tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18742755289245666662024-03-13T14:55:28.692-04:00 The Adventures of Brea and MikeBrea Didenhover Squireshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08826767807428592207noreply@blogger.comBlogger85125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1874275528924566666.post-8506909296299463482014-10-16T08:56:00.001-04:002014-10-16T08:56:38.993-04:00Superbowl XLVIII<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">Seahawks win the Superbowl!!!!</span></b></div>
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I still can't believe Mike and I were there. Mike has a goal of attending every final for all the major sporting events. As the Superbowl is only one game and crazy expensive, I figured that one wouldn't happen and if it did, he would be going solo.<br />
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Well as the NFL season went on and the Seahawks kept doing better and better, I said to Mike, "if the Seahawks go to the Superbowl, can we go?" I was sort of joking. First, Seattle teams don't make championships (though I'll never give up on them), second, Superbowl tickets are super expensive, and third, the games are usually played in a random city. In December, Mike started looking online for tickets. The game was to be played in New Jersey and it was outdoors- the first outdoor Super Bowl in a very long time. If you remember, last year was the "Polar Vortex" and one of the most bitter cold winters in years. Even if Seattle made the big game, did we want to stand outside in freezing temperatures for hours on end?<br />
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Anyway, I kinda forgot about it as Christmas came around and then I left for Nepal just after New Year's. I didn't have a lot of connection to the news or sporting world while in Nepal, but early one morning, I received a text from both Jaime and Mike telling me the Seahawks had made the Superbowl! Mike's next text was, "wanna go?" Of course I did!!!! But practical Brea thought, it's too expensive, too cold, it's on a Sunday, and how were we going to drive to and from NJ in a day. Well, Mike started networking and asking around- he'd throw out prices to me and I turned them down. It wasn't worth it to spend <i>that</i> much money. After all his networking, he finally got offered tickets (through his ping pong connection with Rick Carlisle, who of course knows other people in the sports world), Mike presented the deal to me and I thought it was still a bit much. From my end, that's where the story ended (mind you, I was still in Nepal at this time).<br />
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Fast forward to January 29. I had been home about 3 days and we were discussing our weekend plans (possibly driving to Punxsutawney, PA for Groundhog's Day), when Mike couldn't hold it in any longer. He was acting weird when I brought up what we were doing Saturday, he suddenly got up and left the room, and in a few minutes came back and told me to close my eyes. When I opened them, 2 tickets to the Superbowl were in front of me!!!! I thought it was a joke! Mike assured me it was not a joke and the tickets were real! After our conversations, Mike did some more wheeling and dealing and was able to secure two tickets for some ping pong equipment for the owner of the tickets. The tickets actually belonged to a Denver Bronco player who had given them to his financial advisor, who also happened to be Rick Carlisle's financial advisor and friend. Mike got two tickets, a parking pass, and a place for us to stay in NJ (just a 10 min drive to the stadium)! UNBELIEVABLE!<br />
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The story of getting the tickets was pretty incredible, but the experience was even better! We drove to NJ on Saturday afternoon and spent our evening in Times Square on Superbowl Boulevard. We took pictures, got to see the Lombardi Trophy, danced in the streets, and enjoyed the hyped up party atmosphere. We bought our Seahawks t-shirts and headed back to Mike's friends house for the night.<br />
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Sunday, we got to the stadium 2-3 hours before the game. The atmosphere was already electric. So much to do and see and simply to soak up the excitement of the day. Each part just got better and better. The culmination of the weekend was of course, the game! From the get go, Seattle dominated, and as a Seahawks fan, it was incredible to watch! The fighter jets and Bruno Mars half time show were cool, but the game was so much better! Our seats were pretty good and we were surrounded by Denver fans, with a few Seattle fans scattered around. Surprisingly, everyone was pretty friendly and well behaved; there was little trash talking, no drunkenness, and overall good report. We sat next to a family that had spent their entire vacation budget on this game-- only to be completely disappointed (Broncos fans). We felt badly for them, but even in their disappointment, they still were friendly and congratulated us.<br />
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As a Seahawks fan, I loved every minute of complete domination. It was unbelievable! As Seattle kept marching down the field, I was jumping up and down and cheering my heart out. What a game!!! I loved being part of the 12th man! Go Hawks!!!<br />
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Brea Didenhover Squireshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08826767807428592207noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1874275528924566666.post-69107301811196258712014-06-26T13:05:00.003-04:002014-06-26T13:05:36.894-04:00Oh Baby!<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #0b5394; font-size: large;">Boy oh Boy! We're having a boy!!!</span></div>
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The big news is out! Mike and I are expecting a baby boy in October! We are thrilled, nervous, excited, and overjoyed. The news was quite surprising to us, but we are super excited.</div>
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Baby Boy Squires is due October 23 and so far is growing, developing, and appears healthy. We actually found out on February 27 when I took the at home pregnancy test. I had been feeling kinda weird for a few weeks before that, but didn't give it much thought. Also, I was participating in a wellness competition at work and while January brought steady weight loss, I totally plateaued in February and couldn't figure out why. After putting 2 and 2 together and listening to Mike's encouragement to take a pregnancy test, I took the test. There was no mistake, I was pregnant!!<br />
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I have been very lucky to escape most of the first semester morning sickness and fatigue. A few food aversions and cravings, but no puking or total lack of energy. Sweet potatoes, spinach salads, and sweet pork still don't sound good, but anything dairy is like a dream. For a week, I craved potato chips- sour cream and cheddar to be exact, but thankfully, that craving was short lived and passed.<br />
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Mike has a coin collection and I hid the pregnancy test in one of his boxes for him to find when he came home from work.</div>
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We waited FOREVER for our 20 week ultrasound. We had to delay our ultrasound because of our trip to Austria (more to come on that trip). But, at 20 weeks and 4 days, we got to see our little guy!!! This made it all so much more real. Mike and I were in awe as we saw Baby Squires moving and grooving and come to life for us!<br />
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<span style="text-align: center;">I know this pic looks a little scary, but our baby boy was just opening and closing his mouth. It was this moment that made it all feel real for Mike.</span><br />
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Expect this blog to switch from a travel log to a baby log! Come follow the journey as Mike and I begin our next great adventure!!!</div>
Brea Didenhover Squireshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08826767807428592207noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1874275528924566666.post-13501222391324352172014-06-25T11:02:00.001-04:002014-06-25T11:02:12.630-04:00Welcome to the Caribbean: St. Thomas Edition<div style="text-align: center;">
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Ever since I met Mike, I have heard about their annual (or bi-annual) family trip to St. Thomas. After three years, I finally got to go!!! It doesn't take much convincing for me to hop on a plane to a tropical island. Mike and I joined part of his family for 5 days in paradise.<br />
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The trip started off a little rocky as our flight got cancelled and we were put on an earlier flight (6 AM) and a later arrival. Somehow we managed and arrived in a rainy St. Thomas. I think it had been raining the few days before hand, but we only dealt with a day and a half of rain. Day 1 consisted of travel, eating, and a yummy dinner! We shared a fresh curry lobster straight out of the shell. The restaurant sat on the beach and we watched the waves crash against the rocks as we ate. That is my kind of eating!!!<br />
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Day 2 we celebrated Mother's Day! Church was really fun and I think the visitors doubled or tripled the local branch that day. As the mother's day tribute, all the women received a bag of chocolates and a plate full of chocolate covered strawberries! After church, we drove around the island to see the lay of the land and afterward I took a lovely nap. For dinner the men cooked us a beautiful and delicious surf &turf dinner: grilled steaks, grilled sea bass, baked potatoes, and broccoli. Oh my goodness, it was delicious!!!<br />
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Full group- yes, it's definitely blurry. We had about 3-4 pictures taken and this was the best one.<br />
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Day 3: Beach, beach, and more beach! We went to Meagan's Bay first, which is known for it's beauty and super calm waters. Mike and I decided to try out Stand Up Paddle boarding (SUP) and fell in LOVE!!! It didn't take long to get the hang of it. The board is a very large surfboard which is actually pretty stable. It was so calm and relaxing to just be out on the water and paddling. We could chat and enjoy the view while we paddled. I kept my balance pretty well, and Mike did too, except for at the last moment when he was trying to get his mom's attention for a picture, he not so gracefully fell off! I was laughing so hard, I almost fell off!<br />
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We headed over to another beach to have some lunch and enjoy snorkeling. Mike and his family are way into snorkeling, so I put on my fins and snorkel and jumped in with them. In addition to snorkeling, we played on the beach and had fun with our water toy, "waboba". It's a ball that floats and skips on the water. Mike picked up a few more and 2 waboba gloves so we could play catch in the shallow waves. I love my beach time!!!<br />
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This man has been selling coconuts at this beach for years!</div>
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Day 4: St. John! We took the ferry over to St. John and explored that island for the day. We hit up a few beaches and did lots more snorkeling. The ferry ride over was fantastic with excellent views and we paid for a jeep taxi that drove around island on some crazy hilly, hair pinned turns. The roads in St. John are not for the faint of heart!<br />
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Day 5: Market Day: we drove into town to do some shopping and explore the outdoor market. Shopping isn't really my thing, but Mike insisted I get some earrings and bracelets. I guess I couldn't complain about that! The afternoon was spent at the pool and just hanging out around the resort.<br />
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Day 6: Mike and his Uncle headed out super early to play some golf, while I slept in, worked out, and enjoyed the beach at the hotel. Mike joined me after golf to spend our last hour at the beach and pool before packing up and heading home.<br />
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Note- the sky and ocean underneath the "welcome to paradise" sign is the real skyline</div>
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Last night in St. Thomas, dinner with Mike's mom, aunt, and uncle.</div>
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Brea Didenhover Squireshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08826767807428592207noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1874275528924566666.post-49637839786491723832014-06-16T08:01:00.002-04:002014-06-16T08:01:57.536-04:00Happy 1 Year Anniversary!Happy 1st Anniversary!!<br />
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Mike and I celebrated our first anniversary this year on Sunday, April 20. Crazy to believe how fast that year has gone. We have done a lot and been all over the globe in the past year. I'm incredibly lucky to be married to Mike. We still talk about how things lined up and how we were both led to each other. Two years of dating and one year of marriage, and we still like each other!!!<br />
