Tap or square dancing?

Kelsey likes to pick out Katelyn's dress for church so I give her a few choices, and then Katelyn picks the one she wants. So for the last couple of weeks, Kelsey has really wanted to have Katelyn wear this dress. But Katelyn is her own personality and picks the other one, I think just out of spite for Kelsey. So last Sunday I pulled it out and asked Kelsey if she wanted Katelyn to wear this one. She of course agreed and then proceeded to show Katelyn what she was going to wear after she woke up from her nap. And they were both so pleased to agree!!


This dress is from her Aunt Heather from Solvang and from the look on her face, could she love it any more?

When I was getting her dressed, I said, "There's only one word dad will say about this dress." (thinking he'd say ridiculous)

And he did not disappoint either!! I called it perfectly!!

At church she got 2 comments. That looks like a tap dancing dress. And then walking out, someone else said, "Is that a square dancing outfit?" Dave was quite pleased with his "Ridiculous" comment, but the girls absolutely loved every minute of it!!

Kelsey's new bike

Like any new toy, she was out riding it as soon as she got it. At first we had her restricted to the turn on our street, and then down to the mailbox by herself. Now she's going down to the corner and down the street the other way. She thinks she's so big and loves her new big girl bike.

Notice the sandals? Apparently I'm passing on bad habits to my children, because all they want to wear are flip flops and sandals. Hey, we're in Las Vegas, who needs shoes and socks anyway?

She's concentrating so hard, I love it.

Now Katelyn's little bike is REALLY little. We tried to give her Kelsey's trike and she can barely touch the ground so that will have to wait a little while.

We went last Saturday morning for a bike ride before it got too hot and her only concern is that the ride is not nearly long enough. We would keep asking her if her legs were tired and knew they were, but she is a stubborn little thing and would not give up.

For family night we went again and took the dogs with us. Quite the family ride. Dave took her a couple times by herself to get her used to going up and down the curb without falling and I'm afraid it won't be long before she's jumping off the curb. She also tries to race Dave to the end of the street. We'll be in the emergency room in no time!!

Happy 4th Birthday Kelsey

Happy Birthday Kelsey!! Since we were in Pine Valley on her actual birthday, the festivities had to be put off till Monday. But she did get sung to by everyone who was there. When we came home from camping, in walked Kelsey to find...

this!! She was in shock and didn't quite know what to do or think.



I had her try a few out at Toys R Us a few weeks before her birthday and fortunately she forgot about all about it. Until it showed up here


She would just stare at first.

The next day we had a few of her friends come over for a party and games. I didn't get a whole lot of pictures, but the presents are always a hit

Kelsey started opening them as soon as she heard "Presents."


Everyone had to help open.

Eating pizza

Pine Valley

After the 4th of July we went up to Pine Valley. I can't say we were in need of a vacation since we'd been home 3 days, but it sounded fun and my parents were up there as well. For us, it's only a 2 hour drive and a lot cooler so who could resist.

Kelsey and grandpa riding the motorcycle. She wasn't sure at first but warmed up to the idea in no time. They went around the block and she didn't want to get off.

Katelyn and Micaela.

Kelsey caught the first and last fish of the night and they were the biggest of all.

We all caught fish. Even Micaela who was skeptical caught some as did Katelyn who would run over every time someone brought one in and said, "Nother fish." It was 10:00 before we got back and then we were up bright and early and back for more.

The 4th of July

Better late than never. Since I've been preoccupied with posting our trip and getting our house and lives back in order, the 4th of July pictures got put on the back burner. The day of the 4th, Micaela flew in to drive up to Pine Valley with us the next day and to help out with Kelsey's birthday after the weekend. We only bought a few fireworks this year (shocking, I know) since there are so many firework shows that happen in our neighborhood. We had a small bbq with Kaylene and Micaela and then we went outside for the show. This holiday still remains to be one of my favorite holidays and Kelsey's least. Katelyn on the other hand has never cried at the fireworks and doens't get scared of the loud booms. Go figure. Their birthdays should be switched.

Katelyn loved all the fireworks, especially the sparklers.


It took serious convincing to even get Kelsey to take it out of Dave's hand. She just couldn't figure out why you'd want to hold "fire" that close to you.


But we told her to suck it up and deal with it. She'll learn to enjoy it!!

