Tyler, Jen, Makenna and Brynlee

Cousins

2012-01-26T23:51:00.002-07:00

Tyler's mom wanted me to take pictures of the 3 little girls for her christmas card. It was definitely a challenge to get shots with all three very spunky girls. We I think we succeeded.

Family Pictures

2012-01-26T23:32:00.001-07:00

This year we went casual with family pictures. I took the girl's pictures on a morning when I had time. Then we went back to the park and had my best friend just snap some of us as a family. Bryn was not wanting to cooperate, but we got a few photos.

New Years

2012-01-26T23:06:00.000-07:00

Kenna with her cupcake

Kenna and Brode

Silly 'Ham'

The kids watching Rio

On New Years Eve (Kenna's birthday), we went over to our friends house. We had yummy food and had cupcakes to celebrate Makenna turning 6. The kids stayed up till midnight playing together and watching the movie Rio. The adults played Clue and Apples to Apples. It was so much fun.

Christmas

2012-01-26T22:49:00.002-07:00

Brynlee with her paints. She loves paints

Kenna with her santa loot

Justin Bieber came to visit :)

Justin came to visit Christy. She was so excited

Santa brought Makenna Rapunzel, Flynn and Maximus

Santa brought Bryn Minnie Mouse

The girls Christmas morning

Bryn got a microphone and she loved singing. It was awesome.

the girls in our matching jammies

Our family

band of brothers

The Thomas boys

The Thomas girls

The girls in their Christmas dresses

Bryn, my mom and Kenna

Thomas siblings

My dad with his parents and siblings

grandma gloria and Bryn

Bryn and TyTy

Grandma Gloria, Grandpa Jim, Grandpa Glen and Grandma Dorothy

Grandma Dorothy, Me, Grandpa Glen

The Thomas' - They are sweet

Grandpa Glen and Makenna

Grandpa Jim and Makenna

puzzle time - We love doing puzzles together.

My mom and Bryn

My mom and Kenna

Makenna, Collin and Brynlee - They are goofballs

Bryn and Grandpa Jim

We celebrated Makenna's 6th Birthday up in at my grandma's. Boy, between Christmas and her birthday, that girl was spoiled.

Makenna got a leap pad. She was so excited.

Bryn was feeling left out, so Tyler let her play with his tablet.

Mom, Michael and Grandma

We had Christmas up at Grandma Dorothy's and Grandpa Glen's. We opened Santa presents down at Brandon's and then got ready for church. We rushed and opened presents from my parents up at grandma's and then went to church. We had num-num for breakfast. We enjoyed a yummy dinner and spending time with family. Makenna, Brynlee and Collin had a blast running around together. I love spending time with my family.

Christmas Part2

2012-01-26T22:30:00.001-07:00

Mom, Michael, Grandma and Grandpa

Makenna, Bryn and Collin. They love playing together.

Grandma Gloria and Brynlee

Grandpa Jim and Brynlee

Brynlee and Grandma Catherine

Grandma Dorothy and Brynlee

silly Kenna

Christmas Eve

2012-01-04T20:16:00.003-07:00

Christy and Bryn at Brick Oven

My mom and I at Brick Oven

My cousin Collin and the girls at Brick Oven

I took this picture while we were driving on I-15 to SLC.

Salt Lake City Temple

Michael and Bryn

My mom, Grandpa Jim, Grandma Dorothy and Grandma Gloria

Bryn and Mike

Brandon and Kenna

Tyler and I

Christy and Bryn

Steven and Bryn

My parents were married in this temple 30 years ago!

My family

the SLC temple

Collin and Makenna are buddies

My mom, brother Tyler and sister Christy

My mom and I

My mom and Mike

Christy and Tyler

Bryn, Kenna and Collin being silly

We had a busy Christmas Eve. We started the day off with taking a family picture with my parents, siblings and grandparents. Then went shopping at a few stores. We met my dad's family at Brick Oven for our Christmas Eve lunch. It has kind of become tradition to go to Brick Oven as a family on Christmas so no one has to cook. Then we went up to Salt Lake City to see the lights at temple square. It was really cold. The lights were pretty. Everyone was cold and both visitor centers were closed. The JS building was open and we went in a got hot chocolate and warmed up. It was fun day of family and food.

Larsen Family Christmas

2011-12-22T16:16:00.000-07:00

The cousins in their hats made by great grandma Beals

Makenna and Bryn in their hats by great grandma Beals

Kenna with great grandma Larsen

Makenna and Aunt Dah opening up presents

Grandpa Larsen reading the Christmas story to everyone

Addie and Bryn

Kenna with her doll sleeping bag

Bryn with her cash register

Makenna got a Disney Princess castle

Kyle and Kimber with Bryn

Dallin and Kenna

Dallin and Bryn

Keely and Kenna

Keely and Bryn

Great Grandma Larsen and Bryn

Great Grandma Larsen and Makenna

Kenna with Aunt Ber

Kyle with Makenna

Cousins eating popsicles

Makenna, Grammy and Bryn

Grammy and Bryn

Grammy and Kenna

Grammy, Papa and the 3 girls

Papa with Kenna

Papa with Bryn

I think the girls were tired of pictures.

Auntie Ber and Bryn. Bryn sure loves her aunt Ber

Kyle and Bryn

This past weekend we did Christmas with Tyler's family. The girls went shopping, the guys went shooting, groups went flying to look a Christmas lights, we had lots of family meals, did crafts and enjoyed each others company. The girls had a fun getting to play with all their aunts and uncles. They were spoiled with gifts, loves and kisses. We celebrated Kenna's birthday Friday night and had a fun party.

Elfie

2011-12-08T08:33:00.001-07:00

Since Elfie arrived on Monday evening, moods have been a little bit better! Makenna's attitude has been better. Whenever she starts to melt down I just say Elfie is watching and she turns that frown upside down ;). This morning Bryn was mad because I had to do Kenna's hair first because we were running late to school. Bryn hit Kenna. I told her not to and she looked at me with a sneaky look and hit Kenna again. I then said, "Bryn...Elfie is watching you! Don't hit Kenna" She then said, " I happy Elfie. See Elfie. I happy. I kiss Kenna Elfie! I kiss her." Then she kissed Kenna's leg. It was hilarious. Whenever she is bad I say Elfie is watching and she says...I happy Elfie. I tried to explain to her that it's good she is happy, but Elfie can still tell Santa she is being naughty. Bryn sure is a funny girl! She was excited that Elfie appeared in her stocking this morning. She keeps saying, "Elfie watch me in my boot!" haha.
Kenna has been so excited every morning. She wakes up and the first thing she wants to do is go find Elfie!!

Elf On The Shelf

2011-12-06T07:31:00.001-07:00

Our household has started the tradition of Elf on the Shelf. Our Elf made his appearance last night during family home evening. I read the story to the girls and then we placed him on our mantel. The girls had to name him and they named him Elfie the Elf. Every night, Elfie flies to the north pole to report to Santa if they belong on the naughty or nice list. Then he comes back to our home and finds a new place to sit for the day. This morning the girls found him in the chandelier above our table. They were so excited that he came back. There are only 2 rules: They cannot touch him because he will lose his magic and he cannot talk to them, Santa's law! They are encouraged to talk to him. The girls are reminded that if they are not behaving nicely Elfie will tell Santa and they will be put on the naughty list. I am so excited to start this tradition.
Also last night during FHE we made foam christmas trees. The girls each got their own and could decorate them any way they chose. I am excited for our FHE next week - Christmas light outing. Every year we get in our jammies with a drink, popcorn and candy, grab out blankets and hop in the car and drive around looking at Christmas lights. It has to be one of my most favorite traditions.

Santa

2011-12-04T20:53:00.001-07:00

The girls seeing Santa. They were so excited!

Our little Okies :)

Kenna wanted a picture with the bear

The 3 girls seeing Santa

On Thanksgiving Day, Danielle and I took the girls to Bass Pro Shop for the free picture with Santa. All 3 girls loved seeing Santa. They had a blast. The got a bracelet and a candy. They also were able to write letters to Santa.

Bryn's 3rd Birthday

2011-12-04T20:48:00.001-07:00

The Table - Thanks grammy

Minnie sign made by grammy

Playing foosball

Cash and Bryn playing foosball

Kenna, Bryn, Addison, Cash and Ryder

opening presents

Bryn loves presents

Mommy and the birthday girl

Our family

Bryn and I with the cake

Bryn decked out in all her Minnie stuff

Bryn with grammy, cousin Addie and sissy

The Minnie Cake - banana cake with cream cheese frosting! Thanks Jenn J. for making the cake and helping me decorate it.

