Memorial Day

Memorial Day. I did not want to visit the cemetery; we hadn't been back there since Allie's burial. We were told to wait a "season" before purchasing a headstone to allow time for the ground to settle, so her plot wasn't marked. I expected some sort of little plastic marker at her spot, since I remembered one marking my Grandpa's grave until his headstone was ready. Apparently the Riverton Cemetery doesn't bother with a temporary marker, though, so we stood around and debated exactly which spot was the right one. We knew it was by that small tree. (Now we have looked it up, and in the picture you can see on the lower right-hand side the small arrangement Allie's grandparents put there. At least someone got it right!)

I did feel pretty bad not knowing which spot my little girl was at. I should've brought the little map we used to purchase the plot. But anyways, Kenzie left some little orange flowers by the tree instead. Then we went to see Kung Fu Panda 2 to take our minds off it.

• Update 6/1/11: Rather than just complain about it, I figured I could fix it. I went back to the cemetery with a big thing of pink flowers and put them in the right spot. Next on my agenda will be to look into headstones, but until then at least I now know where to go.

I'm Bad Luck

That's right, folks. The Real Salt Lake soccer team managed to end its 29 game streak against MLS opponents on my first visit to Rio Tinto Stadium! I'm bad luck.

I loved the little guy in the mini lion suit running around. (And who was the genius who decided the sprinklers were necessary? It was already starting to rain!)

I've got to say, though, the highlight of the evening was this interesting couple dressed as a pink bunny and a carrot. How is that a healthy relationship? Just think about it.

Then the rain started... and didn't stop. Quite an adventure!

Kindergarten Graduation

I know every parent says the same thing at the end of each school year, but really -- didn't McKenzie just barely start kindergarten? So crazy that she only has three days left. Tonight was her little program and "graduation" ceremony.

Here they are holding up their colors for the Rainbow Song.

And Mr. Sun. My favorite song to try and accompany the kids with, because they had their own tempo as usual.

McKenzie and Mrs. Brown. McKenzie even cried tonight saying how much she will miss her teacher. It's been a fun year for her, which is cute. If only she could still be loving school this much in high school!

Parker's 3rd Birthday!

Sunday my little man turned three! He was so excited; this was the first birthday he really anticipated. ("I just gonna be three in a couple-a minutes!")

He started off his morning with his favorite breakfast - powdered sugar donuts. He couldn't be bothered to stop for a picture. Looking all dapper for church with his panda cake.

This is more accurate, though. He's definitely a 3-year-old boy!

His ginormous pile of presents is from his parents, his grandparents, and his great-grandma.

Kenzie tried to help him with unwrapping but it was not necessary this time around - he knew exactly what to do!

One happy little guy.

Then he had another round of present-opening when the Arnold family came over that evening for dinner. The thunderstorm managed to arrive just in time for us to eat, so it was nice and crowded in our little house. Otherwise, Parker had a great time!

He loved being told "Happy Birthday" and I enjoyed his cute smile here as he blew out his candle. The next morning, it was the first thing he told me, even before asking for breakfast. "Hi, Mom. I just blow out my candle!"

Classic Fun Center

What a surprise, yesterday it was raining, too. Kenzie and Parker were more than happy to meet up with their little friends at the Classic Skating Fun Center place. It was pretty fun for the kids, they could ride their scooters and trikes around on the skating rink.

Parker didn't need to be pushed, he actually pedaled around rather well, but Isabel is his little buddy. She followed him around most of the time. (Ah, young love.)

I wasn't fast enough to get a good picture of Parker bouncing. That kid needed ibuprofen before going to sleep last night, and I wasn't surprised. His legs had to have been sore!

I liked this in-action picture of McKenzie. I barely saw her, except when she wanted her water bottle. She was off with her little posse...

...showing no fear!

These sharks were in for it - McKenzie was surprisingly aggressive with that mallet! I think that's it for our Spring Break. Today has movies on the agenda, because even though the weather is still being uncooperative, I think I'm too worn out to go do anything else!

Clark Planetarium

Yesterday was yet another rainy day, so we continued our streak of indoor activities by riding TRAX up to Salt Lake to the planetarium. These cheesy faces were not just for the camera; both kids were very entertained by the train. Parker giggled each time we'd start going and was disappointed each time it stopped.He loved this moving sculpture, or whatever it's called. Lots and lots of balls rolling around, and a crank to turn. That was really all he needed.

We bought tickets to watch a movie in the Hansen Dome, so while we waited for it to start we had fun checking out the exhibits.

No surprise, here's Parker back watching the balls some more.