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Our big anniversary trip occurred later in May when we went to Austria to visit my parents. Mike still wanted to do something special on our anniversary so we decided to take a weekend and stay closer to home. This year our anniversary and Easter aligned on the same day, which was very special. I love Easter for it's simple message that Christ lives and all things will be restored someday. It's such a peaceful time to reflect on renewal and the love our Savior has for us.<br />
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We began the weekend by driving down to Williamsburg on Saturday. Mike played golf and I enjoyed a workout and the spa. After, we headed to the outlets to do some shopping. Sunday, we attended church in Williamsburg and then spent the afternoon in Jamestown walking where the original colonists walked. The history in that place is incredible, the first official Colonial settlement in America. Because it was Easter Sunday and still a little chilly, we had the park almost completely to ourselves. It was a wonderful afternoon strolling along the James River, enjoying the beautiful scenery, learning some history, and spending the day with each other. And we watched Pocahontas that evening, just to get the full experience. :)<br />
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April 20, 2014....<br />
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April 20, 2013...<br />
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Mike and I enjoyed a wonderful anniversary/Easter weekend! I'm incredibly blessed to be married to Mike and even more in love than a year ago. I still think about our wedding day and how absolutely perfect it was!<br />
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Happy Anniversary Michael B.!!!! I love you!<br />
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Here's to many more anniversaries!<br />
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<br />Brea Didenhover Squireshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08826767807428592207noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1874275528924566666.post-30490820360481984352014-06-11T17:15:00.001-04:002014-06-11T17:15:37.487-04:00Nepal: My trip to the Himalayas*Warning: this post is long as I recount my adventures in Nepal and includes more pictures than you probably wanted to see. If the narrative isn't interesting, skip it, but be sure to enjoy the pictures!<br />
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Shortly after the new year, I jumped on another plane and this time flew to the Himalayas! It was my first trip to Asia and I really didn't know what to expect. First off, the flight is LOOOOONG. I had layovers in Dubai and an overnight layover in Doha, Qatar. Sadly, I didn't get out of the airport except to my hotel to sleep and stretch my legs, but I got a very brief glimpse into the Gulf Countries with their beautiful buildings and extravagant landscape. Flying over Dubai was quite a treat!<br />
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Jet lag roared it's ugly head this time around. I'm pretty sure I was only half awake for the first three days I was there. Oh, except for between the hours of 3-6 AM, for which I was wide awake! My reasons for going to Nepal was to support the USAID mission in Nepal with some specific tasks and reports. I work on the Nepal country team here in DC and so it was my time to go out and help. I mostly worked in the Embassy 8-5, but had a few outings. Luckily, another health team from DC was also there during my first two weeks. They were working on a family planning/HIV assessment and I was able to tag along at meals and a few meetings to make my stay a bit more interesting.<br />
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January in Kathmandu isn't too cold, but it sure wasn't summer weather. I was just glad to be in 40-50 degrees rather than snow and ice storms that were occurring at home. My day to day work at the Embassy wasn't entirely thrilling and getting sick (stomach and sinus) on multiple occasions made me quite miserable for a few days. Luckily, on the sight seeing days, I was well enough to venture out. We visited Buddhist temples and Hindu shrines, walked through old palaces, shopped, and explored old cities. Nepal definitely has a rich culture and history! Did you know that pagoda style buildings that you see throughout Asia, particularly in the east, originated in Nepal? The mix of Buddhism and Hinduism is such an interesting mix. There are a few Muslims in the south and Christians scattered, but Nepal is dominated by the first two religions.<br />
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Starting on the second week, I went out to site visits in southern Nepal, along the border with India. Here we visited hospitals, family planning clinics, and offices for the flagship nutrition project. We visited with team leads, doctors, nurses, clinicians, and other staff who help run the programs. It was pretty interesting talking to the workers and learning about a few of the health issues facing Nepal. The HIV epidemic is very concentrated in select groups: migrant workers and female sex workers. Also, access to family planning is limited and we met with different women's groups to talk about their views on family planning and how the communicate with their spouses and family members about family planning. I was surprised to see the women open up and discuss with us. The three day trip was interesting and I got to see some absolutely beautiful scenery along the drive. Roads in Nepal are few and underdeveloped. It took us 7 hours to go about 150-200 miles, all along mountainous roads. These roads are not for the faint of heart. The downside to this side trip was how sick I got! Let's just say that local Indian/Nepalese spices don't jive too well with me!!! Ahhh, so miserable!<br />
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On coming back, I resumed my regular duties and kept plugging along at the tasks I was given. A highlight of the trip was my friend Jackie came to visit me!!! She had been in India for the previous few weeks working with a non profit she runs, Goals for Girls. I convinced her to come up to Nepal and pay me a visit. She had also met up with a few others from the DC crowd. She stayed one night in Kathmandu with me and then I met up with her and another friend a few days later over Martin Luther King Day weekend in Pokhara. I was supposed to fly out Saturday, but rains and fog cancelled my flight, so I had to wait until Sunday. I took a short 30 min flight (would have taken 12 hours by bus) to Pokhara, which lies at the base of the Annapurna Mountain Range. The weather and views could not be more beautiful!!!! I was in heaven soaking up the clean mountain air, enjoying 60 degree weather, and spending time with great friends!<br />
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We started off with a canoe trip across a lake, then a hike up to a Buddhist Temple. The views were incredible. Each time we stopped, we were in amazement of how pretty it was. We met some interesting people along the way, and even talked for a bit with a Buddhist monk. His perspective on life was very interesting and we could have spent hours talking to him. He radiated such calmness and peace. The next morning, Tali and I arose super early to catch a ride up the mountain where we then hiked another 30 min to see the sunrise over the Annapurnas. Stunning! My camera could not capture how beautiful it was!!!! After coming back down, we geared up for paragliding!!! Yup, you read that correctly. It was amazing, scary, and so fun! (more details below). After coming back down to earth, we grabbed some food, did some shopping, and then I had to head back to the airport to go back to Kathmandu. I would have loved to stay a few extra days to hike, wander, and go on a trek. Maybe next time...<br />
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The rest of my time was pretty uneventful. I stayed healthy my last week and was able to get my reports done. I ate a lot of room service, did lots of yoga, and enjoyed the serenity that permeates Nepal.<br />
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I'll be heading back next month (July 2014) for another 2 week stint.<br />
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Dubai from the sky</div>
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Coming into the Kathmandu Valley</div>
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Boudhna Stuppa (largest Buddhist temple in the world) The Stuppa could be seen from my hotel.</div>
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Part of the old palace, notice the intricate wood working!</div>
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Buddhist Temples in Durbar Square (old palace)</div>
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Hindu Temple</div>
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Bhaktapur, an old city outside of Kathmandu</div>
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I made a pot here!!! (sorry picture not shown)</div>
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More from Bhaktapur</div>
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View from the tallest Buddhist temple</div>
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Scarf shop!! We spent a lot of time here! My coworker and I are on the left and the two on the right are Nepalese girls, who were super nice to us and wanted a picture!</div>
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On the drive out of Kathmandu. Kathmandu is in the hill region of the country. Can you imagine what the mountain region looks like?!</div>
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Pit Stop on our way to southern Nepal. Behind me is a funicular leading up to a Hindu temple/shrine that acts as a pilgrimage for many Nepali people.</div>
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Picture of a women's group we spoke to about family planning and health issues. They get together weekly to listen to a radio program and discuss health issues.</div>
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The Terrai Region (flat lands in the South) Here we are only 20-30 km from India</div>
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Women and their children who participated in a discussion with us about HIV and family planning<br />
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I ate fresh tangerines every single day!!!</div>
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Flying to Pokhara in the west</div>
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A Buddhist Monk who walks around the temple every day all day ensuring peace and order. He spoke some English and he talked to us about work and family. He also only walks clockwise around the temple.<br />
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Annapurna Sunrise</div>
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That's me!!!! The three of us went paragliding in the Himalayas!!! I was so nervous and asked about a hundred times if anyone had ever died or broken bones here. I was assured they had a 100% safety record. Jackie and a Tali had come the day earlier and signed me up, so I was kinda stuck. Paragliding is amazing, but kinda freaky at first. You are required to go tandem unless you have a license. So with a parachute and an instructor, you run off a cliff until the wind picks up your parachute. Then you fly and glide till your heart is content!!! My instructor was one of the best acrobatic paragliders from France and he definitely took me for a ride. We made dives and swooshes and went all over the place. I was kicking tree tops and enjoying stunning views! What a trip!!!<br />
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Lobby of my hotel</div>
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Dubai Airport</div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">Namaste!</span></b></div>
Brea Didenhover Squireshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08826767807428592207noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1874275528924566666.post-14369195629590375072014-06-10T12:15:00.001-04:002014-06-10T12:15:22.035-04:00Thanksgiving and ChristmasThanksgiving and Christmas seem a bit like a blur. I arrived back from Africa a few days before Thanksgiving and pretty sure I was jet lagged while eating turkey. I got home on Monday and Wednesday afternoon, Mike and I drove down to Virginia Beach to meet the rest of the Squires who were staying at the beach condo for the week. We enjoyed a chilly, but beautiful sunny Thanksgiving on the beach. In sticking with tradition, Thanksgiving morning began with a run on the beach and then a food fest mid afternoon. I always do my own "turkey trot" to have a guilt free Thanksgiving! Sadly, we had to hurry back to DC and we left later that afternoon.<br />
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I spent the rest of the weekend recovering from jet lag and catching up on life while Mike was at an all weekend ping pong tournament. His mom and sister and I joined him Saturday afternoon for a walk through the ice sculpture display.<br />
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December passed by quickly. There are always tons to do around this city around Christmas time, but schedules and weather always seemed to get in the way so we didn't check too many things off our list except for hosting a Christmas party. It was our first "married" party and I think it was a success!<br />
