Tuesday, November 28, 2006
Funny Games
Lately McKenna is learning all sorts of fun games. She laughs anytime you zerbert her tummy; she thinks peek a boo is hilarious; can play in her sit n spin for hours; and she invents games of her own. One of her favorites (since she can sit on her own now) fall back and look at you. She will sit in front of someone, then fall onto your lap and giggle. Very cute.
She is also very much enjoying her cousin Kade's jumper. We hook it to the doorframe in the kitchen and she jumps while watching Rylee run around. I will try and upload a movie of it soon. Very fun!
Saturday, November 25, 2006
Thanksgiving
We had a wonderful thanksgiving. I was lucky enough to have Wednesday off. So, I made rolls and apple crisp. Then on Thursday I went to kickboxing, came home and made a new recipe: butter squash risotto. I loved it. You saute the squash, onions, butter, garlic and rice. Then you simmer it in white wine, and slowly add chicken broth and water. It was yum.
We went to Gona's around 11. Grandma and Grandpa Great, Emmi, Mark, and Kade all came as well. Damon and Shelly came for dinner because Shelly had to work at 3 on Thanksgiving. She is a pharmacist at Walgreens, and they are open on Thanksgiving, so they couldn't get home to Rockwell City and back in time to eat.
There was a pool tournament and Josh and Kade were the champions. Then we ate a wonderful dinner. Everything was quite yummy. And after a farkel tournament (of which I was the winner) we ate dessert and played with McKenna. A very fun day. I went home and went to bed at 8pm, and Josh and McKenna stayed over at Gona and Baca's so I could get a good night's sleep - since I had to get up at 1:30am the next morning.
The day after Thanksgiving (aka black Friday, aka the busiest retail day of the year) was nuts. People started lining up at 5pm on Thanksgiving night. They slept overnight. I got there at 3am to set up for opening at 5am. The line wrapped around our building, along the side, all along the back and around the other side again. There had to be at least 300 people there....what is wrong with people??!!?!?!?
Needless to say, by the time we opened the line was very long. It took half an hour just to get all those people in the store. Mad rush, craziness. We did about 6-7 times the revenue we do on a typical weekend day....it was nuts! But it was a lot of fun - my favorite day of the year to work.
Here are some pictures from Turkey Day:
We went to Gona's around 11. Grandma and Grandpa Great, Emmi, Mark, and Kade all came as well. Damon and Shelly came for dinner because Shelly had to work at 3 on Thanksgiving. She is a pharmacist at Walgreens, and they are open on Thanksgiving, so they couldn't get home to Rockwell City and back in time to eat.
There was a pool tournament and Josh and Kade were the champions. Then we ate a wonderful dinner. Everything was quite yummy. And after a farkel tournament (of which I was the winner) we ate dessert and played with McKenna. A very fun day. I went home and went to bed at 8pm, and Josh and McKenna stayed over at Gona and Baca's so I could get a good night's sleep - since I had to get up at 1:30am the next morning.
The day after Thanksgiving (aka black Friday, aka the busiest retail day of the year) was nuts. People started lining up at 5pm on Thanksgiving night. They slept overnight. I got there at 3am to set up for opening at 5am. The line wrapped around our building, along the side, all along the back and around the other side again. There had to be at least 300 people there....what is wrong with people??!!?!?!?
Needless to say, by the time we opened the line was very long. It took half an hour just to get all those people in the store. Mad rush, craziness. We did about 6-7 times the revenue we do on a typical weekend day....it was nuts! But it was a lot of fun - my favorite day of the year to work.
Here are some pictures from Turkey Day:
Wednesday, November 22, 2006
Token bum picture
I have to put this on here to publicly humiliate my little girl. As everyone knows you have to take the token 6 month bum picture. I am sure that many boyfriends in years to come will very much enjoy this picture. It is too cute not to share with everyone :) It was difficult to take because McKenna hates being on her tummy. Enjoy!

