tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-58599907735423842902024-03-14T04:01:01.150-06:00Keeping Up With The CypertsWhitney Cyperthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11476336399870627426noreply@blogger.comBlogger260125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5859990773542384290.post-25132590278007734192017-11-09T00:41:00.000-07:002017-11-09T00:41:09.660-07:00A Quick 30 Week Update<div style="text-align: center;">
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<b>How far along? </b>30 Weeks
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<b>Weight gain/loss? </b>I'm not sure! I will find out at my appointment tomorrow. </div>
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<b>Maternity clothes?</b> Yep! Pretty much all I wear at this point. They are definitely what is most comfortable, though I can still wear some regular clothes, too. They just don't look as good. </div>
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<b>Sleep? </b>I have been sleeping pretty well! Other than getting up to pee several times a night, I sleep pretty normally, which is good. I keep reading that the further along I get, the worse sleeping will become, so I'm holding on to this as long as I can. <br />
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<b>Best moment this week? </b>It was a little over a week ago now, but my family flew into Denver to surprise me for Halloween!! Garrett was in on the whole thing too, and went to pick them up at the airport (after telling me he had to go pick up a "client"). They showed up at my front door, in Hocus Pocus costumes (and even brought me one), trick or treating!<br />
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They stayed with us until Sunday, we got to do a bunch of fun things, and had a really good time together. Mom and Alyssa kept trying to feel the baby move, but he is sneaky and only wants to move when no one's hand is on my stomach. <br />
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<b>Movement? </b>Yes! They range from flutters/twitches to full on kicks/rolling over. Sometimes my whole stomach will move. For the most part, he is active after I eat something or right when I lay down/sit down after moving around. </div>
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<b>Miss anything? </b>I miss shopping for clothes...regular clothes. I have bought a few things here and there, but things don't fit the same as they do when I'm not pregnant, so it's more difficult. I also miss not having to pee every 30 minutes. <br />
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<b>Food cravings? </b>I don't really have too many cravings, but when I do it is usually for something sweet. Mainly chocolatey. </div>
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<b>Food aversions? </b>No. </div>
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<b>Symptoms: </b>Peeing often. Getting emotional easily, especially about happy things. Getting out of breath more quickly than normal. And, just this past week or so, I have noticed that my bladder pretty much always feels full/heavy. </div>
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<b>Started to show yet? </b>Yes. Even strangers don't hesitate now, I have had several people say something about the baby or just in some way acknowledge I am pregnant without me doing so first. </div>
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<b>Mood this week? </b>I've been pretty content this past week! Though, right now, not gonna lie, I am feeling stressed because...don't laugh...these cats are driving me crazy. Having 2 older cats and a kitten is a bad idea. They constantly fight and get into things they aren't supposed to. It feels like I have 3 kids sometimes. Right now, I have each one in a separate room. It was either that or I was going to kill them. </div>
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<b>What I am looking forward to?</b> Our 31 week appointment tomorrow! We have a growth scan so we will get to see our baby boy! Hoping he is on track and healthy. </div>
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<b>Next appointment? </b>November 9th, tomorrow!</div>
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Whitney Cyperthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11476336399870627426noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5859990773542384290.post-70423967142342756752017-10-11T23:57:00.000-06:002017-10-11T23:57:52.366-06:0026 Weeks Update <div style="text-align: center;">
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Oh hey there! </div>
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It's 11:30pm on Wednesday, October 11th and my due date is in exactly 3 months! Insert that emoji with the huge eyes. I can't believe how quickly this pregnancy is going by! I feel completely overwhelmed with how much Garrett and I have left to do. We haven't even ordered the baby's furniture or registered anywhere. I think we are going to work on the latter this weekend. </div>
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You may have noticed that I skipped over my 25 weeks update, and that was purely because it was almost a week late and, honestly, not much has changed. </div>
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<b>How far along? </b>26 Weeks
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<b>Weight gain/loss? </b>I'm not sure! I will find out at my appointment tomorrow. </div>
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<b>Maternity clothes?</b> Yes! I am almost exclusively in maternity clothes now, primarily because they are what look the best. I can still wear my regular jeans (ok ok, they are jeggings) and shirts, but they don't make my bump look as cute as maternity clothes do. Plus, the over-the-belly maternity pants and leggings are SO comfortable. Mom bought me several things from Motherhood Maternity this past weekend, thanks mom! </div>
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<b>Sleep? </b>I've been sleeping fairly well this past week! We have been sleeping with our kitten Martin (because he can't leave his older brother alone at night) and that has been interesting. On one hand I love it because I get to cuddle with a kitten all night, but on the other hand it's difficult to sleep with a cat on your face. I'm still getting up to pee several times a night, you would think I'd learn to stop bringing a big glass of ice water to bed with me, but I haven't yet. <br />
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<b>Best moment this week? </b>Seeing my parents this past weekend! They stayed with us for a couple of nights. I have always wanted them to visit in October because the weather is perfect and the trees are gorgeous! We went to estate sales, a farmer's market, and did a little shopping. Mom and I got my baby shower invitations ordered, and made a guest list. </div>
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<b>Movement? </b>Yes!
Still mainly flutters/twitches, but they are more often and are getting
stronger. Sometimes they even kind of feel uncomfortable when it's on
my full bladder. </div>
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<b>Miss anything? </b>The only thing currently coming to mind that I miss is not constantly worrying. I worry enough as it is, but with a child growing in my uterus, I have worried even more about every little thing. I have been trying to be easier on myself, but it is definitely a process.<br />
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<b>Food cravings? </b>PB&J's. PSL's. Chocolate desserts (probably because I have had to limit these). </div>
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<b>Food aversions? </b>No. </div>
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<b>Symptoms: </b>Peeing often. Getting emotional easily. Getting out of breath more quickly than normal. </div>
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<b>Started to show yet? </b>Yes. </div>
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<b>Mood this week? </b>I've been pretty content this past week! </div>
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<b>What I am looking forward to?</b> Our appointment tomorrow! We have a growth scan so we will get to see our baby boy! Hoping he is on track and healthy. </div>
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<b>Next appointment? </b>October 12th, tomorrow!</div>
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Whitney Cyperthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11476336399870627426noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5859990773542384290.post-26500890634953793442017-09-27T23:28:00.000-06:002017-09-27T23:31:15.442-06:0024 Weeks<div style="text-align: center;">
Hi y'all! </div>
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I just got home from class, had Freddy's for dinner, and I am making myself write this post before it is almost a week late like the last one. I won't lie, these past 2 weeks are sort of running together in my mind, and not much has changed! I can't believe that I will be 25 weeks pregnant tomorrow. This is starting to get really real and I'm starting to think about the fact that fairly soon I have to give birth and that is <i>scary</i>. </div>
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<b>How far along? </b>24 Weeks
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<b>Weight gain/loss? </b>I don't weigh myself at home, so I'm not sure! I'll find out on October 12th at our next appointment.<br />
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<b>Maternity clothes?</b> Same as last week! I have a pair of Jessica Simpson maternity jeans (the over the belly kind) and I really like them! They are comfortable and make my stomach look like a perfect round ball : ). I only have 4 shirts so far, so I need to go look again at some point, they are just so expensive!<br />
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<b>Sleep? </b>Same as last week. Constantly peeing and constantly
tossing and turning because my ass cheeks and legs hurt. I have been waking up between 6-8am (if you know me, this is <i>so</i> early for me!) which is kind of nice other than needing a nap halfway through the day.</div>
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<b>Best moment this week? </b>Getting to hear the baby's heartbeat at our 24 week appointment on Thursday. The doctor was able to find it really quickly and it was nice and strong. It was just a 15 minute check up, but it was nice hearing his heartbeat. We also received info on classes we can take as well as a list of pediatrician's to consider. </div>
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Sharing the baby's gender on social media was also fun! Our family's and close friends already knew, but it was nice letting everyone know. And now I don't have to always say "the baby", I can say he/him/his! We found this idea on Pinterest and thought it was perfect since it's finally fall.</div>
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Not baby related, but this past weekend was so relaxing! Garrett and I spent most of Sunday watching football and I finally won a fantasy football game. I also got a surprise in the mail from Julie, some fall scented Bath & Body Works lotion/body wash/spray. I LOVE getting things in the mail, so that was exciting. I got to FaceTime with Alyssa and Kinley, which always makes me happy. And, last but not least, mom and I talked on the phone today about my baby shower in November, which I am really excited about! </div>
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<b>Movement? </b>Yes! Still mainly flutters/twitches, but they are more
often and are getting stronger. Sometimes they even kind of feel
uncomfortable when it's on my full bladder. I think this child is going to be a night owl like his mama, he seems to be most active when I am trying to go to sleep. </div>
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<b>Miss anything? </b>Not currently, mainly just feeling thankful that everything is going smoothly so far. </div>
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<b>Food cravings? </b>Peanut butter and jelly sandwiches! I have been
eating them almost every day. Also, toast with peanut butter, banana slices, and cinnamon have been a delicious go to snack. </div>
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I have to count carbs and balance them out with protein, so I have been eating <i>so many</i> boiled eggs and so much cheese. I never thought I could get tired of eggs or cheese, but I think I am almost there. </div>
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<b>Food aversions? </b>Nope. </div>
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<b>Symptoms: </b>Peeing often. Leg aches. Being emotional and crying anytime I get too happy or sad. </div>
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<b>Started to show yet? </b>Yes. This picture is from 2 weekends ago when I was trying on maternity clothes for the first time.<br />
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<b>Mood this week? </b>Normal? I've had a pretty good, overall uneventful, week. </div>
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<b>What I am looking forward to?</b> Our next appointment, my parents
visiting, ordering furniture for the nursery, and this weekend! I think
we are going to the mountains to see the fall colors and that is always
fun. </div>
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<b>Next appointment? </b>October 12th</div>
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Whitney Cyperthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11476336399870627426noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5859990773542384290.post-80834509527631822972017-09-25T23:11:00.001-06:002017-09-25T23:13:11.749-06:0023 Weeks Update<div style="text-align: center;">
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<b> 23 Weeks </b></div>
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<b>How far along? </b>23 Weeks
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<b>Weight gain/loss? </b>Down 1 pound from my starting weight. Having to watch your carb/sugar intake will do that to ya. </div>
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<b>Maternity clothes?</b> Some maternity and some of my normal clothes. Mainly just leggings/yoga pants that are stretchy and more loose fitting tops still fit. I went to Motherhood Maternity and bought some maternity clothes finally! A pair of jeans, and several tops. I wore my first maternity outfit to class on Wednesday and was pretty comfortable. </div>
