tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-70712875723477280892024-03-05T04:59:59.421-05:00A Modern Navy Wife Samantha @ A Modern Navy Wifehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10431353499532657635noreply@blogger.comBlogger159125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7071287572347728089.post-11382616985189253702017-10-28T05:37:00.002-04:002017-10-28T05:37:48.101-04:00The Land Down Under<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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I loved Australia! It was a great time not only for our family, but for a ton of other families too. Port calls are one of the many blessings of Navy life. They help to break up deployments into smaller, more bite-sized pieces. Me and the monster were surprised with tickets to head out to Australia a whole 6 days before the boat was pulling in. That man I married is a crazy one, but a super thoughtful one. A few days of panic packing and frantic house cleaning was all I got to prepare for this trip, but once we landed I didn't care about anything but enjoying our time in Brisbane. We only had what equated to long weekend, so we barely scratched the surface of things to do in Brisbane. Here are the top seven things I would recommend for anyone that is going to be heading to Brisbane and the surrounding area, and they are all kid friendly!<br />
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1. Fly Qantas!<br />
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Number one is a travel tip, but it's a big one. Qantas was spectacular! They allowed us to pre-board (even before first class) so I could set Lizzie up, they had children's meals, a robust kid's media menu with games, movies and tv shows, as well as a super diligent flight crew. I had some medical issues during the last hour of the 9 hour flight and they were quick with oxygen and water. They were super attentive before my episode, and even more so afterwards. A few friends of mine that flew a budget airline to Brisbane had terrible experiences that included no food on a 9 hour flight unless you ordered, and paid, for it ahead of time, drinks were not free, and they almost made one of my friends miss the flight by forcing her to go back to the check-in counter to check her son's car seat after they decided he couldn't use it as they were boarding!<br />
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2. Australia Zoo, Home of the Crocodile Hunter<br />
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Located in Beerwah, Queensland, the Australia Zoo is a must see for anyone who visits Australia. I was a child of the 80s and 90s, and Steve Irwin was a legend to kids like me. The Zoo is a true labor of love not only for the conservation of animals, but now for his memory and the life that Steve lived trying to be a voice and an advocate for all wildlife. The space that he and his family created is magical. Lizzie loved seeing all of the different native Australian species: from koalas, to kangaroos, snakes and of course crocs.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Croc Show Stadium</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Yes, they get crazy close to the handlers</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Feeding the 'Roos</td></tr>
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3. Find a Local Festival<br />
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There are tons of festivals, fairs and markets that happen all year long in Brisbane. We were lucky enough to get to experience the Night Noodle Market while we were there, and let me tell you, it was delicious! So much food, music & drinks, and kids and pets were welcome! Brisbane has a festival for every interest: dressage, music, movies, medieval, cultural, kites, and the list goes on and on.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Beautiful art installation at the festival</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Daytime shot c/o 2AussieTravellers</td></tr>
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4. Head to a Sanctuary<br />
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We did a combination river boat cruise/sanctuary tour one day and it was so much fun. <a href="http://www.mirimar.com/" target="_blank">Miramar Cruises</a> gave us a trip down the river to the <a href="http://koala.net/en-au/" target="_blank">Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary</a>, along with a little trip down Brisbane history lane. I love learning the history behind a place that I am visiting and this tour did just that. We got a brief history of Brisbane itself, Lone Pine, the Brisbane river, historical mansions along the river banks, and one of the top 50 universities in the world, the University of Queensland. Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary was a great experience for everyone in the family. You can watch herding dogs in a demonstration, see wombats and dingos, and they even have photo ops that let you hold a koala. Those cuties are real snugglers. <br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">An Old Beauty</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaeqBUbFv865aNhmmXj7zd7kuMxq3nFzDsttlaD6FtgOUYALdyDAfjqj5cVKRdSpqCXFceag51hYgJ6Yjfgz3DYe72WYg4P-UWFTzHu5p9vxyQ2poLLZ7Ur0YKZwKqbppJ7xb0ezkNkkYX/s1600/IMG_2184.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaeqBUbFv865aNhmmXj7zd7kuMxq3nFzDsttlaD6FtgOUYALdyDAfjqj5cVKRdSpqCXFceag51hYgJ6Yjfgz3DYe72WYg4P-UWFTzHu5p9vxyQ2poLLZ7Ur0YKZwKqbppJ7xb0ezkNkkYX/s400/IMG_2184.JPG" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A classic McMansion :)</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9uxXL3ItC_YI_zwcwGwjYFhbKtYq42Fub5i9SJ20bSxmAfAV6rxBSO9HhxSsQR8JXFtejrwUam8wIplZwSSJW6PItbODfum2mw5NXqe4DLKFux5eN82_0UXyBXfOEHNw2Z3qghzs36wgi/s1600/IMG_2241.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9uxXL3ItC_YI_zwcwGwjYFhbKtYq42Fub5i9SJ20bSxmAfAV6rxBSO9HhxSsQR8JXFtejrwUam8wIplZwSSJW6PItbODfum2mw5NXqe4DLKFux5eN82_0UXyBXfOEHNw2Z3qghzs36wgi/s400/IMG_2241.JPG" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I love that hat</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5bwYFPcVL5xQbDakzEbj9S6TI_-M2jajNjX1Rrn2XQYCo0gu38njkxThaFhZ-u3XxB_k7DfPeZaU6k93oHzF0aGQKR3_AnhwNQ8Jj9i8hbh81z888K-DI2N7fml55r3lYeFzq4G7LVoFF/s1600/IMG_2215.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5bwYFPcVL5xQbDakzEbj9S6TI_-M2jajNjX1Rrn2XQYCo0gu38njkxThaFhZ-u3XxB_k7DfPeZaU6k93oHzF0aGQKR3_AnhwNQ8Jj9i8hbh81z888K-DI2N7fml55r3lYeFzq4G7LVoFF/s400/IMG_2215.JPG" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Daddy and two little 'roos</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi63uisQDqgispQ_jOP754mw-MkBpD3CYM5L84rlDscd9ZfExXUdjvHqhjlOghHOO7wspCBAHu5zJL4sH3yp3dsbdPxXhJXBCUCoiQWD8fMzMs5ssTkAkoTz-qiQ-ax65bhL69zfkmLCaxS/s1600/IMG_2108.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi63uisQDqgispQ_jOP754mw-MkBpD3CYM5L84rlDscd9ZfExXUdjvHqhjlOghHOO7wspCBAHu5zJL4sH3yp3dsbdPxXhJXBCUCoiQWD8fMzMs5ssTkAkoTz-qiQ-ax65bhL69zfkmLCaxS/s400/IMG_2108.JPG" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Joey in a pouch!!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUN11KT0N8niifiD725RSsBGd_CuAmuQfFAoJKjQpv2wzsgWj1aH-B_o2tSxis-7WQi_Q5BBr5avUvfpaQtmQh0Z7DPEu6Cvs_4S0wjOg6EJjl8McPXLSmQU8952XW2tqOEJQma6rt2hy4/s1600/IMG_2198.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUN11KT0N8niifiD725RSsBGd_CuAmuQfFAoJKjQpv2wzsgWj1aH-B_o2tSxis-7WQi_Q5BBr5avUvfpaQtmQh0Z7DPEu6Cvs_4S0wjOg6EJjl8McPXLSmQU8952XW2tqOEJQma6rt2hy4/s400/IMG_2198.JPG" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Baby and Mama in the Nursery area</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3gHON0AUYWGxfFmIhQKwu6Jmik7nBaqAd57WlEc3Hp8rZDihnmZ_aA8amDNVtEZw4pndjccabvqbzh8xRXz0M4AkqbKJF66LG9Qde5jEZmDwpyf_3S903oUcG7lYhKTeIqMSjWw2kKEDJ/s1600/IMG_2187.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3gHON0AUYWGxfFmIhQKwu6Jmik7nBaqAd57WlEc3Hp8rZDihnmZ_aA8amDNVtEZw4pndjccabvqbzh8xRXz0M4AkqbKJF66LG9Qde5jEZmDwpyf_3S903oUcG7lYhKTeIqMSjWw2kKEDJ/s400/IMG_2187.JPG" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Kookaburras</td></tr>
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5. The Gold Coast<br />
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It's less then 50 miles from Brisbane, and if you are a little skittish about driving on the left side of the road, there are trains you can catch. The beaches are gorgeous along the Gold Coast. I wish we were there in the summer. Opposite hemispheres, opposite seasons! The area is known as a surfers paradise, so the entire family can take surf lessons, visit theme parks like Sea World, Wet 'n Wild and Dreamworld, tree top walking tours, and animal sanctuaries. Most of our friends stayed here and they loved it so much, a few of the families are talking about heading back next year.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZ4TPDq5kiLYi0Xeg3lgWwz1Gp2YgZLhtJiSQZ5cR4gu37CdomuaMyMg9yZn8UlHsI0m13Vg_9_hlYQMFa06buQTQJgpFIMowGLD6WvDXaSE2KbPXGJwLRauYZHu3T8lLeF5AL7neXAY1k/s1600/2_gr5hqo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="844" data-original-width="1498" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZ4TPDq5kiLYi0Xeg3lgWwz1Gp2YgZLhtJiSQZ5cR4gu37CdomuaMyMg9yZn8UlHsI0m13Vg_9_hlYQMFa06buQTQJgpFIMowGLD6WvDXaSE2KbPXGJwLRauYZHu3T8lLeF5AL7neXAY1k/s400/2_gr5hqo.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Photo by Wes Palmer- Skyepics Aerial Pho</td></tr>
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6. Walking<br />
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Brisbane City is an extremely walkable city, a 95 for their walkability score. We didn't take a single taxi the entire weekend and we only took trains to get to and from the airport and the zoo. Walking along the Brisbane River was a major activity for us. We stumbled upon the best cup of coffee that was set up in a stand on the Victoria Bridge called <a href="http://www.chaicart.com.au/" target="_blank">The Chai Cart</a>. Lunch one day was some of the best pizza I've had outside of Naples at a restaurant called <a href="http://juliuspizzeria.com.au/" target="_blank">Julius Pizzeria</a> that again, we just happened to walk past. That is also how we found out about the Noodle Market, we saw them setting up for the night along the riverbank during our walk. You can find the best things to do in a new city when you're not looking.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeFFAXnKHySMSnLgUIAIN4rcl4IYgj06NhwbMbzyVZcpEt0-Blaw0LqR8VbJGYWSDE6e5gCX2L-9C214lgL3tIzb18B0giiBT9u7M75yvkGhD0J-riqK1r5OnwOobUMkL3awxsXCxfRnKt/s1600/IMG_2171.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeFFAXnKHySMSnLgUIAIN4rcl4IYgj06NhwbMbzyVZcpEt0-Blaw0LqR8VbJGYWSDE6e5gCX2L-9C214lgL3tIzb18B0giiBT9u7M75yvkGhD0J-riqK1r5OnwOobUMkL3awxsXCxfRnKt/s400/IMG_2171.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The South Bank</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtrvpCSW2-jJx__wVp7UOzry7HmPDc17hdHPVflSMvGUgwWqZLNqwGUn1bY1_I07jpu72bdIUuU-EHFy6Z4Lr5W5Th7I6JIIRdXAkKt9b-kWXeIDyltuaA8SuxU_2xz-3vPM8yQCsPUIBO/s1600/IMG_2289.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtrvpCSW2-jJx__wVp7UOzry7HmPDc17hdHPVflSMvGUgwWqZLNqwGUn1bY1_I07jpu72bdIUuU-EHFy6Z4Lr5W5Th7I6JIIRdXAkKt9b-kWXeIDyltuaA8SuxU_2xz-3vPM8yQCsPUIBO/s400/IMG_2289.JPG" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Griffith University walkway</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMxPZvz2tnHW1XxFpTasDvmRMXkWBB9uwuOyxE8dyQODz5pgVmtUXKdwZybfgl89zCDybDAGMuKAO_NmP4OP0H7AqBb6kmHprTQa3CQ7JC0K2AkLF4p2nrs6luCb3ZvRFECcPq5R30sayt/s1600/AAEAAQAAAAAAAAp5AAAAJGI3OTFiN2U1LWUzMDMtNGM3Mi05NWMyLTExYTJiMjQ3YmVhNA.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="410" data-original-width="729" height="222" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMxPZvz2tnHW1XxFpTasDvmRMXkWBB9uwuOyxE8dyQODz5pgVmtUXKdwZybfgl89zCDybDAGMuKAO_NmP4OP0H7AqBb6kmHprTQa3CQ7JC0K2AkLF4p2nrs6luCb3ZvRFECcPq5R30sayt/s400/AAEAAQAAAAAAAAp5AAAAJGI3OTFiN2U1LWUzMDMtNGM3Mi05NWMyLTExYTJiMjQ3YmVhNA.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">North Bank- c/o Brisbane Times</td></tr>
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7. Parks and Playgrounds </div>
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It seemed like no matter where we walked, we always came upon a park or playground for the monster to play in. The Brisbane City Botanic Gardens was a short walk from our apartment and it has an awesome playground right along the river for kiddos to play. It is brand-spankin new, handicap accessible, and it has wifi. It was the perfect way to get some energy out of the monster before heading to restaurants or site seeing.<br />
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Bonus:<br />
The website, <a href="http://brisbanekids.com.au/">Brisbanekids.com.au</a>, is an amazing resource for anyone who wants to get more information on kid friendly activities, restaurants, family friendly accommodations and they even include playground & park reviews!<br />
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Fair Winds, Following Seas & Safe Travels!<br />
Samantha<br />
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<br />Samantha @ A Modern Navy Wifehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10431353499532657635noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7071287572347728089.post-84752924952670717682017-07-16T05:10:00.000-04:002017-10-27T23:23:47.917-04:00International Travel with a Toddler<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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During the months of May and June, the little one and I made a long trip back to the States to visit family and friends while my husband was at the beginning of his deployment. To say it was an adventure would be an understatement! She's 2 now and she's good at it. She's been on planes since she was three months old, so she's pretty comfortable with flying but we've never done a long-haul just her and I. The trip itself included stops in Texas, Arizona, Illinois, Virginia, Pennsylvania, Massachusetts, and then back to Japan. That was a grand total of 8 plane rides, two were 12+ hours long, and one road trip up the east coast. The lead up to the trip was so full of anxiety, not only because I would have to do all of this on my own, but because I am not a good flier to begin with. I know, the sweet irony of being married to a pilot. Apparently its super common. lol. That anxiety lead me to do a ton of research online in mommy blogs, travel blogs, and advice from local parents who have made the trip back to America with kids multiple times. This list is full of the tips that I tried and loved on our trip, as well as items and links to purchase them, that I cannot image traveling without! Everything on this list helped me keep my sanity at 30,000 feet! Enjoy!</div>
