tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-82393399566843598852024-03-19T04:42:49.126-07:00Sam and Melissa's Family BlogSam and Melissa Sahlstromhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06717426163800421194noreply@blogger.comBlogger70125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8239339956684359885.post-14702492884775024082012-02-13T16:43:00.000-08:002012-02-13T16:45:04.271-08:00<div><b id="internal-source-marker_0.28558107069693506"><p dir="ltr" style="text-align: center; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt; "><span style="font-size: 24px; font-family: 'Droid Serif'; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap; ">:: Happy 2012 From the Sahlstroms ::</span></p><span style="font-size: 13px; font-family: Calibri; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap; "></span><br /><span style="font-size: 13px; font-family: Calibri; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap; "></span><br /><span style="font-size: 13px; font-family: Calibri; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap; "></span><br /><span style="font-size: 13px; font-family: Calibri; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap; "></span><br /><span style="font-size: 13px; font-family: Calibri; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap; ">Happy New Year from the Sam and Melissa Sahlstrom Family of Tracy MN! Since my time of living here at home with the family is coming to an end, I thought I would take it upon myself to write our yearly letter. It will be short, sweet and to the point. I believe in efficiency. I (Annika) have decided to give you an update from the youngest to the oldest… so hold on tight as we pass through a year’s worth of events of 12 (13 counting our lovely sister-in-law) Sahlstroms!</span><br /><span style="font-size: 13px; font-family: Calibri; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap; "></span><br /><span style="font-size: 13px; font-family: Calibri; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap; ">Johann Daniel turned 2 on January 4</span><span style="font-size: 8px; font-family: Calibri; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: super; white-space: pre-wrap; ">th</span><span style="font-size: 13px; font-family: Calibri; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap; ">. He is now very able to keep up with the “big” boys. He does all of his own stunts, in fact just last week as I was working in the kitchen I turned around to see him balancing on one of our tall bar stools and to my horror he leaps from one bar stool to the other…luckily he judged it just right and landed squarely on the other stool. He has had many bruises and bumps but I guess that would categorize him as 100% boy. </span><br /><span style="font-size: 13px; font-family: Calibri; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap; "></span><br /><span style="font-size: 13px; font-family: Calibri; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap; ">Johann’s favorite playmate is Simeon Olaf who is a whopping 4 years of age. He is the mastermind of all the evil plans that the two boys come up with. He has good intentions most of the time but usually the two of them end up doing more destruction than anything. As I continue to study psychology I have still not been able to understand why little boys do the things they do. Simeon and Johann have a sweet charm about them and never fail to brighten up your day by the things they say and do- not to mention deafen your ears with their noise… ;) </span><br /><span style="font-size: 13px; font-family: Calibri; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap; "></span><br /><span style="font-size: 13px; font-family: Calibri; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap; ">Erina Peace is the calm, loving, peaceful, and sweet 6 year old of the family. She has also been nicknamed daddy’s “super shadow” because when daddy is home, she’s right by his side. (Oddly enough she reminds me of myself when I was that age.) She is in Kindergarten this year and is enjoying learning about the wide, wonderful world that God has placed us in. Violin has become one of her new hobbies and she is learning that it takes practice and patience to learn an instrument. </span><br /><span style="font-size: 13px; font-family: Calibri; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap; "></span><br /><span style="font-size: 13px; font-family: Calibri; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap; ">As we continue to count by two’s up the line we come to the number 8 which happens to be the age of Katrina Hope. She is now in 2</span><span style="font-size: 8px; font-family: Calibri; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: super; white-space: pre-wrap; ">nd</span><span style="font-size: 13px; font-family: Calibri; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap; "> grade and also has continued taking violin lessons. Just this past fall I had started teaching her piano which was a mostly pleasant experience for her (or so she says). A few highlights for her this year were learning to swim and learning to drive the four-wheeler! Throughout the summer it has been such a blessing to have the pond and rope swing as it has offered much entertainment for all of those hot humid days.</span><br /><span style="font-size: 13px; font-family: Calibri; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap; "></span><br /><span style="font-size: 13px; font-family: Calibri; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap; ">Amelia Patience is the life of the party and is never short on her supply of energy. There’s nothing better than a vivacious 10 year old to keep things alive in a household like ours. Amelia is a social butterfly to say the least. She lives off seeing friends, having parties, and enjoying life. Camp Grace was definitely one of her highlights this summer. She has also become quite the expert at making crepes and a number of other desserts and dishes. She also enjoys reading and singing. She continues to play violin and piano. Occasionally I get to help her practice violin and it is so exciting to see her pursuing the gifts that God has blessed her with. You can always count on Amelia to give you a run for your money! She is definitely a dynamic and dramatic character in the Sahlstrom family.</span><br /><span style="font-size: 13px; font-family: Calibri; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap; "></span><br /><span style="font-size: 13px; font-family: Calibri; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap; ">Reuben Samuel is (yep you guessed it!) 12 years old and becoming a fine young man- not to mention he eats like a horse! I am proud to announce that I have passed the baton of nobility on to Reuben! This honor encompasses the chore of milking the cow (morning and night) as well as the general barn chores. This year he enjoyed exploring the creek as well as swinging off the rope-swing from the tower next to our pond. He also expressed the excitement he got out of attending Camp Grace. He is in 6</span><span style="font-size: 8px; font-family: Calibri; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: super; white-space: pre-wrap; ">th</span><span style="font-size: 13px; font-family: Calibri; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap; "> grade and tackling the books as well as excelling in Awana memorization. It is so good to see younger siblings on fire for God and wanting to hide His word in their hearts. Reuben is definitely a sweetheart (don’t tell him I said that) and he is a great asset to this family. </span><br /><span style="font-size: 13px; font-family: Calibri; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap; "></span><br /><span style="font-size: 13px; font-family: Calibri; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap; ">Becca Charity has pretty much caught up to me in height. People have begun to get us mixed up, sometimes even calling us twins. She is also pretty good at conveniently “borrowing” my clothes- I’ve learned not to mind at all. In fact, having sisters is great because you can all share wardrobes. Becca has become a very responsible and organized 14 year old. She takes her schooling seriously being the 8</span><span style="font-size: 8px; font-family: Calibri; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: super; white-space: pre-wrap; ">th</span><span style="font-size: 13px; font-family: Calibri; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap; "> grader that she is. Her room is almost always neat and clean. One thing she loves is to style hair, nails, and makeup on anyone who is willing. She has recently begun doing more photography as well as knitting. Some other activities include violin (which she has been working very hard on) and basketball (I think it’s mostly because it’s an excuse to see all of her friends). She is a delight to be around as she continues to love God and others therefore receiving joy (John 15)! </span><br /><span style="font-size: 13px; font-family: Calibri; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap; "></span><br /><span style="font-size: 13px; font-family: Calibri; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap; ">Charisma Faith is 16…Ah!! Another driver!? I guess so... I’ll just say I’m glad I’ll be in Hawaii while she’s breaking in her driving skills. So, for those of you here in MN, beware of Charisma out there on the roads! (I’m just kidding Charisma-you know that right?) Anyway, Charisma is a sophomore this year and has really been excelling in her studies. As far as I can tell she’s looking forward to being done with chemistry (yeah it wasn’t my favorite either Charisma). She knows what’s good for her even if it means buckling down and tackling the not-so-fun things in life. She continues to breeze through books like crazy; some of her favorites this year were the Chronicles of Zion and Safely Home. I must not fail to mention that she is a fabulous baby-sitter. She watches the kids for mom a lot, as well as being hired by neighbors all around. The mother instinct comes naturally to her, trust me. Since I will be leaving she is going to be taking over leading Bright Lights, which is a bible study for young girls, with one of her friends. It is so encouraging to see her seek first God’s kingdom. </span><span style="font-size: 13px; font-family: Verdana; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap; "></span><br /><span style="font-size: 13px; font-family: Verdana; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap; "></span><br /><span style="font-size: 13px; font-family: Calibri; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap; ">Alright, so now it’s my turn to write about me. Have you ever had that feeling like you don’t know where to start? Yeah? Ha, me too. Well, I will start by saying I graduated from high school May 2011 and since then have learned a lot- mostly