Hoop-a-Loop

Actually, Kenzie knows how to say "hula hoop" now. I liked hoop-a-loop, though. She's asked for one for a month or so, but I thought she was too little, so I kept telling her she could ask Santa for one. Now that she has one, though, she has practiced and practiced and practiced... I thought she would lose interest when she found out it was trickier than it seems, but just the opposite, she's quite determined to figure it out!

What I Got for $20... and What We Got for Free

This morning I got up early and went to a few yard sales. I wasn't really looking for anything in particular, but I couldn't pass up this huge set of china for only $15. A few pieces are chipped a little, but most are in excellent condition, plus I think it's really pretty.

Also I found 6 nice Wilton cake pans for only $5. Cinderella, a teddy bear, two flower pans, a horseshoe, and R2D2. I was excited that it was worth the lost sleep on a Saturday morning.

Kenzie and I had a "tea party" with orange juice. She loves the "glass dishes."

And THEN -- I had seen online a listing for "free, just come haul away" not far away. It was in a gated community, so we felt silly asking to get in for what might be a pile of junk. Wow. An mp3 player, digital camera, jewelry box, digital camcorder, crossbow, canisters, serving platters, GPS unit, tennis racket... all very nice things. My favorite part was watching Kenzie. I told her she could pick a stuffed animal, so she carefully selected one green teddy bear. The lady giving away the stuff told her, "Take as many as you want!" With that, Kenzie perked right up. She filled her arms (with mostly nice Beanie babies) and made trip after trip to the van with the biggest smile on her face. (Parker loved a stuffed ostrich and a monkey, but Kenzie picked him out everything from a snake to a jellyfish, too)

More loot: a nice wooden salad bowl set, a clarinet (very nice condition, too), several sets of wine/champagne glasses (no, I don't drink, but I do like the glasses), a ton of books, sundae dishes, several Stargate DVDs (we didn't watch, but my in-laws loved it - Merry Christmas Mom and Dad! haha), nice backpacks, a cassette recorder, a food saver, card reader, and probably other things I'm forgetting to list. Kenzie's wanted a hula hoop (or "Hoop-a-loop" to her) for awhile now, too, so that was exciting to her. (She was also delighted when we opened the jewelry box and discovered bracelets and a watch!) Chris and I just kept looking at each other with raised eyebrows that they were giving this stuff away. Hooray for rich people!

Sticker Buddies

This is just too random not to post. Both kids had a blast with the free stickers that came in the mail the other day. Sticker placement compliments of Kenzie, of course.

Why is it that they'll both sit together and look at the camera for this kind of picture, but not when I have them all dressed up?

Daddy's Work BBQ

Today we got to meet Daddy for lunch with his coworkers and their families. Kenzie was terrified of the toilet, and Parker needed a nap, but otherwise it went well! I got a kick out of the actual title of the park - the "Wild West Jordan Park." (The city's name is West Jordan, for those non-Utahans reading this. All two of you.)

Parker was just glad the wood chips were in abundance.

Here's Kenzie in some kind of boat. They had lots of boats in the wild west, after all.

Did I already mention Parker likes wood chips?

Here's sort of a "before" shot. Halfway through his meal, but before the Oreo truffle.

This would be "after." He enjoyed it, though. He passed out on the way home and just mumbled when I picked him up to carry him inside to his crib.

First Pair of Shoes

Awww... here's Parker trying out his first pair of shoes. He didn't know what to make of them and wouldn't stand up in them, so Kenzie helped him out at first.

Then he just stood there, bobbing and stamping his feet.

Then he sat down and played soccer with Daddy and Kenzie. He'll get there.

Pushing Kenzie (in a Good Way!)

How's This for Desperation?

Can't pose. Thirsty.

I have been wanting to go someplace where the kids can play in the sand all summer. Parker hates car rides that last over 10 minutes, though, which has limited our options. We don't exactly live near a beach here in Utah (sorry, the Great Salt Lake does not count due to its overwhelming stench).

The beauty of having small children, though, is that a quick trip to the volleyball pit at the park is just as exciting to them.

I really should have brought a book, because they both sat and played in the sand for a good 45 minutes.

If I had just posted these close-ups and not mentioned the volleyball pit, maybe I could've pretended we actually went somewhere this summer!

"This is just hard work playing in the sand! I'm tired!"

A Few Steps

Here is Parker taking a few steps to get to one of his favorite books. He's been able to do this for awhile now, but he's slowly starting to try more frequently. (His 15-month appointment is on Monday, and I've been hoping he'll be walking by then. I guess we're close!)