And in this second shot you will see that Rylee felt the need to show off her bum as well in the background. I think she's jealous.

And in this second shot you will see that Rylee felt the need to show off her bum as well in the background. I think she's jealous.

Monday, November 20, 2006
PS3 - crazy people
I had to dedicate a blog to the infamous PS3. Let me tell you the extent of the crazy people. We launched the PS3 (playstation 3) on Friday this week. On Wednesday....WEDNESDAY, people were asking if they could line up, and sleep in 20 degree weather overnight for two days. We told them that the earliest we would allow a lineup would be at midnight. Here is a video showing the initial lineup that had to be facilitated by a cop to avoid riots, stabbings, death...etc.
We had 26 units, and people slept for many hours in order to get them. Some posted on ebay in an attempt to make $1000. Some are just crazy.
Then, we launched the Nintendo Wii on Sunday. Again, a line formed 24 hours in advance for the 45 units that we received. People, I have determined, are crazy.
On the homefront - everyone is sick. Josh has been coughing for a week, and now McKenna is as well. We have been pumping them full of drugs, and I think the little one is feeling better, but Josh is going to the doctor today if things don't improve. I have somehow avoided it?
Finally - I just finished my first 10 weeks of kickboxing. I am happy to report that I lost weight, and 12 inches (woohoo!) I signed up for another year, so hopefully cute little summery outfits are in my future :)
We had 26 units, and people slept for many hours in order to get them. Some posted on ebay in an attempt to make $1000. Some are just crazy.
Then, we launched the Nintendo Wii on Sunday. Again, a line formed 24 hours in advance for the 45 units that we received. People, I have determined, are crazy.
On the homefront - everyone is sick. Josh has been coughing for a week, and now McKenna is as well. We have been pumping them full of drugs, and I think the little one is feeling better, but Josh is going to the doctor today if things don't improve. I have somehow avoided it?
Finally - I just finished my first 10 weeks of kickboxing. I am happy to report that I lost weight, and 12 inches (woohoo!) I signed up for another year, so hopefully cute little summery outfits are in my future :)
Tuesday, November 14, 2006
First solid Food
McKenna had her first non bottle meal on Saturday. I guess you can't really call rice cereal "solid" food, but it is a start. After she had her appointment with her peditrician, Dr. Bilgi, we decided it was okay to start her on solids. He recommends waiting until 6 months for cereal, then next month we get to start on veggies.
McKenna was not too excited about the whole idea. She tried to grab the spoon, and then proceeded to talk with her mouth full and get food everywhere.

I am fairly certain that more got all over me, and her face than actually went in her tummy. But we are successfully on day three and she is starting to get the hang of it!
McKenna was not too excited about the whole idea. She tried to grab the spoon, and then proceeded to talk with her mouth full and get food everywhere.

I am fairly certain that more got all over me, and her face than actually went in her tummy. But we are successfully on day three and she is starting to get the hang of it!
Saturday, November 11, 2006
6 month checkup
McKenna had her 6 month checkup yesterday, and another round of shots :( I know that they bother me more than her, but I still hate to see my little girl cry. She weighed in at 17 lbs and 25 inches long. That is between the 50th and 75th percentile for both. So - healthy girl! You are supposed to double your birth weight by 6 months and triple by 12. She is a little over double (probably because she inherited my chubby cheeks!) The doctor gave us lots of fun tips about how to introduce solids, so we are going to try some rice cereal tonight (be on the lookout for cereal covered baby pictures!)
The weather in the midwest is nuts. Three days ago I had to dig some shorts out for McKenna. I had put all her summer clothes away; but it hit almost 80 degrees here! So she wore that, the next day was kind of blah, then yesterday it snowed. What the heck? So, I packed all her summer stuff away again, and dug out the baby eskimo clothes....crazy.
The weather in the midwest is nuts. Three days ago I had to dig some shorts out for McKenna. I had put all her summer clothes away; but it hit almost 80 degrees here! So she wore that, the next day was kind of blah, then yesterday it snowed. What the heck? So, I packed all her summer stuff away again, and dug out the baby eskimo clothes....crazy.
Saturday, November 04, 2006
Halloween Part Duex
So - as promised - here are some more pictures of the halloween party we went to. My friend Scott and his brother threw a HUGE party. They own about 20 acres outside of Boone and had a bonfire. They cleared out their giant garage and had a smoke machine, blacklights, spiderwebs, bloody body parts and a bates motel sign. It was a hoot.