Colorado - Day 6: The Mint/Denver Zoo

On our last day of our trip, we woke up early to get to the Mint for try #2. Lucky for us, we got tickets for the 10:00 tour. We still had a couple of hours to kill before that so there was a park nearby that we took the girls to let them burn off some unwanted energy. They had a great time watching, (which soon became chasing) the squirrels up the trees, and it was still early enough that it wasn't too hot. Their goal was to walk far enough away from the tree, let the squirrel come down to the grass and run and chase it back up the tree. Well, they at least got out some of their energy.

We went back and took the tour which was really cool. Naturally no pictures were allowed, but the girls had a great time watching the money being sorted and how it was made. Kelsey saw some old jewely made out of the money and wanted to buy it. She didn't understand it was just for play. I think Kelsey's highlight of the whole tour was a security guard playing peek-a-boo with her. He was at the end making sure none of us got lost or separated and picked her out of the crowd to play with (she's so cute, who wouldn't?). It certainly kept her occupied and happy!!

After the mint, we grabbed some lunch. We still had a few hours to kill before our plane left so Dave opted to go to the zoo. I was surprised he wanted to go and fill our day full, but since it is so rare that he suggests something, we were off to the zoo.

When we got there, Katelyn was asleep before we even got through the front gate. So she missed the first part of it. Kelsey wanted to see everything especially the gorillas and bears. We saw lions, polar bears, foxes, zebra, tigers, wild peacocks roaming all over the grounds, crocodiles, snakes, and other reptiles. While we were in the reptile habitat, Katelyn woke up and was outside watching the sea lions swimming and playing in the water. She was fascinated by them. With them both awake, we tackled the bird habitat and found some penguins they thought were so funny.

Aren't they just cute?

They got to feed the Lorakeets.

Katelyn wouldn't look at the camera, but Kelsey was a pro. They fed them all by themselves - not even scared. I think it has something to do with their dogs and thinking all animals are nice. At least these birds were!!

Then it was off to the gorillas. There were 3 of them and the youngest one kept trying to get the older ones to play who were clearly not interested. The girls just loved watching them.

Katelyn had this look on her face the entire time. Everytime she'd see something, she'd point and start laughing. Since we don't claim to have a zoo here, we try to get one in whenever we our on vacation. They just loved it.

After leaving the gorillas, Kelsey got in the stroller and was sound asleep in 5 minutes so she missed seeing the bears and elephants. She still thinks we need to go back. I agree.

We left the zoo, got back to Rob & Jess' apartment, packed up and were off to the airport. We were sad the trip had to end, 6 days sure goes a lot faster when you're on a trip and not doing the normal routine stuff. The girls had a great time and think they want to fly everywhere we go now. Kelsey was running through the airport, with Dave and Katelyn chasing behind her, thinking she was a pro and knew what to do. She's a fast learner. I wish we could fly wherever we went too.

So that ends our Colorado trip. Thanks to Rob and Jessica for their hospitality, Jessica's mom for letting us crash in her basement for all our family to be together, my parents for inviting us on the trip, and for everyone to get together. It was a blast and everyone had a great time. Where to next?

Colorado - Day 5: Hammond's Candy Factory/Water World

My family was leaving in the afternoon so Monday we woke up early and packed everything up to get going. We still had a full day planned and only a few short hours to get it all done in. With 10 people in the house this was no small task and we still managed to get out of the house by 9:30, which included eating breakfast. Jessica took the day off work so she could join us in whatever we did as well, but Rob was back to work.



I had tried to set up a tour of the Denver Mint before leaving but everything was already scheduled. We still wanted to go so our only option was standby. We arrived at 10:00 only to find out that there was no way we would be able to get in today. However, if we could come back tomorrow morning at 7 for standby tickets, there was a really good chance that we would be able to get in at a later time Tuesday. We decided to try that - although it wouldn't work for my parents who were leaving - since Dave really wanted to go. So it was off to our next destination, which was the girls' first choice anyway - Hammond's Candy Factory. They offer free tours so I called and set up an appointment for 11:30. Nothing like the last minute, since their flight was scheduled to leave at 2:30.



The tour was pretty cool, they could see how they cool the candy and add flavoring and then pull it to make it lighter and shiny. You could really smell the rootbeer and cherry flavoring when they added it to different batches.



Of course the girls' favorite part was getting to pick out their own candy. There were so many choices.



Kelsey wouldn't put a hat on, but Katelyn had no problem showing off. Waiting for our tour to start.



After spending way too much money in the store, my parents headed off to the airport and we were off to find a quick bite to eat and then over to the water park.