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1. Prep your kiddo</div>
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The few weeks leading up to the trip were the most anxious for me and I was determined not to let that rub off on the little one. So, I would remind her that we were going on a plane, that we were going to fly and have tons of fun on the planes and with the family that we were going to see at the end of the plane rides. I always topped it off with a reminder for her to be good and to listen to mama. I also read the book, <i>Good Night Planes</i>, to her a lot. I picked it up in the Phoenix airport the last time we were visiting. I think the mantras and the prep helped both of us so that when we left the house and made our way to the airport, she was excited about the plane ride and family, and not questioning where we were going. Positivity for both of us!</div>
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2. Dress Yourself Day</div>
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Take another look at the picture up top. Lizzie is wearing a sparkly tutu, her favorite converse, one sock is rolled up over her pants, and her hair is in a pony that did not last long when she was trying to get comfy in her seat. But that is what she wanted to wear that morning, so its what she left the house in! She was so happy. It definitely started the travel day on a good foot and with an even tempered toddler, which as you parents know is worth its weight in gold. </div>
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3. Favorite Snacks and Drinks</div>
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Both international and domestic flights have drinks and food for purchase or gratis, but they are geared towards the adult customers. And if you have a picky eater, there is nothing worse then a hungry kid not eating their food because it is something they don't like. Don't take the chance, and simply pack your own snacks and maybe a small, portable meal from home or the airport. I packed jerky, raisins, chewy bars, trail mix, Nutella snack kits, gold fish, skinny pop in the lunch bags, some Japanese snacks, and a little bit of candy for treats. Basically everything you would find in the average elementary-aged kid's lunch box. Our JAL flight offered kids meals when I called to arrange our seats and I jumped on that. The kid's meal was a more American style meal with pasta, while my adult meal was more Japanese with soba noodles and small, Japanese salads. Both meals came with this delicious Ben & Jerry's treat for desert though. yum. I always buy a few bottles of apple juice in the terminal so I don't have to ask the flight attendant over and over again for refills. And don't forget a reliable sippy cup or water bottle to stop any spills before they get the chance to happen. We got lucky that JAL had their own version of kid's cups when ours ran off under the seats for a bit.</div>
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4. In-flight Entertainment</div>
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The iPad is your best friend on international flights. The inflight entertainment can be hit or miss on non-American-based airlines. They will have international blockbusters, both adult and kid friendly. I was finally able to watch <i>La La Land</i> and Lizzie helped herself to her 1,000th viewing of <i>Moana</i>. But they will also be catering to their home country's tastes and viewing preferences with a larger selection of their popular television shows and movies. I highly, highly recommend loading your devices with all of your child's favorites, both movies and television. I had her iPad, my iPad, and both my American and Japanese iPhones filled with whatever she could want. I did everything in my power to avoid a breakdown because I didn't have a Doc McStuffins episode or a certain princess movie. Don't forget kid-sized headphones! I did bring a few small books and toys to entertain the monster in-between screen times. <i>Good Night Planes</i> of course, triangular Crayola crayons (they stay on the tray table!) and coloring books are always a hit and compact in size, Disney stickers were a huge hit, as were star-shaped Post Its and window stickies. Nothing that made noise, rolled, or bounced was allowed, just for the simple fact that I didn't want to chase them down the aisle or disrupt other passengers. </div>
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5. Good mid-flight Surprises!</div>
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Small, wrapped gifts were one of the best pieces of advice I got from a mom here in Japan. Now I am not saying to run out to Target and spend $300 on toys. Oh no. I am saying to go down to the dollar store and raid their toy section. Daiso here in Japan is similar, and I got her all kinds of goodies for the grand total of around 20 bucks. I originally bought enough to have one present, every hour for the 12 hour flight. It was a sort of countdown to when we would land. They ended up being my bargaining chips! I would give her one when she was getting fussy or bored. The excitement and happiness from unwrapping a gift was enough to entertain her for a good chunk of time. I ended up with about half still wrapped when we landed back in America. That crown was a real winner in her book. </div>
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6. Your Power Supply </div>
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This little device has the possibility of saving not only your sanity but your kiddo's too. It is a godsend on domestic flights that do not have any power supplies for the cabin. Almost all international flights have in-seat power sources (check your carrier), but what they don't tell you is that some of them are poorly placed in the seat design. One of our flights had the outlet under the tv so it was dangling in front of the munchkin and she was constantly catching her foot on it. It started to really aggravate her, so I used this little baby instead and tucked away the charging iPad in my bag. If you have several connecting flights, or a short layover with no time to charge in the terminal, this will save you too! They are not a tremendous investment, this one is about $25 on Amazon right now and they also have tons for less then $10. Versions like these are my favorite because they light up to let you know how much juice is left in the battery pack for your charging needs. </div>
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7. Lovies and Comforters </div>
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DO NOT forget the one thing that makes your child fall asleep! I repeat, DO NOT FORGET the blankie or animal or book that is a comfort to your kid! I did! Oh my god, I was half way to Narita International on the 2 hour train ride when I realized her beloved Pup Pup blankie was on her bed. I seriously, almost cried. Thankfully the airplane blanket supplied the cover she needed to relax and sleep, but I just about had a heart attack when I realized my mistake. It could have been a very long, cranky flight.</div>
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8. Over Pack That Bag</div>
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But only overpack a few key essentials. Diapers, wipes, pacifiers, formula & bottles for babies, a few changes of clothing for both you and the littles, and it seems random but: Gallon Sized Ziplock Bags. They can be used for anything! Sopping wet clothes due to a spill? Throw them in a ziplock. Got a ton of dirty bottles? Put em in there. Do not wash out or clean anything in the airplane bathroom sinks that would then be given back to your kiddo. The water is not drinkable and should not be used to clean anything other then your hands. Don't forget to pack plenty of medicines, even if your little one isn't sick. You can take liquid medication over 3oz. beyond security. We learned the hard way that allergic reactions can happen anywhere and children's medication, especially for babies and toddlers, is hard to find in an airport. Don't forget to include anything you would normally have in your diaper bag, along with some random things for ease like kids cutlery, and for emergencies like bandaids, a thermometer, and Neosporine. </div>
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9. Travel-Hack Supplies </div>
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Don't forget the things that make traveling with kids easier for you. These are my top four. 1) I swear by the CARES harness. The harness provides just enough of a 'hold' on her that she associates with her carseat, which she always falls asleep in. I do use a little piece of shelf liner to stop her from slipping too much since it is not a 5-point system. I have used it on JAL, Korean Air, United and American Airlines without issues. In fact, it was the first time a JAL flight attendant had seen one and checked to make sure it was on the FAA list of approved harnesses and carseats. 2) The carseat luggage strap will save you when you are bogged down with luggage and a babe. You just strap your carseat to any piece of rolling luggage, carryon or check sized, and you suddenly have a free hand. 3) My Mountain Buggy Nano is a super close 3rd on my favorite travel necessities. It folds up so small, it fit in the overhead bins of my flights, but it still has a full sunshade and can be used with an infant carseat. A wonderful investment piece that will last from birth until they weigh 50 lbs. I loved the look on the gate check agent's face when it told her I didn't need a gate check ticket and folded it right down to smaller then a wheeled carryon. 4) I also last minute purchased a Munchkin Booster Seat car protector to act as a crumb & toy catcher and a non-slipping mat. And bonus for those potty training: It will stop any potty training mishaps from getting really, really messy on cloth airplane seats!</div>
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10. Your Relaxers</div>
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Mommy and Daddy need a break too. I usually buy a few magazines before takeoff, some snacks, and a large bottle of water so I don't have to keep on asking for refills on the plane. A dual-air chambered inflatable pillow is my favorite for a quick cat nap or just neck support. They are compact and can be adjusted unlike those stiff donut ones you can't manipulate. For $10, totally worth it. My iPad was half kiddie-half mine. I put all of my favorite relaxing movies on it, romantic comedies :) and reloaded my Relaxation playlist that I like to listen to during turbulence. I also started a new trick during turbulence, I start my stopwatch on my phone and then turn on my music, when the bumps are done, I pause the stopwatch. It's usually a surprisingly short amount of time that the turbulence actually was. It always feels so much longer. I still hate it, but that helps me get through it a little bit better. I always have a good pair of noise canceling headphone to use when the babe's asleep or content and entertained, so I don't have to worry about not hearing her. The Bose earbuds are my absolute favorite! Now, these are another investment. To be honest, I don't know if I ever would have bought them for myself, they were a gift from my father. But, you only need to use them once to realize their worth. They are amazing! The battery lasted the entire 12 hour flight time and then some. I bought a pair for my husband to take on deployment to drown out the boat noise. Remember, when mama and daddy are happy and calm, everyone else will be about 85% normal, because lets be honest, no toddler is 100% calm!</div>
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11. Sleep is Possible </div>
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One of the tricks I kept on hearing was to try to keep your normal routine leading up to sleep so that sleep was encouraged and natural, and not just a happy accident. Easier said then done people! But we were able to attempt our nighttime ritual on one of our overnight flights. If you have an overnight flight where the lights will be off and everyone is encouraged to sleep, this is the best and easiest time to attempt your normal bedtime routine, since it will be dark and mostly quiet. Have everyone put on pajamas, brush their teeth and read a book or just snuggle until sleep comes. When we were able to change into some comfy clothes, brush teeth and relax, Lizzie slept for a good 5 hours and even I caught a wink or two. </div>
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12. Necessary Paperwork </div>
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Beyond your passports, drivers license and tickets, there are a few more pieces of paperwork that are great to have and may be a necessity. Especially if you are traveling solo with your child like I was. A copy of your child's birth certificate is always good to have on hand when they are young, especially domestically if they are traveling as a lap child and close to the 2 year-old cut off. It acts as proof that they are below 2 and do not require their own seat if you don't have a passport for them. When you are traveling alone with children internationally, it is important to check and see if you need a birth certificate and a notarized letter from the absent parent so that you can enter another country solo with your child. This is one that I never heard of before, but it was a nice piece of paper to have just incase. Go to the <a href="https://travel.state.gov/content/passports/en/country.html" target="_blank">US State Department International Travel Site</a>, click on the country you're traveling to, then click the 'Entry, Exit &Visa Requirements' tab. Scroll to the 'Travel with Minors' section if there is one noted and check their requirements for traveling alone with minors. The letter should state that the absent parent is aware that the child is traveling internationally with only one parent present. Some countries have printouts available on their respective websites. If a letter is needed, you can get documents notarized at select banks, court houses, shipping stores like UPS, law offices, real estate offices, and mobile notary services. </div>