Here is Scott dressed as a sexy lady of the night. His pimp wife is quite embarassed. She should be used to him by now.

And after a few drinks Scott lost all sense of modisty and started flashing all the cameras. He was quite proud of his giant boobs, high heel boots, wig, and full makeup. I do believe he deserved to win. Congrats scott!

Here is Scott dressed as a sexy lady of the night. His pimp wife is quite embarassed. She should be used to him by now.

And after a few drinks Scott lost all sense of modisty and started flashing all the cameras. He was quite proud of his giant boobs, high heel boots, wig, and full makeup. I do believe he deserved to win. Congrats scott!
Tuesday, October 31, 2006
Trick or Treat
So I don't have a lot of time to write about the party we went to right now, but I will update with details and more pix later. All I can say is man did we have fun! McKenna was sporting her bumble bee outfit on the trip over to gona and baca's. They were kind enough to babysit while we went to my friend Scott's Halloween party.

We dressed up as white trash. Josh has been growing his beard out for weeks (he is SOOO glad to have shaved it off! He is sporting a mullet, fake teeth, very short shorts, dirty fingernails and a tshirt that says "free mustache rides." I am dressed in a tshirt that says "mess with me, and you mess with the whole trailer park, giant hoop earrings, full arm tattoos, ripped collar to expose my aerosmith tattoo, a black eye, cigarette, beer, and I am supposed to look 9 months pregnant.

Here is a close up, aren't we a cute couple?

More on the party later - HAPPY HALLOWEEN!!!!!!

We dressed up as white trash. Josh has been growing his beard out for weeks (he is SOOO glad to have shaved it off! He is sporting a mullet, fake teeth, very short shorts, dirty fingernails and a tshirt that says "free mustache rides." I am dressed in a tshirt that says "mess with me, and you mess with the whole trailer park, giant hoop earrings, full arm tattoos, ripped collar to expose my aerosmith tattoo, a black eye, cigarette, beer, and I am supposed to look 9 months pregnant.

Here is a close up, aren't we a cute couple?

More on the party later - HAPPY HALLOWEEN!!!!!!
Sunday, October 22, 2006
Kitchen Project
Josh has been interested in woodworking for quite a long time. It has taken all my energy over the past year just to stop him from buying a new tool each week. He has really done some amazing projects lately, and I had to put them up here to brag about.
When we moved into our house last year we LOVED the view, layout, and location. But I was not so happy about the kitchen. In fact, I hated it. Flesh colored walls, small cabinets, a BLUE countertop? The house was custom built with beautiful floors, fixtures, woodworking, etc. It looks like they ran out of money and threw a kitchen together.

So, we kept looking but came back to this house for a second look. We decided we love the house, lets gut the kitchen and start over! Before I moved to Iowa Josh ripped out all the cabinets and applainces. He repainted the entire room and ripped out the flooring in the kitchen. He converted the laundry room, that is off to the left in the above picture, to a pantry. He moved the laundry room into our walk in closet upstairs in our bedroom. We also coordinated over the phone and chose cabinets and countertops. Here is the end result:

I loved the new kitchen. We did all the tile ourselves. And, along with the help of a good friend, Josh hung all the cabinets and installed the counters. I purchased all the appliances with my lovely discount at Best Buy. The only part Josh didn't like about our kitchen was the wall he had to build for the bar. He said it didn't flow between rooms, and he didn't like the drywall. So he created a design on the computer, bought wood and stain, and made the bar flow better:

I love the result. He is so talented! And the best part is, he loves working in his shop. I will post some other pictures of what he has done later. Here is the kitchen from another angle:
When we moved into our house last year we LOVED the view, layout, and location. But I was not so happy about the kitchen. In fact, I hated it. Flesh colored walls, small cabinets, a BLUE countertop? The house was custom built with beautiful floors, fixtures, woodworking, etc. It looks like they ran out of money and threw a kitchen together.