Wednesday November 23, 2011 we celebrated Bryn's 3rd birthday. It was grammy, papa, our family, danielle, steve, addie, dallin, nicole, jenn, cash and ryder. Grammy bought pizza and decorated her house in all minnie stuff. We ate pizza, opened presents and had cake and ice cream. Bryn was thrilled with all her gifts and had a great time. I love this little girl. She is so awesome! I love you Bryn!

Soccer

2011-12-04T20:23:00.001-07:00

Makenna had her last soccer game on November 5, 2011. She did really well this season. Our friend Jenn was her coach again. She was on the team with all her friends, Blake, Caden, Kaden, Ryder, Riley and few other players she didn't know. She got in the game and really went after the ball. We are very proud of her. Go Kenna!

Beauty and the Beast

2011-12-04T20:15:00.001-07:00

Waiting for the show to start

at tea with belle

Enjoying their cookies and coloring

The girls and I

Bryn and I

Kenna and I

The girls with their roses

Our family

Tyler and Kenna

On November 4, 2011 we took the girls to see Beauty and the Beast at Oklahoma Christian University. Ty's mom got the tickets and Danielle and Addie joined us. The girls got to have tea and cookie and meet Belle before the show. They were so excited. The show started at around 8pm. At 10:15pm the girls were getting tired so we did leave early. Bryn was so excited to watch it. She kept clapping and saying, 'show.' She would dance when the songs came on would yell Belle whenever she came on stage. Makenna loved the show as well. We had a great time.

Pumpkin Jars

2011-12-03T17:12:00.001-07:00

Sorry...I'm late but here is a post from Halloween

Kenna painting the jar

Tyler and Bryn

The jars

In the dark

For family home evening the girls painted pumpkin jars. I found the idea in a magazine and wanted to try it. The girls had a great time.

Pumpkins

2011-11-18T19:47:00.000-07:00

Bryn didn't want to touch the guts so she just watched daddy

Bryn loves sticking out her thumb

Bryn loved painting her pumpkin

Kenna painting her pumpkin

Bryn's Minnie Mouse pumpkin

Makenna's spider pumpkin

Bryn's pumpkins

Kenna's Pumpkins

All of our pumpkins

Fall Festival

2011-11-14T11:36:00.001-07:00

another late post.

Waiting for popcorn

The kiddos

Kenna loves getting her face painted

Her eraser

She stuck her eraser on her thumb

Kenna bowling

Makenna and her teacher, Mrs. Robson

Kenna's battle wounds

Bryn's battle wounds

The kiddos with their wounds

Cash and Bryn

Jenn and Bryn

Kenna and I

Ryder and Kenna

Kenna's school ahd a fall festival on October 29. The kids got to play games, eat popcorn and hot dogs and run around. They had a great time playing games and hanging out with their school friends.

Ward Trunk-or-Treat

2011-11-12T11:21:00.001-07:00

Kenna doing her cookie

Crazy Bryn

Kenna (batgirl)

Tyler and I

Jenn and I

Our family

My pumpkin

Kenna And I

Bryn, Kenna, Ryder and Cash

After our fall festival at Kenna's school, we had our ward party. The kids loved playing with their friends, trunk-or-treating, making cookies and doing the cake walk.

Story Book Forest

2011-11-12T11:09:00.001-07:00

Minnie and Batgirl

Hansel and Gretel

The old woman who lived in a shoe

Kenna pulling the sword out of the stone

The Dish ran away with the spoon

Bryn loved the blow up spider

Kenna and Addie

Batgirl (Kenna) and Batman (Ryder)

Kaden and Kenna

My family

Jenn and I

Bryn and Grammy

My girls

Bryn fishing

Bryn cheating :)

Kenna with curious george

The girls with george

Kenna with Clifford

We went to Storybook forest with Tyler's parents, sister and niece. You get to go around to different storybook nursery rhymes and receive candy. The girls got to play games and go on a tractor hay ride. It was a great night and not too cold. The girls loved being able to get candy and wear their costumes another time.

Pumpkin Patch Trip 2

2011-11-12T10:06:00.001-07:00

getting ready to feed the longhorn

Grammy and the girls

waiting for the pony rides

Bryn and Addie huggin on Grammy

Bryn on her pony

Kenna riding her pony

Tyler took the girls with his parents, sister and niece to the pumpkin patch. They had a great time. They rode the ponies, did the hay ride, have fun going down the big slide and fed the longhorn. They love spending time with their grammy and papa.

Brynlee Recently

2011-11-09T22:19:00.000-07:00

This photo pretty much sums up Bryn

She is in love with Minnie Mouse and she is full of energy

Bryn has been talking up a storm. She is still taking speech therapy for 1 hour a week. She has been evaluated through the public school system and will start speech and occupational therapy through the school when she turns 3. A couple weeks ago she had a hearing test and passed with flying colors. She was also evaluated for a visual disability and the therapist said she does not have a visual disability. Yes she needs glasses, but beyond that she can see and function with 'normal' children. So that is great news.
She is still taking gymnastics. She is no longer in a mommy-me class. It is so fun to watch her in room by herself. She is so full of spunk and loves her teacher.
Bryn is still in her mothers-day-out program and loves it. The teacher says I get my moneys worth because she plays super hard. She gets so excited to go to school.
Bryn is in love with babies. She will be a great little mommy. She loves to hold and feed her baby dolls. Whenever she sees babies out in public she gets so excited. I can't believe she turns 3 in about 2 weeks. She is still in love with Minnie Mouse and for some reason really like Elmo as well. We have never watched Elmo, but she loves him. She got her first pair of mittens this week and wants to sleep in them every night. She loves apple juice and would drink it all day if I let her.
Her eyes are doing well. She has another check up next week.

Makenna Recently

2011-11-09T22:09:00.000-07:00

Here are a few recent pictures taken when I was playing around with my camera

Kenna had her first kindergarten parent/teacher conference last week. She passed with flying colors. The teacher says she is above and beyond most of the other kids in her class. She knows above and beyond the sight words she is supposed to know and is beginning to read on her own. The teacher was impressed with her. The only 'bad' mark she received was that she talks a little too much. I kinda expected that seeing how I had that exact problem growing up.

Makenna also just finished another soccer season. She really blossomed this year. She was getting in the group and kicking the ball. She made quite a few blocks. She worked hard and did well.

Kenna had her first field trip in kindergarten. She was so excited to go because she was able to ride the bus to and from the field trip. She has wanted to ride the bus all year. The class went to the fire safety village. It is a kid size village at the fire department. The fire department walks the kids around the village and teaches them safety rules like: looking both ways before you cross the street, playground safety, what to do if you find a gun or matches, how to be safe while swimming and safety while riding in cars. It was really neat and she had a great time. I was able to be a parent helper and loved watching Kenna with her classmates.

Makenna is definitely going through a growth spurt. The child is eating like a 16 year old boy. She is too smart for her own good. She will give us a run for our money. I sure love her. She is our little miss smarty pants. She is excited to learn and loves school. She is also doing gymnastics still which she really enjoys.

Sorry

2011-11-09T21:54:00.000-07:00

Sorry I haven't posted in the past little bit. With Halloween, photo shoots, birthdays, field trips, school parties and overall life...I haven't had time to upload all the photos. Facebook does have its advantage that you can upload photos a lot quicker.

Pumpkin Patch

2011-10-23T21:41:00.004-06:00

Bryn riding her pony

Kenna on the pony

Kenna, Ryder and Bryn

Crazy kiddos

Ryder and Kenna are best friends

running through the maze

fun kids

Bryn was cheating

sisters

train

Best Buds - They can fight like brother and sister, but they also are best of friends

They love to pose

The munchkins

I love their hair

best friends

The Larsen girls

pretty princesses

i love my girls

Kenna and I

Last week the girls and I headed out to a pumpkin patch with the Jeffries Family. Jenn and I started the tradition last year of going. The kids enjoyed it. They got to go on a pony ride, pet llamas and goats, ride on a tractor trailer, run through a wheat maze and wooden maze, go down a big slide, play games in the barn and pick a pumpkin. We sure had a good time. Tyler had to work so we met up with him after for dinner.

Visit

2011-10-12T22:01:00.000-06:00

Christy and the girls

The 'Thomas' girls

While my parents were visiting we watched the BYU vs. Utah State football. It was an awesome game. We all had our BYU gear on. It was fun. We also went to Teds, Texas Roadhouse and Pops while they visited. The girls loved having Aunt Tisty and grammy and Papa visit.

Tied Her Shoes

2011-10-12T21:40:00.001-06:00

My parents and sister came to visit September 29-October 3rd. They left on a Monday afternoon. Makenna really wanted to wear her new tennis shoes that tie up on Tuesday. I laid them out on her floor with the laces untied so they would be easy for her to slip on and then I could tie them. When I went in Tuesday morning to get her, she was dressed and said, "mom...You don't have to tie my shoes. I did it." I looked down and much to my surprise...she did! I asked how she learned how to do it and she said her Papa Barry taught her how to do it. She did a really good job! Thanks dad for teaching Kenna how to tie her shoes!