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And there you have it! Now that I've written it all down, it sounds like a lot. It also sounds like I was loaded down like a pack mule during our travels. In actuality, I traveled pretty light considering what I could have packed for a month away from home. We had one checked bag, the checked car seat, and our carry ons. Do not forget a travel bag/cover for your carseat and stroller if you're checking it through or gate checking. You don't want a dirty or broken carseat greeting you at your destination. This is a pic of lizzie and our carry on load in Boston before our flight from Logan back to Narita. </div>
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She had her own backpack that was loaded with her little toys, colors, water bottle, blankie, iPad, headphones, and her own neck pillow. I love that little pink bag. It allowed her a little bit of independence and a super convenient way to get to her things. They no longer sell her exact bag, but Amazon has a similar model available. I had the North Face duffle backpack and my favorite stroller all tucked away in its own little bag there. The duffle is a size small, but that bag can carry a lot of stuff and get heavy, so be careful with that, but it is damn durable. I could rely on that thing to hold whatever I wanted to put in it, from diapers to a laptop. It is another investment piece, but it is on sale on Amazon right now, and it will last for years. </div>
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As far as parental hacks, I cannot recommend TSA pre-check enough! It saved us time by allowing us to skip some long lines, no shoe or jacket removal, and you keep your liquids and electronics tucked away. Basically, you don't have to get naked and shoeless, while spilling all of your carryon items on the line just to get to your laptop that is at the bottom of your bag. Not that that happened to me or anything. lol! The Global Entry Program is next on my list of adult-life-travel hacks to complete. I love the idea of not having to deal with the wait and frustration that is customs. I will have to wait until we get back to the States again to begin that process, but I can't wait to simplify international travel even more. I hope that these tips and goodies are some that will help you in your future travels. Let me know which ones worked best for you, and which ones you discovered on your own that you couldn't imagine traveling without knowing! </div>
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Fair Winds, Following Seas, and Safe Travels!</div>
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Samantha </div>
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<span style="background-color: #bd081c; background-position: 3px 50%; background-repeat: no-repeat no-repeat; background-size: 14px 14px; border-bottom-left-radius: 2px; border-bottom-right-radius: 2px; border-top-left-radius: 2px; border-top-right-radius: 2px; border: none; color: white; cursor: pointer; display: none; font-family: "helvetica neue" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: 11px; font-style: normal; font-weight: bold; left: 26px; line-height: 20px; opacity: 1; padding: 0px 4px 0px 0px; position: absolute; text-align: center; text-indent: 20px; top: 7478px; width: auto; z-index: 8675309;">Save</span><span style="background-color: #bd081c; background-position: 3px 50%; background-repeat: no-repeat no-repeat; background-size: 14px 14px; border-bottom-left-radius: 2px; border-bottom-right-radius: 2px; border-top-left-radius: 2px; border-top-right-radius: 2px; border: none; color: white; cursor: pointer; display: none; font-family: "helvetica neue" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: 11px; font-style: normal; font-weight: bold; left: 26px; line-height: 20px; opacity: 1; padding: 0px 4px 0px 0px; position: absolute; text-align: center; text-indent: 20px; top: 7478px; width: auto; z-index: 8675309;">Save</span>Samantha @ A Modern Navy Wifehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10431353499532657635noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7071287572347728089.post-73196278223583754892017-04-25T12:11:00.000-04:002017-07-15T22:08:02.507-04:00Military Move Hacks #2<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqPteMPpRscDhoywLtEnGf9aWx087XGJrSirL45C7TBZB7GoA_PSlrZ_mMbMTyymPsdsnhfOR0puEdOdgzD3vKrK3TDMSxUY8P-ElgvKYOQXirpnQi0KwCMbqI3TDjxHcu8plT4kM2xEsX/s1600/moving-boxes+2-2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqPteMPpRscDhoywLtEnGf9aWx087XGJrSirL45C7TBZB7GoA_PSlrZ_mMbMTyymPsdsnhfOR0puEdOdgzD3vKrK3TDMSxUY8P-ElgvKYOQXirpnQi0KwCMbqI3TDjxHcu8plT4kM2xEsX/s640/moving-boxes+2-2.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Hey y'all! We have been in Japan for almost 5 months now and it has been a dream. I had no idea what it would be like to move to another country, with a toddler in tow no less, but it has been so good! Homesickness does strike at times, but the memories we are making here are priceless. If you follow my Instagram, amodernnavywife, you have been getting peeks into our adventures since we've been here. I have only learned a few key Japanese words and phrases, but getting around using the train system is pretty simple once you get the hang of things. But that's another story, right now I am going to give y'all the next installment of Tips and Tricks. These 6 are geared more towards overseas moves, but a few of them would definitely work for cross-country moves too! </div>
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5. Get your passport(s)</div>
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The earlier you get your passport, and passports for your kiddos, the better. You will need two different passports, a regular travel one and a capital "O"fficial one. Both passports take time and money, for pictures and processing fees. It is better to get them as early as you can. Expedited fees are an additional $60 on top of $135 regular processing time fees for adults 16 & over and $105 regular fees for kids 15 & under. *To save a little money on the photo side, be sure to pull your hair off your face and do not smile with teeth. One of my applications got rejected because I had my hair down. Boo.</div>
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6. POAs for everyone!</div>
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Power of Attorney are essential for deployments and super handy for moves. If your spouse leaves for workups or any last minute trips to gear up for their deployment and you have to cancel any services or utilities and everything is in <u>their</u> name, things can get a little sticky sometimes. If at any point you deal with a customer service agent who seems to not only hate their job, but life in general, as well as you for trying to cancel something that is not in your name, you can flash that piece of paper in their face! I highly recommend getting a POA to cover all of your bases. </div>
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7. Sell, sell, sell!</div>
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Get rid of anything that you know you will not use again and still has life in it. It will just be taking up precious space in your weight allowance. Large furniture is heavy and highly sought after on resale pages, as well as bicycles, baby items, kids toys and clothes, sporting equipment, and lawn care goodies. Craigslist is a good place to start and I also highly recommend downloading Varagesale if it is available in your area. </div>
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8. Make your reservations early</div>
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I have seen, and heard, of horror stories of people desperate to find a place to stay following their move overseas because they didn't know they had to book their own rooms at a hotel (military hotel or civilian) because housing was not immediately available. I am talking, days before their flights in some cases. Or worse, they did not know that their room was not pet friendly and they needed to find someone to watch their fur babies in a new town where they knew no one. Military hotels and lodges book up just like civilian hotels, especially in highly desirable tourist destinations. Book early and be sure to ask for pet friendly rooms if you are bringing your little fuzzies. </div>
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9. Lots-o-copies</div>
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Print out at least 6 copies of your spouse's orders and family entry letter! I am not kidding! If you are flying Space-A /MAC, they will need copies for their records that you do not get back. You will need a copy to get your tickets for the flights, a copy for customs on the other side, and if you need a bus ride to get to your new Base/Post they will need a copy too. You will also need copies for everything from enrolling in the region's Tricare, to getting a driver's license. We made the mistake of only having 3 copies for the trip. Yeah, I thought we were prepared with more than one, but that was a mistake. I have heard of people printing out 10 copies just to be safe. The more, the merrier in this case. </div>
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10. Bring the necessities with you</div>
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Beyond clean undies and pjs, there are a few things you will need to get through your first few days or weeks in a hotel or new home, before your HHG or express shipment arrives. One of my checked bags was just home goods for that very reason. I included things like a set of sheets, a few towels, some bigger toys for the babe to play with, and a crock pot. Yes. A whole crockpot. And that thing saved us when we were living in a hotel room with one stove top burner and no oven for a few weeks. Don't be shy about packing things in your checked bag that you use all the time at home. If you love one specific pot or pan, and you cook all of your favorite meals in it, pack it! It will make your time in "PCS limbo" a little bit better. </div>
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*Kiddo Air-Travel Bonus*</div>
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If you are going to be traveling on a plane to your new duty station, invest in one or both of these two travel necessities: a carseat travel strap and the CARES airplane safety harness. I love these two contraptions so much! The strap lets you connect a carseat to a bag and roll that baby around. So much nicer than slinging it over your shoulder and lugging it around. The CARES harness is amazing if you want to check the carseat but still want a secure seatbelt for your child on the plane. I swear by this thing. It is not a five point since it does not go under their bums, but it held Lizzie in place so well that she fell asleep for the duration of the flight the first time she used it. </div>
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-Safe travels, fair winds and following seas!</div>
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Sam </div>
<br />Samantha @ A Modern Navy Wifehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10431353499532657635noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7071287572347728089.post-71947122616600959172016-09-26T22:13:00.000-04:002016-09-26T22:13:24.340-04:00¡Fiesta de Cumpleaños!<div style="text-align: center;">
Lizzie and I had a joint birthday party last weekend and I have to say, it turned out pretty perfect. Some of Lizzie's friends came by and helped her eat cake and mommy and daddy's friends helped us go through delicious Mexican beers and margaritas. Hubby cooked all of the meat for the tacos himself: carnitas, lengua, and flank steak. I don't think I could have been any prouder of him. They were absolutely delicious! We could not stop eating. The decorations were my labor of love. If i retained anything from ninth grade Spanish, it is how to make a mean tissue paper flower. </div>
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Take a look at our joint Fiesta de Cumpleaños! </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiOOJ3Z9SzVtnnX6To5XNXDFnHWVbfWFt75NIvj_kzIssUgG9Nwj2afrCPYS7lb3WRzSzXTEvq15isFt62GDfVvUQuAPG5o1wVrtnu15MjOMYqZs4SKInQ36agpSfSECchtY-Mb_Ff-1fS/s1600/Fiesta+Wall.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiOOJ3Z9SzVtnnX6To5XNXDFnHWVbfWFt75NIvj_kzIssUgG9Nwj2afrCPYS7lb3WRzSzXTEvq15isFt62GDfVvUQuAPG5o1wVrtnu15MjOMYqZs4SKInQ36agpSfSECchtY-Mb_Ff-1fS/s640/Fiesta+Wall.jpg" width="528" /></a></div>
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The drink station was a hit with the yummy margaritas and garland</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMuyaUUQfrRTow2mWU89nFBzMA3hOctwgMSzGuAmDfmbTnDe4JCFuRr3mngujVI4Vn-JwpBJt6s0lgKfMcYt7i0bpPc1wujMKFxJUxx9CpniKTfzEdaO24e2y5nbta1skhTE5TZsKJHnHM/s1600/Fiesta+Balloons-2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="464" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMuyaUUQfrRTow2mWU89nFBzMA3hOctwgMSzGuAmDfmbTnDe4JCFuRr3mngujVI4Vn-JwpBJt6s0lgKfMcYt7i0bpPc1wujMKFxJUxx9CpniKTfzEdaO24e2y5nbta1skhTE5TZsKJHnHM/s640/Fiesta+Balloons-2.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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2 and 30 balloons decorated the living room. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKTuAWTgGdjdRQXqaLxFuAgiUM2xTX0Zo7d4-rZaJ9dJTiXHl9ZB0o2U_65T98jvi_0yPeVeVsekI_mFfyVq6r-yjw6te211CvePEP6tKXWzoNyOvZwooC7xrarugLdhhkYR7PdsnvfZVs/s1600/Fiesta+door.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKTuAWTgGdjdRQXqaLxFuAgiUM2xTX0Zo7d4-rZaJ9dJTiXHl9ZB0o2U_65T98jvi_0yPeVeVsekI_mFfyVq6r-yjw6te211CvePEP6tKXWzoNyOvZwooC7xrarugLdhhkYR7PdsnvfZVs/s400/Fiesta+door.jpg" width="312" /></a></div>
