wkDMltz5d-w/VYbBWSLDnwI/AAAAAAABG04/6vaYWRq8hR4/s640/IMG_2856.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
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And she remains <i>so</i> entirely kissable.<br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Ets3unG8CE4/VYbBWY6jf9I/AAAAAAABG00/eFelD-1fULk/s1600/IMG_2848.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Ets3unG8CE4/VYbBWY6jf9I/AAAAAAABG00/eFelD-1fULk/s640/IMG_2848.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
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I stuck around for the daily bath routine.<br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-qdy12jOqpTY/VYbBWUvjFpI/AAAAAAABG0U/vt7Ve1zEhEw/s1600/IMG_2877.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-qdy12jOqpTY/VYbBWUvjFpI/AAAAAAABG0U/vt7Ve1zEhEw/s640/IMG_2877.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
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That little hand on the side, so relaxed. She slays me!<br />
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Bath time is family time - even Maya got herself involved!</div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-OwXTQo4Z9u8/VYbBWZBWoZI/AAAAAAABGzk/BNESiOvMCvI/s1600/IMG_2905.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-OwXTQo4Z9u8/VYbBWZBWoZI/AAAAAAABGzk/BNESiOvMCvI/s640/IMG_2905.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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This island baby loves water already.<br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-CXPQfU7mW8o/VYbBWY6NXCI/AAAAAAABGz4/U-oOGYifFKQ/s1600/IMG_2919.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-CXPQfU7mW8o/VYbBWY6NXCI/AAAAAAABGz4/U-oOGYifFKQ/s640/IMG_2919.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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And she has jokes!<br />
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I love this little one. Her everyday life is special, and so worth capturing.<br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-acxvVDK-KK4/VYbBWRsjxGI/AAAAAAABG0c/sRCUkDfDE74/s1600/IMG_2926-2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-acxvVDK-KK4/VYbBWRsjxGI/AAAAAAABG0c/sRCUkDfDE74/s640/IMG_2926-2.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
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Offshorecpahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05566196350953308001noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1550644270826724918.post-68573962709122453742015-07-10T07:22:00.003-05:002015-07-10T07:22:59.749-05:00June: Xtreme Wet Fete<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Back when we first moved to the island, it seemed like we couldn't pack enough activities into our lives. </div>
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Almost any suggestion for a dive, a BBQ, an exercise class, a beach day, or a party was met with a "Yes!" from us. This approach helped us to quickly make friends, get acquainted with island living, learn some new skills (like <a href="http://offshorecpa.blogspot.com/search/label/diving?max-results=6">diving</a>, <a href="http://offshorecpa.blogspot.com/search/label/kitesurfing?max-results=6">kiteboarding</a>, and even <a href="http://offshorecpa.blogspot.com/search/label/running?max-results=6">running</a>), and helped us to quickly conclude that Cayman was going to be more than just a two year adventure.</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The first of many, many boat days.</td></tr>
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Life always seems to pick up speed. Job responsibilities take over, you finally realize that your calendar only has seven days in each week, and you start to whittle down your activities to the ones that really add value to your everyday existence. </div>
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Which is a nice way of saying that we all get into a rut after a while.</div>
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We needed to get out of the rut. We needed to prove that we still have a sense of fun and adventure even in the place we call home, willing to do something completely outside the norm.</div>
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Which is why I agreed--rather quickly, I might add--to go to the recent Xtreme Wet Fete event.</div>
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Firstly, for all you non-Caribbean people out there, a fete (rhymes with "wet") is basically a street party, usually with soca music (originating from Trinidad) - somewhat Carnival-style. I don't have a lot of soca music in my history, but I will say it is some of the happiest Caribbean music I've heard. </div>
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You might think you don't have rhythm. You might think you don't like to dance in public. You haven't tried soca.</div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-SBj8iyDTnwQ/VZgSPypqV9I/AAAAAAABG-U/zFLhb2uxBKg/s1600/DSC00811.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-SBj8iyDTnwQ/VZgSPypqV9I/AAAAAAABG-U/zFLhb2uxBKg/s640/DSC00811.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
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Anyway, Wet Fete is a big street party. Apparently, there are a whole bunch of fetes: Powder Fete, Paint Fete, even Chocolate Fete. (The event names give you a clue as to what party-goers come home covered in.) This Fete was held on the waterfront in George Town with a big stage for the DJs and a large open area for the partiers and the water trucks.</div>
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And there was also a foam pit.</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">All the bubbles!</td></tr>
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We observed from the sidelines for a little while until the hoses came out, and that's when everyone gravitated toward the water.<br />
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Here we are, pre-hose-down...<br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-EDIh8CCpMQA/VZgSP_6rq6I/AAAAAAABG-Q/n790vmPD65I/s1600/DSC00784.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-EDIh8CCpMQA/VZgSP_6rq6I/AAAAAAABG-Q/n790vmPD65I/s640/DSC00784.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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...just moments before this scene became a reality! <br />
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Wet Fete is exhilarating!<br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-FkBtBDdhqI4/VZgSP4KvSKI/AAAAAAABG-Q/Re6kKRyg0yE/s1600/DSC00790.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-FkBtBDdhqI4/VZgSP4KvSKI/AAAAAAABG-Q/Re6kKRyg0yE/s640/DSC00790.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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See my happy face up above? I actually couldn't close my mouth, I was just so excited. I kept jumping around, left and right, back and forth, barely able to see, but just so joyful!!<br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-XV6pnTXvjD4/VZgSPzE6kEI/AAAAAAABG-U/Avx0jpnwpj0/s1600/DSC00794.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-XV6pnTXvjD4/VZgSPzE6kEI/AAAAAAABG-U/Avx0jpnwpj0/s640/DSC00794.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Wet Fete just makes so much sense to me: I get to jump around in the summer heat for hours and not get sweaty. The logic is impossible to deny.</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Me with a teammate from work</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Random guy who is also feeling the excitement</td></tr>
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Here is a short video of a couple clips Nate took of me enjoying the mayhem.</div>
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Can't you just feel the energy and excitement?! My little arms and legs just couldn't jump and flail around fast enough. I wouldn't call what I was doing "dancing", but what a great way to blow off some steam at the end of a work week.<br />
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And speaking of steam, this Caribbean summer is getting any cooler. Another Wet Fete, anyone?<br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-NJ-2086BPLU/VZgSP9YHcyI/AAAAAAABG-Q/fxJ4O0BtoJ8/s1600/DSC00814.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-NJ-2086BPLU/VZgSP9YHcyI/AAAAAAABG-Q/fxJ4O0BtoJ8/s640/DSC00814.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />Offshorecpahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05566196350953308001noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1550644270826724918.post-86031777161261844182015-06-29T06:00:00.000-05:002015-06-29T19:31:39.443-05:00Florida Mayhem<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
In May, we made the short trip to Florida to visit family. It had been almost 18 months since my entire family had been together for more than a day, so we were overdue for a photo op that included all of these faces.</div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Jo2dOZdXIys/VW5t_4KeolI/AAAAAAABGXE/sFfdJpy0c1k/s1600/Parksapalooza%2B2015-7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Jo2dOZdXIys/VW5t_4KeolI/AAAAAAABGXE/sFfdJpy0c1k/s640/Parksapalooza%2B2015-7.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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In fact, we were so overdue for a photo of all of my siblings that my brother rallied and somehow convinced us to recreate a childhood photo of the JADE crew.</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Yes, I now own a white-tailed deer hoodie. The internet has everything.</td></tr>
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Sibling shenanigans are my favorite.<br />
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Anyway, to get to my parents' home, Nate and I have to fly to Miami or Tampa and then drive west or south toward Fort Myers. When we picked up our rental car, Nate casually (almost sarcastically) asked about the availability of a Mustang convertible. The rental car agency must have known his upgrade price point, because $10/day later we were flying down Alligator Alley with the top down.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cameo by Blue Mohawk; full-length presentation coming up shortly.</td></tr>
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Driving in a convertible in the dark (combined with a bit of rain) had limited joys, but at least it gave us the opportunity to cruise around Cape Coral for a few days in the following manner:</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Blurry can't hide our sister excitement.</td></tr>
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But we weren't always traveling around on four wheels. My parents live in a fantastic community in SW FL where they are not only walking distance from frequently-visited haunts like a well-stocked ice cream parlour and the local deli...<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">In search of enough ice cream to feed a crowd</td></tr>
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...but also steps away from a whole bunch of friendly neighbors and friends, some who we've known for decades.</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Dr. Wells: Getting younger with every passing year. Two wheels for the win!</td></tr>
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Strolling the Esplanade with family every day gave us many opportunities to walk and talk, enjoying Florida's late spring weather and meeting and greeting my parents' network of pleasant faces along the way.<br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-H1J-DKP4GUI/VW5t__2yCGI/AAAAAAABGaE/pPMCaf4HmOM/s1600/Parksapalooza%2B2015-17.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-H1J-DKP4GUI/VW5t__2yCGI/AAAAAAABGaE/pPMCaf4HmOM/s640/Parksapalooza%2B2015-17.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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The area my parents live in is very relaxed and friendly, where people have their favorite hang-outs and love being locals. One such place was Island CafƩ - an on-the-water restaurant in Matlacha that is known for their live music, sunset views, and broasted chicken.<br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/--QKHZW4Y3DY/VW5t_ziu5DI/AAAAAAABGWo/ATVGyBmJ6jI/s1600/Parksapalooza%2B2015-40.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/--QKHZW4Y3DY/VW5t_ziu5DI/AAAAAAABGWo/ATVGyBmJ6jI/s640/Parksapalooza%2B2015-40.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
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Island CafƩ was good enough to take a reservation for all ten of us, and the combination of friendly staff, home-cooked food (get the wings!), and sunset views gave this group a lot to smile about.<br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-OerluJvd7Qk/VW5t_5A3g-I/AAAAAAABGak/KgKaOgMw5VU/s1600/Parksapalooza%2B2015-39.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-OerluJvd7Qk/VW5t_5A3g-I/AAAAAAABGak/KgKaOgMw5VU/s640/Parksapalooza%2B2015-39.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-f_iPztmbiM8/VW5t_3dqzxI/AAAAAAABGaU/CVoJmpCBd-M/s1600/Parksapalooza%2B2015-28.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-f_iPztmbiM8/VW5t_3dqzxI/AAAAAAABGaU/CVoJmpCBd-M/s640/Parksapalooza%2B2015-28.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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That amazing evening light reflecting off the water made my camera nearly jump out of the bag. Not that gorgeous light is especially required when you have gorgeous subjects...</div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-daUcPbbWYKo/VW5t__mZpvI/AAAAAAABGck/vKPviNdBuOU/s1600/Parksapalooza%2B2015-26.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-daUcPbbWYKo/VW5t__mZpvI/AAAAAAABGck/vKPviNdBuOU/s640/Parksapalooza%2B2015-26.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
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Soon I'd convinced everyone to pose with the almost-birthday boy: Papa Parks.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVCmhcKDlnI6SDDThm6OH2uxdTUCwTUOqIe3drAUoiqPMVS2L_Ys9L8ZfbcOVPz1sSF64_3obefOJu9botti_MMmzl1YjQr9p-zcHcJAFWDw8nG7rpHrpau2nyatIFEBfY93ErGRf_h3s/s1600/1-Exports16.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="456" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVCmhcKDlnI6SDDThm6OH2uxdTUCwTUOqIe3drAUoiqPMVS2L_Ys9L8ZfbcOVPz1sSF64_3obefOJu9botti_MMmzl1YjQr9p-zcHcJAFWDw8nG7rpHrpau2nyatIFEBfY93ErGRf_h3s/s640/1-Exports16.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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These two. Heart explosion.</div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-X9VJV_ibJcg/VW5t_37v4BI/AAAAAAABGWk/CxfGia5J7sg/s1600/Parksapalooza%2B2015-37.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-X9VJV_ibJcg/VW5t_37v4BI/AAAAAAABGWk/CxfGia5J7sg/s640/Parksapalooza%2B2015-37.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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The sunset views did not disappoint.</div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-3o-jAX_mmGw/VW5t_3kdUcI/AAAAAAABGWk/FiF_wAXVd5k/s1600/Parksapalooza%2B2015-43.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-3o-jAX_mmGw/VW5t_3kdUcI/AAAAAAABGWk/FiF_wAXVd5k/s640/Parksapalooza%2B2015-43.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Our evening ended back at home with some family photos - a tradition now, since we're only together so often. But Nate wanted to switch it up this year and make the experience a memorable one. I don't know how to label the hair pieces we donned, but it certainly gave everyone a chance to show their alter ego.<br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-V6nSqpeYw3c/VW5t_-KQXiI/AAAAAAABGbM/5tzLET2_H-I/s1600/Parksapalooza%2B2015-60.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-V6nSqpeYw3c/VW5t_-KQXiI/AAAAAAABGbM/5tzLET2_H-I/s640/Parksapalooza%2B2015-60.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-uWpAsfPE-bE/VW5t_4Ytc-I/AAAAAAABGbU/jdPU8bTyuFQ/s1600/Parksapalooza%2B2015-61.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-uWpAsfPE-bE/VW5t_4Ytc-I/AAAAAAABGbU/jdPU8bTyuFQ/s640/Parksapalooza%2B2015-61.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Adding to the hilarity was our lack of a third-party photographer. I had to rely on a tripod and timer delay. Taking the standard "jumping" photo took some coordinated guesswork.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5VvJi-Ybs1W0Y4XY-xlyGHCVt6W6v0fbS7VdtZjMVHLEp8BoRJqte8uRHPdmeZOG2-RCGmhXUfYGVqFXwJAAasnHt0lehHDiOwlj5nvI5zuLxSP8VoQ-x3lESCBkQvpaGdsulBrb8Dhk/s1600/Exports17.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5VvJi-Ybs1W0Y4XY-xlyGHCVt6W6v0fbS7VdtZjMVHLEp8BoRJqte8uRHPdmeZOG2-RCGmhXUfYGVqFXwJAAasnHt0lehHDiOwlj5nvI5zuLxSP8VoQ-x3lESCBkQvpaGdsulBrb8Dhk/s640/Exports17.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Third time is the charm!</td></tr>
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All too soon, our extended weekend trip was wrapping up and it was time to fly off again, but not before we'd spent morning, noon, and night trying to get our fill of these people.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgOZpzaQIEP5cYs5_JKdnrWXYhvtKmnbKcfaVECAO8oVvYwPf2Ma3-vnREZ81RntY1UMU77Gzh29m_319KNeoxxBBWMtwgbhFFVFUi2hHyqMtCdkt0xeoYvYWjzckykbSmz5tpBS5Q1N8/s1600/Ft+Myers.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgOZpzaQIEP5cYs5_JKdnrWXYhvtKmnbKcfaVECAO8oVvYwPf2Ma3-vnREZ81RntY1UMU77Gzh29m_319KNeoxxBBWMtwgbhFFVFUi2hHyqMtCdkt0xeoYvYWjzckykbSmz5tpBS5Q1N8/s640/Ft+Myers.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Singing through the streets of Ft. Myers after a night in the <a href="http://www.myriverdistrict.com/">River District</a>.<br />
<i>photo by DJP</i></td></tr>
