Jack

Today you met your newest cousin, Jack. He is Mallorey and Logan's new puppy. He is an Australian Cattle Dog and he is sooooo cute.

You had a lot of fun playing with him, especially when you tried to make him blow bubbles. I think he ate more than he expected :)



While we were playing Aunt Heidi took out Mal MAl and Logan's old easel and said that you could take it home. I was telling her how much you like to scribble and color now, so she said it would be perfect for you. She was right- you love it. Here you are with Logan trying it out before we left.

Thanks for another great weekend. Love you, french fry

Peachy Keen

Today we had a pretty fun day. It started out by playing in the backyard. While we were playing, Uncle Mark popped his head over and gave you a donut :) You were sooo happy. You had a yummy candy donut and the best part is - you didn't even eat any of the actual donut, you just ate all the sprinkles off the top. You didn't want anything to do with it after that. Then we hung out and Mallorey and Logan came over. They had spent the night with Hunter and Hailee and stopped by when Aunt Heidi came to pick them up. Well, she didn't do a very good job because they ended up staying with us for a few more hours :) We had a lot of fun. We went to the park and played for over an hour. Of course I forgot my camera, but we all had a really fun time. After the park we stopped for some lunch and came home to play. When they left you finally took an hour nap. Daddy took you for a walk after you woke up, we played for a while, then had dinner.

After dinner you and I went over to visit Aunt Cici. At first you were a little unsure about what was going on

but after a couple of rides in her wheelchair and a cookie or two you were back to your normal self.... giving kisses and all



We took grandma home when we left and when we got there, we stopped in to see grandpa. They both wanted to give you more to eat, and we finally compromised on giving you a peach that you could eat tomorrow. Unfortunately, the peach didn't quite make it home safe. You had a blast squishing it in your hands and all over your car seat. Thanks Grandpa :)

Not what it appears...I promise

She was actually crying because I took the broom away - not because I make her sweep. Crying over chores will come soon, but I'm not that mean - yet.

Poor CiCi

On Tuesday, poor Cici had a pretty bad accident while she was camping. She sprained her ankle and while trying to catch herself with her other foot, shattered and broke just about every bone possible in her ankle. Grandma, grandpa and Uncle Doug were all there to help her to the hospital but from their accounts, it wasn't much of a vacation. She had surgery last night on her right ankle and unfortunately will not be able to chase you around for quite a while. We love you Aunt Cici, feel better soon :)

What the duck?

Today when you and I were getting ready to go to Babies r us, grandma called and said we had to come over right away. So off we went. Remember how important it always is to do what your mother says, Kendyl :) hahaha. We couldn't believe our eyes when we walked into the backyard......

There were 2 ducks swimming in her pool. You thought that was pretty silly and even tried to feed them at one point. A few minutes later you walked backed out looking like this...

I guess you wanted to make sure the ducks knew that you were the cool one here, not them. I'm not sure how grandma got them out, actually I am.... she caught them doing something we will talk about when you are much older, so she hosed them down and they flew away :0
So we left and headed to the store where we saw Brandon. He was getting a cool new stroller and we were getting you a new big girl potty for Jen Jen's house. When we got home, you and I played outside. You decided to take your shoes off, which meant you had to go inside. You were quite upset with me, standing at the door crying. Then you disappeared for a minute. When I looked inside, I noticed you had my camera in your hands and you were saying, "Cheese." You like to play like that a lot so I didn't think anything of it. It wasn't until I uploaded the pictures from today that I found this....


not to mention about 10 other ones very similar to this. I'm not sure how you even turned it on, but you managed somehow. You are so silly. We went next door for another BBQ and we watched 1/2 the Laker game. You had a fun time with Hailee. At halftime we came home, took baths and are now getting ready for bed. I love you, french fry. Thanks for a great weekend. I can't wait for summer :)

Finding Nemo

I was right last night when I said you would have a long night. You didn't fall asleep until close to midnight. The good part about that is at least you slept until 9 this morning. After we all got up and ready we decided to go find Nemo. We started by going to the Aquarium of the Pacific in Long Beach. When we first got there you were definitely not sure what to expect, but once we were there, you fit right in.
We started looking at all the fish and you did such a good job waiting your turn to see the fish. We didn't even take your stroller and you were such a big girl walking around.
We went outside where you had the most fun. You loved reaching your hands into the pools, even though you were too small to touch anything. You still felt like such a big shot. It was really cute.