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<b>Sleep? </b>Same as last week. Constantly peeing and constantly
tossing and turning because my ass cheeks and legs hurt. I have been waking up between 6-8am (if you know me, this is <i>so</i> early for me!) which is kind of nice other than needing a nap halfway through the day.</div>
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<b>Best moment this week? </b>We had an ultrasound on Thursday and our baby boy is doing just great! His heart looks good, and he is growing! His abdomen was measuring a little big so this is something they will look at next time. The doctor said that since this is my first child, we don't know if I "grow big babies or small babies", and having a bigger abdomen can mean that there is too much glucose in the baby's system, so just something to keep an eye on. </div>
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Another sweet moment was this weekend when I went to look at maternity clothes, Garrett went into Carters by himself and bought an outfit for the baby! A button up, collared, blue and white gingham onesie. SO CUTE. </div>
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Garrett also felt the baby kick for the first time this week!! </div>
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<b>Movement? </b>Yes! Still mainly flutters/twitches, but they are more often and are getting stronger. Sometimes they even kind of feel uncomfortable when it's on my full bladder. </div>
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<b>Miss anything? </b>I miss being able to sleep throughout the night, and being able to sleep on my back. I read that I wasn't supposed to after the 2nd trimester, is this true? <br />
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<b>Food cravings? </b>Peanut butter and jelly sandwiches! I have been eating them almost every day. I have to eat all-natural peanut butter to cut out some of the sugar that is in brands like Jif (the delicious peanut butter) so they aren't the best pb&j's, but they hit the spot. </div>
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<b>Food aversions? </b>No, nothing specific. </div>
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<b>Symptoms: </b>Peeing often. Leg aches. Being emotional and crying anytime I get too happy or sad. </div>
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<b>Started to show yet? </b>Yes. </div>
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<b>Mood this week? </b>Normal? I've had a pretty good, overall uneventful, week. </div>
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<b>What I am looking forward to?</b> Our next appointment, my parents visiting, ordering furniture for the nursery, and this weekend! I think we are going to the mountains to see the fall colors and that is always fun. </div>
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<b>Next appointment? </b>October 12th</div>
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<br />Whitney Cyperthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11476336399870627426noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5859990773542384290.post-14509328506482200242017-09-13T23:50:00.000-06:002017-09-13T23:57:12.744-06:00Twenty Twooooo-oooooh Weeks <div style="text-align: left;">
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Hi there! Hello! Howdy! He...just kidding. I'm done.</div>
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It's 11pm and I had the itch to talk, and Garrett is already asleep, so I decided to talk to y'all and go ahead and write my 22 week baby update. Also, today is my last day of being at 22 weeks! </div>
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I can't believe how quickly this is going by, Baby Cypert will be here before we know it. Oh God, that is TERRIFYING. And also so so exciting. Every time I think about Garrett and I with a baby, I get teary eyed, I still think that it hasn't fully sunken in. </div>
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<b>22 Weeks</b></div>
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<b>How far along? </b>I've been constantly singing 22 by Taylor Swift all week. But, honestly, when am I <i>not</i> singing Taylor Swift songs? (Side note: Her album comes out November 10th and I AM SO EXCITED!!!) </div>
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<b>Weight gain/loss? </b>I don't weigh myself at home, so I'm not sure. I guess I will find out tomorrow at our appointment. </div>
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<b>Maternity clothes? </b>Still fitting into most of my normal clothes, but I did buy my first pair of maternity leggings from Target this week! Ok...WHY don't we wear maternity pants all the time? These leggings are comfortable!! I did try on jeans though and they were terrible. Talk about major crotch sag....I felt like a homeboy in those. <br />
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<b>Sleep? </b>Same as last week. Constantly peeing and constantly tossing and turning because my ass cheeks and legs hurt. A friend told me about some stuff that she used on her legs that really helped (thanks Neesy!!), so I am going to be on the hunt for that this weekend.<br />
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Garrett was gone this past week on a business trip, so I had to sleep alone. I'm used to him being next to me, and used to knowing that he will fight off all of the bad guys that are going to break into our house and get me. So, needless to say, without him here, I didn't sleep as well. </div>
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<b>Best moment this week? </b>Face timing with Garrett while he was gone and both of us getting teary eyed when talking about the baby because we already love this child so much! Also, getting to see Garrett tonight a bit before class. I had missed him while he was gone! Ok, and also cuddling with our new kitten Martin. We had this moment where I was holding him like a baby and we were just looking into each others eyes and it was the <i>sweetest</i> thing.</div>
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<b>Movement? </b>Yes! Still only feeling little flutters and twitches here and there, but I love it. It really helps ease my mind when I start worrying too much that something is wrong. (I have no reason to worry as much as I do, it's just who I am apparently. When I love someone, it's a given that I'm going to worry about losing them way too often.) </div>
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<b>Miss anything? </b>I think that at this point, what I miss most is just being able to eat normally without having to count carbs and be mindful of it all. I already had such a love/hate relationship with food, so having to focus so heavily on it at every meal has been difficult. At the same time, it's been sort of a blessing in disguise because I <i>have</i> had to be mindful of what I eat. </div>
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<b>Food cravings? </b>My mind has really been on doughnuts lately? And just sweets in general. </div>
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<b>Food aversions? </b>No, nothing specific. </div>
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<b>Symptoms: </b>Peeing often. And feeling like I need to pee when I stand up but then not being able to when I try. I guess this child is hanging out on my bladder? Oh, and the good 'ol C word. Constipation. Apparently that's part of it, too. </div>
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<b>Started to show yet? </b>Yes, but I'm not sure it's enough that anyone notices besides Garrett and I. </div>
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<b>Mood this week? </b>I was a little bored and lonely this week with Garrett being gone. I'm so glad, and so thankful, that he is back safely! <br />
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<b>What I am looking forward to?</b> Our appointment tomorrow and seeing the baby! Also, having the weekend with Garrett!</div>
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<b>Next appointment? </b>Tomorrow!<br />
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Now it is time for an episode of PLL before I go to bed. That show is SO DUMB but I love it for some reason. Hope your week is going well!</div>
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Love love love, Whitney </div>
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Whitney Cyperthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11476336399870627426noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5859990773542384290.post-22023623544833630872017-09-05T23:39:00.002-06:002017-09-05T23:43:08.843-06:00I'm Baaaaack with a Weekly Baby Update<br />
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Wow....HELLO!! </div>
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Are there any of you left out there? It's been a minute, hasn't it?</div>
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I assume the only people left that <i>might</i> see this are my mom and mother in law....hi y'all!! In case there is anyone else out there, hi to you too! </div>
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Awhile back, Garrett and I made a big announcement...WE ARE HAVING A BABY!! Since making that announcement, I have decided that I wanted to start blogging again in order to have this to look back on one day. Long story short, I have been putting it off for several reasons, one being that photobucket no longer hosts photos on 3rd party sites (hence my header photo being completely gone and not being able to add photos to this post). I have absolutely no idea how to fix this, so bare with me until I can pester my husband into taking a look at it. </div>
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My plan is to make a weekly post documenting that week of pregnancy and, true to style, I am already behind. Big surprise! Anyways, I'm 21 weeks as of now, but wanted to include last week, so here we go:</div>
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<b>20 & 21 WEEKS </b></div>
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<b>How far along? </b>Well...see above please. </div>
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<b>Weight gain/loss? </b>Currently still down about 5 pounds. </div>
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<b>Maternity clothes? </b>Not yet! Still able to wear my normal clothes for now, but they are getting a little snug on my stomach so I'm thinking I'll need to start shopping soon. Any recommendations?</div>
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<b>Sleep? </b>Listen y'all....I am a SLEEPER. I have always loved to sleep. But this getting up to pee at all hours of the night is getting in the way. I've been sleeping ok otherwise, except for I'm starting to think I have a form of restless leg syndrome? Almost every morning I wake up and my butt cheek and legs hurt and feel like I need to move them? So I have a kicking fit and stretch and sometimes that helps, sometimes it doesn't. </div>
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<b>Best moment these weeks? </b>Hearing the baby's heartbeat at one of our 20 week appointments! If you know me, you know that I worry like it's my full time job, so being able to hear the heartbeat is so reassuring. ALSO, I started feeling little movements this week (20 weeks)!! Just a little twitch here and there, but pretty sure it's the baby! Either that or my uterus all of the sudden became twitchy?</div>
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<b>Movement? </b>See above. </div>
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<b>Miss anything? </b>Good Lord do I ever. I might discuss this in a different blog post later on...but really early in this pregnancy we found out that my blood sugar was already starting to rise, so since about week 9ish I was diagnosed with Gestational Diabetes and have been monitoring my blood sugar at home, as well as counting carbs at each meal. As of right now it is all under control, but I miss eating sweets like you wouldn't imagine. Don't get me wrong, I splurge every now and then but have definitely had to cut back in order to keep my blood sugar in the range it needs to be in. </div>
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<b>Food cravings? </b>All of the sweets in the world, but particularly chocolate cake. Honestly, I haven't really had specific food cravings yet. I think wanting sweets just comes from the fact that I can't have many : ( </div>
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<b>Food aversions? </b>Nope! I have been very lucky so far and haven't been sick at all or had many other issues (other than with blood sugar). Although, this past couple of weeks, I randomly gag? Out of nowhere, I just gag and then that's it. Garrett can't help but laugh every time he see's it. </div>
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<b>Symptoms: </b>Just peeing quite a bit! That's really been the only symptom I have had so far. </div>
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<b>Started to show yet? </b>Yes, I think so, but nothing dramatic. I didn't have a flat stomach to begin with, so it's tough to tell how much I am showing exactly. But my stomach is definitely more rounded than normal. </div>
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<b>Mood this week? </b>Thankful and excited! We had our first 20 week appointment two weeks ago (when I was technically 19 weeks) and they did the anatomy scan to check growth, organ functioning, etc. and everything was right on track! I always go into appointments holding my breath, thinking something might go wrong, but so far we have one healthy little baby!! Hearing the heartbeat last week was also reassuring and put me into a good mood. This specific week has been pretty uneventful, but feeling the baby move around is exciting. </div>
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<b>What I am looking forward to?</b> The growth scan on the 14th! Any time we get to have an ultrasound and check on baby, I feel excited (as well as nervous). Also, continuing to get the nursery ready, we have so much left to do. </div>
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<b>Next appointment? </b>September 14th! </div>
