July 2013

Slowly but surely I'm catching up on getting these blog posts up to date. 

In early June I saw a facebook post about Kelly Clarkson and Carly Rae Jepson performing at the Stadium of Fire this year...and I knew Alexis would freak out. Plus I also knew that I was going to be out of town on the 24th for work, so figured I better make up for it and do something awesome with my kids on the 4th. I bought the tickets and than told Justin, so he couldn't back out (he hates crowds and probably would of convinced me to not go, but too late, plus we bought my mom a ticket for her birthday so she could come with us).  

Makenna came prepared with a backpack full of toys and it was a good thing because she was bored out of her mind, and fell asleep 20 minutes before the fireworks.

Alexis loved both Carly Rae and Kelly Clarkson's performances and completely lost her voice from singing so loudly.  I love that she has her little finger phone in this picture-Call Me Maybe!

Kyle just acted silly the whole time, as usual. At the end of the fireworks, he tells me that the coolest thing ever mom!

July has become of our favorite months because we get to see some of our most favorite people in the world for 2 straight weeks. This year I got to meet this cute little man and I pretty much just held him every chance I got. 

The kids pretty much spent all their time in swimming suits and soaking wet. 

Kyle ADORES Ethan and looks up to him so much. he just follows him around like a little puppy dog. Even though there is a 4 year gap between them, I think these two might be the closest cousins out of everyone. 

Makenna just loved having Ainsley around to play with and was super happy the whole 2 weeks because we spent so much time outside. 

One of the few moments I wasn't holding Owen, so of course that meant I was taking pictures of him instead. 

I think the boys have taught her some karate moves! Check out that form.

Alexis was not super happy about taking this picture, but everyone else was more than willing to smile for me...only because Katie and I bribed them with Pace's ice cream right before. 

It might be a miracle that I got them to sit still for 5 whole seconds. 

It was hard enough getting of picture of mine and Katie's kids together, but throw in Becky's kids and NOPE, NOT HAPPENING. Thank goodness for my zoom lens, I was able to get at least one picture before they caught me and all went running in a million different directions. 

Lucky Alyda got to have all her Meredith cousins around for her 5th birthday, and guess where we went...Yep, the splash park. I'm telling ya, these Meredith kids were all fishes in another life.

This little girl would not stay in the same place for more than 15 seconds and pretty much exhausted me and Justin...I actually think she thought it was a game and started to laugh every time we would have to chase her.  At least Justin got one of my new favorite pictures out of it...because a good picture makes it all worth it. 

The Fort Union splash park has some awesome toys for all the older kids and somehow I was the adult that got sucked into spinning them. That thing was so heavy and so hard to stop once it got going. I even had another dad come over to stop it with me and he ended up running right into the back of me (let's just say he got a little too close for my liking-the best reaction was Becky and Zach, because they saw exactly what I felt...enough said).   I do love that Alexis is the only girl on this toy, she loves anything that spins-just like her mom-even if it is full of boys, actually she probably liked it even more because it was full of boys.

Makenna was sad that I wouldn't let her spin with the big kids, but got over it pretty quickly when I showed her this spider toy. 

The only pictures of Kyle I get now is when he is striking a superhero or ninja pose. Whatever, at least I got a picture of all his cute freckles that started to pop up this summer (he's going to look just like his dad next year).

I was also approached about a new job with Stampin' Up while Katie was in town, and decided that it was a great opportunity for me and my career.   They asked me to attend their annual convention before I had officially started, just so I was prepared next year.  It was insane! There were over 6000 demonstrators, plus a good 500+ employees, and lucky me they had me work with my new manager at the craziest booth with the longest lines in the building. But this event definitely made me excited to start working with all these great people and for such a great company. 

But before I could officially start my new adventure with Stampin' Up! I had one more tradeshow to work with BasicGrey in Las Vegas.  I just adore working with Ann-Marie and Allison, definitely the best traveling buddies a girl could want. 

I was actually out of town on Justin's birthday so my cute mom took him out to dinner with the kids.  I do think Alexis picked though, because Texas Roadhouse is always her go to restaurant. 

And the day I got home I went and bought him a super yummy cake from Coldstone.

I also decided it was time to upgrade our cabinets and went crazy at IKEA.  

I love how they turned out, I won't even tell you how long it took for Justin and I to measure everything out and get them all attached (dang us for building a house with so many cabinets) oh and the fact that I am completely OCD and he is a perfectionist didn't help either. 

The day I got back from Vegas these two also started school. I'm still not sure if I like this year round school schedule...it was hard to wrap my head around going back to school in July.   I can't believe Kyle is a 1st grader and Alexis is in 4th grade.   I saw them walk off after back to school orientation and it hit me that Makenna will be in school in two years too....I'm really not sure how that is even possible.   

This Summer Has Flown By

Lots of changes have happened over the summer and lots of fun adventures too. 

