Our Christmas

Christmas Eve we spent in Idaho Falls with Warren's parents, brother and sister. We had Christmas Dinner, Opened Presents and had a great time. Christmas morning the girls woke up and found out that Santa had brought them a play kitchen. After that Kylie really didn't really care about opening presents, so Kenna opened almost all of the presents. Later that morning we went back over to Warren's parents for scones and to open a few more presents. Warren talked to Greg for a little bit, then we headed to Burley. When we got there- we opened a few more presents, then had another Christmas Dinner. We were able to stay a few extra days which was really nice.


Kylie saying "Cheese!"

Kenna holding up her new pj's.

The den door was locked at Warren's parents house- and Kylie found a key and tried to open it. (She was not successful, maybe next time.)
Kylie with all of her gifts Christmas morning.

I was able to surprise Warren with Cities and Nights game. (First time EVER being able to surprise him with a gift!)

My favorite gift was this bead set that Warren got me.

Kylie more interested in talking on the play phone than opening her present.

More playing...
Riding the horse at Grandma's house.

Kyle with Apples to Apples that we got him.

Merry Christmas!

Here is the girls playing with the kitchen that Santa brought.

We hope you all have a great Christmas.

Send your own ElfYourself eCards

Are you Jealous?

Today we took the girls to see Santa. Kenna was scared of him and didn't want to go near him and Kylie would only give him a high five (as long as I was holding her.) After we got done at the mall, we came home and ate lunch. Then went to see The Princess and the Frog. Cute movie. We got in on Warren's gift certificates and paid for part of the popcorn with the rest of the certificate. (Meaning we only had to pay 6 dollars instead of the whole $12.50!) I can't believe how much a movie at the Theatre costs now, especially when you add a popcorn and drink. And now I know why it is 6+ months between going to the movies!

I feel like my baby grew up overnight...

We got a set of bunk beds from Warren's parents this last Tuesday. We painted them a cream color to match the room, let Kenna pick out her own sheet set and got the bunk beds set up tonight. Kenna sleeps in the bottom bunk, and loves it! She has been sleeping in her crib, with the side off of it- so it was like a toddler bed. I felt like as long as she was in the "crib" she could still be my baby- but no more. Now I am wondering why I pushed so much to get the bunk beds set up...

Kenna in her new bed.

The bunk beds set up in their room.

Sweet Christmas Pictures

Aren't they so cute?

Our Trip

This last weekend we went to Orem to see our nephew Bentley be baptized. We got there Friday afternoon and let the girls play with their cousins. Friday evening we drove up to Salt Lake and saw the lights on Temple Square. Because of the cold we did not stay long, but the lights were very pretty. Friday night after we got back, Warren and his brother Mike took the girls swimming in our motel's swimming pool. Saturday morning, we got up and got ready and then at breakfast at the motel. Then we went to the church and saw Bentley be baptized. Afterwards we went to Jenny's house and had some lunch. We left Jenny's early afternoon. The girls had a good time playing with their cousins. (I didn't get any pictures of the kids playing together. Oops.)



Warren and the girls on Temple Square. (Yes, Kenna has two pairs of pants on- her own doing.)

Don't you love Kylie's cheesy grin?

Battle Brawler

On our last trip to Utah my nephews introduced me to the cultural phenomenon that is BAKUGAN. In Bakugan you roll battle brawlers (toys that fold into balls) over metallic cards. If you roll them just right the battle brawler will pop open into some pretty cool looking monsters. When two brawlers pop open on the same card they have a battle! The battle consists of adding the monsters' power (which is printed on the toy) to any bonuses bestowed by the metallic card or ability cards which are played from your hand. Usually the highest total wins.

Bentley challenged me to a match and allowed me to use a few of his brawlers. After learning the rules that Bentley wanted me to understand, we began a very heated battle. It took nearly all of my strategic ability but I was able to defeat Bentley in my very first game! Of course the gang of Riggs boys played off my victory as a simple case of beginners luck. My pride was stung. I vowed on the spot that I would return to challenge them again, with my own set of Brawlers.

This all happened several months ago. Now, it is almost time to return to Utah and defend my reputation from a bunch of children. This week I have stopped at several stores to gather my army of Battle Brawlers. I have studying rules and preparing strategy. All is almost prepared for the epic confrontation. Of course my nephews have not been idle during these months. Their collection of Brawlers has grown, and even includes a brawler with and unimaginable power rating of 700!

Will my mental abilities and small army of brawlers be enough to defeat the combined powers of several children?












Possibly.

I'm actually a little worried.

Happy Birthday Warren!

Warren showing what his parents and sisters gave him for his birthday.

What the girls and I gave him- The new Wheel of Time book and the new John Mayer CD.

Kenna and Kylie opening up his presents after Church today.

I think his favorite gift is the one from Spencer- A football that was used in the Buffalo Bills vs. New England Patriots game.

Fun Inside

It has been really cold outside so I haven't taken the girls out much. Last week we built a tent in our living room using our couches and blankets. Both of the girls loved it, but I am the only one that can help them build a tent. (That is a long story...)

Kenna coming out of the "door" of the tent.

The girls playing in the tent.

Yesterday we got snow. We took the girls out for just a couple of minutes and got a few pictures.

Kenna loves the snow and wanted to play in it. She ran all around, and tried to help Warren build a snowman.
Here is their little snowman.

Memory

A picture of Kylie with her hair done.



Kenna loves to play Memory. I made up some cards on the computer and laminated them- there are the letters A, B, and C with 2 pictures to go with it. I thought that it would help her learn a little bit. She doesn't understand the game completely and remembers where things are very well. I rarely get a turn, and when I do she immediately turns over the match and calls it hers. At least she gets the matching part - right?

Kylie's Stats

Yesterday was Kylie's 18 month well check. (Yes, I know that she is now 19 months, but that was the fastest they could get us in.)

Weight: 28lbs, 12 oz; Length 34 1/4 inches That puts her in the 90 percentile for weight and 95 percentile for her length.

Halloween Weekend

On Friday the girls and I went with Joyce and Homely to their ward trunk or treat. Kylie was very confused most of the time- but still enjoyed her goodies afterwards. Kenna got the hang of it and loved it! Saturday, Warren took to the girls to our ward trunk or treat. They got to eat soup, fish in the pond and then get more candy. (I didn't go because I was coughing and sick.) When they got back, Warren carved the pumpkins and then we lit them. Kenna loved it!


Kenna the penguin.

Kylie the monkey.

Sitting with Papa.


Cheese!


Fishing at our ward party.


Warren carving the pumpkin- Kenna took this picture.


Our pumpkins.


Today Kenna picked up all of her toys then said "Vacuum whole room." I got the vacuum out and then she vacuumed. Every time I got near her to help- she would put her finger up and say "NO! I do it!" Hopefully she still feels that way in 5 more years.

Sitting on the table after I painted their nails. (I am not sure why it is dark...)
The girls nails after I painted them.

Fall Leaves

On Thursday, I took the girls out and had them help me rake up the leaves. Then we played in them for a little bit. My parents came up for a surprise visit and took us to lunch. We had a great time and I was glad that my parents were able to come and visit.

Kylie sitting next to dad.
Kenna sitting in the leaves.
The girls sitting in the leaves.

Kylie's Costume is...

Isn't she cute?

Kenna's costume this year is...

Kylie...

Do you remember Kenna in these two outfits? Do you see what is alike in all of these pictures? (That is not a trick question.)