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My parents are in Austria on a mission so we decided to stay put this year. We celebrated our first married Christmas! I kinda liked being in charge and choosing exactly what traditions I wanted to keep/start. We did Christmas morning by ourselves and opened our presents and then later that afternoon, Mike's mom and sister joined us for dinner. We ate and opened more presents. We loved our first Christmas in our cozy apartment!<br />
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Christmas Party Spread and Decorations</div>
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Trip to Mt. Vernon, we had our own nativity, with camel and all!</div>
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Lights at Washington D.C. Temple Visitor's Center. We go every year for Christmas music and to look at the nativity displays. As our nativity collection continues to grow, we hope to be able to have one of ours on display!<br />
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Christmas Eve</div>
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Our make do stockings, love my down elf slippers!</div>
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Christmas Morning</div>
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Nothing says Christmas like watching "Little Women" It's a tradition that my sister Laura and I started years ago, and even though we're far apart, we try to watch this every December.<br />
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<div style="text-align: center;">
Happy New Year! Welcome 2014!!!</div>
Brea Didenhover Squireshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08826767807428592207noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1874275528924566666.post-10457526555285843902014-05-01T14:11:00.000-04:002014-05-05T12:43:39.807-04:00Tour de Africa<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">I've been waiting to travel for work and I finally
got my chance last November. I traveled with a team for an evaluation of
a grant agreement. The trip was fun, exciting, and exhausting. We met up with 3
WHO colleagues who work in the Africa Regional Office. The trip took us all
over Africa, five countries total. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">We started in Kenya for a few days to meet our team
from WHO/AFRO and to meet together as a whole group. After 3 days in Kenya, we
split up to go to different countries. I went with three other colleagues to
Malawi for another 3 days where we met with USAID, WHO, UNICEF, and the Malawi
Ministry of Health. After Malawi, we had a pit stop in South Africa, then
headed to a full week in Brazzaville, Congo! <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Brazzaville was a weeks worth of meetings and
presentations at WHO/AFRO. The work days were super long and intense. Luckily,
I loved my colleagues and we had summer temperatures in November.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Africa is an amazing place! I loved getting
to meet with people face to face and learning more. Our AFRO colleagues were so
good to us. They are all MDs with families and super interesting personal
stories. We loved asking questions and they loved sharing their culture and
experiences. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Thank you KLM Airlines for
providing Tillamook cheese on my flight.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">NAIROBI, KENYA</span></b></div>
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<!--StartFragment--><span style="font-family: inherit;">Our transportation in Kenya
(as you can see I don't have too many pics of Kenya, I was mostly in meetings
all day, every day I was there. Hopefully, next time I can get out and see a
few sights, especially the baby giraffe orphanage!)<!--EndFragment-->
</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-FFFXAsV3KsY/U1chQA_nUMI/AAAAAAAADl8/MPSep0EoTMs/s1600/IMG_0098.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-FFFXAsV3KsY/U1chQA_nUMI/AAAAAAAADl8/MPSep0EoTMs/s1600/IMG_0098.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">UNICEF grounds in Nairobi<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><b>LILONGWE, MALAWI</b></span></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-s6QvhWqXbs0/U1chQ9Fro1I/AAAAAAAADmA/OYyoO6N4bgw/s1600/IMG_0121.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-s6QvhWqXbs0/U1chQ9Fro1I/AAAAAAAADmA/OYyoO6N4bgw/s1600/IMG_0121.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></span></a></div>
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<!--StartFragment--><span style="font-family: inherit;">My sleeping quarters in
Malawi- complete with mosquito net!!</span></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-M_KvYOOdyvo/U1chRzUbv1I/AAAAAAAADmQ/MrDKYJ-Z_nc/s1600/IMG_0136.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-M_KvYOOdyvo/U1chRzUbv1I/AAAAAAAADmQ/MrDKYJ-Z_nc/s1600/IMG_0136.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Malawi backyard at our
"hotel". Okay, actually one of our consultants knew the people here,
so we stayed a little luxurious at the Kumbali Lodge. I had a private cabin and
beautiful, well kept grounds. Notice in other pictures we were at the end of
the dry season, so we were definitely in luxury as there are sprinklers, a
pool, and green grass. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-T67rcHtuzY4/U1chpNnmHNI/AAAAAAAADqs/TohagHwp2uU/s1600/IMG_2776.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-T67rcHtuzY4/U1chpNnmHNI/AAAAAAAADqs/TohagHwp2uU/s1600/IMG_2776.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></span></a></div>
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<!--StartFragment--><span style="font-family: inherit;">My cabin<!--EndFragment-->
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<br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-qP9sQ8uNFV8/U1chXZEC6cI/AAAAAAAADnI/KWYEeETUyho/s1600/IMG_0184.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: inherit; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Entrance/Parking lot at lodge. Don't you love the vintage car!</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-LBAW8-LOwG0/U1chp2GSROI/AAAAAAAADq0/SuBbu_gnge4/s1600/IMG_2788.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-LBAW8-LOwG0/U1chp2GSROI/AAAAAAAADq0/SuBbu_gnge4/s1600/IMG_2788.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">I was exploring around the lodge
and came across these two sisters. They were eager to talk to me and wanted
their picture taken. (English is spoken in Malawi)</span></div>
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<br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-zSQYth38Q3o/U1chuZBZ1BI/AAAAAAAADrc/Xs1DFJXUZgA/s1600/IMG_2809.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-zSQYth38Q3o/U1chuZBZ1BI/AAAAAAAADrc/Xs1DFJXUZgA/s1600/IMG_2809.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></span></div>
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<br />
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<br />
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<!--StartFragment--><span style="font-family: inherit;">Typical house on the drive
to the office<!--EndFragment-->
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">My friend Lisa was in Malawi the same week as me!!
Lisa is a dear friend who was in my singles ward and also works at USAID. She's
my lunch buddy and running partner (we used to run home together after work).
It was so fun to meet up and have dinner....in Malawi!!!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"> The back side of the
lodge/farm. (notice how brown it is??)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
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<!--StartFragment--><span style="font-family: inherit;"><b><span style="font-size: large;">BRAZZAVILLE, CONGO</span></b></span></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-jjmHeM4WhwA/U1chW5jAk_I/AAAAAAAADnE/cFgSrwy1RMk/s1600/IMG_0202.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-jjmHeM4WhwA/U1chW5jAk_I/AAAAAAAADnE/cFgSrwy1RMk/s1600/IMG_0202.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></span></a></div>
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<br />
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<br />
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<br />
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<br />
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<br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-vw0-eezzE2k/U1cha0rT2eI/AAAAAAAADn8/FjAUHdkNIxA/s1600/IMG_0248.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-vw0-eezzE2k/U1cha0rT2eI/AAAAAAAADn8/FjAUHdkNIxA/s1600/IMG_0248.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">A tributary of the Congo River ran by our hotel,
the "Brazzaville Beach Hotel" I'm not sure exactly what they are
calling a beach, but the river provided some nice sounds and looked beautiful
at night. The mosquitoes were a bit intense here and in Malawi, and I think at
one point I had over 45 mosquito bites on my legs. Note to self- drench
yourself in insect repellant and avoid shorts in the evening. Don't worry Mom,
I took my malaria drugs faithfully!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
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<!--StartFragment--><span style="font-family: inherit;">In contrast to the murky
river, we did enjoy a nice pool. I even dipped in it one time.<!--EndFragment-->
</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">The Brazzaville Beach was
definitely a downgrade after Kumbali Lodge in Malawi. The internet was spotty,
food limited and so so, and the rooms basic. See the big hot water heater in
the picture? Well, the first three days I took cold showers because I couldn't
seem to get any hot water. I never really thought to complain because, hey,
it's Africa. I didn't really expect luxuries. But then I heard everyone else
had hot water (and I even used my coworkers shower once for some warm water),
so we asked at the desk and the next day, I had hot water!! Just a simple flip
of the switch! Warm showers made the rest of my stay much more pleasant!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Video conference with colleagues
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<!--StartFragment--><span style="font-family: inherit;">Walking to the office after
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<!--StartFragment--><span style="font-family: inherit;">This is the real Congo
River, with Kinshasa, DRC right across (which you can't see because of the
rain). We sat down to a wonderful dinner and then came a huge storm! We're
talking torrential downpour!!! The whole restaurant is outside (covered, but
open air) so we huddle close together and tied scarves and napkins around us to
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"> Fish!!! A little intense to
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<br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">USAID Colleagues: couldn't ask
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stress and long days.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">The Full evaluation team minus 2
(one USAID, one WHO/AFRO)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">My last day of work in Brazzaville, on my walk
home. The views were spectacular! We had one free day before flying out and the
locals were kind enough to take us shopping. I bought some sweet fabrics that I
hope to use for pillows or a bag, someday. You know, when I get crafty. We also
enjoyed awesome food and a swanky hotel/jazz night one evening. There has to be
a little play with all the work!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><b>PARIS, FRANCE</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">After two weeks of traveling, work, and utter
exhaustion (we're talking 12 hour days every day), 3 of us decided we needed a
break, so we turned our 7 hour layover into a 36 hour layover in Paris! First
time to Paris and I fell in love! One of my coworkers is a fluent French
speaker and well acquainted with Paris, so she acted as the de facto tour
guide. Coming from summer weather to fall in Paris was a bit of shock and
required some creative dressing, but with how quickly we ran through that city,
we were okay. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">First stop in Paris (after hotel and naps of course)
was brunch! Oh my goodness, such good food!!! We ate slowly and enjoyed our
time before we hit the city running. We strolled through gardens, passed by the
Louvre, through Paris' city center with the famous world's fair ferris wheel
before making our way to the Arc de Triomphe and onto the top of a hotel to see
the Eiffel Tower by night. After that, I split with the other two heading to
get massages while I ventured back to the hotel for some R&R. The hotel had
a spa with pools, sauna, and steam room, which I enjoyed and then met back up
with the girls for dinner. My dinner meal was so so, but my dessert was
AMAZING! I mean, life changing. Hot brioche drizzled and soaked in some sort of
cinnamon heavenly goodness. I don't get that excited over food very often, but
this dessert was seriously incredible. My mouth starts drooling a bit just