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Maybe one of these days I'll get blogging figured out again and add pictures to this post. We'll see.<br />
Hope you are all having a great week so far!<br />
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Love love love,<br />
Whitney </div>
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Whitney Cyperthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11476336399870627426noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5859990773542384290.post-77533488724037579462015-04-20T00:30:00.000-06:002015-04-20T00:57:41.219-06:00Kinley's 1st Birthday! <div style="text-align: center;">
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Hey guys! </div>
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It's been awhile since my fingertips have graced the keyboard in the form of a blog...AKA long time no see! A couple of exciting things have happened in our lives since the last time I blogged and I decided I needed to document them here.</div>
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Towards the end of last month we celebrated my niece's 1st birthday! I flew into Austin and was able to spend the entire weekend with my family celebrating our sweet Kinley. </div>
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The day I arrived, she decided she wanted to go through my wallet. She pulled out and examined every single card I had in there.</div>
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We spent that day/evening baking and icing cupcakes and her cake, making signs, and resting up for the party. Mom cooked spaghetti and garlic bread for everyone and we spent several hours visiting. It rained all day so Alyssa decided to move everything into the garage. She had planned on having the party in the backyard so the kids could play outside and everyone could enjoy the fresh air, but was a good sport about having to change her plans. You can't control everything!</div>
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Spaghetti face! (And bib, and arms, and hands...)</div>
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Putting her to bed and taking selfies!</div>
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The morning of Kinley's birthday we all got up as soon as we heard a peep out of her on the monitor and sang her happy birthday complete with showering her with balloons! </div>
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This picture warms my heart so much because she had just woken up and was probably wondering what we were all doing in there singing to her, but look at that little grin! </div>
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All dressed and ready for her birthday party! Her party was Alice in Wonderland themed...she was Alice!</div>
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Time for presents!<br />
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Cake tiiiime!<br />
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Still haven't stopped laughing at this picture!<br />
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Group picture!<br />
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Fresh and clean and playing with one of her new stuffed animals with her PawPaw.<br />
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That evening we had dinner at Papadeaux and were all in bed pretty early. The next day, Sunday, we had lunch and mom and dad headed back home to Sweetwater while Alyssa, Kinley and I headed to the mall.<br />
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I got the cutest little floral dress for K!<br />
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Monday it was time for me to head back to Denver. We had lunch at Pluckers, one of my faves in Austin, and couldn't quit giggling at this little one's hair! She took the bow out of her hair which left it looking like this...<br />
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* I wanted to share my favorite memory from the weekend so that I don't forget, even though her little face in this moment is forever in my heart.* I was putting her down for a nap one of the days I was there. We were in Alyssa's rocking chair and Kinley had her bottle as I rocked her trying to get her to fall asleep. Her eyes were fighting to stay open. All of the sudden she opened her eyes, looked at me and grinned real big. I said, "What are you doing silly girl?" She grinned and rolled over onto her stomach and laid on my chest just grinning. It was the most precious moment! <br />
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I am so thankful that I got to spend Kinley's first birthday with her and my family! Kinley is such a sweet and precious little soul and I love her so much. I can't believe she is already one! She is definitely a blessing and has made this past year so much fun and filled with love. </div>
Whitney Cyperthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11476336399870627426noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5859990773542384290.post-58692078680857701902014-12-15T09:00:00.000-07:002014-12-15T09:00:00.154-07:00The Louvre/Our Last Day in France<div style="text-align: center;">
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<u><b>Monday August 26th</b></u></div>
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Even though I didn't want it to, our last day in France had crept up on us. While I was tired and ready to see Garrett and our two cat sons, I was not at all ready to go back home. I swear I would live in Europe if it were feasible. </div>
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I'm getting to where I am having a hard time remembering exactly what we did, and since I didn't write in my journal everyday like I promised myself I would, I kind of have to wing it. </div>
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Mom and I slept in that morning and then met the girls at the mall. This mall was HUGE, like 7 stories, and was home to some of the most expensive things. We left with a couple of souvenirs, but none of the Charlotte Olympia or Alice & Olivia things I wanted but couldn't afford.</div>
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Later, we all went to the Louvre. At this point I was about museum'ed out. We had been to so many! But, nonetheless, it is the Louvre and it's not everyday you get to go there. We had a tour guide and we only saw the "big" things. This was by far the most awesome and encompassing museum I have ever visited. You could spend all day there, hell all month, and still not see everything. My favorite thing about this museum was that it wasn't all paintings. There were paintings of course, but also sculptures and ruins. Unfortunately, it was insanely crowded. </div>
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I don't have a ton of pictures because I actually didn't even bring my camera this day. Just my trusty iPhone! One thing I learned from this trip: carrying around a big camera gets <i>old</i>! </div>
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One of my very favorite things I have ever seen to this day is this Sphinx. The Great Sphinx of Tanis. For some reason this half lion, half King really mesmerized me and still does to this day. It also creeps me out and gives me the willies a little bit.</div>
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It weighs 24 tons and is made from granite. It is <i>huge</i> and definitely awe inspiring. The creepy part? It is so old. It's the oldest thing I have ever seen. It was inscribed with Pharaoh's names that date back to 1929 BC. BEFORE CHRIST! Archaeologists think that it actually dates back to an even older period- 2600 BC. Just think about that for a second. It's mind-blowing that something that ancient Egyptian Pharaohs created is still around today. Ahhhhhh! My mind is blown. </div>
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Side story: One night Garrett and I were laying in bed talking about this Sphinx and how creepy it would be if you woke up one night and it was just there, in your room. I mean, it's got to be haunted. See? I told you it was creepy. </div>
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One of the next things we saw that I got excited about was Venus de Milo.</div>
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I am definitely no art connoisseur, but as soon as I saw this I recognized it. This sculpture is believed to be of Aphrodite and was found in Greece in 1820. The sculptor is unknown and she is dated back to about 120 BC. When in the presence of things that are so incredibly old, I always think about the things they would have seen if they had eyes. It's incredible all of the things, people, and era's that have come and gone while this statue remains. </div>
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Last, but not least, the Mona Lisa was also something that I was really excited about seeing. </div>
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That painting had more security than Taylor Swift. It was encased, you couldn't get all the way up to it, and there were guards there. Also, it was fight to the death to be able to get as close as I did. That room was crowded and people were pushing each other to get up to it. You bet your ass I pushed my way to the very front. </div>
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The painting in the center of this picture is the Mona Lisa, that is how many people were crowded around her. </div>
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Everyone had warned me that I would be disappointed in the Mona Lisa because it is so small, so I wasn't surprised by the size at all. The fact that that is the real thing is what is so spectacular, not the size. It is worth it to get past the crowd just to say you have seen it.</div>
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That night we went to bed fairly early after getting all of our belongings packed up and ready to go. The next morning we were shuttled to the airport and flown home. That was it. The trip I had anticipated for so long was over. And it had been amazing. Something I will never forget!</div>
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After a long flight, a several hour lay over in Dallas, a short flight to Denver, and 306839 tissues (I had a wicked cold), I was home with my little family. </div>
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Whitney Cyperthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11476336399870627426noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5859990773542384290.post-26649445893920720232014-11-11T09:00:00.000-07:002014-11-11T09:00:14.053-07:00Vincent & a Sparkly Eiffel Tower<div style="text-align: center;">
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Hiiii! </div>
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Yes, I realize it has been almost 3 months since my France trip (don't remind me) and that I am still blogging about it. When I first started this recap I had no idea how long it would take, especially when I only blog every week and a half! So, to those of you who are still reading anything I post, THANK YOU and I swear it's almost done! </div>
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<b>Sunday, August 24th</b></div>
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One of the optional excursions on our cruise was a visit to Auvers-sur-oise (don't ask me how to pronounce it) where Vincent Van Gogh spent the last days of his life. As you may remember, I am a little intrigued by Van Gogh, so of course we chose to do this excursion. (Thanks mom!)</div>
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One of the first things we saw was this gothic style church that he had painted in 1890. Right next to it was a copy of his painting. It was really awesome to be able to look at the same church Van Gogh had looked at to paint, and then to compare it to his painting. </div>
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After looking around in the town, we took a walk to the cemetery. Van Gogh, and his brother Theo, are both buried here. It was crazy to see Van Gogh's grave! It was in a normal cemetery, nothing special, with no guard or anything. For some reason that surprised me.</div>
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I had always heard and read that Van Gogh had shot himself, but during this tour we learned another theory. I won't go into detail, but basically it just goes that he was shot by someone bullying him and died from that. That would be crazy, and story changing, if it were true. </div>
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After the cemetery we went back to the town and saw the tiny room Van Gogh rented and where he passed away after his gun shot. Of course we weren't allowed to take pictures, but there really wasn't much to it. It was a <i>tiny</i> room with nothing but a small window and chair in it. Kind of sad. </div>
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Little Van Gogh.</div>
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Another building he painted with his painting near it.</div>
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That night we headed back into Paris for our last night of vacation. While I was so excited to see Paris again, I wasn't ready for it to be over! Our captain said he was going to show us a special "treat" on the way back, and we stopped in front of this miniature Lady Liberty. America gifted her to France after they gave us the original.</div>
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After dinner mom and I went up to the top deck and saw the Eiffel Tower. At night, every hour on the hour, the Eiffel tower sparkles! It looks so pretty!</div>
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We decided to leave the ship and walk closer to the Eiffel Tower before the next hour struck so that we could see it sparkle a little closer. Next time I am in Paris (yes there will be a next time) I'd like to be right up to it when it lights up. It's so pretty!</div>
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One more short post and then my France recap is over! Looking back through these posts and pictures makes me miss it so much. Why does travel have to be SO expensive? I am ready to go back ASAP. If I could spend my entire life traveling I swear I would.</div>
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Byyyyee. ; )</div>