After the pools and sharks, we headed over to the Lorikeets. We bought some nectar for them to eat and you were not afraid at all. I was quite impressed, because I was a little afraid. You stayed with Daddy while he fed them and then you wanted to do it yourself. Such a big girl.

Because of all that excitement, we totally forgot why we were there in the first place.....we needed to Find Nemo!!! So we went back in to do some more searching... We headed past the Sea Lions - nope, said hello to the starfish, but still no Nemo. We saw a gigantic stingray, and even a bunch of Dori's, but where in the world was Nemo? Was he here??? NOPE!!


Finally, after hours of searching we found him. But not just one, a million Nemos? You were thrilled.

That made the trip well worth the crowd :)
So after finding Nemo, we decided to leave and have some lunch. It was a beautiful day, so we walked over to Chili's and sat outside to watch the boats. It was so nice. The we walked around Shoreline Village to enjoy the day some more. On our way back, you finally fell asleep. You were such a trooper and had so much fun. I'm really glad that we were able to find Nemo. You are a great fish detective :) Love you and thanks for a fun day.

Bday Partay!!!!

Today we went to Brandon's 1st birthday party. We put your pretty party dress on and headed out to Simi Valley.
We had sooo much fun at Brandon's party. You played with the kids, ate whatever you could find, put on flip flops that weren't yours (your new favorite thing) and then had enough energy to steal Brandon's show during present time. I guess we'll just pretend that you were "helping." You had so much fun that you fell asleep before we even got to the freeway to come home and you slept the whole way home.... Now we are off to our neighbor's house to watch the rest of the Laker game. I know it's going to be a long night since you took such a late nap. Love you, and thanks for a fun party Brandon. Happy Birthday.

Anniversary Fun

Today is our 5 year anniversary and we had a great day. It started off with the fact that I didn't have to work today:) Although I did go in for a few hours to clean. We woke up to Daddy bringing us breakfast in bed. It was yummy too. Then Daddy surprised us with tickets to Sea World and the Aquarium of the Pacific. We are going to try to go to the aquarium this weekend, but we'll save Sea World for another weekend. After me and you took a well needed nap, we all got dressed and went out to dinner. We headed towards the beach because it was such a nice evening. We ended up at Acapulco in Seal Beach, right on the water. We sat outside and watched all the boats and birds go by. You loved it.
After a very yummy dinner, we went over to the pier and walked half way up before quickly turning around because it was chilly. You loved seeing the water and really wanted to "ride it." Maybe that means we have a future surfer on our hands???
After we got off the pier we headed down to the little playground. You went on all the slides, the swings and even rode on the seal that they have. You especially liked the swings...



You didn't want to leave the playground and even took off towards the water when we put you down. Daddy had to chase you, it was very funny. Once we got you back up the ramp, we walked over and bought a cookie. You were amazed when you saw the glass case full of goodies. It was very cute. After the cookie, we came home and you said you had to go pee pee, so we let you try and sure enough you did. You were so proud. And right now you and daddy are playing like crazy children :) Thank you for giving us the best anniversary present ever... you. We love you very much and are very blessed to have you.