I have learned of how much I actually don’t know. I have been enjoying pursuing God with all that I have as well as committing myself to studying towards a BA in psychology via TESC/Collegeplus. My vision is to see God restore true beauty in women and girls and to see women rise up that are devoted to glorifying God. My prayer is that God will use me however He sees fit, as of now He is directing me toward becoming a women and girls Biblical/Prayer counselor. He is good! This past summer I had the privilege to attend Summit in Manitou Springs, Colorado. I met some wonderful people, did some hiking and white water rafting, but what I enjoyed most was that it taught me how to continue to think Biblically while engaging the culture. Another experience I must mention is that over New Years I went to Kansas City with some friends for Ihop’s Onething Conference. Praising God with 23,000 other youth is a pretty neat experience. I also learned how I have (unfortunately) underestimated the power of the Holy Spirit. Never put God in a box! I would love to share more on this but I think I better not get going or else I’ll never stop. ;) Ok, to sum it all up, I leave in a few weeks to begin a semester of Bible College at Kauai Bible College where I’ll be working towards a BA in Biblical studies. I still can’t believe God is leading me to such a lovely island where I get to just study His word! :D I’ll be updating my blog so be sure to check up on me every now and then. Annikasahlstrom.blogspot.com </span><span style="font-size: 13px; font-family: Verdana; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap; "></span><br /><span style="font-size: 13px; font-family: Verdana; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap; "></span><br /><span style="font-size: 13px; font-family: Calibri; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap; ">Ben…and Naomi Sahlstrom! If you haven’t heard, my big brother is now a married man. He married the love of his life-sweet Naomi Nelson, and they lived happily ever after…Oh wait…there is more to the story than that. Ben continues to work for Sahlstrom’s Htg. Clg. Refrg. and plumbing. Naomi has begun working at the new Pizza Ranch in Marshall- not to mention she is definitely one of the most cheerful workers there- probably one of the best. Maybe I’m biased…? They have been working on their house pretty faithfully, but there is still a ways to go.</span><br /><span style="font-size: 13px; font-family: Calibri; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap; "></span><br /><span style="font-size: 13px; font-family: Calibri; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap; ">All right! Annika decided to take off for Hawaii without finishing this, so now I guess that means Sam and I escaped all the things she was going to tell you about us! We are doing fantastic, and it seems like the time is just flying by. Literally. Valentines Day is upon us and I can truly say that Sam is still the love of my life. I remember when he gave me a promise ring back when I was 19 and he was 20 on Valentines, and then we embarked upon a great adventure together 8 months later and it gets better every year! I have to admit, though, that it still makes me look twice when I see him put reading glasses on during devotions. We really ARE growing up! Haha. Living in a houseful of life makes me feel young. We are enjoying the Youth/College kids in our life. Sunday School with them and a study twice a month at our house makes for getting to know them well, and what an amazing group they are. Some are getting married now, and it is so much fun to see them making life long commitments! It will be something else to see what is happening with them all 10 years down the road.</span><br /><span style="font-size: 13px; font-family: Calibri; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap; "></span><br /><span style="font-size: 13px; font-family: Calibri; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap; ">Our life continues to be full of music, church activities, homeschooling, basketball, hospitality, family and friends. There are so many wonderful people in our lives, sometimes it just seems too good to be true. The truth is that God is the giver of good gifts, and He has so much He wants to share with all people. That is why it is so important for us to be out there loving people and sharing the good news with them. There is alot of hurting that could be lifted if these people only knew where to turn. That is where we need to be His hands and feet! We are considering becoming certified for foster care, but the process is long with TONS of paperwork. We had to laugh, though, because the social worker said that the maximum number of children allowed in a home at one time in MN is 8, and we are already past that number! So...it may be a little while, or they may allow us to do respite care on weekends. Kids are fun, and someone gave us a little sign that says...</span><span style="font-size: 13px; font-family: Calibri; font-weight: normal; font-style: italic; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap; ">Discover wildlife - have kids! </span><span style="font-size: 13px; font-family: Calibri; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap; ">How true is that!?</span><br /><span style="font-size: 13px; font-family: Calibri; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap; "></span><br /><span style="font-size: 13px; font-family: Calibri; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap; ">We hope your year is going great and that you will enjoy each person that God puts in your path this year. Each moment is a gift, and we are filled with joy when we serve God and others with all that we have. I am amazed at the way He keeps filling us up the more we pour out. So far 2012 has been great with the warm, MN winter that has been pretty easy on the snowplows! We are looking forward to filling up the greenhouse with little green plants and before we know it we will be weeding the gardens in the 90 degree humidity. Kind-of a pleasant thought! Have a great year everyone!</span><br /><span style="font-size: 13px; font-family: Calibri; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap; "></span><br /><span style="font-size: 13px; font-family: Calibri; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap; "></span><br /><span style="font-size: 13px; font-family: Calibri; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap; "></span><br /><p dir="ltr" style="text-align: center; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt; "><span style="font-size: 24px; font-family: 'Droid Serif'; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap; ">:: The Sahlstrom Family ::</span></p></b></div>Sam and Melissa Sahlstromhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06717426163800421194noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8239339956684359885.post-33984873086329693282009-12-06T20:45:00.000-08:002009-12-06T20:46:59.528-08:00Ireland<div style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirb2PMukKdbWWQnCIfZNhaZqmFZo39vTBSbi0elKuswVTlwlN0sRWOZtZySIQEScFea2e6lJg3Aoc-TAXLLRtafhCo000Xi6ypBEX-lKFC1XG1RTf2Z2gDL0H5PNSdNYQFX3wwT6hPiR1v/s1600-h/DSCN9847-2.JPG"><img border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirb2PMukKdbWWQnCIfZNhaZqmFZo39vTBSbi0elKuswVTlwlN0sRWOZtZySIQEScFea2e6lJg3Aoc-TAXLLRtafhCo000Xi6ypBEX-lKFC1XG1RTf2Z2gDL0H5PNSdNYQFX3wwT6hPiR1v/s400/DSCN9847-2.JPG" /></a><br /><br /> My sweet parents, Ken and Becky Berge, are still in love after all these years!</div><br /><div style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjf-FMnPaoSrFu-OphiuQ6sTYzn6zZV6AG3PlRuKwAN_MT4NKOJgDuNRgEr1tZcYsRMY5Pyn7q01B8IfHUWUZB59AroS7hStvsH6vXAF_d-3lyWBloW2yPwEgmXCjTNU1kh4fxi2lNWTb2Y/s1600-h/DSCN9848-2.JPG"><img border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjf-FMnPaoSrFu-OphiuQ6sTYzn6zZV6AG3PlRuKwAN_MT4NKOJgDuNRgEr1tZcYsRMY5Pyn7q01B8IfHUWUZB59AroS7hStvsH6vXAF_d-3lyWBloW2yPwEgmXCjTNU1kh4fxi2lNWTb2Y/s400/DSCN9848-2.JPG" /></a><br /><br />Here I am, loving this gorgeous day!</div><br /><div style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmIAO4IZ4kcmuKbeiZ0Btg9D6yKb-rn-L_iPXxFu80GnzEniR6dzDQtSvfKPvTTN3QFVv-ZhZZ87uq5nHsnotPEMMGxMg_AyA68T2VTG7ns1pxGGmGtoPK7cjgXSleUffxA6-Y4-rmdtpI/s1600-h/DSCN9851-2.JPG"><img border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmIAO4IZ4kcmuKbeiZ0Btg9D6yKb-rn-L_iPXxFu80GnzEniR6dzDQtSvfKPvTTN3QFVv-ZhZZ87uq5nHsnotPEMMGxMg_AyA68T2VTG7ns1pxGGmGtoPK7cjgXSleUffxA6-Y4-rmdtpI/s400/DSCN9851-2.JPG" /></a><br /><br />I loved this old fence line with the fall colors behind it.</div><br /><div style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEOKz8jfTGZ9fEbZTYVImwbhh74aaSexaHH6-JWFTSuUVNiKsjtvXkloPIBbdX4T4PDq7xPSlcxO_iRF-CQ_XwgjBe1dv0gFPsx6hXpcW_LFgyxjGeXLsaTT0f6AOOX4CMgoL6rVcm7Mbr/s1600-h/DSCN9846-2.JPG"><img border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEOKz8jfTGZ9fEbZTYVImwbhh74aaSexaHH6-JWFTSuUVNiKsjtvXkloPIBbdX4T4PDq7xPSlcxO_iRF-CQ_XwgjBe1dv0gFPsx6hXpcW_LFgyxjGeXLsaTT0f6AOOX4CMgoL6rVcm7Mbr/s400/DSCN9846-2.JPG" /></a><br /><br />David and Melanie, you are going to be the BEST PARENTS ever!</div><div style='clear:both; text-align:CENTER'><a href='http://picasa.google.com/blogger/' target='ext'><img src='http://photos1.blogger.com/pbp.gif' alt='Posted by Picasa' style='border: 0px none ; padding: 0px; background: transparent none repeat scroll 0% 50%; -moz-background-clip: initial; -moz-background-origin: initial; -moz-background-inline-policy: initial;' align='middle' border='0' /></a></div>Sam and Melissa Sahlstromhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06717426163800421194noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8239339956684359885.post-89068483259638838302009-12-06T20:38:00.000-08:002009-12-06T20:41:08.248-08:00Ireland<div style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAnGsPOf1b8OaVvRDO43mNYX1nsv4m3fBSgRXE1_lIDQx3aAJKOhmUilOSW27xQjnWSSeMDWUdqeOaGiBsh3ycwUvxneVA9FQK_AxnuKsjA3cfq26l7M8Wlu1pmC7Qwdw0Lt9blL3naPYk/s1600-h/DSCN9834-2.JPG"><img border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAnGsPOf1b8OaVvRDO43mNYX1nsv4m3fBSgRXE1_lIDQx3aAJKOhmUilOSW27xQjnWSSeMDWUdqeOaGiBsh3ycwUvxneVA9FQK_AxnuKsjA3cfq26l7M8Wlu1pmC7Qwdw0Lt9blL3naPYk/s400/DSCN9834-2.JPG" /></a><br /><br />Here we are on the "ship" looking down on the coming passengers .</div><br /><div style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrJsWdv9EE0RThU85wK05rkDBykBZ8nNsFY1ytoR0V2VqEwzbMnqlSdTwJ8iB0cPWny1B1qu7nNJROvt4scMfZd2JU2kYFcuqtUjuuM_kQAEorQKoyNJdcjaLXMyghd6TYKUNxjE0RQEem/s1600-h/DSCN9836-2.JPG"><img border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrJsWdv9EE0RThU85wK05rkDBykBZ8nNsFY1ytoR0V2VqEwzbMnqlSdTwJ8iB0cPWny1B1qu7nNJROvt4scMfZd2JU2kYFcuqtUjuuM_kQAEorQKoyNJdcjaLXMyghd6TYKUNxjE0RQEem/s400/DSCN9836-2.JPG" /></a><br /><br />The ship workers.