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We'll hurry back as soon as we can, but we know our absence won't stop Mom and Dad from setting an awesome example of two people who are loving life and loving each other.</div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-mya3R7jwO98/VW5t_3KpzaI/AAAAAAABGWo/HLKeuBTSZdE/s1600/Parksapalooza%2B2015-70.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-mya3R7jwO98/VW5t_3KpzaI/AAAAAAABGWo/HLKeuBTSZdE/s640/Parksapalooza%2B2015-70.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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And when they need to add some crazy to their lives, they'll know who to call.<br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-t3MJE-DceZM/VW5t_1SOlPI/AAAAAAABGdU/u_IPBJ6RZWY/s1600/Parksapalooza%2B2015-72.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-t3MJE-DceZM/VW5t_1SOlPI/AAAAAAABGdU/u_IPBJ6RZWY/s640/Parksapalooza%2B2015-72.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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We've successfully been doing just that for thirty years.</div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-0hQp9sLTqgM/VW5t_yb9weI/AAAAAAABGb0/0r2b5t3Bras/s1600/Parksapalooza%2B2015-73.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-0hQp9sLTqgM/VW5t_yb9weI/AAAAAAABGb0/0r2b5t3Bras/s640/Parksapalooza%2B2015-73.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Here's to more sibling shenanigans in the not-too-distant future. These people are my lifeblood!Offshorecpahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05566196350953308001noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1550644270826724918.post-2497154184098889502015-06-16T06:00:00.000-05:002015-06-16T06:00:04.278-05:00May: West Coasting<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I had to go to Vegas last month for a work conference. (Tough assignment, I know.) When I realized that the conference would start on a Tuesday, I looked squarely at the weekend prior and thought, "Now it would be downright silly to fly almost all the way across the U.S. and even jump a couple time zones without getting to the very edge of the country!" So I set my sights on California.</div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-zTuV4-ribIk/VXd1-__kcOI/AAAAAAABGnQ/mIJyBSUHMOE/s1600/IMG_2591.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-zTuV4-ribIk/VXd1-__kcOI/AAAAAAABGnQ/mIJyBSUHMOE/s640/IMG_2591.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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We don't venture west too often (it's been nearly two years since <a href="http://offshorecpa.blogspot.com/2013/12/the-oregon-trip.html">the Oregon trip</a>!), so I considered my options and realized that we have friends in San Diego - friends who formerly lived in Cayman that might just want to see a slice of their island home!</div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-CKiITyOlBC4/VXd1-5TZQHI/AAAAAAABGnM/d51urEVQq08/s1600/IMG_2668.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-CKiITyOlBC4/VXd1-5TZQHI/AAAAAAABGnM/d51urEVQq08/s640/IMG_2668.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Visiting friends is one of my favorite excuses to travel (note our trips to <a href="http://offshorecpa.blogspot.com/2011/10/eurotrip-2011-west-country1.html">England</a>, <a href="http://offshorecpa.blogspot.com/2013/04/and-were-back.html">Cincinnati</a>, <a href="http://offshorecpa.blogspot.com/2013/12/the-oregon-trip.html">Oregon</a>, Poland, and <a href="http://offshorecpa.blogspot.com/2015/05/april-part-1-birthday-in-dc.html">D.C.</a>), and when friends have new babies that want to show me their hometown, I'm all thumbs up.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjid7cyu25yNq9OiJtyCXADcEEJ2Adn8Cims4kBGKDD8A2La63VtM4EGaw-8i7fsgZbNqmq5M6w4s2PbBElWJcyk_nvBziwAeBfScLmku5pENyRI4E3pcdqm5Z2S9e1NW8vvKQ7FD3uaDU/s1600/Jace+and+Jenn.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjid7cyu25yNq9OiJtyCXADcEEJ2Adn8Cims4kBGKDD8A2La63VtM4EGaw-8i7fsgZbNqmq5M6w4s2PbBElWJcyk_nvBziwAeBfScLmku5pENyRI4E3pcdqm5Z2S9e1NW8vvKQ7FD3uaDU/s640/Jace+and+Jenn.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>photo by Ryne</i></td></tr>
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Kids in sunglasses. There is just nothing cuter.</div>
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This kid's hometown is beautiful.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>via iPhone</i></td></tr>
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San Diego has it all, from rolling hills to city life to sprawling suburbs to a stunning coastline.<br />
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The classic West Coast vibe is almost tangible - in Sea Port Village, there was some huge yogathon on the lawn, where people doing partner handstands were surrounded by stalls with vendors selling wheatgrass shots and energy drinks. Near the airport one day, I got my first taste of <a href="http://www.truefoodkitchen.com/locations/san-diego/">True Food Kitchen</a>, and I was about to drop everything and permanently move in.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>via iPhone</i></td></tr>
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They also have loads (<i>loads!</i>) of Mexican restaurants. In Old City, we found one that suited.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>via iPhone</i></td></tr>
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Aside from the fajita (Whole Life Challenge approved, I might add!), I enjoyed the vibe in Old Town and the commitment to what used to be the Wild West.<br />
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Given its proximity to our nation's southern border, the Mexican influence carried over from the food into the local decor.<br />
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I could not get enough of the gorgeous succulents that sprawled throughout nearly every flower bed. I'd love to bring them to Cayman, but I think our humidity is just a titch higher here than in SoCal.<br />
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During the day, I got to see a lot of this little guy, who had his first pseudo-stringray kiss.</div>
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In the evenings, Jenn's mom took over on kid patrol, giving us the chance to get out for adult time. One evening, all I wanted to do was see a West Coast sunset. Jenn made it happen.<br />
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It wasn't until I moved to Cayman that I had the chance to see the sun set over an ocean or sea. And I still maintain that sunsets trump sunrises: You don't have to wake up early to see them.</div>
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In Vegas, on the other hand, the best view from my hotel room at the Red Rock Casino was sunrise behind the strip.</div>
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Every time I get to the West Coast, I am reminded of how beautiful and varied the geography and topography of the United States is, and how much of it there is left for me to see. I guess I need a few more friends in a few more states so I can take advantage of these VIP tours! And on that note, thank you to Jenn, Ryne, and both of your families for making me feel so welcome on the SD leg of my journey. If you can't call Cayman home, I can understand why you chose San Diego. Here's to seeing you all again sooner rather than later. xoxo</div>
<br />Offshorecpahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05566196350953308001noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1550644270826724918.post-79275576695286177182015-06-08T06:00:00.000-05:002015-06-12T08:20:30.262-05:00mango maniaI'm fairly certain that the biggest health risk that I'm facing at the moment is related to the fact that it's mango season in Cayman.<br />
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I have mixed feelings this time of year. June 1st marks the beginning of <a href="http://offshorecpa.blogspot.com/search/label/hurricanes?max-results=6">hurricane season</a>, and the calendar seems to be dictating our weather this month: It's been monsoon-like around here, with rain boots becoming a permanent part of my wardrobe. When it's not raining, it's sizzling outside, with no wind and something like 1000% humidity. Such conditions almost make island life seem distasteful in the summer months, but I quickly forget my physical discomfort every time I enjoy a locally-grown mango.<br />
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And I enjoy quite a lot of them, which is what I was trying to say about my health. These as-good-as-candy fruits are probably making me prediabetic. I can't stop myself. The problem is, I just don't want to.<br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-EVKcCntUprc/VW5vtHr7mMI/AAAAAAABGY0/PHgsBuJkkg0/s1600/IMG_2695.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-EVKcCntUprc/VW5vtHr7mMI/AAAAAAABGY0/PHgsBuJkkg0/s640/IMG_2695.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Locally-grown mangoes come in a ton of varieties. The "common mango" and East Indian mango seem to be indigenous and plentiful, but I can't deal with all the fibrous strings when eating the flesh. My favorite, by far, are the Jakarta mangos, and I also stock up on Nam Doc, Carrie, Julie, Ice Cream (rare!), and Keitt. The characteristics I look for are a flat pit, no strings, and flesh like <i>butter</i>.<br />
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Detailed descriptions on many varieties can be found <a href="http://toptropicals.com/html/toptropicals/articles/fruit/varieties_mango.htm">here</a> - a website that has me convinced I need a mango tree (or three) at my condo.</div>
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Lately, I've been buying mangoes at the <a href="http://www.camanabay.com/pdfs/events/cb_farmers_artisans_market.pdf">Farmers and Artisans Market</a> on Wednesdays at <a href="http://www.camanabay.com/">Camana Bay</a>. If I come across an unfamiliar mango variety, the seller will often offer to cut one open and give me a taste, which usually means I go back to the office with mango juice down to my elbows.<br />
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A mango intervention might be in order. But just look at the fruity goodness oozing from these photos of me cutting open a Jakarta the other day - "mouth-watering" is no exaggeration!<br />
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Lately, I've been adding mango to our salads, our <a href="http://www.franklysara.com/2012/09/recipe-mango-guacamole/">guacamole</a>, our smoothies, and even our baked goods. Did you know that you can pretty much do a 1-for-1 substitution of mango for banana in banana bread? Not that I'm unhappy with traditional banana bread, but substitution starts to open up the mango possibilities. What about mango pancakes, mango muffins, mango ice cream? There is so much natural sweetness in a mango that it negates the need for a ton of refined sugar. We're currently on our third <a href="http://www.wholelifechallenge.com/">Whole Life Challenge</a>, and I successfully used local mango in this compliant <a href="https://www.wholelifechallenge.com/food-basics-banana-bread/">banana bread recipe</a>, which has no added sugar whatsoever!<br />
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However you choose to enjoy your mangoes, may these golden beauties remind you that living in the Caribbean during these hot and steamy summer months has its perks.<br />
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Meanwhile, I'll be the one scurrying around the farmers market looking a little sticky. But don't worry; it's just the mango juice running down this addict's face.</div>
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And don't you try to stop me.</div>
Offshorecpahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05566196350953308001noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1550644270826724918.post-17581695438162613282015-05-26T06:00:00.000-05:002015-05-26T06:00:05.393-05:00April: Part 2 - Fire Dancing and Couchsurfing<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
All kinds of wonderful people are born in April. My mother, for one. Our super-pal Rich. Our other super-pal Matt. Thomas Jefferson. <a href="http://offshorecpa.blogspot.com/2015/05/april-part-1-birthday-in-dc.html">Me, as you all know</a>. And also three of my Cayman girlfriends, two of whom <i>share</i> a birthday! As soon as they figured this out, a joint celebration was in order.</div>
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The birthday girls, Becca and Rachel, were treated to a high-class beach bonfire at the <a href="http://www.ritzcarlton.com/en/Properties/GrandCayman/Default.htm">Ritz-Carlton</a>, courtesy of Rachel's husband, Michael.</div>
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Michael's thoughtfulness and attention to detail made both of the girls (and all the guests) feel very special, which is all too appropriate during birthday month.</div>
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Guests could write messages to each of the birthday girls on special frames and on Chinese lanterns to commemorate the occasion. </div>
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Of course the Ritz created a dual-candle dessert for the girls, which preceded traditional s'mores over a fire pit.<br />
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But the excitement really kicked into high gear when a friend of Becca's arrived to do a little more with fire than roast marshmallows and chocolate.</div>
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This dude had all kinds of twirling, over-the-head, behind-the-back moves that made me really nervous and really thrilled all at the same time. Talk about being mesmerized by fire; Josue had our full attention (and the attention of all cameras and recording devices)!<br />
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Just when we thought we'd seen all the fire tricks in the book, Josue moved the beach performance down the beach to an open spot, and all of us were told to stand far back. </div>
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<i>There's something more? </i>we all thought. What could top the performance we'd just seen?</div>
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Well. That did it. Everyone instantly wanted to become a fire dancer.</div>
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The pyrotechnics continued with the lighting of two beautiful Chinese lanterns, which were set to sail off over the sea.<br />
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Folks, being born in April is something I cannot recommend enough.</div>
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In other April news...</div>
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Ok, so do you remember the couchsurfing phase we went through? It's been a while, I know, but back in 2011, we both <a href="http://offshorecpa.blogspot.com/2011/08/house-guest11.html">hosted</a> and were hosted by friendly people in the <a href="https://www.couchsurfing.com/">Couchsurfing</a> community. (For ease of review: We hosted <a href="http://offshorecpa.blogspot.com/2011/08/house-guest11.html">Stu</a> from Australia, <a href="http://offshorecpa.blogspot.com/2011/09/house-guests12.html">two girls</a> from Chicago, and <a href="http://offshorecpa.blogspot.com/2012/06/house-guests18.html">Joao & Sar</a>a from Portugal. We were guests in <a href="http://offshorecpa.blogspot.com/2011/10/eurotrip-2011-paris1.html">Paris</a>, <a href="http://offshorecpa.blogspot.com/2011/11/eurotrip-2011-brussels.html">Brussels</a>, <a href="http://offshorecpa.blogspot.com/2012/03/eurotrip-2011-prague3.html">Prague</a>, and <a href="http://offshorecpa.blogspot.com/2012/05/eurotrip-2011-berlin1.html">Berlin</a>.)</div>
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Anyway, somewhere in there--probably in 2013--Nate changed our status to Inactive. Our jobs were getting busier, we had <a href="http://offshorecpa.blogspot.com/2013/12/the-oregon-trip.html">a trip to Oregon</a> planned that didn't require couchsurfing, and we were in the midst of moving. So it just didn't make sense to host people frequently.</div>
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Recently--I couldn't tell you when because he didn't consult me (but that's beside the point)--Nate changed our status to Active again. And that's when we got a couch request.</div>
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Katie and Ashley are one-and-a-half years into a two-year around-the-world honeymoon. Katie is American, but the couple met in Australia as marine biologists (read: Great Barrier Reef territory.) Cayman was on their Caribbean itinerary, and when they saw our profile, they dropped us a line.</div>
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It's been so long since we've hosted couchsurfers that it took me a day or two to get used to the idea when Nate posed the question. So we decided to meet K&A for dinner at Southwest Collective just to get to know them. The four of us clicked immediately. We were talking about weddings, babies, futures, and pasts within the first hour! There was no other choice than to invite them to stay with us.</div>
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Kelly & David took the four of us out for a Friday evening sunset cruise to introduce the Aussies to the Cayman weekend traditions.<br />
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Floating around in the North Sound after five days in the office with nothing more than a cooler, the sunset, best friends, and a dog is the most excellent way to wind down.<br />
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We finished the night with the six of us around a table playing Wits & Wagers. My ideal Friday night.<br />
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Katie and Ash fended for themselves most of the next week while we were at work, amusing themselves with snorkeling, visiting <a href="http://offshorecpa.blogspot.com/search/label/Stingray%20City?max-results=6">Stingray City</a>, driving around the island, and even meeting members of the local marine biology community. In the evenings, it was great to share our home with them, as well as some homemade meals - one of which K&A made for us! What a lovely weeknight treat. I'll gladly share my kitchen with people who do all the cooking and clean-up.<br />
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Any. Day.<br />
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K&A left Cayman for more Caribbean destinations a few days later, but we're quite sure we have not seen the last of these two. The globe is too small a place to keep us from another visit with these lovely people.<br />
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I mean, they really bring out the best in us, don't you agree?</div>
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<i>photo credit: Kelly</i></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sorry about Olaf. It really wasn't that kind of party, I promise.</td></tr>
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I vote for a visit to Oz for our next rendezvous. Apparently, they care for orphaned baby kangaroos at their house. Can you just imagine me with a little joey?!?! I might never return. The last time I interacted with baby animals I was basically glowing:</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The baby cheetahs loved me.</td></tr>
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I need to wrap up this post because it's getting super long (this always happens!), but I have to give credit to Nate for pushing me out of my comfort zone and helping me to keep connecting with people, even ones we've never met. Our week with Katie and Ashley was very relaxed, loads of fun, and left me realizing that life is so rich and full due to the people we've met and the friendships we've formed. Life is all about people. People are the things that stories, memories, and adventures are made of. I'm glad that part of our story involves these two.</div>
