tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-111908972024-03-13T11:57:48.517-04:00anna and ian: life on the green linea writer/dabbling designer and a landscape architect chasing God together.Anna Kristinahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11171501742908950021noreply@blogger.comBlogger625125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11190897.post-35234726296433373162022-12-24T17:00:00.002-05:002023-01-31T22:52:16.136-05:00our 2022 Christmas letter<div class="separator"><a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/studio-s/52580043732/in/datetaken/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" title="2022_ChristmasLetter_Header"><img alt="2022_ChristmasLetter_Header" height="256" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52580043732_3ef43a5753_z.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script><br />The Scherlings are either turning Christmas letter writing into a biannual tradition, or Anna and Ian wanted to give Ellis a really solid second child complaint story by skipping letter writing for his first Christmas. He’ll be fine. Right?<div><br /></div><div><span><a name='more'></a></span>2021 was… a lot. The first few months were full of remote work, preschool, and gearing up for a new baby. Anna’s mom came out in mid-April to help, anticipating Ellis would show up three-ish weeks early just like his sister. Instead, he decided to come just three days early, letting Lucy savor her last birthday as an only child. The next day, at Anna’s regularly scheduled prenatal appointment, her OB expressed concern that waiting for active labor might make Ellis a parking lot baby. Anna headed back to the car where Ian was waiting (COVID restrictions), and said, “we’re having a baby today.” They drove straight to the hospital for a walk-in induction. About three hours after arriving and just two hours after starting Pitocin, Ellis popped out. (Anna’s big regret is the 15 minutes she waited to start her epidural so she could eat a croissant.) He was healthy and hungry, and, given Lucy’s extended NICU stay exactly four years prior, Anna and Ian didn’t take it for granted that they all went home after just two nights. They were also grateful Lucy’s big-sister excitement didn’t vanish once she met Ellis. It was pretty magical.<br /><br />That summer was full of grandparent visits, sleepless nights, and a job change for Ian. And Lucy really started to lean into her primary extracurricular: Boston Children’s. She has now collected seven specialists, stemming from her apraxia diagnosis and slight hearing loss. Thankfully most of her appointments involve games, not needles, so she thinks the hospital is really fun.<br /><br />In the fall, both of Anna’s brothers and their families made trips to meet Ellis and enjoy New England. Lucy loved adventuring around Boston with Sadie, and Lucy, Ellis, and Brooklyn got to go trick-or-treating together in coordinating weather costumes. Anna took a turn as TV star on <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WOD3F_xW_zA&t=1s"><i>Ask This Old House</i></a>, and for the record, she’s on track to surpass <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FkNBIHDV9rg&t=1s">Ian</a> on YouTube views. That December, Ellis (mostly) enjoyed his first airplane trip to spend Christmas in Kansas, where he got to meet lots of family, including all three great-grandmas.<br /><br />2022 kicked off with big moments for everyone. Anna took her first solo trip since before Lucy was born and headed to Kansas City for a good friend’s wedding celebration! Ian went back to work at Sasaki! Lucy got glasses! Ellis turned blonde! (He also was walking by 11 months, and they can’t decide which was more surprising.) In April, with Lucy turning 5 and Ellis turning 1 just a day apart, the Scherlings hosted a gigantic mermaid and shark birthday party with lots of cake (thanks, Jen!).<br /><br />Summer was full of beaches, ice cream, fireworks, and aquarium visits (the membership is totally worth it), and then suddenly it was fall. Lucy started kindergarten, and she loves it. At home these days, she’s the resident safety monitor (“I made a sign that says no getting burned”), and zoologist (her area of expertise is an obscure imaginary big cat called the “house cave”). Ellis is always ready to launch off tall things at a moment’s notice. He immensely enjoys sports (randomly yelling “touchdown!” as he dives to the floor), aggressive snuggling, and reading any and all books that contain sea creatures (“fishy! shark!”). Ian and Anna are staying busy at Sasaki and figuring out their new commuting schedules to downtown Boston while still chauffeuring the kids around. They’re also very thankful for their church family at <a href="https://www.reunionboston.com/">REUNION</a>, and their community group geared towards parents, where they get to talk about faith with other parents while quoting <i><a href="https://www.bluey.tv/">Bluey</a> </i>(IYKYK).<br /><br />In this holiday season, Ian, Anna, Lucy, and Ellis hope you find moments of wonder and joy, and wish you a healthy and happy 2023!<div> <br />Want more? <a href="https://annakristina28.blogspot.com/search/label/christmas%20letter">Read past Christmas letters.</a></div></div>Anna Kristinahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11171501742908950021noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11190897.post-34209918830346171132020-12-25T21:30:00.002-05:002022-12-07T21:52:23.466-05:00our 2020 Christmas letter<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/studio-s/50753255836/in/album-72157718088375717/" title="2020ChristmasLetter"><img alt="2020ChristmasLetter" height="256" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/50753255836_041735bd61_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script><br /><br /> While a global pandemic may seem like the perfect excuse for the Scherlings to once again drop the ornament on their unreliable Christmas letter-writing tradition, they decided it was actually an opportunity to sandwich two years into one (and hope you weren’t too disappointed their 2019 letter was MIA).<span><a name='more'></a></span><div><br />The start to 2019 was bittersweet. The Scherlings spent most of their Christmas 2018 holiday in Colorado, <a href="https://annakristina28.blogspot.com/2019/01/micki.html#more">saying goodbye to Micki</a> after her almost 13-year battle with metastatic breast cancer. Words to express this kind of grief don’t exist, but the opportunity to celebrate her life, meet the countless people she impacted, and feel the love and support of family, friends, and coworkers was absolutely beautiful. And an incredible community carried the Scherlings through the challenges and pain of their first year without her.<br /><br />Thankfully, 2019 was also full of joy. In April, the Scherlings celebrated Lucy’s second birthday in epic fashion not once, but twice: with Anna’s parents for Lucy’s first marathon spectating, and again with Ian’s dad and grandma on the Cape. In May, they traveled to Chicagoland for a cousin’s wedding (congrats, Adam and Kristina!) and a trip to Jollibee (a Filipino pilgrimage). That summer, Ian became a TV star on Ask This Old House (<a href="http://www.thisoldhouse.com/fireplaces/21133714/how-to-replace-a-hearth-with-slate-tile">season 18 episode 15</a>) and the Scherlings flew to Kansas to meet Lucy’s very first cousin, Brooklyn. They spent fall enjoying New England, and ended the year with their annual trip to Kansas to visit family and friends.<br /><br />2020 began with optimism. Lucy’s second cousin, Sadie, arrived in February, and all three Scherlings were looking forward to visiting her over the summer. In early March, they traveled to Los Angeles for a wedding (congrats, Jeff and Taylor!), cautiously optimistic for a much-needed family getaway. Shortly after arriving, the state’s COVID-19 response began closing all the places they had planned to visit, and it rained most of the trip. Thankfully, they still squeezed in a few sunny hours on the beach, and had dinner at Ma’am Sir twice (typical Filipino connections, the chef/owner is the son of one of Anna’s mom’s oldest friends: practically family). They cut the trip a day short, prepared for a two-week quarantine that has turned into a decade.<br /><br />Pandemic life has been full of highs and lows. Ian and Anna are fortunate to have jobs that allow them to work remotely, and somehow manage to squeeze in work hours while entertaining Lucy. They celebrated Lucy’s birthday with a giant family Zoom party, and the very next day Lucy broke her leg. Thankfully, she quickly adjusted to her boot. In May, they virtually got to meet Lucy's third cousin, Louis. In July, Lucy’s daycare reopened, significantly dropping the family stress levels. In September, Lucy added four mornings a week at preschool to support her new apraxia diagnosis. (She’s a super smart kid but her brain has trouble coordinating verbal speech; if you know of any families experiencing a similar diagnosis, Ian and Anna would love to connect! Also, shoutout to her amazing team of teachers and therapists!) Spending so much time at home prompted several DIY projects (on a COVID budget) to make the most of their small space, including <a href="https://hellotushy.com/">installation of a bidet</a> during the great toilet paper shortage. The Scherlings also have spent lots of 2020 exploring New England through (masked and distanced) day trips to state parks and harbor islands, and spending time both virtually and outdoors with great friends in their little COVID bubble.<br /><br />As the holidays arrive, Ian, Anna, and Lucy are sad to miss Christmas in Kansas for the first time ever, but look forward to celebrating with friends and family in new virtual ways. They hope that despite the pandemic, you are still able to enjoy this season of deep, abiding joy.<br /><br />P.S. Lucy is going to be a big sister in April! She’s excited about the baby she’s convinced is in her own belly, and Ian and Anna hope that she’ll still be excited once her sibling actually arrives.<br /><br />Want more? <a href="https://annakristina28.blogspot.com/search/label/christmas%20letter">Read past Christmas letters.</a><br /></div>Anna Kristinahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11171501742908950021noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11190897.post-7998746914974936222019-02-24T14:00:00.000-05:002019-02-24T23:10:31.476-05:00and the 2019 nominees are...<div style="text-align: center;">
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<span style="background-color: white;">This is Ian's and my eleventh year following the <a href="http://shorts.tv/" target="_blank">Oscar-nominated animated shorts</a>. Between work travel and projects, a month of sickness, and the added complication of needing a babysitter, Ian and I once again were unable to make it to the <a href="http://www.coolidge.org/" target="_blank">Coolidge</a> before the awards show. We're bummed to miss out on the highly commended shorts (<i>Wishing Box</i> and <i>Tweet Tweet</i> both look really good), but we're thankful we were able to catch all the nominees, courtesy iTunes and our personal Pixar collection.</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white;">This year is an impressive lineup, which makes breaking our current losing streak a challenge (o</span><span style="background-color: white;">ur prediction record is now 3 for 8, counting just the years we've seen all the animated shorts).</span><br />
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<i><a href="https://www.pixar.com/bao" target="_blank">Bao</a></i> – A Chinese mom with an empty nest gets a new start at motherhood when one of her dumplings comes to life. But her dumpling grows up quickly, and they both must learn to navigate a changing relationship and clashing cultural expectations. Pixar continues to set a high bar with scrumptious animation and impeccable storytelling, and I so appreciate that this shares the perspective of an immigrant family as told by an Asian woman.<br />
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<i><a href="http://lateafternoonfilm.com/" target="_blank">Late Afternoon</a></i> – Emily, an elderly woman suffering from dementia, is constantly drawn into fragmented memories of her past but struggles to fit them together with her present. The animation was simple, beautiful, and effective. I felt the weight of what memory means to the human experience, the tragedy of what it means to lose it, and strength of love in the face of a heartbreaking illness. I wept, and this is our pick to bring home the Oscar.<br />
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<i><a href="https://www.nfb.ca/film/animal_behaviour/" target="_blank">Animal Behaviour</a></i> – A weekly group therapy session with Dr. Clement, a canine psychotherapist, helps patients deal with their natural instincts. From a preying mantis who can't seem to keep a boyfriend to a pig with a compulsive eating disorder, they are making steady progress. But a new patient may prove to be too big of a challenge. This short's animation was a perfect complement to it's delightful comedy, and the ending does not disappoint.<br />
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<i><a href="http://www.weekendsfilm.com/" target="_blank">Weekends</a></i> – A young boy must navigate his parents divorce, traveling between two homes and two very different relationships. I was amazed at how much the short was able to convey through a very simple storytelling method, and the hand animation was both gritty and ethereal.<br />
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<i><a href="http://www.taikostudios.com/one-small-step.html" target="_blank">One Small Step</a></i> – Luna, a young Chinese American girl, dreams of becoming an astronaut, and her father, a simple cobbler, provides unwavering support and encouragement as she works to make that dream a reality. This is a poignant story that beautifully illustrates the love and sacrifice of parenthood as well as what it means to face adversity and move forward.<br />
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As always, we appreciated all of the shorts, and highly recommend catching them if you have the opportunity. Have fun watching the Oscars, and may the best films win!<br />
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*update: We predicted <i>Late Afternoon</i>, but <i>Bao</i> took home the Oscar.<br />
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<a href="http://annakristina28.blogspot.com/2009/02/following-oscars.html" target="_blank">2009</a> | <a href="http://annakristina28.blogspot.com/2010/03/disappointed-by-oscars.html" target="_blank">2010</a> | <a href="http://annakristina28.blogspot.com/2011/02/its-awards-season.html" target="_blank">2011</a> | <a href="http://annakristina28.blogspot.com/2012/02/and-nominees-are.html" target="_blank">2012</a> | <a href="http://annakristina28.blogspot.com/2013/02/and-2013-nominees-are.html" target="_blank">2013</a> | <a href="http://annakristina28.blogspot.com/2014/03/and-2014-nominees-are.html">2014</a> | <a href="http://annakristina28.blogspot.com/2015/02/and-2015-nominees-are.html">2015</a> | <a href="http://annakristina28.blogspot.com/2016/02/and-2016-nominees-are.html">2016</a> | <a href="http://annakristina28.blogspot.com/2017/02/and-2017-nominees-are.html">2017</a> | <a href="http://annakristina28.blogspot.com/2018/03/and-2018-nominees-are.html">2018</a></div>
Anna Kristinahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11171501742908950021noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11190897.post-13115083516939589432019-01-08T10:00:00.000-05:002019-02-25T13:27:45.310-05:00Micki<div style="text-align: center;">
<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/studio-s/45811478714/in/datetaken/" title="On Thursday, my incredible mother-in-law passed away at home, surrounded by family. Micki was one of the strongest, kindest, most generous people I have ever met. For 13 years, she lived with joy and passion in the face of a terminal illness."><img alt="On Thursday, my incredible mother-in-law passed away at home, surrounded by family. Micki was one of the strongest, kindest, most generous people I have ever met. For 13 years, she lived with joy and passion in the face of a terminal illness." height="640" src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7896/45811478714_2f573efb75_z.jpg" width="638" /></a></div>