Happy 1st Birthday Brandon

Today is your boyfriend's birthday. Can you believe he is already 1? Wow!! We hope you have a great birthday Brandon and we'll see you later:) Love you

U did it again

Tonight you had a major meltdown. You wanted to take a bath with Hailee and I wouldn't let you because you weren't very nice last time. So I brought you home and you cried, no let me rephrase that- you screamed for at least 10 minutes. Finally you calmed down and got ready to take your own bath. Tonight, I was alone because Daddy was watching the Lakers with Uncle Mark, so once I got you in the bathroom, I closed the door so you couldn't mark your territory again :) You were not interested in trying to go pee pee, so I put you straight into the bath. Once in, you started yelling "Potty, Potty" so I asked you, "Do you need to go pee pee?" and you said, "Ya" and you were bouncing up and down. I thought this was your attempt to break out and run, since I had just opened the door, but I grabbed you out and sat you on the potty. And wouldn't you know it, you went pee pee again in the potty. You were soooo proud of yourself and I am very proud of you too. Love you pee pee fry.

Crazy Cousins

Tonight after mommy's delicious turkey meatloaf dinner, we went on a mission to find your cousin, Hailee. When we went outside she was riding her big girl bike with Aunt Netty. You ran half way down the block to get them. We walked back with them and then Hailee came over to play with you for a little while. It didn't take long for the 2 of you to start entertaining us.
Love you two...

All shook up!

Well, what a way to end a wacky weekend!! We just experienced a good size earthquake while getting ready for bed. It's just another example of how important it is to be grateful for everything we have, because you just never know!!
On a lighter note - this weekend had it's ups and downs to say the least. When I picked you up Friday from Jen-Jens she told me that you hadn't taken a nap all day, which is very unusual. So I knew we were in for it. Luckily, you fell asleep on the way home and took about an hour nap. Friday night everyone came over to hang out and play poker. Your cousins were here to play with you and you had a really fun time. On Saturday, we woke up early and headed out to Mallorey's last soccer game. You had a lot of fun there and you even got to see Brandon, because he came with Aunt Cyndi. He is getting sooo big. I can't believe he'll be 1 this week. (We took pictures, but I haven't uploaded them yet) After the game we went to do some shopping and you fell asleep on the way home. After your nap, we put you in your bathing suit and headed to the back so you could play in your pool. You are soooo cute. You had a few meltdowns along the way, but overall you had a pretty fun day. Then we got cleaned up and headed over to Aunt Cici's on our way to dinner. She was having some work friends over so we stopped by to say hi. Then we went to dinner, and for the first time you sat in a booster seat, not a high chair. It wasn't our choice, it was either that or wait 20 more minutes and we were hungry. You did a great job in the seat, though. You kept saying, "Seatbelt, on." because you thought you had to have one on :) After dinner, we stopped back at Cici's to check in on everyone. Then we headed home. Today after we all woke up we took a walk over to Honey's (a coffee shop nearby) and had breakfast. After we got back, we hung out, played and then you took a nap. After your nap and lunch, we bombarded our neighbors and joined in their slip n slide fun. You and Hailee were so cute and Hunter and his friends were very nice to you two. We came home to change you out of your bathing suit and before we knew it you were crashed out on the couch? Apparently, you had enough fun for one day. After about a 40 min snoozer, we went back over and had some yummy hamburgers and hot dogs. (I think we kinda invited ourselves, but that's what family is good for, right?) After a yummy dinner (and cookie) we came home to play a little bit. Then it was bathtime, which means potty try. Tonight, you did your usual run through the house bottomless, but this time you decided to mark your territory on the living room floor??? Then once in the bath, you started throwing a fit by throwing everything out and dumping bowls full of water out onto the floor?? I'm not sure what got in to you, but now that we just had an earthquake, maybe I should have seen the signs :) So, needless to say, you took a very short bath and then it was jammie time. Not long after jammies and tooth brushing did we experience the quake. Luckily, you and I were in your room, just walking out when it started. I grabbed you and held on and tried to make you feel safe and like it was no big deal. Apparently, I didn't do a good job because now you are walking around the house saying, "Scary, break" I forget you are such a sponge. Well, I am soooo thankful that all we lost tonight was a picture frame or 2. It really helped get my priorities back in check. I love you french fry. And I'm very happy that you are going to sleep with us tonight :)

Matthew and Sophie

Today mommy's friend, Monica, brought her niece, Sophie and her nephew, Matthew over to play with you. You were so happy to have new friends, even though you are not a fan of sharing still. We are definitely going to have to work on your sharing skills this summer. Everytime Matthew or Sophie played with something, you wanted it. You even whined and cried about it too. Not fun. Then once they gave it to you, you didn't want it anymore. Hopefully it is just a phase you are going through that will be broken soon. Although, I have a feeling it's going to be a looong summer. Thanks Matthew and Sophie for coming over to play. We had a lot of fun.