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Safe travels! Hope to see you very soon!Offshorecpahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05566196350953308001noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1550644270826724918.post-66170807351900786902015-05-19T06:00:00.000-05:002015-05-19T06:00:02.694-05:00April: Part 1 - Birthday in DC<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
April has always been birthday <u>month</u>. My birthday is right at the beginning of April, just as the weather is starting to thaw out from a long Pennsylvania winter, and the song birds start to build their nests, and the buds are coming out on the trees.</div>
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Well, that's the ideal April scenario, anyhow. Truthfully, when I lived in PA, it was usually rainy on my birthday. And until I moved to Grand Cayman, I was always in the depths of audit despair working on a client with a 3/31 year-end on my special day. I was lucky if I saw the outside of a building at all.</div>
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So I usually made the client sing happy birthday to me and eat dessert in my honor. [Lemons? Lemonade.]</div>
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Due to the former professional restrictions during birthday month, I had this unfulfilled dream of experiencing the world-famous <a href="http://www.nationalcherryblossomfestival.org/">National Cherry Blossom Festival</a> in Washington D.C. Each year, thousands of visitors flood D.C.'s Tidal Basin area to enjoy the trees' short-lived peak bloom that transforms the national monuments and the city in general into a powder-pink puff of spring. For a few brief days, the city looks like it's wearing a pink tutu - one of my favorite things in life.</div>
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This year, my birthday fell right before Easter - a four-day public holiday in Cayman, which coincidentally fell on the average date range that these cherry blossoms are in full bloom. The stars seemed to be aligning, and when I identified this excellent situation back around Christmas, I started to get the wheels in motion for a birthday trip to D.C. (It's never too early to start planning birthday month.)</div>
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We arrived the night before my birthday, and so the next day, Nate let this birthday girl call the shots. I reacted accordingly and had us up and in an Uber before dawn. I wanted to see golden hour at the Tidal Basin. </div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-I8urSpsurnw/VSM9fU_roEI/AAAAAAABFps/ppq1JWhqxkU/s1600/DC%2B2015-2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-I8urSpsurnw/VSM9fU_roEI/AAAAAAABFps/ppq1JWhqxkU/s640/DC%2B2015-2.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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We'd made it! The date was exact, the time was ideal, the weather was cool and springlike...but the blossoms?<br />
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A little shy, I must say.<br />
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Nate called it the Cherry Bud Festival.<br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-sU3fsgiiMFg/VSM9Slg5KPI/AAAAAAABFps/Jk3b4nvr2XE/s1600/DC%2B2015-13.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-sU3fsgiiMFg/VSM9Slg5KPI/AAAAAAABFps/Jk3b4nvr2XE/s640/DC%2B2015-13.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
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It seems that the bitter winter weather had hung around too long and slowed down the peak bloom timeline. Nate tried to move things along with hot air, but to no avail.</div>
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My dreams of the cherry blossoms remained unfulfilled, but I still needed a photo with the trees.</div>
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Sunrise against the D.C. skyline made our early wakeup worth it.<br />
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I owe a huge debt of gratitude to photographer David Coleman and his website <a href="http://havecamerawilltravel.com/">Have Camera Will Travel</a>. His incredible annual photographic documentation of the progression of the cherry blossoms is breathtaking and practically has me pre-booking flights for next year. His blog contains a ton of great tips on how to make the most of the cherry blossom festival, including where to find some early-blooming trees, which led Nate and I straight to these:<br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-6y4P_5q9Yqg/VSM9hoAYe-I/AAAAAAABFps/WCCPKk8ceyA/s1600/DC%2B2015-25.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-6y4P_5q9Yqg/VSM9hoAYe-I/AAAAAAABFps/WCCPKk8ceyA/s640/DC%2B2015-25.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
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David was right - there were a few blossoms to be found near the D.C. World War I Memorial. If he hadn't given <a href="http://havecamerawilltravel.com/cherry-blossoms/cherry-blossom-watch-update-march-24-2015/">detailed instructions</a>, we wouldn't have ever found them.<br />
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In retrospect, we were about a week too early for the 2015 peak bloom.<br />
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A more accurate way to state this: The cherry blossoms were a week late.</div>
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Still, being up and about before the sun and all the tourists had its perks. We walked the length of the National Mall without running into a soul.</div>
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How often do you get photos of the monuments without 100 other people in your frame?<br />
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And Nate had an uninterrupted view when saluting the National World War II Memorial and the Lincoln Memorial.<br />
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Cherry blossoms or not, D.C. treated me right on my birthday.<br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-6Bl3BSz6dko/VSM9nT99zxI/AAAAAAABFps/od2i5UIt2j0/s1600/DC%2B2015-36.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-6Bl3BSz6dko/VSM9nT99zxI/AAAAAAABFps/od2i5UIt2j0/s640/DC%2B2015-36.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
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I don't have room in this post to go into detail, but based on recommendations from Michael and Rachel, our D.C.-turned-Cayman friends, we enjoyed some pretty delicious meals while in the city. Next time you're in the nation's capital, do yourself a favor and visit <a href="http://www.wearefoundingfarmers.com/">Founding Farmers</a>, <a href="http://unionmarketdc.com/">Union Market</a>, and <a href="http://irongaterestaurantdc.com/">Iron Gate</a>. </div>
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Oh. And <a href="https://www.shakeshack.com/">Shake Shack</a>. (Twice.)</div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-pS5iUL-F7Rw/VSM9EzgwzuI/AAAAAAABFps/F1sVtuWEm-w/s1600/DC%2B2015-102.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-pS5iUL-F7Rw/VSM9EzgwzuI/AAAAAAABFps/F1sVtuWEm-w/s640/DC%2B2015-102.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Hip, hip, hooray for delicious things waiting for me in the room! Thanks <a href="http://www.ritzcarlton.com/en/Properties/WashingtonDC/Default.htm">Ritz-Carlton</a>!</td></tr>
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Later that weekend, we had the chance to visit with Brad & Alyssa - friends from Cayman who have moved back to the U.S., had a baby, and are pregnant with their second! I can't believe how much time has passed. It was a treat for us to finally hang with Baby E - one of the most pleasant kids under the age of two you'll ever meet.<br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-V_LQsIwWxdY/VSM9rP-SvsI/AAAAAAABFps/fRHoaSEfEMQ/s1600/DC%2B2015-42.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-V_LQsIwWxdY/VSM9rP-SvsI/AAAAAAABFps/fRHoaSEfEMQ/s640/DC%2B2015-42.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">He's just as smart as he looks!</td></tr>
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Even Nate got involved, which is always the sign of an excellent kid.</div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-lbZ2ayBfROU/VSM9vRNsnrI/AAAAAAABFps/Cv1yCpue7w4/s1600/DC%2B2015-48.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-lbZ2ayBfROU/VSM9vRNsnrI/AAAAAAABFps/Cv1yCpue7w4/s640/DC%2B2015-48.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
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These three make a wonderful young family, and it's heartwarming to see them thriving in the greater D.C. area!<br />
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Speaking of young families, we spent Easter Sunday with childhood friends who have expanded their families in the past six or so years. These three were running around and terrorizing their neighborhoods about twenty years ago, and there are now six offspring following in their footsteps!<br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-m2RrBeScQJY/VSM9MTi5LKI/AAAAAAABFps/aPoB5s8m8pA/s1600/DC%2B2015-115.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-m2RrBeScQJY/VSM9MTi5LKI/AAAAAAABFps/aPoB5s8m8pA/s640/DC%2B2015-115.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Four of those kids belong to this mama - a living superhero, if there ever was one.<br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/--GjiSH1dC5k/VSM9aTTPEgI/AAAAAAABFps/ZqAqxpjIDZ8/s1600/DC%2B2015-146.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/--GjiSH1dC5k/VSM9aTTPEgI/AAAAAAABFps/ZqAqxpjIDZ8/s640/DC%2B2015-146.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
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Not only does her household consist of six humans and one dog, but she also hosted eight additional people for a stunning homemade Easter Sunday brunch!</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-7FM-PuSbmmw/VSM9NHMAQmI/AAAAAAABFps/ceg-qUrwYzs/s1600/DC%2B2015-116.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-7FM-PuSbmmw/VSM9NHMAQmI/AAAAAAABFps/ceg-qUrwYzs/s640/DC%2B2015-116.jpg" width="426" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Underneath this gorgeous spread is a handmade DIY farmhouse table.<br />Apparently Jon is no one-trick pony!</td></tr>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-sMU2NkraURI/VSM9NRvfCSI/AAAAAAABFps/3Q4D0bFBtxo/s1600/DC%2B2015-117.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-sMU2NkraURI/VSM9NRvfCSI/AAAAAAABFps/3Q4D0bFBtxo/s640/DC%2B2015-117.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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It took just three of my amazing childhood friends to create this colorful array of mouth-watering food. We are so spoiled.<br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-zanpnuxm6CM/VSM9OCAkFdI/AAAAAAABFps/WlprD3x6WrU/s1600/DC%2B2015-118.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-zanpnuxm6CM/VSM9OCAkFdI/AAAAAAABFps/WlprD3x6WrU/s640/DC%2B2015-118.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The most darling.</td></tr>
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After brunch the parents conducted a big Easter egg hunt for the kids. I spent most of my time watching from the deck - the little ones wandering around, trying to figure out the point of the whole thing while the big ones raced up trees and down slides to gather as many brightly-colored eggs as possible.</div>
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Of all the fun things we packed into my birthday weekend - cherry buds/blossoms, national monuments, shopping, museums, restaurants, and the National Archives (which I cannot recommend enough, by the way), spending time with lifelong friends brought us the most joy. </div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-pyeyJx89Hlk/VSM9P68XLTI/AAAAAAABFps/sJQk6O79TC0/s1600/DC%2B2015-122.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-pyeyJx89Hlk/VSM9P68XLTI/AAAAAAABFps/sJQk6O79TC0/s640/DC%2B2015-122.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<i>photo credit: B&A</i></div>
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We may be separated by bodies of water and a whole bunch of miles, but the distance doesn't seem so great when I remember that only a couple flights and several hours are all that's in the way of hugging these precious people again. This has been the greatest outcome of our nearly five-year Cayman adventure: Building relationships that withstand the tests of time and distance. These people are part of our expanded definition of "family", and spending time with them on my birthday seems like the most natural thing in the world.</div>
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In the next April post, I'll share some of the birthday limelight with other April babies, and also share some photos relating to a topic that I haven't brought up in a while: Couchsurfing. Stay tuned!</div>
<br />Offshorecpahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05566196350953308001noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1550644270826724918.post-20920997448526078622015-04-15T22:29:00.001-05:002015-04-15T22:29:25.965-05:00January: Bubbles and Snowflakes<div style="text-align: center;">
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January is long gone, but we had a couple first-time-ever experiences that need some blog exposure, so I hope you'll enjoy the social hilarity and the natural beauty documented in the two following features:</div>
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<i>1. Bubble Soccer</i></div>
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Question: Has anyone out there ever been to a speed networking event? You know the ones - where you take a stack of business cards to a local watering hole, and you rotate around the room at the sound of the bell, giving your "elevator speech" about two dozen times, hoping for just one business lead to make it all worth it, secretly wishing for it to just be over. (Or was that just me?) I remember going to these in the early days of my career, and all I wanted was to locate a colleague, moan about busy season for a little bit, and go on my way. Sorry folks, but forced networking is the worst.</div>
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Next question: Have you ever been to a bubble soccer networking event?</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrYItjUGwUQ8-fa6Y3XPeOlBlzYw5_-RhrB1GXgN2Aj-3-sKoTY4dWMcjbacEmTxX8ZkoglSVSny0-v0ZZok-9AKZpnqus7wXt1V6LKMd0zyy6Yhbg_-evyXZnWANCxJhR-5fILxVY_tg/s1600/IMG_1144.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrYItjUGwUQ8-fa6Y3XPeOlBlzYw5_-RhrB1GXgN2Aj-3-sKoTY4dWMcjbacEmTxX8ZkoglSVSny0-v0ZZok-9AKZpnqus7wXt1V6LKMd0zyy6Yhbg_-evyXZnWANCxJhR-5fILxVY_tg/s1600/IMG_1144.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
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No?</div>
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You're missing out.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0StrFAt-zTWIHUudYOamdIpA7X6i5zJSUVyCf-BsaZA3pj-xoewNAyLsc3bIMgImoJ4AqDmIRbcimWRm6M_Dwr2hR25pODZLfJe-Z0RbyJ7jvvG5WeaOqnB7Ll1uRaDvTyU4gPKSH1Ho/s1600/IMG_1155.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0StrFAt-zTWIHUudYOamdIpA7X6i5zJSUVyCf-BsaZA3pj-xoewNAyLsc3bIMgImoJ4AqDmIRbcimWRm6M_Dwr2hR25pODZLfJe-Z0RbyJ7jvvG5WeaOqnB7Ll1uRaDvTyU4gPKSH1Ho/s1600/IMG_1155.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
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I can honestly say that I had no idea what this form of recreation was until Nate saw a feature on social media and was basically falling off his chair in laughter. Naturally, he wanted to experience this activity first hand, but despite searching high and low on this small island, there were no bubble soccer leagues to be found. So he decided to import a whole bunch of adult-sized blow-up balls for a corporate networking event.</div>
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These contraptions turn everyone into a "bubble boy", making physical "contact" with other players not only harmless but also downright hilarious. Take a look at my video review of the evening:</div>
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Great stuff, right?! Hats off to Nate for importing, organizing, and running arguably the most hilarious networking event this island has ever seen. Leave your starched shirts and ties at home; laughing your way through a business introduction is way more effective.</div>
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<i>2. Snowboarding in the Alps</i></div>
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Maybe this is going to reveal just how American I am, but I never really dreamed that I would go on a ski trip in the Alps one day. We grew up skiing and snowboarding on a tiny little ski slope in central PA, and the most aggressive hills I'd ever experienced were in the Poconos. Nate's been out to Colorado a couple times, and I'd just love to visit Utah in the winter, but the Alps? That just sounded too fancy.</div>
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But then our fancy (read: non-American) friends starting to scheme up an idea that would pair up a bunch of old ski buddies with new Cayman pals to collectively descend upon a ski chalet in St. Anton, Austria. Nothing could stop these former BUSC organizers from recreating scenes and experiences from university days, and before long, we were along for the wild, wintery ride.</div>
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I have two main observations worth sharing:<br />
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<i>1. Lessons are underrated.</i><br />
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This statement holds true for skiers and snowboarders at all levels, and with my lack of experience and major hiatus from snow sports (I live in the Caribbean, for crying out loud!), my one day of group lessons was incredibly helpful and only left me wanting more. If and when there is a "next time", lessons will be the first thing I spend money on.<br />
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<i>2. If you want picturesque European winter scenery, go straight to St. Anton.</i><br />
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I didn't take my DSLR on the slopes, but the photos in the village satisfied my need to document the snowy beauty.<br />
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Our chalet was on one end of town, and I would frequently finish my last run of the day at the other end of the village, opting out of a shuttle ride in favor of a quiet, snowy walk through St. Anton. I actually turned down a free tax ride one day for this:</div>