This was on the top of my list of things I wanted to do in Colorado because the girls love the water and just can't get enough of it. We went for the last half of the day to get half price tickets and it was so much fun. Let me preface this with Katelyn has not had a nap yet. I thought she'd take a nap on the drive over, at least a short one, but that was wishful thinking so I was sure of a breakdown happening at any moment. Was I ever wrong.



We started out going on the water slides that you needed the larger tubes for. Dave, Katelyn and I were in a group and Jessica took Kelsey in the other. Katelyn did not like this part. She did fine waiting in the lines but when it came time to actually get in the tube she started crying. By the time we reached the bottom, she was not pleased with the *torture* we had just put her through. But she survived so it was on to the next. As for Kelsey, well she had a huge smile on her face the whole way down. After a few of these it was a few times around the lazy river. I have to say this was Katelyn's favorite part thus far.

This was not the first tube we'd been in, could ya tell?! Katelyn is definitely not enjoying herself. There were a couple slides we could all go together so that was a lot of fun.

For the last tube slide, Jess and I walked down the hill to wait in line for one, while Dave and the girls stayed at the top to wait. I figured with how long it took us to finally get one, they'd all be asleep under the shade of a tree. Was I wrong again. With the wait being about 45 minutes, he took the girls to the wave pool and played there for awhile till we made it back.

After that we wandered over to the *under 48"* part of the park. It was back by the entrance and had the girls seen this first, we never would have been able to leave. This probably wasn't the most fun trip for Jess since it revolved a lot around the girls, but hopefully it was more fun than a day at work.

Kelsey ran right over to the water slides without any hesitation at all. And Katelyn quickly followed.

They are both fish, what can I say? This was not Kelsey's first time down.



The first time Katelyn went down, someone was at the bottom to catch her and she laughed and quickly stood up to go again.



Getting a little more brave. This wasn't so fast for Katelyn, we think the swim diaper was slowing her down.

But for Kelsey as soon as she hit that turn in the slide it just launched her to the bottom. She thoroughly enjoyed herself.

And for more enjoyment, these videos: (You'll have to turn your head to get the full affect, since they were taken on the camera and we couldn't rotate them)

Wishing I had my camera

Today we went to Zone 1 for play group. It's an indoor inflatable play arena with bouncers, slides, a bounce trampoline, and obstacle courses. Katelyn wasn't quite sure of everything at first, but she *jumped* right in following after Kelsey. They had such a great time and I'm almost as worn out as they are. In rushing out the door, I walked off without my camera so no pictures, but still such a great time. It got a little crazy towards the end with all the kids, but they weren't about to let that stop them. They are already asking when we can go back again.

Colorado - Day 4: Botanical Gardens/House hunting

On Sunday we slept until 9 am. Even the girls. That was so nice. Granted, we were up till 1 the night before, but 9 hasn't happened, well, it's never happened. When I was listing off things to do in planning the activities, I told Dave about these gardens and his response was, "That doesn't sound fun. Who wants to pay to see a bunch of flowers?" They're girls, who wouldn't?! I didn't need to be talked into it, but Dave certainly did. Jess said this would be a good Sunday activity, just for a couple of hours. And she was right. Roses were in bloom for June and July and they were so bright, beautiful and the smell was amazing.

When we first walked in they have a kids garden where they can dig in the dirt and plant flowers and everything is their size. It was shaded and very nice, but seeing how they werre dressed, no such luck at digging in the dirt. Sorry we had other things planned for the day. Along the path, there was a little table and chairs under this umbrella shade tree. Just perfect for taking a rest.

Betty Boop Roses. The only name I remember. So pretty and simple.

I love the crouch!! We had to stop and smell all the flowers.

Oops, a little too close. There's pollen above her lips.

There were so many water features, it was beautiful.

These fountains were really pretty and the girls wanted to back up as close to the water as they could get without falling in. Not funny.

These white roses were so strong, you could smell them just walking by, but that wasn't good enough for Katelyn. She had to get right up there.

Taking a quick little break before heading off to grad some lunch.

While waiting for our food, there was a little pond nearby that had these beautiful flowers and lily pads floating on it. Kelsey kept asking where the frogs were.

These flowers were in the rainforest room, which was pretty muggy and humid, and not much of a break from the heat outside, but had some of the most unique plants and flowers in it. I loved all the bright colors there.

The second half of our day was house hunting with Jessica. Dave happily volunteered to stay at home so Katelyn could take a nap so I got to go along with my mom, dad, Micaela, Jessica & Kelsey. She said she didn't like taking naps, nor did she need one and wanted to be big too. We met up with the realtor and went to about 8 different houses. It was pretty depressing to know the Las Vegas market and what you can get for way cheaper there. Oh well in our dreams, hopefully someday.

