Out of the mouths of babes

While at the store picking out Valentine's Day cards, Kelsey found on that said, "To a sweet girl."


I explained that we were picking out a card to give to dad and without missing a beat, although not quite understanding, simply said, "And we're not sweet."


A couple weeks ago we were going out on a date and Kelsey asked, "Why are you and dad going on a date?"


Me: "Because we like to go out and sometimes we go out with you and sometimes we get a babysitter and just go out ourselves."


Kelsey: "'Cause you're sick of us?"


Sometimes she just says the funniest things.

Kelsey's camera

We haven't figured out all the features on Kelsey's camera, course when would we have the chance when all she does is carry it around with her everywhere. And while I was taking all the images off her camera I came across this. At first I thought it was just a picture Katelyn took while she was running away, but look and listen closer.

If your kids have your camera, do you know what's on it?

Natural History Museum

For preschool a couple weeks ago, Kelsey got to go to the Natural History Museum with lunch at the park afterward. What I love about the preschool she's in, any extra activities that are scheduled, Katelyn gets to tag along. So while I'm not sure if Kelsey loves it, it makes Katelyn feel so big. All her other preschool classes come too, so it's totally crazy chaos and so much fun. The more the merrier. Kelsey brought her camera so most of the pictures are compliments of her since she wouldn't relinquish it to me the take any.

The first room they went into and actually got to touch these bears. Katelyn didn't believe at first they weren't going to move or jump out and get her!! But she eventually warmed up to the idea. And then she couldn't get enough.

Then it was off the Africa room and with this display you could push a button to make the lions roar. With Bass Pro Shops in town and one we visit frequently this was child's play for the girls and they weren't afraid at all.

We then moved over to the dinosaur room and all the kids were so amazed at this sight. Wow, that's a lot of kids. And Katelyn on the far left in the pink, sat right down with the rest of them!!

These 2 were the most impressive for the kids. And once they found the button to activate the Tyrannasaurus Rex, they couldn't get enough!!
The girls playing in the science room

How 'bout that for a class picture!!

The last room we visited was the aquarium. This was a small tank with 3-5 of each of these just swimming around. I think this was the highlight of the whole trip for everyone. Then it was off to the park for some serious energy release. What a great field trip!!

What to do when you're turning 30?

Go to Disneyland, of course!! That's what we decided to do for my birthday a couple of weeks ago. I couldn't come up with anything else that I wanted for my birthday so I decided on Disneyland. And when you can get in free on your birthday, what better chance since we won't ever go for Kelsey's birthday and the next time we could go would be for Katelyn or Dave's birthday and by that time, we have to pay for Katelyn because she'll be 3. And with that, we were off!!

Although it was raining off and on throughout the day, it made for some very short lines. Some of you may be thinking how we convinced the girls to stay with the rain, but it'll take more than a little rain to make us leave. So between the umbrella, ponchos and the constant dry stroller covered with a trash bag we brought, we got in all the rides we could.

Riding the tram into the park. Kelsey's become quite the little photographer!!

Since we couldn't really make a decision on what to do first, Katelyn decided on the castle and the kids rides. All aboard the carousel!! Katelyn's bangs got a little wet, but other than that, she was the dryest of all. Katelyn's favorite ride is Dumbo. I don't know what it is about that ride, but both girls love that ride. It's just gotta be something about flying. Kelsey still likes it, but has since graduated to Splash Mountain and the Matterhorn being among her favorites.

Aren't they just cute? Although it wasn't raining at this particular moment, they wanted to carry the umbrella. As you can see from the lack of jackets, it wasn't a cold rain and once Kelsey got a little wet, she was in heaven and loving every minute.

Our biggest news for the day - Katelyn was tall enough to go on her first "big" ride. The Matterhorn. For the past 2 years, all she's heard about is the Matterhorn being Kelsey's favorite ride. And she's always wondered what is in that white mountain. Well, she finally got to find out for herself. All the talking up the ride sure made a difference. She screamed through a lot of it, but never cried and when we got off, was laughing and said, "Thank you for taking me on the Matterhorn." Our kids will love roller coasters if it's the last thing we do!! So far we're 2 for 2.