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Even doors need decoration, don't neglect the doors!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmL3bJ-bdic1aQ5G25xnaMvqbsEQcN7zNYBa7L-yz1NIsdWoqwPsAZwmVOeyq1UlNNji_b7LDRzL9G5iBc8V7VIgmGOs8Dg_ECnc3BVvKfJWyQCevf1pvL-P1lu56xSXnKQZap_6XjNPL1/s1600/Fiesta+Flags.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmL3bJ-bdic1aQ5G25xnaMvqbsEQcN7zNYBa7L-yz1NIsdWoqwPsAZwmVOeyq1UlNNji_b7LDRzL9G5iBc8V7VIgmGOs8Dg_ECnc3BVvKfJWyQCevf1pvL-P1lu56xSXnKQZap_6XjNPL1/s640/Fiesta+Flags.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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My dad sent us the picado flags for the backyard. I love them so much, I think I'm going to keep them up for a while :)</div>
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My mom sent us an edible arrangement that was a huge hit with the littles. And you cannot forget the limòn and chile for fruit cups. </div>
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Piñatas are always necessary</div>
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The salsa selection. That top left corner is an avocado based salsa, so good!</div>
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I saw this sombrero and automatically thought it should hold the chips. Way more fun then bowls!</div>
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Presents!</div>
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The munchkin's first doll house</div>
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A fiesta wreath to say adiòs! ¡Gracias por haber venido!</div>
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Samantha @ A Modern Navy Wifehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10431353499532657635noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7071287572347728089.post-46188879598732930052016-07-28T00:05:00.001-04:002016-08-02T14:46:52.132-04:00Move Hacks, Baby!<div style="text-align: center;">
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Let's start this entry off with some little bitty life hacks for you military gals out there. Lesson one from my trial and errors: </div>
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1. Stay on top of your medical appointments: </div>
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Seriously. This one is super important if you know an OCONUS move is coming! Dental cleanings, ladybit appointments (a forgotten pap smear held up our med. screening a week, not good when you only have 30 days to get everything sorted), check ups for kidos, post-baby check ups for new mamas and all of the vaccinations for everyone in the family; yes even you! Booster shoots are still a thing past your teens. Trust me. I could not raise my arms for a few days after my hepatitis updates, yellow fever and Japanese Encephalitis Immunizations. Ouch. But I would rather have sore arms for a few days then have my brain swell. I'll take a hard pass on that one. Thanks. </div>
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2. Keep receipts of big purchases, start taking pictures and cataloging of all your stuff you think you might want to keep: </div>
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The worst thing that can happen on an overseas move is the stuff that you think is living safely in a storage facility in America while you are overseas is actually floating around god knows where and no one can find it when you move back. I have seen people lose things from family heirloom jewelry to couches. How can you lose a couch? Or a king sized bed!? But it has happened. The best thing that can happen is the moving company finds your stuff and delivers it to you after you move to your next duty station, and the worst is that your stuff is gone-girl-gone. Having receipts is the best thing for claims against the moving company, and pictures are the next priceless things you can have if you get your stuff back it is in a very different condition then when it left you. When your dining room table gets delivered with unfixable scratches or a chipped corner, it is nice to have a picture that backs you up when you say "It did not look like that when it left my possession." Check your bank and emails for records of your purchases if you no longer have paper copies. I loose my paper ones all the time, but they can be found in e-form. </div>
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3. Start going through your crap.</div>
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You know what I am talking about. The junk drawers. That forgotten closet of winter coats and stray kids' shoes. Those bins in your attic that you see once a year when you pull down christmas decorations and say to yourself, "Is that mine or the person who lived here before me?" Start now. Open one box or drawer a week, two if you're feeling feisty and start tossing the things you absolutely will not miss. There is nothing worse then trying to organize a pack and dealing with one thousand pens, two year old papers, and 20 lightbulbs that fit light fixtures in your home from two moves ago. This just happened to me in the junk drawer in my laundry room. I found 6 light bulbs to the track lighting that was in our Norfolk home. We have been on Florida for three years now. We don't have track lighting. Its time to toss those little suckers. I'd rather deal with them now, then during the stress of the pack. </div>
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Clothing: You know the old closet trick of 'if you haven't worn it in a year, throw it out or if it still has life, donate it,' do a soft run-through now. The obvious clean out. You know what I'm talking about, the things that you know don't fit or are so old they are starting to look a little dated. Keep up with the occasional run throughs and soon you will only have pieces you love and use. It makes the packing process so much easier when you don't have to debate keeping or tossing something when everything in your closet is stuff that fits, that you use, and know you want to take with you. </div>
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4. Take the good stuff to Mom and Dad's house: </div>
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Anything that would absolutely devastate you if it got lost and you know you will not use overseas: Grandma's antique teacup collection, your wedding dress, things like that. Im not saying leave all of the mementoes behind, take a few teacups, just not all 30. I am making my first goody run back to Texas in the next couple of weeks so that the family can love on the babe and I can drop off things to stay in safe keeping for the next few years. My wedding dress will stay, the bulk of my record collection (the weight adds up quickly), my great-grandmother's antique crystal and silver that I will not use overseas but would kill a mover for for if they broke or lost it. See if your parents, aunts, uncles, siblings, grandparents, etc. would be the custodians of your most prized possessions that you will not be taking with you. Better with them then in a storage container. </div>
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Phew, that was more then I thought it would be. Let know if you have some other tips to include in the next update. What are the moving hacks that you swear by? What has saved you the most time and sanity during a move? Happy Wednesday Everyone! </div>
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Samantha @ A Modern Navy Wifehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10431353499532657635noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7071287572347728089.post-90822939382169113572016-04-25T23:31:00.000-04:002016-04-28T14:20:41.549-04:00I should be studying for my finals but... <div style="text-align: center;">
I'm here instead! Hey y'all, I'm back! </div>
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It has been over a year since I wrote a post, and A LOT has changed since that last Disney World trip. First of all, the finals reference in the title. I am finally finishing up my Bachelors degree in History (UWF, go Argos!) and I cannot be more excited to finally have that piece of paper hanging on my wall. When I decided to go back to school, I decided to change my major to History from my original choice. I figured, if I am doing this, I am doing it in something that I actually like for a change. My original major was decided for me by my very first advisor when I was 18. Since I had no clue what I wanted to study, he chose something that I would be able to get a job with later. It had nothing to do with my interests, so this time I am doing what I want! I only have two semesters left: 20 hours in the summer & 18 in the fall. Needless to say, I am going to be super stressed and incredibly busy for the rest of the year. I know I am nuts, but there is a method to my madness.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This is my nightlife now: Books, Turabian, writing papers, and lots-o-wine!</td></tr>
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Lizzie Girl has changed so much this past year. She is a toddler now, so big, and she has the personality to match. She loves broccoli, daycare, avocado sushi, mommy and daddy (of course), Luna Puppy, and books. She is a babbling fool and loves talking into anything that can used as a play phone. Lately it has been my checkbook cover and she will go off on talking tangents with it. Her favorite book is tie between <i>Hippos Go Berserk</i> and <i>Hello America </i>and watching her play with her little kitchen can melt your heart. </div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My Easter Babe</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Told you she likes sushi</td></tr>
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Hubby is doing awesome. He's teaching students how to fly everyday and is super, crazy busy. Anyone that says they have tons of "home time" during a teaching shore tour is a big, fat liar! 12 to 14 hour days nearly every day! I honestly saw him more when he was in the fleet then now, on the flip side, no deployments here mean he doesn't take off for months at a time. I still miss the 9-5 days in Virginia. But we will be back in that pace of life coming up here at the end of the year because we got his verbal orders a few weeks back and we are going to....</div>
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I am so excited! It is still so surreal that we got orders to anywhere other than San Diego or Norfolk. I am not yet in the freaking out "holy shit we're moving overseas" stage of it all, but I know its coming. Already, we are deciding what is staying in the states and what is going with us. And it is very little.<br />
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I'll be updating as the move progresses and I'll share little tips and factoids along the way too. First Tip: Moves to some overseas locations are super weight restricted. Like 25% of your usual moving-weight allowance. Yeah, 25 percent. Let that sink in for a minute. So essentially, 75% of our house is staying here. A massive garage sale is in order and lots of Goodwill runs are in our near future.<br />
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The big move is a big reason why I decided to come back to blogland. I want a place that my family can go to and see what we have been up to. The adventures and the daily life both will be totally different from anything we have experienced before. Ahh, I am so excited, and Lizzie ready for all the sushi she can eat! Samantha @ A Modern Navy Wifehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10431353499532657635noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7071287572347728089.post-3358303152721174312015-03-26T17:49:00.000-04:002017-05-08T01:10:42.933-04:00Disney World! <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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If you follow my instagram {@amodernnavywife} you got a little preview of this post while were on our vacation earlier this month at the best place ever, Disney World. It is one of those places that will always hold a special spot in my heart. It was the place where we got engaged after all. And it truly is a spot where you can just have fun and really act like a big kid; and no one bats an eye at the adults in Mickey ears! So naturally we had to take Miss Lizzie to Disney World for her first big vacation. My dad and step mom even came with us. It was a true Family Vacation that I have always dreamed of taking one day with our babies. It was also super appropriate that my dad and step mom were there for Lizzie's first Disney trip as they were the ones that took me and my sisters to Disney when we were younger. I love my daddy so much for introducing me to my Disney obsession, and for having amazing photography skills to capture the fun that we had. These are just a few of the dozens (possibly hundreds!) of pictures that he took over the week. I hope you enjoy them!<br />
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Animal Kingdom Day:<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpimV6totHcS1sYT0IOvPXvXZ9IHSQj37LYV3J_u9oCkCZlWc7xtu7NUUOG-HJLe98A0GL9Ermfa20EutlmDihdi9awxbYWIkVU7qLQddP2gbTPiy9dJlxr5rWgyLhvK6kfEIbhxVFOcIy/s1600/_DSC5890.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpimV6totHcS1sYT0IOvPXvXZ9IHSQj37LYV3J_u9oCkCZlWc7xtu7NUUOG-HJLe98A0GL9Ermfa20EutlmDihdi9awxbYWIkVU7qLQddP2gbTPiy9dJlxr5rWgyLhvK6kfEIbhxVFOcIy/s1600/_DSC5890.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Tree of Life</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">We got to see a lot of animals on the safari. The key is to go early</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I swear you can nurse your baby anywhere in these parks.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Get it? </td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I wasn't the only new mommy there. Check out her left leg!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXbvxOH8PWuqIXe66lPaJ_SY2xGtKURF-brFGeGSEDddhoRmDAva25U_9gR8iLZ7XGpFWkpSVadKXi-V2qIRmlUC1eyWmYw2CPg4xIOlgvvUjQFQVCTiT8v_TW0V6taFLAsLXFEWwINAmT/s1600/_DSC5983.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXbvxOH8PWuqIXe66lPaJ_SY2xGtKURF-brFGeGSEDddhoRmDAva25U_9gR8iLZ7XGpFWkpSVadKXi-V2qIRmlUC1eyWmYw2CPg4xIOlgvvUjQFQVCTiT8v_TW0V6taFLAsLXFEWwINAmT/s1600/_DSC5983.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">What a cutie pie </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9nuyE-WD6z_KFZ0EiB7NGw0s6RcenaSuGIzFFOEuFjiHIa3QKwd_fPP74c_M6oPl9Idzk4m_cpPCqPftTn86XopMbkN6nptqOt33kRIOdW6_ODCiZzTW9FlhduUA_odg_oVaZzug_gly7/s1600/_DSC6048.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9nuyE-WD6z_KFZ0EiB7NGw0s6RcenaSuGIzFFOEuFjiHIa3QKwd_fPP74c_M6oPl9Idzk4m_cpPCqPftTn86XopMbkN6nptqOt33kRIOdW6_ODCiZzTW9FlhduUA_odg_oVaZzug_gly7/s1600/_DSC6048.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">'Murica. As the husband says. lol </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhePO1lrvowZZgeBNeggptxwB-nAHZ5DkoqAJasF5k49v2cKOWH0tgnxckpLr1gXfyx-O3JF100aYi6hfQzIj_9C0OQP2eWCAeYw2fptO_5E9CQl0cKunUPVq8Im5zr0XueoiPAtlKechn1/s1600/_DSC6074.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhePO1lrvowZZgeBNeggptxwB-nAHZ5DkoqAJasF5k49v2cKOWH0tgnxckpLr1gXfyx-O3JF100aYi6hfQzIj_9C0OQP2eWCAeYw2fptO_5E9CQl0cKunUPVq8Im5zr0XueoiPAtlKechn1/s1600/_DSC6074.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Great coaster! We're the fourth ones from the top. </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9HGLH48b6L2KY6I6AkNdgLUZ9M4QfcKYSCTJGkYCapubF22bs_Be9EHBNUnKmmK3TWNo1b407yH1PwEYUvijW7LKa9XdC6gcEGAf_KLWYUFCFXps0Hp0ayXdSUINb2pugTyqxyZvFbZJJ/s1600/IMG_0971+(1).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9HGLH48b6L2KY6I6AkNdgLUZ9M4QfcKYSCTJGkYCapubF22bs_Be9EHBNUnKmmK3TWNo1b407yH1PwEYUvijW7LKa9XdC6gcEGAf_KLWYUFCFXps0Hp0ayXdSUINb2pugTyqxyZvFbZJJ/s1600/IMG_0971+(1).JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lizzie's first Disney souvenir was a baby Nala from the Lion King</td></tr>