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<i>I was so honored Dane asked Emily and I to give eulogies for Micki, alongside him, Ian, and Ren. The following is what I shared at the services in Lafayette, CO, and Goodland, KS.</i><br />
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I have had the privilege of knowing Micki for 14 years, and calling her my mother-in-law for 11. But more than that, she became my second mom, and one of my greatest friends.<br />
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While Ian and I were dating, Micki was incredibly warm and welcoming, and made me feel like I was already part of the family. Her joy at our wedding was overflowing (admittedly in part with the excitement of no longer being the only female in the family). And she gave me two pieces of marriage advice. First, Scherling men always forget things, so make sure you have the football tickets before you leave the house. Second, extend grace. I’m not always great at following this, but Ian and I’s marriage is at its best when I do.<br />
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Micki and I grew closer over the three months Ian and I lived in Dane and Micki’s basement, after Ian’s graduation while we waited for him to get a job offer. Micki welcomed me into her incredible bible study community, which was exactly what I needed in a time full of unknowns. We cooked together—I will never forget making a three-generation coconut pie and how gracious she and Grandma Judy were when my part, the filling, turned into soup. We laughed together, shopped together, watched HGTV together, and painted and decorated together. And when Ian got the call from Boston that he had a place at Sasaki, Micki and Grandma Judy flew out to help move us into our new third-floor apartment. Small but mighty Micki helped Ian carry our new IKEA sofa up the stairs when my arms gave out.<br />
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After our move, we looked forward to Micki’s annual eye appointment trip to Boston, because there was no way we wouldn’t have adventures. Salem, Nantucket, Washington DC, Cape Cod, always with good food and unforgettable moments, like when Micki and I got lost on the bus in Southie on the way to a craft fair. If you ask either one of us, we totally saw Matt Damon.<br />
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We also had this running joke. Ian and I would say, “Move to Boston and we’ll have grandkids.” Micki and Dane’s response? “Have grandkids and we’ll move to Boston!” Then they called our bluff, and moved to Cape Cod. We got to spend time together at least every couple weeks, courtesy of Micki’s treatments at Dana Farber. Classic Micki, she made such an impression on our cranky Boston landlord that he offered free parking for her behind our building whenever she was in town, and every time we talked to him, he would tell us to give her his best.<br />
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We also spent a lot of time visiting Micki, Dane, and Grandma Judy on the Cape. Because when you have a free place to stay on the Cape, you go often. We explored new beaches, tried new ice cream shops (a Micki favorite: Cape Cod Mud at Katie’s in Hyannis), and browsed adorable little shops for more beachy decor. Every visit, there was always some fun new place she wanted to take me. And we had so many deep discussions about life and relationships while strolling along Craigville Beach, preferably in the off season, when the beaches were wide open and we could ignore all the “private beach” signs because the owners weren’t home.<br />
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When Ian and I finally saved up enough money to buy our own home, Micki was thrilled, and immediately volunteered to take as many trips as needed to help us make it our own. Micki and I spent lots of weekends in our painting clothes, and in exchange Ian and Grandma Judy kept us well fed. Micki helped paint at least half our home, and loved seeing everything we’d accomplished between each of her visits. Even though they were only on the Cape for a year and a half, we made the most of it. I will forever cherish the way we were able to grow our friendship in that time.<br />
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And then I had the joy of seeing her blossom into the grandma she was always meant to be. Words can’t capture her excitement when she heard the news that Ian and I were expecting. She sent me at least one card every month for the rest of my pregnancy, each full of cherished encouragement and parenting advice. <br />
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One card had a cartoon with a mother asleep on the sofa, the house a mess, and her toddler next to her on the phone saying “It took forever but I finally got her down for a nap…” Micki’s inscription assured me that falling asleep with a toddler around is inevitable. So “duct tape the toilet seat shut. Trust me.”<br />
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When our daughter, Lucy, was born, she had to spend three weeks in the NICU, and didn’t get discharged until the day my parents flew back to Kansas. Thankfully, Micki arrived the next day and helped us survive all the extra pediatrician appointments, the lactation support groups, and the sleep deprivation of being at home with a newborn. I know Micki wasn’t feeling her best on that trip, but that didn’t matter to her. She volunteered for late night and early morning shifts with Lucy, and worked on painting the nursery when she wasn’t on baby duty, something I planned but didn’t get to do because of unexpected bedrest and an early delivery.<br />
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And even from halfway across the country, Micki was there to support me as a parent. During Ian’s work trips, when I was home alone to get dinner on the table for a very hangry Lucy, Micki was just a FaceTime away, with an incredible knack for keeping Lucy occupied until her food was ready. Micki’s joy at being a part of our every day was only matched by Lucy’s joy every time she saw her beloved Grandma Mookie, on screen or in person. Micki, you encouraged and enabled us to live in a way that we wouldn’t have a lot of regrets once you were gone, but it breaks my heart that you won’t be here to play dress up or host tea parties with Lucy like you imagined.<br />
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You have been a huge influence on my life, and my faith. I, and everyone you have met, have seen Jesus through you. I am so thankful that you are finally cancer-free, and I know you’re already planning out adventures for when we’re all together again. <br />
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And you live on here with us. You have changed me, and I hope I can be for others what you have been for me. I love you so much, Mookie.<br />
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<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/studio-s/5052638275/in/photolist-8Gu6k2-8Dz5jJ-7kHvxc-7fdNnQ-7fdNoL-7kK1SU-7gHR6v-7gMMVj-76DdPK-76Deea-73eUxf-73aNJ4-75tkNV-73eTmo-78m4jQ-7kEtkR-7kJkX7-75tnqv-7rCvZk-7rJkA5-7rHQ4d-7rCtEa-7rEznj-7fau9g-7ePoPm-7eKuhr-7ePoXw-7ePoFj-7eKsND-7efgTM-7ejaeu-7eja1q-7efgbB-7dekj9-7bz8BS-7bz8CW-7bz8DA-7bvkRR-7bvkQZ-7bz8Bq-7bvkQx-7bvkP4-7bvkLF-7bvkMk-7bvkKH-7bz8sm-7bz8rw-7bvkGi-7bz8po-7bvkEe" title="micki takes in the beach"><img alt="micki takes in the beach" height="480" src="https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4086/5052638275_36fb630b93_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script><br />
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<i>Micki was one of the strongest, kindest, most generous people I have ever met. For 13 years, she lived with joy and passion in the face of a terminal illness, and used every minute of that time to make a difference. If you are one of the countless lives she has impacted, please consider <a href="https://secure.metavivor.org/page/contribute/" target="">making a donation in her memory</a> to support the fantastic work <a href="http://www.metavivor.org/">METAvivor</a> is doing in the field of metastatic breast cancer research. </i><i>You can also view Micki's full obituary and memorial video <a href="http://darrellhowemortuary.com/obituaries/2018-12/micki-linn-scherling">online</a>.</i><br />
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<i>Also, a huge thank you to our amazing community of family and friends, for all your love, prayers, and encouragement over the past year, and especially the past few days. We can't do life without you.</i></div>
Anna Kristinahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11171501742908950021noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11190897.post-47855161910089536132018-12-21T10:00:00.000-05:002019-01-17T16:39:39.198-05:00our 2018 Christmas Letter<div style="text-align: center;">
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<script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script>When what to their wondering eyes should appear, but a prompt Christmas letter and one crying toddler! (Don’t worry. Ian and Anna rescued Lucy from the clutches of that red-suited terror moments after the photo.) Yes, it’s a Christmas miracle: the Scherling family’s annual awkward, third-person Christmas letter has arrived in inboxes around the world before December 25!<br />
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2018 has been the wildest of rollercoasters, starting off with the vacation from h-e-double-hockey-sticks. In February, Ian, Anna, and Lucy flew to Denver to meet up with Ian’s parents, brother, and sister-in-law for what was supposed to be a relaxing mountain getaway in Breckenridge. Instead, Lucy got bronchiolitis at altitude, threw up at a fancy family dinner, spent a night in Children’s Hospital Colorado urgent care, and got discharged with an oxygen tank, all while Ian’s mom, Micki, was having her own medical adventure. Ian and Anna are hoping Lucy doesn’t turn medical tourism into her thing.<br />
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Redemption came in April during daycare spring break (woo!). Both Lucy’s grandmas and her great-grandma Judy flew to Boston to host a week of Grammy Camp, culminating in a first birthday celebration the grandpas flew out to attend. Lucy loved hanging out with friends and family, but was less thrilled with her first cake experience, which she seasoned with tears.<br />
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Summer brought not one but two trips back to the Midwest. In July, Ian, Anna, and Lucy attended Anna’s cousin Brian’s wedding in Quinter, welcoming Jaci to the family. In August, they spent daycare summer vacation in Denver. Lucy loved swimming and playing outside, which, coincidentally, also happened to be some of her favorite things about summer in Boston.<br />
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Ian, Anna, and Lucy’s travel schedule only picked up in the fall. They joined Ian’s parents on the Cape for a weekend of beaches, ice cream, and seafood sans summer tourist crowds. And the next month, they hosted Nathan and Sara, Anna’s brother and sister-in-law, for a classic Boston-in-the-fall experience—complete with apple picking and oysters, before sending them off to leaf peep in Maine. The very next weekend, the Scherlings road-tripped to Philadelphia for the annual American Society of Landscape Architects conference (thanks to Matt for being the consummate host!). Anna and Lucy adventured all over the city while Ian was stuck attending sessions. Despite Lucy’s refusal to take stroller naps, they had a blast! Finally, they headed back to Denver in November and celebrated an early low-stress Thanksgiving with Ian’s family.<br />
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And between all that travel, they also squeezed in work. In July Ian received a well-deserved promotion to senior associate at Sasaki, and in September Anna took a half-new job, splitting her time between her current job as studio assistant for Sasaki and a new role as executive assistant for the Sasaki Foundation. Not to be outdone, Lucy received a promotion to the toddler class at daycare, with lots of new responsibilities including art creation and toy cleanup.<br />
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As the holidays approach, Ian, Anna, and Lucy are deeply thankful for everyone who has reached out and supported Ian’s family in what has turned out to be a rough year of health. This year especially, they are looking forward to spending the holidays with family and friends in Kansas and Colorado. They hope your season is merry and bright, with a brilliant 2019 ahead!<br />
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Want more? <a href="http://annakristina28.blogspot.com/search/label/christmas%20letter">Read past Christmas letters.</a>Anna Kristinahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11171501742908950021noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11190897.post-21488992714389870822018-04-25T22:00:00.000-04:002019-04-16T12:06:23.502-04:00Lucy's birth story<div style="text-align: center;">
<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/studio-s/34714901446/in/datetaken-public/" title="Three weeks and about 12 hours after Lucy popped into the world, she finally came home! We're so grateful to the NICU team and our community for taking such good care of her (and us) on this journey. #nicugrad // lyric by @mutemath"><img alt="Three weeks and about 12 hours after Lucy popped into the world, she finally came home! We're so grateful to the NICU team and our community for taking such good care of her (and us) on this journey. #nicugrad // lyric by @mutemath" height="640" src="https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4220/34714901446_81e2114ab2_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script></div>
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<i>I went into labor a year ago today, which feels like an appropriate time to finally share Lucy's birth story. It was a bumpy entry into parenthood, but it reminds me I am stronger than I think, Ian is my rock, Lucy is incredible, and God is in control.</i><br />
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My pregnancy started out textbook. The biggest hiccup was needing a second take on our 18-week ultrasound (which resulted in our first parenting lessons: dealing with fear and accepting our lack of control; we also remembered why it's never a good idea to Google anything medical—our doctor suggested sticking with the <a href="https://www.mayoclinic.org/">Mayo Clinic</a>).<br />
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Things continued along swimmingly until April 7, when I went in for a growth check ultrasound. I was measuring a little small at my previous appointment and the doctor wanted to confirm the baby was still on track. The baby's size was fine, but the ultrasound revealed an umbilical cord cyst. The ultrasound doctor assured me it wasn't a problem, but we should monitor it to make sure it didn't become one. I drove to my prenatal appointment with the news, but my doctor immediately sent me to the Brigham for high blood pressure. This was the first appointment where I was flying solo and, already stressed, I had to drive down Route 9 to Fenway. I called Ian to meet me at the hospital, and spent the afternoon hooked up to monitors. The baby's heart rate was strong, and my blood pressure was back in the high range of normal, so they sent us home with a directive to take things easy—a challenge given our not-quite-completed bathroom project.<br />