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And just so you have an idea of how absolutely excellent the conditions and views were on the mountain, please see the following iPhone photos, straight from the Austrian Alps:</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOAMqSc-WCEu33-BZKWCwumIGriHyTesLTqhkGtGA4QCH6E-Tw4pUYfxK1nYfRF5gK9ALrLCTS_7wrGGRI96oRM2iJGKRoQQ4R5DbIzaTsiM7MoJ3mZj6OS99fCO11Dgy1DLzBeF7ECx0/s1600/IMG_3174.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOAMqSc-WCEu33-BZKWCwumIGriHyTesLTqhkGtGA4QCH6E-Tw4pUYfxK1nYfRF5gK9ALrLCTS_7wrGGRI96oRM2iJGKRoQQ4R5DbIzaTsiM7MoJ3mZj6OS99fCO11Dgy1DLzBeF7ECx0/s1600/IMG_3174.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCXzyFUWhWQ6GwTgs-dgyWFA8IWxckEhRVpmIIngI-BkS3p4CaZPUuaZKJtfpY2PbhYdolPElAGYwbwuYb1Ghc960O_yqbCTJBLfOIhP9fczZc_xd5gI9BKWt2f5UPVByl0KsSwKF31T0/s1600/IMG_3185.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCXzyFUWhWQ6GwTgs-dgyWFA8IWxckEhRVpmIIngI-BkS3p4CaZPUuaZKJtfpY2PbhYdolPElAGYwbwuYb1Ghc960O_yqbCTJBLfOIhP9fczZc_xd5gI9BKWt2f5UPVByl0KsSwKF31T0/s1600/IMG_3185.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipfVaiT63InlmHDreFY18eLhDD4yFqbhvx7uqgVprIxXmBel2YRH1NcqJJKn98govrc1P4U2TvGhDfRPx7nWr9FcGEIHI6D6G_LjL5h1vvCexYcf5YYyHuFaZ7gjTutIvdELhk43sj8QY/s1600/IMG_3257.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipfVaiT63InlmHDreFY18eLhDD4yFqbhvx7uqgVprIxXmBel2YRH1NcqJJKn98govrc1P4U2TvGhDfRPx7nWr9FcGEIHI6D6G_LjL5h1vvCexYcf5YYyHuFaZ7gjTutIvdELhk43sj8QY/s1600/IMG_3257.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
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After everyone came in off the slopes, the real ski holiday bonding began.<br />
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Like Australia Day at the Krazy Kanguruh.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh93OTx8fJCnu6ybKJByrNDl3SN9K09_kZrnfzo9Jx59qGRuEegBYsfmKr-z9VCjXlAR_kbCdZAdHeSvM8e0Vl_hx6QlNLWCt-u1AstobRUhMZPGSmosCuCzQuQ3JAl5QKw2BIYrsHowJ8/s1600/IMG_3187.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh93OTx8fJCnu6ybKJByrNDl3SN9K09_kZrnfzo9Jx59qGRuEegBYsfmKr-z9VCjXlAR_kbCdZAdHeSvM8e0Vl_hx6QlNLWCt-u1AstobRUhMZPGSmosCuCzQuQ3JAl5QKw2BIYrsHowJ8/s1600/IMG_3187.jpg" height="640" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This is the Dancing-on-Tables edition.</td></tr>
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Also: Kelly's chiro services.<br />
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If you want an all-in-one recap, I suggest you watch <a href="http://mayaogorzalek.com/">Maya's</a> excellent video montage for more complete coverage of this <a href="http://mayaogorzalek.com/2015/02/19/side-splitting-and-leg-crippling-st-anton/">trip</a>:</div>
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Did you see that marshmallow world?! Talk about perfect winter conditions - we couldn't have asked for better. But a week of bitter cold left me longing for our Caribbean island. I was glad to get back to views like this on my way home from work:<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivPZ6Cbw5_kLpAxrCPb2qJRyiLJheLDk6liBUvgYoW0wfSOg9-K6rhI0KeloTXN4FKJ98xa4-BNmrhEC9texuvi9yzKaMVrZZPTpOAY8RNPdxMJ9zhhi_WNLWRf-AnuTbfootLbVmeNFE/s1600/IMG_3370.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivPZ6Cbw5_kLpAxrCPb2qJRyiLJheLDk6liBUvgYoW0wfSOg9-K6rhI0KeloTXN4FKJ98xa4-BNmrhEC9texuvi9yzKaMVrZZPTpOAY8RNPdxMJ9zhhi_WNLWRf-AnuTbfootLbVmeNFE/s1600/IMG_3370.JPG" height="640" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
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<br />Summer weather all winter long? Now that's an experience I can cope with every day.<br /><div style="text-align: center;">
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Offshorecpahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05566196350953308001noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1550644270826724918.post-77308872621875213222015-04-12T06:00:00.000-05:002015-07-19T19:25:41.197-05:00A Newborn ShootOne month ago was the much-anticipated birth of Jeremy and Sheena's firstborn daughter. We were so excited to meet the newborn, and we are all so thankful that Baby R and her parents are healthy and happy as they start their new lives as a family.<br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-8HrjDi0jzXU/VRKrNnlubJI/AAAAAAABFN4/Nvw7Voi_uqU/s1600/Strickland%2BNewborn-24.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-8HrjDi0jzXU/VRKrNnlubJI/AAAAAAABFN4/Nvw7Voi_uqU/s1600/Strickland%2BNewborn-24.jpg" height="640" width="426" /></a></div>
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When Baby R was ten days old, I had the privilege of doing a newborn lifestyle shoot with the new baby and her parents in their home. I love these kinds of shoots! It's a genuine way to document the early days of a little person's life in a safe, familiar environment. Here are some of my favorites:<br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-k47GtREjsDg/VRKr_yZDksI/AAAAAAABFN4/bpBYt5IHb1g/s1600/Strickland%2BNewborn-6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-k47GtREjsDg/VRKr_yZDksI/AAAAAAABFN4/bpBYt5IHb1g/s1600/Strickland%2BNewborn-6.jpg" height="640" width="426" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-CK78E423WZE/VRKrDaj2mbI/AAAAAAABFN4/So1I_oEVySg/s1600/Strickland%2BNewborn-15.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-CK78E423WZE/VRKrDaj2mbI/AAAAAAABFN4/So1I_oEVySg/s1600/Strickland%2BNewborn-15.jpg" height="640" width="426" /></a></div>
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And just so we're clear, this is actually a family of four:</div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_N6KqO3wasE/VRKrIGQ-t_I/AAAAAAABFN4/GBQp8l8pyyk/s1600/Strickland%2BNewborn-19.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_N6KqO3wasE/VRKrIGQ-t_I/AAAAAAABFN4/GBQp8l8pyyk/s1600/Strickland%2BNewborn-19.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-eigcJ82A9cs/VRKrT84fWjI/AAAAAAABFN4/qmwXV9UR7BE/s1600/Strickland%2BNewborn-29.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-eigcJ82A9cs/VRKrT84fWjI/AAAAAAABFN4/qmwXV9UR7BE/s1600/Strickland%2BNewborn-29.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
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Sleep is a prized luxury to new parents (or possibly all parents!), so I wanted to capture the feeling of a family nap, especially during that fleeing period when babies (hopefully) sleep all the time.<br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-sgiOraOAhRY/VRKrY3J5ecI/AAAAAAABFN4/yQiR-V-2IAw/s1600/Strickland%2BNewborn-32.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-sgiOraOAhRY/VRKrY3J5ecI/AAAAAAABFN4/yQiR-V-2IAw/s1600/Strickland%2BNewborn-32.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-hwgiAkc3UbE/VRKrb2WrrkI/AAAAAAABFN4/v8yPbDEE43o/s1600/Strickland%2BNewborn-35.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-hwgiAkc3UbE/VRKrb2WrrkI/AAAAAAABFN4/v8yPbDEE43o/s1600/Strickland%2BNewborn-35.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-1vew-F9t2YE/VRKr2TKHFlI/AAAAAAABFN4/Rq4AqWS52WQ/s1600/Strickland%2BNewborn-51.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-1vew-F9t2YE/VRKr2TKHFlI/AAAAAAABFN4/Rq4AqWS52WQ/s1600/Strickland%2BNewborn-51.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
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I also love how lifestyle shoots can capture the natural emotions and expressions of the subjects. The pride and joy in these next two photos are almost palpable.</div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-MErxBw6eY7k/VRKriTuAQPI/AAAAAAABFN4/-eeeyIbZgQA/s1600/Strickland%2BNewborn-40.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-MErxBw6eY7k/VRKriTuAQPI/AAAAAAABFN4/-eeeyIbZgQA/s1600/Strickland%2BNewborn-40.jpg" height="640" width="426" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-2BQeg8SN79s/VRKrubgErnI/AAAAAAABFN4/wFqmsGJ9C4A/s1600/Strickland%2BNewborn-47.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-2BQeg8SN79s/VRKrubgErnI/AAAAAAABFN4/wFqmsGJ9C4A/s1600/Strickland%2BNewborn-47.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
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Newborn lifestyle shoots are also a great time to capture all the little details - tiny fingers and toes, miniature ears and tiny baby yawns.</div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Zx5kh1UmZDE/VRKr_uM3hHI/AAAAAAABFN4/2PsStviD6dU/s1600/Strickland%2BNewborn-60.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Zx5kh1UmZDE/VRKr_uM3hHI/AAAAAAABFN4/2PsStviD6dU/s1600/Strickland%2BNewborn-60.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-xAE-7Gw6PLI/VRKq8BFJW7I/AAAAAAABFN4/-BvEdJSukQ4/s1600/Strickland%2BNewborn-11.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-xAE-7Gw6PLI/VRKq8BFJW7I/AAAAAAABFN4/-BvEdJSukQ4/s1600/Strickland%2BNewborn-11.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-0sn_KalY6To/VRKuOdI1oZI/AAAAAAABFN4/bKclE60PXbw/s1600/Strickland%2BNewborn-61-COLLAGE.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-0sn_KalY6To/VRKuOdI1oZI/AAAAAAABFN4/bKclE60PXbw/s1600/Strickland%2BNewborn-61-COLLAGE.jpg" height="640" width="640" /></a></div>
I love the little morning stretch she goes through! And this adorable yawn!<br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-kApo7-ae-nY/VRKsE--RBiI/AAAAAAABFN4/KkSUJ3hfq-w/s1600/Strickland%2BNewborn-64.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-kApo7-ae-nY/VRKsE--RBiI/AAAAAAABFN4/KkSUJ3hfq-w/s1600/Strickland%2BNewborn-64.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
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With yawns this size, it must be time to head to bed with Mom and Dad.<br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-DAe2yb9oq5w/VRKsSwbmYDI/AAAAAAABFN4/9Z4PwsnRc4E/s1600/Strickland%2BNewborn-75.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-DAe2yb9oq5w/VRKsSwbmYDI/AAAAAAABFN4/9Z4PwsnRc4E/s1600/Strickland%2BNewborn-75.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-VZ82yvS_7H4/VRKsNtGbM3I/AAAAAAABFN4/qkAPJLfGiBc/s1600/Strickland%2BNewborn-71.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-VZ82yvS_7H4/VRKsNtGbM3I/AAAAAAABFN4/qkAPJLfGiBc/s1600/Strickland%2BNewborn-71.jpg" height="640" width="426" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-i11UYuxQcVg/VRKsegg5OVI/AAAAAAABFN4/lcuYSoOMmFs/s1600/Strickland%2BNewborn-83.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-i11UYuxQcVg/VRKsegg5OVI/AAAAAAABFN4/lcuYSoOMmFs/s1600/Strickland%2BNewborn-83.jpg" height="640" width="426" /></a></div>
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I feel so blessed to be part of this family's life, and to get to spend time with them in their home and photograph these early memories was an absolute treat for me.<br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-id62GpHOt48/VRKskmimcMI/AAAAAAABFN4/OqvfaMM1Xwg/s1600/Strickland%2BNewborn-89.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-id62GpHOt48/VRKskmimcMI/AAAAAAABFN4/OqvfaMM1Xwg/s1600/Strickland%2BNewborn-89.jpg" height="640" width="426" /></a></div>
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I hope that these are the first of many happy memories we'll get to capture of this little one's life in Cayman. Welcome to the world, Baby R!</div>
Offshorecpahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05566196350953308001noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1550644270826724918.post-19259026174867314132015-03-23T19:40:00.001-05:002015-07-19T19:25:49.834-05:00celebrating new lifeAs the oldest of four children, I still remember the day my youngest sister was born. I can't say the same about the birthdays of the middle two; I was too young at the time. But when baby Esther made her grand entrance into my seven-and-a-half-year-old life back in the '90s, it was a meaningful event. Suddenly, all those hours of playing house and caring for baby dolls, always ensuring they were well-fed and well-rested, were rewarded with the chance to help nurture a real live baby sister.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwnKVVitrLShunFE4a_x3bXuSOqa2UnKBZe31E1Afl6nPjwNmbm-O1-z-OYRBP7B0hpMrK7mmOCJuAu1EEGtnxIkeoQhYaSHXVUkNhcp_7MIltunvmtSIBxUG6zugQkrRXLleHEe9D9uQ/s1600/Screen+Shot+2015-03-23+at+7.10.41+PM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwnKVVitrLShunFE4a_x3bXuSOqa2UnKBZe31E1Afl6nPjwNmbm-O1-z-OYRBP7B0hpMrK7mmOCJuAu1EEGtnxIkeoQhYaSHXVUkNhcp_7MIltunvmtSIBxUG6zugQkrRXLleHEe9D9uQ/s1600/Screen+Shot+2015-03-23+at+7.10.41+PM.png" height="640" width="468" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Thanks to the real Mom for digging these photos out of the archives for me.</td></tr>
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And I considered myself to be a very capable second mother to the most adorable baby I'd ever seen.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWr2M-LX_KcPc67T700L1a_qTkqzaWfEUa3Lx-p2SGJca28FHjt44b5zNN8vcyM9hGgX7CGf3cH2Tyqh46cMkN2IszwqOY4sKoHgWR83gAgCZAUPjp_ooX-M6vEkj2-XRFjYYTSYed79E/s1600/Screen+Shot+2015-03-23+at+7.13.23+PM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWr2M-LX_KcPc67T700L1a_qTkqzaWfEUa3Lx-p2SGJca28FHjt44b5zNN8vcyM9hGgX7CGf3cH2Tyqh46cMkN2IszwqOY4sKoHgWR83gAgCZAUPjp_ooX-M6vEkj2-XRFjYYTSYed79E/s1600/Screen+Shot+2015-03-23+at+7.13.23+PM.png" height="640" width="434" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Esther in a baby cradle, just catching up with her girls.</td></tr>
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Since that time, we've all become adults, and there have been a number of babies born to close friends of mine. Over the years, I've seen lots of photos of the growing baby bumps, the precious moments after delivery, the newborn photo shoots, etc. But I've always had to watch from afar; we haven't lived near any of these friends when they gave birth, and it's always been a bittersweet experience for me to be so distant during those fleeting weeks, not able to directly partake in the joys of new life as it unfolds.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilL6TXjQeltC5fWDdZcoGtn7RZJczStItjjnNRv-ixMpeEwHgmeyVdEogbVJKH1WdRVGIiqcSptdx0EasWrRm7ZzkQPdZaik-7geLoKuEj72Z5Itc_h_T-NQa6cwavHh2OFN7Z4KN2Rp8/s1600/Screen+Shot+2015-03-23+at+7.18.54+PM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilL6TXjQeltC5fWDdZcoGtn7RZJczStItjjnNRv-ixMpeEwHgmeyVdEogbVJKH1WdRVGIiqcSptdx0EasWrRm7ZzkQPdZaik-7geLoKuEj72Z5Itc_h_T-NQa6cwavHh2OFN7Z4KN2Rp8/s1600/Screen+Shot+2015-03-23+at+7.18.54+PM.png" height="452" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Esther, aren't you having a Merry Christmas?!</td></tr>
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Until now. Our super close friends, Jeremy and Sheena, recently gave birth to their firstborn daughter here in Cayman. What an exciting new experience for us just watching the pregnancy develop, seeing how the new parents have adjusted their lives to make room for a new one. I think we're all starting to have an appreciation for the sacrifices our parents made to make our lives possible.<br />
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It's been such a privilege to be part of the new baby experience alongside our friends, who are like a brother and sister to us. A few weeks before the baby's arrival, I had the chance to do a maternity shoot with Jeremy and Sheena, capturing the final days of pregnancy before they added a baby girl to their family tree.<br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-CuUZJTQFsg8/VOikdR3aF-I/AAAAAAABEmU/A04cb9voEVs/s1600/Stricklands%2BMaternity-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-CuUZJTQFsg8/VOikdR3aF-I/AAAAAAABEmU/A04cb9voEVs/s1600/Stricklands%2BMaternity-1.jpg" height="640" width="426" /></a></div>
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A note about the creative process: Being just a photographer hobbyist as opposed to a full-time professional, I sometimes get myself into funny situations with the people I'm shooting. It's almost like I have a good idea, but it's not fully developed yet. So I'll say, "Ok, go stand over in front of that palm tree, and face each other." And they do. Then I'll say, "Ok Jeremy, put your hand, um, on Sheena." And he does. </div>
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And then I make him move it somewhere more family-friendly.</div>
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And then they laugh, and the picture turns out okay.</div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-fcACuVf_qJo/VOilNG4hTOI/AAAAAAABEuU/Sm3i2Skislg/s1600/Stricklands%2BMaternity-7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-fcACuVf_qJo/VOilNG4hTOI/AAAAAAABEuU/Sm3i2Skislg/s1600/Stricklands%2BMaternity-7.jpg" height="640" width="426" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-RNVc8r78Bag/VOikjJsxYrI/AAAAAAABEnY/bL47Tsz4POk/s1600/Stricklands%2BMaternity-17.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-RNVc8r78Bag/VOikjJsxYrI/AAAAAAABEnY/bL47Tsz4POk/s1600/Stricklands%2BMaternity-17.jpg" height="640" width="426" /></a></div>
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We had a couple additional props for this shoot. For one, the "firstborn" - Maya, the Yorkie-Maltese puppy.<br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-e4c6eSeE5Yc/VOikfUQFinI/AAAAAAABEms/VgnEs3yrPp8/s1600/Stricklands%2BMaternity-13.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-e4c6eSeE5Yc/VOikfUQFinI/AAAAAAABEms/VgnEs3yrPp8/s1600/Stricklands%2BMaternity-13.jpg" height="640" width="426" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-6fM_4Qp_fXo/VOik9EpHTKI/AAAAAAABErk/Iucvtuh61_8/s1600/Stricklands%2BMaternity-49.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-6fM_4Qp_fXo/VOik9EpHTKI/AAAAAAABErk/Iucvtuh61_8/s1600/Stricklands%2BMaternity-49.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
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Another was a pair of shoes that Sheena wore as an infant. So small and precious!</div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-UGmO0suHj0Y/VOiknYnGqdI/AAAAAAABEoE/cFNEYi5MEC0/s1600/Stricklands%2BMaternity-23.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-UGmO0suHj0Y/VOiknYnGqdI/AAAAAAABEoE/cFNEYi5MEC0/s1600/Stricklands%2BMaternity-23.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
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But I'm really not into excessive props when you've got a radiant mother subject like this one.</div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ijyPwEClEmU/VOikrOQsXGI/AAAAAAABEos/NuaBoExSTKo/s1600/Stricklands%2BMaternity-28.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ijyPwEClEmU/VOikrOQsXGI/AAAAAAABEos/NuaBoExSTKo/s1600/Stricklands%2BMaternity-28.jpg" height="640" width="426" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Zh8eXbNr3pQ/VOik06NXazI/AAAAAAABEqI/DkPFPq3RBN0/s1600/Stricklands%2BMaternity-38.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Zh8eXbNr3pQ/VOik06NXazI/AAAAAAABEqI/DkPFPq3RBN0/s1600/Stricklands%2BMaternity-38.jpg" height="640" width="426" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ng61v6TGdGU/VOik9A9oBbI/AAAAAAABErg/unon3PlXdAQ/s1600/Stricklands%2BMaternity-48.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ng61v6TGdGU/VOik9A9oBbI/AAAAAAABErg/unon3PlXdAQ/s1600/Stricklands%2BMaternity-48.jpg" height="640" width="426" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-QXI8iJiKpaM/VOilNhR0ZWI/AAAAAAABEuc/b53qXZ1DJFs/s1600/Stricklands%2BMaternity-69.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-QXI8iJiKpaM/VOilNhR0ZWI/AAAAAAABEuc/b53qXZ1DJFs/s1600/Stricklands%2BMaternity-69.jpg" height="640" width="426" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-falI4QKr1CI/VOilJ9sJ7kI/AAAAAAABEuA/AXPhZhazbzI/s1600/Stricklands%2BMaternity-67.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-falI4QKr1CI/VOilJ9sJ7kI/AAAAAAABEuA/AXPhZhazbzI/s1600/Stricklands%2BMaternity-67.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
