Happy Father's Day Big John

The night before Father's Day I asked John which Father's Day he wanted-a day of pampering from his children or the "boy do I feel Like a Dad" kind of day. I was planning on pampering him, but it turned out to be more of a "Feel like a Dad" day. We did make him pancakes with homemade strawberry Jam and cream and the girls gave him a big bag of S&P pistachio's. We tried to make him homemade strawberry ice cream which was was creamy, soupy and delicious. :) The girls sang him our Official Happy Father's Day song to the tune of Happy Birthday. He bought himself a wheelbarrow that we're claiming as his great gift, although he did get a 2 hr Sunday afternoon nap, don't know if there's a better gift than that when you have young kids.

We sure do love our Daddy and our Grandpa's, whom we can't be forgetting as none of us would be here w/out you and our Dad wouldn't be the great man that he is. Thank for all you do for us!

Grandpa Payne

"Papa" Harris

Great Grandpa & Harris-Still kids at heart!

On the Road...

The Last couple of weeks were a little crazy and kind of a blur in my mind as we got ready for and went on our family's first road trip since adding Tate to the family and then have been recoverin since returning.. I had a lot of anxiety thinking of 3 young kids in a car for 13+ hrs. I have to admit things went rather well. Here is our report:

After McKenna got home from school on Friday, the 5th, we climbed in the van and got on the road. It was a pretty uneventful drive, with the exception of the deer who was lounging on the dotted line in the middle of the freeway, I think we might have brushed it's fur we were so close. I just remember John slowing down and asking or rather telling the deer not to move. It was a pretty close call. Tate was a dream-hanging out, then drinking his bottle then smiling, turning his head, closing his eyes and then falling asleep for the night, all around 8 pm. We pulled into Missoula around 12:30 pm got our hotel room and then we all pretty much crashed until 8 am.

Yellowstone
Saturday morning after breakfast we all piled back in the van and headed to Yellowstone. John has decided that Montana is just a bunch of Mountain passes, but we both agree it is a beautiful place. As we entered the Park we were greeted by a lone elk eating grass in front of the Yellowstone Post Office.

Our first stop was at Mammoth Springs, which judging by its name was thought to be a huge Hot Pots location. We got out, put our jackets on and started our “hike”. (McKenna is great at locating the mountains and as we drive through she asks frequently if we are going to hiking.) We spent most of our hike looking for some sign of life, apparently most of the pots weren’t running. It was still pretty amazing and beautiful.

Naps-a rare moment with all 3 asleep

We then made our way through a couple of herds of buffalo, sited more elk, passed some active hot pots, saw a few fishermen and finally made our way down to Old Faithful, which is erupting every 90 minutes +/- 10 min. As we waited we explored the Lodge and the visitor’s center. As we look for a seat to watch OF blow, McKenna realized she was afraid and refused to sit on the front row, but once the eruption started both McKenna and Tyler were hootin’ & hollerin in excitement. I hadn’t seen it in years but the water shooting is still amazing.

I spy...You!

Old Faith getting ready to GO

As we were leaving Yellowstone we had our first glinch in the peace-Tate started screaming inconsolably for about 20 minutes might have been shorter, might have been longer, it sure seemed like a long time…and then after we’d done everything we could, change the pants, offer food, binki, toys, cool air, he just stopped.

Lander-Johnson & Johnstone's

Our next stop was Lander, WY 3 hrs from Yellowstone where our dear friends Mitch & Jillyn Johnson and Jillyn's parents George and Linda Johnstone (aka Grandma & Grandpa J) live. The drive is another beautiful stretch in which we experienced Rain, Sleet and snow, passed a few deer who were nice enough not to jump in front of us. We pulled in to the Jillyn paren’ts home, the Johnstone Ranch around 10 pm.

The girls were thrilled to not only be out of the car but to find themselves staying in a very girly room with flowers on the wall, a fully furnished doll house, bunkbeds and their own lil tv. We found Tate sleeps very well in a pitch black room, might have to start dimming the nightlight at home. Our Dear friends Mitch & Jillyn and their daughter Josie came over for a very yummy breakfast of hot cakes, fruit and bacon. George and Linda live on the Wind River Reservation and so we went to the Wind River Branch for Church-where I think we left an impression.