I really liked this one, if you don't look too closely it does kind of look like Mars. We finally headed to the movie after this. I thought they would like looking up at the giant domed screen, and I made sure to select a very benign documentary entitled The Ultimate Universe, something general about space. Right off the bat, however, instead of our boring movie, we got to watch a preview of Black Holes -- we had explosions, planets being sucked into black holes, lots and lots of loud noises. Parker screamed, covered his ears, and started yelling, "I gotta get outta here!" I couldn't calm him down, so we wound up just riding the train over to the U, meeting up with Daddy, and riding the train home together. McKenzie was a little disappointed not to watch the movie, but she was a good sport. Parker fell asleep on my lap, even, and he was so cute I forgave him for causing such a scene!

Dress Up

Today Kenzie and Parker played with their little cousin, Tatum. I couldn't resist taking a picture when I noticed Tatum all decked out not five minutes after her arrival. McKenzie wasted no time!

Jungle Jim's

We didn't have much of a Spring Break this year. It was only three days, it snowed, and both kids managed to throw up several times. So, since Kenzie has this whole week off for kindergarten testing, I have declared it our Spring Break. Today we started off by going to Jungle Jim's, a glorified Chuck E. Cheese type place in Midvale.

McKenzie loved everything, but Parker was far more timid. He did, however, love this little spinning ride. I think they went on this one no less than 8 or 9 times. There were literally only 5-7 other kids in the place, so they never waited in line.

Parker kept running back to this slide. I was able to ride the "roller coaster" with McKenzie because I knew he would not leave this slide area. (I told Chris I thought it was the most terrifying ride I'd ever ridden. I do not care for going that quickly in such a small circle!)

McKenzie loved this Dumbo-type ride, "It rocks!" she exclaimed and cackled the entire time.

This boat was more Parker's style, though.

I did get a kick out of the bumper cars. Parker had a hard time at first, but once he understood the concept of a pedal, he took off rather well. It was a fun day, although every outing is now bittersweet when McKenzie makes a comment like, "I sure wish Baby Allison was here at the play place!" Aside from that, though, it was all smiles. Kenzie even asked the minute we got into the parking lot, "Can we come back tomorrow?" I think I may have groaned!

Mother's Day

I won't lie, I did not title this post, "Happy Mother's Day," because I think I cried more yesterday than I did on Allie's funeral day even. But nevertheless, here are my two kiddos with the lovely dandelion bouquet they picked for me on Saturday. We also put up new shelves in the food storage area, something I really had wanted to do. And of course on Sunday I got my cute cards with phrases like, "Huppy Mother's Day" and a bracelet from Kenzers. (She brought it to me again this morning to make sure I wore it!) So if you see me in the near future you can expect me to be wearing a lovely bracelet made of wooden beads. (Or else receiving chastisement from a 5-year-old!)

Southland's Fair

Friday was the elementary school's little carnival-type activity, and while anything with the word "fair" in it is something I would normally avoid, we went for the fund-raising aspect. Oh, and for the kids. Even though we own a snow cone maker, Kenzie marched us straight to the snow cone booth after she made a random alligator craft.

Parker was allowed to play with it, which was a proud moment for him. He loves anything McKenzie does.

Chris arrived and watched the kiddos on the playground while I got to hold McKenzie's place in line for face painting.

There she is, so proud of her heart. She was a little disappointed to wash it off that night!

Kindergarten Field Trip

This morning we headed off to the zoo with all the kindergarteners! I was a little nervous about signing up to be a chaperone, as I pictured that being a little nutty. There were enough moms around, though, that I actually was only in charge of my own kids. At the zoo, that's enough for me!I loved this picture - the sun was obviously in their eyes! McKenzie was so thrilled to get to ride the bus; I think it was even more exciting than the zoo. She kept asking, "Is it time for me to ride the bus home now?"

Kenzie and her friend, Lilly, with the baby geese.

I've never seen the tigers this close; they were pacing, probably waiting for their breakfast. But it was neat to see them so active.

Of course we had to stop and ride the carousel. I loved Kenzie's expression here, she was very concerned that I was not right next to Parker. I assured her I was only getting a picture and then I would stand next to him (she's such a mother hen!). The ride hadn't even started yet!

Here's my proof that I did hang on to Parker, and that then Kenzie was happy.

Hanging out and eating lunch at 10:50am. They couldn't wait any longer!

Here's a fun note to end on. Two goofy kids. We had a good morning, and now I'm sure exhausted!

Dance "Competition"

Yesterday was our pretty little dancer's last hurrah, so her dedicated fan club woke up early on a Saturday morning to get her out to Murray.

McKenzie is second from the right.

I really enjoyed the finesse McKenzie used while dancing. It was so cute so see the added flair she gave to the movements. (I say "movements" because I obviously remember nothing from taking ballet at her age.)

They performed two dances, and then everyone received a trophy. Chris and I really laughed that there were judges, and scores would be posted later if we wanted to stick around. McKenzie got her trophy and that was what we came for!

Showing off the trophy with Skyler and Lilly. Now that dance is done, it's soccer time, school is winding down, and if it ever warms up around here, swimming lessons as well. Come on, Spring!