The last thing on my Back-to-School checklist (now that the princess backpack has been purchased, of course) was haircuts. Now we're as ready as we can be for Kenzie to start elementary school.
I just wonder if the elementary school could possibly be ready for McKenzie!
Kenzie was excited, but then she caught a whiff and was quite offended! She didn't know why the animals had to stink.
Last time we went, we didn't check out any of the little buildings (Kenzie was too wary) but this time they explored a bit.
Here's McKenzie's new favorite thing - the outhouse! Right up a 5-year-old's alley...
Parker was pretty excited about the animals, but when he discovered the tractors, true bliss set in. He climbed on each one, yelled, "I driving!" and spun the wheels with gusto.
Kenzie was nice and let Parker have the driver seat each time.
She worked the gears, and they were a good team. I thought it was pretty cute.
Today Chris turned 30! He was able to take half the day off of work, so my in-laws watched the kids this afternoon and we got to go to the temple. Afterward, we all went to Joe's Crab Shack for dinner. (Kenzie still remembered last year and was eager for some more popcorn shrimp!)
I scanned the kid's menu and knew right away Parker, whose official title is World's Pickiest Eater, wouldn't eat any of it. So we ordered him a side of french fries. The kid couldn't have been more thrilled.
Here's the birthday boy in his bib. (Kenzie was jealous, so the server was nice and brought Kenzie a bib, too. Funny how in any other context a bib would have offended her!)
Parker loved the loud atmosphere of Joe's - the lights, the singing and dancing, the loud music... he was running around the table dancing with his french fries.
At first I was nice and didn't take any in-action shots of Grandma and Grandpa eating, but then I forgot to keep being nice.
After we recuperated from the feast, we had cake! (If you don't understand the cake, it is supposed to be the spaceship from Dr. Who. We're very nerdy.)
Kenzie was excited to have it be Daddy's birthday. She helped him blow out his candles, too.
The cake was much enjoyed by some messy kids, and then we headed home to open presents. Happy Birthday to Daddy!
Barkers is a Happy Meal toy. It joined our family Saturday evening when we stopped at McDonald's on our way home from camping. McKenzie has not let this little plastic puppy out of her sight ever since. (With the exception, of course, of when she can't find it and we have to search frantically). For two days she has been begging me to throw Barkers (I do like the name, though) a birthday party. So, this afternoon we made cupcakes. I wonder if other families do these kinds of things, or if it's just too easy to convince me to make cupcakes?
A short stop on the way home from camping - Cascade Springs. A quick walk, which is great for little kids. Parker loved it more than Kenzie, actually. He stopped and admired each spring, and even called out, "Bye bye, wuh-fall!" as we drove off.
Me and my buddy. He kept looking for frogs, although we didn't spot any. We did see some trout, though, which was equally interesting to Parker.
Kenzie is growing up way too fast - look how old she looks! She starts Kindergarten in mere weeks now... so crazy.
All that water reminded Kenzie she needed to use the bathroom yet again, so we literally ran back up the trail with her. Always an adventure with these kids.
Awhile back, a thought occurred to me: I hadn't packed an overnight bag for myself since packing to have Parker in the hospital. Sad, but true. So we went camping this weekend at Mt. Timpanogos campground.
It's really not too far away from us, which is a bonus with two impatient passengers in the backseat. Our campground had a pretty view of the mountain.
Daddy in his hammock. He needed a break, too.
I thought this was a cute picture. Parker actually smiled for some pictures because he was having such a great time! He ran around with Kenzie, "hunting for rocks, sticks, and leaves" according to her, and loved playing in the tent.
Adorable, aren't they?
Parker took this picture of the fire. He was very interested...
...but mostly because the fire meant his beloved "mo-mos" could be roasted!
The weather was actually really nice - we brought piles of coats and blankets and here Kenzie is at 8pm not even wearing a sweater!
She was more than ready for bed, which was cute. She was out in no time.
This little monkey, however, had a hard time sleeping in a new place. He also does not share the sleeping bag well. (And at one point he was up screaming, "Too fluffy!" and shoving the sleeping bag away. I'm still not even sure what the problem was on that one.) All in all, though, a fun trip and the kiddos definitely wore us out!
