Makenna's Birthday Party

This picture really reminds me of this picture from two years ago- oh how time flies.

On Saturday, we had Makenna's friends over for a birthday party. At the end of the party I did not feel exhausted, or stressed, or anxious, or frazzled so I am wondering if it wasn't quite enough of a party. I tried to go easy on myself so we only had four friends (which turned into six when a couple of siblings joined the party) and I only had everyone for one hour. We had a treasure hunt with games at every clue, which mostly did not work out, and then cake and presents. It was definitely on the minimal side but Makenna seemed pleased. She especially loved it when everyone sang happy birthday to her. At the end of the song, after she blew out the candles, she told everyone to sing to her again and they gladly did. It was pretty funny. We sure love that girl!

Camping Boys

Friday night, Kevin and Brayden joined the young men in our ward on a campout. He wanted to give Brayden the father-son-camping-bonding experience. (such a good dad- really the best!) They had a blast. Brayden is now so excited to be a scout. He wishes he could go camping every night. Friday night they set up tent, had a dutch oven dinner, a program, a scare from some kid in a bigfoot costume, uninhibited burping and the like, a campfire, and even a pillowfight. Saturday morning they woke up bright and early, packed up, and hit Village Inn for breakfast on the way home. Roughin it all the way!

Primary Misunderstood

Last week, while Brayden and Makenna were eating, I overheard Brayden explain the following to Makenna (as her eyes grew wide and her mouth dropped:

"In heaven the law is- if someone cuts off your arm then you cut off their arm, or if someone kills someone then you have to kill them"

Yikes! This lesson, which I am thinking was the law of Moses, obviously made a strong impression on Brayden though his facts may be a bit confused.

I don't mean to insult Brayden's primary teachers though. They do a great job. A friend of ours asked Brayden what he learned about in class today and he said "Talents." Then Brayden was asked what some of his talents were and Brayden replied without hesitation-
"Oh I have Sooooo many"

Maybe FHE tomorrow will be humility... or maybe the law of Moses Take II.

Brielle's First Ponytail

I just decided the other day that Brielle might have enough hair to do something with. I didnt have much to work with so I only had one option and here it is - voila!

Happy Birthday Makenna

Yesterday Makenna turned 4. We celebrated by going to the Amazing Pizza Machine, which is basically a very glorified Chuck E Cheese. It was a lot of fun though. We're having her friends over for a little party on Saturday so you can mark your calendars for that post ;)





We gave Makenna a FurReal Kitty. She has been asking for it for her birthday forever so we had no choice but to get it for her. Unfortunately it looks like it might be one of those "Baby Alive" type purchases-- highly sought after due to intense marketing but minimal play value. Whenever I asked if she wanted to play with her kitty she told me it was sleeping- yep- another terriffic victory for the toy company!

Going for a Walk

In an effort to add some variety to my morning workout "attempt" I took the kids for a little walk/jog. It was a little frustrating because every time my jog slowed to a walk Makenna would holler "Faster Mom Faster." It was like having the personal trainer you never wanted anyway. Well whether or not my workout was a success, the kiddos sure looked cute in the stroller.
And afterward I let Makenna ride her bike for a bit while Brielle crawled around on the dirty garage floor (definitely a third child).

Thank you Mrs. Benefit

At school Brayden has been working with a reading specialist. Her name is Mrs Bennett but he often gets confused and calls her Mrs. Benefit. I don't correct him because I think its so cute and really quite applicable. I am beyond thrilled with how much she has helped him with his reading and writing and confidence.
Anyways, this morning Brayden had taped this yellow sign to the wall outside our room and when I came downstairs he handed me the white peice of paper.50 points for anyone who can figure out what he was trying to say.

Brielle is Blonde (and a few other developments)

As per request, here is a little Brielle update.
1. She is still blonde haired- which is so cute and different than my other two.
2. She Crawls- HOORAY HOORAY
3. Even though she crawls, she often prefers the good ol scoot instead. (see video)
4. At ten months she finally decided to take a bottle
5. She is still very picky about what she eats- she only wants table food- baby food gets spit back out at me every time.
6. She says both ma ma and da da and we believe she knows what she is saying.
7. I can always find her in the laundry room holding a pudding cup- her happy place!
8. She loves her brother and sister even though they STILL maul her every chance they get.
9. She wears size 12-18months
10. She gives big open mouth kisses/ head butts when you get her out of bed in the morning. It's my favorite thing and so so cute!

Sorry you have to turn your head to the side again.

The ZOO

Saturday ConAgra sponsored a day of fun and food for it's employees at the zoo. We had a great time.
Recently my kids have developed a love for the show "Wordworld" so they were particularly excited to see DOG from the show at the zoo.

Love this picture from the IMAX.

And this was from the train which was the last thing we did. Brielle and daddy had just about had enough zoo at that point but Brayden and Makenna were still going strong.

Just turn your head to the side to watch that first video- apparently I shouldnt turn the camera when using video function.

Inspired

So last night I was blog surfing and was inspired to try some new things with Makenna's hair (Thank you Rachel- the credit is yours- your blog is awesome). I have been feeling the need for quite some time to do something other than the good old two pony tail thing. The other day Makenna's little friend Emily said to her "My grandma says two pony tails looks like dog ears" and since that I think Makenna has been a bit self conscious about it. Anyways, low and behold there are tons and tons of little girl hairstyle blogs out there. It's fabulous. I tried one out this morning and I think its adorable. Now I just have to find a way to get her excited enough to holds still and tolerate it- any ideas?

Cougar Kick Off

Aren't these little BYU fans just the cutest thing you ever saw!

What- didn't you have a football pinata at your Game Day Party?