</div><br /><div style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkXs6YvFpu-kpeu_ftUDmlwsTGgjPQ2Z_5yuN4hv80eqXVECD4jmyMdOw5z30pEHDooWxdxL6JyTrc25Op1KhhHBVu240WpSXRop-_ULJD_d1s6XjUraKJcmHoAxACU5sDX6Ms0-PYSoMy/s1600-h/DSCN9840-2.JPG"><img border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkXs6YvFpu-kpeu_ftUDmlwsTGgjPQ2Z_5yuN4hv80eqXVECD4jmyMdOw5z30pEHDooWxdxL6JyTrc25Op1KhhHBVu240WpSXRop-_ULJD_d1s6XjUraKJcmHoAxACU5sDX6Ms0-PYSoMy/s400/DSCN9840-2.JPG" /></a><br /><br />Coming to America for the Irish immigrants.</div><br /><div style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgL5IzPMEPc8POJtXuP9TkEhSRljff_We_S1g7TGIFSqlEOaGIgA9zCLPJ4RFfQ5KgAq8aONNmjvoItuvgwCfQ7X4JxT46OouU3TWxKZd_on2gjybQyljIXr694SOg4csRDAaQWSci3AzUY/s1600-h/DSCN9845-2.JPG"><img border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgL5IzPMEPc8POJtXuP9TkEhSRljff_We_S1g7TGIFSqlEOaGIgA9zCLPJ4RFfQ5KgAq8aONNmjvoItuvgwCfQ7X4JxT46OouU3TWxKZd_on2gjybQyljIXr694SOg4csRDAaQWSci3AzUY/s400/DSCN9845-2.JPG" /></a><br /><br />Here is Charisma posing on the "American" side.</div><div style="clear:both; text-align:CENTER"><a href="http://picasa.google.com/blogger/" target="ext"><img src="http://photos1.blogger.com/pbp.gif" alt="Posted by Picasa" style="border: 0px none ; padding: 0px; background: transparent none repeat scroll 0% 50%; -moz-background-clip: initial; -moz-background-origin: initial; -moz-background-inline-policy: initial;" align="middle" border="0" /></a></div>Sam and Melissa Sahlstromhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06717426163800421194noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8239339956684359885.post-32977287089400262752009-12-06T20:32:00.000-08:002009-12-06T20:33:12.243-08:00Ireland<div style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh65E8Ogut5FSqhL8btp-bgTCFej0HPnJucK4r37u2zjyylX49cEt417yuiyzFl1-FccLnbGph-1lzpe88FKnJPTb2151xvD2FyUfOemShyg_Yb0XpuEBfsShnSHkKuV2LE8b4NWUkx36Rk/s1600-h/DSCN9803-2.JPG"><img border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh65E8Ogut5FSqhL8btp-bgTCFej0HPnJucK4r37u2zjyylX49cEt417yuiyzFl1-FccLnbGph-1lzpe88FKnJPTb2151xvD2FyUfOemShyg_Yb0XpuEBfsShnSHkKuV2LE8b4NWUkx36Rk/s400/DSCN9803-2.JPG" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br />Lovely scenery! Everything was so GREEN!</div><br /><div style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-oRQPfvb9Mc6N_rvma6tQLcaXwrA13XiWAU45B86dsuYPxh4wluZ_3jEOA4fv5RBQmUkj4vGzM7lkiXSMcNMvW3CqVpVJr24m0jkRP6ohRgDogwT4FWJnFXt5s0-rO-SfBSXqiCxm1Y6C/s1600-h/DSCN9806-2.JPG"><img border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-oRQPfvb9Mc6N_rvma6tQLcaXwrA13XiWAU45B86dsuYPxh4wluZ_3jEOA4fv5RBQmUkj4vGzM7lkiXSMcNMvW3CqVpVJr24m0jkRP6ohRgDogwT4FWJnFXt5s0-rO-SfBSXqiCxm1Y6C/s400/DSCN9806-2.JPG" /></a><br /><br />I don't know if horses can look Irish, but for some reason this one did to me!</div><br /><div style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPdWb-4i7MThJntjcl5SNxYqxC44uYIak6NSyV6TaaiBJWhHMC8d1yGCJBhg-LxrLD_JUebtzmNXD1Lyh6TNpZ2edZvfZOoNtVNexuibrnRUQBV21FOARH-sY83XV1_LkLQQ_l2UE0Dc16/s1600-h/DSCN9816-2.JPG"><img border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPdWb-4i7MThJntjcl5SNxYqxC44uYIak6NSyV6TaaiBJWhHMC8d1yGCJBhg-LxrLD_JUebtzmNXD1Lyh6TNpZ2edZvfZOoNtVNexuibrnRUQBV21FOARH-sY83XV1_LkLQQ_l2UE0Dc16/s400/DSCN9816-2.JPG" /></a><br /><br />The Ulster Museum takes you through the history of Ireland and you go all the way to "America" on a ship and come out visiting American history that the Irish people experienced. It was very well done!</div><br /><div style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAjJiNX3JN9Dm0C1HRQUnbikM3kh0M9O5XGxGJJ2b6voDhoxQ8IHP-n-SK6o5gmJzkAQ36T0zYCSC-7ptMor79lwksngvRpGAHCR6RcJCC1QuOZZY0v-BJDvojpSSAyI4lnyMqO7WNDwoW/s1600-h/DSCN9820-2.JPG"><img border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAjJiNX3JN9Dm0C1HRQUnbikM3kh0M9O5XGxGJJ2b6voDhoxQ8IHP-n-SK6o5gmJzkAQ36T0zYCSC-7ptMor79lwksngvRpGAHCR6RcJCC1QuOZZY0v-BJDvojpSSAyI4lnyMqO7WNDwoW/s400/DSCN9820-2.JPG" /></a><br /><br />Here is the city street on the Irish side.</div><div style='clear:both; text-align:CENTER'><a href='http://picasa.google.com/blogger/' target='ext'><img src='http://photos1.blogger.com/pbp.gif' alt='Posted by Picasa' style='border: 0px none ; padding: 0px; background: transparent none repeat scroll 0% 50%; -moz-background-clip: initial; -moz-background-origin: initial; -moz-background-inline-policy: initial;' align='middle' border='0' /></a></div>Sam and Melissa Sahlstromhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06717426163800421194noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8239339956684359885.post-44509154099074871982009-12-06T20:24:00.000-08:002009-12-06T20:25:45.707-08:00Ireland!<div style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTK4gjHJBm6XGkM7STcvQALs1JPN-9XdLV2RDNqh9UIr5I2XRJzU1LZXDUV7PY4FhncLlaYWRrsiqnQXguulmQbwj8M-5Ne2hAKXTQI7PrOXvVNiQGS1HCD3aYmW-nuzacm4lyqwIoUUxR/s1600-h/DSCN9790-2.JPG"><img border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTK4gjHJBm6XGkM7STcvQALs1JPN-9XdLV2RDNqh9UIr5I2XRJzU1LZXDUV7PY4FhncLlaYWRrsiqnQXguulmQbwj8M-5Ne2hAKXTQI7PrOXvVNiQGS1HCD3aYmW-nuzacm4lyqwIoUUxR/s400/DSCN9790-2.JPG" /></a><br /><br />My beautiful sister Melanie with her baby Mariah Grace!</div><br /><div style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2iEg8wCdICgxgJgGi66gG2_TJPo0CKcC9Zc9VtyluXn-J3aUy11P-Nk8BznCs69mVkLgCVzOZoMVi0gmOj0cZ8hydLa1heXYfr2oEhrdSW1DfkkerTeNd7hmFlMGkjXL7S0edWbCkhhHw/s1600-h/DSCN9793-2.JPG"><img border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2iEg8wCdICgxgJgGi66gG2_TJPo0CKcC9Zc9VtyluXn-J3aUy11P-Nk8BznCs69mVkLgCVzOZoMVi0gmOj0cZ8hydLa1heXYfr2oEhrdSW1DfkkerTeNd7hmFlMGkjXL7S0edWbCkhhHw/s400/DSCN9793-2.JPG" /></a><br /><br />The proud grandparents....Berges and Darraghs!</div><br /><div style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjztRyrWmcZq3RCFh0yp96qGLxHSYjlsHkq7g_yglk-0wRVXXSlaEEqac3yPejs3YpUTOdzhCCnNC99tfs8Nu24WFkb-BIBsOZha2EQl-KNvrCm9QjUQWqNCHwGEwlw3Nb5Df0dcXT6NPXD/s1600-h/DSCN9795-2.JPG"><img border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjztRyrWmcZq3RCFh0yp96qGLxHSYjlsHkq7g_yglk-0wRVXXSlaEEqac3yPejs3YpUTOdzhCCnNC99tfs8Nu24WFkb-BIBsOZha2EQl-KNvrCm9QjUQWqNCHwGEwlw3Nb5Df0dcXT6NPXD/s400/DSCN9795-2.JPG" /></a><br /><br />Charisma and I had the privilege of visiting the Darraghs in Northern Ireland for 12 days the end of September. It was so great to be with them all. It was also fun to overlap my parents' stay for a couple days. Here we are at the Ulster American Folk Museum near Strabane.</div><br /><div style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeYqnfZDGXrjEPBsFovCq5kXPmkjwF8A1F-6DJebSke334XnB1H6OkxlH-ARCtr2Xn3T_EQqhF3_adcqwc_i0JH89dyvXjMp7BYrsN_Z29stO5fpXGoHWZTtn2YQpXXDEZZGPLZAEwgSHP/s1600-h/DSCN9801-2.JPG"><img border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeYqnfZDGXrjEPBsFovCq5kXPmkjwF8A1F-6DJebSke334XnB1H6OkxlH-ARCtr2Xn3T_EQqhF3_adcqwc_i0JH89dyvXjMp7BYrsN_Z29stO5fpXGoHWZTtn2YQpXXDEZZGPLZAEwgSHP/s400/DSCN9801-2.JPG" /></a><br /><br />The new and improved David Darragh Family! Congrats on the most beautiful baby ever, guys!</div><div style='clear:both; text-align:CENTER'><a href='http://picasa.google.com/blogger/' target='ext'><img src='http://photos1.blogger.com/pbp.gif' alt='Posted by Picasa' style='border: 0px none ; padding: 0px; background: transparent none repeat scroll 0% 50%; -moz-background-clip: initial; -moz-background-origin: initial; -moz-background-inline-policy: initial;' align='middle' border='0' /></a></div>Sam and Melissa Sahlstromhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06717426163800421194noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8239339956684359885.post-25800153589407805072009-12-06T20:16:00.000-08:002009-12-06T20:17:01.139-08:00Fall Fishing!<div style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAqOAEsv7K2-m8AVY8ONTXNHFdt15IGQ6-yxm4V14D56ix7bZ89ttUyNetrx2BWmIpKCSk_a-0KlXclTp-N5AEAa4u24lnDupVir-HB-QG0OTKD93ONcYEQKTUNzlhYPkHCpFwT3l5MIue/s1600-h/DSCN0291.JPG"><img border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAqOAEsv7K2-m8AVY8ONTXNHFdt15IGQ6-yxm4V14D56ix7bZ89ttUyNetrx2BWmIpKCSk_a-0KlXclTp-N5AEAa4u24lnDupVir-HB-QG0OTKD93ONcYEQKTUNzlhYPkHCpFwT3l5MIue/s400/DSCN0291.JPG" /></a><br /><br />Dad is the best! He knows all the tricks to lure in the fish! He also knows how to keep a pontoon full of kids happy. Notice the bananas, cashews, and the old standby.....beef jerky! It always works to have snacks and water along!</div><br /><div style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvAWwwi60Vzbp2aUbJXjTi5TRDDkJ4Kt9bJjvRgEuwROI6iqCSGKcPdGjPKV1PsCCLUFoMA2LEnFBkGyfYGkSKzOdwlcngfhEqOSCKdVtJr_dkhqlw8d6ECFOQkdNm9cdkf6GVBQEbUIpt/s1600-h/DSCN0279.JPG"><img border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvAWwwi60Vzbp2aUbJXjTi5TRDDkJ4Kt9bJjvRgEuwROI6iqCSGKcPdGjPKV1PsCCLUFoMA2LEnFBkGyfYGkSKzOdwlcngfhEqOSCKdVtJr_dkhqlw8d6ECFOQkdNm9cdkf6GVBQEbUIpt/s400/DSCN0279.JPG" /></a><br /><br />Reuben</div><br /><div style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdpFAwTv-EJWPA2xyMI1H47FjMOEpMbzxCIb1zd6xfFCCcgcceAayBOBOinp0KuGYW4k7_tgj9VdLRw3hyphenhyphen9_nrUrIoLuZN4X8KSYVVR3yOFHsFwsT5PwLWuQjDidWx6aPjgmX1cPg9H-Q0/s1600-h/DSCN0281.JPG"><img border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdpFAwTv-EJWPA2xyMI1H47FjMOEpMbzxCIb1zd6xfFCCcgcceAayBOBOinp0KuGYW4k7_tgj9VdLRw3hyphenhyphen9_nrUrIoLuZN4X8KSYVVR3yOFHsFwsT5PwLWuQjDidWx6aPjgmX1cPg9H-Q0/s400/DSCN0281.JPG" /></a><br /><br />Amelia</div><br /><div style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px"> </div><div style='clear:both; text-align:CENTER'><a href='http://picasa.google.com/blogger/' target='ext'><img src='http://photos1.blogger.com/pbp.gif' alt='Posted by Picasa' style='border: 0px none ; padding: 0px; background: transparent none repeat scroll 0% 50%; -moz-background-clip: initial; -moz-background-origin: initial; -moz-background-inline-policy: initial;' align='middle' border='0' /></a></div>Sam and Melissa Sahlstromhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06717426163800421194noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8239339956684359885.post-51302087624649213912009-12-06T20:07:00.000-08:002009-12-06T20:08:50.386-08:00Fall Fishing<div style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRKDBwt3bQTP-igzLRpS92UATH2XonyZyG1PHrjU7mCXHvSfXDL6lgmEGa8lzPfxtLaxxYAarXhOcMYyRHfGI1ANd1QYV9mRKVobejpFi_sqHGdAYt4JwjT8BMlyc2Xn5EYFaPqxqGb4Aw/s1600-h/DSCN0286.JPG"><img border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRKDBwt3bQTP-igzLRpS92UATH2XonyZyG1PHrjU7mCXHvSfXDL6lgmEGa8lzPfxtLaxxYAarXhOcMYyRHfGI1ANd1QYV9mRKVobejpFi_sqHGdAYt4JwjT8BMlyc2Xn5EYFaPqxqGb4Aw/s400/DSCN0286.JPG" /></a><br /><br />Charisma</div><br /><div style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjp4JXnhjz0pqV5feTswaPhrDSRr5MpHO01LUnIyyzCmfoCo6P_Am07TN2SssS96D2h-9yQLBd1KVk0MFG7zmk03B16ZTu3q9KuzA25WVDsHssdpiXw0VBzLH9Ernov0J_fevALlA7oW1z9/s1600-h/DSCN0287.JPG"><img border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjp4JXnhjz0pqV5feTswaPhrDSRr5MpHO01LUnIyyzCmfoCo6P_Am07TN2SssS96D2h-9yQLBd1KVk0MFG7zmk03B16ZTu3q9KuzA25WVDsHssdpiXw0VBzLH9Ernov0J_fevALlA7oW1z9/s400/DSCN0287.JPG" /></a><br /><br />Katrina</div><br /><div style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjensGD_gqyAd433t4fAaXNzFGE4KFuO8QC_icXachm9nuubzjJTTOYpWYFDB3RUBDsfeqYcYU81LFd-6EewKX8lxoN1N5VPT0R0k13Tof60WxPaMg9NS4l8J3atJNZY6nieLP7BPkqwfOV/s1600-h/DSCN0288.JPG"><img border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjensGD_gqyAd433t4fAaXNzFGE4KFuO8QC_icXachm9nuubzjJTTOYpWYFDB3RUBDsfeqYcYU81LFd-6EewKX8lxoN1N5VPT0R0k13Tof60WxPaMg9NS4l8J3atJNZY6nieLP7BPkqwfOV/s400/DSCN0288.JPG" /></a><br /><br />Erina</div><br /><div style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPW3r1BV5-Gpzb5_CW2ZM3P5MI1yWgsoqipP1B1eBrG-8E4Z9PIEyE9pvbKt4UkqhbOFeNutjEOvAMpIs6Fi9nAKw9B1M04-UhgzZ_4dA3PAXJlW24tR3LujsmfA9Ior54M8vdFF2L5WrL/s1600-h/DSCN0290.JPG"><img border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPW3r1BV5-Gpzb5_CW2ZM3P5MI1yWgsoqipP1B1eBrG-8E4Z9PIEyE9pvbKt4UkqhbOFeNutjEOvAMpIs6Fi9nAKw9B1M04-UhgzZ_4dA3PAXJlW24tR3LujsmfA9Ior54M8vdFF2L5WrL/s400/DSCN0290.JPG" /></a><br /><br />Annika</div><div style='clear:both; text-align:CENTER'><a href='http://picasa.google.com/blogger/' target='ext'><img src='http://photos1.blogger.com/pbp.gif' alt='Posted by Picasa' style='border: 0px none ; padding: 0px; background: transparent none repeat scroll 0% 50%; -moz-background-clip: initial; -moz-background-origin: initial; -moz-background-inline-policy: initial;' align='middle' border='0' /></a></div>Sam and Melissa Sahlstromhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06717426163800421194noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8239339956684359885.post-5560759327297997072009-12-05T18:06:00.000-08:002009-12-05T18:06:35.960-08:00Becca turns 12 on Sept. 20th!<div style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUDA4gk-R_RifK-JvoW3KzE6d9V4Se-D_FdL06ZlpHQdunm0TehkjosH4B_KJsXfI6NweXcWumbEoerrjxJhBWSejBxn1s5qLJRzgIZPQgG98cu7ML3NG_8AjjwG9NyE5n-6QlcR9SieLc/s1600-h/DSCN0282.JPG"><img border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUDA4gk-R_RifK-JvoW3KzE6d9V4Se-D_FdL06ZlpHQdunm0TehkjosH4B_KJsXfI6NweXcWumbEoerrjxJhBWSejBxn1s5qLJRzgIZPQgG98cu7ML3NG_8AjjwG9NyE5n-6QlcR9SieLc/s400/DSCN0282.JPG" /></a> </div>Becca's request was to go fishing with the whole family on the pontoon, so we did and it was a lovely evening!<br /><br /><div style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpBGYaWhSGSMRDPZoQ0Qa4KvvsBtFeoE0T7geRG0VcjYqFZm61eiO-S-aarfC6-518UwbCXS4TzC-qhKM6F3iObbvGk5skPIGUh8s5r6BRbVKRu-qs9hthQkpwWNWRSGrQrb7YrYr8mIik/s1600-h/DSCN0292.JPG"><img border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpBGYaWhSGSMRDPZoQ0Qa4KvvsBtFeoE0T7geRG0VcjYqFZm61eiO-S-aarfC6-518UwbCXS4TzC-qhKM6F3iObbvGk5skPIGUh8s5r6BRbVKRu-qs9hthQkpwWNWRSGrQrb7YrYr8mIik/s400/DSCN0292.JPG" /></a><br /><br />Here she is with a nice crappie!</div><br /><div style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiB0cMccypBp1B4q6-rm6hl4rZcRhL0P_4QXGGWFGoBj_-FmJE352ul45Ql3JMQ2-QJC66SyZZ3XAJIhaB9Dq4JIiV3HrG6SvZNX8s7XVhd_NjRZkRe6zRStTwrouGDA_46waN0mXvPsmqo/s1600-h/DSCN0293.JPG"><img border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiB0cMccypBp1B4q6-rm6hl4rZcRhL0P_4QXGGWFGoBj_-FmJE352ul45Ql3JMQ2-QJC66SyZZ3XAJIhaB9Dq4JIiV3HrG6SvZNX8s7XVhd_NjRZkRe6zRStTwrouGDA_46waN0mXvPsmqo/s400/DSCN0293.JPG" /></a><br /><br />Then we finished the night off with Poppyseed Torte! (Great Grandma Berge's recipe) What could be better?<br />HAPPY BIRTHDAY BECCA!</div><div style='clear:both; text-align:CENTER'><a href='http://picasa.google.com/blogger/' target='ext'><img src='http://photos1.blogger.com/pbp.gif' alt='Posted by Picasa' style='border: 0px none ; padding: 0px; background: transparent none repeat scroll 0% 50%; -moz-background-clip: initial; -moz-background-origin: initial; -moz-background-inline-policy: initial;' align='middle' border='0' /></a></div>Sam and Melissa Sahlstromhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06717426163800421194noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8239339956684359885.post-10545599271976808742009-12-05T17:58:00.000-08:002009-12-05T17:59:10.084-08:00Simeon Olaf turns 2!<div style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtZjzKigBAc9qLJO3c66-AWb4QKrPx9lmOAK4PwB82ty8sDl5tcJ6YVAerhFNe0MqGJGUGztZj1BvqPRUAyGrlkKurPZnXsWfdt1sHBdlxn-dGLN-SbKiTYLucvu0A-wqTs4HbMyzB7UDj/s1600-h/DSCN0261.JPG"><img border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtZjzKigBAc9qLJO3c66-AWb4QKrPx9lmOAK4PwB82ty8sDl5tcJ6YVAerhFNe0MqGJGUGztZj1BvqPRUAyGrlkKurPZnXsWfdt1sHBdlxn-dGLN-SbKiTYLucvu0A-wqTs4HbMyzB7UDj/s400/DSCN0261.JPG" /></a><br /><br />To celebrate, we took the 2 yr. old out to eat and shopping for a birthday balloon! He was thrilled to be KING for the day!</div><br /><div style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWcwpAgPMl0WHP45zStzxvOgD38XIj7wT2ClcV3Uzt42qgj5ZlYliE9EZRoSmdYkFgyJKThe04eEo3NaGRzc0SifZf9Z6JghidFp7XGOHGE6qV_HgPuMRfDuJ8E2bSYzPZwSIrPm0awjTT/s1600-h/DSCN0267.JPG"><img border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWcwpAgPMl0WHP45zStzxvOgD38XIj7wT2ClcV3Uzt42qgj5ZlYliE9EZRoSmdYkFgyJKThe04eEo3NaGRzc0SifZf9Z6JghidFp7XGOHGE6qV_HgPuMRfDuJ8E2bSYzPZwSIrPm0awjTT/s400/DSCN0267.JPG" /></a><br /><br />Strawberry shortcake and ice cream topped off with candles will bring smiles to any face!</div><br /><div style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAzvgCA48nDqNNU3fTJeHoR_AT7L0w9k6Z6_Pknmqld6ouzzY7sd_9DsLDXyo6Ox3JMVD8ul8ktT1bqA9rbb_fWQS7LnvJmYZxdYYc5E8mqtqjLZsaaX4nuxnqqVEsy-5krPzwmzhDe8p_/s1600-h/DSCN0285.JPG"><img border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAzvgCA48nDqNNU3fTJeHoR_AT7L0w9k6Z6_Pknmqld6ouzzY7sd_9DsLDXyo6Ox3JMVD8ul8ktT1bqA9rbb_fWQS7LnvJmYZxdYYc5E8mqtqjLZsaaX4nuxnqqVEsy-5krPzwmzhDe8p_/s400/DSCN0285.JPG" /></a><br /><br />Sporting his new haircut, he decided it was time to grow up and learn big boy things like how to work a fishing pole!</div><div style='clear:both; text-align:CENTER'><a href='http://picasa.google.com/blogger/' target='ext'><img src='http://photos1.blogger.com/pbp.gif' alt='Posted by Picasa' style='border: 0px none ; padding: 0px; background: transparent none repeat scroll 0% 50%; -moz-background-clip: initial; -moz-background-origin: initial; -moz-background-inline-policy: initial;' align='middle' border='0' /></a></div>Sam and Melissa Sahlstromhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06717426163800421194noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8239339956684359885.post-59504380204553434482009-12-05T17:40:00.000-08:002009-12-05T17:50:22.294-08:00September Memories<div style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBq19IoECzKkalmZVVZyQW-Q8AHIJRBgxYXYOX9ceTW9Fnr_-8DU2T6wAxXDPu8k1ZaMNHnEUzh2Otnu_T4wxiB_sddl5HSwqkC-F466TibqvfTRXm2kSalqaxhhqwRiL0is6Q0zr6dpeJ/s1600-h/DSCN0229.JPG"><img border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBq19IoECzKkalmZVVZyQW-Q8AHIJRBgxYXYOX9ceTW9Fnr_-8DU2T6wAxXDPu8k1ZaMNHnEUzh2Otnu_T4wxiB_sddl5HSwqkC-F466TibqvfTRXm2kSalqaxhhqwRiL0is6Q0zr6dpeJ/s400/DSCN0229.JPG" /></a></div><div style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBq19IoECzKkalmZVVZyQW-Q8AHIJRBgxYXYOX9ceTW9Fnr_-8DU2T6wAxXDPu8k1ZaMNHnEUzh2Otnu_T4wxiB_sddl5HSwqkC-F466TibqvfTRXm2kSalqaxhhqwRiL0is6Q0zr6dpeJ/s1600-h/DSCN0229.JPG"></a><br />Brutus, our little rat terrier, had the unfortunate experience of being run over by a hay wagon! He chewed the first cast, so the vet put this cute little collar on him. He looked like a circus dog! Becca and Ginger are pictured here with our little wounded soldier.</div><br /><div style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrtWOdQ5Nd0Fq9Nqtli9fsv74uaJ9Oql47MZ1SsocSnVJXv88ikeHiREKrGg2i59WudO1dsHQOQD7-aYdjGkwtH7-gkRm8elIXmDTB9yDd1uSWBDL2Y29Q8qM4l_dFfrJFQVv3Gz4VWXxA/s1600-h/DSCN0231.JPG"><img border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrtWOdQ5Nd0Fq9Nqtli9fsv74uaJ9Oql47MZ1SsocSnVJXv88ikeHiREKrGg2i59WudO1dsHQOQD7-aYdjGkwtH7-gkRm8elIXmDTB9yDd1uSWBDL2Y29Q8qM4l_dFfrJFQVv3Gz4VWXxA/s400/DSCN0231.JPG" /></a><br /><br />Here was our supper! Duck and rabbit BBQ style, with sweet corn from the garden! Delicious!</div><br /><div style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgavXovC2sgfBf13F_2R2Mh4fopp5k3y8KPP6TtMdlNNh_saiTITXgll5rFd_4a4ElHyjHDV0gCE3bD136ZbkRMlW81aEGHSL366Quf8Qh-68H18M6PlFAqKctNemaveXO-K6WH3pLrE7bP/s1600-h/DSCN0260.JPG"><img border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgavXovC2sgfBf13F_2R2Mh4fopp5k3y8KPP6TtMdlNNh_saiTITXgll5rFd_4a4ElHyjHDV0gCE3bD136ZbkRMlW81aEGHSL366Quf8Qh-68H18M6PlFAqKctNemaveXO-K6WH3pLrE7bP/s400/DSCN0260.JPG" /></a><br /><br />Following violin lessons, our kids dressed up with the Demmers and Hicks and put on a back to school skit. Notice Jakob in the purple wig and hot pink formal! I couldn't believe he let me take a picture! We will have to show it at his wedding someday!</div><br /><div style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px"> </div><div style="clear:both; text-align:CENTER"><a href="http://picasa.google.com/blogger/" target="ext"><img src="http://photos1.blogger.com/pbp.gif" alt="Posted by Picasa" style="border: 0px none ; padding: 0px; background: transparent none repeat scroll 0% 50%; -moz-background-clip: initial; -moz-background-origin: initial; -moz-background-inline-policy: initial;" align="middle" border="0" /></a></div>Sam and Melissa Sahlstromhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06717426163800421194noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8239339956684359885.post-26925038376764334292009-12-05T17:24:00.000-08:002009-12-05T17:26:52.419-08:00Fall Beauty<div style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMhGS7bNJ_9-gMHZ5rI_ECUesEoU9vncRcUzMr6TkSHEsjCqxzJ9IhXTKQuo8Zop0u9iY-uLbNBVSbcumlj9RPDl17YK3uwA8QFd3iGwMjdcfgjA5qdU0gepTJkBVJb5Ab9vsPQTgYZI5y/s1600-h/DSCN0207.JPG"><img border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMhGS7bNJ_9-gMHZ5rI_ECUesEoU9vncRcUzMr6TkSHEsjCqxzJ9IhXTKQuo8Zop0u9iY-uLbNBVSbcumlj9RPDl17YK3uwA8QFd3iGwMjdcfgjA5qdU0gepTJkBVJb5Ab9vsPQTgYZI5y/s400/DSCN0207.JPG" /></a> </div><div style="text-align: center;">Apples are plenty!</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXDKAOnEKciAotuG1d3u2Lv_mIy3CUZb2qwjSdoJjr-RdlaiKB9eBFm0wTq0dQQrQcqRiziRfpzsOGRV_T3RfhulD0-CQ-KFJqXEbQr2a2E4Q-ONX2wb9NOCRVELTgM2XALUnGEhJ1u0gC/s1600-h/DSCN0208.JPG"><img border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXDKAOnEKciAotuG1d3u2Lv_mIy3CUZb2qwjSdoJjr-RdlaiKB9eBFm0wTq0dQQrQcqRiziRfpzsOGRV_T3RfhulD0-CQ-KFJqXEbQr2a2E4Q-ONX2wb9NOCRVELTgM2XALUnGEhJ1u0gC/s400/DSCN0208.JPG" /></a><br /><br /></div><div style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px">The front patio view where we spend most evenings.</div><br /><div style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJgIjLk_CM2oM60YjXNmK5nW2avtsUSlLXWsmqwQ3HDLCTqbsGrgymsoJe4pvVsMfmIdpXrGKMszypz_pEzwVbBNkwfu_8WkgmAbg5N-_DVk2xBEKlEKySeGgeZYzTWmCvOCjtQU2foS4L/s1600-h/DSCN0213.JPG"><img border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJgIjLk_CM2oM60YjXNmK5nW2avtsUSlLXWsmqwQ3HDLCTqbsGrgymsoJe4pvVsMfmIdpXrGKMszypz_pEzwVbBNkwfu_8WkgmAbg5N-_DVk2xBEKlEKySeGgeZYzTWmCvOCjtQU2foS4L/s400/DSCN0213.JPG" /></a><br /><br /></div><div style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px">The fields are turning golden!