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Whitney Cyperthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11476336399870627426noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5859990773542384290.post-61895294425518848702014-10-16T09:00:00.000-06:002014-10-16T09:00:00.927-06:00France Day 7: Les Andelys<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>Saturday, August 23rd</b></div>
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Today was a day full of cruising and a short stop in Les Andelys. </div>
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After docking, we had the option of roaming around the small town on our own, or doing a guided tour up to the castle. Mom chose to go and see the castle, I chose to venture around the town on my own. I mean, the castle was a major uphill walk and I wasn't in the mood to get sweaty. Plus, like I said before, roaming around a town in France by yourself is pretty cool.</div>
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Like every other town we visited, Les Andelys was breathtakingly gorgeous.</div>
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Chateau Gaillard, the castle mom hiked to. This was King Richard the Lionheart's castle. He feared an attack from the king of France, so he built this in 1196 for protection. </div>
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Les Andelys Church</div>
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While waiting on mom to return from her tour, I decided I might as well stop at the local bakery. Nothing like eating an eclair while staring out onto the Seine.</div>
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Look how cute these tiny, fuzzy, French baby birds are!</div>
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Our boat!</div>
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View from the castle of our boat and Les Andelys. #nofilter</div>
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On our way to Conflans!</div>
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There were so many swans in the river.</div>
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Going through a lock. If you are like I was and have no idea what a lock is, it's basically just a way to raise/lower boats to match the differing heights of the river at certain points. We went through several of these.</div>
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On board drink and dessert. : )</div>
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Tomorrow is Van Gogh's town!</div>
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Whitney Cyperthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11476336399870627426noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5859990773542384290.post-79779115531983155742014-10-09T08:00:00.000-06:002014-10-09T13:22:28.221-06:00France Day 6: Omaha Beach & American Cemetery<div style="text-align: center;">
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<b>Friday, August 22</b></div>
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This morning we woke up quite early, had breakfast, and hopped on the tour bus. We had about a 2 hour ride to get to the Normandy beaches from Rouen. </div>
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Before leaving for France, Garrett talked me into watching Saving Private Ryan because it is set in Normandy and depicts the WWII scene that happened on the very beach we would be visiting. Before our trip, I think I was looking forward to this day the most. So much history. So much emotion. So much sacrifice.</div>
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The Normandy countryside is gorgeous.</div>
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Our first stop was a museum in Arromanches that had WWII artifacts and a short film about WWII. After the museum, our entire group had lunch.</div>
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Allies' flags. </div>
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In the water remained parts of ports that had been built for the allies.<br />
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Since it was a tightly scheduled day, our entire group had lunch at the same restaurant where they had already set out salads for us. A huge salad for lunch? No thanks. This one in particular had too many things going on for me. </div>
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I probably ate about 10 pieces of bread, and then headed to the bakery afterwards and had this little mini pizza thing. Salad smalad. </div>
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After lunch we headed to Pointe du Hoc. Pointe du Hoc is the highest point in between the two American landing beaches. It features a 100 foot cliff that American soldiers were able to climb in order to take over this area from the Germans. I can't believe they were able to do that, there were so many rocky/steep areas that it seems impossible, but somehow they persevered. </div>
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Corn fields and a dark sky.</div>
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Remnants from WWII.</div>
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The land was very uneven and had huge pits that were used for hiding.</div>
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Pointe du Hoc/English Channel coastline. How the American soldiers were able to climb this in a war zone I'll never understand.<br />
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We were able to go into an actual German shelter/gun pit and look around. It was awesome, but also eerie, to think that you were standing somewhere that German soldiers had hidden and attempted to shoot Americans. This shelter was close to the edge of the cliff, so looking out you saw the coast and the English Channel.<br />
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After Pointe du Hoc, we headed to Omaha Beach. This beach is the exact beach that American ships landed on on June 6, 1944. This beach is the exact beach where so many soldiers lost their lives fighting for their country.<br />
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"1st US Infantry Division. No mission too difficult, no sacrifice too great, duty first. Forced Omaha Beach at dawn, June 6th, 1944."<br />
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"The allied forces landing on this shore which they call Omaha Beach liberate Europe - June 6th, 1944."<br />
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Standing on this beach was unlike anything I had ever experienced. Imagining the horror and loss that happened right where my feet were was heartbreaking. With tears in my eyes, I felt so much pride for those soldiers and our country.<br />
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We were only given 10 minutes on the actual beach before we had to head to the American Cemetery. I got on the bus, already an emotional mess, fearing that I was going to embarrass myself at the cemetery.<br />
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The American Cemetery is gorgeous. It is set right on the coastline, so there are beautiful views of the English Channel. The grass was green, the trees green and trimmed. The white crosses marking the grave sites all in rows, perfectly clean. The amount of little white crosses really puts everything into perspective. Any soldier who lost their life due to World War II is eligible to be buried here. There were so many. 9,387 to be exact. There are 33 pairs of brothers laying side by side. <br />
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We attended an American memorial service at the cemetery where Taps was played and tears were shed. You don't know American pride until you are standing in the American Cemetery in Normandy listening to Taps. It was something else. After the service, we were given roses to place on the graves. Earlier mom and I had come across an unknown soldier's grave, and as soon as I got my hand on that rose, I knew where I wanted it to go. Mom knew too because she asked me where I wanted to put it, and I was crying too much to talk so she asked if I wanted to put it on the unknown soldiers cross. I nodded my head yes.<br />
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The fact that someone is buried here and is unknown really breaks my heart. That means no one will ever come to this cemetery with the purpose of visiting them. That means that somewhere, a family was left wondering what happened to their loved one. That's hard to swallow. <br />
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After mom and I left the rose.<br />
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I look angry in this picture but I wasn't. It didn't feel right to smile so I just straight-faced it.<br />
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I couldn't get a grip. If no one had been around I would've done the ugly cry for about a half hour. Mom too, I think.<br />
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We had a little time left so we wandered towards the coast and the wall memorial. All day the sky had been dark and it had been rainy. A pretty accurate forecast for the feeling of the day. <br />
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Soon it was time to head back to Rouen and board the ship for dinner. <br />
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After a long and emotional day, I think we were both ready to settle down and go to bed. This little guy was waiting for us in our room. : )<br />
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Looking back and trying to describe this day in words is difficult. It was one of the best experiences I think I have ever had and I am thankful for it. It was humbling and eye opening and something I will never forget!<br />
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Whitney Cyperthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11476336399870627426noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5859990773542384290.post-45867305032526863282014-09-29T08:00:00.000-06:002014-09-29T08:00:00.025-06:00France Day 5: Honfleur, Dinner, & a Light Show!<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>Thursday, August 21st</b></div>
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After exploring <a href="http://keepingupwiththecyperts.blogspot.com/2014/09/france-day-5-rouen.html">Rouen</a>, we elected to head to the port town of Honfleur. It was a somewhat short excursion, but the place was beautiful!</div>
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Mom and I thought this blue door was so pretty!</div>
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One of the only bakeries I came across that I didn't stop and get something from. I'm telling ya, I hit the bakeries <i>hard</i>. </div>
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This is an old prison. It looked so cool!</div>
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I really like the way the ground looks with the stones and moss.</div>
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Mom captured the prettiest picture in Honfleur! Look at the colors and the reflections in the water! </div>
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After visiting Honfleur, we were bussed back to Rouen. We had dinner and then went to a light show. This light show was the light show to end all light shows! Still can't believe how awesome it was!</div>
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Dinner on the ship!</div>
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Headed to the light show and I couldn't get over how gorgeous the bridge lights looked reflecting on the Seine river! Reminds me of a Van Gogh painting!</div>
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So, I have to say, when we were told that there would be a light show that night in Rouen, I wasn't expecting much. A few lights shining, bouncing around here and there, blinking, whatever. You guys! This "light show" was <i>AMAZING</i>. One of the coolest things I have ever seen. It's one of the things that I am most excited to show people when they ask about my trip.</div>
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The lights were projected onto the Rouen cathedral and set to music/sounds. It was breathtaking. </div>
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Favorite.</div>
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I had to share these video's!</div>
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Ok. The longest post in history is done!</div>
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The next day we headed to the beaches of Normandy. </div>
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Thank you guys for hanging in there with all of these vacation recaps! I know they are taking forever but it's important to me to keep track of everything for memory's sake. Plus, it's kind of fun for me to relive it all through the blog!</div>
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Whitney Cyperthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11476336399870627426noreply@blogger.com2Honfleur, France49.418762 0.2332619999999678849.377435500000004 0.15258099999996788 49.4600885 0.31394299999996789tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5859990773542384290.post-33250628746422591642014-09-24T08:00:00.000-06:002014-09-24T08:00:00.036-06:00France Day 5: Rouen<div style="text-align: center;">
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<b>Thursday, August 21st</b></div>
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This morning we ventured out into Rouen, France with our tour guide. We did a walking tour and then had some free time to explore on our own. Rouen is a bigger city than <a href="http://keepingupwiththecyperts.blogspot.com/2014/09/france-day-4-vernon.html">Vernon</a> with more hustle and bustle. The town is full of those half-timbered houses I love, had a cute market place, as well as great shopping! Joan of Arc was burned at the stake here as well.</div>
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We walked around the side of the big church in the above pictures and went inside. It was <i>gorgeous</i>! I had had enough of listening to our tour guide (I'm <i>very</i> impatient with that) and decided to wander off and take pictures. </div>