So, we kept looking but came back to this house for a second look. We decided we love the house, lets gut the kitchen and start over! Before I moved to Iowa Josh ripped out all the cabinets and applainces. He repainted the entire room and ripped out the flooring in the kitchen. He converted the laundry room, that is off to the left in the above picture, to a pantry. He moved the laundry room into our walk in closet upstairs in our bedroom. We also coordinated over the phone and chose cabinets and countertops. Here is the end result:

I loved the new kitchen. We did all the tile ourselves. And, along with the help of a good friend, Josh hung all the cabinets and installed the counters. I purchased all the appliances with my lovely discount at Best Buy. The only part Josh didn't like about our kitchen was the wall he had to build for the bar. He said it didn't flow between rooms, and he didn't like the drywall. So he created a design on the computer, bought wood and stain, and made the bar flow better:

I love the result. He is so talented! And the best part is, he loves working in his shop. I will post some other pictures of what he has done later. Here is the kitchen from another angle:

Thursday, October 19, 2006
St. Louis
SO in my neverending attempt to be away from home as much as possible - I went on ANOTHER trip for work. We went to the territory meeting in St. Louis and had a lot of fun! Flew down Tuesday night with my jobshare partner Lindsay. We stayed in a very nice hotel, newly remodeled doubletree and ate dinner at a japanese steakhouse (the kind where they fling your food around.) Had shrimp and steak with my entire District 4 team (probably about 30 people.) That night we stayed out way too late. The Cardinals were in the running for a spot in the world series, so every place we went all eyes were glued to the television.
The next day we went to the meeting at the Sheriton. Food was fabulous, speakers were impactful. We speant most of the meeting talking about how to improve the employee experience and retention. I like where we are going with this. I had to stand up and talk to the 300+ people about jobshare and how it was going. Lots of people are very excited about the idea. We could possibly be changing the company!

Josh and McKenna went to Aunti Ems. Josh is a little behind at work so he worked late while McKenna played with her cousins. This is a picture I took the other day of Rylee and McKenna. She LOVES watching Rylee and Sam!
The next day we went to the meeting at the Sheriton. Food was fabulous, speakers were impactful. We speant most of the meeting talking about how to improve the employee experience and retention. I like where we are going with this. I had to stand up and talk to the 300+ people about jobshare and how it was going. Lots of people are very excited about the idea. We could possibly be changing the company!

Josh and McKenna went to Aunti Ems. Josh is a little behind at work so he worked late while McKenna played with her cousins. This is a picture I took the other day of Rylee and McKenna. She LOVES watching Rylee and Sam!

Monday, October 16, 2006
While Mom's away...
This last week I went to General Manager's University in Minneapolis. It was very cool to see the corporate campus for a week. Over 5000 employees work there. There is a dry cleaner, car detailer, movie theater, and day care all inside the main building. There is also a mini-store in the basement, where new ideas are tested. I learned a lot about running my own store, and some interesting points on the financial impact of various factors of the business. I had a great time with Scott, another manager from my store. We checked out the flagship store - Best Buy's biggest and first store. We also had many interesting dining experiences including magianos, a family style italian restaurant - YUM. But, I could not wait to get home.
Apparently Josh and McKenna had a great time while I was gone. While I was in Minneapolis the temperature decided to drop 30 degrees. I didn't even bring a coat and I had to scrape the windshield there! I guess fall is over, and winter is here. So, with winter comes the bundling of the baby. Josh did a great job of keeping McKenna warm in her travels.

Here is a picture he took of her eating her high chair.