Animal Additions

Tonight we learned a few more animal sounds...the rooster, sheep, and snake. I have to say that the rooster is by far the best one of the night. She's been walking around the house all night making her rooster sound. It's pretty funny :) Love you, french fry. I had fun adding to your animal repertoire.


P.S. Did I mention she went pee pee again. But this time I had to bribe her with a cookie...hey, whatever works, right?

Mother's Day

Today we had another great day. It again started with you waking up at the crack of dawn, but that's ok because that just meant more time together. I hopped into the shower and when I got out, you and Daddy had snuck to go get us all some breakfast. It was delicious. Then you gave me some roses and the best presents ever. You gave me the best bag that has a picture of you and Daddy on it and inside the bag was all kind of goodies.
We played all morning and then you took a nap. After your nap we had some lunch and then headed over to grandma and grandpa's. Today is also Aunt Heidi's birthday so we had a lot to celebrate.
This is how cute you looked today.... (check out the awesome curl)

...

Once we got to grandma's you decided to play mommy and push the stroller around the pool. You had a lot of fun with everyone, but especially your cousins. They take such good care of you.

This is our favorite day because it's pretty much the only time we allow the men to do the cooking :) Luckily for everyone, grandpa made his yummy pizza.

You wanted to help out too,

but I think you did more eating, than helping.

After dinner you had a yummy cupcake and Daddy even slipped you a bite of his cake. You loved every bite, too :)

After dessert, the bigger kids got back in the pool and you and Hailee decided to play with the hoses. It was really funny. Notice how everyone is wet.... that's thanks to you two. Although, Hailee was doing a good job playing with the water by herself. You, on the other hand, were getting everything in your path wet. Crazy kids:)

Soon after that we headed home. Thanks for the best mother's day ever. You make being a mom the best job in the world:) I love you, Kendyl. And thanks for everything too, Daddy :)

Great Day

Today was a great day. It didn't start off that way when you woke up at 5am, but it only got better from that point on. After we all got up and dressed, we went to Mallorey's soccer game. On the way, we stopped for a donut for breakfast and you were soooo excited. You couldn't wait until we got to the game to eat it, so you had it on the way.

You had a lot of fun with Daddy and Logan on the playground at the game. After the game, we headed home and you took a little snooze. Then your cousins Aaren and Evonne came over with Auntie Lenee. It was so nice to see them. They couldn't believe how big you are now and how much you talk. We had a nice lunch, played outside with your toys, you showed them Sharkbait and you even gave out kisses and hugs.



After they left, the three of us hung out, watched Cars and bball, had some dinner and then it was time to give you a bath. After I ran your water and took off your diaper you did what you normally do, which is run into the living room completely naked, laugh and then run in circles. Then you come back in sit on the baby potty, only to get right back up and run into the living room again for round 2. After about 4 rounds I grab you and put you in the tub.
Well, tonight you ran into the living room, laughed, and ran right back in and said, "Potty." So you sat down, looked down, then up at me with the most serious face I'd ever seen and next thing I heard was pee pee going into the potty. It was AWESOME!!! You stood up when you were almost finished and yelled, "Potty, Potty" Daddy came running in to see. He was very excited for you too. Then you walked right over to the tub and said, "Bubbles?" So I knew it was bath time. Love you, french fry. You make everyday a dream come true.