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These statues had been outside on the facade of the basilica, but were brought inside, hence the weathering. How creepy does the one on the far right look? </div>
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This clock was first built in 1389!</div>
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Joan of arc was imprisoned in Rouen for heresy as well as burned at the stake in 1431. This is a monument marking the spot that she was tied to a pillar and burned. </div>
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There were several little stands with sandwiches and pastries throughout the town. </div>
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After we finished our tour of Rouen, we were free to walk around and explore on our own. We had passed a market that mom and I wanted to check out, and then we had a little time to do some shopping!</div>
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Rabbit.</div>
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We didn't have much time to shop because we had to be back to the ship by a certain time in order to go on our excursion to the town of Honfleur, which will be on the next post. : )</div>
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Whitney Cyperthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11476336399870627426noreply@blogger.com2Rouen, France49.443231999999988 1.099970999999982349.36063399999999 0.93860949999998233 49.525829999999985 1.2613324999999822tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5859990773542384290.post-72993905379164326312014-09-23T08:00:00.000-06:002014-09-23T08:00:02.590-06:00France Day 4: Vernon<div style="text-align: center;">
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After visiting <a href="http://keepingupwiththecyperts.blogspot.com/2014/09/france-day-4-monets-gardens-giverny.html">Giverny and seeing Monet's breathtaking gardens</a>, we headed back to the ship for a crepes demonstration for lunch. A local chef from Vernon came aboard our ship and made crepes, they were so good! </div>
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Apple crisp pie for dessert!</div>
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After lunch we were given some free time to explore Vernon. I ended up exploring on my own for the majority of the time and I loved it. There's something about getting somewhat lost in a new city and exploring it on your own! Vernon was small enough that I knew I wouldn't really get lost, but big enough to explore. I was fine on my own until I came across the most awesome, huge, perfect, glorious bakery! Then it was time to go hunt down the girls and bring them to it! </div>
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The church in Vernon.</div>
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Half-timbered houses.</div>
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There were flowers all over the place. People keep them on their window ledges and it is so gorgeous. Ahhh I <i>love</i> it!</div>
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I remember seeing these half-timbered houses with flowers on the ledges and feeling like I was in a movie. It really was that amazingly beautiful!</div>
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THIS bakery! Oh my goodness.</div>
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Pretty sure we all got several things from here. </div>
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Momma and the Seine.</div>
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After wandering around Vernon it was time to head back to the ship and set sail for Rouen. There was a pastry demonstration on board that mom went to while I stayed in the room and talked to Garrett. Before dinner the cruise director announced that we would be passing Chateau Gaillard, which was King Richard the Lionheart's castle, if we wanted to take pictures. Well, duh I wanted to take pictures. (On our way back to Paris we actually stop in the town where this castle is!) </div>
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One of the most fascinating things about cruising down the river Seine is that along the way you pass <i>gorgeous</i> homes and land! One of my favorite parts of the entire trip was just watching the things we passed. </div>
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Here's a video from the window in our bedroom. Passing Chateau Gaillard!</div>
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And here's one that's a little longer showing the unbelievable countryside! I would <i>love</i> to live right where that house is!</div>
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Dessert after dinner. Didn't get any pictures of the main course, but you best believe I did of the dessert. : ) It's a crepe with orange sauce on it. To be truthful, it looks better than it tasted. </div>
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Tomorrow is day 5 in Rouen with the coolest light show I have ever seen! : )</div>
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Whitney Cyperthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11476336399870627426noreply@blogger.com2Vernon, France49.091958 1.488107000000013649.008773 1.3267455000000137 49.175143 1.6494685000000135tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5859990773542384290.post-11611661791685812542014-09-22T08:00:00.000-06:002014-09-22T08:00:09.080-06:00France Day 4: Monet's Gardens (Giverny)<div style="text-align: center;">
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<b>Wednesday, August 20th</b></div>
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Waking up refreshed this morning was nice! This entire trip was go, go, go and I don't think I have ever slept better. Usually by 10pm I was ready for bed which never happens (for instance, it is 2AM right now...). We boarded the ship the night before, and overnight, sailed to Vernon. It was so cool to wake up, look out the window, and be in a new place! Before our trip I was wondering if the movement of the boat would keep me awake, but I never even felt it move. River cruises are pretty smooth.</div>
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After breakfast on the ship (it was a buffet every morning with pastries, fruits, eggs, sausage, pancakes, etc.) we headed to Giverny. It was a short bus ride from Vernon. Every outing we went on we would first pick up a headset for our tour guides to communicate with us from, and then meet up with our guide waiting for us outside the ship. </div>
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Giverny is where Claude Monet's house and gardens are. Some of his most famous paintings were inspired by his gardens here. I can definitely see why, this is one of the most beautiful places I have ever been! Usually gardens are not really my thing, but this one was. It was gorgeous, unbelievably green, and flowers <i>everywhere.</i> It reminded me of a fairyland. </div>
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Morning fog on the river Seine.</div>
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Arriving in Giverny.</div>
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Mom is a fan of Monet and was really excited about seeing this place. It ended up being her favorite part of the whole trip!</div>
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Mom, LeMoyne, and Cindy!</div>
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Monet's home. We weren't allowed to take pictures inside, but it was gorgeous! Vintage decor and <i>very</i> colorful! </div>
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The view of his gardens from the second floor.</div>
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There was a fenced in area that had birds in it with a sign reading, "Please do not disturb the fowl", only I thought it said, "Please do not disturb the owl" so mom and I spent a good amount of time searching for the owl. Finally mom said, "I think it says <i>fowl</i>." Yes, mom, yes it does. </div>
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After the gardens, we walked around the the little town area for a bit before it was time to back to the ship for lunch and our tour of Vernon. The houses/lawn are so green and beautiful. </div>
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Next up: Fresh made crepes on the ship!</div>
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Whitney Cyperthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11476336399870627426noreply@blogger.com1Giverny, France49.081595 1.533503999999993549.039994 1.4528229999999935 49.123196 1.6141849999999935tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5859990773542384290.post-39773227016513813012014-09-18T08:00:00.000-06:002014-09-22T01:37:42.338-06:00France Day 3: Van Gogh & the Eiffel Tower<div style="text-align: center;">
Hi there! ; ) </div>
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After an amazing, and long, walking tour of Paris, the next day we had it a little easier. We woke up early and, after breakfast, grabbed a taxi to the Musee d'Orsay. The line was a little long but we were there early enough that it went pretty quickly. </div>
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<b>Tuesday, August 19th</b></div>
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I had been looking forward to this museum because there were Van Gogh paintings in there! I find Van Gogh extremely interesting and it was amazing to see my first of his paintings in person! Mom and I headed straight to the gallery where his paintings were located and spent quite a bit of time in there. </div>
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My two favorites in this gallery were two of his self portraits.<br />
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It was a surreal feeling to be standing in front of a person's painting that I had read and researched about. His life has always intrigued me, and to think that his hands drew those lines was amazing! During his lifetime he only managed to sell one of his 900 paintings, the rest were not made famous until after his death. The fact that he put so much of his time and passion into his artwork, yet people only saw him as a crazy and worthless artist, breaks my heart. Today, his paintings sell for <i>millions</i>. He is on the list of most expensive paintings ever sold for his painting, <i>Portrait of Doctor Gachet</i>, which sold for $82.5 million in 1990. I wish he could know that! I wish he could know that people no longer think his artwork is worthless, but that instead he's one of the most famous and successful artists of all time. <br />
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There is a song by Don McLean written about Vincent Van Gogh that I have always loved and found so touching (plus its a beautiful song!):<br />
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"They would not listen, they did not know how<br />
Perhaps they'll listen now<br />
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For they could not love you<br />
But still your love was true<br />
And when no hope was left in sight<br />
On that starry, starry night<br />
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You took your life, as lovers often do<br />
But I could've told you Vincent<br />
This world was never meant for<br />
One as beautiful as you."<br />
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In case you wanna listen, you won't regret it! : )<br />
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Ok. My history lesson/proclamation of love for Van Gogh is over. For now. <br />
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After the museum we had lunch and then headed to the Eiffel Tower. <br />
I could not believe how big the Eiffel Tower was! I knew it was tall because I had been seeing it from various parts of the city, what I didn't know is how wide it was. I was surprised big time by that. Honestly, I hadn't been looking forward to seeing the Eiffel Tower too much just because you always see it in pictures and everything, so I felt like I had already seen it in a way. However, seeing it in person is not the same at all as seeing it in pictures and I was pleasantly surprised.<br />
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The tower was built in 1889 as the entryway for the 1889 World's Fair. At first the French didn't like it and it was to be torn down after 20 years. However, it became known as the most recognizable structure symbolizing Paris, so it was left up. <br />
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We rode the lift up to the second level and took some pictures from there and then mom and I went back to the ground level and walked away from the tower so that we could get pictures of the entire thing. <br />
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View from the second level.<br />
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Momma and the tower : ) </div>
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Forever wishing I had bought this.<br />
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After seeing the Eiffel Tower we were then taken to our ship to start the cruise!! Oh man, I was so excited! This was my very first cruise! <br />
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Boarding the Avalon Creativity!<br />
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As we walked in we were greeted by the majority of the staff on board and were given welcome champagne and snacks! Before dinner we had a safety demonstration where they put on the emergency siren and we all had to meet on the sky deck and put on our life vests. I took this as a silly photo opportunity.<br />
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That evening we had our first dinner, a 4 course meal, and set sail out of Paris! We were able to see the river and the beautiful riverside views as we had dinner, I couldn't stop staring outside. It was impossibly pretty. <br />
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Dinner on the ship, on our way out of Paris! <br />
This was filmed with my phone, so please excuse the quality. <br />
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Before and after dinner I walked around exploring the ship. I was really impressed with how nice everything and everyone was! The sky deck was closed due to low bridges so I had to wait to venture up there. <br />