She also speant a lot of time playing with her jungle toy

I can't believe how much I missed my family. Normally work trips are a blast! We get to go out, play cards, pretty much have a great time at the expence of work. By about the 2nd day both Scott and I were ready to come home. We both really missed our families. Guess we are growing up!
McKenna is really getting quite the personality. She is so vocal now squeaking and screaming. She gets so excited and surprises herself by the noises she makes. She is getting very good at using her hands; much more coordinated. She is growing so fast, already 5 months old!
Apparently Josh and McKenna had a great time while I was gone. While I was in Minneapolis the temperature decided to drop 30 degrees. I didn't even bring a coat and I had to scrape the windshield there! I guess fall is over, and winter is here. So, with winter comes the bundling of the baby. Josh did a great job of keeping McKenna warm in her travels.

Here is a picture he took of her eating her high chair.

She also speant a lot of time playing with her jungle toy

I can't believe how much I missed my family. Normally work trips are a blast! We get to go out, play cards, pretty much have a great time at the expence of work. By about the 2nd day both Scott and I were ready to come home. We both really missed our families. Guess we are growing up!
McKenna is really getting quite the personality. She is so vocal now squeaking and screaming. She gets so excited and surprises herself by the noises she makes. She is getting very good at using her hands; much more coordinated. She is growing so fast, already 5 months old!
Thursday, October 12, 2006
Saturday, October 07, 2006
Rollin Rollin Rollin
YAY! She did it. After weeks of practicing, McKenna finally rolled over on her own. It is mostly my fault; because, ever since she was born she's hated tummy time. So, I never put her on her tummy much. Over the last few weeks we have been trying more and more and she finally rolled tummy to back a few days ago. Although this is very exciting, it also means that she is now mobile and so it begins. The days of me setting her in one spot and her staying there are over. The next milestone will be sitting. She already loves to sit/stand whenever possible, with assistance. After a long day of rolling over she passed out on the sofa - must be nice!

Tuesday, October 03, 2006
Aunti Ems
McKenna has been spending a lot of time at Auntie Ems. When Josh picks her up from daycare he likes to go visit family. Nobody can make McKenna laugh like her cousin Kade. He does an amazing bunny hop that makes her giggle. Its fun to see them get older together. In this picture Kade loaned McKenna his socks, because she forgot to bring hers.

Tailgating
This weekend we had Gona, Baca, Emmi, Mark, Kade, Damon and Shelly over for a tailgating party. We wanted to celebrate our recent upgrade to high-def cable by watching the iowa vs ohio state game. We finally got to use our plasma tv in wonderful high definition. You could see the nosehairs on the players...you haven't watched football until you've seen player's nosehairs.
Needless to say iowa lost (sigh.) But it gave me a great excuse to make shish ka bobs, burgers, dogs, and try a new veggie dip.
Kickboxing is still going well. Dragging myself out of bed at 4:45 everyday has been difficult, but I am sure that it will be well worth it. I already feel a lot better!
Needless to say iowa lost (sigh.) But it gave me a great excuse to make shish ka bobs, burgers, dogs, and try a new veggie dip.
Kickboxing is still going well. Dragging myself out of bed at 4:45 everyday has been difficult, but I am sure that it will be well worth it. I already feel a lot better!

Sunday, October 01, 2006
Gramma Rue

Last Thursday Gramma Rue came for a weeklong visit. We picked her up on Thursday night and she got to stay for a whole week. We had so much fun. We went to the Des Moines farmers market, went to Gona and Baca's house for dinner, shopped at Jordan Creek Mall and Valley Junction, went to Hickory Park for her birthday and went to Perry to visit Grandma and Grandpa great and to ride in the combine.
Over the weekend McKenna got really fussy. We were certain she was teeting. She was drooling, cranky, and seemed overly sensitive to having her gums touched. But here it is a week later, and no teeth, so who knows!