</div><br /><div style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjk0JG6cd7cWQ6rZglJ3DbD2YzCug_-MU5YdEGNmBJEbnrbij4OI8ICtQ4kdAgo5cxqJEMuPAVCVWN-iTwsAzwH09wi3PXD3bl-5gt5shmQKS_UvjKmOBcBt1QSTsozyPsv2bVPn-86eKCJ/s1600-h/DSCN0216.JPG"><img border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjk0JG6cd7cWQ6rZglJ3DbD2YzCug_-MU5YdEGNmBJEbnrbij4OI8ICtQ4kdAgo5cxqJEMuPAVCVWN-iTwsAzwH09wi3PXD3bl-5gt5shmQKS_UvjKmOBcBt1QSTsozyPsv2bVPn-86eKCJ/s400/DSCN0216.JPG" /></a><br /><br /></div><div style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px">Another lovely sunset. Notice the wind towers that we can now see from our yard.</div><div style="clear:both; text-align:CENTER"><a href="http://picasa.google.com/blogger/" target="ext"><img src="http://photos1.blogger.com/pbp.gif" alt="Posted by Picasa" style="border: 0px none ; padding: 0px; background: transparent none repeat scroll 0% 50%; -moz-background-clip: initial; -moz-background-origin: initial; -moz-background-inline-policy: initial;" align="middle" border="0" /></a></div>Sam and Melissa Sahlstromhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06717426163800421194noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8239339956684359885.post-39486537243036777612009-12-05T17:16:00.000-08:002009-12-05T17:17:44.926-08:00Harvest Time!<div style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdsFx0pI-SN_7CMGzujHQje0p30y4HmR-_kZjKMtSTL9mMMqc2lUc-JHB4M6aILPm7Rrvfv9acuoYY_fMIWsCgW0OAoT8OQoceEwdBRAF9uZE0koA-nVVd6h4r-_dGdJQwJIhFXA9ga8Ai/s1600-h/DSCN0184.JPG"><img border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdsFx0pI-SN_7CMGzujHQje0p30y4HmR-_kZjKMtSTL9mMMqc2lUc-JHB4M6aILPm7Rrvfv9acuoYY_fMIWsCgW0OAoT8OQoceEwdBRAF9uZE0koA-nVVd6h4r-_dGdJQwJIhFXA9ga8Ai/s400/DSCN0184.JPG" /></a> </div>Simeon's tomato delivery! He would load up the back of his truck and drive them over to the processing center. Wash, cut, blend and cook.<br /><div style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-TaoWUeBHWbjLk8kk76mHd-OYMfGsqpc5wIwItJIS2kVMeEtswgCmq09kTALqOv946qdnL_jXJRj6KmRxFdGG7Odj1kocekzmZB2AaVL0QFgvbn8_aigQ108cVm5NknIAIV8OxQovfixj/s1600-h/DSCN0202.JPG"><img border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-TaoWUeBHWbjLk8kk76mHd-OYMfGsqpc5wIwItJIS2kVMeEtswgCmq09kTALqOv946qdnL_jXJRj6KmRxFdGG7Odj1kocekzmZB2AaVL0QFgvbn8_aigQ108cVm5NknIAIV8OxQovfixj/s400/DSCN0202.JPG" /></a><br /><br />Here is the saurkraut after its curing time in the big crock. Yum!</div><br /><div style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWyqfQsnxzLSQAdVRjZBCc1mcHkFsSe5ZozvTXS_Ta3gwEh0jIrE0BKEZ-xqN6lYCGDXXiTAKwa69yd2voy9ieufCoKmAFJJrOIDDxXyslyU0kFcr1v-qCWtnqZ5hwkUrAoEOfzA8YrQK7/s1600-h/DSCN0203.JPG"><img border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWyqfQsnxzLSQAdVRjZBCc1mcHkFsSe5ZozvTXS_Ta3gwEh0jIrE0BKEZ-xqN6lYCGDXXiTAKwa69yd2voy9ieufCoKmAFJJrOIDDxXyslyU0kFcr1v-qCWtnqZ5hwkUrAoEOfzA8YrQK7/s400/DSCN0203.JPG" /></a><br /><br />One batch of tomatoes taking their hot water bath!</div><br /><div style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj563nzFSdke2_Ill1CrGjQA48NM4OrGOU0Uk2WXJqIO7PNRAqpFkwNWWhM0qe_GNDAHrnCpzKryl_TFtI7n9w7PaLRfpwIyKGms_zXbRpATUebFTedFysuFVt3-WFEMpv5ydCNHpOsilcE/s1600-h/DSCN0204.JPG"><img border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj563nzFSdke2_Ill1CrGjQA48NM4OrGOU0Uk2WXJqIO7PNRAqpFkwNWWhM0qe_GNDAHrnCpzKryl_TFtI7n9w7PaLRfpwIyKGms_zXbRpATUebFTedFysuFVt3-WFEMpv5ydCNHpOsilcE/s400/DSCN0204.JPG" /></a><br /><br />Broccoli and green beans and the blessing of a happy Charisma!</div><div style='clear:both; text-align:CENTER'><a href='http://picasa.google.com/blogger/' target='ext'><img src='http://photos1.blogger.com/pbp.gif' alt='Posted by Picasa' style='border: 0px none ; padding: 0px; background: transparent none repeat scroll 0% 50%; -moz-background-clip: initial; -moz-background-origin: initial; -moz-background-inline-policy: initial;' align='middle' border='0' /></a></div>Sam and Melissa Sahlstromhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06717426163800421194noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8239339956684359885.post-84978453827803135362009-11-24T21:14:00.000-08:002009-11-24T21:15:42.668-08:00September '09!<div style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1cioVlTFQm3Y5LwJlcaRbrm59_IkL2Xje9932UdYLbi3bEwSuIjTg2eusn7wh_H2rYgG2h8rwnQqt0D4PEbHDuvR48_bAqU-KTd2IAF7CGsSJtI8xmCF56cXK5j9vAP-QY1GSKTre2dVw/s1600/DSCN0175.JPG"><img border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1cioVlTFQm3Y5LwJlcaRbrm59_IkL2Xje9932UdYLbi3bEwSuIjTg2eusn7wh_H2rYgG2h8rwnQqt0D4PEbHDuvR48_bAqU-KTd2IAF7CGsSJtI8xmCF56cXK5j9vAP-QY1GSKTre2dVw/s400/DSCN0175.JPG" /></a><br /><br />Happy Birthday Charisma! It is hard to believe she is now 14! She had been saying for months that the only thing she REALLY wanted for her birthday was a camera! I think she was pleased!</div><br /><div style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdRg8l-BshGR8WVC4Zg_8tyn7_Qalkwosx7k8H3GzA4HF7x9X5Sob4VAk-j_zz334Opt2nPGURj-nGTW9viBbmEKDRu8Fi0LqDNMBYvAqeumIbkEBfE-M7SfFuGOBNsbLh_nmUjS-VG6oC/s1600/DSCN0178.JPG"><img border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdRg8l-BshGR8WVC4Zg_8tyn7_Qalkwosx7k8H3GzA4HF7x9X5Sob4VAk-j_zz334Opt2nPGURj-nGTW9viBbmEKDRu8Fi0LqDNMBYvAqeumIbkEBfE-M7SfFuGOBNsbLh_nmUjS-VG6oC/s400/DSCN0178.JPG" /></a><br /><br />The AWANA float for the Tracy Box Car Days Parade!</div><br /><div style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZOZdX0_04J-8VWQv5qWZVo0l1GUcENiH1T_yVLTEoTVUCGUphKGqBjQfQ0sVwitWZl1JKvcCRIzK6QGlkMGAtJMxXrKnXOio5FQbrkzRbbPxRC89JclbgGABNq4hDB9g_28MN4mcIcDqx/s1600/DSCN0179.JPG"><img border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZOZdX0_04J-8VWQv5qWZVo0l1GUcENiH1T_yVLTEoTVUCGUphKGqBjQfQ0sVwitWZl1JKvcCRIzK6QGlkMGAtJMxXrKnXOio5FQbrkzRbbPxRC89JclbgGABNq4hDB9g_28MN4mcIcDqx/s400/DSCN0179.JPG" /></a><br /><br />Here we are all lined up catching the parade after riding on the float.</div><br /><div style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqAjTTpeN4bvTV_UjmkknhjH7jB4MnkGDwv3GMmCMc-AOGzL_vQBNUq2hn7ZLhQa4WoT3D9j7hieyWwHo_A47Xtfy7iEWx5gEAch0aZC-iyh9Q4Lbfs7W9h54QZb0O81mqYuW58kK7LdR0/s1600/DSCN0176.JPG"><img border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqAjTTpeN4bvTV_UjmkknhjH7jB4MnkGDwv3GMmCMc-AOGzL_vQBNUq2hn7ZLhQa4WoT3D9j7hieyWwHo_A47Xtfy7iEWx5gEAch0aZC-iyh9Q4Lbfs7W9h54QZb0O81mqYuW58kK7LdR0/s400/DSCN0176.JPG" /></a><br /><br />We had a great group of kids to ride along and sing the AWANA songs!</div><div style='clear:both; text-align:CENTER'><a href='http://picasa.google.com/blogger/' target='ext'><img src='http://photos1.blogger.com/pbp.gif' alt='Posted by Picasa' style='border: 0px none ; padding: 0px; background: transparent none repeat scroll 0% 50%; -moz-background-clip: initial; -moz-background-origin: initial; -moz-background-inline-policy: initial;' align='middle' border='0' /></a></div>Sam and Melissa Sahlstromhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06717426163800421194noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8239339956684359885.post-34374297799544305412009-10-27T13:55:00.000-07:002009-10-27T13:56:30.881-07:00Movie Night!<div style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTWRCSijWXD3Ev5mVVV5zFT9gCvA40TFWUCnjOIQrCGlNYYumm-9LNo8oR650w7GqGyIzXcYfofyJKKhqwKJW5lum7n3iTa4H5kgz04S3X6IqKms4Ee_nwhaZZTttkqIFRDRNYK7ptduCJ/s1600-h/DSCN0159.JPG"><img border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTWRCSijWXD3Ev5mVVV5zFT9gCvA40TFWUCnjOIQrCGlNYYumm-9LNo8oR650w7GqGyIzXcYfofyJKKhqwKJW5lum7n3iTa4H5kgz04S3X6IqKms4Ee_nwhaZZTttkqIFRDRNYK7ptduCJ/s400/DSCN0159.JPG" /></a><br /><br />Friday night is generally movie night at our house. On this night we had the Schwartz kids over and everyone was lined up on the sofa!</div><br /><div style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEij_87Cn-K3kMXyFK9Ps-NHwANZefQoelniprc_sHl-LW2G_yWLA97KWjwuRcJDsxHiGAy4yweMAST58VYRjIbY5hZ0JDP-H0xseWP1vMIMQBMU6iHhr8IGCym59IbXtSkJd7AfZdiY23V3/s1600-h/DSCN0160.JPG"><img border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEij_87Cn-K3kMXyFK9Ps-NHwANZefQoelniprc_sHl-LW2G_yWLA97KWjwuRcJDsxHiGAy4yweMAST58VYRjIbY5hZ0JDP-H0xseWP1vMIMQBMU6iHhr8IGCym59IbXtSkJd7AfZdiY23V3/s400/DSCN0160.JPG" /></a><br /><br />Even Charisma and Annika managed to squeeze into the recliner!</div><br /><div style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhj2gspSAsHQRnVxPoqPKYvhGiBNS_8RoopGLTEYS9xX8D7UZPqOupz6nDT9phUzTa_JxSk1JRsEdkwfeGBr9l1V1BRDtmWH98t5NqSbcBct5CnHFhlnk4hHCcCKPEqPnS2-jU-CyjXe4HF/s1600-h/DSCN0161.JPG"><img border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhj2gspSAsHQRnVxPoqPKYvhGiBNS_8RoopGLTEYS9xX8D7UZPqOupz6nDT9phUzTa_JxSk1JRsEdkwfeGBr9l1V1BRDtmWH98t5NqSbcBct5CnHFhlnk4hHCcCKPEqPnS2-jU-CyjXe4HF/s400/DSCN0161.JPG" /></a><br /><br />Simeon just couldn't hold out for the entire movie, and he fell asleep in the strangest position on the back of the sofa!</div><div style='clear:both; text-align:CENTER'><a href='http://picasa.google.com/blogger/' target='ext'><img src='http://photos1.blogger.com/pbp.gif' alt='Posted by Picasa' style='border: 0px none ; padding: 0px; background: transparent none repeat scroll 0% 50%; -moz-background-clip: initial; -moz-background-origin: initial; -moz-background-inline-policy: initial;' align='middle' border='0' /></a></div>Sam and Melissa Sahlstromhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06717426163800421194noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8239339956684359885.post-56289409929315970882009-10-26T21:21:00.000-07:002009-10-26T21:22:35.810-07:00August Summer Moments<div style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEq3e6SndkZUe4DloPhgXlNvlftTTyPN1XLTAzE4LEDovjNs4p1scFSmBXEuxBD799Ngy_Oxe-BorRXnQM2q6C1urPtM9iDB4s1rUqMVhnWRctk0-vZokotQRerwMkX7Z6yY_8q-46xnAo/s1600-h/DSCN0143.JPG"><img border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEq3e6SndkZUe4DloPhgXlNvlftTTyPN1XLTAzE4LEDovjNs4p1scFSmBXEuxBD799Ngy_Oxe-BorRXnQM2q6C1urPtM9iDB4s1rUqMVhnWRctk0-vZokotQRerwMkX7Z6yY_8q-46xnAo/s400/DSCN0143.JPG" /></a><br /><br />Amelia being a "lady" at Alan and Holly Zeug's wedding! It was a PERFECT day!</div><br /><div style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioANAiX-gLCkaMMwqdiTbyq0XuK7uj-B85D4Nr6Q3NsLl_6LWe8xh83Ii5g3B_By93y2ezpW9qU-b4foxSlzts7-qElTbxcOwD0Xda210Ed4EeUTZzKQV5J1H8bQs0hn2wSgm-qUO8Fq7f/s1600-h/DSCN0151.JPG"><img border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioANAiX-gLCkaMMwqdiTbyq0XuK7uj-B85D4Nr6Q3NsLl_6LWe8xh83Ii5g3B_By93y2ezpW9qU-b4foxSlzts7-qElTbxcOwD0Xda210Ed4EeUTZzKQV5J1H8bQs0hn2wSgm-qUO8Fq7f/s400/DSCN0151.JPG" /></a><br /><br />Typical Saturday morning breakfast table at our house. Blueberry pancakes topped with whipped cream and homemade maple or chokecherry syrup! We had cousin Nat and his friend Luke visiting, as well as Masa for extra guests.