Eye Surgery

2011-10-08T20:13:00.002-06:00

Before surgery

Daddy and Bryn in Pre-op

Her socks

so cute

Me and my buddy

I love the back of her gown

Minnie got to go to surgery with her

Grammy and Bryn

Me and Bryn after surgery

Bryn had lazy eye surgery on September 29. We went in at 7:45am for her surgery at 8:45am. It was outpatient surgery. She looked so cute in her gown. She had no idea she was having surgery. She was up and happy and playing in the waiting room. She did great when the nurse took her back. The surgery took an hour and 10 minutes. She did amazing coming out of surgery, but with that said, this was her hardest surgery. She cried a little bit and was irritated. She wanted me to hold her and I loved being able to comfort her. Her eyes were really puffy and for the most part she wanted to sleep. She came home and just laid around with us. That night she was up jumping around and being her normal crazy self. She is so amazing!!!

Money

2011-10-08T19:29:00.002-06:00

Last week Tyler's mom took Bryn on a date. Bryn came home with a small purple piggy bank. Jan gave her a few coins to put in it. Ever since Bryn has been putting the money in and taking the money out. She is obsessed with money. It is really cute.

Bryn's Eye

2011-09-14T22:35:00.000-06:00

Brynlee has been seeing the eye dr. every 4-6 weeks since January 17, 2011. She had another check-up on Monday, Sept. 12, and the dr. said it was time to schedule surgery. He told me we could do it whenever I wanted to. I told him I didn't want her to have to have surgery :). The doc knows me well enough by now that I can joke with him. He said it was inevitable and that we should just get it done. I asked when and he said, "In a week or two..." A few minutes later the coordinator for surgery came in and we were setting up a day. Bryn will have her eye surgery September 29. I am a littler nervous because it is a surgery. I'm nervous because it's on her eyes and that she has to go under. I do feel confident in the doctor that she has and the fact that this is a routine surgery. I had this same surgery when I was in second grade. I am pretty sure she will get to quit patching after surgery is over. That would be great since the past 2 weeks have been horrible. Today we went through 4 patches before I just gave up. She kept taking them off. She is a little stinker lately. She did so well from Jan until 2 weeks ago. I don't know what changed, but I can't get that girl to keep a patch on!

Utah

2011-09-10T12:06:00.000-06:00

This deer was eating all the birdseed out of the feeder

My mom and my cousin's son Cache

Landry, Kenna and Kale (2nd cousins)

Grandpa Glen and Kenna

Grandpa playing with Bryn

Grandma Dorothy with Bryn

Bryn and my cousin Sarah

Grandma Dorothy and Bryn

Grandma Dorothy and Makenna

Collin, Kenna, Landry and Bryn

My grandparents and I

Grandpa Glen and Bryn

This is out of order on blogging, but I forgot to blog it in my summer trip. I had the opportunity to drive to Utah with my mom for a week during my summer vacation to California. It was great to see my uncles, aunt, grandparents, cousins and brothers. We had a family BBQ the Thursday before I left since my cousin Shae was also in town. Kenna loves being able to see my cousin Collin. They are good friends when they get to see each other. She loves when my cousin Jessica paints her nails. I also got to enjoy Italian place! YUMMY!

Spotted

2011-08-30T19:23:00.003-06:00

Makenna's school has a program called SPOT. Spot means:

S - show respect

P - participate appropriately

O - own your behavior

T - treat others fairly

Children can be 'spotted' at school. That means a teacher at school notices a child is behaving, listening and/or treating others kindly. They are trying to reward positive behavior so hopefully it will detour having to bad behavior. Kids are not allowed to be spotted by their own teacher. Spots must come from other faculty on campus. When they get a spot, a copy goes home with the student, a copy goes into a drawing for prizes and one stays in their classroom and they are saved up to be spent in their Spot shop on Fridays. This is only the start of the 2nd week of school and Makenna has been spotted twice. I am so proud of her. Since she had 2 spots...she couldn't wait to spend them. She bought a glitter pencil. She was so excited to show me glitter pencil when she got home. Way to go Kenna!

It Is Safe To Say....

2011-08-30T19:09:00.003-06:00

That Bryn no longer needs Dee-Dee! Bryn has been obsessed for a long time with her binky, which she calls dee-dee. We tried for awhile to only give it to her at nap time and bed time, but she seemed to find it and have it always. We have been working really hard with her on learning to talk and her having the dee-dee all the time wasn't helping. I couldn't leave the house without minnie or a dee-dee or I would be in HUGE trouble. I let her keep it longer than Kenna because she has been through so much. The dee-dee was a great source of comfort to her through all her dr. appointments, therapies and surgeries. A couple of weeks ago I started talking to Bryn about school. I told her that Big girls don't need dee-dees. I was not sure on her schools rule about binkys so I didn't want there to be a problem if they wouldn't let her have one. Well last Tuesday I was at my friends house before the girls had gymnastics. The girls got dressed at her house and we were in a hurry to get out the door. My friend stuck their clothes in a bag along with dee-dee. We got home later that evening and I put the girls to bed and totally forgot to bring in the bag with dee-dee. I told Bryn dee-dee was night night and that if I found her I would bring her to her. (I was just being lazy and didn't want to go to the car to get it.) She talked for a little bit and then was asleep. I was super shocked. So Wednesday I put her to bed without it. There was a little more crying involved this time, but not for long. Thursday, on her first day of school, I sent it in her backpack, but told the teacher to only give it to her if she was uncontrollably upset. I said they could give her a dee-dee for nap time if she wouldn't go to sleep. To my surprise when I picked her up they said she took an awesome nap and never even asked for dee-dee. It has now officially been a week that we have been binky free and I love it. Now if I only had a million Minnies so I wouldn't have to worry about leaving the house without one.

Bryn's First Day of CDC

2011-08-28T22:29:00.006-06:00

Sisters on Bryn's first day

Me and my Baby. Crazy she is old enough for school :)

When Bryn went in she saw a kitchen and dolls. She went straight to playing. She didn't even care that I was leaving. I barely got her to pose for this picture. She just waved at me and said, Bye Mama!

Brynlee started a Children's Day Out program last week. She will goes once a week, on Thursdays. The program is from 9:30-2:30. I was so nervous about leaving her the first day. There were no tears though ;). Minnie went to school with Bryn. When I got there to pick her up the teachers said she did awesome. They said she even took a good nap. I was so proud of her!

Kenna's First Day of Kindergarten

2011-08-28T21:48:00.008-06:00

Me and my baby girl. She is growing up so quickly!

Kenna and Bryn

Kenna and her best friend Ryder. They are at the same school, but different classes.

Outside her class

I love her backpack

Such a cutie

Sisters

Kenna started Kindergarten this year. I couldn't believe it! It is weird to have her gone all day. Most of the schools here have started all day kindergarten. She goes from 8:35-3:05. She loves it. I was happy that no tears came from me. Bryn was worried about leaving sissy at school. Bryn was so excited to see her when we picked her up though. She had a great first day. I can't wait to see what she accomplishes! I'm so proud of you Kenna.

Lake with the Stuarts

2011-08-23T23:00:00.006-06:00

Bryn discovered the air vent and was letting the air blow in her hair

Ty spraying the water up

Ty jumping

Ty and the girls

Ty wakeboarding

Bryn would not get off the tube so we put her on with Aiden and Kenna

Bryn loves to drive to boat and make it go beep beep.

A couple of weekends ago we went to the lake with the Stuart Family. We had a lot of fun. The kids had fun playing Just Dance on the Wii and it was fun getting to know James and Allie better. We also had really yummy food. The kids had fun tubing, the guys and Allie wakeboarded and Ty and Kenna cliff jumped.

Family Pictures

2011-08-23T22:36:00.008-06:00

Kids pic - taken by friend

My grandparents with the girls - taken by me

Family pic - taken by friend

Our family - taken by friend

Steven and Kristen - taken by me

My sister - taken by me

Picture I took of my Parents

My mom has wanted to get a family picture of us for over a year now. So Thursday night we got ready for an informal family picture. We had a friend take the pictures for us. I took a few of my parents and brother.

Beach House

2011-08-23T21:45:00.013-06:00

Christy swimming with the girls

The 'Thomas' girls

My sister and I

She loves to pose

Sisters

Bryn actually touched the sand this year

bahaha...I swear all these 2 do is sleep. :)

Makenna, Bryn and Uncle TyTy

Funny girls

Bryn loved wearing everyones sunglasses

The girls with Uncle Mike

the girls and I

Kenna and Uncle Mike

Bryn and Uncle Mike. Bryn was so tired

Uncle Michael was so good with Kenna. She wanted to go out and go under the waves. The riptide was really strong and Mike would go out and hold Kenna's hand while she went under the water so she wouldn't get pulled away. She had a lot of fun.