Wednesday, September 13, 2006
Block party
This weekend was really busy! Saturday morning I had a fitness evaluation to ensure I was okay to participate in my kickboxing class. Passed with flying colors! So for the next ten weeks I am getting up at 5:30 every day to go to kickboxing! I know I'm nuts!
Later that evening we went to our annual block party. They rent a bouncy gym for the little kids and everyone on our street brings a potluck dish. We met a lot of nice people. Now that we have McKenna, gives us a shared interest to talk to other parents about. We met a couple people with kids her age, so that was fun!
Sunday we lounged around in the morning and did chores, and that evening went to cheesecake factory (one of my favorite restraunts) with Damon and Shelly.
McKenna had her four month appointment yesterday. I can't believe she is already 4 months old!! Time is flying! She is 14 lbs and 24.5 inches. Both totally normal for her age. I believe both in the 50th percentile. She received her second set of shots, which is VERY hard for me to handle. I hate to see her cry like that, with nothing I can do. She was feverish and cranky all day. She does seem to be fairing a little better today!

My cousin, Megan, had her baby Isabella. She was born september 9th at 5:36am. She weighed 7 pounds and 9 ounces. It is AMAZING how similar to Megan she looks!!! CONGRATS MEGAN!
Later that evening we went to our annual block party. They rent a bouncy gym for the little kids and everyone on our street brings a potluck dish. We met a lot of nice people. Now that we have McKenna, gives us a shared interest to talk to other parents about. We met a couple people with kids her age, so that was fun!
Sunday we lounged around in the morning and did chores, and that evening went to cheesecake factory (one of my favorite restraunts) with Damon and Shelly.
McKenna had her four month appointment yesterday. I can't believe she is already 4 months old!! Time is flying! She is 14 lbs and 24.5 inches. Both totally normal for her age. I believe both in the 50th percentile. She received her second set of shots, which is VERY hard for me to handle. I hate to see her cry like that, with nothing I can do. She was feverish and cranky all day. She does seem to be fairing a little better today!

My cousin, Megan, had her baby Isabella. She was born september 9th at 5:36am. She weighed 7 pounds and 9 ounces. It is AMAZING how similar to Megan she looks!!! CONGRATS MEGAN!

Saturday, September 09, 2006
Rock on
On Tuesday this week I went back to work. Although it was really hard for me to leave my baby all day, it is nice to be back. I am only working three days a week, and I didn't realize how much fun my job was until I got back! I am also very happy with McKenna's nanny, so that puts my mind at ease.
On Thursday we got to go to a concert that I have been looking forward to for years! Journey and Def Leppard! It was awesome. I tried to buy tickets the minute they went on sale, and I was disappointed because only the balcony seats were left. But, I was just happy to go, and bought six tickets for Scott, Melissa, John and his friend as well as Josh and I.
The day of the concert I was working and in stumbled a very drunk stage hand from Def Leppard. He bought a laptop and starting chatting with Scott. In true Scott style he got the guy to arrange back stage passes for us! So, after work, we all met at a restraunt and then headed over to the venue. At will call we learn that the person arranging for our passes was drunk and passed out backstage. So - no back stage passes....bummer. But, to make it up to us, they gave us seats in the second row, center stage! Personally, even being a HUGE Def Leppard fan, I would rather have the seats then meet the group. It was one of the most amazing concerts I have ever been to. It ranks up there with Dave Matthews at the Gorge and Aerosmith. Journey was surprisingly great as well! I will post pictures as soon as we get them!
I had never seen Journey before, but their lead singer was very hot (sure he is not the original singer.) We were also impressed at the keyboardist. At one time he was playing a grand piano, a keyboard and a guitar. You can tell these guys have been doing this for a long time. Their base guitar player was amazing, but definately had seen better days. He was the only one out of the group that really showed his age. Def Leppard had some great talent too. They had a skinny guy that changed guitars at every song, a one-armed drummer that played with his feet as well, and a base guitar player that we were pretty sure was a girl until about the third song. But aside from their looks....really amazing!!! The highlight of the evening was the encore of "pour some sugar on me." I am sure it must be the highlight of a musicians career when a sold out coliseum of fans knows the words and sings along to your song.
On Thursday we got to go to a concert that I have been looking forward to for years! Journey and Def Leppard! It was awesome. I tried to buy tickets the minute they went on sale, and I was disappointed because only the balcony seats were left. But, I was just happy to go, and bought six tickets for Scott, Melissa, John and his friend as well as Josh and I.
The day of the concert I was working and in stumbled a very drunk stage hand from Def Leppard. He bought a laptop and starting chatting with Scott. In true Scott style he got the guy to arrange back stage passes for us! So, after work, we all met at a restraunt and then headed over to the venue. At will call we learn that the person arranging for our passes was drunk and passed out backstage. So - no back stage passes....bummer. But, to make it up to us, they gave us seats in the second row, center stage! Personally, even being a HUGE Def Leppard fan, I would rather have the seats then meet the group. It was one of the most amazing concerts I have ever been to. It ranks up there with Dave Matthews at the Gorge and Aerosmith. Journey was surprisingly great as well! I will post pictures as soon as we get them!
I had never seen Journey before, but their lead singer was very hot (sure he is not the original singer.) We were also impressed at the keyboardist. At one time he was playing a grand piano, a keyboard and a guitar. You can tell these guys have been doing this for a long time. Their base guitar player was amazing, but definately had seen better days. He was the only one out of the group that really showed his age. Def Leppard had some great talent too. They had a skinny guy that changed guitars at every song, a one-armed drummer that played with his feet as well, and a base guitar player that we were pretty sure was a girl until about the third song. But aside from their looks....really amazing!!! The highlight of the evening was the encore of "pour some sugar on me." I am sure it must be the highlight of a musicians career when a sold out coliseum of fans knows the words and sings along to your song.
Wednesday, September 06, 2006
Labor Day weekend