Unfortunately, with it not being very crowded, we were done at 3 which meant we got to sit on the freeway for 3 hours trying to make it home to see our families. We stayed with Dave's parents and had breakfast with his family, while the girls played with all their cousins. For the past month, Kelsey has been begging to go back to California since when we were there for Thanksgiving, the Las Vegas cousins were there, but the California cousins all left. And she hasn't let us forget that she didn't get to see Aunt Heather or Aunt LaNae.

Then it was over to my parents for lunch and playing with grandma and grandpa. Jesse and Alyson are always a big hit too. Kelsey got to make pink sparkle sugar cookies with grandma and then played on the trampoline and in the playhouse with grandmpa. This is the house my dad built for us growing up. Kelsey and Katelyn had such a great time cleaning up their own size house!!

Sure looks like fun, girls!!

And then there are days....

... like this. The girls were playing happily (shocking, I know) upstairs and the following conversation took place:

Katelyn: "I love you, Kelsey."

Kelsey: "I love you, too."

Katelyn: "You're my best friend."

Yes, these are the days that make it all worth it and everything else seems to fade away, at least for a little while. And that is why we had them that close.

What am I going to do with her?

Any of you know I can only be talking about Katelyn. Yes, usually it is Kelsey that has said or done something, but lately it's been Katelyn. And last Saturday was no exception. We set the morning aside to do some much needed yard work and pool clean up with all the winds that have come our way since December. I was still upstairs, Dave was outside and the girls were running around and chasing each other. The next thing I heard was Katelyn SCREAMING and Dave telling her to hold still. I could only imagine what the next scene would be: Dave carrying a wet, naked, freezing cold little body wrapped in his coat, inside the house. That's right, Katelyn fell in the pool. That makes it at least once for each of them, although I'm sure Kelsey never fell into it when the water was 45 degrees!!!


I ran her upstairs and threw her in a cold bath, warming it up slowly to get her warm again. After getting her back to normal and dressed again, seeing as it was laundry day, there wasn't much of anything warm to chose from, she was right back outside and running around the pool, again. So I ask you again, what am I going to do with her?


We were talking about it after and Dave said she was kicking her legs like crazy to stay afloat and doing a good job. The top of her head never actually went under the water. I'm not sure if that had anything to do with the thick coat she had on or her frantic kicking, but it seems that the swimming lessons over the summer have paid off. Her jacket did however keep her from getting to the side. We were laughing over the whole thing and Katelyn just thought she was going to be in so much trouble for falling in. Kelsey was very concerned and thought she was going to die.


While I am glad he brought her right in to get warm, I do wish I was outside so he could watch her and grab her out while I grabbed the camera. And I wasn't the only one who thought of this too, he was trying to figure out a way to take pictures to document it as well.


She is still apologizing to me, "Sorry I fell in the pool, mom." You gotta love her!! And I am pleased to announce there has been no permanent damage seeing as how she ran right back outside and didn't seem to care if she fell back in the pool or not.

Ring in the New Year

I realize I'm a little late on posting this but so be it. Last week for Family Night we made some goals for this year. I figured by posting them, some of them may actually get accomplished. And the girls are excited about them as well. However when I told Dave this is what I wanted to do as some part of family night, his only response was, "Give me an idea of what your thinking of so I can study for this test, because right now I'm failing." So here's what we came up with (in no particular order)

1. Family Night every week with a real lesson - we did this for the most part last year, but didn't always have a lesson

2. Read a page in the scriptures every night as a family - the girls hold us to this religiously and love to get their chance at repeating their verses with us

3. Learn an article of faith every month. Kelsey has memorized them all last year and we are continuing with this. She loves doing it and Katelyn can do it with her now as well.

4. Learn a new primary song every 2 weeks. We tried doing this last year and it quickly failed since Katelyn was just learning to sing songs and has since decided she loves to sing just as much as Kelsey. Also with me in primary now, I can pick songs that Kelsey needs to work on and learn and hopefully we can do better at this this year. We've already been doing it for a week and Kelsey almost knows all the words to "I'm Trying to be Like Jesus". Katelyn repeats the words just after we say them and is loving it too.

5. Date night every 2 weeks - I said once a month since it's pretty much non-existant right now since he's been back in the bishopric and he said every week. So we compromised with 2 weeks so we can still pay the babysitter well.

6. Attend the temple once a month - this does not count as a date since we don't get to sit next to each other or talk except for the drive out there.

7. Ride bikes/exercise more

8. Play more with the dogs - they are feeling pretty neglected right now, and rightfully so, it's just been so cold and windy to go out and play.

