Kenzie's Latest Mash Up

All Consuming

This is what is consuming our lives right now.... although Mackay prays for lightning each afternoon... we all love FOOTBALL SEASON!

(Note - one of my boys is not obeying... smile or no smile???)

First Day of School 2011

First Day of 9th Grade

First Day of 4th Grade

First Day of 1st Grade

Trip to Tahoe

This year, we decided to go to Reno, Nevada & Lake Tahoe for a (Belated) Anniversary trip...

We stayed at the Grand Residence Marriott on the California side of Tahoe in Heavenly Village. It was so much fun!!! It reminded me of Sun Valley. Lots to do and see.

(Miniature Golf - Shopping)

(Carved bears were everywhere - I was not so fond of the live Raccoon that roamed)

Heavenly Gondola

Then we decided to rent a boat. Aaron LOVES the water. We drove around the lake to see all the little coves and bays (Zephyr, Emerald, etc). We will definitely do this again.

Aaron's dad and his wife drove up to spend a few hours with us.

Saturday we decided to head back into Reno.

Reno is Aaron's "Happy Place". He spent his summers there with his grandparents.

It is fun to drive around listening to him reminisce.

Grandpa Clarence & Grandma Norma's home...

The main reason we decided to go to Reno this year was because of THIS man -

Grandpa Hollis.

Aaron loves & admires him. We enjoyed spending an hour with him.

We weren't able to see Aaron's mom this trip. But we hope to return to Reno soon with the kids - this time... :) I love that Aaron and I can travel and spend time one-on-one with each other. Thank you Josh & Megan for watching our kids. As always, they had a blast!

Kenzie's Shirt

Kenzie's shirt was worn by Kamryn for Adam & Steph's Wedding.

(Jane wore the same dress)

Kamryn grew out of her dress so she gave it to Jane this year.

Jane forgot to take it home.

Finders Keepers..... and that's how it became Kenzie's shirt!

Like I said... Very Cute and Very Resourceful!! ;)

For Ash, Mand, Adam & Steph

Although I love to listen to Kenzie sing, I am posting this for a different reason.

This is for Ashley, Manda, Adam & Steph...

If you look closely at Kenzie's shirt, you may recognize it....

Hint: it was worn by a different girl cousin at someone's wedding. ;)

She looked so cute when I saw her this day in her khaki shorts, black belt, this shirt and a black hat. When I realized what she was wearing... I had to give it to Kenz - Cute & very resourceful.

It may be had to recognize because it is black and white.

Click HERE to see her in color (different song/weird speed).

Mud Baths

Last Thursday we went to Lagoon (first time for my boys) with the Allens.

The kids rode rides all day and Jenn and I enjoyed the air conditioned Winnebago they had recently purchase.

In my opinion, that is the best way to do Lagoon. :)

Friday, Dad and Roe joined us all at Pineview Reservoir.

We spent the entire day in the sun and the water.

Scott ended the day treating those willing to MUD BATHS!!!

Saturday, football try outs began for Mackay...

Luckily this kid can sleep anywhere!!

He's Up & Riding!!

Kenzie waited until she was 8 years old.

Mackay was 7.

Hayden is 6 and decided it was finally time.

(Why my kids get nervous to ride a bike, I'll never know)

After years of begging him to "Just Try"...

he decided to take his dad up on the offer and "Just Try".

After just a few "tries" with Aaron holding on. . .

He was Up & Riding!!

Way to Go Hayden!!!

Little Reminders

My sister Amanda shared this with me.

I love the little reminders.

I have always love the way MUSIC makes me feel.

In primary, my favorite song the children sing is "If I Listen with my Heart".

It always amazes me how much impact a song can have.

I find I listen to lessons or read in the scriptures and church magazines, but I don't really internalize it until it is put to music - I guess that is "listening with my heart".

As I listened to this song, I am reminded that I am not ALONE.

I know I wait to ask for help.

I figure He only has time to help with the "big" stuff.

But I am not alone and He is waiting for me to ask for help, even with the small things.

Thanks Manda for sharing! I needed it! :)

Self Hair Cuts

I remember Kenzie cutting her own hair when she was 2 1/2 years old.

I was showing my house (trying to sell it at the time) to a couple and found Kenz was sitting on the ground of her bedroom cutting her Barbie's hair and her own hair.

She was lucky there were people around.

Hayden has cut his hair too.

For some reason I have no memory of why he did it.

But it was a long time ago and since he is 6 now, I am sure he was probably 2 or 3.

Mackay had yet to experience the "Self Hair Cut".

Now that he is 9 YEARS OLD, I guess he felt it was time......

He got contacts last week.

He has done great at getting them in and out by himself.

I am thinking that he had dirty fingers and put his contacts in.

He said he felt like his hair was getting in his eyes.

(I remember having a "fuzzy" on my contacts and feeling like I had hair or something in my eye.)

He decided to just cut the piece that was getting in his eyes...

with KITCHEN SHEARS non the less.

I drove home from a doctor's appt listening to a sweet phone message from my 9 year old:

"Um, Mom... I did something bad. I cut my hair. It was just a little and then a lot. If you need to ground me, I'll understand."

After hearing the message my goal when I got home... try NOT TO YELL.

I did great at first, asking if he had gum in his hair - "no"

or if he got food or glue in his hair - "no".

Finally repeating the words "so NOTHING was in your hair?? You just cut it because you thought it was in your eyes?" "Yes".

I showed him how his hair isn't even close to his eyes...

My words got a little bit louder... and my breathing a little bit deeper - I didn't YELL!

We all got in the car (it was Wednesday and we were all heading to the cemetery for a picnic).

After our picnic we drove straight to Super Cuts.

Usually I am to tell the stylist:

"a #2 around the sides and a 1/2 inch off the top" per Aaron's request.

The lady HAD to do a #1 everywhere just to make it even... Whoa....

He came out and asked "What have they done to me?"

I replied, "they just finished the job you started. But your will be nice and cool for summer and there will be lots of extra space in your football helmet."

I don't think he will ever cut his own hair again.