Bryn trying to lay out like mama

Makenna buried her feet. She also loves to get sandy

Crazy Bryn

Silly girls

Kristen and Bryn

Bryn and TyTy

Bryn and Brandon

Uncle Mike and Bryn

The family at dinner

My parents rented a beach house for all of us to go to for a week. We haven't done this before and it was REALLY fun. The house we stayed in was super nice. It was within walking distance from the beach. The neighborhood had a pool so when we were done at the beach we could go over and swim. We got there Monday and went out to dinner. Tuesday and Wednesday we spent the day at the beach and went swimming. Thursday we went down to the Pier and walked around. A few of us got temporary tattoos. We went to the Sugarshack for breakfast. I got my first pair of Toms. Thursday night we played Phase 10. It was awesome. It was a really fun time with my family.

Hollywood

2011-08-23T19:00:00.009-06:00

Kenna and I at the Hollywood sign

Makenn and Christy at the Hollywood

The Hollywood

Spiderman

Kenna posed herself with Beyonce

The girls with Ironman

Christy and I with Michael Jackson

The girls with the young Michael Jackson

The girls with the chipmunks

Me and Whoopi

Me with Julia Roberts

Gotta love Madonna

Me, Zac Efron and Christy

The girls and I with Brad and Angelina

Selena and Makenna

Kenna and I with Britney

Me and Lady Gaga

Christy, Grandma, Kenna and Bryn with Shrek

Me with Sandra Bullocks star

I grew up in California and only went to Hollywood less than a handful of times. My sister hadn't ever been so we decided to take the trip down to Hollywood. We went and saw the stars, the Hollywood sign, the wax museum and drove by the LA temple. The girls did very well on the long day and we had a lot of fun together.

California

2011-08-23T18:44:00.005-06:00

Bryn and Uncle Steven

Kenna and Uncle Steven

Bryn and Grandma Gloria

Uncle Steven, Kristen and Bryn

Pretty Kenna

Bryn and Christy

Kenna and Papa Barry

I am lucky enough to go visit my family for about 3-4 weeks every summer. It is so great to go and spend time with them and let the girls get to know their other set of grandparents. We had a lot of fun this year. We actually spent very little time at my parents home. We spent a week at a beach house and a week in Utah. The girls had a blast and can't wait until our next visit to visit Papa Barry and Grammy Catherine.

July 4th

2011-08-09T18:52:00.011-06:00

Cousins on the 4th of July

The girls in their 4th of July swimsuits!

Addie, Bryn and Papa in the parade

Kenna and Ty in the parade

Bryn loved her sparklers!

Kenna was afraid of the sparkler. She looks like the statue of liberty!

Bryn loved the sparklers

Isn't Kenna just gorgeous!?!

Sisters

Bryn and Kimber feeding the fish

All the girls feeding the fish - i'm taking the picture

Kenna and Bryn

Bryn and Kimber

Sisters

Kenna, Kimber and Bryn

Kelvon, Nicole, Bryn and Kenna

Papa and Bryn

Kimber and Bryn

Kenna and her silly faces

Bryn and Nicole

For July 4th we went up to Tyler's family lake house. We went with Tyler's parents, his sisters: Danielle and Kimber, his brother: Dallin, his niece Addison and his Uncle Richard, Aunt Linda and cousins Nicole and Richard. It was a lot of fun. We went on the water and Tyler wake boarded. Tyler and Dallin did a firework show for us. They lit some bushes on fire and had some crazy fireworks. It was fun! The girls had a blast hanging out with the 'big' girls.

Busy

2011-07-07T08:56:00.001-06:00

So for July 4th weekend we went up to the lake house and hung out with family. We had a great time. Now we are on vacay with my family. I will haven't had time to post info so look for a HUGE post later. I will get pictures uploaded and posted when I have time!

Bryn

2011-06-27T06:43:00.003-06:00

So a couple of weeks ago my life changed drastically!! Brynlee learned how to open doors and climb out of her crib. Tyler was out of town and we were over at Jenn's house late so we decided to spend the night. Bryn was put in the pack-n-play. The next morning Bryn was walking around the house. Come to find out Makenna had helped her climb out of the pack-n-play. So later that day I put Bryn down for a nap at Jenn's as well. 5 minutes later, Bryn was in the hall. She had climbed out of the pack-n-play and opened the door. I spanked her bum and put her back in bed. When we got home that night I was hoping that she could not climb out of her crib because it was bigger. She didn't do it that night, but a few mornings later she did! I was laying in bed and heard a thud. I assumed it was Makenna playing in her room. I then hear a door opening (Makenna doesn't open her door in the morning, she knows she isn't allowed to!). Then my door opens! It was Bryn. My life is forever changed. She hasn't done it for a few days until this morning. I am out cold and start hear Makenna screaming about 7am. I jolt out of bed and Kenna is yelling, "Mom! Brynlee is out of bed and trying to open my door! She isn't allowed out of bed so I won't let her in my room!" Bryn received another spanking and got put back in bed. The horrible part is that I ask her if she should climb out of bed and she looks and me, laughs and says yes. I am going today to look for child locks on the doors so she can't get out and for a crib tent so she can't get out of bed. It is super unsafe for Bryn to be roaming the house while I am asleep. There is so much she could get into and get hurt with. I totally worry about her falling down the stairs as well. We trained Makenna to stay in her room until I got her. Maybe Bryn will catch on to that. Also...Kenna never climbed out of her crib! Ever!! Bryn is going to keep me on my toes! The cherry on top of my morning is that Makenna had to tell me, "Bryn didn't climb out of bed when daddy was here. She loves daddy more than you!" Thanks Makenna....

Lake Trip

2011-06-20T22:33:00.009-06:00

Bryn and Grammy

Sisters

Strike a pose!

Bryn knows how to model! haha :)

Crazy smiles

Me and Jenn

Grammy and Kenna with silly faces

Kenna and Grammy

Bryn chilling with Grammy

Kenna driving the boat all by herself!

Me and Jenn

Our Family

My little lake bum! She loves the lake and loves being in the water

Bryn driving the boat

Tyler and Bryn swimming

Tyler and the girls on the tube. I believe this was Bryn's first time on the tube! She did really well!

Bryn loved jumping off the back of the boat into the water!

This summer has been awesome being able to go to the lake so often. My in-laws have a very nice home up there and have been very generous with letting us use it! June 10-12, we made a last minute decision to drive up to the lake. We went with Tyler's parents and my BF, Jenn. Tyler, Bryn and Ty's parents drove up around 5pm on Friday. Makenna went to a birthday party so Jenn and I stayed back and picked her up around 9:30pm and drove up. The girls rode the tube with Tyler and the water was pretty warm to swim in. We drove up to Barnacle Bills and ate lunch. We went out on the boat later in the afternoon, but there was a storm moving and the water was super choppy. We didn't stay out too long. As usual, we had a big, yummy dinner Saturday night. We hung out and then left Sunday afternoon. I really love the lake!

What's New

2011-06-08T13:29:00.002-06:00

One word: SUMMER! The past few years I have looked forward to summer because I could spend a little more time with Ty. This summer I am enjoying every minute of being out and playing with my kids. I know it is only the second week of summer, but I am loving every thing about it. We have spent so much time in the pool. Whether it be swim lessons or swimming with our friends, the kids are in the pool a lot...that makes a lot of laundry for me. I feel like we haven't been at the house all week. We spent Memorial Day weekend at the lake and the pool and have just enjoyed being out. Both girls do very well at swimming and it is fun to watch them play with their friends. Also because we are playing so hard during the day and we stay up a little later than normal, the kids knock out and sleep long and hard. They have slept it until 8am or later everyday this past week! I LOVE SUMMER.

Makenna

2011-06-08T13:27:00.000-06:00

So I was getting dressed and Makenna came in and said, "Oh Mommy...You look SOOO cute!" I replied, "Thanks I feel cute!" haha...she said, "Can I feel you mommy!? You do feel cute! :) " haha I thought that was awesome! She loves to make comments on my outfits and loves getting all dressed up herself. Both of the girls love putting on make-up and love when I tell them how gorgeous they, especially after I do their hair!