I'm sure we'll be revising these goals as we go along, but that's enough to get started. Wish us luck.

MERRY CHRISTMAS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Merry Christmas everyone!! Dave woke up a few minutes earlier than the girls and went downstairs to start making breakfast. Since Katelyn was born, she has woken up "starving" and can't do anything else until she's eaten. And surprisingly she wasn't the first one awake either. Kelsey heard Dave downstairs and we told them last night they weren't allowed to go downstairs until we were all awake. She did have to check the tree first to see if Santa really came or not before coming in our bed to wait for Katelyn to wake up. Fortunately, she didn't have to wait long. While waiting for breakfast the girls went through their stockings and Katelyn wouldn't eat any candy until she had breakfast first. Quite a difference from last year since all our pictures of her have chocolate running down her chin.

The best we could get with their matching flannel Princess jammis. They were just too excited to hold still long enough.

The loot!!

Katelyn's first present to open was this.

Her very own pink gun!! She opened it and said it was Kelsey's until Dave told her it was her own!! And then she wouldn't let it out of her hands to go on to the next.

Once out of the box, we couldn't get her to look at the camera. She kept saying cheese, but not looking at all.

Kelsey picked her first present to open and she got a scooter. Since Katelyn got hers for her birthday it's been a fight every time of who gets to ride it. And Kelsey is so excited to have her own.

We couldn't get it out of the box fast enough before she was off and riding it all over the house.

And the best part - it's pink.

After dragging them back over to the tree and presents, it was time for the Santa gifts.

Katelyn got her long awaited baby with a brand new stroller, infant seat, and cradle.

Taking her baby for a walk. Isn't she a great little mom?

And Kelsey got a camera. Hallelujah!! Now I can have mine back and she can take her own pictures whenever she wants.

We had to put batteries in it immediately and she became the photographer for the rest of the Christmas presents!!

Katelyn also got a dollhouse and Kelsey got a leapster. She played with her cousin's all during Thanksgiving and was so excited hers was pink. Do you see a pattern here?!

Before she opened it, we told her which one was hers and she screamed with excitement, "The big one?"
Katelyn playing with her whole set up.

As for Dave and I, his were pretty boring, new things for the bishopric, like long sleeve shirts, cuff links and a new wallet. He also got a big butcher block for making bread. For me, I got a bunch of Shannon Hale books and the best present ever - he had his brother print up the blog. So over 400 pages later it's bound and saved!! It's what the girls picked to give me and it's perfect. For the family we decided to get Playstation 3 for the blu-ray player. This is something Dave's wanted for over a year now and so we decided rather than getting anything big for each other, we did that together and got a bunch of games and blu-ray movies. Isn't it ironic now that he's in the bishopric, he's not going to have a lot of time to use it!! Looks like Christmas was a success.

We hope you all have a happy and healthy Merry Christmas.

Christmas Eve

This year for Christmas Eve since we were not traveling anywhere for or after Christmas (something we haven't done for years), we decided to really start our own traditions since the girls are really getting into it and are remembering things. Each night leading up to Christmas we either watch a Christmas movie, or read a Christmas story. Kelsey was so insistent that we couldn't watch a movie and stay up late since Santa was coming and didn't want to get skipped if she was still awake. We read When Jesus was Born in Bethlehem which quotes some of Luke 2 and has beautiful pictures to go along with it to keep the girls attention rather than just reading the scriptures. And it seemed to work out fine. We talked for a little while why we celebrate Christmas and rounded out the night opening new pajamas for everyone and reading 'Twas the Night Before Christmas. We set out some cookies for Santa and the girls were in bed at 8:00. And finally by 9:30 they were asleep. There's just something about Christmas Eve and being too excited to sleep!!

Callings and Releases

Most of you know already, but since it's finally official, I thought I should do a post about the changes that have been going on the ward. A month or so ago, I was asked to sub the CTR 5 class while the teachers were out having a baby. And after 3 weeks of subing, they decided to make it official so I was called to be their teacher. In just a few short weeks I have come to love the kids already and it's sad to think they will be moving up in 2 weeks. But it's bittersweet because in January, I will be getting Kelsey's sunbeam class and they really are a great group of kids. There are 4 of kids and 3 of them did preschool together last year and already know me. I'm so excited to be Kelsey's teacher which had me a little worried when she moved up in January because she loves her sunbeam teacher and I knew once the CTR teacher had her baby that she'd be released so I wasn't sure how Kelsey would do with the transition, but alas no concerns anymore.

