
85thMonth
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Rachael's 85th Month
(March
'09)
Rachael is 7 years old!! Her party had a
science theme and her cake was a Florence flask. We did several
experiments, but we think the real hit was the Mentos and Diet
Coke one.
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86th Month
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Rachael's 86th Month
(April
'09)
The Easter Bunny brought Rachael several
Littlest Pet Shop toys along with her chocolate bunny, and books
about Annie Oakley and Milton Hershey.
We went to Manheim for a weekend, and had a
yard sale with Grandma. The neat part was when an Amish family
came in their horse and buggy.
Rachael had another bout of strep throat
this month. And of course Susanna had ear infections at the same
time.
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87th Month |
Rachael's 87th Month
(May
'09) |

88th Month
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Rachael's 88th Month
(June
'09)
Rachael finished 1st grade this month, and
now is gearing up for a very busy summer.
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89th Month
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Rachael's 89th Month
(July
'09)
Rachael started swimming lessons this
month—they are 1-on-1 lessons at a local hotel. We were so proud
of her at her first lesson—we could tell she was afraid, but she
did everything the instructor asked her to do. She loved it,
too—didn’t want to get out of the pool. She looks forward to her
lessons every week.
Rachael traveled a lot in July. She spent a
few days in NY with Maw-Maw and Pots and cousin Travis. She
loved going to the book store with Maw-Maw. She and Daddy drove
to VA for a weekend. Rachael stayed with Bill and Karen Comer
and their granddaughter Kate. Rachael loved seeing them and VA
again. Rachael also spent 5 days in PA with Grandma and Grandpa.
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90th Month
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Rachael's 90th Month
(August
'09)
Rachael and Daddy flew to Baton Rouge this
month. Daddy came back the next day, but Rachael stayed with
Pop-Pop and Grandma Mel for a few days. Then Rachael flew back
with Pop-Pop. Rachael even made a scrapbook of all the things
she got to do while she was there. She had a great time.
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91st Month
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Rachael's 91st Month
(September
'09)
Our baby started 2nd grade this month!!
Rachael was excited to be going back to school, especially since
she will have the same teachers and half of the class will be
the same students.
Rachael began a new session of swim lessons
with a crazy guy named Mr. Dan—he seems like lots of fun—Rachael
has really taken to him.
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92nd Month |
Rachael's 92nd Month
(October
'09)
Rachael seems to have developed a real
interest in U.S. history lately, particularly the U.S.
presidents. She also has an interest in ancient Egypt, and has
even chosen to dress as Cleopatra for Halloween.
Swim lessons have become a little bit of a
challenge. Rachael knows the strokes and what she needs to do
but just can’t seem to push past her fear. Her instructor has
been amazingly patient and encouraging but hasn’t been able to
get her over her fear yet.
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93rd Month |
Rachael's 93rd Month
(November
'09)
Mom had parent-teacher conferences this
month, and Rachael’s teachers had nothing but good things to say
about Rachael. Their biggest challenge is to keep Rachael
challenged. We’ll see how things go.
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94th Month
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Rachael's 94th Month
(December
'09)
Something really clicked with Rachael in
the swimming pool this month—she seems to have gotten over most
of her fear and can swim the length of the pool without
panicking, using proper breathing and strokes. We will be taking
a break from lessons this winter.
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95th Months
 
Click to Enlarge |
Rachael's 95th Month
(January
'10)
Rachael got to have quite an experience
when she and dad got up early on Sat (16th) and drove to Wayne,
NJ. They stood in line for about 45 minutes to get into the Clean
House Yard Sale. Rachael got to see how the director stages the
opening shot with the family - there were four takes and each
time she had to act really excited when the family invites the
waiting crowd into the yard sale. Once inside, she was able to
find a plush Littlest Pet Shop cat that she liked. She took it to
Trish Suhr (one of the show's talent) and asked the price. She
also got an autographed picture. Rachael led dad through the
crowd following her favorite actor to one of the many tables.
She was able to break free from dad, squirm through the camera
and sound crew and get right up to Matt Iseman. Before dad knew
what had happened, Rachael had surprised Matt with a bear hug.
He thanked Rachael for being a fan and asked her if she kept her
room clean. Dad did not notice her answer. With a huge grin on
her face, she told dad she was ready to go home. We will watch
the new episodes to see if she makes the cut.
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96th Month |
Rachael's 96th Month
(February
'10)
Rachael and daddy braved the snow in NYC to have lunch at
Peanut Butter & Company. Rachael enjoyed Ants on Log and a
strawberry milkshake. They walked through the city a while to
take in the sites. Rachael also got to stroll along the High
Line Park and relaxed on a snow-covered bench.
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The 8th Birthday
Cake |
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