20 months old

Well we are on the downslope to becoming a true 2 year old. I can't believe that in 4 short months you are going to be 2. It feels like we had your circus party just last month. Boy, time sure does fly when you're having fun. I can't begin to describe all the things you are currently doing because it's late and I would be up all night writing. You are the smartest kid I have ever seen, and maybe I'm just saying that because you're my child, but even if you weren't mine- I'd still say you are pretty darn bright. You pick up on things soooo quickly and somehow they just stay with you. I wish I could say you got that from me, but I can't claim that :( I'll claim the good looks instead. hahahaha
Thank you for giving me a hundred different reasons to be thankful each day. I love how every day is a new adventure for all of us. I look forward to picking you up each day because I love hearing how you have brightened someone else's day as well. Jen Jen always has something funny to tell me and usually it's something different each day. I love that you get shy for about 20 minutes when you are around people that you don't know that well. It's so cute to see your vulnerable side. I love how you try to sing every song you hear and you even get some of the words right. I love how you have your own language that only you understand and the conversations you have with yourself are amazing. I love that you ask for help when you really need help doing something. I love how you wake up every morning now and say "Morning, sharkbait" and everytime we go change your diaper you make sure to say, "Hi, sharkbait." I love how tough you are and I love how sweet you are. You are the perfect combination of everything anyone could love and I am so thankful that I have you to love. Happy 20 month birthday.

Brusha Brusha Brusha

You are really starting to become Miss Independent. You want to do everything by yourself, including when it's time to brush your teeth. :)

Love you french fry.

Double fisted

Thanks for your help Kendyl-ella. I love you.

Happy Cinco de MAAAAYo

Tonight we had a mini "fiesta" with our neighbor as well as your in-laws to be. Yep, The Hofmans clan and the Nordlanders all came over for some tacos, burritos, rice, chips and salsa, even a few margaritas. However, I think your mom was the only one who enjoyed those :0 So we had a nice evening with everyone, eating, talking, playing. Brandon was showing off his awesome standing skills,
I even found Aunt Cyndi playing one of your favorite games. She's so silly!
Ok, so she was really organizing mommy's tupperware cabinet. Thanks, Auntie
Thank you to everyone for coming over and listening to me repeat my Happy Cinco de MAAAYo song about 50 times too many. I don't know why, I just couldn't get it out of my head. And thanks for being such a good girl, french fry. I love you.

BBQ

Today after we got home from Jen Jen's and we did some sheopping, you and I decided to play in the backyard. Normally, you take a nice afternoon nap at this time, but we are trying something new. Yesterday you didn't take an afternoon nap and you slept last night from 8:30-6:30 this morning without waking up once. Mighty nice, I must say. So, today I tried to keep you as busy as possible. We played out in the back which gave me a good idea. We made a nice BBQ dinner and when Daddy got home the three of us ate on the table outside. You did such a good job eating, you even surprised us with the fact that you not only knew how to say brocolli, but you knew what it was??? I guess we can't put anything past you at this point. So after our nice dinner, we went for a walk around the neighborhood, then came back just in time for a bath and the Lakers. I hope our plan of keeping you up works and that you have a great sleep again. Love you, Kendyl! Thanks for a marvelous Monday!

Sharkbait in the flesh!!

Here he is....Kendyl's first pet

New Addition

We added a new addition to our family this weekend. I don't have a picture yet because my camera is in my classroom, but I'll get one tomorrow. Our new addtion is a very cute little Betta fish that Mallorey and Logan helped Kendyl pick out. He is a blueish, purple and is very cool. Kendyl wanted to name him Nemo after her favorite fish in the world, but because he's so different looking, we gave him Nemo's 2nd name...... Sharkbait!! So stay tuned for a picture of sharkbait very soon:) Let's just hope mommy has better luck with fish than she does with flowers :0

What does grandma do?

I've been trying to catch this for weeks and this is the best I've been able to get. She's awesome!

Such a busy week...

Boy, we have had such a busy week over here that I haven't been able to post anything for 5 days. The worst part about the whole thing is that I can't even remember what we've been doing for 5 days to write about?? How sad..Not to mention I left my camera in my classroom, so I won't have any new shots this weekend:( How will I survive? All I know is TGIF and if I had some more of those stickers I would put them on Kendyl's head too :)