Saturday, July 26, 2008

A week in review

This week was fairly uneventful, well after the tornado warning. I am finishing up my last few assignments from the semester from hell! On Wednesday my friend from school, Trisha, brought her son Antonio over to play. He just turned three, and they really weren't sure what to think about each other. We played outside, played in the pool, did puzzles and ate lunch, very fun day. We are planning our big BBQ/water party for the 23rd of August. We are having 6 couples and their kids over for food and water fun, should be a good time! Tonight is my last shift in the store before I take over 18 stores, wish me luck! I am not sure what I am getting myself into, but should be a fun adventure! I am in Minneapolis next week, and I will get to see some old friends from Seattle that are going to the same meeting! So more on that next week.

Monday, July 21, 2008

Tornado warning

Last night at 3:15am - ish we were awakened by the tornado sirens. We both jumped out of bed. Josh ran to the computer to check to see if the sirens were legitimate. There was a formal warning for Ankeny, so I grabbed Kenna out of bed, and Josh grabbed Rylee. We ran downstairs and moved into the back of the tornado shelter. Kenna fell asleep immediately, but we were on edge. A few minutes later the sirens stopped, and Josh went to check things out. After the warning expired we all went back to bed. This morning we discovered that almost everything that is outside is all over the yard, the garden has been mostly knocked over, and Kenna's sand toy completely flipped over....there were winds in excess of 80 mph...it was pretty scary! The first time we have ever gone to the basement before!

Drake called us as soon as the sirens started going off to warn of the tornado danger. Kind of cool that my tuition is going towards something like that :)

All is well, and as far as I can tell it was just a warning, but scary none the less!

Sunday, July 20, 2008

Conversations

On the way home today, Kenna was singing happy birthday to Aunti Em. Then she said "daddy, mommy, kenna sing happy birfday to Kenna" so we sang to McKenna. Then she said "blow out da candles" and she pretended to blow out the candles. I asked her if she made a wish. She said yes. Then I asked her what she wished for and she said "cake!" Josh and I got a kick out of that :)

Kenna room remodel, and Auntie Em's bday

I guess I have been slacking a little on updating the blog, but we have been busy. After Josh left, I decided I needed a project to keep me occupied. So, Kenna and I moved all the guest room furniture out of the guest room, took apart and moved the whole office into the guest room, and made the office Kenna’s new room. We have been toying with the idea of getting her into a big girl room with a big girl bed for a while. I thought, why not surprise Josh when he gets home. We went furniture shopping, and found a set that Kenna really liked at Suite Dreams. They make solid wood, very nice furniture, but are also very pricey. I thought if I was going to spend that kind of money, I should wait until Josh got home. So, that night I was perusing craigslist, and I found almost the exact same set at only ¼ the price! It was from a family that lives in a $750,000 house, and their daughter was “tired” of it after only two years of use….fine by me! So I begged Damon to help me go get it. We picked it up and I finished painting the room and tonight is the first night she is sleeping in her new bed.

--new big girl bed--

--daddy moved dark shades from other room--

--mommy had fun painting, but man was it time consuming!--

--magnetic door, the paint kind of works--

--cute corner shelf--

Also tonight, we went to Texas Roadhouse for Auntie Em’s 40th bday. She had never been there, and I guess did not realize the embarrassment that they put you through on your birthday. Josh spent some time while he was fishing changing the tempo of a few songs to fit with Em’s desired pace when she runs. He put them in an ipod and we gave her that. I hope she likes it! At the end of the evening, one of the guys came over and brought a saddle on a sawhorse. They made her sit on it and asked for everyone to scream yeehaw, as they announced her birthday. For this ridicule, she received icecream…pretty funny!

--pretty earrings from Denny--

--riding the silly saddle.....sorry Em, it was hilarious!--

Chloe and Kenna do recess

On Monday Tara, Chloe, Kenna and I went to Recess. It is a great place for kids with lots to climb on, jump on, and play with. Lots of blow up toys, slides, rides, etc. They had a lot of fun riding rides, dancing in the disco room, and going down the slide. About half way through the day they moved over to the 5-12 year old part. This had much higher slides that lead to balance beams and trickier stuff. Chloe was a champion she tackled everything with no fear. Kenna got a little stuck halfway through. She got pretty upset so I had to climb up this thing and shimmy my way to my scared daughter…I was a little worried it wasn’t designed for someone of my size, but I didn’t break it! Tara and I decided that Chloe will probably be a gymnast and Kenna will be a soccer player.
--before we met chloe and tara, we decided today was the day to start pigtails--

--the only way to get her to leave them in was parade candy, and telling her that chloe wears her hair in pigtails--

--bouncin--

--getting off the "hew-i-copta"

--riding on the train--

--both looking at the camera--

--Here is the dreaded area that she got stuck in up top--


Wednesday, July 16, 2008

So busy!!!