Now about Dave. Since we've been in the ward he's been in various young men's callings, which he has really enjoyed because it's kept him out of high priests. His latest calling was Priest quorum advisor which has been fun since he is now getting his deacons back and has come full circle. Which usually means you get released right? Right. A couple of weeks ago our stake split and with it, released our stake president of 9 years. Splitting the stake left numerous positions available so when the stake called last Sunday to meet with the Stake President that evening, he wasn't sure what it was. And when they called back saying to bring his wife, we were a little more concerned. My fear was high council, which would take him out of the ward and the girls would never understand that so when he was asked to serve in the bishopric (again) I was nervous but still familiar territory. We later found out he would be the 2nd counselor (again) with all the shifting of callings in the ward. We made a few calls to our family and within a few hours they all decided to come up. As if him wearing a suit wasn't enough of a giveaway, we were now sitting in the front with a row filled with family support!! So here we go again, although it's a little bit different this time, because I'm not sitting alone, but have two girls to keep quiet during sacrament by myself. Heaven help us!! Thank you to all the family that drove up to support us in these changes and what a nice surprise to see you all in time for Christmas. We sure appreciate all you did to come.

Kelsey's Preschool Party

Today was Kelsey's preschool party. She has been looking forward to this day ever since Miss Kris sent out the calendar telling all about the fun activities they would be doing the whole month of December. And what was even more fun, was Katelyn got to go to and see what preschool is all about. Well, not really since they didn't do any work but she still thought it was so cool to stay at school with Kelsey. They started off with Santa coming to listen to all their hopes and wishes for this Christmas.

Miss Kris with Santa (aka Bishop Stewart), who Kelsey had figured out it was him within 5 minutes. I love that my kids are so comfortable around him and their family!! It sure makes dropping her off so much easier for her.
Katelyn and her friend Rennick listening to Santa tell the kids to be extra good this last week before Christmas and to go to bed early on Christmas Eve!! It was so cute how she sat right down in front the whole time in awe!!
Kelsey was up first and luckily for us, it's been the same thing each time she's been to see Santa. A real camera. It kind of getes jumbled up and has come out sounding like "grandma" and "crayon" so we had to clarify but she is so excited and can't wait for Christmas to be here so she can open her presents.
Next up was Katelyn (after all the preschoolers went up) and she wasn't nervous at all. Each time she's gotten better about sitting on Santa's lap and each time she's asked for a baby. I love that he is listening so intently to her, trying to understand what she telling him.

I just love my cute girls!!

All the kids, even the ones who aren't in preschool got an elf hat and candy canes. The girls ate theirs before we left. After talking to Santa it was off to McDonald's!! Miss Kris bought all of them lunch as her gift to them and then they all played together and had a great time. It was great talking to some of the other moms while the kids ran around crazy. Kelsey took a liking instantly to Hunter's mom. Hunter is a little boy in her class and he was off playing so she sat right down next to her and her friend and "hung out" talking and laughing with both of them while waiting for her food to come up. She is not afraid of anything.

Kelsey and Ellie eating lunch together. They've become known as the giggly girls in her class.

Winter Wonderland

It snowed yesterday!! They've been predicting snow and cold weather each year and each year, we hardly get a drop. But the girls were so excited when they woke up yesterday morning to find it snowing outside. It took awhile for it to stick, but by the early afternoon we had about an inch on the lawn.

I don't know if you can tell or not, but it was still snowing while I was taking these.

The whole valley got snow/rain and this morning we woke up to this!!

Isn't it just beautiful? Gotta love the palm trees in the pictures!! It was just crazy, schools were closed and today the kids were throwing snowballs. Just some things we're not used to. Driving around today has really made me stop and remember that I'm in Las Vegas and not at the base of the mountains in Salt Lake. If we were in Utah, though, I'd be on the slopes instead of posting pictures, that's for sure!!

Looks like we have survived another year with "living in the snow."

One of those nights!!

It's just crazy around our house this time of year with everything we try to pack into a month of festivities. And it seems that around this time of year Kelsey and Katelyn start acting out for whatever attention they can get, usually negatively. So last night while I was getting dinner ready, Katelyn was already in trouble for something and Kelsey had just gotten out of trouble, Kelsey asked me, "Mom were you happy when you were little, or were you in trouble a lot?" And behind peels of laughter, I said, "I was in trouble a lot."