</div><br /><div style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkAyIXOuh0AAE_7azBne_HiYCc_YgBB1_YbdA4ydCIN3JHRbJrifibKDrlN515YbwfZG107traFzfH5ZDz_F7bjavSzLZqTUOR89G2oiPD76_SA_J9sHs5l2hrLhZvtvXC8gnQaz_LHs1Y/s1600-h/DSCN0152.JPG"><img border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkAyIXOuh0AAE_7azBne_HiYCc_YgBB1_YbdA4ydCIN3JHRbJrifibKDrlN515YbwfZG107traFzfH5ZDz_F7bjavSzLZqTUOR89G2oiPD76_SA_J9sHs5l2hrLhZvtvXC8gnQaz_LHs1Y/s400/DSCN0152.JPG" /></a><br /><br />Bet you can't tell it's morning! HA!</div><br /><div style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOn-7UjDlk1mBNfQz2NlTiujqqMNypL853UPBuIV43_zHEaSuawhibAV8kpPjsRnAdeCUneOZqSPVXB0IgKZZHnbNDvr0_wdaWvE25zwXFs1It8dvzfzaGIfj5MHKyxDngK8N_MJXAkwTR/s1600-h/DSCN0157.JPG"><img border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOn-7UjDlk1mBNfQz2NlTiujqqMNypL853UPBuIV43_zHEaSuawhibAV8kpPjsRnAdeCUneOZqSPVXB0IgKZZHnbNDvr0_wdaWvE25zwXFs1It8dvzfzaGIfj5MHKyxDngK8N_MJXAkwTR/s400/DSCN0157.JPG" /></a><br /><br />Reuben is such a great brother to all his little sisters. He does like to tease them sometimes, but Erina is his special little buddy!</div><div style='clear:both; text-align:CENTER'><a href='http://picasa.google.com/blogger/' target='ext'><img src='http://photos1.blogger.com/pbp.gif' alt='Posted by Picasa' style='border: 0px none ; padding: 0px; background: transparent none repeat scroll 0% 50%; -moz-background-clip: initial; -moz-background-origin: initial; -moz-background-inline-policy: initial;' align='middle' border='0' /></a></div>Sam and Melissa Sahlstromhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06717426163800421194noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8239339956684359885.post-7642606942161116642009-10-26T21:01:00.000-07:002009-10-26T21:03:52.401-07:00More Wilder Museum<div style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0hqiUo1B-wcAXJ3x7ofh7oVyYzj07HpjHu2JnW05wfUUqh_T1YLKAGTfRUxhR35KYfcQZR5Kf4gaJGqhzF-R1Jff3vbGJvXyQE1UCDz4Dfdh-Y_7W1aYttei1oh7tSfbJzJtuBLjeLMzi/s1600-h/DSCN0131.JPG"><img border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0hqiUo1B-wcAXJ3x7ofh7oVyYzj07HpjHu2JnW05wfUUqh_T1YLKAGTfRUxhR35KYfcQZR5Kf4gaJGqhzF-R1Jff3vbGJvXyQE1UCDz4Dfdh-Y_7W1aYttei1oh7tSfbJzJtuBLjeLMzi/s400/DSCN0131.JPG" /></a><br /><br />The old wood cookstove.</div><br /><div style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgP08Le8afHs74_cxapzXkG9Hrb2hZhxmdvS6OJ6RYreg-1x8ucW6SckdWgv7iIMnjD3IEj7bQ8c_gj-ZJGrB6uNER_6DE2EbPGUwdvtl9FcOISs1gf96tejfiplj0HBjlNwOE0XMMOh2WD/s1600-h/DSCN0132.JPG"><img border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgP08Le8afHs74_cxapzXkG9Hrb2hZhxmdvS6OJ6RYreg-1x8ucW6SckdWgv7iIMnjD3IEj7bQ8c_gj-ZJGrB6uNER_6DE2EbPGUwdvtl9FcOISs1gf96tejfiplj0HBjlNwOE0XMMOh2WD/s400/DSCN0132.JPG" /></a><br /><br />One room schoolhouse.<br /></div><br /><div style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUaxGmHTKmDvK1wYgBafA9Vjw4hVeBBgYxejpKEJz3-zFA7Kmrgz_8CYmIEwm4aS0Jgi_bdN0M7GuOqJRSniDwC5nFigHurPzueevjtn2OZHgFbSnl9PFMXIONl7ST0YG2AiEp5ryN-GKw/s1600-h/DSCN0133.JPG"><img border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUaxGmHTKmDvK1wYgBafA9Vjw4hVeBBgYxejpKEJz3-zFA7Kmrgz_8CYmIEwm4aS0Jgi_bdN0M7GuOqJRSniDwC5nFigHurPzueevjtn2OZHgFbSnl9PFMXIONl7ST0YG2AiEp5ryN-GKw/s400/DSCN0133.JPG" /></a> </div><div style="text-align: center;">Lovely old antique furniture.</div><br /><div style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjCpJgntQUqi23sP-l4HimYlnX7GDa3J0L7_JM4_sLRXI2SCIYq1qgcBbQFdmvCA4al8kjBpGTEn-P-jgi5v_QnRvWtt040SOi9m4YAuRgqRMB_cT6-QPECFzjp86KMPbk4sQxbUakDQ70/s1600-h/DSCN0141.JPG"><img border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjCpJgntQUqi23sP-l4HimYlnX7GDa3J0L7_JM4_sLRXI2SCIYq1qgcBbQFdmvCA4al8kjBpGTEn-P-jgi5v_QnRvWtt040SOi9m4YAuRgqRMB_cT6-QPECFzjp86KMPbk4sQxbUakDQ70/s400/DSCN0141.JPG" /></a><br /><br />Mural of the Plum Creek dugout.</div><div style="clear:both; text-align:CENTER"><a href="http://picasa.google.com/blogger/" target="ext"><img src="http://photos1.blogger.com/pbp.gif" alt="Posted by Picasa" style="border: 0px none ; padding: 0px; background: transparent none repeat scroll 0% 50%; -moz-background-clip: initial; -moz-background-origin: initial; -moz-background-inline-policy: initial;" align="middle" border="0" /></a></div>Sam and Melissa Sahlstromhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06717426163800421194noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8239339956684359885.post-89367567065828852232009-10-26T20:54:00.000-07:002009-10-26T20:55:36.568-07:00Laura Ingalls Wilder Museum<div style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMDqQ8l987eN8GaA35sEbx4_W_3eSFT43GvwXfZIrEvMIbbRFrIfhzrdlVUFRvHO6WC6ZKmOsHUJ5PqQsWKnvgZnY6MWNxfj0ZPPoyiLoM72LugsY-DRqSsFWGJ0XeDU55DcNTvP7Lxkl1/s1600-h/DSCN0120.JPG"><img border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMDqQ8l987eN8GaA35sEbx4_W_3eSFT43GvwXfZIrEvMIbbRFrIfhzrdlVUFRvHO6WC6ZKmOsHUJ5PqQsWKnvgZnY6MWNxfj0ZPPoyiLoM72LugsY-DRqSsFWGJ0XeDU55DcNTvP7Lxkl1/s400/DSCN0120.JPG" /></a><br /><br />In August we had the opportunity to host an exchange student through AFS for a few weeks until his permanent host family could have him move in. His name is Masakazu Ishihara and he is from Japan. He was a brave soul to come to a house where he had nine instant siblings when he was used to being an only child, but he was a great sport! We all became attached to him right away! We thought he could see a little local history at the Laura Ingalls Wilder Museum! Becca and Amelia showing their cooking skills in the hands on kitchen!</div><br /><div style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXLCCp-7cvymLteTmzfQhn3yEyDyxrERjNK1hXc0trHXBleio2-iteu2T9drvZ632N0zyGfX4m163M6N5uA1rUcngGJ91sZ67fLA-jfonXFtvSP0hIP3eVcvlLoX9sJMyl8BicpUpiw8wh/s1600-h/DSCN0121.JPG"><img border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXLCCp-7cvymLteTmzfQhn3yEyDyxrERjNK1hXc0trHXBleio2-iteu2T9drvZ632N0zyGfX4m163M6N5uA1rUcngGJ91sZ67fLA-jfonXFtvSP0hIP3eVcvlLoX9sJMyl8BicpUpiw8wh/s400/DSCN0121.JPG" /></a><br /><br />Here is Simeon being a little farmer with Masa in the background.</div><br /><div style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmSt_kDNlSjQn8zvY6FfXKed5l7M23dUu5rLZ2OL6XTzCIst5oFpcN1WrGOfqMqfonpYeSiPgG4iNXvWlSicdYZteVD-ISxJQdw-DMk5lXpTCJFh73kgPdF5MmT66eY19qTNPmKTifZMIN/s1600-h/DSCN0118.JPG"><img border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmSt_kDNlSjQn8zvY6FfXKed5l7M23dUu5rLZ2OL6XTzCIst5oFpcN1WrGOfqMqfonpYeSiPgG4iNXvWlSicdYZteVD-ISxJQdw-DMk5lXpTCJFh73kgPdF5MmT66eY19qTNPmKTifZMIN/s400/DSCN0118.JPG" /></a><br /><br />Erina and Charisma found some outfits perfect for playing the pump organ!</div><br /><div style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivSlLXvWwusqwSbrwtZ7Fxjy1DMgH1lzCiPXOOqtyX1AfWhlzatn7UyFul667HotsEIog5VFx-hQDLosi9P3LQewz2h1vlMObGVasAay_MKf_T2INei3zMaCVxe7Acqhn89Qf8FTI9nBHa/s1600-h/DSCN0122.JPG"><img border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivSlLXvWwusqwSbrwtZ7Fxjy1DMgH1lzCiPXOOqtyX1AfWhlzatn7UyFul667HotsEIog5VFx-hQDLosi9P3LQewz2h1vlMObGVasAay_MKf_T2INei3zMaCVxe7Acqhn89Qf8FTI9nBHa/s400/DSCN0122.JPG" /></a><br /><br />Katrina found Daniel Boone!</div><div style='clear:both; text-align:CENTER'><a href='http://picasa.google.com/blogger/' target='ext'><img src='http://photos1.blogger.com/pbp.gif' alt='Posted by Picasa' style='border: 0px none ; padding: 0px; background: transparent none repeat scroll 0% 50%; -moz-background-clip: initial; -moz-background-origin: initial; -moz-background-inline-policy: initial;' align='middle' border='0' /></a></div>Sam and Melissa Sahlstromhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06717426163800421194noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8239339956684359885.post-51977259598639550532009-10-18T19:26:00.000-07:002009-10-18T19:28:31.452-07:00Berge 30's Bash<div style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgL7_wVGm9lQEqFfbybOXqZAZgggIoxIyAFZlv_9YEFhNDbP9kKs5J1dIAjZeWbx52QdYHJyboZjBAcbwaDQcIolx17zzc2LfFzLKwnj9-BDnHxEW6rCCose8mGmr44jnjBiAZdnsntfArM/s1600-h/DSCN0110.JPG"><img border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgL7_wVGm9lQEqFfbybOXqZAZgggIoxIyAFZlv_9YEFhNDbP9kKs5J1dIAjZeWbx52QdYHJyboZjBAcbwaDQcIolx17zzc2LfFzLKwnj9-BDnHxEW6rCCose8mGmr44jnjBiAZdnsntfArM/s400/DSCN0110.JPG" /></a> </div>Here we all are at Reptile Gardens. It proved to be another gorgeous day to take in all the reptiles, birds and snakes! We also enjoyed the flowers and museum!<div><br /><div style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAkiRjbzFoQlbEW71AZCLvPGxb4KxiCFaSXCWVfERBzEgwD61CVD1PQZJXtSOW7aLP2TSQpOgnupKNkfbAN6fUaxI3h91-Dplzhsy6BAdDouMTRnzor-rEV5jpgIj69VDsOMIAerwhjwAj/s1600-h/DSCN0111.JPG"><img border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAkiRjbzFoQlbEW71AZCLvPGxb4KxiCFaSXCWVfERBzEgwD61CVD1PQZJXtSOW7aLP2TSQpOgnupKNkfbAN6fUaxI3h91-Dplzhsy6BAdDouMTRnzor-rEV5jpgIj69VDsOMIAerwhjwAj/s400/DSCN0111.JPG" /></a> </div>Everyone is all smiles except Simeon who couldn't wait for the show to start! Notice that David and Melanie are all smiles, enjoying their child free summer.....but not for long!<br /><br /><div style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhc62rW8Rg7XbH__AdxMAQBE3Gq5wUsAmmf0JMZNu2hVOpzZYtat0dAyIK5uTXccQ6VeoZ3uqaNoX5AiZJE9NlS_fGWEmv4P3lmVMUvuSzz1rGHwRn1nM9582Mn6dXJiiZZhU78CTfduY9x/s1600-h/DSCN0112.JPG"><img border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhc62rW8Rg7XbH__AdxMAQBE3Gq5wUsAmmf0JMZNu2hVOpzZYtat0dAyIK5uTXccQ6VeoZ3uqaNoX5AiZJE9NlS_fGWEmv4P3lmVMUvuSzz1rGHwRn1nM9582Mn6dXJiiZZhU78CTfduY9x/s400/DSCN0112.JPG" /></a> </div>Reuben, Thomas and Simeon enthralled by the swooping birds!<br /><br /><div style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDETCIcts8CMubHbM6QLBUYAVpu1Ov5sh9PZEg9mWfw5Ov8ctizdjRh4-Nx4DMPZIS85Sp3qdXVUaKNp1fWvSZcJXbadQqzfSWsPHvSruP-9GtHBIhP-Ew2Vkc0Dxp-XLwm7aDcaBhQnQV/s1600-h/DSC_1286.JPG"><img border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDETCIcts8CMubHbM6QLBUYAVpu1Ov5sh9PZEg9mWfw5Ov8ctizdjRh4-Nx4DMPZIS85Sp3qdXVUaKNp1fWvSZcJXbadQqzfSWsPHvSruP-9GtHBIhP-Ew2Vkc0Dxp-XLwm7aDcaBhQnQV/s400/DSC_1286.JPG" /></a> </div>Here we all are, posing for our family picture. For only having 4 children, the clan sure has multiplied! Go Grandma and Grandpa! All 25 of us stayed in a lovely cabin together and shared meals and great times together! What a memory filled vacation!<div style="clear:both; text-align:CENTER"><a href="http://picasa.google.com/blogger/" target="ext"><img src="http://photos1.blogger.com/pbp.gif" alt="Posted by Picasa" style="border: 0px none ; padding: 0px; background: transparent none repeat scroll 0% 50%; -moz-background-clip: initial; -moz-background-origin: initial; -moz-background-inline-policy: initial;" align="middle" border="0" /></a></div></div>Sam and Melissa Sahlstromhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06717426163800421194noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8239339956684359885.post-25746302696546022412009-10-18T19:06:00.000-07:002009-10-18T19:10:04.631-07:00Mount Rushmore in July!