thinking about it (5 months later). The next morning we booked it to Notre Dame
and then to the airport.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<!--StartFragment--><span style="font-family: inherit;">Ahh, brunch!<!--EndFragment-->
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Paris was the perfect end to our crazy work travels. It blended
relaxation with beautiful sight seeing. Also, getting to experience so many
countries in a short period of time was thrilling; Europe to East Africa to
Southern Africa to Central Africa and back to Europe. Six months later and
we're still finishing up the project we started with the trip, luckily, I love
my job! This trip was 22 days of absolute insanity. Exciting, eye opening,
instructional, exhausting, laborious, tiresome, and fun. I love traveling!!!</span></div>
</div>
Brea Didenhover Squireshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08826767807428592207noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1874275528924566666.post-44538334908636992712014-04-16T14:44:00.001-04:002014-04-16T16:36:22.984-04:00Birthday MonthOctober is always a great month. Still enjoying good weather, changing colors, general conference, and of course, my birthday! This year, we took a break from plane rides for the month, but still got out and enjoyed a beautiful fall.<br />
<br />
October 18 fell on a Friday this year, which made for a lovely birthday weekend. Mike was pretty busy on my actual birthday, but we managed to get away to New York the following weekend to enjoy some fall foliage in the Big Apple.<br />
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<div style="text-align: center;">
October started off with a pre-General Conference run. A faux half marathon: Chapel to Temple (13.7 miles)</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
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Then the government shutdown happened. Somehow, my agency stayed open and I didn't get a 10 day paid vacation, still a little upset about that. Plus all the parks and memorials were closed, which is a major bummer for DC.<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>October 18: BIRTHDAY</b></div>
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Next comes my birthday! Telework half day, run, pedicure, and then headed to dinner with friends</div>
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I'm lucky that two of my best friends live in the area. Alison and Liz joined us for dinner and then we had a girls outing to Georgetown where we shopped and sipped on frozen hot chocolate at Serendipity. Pot roast at Founding Farmers and frozen hot chocolate (more like a giant delicious milkshake)- what more could a girl want on her birthday!<br />
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<b>Belated Birthday Weekend in NYC</b></div>
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We drove up Friday night and stayed in Brooklyn, then made our way through the city. New York is so big that to do it right in a day, you have to choose just a few things and not cram it all in. On my list this time: Grimaldi's pizza in Brooklyn, High Line Park, and Magnolia Bakery for some lemon bars and banana pudding. A few miles of walking smashed in between some delicious eats! Perfect New York day!!!<br />
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We wrapped October up with a Halloween concert in DC. Truthfully, I hated the concert (Drake- so not into rap), but Mike had free tickets because his company designed and sold a ping pong table for Drake's tour, so we went. Let's just say I am definitely not the right demographic for this kind of concert. Case in point: my best "clubbing clothes" were brought to you by Ann Taylor and Banana Republic.<br />
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Drake aside, October was a wonderful month and we had a blast!Brea Didenhover Squireshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08826767807428592207noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1874275528924566666.post-29089956001238490792014-03-23T22:27:00.002-04:002014-03-23T22:27:57.807-04:00Back to my rootsYep, still six months behind and I'm not even apologizing. Life and travels just keep coming!<br />
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In September we took a trip back home to the Blessed State (aka Washington) to visit Seattle and attend my parent's mission farewell.<br />
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Beautiful Puget Sound</div>
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Ferry Ride. I was in heaven!</div>
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No trip to Seattle is complete without a trip to Ivars on the water for some fish & chips! </div>
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Visit with Grandma Jensen and Aunt Ann</div>
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Mike gets to meet Grandma Jensen, looking good at 90 years old!</div>
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Seattle Temple. Yeah, the sun was quite intense. Who says it rains every day in Seattle? We had four PERFECT days in Seattle with clear blue skies and 70 degree September weather.</div>
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View from the Space Needle (Washington native and it was my first time up!)</div>
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Mike's first trip to Pike Place Market. Let's just say it was love at first visit.</div>
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And who could forget beautiful Safeco Field. Now I just have to go back when the Mariners are in town!</div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">Elder & Sister Didenhover Farewell</span></b></div>
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My parents entered the MTC September 30, 2013, to begin their mission to the Alpine German Speaking Mission, serving in Linz, Austria. I am so proud of my parents and their decision to serve a mission. They have already been out six months and are loving it. It's hard to have them so far away, but I know they are serving the Lord and providing a great example for all of us. We had a wonderful weekend in Spokane to celebrate them and help to send them on their way. We were missing the Utah Didenhovers and two of the Kemeny men, but all in all, it was a solid showing. Plus, the Didenhover women were all there!! Love my mom and sisters!<br />
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Notice Jaime and Ava's matching shirts!!! Love those girls!</div>
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Drop off at the airport. Farewell Mom & Dad!! We love you!</div>
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That wraps up September and our trip to Washington. Hopefully, I can get October pictures up before another six months.</div>
Brea Didenhover Squireshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08826767807428592207noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1874275528924566666.post-546660149051301542014-01-18T06:57:00.000-05:002014-01-18T06:57:34.604-05:00Summer TravelsSummer 2013 was the summer of weddings!<br />
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Good things happens in 3 threes, a friend always reminds me. Well, this year, 2 of my best friends whom I've known since Freshman Year at BYU also got married. Whitney got engaged a week before my wedding and Alison only about a month later.<br />
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From March to November, I traveled to Utah 5 times!!!<br />
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March- plan my wedding<br />
April- My Wedding!<br />
July- Whitney's Wedding<br />
August- Alison's Wedding<br />
September- Mike's College Reunion<br />
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The trips were quick, but so much fun! I had a chance to visit family, meet up with friends, and watch as my best friends got married. It was a lot of flights back and forth between DC and Utah, but I loved every minute we spent in Utah. I have wonderful friends and I'm so happy for them!<br />
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My mother-in-law Petrine, me, my mom Angie</div>
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The night before my wedding we had an informal dinner in lieu of a wedding luncheon. It was a fun night for families and wedding party to meet. Luckily, my brother and sister in law were gracious enough to host us at their beautiful home.</div>
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Alison, Steffany, Liz</div>
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Mike's groomsmen: John, Mike, Hunter, Ryan</div>
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The Generous Hosts! Alisa & Kurt (and two nephews Aidan, Jake)</div>
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Liz, Brittney, Brea</div>
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Alison, Brea, Steffany (long time roommates)</div>
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In-n-Out, best pre-wedding meal! (okay, so it was the day before the wedding)</div>
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MOVING DAY!!!!</div>
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Hard to come back to rainy Maryland after a week in Hawaii, but at least we were coming to OUR home! By the way, we have a spare room and it's ready for guests!!!</div>
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First meal in our new apartment!!!</div>
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1 month anniversary (I know this has nothing to do with a trip to Utah, but I just wanted to give Mike a shout out. The balloons and flowers were all Mike!!!)</div>
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Okay, also not a trip to Utah....San Francisco. I headed to Oakland the last week in June for a HR training for my new job! I accepted a position (promotion) with the Public Health Institute. I'm still with USAID, but my hiring mechanism changed as well as some of my job responsibilities. I had an afternoon to enjoy the pier in San Francisco before flying out to Portland to visit my new niece!!!<br />
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Sweet baby Claire Christina Kemeny was born June 10 and was only 3 weeks old in these pictures.</div>
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Tour of Temple Square on 4th of July</div>
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Watching the Stadium of Fire Fireworks in Provo from the MTC fields</div>
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Whitney's Bridal Shower/Bachelorette Party (pink was the theme)</div>
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Starting with my own wedding, eating In-n-Out has become a Utah wedding tradition! In between the sealing and reception, an In-n-Out trip is an absolute must! And while the burgers are good, I really go for the chocolate shakes!</div>
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DC Reunion at Whitney's wedding (Nick, Steffany, Ally, Paul, me, Mike)</div>
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Whit's wedding</div>
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I know it wasn't our wedding...but why not!</div>
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Alison and Steve's wedding at the Draper Temple in August</div>
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Alison's reception with old roommates and friends (ignore the crazy eyes)</div>
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Trip #5 to Utah!! Over Labor Day we headed back once again to the Beehive State, this time for Mike to meet up with his college buddies. These guys all met at BYU their Freshman Year and hadn't been together in years. We enjoyed some family time, BBQ, BYU football, and a baby blessing. For the BYU game, we endured our second lightning delay, but this was better than the UVA game since we won! </div>
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Lots of trips to Utah this year and all for good reasons. I'm not sure when we'll be heading back, but as I have a nephew on the way and a best friend's baby, it probably won't be too long! Summer 2013 was quite an adventure!<br />
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Brea Didenhover Squireshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08826767807428592207noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1874275528924566666.post-67656855740240499782013-12-26T17:02:00.000-05:002013-12-26T17:02:17.398-05:00Honeymoon in HawaiiJust getting a jump start on my New Year's resolutions of journaling/blogging more frequently. I have loads to catch up on. And since I've now been married for 8 months, I figured I should add a new post to follow the wedding one.<br />
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The Honeymoon!<br />
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Mike and I enjoyed 7 wonderful days in Hawaii. I'll spare you the details, but since this is my online travel log, I need to at least share some pictures. We split our stay between Oahu and Maui, which turned out to be a perfect combination of busy and relaxing.<br />