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<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/studio-s/33926733842/in/datetaken-public/" title="Happy Easter from our little family of almost 3! #heisrisenindeed #35weeks6days"><img alt="Happy Easter from our little family of almost 3! #heisrisenindeed #35weeks6days" height="639" src="https://farm3.staticflickr.com/2858/33926733842_4027791d0c_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
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Because it looked like I was moving towards preeclampsia, my doctor bumped me up to two appointments a week, alternating non-stress tests and ultrasounds to keep an extra eye on the baby, and instructed me to take my blood pressure at home twice a day. By April 18, my doctor put me on modified bedrest, and we began talking about an induction, trying to manage the increasing health risks while allowing the baby as much time as possible to grow. It was hard to wrap my mind around the concerns, which were marked only by unfamiliar numbers. I felt fine.<br />
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I spent the week on the sofa, binge-watching shows to distract myself from the list of things I had hoped to finish before baby, with Ian shuttling me to and from doctors appointments. On Monday, I was measuring 3 centimeters, which thrilled my doctor because it increased my chances for a successful induction. The office scheduled us for Friday morning, putting delivery at almost 38 weeks, which we hoped was the perfect balance between safety and growth. Tuesday afternoon, I got a call from my doctor, checking in. (I found out later she was worried about me: I love having a doctor who cares!) I ran through the preeclampsia checklist: no headache, no changes in vision, no upper abdominal pain. And no contractions. At all. So we kept planning for Friday.<br />
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That evening after dinner, Ian and I watched <i><a href="http://www.pbs.org/video/the-fish-on-my-plate-nsxhez/" target="_blank">The Fish on My Plate</a></i> (because we're PBS junkies). I had a hard time getting comfortable, but it felt more like indigestion than anything. We got ready for bed around 11 p.m., and I started feeling more uncomfortable. I asked Ian to download a contraction app, just in case, but I thought if anything, it was my first practice contractions. We rummaged around for the handout from our birthing class that described the difference between real and false labor, and I hunkered down in the nursery chair. Contractions seems to be getting closer together yet more unpredictable. Around 1 a.m., I threw up (christening our beautiful new bathroom). Ian said, "we're going to the hospital," and immediately loaded our bags in the car. Ian, who almost never makes a wrong turn, had a tough time navigating in Fenway and was driving fast to make up the difference. I felt every pothole and insisted he slow down, joking, between contractions, that if he didn't the baby would just fall out in the car.<br />
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We pulled up to the entrance, and I felt like I was in a movie. SCENE: Nighttime in the city, and the hospital entrance lights shine bright on a small blue car. A pregnant woman exits in her robe and slippers, hair disheveled, and doubles over, gasping. A flustered man juggles a suitcase and duffel bag while handing car keys to a valet, then helps the pregnant woman through the large revolving doors.<br />
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We entered maternity admitting, where a kind woman walked me through electronically signing all the paperwork before escorting us to the elevator. I was having trouble keeping up, and she reassured me we could pause during contractions. After getting settled in a triage room, a nurse hooked me up to the machine and ran through a list of questions. The doctor came in and, with surprise and excitement, said I was at 7 centimeters, and I'd be having a baby that morning.<br />
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I was exhausted, and decided to go ahead with an epidural, but my window was small. They settled us into a room on the labor and delivery floor, and sent in the anesthesiologist resident. He casually asked a few questions and ascertained that "we probably still have time." Ian, who was facing me, and therefore the resident, worried at his fumbling, but I was too focused on surviving contractions to notice. Thankfully, there were no issues, and Ian and I both tried to get a little rest.<br />
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Around 6 a.m., the doctor said it was time to push. She and our nurse were amazing coaches, and after 15 minutes and 3 sets of pushes, they announced we had a daughter! I lost all sense of time and my memories are hazy, but I distinctly remember the nurses putting her on my chest. The doctor asked what we were going to name her. Ian and I locked eyes and said Lucy. I felt, simultaneously, like I had known her forever and distant as if I was watching everything happen to someone else. She was so tiny and snuggly and beautiful, strange and familiar.<br />
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Ian, Lucy, and I rested and bonded as we waited for our postpartum room to be available. A nurse came to transfer us. She got me up and helped me to the bathroom, where I promptly almost passed out. The nurse told Ian to press the panic button for more assistance to get me back in my bed, and they had me rest more before another attempt at moving.<br />
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In the early afternoon, we made it to our postpartum room. The nurses took my and Lucy's vitals as we got settled. Mary, Lucy's nurse, noticed her temperature was a little low. They whisked her to the nursery to warm her up, reassuring us we'd have her back in no time. But we soon learned she had low blood sugar and needed to spend the night in the NICU. This kicked off a rough couple days for all of us. Lucy's blood sugar tanked overnight and so her NICU stay automatically extended to a five-day minimum. Her bilirubin levels were high so she needed phototherapy. I passed a few large clots and between the blood loss, new blood pressure meds, and exhaustion, my NP confined me to bed for a day. Ian went back and forth between my room and Lucy's in the NICU, trying to take care of both of us at once.<br />
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As soon as I was mobile again, Ian wheeled me down to the sixth floor to spend time with Lucy. It broke our hearts to see her in an incubator with wires everywhere and an IV in her arm, and we spent every moment we could in her room, holding her for as long as she could be out of the incubator.<br />
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On Saturday, I was discharged. They wheeled me out, arms empty, and we drove home, feeling like we had abandoned our daughter.<br />
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We unpacked our hospital bags, grabbed a few picture books to read to Lucy, and headed back to the Brigham. We settled into our new routine. Wake up. Go to the hospital. Find out Lucy's overnight glucose numbers. Every three hours, change her diaper, check her temperature, watch the nurse prick her heel for a glucose check, give her a bottle, tube feed what she can't finish. Pump. Doze. Ignore the constant monitor beeps going off all over the NICU. Sneak in lunch and dinner. Go home. Sleep. Pump. Sleep. Pump. Start again.<br />
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We didn't allow ourselves to think past the next feeding. Every step forward came with another setback. Lucy's care team ran tests to rule out any issues, and determined she just needed more time to grow and develop: she was an unofficial late-term preemie.<br />
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My mom arrived. We thought we'd be at home, happy, exhausted, and ready for an extra pair of hands. Instead, she joined our commute, sitting with us in Lucy's room, cooking and cleaning during our few hours at home. Meanwhile, I focused all my energy on pumping, which felt like the only thing I could still do to take care of Lucy.<br />
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<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/studio-s/33894602983/in/datetaken/" title="One more for the little lady who made me a mom. She's such a trooper and the best snuggler. I love you so, Lucy."><img alt="One more for the little lady who made me a mom. She's such a trooper and the best snuggler. I love you so, Lucy." height="640" src="https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4179/33894602983_9f7ddcc0bc_z.jpg" width="639" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script><br />
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After almost two weeks, Lucy weaned off her IV and moved to an open crib. One of our primary nurses posted her going-home checklist on the wall. We joked that we should hide it from Lucy so she wouldn't attempt to extend her stay. Six days later, on Mother's Day, she graduated from her feeding tube. Three days later (two days after her due date), she passed her six-hour fast test, proving she could maintain her glucose levels, and we were suddenly packing up her room, going over discharge papers, and getting wheeled out of the hospital, this time with a baby in my arms.<br />
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Bringing Lucy home was so much sweeter after everything we had been through. Those three weeks in the NICU felt like an eternity, but NICU staff kept telling us it would feel like a blip once we were home. They were right. And while I wouldn't wish a NICU experience on anyone, we learned so much about being parents, handling stress, and facing the unknown. The first few months were so hard, exhausting, overwhelming, but we had a sense of calm and confidence that I don't think we would have otherwise. For that, I am thankful. And we would do it all a hundred times over. Lucy, you're worth it. We love you more than you could ever know.<br />
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We are so grateful for all of our family and friends who supported us with overwhelming love and encouragement. A special thanks to my parents who didn't bat an eye about spending their entire visit in the NICU, to Ian's parents who helped us figure out how to transition out of hospital mode, to Amanda for keeping me company when I couldn't visit Lucy, and to all our friends who kept us going with hospital visits, meals, froyo, medical advice, welcome-home art, Mother's Day gifts, and shoulders to cry on. We love you, Wen, Wilbur, Jose, Enid, John, Erin, Grey, Harper, Reed, Brett, Emily, Grady, Pepper, Ryan, Kelly, Rowan, Heather, Haven, Bomin, Beth, Nate, Danielle, Mike, Karen, Aiden, Miles, Owen, Micah, Marianna, Annie, and Elliot. <br />
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We are also so thankful for Lucy's incredible care team at the Brigham, especially her nurses Mary (who first noticed Lucy needed extra care), Kerri, Brendan, Maureen, Janine, Yelena, Mary Ann, Stephanie, Kathy, Nancy, Corinne, Kirby, Lauren, Rachel, Donna, Julie, Lilian, Danielle, Mary, Christine, Sheila, Kathy, Barbara, Ashley, and Brittany; her neonatology fellows Jonathan and Bridget; her PA Nancy; Dr. Streimish, Dr. Gorman, Dr. Kaza, and Dr. Prendergast; her feeding therapist Katherine; her physical therapist Nicole; Christine, Corinne, and Mary Ann from the lactation team; and Erin and Gayle from family support. (If you'd like to join us in paying it forward, consider supporting the <a href="https://www.brighamandwomens.org/pediatric-newborn-medicine/support-our-work">Friends of the NICU</a>.) It takes a village, and we feel so fortunate that the Brigham was ours. (Also, thanks to Dr. Lieberman, Dr. Vincent, and Nancy for taking care of me when my own recovery was the last thing on my mind.)<br />
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<i>A three-week stay in the NICU is well into the six figures. We are so thankful we have insurance that meant we didn't have to worry about how to pay for Lucy's medical care. Having a baby in the NICU is stress enough. <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MmWWoMcGmo0">Jimmy Kimmel shared about his newborn son's open-heart surgery</a> while Lucy was in the NICU. I don't know the answers to our healthcare system, but as Jimmy said, “No parent should have to decide if they can afford to save their child’s life.” I hope and pray that as a country we can put aside our differences to take care of our most vulnerable.</i><br />
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Anna Kristinahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11171501742908950021noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11190897.post-27137906651277546302018-03-04T19:00:00.000-05:002019-02-24T23:10:41.423-05:00and the 2018 nominees are...<div style="text-align: center;">
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<span style="background-color: white;">This is Ian and I's tenth year following the <a href="http://shorts.tv/" target="_blank">Oscar-nominated animated shorts</a>. We had to improvise a bit this year, since a family vacation meant we wouldn't be able to catch them at the Coolidge before the awards show (we still plan to go, and it <i>will</i> be our eighth at the <a href="http://www.coolidge.org/" target="_blank">Coolidge</a>). Even though we cobbled it together (thanks to Amazon, iTunes, and Netflix) I'm so glad we're still able to enjoy our longest family tradition (I can't wait until we can include Lucy!). Our prediction record is now 3 for 7, counting just the years we've seen all the animated shorts. Fingers crossed we can bump up our batting average this year.</span><br />
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<i><a href="https://www.go90.com/videos/261MflWkD3N" target="_blank">Dear Basketball</a></i> — Kobe Bryant's love letter farewell to basketball is now animated by Glen Keane, with a score by John Williams. The loose hand-drawn animation and beautiful music tell a moving story of love and dedication, and how to say goodbye. This short is a heavy hitter and a serious contender, but I wonder how the Academy will vote in light of #metoo and the shadow in Kobe's past.<br />
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<i><a href="https://www.gardenparty-movie.com/">Garden Party</a> </i>— Frogs have full reign of an empty mansion, and their exploration slowly reveals the story of the home's desertion. Impressive photorealistic animation brings to life this dark comedy.<br />
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<i><a href="https://www.pixar.com/lou#lou1">Lou</a> </i>— A playground bully terrorizes his classmates and steals their toys, until an unlikely hero takes a stand. As always, Pixar tells a beautiful story, that feels especially timely: how to stand up to a bully in a way that makes a lasting change and ends the cycle of abuse. This is our pick to bring home the Oscar!<br />
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<i><a href="https://en.unifrance.org/movie/43896/negative-space">Negative Space</a> </i>— Many fathers and sons bond over cars or sports, but this father and son bonded over packing suitcases. A sweet and poignant story told beautifully with stop-motion animation, its power comes from what it leaves unsaid.<br />
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<i><a href="http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b0876ds6">Revolting Rhymes</a> </i>— An animated adaptation of Roald Dahl and Quentin Blake, this is a deliciously twisted retelling of Snow White and Red Riding Hood, with the Three Little Pigs tossed in as a sub-plot. The storytelling successfully evokes Roald Dahl's dark and quirky style, and the animation felt like the perfect complement. I don't want to ruin the ending, but we'll be watching part two in the very near future (<a href="https://www.netflix.com/title/80234290">available on Netflix</a>) and I will never look at a fur coat in the same way ever again.<br />