<div style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxIp7Nn1py2EzXvzm0UVdEMoFxOAn3oB8T8s4IoOQYm7j3rZ9JIc8B78uqhU9JJD2mkkvvf19bIWWwNl65_oySvB7YWTx85M_I4joPqECH_-MggvmUb-wtQEe0LzuK_wdlDomJHAFzCHx7/s1600-h/DSCN0088.JPG"><img border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxIp7Nn1py2EzXvzm0UVdEMoFxOAn3oB8T8s4IoOQYm7j3rZ9JIc8B78uqhU9JJD2mkkvvf19bIWWwNl65_oySvB7YWTx85M_I4joPqECH_-MggvmUb-wtQEe0LzuK_wdlDomJHAFzCHx7/s400/DSCN0088.JPG" /></a> </div><div style="text-align: center;">In July we took a trip out to the Black Hills with the Berge Family. We were celebrating the fact that all of us (sibling children of Ken and Becky Berge) were in our 30's at the same time! We took in so many sights!</div><div style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px"><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_aAKxFrcu1fDQVKiHUsDDSjCrADso_w1izq3LmU3VQlkxdj85H6yEY3uKjSveVhbWmVcasy_PcilTW1Ca2RSjtS4Hue2Fn3zqbGHk2Uvvm38VoGjnlmTPNg0bUaB_VJfQ8ySxBoy4lPT_/s1600-h/DSCN0090.JPG"><img border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_aAKxFrcu1fDQVKiHUsDDSjCrADso_w1izq3LmU3VQlkxdj85H6yEY3uKjSveVhbWmVcasy_PcilTW1Ca2RSjtS4Hue2Fn3zqbGHk2Uvvm38VoGjnlmTPNg0bUaB_VJfQ8ySxBoy4lPT_/s400/DSCN0090.JPG" /></a> </div><div style="text-align: center;">Simeon attempting to look presidential!</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuvAf_VMoeLfABsYPV53mFWrsRP7yxY6jVjII2RUSCuTuOs0eqUJDB-AfpHdvR2bX_WueEMQ91qzmiv35FAolhMCuTYaHfYQ9IxVjsG5m5X4cY4YOFkCfG_KvYQn8gBUY56gov2h5Mgaqk/s1600-h/DSCN0091.JPG"><img border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuvAf_VMoeLfABsYPV53mFWrsRP7yxY6jVjII2RUSCuTuOs0eqUJDB-AfpHdvR2bX_WueEMQ91qzmiv35FAolhMCuTYaHfYQ9IxVjsG5m5X4cY4YOFkCfG_KvYQn8gBUY56gov2h5Mgaqk/s400/DSCN0091.JPG" /></a> </div><div style="text-align: center;">We had a gorgeous day for visiting this amazing monument. It was the first time most of our kids had seen it!</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div> <div style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4nzoMq2C6mjouFtsItJpoFAmGA5HChBWRJrdUTovwK8u5o5sTevRUak-TTotP9zwah9kiEYyYMYHu3EpiByEsZt6uk60f9lKLpXSLht5X0LDUfj-RCDbrr3nYXo5XAHGlqP5GrTuPwEIs/s1600-h/DSCN0101.JPG"><img border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4nzoMq2C6mjouFtsItJpoFAmGA5HChBWRJrdUTovwK8u5o5sTevRUak-TTotP9zwah9kiEYyYMYHu3EpiByEsZt6uk60f9lKLpXSLht5X0LDUfj-RCDbrr3nYXo5XAHGlqP5GrTuPwEIs/s400/DSCN0101.JPG" /></a> </div><div style="text-align: center;">Here are the 4 cousins enjoying each other's company every chance they could!</div><div style="clear:both; text-align:CENTER"><a href="http://picasa.google.com/blogger/" target="ext"><img src="http://photos1.blogger.com/pbp.gif" alt="Posted by Picasa" style="border: 0px none ; padding: 0px; background: transparent none repeat scroll 0% 50%; -moz-background-clip: initial; -moz-background-origin: initial; -moz-background-inline-policy: initial;" align="middle" border="0" /></a></div>Sam and Melissa Sahlstromhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06717426163800421194noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8239339956684359885.post-51542683663411312682009-10-18T18:51:00.000-07:002009-10-18T18:55:09.768-07:00Successful Kite Flying!<div style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixs1IrgmMO7MmoUaGK7FIlAXiC8jBeNI_K6KlbJlfdvn-fcFiqXmj-CmOJhBt9dy13rIvEfg_T_lcQx82H2cNQhyphenhyphenDqzlnelWk5N2z1xvkZyjOtlEZ0KEL7lmWeD5vVnE5ObHylOm8GxgEO/s1600-h/DSCN0049.JPG"><img border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixs1IrgmMO7MmoUaGK7FIlAXiC8jBeNI_K6KlbJlfdvn-fcFiqXmj-CmOJhBt9dy13rIvEfg_T_lcQx82H2cNQhyphenhyphenDqzlnelWk5N2z1xvkZyjOtlEZ0KEL7lmWeD5vVnE5ObHylOm8GxgEO/s400/DSCN0049.JPG" /></a> </div><div style="text-align: center;">Go Amelia!</div><br /><div style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlxLkw_Xzw9RY8w0zaIQeWJY5_IJrcj1AtMxah83lbFT_LwB37xbpIsqIHeg-cXBHVigeshxIK8tiu7vzDIoCFoXgyDKz11K12OGzrLL6uoQW0LYs_AfKAXp3YH20oM1XjpA6VPDegPKe8/s1600-h/DSCN0038.JPG"><img border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlxLkw_Xzw9RY8w0zaIQeWJY5_IJrcj1AtMxah83lbFT_LwB37xbpIsqIHeg-cXBHVigeshxIK8tiu7vzDIoCFoXgyDKz11K12OGzrLL6uoQW0LYs_AfKAXp3YH20oM1XjpA6VPDegPKe8/s400/DSCN0038.JPG" /></a> </div><div style="text-align: center;">Go Becca!</div><br /><div style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgl4-POwIpJHygISV3Mv7ID3-M8TTWSMK8_vhutrWkldeK8PKedzqKcUsMMQbL1UNVsiPobLjmiM7pBB2wHop5d3ymelxWn6S6qYwA02_zjT8o4qryAruOAVV2itXYyD_QY24EZ62ZnraTp/s1600-h/DSCN0055.JPG"><img border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgl4-POwIpJHygISV3Mv7ID3-M8TTWSMK8_vhutrWkldeK8PKedzqKcUsMMQbL1UNVsiPobLjmiM7pBB2wHop5d3ymelxWn6S6qYwA02_zjT8o4qryAruOAVV2itXYyD_QY24EZ62ZnraTp/s400/DSCN0055.JPG" /></a> </div><div style="text-align: center;">We all enjoyed the fresh air and exercise. Annika and I enjoying ourselves.</div><div><br /><div style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMZqudqm3NC8l12gSuHitf8Jihg_d9scuyO7AhmUXhIo_86g8BeADXwInZLjG6KcXsgDIGaEhksIVHtlr00fVYB_Y1QLM2x1DHxf7pGG-jj6IaZ7d9CCOSRUzntQwWOy9LyFOyPT6kGvoI/s1600-h/DSCN0041.JPG"><img border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMZqudqm3NC8l12gSuHitf8Jihg_d9scuyO7AhmUXhIo_86g8BeADXwInZLjG6KcXsgDIGaEhksIVHtlr00fVYB_Y1QLM2x1DHxf7pGG-jj6IaZ7d9CCOSRUzntQwWOy9LyFOyPT6kGvoI/s400/DSCN0041.JPG" /></a> </div><div style="text-align: center;">Sam climbed up into the top of the shed and peeked out the roof! The kids thought that was great!</div><div style="clear:both; text-align:CENTER"><a href="http://picasa.google.com/blogger/" target="ext"><img src="http://photos1.blogger.com/pbp.gif" alt="Posted by Picasa" style="border: 0px none ; padding: 0px; background: transparent none repeat scroll 0% 50%; -moz-background-clip: initial; -moz-background-origin: initial; -moz-background-inline-policy: initial;" align="middle" border="0" /></a></div></div>Sam and Melissa Sahlstromhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06717426163800421194noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8239339956684359885.post-56768645676588647042009-10-18T17:49:00.000-07:002009-10-18T18:15:17.615-07:00Kite Flying!<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKfI52UZAscs6hFVQiqexAmDyOsNyaeHkBjXl-hvyCu6Tx_9E4glsVZjUiGS7StkSAl_x5SwVukO8IbDsAcYFtSh8q-veBKsOPLkWWfcv7iibwxFUZI6mVHQW7aJlbuj1yjzlB-AVMho9e/s1600-h/DSCN9997.JPG"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKfI52UZAscs6hFVQiqexAmDyOsNyaeHkBjXl-hvyCu6Tx_9E4glsVZjUiGS7StkSAl_x5SwVukO8IbDsAcYFtSh8q-veBKsOPLkWWfcv7iibwxFUZI6mVHQW7aJlbuj1yjzlB-AVMho9e/s400/DSCN9997.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5394108675030031938" /></a><br /><div style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">After church we came home, ate a yummy lunch and then decided the day was a perfect kite flying day! So we pulled out the kites and gave them a whirl!</div><div style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px"><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJqDlTJMCkPJyJ9DU0VeCxdaQinS7ktAM9gUEaEHOyb4rk20mXGorN57orC3lI7mhhkHauyH6AB6Z6h9VwgKuHeP1lWdrRb0a8qglZEZaO1BF7nCHMYbelku4TbjfEDGW6DpXa5hRKxjEN/s1600-h/DSCN0001.JPG"><img border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJqDlTJMCkPJyJ9DU0VeCxdaQinS7ktAM9gUEaEHOyb4rk20mXGorN57orC3lI7mhhkHauyH6AB6Z6h9VwgKuHeP1lWdrRb0a8qglZEZaO1BF7nCHMYbelku4TbjfEDGW6DpXa5hRKxjEN/s400/DSCN0001.JPG" /></a> </div><div style="text-align: center;">Reuben had a smaller version that proved to be a diver, but we still had fun with it. However, by the end of the day it was spent!</div><br /><div style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhqk7HIkCsgLto0gsgxYQkg3GgJEGG7yUElWXseAr_f-XVJ-DCU1YaTNxeOH34Y_VNckfzfInnTYhQfLI9drZMSSq4WnKVY8v245V45jbN98aAFsCnhTkA-6G5HurcLO7yWDOkpX8YoIjG/s1600-h/DSCN0016.JPG"><img border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhqk7HIkCsgLto0gsgxYQkg3GgJEGG7yUElWXseAr_f-XVJ-DCU1YaTNxeOH34Y_VNckfzfInnTYhQfLI9drZMSSq4WnKVY8v245V45jbN98aAFsCnhTkA-6G5HurcLO7yWDOkpX8YoIjG/s400/DSCN0016.JPG" /></a> </div><div style="text-align: center;">"Mom....help!" I even got in on the action of getting the "airplane" kite to go up, up and away!</div><br /><div style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjpzhskMkP9R37sFQmbNot8AM3KNr4TE1OhKJTa84MT8WDl1TAlB6XdDzXyBSHDB6Pvlsc0wxPgL37v9eWaDqytv1ucuPJCjIdN04iEENq5q_72cFAm3B7YpKJWgJVGGIO_481cSgSNRG6/s1600-h/DSCN0017.JPG"><img border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjpzhskMkP9R37sFQmbNot8AM3KNr4TE1OhKJTa84MT8WDl1TAlB6XdDzXyBSHDB6Pvlsc0wxPgL37v9eWaDqytv1ucuPJCjIdN04iEENq5q_72cFAm3B7YpKJWgJVGGIO_481cSgSNRG6/s400/DSCN0017.JPG" /></a> </div><div style="text-align: center;">Simeon enjoyed the knee high clover!</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div>Sam and Melissa Sahlstromhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06717426163800421194noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8239339956684359885.post-53620112509532529462009-10-18T17:33:00.000-07:002009-10-18T17:36:22.967-07:00Happy Birthday Katrina!<div style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAFQ8pNqmLAWzyOzUYECQNDQmsihGlkVlcxfyT9Ej15YK1aK7nw_wpl7_DMQNbhUkpdrjDxdpoa_NS7Ct1YaOQD_h1L6a2MBVpJcVK0rdPBz47QLIPYl8xnYuNfn1Nj5_6h-OSQGyehVgo/s1600-h/DSCN9994.JPG"><img border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAFQ8pNqmLAWzyOzUYECQNDQmsihGlkVlcxfyT9Ej15YK1aK7nw_wpl7_DMQNbhUkpdrjDxdpoa_NS7Ct1YaOQD_h1L6a2MBVpJcVK0rdPBz47QLIPYl8xnYuNfn1Nj5_6h-OSQGyehVgo/s400/DSCN9994.JPG" /></a> </div>On June 28th we celebrated Katrina turning 6! She is becoming quite the young lady and poses here with Amelia and Becca.<br /><br /><div style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCC2m5ewbUbtKFr-pZlOpWHibgn_Ou7wdvhWNX7RJqIvECSm10_uZAYxnVPINKAaboejLG1DgDMz5jK0KBYJrk9BJ4wcPN1RSb7l3UAJBN-pLXjXLCx-_nJvrdWaiUylgV3lj4Z50HNS4G/s1600-h/DSCN9989.JPG"><img border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCC2m5ewbUbtKFr-pZlOpWHibgn_Ou7wdvhWNX7RJqIvECSm10_uZAYxnVPINKAaboejLG1DgDMz5jK0KBYJrk9BJ4wcPN1RSb7l3UAJBN-pLXjXLCx-_nJvrdWaiUylgV3lj4Z50HNS4G/s400/DSCN9989.JPG" /></a> </div><div style="text-align: center;">Here we celebrated her family birthday party! It was so much fun to see what each sibling came up with for gifts for her.</div><br /><div style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjskSa5esDHLkum_yQBAplmLVolHWsI3iC-MA0gfWatyrFK-h0A8pgg7-bk-Sf6pKXuTXwM6H6yEnoiPRD7X-spoVVuwAJEoERbKb4UGmf9wrXac0x4p105_8UeGst8jjqy6e5nYXzuNX6s/s1600-h/DSCN0079.JPG"><img border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjskSa5esDHLkum_yQBAplmLVolHWsI3iC-MA0gfWatyrFK-h0A8pgg7-bk-Sf6pKXuTXwM6H6yEnoiPRD7X-spoVVuwAJEoERbKb4UGmf9wrXac0x4p105_8UeGst8jjqy6e5nYXzuNX6s/s400/DSCN0079.JPG" /></a> </div><div style="text-align: center;">This was her friend party, and this year she had a playtime with the Hicks family!