I should’ve known trouble was brewing when Tyler was walking around with her “binki-blanket” and laying on the floor all morning, but I ignored the signs and my premonition to bring the binki-blanket to church. We sat down for sacrament meeting and I looked around and found only about 20 people in the room, a very intimate setting which turned into a nightmare for me as they began the opening prayer. Tyler decided she didn’t want to pray and began screaming very LOUDLY, so I quickly scooped her up and out to the lobby to wait for the end. Well the prayer ended up the screaming and crying did not. Since the building was pretty empty it seemed like the screaming only echoed through the halls, lobby, no matter where we went I was sure everyone could hear so we spent a lot of time in the bathroom. Figured it was pry the closest thing to a sound proof room, since I didn’t have the keys to the car. I kept up my mantra, “I’m older, more mature and I’m not going to scream at you”, hoping to keep my cool. Although it didn’t seem to be working on calming Tyler down as she continued to cry/scream, throwing her shoes and even telling me to leave the bathroom. She did finally find her "happy", which was on the bathroom wall, go figure so we found our way back to the chapel and sat down in time for the Sacrament. We lasted long enough to get the sacrament and before the deacons had even sat down Tyler started crying again. Can’t even remember the reason, but we pretty much went through the same routine in the bathroom, when we came back we found John, Tate and McKenna in the lobby as well. McKenna and Tyler then proceeded to dance around the lobby ignoring my plees to sit down. Finally John stood up to lay down the law and well then there were 2 lil girls screaming, the lobby doors open and everyone turned to see what had happened. I’m pretty sure the Wind River Branch won't forget us as quickly as I'd like them too.

Monday morning the girls were thrilled when John asked them if they wanted to go ride the horses. Last summer when we were in Lander McKenna had her first experience on a horse and never stopped talking about it.

What's a cowboy without a hat?

George (aka Grandpa J) was nice enough to let all of us take a ride or two or three times on Pretty Boy. I was surprised how eager Tyler was, not a moment of hesitation, she even asked to ride all the other horses. I had a lil trouble myself actually getting on Pretty Boy without stirrups and a sadle, nothing a lil push from George couldn't fix. Not embarrassing at all. Luckily we didn't document that part of the ride.

Even Tate got on the horse

We had a Wonderful time spending time and reconnecting with everyone. The girls had a blast with lil Josie and Grandma and Grandpa J. We were sad to be leaving but very excited to meet up with our family in Utah.

Jillyn was due and did have her baby on Thursday, June 11th (Ruby Victoria Johnson-7 lbs 9 oz, 20 inches long). She'll hate that I posted this picture, but she looked fantastic! ALL baby that girl was, at a price though-she's sick the whole pregnancy.

UTAH

It was only a 4 hour drive to Kaysville, but the weather was funky-the only time I drove the entire trip and I ended up having to pull over in Weber canyon due to such heavy rain. Crazy!

We arrived that evening to a wonderful homecoming! Grandma & Grandpa Harris, Aunt Amber & Brooke all came out to welcome us back! So much to write about I'll hit a few high points and then put Amber's wedding on it's own separate post. The girls were thrilled to see Mitzi and Pyper (the Harris Dogs), there were multiple visits out to see them and to feed them their snacks. Grandma had a whole new array of toys in the playroom-a HUGE Cinderella castle Tent to house the changing station and baby room was a big hit.

The girls shared a room and a bed (for the first time) while staying at Grandma & Grandpa's house. One night after John had put them in bed I went to do my nightly check and almost started laughing-It looked like they fell asleep with Lady and the Tramp in one of Tyler's hand and her other arm around McKenna. They're pretty hard sleepers once their out, John even used a flash getting the picture.

While doing a little tummy time Tate became "mobile" for the first time. He saw a plastic neon green golf club and just had to have it. He didn't go to far, only a couple inches but that's the most he's ever moved on his belly, usually he's just rolling or inch-worming on his back.

This was Tate's 2nd fav toy, something about that color.

Maddie had her 3rd birthday party-I still can't believe I forgot to get the camera out, but it was fabulous. Tinkerbell balloons, jewelry, makeup, papers and a beautiful Tinkerbell cake. The girls couldn't be happier to be having a party, but even more to be playing with their cousins. They've pretty much claimed them for their own as Tyler call her "My Keira" quite frequently. In the midst of the party there was a raging thunder storm which dumped Hail leaving random piles in the yards. No exaggeration, it was the weirdest weather-to which we were all to blame being from Seattle and all. If I had a dollar for everytime we were asked if we brought the rain I'd be rich.

Friday, the day after the wedding we visited Hogle Zoo. It was warm and sunny (shocking) and crazy busy. It was a lil crazy finding one another but once we did we had a great time!

Cute Kaitlyn Jane

Our Own Lil Monkeys

The Scariest Lion in the Park

Afterwards we stopped by Training Table for some cheese-fries and their special sauce-YUMMY!

Boise

Saturday we headed up to Boise to spend time with the John's sister's family the Chapman's. We don't seem them nearly enough and it was fun to see and play with them. The girls were in heaven playing with their cousins, and it was cute to hear them frequently calling after Alexia and Trevor.

Taco Night

Pre-School Graduation

McKenna graduated from Preschool on June 4th. Her teachers had it early since we were going on vacation and she'd be missing the last week of school. Even better they had it on a Thursday so John could go.

