Some Fun Pictures

These are just some cute pictures of the kids:

--Baca got this outfit for Kenna for her birthday--

--not a big fan of tummy time--



--playing on the couch--

--look at that grin--

--"givin my baby some milk"--

What's For Breakfast?

Every morning I ask McKenna what she wants for breakfast. Sometimes it is oatmeal, or eggs, but her most common answer is below.




--kix and cheerios in one bowel with milk in it, with a banana, juice and a spoon--

Goodbye Grandpa Great - We'll Miss You!

The last week has been full of happy and sad memories. Dick, Adam, Geoff, Kim and Gavin planned a trip out to visit over memorial day weekend. Glenn had been getting rather weak, and the family wanted to visit to see him. While they were here Glenn passed away. He did so with all of his family around him and while watching a memorial day service from the early 90s. I think if we had to choose how to go, that would be my choice. I will always remember Glenn's subtle humor, and his pride in both his farm and his family. I loved watching him and Josh do their "secret handshake" and hearing stories of Josh's youth when Glenn gave him "power pills (M&M's)" to knock down small trees. I know that many of the things I love about Josh were inspired by his grandfather, and I feel fortunate that we were able to live here long enough for McKenna and I to get to know him. You'll be missed Glenn!

Although the circumstances were not good, we did get a chance to see Adam, Kim, Geoff, Chantel and Gavin. They stayed with us for a few nights and we had a good time watching the kids play, playing settlers, drinking wine and enjoying each others company.

--It was very fitting that Glenn's chair was decorated with a rose--

--Gavin and Kenna playing--

On Monday we went to Gona and Baca's for brunch. It was good to see the family and Denny made a great breakfast! Then the kids played outside and fed the horses

--ketchup makes everything better!--

--Kenna and Grandma Great--

--Aunti Em and Zachary--



--Adam, Kim and Gavin--

--Baca holding sleeping Zachary--

There was a viewing for close family and friends on Monday night. Because it was so late, I kept the kids home, but Josh went. Tuesday Josh left for the funeral in the morning and I stayed home to get the kids ready. The service was lovely, and very touching. A poem by Kathy and one I had heard before called the Dash really got to me. There were so many people there that it is evident that Glenn was very important to the Perry community, and had many friends.

After the service we traveled to the cemetery. It was very rainy, which was fitting because Glenn loved a good rain. The presentation of the flag and 21 gun salute was very moving. I am not sure that McKenna understands, but she asked lots of good questions and she seemed to know what was going on.

We headed back to the church and had some snacks. Here the kids got a chance to say goodbye before we headed home.

--bye Gavin!--

--he's so cute :)--

--some pictures of the kids on Grandma Great's floor--

--Zachary playing on the floor--

Rest in Peace Glenn. You definitely left behind many family and friends that will miss you desperately.

The Kids Weigh In

Today I did a really stupid thing - I took both of the kids to the doctor at the same time. And to make matters worse, the appointment was at 1pm...right during nap time...silly me! Things were fine at first. I had fed Zachary about 2 hours before the appointment, so I figured he'd be fine. And Kenna had a big lunch, but there was definite meltdown. First Kenna got impatient, but was still cooperative during her checkup. Zachary was also good for most of his. Towards the end though - he decided that he was starving, and nothing would soothe him. So, I fed him a little while they took Kenna to check her eyes and ears. After that things went downhill. Kenna remembered that she was getting a shot and started wailing and hiding behind a chair. Then we gave Zachary his first and he was screaming, which only scared Kenna more. So I placed my screaming infant into his chair so I could hold my screaming toddler down while they gave her a shot in her leg. After that things were okay. I comforted Kenna and we got her a cool Dora sticker. Then Zachary calmed down after some rocking and getting him into his seat. So they are both immunized and very healthy! We were concerned that Kenna had inherited my eyes, but seems she shows no sign of astigmatism!

Kenna's Stats:
Height 36 and 3/4" (50th percentile)
Weight 30 lbs (50th percentile)

Zachary's Stats:
Height 23" (50th percentile)
Weight 13.5 lbs (75th percentile)
Head 16" (50th percentile)

So aside from a healthy appetite by my little guy - kids are right on track!!

Grampa Bob and Grandma's Visit

On Tuesday Grandpa Bob, Grandma Skinner and Great Aunt Betty came for a visit. Grandma was visiting her sister Betty in Ottumwa for a few weeks. Grandpa Bob drove out here from Iowa to visit her, then bring Grandma and Betty back to Grand Junction. Then Betty can stay for a few weeks and ride the train home after a visit.

We had a good time talking, playing cards, and eating dinner at Gona and Baca's house. We went to the park and played outside, and had fun catching up.