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<b>Highly Commended Shorts <i>(updated after our annual viewing at the Coolidge)</i></b><br />
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<i><a href="http://lostpropertyoffice.com.au/">Lost Property Office</a></i><i> </i>— A man takes his job running lost and found for a metropolitan transit service very seriously, but all his hard work is not appreciated. The set and animation is breathtaking and showcases intricate model building, almost at the expense of the story. But by the end it poignantly addresses our choices as we face and respond to adversity.<br />
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<i><a href="https://www.weedsshort.com/">Weeds</a></i><i> </i>— Dandelions are trapped in a withering patch of dirt, but across a brutal, scalding driveway is a promised land full of sprinklers. The metaphor is not subtle, but seeing the strength, hope, and bravery of this flower in its attempt to escape death and reach a better life is inspiring and moving. (Taking a politically charged storyline and inserting it into a completely different context in hopes that a fresh perspective can recapture empathy and humanity reminds me of <i>District 9</i>.)<br />
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<i><a href="https://en.unifrance.org/movie/45322/achoo">Achoo</a></i><i> </i>— Every year in ancient China, dragons compete to perform a fire-breathing show at the New Year's celebration. One little dragon with a runny nose and no fire has to get creative to compete against the bullies. A creation story for fireworks, this short felt a bit underdeveloped in story and animation.<br />
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As always, we appreciated all of the shorts, and highly recommend catching them if you have the opportunity. Have fun watching the Oscars, and may the best films win!<br />
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*update: We predicted <i>Lou</i>, but <i>Dear Basketball</i> took home the Oscar.<br />
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<a href="http://annakristina28.blogspot.com/2009/02/following-oscars.html" target="_blank">2009</a> | <a href="http://annakristina28.blogspot.com/2010/03/disappointed-by-oscars.html" target="_blank">2010</a> | <a href="http://annakristina28.blogspot.com/2011/02/its-awards-season.html" target="_blank">2011</a> | <a href="http://annakristina28.blogspot.com/2012/02/and-nominees-are.html" target="_blank">2012</a> | <a href="http://annakristina28.blogspot.com/2013/02/and-2013-nominees-are.html" target="_blank">2013</a> | <a href="http://annakristina28.blogspot.com/2014/03/and-2014-nominees-are.html">2014</a> | <a href="http://annakristina28.blogspot.com/2015/02/and-2015-nominees-are.html">2015</a> | <a href="http://annakristina28.blogspot.com/2016/02/and-2016-nominees-are.html">2016</a> | <a href="http://annakristina28.blogspot.com/2017/02/and-2017-nominees-are.html">2017</a></div>
Anna Kristinahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11171501742908950021noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11190897.post-80961251004359106642018-02-19T22:21:00.000-05:002018-02-19T22:21:25.670-05:00our 2017 Christmas letter<div style="text-align: center;">
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All the Christmas trees have made their trip to the great forest in the sky, which means it's time for the Scherling family's annual, awkward, third-person (usually late) Christmas letter! Perhaps Anna and Ian should admit defeat and call it a New Year letter, but they're optimists at heart.<br />
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2017 was hard. amazing. exhausting. exhilarating. epic.</div>
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After 14 weeks of preparation, Ian labored for five weeks, resulting in a brand new bathroom! Meanwhile, Anna prepared for 37 weeks and 3 days and labored for 7.5 hours, resulting in a brand new baby! Lucy's birth story is a novel, full of twists and turns like "gestational hypertension" (Anna) and "hypoglycemia" (Lucy) that resulted in modified bedrest, an April birthday, and 21 days in the NICU.<br />
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<i>A huge shoutout to our incredible community near and far. Renovating your only bathroom during a complicated pregnancy wouldn't be possible without help (and a place to stay: holla atcha Foxes!), and the same goes for surviving a NICU stay (see also: the people at the Brigham are the best). Thank you so much for all of the food, encouragement, time, energy, and love that got us through one of the more stressful and challenging seasons in our lives.</i><br />
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Following Lucy's cinematic arrival, the grandparents arrived in Boston to help Anna and Ian start their bumpy transition to parenthood. Even with the cutest, chillest baby on the face of the planet, it isn't all unicorns and rainbow poop (okay, maybe the poop thing), and extra hands attached to lots of experience make for slightly less sleep deprivation and more peace of mind.<br />
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In July, the family flew to Denver for Ren and Emily's wedding. Lucy rocked her first flights (although Ian and Anna might have had a few airport meltdowns), saw the completion of her aunt triple crown, and got to meet three great grandmas.<br />
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In the fall, Lucy got to meet/remeet all six of her aunts and uncles, and each visit brought its own epic stories (beaches, seafood, a towed car, a sleepless night, a shattered glass door). Ian also traveled to the Philippines for work, where he got to introduce a few coworkers to halo halo and also catch up with family (#DaezFamBamFTW). This trip coincided with Anna's return to work and Lucy's start of school, so Anna's mom came out to help once again. (Speaking of work and school, Ian and Anna have both found a good work/life rhythm, and Lucy, it turns out, is a social butterfly like her dad and LOVES school.)<br />
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And lest you think that Lucy's arrival means Astrid is banished from the Christmas letter, fear not! It took Astrid a little time to adjust, but she's now more snuggly than ever, joining the family for Lucy's bedtime stories every night and enjoying (assisted) belly rubs from her new sister. Cue the collective awwww.<br />
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Ian, Anna, and Lucy spent Thanksgiving with friends and Lucy's first stomach bug, and wrapped up the year with their annual Christmas trip, celebrating Lucy's first holiday season with family and friends.<br />
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2017 has brought so much change, growth, and joy. Lucy has experienced countless milestones and firsts, and despite Ian and Anna's exhaustion, worries, and confusion ("but you loved this oatmeal TWO MINUTES AGO"), her smiles, laughs, and conversations are worth everything.<br />
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The Scherlings hope your 2017 was just as joyful (and a little less stressful). Cheers to 2018!<br />
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Want more? <a href="http://annakristina28.blogspot.com/search/label/christmas%20letter">Read past Christmas letters.</a></div>
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Anna Kristinahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11171501742908950021noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11190897.post-83016222499295676592017-05-19T19:00:00.000-04:002019-05-08T12:54:59.722-04:00welcome home, Lucy Grace!<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/studio-s/34714901446/in/album-72157682516091133/" title="Three weeks and about 12 hours after Lucy popped into the world, she finally came home! We're so grateful to the NICU team and our community for taking such good care of her (and us) on this journey. #nicugrad // lyric by @mutemath"><img alt="Three weeks and about 12 hours after Lucy popped into the world, she finally came home! We're so grateful to the NICU team and our community for taking such good care of her (and us) on this journey. #nicugrad // lyric by @mutemath" height="640" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/4220/34714901446_81e2114ab2_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script>
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Three weeks and about 12 hours after Lucy popped into the world, she finally came home! We're so grateful to the NICU team and our community for taking such good care of her (and us) on this journey. #nicugrad<br />
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<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zqGtHz5gO8U" target="_blank">lyric by MUTEMATH</a>Anna Kristinahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11171501742908950021noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11190897.post-78601201912776361312017-05-04T09:00:00.000-04:002019-05-08T12:54:59.699-04:00welcome, Lucy Grace!<div style="text-align: center;">
<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/studio-s/34296126611/in/datetaken-public/" title="On April 26 at 6:17am, our little Lucy Grace decided it was time to see the world, and she stole our hearts with all 5lbs 13oz and 18in of her. Because she was in such a hurry to meet us, she's needed a little boost in the NICU to catch up. We're thankful"><img alt="On April 26 at 6:17am, our little Lucy Grace decided it was time to see the world, and she stole our hearts with all 5lbs 13oz and 18in of her. Because she was in such a hurry to meet us, she's needed a little boost in the NICU to catch up. We're thankful" height="639" src="https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4174/34296126611_6c06fe8bf7_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script></div>
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On April 26 at 6:17 a.m., our little Lucy Grace decided it was time to see the world, and she stole our hearts with all 5 pounds, 13 ounces, and 18 inches of her. Because she was in such a hurry to meet us, she's needed a little boost in the NICU to catch up. We're thankful she's healthy, and that she has such an incredible care team to help her come home soon! <a href="https://www.instagram.com/explore/tags/lucygraces/">#lucygraces</a>Anna Kristinahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11171501742908950021noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11190897.post-29368348216546252202017-03-01T12:00:00.000-05:002017-12-12T12:54:53.715-05:00Christmas in Kansas 2016<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/studio-s/33285356672/in/album-72157678721314106/" title="christmas in kansas 2016"><img alt="christmas in kansas 2016" height="480" src="https://farm1.staticflickr.com/632/33285356672_3f62622a41_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
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This Christmas, both the past and the future were on our minds as we anticipate the arrival of our little one. We started the holidays on the farm with my family, where we spent lots of time reminiscing over old family photos. Nostalgia hit me hard as I realized I've celebrated Christmas at the farmhouse every year of my life, and next Christmas we'll start the tradition with a new generation.<br />
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<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/studio-s/32597898624/in/album-72157678721314106/" title="christmas in kansas 2016"><img alt="christmas in kansas 2016" height="233" src="https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3921/32597898624_10f9d886c0_z.jpg" width="310" /></a> <a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/studio-s/32626840603/in/album-72157678721314106/" title="christmas in kansas 2016"><img alt="christmas in kansas 2016" height="233" src="https://farm3.staticflickr.com/2866/32626840603_1d8865ffdf_z.jpg" width="310" /></a></div>
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It's a place that feels timeless, every inch worn in with memories. Crowding around the kitchen table for barbecued meatballs and scalloped potatoes. Hand washing all the dishes before we were allowed to open presents. Eating countless dinner rolls slathered with Grandma's blueberry rhubarb jam. Leaving a plate of spritz and a glass of milk on the table for Santa. Playing with the same toys, games, and books from Dad and Aunt Coleen's childhood. Now, more than ever, I realize what a touchstone the farm is in my life.<br />
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<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/studio-s/31996266742/in/album-72157678721314106/" title="I'm so thankful for 31 years of Christmas memories on this farm. #merrychristmas #godjul"><img alt="I'm so thankful for 31 years of Christmas memories on this farm. #merrychristmas #godjul" height="640" src="https://farm1.staticflickr.com/455/31996266742_acb76bbd8e_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
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We next headed to Manhattan (<i>with a pit stop at <a href="http://www.nelsonslandingks.com/" target="_blank">Nelson's Landing</a> with Nathan and Sara because you just can't get chicken fried steak like that in Boston</i>) for time with Ian's family, making memories in a new home. Susan and Grandma Marilyn were able to unearth some old photos as well, and we enjoyed a friendly baby-naming competition. No promises on using the winning name, but we heard some great ideas!<br />
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We then took a day to drive to Wichita to see Ian's cousin Alli, her husband Austin, and their two adorable kids. We so often miss the Overmiller side of the family over the holidays, so it was especially good to catch up with them. We also squeezed in a coffee date with our dear friend Megan, and <a href="http://www.piattoict.com/" target="_blank">dinner</a> with Caleb and Kate (<i>we now have a new favorite pizza: pistachios, rosemary, red onion, mozzarella, parm, and olive oil... soooo good</i>).<br />
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We finished up our holiday in Kansas City to enjoy some time together before baby! We stayed at the <a href="http://www.marriott.com/hotels/travel/mciac-ac-hotel-kansas-city-westport" target="_blank">AC Hotel</a> and enjoyed a fancy dinner at the <a href="http://theriegerkc.com/" target="_blank">Reiger Hotel</a>, where Ian has wanted to eat for <i>years</i>. It didn't disappoint! Their bar also came up with some deliciously complex mocktails so I still got to enjoy fancy drinks with dinner. We drove around and reminisced over our mini honeymoon in Kansas City nine years before (and retook our night photo at the <a href="https://nelson-atkins.org/" target="_blank">Nelson-Atkins Museum</a>).<br />
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<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/studio-s/3996041257/in/album-72157622426982993/" title="anna and ian in front of the bloch building"><img alt="anna and ian in front of the bloch building" height="233" src="https://farm3.staticflickr.com/2483/3996041257_a412e1b16a_z.jpg" width="310" /></a> <a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/studio-s/33434229343/in/album-72157678721314106/" title="anniversary in kc"><img alt="anniversary in kc" height="233" src="https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4192/33434229343_28c4cc9c20_z.jpg" width="310" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script></div>
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Next Christmas will be so different in ways we can't even imagine yet. We're savoring our last months as a family of two, but also so excited (<i>and nervous</i>) to welcome a new baby to the family. The grandparents can't wait!Anna Kristinahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11171501742908950021noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11190897.post-5956924890910921392017-02-27T09:00:00.000-05:002017-12-12T13:12:33.060-05:00happy adoption day, Astrid!<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/studio-s/25925181680/in/datetaken/" title="Dear world, meet Astrid! She's short, sweet, and braver every day. My dreams have come true. #astridkitty #ourlittlemanx"><img alt="Dear world, meet Astrid! She's short, sweet, and braver every day. My dreams have come true. #astridkitty #ourlittlemanx" height="640" src="https://c1.staticflickr.com/2/1706/25925181680_21bbc517dc_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