You know the movie The Incredibles and the Mom and Dad have a fight over Kindergarten graduation-yeah John and I had the same conversation. :) In the end he was thrilled to go for the 20 minute ceremony. It wasn't very fancy, no cap and gown, but the kids were so excited. McKenna was last to be called in and she came in running with her hands in the air. It was fantastic and very fun!

Congratulations McKenna and Thanks to such a wonderful teacher "Robison" and paras, Mrs Tudie, Mrs Cortnie, and Mrs Sandy.

Wednesday I did have an IEP meeting with her teacher, her current and future speech therapist, her PT and her learning specialist to go over how she has done on her goals over the last 2 years and to set new goals for next year. We all agreed McKenna has come a very long way both socially and academically. Her teachers say she is hilarious-and so good at including all the kids. It was noted she has learned the art of manipulation (my wording not theirs) using tactics of "I'm scared" or "I can't" going through all her teachers trying to find someone to do her work, or to put her shoes or jacket on for her. Man has that girl got my number, I fall for it all too often.

Memorial Day 2009

Our Memorial Day was much like the ones I spent growing up, with the exception that we didn't go visit the cemetery, or make it to my Grandma Harris' party. We did however spend the morning doing yard work & working on the playhouse. Our friends came and visited us, and then we started or maybe continued our own family tradition of going on a picnic together.

McKenna has been begging us for weeks to go visit the beach. I'm not sure what she had in mind but I thought it was a great suggestion and since there are beaches here why not take advantage? I quickly packed up a lunch threw it and the kids in the van, along with a couple of buckets, a blanket and some sun screen (so happy there is sun to be protected from) and called John from off the playhouse roof (where he is shingling today) and off we went. Our original destination was Pt Defiance, we were mentally trying to prepare ourselves for the crowds and as we started down Ruston Way on the way there we decided to just stop there. We overheard someone talking about the mile long lines of cars trying to get into Pt Defiance and were very thankful we stopped when we did. McKenna was in heaven. As soon as lunch was over she was off to build sand castles and to run in the sand and the water. We all had a lot of fun, I think even Tate who had never been and who won't remember but he was quite mesmerized by it all.

On a side note, Poor Tyler insists on wearing McKenna's shoes, takes a spill at least once a day. Today we were almost off the sidewalk and she was trying to catch up running as fast as her lil legs would carry her when down she went. She skinned her knees pretty good, and still refused a band-aid. Apparently they are really only decorations for her fingers, which are not hurt at all. Unfortunately that was not her only spill. right before we were leaving I looked up from trying to wash McKenna's feet of and as she was approaching only a few feet away, again down she went on the rocks. What can I say, she has my grace poor girl.

Midnight Sun

Did everyone hear about Stephenie Meyer's 5th Book of the Twilight series "Midnight Sun"? I thought this was new news but was just informed that it is not-I guess it happened last August 08. For those who may not know, Someone stole the manuscript and published it online. What's worse is she has decided to "indefinitely put it on hold" (thanks for putting me on the straight and narrow Rachel.) She did post the 12 chapters that were done on her website. Apparently it was going to be Twilight from Edwards perspective. How disappointing to not have that to look forward to anymore. Here is the link to the partial draft all 364 pages.

Kid Quotes

The girls have been cracking me up lately with the things they say and do. Mostly what McKenna says and sometimes with the things Tyler does.

Tyler is a tomboy. She loves dirt, dirt and more dirt. Every night we are cleaning dirt from under her finger and toenails. I wish she'd use the gloves more and I don't know how it gets in her shoes, I think she might be bathing in it.

McKenna has been on a role, here is some of her personality shining moments:

The other morning McKenna woke up and as she sleepily walked in the room (around 8 am-love she's sleeping in these days) she declared she was 'bigger,' "as big as the big kids." After I confirmed that she was indeed bigger, she sat for a moment and then let out a big sigh of disappointment and said, "ahhh, I'm not as big as Mommy." Soon enough my love, soon enough.

One afternoon McKenna came down with a dark blue t-shirt her grandma had given her. It lights up and had airplanes on it. She folded it up and set it on the island and said, "Mom, this is a boys shirt. We need to send it back to Grandma. No thank you grandma."

Tyler has decided that she doesn't like baths anymore. She doesn't like showers either as we've explored that option as well. we have compromised with Standing up in the bath tub while I pour water on her. It's not ideal, but it works. She used to love baths so I was quite stumped by the turn thinking maybe it was her continual scraped up knees. That might have something to do with it, but while taking a bath the other night she referenced that she was standing, 'just like Mommy.' Not one of those times you really want your kids remembering.