That evening we went to Brian and Rika's wedding in Bellevue. It was a beautiful wedding. It was held in an old house overlooking blueberry gardens. The food, drinks and company were all fantastic! Sam speant days preparing 50 little cakes for the event. We speant the previous evening frosting and decorating them. I am sure she had no idea what she was getting into, but they turned out perfectly!



Wednesday, August 30, 2006
First road trip


Thursday, August 24, 2006
Growing up

McKenna was feeling a little under the weather yesteday, but seems to be doing a little better today. My pysical therapy is over. I got discharged today with a clean bill of health. He says I need to continue stretching, and if my tendon bothers me again, to come see him.
We are packing for our weekend trip to Wisconsin to visit Tim and Janice. I was going through McKenna's closet and putting away all her 0-3M stuff when I came across some of my old dresses. The first one is a ducky dress that she was very happy with. As far as the pink one is concerned, it doesn't look like she is quite as pleased. I thought we better try them on before they are too small! I can't believe she is growing so fast! We are almost in size 2 diapers and can only wear a few of her 0-3 outfits...time flies!

Wednesday, August 23, 2006
Gona's fish tank
This Sunday was spent playing with Gona's new fish tank. There is a battle between her and her brother, Mike, as to who can get the biggest tank....I think she won. She bought a 125 gallon tank and put it in her Barbados room. It looks really great there, and once there are some fish in it, it will probably look even better :) Tim and Janice were visiting this weekend, and met McKenna. In true Skinner style McKenna proceeded to poop all over Aunt Janice's lap. According to Denny and Josh, she deserved it, but I was embarrassed none the less. As soon as we get pictures of the gargantuan tank, I will post them!
Sunday, August 20, 2006
Busy weekend