 

June started out with Kyle graduating kindergarten. He is such a smart kid and school comes so easy to him. I took him in for his year end testing and he was given 20 minutes, literally 3 minutes later his teacher walks out with him...me thinking the worst-what's wrong, did he not know any of his words or letters, etc... Oh no, she said everything was great and he was DONE. She said that she has never had a kid get 100% on his test and finish it so quickly.    I was so proud of him, but deep down I'm a little worried that he is going to be just like me and school just comes so easily that he gets bored, but I'm not quite OK with him skipping a grade and struggling to get up to speed, so bored it is. 

 

Kyle totally lucked out and got Mrs. James, who was also Alexis' kindergarten teacher.

 

 Kyle's best friend Lilian moved a week before graduation, but Makenna quickly stepped up and since she goes to daycare with him, it was perfect. I will tell you-I have a feeling Kyle loves those cute brunette's. 

 

Someone was excited to get a couple hours away from daycare with just Mom.

 

I also turned 33, and the only thing I wanted for my birthday was to have Alexis let me curl her hair and to take a cute (non-silly) picture. She cut her hair off shortly after this picture and now it makes me wish it was long again.    

 

The other thing I wanted for my birthday was to buy black mulch for all the curbing we cleaned out in May and to get the weed mat laid.   There is still one section we have left, but one out of 25, I'll take it.  Trees are going in this Fall and next Spring bushes and rocks. Makenna has a new found love of shopping and has to come with me EVERYWHERE, at least she's happy when she comes, and loved the Lowe's cart she got to ride on. 

 

I ended up going back to Portland for work in June, and that same weekend Justin had to go to New York, so thank goodness for my mom and for her watching all three of our kids for us.   This trip to Portland was a ton of fun, this might just be one of my most favorite cities. 

 

The first day Allison and I were setting up, our booth neighbor started talking to us and we found out he lives in the Avenues and is dating one of Allison's friends, so...he instantly became our new best friend. Justin went everywhere with us the whole week. It was nice to have a guy around, it made Allison and I feel much safer.   The first night we went to VooDoo doughnuts and I'll tell you the second time around it was just as good and even more entertaining.  VooDoo isn't in the best part of town and the three of us sat and people watched for a couple hours. 

 

 The next night we went exploring and found the cutest neighborhood (I instantly feel in love, it was clean, modern and so different from any place in Utah).  Check out the patios on these apartments, I mean honestly, I would move here in a heartbeat.

 

 Plus it was only a block away from Jameson Square and a way yummy sorbet shoppe.

The next night we actually went back to the same area, but got there in time to do a little shopping. Portland has some awesome vintage stores all over the place.   I loved that these initials were sitting on the open ledger, made me think of my dad.  Oblation, Jonathan Adler and Powell's Books might of also been hit by the three of us. Too bad everything was so expensive...but than again maybe it was a blessing in disguise. 

The three of us also found a cool Gateway-esque mall. The only store that was still open was Urban Outfitters, so Justin and I did some damage there and just sort of dragged Allison around with us. (I have to tell you...shopping with Justin might just be the best thing in the world-he's gay, and has amazing taste and knows how to find the best clothes for such a good price).

I came home from Portland to find that Grandma had bought the kids a blowup pirate pool. Even though the wind was awful, the kids still loved it and girls were Arghhhing all day long. 

Kyle thought the pool days would make a great jet pack and sword, but eventually decided to would be fun to play in the water too.

 

That weekend was Ty's birthday and Steph had a fun summer party at their house with us and Jamie's family.  Of course the girls spent the whole afternoon in the water.  

I just love how chunky Slade is, he is such a cutie.

After the kids ate and were all tired from playing in the water all day we roasted marshmallows and just enjoyed having all the cousins together. 

I was also asked to take pictures for Kristin's family. It was so crazy to see her family, who was basically my second family in high school. Crazy to think that I've know this girl for more than half my life.  I wish that life would slow down sometimes so that the two of us could see each more often and reconnect. Especially since we have kids that exact same ages. 

 

I actually think that the only reason I blog anymore is just so it's super easy to do my year in review family photobook. So I'm determined to keep doing it this year, but next year...I might finally admit to myself that I'm over blogging and move on.

March, April and May 2013

It's been a while since I have had five minutes to post anything, but I really want to get everything updated so I can print our family book at the end of year-so get ready for picture overload.

 

MARCH

We started March off with a big birthday. I have no clue how in world this Alexis is already 9.  She is the best daughter, so caring and thoughtful and takes such good care of her brother and sister. The things that come out of her mouth on a daily basis just make Justin and I laugh and shake our heads. She is so sarcastic and has the best sense of humor. I love this girl to the moon and back.

 

I love this picture of her in the car. The only decorations she wanted for her party were balloons...and boy did she get balloons, in fact the biggest balloons the store sold.

 

But before her family party, I had a little surprise, and we dragged Kyle along with us.

Aunt Jamie and I took the kiddos to Disney on Ice for Alexis and Morgan's birthday. Kyle loved the viking part and his super cool horned helmet he got with his cotton candy.

Alexis was in heaven going to see Tangled and hanging out with Morgan and Taylor the whole day. My favorite part was listening to Alexis and Morgan sing every single song in the play (eerily reminding me of Jamie and I when we were little).

After Disney on Ice we came back to our house and had a little family birthday party for her.



I definitely had a little helper earlier in the day when I was cutting all the strawberries. 