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Epcot Day:<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjw1a_sJGaqA0Q9SGIUuPhfeNEWXPkQCXQMxG3fz3HVy9tcyyLtfOYUwiG0dnJA-ypY2bT4LMZa1T53mqvas_8RtBVDj4NIA34EqVllxUt2kTMNkt7ymKVP0AclLIMWhbq8KvTaIMUJaGPl/s1600/_DSC6277.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjw1a_sJGaqA0Q9SGIUuPhfeNEWXPkQCXQMxG3fz3HVy9tcyyLtfOYUwiG0dnJA-ypY2bT4LMZa1T53mqvas_8RtBVDj4NIA34EqVllxUt2kTMNkt7ymKVP0AclLIMWhbq8KvTaIMUJaGPl/s1600/_DSC6277.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My favorite golf ball ever. </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAO8wVQmevmtGJZ-k2irGf0AdbfYb0O0YF0zRyvE9cZFQ2AsJ88GJUdqKtQMCsrm80XlgmFQ-D2-IQ9C6T9Yvw1eo7HMehVf237_hVLxgblE8EO-vXOnTSsXjnWocQ2MV5BgKLiAcqQhN2/s1600/_DSC6161.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAO8wVQmevmtGJZ-k2irGf0AdbfYb0O0YF0zRyvE9cZFQ2AsJ88GJUdqKtQMCsrm80XlgmFQ-D2-IQ9C6T9Yvw1eo7HMehVf237_hVLxgblE8EO-vXOnTSsXjnWocQ2MV5BgKLiAcqQhN2/s1600/_DSC6161.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Everyone liked Mexico but Lizzie did NOT like Donald</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEij2dky6QCPnm6viyOi37Jo48t-PANuy1DSWj96TFEumBRqh2bgtrtT4a9xvLBrYQ6W9QGkZJ05TFi27gOPjPl4LHL8kFiMBhkCWp_PG1v2CrBMmZ1d82cAPIoaa9_gIXSmAr7DGeGk10Rm/s1600/_DSC6168.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEij2dky6QCPnm6viyOi37Jo48t-PANuy1DSWj96TFEumBRqh2bgtrtT4a9xvLBrYQ6W9QGkZJ05TFi27gOPjPl4LHL8kFiMBhkCWp_PG1v2CrBMmZ1d82cAPIoaa9_gIXSmAr7DGeGk10Rm/s1600/_DSC6168.JPG" width="266" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">China, the munchkin's hiding </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisVASh7m4gwz_ADPqf5M7rpiC18GVW54V8eTfb0M5BSqM-kec7mb3-b0y9VZWpQf-8xJHZgupOY6OjHYzPpVedA7SuWwOeELBG_ScelAKzQdt7x2Sv_yUNeEy-xULx-KgrFJooN4kyl2Jn/s1600/_DSC6172.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisVASh7m4gwz_ADPqf5M7rpiC18GVW54V8eTfb0M5BSqM-kec7mb3-b0y9VZWpQf-8xJHZgupOY6OjHYzPpVedA7SuWwOeELBG_ScelAKzQdt7x2Sv_yUNeEy-xULx-KgrFJooN4kyl2Jn/s1600/_DSC6172.JPG" width="266" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">An Italian Flashback</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEia5TGZ3ZK4nzOlNemJ6h-fUpPWCsOcFUEPh9vYKnz7PnGoYWM4a-n66EV13PhH7AzIaqevZcfzCskkz3XxZo6XOipreftPCiRz8XVX7WwzxSOZdieR5y5RBmqVAGTs_mmBFD-cKpOdvnXD/s1600/_DSC6187.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEia5TGZ3ZK4nzOlNemJ6h-fUpPWCsOcFUEPh9vYKnz7PnGoYWM4a-n66EV13PhH7AzIaqevZcfzCskkz3XxZo6XOipreftPCiRz8XVX7WwzxSOZdieR5y5RBmqVAGTs_mmBFD-cKpOdvnXD/s1600/_DSC6187.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Morocco's shopping alley </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpjiYhYlv0pbB1963Lkx0M6e-vMg6Q3G2jLdGPvTfNyHN85fO2qY_iYcLR0zoiVD3jXR3YhpUEHgk6E209z35QutqoIcVkb85JwDyWW9L90LUj-VFTRhcNUc2Cp5sd1X7eR-H4shGbUAXe/s1600/_DSC6222.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpjiYhYlv0pbB1963Lkx0M6e-vMg6Q3G2jLdGPvTfNyHN85fO2qY_iYcLR0zoiVD3jXR3YhpUEHgk6E209z35QutqoIcVkb85JwDyWW9L90LUj-VFTRhcNUc2Cp5sd1X7eR-H4shGbUAXe/s1600/_DSC6222.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The bridge right above where he proposed five years before in France.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjssQQBPurQ4gLUL5G2SyIIju91a2HdSILNq6g-b0d6_Ba9k7E2PlvM6HV_0eulzU140D0fUr6zg73IOn5OHhlSi-ymDwxaWooqtg1s3xhs1l6l0-RSH2PxiBPfH3px5_izHA0xJ7ZdkTgl/s1600/_DSC6220.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjssQQBPurQ4gLUL5G2SyIIju91a2HdSILNq6g-b0d6_Ba9k7E2PlvM6HV_0eulzU140D0fUr6zg73IOn5OHhlSi-ymDwxaWooqtg1s3xhs1l6l0-RSH2PxiBPfH3px5_izHA0xJ7ZdkTgl/s1600/_DSC6220.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Eiffel Tower, complete with a confused man </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjz-v7ZHNKJlhUKo4ur2DEHUvBIW729zv5aji_gmvC-56GC0WGqjb_DtrzTtvrCr03mo0WhM2607d0pztbo-Z0H7zPAU1I30n-WPTr65ldXdyDhgxq9OY44zL9_LjKGrVgtJ8YwN1o9vzi0/s1600/_DSC6233.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjz-v7ZHNKJlhUKo4ur2DEHUvBIW729zv5aji_gmvC-56GC0WGqjb_DtrzTtvrCr03mo0WhM2607d0pztbo-Z0H7zPAU1I30n-WPTr65ldXdyDhgxq9OY44zL9_LjKGrVgtJ8YwN1o9vzi0/s1600/_DSC6233.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Grandparents with the babe at the Canadian waterfalls</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6Oy20HUTzcO51knO1SU13tMqX5cGC0BvP7A1s4lP0ahyphenhyphenvYpeuyBhOj3Gcsk6rDMVca-Thx4bE7ZJyP-3EcktdcPmkyxuOru5dWqeux7pBQ7MWvCmu-ufLg50VpERYFLhRfwYWCZclM59L/s1600/IMG_4494.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6Oy20HUTzcO51knO1SU13tMqX5cGC0BvP7A1s4lP0ahyphenhyphenvYpeuyBhOj3Gcsk6rDMVca-Thx4bE7ZJyP-3EcktdcPmkyxuOru5dWqeux7pBQ7MWvCmu-ufLg50VpERYFLhRfwYWCZclM59L/s1600/IMG_4494.JPG" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">He loves her so much</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<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/AVvXsEiL51qssfTUBtYYUCUenAT2aSIDfbo7rtYHxJsuyuKGRs-MX1XGB3ibhotVLOzi8TUF0DaIAWoRBZDiH7Fa-YUKkdEa9hyphenhyphenSKmdliO5L0VmL7dJujem29HuvxwRg7yneCXoQP-atMQeAx0xS/s1600/_DSC6239.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiL51qssfTUBtYYUCUenAT2aSIDfbo7rtYHxJsuyuKGRs-MX1XGB3ibhotVLOzi8TUF0DaIAWoRBZDiH7Fa-YUKkdEa9hyphenhyphenSKmdliO5L0VmL7dJujem29HuvxwRg7yneCXoQP-atMQeAx0xS/s1600/_DSC6239.JPG" width="266" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Our best "Simba-ing" ever! </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdI-hGIH6Kt-Brt1ziThwqZh9pccyTwVBah_BLeJmpaGhAFncHwTynXNPwmpiK6wPj553JgYNoxIimHZUQPt6bgyDI0EjFFSsmoH2ipFKgpFGKTjgNMzzlsgkbvgCiQhgtw3B4xukD0PXm/s1600/_DSC6211.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdI-hGIH6Kt-Brt1ziThwqZh9pccyTwVBah_BLeJmpaGhAFncHwTynXNPwmpiK6wPj553JgYNoxIimHZUQPt6bgyDI0EjFFSsmoH2ipFKgpFGKTjgNMzzlsgkbvgCiQhgtw3B4xukD0PXm/s1600/_DSC6211.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Too many countries for this little traveler</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
Hollywood Studios Day:<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLUIPYkPrOubxIh9dKZxemhCjqisJOMPFGhL09Et1zKAlsRJe9tCPLFaz_cO7zx3z2L2sX1WnfNFSKd4Wp4ykO7MZJrXheSBacfh9YKw3Jmknab3y6zCp-poONoMKcEYWOqmiqKVoOCuc-/s1600/_DSC6306.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLUIPYkPrOubxIh9dKZxemhCjqisJOMPFGhL09Et1zKAlsRJe9tCPLFaz_cO7zx3z2L2sX1WnfNFSKd4Wp4ykO7MZJrXheSBacfh9YKw3Jmknab3y6zCp-poONoMKcEYWOqmiqKVoOCuc-/s1600/_DSC6306.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Great Movie Ride is always a crowd pleaser because you sit and it's air conditioned! </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcA1yG0Tut_M9gL4B2sW9_mZt3vkmlVBU-fiS_Ro5zTuFr7Ot88qJ4mzUnAuhd35OLc74lOfVig9cGj7zDsQ6UyWKFbaKOIRPqLtU_pAKLRytUAhZEvc07uDxL7dsqTunpL0GQ7ohyphenhyphenik4d/s1600/_DSC6310.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcA1yG0Tut_M9gL4B2sW9_mZt3vkmlVBU-fiS_Ro5zTuFr7Ot88qJ4mzUnAuhd35OLc74lOfVig9cGj7zDsQ6UyWKFbaKOIRPqLtU_pAKLRytUAhZEvc07uDxL7dsqTunpL0GQ7ohyphenhyphenik4d/s1600/_DSC6310.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnUcH7mZBDUxfmelShaJsv2MbQCjV0s0uAOuebnre-VOGX041zs9jrxJ5mg_GS8RuweJaCuvjgpv0_J5MbaJVggywlZ1t0ufg31h10EpWeds9MyG8VOXzHlJb_aIs8t9CCbnFEz7nYPqJF/s1600/_DSC6351.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnUcH7mZBDUxfmelShaJsv2MbQCjV0s0uAOuebnre-VOGX041zs9jrxJ5mg_GS8RuweJaCuvjgpv0_J5MbaJVggywlZ1t0ufg31h10EpWeds9MyG8VOXzHlJb_aIs8t9CCbnFEz7nYPqJF/s1600/_DSC6351.JPG" width="266" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Nailed It!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVw6Mb4R5pA52brwrlkEqaLmh41iHnoU6Dt1QQzJFLuo4brZLft1e342TNyt0HJiRhhAFFrrb5qhL1PNn4CZdD8kqCDK65Q1lg_P9anzXJebYPQswG4Om1LlUSBo1dwLNnTpnlGjL3nOYD/s1600/_DSC6359-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVw6Mb4R5pA52brwrlkEqaLmh41iHnoU6Dt1QQzJFLuo4brZLft1e342TNyt0HJiRhhAFFrrb5qhL1PNn4CZdD8kqCDK65Q1lg_P9anzXJebYPQswG4Om1LlUSBo1dwLNnTpnlGjL3nOYD/s1600/_DSC6359-1.jpg" width="266" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Her first Mickey meeting! </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<br />
Magic Kingdom Day:<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYfkFm1ioZyq_T3Vd-_QwVpQsRVH6NHkc9XdAjqRD2vMymgh0PmdZwGWftQxXPps-Jsz6CttzMR6UPbHQNUYHknMamZXodjQyvrI9Ls_XlJRQpnncTqgzyuy7Jhp0EekSml87z94E9CUic/s1600/_DSC5755-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYfkFm1ioZyq_T3Vd-_QwVpQsRVH6NHkc9XdAjqRD2vMymgh0PmdZwGWftQxXPps-Jsz6CttzMR6UPbHQNUYHknMamZXodjQyvrI9Ls_XlJRQpnncTqgzyuy7Jhp0EekSml87z94E9CUic/s1600/_DSC5755-1.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Hello Beautiful, I missed you</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJjme7dc7vxv3idHUtHf8NkxNp_zYWXOOOfXoWuG5kdqELXKytSLgog-2CE2AnZ2gdIoQe9V5ogXmAizQd7645xqHE0CsrcMJD5ffdre4dZo_zTqP00luYt9l5628D9zptBYjrX0sgRJK2/s1600/_DSC6408+(1).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJjme7dc7vxv3idHUtHf8NkxNp_zYWXOOOfXoWuG5kdqELXKytSLgog-2CE2AnZ2gdIoQe9V5ogXmAizQd7645xqHE0CsrcMJD5ffdre4dZo_zTqP00luYt9l5628D9zptBYjrX0sgRJK2/s1600/_DSC6408+(1).JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cheesin' hard because everyone needs the mickey ice cream</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhOQqun9l43Zpu9o0rhzVurYworr0z_hMc7sHSvaZC8jNE5fiwjF0l3setVL6bwSq_4B8swEkoUEC7aybV9wS9UMslRPKMMM65O06OkHMYYYw4k-aCBxolG90Smhgr3kbdCjiHMGPapMZi/s1600/_DSC6420.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhOQqun9l43Zpu9o0rhzVurYworr0z_hMc7sHSvaZC8jNE5fiwjF0l3setVL6bwSq_4B8swEkoUEC7aybV9wS9UMslRPKMMM65O06OkHMYYYw4k-aCBxolG90Smhgr3kbdCjiHMGPapMZi/s1600/_DSC6420.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Little Mermaid ride was quite possibly my favorite part. </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8mSQBF4HQnIWRzsn2EYiuEJf__WxoPCHuV8e5D_QboQF54nvdi8KaWDLpzpzFijQ7-wRlk5NEZetisTdPja7IYBnu8rSNXDEfBQKLUC7187RuGj7FNO2IKWCpNL2b1CfvCsANVSbqEbcY/s1600/_DSC6436.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8mSQBF4HQnIWRzsn2EYiuEJf__WxoPCHuV8e5D_QboQF54nvdi8KaWDLpzpzFijQ7-wRlk5NEZetisTdPja7IYBnu8rSNXDEfBQKLUC7187RuGj7FNO2IKWCpNL2b1CfvCsANVSbqEbcY/s1600/_DSC6436.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I was so obsessed with this movie when I was little, I broke the VHS</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Yeah, I loved it</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The bebe's first Dumbo ride</td></tr>
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I am already dreaming about when we can go back. When you live in Florida, you have to go as often as possible right? If you are military too and wanting to go to the happiest place on earth, go to your ticket office on base or post for the fantastic deals. Our tickets were 4 day park hoppers for less then half the regular cost, and of you stay on property you are eligible for extra park magic hours too! We stayed at Shades of Green, the military associated hotel and received the magic hours for free. Yeah, Free! I would happily stay at Shades of Green again just for that one perk! That's the view from our room below. Just look at that beautiful property. It used to be a Disney golf resort before the Army took it over so it is really lovely, with excellent golf of that strikes your fancy. <br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Our view was beautiful, no parking lot views here! </td></tr>
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Anyone want to go to Orlando soon? I'll meet you there with a churro and a baby in some fancy Mickey ears!</div>
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Samantha @ A Modern Navy Wifehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10431353499532657635noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7071287572347728089.post-79803892587334981162015-03-05T00:00:00.000-05:002015-03-05T00:00:03.536-05:00The Happiest Place on Earth<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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My little family along with my dad and step mom, are taking a little vacation together at the most magical of lands called Disney World! I will be back next week with lots of pictures and stories galore! Have a great week and an even better weekend everyone. </div>
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Samantha @ A Modern Navy Wifehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10431353499532657635noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7071287572347728089.post-50653565170204334842015-02-27T00:30:00.000-05:002015-02-27T08:27:32.699-05:00Friday, The Best Day<div class="THE-GOOD-LIFE-BLOG-FIVE-ON-FRIDAY-button" style="margin: 0 auto; width: 275px;">
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The weekend is here. It is time to clean house and make some room for possible house guests. When we have BBQs, someone always ends up staying the night. I blame my bar tending skills of yesteryear for that one! But before I start shopping for food and drinks, I thought I would share my five favorite shopping scores of the week. Grab your coffee and dive on in ladies!<br />
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{One}<br />