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Upon arrival to Honolulu, we met a senior missionary couple at the airport and when they found out we were on our honeymoon, they offered us free tickets to the Polynesian Cultural Center. I'm so lucky to be married to a man who loves to strike up conversations with strangers wherever he goes! We took a day to drive the North Shore and stopped for shaved ice and shrimp trucks! We pretty much ate our way through Hawaii!!! We also took a day at the PCC and enjoyed it thoroughly!!! We stayed for the luau and fire show that evening. Our last day in Oahu, we spent in Honolulu visiting Pearl Harbor and Waikiki Beach. We arrived to Pearl Harbor around 10 am and found the tickets to see the USS Arizona sold out for the day. Then Mike, being his charming self, politely told the ticket person we were on our honeymoon and only there for one more day and that we really wanted to see the Memorial. They informed us that there are stand by tickets if we talk to the Park Ranger. Of course, we did and 4 minutes later walked right onto the boat taking us to the Memorial! I love that Mike doesn't mind asking for anything!!!<br />
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Our first Dance!!! We won for the newest married couple at the Luau!</div>
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Making friends at the PCC</div>
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Then we headed over to Maui. Spent a day at the beach snorkeling, swimming, lounging, drove the road to Hana and did all the side stops for waterfalls, tree swings, cliff jumping, and swimming in the Seven Sacred Pools. Maui was absolutely perfect with beautiful beaches and outdoor adventures!!!<br />
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We loved Hawaii! It is the most perfect place and I only wish it wasn't two 6 hour flights away!!!<br />
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Brea Didenhover Squireshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08826767807428592207noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1874275528924566666.post-45683558972573315992013-08-11T23:09:00.001-04:002014-01-18T07:33:44.611-05:00Happy Day!<span style="color: #134f5c; font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-large;"></span><br />
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<span style="color: #134f5c; font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-large;">April 20, 2013 - Happy Day!!!</span></div>
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Everyone says that your wedding day should be the happiest day of your life. And they are right. April 20, 2013 was PERFECT! Nothing could keep my spirits down that day, not even unusually cold spring temperatures, rain and clouds. It was the best day of my life!<br />
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The wedding festivities started Friday night with a wedding dinner. We kept it really low key and just wanted a chance for families and wedding party to mix and mingle. Mike created a slideshow highlighting our dating story that we previewed for everyone. It was really sweet and I think we even saw some happy tears from Mike. The evening turned out great! Thanks Kurt and Alisa for hosting!<br />
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Saturday started off with pancakes and bacon! Who says you can't eat on your wedding day! The morning flew by as my talented friend, Michelle did my hair and make-up and before I knew it, it was time to head to the temple!!<br />
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It was cloudy and rainy when arriving at the Draper Temple, but in all honesty, I didn't care. I was so excited to go inside and see Mike. I love being inside the temple as I always immediately feel peaceful and at home. I found Mike right away and I knew everything was perfect. The sealing was just right and all I really remember is smiling the entire time. I loved looking around and seeing all the people I love the most in the same room supporting me, it truly was a very special and tender moment.<br />
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I guess the rains came down hard while everyone was waiting for us to come out of the temple, but they stopped moments after exiting the temple. MIRACLE!!!<br />
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The rest of the day is a blur. The reception turned out beautifully. Thank you to everyone who helped plan, decorate, paint, and prepare!!!! I know that I might be biased, but my reception was the most fun wedding reception I've ever attended. Even Mike, who wasn't so sure about all the wedding festivities, admitted he enjoyed every minute of the day! I only wish I could have spent more personal time with everyone.<br />
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Now some pictures to introduce Mr. & Mrs. Squires!!!!</div>
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Brea Didenhover Squireshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08826767807428592207noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1874275528924566666.post-27105195120619699812013-03-21T10:15:00.000-04:002013-03-21T10:15:37.318-04:00Hola NicaraguaNow that the BIG announcement has been made, I can go back and keep my promises. Life's just been so full and busy that blogging has definitely taken a back seat.<br />
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Nicaragua!! I spent almost 3 weeks in Nicaragua helping out at the USAID mission. The work itself was pretty boring, so I'll just skip to the weekend trips and sight seeing. While I was there, I was fortunate to be introduced to a few Americans also temporarily stationed in Managua for a few weeks. Because of their short time, they planned touristy adventures each weekend, so I joined the group as they were happy to share the transportation costs (and I was happy to have Spanish speakers around to help me out).<br />
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Nicaragua is known for lakes and volcanoes, leaving the rain forests to its southern neighbors of Costa Rica. There are quite a few volcanoes in this small country and many boast the typical cone like shape, pretty impressive geography!<br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>LEON</b></span></div>
My first trip was to Leon, a colonial city north of Managua. We decided to hire a guide (thanks trip advsior) to give us a tour of the city. Nicaragua was quite the political history filled with colonialism, guerilla war, civil war, dictators, and revolution. The guide had fought in the recent civil war (1979-1990) and definitely had his opinions on Nicaragua and American politics.<br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>OMETEPE</b></span></div>
The second trip was to an island, Ometepe, within Lake Nicaragua. We had to get up super early to drive to the dock to catch a ferry that would take us to the island. We again hired a guide and began our "jungle cruise". Ometepe is a pretty interesting place where many of its people never leave the island. The island is hour glass shaped and boasts two volcanoes, the word actually means two mountains in the Native language. Here we drove around ond half of the island, exploring and hiking, trying out a natural freshwater spring, and eating fresh fish off the side of the lake. I really wanted to hike a volcano, but as it was the rainy season and we didn't have 6-7 hours to hike, I was vetoed. But even though we didn't hike volcanoes, we did see petroglyphs and pre-Columbian stone idols, which have been discovered by archeologists in the last 50 years or so.<br />
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">MOMBACHO</span></b></div>
At the end of the second week, Mike came to join me and I had my own personal translator!! (don't worry Mike, I think of you as more than just a translator.) We planned a day trip to Mombacho, a volcano surrounded with a cloud forest. (which is really cool to feel like you are walking through clouds and randomly feel the steam and smell the sulfur pots coming from the mountain). Here we hiked, did zipling, and rode in another vehicle that felt pretty close to the Indiana Jones ride at Disneyland.<br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>PLAYA MADERA</b></span></div>
The next day, we headed down south to the surfing beaches, just north of the Costa Rican border. The weekend before, the World Masters Surfing Championships had taken place in this same location. I was bummed I couldn't get a ride down to watch. However, Mike and I took the opportunity to take surfing lessons of our own!!! That's better than watching professionals, right? We stayed down at the beach at this little resort owned by an expatriate. We surfed, hung out at the beach, and just enjoyed the super relaxed atmosphere of the non touristy Nicaraguan beaches.<br />
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As I mentioned, the work I did was of little note, but exploring Nicaragua was a blast! Food was great, people were nice, and the Spanish the easiest to understand of all the Latin American accents I've heard. Don't know if I'll ever come back, but I had a great time while I was there!!! ADIOS!Brea Didenhover Squireshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08826767807428592207noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1874275528924566666.post-10603885440436549692013-01-27T20:49:00.000-05:002013-02-04T14:06:01.564-05:00New Year, New Adventures<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
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<span style="font-size: 13.5pt;">Hey Readers!<o:p></o:p></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: 13.5pt;">So I promised a post about
Nicaragua, But we have to interrupt this post for a special announcement:<o:p></o:p></span><br />
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<b><span style="color: #741b47; font-size: 18.0pt;">MIKE AND I ARE ENGAGED!!!</span></b><span style="font-size: 13.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 13.5pt;">Yup, you read that correctly!!
Mike and I flew to Spokane for Christmas and on Christmas Eve at my house
(after my parents went to bed), Mike got down on one knee in front of the
Christmas tree to propose. I said, YES!!! Of course.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
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<b><span style="font-size: 13.5pt;">Engagement Story</span></b><span style="font-size: 13.5pt;">: Mike
and I talked about each writing down our side of the story and having a
"his and her" version, then trying to combine them for a complete
story, but as we've both been very busy, I'm just going to put my side down
here for all to read. I'm sure I'll miss something.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: 13.5pt;">WARNING</span></b><span style="font-size: 13.5pt;">: If you're not into
details, stop reading here and just look at the final pictures. This is my
detailed version of the entire story.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 13.5pt;">Not sure how far back the engagement story
begins, but I'll start with some serious ring shopping on December 1. We had
gone a few times, but I never knew if he was completely serious, so I never
decided on the one ring I wanted. At the December visit, we were told that any
customizing would take at least 4 weeks, so I had it in my mind that any
proposal would occur after the New Year (or on New Year's). About a week before
Christmas, Mike accepted my invitation to come home with me for Christmas to
Spokane. He hadn't been before and I really wanted to share Christmas at home
with him. We had some struggles getting there (major flight delays), but we
finally made it after extra lay overs and lost bags. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 13.5pt;">While at home, my dad kept asking me if Mike
needed to talk to him. I rolled my eyes and answered every time, "Dad, I
don't know!" I really wanted Mike to ask my dad for permission, but since
I just didn't know, I wasn't about to ask Mike about it. At one point, I came
downstairs and both were talking and sort of stopped when I came into the room.
I thought maybe they had just had "the conversation." A few hours
later, my dad again asked me if Mike was going to talk to him. Now since my dad
isn't one to purposely lead me astray, I figured Mike really hadn't asked. Well
that was Christmas Eve and the day was winding down. We enjoyed a nice dinner
and then watched a movie about the birth of the Savior with my parents. I
wanted to go change into sweats, but Mike insisted I stay put and when I
started to fall asleep during the movie, (remember, it's 3 hours earlier in
Washington and I had just been flying for 9+ hours) Mike kept nudging me and
telling me to stay awake. Finally, the movie ended and my parents headed to
bed. It was shortly before midnight. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 13.5pt;">After Mom and Dad went to bed, Mike said he had
a surprise for me and told me to wait on the couch and close my eyes. Of
course, immediately my thoughts turned to a potential proposal and in the same
moment, I began talking myself out of it; saying things like, "he hasn't
had time to get a ring." "he hasn't talked to my dad yet."
"he only decided to come to Spokane this week, there's no way he planned a
proposal." Needless to say, I talked myself out of it and was NOT
expecting it.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 13.5pt;">Eventually, Mike let me open my eyes and come
into the living room with the Christmas Tree. He explained that there was an
ornament hidden in the tree and he wanted me to find it. Once I found it, he had a
surprise for me. I excitedly looked and looked, but wasn't having much luck.