We have not had a free minute to breath! On Monday we went to Recess with Chloe and Tara. We had a great time, but we decided Chloe is going to be a gymnast. She was tackling the 5 year old jungle gyms, and Kenna kind of got scared. It was pretty hilarious watching me climb up on this crazy toy (that I am sure is not designed for someone of my weight :) going to save my crying daughter. I think they had a good time regardless...pictures to come.

Tuesday, I got up at 5:00, got the baby dressed and took her to Heathers. Then I drove across the state to Cedar Rapids to help with some volunteer efforts with the Red Cross. Then I drove back, picked up Kenna and drove to Damon and Shelly's house. They were nice enough to help me go get Kenna's new furniture for her big girl room. I decided to completely remodel the upstairs while Josh is gone...hope he likes it! I moved the office to the guest room (taking down desks and moving them by myself was interesting!), the guest room to be downstairs, and Kenna's new big girl room into the office. I am planning on painting tomorrow. Then I stayed up till midnight to get my paper done for my group, due friday.

Today I got up early again, drove Kenna to Heathers, drove down to Des Moines for a meeting, drove back to Ames to get Kenna, then drove home. I had to make dinner for my group members who were nice enough to come to my house. We worked on our project all night, and am just now getting a minute to blog...crazy! Tomorrow I work in the morning, will paint in the afternoon, and then Friday will finish painting/cleaning, and have class at night.

We sure miss daddy! Awfully quiet around here, and really hard keeping track of everything...I don't know how single parents do it!

Monday, July 14, 2008

Summerfest

Yesterday we finished off summerfest with a GREAT day! Kenna and I spent all morning going to the park, playing outside, and pretty much stalling her nap. I was going to try and put her down late so she could stay up for the fireworks. Well...it was a good plan. She got so tired that we had to rock, read books, etc. until she finally went to sleep at 4:30. She slept for over an hour, then we went to the carnival. At first she loved riding the carousel with mommy holding her, but seemed a little apprehensive about the cars that went around in a circle and the elephants that went around and up and down. I told her that she was a big girl and could do it by herself. She went on every ride at least 4 times...what a blast!

Then on the way out we got her a popsicle, which consequently ended up all over her, but she loved it! I got lemonade and a gyro....yum! We also picked up some kettle corn for the fireworks later that night.

The whole time we were at the fair she didn't have to go potty, I think we were on day 6 or 7 of no accidents. Well, we went to Damon and Shelly's. I told her to try while we were there, and she said "I no have to go mommy" so I took her word....mistake. She had a minor accident on their carpet (sorry guys!) So, the streak is broken, but I think she was having so much fun rolling on the ground with Nolan she got distracted.

After we cleaned her up, we headed over to Damon and Shelly's friend's house. They are expecting in a month, and I think they got to experience what a hyper toddler is like. They live really close to where the fireworks are, and we had almost front row seats, but avoided the crazy traffic.

Kenna did great! She loved eating kettle corn and watching the fireworks. They had some really loud ones she didn't like, so halfway through she climbed up on my lap to cuddle and said "mommy, fiewuks too loud!" It was cute. I think she enjoyed herself, and I wouldn't be surprised if she sleeps in pretty late today!

--headin to the fireworks--

--sitting in the vacant lot near the park, perfect view!--

--a little squinty since it was totally dark. She thought eating popcorn in her own little chair was pretty cool--

Saturday, July 12, 2008

Parade!

Today we went to the Summerfest parade. Ankeny doesn't do anything for the 4th of July, so today started the big celebration. We found a good parking place, right by where we sat, so we could keep Kenna's potty close by. She did great, day 6 no accidents...by george, I think she's got it!

Chad, Tara, Chloe, Char, Nana (Char's mom), JJ and Maddy all came to watch it with us! She got half a grocery sack full of candy...they throw it out like it's free here. I will be taking it to work :)

--everyone watching the parade--

I couldn't believe how cold it was. It was in the lower 60s-ish. Glad I brought lots of blankeys and coats, because it sprinkled on us too. Also glad I had the umbrella!

--Kenna bundled up, eating her snack--

--playing with chloe's drumstick--

Then we spent the rest of the day cleaning out the garage....it was so cluttered. Much better now, you can't eat off the floor, but you can at least walk on it barefoot :)

After nap we went to the park with Shelly, Damon and "Nolo." After dinner Tara called, so we went to play with "Coley." We had such a great time, that time got away from us! By 8:30 I had a tired and very cranky toddler who did NOT want to go home!!! We did have a lot of fun tonight, glad we got to go. She loves her new friend!

Friday, July 11, 2008

Daddy's away

Today was the first day without daddy at home. Things are awfully quiet! I spent the day finishing my paper for one class, and researching another. That means I can cross two classes off my list, only one left!

I mowed the lawn, and went to pick Kenna up around 4. We came home and played outside in the water. We went for a walk and watered the garden. Nothing too exciting, although today is day 5 without accidents!!