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Building relationships with friends like these two is what has kept Cayman so attractive to us over the past 4+ years. As they add to their family, it feels like our own family is growing at the same time.</div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Ra8A2erM9lw/VOilCXyu6JI/AAAAAAABEss/Wov9BNMjxyo/s1600/Stricklands%2BMaternity-57.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Ra8A2erM9lw/VOilCXyu6JI/AAAAAAABEss/Wov9BNMjxyo/s1600/Stricklands%2BMaternity-57.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-vIgiq2mPhCU/VOilHt99zQI/AAAAAAABEtk/4Cp21XuNBQ8/s1600/Stricklands%2BMaternity-63.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-vIgiq2mPhCU/VOilHt99zQI/AAAAAAABEtk/4Cp21XuNBQ8/s1600/Stricklands%2BMaternity-63.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
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Congratulations to this wonderful couple and all the extended relatives! We look forward to your adventures in parenting and hope to be a support to you all!<br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-2YdSDpWKKZc/VOilYcpWuNI/AAAAAAABEw0/uYkEJt7-SuY/s1600/Stricklands%2BMaternity-87.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-2YdSDpWKKZc/VOilYcpWuNI/AAAAAAABEw0/uYkEJt7-SuY/s1600/Stricklands%2BMaternity-87.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
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As for all those years of faux-mothering my little sister? I guess they were good preparation for being a faux-aunt to this little one.</div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-8S_033dzAH4/VQYDw3jgGKI/AAAAAAABFAA/nBT43qmiY_c/s1600/IMG_1741.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-8S_033dzAH4/VQYDw3jgGKI/AAAAAAABFAA/nBT43qmiY_c/s1600/IMG_1741.jpg" height="400" width="266" /></a><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-edaAhMjsmMk/VQYDzVCdxMI/AAAAAAABFAA/M6zQ0wpYO6s/s1600/IMG_1746.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-edaAhMjsmMk/VQYDzVCdxMI/AAAAAAABFAA/M6zQ0wpYO6s/s1600/IMG_1746.jpg" height="400" width="266" /></a></div>
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Next time: Shots from the lifestyle newborn shoot. So much cuteness to capture!!</div>
Offshorecpahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05566196350953308001noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1550644270826724918.post-22396124045808370292015-03-01T17:55:00.002-05:002015-03-01T17:55:24.772-05:00December: Family Time, RedefinedIn December, we hosted Nate's family for Christmas - an every-other-year tradition. Having time off from work while surrounded by visiting family meant much of our time was devoted to catching up with parents and siblings, so before they arrived, we made sure to get another slice of our "family" on the calendar - time with Jill & Jamie and their three kids. Although we've known them for less than two years, this family is part of our core in Cayman, and we love it when we get to join their family nights at home.<br />
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The kids were abuzz with extra excitement on this particular evening, because they had gotten official authorization to sleep in a tent. Nate, with his Mountain Man beard, seemed the most qualified candidate to coordinate assembly.<br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-YBAZiZ-xvk0/VNZdZJZ5VHI/AAAAAAABD14/kjOQIlKZYG4/s1600/IMG_0954.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-YBAZiZ-xvk0/VNZdZJZ5VHI/AAAAAAABD14/kjOQIlKZYG4/s1600/IMG_0954.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
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Thanks to this happy little guy, we all learned that his beloved flashlight worked perfectly</div>
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not only in <u>his</u> bedroom but also his <u>sister's</u> bedroom. Useful info when you plan to sleep in a tent in the room next door. He made sure to demonstrate so we could all feel at ease with the lighting situation.</div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-xcI1pyWLdcM/VNZdZvWVM6I/AAAAAAABD18/gqRXxpVMEmc/s1600/IMG_0956.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-xcI1pyWLdcM/VNZdZvWVM6I/AAAAAAABD18/gqRXxpVMEmc/s1600/IMG_0956.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
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The baby of the family has the world's best game face. Unfazed by tent-induced excitement or motherly affection, she took on the role of supervisor.</div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-tbTHXSzh9qI/VNZdYGlGeHI/AAAAAAABD1s/jv-EghXxCQA/s1600/IMG_0950.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-tbTHXSzh9qI/VNZdYGlGeHI/AAAAAAABD1s/jv-EghXxCQA/s1600/IMG_0950.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-XqZImsTRFro/VNZdbnVo5QI/AAAAAAABD2c/YhZ8mfT5dY8/s1600/IMG_0960.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-XqZImsTRFro/VNZdbnVo5QI/AAAAAAABD2c/YhZ8mfT5dY8/s1600/IMG_0960.jpg" height="640" width="426" /></a></div>
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Remember the days when you were the right size to fit into a Lightning McQueen tent with all your siblings <i>and</i> your snacks?<br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/--uuKuDlpWqI/VNZddvFHB2I/AAAAAAABD20/dMKvKHISExw/s1600/IMG_0970.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/--uuKuDlpWqI/VNZddvFHB2I/AAAAAAABD20/dMKvKHISExw/s1600/IMG_0970.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
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Happy little feet. I love it.<br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-3U0ngODqoh4/VNZdf3kjPDI/AAAAAAABD3I/LN4F4tgipEA/s1600/IMG_0975.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-3U0ngODqoh4/VNZdf3kjPDI/AAAAAAABD3I/LN4F4tgipEA/s1600/IMG_0975.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
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Finally, our blood relatives arrived...<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiw-Ayo4qXbqsLmpwkuU8_unBZBjb2pm40TQNfGYC3syf7vNyj_k7XsJ95oDWkDxeraktr8TguUGcN_dhB62lrQk4xQTnhqxih9HM4mVs55SwIG3GdOzSvR6xM_QdFONwkPird61sZqDQA/s1600/smith0002+(67%2Bof%2B67).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiw-Ayo4qXbqsLmpwkuU8_unBZBjb2pm40TQNfGYC3syf7vNyj_k7XsJ95oDWkDxeraktr8TguUGcN_dhB62lrQk4xQTnhqxih9HM4mVs55SwIG3GdOzSvR6xM_QdFONwkPird61sZqDQA/s1600/smith0002+(67%2Bof%2B67).jpg" height="384" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">photo by <a href="http://www.amystrzalko.com/blog/">Amy Strzalko</a></td></tr>
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...as did Christmas Day.<br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-TMMqDQ6U1y0/VOkvHKAu9MI/AAAAAAABE5I/bYzNQjN_ykM/s1600/IMG_0982.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-TMMqDQ6U1y0/VOkvHKAu9MI/AAAAAAABE5I/bYzNQjN_ykM/s1600/IMG_0982.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
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We combined family from home with the Cayman family who happen to live a couple doors down.<br />
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Kelly and David were awesome enough to let Chris and Amanda use their extra bedroom to avoid the air mattress scenario at our house. On Christmas morning, both families joined forces for a slow-paced, traditional breakfast - eggs, bacon, crepes, and multiple pours of French press coffee. Perfection.</div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-10g6FdOARJ4/VOkvNhSRKMI/AAAAAAABE5I/yY4ftAxsR6Q/s1600/IMG_0997.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-10g6FdOARJ4/VOkvNhSRKMI/AAAAAAABE5I/yY4ftAxsR6Q/s1600/IMG_0997.jpg" height="640" width="426" /></a></div>
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I've learned that no celebration in Cayman is complete without party hats. Everyone got involved. I made sure of it.<br />
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Christmas in Cayman is a warm-weather affair. I've gotten used to it over the years. Now that I'm no longer wishing for a white Christmas, I'm always thankful for a sunny one.<br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-uoBLvyC1AkA/VOkvRmDk7AI/AAAAAAABE5I/uKMDHcQj8sU/s1600/IMG_1007.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-uoBLvyC1AkA/VOkvRmDk7AI/AAAAAAABE5I/uKMDHcQj8sU/s1600/IMG_1007.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
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Spikeball on the beach on Christmas <i>might</i> be preferable to snow. It's a pretty darn good consolation prize, at any rate.<br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-OXNiaJioRfg/VOkvTaWxPGI/AAAAAAABE5I/P2oLrmGhwFA/s1600/IMG_1012.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-OXNiaJioRfg/VOkvTaWxPGI/AAAAAAABE5I/P2oLrmGhwFA/s1600/IMG_1012.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
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For Christmas dinner, we imported more of the Cayman family that live in the neighborhood, along with more tasty holiday dishes than I could fit on my plate.<br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Qa5yMIm6xK0/VOkvbjmeQpI/AAAAAAABE5I/6WoFUJyaL6k/s1600/IMG_1034.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Qa5yMIm6xK0/VOkvbjmeQpI/AAAAAAABE5I/6WoFUJyaL6k/s1600/IMG_1034.jpg" height="640" width="426" /></a></div>
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The reality of living abroad is that we can't see all of our relatives on every holiday, like we used to do. I deeply miss family during the holiday season - parents and siblings, grandparents and cousins - all the things childhood memories are made of. But there are still plenty of reasons to be joyful. I'm continuously thankful for nearby friends who fill in for far away brothers and sisters. It all adds up to more people to love and celebrate with during the festive season!</div>
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One of the gifts we gave this year was official family photos with our talented friend <a href="http://www.amystrzalko.com/blog/">Amy Strzalko</a>. I enjoyed not having the pressure of taking awesome photos that could hang on people's walls for years, but I do have to say: Being a subject in photos is almost as hard as taking them! Fortunately, Amy has this uncanny ability to relax even the most awkward of smiles, so her photo shoot with us actually ended up as an outstanding success. </div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwrjCCgs-2Hxqbszcsduxa5E69hsIeJ-JWbT4vf7tpeWvs7ukCCig4NGH0J5dvv7-Ik9V2n9z2C33W7TRiJbPtVx9Ky9m45pi9BwzmJ2bAQ-Gi3Zf6zlZxOYVGmGhxyrW4pg_u37sL12Q/s1600/smith0002+(19%2Bof%2B67).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwrjCCgs-2Hxqbszcsduxa5E69hsIeJ-JWbT4vf7tpeWvs7ukCCig4NGH0J5dvv7-Ik9V2n9z2C33W7TRiJbPtVx9Ky9m45pi9BwzmJ2bAQ-Gi3Zf6zlZxOYVGmGhxyrW4pg_u37sL12Q/s1600/smith0002+(19%2Bof%2B67).jpg" height="486" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">photo by <a href="http://www.amystrzalko.com/blog/">Amy Strzalko</a></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLjdgykZagnkXwQlMt3aE9JXMGjev3jSlfrA4-RhD5WmlhsF1YDZQzDhU2V8Z9n0Rn6Fcf413yk4Z6TDDtqHKQ3HKhUxZ8tAFrWc1EG63vL2gS7wHfGzkcrvwh-ohkJlcsppJf5mhhYbg/s1600/smith0002+(22%2Bof%2B67).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLjdgykZagnkXwQlMt3aE9JXMGjev3jSlfrA4-RhD5WmlhsF1YDZQzDhU2V8Z9n0Rn6Fcf413yk4Z6TDDtqHKQ3HKhUxZ8tAFrWc1EG63vL2gS7wHfGzkcrvwh-ohkJlcsppJf5mhhYbg/s1600/smith0002+(22%2Bof%2B67).jpg" height="438" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">photo by <a href="http://www.amystrzalko.com/blog/">Amy Strzalko</a></span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhD-NAbclGb-n0dbtAIEp3fVVFBW3wG00OhlnUMj0hb5W_CYbPnUjAldyK__nUzt0TFLJCndv0FZJ_UtkswkFjkgKMjAKNo2nCpCcxKpxsiexYUPyIUNGSrvZiOfDY9f8AYmX6ODESOvVk/s1600/smith0002+(56%2Bof%2B67).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhD-NAbclGb-n0dbtAIEp3fVVFBW3wG00OhlnUMj0hb5W_CYbPnUjAldyK__nUzt0TFLJCndv0FZJ_UtkswkFjkgKMjAKNo2nCpCcxKpxsiexYUPyIUNGSrvZiOfDY9f8AYmX6ODESOvVk/s1600/smith0002+(56%2Bof%2B67).jpg" height="448" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">photo by <a href="http://www.amystrzalko.com/blog/">Amy Strzalko</a></span></td></tr>
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You can see a selection of her lovely work with our family <a href="http://www.amystrzalko.com/blog/2014/12/30/mr/">here</a>.</div>
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The rest of the week we took advantage of our time away from the office, catching sunsets...</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-N7_ase2Ulzo/VOkviepum3I/AAAAAAABE5I/6WhGkvRAywc/s1600/IMG_1050.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-N7_ase2Ulzo/VOkviepum3I/AAAAAAABE5I/6WhGkvRAywc/s1600/IMG_1050.jpg" height="640" width="426" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">taken with the iPhone 5</td></tr>
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...trying our skills at wakesurfing with <a href="http://wakeboardcayman.com/">Wakeboard Cayman</a>...<br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-wjEYg6Smjto/VOkvldUwF2I/AAAAAAABE5I/FNRXGdxFmeQ/s1600/IMG_1063.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-wjEYg6Smjto/VOkvldUwF2I/AAAAAAABE5I/FNRXGdxFmeQ/s1600/IMG_1063.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
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...and playing several more rounds of spikeball.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-5iGlxNBvEos/VOkvonPU96I/AAAAAAABE5I/XntKRywssmM/s1600/IMG_1116.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-5iGlxNBvEos/VOkvonPU96I/AAAAAAABE5I/XntKRywssmM/s1600/IMG_1116.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Addicts.</td></tr>
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December is a wonderful month in Cayman, and we're so thankful we got to share it with our family - both those from our childhood and those we've added only recently. These experiences are forming memories that will outlast any physical gifts that could be exchanged.<br />
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With family, we're building relationships that will last our lifetimes.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Family, redefined.</td></tr>
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Offshorecpahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05566196350953308001noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1550644270826724918.post-18798635942239302252015-02-16T21:41:00.000-05:002015-02-16T21:41:01.773-05:00An Aussie Wedding in CaymanSince many of our friends here in Cayman are from countries across the globe, when they get married, they are faced with the big location decision: Tying the knot on a picture-perfect tropical island with a small guest list, or holding the wedding back in their home country, surrounded by family and friends. At least, those were the only options I was aware of until this year, when a couple of our friends got married overseas and then had a second Cayman ceremony locally. This allowed for them to have the big wedding at home they always wanted, for all of us to enjoy a celebration with the couple, and for the bride to wear her dress twice. Seriously, who wouldn't want that?!<br />
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Also, because the "regular" wedding was back at home, the Cayman version could stay fairly relaxed - all party and no stuffiness. For that reason, I was asked to be the photographer for the Cayman ceremony celebrating the marriage of Kate+Shaun: Two wonderful Aussies who we've had the privilege of knowing for the past couple years.<br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-18DyzE9Uzic/VNwOVej8mgI/AAAAAAABEbY/ltw2O6h1Eys/s1600/IMG_0526.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-18DyzE9Uzic/VNwOVej8mgI/AAAAAAABEbY/ltw2O6h1Eys/s1600/IMG_0526.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
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Bonus for me: Kate is one of the prettiest brides I've ever seen.<br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-LI8rnjrS5qI/VNwNB8jwGnI/AAAAAAABENw/d0iPWSwtVgI/s1600/IMG_0282.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-LI8rnjrS5qI/VNwNB8jwGnI/AAAAAAABENw/d0iPWSwtVgI/s1600/IMG_0282.jpg" height="640" width="426" /></a></div>
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I think she fell straight off a <a href="http://www.freepeople.com/">Free People</a> Pinterest board.</div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-GQR541Tflbc/VNwNvCRvb9I/AAAAAAABEVM/SD2v_sJmB-k/s1600/IMG_0411.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-GQR541Tflbc/VNwNvCRvb9I/AAAAAAABEVM/SD2v_sJmB-k/s1600/IMG_0411.jpg" height="640" width="426" /></a></div>
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I had the advantage of being in a pretty low-pressure position as photographer, since Kate and Shaun's Australian wedding had been well-documented in the most beautiful way a month prior to this celebration. The Cayman photos were just a big bonus to all their other footage, so I could chill out and have fun with it. And when you're photographing two people who are genetically pre-disposed for fun and laughter, it all becomes fairly easy.<br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-idlAw2H2JBE/VNwNynWxyPI/AAAAAAABEVk/iC7f_1s4KQ4/s1600/IMG_0418.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-idlAw2H2JBE/VNwNynWxyPI/AAAAAAABEVk/iC7f_1s4KQ4/s1600/IMG_0418.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
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For example: Kate and Shaun don't know how to say "no" to a good time, so it was only fitting that they suggested getting photos on a random sideways-growing palm tree that required a bit of awkward maneuvering to access.</div>
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The evening began with gathering all of the guests on the couple's front lawn - a.k.a Seven Mile Beach - for sunset drinks. The guest list included friends from Cayman, the U.S., and even Australia, so we had a good crew to work with.</div>