Mike gave me a hint and told me to look for "O Holy Night." After a
few more minutes, I found a beautiful wood carved St. Nicholas ornament, with
"O Holy Night" carved underneath a manager scene at the base of the
ornament. Funny thing, my mom decorated the tree all in white, crystal, and
glass ornaments, and the Santa ornament was red. Must have been really excited
to miss that. We oohed and ahhed at the ornament for a few minutes and as Mike
was explaining why he had chosen that particular ornament (we both love and
collect nativity scenes), he said, "I think this should be one of</span><span style="font-size: 13.5pt;"> </span><i><span style="font-size: 13.5pt;">our</span></i><span style="font-size: 13.5pt;"> traditions."</span><span style="font-size: 13.5pt;"> </span><i><span style="font-size: 13.5pt;">Our</span></i><span style="font-size: 13.5pt;">, I thought...my ears
totally perked up. (Mike will say he saw the expression change in my face after
he said that, though he didn't plan out the words before hand).<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 13.5pt;">After we looked at the ornament, Mike handed me
a present as promised and told me to open it. The gift was a beautiful wooden
jewelry box. The box was a</span><span style="font-size: 13.5pt;"> </span><span style="font-size: 13.5pt;"><a href="http://www.demdaco.com/Embrace-Memory-Box/26621,default,pd.html?brandId=WT"><span style="color: blue; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Willow Tree</span></a></span><span style="font-size: 13.5pt;"> </span><span style="font-size: 13.5pt;">design
that included a picture of a husband and wife on the front and inside the
words, "In love's Embrace." At that moment, I knew what Mike was
doing. He then said to me, "Brea, you can't have a jewelry box without
some jewelry to go with it." The next thing I know, Mike reaches behind
him and gets down on one knee. As he gets down, I keep repeating, "Are you
serious? Are you serious?" Yes, even though I realized what was happening,
I still didn't quite believe it. I had wondered how I would react, and I guess
now I know. As he's kneeling down, he simply states my full name and asks me to
marry him. Immediately, I say, YES, of course I will marry you!" Then I
grab his shoulders and tell him to stand up because I can't hug him kneeling
down. After a few minutes of shock, disbelief, and complete joy, I stop suddenly
and say, "wait, I didn't even look at the ring, I want to see it!" He
had it in the box, open the whole time, but I got so caught up in the moment, I
barely looked. So let it be known that I was way more excited about Mike than
the ring. And I love the ring!<o:p></o:p></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: 13.5pt;">It was the most perfect and best Christmas of my
life. Completely magical. I am beyond excited to marry Michael B. Squires and
it has all been worth the wait. We are both so happy and excited. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 13.5pt;">Wedding details are still being worked out, but
we're planning for April 20, 2013 in Utah.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<!--EndFragment-->Brea Didenhover Squireshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08826767807428592207noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1874275528924566666.post-16663936139644405192012-12-17T23:55:00.002-05:002012-12-17T23:55:30.588-05:0030 Before 30<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Turning 30 is a <b>BIG</b> deal. And not one that I was even remotely looking forward to. In the spirit of embracing the next decade in my life, I decided to spend the 30 days before my birthday accomplishing 30 goals (some significant, some not). Originally, I planned on doing 30 major things in the one year before turning 30, but time slipped away and I modified my goals. So here's a list of what I accomplished leading up to my 30th Birthday.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><b><br /></b></span>
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><b>30 before 30 in 30 days....</b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">(in no particular order)</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><b>#1 Make a calendar to accomplish all my goals</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><b> </b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><b>#2 Read my scriptures every day</b></span><br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Kjo13g37bF0/UM_npB7nqEI/AAAAAAAAC6Q/jocKQofXzTU/s1600/scriptures.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Kjo13g37bF0/UM_npB7nqEI/AAAAAAAAC6Q/jocKQofXzTU/s1600/scriptures.jpg" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><b>#3 Eat a vegetable every day</b></span><br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-dp1zryW_ibc/UM_j-qmotCI/AAAAAAAAC5Y/p3VK755u-4U/s1600/peanutnoodles_veggies.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-dp1zryW_ibc/UM_j-qmotCI/AAAAAAAAC5Y/p3VK755u-4U/s200/peanutnoodles_veggies.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><b> </b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><b>#4 Print out Okcanna's baptism picture and write her a letter to go with it</b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><b><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-s5UZc3bBYus/UM_kxv2CFvI/AAAAAAAAC5g/ZHDG6uMUelg/s1600/P1010195.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-s5UZc3bBYus/UM_kxv2CFvI/AAAAAAAAC5g/ZHDG6uMUelg/s320/P1010195.JPG" width="320" /></a></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><b><br /></b></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><b>#5 Do a long run every Saturday</b></span><br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-dgpFGg8-0m4/UM_r3ZxaFCI/AAAAAAAAC6w/twarvQqsqmY/s1600/IMG_1112.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-dgpFGg8-0m4/UM_r3ZxaFCI/AAAAAAAAC6w/twarvQqsqmY/s320/IMG_1112.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><b>#6 Download my Oma interviews from last summer</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Last summer, I spent a few days with my Oma in Germany. I brought along a digital voice recorder and was able to capture a few hours of stories from Oma. Now, as she has passed on, those recordings are even more meaningful.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><b>#7 Organize and clean my desk</b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><b>#8 Purge 10 items of clothing</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><b> <a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Qa-vlDmXYs0/UM_hjiLNWII/AAAAAAAAC48/qwglDRUm23I/s1600/IMG_1662.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Qa-vlDmXYs0/UM_hjiLNWII/AAAAAAAAC48/qwglDRUm23I/s320/IMG_1662.JPG" width="320" /></a></b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><b>#9 Style my hair differently</b></span><br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-DdGIbti-nt0/UM_sS_1C2cI/AAAAAAAAC7A/HuO8-n-gFNM/s1600/IMG_1647.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-DdGIbti-nt0/UM_sS_1C2cI/AAAAAAAAC7A/HuO8-n-gFNM/s320/IMG_1647.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">I know it may not look different, but my hair is stick straight, so these curls and waves took time and effort!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><b>#10 Get a pedicure</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><b> <a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-FjpGPw0VYTg/UM_hfTXZOhI/AAAAAAAAC4k/1eLN6F9ISY8/s1600/IMG_1642.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-FjpGPw0VYTg/UM_hfTXZOhI/AAAAAAAAC4k/1eLN6F9ISY8/s320/IMG_1642.JPG" width="320" /></a></b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><b>#11 Get a manicure (yep, split those up)</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><b> <a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-gcbjQuqlT3Q/UM_hcFQSAPI/AAAAAAAAC4M/UbLlB2AcMEg/s1600/IMG_0982.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-gcbjQuqlT3Q/UM_hcFQSAPI/AAAAAAAAC4M/UbLlB2AcMEg/s320/IMG_0982.JPG" width="320" /></a></b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><b>#12 Visit the Dairy Godmother (a raved about custard place not far from my house)</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><b> <a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-dVPHxLPpVFQ/UM_hbB4YwqI/AAAAAAAAC4E/N_HfhcDnDus/s1600/IMG_0981.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-dVPHxLPpVFQ/UM_hbB4YwqI/AAAAAAAAC4E/N_HfhcDnDus/s320/IMG_0981.JPG" width="320" /></a></b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><b>#13 Visit my sisters in Washington and Oregon</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><b> <a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-2NUgEH6YdN0/UM_hdO_w2FI/AAAAAAAAC4U/rvWn6_DVngE/s1600/IMG_1627.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-2NUgEH6YdN0/UM_hdO_w2FI/AAAAAAAAC4U/rvWn6_DVngE/s320/IMG_1627.JPG" width="320" /></a></b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><b>#14 Create a surprise for Mike</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Dinner and a movie...can't go wrong. I made the dinner below and presented him with <i>Rudy</i> as a prep for our trip to Notre Dame for the BYU-Notre Dame football game.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><b> </b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><b>#15 Try a new recipe</b></span><br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-uzUqIUCXsyQ/UM_uhLDVlsI/AAAAAAAAC7g/o1Ty8AHCUkw/s1600/SW-Wraps-1-BLOG-450x309.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="219" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-uzUqIUCXsyQ/UM_uhLDVlsI/AAAAAAAAC7g/o1Ty8AHCUkw/s320/SW-Wraps-1-BLOG-450x309.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">I went to the trusty source of pinterest to try this dish out! http://www.melskitchencafe.com/2009/09/crispy-southwest-chicken-wraps.html<b> </b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><b>#16 Buy a new piece of jewelry</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><b> <a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-32xjb1cnSEY/UM_mQ6AzYXI/AAAAAAAAC5w/UTg4OpnNIGw/s1600/IMG_1636.JPG.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="176" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-32xjb1cnSEY/UM_mQ6AzYXI/AAAAAAAAC5w/UTg4OpnNIGw/s200/IMG_1636.JPG.JPG" width="200" /></a></b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><b>#17 Read a book</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><b> <a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ULPJ_rJZAvg/UM_j9ilMiFI/AAAAAAAAC5I/FTYZd9Umxfc/s1600/200px-Jerry_Spinelli_-_Stargirl.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ULPJ_rJZAvg/UM_j9ilMiFI/AAAAAAAAC5I/FTYZd9Umxfc/s1600/200px-Jerry_Spinelli_-_Stargirl.jpg" /></a></b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">My friend Liz gave me this book to read, <i>Stargirl</i>. She told me it was a quick, but a good read. And she was right!<b> </b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><b>#18 Memorize a scripture</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Ether 12:27 "And if men come unto me I will show unto them their weakness. I give unto men weakness that they may be humble; and my grace is sufficient for all men that humble themselves before me; for if they humble themselves before me, and have faith in me, then will I make weak things become strong unto them."<b> </b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><b>#19 Take a yoga class</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Lucky for me, my roommate Ally is a master yoga instructor. She was kind enough to host a free yoga night for me and a few others the night before my birthday. <b> </b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><b>#20 Try a new restaurant</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><b><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-fAcPPKsEnV4/UM_j954244I/AAAAAAAAC5Q/0wuvrc0d8OE/s1600/Oyamel.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="274" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-fAcPPKsEnV4/UM_j954244I/AAAAAAAAC5Q/0wuvrc0d8OE/s320/Oyamel.JPG" width="320" /></a></b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><b>#21 Make a new dessert</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><b><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-YUi1dB7PNzk/UM_hhZT1lBI/AAAAAAAAC4s/s0b5Qy05HiU/s1600/IMG_1646.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-YUi1dB7PNzk/UM_hhZT1lBI/AAAAAAAAC4s/s0b5Qy05HiU/s320/IMG_1646.JPG" width="320" /></a> </b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Chocolate Peanut Butter Truffles anyone?? So good!