M & M Olympics

2011-06-02T22:56:00.005-06:00

Me and my twin

I love these 2 little girls. I am so proud of them

Bryn would finally take a picture with me once she had Kenna's green candy bag

Sisters

Kenna getting her trophy

Bryn and her coach Jacci

im bummed it's blurry...but Bryn getting her trophy

Kenna and Papa

Papa, Brynlee and Grammy

Bryn and Grammy

Bryn hanging on the trapeze (with help). It is really awesome to see her do this. Her arms have had a hard time straightening and having pressure put on them. Gymnastics has helped a lot with this.

Kenna getting ready for her beam routine

Kenna walking into the gym

Makenna and Brynlee both did gymnastics this session. Bryn did a mommy/me class. When we first started, it made me sad to see all the things Bryn couldn't do that the other kids her age could. I worked with her and pushed her to do things on her own. I can't believe how much arm/hand strength she gained over the past couple months in class. Watching her climb the rock wall by herself, do front flips on the bar alone, doing back flips on the trampoline with a harness, learning to hang on the trapeze and especially learning to follow directions. I am so proud of her.

Makenna worked really hard on her hand stands this session. She had a hard time in a few classes following directions. It was so fun to watch her be able memorize and perform a routine. She got to do back flips on the tramp with a harness, perform a beam routine and a floor routine. She is so flexible and I love watching her work hard at trying to learn some of the moves. Kenna has been a great example to Bryn and loves to help her with her gymnastics. I am proud of you too Kenna.

At their Olympics, the girls showed off their routines, got M & M's and a trophy. Kenna was all about the gold trophy and Bryn was all about the candy. Funny girls.

2011-06-02T22:29:00.002-06:00

Bryn found James's drink and was sneaking it

Aiden, Ethan, Ryder and Kenna

Greg, Cash and Jenn

Bryn and Avery

Bryn splashing in the pool

Kenna jumping in the pool

For Memorial Day we went over to Tyler's parents house to swim and have a BBQ. Jenn and her family came with us. James and his kids met up with us also. The kids had a great time swimming. Bryn loved sitting on the edge of the pool and kicking the water. Makenna is like a little fish. She loves swimming and it was so fun to know that she can swim on her own. We had yummy sliders, fruit and chips. It was a lot of fun. The boys went electronic shopping after and then Jenn and I went shopping for girls camp stuff. We had a great weekend!

1st Family Lake Trip

2011-06-02T21:32:00.007-06:00

Look at her diaper! :)

Bryn laying out

Silly Makenna

Crazy Bryn

Bryn, Cash, Ryder and Makenna

Crazy kids

We sent the kids out to play on the deck Sunday morning and warned them to stay out of the pool. I guess we should have been smarter than that. A few minutes later all 4 kids were in the pool in their jammies.

The kids looking at the lizard

Jenn and I

Kenna loved playing in the water even though it was freezing. We made her get out and put a towel on because her lips were turning blue!

Bryn absolutely loves Jenn. They were chillin on the back of the boat together.

Kenna jumping in backwards with Jenn

Bryn hanging out

Makenna laying out

The water was so cold. She was frozen.

Bryn drinking her juice

All the kids ready to go out on the boat

The girls ready for the boat

For the Memorial Day weekend we took off to the lake. My in-laws have an awesome lake house and have been extremely generous in letting us use it. We have an absolutely amazing time every time we go. We went with my best friend, Jenn, and her family. We went up Friday night, spent Saturday morning on the water (which was freezing), ate at Gambino's for lunch and grilled a yummy dinner. Sunday we packed up and grabbed lunch at Soda Steve's and headed home. It was a fun weekend. Jenn and I went running, the boys took the kids on scooter rides, Jenn and I laid out and we stayed up watching movies as couples! So fun!

Zoo Day for Last Day of School

2011-06-02T21:29:00.000-06:00

Haha...they are so much like brother and sister. They were fighting when I took this pic.

My friend Jenn and I took our kids to the zoo on the last day of school. We met our friends Lindsay and Wendy there too. I didn't end up taking a lot of pictures. It was extremely warm that day and I was very uncomfortable. We sure didn't last long at the zoo. Makenna ended up getting lost from our group and that scared me. We saw the elephants, rhinos and giant turtles and ended up calling it a day. We needed to get home and get ready so we could head to the lake that night!

Beach Day at Pre-k

2011-06-02T21:16:00.003-06:00

Nice and warm in her towel

Playing Monster Goo

Kenna loved playing in the shaving cream

On the second to last day of school, Kenna's school had Beach Day. The kids got to wear their swimsuits to school. There were a ton of activities including: playing in shaving cream, blowing bubbles, a slip-n-slide, playing in monster goo, eating popsicles, playing in water tables and drawing with chalk. I went to help out and was in charge of the shaving cream table. It was a pretty active table so I didn't get to take too many pictures. Makenna had a blast!

Tornados

2011-06-02T20:59:00.003-06:00

Last week, Tuesday May 24, Oklahoma was hit with some severe weather. The weather man had warned us all week that tornados would be possible! I do not have an underground shelter at my home. Our 'safe spot' is the closet under our stairs. When severe weather hits you are supposed to go underground or into the lowest most inner part of your home. The weather was pretty perfect in the morning. My best friend, Jenn, was over at my house with her kids around 1:30pm. Tyler was out of town and Jenn's husband was flying. We were watching the news and saw the weather man look terrified. His face was white, his voice was shaky and he said, "folks, if you have a shelter in a bathroom or under your stairs, it is NOT going to cut it today. You need an underground shelter." Never in my 7 years of living in Oklahoma have I seen the weather man so freaked and say those words before. I got really scared. Jenn and I decided that we were going to heed the words of the weather man and head out to my in-laws home, they have an underground shelter. I packed some clothes and special items and we headed over to Jenn's house. We grabbed some things from her home, including her dog Shiloh, and headed to my in-laws. I was trying to stay calm for the kids and my parents that were hearing all the info from CA, but I was seriously scared. We got to my in-laws and were able to park our cars in their big metal barn to be protected from hail damage. The sky started turning greenish/gray and the thunder was loud. We waited for it to start sprinkling before we headed to the shelter. Then all the sudden the power flashed off and we packed up the kids and dogs and headed to the shelter. We had 5 adults (Jan, Brad, Jenn, Me and Danielle), 5 kids (Addison, Makenna, Brynlee, Ryder and Cash) and 3 dogs (GiGi, Muffin and Shiloh). We tried to make the shelter fun by singing songs. It was extremely muggy and hot down there, but at least I knew we would be safe. Jan, my mother-in-law, sang songs with the kids and tried to keep their focus off the heavy rain and thunder. I had a weather radio in my ear trying to listen to where the tornado was coming. One of the tornados did not hit far from where we were at. Luckily my in-laws home was safe and there was no damage. There was also no damage to my home or Jenn's home. The rained slowed down enough for us to jump out of the shelter and go inside. The radio made it sound like we were in the clear. We took the kids inside and made dinner. I am so thankful that my in-laws have an underground shelter and were willing to let us come get in it with them. I felt so much safer being underground and protecting my family. I am thankful for Jan for helping keep us all calm and being great with the kids! I am so glad tornados don't happen very often.

Just Because They Can

2011-05-19T19:33:00.002-06:00

As I was making dinner I went to check on the girls. I found Bryn sitting on the potty (with her diaper on), with her slushie and chapstick in hand. She was just chilling. Makenna changed out of her swimsuit from swim lessons and put her own jammies on. Nice outfit Kenna. I absolutely love when my kids do crazy things like this. They are harmless, but they are so funny. I know they will enjoy looking back at these pictures and remembering some of the funny things they did. Kids will be kids right?!

Girls Weekend

2011-05-16T18:54:00.003-06:00

For Mother's Day Tyler asked what I would like as a gift. I didn't really know, but then it hit me! I wanted time to myself. My best friend, Jenn, and I headed off to my in-laws lake home for some peace and relaxation. OH MY GOSH! It was the best gift ever. We left Friday night when our husbands got home from work. We drove up to the lake house and stayed up till probably 4:30am watching movies. Saturday we slept in till about 10am and just hung out. It was too cool to lay out so we watched a ton of movies and went into town. We stayed up till about 5:30am watching movies. We woke up around 9:30 Sunday morning and it was warm outside. We took advantage of that and laid out. We didn't stay out too long. Then we packed up shop and headed home. Unfortunately, the sun I guess was stronger than we thought and we both got fried. Anyways...I am so thankful for this gift from Tyler. It was so nice to be with my best friend, no kids and nothing to do. I missed the girls, but it was so nice to not hear "momma!!!!" or screaming and crying for a couple days. Tyler handled it like a champ and did really well with the girls. This was the first time ever that Tyler was left for a couple days with the girls without me! He passed with flying colors and I am happy to report that he is willing to let me have another girls weekend in the future! Such a fun, relaxing weekend!