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Kate had a lovely entourage of girls around for the big day in Cayman, including a few friends from home...</div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-8CVa8qqJTEo/VNwNPsLF5BI/AAAAAAABEP4/4Pj9-wEeumc/s1600/IMG_0313.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-8CVa8qqJTEo/VNwNPsLF5BI/AAAAAAABEP4/4Pj9-wEeumc/s1600/IMG_0313.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
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...as well as the Cayman bridesmaids.</div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-g5k0LOwry6A/VNwMkNVV8nI/AAAAAAABEIs/bslzLXaqacQ/s1600/IMG_0210-2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-g5k0LOwry6A/VNwMkNVV8nI/AAAAAAABEIs/bslzLXaqacQ/s1600/IMG_0210-2.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
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It didn't take much coercion to get this group of lovely girls to dip their toes in the Caribbean Sea during golden hour and show the camera how they felt about it.</div>
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When the crowds left for the reception at <a href="http://gtyachtclub.com/">George Town Yacht Club</a>, Kate and Shaun had a few moments on the beach with Rich and Maya - <a href="http://mayaogorzalek.com/2015/02/11/surviving-separation/">best friends</a> of the couple and fellow newlyweds themselves.</div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Drxr6S0gOhk/VNwPeer4PuI/AAAAAAABEbw/FZq3WxS5gKg/s1600/IMG_0426-SMILE.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Drxr6S0gOhk/VNwPeer4PuI/AAAAAAABEbw/FZq3WxS5gKg/s1600/IMG_0426-SMILE.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
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Kate and Maya have been partners in crime since Kate broke into the Cayman scene a couple years ago. If dancing on tables, kitesurfing for days, and dominating "fancy dress" parties are punishable, these two have a long rap sheet to explain.</div>
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It was an honor to play such an intimate role for Kate and Shaun's celebration. We're blessed to call them our friends, and we couldn't be happier for their future lives together.<br />
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Unfortunately for all of us in Cayman, the happy couple's journey has led them back to their hometown of Perth. But these island memories won't quickly fade, and we look forward to the next time our paths cross.</div>
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Until then, another huge congratulations to you, Kate and Shaun! We know you will continue being your awesome selves halfway across the globe. This island will never be the same!</div>
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Offshorecpahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05566196350953308001noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1550644270826724918.post-31003426807693840262015-01-18T19:28:00.001-05:002015-01-18T19:28:22.079-05:00Bungee Jumping at Bloukrans BridgeAnyone that knows me well knows that I love taking risks, enjoy trying extreme sports, am a major adrenaline junky, and that "afraid" is not in my vocabulary.<br />
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Ahem. Hardly.<br />
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Actually, it's all quite the opposite. I tried <a href="http://offshorecpa.blogspot.com/search/label/kitesurfing?max-results=6">kitesurfing</a> for a while because friends like <a href="http://mayaogorzalek.com/">Maya</a> make it look so easy, but I couldn't get over the feeling of panic in the water. It takes a lot of coaxing before I'll jump out of a boat to wakeboard among friends. And now that I'm thinking about it, going for runs down Esterley Tibbetts Highway in the dark is probably the riskiest thing I do.<br />
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So with all that as context, it may surprise you to know that this past summer, while traveling in South Africa with Nate and four friends, I agreed to jump off the world's highest bridge bungee.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">image courtesy of <a href="http://www.faceadrenalin.com/">Face Adrenalin</a></td></tr>
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You'll want proof of this ultimate contradiction - the conservative blogging accountant who jumps off bridges because all her friends are doing it. This is why I took all the footage and photos shot by <a href="http://www.faceadrenalin.com/">Face Adrenalin</a> at Bloukrans Bridge, mixed in a few photos shot by Rich and Maya (on documentation duty that day), added in one of my <a href="http://bethelmusic.com/you-make-me-brave">favorite songs</a> (with lyrics that I want to live by), and used it as an excuse to tinker in Final Cut Pro.<br />
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Are you ready for this?<br />
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<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="337" mozallowfullscreen="" src="//player.vimeo.com/video/117118694" webkitallowfullscreen="" width="600"></iframe>
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Thank goodness for video evidence or no one would have given me credit for 7 seconds of free-falling bravado. </div>
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I surprised my very own self with the realization that bungee jumping is exhilarating! I loved the thrill of the fall, similar to being on a roller coaster but without all the jolting and rattling of the machine and the screams of other passengers. Before jumping, the Face Adrenalin team had us fist pumping to upbeat music along with the friendly operators. But as soon as I leaned over the edge and started falling, all noise dropped away, and all I heard was the sound of the "whoosh" going past my ears. It was the most peaceful moment of the trip.</div>
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Maybe I am an adrenaline junky. Or at least a closet adrenaline junky. I do scary stuff sometimes.</div>
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Like that one time in Oudtshoorn, SA when I rode an ostrich.</div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9p0fk3i73FcbHMBtx38e2YWG6Jmsuef3iNvgYtLtOMy5gMBH484L1NjDXdRWfGXEKnLBEh6rj-kDIWsI1eEF3gFrE8YGxh1SBWBygTU31rnS295qn5uHZr_Mxk1vw1utC1J8dd5RRjs8/s1600/Screen+Shot+2015-01-18+at+7.04.51+PM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9p0fk3i73FcbHMBtx38e2YWG6Jmsuef3iNvgYtLtOMy5gMBH484L1NjDXdRWfGXEKnLBEh6rj-kDIWsI1eEF3gFrE8YGxh1SBWBygTU31rnS295qn5uHZr_Mxk1vw1utC1J8dd5RRjs8/s1600/Screen+Shot+2015-01-18+at+7.04.51+PM.png" height="416" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Proof.</td></tr>
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South Africa, you redefined me. At least for 7 seconds.</div>
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Offshorecpahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05566196350953308001noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1550644270826724918.post-2567323026210691222015-01-10T16:07:00.002-05:002015-01-10T16:07:58.946-05:00Video Highlight: When Besties VisitOver the summer, Nate's childhood best friend Phil and his lovely wife Lindsey had the opportunity to visit Cayman for the second time.<br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-v18GLELSDM4/VDiWWljRsTI/AAAAAAABBl0/3Vm7aCQQTTA/s1600/IMG_7729.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-v18GLELSDM4/VDiWWljRsTI/AAAAAAABBl0/3Vm7aCQQTTA/s1600/IMG_7729.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
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<br />
During their <a href="http://offshorecpa.blogspot.com/2011/12/house-guests13-part-1.html">first</a> <a href="http://offshorecpa.blogspot.com/2011/12/house-guests13-part-2.html">visit</a> in 2011, <a href="http://offshorecpa.blogspot.com/2011/12/cayman-islands-marathon-2011.html">we all ran</a> the <a href="http://www.caymanislandsmarathon.com/">Cayman Islands half marathon</a> together. It was bonding experience, for sure, but not exactly a perfectly relaxing vacation.<br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-weASnddmSOM/VDiVxACDf9I/AAAAAAABBbA/LVfuh4zQw9A/s1600/IMG_7499.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-weASnddmSOM/VDiVxACDf9I/AAAAAAABBbA/LVfuh4zQw9A/s1600/IMG_7499.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
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This time, P&L just needed some time to kick back and have a chilled-out Caribbean holiday right before they made a pretty big move to North Carolina.<br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-xVvTWTcPZgs/VDiV90iLDxI/AAAAAAABBeo/sxXtjfh05jk/s1600/IMG_7577.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-xVvTWTcPZgs/VDiV90iLDxI/AAAAAAABBeo/sxXtjfh05jk/s1600/IMG_7577.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
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We were happy to accommodate, keeping the excitement to a minimum and the relaxation to a maximum.<br />
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Unless of course you consider sunset cruises, snorkeling, and boat cruises with puppies worth getting excited about, in which case, it was a pretty sweet vaca.<br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-qYNky4au1vU/VDiVvf3J9jI/AAAAAAABBag/Phy1vXXyvwg/s1600/IMG_7481.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-qYNky4au1vU/VDiVvf3J9jI/AAAAAAABBag/Phy1vXXyvwg/s1600/IMG_7481.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-lBEMUx__Npc/VDiV_RB8SEI/AAAAAAABBe8/D8nTcpKRMb0/s1600/IMG_7587.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-lBEMUx__Npc/VDiV_RB8SEI/AAAAAAABBe8/D8nTcpKRMb0/s1600/IMG_7587.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-UjIMmsWgo38/VDiWMPio-uI/AAAAAAABBjA/Y8MjImo_kYs/s1600/IMG_7680.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-UjIMmsWgo38/VDiWMPio-uI/AAAAAAABBjA/Y8MjImo_kYs/s1600/IMG_7680.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
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<br />
We used P&L's visit as an excuse to test out the <a href="http://www.camanabay.com/the-town/dine/flavourtour/">Flavour Tour</a> in <a href="http://www.camanabay.com/">Camana Bay</a> - a 5-stop progressive dinner, starting at <a href="http://www.wiwc.ky/">West Indies Wine Company</a>, and rotating through courses at <a href="http://ortaniquerestaurants.com/">Ortanique</a>, <a href="http://michaelsgenuine.com/grand-cayman/">Michael's</a>, <a href="http://www.deckers.ky/">Abacus</a>, and <a href="http://mizucayman.com/">Mizu</a>, all for $69. Everyone left <i>pretty</i> full and <i>pretty</i> happy.<br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-aOJaHBAHyYg/VDiV2ha-R2I/AAAAAAABBco/50xGfqqy2CI/s1600/IMG_7536.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-aOJaHBAHyYg/VDiV2ha-R2I/AAAAAAABBco/50xGfqqy2CI/s1600/IMG_7536.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
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I can't recommend it enough.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-powo1sP4H3E/VDiV3iYuSgI/AAAAAAABBdE/Gpz-ZA9OIRQ/s1600/IMG_7547.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-powo1sP4H3E/VDiV3iYuSgI/AAAAAAABBdE/Gpz-ZA9OIRQ/s1600/IMG_7547.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Flavour Tour-ing it up.</td></tr>
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I wanted to tinker with Final Cut Pro using a mix of my videos and photos, so here's a short video showing the highlights of our week with P&L.</div>
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<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="360" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/_y-Tr-1yD2M" width="640"></iframe><br />
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Hey guys, ready for more relaxing excitement, or maybe some exciting relaxation? Whatever it is, come back soon!Offshorecpahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05566196350953308001noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1550644270826724918.post-39964074085480073572015-01-01T13:01:00.000-05:002015-01-01T13:02:34.189-05:00November: The holidays begin<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
One of the things I so appreciate about Cayman is its many public holidays. Although not a <u>guaranteed</u> day off work (you're in my thoughts, audit friends), the majority of businesses are closed on public holidays, and Cayman residents get a long weekend in paradise. </div>
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Even though I'm now forever out of audit, I will occasionally go into the office on these banks holidays to get caught up on projects with no one else around - I seem to work best with complete silence. However, one of our public holidays - Remembrance Day, similar to Veterans Day in the U.S. - falls in November, which <a href="http://offshorecpa.blogspot.com/2014/11/out-of-doldrums.html">I've already</a> <a href="http://offshorecpa.blogspot.com/2014/11/an-autumn-affair.html">established</a> as one of the nicest months of the year.</div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-FSr1wRGvmjU/VJ6gOwRWCbI/AAAAAAABDk4/rjGLB2OkcPQ/s1600/IMG_9917.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-FSr1wRGvmjU/VJ6gOwRWCbI/AAAAAAABDk4/rjGLB2OkcPQ/s1600/IMG_9917.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
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So I flagged Remembrance Day 2014 as a day to deliberately stay away from the office and get out of the house on a mission to doing something "islandy".<br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Gw3ehkBR0M8/VJ6gQ-Z63PI/AAAAAAABDlQ/JBHrMG97X8w/s1600/IMG_9925.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Gw3ehkBR0M8/VJ6gQ-Z63PI/AAAAAAABDlQ/JBHrMG97X8w/s1600/IMG_9925.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
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I convinced some of our besties to do the same, and before long we had caravanned out to <a href="http://morrittsgrand.com/">Morritt's</a> in East End for lunch on the water and a day in the infinity pool.<br />
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Little did we know that the resort staff had planned pool games, and everyone in our group was quickly recruited for these team silly-sports.<br />
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Sidenote: They tried to get Sheena and I to also join in, but she's pregnant (woohoo!) and I wanted to man the camera. The conversation went something like this:<br />
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Pool guy: "Hey girls, you should get in and play!"<br />
Me: "What are you playing?"<br />
Pool guy: "Really easy games."<br />
Me: "Oh. We only play hard games."<br />
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And that settled it. I was in charge of documentation.<br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/--xK3S60FwB4/VJ6gSN6vYMI/AAAAAAABDlo/8x5XZMTFYfg/s1600/IMG_9931.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/--xK3S60FwB4/VJ6gSN6vYMI/AAAAAAABDlo/8x5XZMTFYfg/s1600/IMG_9931.jpg" height="640" width="426" /></a></div>
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The games <i>were</i> pretty easy. Like pass a volleyball over your head to the person behind, who passed it under their legs to the person behind, and so on. When the last person got the ball, they ran/swam/paddled to the front, and the cycle began again until everyone had gotten a turn at the lead. It seemed super simple, but Nate decided to add a twist...</div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-G3zp4NlyGmI/VJ6gTGky32I/AAAAAAABDl4/4YlDCBOnPSU/s1600/IMG_9938.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-G3zp4NlyGmI/VJ6gTGky32I/AAAAAAABDl4/4YlDCBOnPSU/s1600/IMG_9938.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
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He was trailing Justin on his way to the front of his line, so, as you can see from the smirk on his face, he went in for a little sabotage.<br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_YOgETd2RPg/VJ6gTqeBV-I/AAAAAAABDl8/tOlY-8Ia8wQ/s1600/IMG_9939.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_YOgETd2RPg/VJ6gTqeBV-I/AAAAAAABDl8/tOlY-8Ia8wQ/s1600/IMG_9939.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
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Justin was so focused that he didn't see Nate's Inspector Gadget arm reach way out and...<br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-u2_DJniY-2o/VJ6gUNSJPoI/AAAAAAABDmI/9WemaS7WpX4/s1600/IMG_9940.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-u2_DJniY-2o/VJ6gUNSJPoI/AAAAAAABDmI/9WemaS7WpX4/s1600/IMG_9940.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
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...nearly knock the ball away!<br />
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Justin's quick slap to the face kept Nate at bay. It was a close race, and Justin's team ended up finishing first...<br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Q8PSBuLhAaY/VJ6gUR2V4PI/AAAAAAABDmQ/tp5XhHmBly4/s1600/IMG_9941.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Q8PSBuLhAaY/VJ6gUR2V4PI/AAAAAAABDmQ/tp5XhHmBly4/s1600/IMG_9941.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
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...but due to a technicality, Nate's team pulled out the win.<br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-2GnlXCWyGyY/VJ6gd708RiI/AAAAAAABDoA/T708ozqzQSs/s1600/IMG_9963.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-2GnlXCWyGyY/VJ6gd708RiI/AAAAAAABDoA/T708ozqzQSs/s1600/IMG_9963.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
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Jeremy & Co. were incredulous.<br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-n48Xx__98Hg/VJ6ghYgZW-I/AAAAAAABDok/gcR2LOuDK24/s1600/IMG_9969.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-n48Xx__98Hg/VJ6ghYgZW-I/AAAAAAABDok/gcR2LOuDK24/s1600/IMG_9969.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
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Nate was gleeful.<br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-lUhsRl4QLD4/VJ6gfPskonI/AAAAAAABDoM/2bmtFp43Rq8/s1600/IMG_9965.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-lUhsRl4QLD4/VJ6gfPskonI/AAAAAAABDoM/2bmtFp43Rq8/s1600/IMG_9965.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
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More silly games continued. In the next game, everyone held hands and had to pass a hula hoop down the line without breaking grip. Nate decided an inversion was the best tactic.</div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-0-xEccJD09Y/VJ6gkFThe3I/AAAAAAABDpE/a6BB0EGnvt0/s1600/IMG_9979.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-0-xEccJD09Y/VJ6gkFThe3I/AAAAAAABDpE/a6BB0EGnvt0/s1600/IMG_9979.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I honestly have no clue.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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Well, it got the right results he wanted.<br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-88iKrlcctpw/VJ6gn44Eu_I/AAAAAAABDps/o9JoCTl-SNU/s1600/IMG_9989.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-88iKrlcctpw/VJ6gn44Eu_I/AAAAAAABDps/o9JoCTl-SNU/s1600/IMG_9989.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