My sticky notes came in this week. I have been on the hunt for some adorable sticky notes and all I had been able to find are neon colors that do not do well with my eyes. When in doubt, go on Amazon. These are a fantastic shade of light blue with darling gold foil pops. I love them so much, I kinda don't want to use them and run out.<br />
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{Two}<br />
I scored the perfect quilt for the guest room at TJMaxx yesterday. I have had my eye on it for a bit and it just went on sale. I can never resist a sale, especially at places like TJs or Marshalls. Nothing haunts you more then a purchase you didn't make!<br />
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{Three}<br />
I finished the glider corner of the nursery with the shelf. It was another TJ find that was a hideous brown/purple color and was missing a hook. One can of spray paint and a new hook later it now holds all of our Christening gowns. The one on the left is Lizzie's, then mine, then my husband's! They probably won't stay up long because I don't want them to discolor, but I had to hang them for at least a little bit.<br />
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{Four}<br />
And speaking of baby Lizzie, mommy made a very big baby-oriented purchase yesterday: Size 2 diapers! She's getting bigger everyday. I found a premie diaper in her room the other day and it blew my mind that those were once too big for her; now she's outgrown another size. Oh time, please slow down!<br />
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{Five}<br />
Mommy purchase: Gevalia. I love this coffee. I just hope this box of cups work with my Keurig this time. If not, I found a {<a href="http://dave.spalla.com/?p=2670" target="_blank">trick</a>} online to make it work! <br />
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If you would like to join in on the fun with the ladies behind 5 on Friday and Oh Hey Friday, click on the buttons at the top and link up. Have a fantastic weekend everyone. Stay warm!<br />
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This is the view from my kitchen window. In the summer it is green and gorgeous but right now it is sad and brown. Almost every square inch of ground is covered in leaves from those trees. No way do we rake them! You run over those little devils with your lawn mower and make mulch. And nope those are not all of the trees. There are five more to the left of the hammock! I cannot wait until it heats up a little and my allergies recede long enough for me to sit outside and enjoy a little sun. I need some Vitamin D. It is supposed to get up to 70 today so I am thinking me and the munchkin might put down a blanket in the yard and have a little pick nick. </div>
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Luna had the right idea last summer. lol. Crazy girl. I can't wait until every day is that beautiful again. Oh summer hurry up already! And I'm no where near the worst of winter!</div>
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What are you looking forward to this summer? What is the first thing you are going to do when the sun is out everyday? </div>
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<br />Samantha @ A Modern Navy Wifehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10431353499532657635noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7071287572347728089.post-19882418006217302522015-02-14T01:00:00.000-05:002015-02-14T01:00:03.370-05:00Be Mine <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<br />Samantha @ A Modern Navy Wifehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10431353499532657635noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7071287572347728089.post-66809562266895855152015-02-13T00:30:00.000-05:002015-02-13T18:22:52.536-05:005 on Friday {2/13}<div class="THE-GOOD-LIFE-BLOG-FIVE-ON-FRIDAY-button" style="margin: 0 auto; width: 275px;">
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The weekend is here! Horray! That cute, pudgy flying baby will be making his rounds tomorrow with those arrows: be on the look out for flowers and chocolates ladies. So let's all link up and enjoy our last day of the week together before the romance begins!<br />
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{One}<br />
Valentine's Day. I know at this point y'all are just as ready for it to come and go as I am; after all of the romance that is headed our way of course! I am just so ready for the ridiculous perfume commercials to stop being played. It's a running joke in my house that if you don't know what to get a woman for Christmas or Valentine's - obviously she will love random perfumes that have people on horseback and swimming in the Mediterranean to promote them. Totally. Lol. I prefer flowers personally.<br />
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{Two}<br />
I finished the carrier cover this week. I love it. Classic with a touch of color and pattern. It's a nice dark color so it acts like a blackout curtain does at home when Lizzie sleeps; but it's a light cotton fabric so she won't sweat under the black. I know black is not everyone's cut of tea, but I've got a few pinks and whites up my sleeve : ) Be on the lookout for the tutorial on Monday!<br />
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I am redecorating the house again. I can't help it. I have been watching <u>a lot</u> of HGTV lately and the decor bug bit me very hard this time. Our bedroom got a little face lift with new art above the bed and raising the curtains to the ceiling. It really does make a huge difference when it comes to ceiling height. The room feels so much taller now. I love walking into our bedroom now that it looks a little more polished. I think I sleep better when the room is all done up.<br />
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{Four}<br />
I have some big plans for that plain headboard of mine. It matches our wall color way too much right now. I wish we could paint but as you know, renting. Boo. So instead of that I bought all of the supplies to pretty the headboard up like this one. Now I just need to start it, finish it and love it.<br />
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{Five}<br />
And I have even more plans for new throw pillows on the bed. I want to match the gold in the new pieces above the bed. I'm leaning towards the arrows or maybe even our monogram in gold right in the middle of a nice, fluffy pillow. <br />
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New projects always make my heart go pitter patter! </div>
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Samantha @ A Modern Navy Wifehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10431353499532657635noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7071287572347728089.post-42985025157168448892015-02-11T11:42:00.001-05:002015-02-11T11:42:30.398-05:00Texas Chili Recipe <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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It is recipe share day here on this fab Wednesday! Lizzie only woke up once last night so I feel fantastic. I hope she keeps it up. I love waking up completely rested for a change. So anyway, back to the food! Chili. </div>
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Number 1: Do not put beans in chili! Don't do it. Chili is a meat and tomato dish, no beans. A true, true 'Texas Red' doesn't even have tomato, so to put bean in it is totally sacrilegious. If you really want beans with your chili, I recommend baked beans as a side. </div>
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Number 2: Spice! I like a good and spicy chili. Not to the point of tears but just enough to where you get the heat in the back of mouth. If you like a less spicy chili, start with half of the seasoning then after you're done cooking, spice the rest to what you like. A bland chili turns into a pasta sauce. Trust me, I've done it. It's weird. </div>
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Number 3: Cornbread is the perfect side for chili. The sweetness of the bread is the best compliment to the spice of the chili. Jiffy corn muffin mix is my favorite. I combine two boxes in a 9" round and bake for the recommended time to get a cake sized bread. It is delicious. </div>
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Number 4: Enjoy! Chili is fun meal. Load it up with cheese. Make a Frito pie. Do whatever your little heart desires. But no beans : ) </div>
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In honor of Texas Chili Day, Miss Lizzie decided today was the perfect day for her Texas onesie. </div>
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Let me know how your Chili turns out! Did you make it super spicy or the mildest of mild? Either way, I hope it's super delicious and takes the edge off of these last few weeks of winter! </div>
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<br />Samantha @ A Modern Navy Wifehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10431353499532657635noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7071287572347728089.post-47554975529305926772015-02-09T01:00:00.000-05:002015-02-09T01:00:00.896-05:00Weekend Goodness <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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This weekend felt like a fantastically long weekend that's for sure. So I'll take it from the top! Friday night, Lizzie Rose went to her first bar. Kinda sorta. We went out with friends to a little neighborhood place and no one had been there before, so we all assumed it was more of a restaurant that had a bar. It ended up being more of a bar that served food. But it was super yummy and a really cozy place. Kinda like if someone transformed their home into a tiny bar/restaurant. Thankfully we were there early before the real 'going out crowd' came so no one even seemed to really notice that she was even there. The only give away was her car seat under the table lol. She was a champ. Slept in my arms almost the whole time and let us relax and have dinner with some friends that we hadn't seen in a while. What a trooper.<br />
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Saturday, Mama got some time to herself! Wa Hoo! I had the second best massage of my life this weekend. The only one that has been better was the prenatal massage I got in my third trimester when I was as big as a house and achey all over. (Magic hands that masseuse had, magic hands.) Then I did some light shopping afterwards; all by myself. Daddy ended up having a lot of one on one time with the little lady that morning. I'm not going to lie, it was nice but kinda weird to be all alone without either one of them. I am so used to having the munchkin in tow that I truly did not know what to do with my hands when I didn't have a stroller to push. I felt like I was missing something the entire time I was out. I was constantly checking to see if I had my phone or looking to see if my keys ran away. I felt like I was missing my left arm I was so thrown. The best part of my solo shopping was when I started talking to myself and attracted some side eye stares. I usually talk to Lizzie when I shop. You know the usual "What do you think of this shirt baby?" "This one is too blue, don't you think?" Yeah, I was talking out loud to my invisible baby in the middle of TJ Maxx. I was a true weirdo. So, when I text Hubby to see how they were doing and got this picture back as a response:<br />
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I knew it was time to head back home. Poor babe still fights a bottle and she was hangry! </div>
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Sunday was brunch and errand day. Oh I love brunch. Eggs Benedict are the way to my heart. And mimosas. Yum. When you finish brunch day with a little antiquing and a Jo Ann's run, it's a really good day. I am starting my newest sewing project this week; a spring/summer baby carrier cover. The one that I made a few months ago is a winter fleece cover that would not mix well with the coming Florida heat. Poor Lizzie would melt! So be sure to come back later this week for a tutorial if you want to make your own!<br />
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Samantha @ A Modern Navy Wifehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10431353499532657635noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7071287572347728089.post-16150474686452942712015-02-05T01:00:00.000-05:002015-02-05T01:00:00.123-05:004 Months with Miss Lizzie My little lady is four months old. I cannot believe she has only been here for four months. It feels like she was always here. It was such a natural transition from just the two of us to a family of three. Sure the days are a little bit longer and the nights are sleepless sometimes, but it was not as overwhelming as I thought it would be. We just have a new normal now. The best part of our new normal are our mornings. Lizzie loves her mornings. Especially now that she has her little baby voice! She gets our attention by babbling away until we wake up and then she gives us the biggest smiles of the day. I love mornings now.<br />
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My little cutie pie. You are too adorable for words. Mommy and Daddy love you so much. Happy 4 Months munchkin!</div>
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Samantha @ A Modern Navy Wifehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10431353499532657635noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7071287572347728089.post-10187170685809099442015-02-04T01:00:00.000-05:002015-02-04T12:08:02.008-05:00Something's Gotta GiveI am in love with the house from that movie! Like crazy in love. It was on TV yesterday during Lizzie's late nap and instead of cleaning the very neglected living room, I ended up lying on the couch and watched the whole film from start to finish. I could feel my decorator heart yearning for a house like that one. I love that it is beachy but not beach themed. The entire movie, I only saw one seashell. Complete and total perfection!<br>
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The white walls, enormous windows, cushy furniture and black accents were making me want to gut everything in my home and start over to make something resembling that gorgeous house. It is perfect. And the piece de resistance is the kitchen. Oh that kitchen. </div>