--Zachary passed out on Grandma--

--Grandpa Bob, Kenna and Zachary--


--Grandpa Bob, Kenna, Great Grandma Skinner and Great Aunt Betty--

--posing for the camera--

--so much excitement, Zachary needed a cat nap--

Thanks for visiting Grandpa Bob! Kenna had so much fun beating you at memory and constantly correcting your incorrect color choices :)

Lazy Days

The days that it is just Zachary and I at home are wonderful. He gets up, eats, and then falls asleep on my shoulder for a post-breakfast nap for about an hour. Then he gets up and usually is content with kicking on the couch, or looking at his jungle mat. After some play time he eats and has a morning nap. This is when I get anything that I need to do done, because I know he will be out for at least 2 hours. After that more playing, followed by more eating and more sleeping. Normally before bed he is a little fussy and requires a little more cuddling and soothing, but that is what mommies are for. I so love this time when dancing fingers are fascinating and just walking around the house is an adventure. Thanks for reminding me how to enjoy the simple things little one :)

McKenna's Party

If we remember one thing about Kenna's 3rd birthday it is the WIND! It was sooooo windy. I considered either cancelling or postponing the whole thing. The beginning of the week promised sunshine and 70s, but when the day actually arrived it was 50s and windy. Despite the wind, we had the party, and I think everyone had fun! Josh and I got to Big Creek at around 9. Gona and Baca stayed with kids so we could set up. The shelter we reserved barely kept out any of the wind, so we moved the tables next to a building, then the wind changed directions. So we moved everything to the otherside of the building out in the sun. This location ended up being great, a little unorthodox, but at least it was warm!

Our family came along with Gona, Baca, Aunti Em, Uncle Mark, Kade, Tali, Stones, Andersens, Sashank and Avi, and Gentrys. McKenna made quite a haul with lots of fun Dora stuff, art things, shoes, clothes, a pen that helps her read, and a big wheel!

--Gona and Baca got her this awesome big wheel!--

--Andrea was a big help and fed Zachary for us!--


--Chloe helping Kenna open presents--

--Avi enjoying a Diego cupcake--

--Kevin enjoying his yummy cupcake too--

--The stone family braving the wind!--

--Sashank and Avi--

--the little cocoon we made for Zachary to take a nap in--

--Dora and Diego decorations and everyone enjoying the BBQ--

--looks like Kenna had a good time--

--look at Tali stuffing her face :) --

--Shelly and Nolan--

--Nathan and Kevin, notice the cool sunglasses!--

--Chad and Chloe--

Thanks to everyone who dug out their winter coats to come down to the park and have a fun "spring" BBQ with our family.

Pella Tulip Festival

Last Thursday we ventured to Pella to attend the Tulip Festival. It was about an hour drive and we convinced Gentrys to go with us. The drive there wasn't bad, but when we got there the kids were hungry and ready to move around. Of course the weather didn't really cooperate. We no sooner got there, walked around a little, and sat down to eat some BBQ, then the skies open up and dumped on us! Luckily we had umbrellas and spread them over the kids and strollers. The storm quickly passed, and we had a pretty good time walking around and checking out the sites.

The town is gorgeous and is really proud of its Dutch heritage. Unfortunately we couldn't find tulips to buy, or or store that was open to buy bulbs, so we settled on buying dutch letters (yummy pastry) and just walking around. The kids burned out about 8 oclock and we headed home!

--how cute is this, a girl and her balloon--

--pretty park--

--kenna and nolan checkin out the flowers--

--cheesin for the camera--

--"sniffin da flowers"--

--pretty girl and flowers--

--fun bouncy house for kids to play in--

--my new favorite kenna pic, isn't she beautiful?--

Virtual Thank you

I told McKenna to tell Gramma and Grampa Rue thank you and to say "I love you" at the end....she got the first part right, but when I mouthed I LOVE YOU, she just whispered...too cute!

Happy Birthday McKenna

On Monday it was McKenna's birthday. We just had a small celebration, because her big party is this weekend. We went to Applebees so she could have a celebratory sundae, and have whatever she wanted for dinner. Then we went to Eski's so she could meet Zachary. He is going to start going to her house when I go back to work, then McKenna will start there in August. She is going to be such a great addition to our extended family. So kind, with such great toys, and even a pre-preschool curriculum for Kenna.

After Eski's we came home and Kenna got to open presents from Mommy, Daddy, Zachary and Gramma Rue, and her cards from Grandpa Bob and Grampa Rue. Gramma Rue got her a princess matching game and some letter and math books. Daddy got her some extensions for her train. Mommy got her a soccer ball and soccer goal. Zachary got her a baseball bat and glove. And Rylee got her a swimming suit. Grampa Rue and Grandpa Bob got her some money that we are going to start an account with. And as a special treat she got to stay up late and play with all her loot :) Happy birthday my sweet girl, I can't believe you are 3!!!

--I love my new swimming suit!!!--

--happy dreams--

--smilin for the ladies--

--what you lookin at?--

--look at those cute chubby legs--

--happy birthday sis!--