--running through the sprinkler auntie chelsey got her--

--playing with the sprinkler and her pool--

--getting squirted with cold water--

Daddy made it safely to Canada, but they are facing some really bad weather, so may be delayed a day flying to the lake. Hopefully we can talk to him more tomorrow to see what happens. After that no phone contact for over a week....weird!!

Thursday, July 10, 2008

Wednesday, July 09, 2008

Kitchen remodel

Last night we went to play with "Cole-y" aka Chloe Andersen. Chad and Tara moved in a week ago, and I had still not seen their new place. It is really beautiful, great layout, and huge! They live so close, I hope the girls can become great friends. Kenna stated last night"Coley house, I LOVE it!" So I think they are doing well :) They give each other hugs and are in the same stage of development, so it is pretty fun!

I just realized that I never put before and after pictures of Gona and Baca's kitchen up:

--here is the before--

--and the amazing after!--

Monday, July 07, 2008

Fun 4th of July weekend

Ankeny is kind of strange, in that they celebrate the 4th of July on the 12th and 13th of July....go figure? So we are going to do the parade and fireworks this weekend. But this last weekend we were very busy! On Friday, the 4th we started the day at Gona and Baca's house. I made a new salad called BLT salad, and it is pretty yummy. Baca and Gona made chicken and veggies on the grill, home made ice cream and raspberry and peach pie, baked beans, potato salad, and Emmi brought some yummy fruit and jello salad...it was all really good. Before we ate we played croquet, and I had a blast throwing the frisbee to lucky. He is a GREAT frisbee dog! I wish we had a giant yard so we could steal him :)

--loungin in her red white and blue from auntie chelsey--

--trying to figure out croquet--

--she loves this game--

--hitting the ball between her legs--

--riding four wheeler with daddy and kade--

Grandpa and Grandma great came out too, and we set off a bunch of illegal fireworks that Gona smuggled in...shhh, don't tell! Some of them were really cool, and Josh accidentally knocked one over that shot horizontally....lucky it hit the horse's fence, and not the house!

--Denny setting off fireworks--

--Skinners--

--waving her flag--

After nap, and some more playing, we went to Lindsay's wedding reception. Lindsay is my jobshare partner, and she just found out that her fiance was being deployed to Iraq. They decided to do a fun quick wedding, then have a big party for all their friends and family on the 4th. It was a big BBQ on a lake. The theme was red white and blue, and they had fireworks and lots of outdoor games. It was really fun!

--Daddy on the pier with Kenna--

--Kenna looking at the lake in her pretty dress from Greece--

--spinning in her dress--

Then, Saturday, McKenna and I ran some errands in the morning, including the purchase of a little potty. She loves it. It is completely portable, and she can go all by herself, which is what she wants to do. We have had hardly any accidents since its purchase, so we will continue with it :)

Then Gona and Baca came over with their giant mower. Daddy and Baca mowed a lot of the brush down in our timber area. Daddy is going to spray all the weeds, and it pretty much extended our yard quite a ways. It looks really good!

Sunday, McKenna spent the day at Gona and Baca's while daddy worked on his website. It looks really great and you should all check it out! I will post the URL when it is finished!

Here are some fun ones daddy has taken lately:

--playing in he sun with Rylee--

--playing in her waterpark--

This morning we were goofing around and I got some cute ones of my little girl.

--eating her first bowl of cheerios with milk in it--

--running around and screaming--

--being oh so cute in her outfit from Africa--

Wednesday, July 02, 2008

Wisconsin and a Booboo

I will be covering for my District Human Resources manager on her maternity leave. I am starting my integration into the role, and have been going to retreats and meetings. This week I got to go to Wisconsin while we had our quarterly get together with the midwest territory human resource managers. There were about 14 of us there. We stayed in a really amazing resort right on Lake Geneva. Luxury all the way, had amazing food, salmon, lobster, crab legs...whatever you could imagine. I can get used to this job! I was also inspired by all the great work HR is doing in the company. I will be over 18 stores, this holiday season, and am really looking forward to it! I can't wait to get started! The downside is all the travel away from home...I already miss my little girl :(

Speaking of which, while I was gone, she was running on our hardwood floors, fell and bumped her head. It was a pretty hard fall, but there was no serious bruises, so Josh took her to heather's. About noon I got a phone call with a frantic Heather telling me that she was crying, holding her head, and if she laid down she screamed. I felt awful being so far away and called Josh about 3 times before I knew he wasn't going to answer. After calling his sister, she told me that he was playing racquetball. We finally connected, he went to pick her up and take her to the doctor. Luckily she was fine, just a bonk on the head and a big swollen bruise :( Pictures to follow. But that night he took her to play with Chloe, and apparently they are best friends :)

So, great meeting, but major guilt for being away during Kenna's first medical crisis!

Oh, and on that note, I have been told by McKenna that her name is "kenna" She will say "no mommy, me kenna!" Or "kenna hungry" and "kenna go potty." So, I guess she is no longer Mac, now she is Kenna.