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Another game required players to swim from the bar to the pool's edge with a soaking towel, which they then had to squeeze into a bucket until it was full.<br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-cMvGS8prdvE/VJ6gz3IQT1I/AAAAAAABDqc/EAKoXucKWUE/s1600/IMG_0002.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-cMvGS8prdvE/VJ6gz3IQT1I/AAAAAAABDqc/EAKoXucKWUE/s1600/IMG_0002.jpg" height="640" width="426" /></a></div>
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I love the team cheering efforts in the background!</div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-FzlVhOIYJi0/VJ6g2Bo4cZI/AAAAAAABDq4/ci5POcCyVws/s1600/IMG_0017.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-FzlVhOIYJi0/VJ6g2Bo4cZI/AAAAAAABDq4/ci5POcCyVws/s1600/IMG_0017.jpg" height="640" width="426" /></a></div>
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Like with everything else, Nate gave it his all.<br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ooHWSYXgXM0/VJ6g1AqFLwI/AAAAAAABDqk/q5okjtYyv70/s1600/IMG_0011.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ooHWSYXgXM0/VJ6g1AqFLwI/AAAAAAABDqk/q5okjtYyv70/s1600/IMG_0011.jpg" height="640" width="426" /></a></div>
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More games, more photos, more laughter. A little bit of winning at the end. </div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-MUtD7QMxf5w/VJ6g3ga-jhI/AAAAAAABDrE/qVNr_nt09ag/s1600/IMG_0025.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-MUtD7QMxf5w/VJ6g3ga-jhI/AAAAAAABDrE/qVNr_nt09ag/s1600/IMG_0025.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Draw your own conclusions on who took home the trophy.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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After our fill of exciting at Morritt's, we ended the day with a dinner stop at Kurt's Korner - a fantastic place to get delicious local Cayman food in the Northside area. I recommend the conch fritters, and I don't get to say that often around here.</div>
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For more evidence of shenanigans at Morritt's, check out the full album <a href="https://plus.google.com/photos/112968669072593299094/albums/6097487118910936705?authkey=CLXB-NGG2Y73Vg">here</a>.</div>
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More holidays: Thanksgiving was celebrated in full force in November, as we tend to do. We don't limit ourselves to just one Thanksgiving feast; we prefer to stretch it out over four days, with two large gatherings - one we attend, and one we host.</div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-b-3VGb5rtzU/VJ9hQTgsS8I/AAAAAAABDt0/INE11eN0-_Y/s1600/IMG_0055.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-b-3VGb5rtzU/VJ9hQTgsS8I/AAAAAAABDt0/INE11eN0-_Y/s1600/IMG_0055.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
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Thanksgiving #1 at Jen & Brett's was a special treat, as Jen designed one of the prettiest Thanksgiving tables I've ever been a part of, including custom name tags and season-appropriate centerpieces.<br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-LLnBEn9IW9k/VJ9hTLs02LI/AAAAAAABDuI/mjaxPMOIAzE/s1600/IMG_0058.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-LLnBEn9IW9k/VJ9hTLs02LI/AAAAAAABDuI/mjaxPMOIAzE/s1600/IMG_0058.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
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Everyone pitched in with their favorite holiday dishes, making it another memorable celebration on the island.<br />
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Some call this kind of thing a "Friendsgiving". <br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-sXnGxkRP5DE/VJ9hTgA_p7I/AAAAAAABDuQ/9SfEtGcEf1A/s1600/IMG_0059.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-sXnGxkRP5DE/VJ9hTgA_p7I/AAAAAAABDuQ/9SfEtGcEf1A/s1600/IMG_0059.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
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But I call these people "family". They're the people that we laugh and cry with, the people that we run and wakeboard with, the people we pray and worship with. They're our island brothers and sisters, and without any blood relatives around, it was an honor to be celebrating with our extended family this Thanksgiving. </div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1PdIpTkchqEwHF8_4rKjcMxaVVeN7wv_dvAMXKTDgVotYlCou2QovRw8Jtj6EMYO8Z_Zh9KQgZ4YxPyBIRJIOHImukvR9u5doJ8o0MyhSN5Gg8Bj9nCn-0ynaPGDd8egaknp7eGTb5vI/s1600/Thanksgiving+2014.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1PdIpTkchqEwHF8_4rKjcMxaVVeN7wv_dvAMXKTDgVotYlCou2QovRw8Jtj6EMYO8Z_Zh9KQgZ4YxPyBIRJIOHImukvR9u5doJ8o0MyhSN5Gg8Bj9nCn-0ynaPGDd8egaknp7eGTb5vI/s1600/Thanksgiving+2014.jpg" height="640" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>photo borrowed from Rachel</i></td></tr>
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Happy holidays, everyone, and may your loved ones be near you during this season of celebration!Offshorecpahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05566196350953308001noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1550644270826724918.post-19925012203593908752014-11-24T06:00:00.000-05:002014-11-24T06:00:03.596-05:00October: Babies, Weddings, and PumpkinsOur trip home to Pennsylvania for <a href="http://offshorecpa.blogspot.com/2014/11/an-autumn-affair.html">my sister's wedding</a> was bookended by fun & games here in Cayman, starting with a baby shower for good friends who are about to have their firstborn son.<br />
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While planning this shower, I realized that the co-ed party would fall during our third annual <a href="http://www.cleanprogram.com/">Clean Program</a> <a href="http://offshorecpa.blogspot.com/search/label/Clean%20Program?max-results=6">cleanse</a>, which was smack in the middle of our first <a href="http://www.wholelifechallenge.com/">Whole Life Challenge</a>. Let me lead off by saying that there was not a whole lot of this going on in our house in October:<br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-zfZ0EwOj6iE/VE1qr3COlCI/AAAAAAABCRM/i85Njx-KqQA/s1600/IMG_1190.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-zfZ0EwOj6iE/VE1qr3COlCI/AAAAAAABCRM/i85Njx-KqQA/s1600/IMG_1190.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
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I will summarize the 8-week Whole Life Challenge experience by saying that we successfully eliminated all sugars, grains, and dairy (and a mess of other things) by eating food like this (along with plenty of lean meats and heaps of fruits and vegetables):<br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-tu-NzY0jiik/VE1qt97SI1I/AAAAAAABCRw/0W_SfomNkfs/s1600/IMG_1195.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-tu-NzY0jiik/VE1qt97SI1I/AAAAAAABCRw/0W_SfomNkfs/s1600/IMG_1195.jpg" height="640" width="426" /></a></div>
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In addition, we exercised and stretched more, drank gallons of water, interacted online daily with our WLC teammates, and practiced other great lifestyle habits like being intentional with our time, reaching out to loved ones more often, and sleeping more. I freakin' loved it.</div>
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Meanwhile, the rest of the world ate our share of the Oreos.</div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-LcUUuox7Ybo/VE1qyn2eSpI/AAAAAAABCTI/z2_XZ5tKepM/s1600/IMG_1211.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-LcUUuox7Ybo/VE1qyn2eSpI/AAAAAAABCTI/z2_XZ5tKepM/s1600/IMG_1211.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
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And hey, if Oreos bring you this much joy, then who am I to ban them?!<br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-n_v1DUS-vrc/VE1qyzxGJvI/AAAAAAABCTQ/kusBwTZToZE/s1600/IMG_1212.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-n_v1DUS-vrc/VE1qyzxGJvI/AAAAAAABCTQ/kusBwTZToZE/s1600/IMG_1212.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
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So, this shower was all about celebrating the about-to-be-introduced-to-the-outside-world Baby M.<br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-iJEBpo3ae9k/VE1q3LbD8aI/AAAAAAABCU4/92rlpxIEgGk/s1600/IMG_1225.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-iJEBpo3ae9k/VE1q3LbD8aI/AAAAAAABCU4/92rlpxIEgGk/s1600/IMG_1225.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
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We decided to have a co-ed poolside light-bites sort of affair, keeping it easy, casual, and fun for all.<br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-CySH-cHfhM4/VE1q8B660kI/AAAAAAABCW0/1h5nPBV7ZKU/s1600/IMG_1243.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-CySH-cHfhM4/VE1q8B660kI/AAAAAAABCW0/1h5nPBV7ZKU/s1600/IMG_1243.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
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The pool kept 4-year old JW occupied. I'm so impressed with her independence in the water!<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhf2fdTIBFqTOEymdJkrgo3JdcSvcdqWNTFw2MZftsR27v-A0Ncgwptgd9sDVHk-ZShOInkvWgaKiOl7WBH70qhZbTxdICRThCY2loWtPByryRPHmR0nUJuhGEO9GHJWsz4NfUv5K1ZPzo/s1600/Exports14.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhf2fdTIBFqTOEymdJkrgo3JdcSvcdqWNTFw2MZftsR27v-A0Ncgwptgd9sDVHk-ZShOInkvWgaKiOl7WBH70qhZbTxdICRThCY2loWtPByryRPHmR0nUJuhGEO9GHJWsz4NfUv5K1ZPzo/s1600/Exports14.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Coppertone baby is not afraid of the deep end!</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-3DUj6QedlOc/VE1q7zF41NI/AAAAAAABCWg/Y5sTvD3V7xA/s1600/IMG_1242.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-3DUj6QedlOc/VE1q7zF41NI/AAAAAAABCWg/Y5sTvD3V7xA/s1600/IMG_1242.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">She was so trying to get me wet with her dolphin squirt.</td></tr>
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My shower co-captain was in charge of all games, and she came up with some side-splitting doozies.</div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-z4OL0znVfBY/VE1q-Eo3c7I/AAAAAAABCXI/HfBLootICt8/s1600/IMG_1252.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-z4OL0znVfBY/VE1q-Eo3c7I/AAAAAAABCXI/HfBLootICt8/s1600/IMG_1252.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
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In fact, the first game we played involved sticking a water balloon between your legs and trying to be the last person standing without your "water breaking".<br />
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There are photos. None of them are appropriate.<br />
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On to the next game: New Parent Trivia.<br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-V5PNnfwGrKA/VE1q_F5SdMI/AAAAAAABCXc/j0aGqYYtwhU/s1600/IMG_1254.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-V5PNnfwGrKA/VE1q_F5SdMI/AAAAAAABCXc/j0aGqYYtwhU/s1600/IMG_1254.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
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It's like the Newlywed Game but focused on parenting topics, with questions like, "Which of the father's traits do you hope your baby does NOT inherit?"<br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-4v8jidMK8CY/VE1rEdM3FAI/AAAAAAABCZk/-ewx6S9Z1n0/s1600/IMG_1277.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-4v8jidMK8CY/VE1rEdM3FAI/AAAAAAABCZk/-ewx6S9Z1n0/s1600/IMG_1277.jpg" height="640" width="426" /></a></div>
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This of course is when all the really important info comes out.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-OMmq3g6sph4/VE1rBE48M2I/AAAAAAABCYk/5wYYxbF69tA/s1600/IMG_1262.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-OMmq3g6sph4/VE1rBE48M2I/AAAAAAABCYk/5wYYxbF69tA/s1600/IMG_1262.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">In answer to, "What will your child be when he grows up?"</td></tr>
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The next game tested all the guests' ability to deliver baby food to their teammate's mouth, all while blindfolded.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-kIV38j1pdeg/VE1rLuLSpvI/AAAAAAABCb4/sA_BDfr5SPc/s1600/IMG_1306.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-kIV38j1pdeg/VE1rLuLSpvI/AAAAAAABCb4/sA_BDfr5SPc/s1600/IMG_1306.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">WH and NS prepping / strategizing / cracking up.</td></tr>
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I could barely take photos - the intense, messy shoveling / gulping routine was just hysterical.<br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-7_WXYYGQm00/VE1rQABafRI/AAAAAAABCdQ/Fj4oA4mfkKM/s1600/IMG_1322.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-7_WXYYGQm00/VE1rQABafRI/AAAAAAABCdQ/Fj4oA4mfkKM/s1600/IMG_1322.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
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By the end, everyone was basically falling off their chairs.<br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Xv17az6lZ5U/VE1rSFMdrgI/AAAAAAABCd4/CmYpDxC0B9E/s1600/IMG_1332.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Xv17az6lZ5U/VE1rSFMdrgI/AAAAAAABCd4/CmYpDxC0B9E/s1600/IMG_1332.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-GT4JLmSfmHs/VE1rTyWFS0I/AAAAAAABCeY/ICsdEYKRTa4/s1600/IMG_1336.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-GT4JLmSfmHs/VE1rTyWFS0I/AAAAAAABCeY/ICsdEYKRTa4/s1600/IMG_1336.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-fHxT1Wberro/VE1rVOyosTI/AAAAAAABCe4/2u-c2BgBp6U/s1600/IMG_1342.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-fHxT1Wberro/VE1rVOyosTI/AAAAAAABCe4/2u-c2BgBp6U/s1600/IMG_1342.jpg" height="640" width="426" /></a></div>
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Congratulations again to the new parents, whose son is about to arrive any day now! Exciting times ahead!<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-PQ0vxsUnf1k/VE1raEhLXlI/AAAAAAABCgk/pt8ehLJnElQ/s1600/IMG_1358.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-PQ0vxsUnf1k/VE1raEhLXlI/AAAAAAABCgk/pt8ehLJnElQ/s1600/IMG_1358.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">B explaining the "boppy" concept to C. He'll get it, eventually.</td></tr>
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My sister's wedding was a great excuse to go back to Pennsylvania for about a week for a visit with family and friends that was <i>way</i> overdue. We gave ourselves enough time to see a lot of people, which I used as an excuse to frequent my favorite coffee shop just about every day, all in the name of reunions with friends.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9zG1uwZ8YFw/VE16KgLireI/AAAAAAABCq4/0BixjpN8DZ0/s1600/IMG_1361.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9zG1uwZ8YFw/VE16KgLireI/AAAAAAABCq4/0BixjpN8DZ0/s1600/IMG_1361.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.alabastercoffee.com/">Alabaster Coffee</a> is one of Williamsport's treasures.</td></tr>
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Another treasure: My lifelong friend, AJD, who traveled the long highway trip from a neighboring state to hug my neck and let me play with her fantastic kiddos.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-q0B2jXkOsa0/VE16MDAXCTI/AAAAAAABCrI/Na-frjj5YMw/s1600/IMG_1363.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-q0B2jXkOsa0/VE16MDAXCTI/AAAAAAABCrI/Na-frjj5YMw/s1600/IMG_1363.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I must confess to extreme eyelash envy.</td></tr>
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It's not right that I live so far from our goddaughter - a young, beautiful "Elsa" - so I'm extra grateful that we had even a few precious hours with this family while up north.<br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-rJVpGQPLAkE/VE16M_s7ppI/AAAAAAABCrg/cLh-V37uwOw/s1600/IMG_1366.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-rJVpGQPLAkE/VE16M_s7ppI/AAAAAAABCrg/cLh-V37uwOw/s1600/IMG_1366.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
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Later that evening, we did the whole wedding rehearsal routine, which included us meeting my new brother-in-law for the first time ever.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-5MYiSNVoaFo/VE14HO2YW1I/AAAAAAABChQ/NLMpDPCriCY/s1600/IMG_1374.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-5MYiSNVoaFo/VE14HO2YW1I/AAAAAAABChQ/NLMpDPCriCY/s1600/IMG_1374.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Pianists are an instant win for me.</td></tr>
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The groom had a lot of new personalities to process that weekend. When my family all gets together, the craziness gets turned up a notch or two.<br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-10ati3FOkH4/VE14hvC2YbI/AAAAAAABCoA/EWWl22b2N8g/s1600/IMG_1478.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-10ati3FOkH4/VE14hvC2YbI/AAAAAAABCoA/EWWl22b2N8g/s1600/IMG_1478.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
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This also applies to the volume on the laughter.<br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-5BQ38_Fmp5g/VE16gSz79RI/AAAAAAABCsY/JIGUJE6AtPg/s1600/IMG_1523.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-5BQ38_Fmp5g/VE16gSz79RI/AAAAAAABCsY/JIGUJE6AtPg/s1600/IMG_1523.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
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In any case, from what I saw, newcomer AF seemed to be a fit.<br />
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Another fun celebration while we were home: A double-blind surprise birthday party for N's 30th and his dad's 60th. Both birthday boys thought they were out distracting the other one. Meanwhile, guests arrived for both milestone birthdays.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-uadB0XEMWjk/VGwS6nCLWAI/AAAAAAABDYE/pvmLE1D0ReM/s1600/IMG_2173.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-uadB0XEMWjk/VGwS6nCLWAI/AAAAAAABDYE/pvmLE1D0ReM/s1600/IMG_2173.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">He figured it out in the final hours. He's annoying like that.</td></tr>