Eclairs

Instead of a birthday cake, I made Chris eclairs this year. He was happy about it.

Kenzie just poked at the chocolate on top.

But Parker loved it!

Enthusiastic head nods the whole time he was eating, and only a smidgen left stuck to his seat - looks like Daddy's found an eclair-eating buddy!

"I Just Like Crab Shack!"

2:00 on a Thursday afternoon is a great time to visit Joe's Crab Shack - we had the place to ourselves!

Parker was very excited about the shark and seagulls hanging above our heads. "Cool!" is his latest word.

Kenzie with her french fries, of course. I was impressed she picked popcorn shrimp, and loved it with tartar sauce. She also ate as much of Daddy's crab as he'd let her have. [Not pictured: me with a salad! It was definitely Chris's birthday lunch, not mine!]

Our little goofball going down the slide backwards. She had a fun time.

Happy Birthday to Daddy

Kenzie securing her position as official Present Opener

If the card plays music, it has Parker's attention!

I have to question myself sometimes. Did I really buy my husband that huge machete?

Kenzie trying out Daddy's new soccer trainer, just not quite how it was intended to be used!

Madeleine & Tatum's Birthday

I missed this one, but everyone can be glad I kept my sneezing, froggy-throated, pajama-ed self home this past Sunday. Chris took some pictures, and DL sent me home a few enchiladas, so it was [almost] like being there. I have no commentary, but I'll post a few pics for the grandparents anyways.

I liked this one. Arnie and Daniel staying a safe distance. Smart!

Present time

Girls everywhere love when I buy the big make-up kits. Their Moms love it, too. (Yes, I'm fully aware my turn is coming.)

Our Anniversary

6 Years! I spent our actual anniversary yesterday feeling miserable with a cold, so it was a good thing we celebrated on Saturday. We rode the train to a little café downtown, and it was nice to have a few hours to ourselves.

Here's our anniversary cake. Hostess cupcakes remind me of our honeymoon because, to save money, we split everything. We would buy one hamburger for lunch and Chris would get out his pocketknife and cut it in half. One night we got back late from Disneyland and bought meals from the hotel lobby's store, and also one package of cupcakes, which we split. Now, whenever I see Hostess cupcakes, that is what I think of. Not overly romantic, but still sweet to me.

First Complete Sentence

Well, sort of. Today can be categorized as one of those days, based solely on the toilet overflowing and me being the only adult present. Darn! Once I had that all taken care of, we ran our errands. I definitely needed that box of Cookies and Creme Pop-Tarts (in my defense, they were on sale, plus I had a coupon). Parker LOVED it. By the time I got my camera out, this is really all that was left. The cute part, though, was when he held up the pop-tart to Kenzie and eagerly said, "Eh good!" I was so amused, because it was really close to, "It's good!" and it was obvious that's what he meant.

Kenzie still chose a fruit roll-up instead, despite Parker's glowing reviews. Just look at this great blackmail picture. What a nut she is!

Why It's a Sweet Mess

1. The dirt meant Kenzie was trying to water her plant all by herself 2. The broom and dustpan showed she at least tried to clean it up

3. A happy Parker meant she was playing nicely. That's just fine with me.

6 Years? Really?

Sunday will be our 6th wedding anniversary, and just this week my sister-in-law gave Kenzie the dress one of her daughters wore to our wedding. It was so funny to realize how much time has passed, since Kenzie can now wear the dress that Brilee wore!

Brilee's second from the left. She still should be that little in my mind, not going into Young Women's...

Kenzie told me, "Mom, I'm still young!" Yes, yes you are. I am glad.

Cookies by Kenzie

I had some "writing icing" that was given to me, so I figured Kenzie could try it out. (Product review: those things are harder to use than a piping bag! I was squirting icing everywhere!) Kenzie did great, though. Parker yelled at us until we gave him one. Then he ate two more.

This one is my favorite that Kenzie did!

Rhythm of the Night

I really hate this song, but it's growing on me now that Parker loves to dance to it!

Kisses!

My little boy has started blowing kisses! It sure makes everything worthwhile...

Busy Boy

Parker is so close to walking. He's officially at one step each attempt, but I'm sure I'll be updating that status in the very near future. Here are some random Parker pictures that your life would not be complete without:

Getting the whole drive-and-eat thing down so he can be a good American boy

Sitting in his container of cars while yelling "broo!"

Too busy checking out everything to notice his sister giving him a hug