</div><div><br /><div style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipSZ_trZtiTbPUCqP3Zk64wJvZrbU_pc_YUKgcN7cT2EmY1cx54PNQUxfvsJiCM6nMc2AGiH8L5HEaDu9EDmY859YTNo2K10Q6az5ANDwhzXBIhKBFccI8MIh6O8y6al6vxlDUu5REX_at/s1600-h/DSCN9995.JPG"><img border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipSZ_trZtiTbPUCqP3Zk64wJvZrbU_pc_YUKgcN7cT2EmY1cx54PNQUxfvsJiCM6nMc2AGiH8L5HEaDu9EDmY859YTNo2K10Q6az5ANDwhzXBIhKBFccI8MIh6O8y6al6vxlDUu5REX_at/s400/DSCN9995.JPG" /></a> </div>It is a wonderful thing to take the time to cherish each child on their special day and let them know how much we love them</div><div>. I just LOVE birthdays!<div style="clear:both; text-align:CENTER"><a href="http://picasa.google.com/blogger/" target="ext"><img src="http://photos1.blogger.com/pbp.gif" alt="Posted by Picasa" style="border: 0px none ; padding: 0px; background: transparent none repeat scroll 0% 50%; -moz-background-clip: initial; -moz-background-origin: initial; -moz-background-inline-policy: initial;" align="middle" border="0" /></a></div></div>Sam and Melissa Sahlstromhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06717426163800421194noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8239339956684359885.post-55160758845492986892009-10-18T17:18:00.000-07:002009-10-18T17:20:32.989-07:00Fishing in SW Minnesota!<div style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijjMq3wnE9nZLVODLbGBbGqfcRYxPe4Pp1nMrT67GNfBn93ay34VrMuaB1BqLk2gYgoQ-UxGx6wRX8Q4OOPdhe6cFAjYbN4M5FSU3DXf3HU2HSrHz7rosmdUorCVE_Uv9vydOqS4Bjlk2s/s1600-h/DSCN9980.JPG"><img border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijjMq3wnE9nZLVODLbGBbGqfcRYxPe4Pp1nMrT67GNfBn93ay34VrMuaB1BqLk2gYgoQ-UxGx6wRX8Q4OOPdhe6cFAjYbN4M5FSU3DXf3HU2HSrHz7rosmdUorCVE_Uv9vydOqS4Bjlk2s/s400/DSCN9980.JPG" /></a> </div>Nate, Antonio and Sam took the boys out fishing, and look what they caught!<div><br /><div style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3vZ92OfO_dCkjjcSF_JupVbef9PsavGw32cDeQ8yCNkApTwari9Fv6aCvGs_rZbgaUjgzhTeiY4xnp8qzoijhD4q7revxlqnrDymMcWPMb6bDKhOsnQyVQXcZH5Vry-SDWUaREskc8N4i/s1600-h/DSCN9982.JPG"><img border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3vZ92OfO_dCkjjcSF_JupVbef9PsavGw32cDeQ8yCNkApTwari9Fv6aCvGs_rZbgaUjgzhTeiY4xnp8qzoijhD4q7revxlqnrDymMcWPMb6bDKhOsnQyVQXcZH5Vry-SDWUaREskc8N4i/s400/DSCN9982.JPG" /></a> </div>I have always been amazed at the good luck Sam has at fishing. It must be some inner instict he has, or maybe just the fact that he is not afraid to work hard at it.</div><div><br /><div style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiK0P-16cm5QRi03iZSqKmDyZHipSDzUaCz7Kx5JOzxwDZrwcK0u77vQj-5hYNGtuBjdcYTdOsZcElNLXzjqM4fQa6ZW2C1YDpY4dSy7iGNeQckUgYOxxCLepT-BqhOVgw8RuzLz7kFhnaD/s1600-h/DSCN9986.JPG"><img border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiK0P-16cm5QRi03iZSqKmDyZHipSDzUaCz7Kx5JOzxwDZrwcK0u77vQj-5hYNGtuBjdcYTdOsZcElNLXzjqM4fQa6ZW2C1YDpY4dSy7iGNeQckUgYOxxCLepT-BqhOVgw8RuzLz7kFhnaD/s400/DSCN9986.JPG" /></a> </div>Noe, Sammy and Reuben try their hand at holding it up! Guess it was a little too heavy!<div style="clear:both; text-align:CENTER"><a href="http://picasa.google.com/blogger/" target="ext"><img src="http://photos1.blogger.com/pbp.gif" alt="Posted by Picasa" style="border: 0px none ; padding: 0px; background: transparent none repeat scroll 0% 50%; -moz-background-clip: initial; -moz-background-origin: initial; -moz-background-inline-policy: initial;" align="middle" border="0" /></a></div></div>Sam and Melissa Sahlstromhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06717426163800421194noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8239339956684359885.post-46916065975518292242009-10-18T17:07:00.000-07:002009-10-18T17:10:56.969-07:00Sahlstrom Camp II<div style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixN4Lm1xkx8Vn7EtEI9EBWjY-3325CbpoX9ciys0bApAkXdB0d_e5mLjGVXMzk02hDiZ38UOTTvuMgQttoYl7A8FrLXrH9YefyXU1CSpM7imKHpXwFCADC3w5dx2wU18I4LZpsvPPru7Vd/s1600-h/DSCN9974.JPG"><img border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixN4Lm1xkx8Vn7EtEI9EBWjY-3325CbpoX9ciys0bApAkXdB0d_e5mLjGVXMzk02hDiZ38UOTTvuMgQttoYl7A8FrLXrH9YefyXU1CSpM7imKHpXwFCADC3w5dx2wU18I4LZpsvPPru7Vd/s400/DSCN9974.JPG" /></a> </div>The water sports are the big attraction at Sahlstrom Camp! Whoever wanted to try tubing, waterskiing, knee boarding, and whatever else they come up with will had the chance to give it a try! You may have to wait your turn, but it proves to be entertaining indeed!<br /><br /><div style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiuHPf7HYKdWGvAmUMDDIZNMfTXIM-92GdnLQI4CDK50YNEPUqC7dRvOmgnpXVExSf3j53dplluiNG_bs7WSee51Ds7330U_gDiHT7ooSEyJuGhm7GHr3BiBH-sqmORZV_OyfWidxiRcoW/s1600-h/DSCN9978.JPG"><img border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiuHPf7HYKdWGvAmUMDDIZNMfTXIM-92GdnLQI4CDK50YNEPUqC7dRvOmgnpXVExSf3j53dplluiNG_bs7WSee51Ds7330U_gDiHT7ooSEyJuGhm7GHr3BiBH-sqmORZV_OyfWidxiRcoW/s400/DSCN9978.JPG" /></a> </div>Even Grandma Carol and Grandpa Paul get in on the action! What an amazing duo these two are! They can keep up with all the kids and grandkids like it takes no effort! We all appreciate the wonderful example they are to the rest of us. They love God and each other and they make life richer for everyone who crosses their path. They have an amazing gift of hospitality that they have passed on to each of their children. This is SUCH an important ministry to help encourage others and share God's love with them!<br /><br /><div style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHC1O9funEKv85j0cFFN8SIT8Q6fJae2MABY8owcU2yia71Tct-PWyJ4d2nwCHYIBoeZqnIT46-vO3LNEQ1DBhUECImFyFFHoQITkDvsZ9hBEqsp5I4C7tBSokZrcD6aVZ17zt5fMKa3OY/s1600-h/DSCN9968.JPG"><img border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHC1O9funEKv85j0cFFN8SIT8Q6fJae2MABY8owcU2yia71Tct-PWyJ4d2nwCHYIBoeZqnIT46-vO3LNEQ1DBhUECImFyFFHoQITkDvsZ9hBEqsp5I4C7tBSokZrcD6aVZ17zt5fMKa3OY/s400/DSCN9968.JPG" /></a> </div>The Three Brothers attempt to get up all at the same time to show the younger generation "how it's done"! I am happy to report that they were successful, and everyone onshore was cheering them on! We decided it should be a yearly tradition. Nothing like a little pressure to stay in shape, huh? I think they have all reached the 40 mark, now!<br /><br /><div style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEie82xbJdct65dZvKxsab4JVHRQePycm0VhYYealiAkosfw3ov6Nywk3Z9FACoyMbR6slxrQAxb8u1G76eroYm-CSoFlmOHvNOmOSdA-35gOBdcshf4RtJADK7r9UnWD22RpzB2pOJMKJuY/s1600-h/DSCN9939.JPG"><img border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEie82xbJdct65dZvKxsab4JVHRQePycm0VhYYealiAkosfw3ov6Nywk3Z9FACoyMbR6slxrQAxb8u1G76eroYm-CSoFlmOHvNOmOSdA-35gOBdcshf4RtJADK7r9UnWD22RpzB2pOJMKJuY/s400/DSCN9939.JPG" /></a> </div>Simeon just loved the water, and with his little floating swimsuit, it was so nice to know he would be able to get back up again if he wiped out!<div style="clear:both; text-align:CENTER"><a href="http://picasa.google.com/blogger/" target="ext"><img src="http://photos1.blogger.com/pbp.gif" alt="Posted by Picasa" style="border: 0px none ; padding: 0px; background: transparent none repeat scroll 0% 50%; -moz-background-clip: initial; -moz-background-origin: initial; -moz-background-inline-policy: initial;" align="middle" border="0" /></a></div>Sam and Melissa Sahlstromhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06717426163800421194noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8239339956684359885.post-70044426311011439962009-10-18T16:47:00.000-07:002009-10-18T16:48:48.951-07:00Sahlstrom Camp!<div style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXhVxrt9pe1r0pK-RoDAZmw1JgLlVAaCWflnTnQlBfWwECDIl5kWFkTpTkxSj84Rctt0ylpNY20aojgfsNHgMD2TwCTmUffnQxukZeXgbd5F1OF0BbTzw9KHKJ2RoPz6mvwyIvr272wNdz/s1600-h/DSCN9944.JPG"><img border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXhVxrt9pe1r0pK-RoDAZmw1JgLlVAaCWflnTnQlBfWwECDIl5kWFkTpTkxSj84Rctt0ylpNY20aojgfsNHgMD2TwCTmUffnQxukZeXgbd5F1OF0BbTzw9KHKJ2RoPz6mvwyIvr272wNdz/s400/DSCN9944.JPG" /></a> </div>Every Father's Day Weekend, Sam's side of the family packs up and heads for Leisure Lake in northern Wisconson for a 4 day reunion. It has proved to be a great bonding time for us all in the past, and this year was no exception! The weather was gorgeous, and we made some great memories!<br /><br /><div style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjgg0wx9pQKic4s0ciySTKA94CnSuP2bJgQhq1pr6HW2cRuGuvH0yvGYDnfw8Dg0OAAUhoHJO87L2nTNreTevCD6vCjFQj7g7e7nsZJOXZKVAbeBWvoG4MvvxN3JRisl0V1OiSMaMUMXN-/s1600-h/DSCN9954.JPG"><img border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjgg0wx9pQKic4s0ciySTKA94CnSuP2bJgQhq1pr6HW2cRuGuvH0yvGYDnfw8Dg0OAAUhoHJO87L2nTNreTevCD6vCjFQj7g7e7nsZJOXZKVAbeBWvoG4MvvxN3JRisl0V1OiSMaMUMXN-/s400/DSCN9954.JPG" /></a> </div>The small private lake offers a perfect setting for fishing, swimming and nature hikes. We also can relax in knowing that the kids are surrounded by family.<br /><br /><div style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEOOacuweaL3zSWZ0YqgLB2b0WycE9pow66i4FnKu-N82dyRXkRWiLsnd7WysRdoYMPrUzP4JBc7s22BzSsTbrI5jcJ8g-j0wqV7Ps1sIDIYNVQzKSEOehaP6EF4OdZgGV3wysVHPjwbBO/s1600-h/DSCN9956.JPG"><img border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEOOacuweaL3zSWZ0YqgLB2b0WycE9pow66i4FnKu-N82dyRXkRWiLsnd7WysRdoYMPrUzP4JBc7s22BzSsTbrI5jcJ8g-j0wqV7Ps1sIDIYNVQzKSEOehaP6EF4OdZgGV3wysVHPjwbBO/s400/DSCN9956.JPG" /></a> </div>Here are some of the girls warming up by the campfire before diving back into the water. They pretty much live outside the whole time we are there!<br /><br /><div style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgf4qhJgi6fz5F47R-i6K62yEpqeLiDi6u8oGaAIzgiliq38wYY_QLHIe_GEnelnRmow-xRSgeX5S9YO3YN1KQ1t3-M6zDZvnIkbjQtp33PFMR_I_mOz25Y3sEYQ0x0ha0fivBSqS8X0Xf3/s1600-h/DSCN9972.JPG"><img border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgf4qhJgi6fz5F47R-i6K62yEpqeLiDi6u8oGaAIzgiliq38wYY_QLHIe_GEnelnRmow-xRSgeX5S9YO3YN1KQ1t3-M6zDZvnIkbjQtp33PFMR_I_mOz25Y3sEYQ0x0ha0fivBSqS8X0Xf3/s400/DSCN9972.JPG" /></a> </div><br />Rook is a favorite Sahlstrom game and the games keep everyone on their toes! I can still remember being shocked at how loud they would all get if someone would play the wrong card! As newlyweds I can recall Sam consoling me, after a heated match, that they aren't really mad, just verbal! Now of course I understand the Sahlstrom way of expressing themselves! It did take me awhile, though!<div style='clear:both; text-align:CENTER'><a href='http://picasa.google.com/blogger/' target='ext'><img src='http://photos1.blogger.com/pbp.gif' alt='Posted by Picasa' style='border: 0px none ; padding: 0px; background: transparent none repeat scroll 0% 50%; -moz-background-clip: initial; -moz-background-origin: initial; -moz-background-inline-policy: initial;' align='middle' border='0' /></a></div>Sam and Melissa Sahlstromhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06717426163800421194noreply@blogger.com0