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I've wanted a cat almost as long as I can remember. And someone always said no. First my mom (who got me a cat stuffed animal for my 18th birthday as a joke... Mom, I still love you!), then K-State Housing and Dining Services, then all my landlords. So when we bought the condo, high on our list was finding a cat. We knew we wanted to get settled first, but as soon as we got back from Kansas for Christmas, I started planning when we could visit an animal shelter and combed through hundreds of PetFinder profiles. (Ian firmly told me he wasn't willing to drive more than an hour for a cat, no matter how cute.)<br />
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The last Saturday in February, I mapped out five different animal shelters with adoptions hours that day, and we headed to Medfield to meet <a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/studio-s/27923222892/">one of the cats I shortlisted</a>.<br />
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She was incredibly skittish. She had been left behind in an apartment, alone, when her owners moved out. She hadn't been at the shelter long, and was in a kennel by herself so she'd feel a little safer. But as scared as she was, when we reached out to pet her, her purr roared to life like a jet engine, and they said she didn't have a mean bone in her body. We met all the other cats, but I knew that I couldn't leave her behind.<br />
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With a little help from the staff, we got her into the carrier (after a brief escape behind some furniture), and headed home. We put her into her own little room, per the shelter's recommendation — once she felt safe, we could let her explore more. We named her Astrid.<br />
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The first day, she wouldn't leave the carrier, but leaned into our hands, eyes closed, still terrified, yet purring. She was always in a small corner when we'd go in to check on her, but we could tell she'd been out by the decreasing level of food and the scratch marks in the cardboard scratcher. Day by day, Asteroid got more adventurous.<br />
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We finally left the door open, and she staked claim to the old wooden crates we had found in the basement and brought up to use as side tables, always inside one whenever we were around. Slowly, Aspirin began venturing out in the open while we were home, and we made a startling discovery when we finally saw her not in a curled up ball of fluff. She's probably at least part Manx! Her tail is half as long as you'd expect, if that, and she's built like a race car: her front legs are shorter than her back. And we keep uncovering more personality traits that seem to be associated with manx cats.<br />
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These days, she's at ease around us, more assertive (but still so sweet), loves snuggles, and goes bananas on her favorite toy mice and fuzzy ball. Her favorite nap spots are cozy blankets left on the couch and radiators, but more and more she'll spend the night curled up by our feet (after walking all over our legs — we sometimes call her ol' concrete paws). And just last month, she started letting us sneak in a few belly rubs, although we never know how long it will last before she waltzes away.<br />
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One thing that hasn't changed is that she still loves being loved on, and she is still sweet as ever. We're so thankful for an incredible cat, and can't imagine life without her.<br />
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<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/studio-s/30013988513/in/datetaken/" title="Happy #NationalCatDay to #ourlittlemanx. We love you, Astrid! #astridkitty"><img alt="Happy #NationalCatDay to #ourlittlemanx. We love you, Astrid! #astridkitty" height="640" src="https://c2.staticflickr.com/6/5485/30013988513_db194814fa_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script>Anna Kristinahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11171501742908950021noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11190897.post-51420755105960448432017-02-25T08:00:00.000-05:002018-04-27T10:03:10.566-04:00and the 2017 nominees are...<div style="text-align: center;">
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This is Ian and I's ninth year watching the <a href="http://shorts.tv/" target="_blank">Oscar-nominated animated shorts</a> (our seventh at the <a href="http://www.coolidge.org/" target="_blank">Coolidge</a>). It's hard to believe we've kept the tradition for so long (and next year we'll need a babysitter...), but we look forward to it every year! Our prediction record is now 3 for 6, counting just the years we've seen all the animated shorts.<br />
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<i><a href="http://borrowedtimeshort.com/" target="_blank">Borrowed Time</a></i> — A weathered old lawman returns to the scene of a tragic accident from his past, and faces the event that has haunted him his whole life. This is a heartwrenching story of a father and son, balancing beautifully between past and present, and the animation is flawless (I'm still astounded at the felt hat in the opening moments). This is our pick to take home the Oscar.<br />
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<i><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WqCH4DNQBUA" target="_blank">Pearl</a></i> — This short follows the lives of a musician father and his daughter, exploring the tension between pursuing your dreams and raising a child. A 360 video by Google, the entire story plays out from their old beloved car, and if you watch it with Google Cardboard you're sitting in the car with them.<br />
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<i><a href="http://www.pixar.com/short_films/Theatrical-Shorts/Piper" target="_blank">Piper</a></i> — A young sandpiper must learn to hunt for food along the shoreline. But after a traumatic first encounter with the waves, it takes a mother's tough love and the beach-smarts of two tiny crabs to convince the little piper to brave the ocean again. With stunning animation and Pixar's talented storytelling, this is an incredible short and I wouldn't be surprised at all if it wins.<br />
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<i><a href="https://www.nfb.ca/film/blind_vaysha/" target="_blank">Blind Vaysha</a></i> — Vaysha is born with one eye that can only see the past, and another eye that can only see the future, rendering her blind to the present. The woodblock print animation is definitely unique, but the short was very didactic. How do you choose between remaining stuck in the comforting past or seeing only the terrifying future? While the point may have been to live in the present, I felt very disconnected from the story.<br />
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<i><a href="http://www.pearciderandcigarettes.com/" target="_blank">Pear Cider and Cigarettes</a></i> — Techno Stypes, the director's childhood friend, lives on the edge. After two debilitating accidents, he spirals out of control and winds up stuck in China, waiting for a liver transplant. A tragic story told in the style of a graphic novel, this is an impressive short (and definitely warrants the "not suitable for children" warning). </div>
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<b>Highly Commended Shorts</b><br />
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<i><a href="http://www.papy3d.com/html/en/films/the-head-vanishes" target="_blank">The Head Vanishes/Une tête disparaît</a></i> — A woman takes a day trip to the seaside, blissfully unaware that her mind isn't quite where it should be. This is an entertaining yet poignant story about aging and dementia.<br />
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<i><a href="https://www.facebook.com/AsteriaTheMovie/" target="_blank">Asteria</a></i> — Two astronauts plant their flag in a new planet, only to be challenged by strange beings who arrive with their own flag. The hilarious twist at the end of this short was a fantastic surprise.<br />
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<i><a href="https://vimeo.com/189188279" target="_blank">Once Upon a Line</a></i> — In a two dimensional world, a man's monotonous days are forever changed when he meets a woman. But when the romance fades, he has to wrestle with what he truly wants in life. The line animation and use of color in this short is utterly charming!</div>
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As always, we enjoyed all of the shorts, and highly recommend catching them if you have the opportunity. Have fun watching the Oscars, and may the best films win!<br />
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*update: we predicted <i>Borrowed Time</i>, but <i>Piper</i> took home the Oscar. I'm bummed our batting average is now below .500, but I loved <i>Piper</i> too so I can't say I'm disappointed. The little bird's post-wave face twitch is one of my all-time favorite animated short moments...<br />
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<a href="http://annakristina28.blogspot.com/2009/02/following-oscars.html" target="_blank">2009</a> | <a href="http://annakristina28.blogspot.com/2010/03/disappointed-by-oscars.html" target="_blank">2010</a> | <a href="http://annakristina28.blogspot.com/2011/02/its-awards-season.html" target="_blank">2011</a> | <a href="http://annakristina28.blogspot.com/2012/02/and-nominees-are.html" target="_blank">2012</a> | <a href="http://annakristina28.blogspot.com/2013/02/and-2013-nominees-are.html" target="_blank">2013</a> | <a href="http://annakristina28.blogspot.com/2014/03/and-2014-nominees-are.html">2014</a> | <a href="http://annakristina28.blogspot.com/2015/02/and-2015-nominees-are.html">2015</a> | <a href="http://annakristina28.blogspot.com/2016/02/and-2016-nominees-are.html">2016</a></div>
Anna Kristinahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11171501742908950021noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11190897.post-6209165032977884232017-01-22T18:00:00.000-05:002018-02-09T12:45:09.935-05:00our 2016 Christmas letter<div style="text-align: center;">
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The stockings <i>were</i> hung by the chimney with care, which is a strong indicator that it’s time for Ian and Anna’s annual, awkward, third-person (usually late) Christmas letter! You may be thinking, “hey… I’m getting tired of waiting to read about more than just the two of you.” If so, this is your year: they got a cat! And she’ll get a whole paragraph all to herself! (Your excitement is palpable.)<br />
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2016 was packed full of milestones and life changes.<br />
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After six years of living footloose and car-free, Ian and Anna are now proud owners of a 2009 Honda Fit. They immediately put the car to the test by <a href="http://annakristina28.blogspot.com/2016/03/freezing-in-vermont-with-good-friends.html">vacationing in Vermont</a> on the coldest weekend New England had seen in decades. They spent lots of time around a roaring fire with good friends, and were thankful their new car performed admirably in the 40-below wonderland.<br />
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Anna crossed off a bucket list item by spectating at the <a href="http://annakristina28.blogspot.com/2016/04/worlds-2016-figure-skating-fans-dream.html">world figure skating championships</a>. She still can’t believe she was in the same building with the likes of Javier Fernandez and Mao Asada (and doesn’t understand why they don’t have the same status as the likes of LeBron and MJ). Ian turned 30, and while his actual birthday was spent in a UHaul truck driving from Albany to Cleveland, good friends helped Anna pull off a surprise birthday party the next week to mark the occasion (she’s eternally grateful). An even bigger milestone for Ian was watching the Cubs, his childhood team, win the World Series and end a 108-year championship drought!<br />
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In June, Ian’s parents and grandma exchanged the Atlantic Ocean for the Rocky Mountains with a move to Colorado (hence the birthday UHaul trip). Ian and Anna definitely miss them being a short drive away, but are incredibly thankful for all the <a href="http://annakristina28.blogspot.com/2016/06/a-day-on-marthas-vineyard.html">family</a> <a href="http://annakristina28.blogspot.com/2016/06/memorial-weekend-adventures-around.html">adventures</a> they squeezed in before the move, and for all of the scoops of Katie’s ice cream they shared with Grandma Judy.<br />
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While Ian and Anna still haven’t accomplished all of the house projects that were on their before-move-in-day checklist yet (#newhomeowneroptimism), they have made great progress. If only the bathroom would renovate itself. And their biggest dream of homeownership came true (or at least Anna’s): they adopted a cat! (They actually adopted two pets this year, if you count Anna’s sourdough starter, but what’s to be said about a microorganism colony that lives in the fridge? This is also why Butter and Jelly, their 11-year-old African water frogs, don’t make Christmas letter appearances.) When they met Astrid at the animal shelter, she was <strike>terrified</strike> skittish, but purred like crazy when they petted her. They saw other cats that day, but couldn’t leave without Astrid. It took time, but she’s now completely settled in and loves her new home (and she’s best friends with the dining room set). Ian and Anna can’t imagine life without their little Manx.<br />
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Even bigger, the Jurey family grew by two whole people in 2016! Anna is so excited to officially have two (incredible) sisters! On April 30, they celebrated <a href="http://annakristina28.blogspot.com/2016/05/s-plus-n-or-day-anna-got-her-first.html">Nathan and Sara’s wedding in Kansas City</a>, and on October 1, they celebrated <a href="http://annakristina28.blogspot.com/2016/10/thejureyisin-or-day-anna-got-her-second.html">Caleb and Kate’s wedding in Manhattan</a>. Ian and Anna are also looking forward to Ren and Emily’s wedding in July!<br />
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Ian and Anna are so thankful to once again spend Christmas with so many family and friends, and hope your holiday season was just as wonderful!<br />
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P.S. Ian and Anna are having a baby in May! And yes, they found out: it’s definitely a human. (And healthy so far! Everything else will be a surprise!)<br />
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Want more? Read past Christmas letters here. <a href="http://annakristina28.blogspot.com/2016/02/our-2015-christmas-letter.html">2015</a> | <a href="http://annakristina28.blogspot.com/2014/12/our-2014-christmas-letter.html">2014</a> | <a href="http://annakristina28.blogspot.com/2013/12/our-2013-christmas-letter.html">2013</a> | <a href="http://annakristina28.blogspot.com/2012/12/our-2012-christmas-letter.html">2012</a> | <a href="http://annakristina28.blogspot.com/2012/01/our-2011-christmas-letter.html">2011</a> | <a href="http://annakristina28.blogspot.com/2009/12/our-2009-christmas-letter.html">2009</a> | <a href="http://annakristina28.blogspot.com/2008/12/our-2008-christmas-letter.html">2008</a>Anna Kristinahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11171501742908950021noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11190897.post-18288259716376570182017-01-01T10:00:00.000-05:002017-01-23T16:29:35.411-05:00thankful list | December 2016<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/studio-s/31996266372/in/datetaken/" title="It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas... 🎄#christmastime #russostreesarethebest"><img alt="It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas... 🎄#christmastime #russostreesarethebest" height="640" src="https://c5.staticflickr.com/1/567/31996266372_06944cc59d_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