This weekend has been very busy. On Thursday we went to the Iowa State Fair; and for anyone who hasn't been, it is quite the experience. Only in Iowa are there such attractions as a lifesized cow and superman carved out of butter, tractor pulls, and over 20 items you can eat on a stick; including deep fried twinkies, oreos, and hohos. We went mainly to see Hairball, a cover hits 80s band. They were pretty good, and I sang along to most of the songs!
Friday, Josh went to Scott's house in Boone and played poker. He won 2 of the 4 games, and his winnings more than covered fair expenses, as well as many more poker buy ins in the future. Brandi speant all day Friday driving back and forth from doctor to physical therapist and back again. It seems that I pulled my achelis tendon, probably pushing myself too hard in aerobics classes. So I have been given some excersies to do and have two appointments next week to check on my progress. So, since we were running around like crazy Friday, McKenna had no naps and was very tierd. So we speant Friday night watching movies and relaxing!
Saturday Scott, Melissa, Char, and Jamie came over for dinner. We speant the whole night talking and didn't quite get to the games, but had a great time! We tried out a new roast chicken recipe, and Scott gave away his secret to the infamous strawberry dip, YUM!
Wednesday, August 16, 2006
Fun Workout
I know this is kind of pointless, and has nothing to do with our family - but these guys look like they are having much more fun on their workout than I am!
Sunday, August 13, 2006
Luau

Yesterday we waited FOREVER for the air conditioning guy to come. Our air conditioner has been working overtime this summer, and finally needed service. Luckily it was a simple repair, and we are back to a nice cool house today! After the air conditioner was fixed, we went to Valley Junction to go shopping. Valley Junction is a really neat area of old West Des Moines. It is reminiscent of old downtowns with store fronts all lined up. Lots of unique and fun stores. We had to try and find something fun for Brian and Rika's wedding gift :) Finally we went to Scott and Melissa's luau in Boone. We planned on staying a few hours, and ended up staying until way past midnight. Luckily McKenna fell asleep at Gona and Bacas. They were nice enough to let us barge in at 1 in the morning to shuttle sleeping baby home! She didn't make a peep until we tried to put her in her crib....of course!

Saturday, August 12, 2006
Fish Fry at Gona and Baca

On Thursday we went to Gona and Baca's for a fish fry. We ate fish that the boys caught in Canada on thier fishing trip. We had a "shore lunch" that Baca made with fried fish, Lewis beans (made with beer), fruit, bread and brownies. I made my parchment fish that I learned at a cooking class in Seattle. Was pretty fun! Emmi, Kade and Aaron came too! Even though it was a little warm, McKenna wore the outfit that Connie and Jim got her; very stylish!
Wednesday, August 09, 2006
Bath Time

Yesterday we had a great time going out to lunch with Kim-Marie. She trained at our store and now runs the biggest Best Buy in Iowa in Des Moines. We went to Mojo's in Johnston; great food! She gave McKenna a very cute Woodstock stuffed animal from Charlie Brown. Today was pretty uneventful; but we managed to get some very cute pictures from bathtime! Denise and Rhett Faaborg gave McKenna the cutest lamb towel with her name embroidered on the back. She LOVES it!

Sunday, August 06, 2006
Dinner with Friends


Thursday, August 03, 2006
Met Nanny Heather

Today we ventured off to Ames (about 20 miles from our house) to meet McKenna's new nanny. She is about 1 mile from both Josh's office and my Best Buy; we couldn't ask for a better location. This way if either one of us wants to drop in at lunch, or in case there is an emergency, she is very close. Also - we get to spend an extra hour with her (half an hour there, and half an hour home) even if it is only a car ride. Then we had lunch with Daddy and Aunti Em at Applebees. I also went to Best Buy while waiting for Josh so that McKenna's many admirers could play with and hold her. We found out GREAT news that our good friend Scott is NOT accepting a job in Conneticut. Some big wig high end appliance company has been wining and dining him in an attempt to steal him away. But apparently he made his decision today to stay with Best Buy. That is very good news for me, becuase we have a blast at work, and he helps make the time fly!
Heather is going to be a great nanny. She has a house full of fun toys, and a backyard with the biggest playground I have ever seen. She is limiting her daycare to just a few babies, one of which is only a month older than McKenna. Hopefully her and Abbey will be great friends! Things just seem to be coming together!
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