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The subway tile. White, open cabinets. Black counters. Pendant lights. And that massive island! My dream come true. </div>
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This is one of the major downsides to military life. Constant moving = No time to invest in a dream home. It will be nothing but rentals for the time being. Sure we have friends that have bought houses and made them their dream spaces. But for us, we will wait until we can make our dream home our forever home. I can't wait until we are living in it and for more then three years! But unfortunately (or fortunately), that wont be anytime soon; but I can keep on designing until then. I am pretty sure this is exactly what I want; at least for now : )<br>
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What does your dream house look like?Samantha @ A Modern Navy Wifehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10431353499532657635noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7071287572347728089.post-78097425072138481552015-01-30T01:00:00.000-05:002015-01-30T07:57:06.494-05:005 on Friday Whoop whoop Friday! This has been a big week for me blogging wise. I feel like I am back in my element with my space. And with Miss Lizzie finding a good nap pattern, I have time to write again. Yay! So let's recap the week's goodness: <br />
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{One}<br />
I love this shirt! I ordered it a little over a week ago and I am literally counting down the days until I get a shipping notification in my inbox. It's an <a href="http://www.ezraandeli.com/product/pre-order-womens-best-job-ever-black" target="_blank">Ezra + Eli</a> shirt if you're interested in stalking them until they go up for sale again.<br />
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{Two & Three }<br />
Hobby Lobby took a decent amount of my money this week and I did not mind giving it to them. The chalkboard letters are huge. The milk jugs are absolutely adorable and I loved the little holder for them. These beauties are on sale right now for half off! Go and pick them up!<br />
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{Four}<br />
This shirt popped up on my Instagram feed this week and I might have squealed when I saw it. We are taking Lizzie to Disney World in March and I think I have to get one of these printed on a onesie. And maybe one for mommy too lol<br />
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{Five}<br />
Baby Wearing. I love how I can just snuggle her all day in the wrap I whipped up. Instructions are <a href="http://www.amodernnavywife.com/2015/01/diy-baby-wrap.html" target="_blank">here</a> if you want to make one too. I am spoiling this child so much already. I am in big trouble!<br />
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{Spoiler Alert!}<br />
I attended a Cow Party last night, so be on the look out next week for another round of Navy Traditions and some cute cow themed goodies to go along with it!<br />
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Samantha @ A Modern Navy Wifehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10431353499532657635noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7071287572347728089.post-44813515209534881242015-01-29T01:00:00.000-05:002015-01-29T14:21:56.695-05:00DIY Baby Wrap <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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All of us new mommies have seen and registered for the huge assortment of baby supplies out there. Everything from humidifiers and nail clippers, to diapers and onesies are out there for us and our little lovies. A lot of those items are necessities that we need to buy from a store (aka strollers and aspirators). But some are more luxuries then necessities. And when those luxuries are so obviously, even painfully overpriced, that makes it even harder to splurge. Especially when we legitimately can make them ourselves! <br />
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Case and Point: The Moby, Boba and K'tan Wraps. <br />
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I went to a local baby shop to try one out before I bought it and my only thought was "Seriously? $50 bucks for fabric. Just fabric. Wowza." So what's a girl to do? Take some mental pictures and measurements, and head to the local Walmart of course! Price wise, Walmart has some of the cheapest fabric out there. I found my white fabric on sale for $1.99 a yard. You cannot beat that price. I bought 5 yards of fabric and began constructing my own carrier. Here are the steps:<br />
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{1.} Fabric. You will want a knit fabric that has stretch but not a ton. Think of your baby being snug against you but still comfy when wrapped. The pink fabric is a traditional jersey and the white is a more breathable knit. 5 yards was the perfect amount to wrap around my self twice and tie in the front under my babe. The width of your fabric can be any size, but just be sure it is at least 25 inches. I chose a 60" width fabric so I got 2 wraps out of it!<br />
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{2.} Wash, wash, wash. You need to double check that your fabric wont unravel, therefore it wont need to be hemmed. Washing will test it and get the extra starch out. It's also a great way to see if the fabric will be nice and soft for bebe. The ends of mine rolled in a bit, and that's okay. As long as it's not fraying you're good!<br />
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{3.} Cut the fabric to the desired width if it is not already the size you want. I folded mine in half long ways, like a hot dog, and cut down the line. Since my fabric rolled after washing, I wasn't worried about perfection with the cutting since I can hide it easily. If you're wanting a more symmetrical look, measure and pin about an inch from the crease then cut just to be sure it doesn't shift while cutting. <br />
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And you're done!</div>
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{Bonus} </div>
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The Moby and other wraps like it, have center line indicators (tags or designs) so you know where the middle of the wrap is. I added a few stitches to some of the butterflies on mine so I always knew where the middle was while wrapping. You can do this too by adding a little tag, hand stitches, ruffles or even a monogram.</div>
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Now wrap up that babe of yours and get stuff done using both hands! </div>
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Samantha @ A Modern Navy Wifehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10431353499532657635noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7071287572347728089.post-61982850736890431502015-01-28T01:00:00.000-05:002015-01-28T21:14:21.824-05:00A New Diamond to Polish <div style="text-align: center;">
Oh I am so excited! I finally found the perfect piece to be a little bar/storage area in the dining room. I have been wanting storage in the dining room ever since we moved in last year. But I never found anything that I really liked that wasn't an arm and a leg. So of course I went on Craigslist and found this beauty. It was a total steal at only 30 bucks. Check it out. </div>
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She needs a good sanding, some new paint and definitely new pulls for the drawers but I like it. Up close, you can tell that whoever painted this cabinet last didn't sand the previous paint off; so there are some spots of hot pink shining through. But it is solid wood and it has great lines to work with. I still have a few projects to finish up around the house before I start in on a big one like this one, but I just couldn't wait to share! Wish me luck that I finish the others quickly so I can dive right on in : ) </div>
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<br />Samantha @ A Modern Navy Wifehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10431353499532657635noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7071287572347728089.post-75410981196794366012015-01-26T01:00:00.000-05:002015-01-26T13:54:23.053-05:00Recipe Day Monday<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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No matter what is going on, when you make cookies, you get an instant boost of happiness! With Miss Lizzie still fighting that nasty cold I decided to make another batch of lactation cookies to really up my milk supply for her. One of the few things her pediatrician said that I could do for her while she is sick is to make sure that she is well hydrated by nursing at least every three hours. So into the kitchen I went and whipped up these delicious little babies. This recipe was created especially for me by my culinary school graduate, nutritionist, health nut little sister Natalie. I don't know about y'all, but every recipe I found for lactation cookies either included a hunk of butter or buckets of sugar; and that was the last thing I wanted to eat after Gestational Diabetes and tons of pregnancy weight gain. These cookies are a step away from the scone like cookies out there and more like a traditional cookie, almost peanut butter cookie like in consistency. Dense (so you only need one or two) but yummy! </div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">I love my stand mixer</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Nice and Chunky, full of good stuff for you and your babe. </td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I only press mine down a little but if you like them thinner, press them a little more. </td></tr>
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Don't be intimidated by the list of ingredients. I got most of them from our grocery store, Publix. The only thing that took some searching for was the Brewer's Yeast. I found it at an independent vitamin shop in town. If you live by a Whole Foods or Trader Joe's I've heard from a few people that they sell it there. The entire process only takes about 15 minutes not including baking time. And if you like your cookies a little bit more done or crunchy, leave them in an additional 2-5 minutes. This recipe is truly one of the simplest recipes I have ever tried. Give 'em a whirl, and let me know what you think! </div>
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<a href="http://i1345.photobucket.com/albums/p666/sammyp27/newsignature_zps82c47a6f.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><br /></a>Samantha @ A Modern Navy Wifehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10431353499532657635noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7071287572347728089.post-57195785256694648012015-01-23T18:24:00.000-05:002015-01-23T18:24:56.213-05:00It is Friday Well my little one is nearly four months old and is sick for the very first time. She is fighting a mean, mean bug that has been passed from my husband, to me, and now to her. Poor little babe. All she has done the past five days is sleep, eat, and go to the doctor; the first appointment was for me and the second was for her. If you've ever had a sick baby you know that there are only a few things docs can give or do unless the babes have been sick for the better part of a month or have a super high fever. I hate the idea of having to wait for it to get worse to be treated or on the flip side, get better and have my healthy lovey back. She does not feel like playing much but we have gotten a few smiles every here and there. The smiles and extra snuggles are the only happy moments of sickness. This has been my first experience in worried mommy mode and I am trying to be as on top of this as possible. So this 5 on Friday is on some very key items that are true godsends and are not only helping getting my Lizzie back to healthy but keep my sanity as well!<br />
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{One}<br />
The Ollie Swaddle. I cannot praise this invention enough. It is the only reason my girl is sleeping at night. I love this thing so much. God bless this little piece of fabric and the magic that is in it!<br />
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{Two & Three}<br />
Little Remedies Saline. A few drops in each teeny, tiny nostril and then you aspirate the hell out of 'em with the NoseFrida until your little angel stops sounding like Harvey Fierstein with the sniffles : )<br />
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{Four}<br />
The mamaRoo. I'm pretty sure Lizzie would sleep all day in this swing if I let her. She cannot breath lying down right now, so a slightly upright position it is. Car Ride is her motion of choice.<br />
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{Five}<br />
Lots and lots of coffee and wine. For me, not the Babe. Cheers!<br />
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Samantha @ A Modern Navy Wifehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10431353499532657635noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7071287572347728089.post-23673580822701470642014-11-05T15:33:00.003-05:002014-11-05T21:28:16.506-05:00Happy Due Date Day (sort of) Today is my due date. I should be pacing around my house, drinking weird tea, eating spicy foods and praying that this baby makes her way out soon. But... little miss Elizabeth Rose decided to make her grand entrance a month ago! October 4, 2014. What should have been my Baby Shower day turned into my Delivery Day and little girl's Birthday.<br />
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You wanna talk about a surprise! You don't get a bigger surprise then your water breaking at 3 am, 750 miles from home, at your own mother's house, the day of your baby shower, a month before your due date. Her delivery was a true blur. Since she was breech and had not flipped naturally yet, we had an inversion scheduled for the week after the shower to try to get her all set up for a natural delivery. Well, needless to say, we never did make that doctor's appointment.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A whole month old already </td></tr>