 

Lulu loved that her Dad let her have a mouthful of whipping cream after she blew out the candles.

 

Every year Justin and I take the kiddos on a date night for their birthday, lucky for us, both Kyle and Alexis wanted to see Oz. So we took Kenzie to grandma's and took these two out. They loved the waterfalls at Farmington Station and loved the 3D glasses we got for the show.

 

Alexis had her first piano recital right after her birthday. Her teacher Julie Jensen is fabulous and Alexis loves her daughter Kayla. So glad we found such an amazing teacher on ksl.com. I was so proud of her and she did such a great job with her songs-Winnie the Pooh, Go Tell Aunt Rhody and It's a Small World.

After her recital we met Uncle Ty at Discovery Gateway for McKadin's birthday and the kids all had so much fun together.

I love how McKadin is sprawled across the rock wall.

I also learned that Alexis has hidden talent for hula hooping. She is so good at it, and apparently does it all the time at school.

Alexis even got Grandma Brenda in on the action. 

But then decided to show her up and do not one, not two...but three hula hoops all at once.

Uncle Ty thought it would be fun to build a block tower around Kyle. Kyle wasn't so sure, but was a good sport and stood super still for Ty.

I took like 20 pictures of these two in front of the awesome metal words, but finally gave up when I could not get them to cooperate.

Love little Lincoln..he is so cute and I love those big brown eyes-a little drummer in training-just like his Dad.

Makenna could not figure out why we were dying eggs, but once she figured out that it turned the eggs colors she was in heaven. 

 

The kids woke up super early on Easter morning, but we totally made Kyle and Alexis wait for Makenna to wake up. We are so mean, but we really didn't want Makenna to be onry all day. Kyle was so excited that he got a new skylanders toy and gave Justin the biggest hug after going threw his basket. I love these two boys so much.

 

 

This little girl sure loves her Daddy too.  

Easter Best. Of course it's tradition to get the kiddos new church clothes for Easter. I don't know how my little man go so handsome and grown up. 

The girls got spoiled this year because Grandma Brenda made Alexis a super cute skirt and made Makenna a matching dress. 

This was honestly the only picture I could get of Makenna the whole day...she was running around loving her new twirly skirt.

Love her big blue eyes and that strawberry blonde hair. So glad she is mine...

We live in the best circle and have the best neighbors. Every year we do an Easter Egg Hunt for all the kids and ALL the kids went crazy. I think each kid ended up having over 30 eggs.  This is Kyle's cute girlfriend Lilian. She lives two doors down and is in his kindergarten class and is honestly the cutest little girl-Kyle even told her that he wants to marry her when they are older and she was all for it. So CUTE!!! I have a ton of pictures of them on my phone that I have to share one of these days. 

 

APRIL

As you can probably tell our March was super busy and crazy every single weekend. So, I may of talked Alexis into waiting until April to have her friend party. Plus they were off track in March, so it worked out well postponing her Pinwheel Palooza party a couple weeks.

 

This was Alexis' first friend party ever, and she loved every minute of it.  They made pinwheels, painted their nails, ate lots and lots of ice cream and played Apples to Apples.  These seven girls laughed and screamed and giggled and raised the noise level in our house by about 100 octaves, but they all had fun and that's what matters. I had the worst friend party ever when I was about 10 and basically never wanted a friend party again...so I was so glad that Alexis' party went so well.

 (oliva, alexis, mallory, mckinlie, madison, kayla and morgan)

 

Makenna may of not been nine years old, but she wanted to be with the girls the whole night and followed all of them around the whole time.   I love this picture of her with the sun in the background...

and this picture of Madison, the sun was absolutely amazing and it was just making me happy with how hazing the pictures were coming out.

 

MAY

On Mother's Day morning, my cute kids surprised me with the most darling homemade gifts with homemade wrapping paper. Plus, Alexis and Justin woke up at 645am to try and sneak down and make me breakfast. Too bad I am such a light sleeper and heard them, but I played along and just stayed upstairs and picked up my room until they were finished. It's the thought that counts, right?

 

Kyle made me the cutest purple corkboard, I love it.  

 

Alexis knitted and weaved me a purple and brown heating pad. I was shocked that she made this at school with McKinlie.

My cute Makenna gave me the best present...she decided to clean the kitchen after breakfast for me and for Justin.  

Last week I had to go to Portland for Quilt Market (I will have to post about next time-one of the funnest trips I've ever gone on). But the day I left I decided to take my kids to the park in the morning and have a little fun and break out my camera for a couple hours. 

oh geez...this little man needs a haircut

 

Makenna decided to try a little surfing.

When I downloaded my pictures I just started smiling when I saw this one.  Kenzie is such a happy little girl when she is outside. I am absolutely in love with this picture of her.

I think I've given up on getting a picture of all three kiddos at once. But I sort of love this picture. Alexis trying to kiss Kyle, Makenna freaking out and Kyle just being his sweet little self. Somehow this picture is completely perfect to me.

 

Did I tell you that we tried about a gazillion time to get a fun picture of all of them? The pics may not of turned out how I wanted, but we sure did have fun at the park.