Mother's Day

2011-05-08T19:36:00.002-06:00

Mom, Mama, Mommy~ There may be some days that I feel like those words are the only words my kids know how to say (especially Bryn). And although Mother's Day is typically like every other day it's nice to have a day dedicated to us moms. I did get to sleep in this morning, but the rest of the day was pretty typical. I changed diapers, yelled at the kids :), bribed the kids to eat dinner, wrestled the kids in church, fixed the kids lunch, did a few loads of laundry, picked up toys and went to dinner with family. But I am so grateful for both my kids. One day my house will be totally clean. One day I won't have toys in my living room. One day I won't have diapers to change. One day we will eat peacefully without anyone complaining. So I am going to try to live in the moment more often because one day before I know it my kids will be gone and I will be wishing for typical days just like today. I can't believe how fast my kids are growing up. I have done things for them that I never thought in my life I would do. Sometimes it is hard to live in the moment because you just can't wait for the whiney stage to be over. Then another stage comes. I find myself wishing....someday!! I try to remember the country song, "you're gonna miss this!" Somedays are easier than others. But I am grateful for the 2 little munchkins that gave me the name Mom! I love them so much!

My New Do

2011-05-08T19:32:00.002-06:00

after...Kenna took this picture

before...we ended up cutting about 5 inches off

I have a ton of hair and it gets really heavy and hot. I have been debating for awhile whether or not I wanted to cut it! I finally decided to do it and I love it. It feels great and it is so much cooler for our HOT summers!

Makenna's End of Pre-K Program

2011-05-08T19:19:00.004-06:00

Kenna played the part of bells during one of her songs

Mrs. Perry and Kenna

Makenna and Mrs. Potter

Bryn made herself right at home on the floor and ate her cookies during the performance

Makenna did very well at her end of the year performance. She knew all her songs and acted out Humpty Dumpty. She played the part of Humpty Dumpty. I can't believe that she will be out of school in 3 weeks and this August will be a kindergartener. She is growing up so fast!

The Zoo with My Sis

2011-05-03T20:40:00.005-06:00

Christy and Kenna

Bryn was wind blown and ready to go

Makenna took a picture of my sis and I

Christy got scared because the 4 birds on her arm started fighting!

Bryn kept poking the goats to get their attention

Bryn and Christy

Makenna feeding the goats

Christy, Kenna and Bryn with the gorilla statue

The glimpse of the baby elephant. The mom was super protective and was covering it most of the time.

The orangutan

Christy's hand compared to the orangutan, chimp and gorilla

The bears foot

The bears cuddled together

While Christy was here we went to the zoo. Unfortunately, the day that we had time to go was not the best day. We went Friday and it was SUPER windy! It was also the day that most schools decided to have a field trip to the zoo so it was packed. The giraffes were not in their area because their fence was being fixed, the lions were no where to be found and it took forever to see the elephants. But even with all that...we had fun! I enjoy hanging out with my sister and she was a great help keeping the girls interested in the animals.

Easter 2011

2011-05-01T20:32:00.005-06:00

Our Family

The girls - Makenna, Brynlee, Christy and I

Beautiful Bryn

Makenna is pretty

The girls in the their beautiful Easter Dresses

My sister was here for Easter this year. Tyler's brother Dallin was also in town and stayed at our house. The girls woke up and got their Easter baskets and hunted for eggs. I made german pancakes for breakfast and we watched the movie Tangled before church. We went to church and then came home to change clothes and headed over to my friend Jenn's house for dinner. We had a great dinner at Jenn's with her family and parents. Dallin and Christy were with us and we did a small egg hunt over there. We had a great Easter this year!

Bowling Fun and Braums

2011-05-01T20:06:00.005-06:00

Did she really just lick me? haha yes she did! :)

Christy and I at Braums

Before bowling

Jenn and I at Braums

Why are you taking my picture?

I won the second game with 2 strikes. Still bowled horrible...but I won. I lost by a few points the first game to Jenn, but I had 3 strikes the first game!

Christy was sad that she didn't bowl very well

Christy and I

Diane (Jenn's mom) and Jenn

Jenn and I

While my sister was visiting we did a girl's night out! Jenn's mom was visiting her so we all went out together. We went bowling and to Braums for ice cream. It was so much fun!

My Sister

2011-05-01T18:50:00.005-06:00

CiCi's Pizza

Pop's

Reading Stories

The Zoo

Texas Roadhouse

Braums

Bowling

Swim Lessons

Donuts

Chili's

My sister came to visit me for her spring break. I was really nervous because she would be leaving her friends, beach, disneyland and other things to come to my boring house to hang out. At 16 years old I don't think I would have wanted to spend time with my sister. It turned out to be a lot of fun. I was so glad to see her and I think she had a blast. The girls absolutely loved having aunt Christy around and playing with her. She has been gone for a day now and Bryn still starts crying and asking for Christy!

Bryn's Eye

2011-05-01T18:48:00.002-06:00

On April 18th, Bryn had an eye check-up. The dr. said her eye is not getting worse, but it also not getting any better. He still says she needs surgery, but she has to start using her eye more before he can do the surgery. Instead of wearing her patch 4-6 hours a day she will need to wear it 8 hours a day. She has been doing pretty well with that for the past couple weeks. I think Bryn is an amazing little girl and can't believe how well she does with the issues she has to deal with!

Tyler Turned 30!

2011-04-15T19:17:00.007-06:00

Today (April 15) is Tyler's 30th Birthday! He was working in Kansas today so he didn't get home till about 5:30pm. The girls and I made cards for him and his favorite walnut brownies. We bought pizza for dinner and got to hang out with him for the evening. Tomorrow night we will be celebrating by going out to his favorite restaurant, Texas Roadhouse. Happy Birthday Tyler. We love you!

Makenna's Open House

2011-04-14T19:09:00.002-06:00

Tonight Makenna had open house at her school. She got to show me all her artwork, her portfolio, all the different centers and read me some books. Kenna loves to read and was so excited to read me some books. Her teacher says that she reads aloud the morning message everyday by herself. It sounds like she is one of few kids in her class that are already learning to read. Kenna loves her teacher and is so excited about her class. She was able to tell me all about the class rules and walk me through what they do in the day. It is so strange to see my baby in school. As I was walking outside while she was showing me where they line up to go home, I had the thought of when I used to go with my mom to my little bros and sis open houses. Sometimes I still feel like I am playing house. I can't be old enough to have a 5 year old can I?! :)

Recent Pics of Bryn's Hands

2011-04-12T14:56:00.003-06:00

Bryn had a hand appointment last week. The dr. said he is so proud of the progress she has made. He is amazed at how well she uses it. Most people do not even notice that her hands are a little different. She is in gymnastics and does most of the things the other kids do. She is strengthening her arms and hands all the time. It still amazes me to watch her use them and she has been using them for almost over a year!

Kenna's Spring Pic

2011-03-27T10:31:00.000-06:00

B.Y.O.W. Day

2011-03-27T10:25:00.004-06:00

Look at her go!

Taking time out to pose for the camera :)

Makenna and Mrs. Potter, her teacher.

Bryn forcing a smile!

Makenna's school had a B.Y.O.W.(Bring your own wheels) Day at school on Friday. The kids got to bring a bike or a scooter or another ride toy with wheels. They put some streamers and a tag on their bike/scooter and then got to ride them around. They thought it was awesome. Kenna was so excited to ride her pink scooter! Bryn was not too happy to be there because I made her stay in her stroller.

St. Patricks Day (Thursday of Spring Break)

2011-03-23T13:27:00.004-06:00

The love looking at the snakes and the turtles

Danielle and Addison

I wanted to get picture of Makenna with the bear behind her. She was too scared sitting there so it's not the best!

I have never seen the bears out swimming before

Bryn liked the big turtles

Kenna was so excited to be at the zoo. I'm totally bummed that my battery died on my camera about 30minutes into our trip. Oh well...hopefully a lesson learned!

Bryn enjoying her food

Kenna loves Sunny-D...especially when it's green

The green meal

I have been messing around with new things in photoshop and stuff. Here are a few pictures I took of the girls in a template!

On St. Patricks Day, the girls and I headed to the zoo with Jenn and her kids and my sister-in-law Danielle and her daughter Addie. It was Spring Break so of course it was super crowded. We went at a great time. There wasn't too many people when we got there, but the place was literally a zoo when we left! :) After the zoo we headed to 2 different places for lunch and they were both packed. We ended up eating at McDonalds because we couldn't get into eat anywhere else sooner. The girls had a great time. After nap time I did a little mini photo shoot in our front yard with the girls. The time of day wasn't perfect, but I had fun taking pics of them even though they weren't too into it. For dinner, we had homemade mac/cheese, grapes, yogurt and sunny-d. The leprechauns snuck in and turned all of it green while the girls were watching t.v. and I was doing the dishes. Makenna thought it was the coolest thing! Later that night, the leprechauns turned our milk green. She can't wait till next St. Patricks Day when they come back!