While driving to the mall a week or so again as we are merging onto the freeway McKenna starts screaming, "spider." Normally I wouldn't have thought of a spider in the van but I'd forgotten to close the sunroof the night before, but there wasn't anything I could do at that exact moment. So as I drove on looking for an exit McKenna continues to yell spider and going off about needing a new van, you know because you can't have a van with spiders anymore than you can live in a house with rodents. Wonder where she gets it from. When I'm finally able to pull over there is no spider to be found and I start to wonder if there ever was because she's not freaking out anymore. After tha mall as the girls were watching a show and waiting for Tate to get done eating I look over and found the "loose" spider on the Dvd screen.

Last but not least the girls share a love-hate relationship I've decided. McKenna will walk up to Tyler just so Tyler will push her away. This could and will go on with McKenna calling, "she pushed me." One day I was on to their lil game and growing wary of the whole situation so I left the room with Tate and hid. :) After looking around and realizing their audience was gone McKenna called to Tyler as she headed down the stairs, "Tyler your my best friend. Come on Tyler, come play with me." Where in the world did that come from?

The flighty girl also got on the bus later that afternoon for school and told Kaiden, as she climbed in the seat next to him, that he was also her best friend.

All's well that ends well.

Playhouse

John took on a new project at the beginning of the month of May-I think because he's tired of hearing me comment on how much I want a playground for the kids. So we broke ground on May 7th and started the girls playhouse complete with slide and swings. It's been fun watching it go up so quickly and to watch the girls excitement gro each day. Tyler has found that she is scared silly by our neighbor's tractor and if she hears it She comes running as fast as her little legs will carry her into the house.

Week of May 7th

May 14th -Leveling the ground. Longest, most tedious part.

May 16th

May 19th

May 21st

Nope the inside of our home isn't finished, but you know all in due time. Can't blame the guy for needing a break to work on something new.

Daddy's lil helper-not necessarily with the saw.

Memorial Day Progress

All that's left is the door and the rest of the shingles

Memorial Day

Our Memorial Day was much like the ones I spent growing up, with the exception that we didn't go visit the cemetary, or make it to my Grandma Harris' party. We did however spend the morning doing yard work & working on the playhouse. Our friends came and visited us, and then we started or maybe continued our own family tradition of going on a picnic together.

McKenna has been begging us for weeks to go visit the beach. I'm not sure what she had in mind but I thought it was a great suggestion and since there are beaches here why not take advantage? I quickly packed up a lunch threw it and the kids in the van, along with a couple of buckets, a blanket and some sun screen (so happy there is sun to be protected from) and called John from off the playhouse roof (where he is shingling today) and off we went. Our original destination was Pt Defiance, we were mentally trying to prepare ourselves for the crowds and as we started down Ruston Way on the way there we decided to just stop there. We overheard someone talking about the mile long lines of cars trying to get into Pt Defiance and were very thankful we had stopped when we did.

McKenna was in heaven. As soon as lunch was over she was off to build sand castles and to run in the sand and the water. We all had a lot of fun, I think even Tate who had never been and who won't remember but he was quite mesmerized by it all.

Poor Tyler who insists on wearing McKenna's shoes and takes a spill at least once a day. Today we were almost off the sidewalk and she was trying to catch up running as fast as her lil legs will carry her when down she went. She skinned her knees pretty good, and still refuses band-aids. Apparently they are really only decorations for her fingers, that are not hurt at all. Unfortunately that was not her only spill. right before we were leaving I looked up from trying to wash McKenna's feet of and as she was approaching only a few feet away, again down she went on the rocks. What can I say, she has my grace poor girl.

Screaming and SuperHero's

Tuesday's my friend Ady and I exchange babysitting while we get out and run. This was only the 2nd week we've done it, it's a start for me to be out running again. I'm so out of shape, but it feels so good to be moving again. My body thanks me with a lil soreness and tightness, but it's the good kind. Today while Ady was out running the kids wanted to dress up. Ady has 2 boys about the same ages as my girls. My girls decided to be Ballerinas and the boys were Batman & Superman in their "pretend" costumes. We decided the girls were Super-Ballerina's who fought crime with their ballerina dance moves. How come Hollywood has never come up with this superhero yet? Anyway I turned around and found the Ballerina's had the boys dancing with them, ballroom dance style. Mathew was even twirling McKenna. I cought a few pictures and thought I was taping them and then as they were wrapping it up I realized I forgot to hit record. Argh! Oh well the pictures are priceless!

Tate is 6 months old. In the past 2 days he has found his voice and begun "squealing" or rather screaming in excitement. He's always been such a quiet kid, other than laughing that it caught me a little off guard, but it's the cutest little outburst-right now it is. I've made a conscious effort to avoid his contact with the tv, although I have noticed over the past few weeks that when it's on and someone was holding him his face would gravitate in its direction. I don't plan on making a habit of it but tonight after John took the girls to the store I sat him down to a lil Baby Einstein and jumped in the shower. He loved it, I kept hearing lil screams of joy, it was so funny!