So while I was cleaning up from dinner, all in a matter of five minutes, the girls slid down the stairs on some books, tore off all the flannel from the flannel board stories, and dumped a bottle of lotion all over the carpet. All I can say is they were still lucky to be alive when Dave got home.

And as of right now, Santa isn't coming and they have to earn him back.

Disneyland for Thanksgiving

For the Thanksgiving weekend, we always go down to see our families in California. And this year was no exception. We went down Monday after work and stayed with Dave's brother and went to Disneyland on Tuesday. This year was especially fun because we had my brother and his wife come with us. She'd never been to Disneyland before and it's been 3 years of trying to convince him to come. He finally gave in and we all had a great time. We hooked up with them around 11:30 and they hopped in line with us for Peter Pan. The girls took to them immediately and they were unseparable the rest of the day. Sorry guys, we hope they didn't ruin you from ever wanting to come back!!

Katelyn was a little unsure not going with mom and dad at first, but she soon warmed up to the idea.

Kelsey picked Rob to go with her, which we were all a little surprised because she is always talking about Jessica. But she knew what she wanted and they had a great first ride together. I think secretly he loved it!!

The girls love the carousel. I think a lot has to do with the recent affection they've found with Mary Poppins, in hopes that they will jump off the track and run a horse race, but that's just me!! We love it because it's the only ride slow enough to get good pictures on. And I'm pleased to announce that Katelyn has finally found the joy in this ride too!!

This time around, Kelsey is finally tall enough for the good rides. She went on Thunder Mountain, Space Mountain and Splash Mountain. Her responses for each:

Thunder Mountain: "That's a crazy train. It's too fast." She hasn't loved this ride but unfortunately for her, Dave isn't a fan either so she gets dragged on it with me because I love it!!

Space Mountain: We didn't buy the picture, but it said it all. Her head was pressed against the headrest and she was not loving this one either. But this is one of our favorites, often not worth the wait, but with the fast pass, we both love it.

Splash Mountain: I must admit, I don't like this one. But Dave LOVES it. And since Kelsey hates the drop in Pirates, I thought for sure she'd not like this one either. I'm pleased to report, Dave now has a new ride partner to go with. I was a little unsure, thinking she would fall out, but she held on and had the ride of her life. This and Matterhorn are her 2 favorite rides. Just see from the picture

Just waiting to see Mickey.

I love that my girls have never been afraid of these characters. They run up and hug any of them that they see throughout the day. However, you put on old guy in a red suit, she's not about that at all. Should be interesting this year.

I simply love Small World at Christmas. There is nothing better in the park. All the lights and Christmas music make it all worth it. We were standing in line at 5 and I noticed the lights hadn't come on. And just as I was asking why they weren't on yet, the whole thing lit up. It was amazing and so perfect!!

The infamous Autopia ride. Something about this ride and kids. Every kid I've ever known loves this ride. I remember begging to go on this when I was little, but now I just don't see the point to drive a car around a track when I can drive (and fit) in my own car. So we bribed (it wasn't very hard) Rob & Jess to take the girls. Let's just say from the comments from Rob, I fear when Kelsey can start driving on her own.

I love the castle at Christmas too, with the lights and icicles. It's so pretty. And we were successful to finally get a picture in front of it.

After the fireworks, we walked over to Nemo, which ended up only being a 20 minute wait. It was raining again by this point and the girls fell asleep while waiting in line. And we weren't wakiing them up for it. After Nemo we tried to see Fantasmic but it was raining too hard and they cancelled it so we headed out. The girls rode this way all the way back to the truck, and when we got them in their jammis and were headed home, Kelsey said, "We didn't ride Nemo."

Oh well, if that's all we didn't do the whole day, we're good. Guess we'll just have to go back again. I can't speak for Rob & Jess but we had a great time. I hope they did so maybe they'll come with us again. Maybe we loved it more because they didn't have kids and the girls wanted to go with them more than they wanted us. On second thought, maybe they won't come again!! The girls were so well-behaved and never even had one slight little breakdown!! I was so impressed, it made me even want to take them back again. Sorry Mark & Heather. We missed you guys coming with us, but we hope you had fun in Park City.