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<script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script>01. our new holiday-scented candles (<a href="https://candelles.com/collections/holiday/products/blue-spruce-24oz-soy-wax-candle?variant=993039504">Candelles' Blue Spruce</a> is the BEST tree scent!).<br />
02. Hulu, for getting me through a sick day.<br />
03. Astrid, for staying close.<br />
04. Ian, for taking care of me.<br />
05. amazing homemade lasagna and great conversation with our upstairs neighbors.<br />
06. our <a href="http://reunionboston.com/">REUNION</a> family.<br />
07. a road trip, because it's been too long.<br />
08. Christmas music.<br />
09. <i>The Nutcracker</i> (and seeing my coworker rock as a professional bassoonist).<br />
10. bananas.<br />
11. an evening volunteering at <a href="http://www.perkins.org/">Perkins</a>.<br />
12. pizza afterward with our community group.<br />
13. Kelly, for her generous loan of maternity clothes.<br />
14. Ali, for helping knock out a big crazy project at work.<br />
15. a Skype call with our Dominican friends.<br />
16. a burger and fries at <a href="http://www.tastyburger.com/">Tasty Burger</a>.<br />
17. yoga.<br />
18. a kick.<br />
19. lunch at Chick-fil-A.<br />
20. a trip to the Kohler Signature Store to help us make decisions on our bathroom reno.<br />
21. Sundays at <a href="http://reunionboston.com/">REUNION</a>.<br />
22. <a href="http://www.cuttyfoods.com/super-cluckin-sunday/">Super Cluckin' Sundays</a>, which never disappoint.<br />
23. <a href="https://shopfollain.com/products/soapwalla-pregnant-belly-oil">Soapwalla pregnant belly oil</a>, and Follain for carrying it.<br />
24. a fun office holiday party.<br />
25. a glimpse of our baby via the magic of ultrasound. #itsreallyhappening<br />
26. date night at <a href="http://www.stellinarestaurant.com/">Stellina</a>.<br />
27. our amazing support network.<br />
28. <a href="https://www.shakeshack.com/">Shake Shack</a> fries after getting my brows did (because fried potatoes taste SO GOOD right now).<br />
29. a great DR partnership visioning meeting.<br />
30. a slumber party<br />
31. bumping into a good friend when I was down about the snow ruining my plan for the day.<br />
32. our Christmas gift exchange.<br />
33. Ian's deep thoughtfulness in getting me a Kindle.<br />
34. <a href="http://www.sweetcheeksq.com/">Sweet Cheeks</a> biscuits with honey butter, to go.<br />
35. a neighborhood Christmas party.<br />
36. an extra-fun office holiday party with the site group.<br />
37. talking copyediting at the office.<br />
38. a cooperative baby + a clean bill of health at ultrasound take two (with lots more images!).<br />
39. a good dentist appointment (and getting to share our news with the dentist office!).<br />
40. a quick and easy flight to Kansas City (despite the pain of the early hour).<br />
41. an incredible coffee cake muffin at <a href="http://www.secondbestcoffee.com/">Second Best</a>.<br />
42. laughs over <a href="https://www.raygunsite.com/products/the-midwest-gods-gift-to-planet-earth-book">a great book</a>.<br />
43. some time to rest and relax at Nathan and Sara's place.<br />
44. knocking out some Christmas errands in Manhattan.<br />
45. great quality time with family on the farm.<br />
46. Grandma's potato sausage, dinner rolls, spritz, and strawberry rhubarb pie.<br />
47. not having to drive all the way to Dodge City.<br />
48. chicken fried steak at <a href="http://www.nelsonslandingks.com/">Nelson's Landing</a> (with Nathan and Sara!).<br />
49. catching up with Jordan, Brittany, and Grace over hot beverages (it's been too long).<br />
50. hanging out with Ian's family.<br />
51. catching up with Britni, my oldest friend, who also happens to be pregnant right now.<br />
52. seeing Ren and Emily (even if it was just for a hot minute).<br />
53. catching a movie with Aunt Susan.<br />
54. <a href="https://www.facebook.com/varsitydonuts/">Varsity Donuts</a>.<br />
55. getting to see Alli, Austin, and the kids.<br />
56. coffee with Megan.<br />
57. <a href="http://www.piattoict.com/">dinner</a> and dessert with Caleb and Kate.<br />
58. Nathan and Sara being gracious about our late night arrival.<br />
59. seeing Karen, Jeremy, and Emma, and talking babies + parenting.<br />
60. <a href="http://www.marriott.com/hotels/travel/mciac-ac-hotel-kansas-city-westport/">a really cool hotel</a> for our anniversary weekend. #lastonebeforeweneedababysitter<br />
61. <a href="https://q39kc.com/">dinner</a> with Vern and Mark.<br />
62. catching up on <i><a href="http://abc.go.com/shows/the-great-american-baking-show">The Great American Baking Show</a></i>.<br />
63. <a href="http://happygillis.com/">a gem of a breakfast joint</a> to kick off our anniversary right.<br />
64. an afternoon at the <a href="http://www.nelson-atkins.org/">Nelson-Atkins</a> (ask us about the toddler who ran into the glass maze wall).<br />
65. an all-out anniversary dinner at the <a href="http://theriegerkc.com/">Rieger</a>.<br />
66. the bartender at the <a href="http://theriegerkc.com/">Rieger</a>, who mixed up some incredible mocktails.<br />
67. Ian, always, but especially for living with my crazy.<br />
68. nine years of marriage—I wouldn't trade a minute of it.Anna Kristinahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11171501742908950021noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11190897.post-79992539004820117482016-12-01T10:00:00.000-05:002016-12-01T14:10:07.731-05:00thankful list | November 2016<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/studio-s/30673513581/in/album-72157674695145561/" title="So tired. So happy. #gocubsgo #flytheW #partylikeits1908 #marriedintoit"><img alt="So tired. So happy. #gocubsgo #flytheW #partylikeits1908 #marriedintoit" height="640" src="https://c6.staticflickr.com/6/5698/30673513581_5170afb78d_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
<br />
<script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script>01. a good discussion at my reflection and planning meeting (i.e. semi-annual review at work).<br />
02. an amazing community group.<br />
03. turning on the Cubs game in the 5th inning to see them leading in Game 6.<br />
04. wearing my Cubs hat at work.<br />
05. an epic Game 7.<br />
06. the improvement in my baseball comprehension, which made the game even more fun/stressful.<br />
07. a broken curse and a Cubs win. #partylikeits1908<br />
08. my Cubs hat, the wearing of which undoubtedly lead to the win. #itsonlycrazyifitdoesntwork<br />
09. hearing Ian's Wrigley/Cubs memories from growing up.<br />
10. an early bedtime after all that late-night game watching.<br />
11. <a href="http://wgntv.com/2016/11/03/the-cubs-are-no-1-harry-caray-calls-final-world-series-out-in-emotional-video/">Harry Caray calling the final out in game 7 thanks to the magic of technology (Ian cried)</a>.<br />
12. a slow Friday at the office.<br />
13. an office pizza party.<br />
14. REUNION's first ever marriage retreat, which was amazing!<br />
15. homemade cast-iron skillet pizza.<br />
16. a great message at <a href="http://reunionboston.com/">REUNION</a>.<br />
17. not missing <a href="http://www.cuttyfoods.com/super-cluckin-sunday/">Super Cluckin' Sunday</a> sandwiches (the <a href="http://www.improper.com/food-drink/count-these-chickens/4/" style="font-style: italic;">Improper Bostonian</a> made the line long this month).<br />
18. an afternoon of lounging and reading, because we needed it.<br />
19. a copyediting opportunity at work.<br />
20. our community group, because we really needed each other Tuesday night.<br />
21. friendships at work.<br />
22. <a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/BMlwT3XjVLL/?taken-by=bebrave_bekind">a reminder from a friend</a> that I can still work to bring God's love and hope here, now.<br />
23. a much needed date night to talk through the last 24 hours and what it means for us.<br />
24. a night babysitting three of our favorite little people.<br />
25. a night of <a href="http://explodingkittens.com/">Exploding Kittens</a> with one of my favorite neighbors (thanks, Erin!).<br />
26. after lots of hard work, a cleaned up yard.<br />
27. a great day at <a href="http://reunionboston.com/">REUNION</a>, with the message I needed to hear.<br />
28. time with friends.<br />
29. Ian, especially for being so good at food.<br />
30. successfully making <a href="http://annakristina28.blogspot.com/2013/04/great-grandma-michelsons-never-fail.html">Grandma's dinner rolls</a>.<br />
31. discussing, with our community group, what it means to be a good neighbor.<br />
32. the annual <a href="http://www.sasaki.com/blog/view/860/">Sasaki Thanksgiving potluck</a>.<br />
33. <a href="http://www.cuttyfoods.com/">Cutty's</a> for breakfast.<br />
34. a good appointment.<br />
35. a good copyediting challenge at work.<br />
36. a DR partnership summit/slumber party with good friends.<br />
37. birthday brunch to celebrate our dear friend Emily.<br />
38. seeing her reaction when Brett said they were spending the rest of the weekend in Puerto Rico.<br />
39. a lazy Sunday.<br />
40. a big pile of firewood to get us through the winter (thanks, Ian, for stacking!).<br />
41. finally getting back to yoga.<br />
42. starting the extra long weekend just a little early.<br />
43. a night of dreaming about our next home projects.<br />
44. Ian elevating pasta, red sauce, and ground beef.<br />
45. a few new <a href="https://www.pinterest.com/annakristina28/make-a-home-our-christmas/">Christmas things</a>, including two new stockings. #Astridneedsone #planningahead<br />
46. an amazing Friendsgiving.<br />
47. chatting bathroom renovation with the Foxes, who are professional DIYers.<br />
48. decorating for Christmas.<br />
49. <i>Elf</i>.<br />
50. a beautiful Christmas tree (from <a href="http://russos.com/">Russo's</a>!).<br />
51. <a href="http://annakristina28.blogspot.com/2016/11/were-thankful-for-lot-this-year.html">our official announcement</a> (special thanks to Sara for being our photographer!).<br />
52. a visit from the Nichols.<br />
53. a husband who takes care of me when I'm under the weather.<br />
54. brunch with an old friend, and meeting a new one.<br />
55. Nutella Fluff ice cream at <a href="http://www.tosci.com/">Toscanini's</a>.<br />
56. a Home Depot trip to look at tile for the bathroom (thanks, Foxes!).<br />
57. <i>Lord of the Rings</i> (the extended version, obvi #nerdalert).<br />
58. a good day at the office.<br />
59. catching up on bookkeeping.<br />
60. progress on bathroom renovation plans: Ian is in his element.<br />
61. that mac and cheese that Ian made.<br />
62. countless congratulations and well wishes.<br />
63. a surprise gift basket at the office (I have the <i>best </i>bosses).<br />
64. Dr. Seuss.Anna Kristinahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11171501742908950021noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11190897.post-6420273281584472702016-11-25T21:00:00.000-05:002016-11-28T15:18:35.030-05:00We're thankful for a lot this year...<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/studio-s/31128018601/in/datetaken/" title="We're thankful for a lot this year, but especially our newest pair of (tiny) @toms shoes. #may2017"><img alt="We're thankful for a lot this year, but especially our newest pair of (tiny) @toms shoes. #may2017" height="640" src="https://c2.staticflickr.com/6/5579/31128018601_27617af6c5_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script><br />
<br />
...but especially our newest pair of (tiny) TOMS shoes. #may2017Anna Kristinahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11171501742908950021noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11190897.post-1527515077412690612016-11-01T12:44:00.000-04:002016-11-24T08:15:20.167-05:00thankful list | October 2016<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/studio-s/29681387234/in/album-72157672502031554/" title="A successful @sasakidesign brand launch celebrated with an incredible party. Thanks to everyone who helped us make it so! (PS I love you @meimeiboston!)"><img alt="A successful @sasakidesign brand launch celebrated with an incredible party. Thanks to everyone who helped us make it so! (PS I love you @meimeiboston!)" height="640" src="https://c3.staticflickr.com/6/5816/29681387234_f31d7d6c1f_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
<br />
01. breakfast with Ian's family.<br />
02. <a href="https://www.facebook.com/varsitydonuts/">Varsity Donuts</a>. #donutsmakepeoplehappy<br />
03. <a href="http://bluestembistro.com/">Bluestem Bistro</a>.<br />
04. errands in Aggieville.<br />
05. bumping into Phil and Ashley at <a href="https://www.facebook.com/acmegift/">ACME</a>.<br />
06. a fun and beautiful wedding. #thejureyisin<br />
07. another incredible sister-in-law. I finally have sisters, plural. #mindblown<br />
08. family time.<br />
09. sibling selfies.<br />
10. brunch to send off the happy couple.<br />
11. catching the <a href="http://www.uccmanhattan.net/">UCC</a> ONE service at City Park.<br />
12. a fun crazy family lunch.<br />
13. dinner with my oldest friend and her amazing family... it's been too long.<br />
14. catching up with Grandma Marilyn and Susan.<br />
15. a stroll around campus.<br />
16. running into Willie the Wildcat.<br />
17. Nathan and Sara for driving us back to the airport.<br />
18. our community group.<br />
19. leadership community and vision-casting for the future of our church.<br />
20. brunch at <a href="http://www.doradotacos.com/">Dorado</a> with the Kurlbaums.<br />
21. catching Grey's soccer game.<br />
22. apple cider donuts and pumpkin shopping with the Kurlbaums.<br />
23. a long but successful morning handing out new brand swag.<br />
24. after months of planning, and a crazy day of prep, a successful brand launch party.<br />
25. <a href="http://www.meimeiboston.com/">Mei Mei</a>. heart eyes forever. #scallionpancakes<br />
26. the dinosaur that showed up to dance.<br />
27. IKEA meatballs.<br />
28. a really, really good day.<br />
29. a <a href="http://www.stellinarestaurant.com/">Stellina</a> date thanks to a gift card.<br />
30. a <a href="http://www.tosci.com/">Toscanini's</a> run.<br />
31. watching the Pats game with friends.<br />
32. discovering the <a href="https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/elanlee/bears-vs-babies-a-card-game">Bears vs. Babies</a> game on Kickstarter.<br />
33. an amazing mother-in-law. (happy birthday, Micki!)<br />
34. progress on our bedroom (another door painted! the last 10% of a project is hard...).<br />
35. seeing a recap of the Sasaki fashion show entry.<br />
36. a rainy day date night at <a href="https://www.shakeshack.com/">Shake Shack</a>.<br />
37. Ian for knocking out yard work and planting things with hopes of a more beautiful spring.<br />
38. clean windows.<br />
39. <a href="http://www.orinocokitchen.com/">Orinoco</a> with some of my favorite ladies.<br />
40. catching up with the Drs. Hu.<br />
41. a Halloween party, costumes not required.<br />
42. the cute (tiny) costumes that did show up.Anna Kristinahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11171501742908950021noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11190897.post-54419914700564258172016-10-15T21:22:00.000-04:002016-11-24T00:21:01.269-05:00#thejureyisin, or, the day Anna got her second sister<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/studio-s/30045220476/in/album-72157674695137211/" title="My biggest little brother got married yesterday, and I now have another amazing sister! @katejustmaybe, welcome to the family! #jureyduty"><img alt="My biggest little brother got married yesterday, and I now have another amazing sister! @katejustmaybe, welcome to the family! #jureyduty" height="640" src="https://c5.staticflickr.com/6/5723/30045220476_dea7a93797_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