Tuesday of Spring Break

2011-03-16T20:31:00.007-06:00

Kenna riding her bike

I can't get over how cute they are!

So sweet. I just wish they didn't have the ugly car behind them

Kenna was so into drawing with chalk that she has it all over her face too!

Bryn playing hopscotch

Bryn got mad at Kenna and hijacked the chalk, dumped it over and sat on the box! Crazy girl!

Kenna playing hopscotch

I guess Bryn thought it was more fun to push the jeep instead of drive it

My little girl can ride her bike!

My beautiful Makenna

My gorgeous Bryn

Saturday of Spring Break

2011-03-16T20:25:00.000-06:00

The girls love to ride the motorcycle with their daddy!!

Spring Break

2011-03-16T20:16:00.002-06:00

We have had a pretty good Spring Break.

Saturday - Makenna had her first soccer game. We lost, but Makenna played hard and got in there to kick the ball away. We went to Sonic for Happy Hour and headed over to the park with Tyler. The girls got to ride bikes, play in the jeep and go for rides on Ty's motorcycle.

Sunday- we went to church and then had a quite evening at home. The girls were so exhausted and cranky because they had no naps and the time changes was just killer.

Monday- Bryn had an eye dr.'s appt. The dr. said her eye had improved, but she will still need surgery. We then met some friends at CiCi's for lunch. Later that night we went to Ty's parents for dinner with his sister, mom and niece.

Tuesday - I got to go to kickboxing at the gym. When we got home the girls rode bikes, played in the jeep and drew with chalk! We had a lot of fun. We also played hopscotch. Later that night we went to Ty's sister's house. She made us a good dinner and the girls had fun playing with cousin Addie!

Wednesday - We slept in till 8:30am. YAY!!! We then went to the park with my cousin and her kids and ate lunch. Bryn became very daring and climbed down the ladders she wasn't supposed to and also climbed to the very top of the playground and slid down the huge slide. After that we took a quick trip to Kohl's then on to home for naps. After naps we headed over to my friend's house to play. Kenna had so much fun watching Spiderman and jumping on the trampoline with Ryder. Bryn ran around with Cash and even got a little used to the dogs. She then decided to fall off the trampoline (this girl is going to be the death of me). She is fine...thank goodness! She thought it would be a good idea to walk around the outside of the protective net. We ate Jen's yummy homemade from scratch cupcakes (I even ate the frosting...I know). Then a quick trip to Wal-Mart for milk, home for dinner then bathes then off to bed!

Thursday- Well...that is tomorrow...I will have to write what happens tomorrow later!

Praying

2011-03-14T19:54:00.004-06:00

I have had quite a few experiences in my life where I have lost something that I really needed to find and I prayed about it. Every time I have found what it was I was looking for. I KNOW it is not a coincidence. I know it is the power of prayer. I lost a jewel to a very special ring and I know if it wasn't for my Heavenly Father I would never have found it. I have had a ton of moments like that. I know 'lost things' may not seem important, but those answers to my prayers have helped build my testimony.

Anyways...

The girls and I were at the eye dr.'s this morning for Bryn's eye appointment. Bryn had a pretty flower bow that had a jewel on it. I love that bow. Well...somewhere between home and the dr.'s office, it fell out of her hair. I think it may still be in the dr.'s, even though I looked all over it. When I got in the car Makenna asked if I found it! I told her no and started to drive off. She then said, "Mama...Did you pray about? Did you pray to find it?" I told her no. She said, "Jesus will help us find it." Since I was driving, I told her to fold her arms and say the prayer for me. She knows without a doubt that Jesus will help us find the bow. I know we will find it. I left our number with the dr's office and told them to call if they found it. I have a feeling it's on the bookcase in the dr's room we were in. But it was so good to hear my little girl say, "Let's pray about it!"

The Girls Playing Outside

2011-03-12T09:56:00.003-07:00

Funny Girl

2011-03-11T15:02:00.000-07:00

Makenna put a ball under her shirt and said, "look mom! I'm pregnant!" So I asked her how the baby got inside her! She said, "Last night after I said a prayer with you, I prayed again. I asked Jesus to give me a baby and he did!" haha ;) I can live with that answer for quite a few more years!

She Did It!!!

2011-03-06T10:28:00.002-07:00

Makenna learned how to ride her bike last Thursday, March 3rd. Bryn was gone with Tyler's mom getting ice cream so I took Kenna outside to play. We were playing chalk and she was riding her jeep. She asked if she could ride her bike. I figured it would last its usual 2 minutes and she would freak out and give up. She told me to hold onto her seat and I told her no, that I would hold her shirt instead. She started to pedal and I let go figuring I would have to catch her. She surprised me and took off. Once she realized I wasn't holding on she stopped. We tried a few more times and she thought I was holding her shirt for her, but I wasn't. She took off and was riding. It took her a few times to learn how to turn around without stopping. I can't believe how fast she is growing up. She is learning something new everyday! Go Kenna!!

Kinda Boring

2011-02-23T19:36:00.002-07:00

Bryn

- On Feb. 14th she had her eye check-up appt. The dr. said that nothing has changed. That is good news and bad news. Good news is that it hasn't gotten worse. Bad news...it hasn't gotten better. He suspects that she will have eye surgery in about 3 months. She will still wear her patch 4hrs. a day. Doc said she could wear it up to 6hrs. a day if we wanted. He doesn't think it will change much. I take her back to see him in a month. She is still wearing her glasses as well. Lately she has been taking them off more. We are working on her leaving them on!

- Speech therapy started last Tuesday. I took Bryn to therapy and Kenna and I sat in the room. She paid no attention to us and hung out with Mrs. Amy and did great. Then Thursday she wanted nothing to do with Mrs. Amy and wanted to sit on my lap and not work. So yesterday (Tues) I took her and just dropped her off. I tried to get her to walk up the stairs with Mrs. Amy, but she screamed. She wanted me to go with her. I walked her to the top of the stairs and left. She screamed all the way down to the office, but Amy texted me and told me she calmed down pretty quickly and started working. She goes 2 times a week for 30minutes each.

Kenna

- Kenna had her last swimming lesson of the session today. She has done really well with learning how to swim in her class. She needs work, but she has learned a lot. She starts her new session next week. She goes 2 times a week for 30 minutes each. She loves it!

- She is learning how to do cartwheels in gymnastics.

- She is doing really well with her reading and is starting to read sight word books to me.

- She has been working on riding her bike without training wheels. It is still a BIG work in progress ;)

- I am loving going to zumba class. I really like kickboxing!

- I got to take pictures of a little 2 week old baby last week. She was so stinkin' adorable and I loved being able to capture some sweet moments of her.

- I went to an ariel silks skills class. Have you ever seen people hang and do tricks on 'sheets' hanging down from the ceiling? Well that's what silks class is. It was a lot of fun, but man am I sore.

- I have been loving the nice weather we have had. I love taking the girls to the park with friends and going out to ride bikes.

Tyler

- He is working really hard for our family.

-He is still in a more permanent job search, but is enjoying the job he has.

- We love having him home earlier and I know he loves being home earlier in the day.

- He has lost 20 lbs. going to the gym and eating healthier. GO TY!

Speech Therapy

2011-02-12T12:48:00.001-07:00

Well...Bryn is going to start Speech Therapy on Tuesday! She went to a two part evaluation and Tyler and I met with the speech therapist last Monday to talk about the results. The therapist said that her gut feelings is that Bryn will just start talking on her own. Bryn is 26 months old and is at a 28 month old level for understanding language. Unfortunately she is at a 20 month old level for expressive language. She is so stubborn though. I bet she will give a fit at therapy and then wake up one day and just start saying full long sentences. But until that day happens, she will be attending speech therapy twice a week for 30 minutes. This little one keeps me on my toes. I hope she will start speaking soon. I am tired of being hit when she wants something! :)

V-Day Party

2011-02-11T19:36:00.009-07:00

The most yummy dip - Buffalo Chicken Dip! YUM!

I sure do love this little man!

Makenna's Valentine Monster - Such a super cute idea!

The super cute Valentine Monster card holders

Kenna eating her food

Kenna trying to pop a balloon

Bryn trying to pop a balloon

Makenna frosting her cookie

Super yummy cake - The mom's dessert

Delicious salad

The mom's fruit! :)

Fun heart hot dogs

Heart PB & J's

Bryn and Kenna playing games

My Kenna

Today we had a Valentine's get together with some friends. The food, the crafts and the company was great!! Fun Stuff!