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Mom and I unpacked our things. Being on a cruise is nice because you can unpack and leave your things there the whole time you travel! I was able to Skype with Garrett and show him around our ship and the things we were passing as we sailed. <br />
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We sailed overnight and the next morning arrived in Vernon!<br />
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Whitney Cyperthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11476336399870627426noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5859990773542384290.post-25639541146359233172014-09-15T08:00:00.000-06:002014-09-15T18:11:47.361-06:00France Day 2: l'Orangerie & Montmartre<div style="text-align: center;">
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Yes, I am aware that day 2 is apparently the longest day in the history of ever, but this is the last "Day 2" post! We saw so much and, looking back, this was probably one of my top favorite days of the entire trip!</div>
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After seeing the <a href="http://keepingupwiththecyperts.blogspot.com/2014/09/france-day-2-love-bridge-and-lunch.html">Love Bridge and having lunch</a>, we hopped onto the metro and headed to the Tuileries Gardens and the Musee De l'Orangerie. The Tuileries is a garden area where the French go to relax and spend time outside, and it is right next door to the l'Orangerie museum. The l'Orangerie is home to many impressionist and post impressionist paintings such as Monet's Water Lilies. Several paintings by Picasso and Renoir live there as well!</div>
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While walking to the museum we saw this wall that has "I love you" written in over 2,000 languages on it!</div>
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I love you.</div>
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Je t'aime.</div>
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Waiting in line to go into the museum, we took advantage of the fact that the Eiffel Tower was just <i>right</i> there. This was the closest I had been so far!</div>
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Tuileries Gardens</div>
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I would definitely suggest going to the l'Orangerie museum if you are ever in Paris! It was great because it wasn't one of those overwhelmingly massive museums like the Louvre, it was just the right size! Plus, there are Monet paintings in there! You aren't supposed to take pictures of the paintings in this museum, but I snapped several with my phone anyways. (Sorry mom, I know how annoyed you were with the people sneakily taking pictures, but I was one of them. Forgive me?)</div>
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Claude Monet</div>
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Renoir</div>
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Picasso (and the first and only booby you will see on this blog).</div>
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After the museum we headed to Montmartre! Montmartre is a hill in the North of Paris that is home to the gorgeous Basilica of the Sacré-Cœur (my mom's favorite place in Paris). When I say hill, I mean hill! It sits pretty above the rest of the town, it is the highest point in the city, and was visible from our hotel room.</div>
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The stairs up to the top were ridiculous so we rode a lift up. The Sacré-Cœur is gorgeous and the view of Paris from it's steps is breathtaking. Just like any other major tourist spot in Paris, it was crowded!</div>
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The Sacré-Cœur is a Roman Catholic church built from 1875-1914. </div>
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View from the hill.</div>
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We toured the inside (where there were hundreds of lit candles!) and on our way out a pick pocket/gypsy/thief/asshole tried to steal something from Cindy's purse! It doesn't matter if you are in a church, people are going to try and take advantage of you. Thankfully Sue slapped their hand away saying, "Get your hand out of there!" and nothing was taken. </div>
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Afterwards, we headed to an artists' square in the neighborhood and, after looking at the artwork, snacked on some crêpes! </div>
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Nutella & banana crêpes.</div>
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Sue's pretty drink!</div>
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After we finished up we headed back to the hotel and went to dinner later that night. I had chicken pasta that was only ok, but this crème brûlée was <i>delicious</i>! </div>
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After dinner it was shower time. Taylor Swift was having her Yahoo Live Stream that night so I got into bed prepared to watch that. I was able to watch some of it, but my service wasn't great. I talked to Garrett afterward via Skype and he had watched it for me and taken notes so that he could tell me what the surprises were. How sweet is that? #34839 why I love him: He watches Taylor Swift Live Streams for me <i>and</i> takes notes. </div>
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The next day we see the Eiffel Tower and finally set off on our river cruise!! </div>
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Ps. If you are viewing this on your phone, are some of the pictures upside down? For some reason when I look at my blog on my phone, the pictures I took with my phone are upside down! Help! </div>
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Whitney Cyperthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11476336399870627426noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5859990773542384290.post-21570833503642362082014-09-12T15:39:00.001-06:002014-09-12T15:39:57.810-06:00France Day 2: Love Bridge and Lunch<div style="text-align: center;">
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After <a href="http://keepingupwiththecyperts.blogspot.com/2014/09/france-day-2-notre-dame.html">Notre Dame and the cream puffs</a>, we headed to the Love Bridge which was a bit of a walk. I loved walking around Paris and seeing the various shops, restaurants, and people watching. The weather was absolutely perfect for a stroll through the city!</div>
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There were so many houseboats along the Seine river. This one is actually a fire station. </div>
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Europe and their narrow streets!</div>
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The Love Bridge is actually something I found out about through Instagram! I follow Troian Bellisario who plays Spencer on Pretty Little Liars. She spends quite a bit of her time in Paris and she had put up pictures of the Love Bridge and I decided I had to go! See, my nerdiness paid off! : ) </div>
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If you look closely at the above picture you might see that the <i>entire</i> bridge is covered in locks! Couples have been coming here for years and adding locks to the bridge and throwing away the key. It symbolizes their love and their hopes that it will last forever. </div>
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Really wishing Garrett was there to add a lock with me. One of these days!</div>
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Not only are the locks on the metal parts of the bridge, but there are locks upon locks, too! The locks are actually weighing the bridge down, so officers in Paris have started cutting them off and getting rid of them a little at a time. People have put locks on other things around the bridge too.</div>
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After the Love Bridge we had lunch at La Palette. Our tour guide told us that several famous people had eaten here before, such as Ernest Hemingway! After doing some research, I discovered that it is also where a portion of Taylor Swift's Begin Again music video was shot!! I wish I had known that while I was there! Figuring that out led to rewatching the video and seeing that part of it was also shot on the Love Bridge. Fangirling, big time! </div>
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We all thought our waiter Bryan was really cute so we got one with him too. </div>
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We all ordered the Croque Monsieur which is toasted bread, ham, and
cheese. I had this several times while in France but this place had my
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Had to have a chocolate eclair for dessert.</div>
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I would give anything for one of those right now. Ahhhhh. </div>
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After lunch we headed to Montmartre, which is coming in the next post! </div>
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: )</div>
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Whitney Cyperthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11476336399870627426noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5859990773542384290.post-54622017020414129792014-09-11T07:00:00.000-06:002014-09-11T07:00:01.836-06:00France Day 2: Notre Dame and the Best Cream Puffs in Paris<div style="text-align: center;">
Hi! </div>
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So, the plan was to do a breakdown of our France trip by day, but on day 2 we did quite a bit and took so many pictures that I can't combine it all in one "France: Day 2" post. What that means is that my France posts are going to drag on for what seems like forever, which is good for me and maybe bad for you. I don't want to leave anything out because I'm wanting to turn this blog into a book one day, so thank you in advance for sticking with me and all of my vacation recaps! </div>
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<b>Monday, August 18th</b></div>
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This day was one of my favorite days! After a long day in <a href="http://keepingupwiththecyperts.blogspot.com/2014/09/france-day-1-versailles.html">Versailles</a> the day before, we were exhausted. However, we all woke up this morning feeling refreshed and ready to go. We started off our morning with breakfast in the hotel. I wish I had gotten pictures of the breakfast foods that they served! They had cold cuts, cheeses, all kinds of pastries including my new favorite thing- a chocolate croissant, eggs, sausage, bacon, fruit...you get the picture. We feasted like royalty that morning! </div>
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After breakfast we met our tour guide Marian for our walking tour of Paris! I had been looking forward to this day because I was anxious to get out and about in Paris. I have been to Europe before (Italy) and loved it so much and I was curious about how I was going to feel about Paris. I <i>loved</i> it. There is just something about the way you feel while in Europe that can't be explained. </div>
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My mama and our hotel.</div>
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We walked to the closest metro station (Paris's underground subway system), boarded, and headed to Notre Dame. </div>
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Sweet sisters, Cindy and LeMoyne. And Melinda with her adorable red Kate Spade bag.</div>
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The cathedral of Notre Dame!</div>
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We didn't tour the inside since we didn't have tickets and the line was outrageous, but we learned about the sculptures on the outside as well as the construction. It was crazy to me that there were dozens of full sized statues on this building, such amazing detail! Construction started on Notre Dame in 1163 and wasn't completely finished until 1345! So, for 182 years, someone was working on this cathedral!</div>
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The middle doorway/arch held my favorite depiction. It was a scene of Judgement Day with the angel Michael on the "Heaven" side and Satan on the "Hell" side. </div>
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Michael and Satan are holding the scales to weigh people's lives and decide if they belong in Heaven or Hell. The people chained on the right side are all going to Hell, while the people looking up to God on the left side are going to Heaven. This image goes to show that anyone is capable of going to Hell, even Kings and Queens, as shown by the people with crowns on their heads. Notice the little demon near Satan's legs pulling down on the scales, trying to send more people to Hell. Asshole. </div>
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Can you believe the detail in that sculpture? All for the outside of a cathedral! It really is amazing.</div>
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I thought the gargoyles looked really cool. Also, did you know that gargoyles aren't just for looks, but they are there for water runoff? I had no idea! </div>
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The third one is my favorite. They look creepy and I love creepy things.</div>
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The side view of Notre Dame. There were flowers <i>everywhere</i> in France and everything was so green, it was wonderful! </div>
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I have to add that the weather was absolutely perfect while we were in France! High 60's to low 70's almost the entire time! We got really lucky with that.</div>
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After Notre Dame we looked in a couple of tourist shops and had the best cream puffs in France! There are little crepe stations like this all around Paris, I'm not complaining!</div>
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Our tour guide was so awesome! She asked, "Do you want to try the best cream puffs in town?" Duh! Apparently, Paris has all kinds of food competitions and the chef who owns this little place won the competition for best cream puff in all of Paris.</div>
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You guys. That thing was <i>GOOD</i>.</div>
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Continuing along with our tour guide. So many things in Paris to see!</div>