<br />
Caleb and Kate haven't been a thing as long as Nathan and Sara, but I think they've known each other longer. Their story involves unrequited high school love and bad timing, which just turned out to be God making sure that when they finally took a chance on a relationship, it would really work. I was so excited when Caleb told me he proposed, and we wouldn't have missed celebrating their wedding with them for anything!<br />
<br />
We got into KC Thursday evening and stayed with Nathan and Sara for the night (they took advantage of this time to make us start watching <i><a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt4574334/">Stranger Thing</a></i>s). The next morning, we headed to Manhattan, arriving with enough time to sneak in a bite to eat and a pit stop at <a href="http://djeweler.com/">Danenburg Jewelers</a> for a ring cleaning before ending up at Houston Street Ballroom to help decorate for the reception (yes, the same venue where Ian and I had our wedding reception, and we definitely reminisced). Caleb and Kate had a vision, but they kept everything super chill, which was fantastic for all of us enlisted to help make it happen. We finished up with plenty of time to decorate the church before the rehearsal. We were pleasantly surprised to find our our friends Ben and Storm were providing the ceremony music, and had lots of fun catching up!<br />
<br />
After the rehearsal, we headed to the Jardine complex (where Ian and I lived his last year of school, more memories), to the student-run restaurant that was hosting the rehearsal dinner. (This was followed by more episodes of <i>Stranger Things</i> at the hotel.)<br />
<br />
The day of the wedding, we got up early, picked up breakfast at <a href="https://www.facebook.com/varsitydonuts/">Varsity Donuts</a>, and spent some time with Grandma Marilyn, Susan, and Dane and Micki (who were in town for the wedding). We're so thankful we were able to squeeze in some time with the Scherling family too!<br />
<br />
After running some errands, we got ready and headed to the church. The wedding was beautiful and so personal! After family photos, we stopped at Chick-fil-a for a quick bite, and then headed to the reception. <a href="http://www.arrowcoffeecompany.com/">Arrow Coffee</a> catered the desserts and drinks, and wow, was that food good! We had so much fun hanging out, dancing, and generally being silly (see selfies below). All in all it was an incredible evening, and my amazing sister count is up to two! CRAZY!<br />
<br />
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<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/studio-s/31168244605/in/album-72157674695137211/" title="#thejureyisin"><img alt="#thejureyisin" height="480" src="https://c6.staticflickr.com/6/5641/31168244605_36eae462c7_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
<br />
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<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/studio-s/31168244735/in/album-72157674695137211/" title="#thejureyisin"><img alt="#thejureyisin" height="480" src="https://c8.staticflickr.com/6/5457/31168244735_b6dde0bb56_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script><br />
<br />
<i>Sidenote: I realized too late that I took a grand total of seven photos. Caleb, I'm sorry that my sibling wedding photography mirrors the trajectory of what Mom did with our high school graduation floral arrangements. I love you. Promise.</i><br />
<br />
Sunday, Caleb and Kate hosted a quick brunch and then headed off to Austin for their honeymoon!<br />
<br />
We stuck around Manhattan for another day, spending more time with family, catching up with old friends (Britni, Joe, Spencer, so good to see you!), and lecturing at K-State... okay, the last one was just Ian. He's kind of a big deal. #soproud<br />
<br />
Before we knew it, we were on our way back to Kansas City, and Nathan and Sara were driving us to the airport (after sharing their Netflix info so we could actually watch the last episode of <i>Stranger Things</i>... it's only fair since it's their fault we were addicted).<br />
<br />
Caleb and Kate, we're so glad you found each other. Kate, welcome to the family! We love you both!Anna Kristinahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11171501742908950021noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11190897.post-71040824577312853842016-10-01T12:43:00.000-04:002016-11-23T22:56:28.993-05:00thankful list | September 2016<div style="text-align: center;">
<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/studio-s/29899067565/in/album-72157676137458815/" title="Low tide. The gulls are out and so is @scherling200. #sandyneck #shellfishing #capecod"><img alt="Low tide. The gulls are out and so is @scherling200. #sandyneck #shellfishing #capecod" height="640" src="https://c6.staticflickr.com/9/8507/29899067565_93b5826645_z.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
01. a night to veg in front of the TV.<br />
02. Astrid's belly.<br />
03. lunch from <a href="http://www.mymeatspot.com/">Meat Spot</a>.<br />
04. friends to watch the K-State game with (and commiserate with about the loss).<br />
05. seeing a low-flying helicopter for the crazy story it makes (training? movie filming?).<br />
06. a beautiful wedding. #doubletheprice (Congrats, Magen and Jonathan!)<br />
07. a fun night with some of our best friends.<br />
08. Astrid sleeping at the foot of our bed again.<br />
09. a message at church that was exactly what I needed to hear.<br />
10. a brunch date at <a href="http://www.aquitaineboston.com/">Aquitaine</a>.<br />
11. knocking our errands and feeling prepared for the week. (woot meal planning!)<br />
12. a new planter in the bathroom.<br />
13. exploring one of Ian's project sites.<br />
14. rediscovering our book of NY Times crossword puzzles.<br />
15. bacon-silog.<br />
16. Ian, for getting the rice to "crispin up."<br />
17. Astrid's paw dangling while she naps on the radiator.<br />
18. getting started on plaster repair in the bedroom<br />
19. a kitchen restyle that feels like a new kitchen (with way more countertop space).<br />
20. homemade bread.<br />
21. Ian's amazing cooking skills (and that incredible cobb salad).<br />
22. a quiet evening to relax and catch up.<br />
23. an official office visit to <a href="http://russos.com/">Russo's</a> (for party planning purposes).<br />
24. Super Cluckin' Sunday with friends we don't get to hang out with very often.<br />
25. good news<br />
26. finding a good new brow stylist (after my previous one moved).<br />
27. ice cream at the office.<br />
28. an office book swap.<br />
29. a project to keep me busy while Ian is away: painting our bedroom.<br />
30. the promise of a can of paint.<br />
31. the <i><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Chronicles-Narnia-Collectors-Radio-Theatre/dp/1624053661">Chronicles of Narnia Radio Theatre</a></i> and the <i><a href="http://www.younghouselove.com/category/podcast/">YHL Has a Podcast</a></i> to keep me company.<br />
32. dinner with friends.<br />
33. a night watching high school football. ahhhh, memories.<br />
34. a freshly painted bedroom. (so good I almost forgot how hard it was painting solo. almost.)<br />
35. relaxing after a job well done.<br />
36. Ian getting home in time to partake in the relaxing.<br />
37. a new <a href="http://www.llbean.com/llb/shop/44654?feat=4094-GN3&page=280-thread-count-pima-cotton-percale-sheet-comforter-cover">L.L. Bean comforter cover</a>.<br />
38. a community group hangout night.<br />
39. drinks to celebrate Danielle's new tattoo.<br />
40. babysitting Rowan.<br />
41. discovering <a href="http://www.fiorellasexpress.com/">Fiorella's Express</a> (#dangerous).<br />
42. a morning on the Cape.<br />
43. <i><a href="http://www.readingmytealeaves.com/p/simple-matters.html">Simple Matters</a></i>.<br />
44. a neighborhood block party.<br />
45. meeting a friend's new baby.<br />
45. <a href="http://reunionboston.com/">REUNION's</a> annual Viva La Picnic.<br />
46. a productive DR partnership discussion.<br />
47. a good farewell lunch for an awesome coworker who's starting a new adventure.<br />
48. Astrid sending us off to Kansas by snuggling on the bed.<br />
49. a good flight to Kansas City.<br />
50. pizza and ice cream with Nathan and Sara.<br />
51. lunch at <a href="http://www.bourbonandbakermanhattan.com/">Bourbon and Baker</a> before diving into wedding reception decorating.<br />
52. a surprise wedding gift from our jewelry store to pass along to the happy couple.<br />
53. Caleb and Kate being so chill about wedding decorating.<br />
54. a good rehearsal.<br />
55. seeing our good friends Ben and Storm.<br />
56. a delicious rehearsal dinner and good time with family.Anna Kristinahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11171501742908950021noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11190897.post-22844757900049468012016-09-01T21:18:00.000-04:002016-11-23T23:30:30.640-05:00thankful list | August 2016<div style="text-align: center;">
<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/studio-s/29242247121/in/album-72157669950902644/" title="Fenway is my happy place. #gosox #IloveyouPapi #bostonsummer"><img alt="Fenway is my happy place. #gosox #IloveyouPapi #bostonsummer" height="640" src="https://c2.staticflickr.com/9/8210/29242247121_730f82a572_z.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
01. a fantastic <a href="http://russos.com/">grocery store</a>.<br />
02. a quiet night at home to catch up on life.<br />
03. the DR team making it home safely.<br />
04. safety for our friends in a serious car accident (they walked away unscathed).<br />
05. party planning at the office.<br />
06. the annual office summer barbecue.<br />
07. an evening chatting service trips over dinner with a couple coworkers.<br />
08. a quiet day at the office to catch up on work.<br />
09. falling asleep to the Olympics.<br />
10. the weekend.<br />
11. a morning on the Cape (Ian shellfishing, me reading).<br />
12. the beach.<br />
13. lunch at <a href="https://www.paindavignon.com/">Pain D'Avignon</a>.<br />
14. <a href="http://katiesicecreamcapecod.com/">Katie's ice cream</a> (although we were sorely missing Grandma Judy).<br />
15. progress in planning our front yard project.<br />
16. breakfast with friends to hear DR stories.<br />
17. <a href="http://reunionboston.com/">REUNION</a>.<br />
18. <a href="http://www.cuttyfoods.com/super-cluckin-sunday/">Super Cluckin' Sunday</a> with friends I've missed!<br />
19. solid progress on a couple work projects.<br />
20. a night to catch up around the house.<br />
21. old friends who are now officially new neighbors.<br />
22. assembling a mini style guide at the office (copyediting nerd alert).<br />
23. decluttering.<br />
24. tomatoes in our garden.<br />
25. seeing Stu (<a href="http://tclf.org/pioneer/stuart-dawson">he's famous</a> but always makes you feel like the most important person in the room).<br />
26. a good debrief and next steps planning with our fearless DR partnership co-leaders.<br />
27. catching up around the house.<br />
28. babysitting Annie.<br />
29. a good day at <a href="http://reunionboston.com/">REUNION</a>, with a good message about worry.<br />
30. a long Sunday afternoon nap.<br />
31. tacos and deep conversation with Sara.<br />
32. central air (thanks, Sara!).<br />
33. watching the <i>Great British Baking Show</i> finale at the office.<br />
34. despite it not looking pretty, my chocolate loaf cake tasting delicious.<br />
35. after running around the city looking for a side table, finding a good solution for the living room.<br />
36. babysitting for three of our favorite littles.<br />
37. knocking out errands.<br />
38. a walk around Fresh Pond with Ryan and the Girlbaums.<br />
39. a breakfast date at <a href="http://www.sofrabakery.com/">Sofra</a>.<br />
40. cooking lobsters (and crab cakes) with Nate.<br />
41. K-State Day at Fenway.<br />
42. good dinner and conversation with a fabulous coworker.<br />
43. an evening painting party to help our friends get ready to move in a few blocks away.<br />
44. living so close to so many good friends.<br />
45. discovering an incredible <a href="http://www.bonappetit.com/test-kitchen/how-to/article/pan-pizza-video">cast-iron skillet pizza recipe</a> (thanks, Bomin!).Anna Kristinahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11171501742908950021noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11190897.post-26613525191740270672016-08-14T11:06:00.000-04:002019-04-26T16:26:14.548-04:00we bought a house.<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/studio-s/13611661213/in/album-72157643315831315/" title="Balloons, because I'm happy. Clap along... #pharrell #yourewelcome"><img alt="Balloons, because I'm happy. Clap along... #pharrell #yourewelcome" height="640" src="https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5318/13611661213_68ebc20232_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
<br />
Our home buying story is later than I meant it to be (#storyofmylife) but it feels appropriate to share it exactly one year after closing on our first home.<br />
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Last spring, <a href="http://annakristina28.blogspot.com/2015/11/color-us-rad-snowpocalypse-homebuyer.html">thanks to a rescheduled 5K</a>, we checked out a few open houses to see what types of homes were in our target budget. We were happily surprised to discover that after years of aggressively saving, we were finally in a position to begin our hunt in earnest.<br />
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We connected with an amazing realtor, Danny, through our church, and he chatted with us about the process, essentially giving us a one-on-one home buying class. We then met with his recommended mortgage broker to run the numbers, and started looking at listings.<br />
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The first Saturday in June, we went with Danny to look at a few different homes. It felt like a great kickoff to our search, helping us get on the same page with Danny in terms of what we wanted. We also continued to scan through more MLS listings from Danny, and I noticed a one that looked promising, with an open house the next day. Danny wasn't available but encouraged us to take a look. After church, we dragged one of our architect friends along for an additional perspective, and we were pleasantly surprised at what we found. With tired paint, cosmetic plaster cracks, and an aging bathroom, it didn't show well. But the bones were good, and we knew it could be a great blank slate for us to make our own.<br />
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We went back on Monday with Danny, and decided to make an offer for a little under asking. We wrote a letter sharing our hopes for our future in the home, and got all our paperwork together in despite a hectic day and a quick turnaround. And then we waited.<br />
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Tuesday, we found out there was one other offer, and the seller was asking if we wanted to increase ours. I still distinctly remember sitting in our office library, overlooking the river, discussing what we should do. We went up to asking, and by the end of the day the seller accepted our offer. We were shocked and elated. We assumed, given the Boston market, we would have to go through this process multiple times before we would get this far.<br />
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Our home inspection didn't raise any red flags, and so we moved on to finalizing the mortgage documents. Since we stuck to our budget, our only concern was the appraisal. Thankfully that went even better than we had hoped, and we cleared our final hurdle.<br />