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Fortunately, we managed to fake out at least one of the guests of honor.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-kyfqTAibGWw/VGwS7efay2I/AAAAAAABDYY/Io_KkyJKnnY/s1600/IMG_2177.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-kyfqTAibGWw/VGwS7efay2I/AAAAAAABDYY/Io_KkyJKnnY/s1600/IMG_2177.jpg" height="640" width="426" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">He thought these props were just funny distractions.</td></tr>
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It really took some convincing to prove to Dad that it was his birthday too!<br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-nEAcn5I-VSY/VGwS8stKt4I/AAAAAAABDY4/qyNhJa7B7Zc/s1600/IMG_2182.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-nEAcn5I-VSY/VGwS8stKt4I/AAAAAAABDY4/qyNhJa7B7Zc/s1600/IMG_2182.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
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Happy birthday to both of the Smith men!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-drwqUzZm-js/VGwS9Oqv0iI/AAAAAAABDZA/IsO2JZy6bhY/s1600/IMG_2183.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-drwqUzZm-js/VGwS9Oqv0iI/AAAAAAABDZA/IsO2JZy6bhY/s1600/IMG_2183.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Thanks to the stand-in me, MOD, for making this photo work!</td></tr>
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I didn't realize how many photos I actually took in October! Let's wrap this up with just a few more from this year's Halloween.<br />
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At the moment, we live in a fabulous neighborhood with lots of friends up and down our road, all within walking distance in case you need a clove of garlic or fancy a cup of tea. However, on Halloween, our neighborhood turns into the trick-or-treating mecca of Cayman. Nothing against trick-or-treating or cute little kids in cute little costumes, but I'm just not in that stage of life. So we met up for dinner at <a href="http://craftcayman.com/">Craft</a> while the kids raided the rest of the neighbors.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-RbnHrsca6sE/VG1PhKWuDUI/AAAAAAABDac/yiVzg4SKe40/s1600/IMG_9899.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-RbnHrsca6sE/VG1PhKWuDUI/AAAAAAABDac/yiVzg4SKe40/s1600/IMG_9899.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Neighbors / friends / family<br />...all of the above.</td></tr>
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This was followed by pumpkin carving at J&S', which was pretty much just an excuse for the girls to use sharp tools while the boys watched football.<br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-jn8ts2uOPTE/VG1Pg1koEaI/AAAAAAABDaI/hMtuUMIglrE/s1600/IMG_9902.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-jn8ts2uOPTE/VG1Pg1koEaI/AAAAAAABDaI/hMtuUMIglrE/s1600/IMG_9902.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-sqkrzyIwSLU/VG1PiWk6PkI/AAAAAAABDao/mYmRPNk_eBs/s1600/IMG_9905.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-sqkrzyIwSLU/VG1PiWk6PkI/AAAAAAABDao/mYmRPNk_eBs/s1600/IMG_9905.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
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We came up with three very different concepts...<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-IjGUyjlMrAo/VG1PinFwzKI/AAAAAAABDa4/hqmFlk-sR7s/s1600/IMG_9906.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-IjGUyjlMrAo/VG1PinFwzKI/AAAAAAABDa4/hqmFlk-sR7s/s1600/IMG_9906.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A Stuart minion, a Charlie German Shepherd, and....a very pretty jack-o-lantern.</td></tr>
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By the time we returned home, the mini ghosts and goblins had vacated, and we called a close on the month of October.<br />
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Which also closes out this blog post. Whew, we did a lot! Now time to kick back and...oh, wait, here come the holidays!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-UAHL1zqUdc8/VE16hPUDrPI/AAAAAAABCsw/1mbRZOPUogE/s1600/IMG_1531.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-UAHL1zqUdc8/VE16hPUDrPI/AAAAAAABCsw/1mbRZOPUogE/s1600/IMG_1531.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Warning: Violent Laughter Ahead</td></tr>
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I guess this party bus will just keep on rolling.Offshorecpahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05566196350953308001noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1550644270826724918.post-89300641015354547122014-11-14T06:00:00.000-05:002014-11-14T06:00:00.041-05:00An Autumn Affair<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
As I mentioned in <a href="http://offshorecpa.blogspot.com/2014/11/out-of-doldrums.html">my last post</a>, November is a refreshing time of year to be in Cayman. There is almost no place I'd rather be right now. I've barely been able to walk outdoors lately without overusing the words "ideal" and "gorgeous" and "outstanding" and "perfect", all of which are accompanied by over-exaggerated deep breathing and uplifted hands and audible "ahhhhhs". November makes me remember why we moved here in the first place.</div>
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But in the weeks leading up to November - namely, October - it's generally rainy, muggy, buggy, and hot. I'd rather be almost anywhere but Cayman. And if I had to pick one location to be during every October for the rest of my life, it would be Pennsylvania. </div>
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I think I can make my point with just one photo. Presenting: The incomparable colors of autumn.</div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-gnB4RgAJuOM/VF7YJpPjY0I/AAAAAAABCyY/dEct9dVCy4o/s1600/IMG_1548.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-gnB4RgAJuOM/VF7YJpPjY0I/AAAAAAABCyY/dEct9dVCy4o/s1600/IMG_1548.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
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This October, we had the privilege of traveling back to our home state for my sister's wedding, set on a private property in rural Troy, Pennsylvania.<br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-nJj_hJ2dbVI/VE14YrT8SFI/AAAAAAABClI/uivPXr6PjMw/s1600/IMG_1436.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-nJj_hJ2dbVI/VE14YrT8SFI/AAAAAAABClI/uivPXr6PjMw/s1600/IMG_1436.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
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An acknowledgement must first be made to the property owner - a family friend of the groom - who was beyond generous and accommodating while we took over her oasis of a property for the weekend.<br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Cd_xVQFlADE/VF7ZFfjvEwI/AAAAAAABDCU/D8djkF7kBZc/s1600/IMG_1848.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Cd_xVQFlADE/VF7ZFfjvEwI/AAAAAAABDCU/D8djkF7kBZc/s1600/IMG_1848.jpg" height="640" width="426" /></a></div>
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I was honored to be part of the photography team documenting the weekend's festivities. For most of the day, I functioned as a second shooter (my favorite role!), but during the pre-wedding prep, me and my Canon had exclusive access to the bride.<br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-IhZyY0-YX4M/VF7YNJ1_eVI/AAAAAAABCzQ/UMTRXteeY00/s1600/IMG_1560.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-IhZyY0-YX4M/VF7YNJ1_eVI/AAAAAAABCzQ/UMTRXteeY00/s1600/IMG_1560.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Cf3wHIjKLz8/VF7YPKifTvI/AAAAAAABC0A/6-lV_U1AWCY/s1600/IMG_1574.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Cf3wHIjKLz8/VF7YPKifTvI/AAAAAAABC0A/6-lV_U1AWCY/s1600/IMG_1574.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-yOE_OXJ5dsg/VF7YQxXpRnI/AAAAAAABC1M/94-qeallnEs/s1600/IMG_1589.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-yOE_OXJ5dsg/VF7YQxXpRnI/AAAAAAABC1M/94-qeallnEs/s1600/IMG_1589.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
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The primary photographer, Kate Marcus of <a href="http://paperheartphotos.com/">Paper Heart Photography</a>, arrived in time to do A&A's "first look" photos before the ceremony. From that point forward, I mainly ran around getting alternate angles and candid moments, which basically translates into me having lots of fun with hardly any pressure.<br />
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This elegant lady made every moment from every angle worth capturing.<br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-fNLroGZijJA/VF7YbedoIiI/AAAAAAABC3s/FImdqymhxNU/s1600/IMG_1646.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-fNLroGZijJA/VF7YbedoIiI/AAAAAAABC3s/FImdqymhxNU/s1600/IMG_1646.jpg" height="640" width="426" /></a></div>
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First Look: The bride approacheth.<br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-6b9fT-TRwUg/VF7YeI2j7UI/AAAAAAABC3w/Ah0RaxKr3O8/s1600/IMG_1660.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-6b9fT-TRwUg/VF7YeI2j7UI/AAAAAAABC3w/Ah0RaxKr3O8/s1600/IMG_1660.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
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It's a special moment when the groom first sees his bride in all her radiance.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjimrg7pjLOWSh4Q8Uk42bDCFdZi3KayKgPZUey0xBSmYNnwQLJgj6dH40r5fVBqpUD8hOi1-H-qB2nY6LfncmBZJkkoAFl_ctoF5BgWLc7nKd6iV4Vet6F9Ee0hha7xtVcHetFJ0qHTgQ/s1600/Exports13.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjimrg7pjLOWSh4Q8Uk42bDCFdZi3KayKgPZUey0xBSmYNnwQLJgj6dH40r5fVBqpUD8hOi1-H-qB2nY6LfncmBZJkkoAFl_ctoF5BgWLc7nKd6iV4Vet6F9Ee0hha7xtVcHetFJ0qHTgQ/s640/Exports13.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">[ click photo to enlarge ]</td></tr>
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As I said, Kate called the shots and was in charge of all the poses, so I can't take full credit for the rest of these photos. I so enjoyed working alongside such young, creative energy, along with James & Madeline Kolb of <a href="http://www.kolbvisuals.com/">Kolb Visuals</a> - it was like a reunion of faces I've known for 25 years, all while doing some "serious" photography work.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-dfWY4RuJEqo/VF7Yr0HKFLI/AAAAAAABC7s/H4_xfFpGc1o/s1600/IMG_1726.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-dfWY4RuJEqo/VF7Yr0HKFLI/AAAAAAABC7s/H4_xfFpGc1o/s1600/IMG_1726.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A least one person in this entourage was bound to have captured every moment.</td></tr>
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The most refreshing and reassuring experience I had during the whole wedding weekend, while traipsing through the woods in tall boots (awesome!) and carrying what seemed like half my body weight in camera equipment (annoying!), was getting to see my sister smile <u>so</u> much. For those of you who know A, you'll likely concur that this smile has been under wraps for quite a while. It's finally getting dusted off and put to good use again.<br />
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That's not just plain old run-of-the-mill happiness, folks. That's joy.</div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ayoK2d0jBos/VF7YotF91rI/AAAAAAABC6w/ODFfAGx-Od8/s1600/IMG_1702.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ayoK2d0jBos/VF7YotF91rI/AAAAAAABC6w/ODFfAGx-Od8/s1600/IMG_1702.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
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And her husband's smile was just as big as hers. Seems like this joy thing is contagious.</div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-FbycKAYVeGo/VF7YsoWWIXI/AAAAAAABC8s/2440QQscR9I/s1600/IMG_1732.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-FbycKAYVeGo/VF7YsoWWIXI/AAAAAAABC8s/2440QQscR9I/s1600/IMG_1732.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
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Another personal wedding highlight: Setting myself up for a perfect shot of my dad and the bride as she walked down the outdoor "aisle", with no bystanders to block my camera's view of this symbolic journey.<br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-00k8ctmlWoc/VF7Y5-UX2TI/AAAAAAABC_Y/xJUxRcDYVaE/s1600/IMG_1797.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-00k8ctmlWoc/VF7Y5-UX2TI/AAAAAAABC_Y/xJUxRcDYVaE/s1600/IMG_1797.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
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What a pair!<br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-NYQ9hSwQPHU/VF7Y7q5R7QI/AAAAAAABC_0/6tckweVnbwI/s1600/IMG_1809.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-NYQ9hSwQPHU/VF7Y7q5R7QI/AAAAAAABC_0/6tckweVnbwI/s1600/IMG_1809.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
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The ceremony was simple and meaningful, with close family sitting near the bride and groom to witness their vows and commitments.<br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-eZf5fW274Zk/VF7ZDYK8UHI/AAAAAAABDB8/YJ1ti1CTYDw/s1600/IMG_1841.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-eZf5fW274Zk/VF7ZDYK8UHI/AAAAAAABDB8/YJ1ti1CTYDw/s1600/IMG_1841.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-JXCse24dgM0/VF7ZHl8ru8I/AAAAAAABDC8/0y0KmkuJ20E/s1600/IMG_1856.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-JXCse24dgM0/VF7ZHl8ru8I/AAAAAAABDC8/0y0KmkuJ20E/s1600/IMG_1856.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-h65iW7xD12w/VF7ZJz43aOI/AAAAAAABDD4/lLgYeK4qIjA/s1600/IMG_1869.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-h65iW7xD12w/VF7ZJz43aOI/AAAAAAABDD4/lLgYeK4qIjA/s1600/IMG_1869.jpg" height="640" width="426" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-CX3bblKaAP0/VF7ZSn0fCMI/AAAAAAABDF4/_8bombk-DSE/s1600/IMG_1908.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-CX3bblKaAP0/VF7ZSn0fCMI/AAAAAAABDF4/_8bombk-DSE/s1600/IMG_1908.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
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The minister - the groom's pastor and friend - officiated a beautiful ceremony, including a worship song about loving and glorifying God that really echoed the hearts of A&A.<br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-y_xwqXOYQaQ/VF7ZOwZfG_I/AAAAAAABDFA/IPKyCyRtEyU/s1600/IMG_1891.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-y_xwqXOYQaQ/VF7ZOwZfG_I/AAAAAAABDFA/IPKyCyRtEyU/s1600/IMG_1891.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
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This was followed by a special prayer circle, when A&A were surrounded by their parents and pastors, each individual praying a blessing over their lives and their new union.<br />
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I had to seriously swallow back some emotions at this point to stay on task.<br />
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And then they were declared man and wife!</div>
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My favorite ceremony photos are always from the recessional.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-3U4EJYFVcP0/VF7ZYl__SsI/AAAAAAABDHY/aRbMZqT9WQs/s1600/IMG_1927.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-3U4EJYFVcP0/VF7ZYl__SsI/AAAAAAABDHY/aRbMZqT9WQs/s1600/IMG_1927.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Candidly overjoyed!</td></tr>
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As a family member, I had to jump into a few obligatory family photos, so N's sister took over my camera while I cuddled up to my sister.<br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-aKTxjmyQx7w/VF7Zf3_I0tI/AAAAAAABDJQ/05-TMsWAXpo/s1600/IMG_1963.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-aKTxjmyQx7w/VF7Zf3_I0tI/AAAAAAABDJQ/05-TMsWAXpo/s1600/IMG_1963.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
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Since this is an "artistic" post, a quick word about my new post-processing routine these days: Over the summer, I finally took the plunge (after about a year of consideration) and purchased two <a href="http://vsco.co/film">VSCO Film</a> packs for Lightroom 5. I now have more presets than I can count with VSCO Film 02 and VSCO Film 05. These presets are powerful options to have in one's creative toolbelt, featuring certain colors and bringing out the rich tones that we see with our eyes but the camera doesn't always accurately capture. For this wedding, I primarily used VSCO Film 05's Kodak Gold 100--, which highlighted the golden hues of the season without converting all the rich reds to orange (one of my complaints with VSCO presets.)<br />
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Anyway, thought you might be interested.<br />
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Back to the family photos.<br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-7cVZfetNKLQ/VF7ZgziyqBI/AAAAAAABDJc/h5648ZlrldA/s1600/IMG_1976.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-7cVZfetNKLQ/VF7ZgziyqBI/AAAAAAABDJc/h5648ZlrldA/s1600/IMG_1976.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
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My camera was hardly missing in action with this group of paparazzi and their handheld devices.<br />
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I'm in love with this shot, and am pretty sure Kate's version from front and center will need to be framed.<br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-LSWV7-9zmjs/VF7ZkZ5Wl0I/AAAAAAABDKM/3k9GeJpTNgg/s1600/IMG_1993-2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-LSWV7-9zmjs/VF7ZkZ5Wl0I/AAAAAAABDKM/3k9GeJpTNgg/s1600/IMG_1993-2.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
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During another camera handoff to my youngest sister, EH captured this gem:<br />
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So to recap: My beautiful home state in its favorite month of the year once again successfully showed off the results of its bountiful harvest, creating a perfect backdrop to celebrate the love and joy of this dear couple.<br />
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Another huge thank you to Kate Marcus of <a href="http://paperheartphotos.com/">Paper Heart Photography</a> for directing all photography efforts. She's based out of Charlotte but was willing to travel back to her hometown to shoot my sister's big day. Kate did an outstanding of job of finding so many beautiful ways to capture my gorgeous sister!</div>
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The autumn harvest backdrop was the perfect canvas for capturing these newlyweds on this important day. I pray for God's rich blessings to surround A&A, as they begin their new lives and move into this exciting new phase.</div>
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And for their second honeymoon: I propose a trip to Cayman. In November.<br />
<br />Offshorecpahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05566196350953308001noreply@blogger.com6