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So, Notre Dame and cream puffs is where I'm going to stop!</div>
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Next post: The Love Bridge! </div>
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Whitney Cyperthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11476336399870627426noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5859990773542384290.post-67813020934495586302014-09-08T21:45:00.001-06:002014-09-08T22:05:40.986-06:00France Day 1: Versailles<div style="text-align: center;">
Read the first post, <a href="http://keepingupwiththecyperts.blogspot.com/2014/09/on-our-way-to-france.html">On Our Way To France</a>, here! </div>
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<b>Sunday August 17th</b> </div>
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After arriving to our hotel from the airport we had about 30 minutes to put our stuff in our rooms and get ready for our tour of Versailles. I. Was. Exhausted. No sleep in what seemed like forever. Plus, I was frustrated by the fact that I couldn't contact Garrett and I was crazy hungry. Those things added together made me grumpy and the fact that I was grumpy made me even grumpier because you aren't supposed to be grumpy in France! (You didn't think someone could use the word grumpy so many times in one sentence, did you?)</div>
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Our tour guide met us in the lobby of our hotel and, after introducing ourselves, we climbed into a van and were driven to the Palace of Versailles (or in French, Chateau de Versailles). The place began as Louis XIII's hunting lodge and then his son Louis XIV added on and transformed the site, and in 1682 moved the government of France to Versailles. Kings and Queens continued to live here and embellish the palace until the French Revolution! </div>
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Like I said, I was incredibly hungry.</div>
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(Brittany, do you recognize the hair tie on my wrist? It went to France! : )) </div>
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After waiting in line for a little bit we finally were able to go inside. This joint was CROWDED! </div>
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The interior of the palace was amazing. The ceilings were gorgeous!</div>
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Marie Antoinette with her doggy.</div>
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King Louis' fancy bed. I realize you can hardly see anything because it's covered by curtains, but it's King Louis' bed so we had to have a picture!</div>
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Marie Antoinette's bed and room. I was loving the floral wall paper! They kept this room dark so that the light wouldn't fade anything so it was difficult to get a picture where you could actually see the detail. There was so much gold and pink!</div>
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Proof that it was entirely too crowded. We were herded room to room like sheep. People were shoving and I may have shoved back. Hey, I was grumpy from lack of sleep and hunger, what could I do? Plus, people stunk bad! </div>
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Also, clearly, I was having a bad hair day. That's my frizzy ponytail there. </div>
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The Hall of Mirrors was definitely my favorite room in the entire place. So fancy and beautiful! I couldn't get enough of the chandeliers. It reminded me of the Great Hall in Harry Potter. : ) </div>
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Look how cute these cherub butts are!</div>
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A view of the gardens from the palace.</div>
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After touring the palace we wimped out on touring the gardens because we were all so tired.They looked pretty and I wish we hadn't had such a long day because I would have loved to see them too.</div>
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I wasn't complaining about heading back to the hotel for dinner and bed though! We had cheeseburgers in the cafe in our hotel. One of the waiters was able to finally fix the WiFi on my iPhone and I was able to get ahold of Garrett! I started crying as soon as his face popped up on my Skype screen, I was so happy to see him and let him know that we had made it safely. After talking to him I couldn't think about anything else but sleep so I finally went to bed.</div>
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First day in France complete! </div>
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Whitney Cyperthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11476336399870627426noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5859990773542384290.post-9278244481296713822014-09-04T15:01:00.002-06:002014-09-04T15:06:52.277-06:00On Our Way to France! <div style="text-align: center;">
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Here come the France recaps and I am so excited about them!</div>
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Even though I have a feeling they may make me a little sad. Especially since I have to go to work as soon as I am done with this post. Dumb. One shouldn't have to go to work after looking at vacation pictures, that should be a law.</div>
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Soooo...here goes!</div>
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<b>Saturday, August 16th</b></div>
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This is the day I have been looking forward to for awhile! Going to France day! Except one thing: I had to say goodbye to Garrett for 10 whole days which sucked. I felt guilty going on vacation while he stayed back to work, but who's going to turn down a trip to France? Not this girl. </div>
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Packing the night before. Junior didn't want me to go. Or maybe he wanted to go with me?</div>
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Flew out of Denver around 11:45AM and landed in Dallas to meet my mom and the other ladies that were traveling with us. </div>
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Mom, Melinda, Cindy, LeMoyne, and Sue. Loved these girls! So very thankful they had me on their trip with them!</div>
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I learned right away that I was going to have so much fun with these ladies. They are hilarious! After getting Starbucks and a couple of snacks we were ready to go! </div>
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One thing I had been dreading was the flight. I do not do good on long flights. I get grumpy. Being tall and sitting behind a person who decides to lean their chair back is uncomfortable. Mom was nice and let me have the window seat. I don't think I have ever flown and not had the window seat. It's a must. I can only sleep laying down, so the window is atleast something I can lean against. </div>
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Our flight was supposed to be a little over 9 hours and we were to arrive in Paris the next day (8/17/14). We were delayed about an hour due to the transponder being down and mechanics on board trying to figure it out, so we sat on the plane an extra hour while they did that. Finally it was fixed and we were on our way! I brought books, a magazine, a puzzle book that I never even used, and a neck pillow. </div>
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I had mentally told myself several times that I was going to relax on the plane and get some sleep since we had a tour of Versailles that same day. I did not sleep for more than 10 minutes! I tried and tried and just could not get comfortable. I don't see how people do it. Mom didn't get much sleep either. </div>
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Instead of sleep, I had dinner and a movie. I also read quite a bit.</div>
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Plane food has improved since my last international flight. The ravioli was good and the brownie was even better. : ) I watched The Other Woman during our flight and really liked it. It's funny and worth watching for sure. </div>
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I was so excited about landing in France I didn't even feel very tired. Our bags were there when we got to baggage claim which never happens! After grabbing our things we waited outside for our shuttle to the hotel. European drivers are the worst. I had learned that from previous Europe trips so I wasn't too surprised, but they still kind of scare me. I don't want to die on vacation! </div>
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We got to our hotel around 1:30PM and had an appointment with a tour guide to visit Versailles at 2PM. By this point I was exhausted and worried about Garrett being worried about me since I had not been able to contact him. My dumb phone wasn't working!</div>
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The view from our hotel room was AMAZING! That is the Sacre Coeur, a beautiful basilica that we visit later. </div>
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Our tour guide met us at 2 and we left to go to Versailles. I'll start with that in the next post since this one is getting long and it's almost time for me to leave for work. I promise the other posts won't be as boring as this one and will have actual pictures of France, not airplane food. It was the trip of a lifetime and I didn't want to leave anything out! </div>
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See you in Versailles! ; )<br />
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Whitney Cyperthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11476336399870627426noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5859990773542384290.post-43360337104951473082014-08-30T22:12:00.000-06:002014-08-30T22:12:20.994-06:005 Things I Learned While in France<div style="text-align: center;">
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I'm back!!</div>
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And I'm not nearly as excited as the above statement would suggest. France was <i>awesome</i>, as I knew it would be. I wannnaaa go baaaack. Post trip depression is real. I keep thinking, "right now I would be eating lunch on the boat, or right now I would be just waking up". </div>
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I looked forward to that trip for so long, and it seemed to go by in the blink of an eye. Isn't that how it always happens? I don't think I have ever heard anyone say, "This vacation is going by so slow!" </div>
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Before we left for Paris I was freaking out over what I was going to eat, wear, how I was going to talk with people when I knew no French, and other equally ridiculous things. So, here are five things I learned while in France:</div>
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<b>1. You can wear whatever you want and it will be ok!</b> </div>
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I turn into a crazy person when I pack to go anywhere, multiply that craziness by a thousand when it is a big trip. The night before we were to fly out, I still hadn't really packed anything. Instead I was at my computer Googling things like, "What to wear in Paris? Can I wear shorts to the Louvre? Are jeans ok to wear anywhere?" According to the internet, French women do not wear shorts or jeans but instead wear slacks and dresses. They take their fashion seriously and if you wear jeans and flip flops you are definitely an American tourist. WRONG. This may be common sense to most, but in case there is another person out there like me that worries about what to wear to every little thing in life, let me assure you: there are so many people everywhere you go, all wearing different kinds of outfits. Whatever you wear will be ok. Jeans, shorts, dresses, skirts, sandals, heels, everything works and you will not get rude stares like the internet suggests.</div>
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<b>2. French people do not hate Americans.</b></div>
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This is a stereotype I have heard several times. Once again, according to the Internet, French people do not like Americans and are quite rude to them. This is not true. Of all the people we encountered, not one of them was rude. Some were a little more friendly than others of course, but that is true anywhere. One of our tour guides thanked us multiple times for what America had done for the French people during WWII, saying that French people had not forgotten and were very thankful. </div>
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<b>3. French cuisine is very eclectic.</b></div>
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Before our trip, I kept asking everyone, "What is French food?" I was worried I was going to starve I guess. As it turns out, I didn't starve! Granted we ate most of our meals onboard our boat and had a selection of several things each meal. However, when we ate at restaurants I didn't have any trouble finding something to eat. My favorite thing we had there was a Croque Monsieur which is like a grilled ham and cheese sandwich. They had pastas, hamburgers, sandwiches, crepes, seafood, all kinds of "normal" things.</div>
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<b>4. You can get by with knowing only a little French.</b></div>
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For the most part, many of the French speak atleast a little English. Knowing certain words like: Bonjour, Bonsoir, Au Revoir, S'il Vous Plait, Merci, and maybe un, deux, and trois for ordering things at a bakery, will get you by. However, I am not discouraging anyone from learning French because that would always be better than having to use your hands to describe needing to go to the bathroom or wanting to get a drink.</div>
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<b>5. The French take their bakeries seriously.</b></div>