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><b> </b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><b>#22 Visit a new monument/memorial</b></span><br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-0AWlc_EmCB8/UM_wJSpXsNI/AAAAAAAAC8A/FKVTx5-tDk0/s1600/einstein-memorial-2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="236" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-0AWlc_EmCB8/UM_wJSpXsNI/AAAAAAAAC8A/FKVTx5-tDk0/s320/einstein-memorial-2.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<b></b><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Einstein Memorial in DC, off the beaten path. Mike took me here on a Sunday evening so I could check off one of my goals. Unique and interesting memorial, definitely worth a stop, especially if you are a scientist.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><b>#23 Attend the Temple</b></span><br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ogQFH60Gx_4/UM_xP3uDkqI/AAAAAAAAC8g/V75J7o_fObE/s1600/Washington_DC_Temple.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ogQFH60Gx_4/UM_xP3uDkqI/AAAAAAAAC8g/V75J7o_fObE/s320/Washington_DC_Temple.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><b>#24 Reach my financial savings goal</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">I did it!!! I am debt free and reached my savings goal. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><b>#25 Write in Journal</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><b> </b>I managed to get at least one entry in...October 17, 2012, the last day of my youth....</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><b>#26 Print some digital pictures</b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><b>#27 Do something from my youth</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Not sure if others would count this, but I sure do! I stayed up until 2am a few nights in a row!! For those that live with me, they know I'm not much of a late nighter, 12am comes and I turn into a pumpkin, so this was a big deal. All my late nights happened while I was in Washington/Oregon with my sisters. Sisters can talk!!! </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><b>#28 Do something crafty</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Crafts do not come easily to me. In addition to lacking all creative skills, I also have very little artistic vision. For my first "craft experience" (since high school YW projects), I ventured into JoAnn Fabrics and purchased some fabric to recover a travel pillow I have. I haven't sewn anything yet, but going into the fabric store and successfully coming out with fabric and thread is a big step!<b> </b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><b>#29 Finish summer blogs</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">See previous blog post</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><b>#30 Set Goals for Year 30</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">I'll make some more goals as the new year approaches (in a few weeks), but I did write down a few for my 30th year.</span>Brea Didenhover Squireshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08826767807428592207noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1874275528924566666.post-80352194036139880322012-11-22T08:48:00.000-05:002012-11-22T08:48:18.930-05:00Giving Thanks<span style="color: #660000; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-large;">Happy Thanksgiving!</span><br />
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Early morning Thanksgiving and I have much to be thankful for: peace of mind, health, family, friends, trust in my Savior, living Prophet, sunrises and sunsets, beautiful views, music, comforts, modern technology, scriptures, old cards and notes from friends, pumpkin pie, hot rolls, testimony of the plan of happiness, job, hooded sweatshirts, ocean trips, indian summers and long falls...the list could go on.<br />
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I wish everyone a wonderful and happy Thanksgiving! Thank you for all who have blessed my life!<br />
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<br />Brea Didenhover Squireshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08826767807428592207noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1874275528924566666.post-3143497287351393692012-10-15T23:49:00.000-04:002012-10-16T00:30:38.587-04:00Summer FunWe are well into fall and I've finally accepted that summer has come to an end. To celebrate the end of summer, I'm creating a mega blog post. A chance for me to sift through pictures, stories, and remember all the summer fun.<br />
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<b><span style="color: #38761d; font-size: large;">DUCK BEACH </span></b><br />
To me summer is all things good. I love everything about summer: weather, food, trips, freedom. This summer was filled with fun and adventure. I kicked off the summer season with a trip to Duck Beach in North Carolina's Outer Banks. Duck Beach is the annual trip for DC area (and everywhere else) LDS singles. There was volleyball, dance parties, food, movies, and lots of beach playing time. All in all it was a great weekend, even while suffering a little dehydration and heat exhaustion (played a little too hard during the volleyball tournament).<br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-r5ZeQ5FihMc/UHzR6m6I1eI/AAAAAAAAC0s/vt09jGNe5WU/s1600/IMG_0813.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-r5ZeQ5FihMc/UHzR6m6I1eI/AAAAAAAAC0s/vt09jGNe5WU/s400/IMG_0813.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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<b><span style="color: #990000; font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">4th of July</span></span></b><br />
4th of July in DC is always a treat! A perfect Independence Day includes pool, BBQ, and fireworks and this year it delivered. Success!!! For the fireworks show, we decided we didn't care to fight the downtown crowds and instead stayed in Arlington, VA and watched a local fireworks show at the Arlington Country Club. While downtown is fun, I sure didn't miss the crowds and travel time. I think we decided that next year we'll play it low key, and maybe even add some sparklers of our own.<br />
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-2ICAo5RQ0kw/UHzSVbQE9OI/AAAAAAAAC00/EoxNAbaE1oo/s1600/4th+of+July+2012.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="384" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-2ICAo5RQ0kw/UHzSVbQE9OI/AAAAAAAAC00/EoxNAbaE1oo/s640/4th+of+July+2012.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The downtown pictures were actually from July 3.</td></tr>
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<b><span style="color: #444444; font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Summer Storms</span></span></b><br />
This summer DC had some crazy summer storms. The week before the 4th we had a Derecho...a storm that comes from intense heat. I think we had a week or more of continuous 100+ degree days! Add DC humidity and that 's a recipe for disaster!! The storm ripped though Friday night and caused power outages from Ohio to Virginia. Mike's house lost power for about 24 hours and a bunch of trees fell down in his backyard crashing on his shed, but his house was intact. Many of his neighbors weren't so lucky. The power outage and fallen trees were a bummer, but I think Mike was even more sad about Tiger Woods' AT&T National Golf Tournament. The Saturday event was cancelled for spectators because of fallen trees and debris. Lucky for us the tournament is returning to DC next summer!<br />
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In addition to lots of pool time, BBQ's, and golf, summer wouldn't be complete without America's Favorite Pass time--Baseball!! Mike surprised me with a spontaneous trip to Philadelphia in June! We ran the Rocky steps, ate Philly cheese steaks, and then went to see the Phillies! I have a goal of visiting all the MLB Ballparks on the east coast and I'm one stadium closer! Philly fans are intense, but what a fun ball game! Mike and I also went to a few Nationals games and the annual Baltimore vs Seattle game at Camden Yards. I love watching my Mariners, and I got bonus innings this go around. At inning 11, I asked Mike if we needed to go home (it was a Tuesday night), but he responded that we were committed to the end (game lasted until after midnight and we had an hour drive home). Did you know there is a 14th inning stretch? Sadly, we lost the heart breaker in the bottom of the 14th inning. Maybe next year....<br />
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As I've gotten older travel and beaches have become more available, but boating has become a rarity. Lucky for me I got one waterski trip in. Mike and I headed to Deep Creek, MD to deliver a few ping pong tables. After delivering the tables, one of the families invited us out on the lake. It's been a few years since I've been waterskiing, but it seemed to come back with ease. Even with less experience on the water, Mike also proved his skills. I also discovered the goodness of Amish bakeries and delis. Oh my goodness....bread, cheese, and meat to die for...so good! Oh and we got to do some hiking after boating. I will admit that parts of Maryland and Virginia are beautiful!<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I know this isn't a picture of the lake, didn't get any there, but the hike to the waterfall after was just as pretty!</td></tr>
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Every year I have a goal of getting another stamp in my passport. Last year work sent me to Switzerland and this summer I spent three weeks in....NICARAGUA! I'll give you just a taste but save the details for another blog post. </div>
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Something I've wanted to do since moving here is to have Maryland Crab in Maryland. I convinced Mike to go to Annapolis on a Saturday. We really wanted crab, but in the end settled for crab cakes as I got stage fright of learning to crack a crab with no experience or no help from a seasoned crab eater. Taking a hike through the Naval Academy was pretty cool and the views from the harbor were gorgeous. A good first time to Annapolis and maybe next year I'll be brave enough to try the crab.<br />
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<b><span style="color: #990000; font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">LABOR DAY </span></span></b><br />
Summer came full circle as we ended summer with Labor Day weekend at Virginia Beach. Steffany came into town to celebrate her 30th birthday and six of us went down south to get one more trip to the beach. The weather didn't cooperate too well, but we did get a few hours of beach play time. The best part of the weekend was spending time with Steffers who moved back to Utah last spring.<br />
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There you have it...Summer 2012. It came and went. Ciao.</div>
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Brea Didenhover Squireshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08826767807428592207noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1874275528924566666.post-27500896064271184592012-07-04T10:02:00.000-04:002012-07-04T22:48:32.718-04:00Ms. Didenhover Comes to WashingtonYou know it's a great weekend, when your sister is able to fly across the country to visit you!! Over Mother's Day weekend, Jaime came out to D.C. to spend an entire weekend with ME!!!!! We put on our tourist shoes and raced to see and do everything this city has to offer. We gave it a good go and while we saw and walked a lot, Jaime will just have to come back for more.<br />
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In just three short days we crammed in: Capital Hill, Library of Congress, tour of the Capital Building (including a walk on John Boehner's balcony), Good Stuff Eatery, Museum of Art (modern and not so modern), Natural History Museum, American History Museum, dinner at Matchbox, FDR Memorial, Eastern Market, Vietnam & Korean War Memorials, Lincoln Memorial, White House, milkshakes, mother's day breakfast, Mt. Vernon, Arlington Cemetery, BBQ at Mike's, and lots and lots of girl chat!<br />
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I only have a few of the pictures we took, but enjoy the sampling!!!<br />
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I love sister's weekend!!!! Thanks Heimme Ann for visiting! Please come back soon!!!Brea Didenhover Squireshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08826767807428592207noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1874275528924566666.post-20425450808983590542012-06-06T08:19:00.001-04:002012-06-06T09:52:45.004-04:00This is the The Place<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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A few weeks ago, I went back to Utah for a visit. It had been almost two years since I had stepped foot in the Beehive State and I knew I was due for a trip to good ol' Provo to visit family and friends. The weekend was unscheduled with no particular things to do besides spend time with some very dear friends, become reacquainted with my adorable nephews, and eat at Provo's best restaurants.<br />