Kelsey kept us laughing the whole time driving around and wandering through the house. She would point to a few houses on the street (ones that were not for sale) and say, "I like that one" or "I want to go in that one." She didn't understand the concept of looking at only the ones that had signs up.

About half way through, she decided she wanted to go in the realtor's car with Jessica, and from what I'm told (and know) she talked their ears off and wouldn't let them get a word in. Well, at least it was someone else's ear for once and not mine!! Thanks for letting us tag along Jess and hope to come up to help with the move once you decide on one!!

Stay tuned for the last 2 days of a jam packed trip.

Colorado - Day 3: Motocross Race

Well, this is going to be quick. The whole point for this family reunion (for some, namely Jesse & Rob) was that there was a Motocross Race in Colorado the weekend we were all there. And so the trip was planned. Granted, that was the initial excitement for Dave because that sounded fun to him. I think he was just thinking that having any plan at all of what to do while we were there was fine with him.

However, seeing as how we are not as avid followers as some would like (Rob & Jesse - although they are teaching their wife/girlfriend very well), we didn't quite make it to the race. Our whole reason for going on this trip was to see more of Colorado and spend time with family, the race was just an added bonus. So needless to say, we never made it to the race. We took advantage of a quiet house for a much needed nap for all of us, took the girls to see Wall-E and Dave taught Jess how to make homemade wheat bread. I know, kinda boring but it was a nice relaxing day. But we needed to be ready to go for the last half of our trip.

We also tried to take in a few shops before the show, but seeing as how it is not Las Vegas, everything closed, well, not early, but certainly not late for us 24/7 people. Oh well, just more reason to go back.

Colorado - Day 2: Winter Park

My parents arrived the day after we did and decided to go to Winter Park because of all the different activities for everyone to enjoy. What a blast. The guys all rented mountain bikes and went off to tame the mountain. I'm sure they would have done this all day. Sorry guys, no pictures.

Our first activity was the Alpine Slide. I did this when I was younger at Big Bear, but it had been a while. Since I had both girls with me, I had Katelyn on my lap and Kelsey was on her own. The first time down I put her between myself and Jessica. They let quite a large gap in between us and I had to fly down the mountain to try and catch her. I could see her but wasn't able to catch up with her until she was at the bottom. And that was on the slow track.

The ride up. She was all smiles the whole day.

After one time down she was a pro. I went ahead of her to get some pics and I didn't have to wait long. They had to be a little far away because I was stopped and she was racing down.

This time I raced down to get a different view. She's pulling away fast.

(We didn't notice the height requirement until after she'd been down the mountain a few times by herself. And by that time there was no going down with anyone.)

Our next stop was the Leaps and Bounds Bungee. Katelyn wasn't tall enough so she hung out with me and grandma while the others did it.

Katelyn found a nice little dog while waiting for the others. She was getting kissed all over and loving it.

Kelsey standing by wondering, "What did I just get myself into?"

Just warming up.

Look how high she got. Quite pleased with herself, might I add.

Micaela just after flipping around.

Alyson trying a flip but didn't make it all the way around.

Jessica didn't attempt any flips either. Maybe next time.

We then met up with the guys and had lunch, which was fabulous by the way. Then it was off to the human maze, which was a lot of fun. If you made it through in under 9 minutes you got a prize and got entered into the grand prize drawing for a bike. Kelsey and I got lost a few times but eventually made it out. Rob was his normal competitive self and was the first one done. I think Dave was trying to beat him but no such luck.

Then it was on. Since he didn't beat him at that, they went for the climbing wall with 3 degree of difficulties. (We don't know who was in the middle)

Rob took the easy one cause they decided Dave had the reach going for him. Dave had him in the beginning but it didn't take long for Rob to pass him. And then it was smooth sailing the rest of the way up.

But that wasn't good enough. So they switched sides.

But no such luck again for Dave. He was too tired and in the end he tried to reach for the top and missed and so handed another victory to Rob.

Yep, there was still snow on the top of the mountain. Just enough for Kelsey to think she was playing in the snow. And just looking at these pictures, Kelsey said, "I forgot to throw snowballs at Rob. I guess we have to go back." Yeah, I wish we could go back too, honey. (Sorry for the pacifier in the picture, she was supposed to be sleeping on the ski lift, and we forgot to pull it out)