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And it is glorious! Bakeries in France are almost the equivalent to Starbucks in America. They are everywhere. My favorite bakery that I stumbled upon was in Vernon and it had everything. Macaroons, eclairs, meringues, chocolates, creme brulee, and my favorite thing, chocolate croissants. Anytime I was able to, I stopped and got atleast a chocolate croissant. On Sundays you will see very long lines at the bakeries and it is the French lining up to get their bread. </div>
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I'm waiting to get a CD in the mail with all of my mom's pictures on it and then I will start my trip recaps! I am so excited to share our trip with you! I'm warning you now, I am combining my pictures and my mom's so it will be picture overload, but what's new? </div>
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Hoping you guys are having great weekends so far!</div>
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Whitney Cyperthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11476336399870627426noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5859990773542384290.post-19815598234771228682014-08-15T15:52:00.000-06:002014-08-15T15:53:10.025-06:00Meanwhile Back at Mama's<div style="text-align: center;">
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I'm a thief. </div>
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I stole the title for this post from Tim McGraw. </div>
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I love that song, and any song that makes you think back on your childhood home and town. Don't get me started on Miranda Lambert's song <i>The House That Built Me</i>. There really is nothing like venturing back home once you've been out on your own as an adult. It's comforting to know as soon as you walk through the door you are surrounded with love, laughs, and good food!</div>
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Garrett and I traveled home a couple of weeks ago for the first time in I couldn't even tell you when. We were back and forth between our two family's houses the entire time and it was nice.</div>
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5AM airport selfie.</div>
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Garrett's family picked us up from the airport and we had lunch at Heff's in Abilene, the first of many delicious places we ate! After spending time with them for a couple of hours, we headed to my parents house. Alyssa, Brandon, and baby Kinley had just gotten there and I was anxious as crazy to see them. I hadn't seen Kinley since she was a week old! We parked in the driveway and I barely said hi to my dad or Uncle. I rushed past them and into the house. As soon as I saw Kinley the tears came like I knew they would. She's just so pretty! </div>
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That night we had everyone over to my parents home and dad grilled burgers. He makes a mean burger.</div>
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Sunday we had family pictures.</div>
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Gill's Fried Chicken for dinner. Favorite.</div>
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Monday, Garrett's grandmother's came to visit. It was so good to see them both at the same time! They are the sweetest ladies and so very pretty! We took a trip to the good 'ol Whataburger. (Yes, I have a picture of Whataburger but not of the people there. Oops!)</div>
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Garrett, dad, and I drove out to Nolan, TX which is the tiny town that my mom was raised in and that I spent the first 10+ years of my life in. Talk about middle of no where! My Nana lived there, right down the road from my childhood home, and my dad has been busy remodeling the inside of her old house. It looks completely different than what I remember which is a little sad, but he has done such a great job with it. I spent the majority of my childhood with Nana in her house watching Walker Texas Ranger, learning to crochet, and talking. She was my best friend back then and I have a feeling she still would be if she were here. </div>
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My Nana's old house. Not much to look at but so many memories are stored here!</div>
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When I was little I walked this road several times a week, if not every day. It was nice to walk it again.</div>
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We drove by my parent's first house, and my first childhood home.</div>
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I realize this is turning into the longest blog post ever, sorry. I'll make it quick.</div>
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We had dinner at Garrett's favorite spot in town, La Cocina.</div>
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Kinley looks like a doll.</div>
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I loved on sheep out at the Cypert's.</div>
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We played Apples to Apples and fate dealt me the perfect card. I'll let you guess which one it is. </div>
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And last, but certainly not least...we rescued a sweet kitten.</div>
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Short version: He was out in the middle of the highway. Covered in oil and had a broken leg. Scooped him up and took him to Dr. Peek. He peed all over my dress. Didn't know if he would live or not. </div>
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A splint was put on his leg, he was bathed, and is doing great. I fell in love with him. Mom found him a good home. </div>
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Whew! That was a short, but fun, trip. Thanks for hanging in there with the long post, if you made it this far. You are a trooper. </div>
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I leave for France in the morning. I can't believe I am typing that. I haven't packed a single thing yet and plan on using the rest of my day to do so. I am so excited! Please keep your fingers crossed that we make it safely, traveling overseas kind of freaks me out. </div>
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I can't believe that in the next week and a half I will see the Eiffel Tower, the Mona Lisa, and most importantly stand on the beaches of Normandy where our troops came in during World War 2. Definitely going to be a surreal moment. </div>
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Ok. Going to stop procrastinating and do some packing! </div>
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Au revoir! </div>
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Whitney Cyperthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11476336399870627426noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5859990773542384290.post-64293069327440768682014-08-09T23:14:00.001-06:002014-08-09T23:14:19.704-06:00Celebrating 4 Years!<div style="text-align: center;">
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A couple of weekends ago, Garrett and I drove to Steamboat Springs to celebrate our 4 year anniversary. I had no idea we were going anywhere but Garrett surprised me with the trip! Trips, even short one nighters, are my favorite, so needless to say I was excited. </div>
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We left Denver Saturday and after about 4 hours we were there. 4 hours seems kind of long but the trip was pretty so it wasn't so bad. That's the good thing about weekend trips in Colorado, usually, if you are headed West into a mountain town, the trip is gorgeous! We pulled into our hotel, checked in, and went to explore. We knew we wanted to do the Alpine Slide and got in line for that. I had done one before in Tennessee when I was younger, but Garrett never had. </div>
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I was brave until we were next in line and then I started to get nervous. "What if I fall off?" "What if my scooter thing goes off the trail?" </div>
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Once it was our turn I decided to just go for it, and even though we said we weren't racing, I pushed my thing that controls the speed all the way and took off. I was winning for about 1 minute and then Garrett passed me and I never saw him again until the end. He won this one.</div>
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Afterwards we had gelato. I did something weird and got mint chocolate chip, it was delicious. His is lemon.</div>
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We played putt putt and I kicked his butt butt! : ) See what I did there? </div>
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I never win putt putt so I rode on that high for the rest of the night. </div>
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That evening we had pizza for dinner. One of my favorite things about going somewhere new is trying out the best places to eat there. This pizza place was ranked high and it did not disappoint. </div>
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Sunday morning we woke up and had brunch at Creekside Cafe and Grill. If you are ever in Steamboat I suggest going here. The food was amazing and the view just as great. </div>
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After brunch we headed to the river to float. It was my first time to float a river and I loved it. I have to admit (<i>mainly because Garrett will give me a hard time if I don't</i>) that I <i>may</i> have been a <i>little</i> grumpy when our tubes kept getting caught on the rocks. Also (even though Garrett told me not too) I took my phone with me, in the top of my swimsuit. I had to take pictures! Well, as we were trying to grab onto eachother's tubes, Garrett pulled me into a tree branch and down I went. Completely under water, phone and all. I have to brag on iPhone's, that bad boy still worked! </div>
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Floating a river is relaxing (when you aren't having to pull your tube off of rocks) and was so much fun. I was ready to go again as soon as we were done! </div>
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Sunday afternoon we headed back to Denver. It was a short, but fun, trip! Mountain towns are so pretty and the weather is always nice. We especially liked Steamboat because it had that mountain town feel but also had alot to do! We are already wanting to go back.</div>
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Our actual anniversary was on July 31st. We said no gifts since we had gone on the little trip, but when I came home from work that evening, there on the table was a beautiful Orchid that looked exactly like the one's that were at our wedding! The sweet note and box of my favorite Voodoo Doughnut doughnuts didn't hurt either! ; )</div>
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Babe,</div>
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I feel so lucky to call you my husband! Thank you so much for not only planning this little getaway, the flowers, and sweet note, but more importantly being just as good to me every single day! You are the best person I know and I'm so thankful you love me back! : ) </div>
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Whitney Cyperthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11476336399870627426noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5859990773542384290.post-88696350867412724172014-07-28T13:24:00.001-06:002014-07-28T13:24:40.130-06:00Mom & Dad Do Denver 2014<div style="text-align: center;">
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Hey there! </div>
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Just doing a little family visit to Denver recap. However, first things first, this sweet little kitty turns 8 today! Happy birthday Harley cat! ; )</div>
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Two Sunday's ago my parents flew into Denver for a visit. Mom had a District Attorney's conference right in the heart of downtown, so it was a perfect excuse for them to come hang out with us! It was a short, but eventful, several days. Garrett and I both had to work during the week, but we squeezed in as much family time as possible. </div>
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While they were here we went to Jazz in the Park, the Denver Aquarium, a Rockies baseball game, and the Denver Botanic Gardens. We also ate at several delicious restaurants and mom and I went to the outlets to do a little Paris shopping.</div>
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Jazz in the Park at City Park is something Garrett and I have talked about doing since we moved here but just haven't. It was nice to finally go and to share that little piece of Denver with my family. I couldn't believe how many people were there! </div>
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This is a high school that we passed on our way to City Park. It looks like it belongs in a movie. </div>
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Monday, G headed to work and we went to the aquarium. </div>
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My faaaavorite! Why can't I pet him?</div>
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Rockies game. Way too hot.</div>
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Tuesday morning mom and I headed to see the Chihuly exhibit at the Botanic Gardens. Dad said he "wasn't paying money to see flowers" so he did his own thing. Men.</div>
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Dale Chihuly is a glass artist and the Denver Botanic Gardens are hosting several of his pieces. All of these pieces, big and small, were designed by him! Amazing.</div>
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Garrett left work early, and the people at my work were nice enough to let me not go in that day, so we all were able to have lunch and head to the outlets together. Mom and I shopped for Paris (it was a must that I find comfortable shoes). I may or may not be freaking out inside a little bit about what I am going to wear while there. I am. </div>
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It was a nice time with mom and dad, we are so thankful they were able to be here! Garrett and I will be going to Texas soon and will get in so much family time, we can't wait! </div>
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Whitney Cyperthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11476336399870627426noreply@blogger.com5