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I spent a few days in Provo with Alison, my BFF and former roommate of almost 8 years!!! I caught up with other old roommates, mission companions, friends, took a stroll through BYU campus, and simply absorbed the beauty of the mountains.<br />
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Saturday morning, my favorite running buddy Traci, invited me to "Color me Rad" 5K race. We woke up, put on white t-shirts and then ran 3 miles while having colored corn starch sprayed on us. I don't entirely understand the allure of having colored dust tossed on you, I'm pretty sure it's all for the pictures. But since I participated, and I'm a runner and a photo junkie...here are a few pics to commemorate the race. Yes, we wore swim caps for the entire 3.1 miles--made us sweat like crazy, but kept the cornstarch out of our hair.<br />
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Tutus. check.<br />
Swim caps. check.<br />
What will we wear for our next race?<br />
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Saturday night I headed up to Herriman (a few miles west of I-15) to my brother's house. He and Alisa, my sister in law, built a new home a few months ago. I was the first Didenhover relative to come and see. The house is beautiful! But the best part was playing with my two nephews Jake and Josh. These guys are full of energy and just want to play. We had lots of trampoline jumping and races through Candyland. I hope I don't go another year before I see the Didenhovers again!<br />
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My last day was Monday and I got the chance to catch up with Stephanie, who I hadn't seen since her wedding day! (over 2 years ago). We had a great time catching up and visiting the new City Creek Mall in Salt Lake. Stephanie has an adorable little one year old who accompanied us on our outing. Before I visited, I made Stephanie show Eliza (her daughter) pictures of me so that when I visited she would recognize me. I'm pretty sure it worked. Eliza was a dream and sent me only smiles.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">BFF Brittney who I grew up with in Spokane. Brittney is pregnant and I think I'll have her show pics to her child as well so he knows who I am when I come to visit.</td></tr>
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The few days in Utah were short, but very much needed! I better not wait 2 more years to visit again! Thanks to all who hosted and visited with me!!Brea Didenhover Squireshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08826767807428592207noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1874275528924566666.post-54156350544496851902012-05-24T08:22:00.000-04:002012-05-24T13:28:22.231-04:00Happy Easter<div style="text-align: center;">
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Christ is Resurrected! For he truly is Resurrected!<br />
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This is the greeting spoken in Ukraine all during Easter weekend. Ukrainians greet each other and instead of saying hello, they say, "Christ is resurrected" and the other person answers, "For he truly is resurrected." As a missionary, I loved being in Lviv, Ukraine for Easter where people greet each other and walk around with baskets of bread, fruit, jams, eggs and other goodies to give out to family, friends, and even sometimes strangers on the street. The entire weekend is a holiday. People dress in traditional clothing, there are festivals and concerts, families walk the streets together, and churches are full! Easter was lively and much more celebrated than even Christmas for this former atheistic country. Ukrainians love their country, culture, and their freedom.<br />
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Spending Easter in a Catholic dominated city helped me to realize how much I love Easter. It's been a favorite holiday of mine for quite awhile and living in Ukraine confirmed that for me. I love everything that Easter represents. I also love the advent of spring and warm weather, robin's eggs, and pastel m&m's, but really I love Easter because of its message. Even more than Christmas, I think Easter provides a time of reflection for what the Savior did for us. Christmas gets busy with traditions and commercialization, but I feel that Easter has escaped some of that. I love Easter as it focuses my thoughts on the Savior and His perfect life. All events led to the time in Gethsemane, on the cross, and eventually out of the garden tomb where He was raised from the dead. The message of the Atonement and Resurrection provides hope and peace. Even in a chaotic world with sorrow, grief, and pain, we can find solace in the Gospel message that Christ lives and has overcome all so that we may too. I know the Savior lives. I know that he lived a perfect life so that He could rise again. <br />
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Happy Easter from Washington D.C.!</div>Brea Didenhover Squireshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08826767807428592207noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1874275528924566666.post-630299858162442112012-05-16T19:19:00.003-04:002012-05-16T19:20:19.344-04:00St Paddy's DayThe luck of the Irish was upon us on St. Paddy's Day as we played a few rounds of mini golf (putt putt for those of you east of the Rockies). We played a very close game and thanks to Mike's mad skills and a little help from me, we were able to pull out and win! (prize = Cafe Rio salad).<br />
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<span style="color: #274e13; font-size: large;">Happy St. Patrick's Day!!</span></div>Brea Didenhover Squireshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08826767807428592207noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1874275528924566666.post-1960945356564915912012-05-03T21:23:00.000-04:002012-05-03T21:23:50.555-04:00Happy Birthday Michael B!On February 9, Mike celebrated his birthday! To kick off the birthday celebrations we had dinner at Matchbox with some friends and then went back to a "surprise party." Okay, so really there was no surprise, but I did arrange for friends to decorate Mike's house and set up the dessert and candles before we arrived. He was a good sport and acted surprised.<br />
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The next surprise was the present I got for him--two tickets to see STOMP in New York. We were already planning on being in NY for the weekend because Mike attends the annual Toy Fair every year in Manhattan. We carved out some time for dinner and STOMP. The show was high energy, creative, and really fun. I'd recommend it to anyone looking for a dance/show.<br />
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Mike stayed the whole week (including Valentine's Day) in NY, but unfortunately, Toy Fair is not part of my job so I couldn't stay. However, Mike came through and sent me these.<br />
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We just celebrated my half-birthday (yes, we do those things), so now it's awhile before another birthday comes up.Brea Didenhover Squireshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08826767807428592207noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1874275528924566666.post-43308985271715685062012-04-06T09:08:00.001-04:002012-04-06T09:09:08.926-04:00Puerto Rico<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
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Welcome to the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico! What better way to escape the only snowstorm in DC this winter than a weekend get away to the Caribbean. No passport or exchange of money needed, just a plane ticket and a Spanish speaker (of which I have both). Mike and I went down to Puerto Rico in January to catch yet another ping pong tournament. While Mike spent his mornings working, I took advantage of the beautiful infinity pool overlooking the cruise ships and the state of the art hotel gym. Not a bad way to spend your Friday and Saturday mornings. As this was some work and mostly play, we stayed in San Juan and rented a car to take us to some of the sights on the island. </div>
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We took an afternoon exploring El Yunque, the tropical rain forest on the island. We drove through windy roads, hiked up to waterfalls, and even took a splash (small) in the waterfall. On a warmer day, I may have ventured to stand right under. The views from the top of the rain forest were spectacular!</div>
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Puerto Rico is also known for its bioluminescent bays. There are only a few in the world (Caribbean mostly) and Puerto Rico boasts three! As Mike and I are not the best detail planners, we didn't make arrangements ahead of time, but Saturday night we took our chance and went to the bay hoping to find an available tour. With a wink and a smile, we were able to join a group. Nightly kayak tours are available in the bay. You join a group, get in a kayak, and kayak your way through a pitch black mangrove forest to come out into an open bay, all along watching the water glow electric blue. Microorganisms in the water glow when touched as a defense mechanism, meaning as you paddle or put your hand in the water, your paddle or hands glows blue. Pretty cool!</div>
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Other adventures including finding authentic restaurants to eat at, playing on the beach, hanging out at the pool, watching ping pong, attending church, and exploring a 16th century fortress (grounds only, we were there at night), and just enjoying 82 degree weather in January! If you are looking for a tropical adventurous get away that's not too far away (from the east coast), come to Puerto Rico!!!</div>
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We didn't take a ton of pictures (kinda shocking, I know), but here are a few.</div>
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<img border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-P5Jf8-tdTq4/T37jdG2yeuI/AAAAAAAACVc/KePf4LSwqgU/s640/Puerto+Rico+2012.jpg" width="640" /></div>
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<br /></div>Brea Didenhover Squireshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08826767807428592207noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1874275528924566666.post-53261994217865987052012-02-24T10:36:00.001-05:002012-02-24T12:19:29.621-05:00Welcome 2012<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">New Year's in New York City</span></b></div>
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Ringing in 2011 in Central Park was so much fun, I had to do it again for 2012. 5 of us drove up to New York on NYE to meet my dear friend Traci for a rockin' New Year's in the city. There was some eating, strolling through Central Park and down 5th Avenue, sights at the Rockefeller Christmas Tree, and then Martinelli's, fireworks, and a four mile run through the park at midnight. Traci and I ran while others enjoyed the firework show and cheering the thousands of runners. I can't think of a better way to ring in the New Year. </div>
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Happy New Year!!</div>
<br />Brea Didenhover Squireshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08826767807428592207noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1874275528924566666.post-11243385922845258752012-02-16T17:16:00.000-05:002012-02-16T17:16:25.535-05:00Merry Christmas<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Merry Christmas! </div>
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Christmas celebrations started in DC with friends, then continued on in Portland with the fam. The whole month was wonderful! </div>
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(and yes, the roommates all got matching pj's...we might have even gotten the boys matching ones as well, which they liked even if they don't admit it!)</div>
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Christmas this year meant lots of treats, good food, energetic kids, and lots of sister time! (as evidenced by the pictures). We had everyone together, except for Kurt and Co (the Utah Didenhovers). With our families ever expanding, it's doubtful that we'll ever be in the same house for Christmas, but I'll take what I can get. I loved the family time!<br />
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p.s. I<span style="text-align: center;">'m trying a new picture tool, so let me know what you think.</span>Brea Didenhover Squireshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08826767807428592207noreply@blogger.com2