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We were in Texas for the baby shower that my mother had been tirelessly working on for weeks. Everything was starting to come together and it was all looking so gorgeous. Pinks, grays, creams and golds had taken over my mom's color scheme in her house. There were chiavari chairs and tables in the backyard waiting to be set up. Gorgeous blush and cream roses were being delivered. And I was hours away from trying the cupcakes that I had been told were going to change my life. I was so excited for the first party for my little girl. Instead I wake up at 3 in the morning to a Niagara Falls situation. At first I genuinely thought "Oh my God, I am so pregnant I can't hold my pee in anymore" then I knew in a split second it was my water. Oh no. Hubby sprung out of bed so fast and ran downstairs to tell my mom and step dad that the plans for the day had changed a little. <br />
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From the time my water broke to when Lizzie was delivered was only two hours. Two very fast hours. I think I was in shock when we arrived at the emergency room. I was way, way to calm. We walked in, I said hello to the nice nurse at the desk; then I told her my water broke, that the baby was breech and that I was 35 weeks along. All with a smile plastered on my face. I remember a cop by the desk chuckling at me and the nurse saying "Okay then, lets get you up to labor and delivery". After that, it was an hour of a few tests, some needles and monitors, then I was whisked away to the OR. The spinal wasn't much fun to get. Not feeling anything from the chest down is disorienting to say the least, but the blue curtain you see in every photo and movie really does exist. The delivery itself was very fast. When Hubby came in and sat next to me, we talked about how this was not what we thought we would be doing that Saturday. Haha, life's funny that way. I remember saying to him that it was so surreal that we were going to be parents soon; then I hear the doctor say "In about 2 minutes...I see feet!" I had no idea that she was that far along in the operation. I didn't feel any of the tugging or pulling pressure that some ladies do when they get a cesarean. So it was a real surprise when we heard a little cry from behind the curtain and Elizabeth Rose was born at 5:09 am.<br />
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It turns out that I most likely went into labor because I ended up developing preeclampsia. During the delivery my blood pressure was sky high and it did not go back down on its own. So while Lizzie was in the NICU for monitoring I was being monitored too. Have you ever had a magnesium drip? Yuck doesn't even begin to explain it. The first 24 hours of her life, I felt like I had the flu and I couldn't leave my room to go see her. So Hubby and my family got to spend quality time with the little lady while I was trying to rest up. <br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My Step Dad Gary meeting Lizzie </td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My Step Mom Karen seeing her newest granddaughter </td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My Daddy and Miss Lizzie </td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My Mommy and Lizzie Rose, her namesake </td></tr>
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After only 12 hours in the NICU, Lizzie was given a clean bill of health and was free to venture outside of the nursery. I was the one doctors were worried about now. I can't tell you how many times my blood pressure was checked or how many medications I was given, but it was all worth it when I got to hold her for the first time.<br />
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Hubby was so fantastic during the whole thing. From the moment he woke up that early Saturday morning, he took care of everything. He was my rock during the delivery and the three days in the hospital that followed. He was a natural with the baby and I loved seeing him wheel her into the room every morning with such excitement to be with her all day. Then he'd wheel her out every night to take her back to the nursery for tests, sweetly saying to her that she'll see mommy tomorrow. Those first few days were some that I will treasure always. </div>
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We ended up spending two extra weeks in Texas, just to make sure me and the baby were well enough to travel back to Florida. It was definitely a blessing in disguise to have my water break while in Corpus. My whole family was in town for the shower so everyone had the chance to meet Lizzie a lot earlier then they would have otherwise. My parents got to spend time with their grand baby when she was first born. That was always something that they knew would most likely never happen. It is moments like those that get sacrificed because of our military lifestyle. But my parents were able to not only be there when she was born but an additional two weeks of loving on the little was given to them. The biggest blessing was having all of my sisters in town. Two of the three no longer live in Texas. Katie lives in Philadelphia and Natalie lives in California now. For them to be able to see and hold their niece, to be in the hospital waiting room the morning she was born was priceless. I think God had a very big hand in the whole thing. He made it so everyone was able to be there to celebrate her birth together and most important of all, that both Lizzie and I were healthy. <br />
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So my little lady had a plan of her own the whole time. The joke in my family now is that she knew she wanted to be born a Texan, and she made it happen. She wanted to be with her family when she was born. So little Lizzie Rose was born in Corpus Christi, Texas just like her mama, and it was one eventful, beautiful day.<br />
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Samantha @ A Modern Navy Wifehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10431353499532657635noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7071287572347728089.post-45007015360336149572014-07-24T01:00:00.000-04:002014-07-24T01:00:01.632-04:00Time for some updatesIt has been more then a hot minute since I have written. Ooops. At first it was a nice vacation feeling that went along with not writing but recently I really started to miss it. I was looking at old posts and I started to get nostalgic about things that just happened last year. That got me thinking about all of things that are changing in our family and I really want a place to document them not just for us but for our families.<br />
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So let's get the ball re-rolling with a prego update: I am rounding up the second trimester at 25 weeks and heading straight into "Get this baby out of me now" third trimester time. Just check out the view of my feet now.<br />
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Hello down there! I remember when I could see more then just the tops of my anchors. I wonder how much longer until the view is just toes? And sooner rather then later, those will disappear too. All of the ladies in my family get big when they are carrying their youngins. Not just a little big but 'Are you having twins?' big. We are shorties and we have nowhere for them to go but out. I am the average height in my family at a whopping 5 feet tall, so we do not look like Giselle when we are pregnant with cute bellies and thin limbs at nine months. Nope. True story... my wedding rings came off in my first trimester and they will not return until well after this little one is in the nursery.<br />
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Speaking of the nursery...it's not ready. Haha. No way Jose. I have the vision on my head of what I want it to look like but the most we have done so far is browse the cribs at Babies R Us while we were doing our registry and a few furniture stores. But I think we might have found a winner! The first big, baby purchase is in the works and I am so excited. Let the shopping commence! Look out baby goodies here I come! <br />
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<br />Samantha @ A Modern Navy Wifehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10431353499532657635noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7071287572347728089.post-23356242335311595662014-05-19T12:42:00.000-04:002014-05-19T12:42:09.938-04:00Necessary Shopping Happy Monday everyone! It is a gorgeous day here in Pensacola and I am going to try my hardest to spend at least a few hours outside of my house today. I have a really bad habit of staying in all day unless I force myself to leave the house. And even then, it is usually to go to another indoor facility (i.e. mostly Target). So as you can imagine, I am as white as a ghost and craving some Vitamin D. I can always go for a nice, long walk around the block for today but maybe a trip to the beach is in the cards soon. I am craving some sand in my toes, a dunk in the ocean with an ice cold, frosty marga...scratch that...bottle of water in my hand. You know you are expecting when your beach cooler has more water in it then the usual grouping of beer and ready made alcoholic fruity drinks. <br />
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But even worse, since now I am in the pregnant lady category of stores, I have nothing to wear to said beach. I am 15 weeks in and my body has already changed so much! My stomach has turned into a baby bump, a little one, but it's there. And my boobs. Oh good lord my boobs have already decided to jump up a cup size and all of my old bathing suit tops look like a beach side peep show waiting to happen. Thankfully the gain has avoided my butt for now. If there is one body part I do not need to grow it is that one! You know the term badonkadonk? Yep, that's me :) <br />
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So the search is on for a new suit that will cover, support, not cut off circulation, and definitely not look like I found it in a grandma's drawer circa 1992. You know, "complete with matching long skirt and wide brimmed hat in neon green or pink!" Haha. Sexy thoughts I know. So far I have found a few that I like, some maternity, some non but all cute.<br />
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The first is from A Pea in the Pod and I like the ruffle to take some attention away from the soon to be watermelon sized bump. Plus it's not black, which is my go to color for just about everything :) </div>
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Two and Three are both JoJo Maman Bebe. I usually stay away from patterns, especially horizontal stripes, but I figure this is the one time I can wear it and really get away with it. And I love me some polka dots!</div>
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The fourth has an adorable name to go with the ruffles. Tutti-Fruti by Gottex. I love the 40s style with straps and it comes in black, naturally. </div>
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Decisions, decisions. So now I am stuck. I have to decide which one I want to grow into over the summer and I cannot make up my mind. Simple and classic or fun and colorful. Help! Should I venture out of my comfort zone or stick to the old standbys? </div>
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Samantha @ A Modern Navy Wifehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10431353499532657635noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7071287572347728089.post-75254268061771509292014-05-03T01:00:00.000-04:002014-05-03T01:00:01.782-04:00Hello Again Well, it looks like I missed the month of April. I'm sorry y'all. So much has been going on in our home these past few weeks, and I could not find the energy to get off of the couch let alone open my computer. And now I can finally share with y'all the reason I have been extremely M.I.A or A.W.O.L. (for my military mamas out there).<br />
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We are pregnant!</div>
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One of my sisters had the best description for Luna's less then enthused face in this picture: #oldersisterproblems. Although she would not smile for the cameras that day, I know she is happy about the baby. She snuggles with me a lot more often now and will rest her head on my belly when she naps. It melts my nauseous heart every time she does that. So cute. She'll be a great playmate and watch dog to the baby.</div>
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And now, the last thirteen weeks make perfect sense to me! Now I know why I had a constant stuffy nose and was comatose for most of that time. And I can't forget the morning sickness that literally lasted all day up until last week. Now I only get sick if I wait too long to eat or sleep too much. No more long naps for me! I am thoroughly convinced that the only reason I am alive today is because of Gatorade and Whataburger french fries. Thank you Lord in heaven for Harmon Dobson & Paul Burton (the guys who started Whataburger) and to the University of Florida's research team all those years ago who found a fantastic way to hydrate their athletes! Thank you, thank you, thank you! </div>
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So now, we are on the way into the second trimester and I am feeling more and more like my old self again. My appetite is back, I am wearing more then just Hubby's shirts and pajamas, and my energy is slowly coming back. I no longer need a two to three hour long nap in the middle of the day just to stay up until my 10 pm bed time. Man could I sleep. I was clocking 16 hours of sleep a day at one point. When I did the math I felt beyond ridiculous, but I literally could not keep my eyes open. It's amazing how a little zygote can make you feel so exhausted. (And we are no where near the midnight feeding/diaper duty type of exhaustion) </div>
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So now you know what I have been up to during my time away. I was starting to bake a tiny human! This is one adventure that I still cannot believe we started. It feels surreal. So I am going to need lots of help, words of advice, and an all-you-really-need-registry guide. I am counting on y'all out there to give me some pearls of wisdom! Mamas helping mamas :) </div>
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Samantha @ A Modern Navy Wifehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10431353499532657635noreply@blogger.com2