Snowmaggedon of 2011

2011-02-06T20:29:00.008-07:00

The kiddos

Bryn with the snowman

Our little snowman

Makenna helped me build a snowman...pretty good for a California girl

I love the icicles we get here. They are pretty awesome

My snow bunnies

Kenna loves making snow angels!

Bryn had a great time rolling around in the snow

ahh...they do love each other

Boy she is cute!

Kenna was posing in the snow drift

My pink marshmallow

The girls and I made sugar cookies together!

The girls staying warm inside

The snowdrift in our front yard. I love how you can see the snow blowing over it!

A picture from inside our garage looking out.

Our back yard

Haha...the news was calling our blizzard Snowmaggedon of 2011. On Feb. 1, 2011, we had a nice snow storm. It started with freezing rain around 9pm Monday night. Tuesday morning we woke up to snow. It snowed all day with very strong winds. We got a bout 11.5 inches of snow. School was shut down Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday. Our church meetings were also cancelled on Sunday. Although the roads were cleared by Sunday, it was nice to have a family day. The girls had a fun time playing out in the snow. The roads were awful until almost Saturday afternoon. Tuesday and Wednesday our high temperature was only in the single digits with wind chills below zero. It was very cold. I think we all got cabin fever and were ready to get out of the house. Friday it snowed a little bit more. Saturday was nice though because it warmed up to about 40 and the roads melted and we shoveled our back yard and driveway.

Jeanne

2011-01-29T20:40:00.002-07:00

We only know one of our neighbors and we have lived here for almost 7 years. I am glad we know Jeanne though. She is 86 years old. We take her dinner some nights, she watches out for us, we watch out for her and the girls love her. Makenna asks all the time to go visit her. Jeanne has some block/puzzles that have angles and Christmas trees on them that Kenna loves to play with. Jeanne will read the map to Kenna and tell her all about the different cities. Jeanne likes to bake and will often bring us treats. Kenna loves to draw pictures for Jeanne on her driveway. We usually write things that have to do with the month. In October, we wrote, " have a boo-tiful day!" Since the weather has been so warm the past few days we have been out drawing a lot. Kenna wanted to leave a message for Jeanne. I asked her what she wanted to write and she said, "we like to live by you." So I wrote for her, " we love having you as our neighbor." Makenna drew her a ladybug and heart cake with candles. Jeanne told us today that it made her day and she wanted me to take a picture of it with the girls in it so she could keep it. We sure do enjoy her as a neighbor.

The girls

2011-01-28T13:31:00.002-07:00

Makenna is getting more and more pretty everyday. I think we will have to break out the shotgun early :). She is so full of personality.

Brynlee received her glasses on Tuesday. I think she looks absolutely adorable. She is such a funny little girl. I can't believe how old she looks with her glasses. She is growing up way too fast. She is still getting used to wearing her glasses. She takes them on and off. Hopefully she will get used to them soon.

Kenna is Learning to Write

2011-01-22T18:48:00.002-07:00

Makenna was coloring tonight and made this for Tyler and I. She drew our pictures on the other side. I am so proud of her. She wrote this all on her own. Nor Tyler or I told her the letters or helped her sound it out. She did it totally on her own. I typed the words on it so people would know what it said. She is doing so well in school and we are super proud of her.

Ps--Makenna got the first of many report cards she will receive in her life. She got her first report card for pre-k. The teachers don't give letter grades. She gets a (+) consistently successful, (check mark) progressing and a (*) for having difficulty. My girl got all (+) accept for 3 areas. Those 3 areas she got a check mark. So no (*). That is awesome. Way to go Kenna!

Bryn's New Gear

2011-01-18T13:36:00.002-07:00

Yesterday (1/17/11), Bryn had a routine eye appointment. When she was born she had a spot in her left eye and we were sent to a doctor to have it looked at. He said that it would not affect her vision, but he would like to see her back every year for a check up! So yesterday was that annual event. I went to the appointment thinking all would be good and we would go home. The doctor checked her eyes and noticed that her left eye turns in. He asked if I had noticed it before and I said yes. Next thing I know the dr. is telling me Bryn has amblyopia "lazy eye". It needs to be corrected or she could loose her vision in her left eye. Her brain has shut her left eye off and she has been using her right eye to see. We left the office with a prescription for glasses, patches for therapy and thoughts of possible surgery if this is not corrected. After the girls came home and napped, we went to have Bryn fitted for glasses. They should arrive on Monday.

Last night we let Bryn try her patch for an hour so that we could see how she would react. We put it on her and had her look in the mirror. We clapped for her and told her how beautiful she was. We took these pictures of her so she could know we thought she was super cool. She only touched it once and then left it alone. We took her out for ice cream and just kept telling her how cool her patch was! She has to wear her patch for 4 hours a day, everyday. I don't know for how long, but it is at least for 1 month. Life is always interesting with Bryn. We sure do love her.

Sponge Curlers

2011-01-15T20:12:00.002-07:00

Bryn loves to do everything Makenna does. The other night I was putting sponge curlers in Makenna's hair so it would be cute for school. Bryn came over, hit my leg, pointed at her head and then sat down in the chair. I asked if she wanted curlers and she said yes. Bryn already has naturally curly hair, but she wanted to be like her big sis. I thought for sure she would rip them out during the night. She woke up and all of the curlers were still in her hair. I forgot to get pictures of what it looked like after the curlers came out. Bryn's hair was just one big fro! haha!

Kenna's 5 Year Old Stats

2011-01-14T10:33:00.003-07:00

Makenna used to be the tall one of her friends. Now she is shrinking! haha not really. I guess her friends are just growing at a faster pace now. These are Makenna's 5 year stats:

Weight: 39 lbs. (46%)

Height: 41 3/4 inches (36%)

She passed her hearing and vision tests

We also discovered recently that Makenna is allergic to baking soda. She doesn't have a reaction if it is in foods, like when you bake with it, but when it is on her skin. We have been having to give Bryn some baking soda baths to help with diaper rash and I just threw Kenna in the tub with Bryn. Kenna got a horrible rash all over her bum and legs. After some lotion and benadryl, she was fine. The only other thing she is allergic to is All Baby laundry detergent.

Kenna's 5th Birthday

2011-01-10T18:51:00.009-07:00

She got a piggy bank

Opening gifts

Her new Strawberry Styles set

Papa and Bryn

Kenna with her cake that Grammy made

The cake from Grammy Larsen

Tyler and I gave her a Rapunzel dress

Jenn and Ryder gave her a Fashionista Barbie

Opening gifts

Opening gifts from her Grandma Catherine and Papa Barry while talking to them on Ichat

I asked Kenna if she wanted me to buy her a cake or if she wanted to make one with me. She wanted to make one with me. She picked a cherry chip cake with Cherry frosting. She also wanted flower sprinkles.

Bryn had to be with her sister

Makenna with Belle

Bryn with her Happy Meal

Makenna and her chicken!

Me and my girl

Kenna and Tyler

Makenna turned 5 on Dec. 31st. For lunch she wanted to go to McDonalds and get a happy meal. She didn't want to take off her Belle dress. So, seeing how it was her birthday, I let her do what she wanted to and she wore it out to lunch. For dinner, we got pizza and her best friend Ryder and his fam come over to eat with us and have cake and ice cream. We skyped with my parents so they could watch her blow out her candles and open the presents they gave her.

A few days later, after we were all back in town, we had a family party over at Tyler's parents house. Jan made her a cake and decorated for her. She also made her the dinner she requested, spaghetti. We ate dinner, had cake and ice cream and Makenna was given even more gifts. This child got SPOILED for Christmas and her birthday from everyone! Overall...I say she had a pretty fantastic birthday!!!

Today

2011-01-05T20:54:00.002-07:00

Makenna has been working on learning to read. I have made her some flashcards with simple words like: mom, dad, is, it, to, do, so and other words like that. She is doing really well at being able to recognize and sound out those words. She is well on her way to reading. I am excited for her to be able to start to read a few books on her own.

Also...and this is TMI, but hey it's my blog right?! Bryn went #2 on the potty. We aren't potty training her and I don't expect it to happen again anytime soon, but...She did it. Before her bath we put her on the potty. She likes to be like her big sister so we give her the chance before bath time. Tonight I kept asking if she was done and she would tell me no. Then I noticed she was doing her 'funny' stance and then asked if she was done. She said yes. I looked and sure enough...she had gone to the bathroom. I started clapping for her and got really excited. Then she got excited to show her daddy. Haha...she pointed in the toilet and started clapping! It was awesome!

PICTURE OVERLOAD

2011-01-05T15:03:00.000-07:00

I HAVE POSTED A TON OF PICTURES. YOU MAY HAVE TO CLICK 'OLDER POSTS' AT THE BOTTOM OF THE PAGE TO MAKE SURE YOU SEE ALL OF THEM!