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On Friday, August 14, 2015, we headed to our attorney's office in Charlestown for closing. We signed a massive amount of paperwork and had the opportunity to meet the seller, who attended in person (in Massachusetts it's apparently very common for sellers to leave closing to their attorneys). After everything was in order, we headed to <a href="https://www.cuttyfoods.com/" target="_blank">Cutty's</a> for a celebratory lunch with a couple of our dearest Brookline friends as we waited for the call letting us know the title went through. By the end of the day, we were officially home owners!<br />
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We had two weeks overlap with our apartment lease, and we had grand aspirations to have every single space painted before we moved in. We only made it as far as the living room, but that didn't deter our dreaming.<br />
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By the end of the month, we had successfully transported all our worldly belongings to our new home (thanks to Zipcars, a couple Zipvans, and help from amazing friends). <a href="https://annakristina28.blogspot.com/2015/08/ill-love-you-forever-brookline.html" target="_blank">It was a bittersweet goodbye.</a> Our apartment had been home for almost six years, and we loved our location and our community. But we were excited to grow our roots in our new neighborhood (and cut our commute down to practically nothing).<br />
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One year in, and we love it. We've put in countless hours making this place ours. While it's a work in progress, we're enjoying the process. And we know how lucky we are to have so many friends who we can also call neighbors. The time we have to invest in those relationships is priceless. We do miss being around the corner from all our Brookline friends and favorite spots, but we always have a great excuse to head back across the river for a visit. And we're so excited to see what the coming years have in store for our happy little home.Anna Kristinahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11171501742908950021noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11190897.post-73340235119565083672016-08-01T16:52:00.000-04:002016-11-22T22:27:52.300-05:00thankful list | July 2016<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/studio-s/28011783086/in/datetaken/" title="Boston, you are lights out for my birthday, and I thank you. (And @mutemath, you are the perfect soundtrack.) #bostonsummer"><img alt="Boston, you are lights out for my birthday, and I thank you. (And @mutemath, you are the perfect soundtrack.) #bostonsummer" height="640" src="https://c7.staticflickr.com/8/7357/28011783086_aac7511dc8_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script><br />
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01. a quiet day in the office, heading into a long weekend.<br />
02. brownie chips for my birthday breakfast (thanks, Oaks!).<br />
03. Ian's birthday gift: <a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/studio-s/27515782563/in/album-72157673046240956/">a 3D printed planter he made himself</a> and a pencil cactus.<br />
04. lunch at <a href="http://www.roxysgrilledcheese.com/">Roxy's</a>.<br />
05. an afternoon full of my favorite stores (<a href="http://www.nicheboston.com/">Niche</a>! <a href="https://www.davidstea.com/">David's Tea</a>!)<br />
06. a drive along the Charles River with the windows down and <a href="http://www.mutemath.com/">Mutemath</a> blasting.<br />
07. ice cream at <a href="http://www.tosci.com/">Toscanini's</a>.<br />
08. an evening at the Middle East to watch <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZjE8ur8Ef28&t=2s">our friend compete at air guitar</a>.<br />
09. a great morning at <a href="http://reunionboston.com/">REUNION</a>.<br />
10. time to prep for our birthday slash Independence Day party without too much stress.<br />
11. time with so many people we love dearly.<br />
12. Ian's new grill, for cooking up great burgers.<br />
13. watching fireworks in Waltham (we were so close, I had firework bits in my hair).<br />
14. getting home in time to watch the Boston fireworks on TV.<br />
15. heading back to Brookline to celebrate a friend's birthday.<br />
16. snacks from <a href="http://www.sofrabakery.com/">Sofra</a>.<br />
17. a great DR teambuilding meeting.<br />
18. <a href="https://shopfollain.com/">Follain</a>.<br />
19. <a href="http://reunionboston.com/">REUNION</a>'s Live It Out event (we spent the morning working along the Charles River).<br />
20. the Live It Out afterparty picnic.<br />
21. hors d'oeuvres at <a href="http://www.branchlinearsenal.com/">Branch Line</a>.<br />
22. Astrid's cuteness.<br />
23. a fancified laundry area, thanks to a new rug and trash can.<br />
24. lunch after church with a good friend.<br />
25. an evening hanging out with our community group.<br />
26. construction signs for the new office chicken coop.<br />
27. outdoor movie night at the office.<br />
28. dinner with the Drs. Hu (who we don't see as often as we'd like).<br />
29. <a href="https://www.shakeshack.com/">Shake Shack</a> and successful errands.<br />
30. a DR team sendoff at <a href="http://reunionboston.com/">REUNION</a>.<br />
31. brunch with a new friend.<br />
32. ice cream.<br />
33. a beautiful evening walk through Christian Science Center.<br />
34. a successful DR trip packing party.<br />
35. ending up with all the trip supplies despite a few snafus.<br />
36. dinner by the water with our new friend.<br />
37. seeing the DR team off at the airport (we did it!).<br />
38. a much needed date night at our beloved <a href="http://www.orinocokitchen.com/">Orinoco</a>.<br />
39. a friend's birthday party at <a href="http://www.sweetcheeksq.com/">Sweet Cheeks</a>.<br />
40. those biscuits.<br />
41. old friends moving in down the street.<br />
42. after a fiasco with a clothing purchase, getting everything sorted out.<br />
43. Ian, always.Anna Kristinahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11171501742908950021noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11190897.post-75892022919007239402016-07-01T12:00:00.000-04:002016-11-22T21:12:38.142-05:00thankful list | June 2016<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/studio-s/27604156705/in/datetaken/" title="Hey there pretty lady. #bestillmyheart #nofilter #roseshaylorpeony"><img alt="Hey there pretty lady. #bestillmyheart #nofilter #roseshaylorpeony" height="640" src="https://c2.staticflickr.com/8/7645/27604156705_989f661889_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script><br />
<br />
<i>Life felt a bit overwhelming in June, so I'm clinging to this list a little harder.</i><br />
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01. an amazing community group<br />
02. lunch along the river with Ian.<br />
03. all the water fowl that hilariously at my leftover bread.<br />
04. a successful day of errands.<br />
05. a (more) complete capsule wardrobe (flipped to summer!).<br />
06. <a href="http://www.cuttyfoods.com/super-cluckin-sunday/">Super Cluckin Sunday.</a><br />
07. a <a href="http://russos.com/">Russo's</a> fueled cooking extravaganza with friends.<br />
08. a good DR team meeting.<br />
09. a quick breakfast with Kelly.<br />
10. a good dental appointment.<br />
11. shopping at the Brookline Trader Joe's, for old time's sake.<br />
12. strawberry fusilli with homemade basil.<br />
13. a mostly painless trip to the vet for Astrid (just a minor ear infection).<br />
14. our explosion of ferns.<br />
15. a final weekend on the Cape before our family officially moves.<br />
16. <a href="http://www.roxysgrilledcheese.com/">Roxy's</a> on the drive.<br />
17. hanging out with Pfluff and Ming.<br />
18. our first trip to Martha's Vineyard.<br />
19. peonies.<br />
20. crab cakes.<br />
21. warm sand and ocean waves.<br />
22. ice cream at <a href="http://katiesicecreamcapecod.com/">Katie's</a> with Grandma Judy.<br />
23. compost planning at the office.<br />
24. yoga.<br />
25. a great late night chat with Micki.<br />
26. after one of the craziest mornings at the office maybe ever, time with family.<br />
27. Ian (happy birthday!)<br />
28. rest.<br />
29. a new house in the Denver area.<br />
30. lunch at <a href="http://www.centromexican.com/">Centro</a> and <i><a href="http://www.pixar.com/features_films/Finding-Dory">Finding Dory</a></i> with Micki and Grandma Judy.<br />
31. a grapefruit rosemary spritzer.<br />
32. time to plan a belated surprise birthday party.<br />
33. brunch at <a href="http://thekitchen.com/the-kitchen-boulder/">The Kitchen</a>.<br />
34. strolling on Pearl Street.<br />
35. the guys (and kitties) arriving safely in Colorado.<br />
36. brunch as a family (Em, we missed you!).<br />
37. my dads (original and in-law!).<br />
38. old photos.<br />
39. talking to Grandma on what would have been Grandpa's 95th birthday.<br />
40. a comfortable bed.<br />
41. the movers (so we didn't have to do the heavy lifting).<br />
42. quality time with Ren.<br />
43. time for Ian and I to sneak out to see <i><a href="http://www.pixar.com/features_films/Finding-Dory">Finding Dory</a></i> (yes, again).<br />
44. made beds and a (somewhat) put together kitchen.<br />
45. the almost two years of living so close to family.<br />
46. safe flights.<br />
47. not getting stuck overnight in JFK.<br />
48. our own bed.<br />
49. G and H's attempts to coax Astrid out from under the bed.<br />
50. the joy of 1600+ balloons in the Sasaki Gallery.<br />
51. a quiet evening.<br />
52. Ryan and Kelly, for all their help in pulling off Ian's surprise birthday party.<br />
53. pulling off the surprise part (because I'm a terrible liar).<br />
54. all the friends who helped make it amazing.<br />
55. strawberries, especially in <a href="http://smittenkitchen.com/blog/2011/05/strawberry-summer-cake/">Smitten Kitchen's strawberry summer cake</a>.<br />
56. an all-afternoon Sunday nap.<br />
57. clean laundry.<br />
58. Astrid.<br />
59. The Hulu app on our TV. game changer.Anna Kristinahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11171501742908950021noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11190897.post-12871482779574592942016-06-14T18:27:00.000-04:002016-11-22T21:02:56.219-05:00a day on Martha's Vineyard<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/studio-s/27567398056/in/album-72157670517312536/" title="I'm on a boat... in my flippy floppies. #islandqueen #marthasvineyard"><img alt="I'm on a boat... in my flippy floppies. #islandqueen #marthasvineyard" height="640" src="https://c1.staticflickr.com/8/7344/27567398056_d255c6529b_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
<br />
<script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script>Before the impending move, Micki really wanted us and Grandma Judy to experience Martha's Vineyard together (we'd never been and neither had Grandma Judy). So the last weekend before their big move to Colorado, Ian and I headed to the Cape for a final hurrah. We arrived Friday evening, and woke up bright and early the next day to catch the <a href="http://islandqueen.com/">Island Queen Ferry</a>. It was a beautiful day, and so we picked seats on the upper deck to enjoy the views. And we even saw a biplane fly-by!<br />
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<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/studio-s/31166714425/in/album-72157670517312536/" title="martha's vineyard"><img alt="martha's vineyard" height="480" src="https://c2.staticflickr.com/6/5779/31166714425_8da7931a7b_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script><br />
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A short 30 minutes later, we arrived on Martha's Vineyard. Micki had a full day planned for us, to make the most of our time. We strolled around Oaks Bluff (after picking up some <a href="http://murdicks.com/">Murdick's Fudge</a> and caramel corn to sustain us). The <a href="http://archive.boston.com/travel/explorene/massachusetts/towns/marthasvineyard/galleries/gingerbread_cottages/">gingerbread cottages</a> were particularly fascinating. The cluster of tiny, ornate houses started out as a summertime Methodist campground with open air revivals. Lodging for the revivals started out in tents, which were eventually replaced by permanent structures. From the outside, it's hard to believe these tiny summer cottages, built in the mid-1800s, have transitioned into modern homes.<br />
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<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/studio-s/31052707351/in/album-72157670517312536/" title="martha's vineyard"><img alt="martha's vineyard" height="480" src="https://c8.staticflickr.com/6/5744/31052707351_5150930e73_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
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<script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script>We made our way to the bus stop to get to our next destination — the <a href="http://www.pollyhillarboretum.org/">Polly Hill Arboretum</a> — but due to some unlucky timing, we ended up taking a cab. We spent a few hours wandering the grounds, and it turns out we were there at an incredible time. All of the peonies were in full bloom, and we saw some incredible trees in bloom as well, like the dogwood allée, and the giant Julian magnolia.<br />
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<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/studio-s/30359464053/in/album-72157670517312536/" title="martha's vineyard"><img alt="martha's vineyard" height="480" src="https://c6.staticflickr.com/6/5617/30359464053_89da53f75c_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
<br />
<script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script>We finished up just in time for the private island tour Micki had scheduled with a local guide. He picked us up at the arboretum, and we spent the next few hours driving all over the island. We picked up some chowder and crab cakes at <a href="http://www.larsensfishmarket.com/">Larsen's Fish Market</a>, visited the <a href="http://gayheadlight.org/">Gay Head Cliffs and Lighthouse</a>, passed lots of locations where <i>Jaws </i>filmed, and learned more of the local history and culture. We finished up back in Oaks Bluff with just enough time before the ferry to make an ice cream pit stop.<br />
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<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/studio-s/27550674912/in/album-72157670517312536/" title="Sunday was perfect for a beach stroll at low tide. #crosbylanding #capecodsummer"><img alt="Sunday was perfect for a beach stroll at low tide. #crosbylanding #capecodsummer" height="640" src="https://c1.staticflickr.com/8/7455/27550674912_4659f35dc7_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
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<script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script>The next day, back on the Cape, we stuffed ourselves at the <a href="http://oldyarmouthinn.com/about-us/">Old Yarmouth Inn's</a> brunch buffet before beach hopping the afternoon away, and ending up, as we usually do, at <a href="http://katiesicecreamcapecod.com/">Katie's</a> for ice cream.<br />
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<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/studio-s/27375595230/in/album-72157670517312536/" title="A day at the beach isn't complete without @katiesicecream. (Also, Grandma Judy and I are ice cream addicts.) #capecodsummer"><img alt="A day at the beach isn't complete without @katiesicecream. (Also, Grandma Judy and I are ice cream addicts.) #capecodsummer" height="640" src="https://c7.staticflickr.com/8/7510/27375595230_ce4af6f87b_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script><br />
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Micki and Grandma Judy, thanks so much for making our first trip to the Vineyard such a great one. We're going to miss our New England adventures with you!Anna Kristinahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11171501742908950021noreply@blogger.com