Family Pictures

We were going to have my sister-in-law come over to take our family pictures for us over labor day weekend. The morning of I found out that this same sister-in-law high tailed it to McCall for the weekend with her family. Um whats up with that? She completely forgot and was highly apologetic. It's OK she has serious pregnancy brain and I totally forgave her for her memory loss. I think she even contemplated coming back just to take our pictures..she is so silly.

 So Kefford came up with the genius idea to take our red bench over to the backyard of the empty home next door, set our camera up on the tripod and do it ourselves. And that is what we did! And it turned out great. I also realized during this photo shoot that I learned alot about photo shoots in all my years of watching Americas Next Top Model and that I really could rival Mr. Jay on being Creative Director for all the rest of Tyras photo shoots. Seriously, I really was that good! So here are the four top winners for being framed in our house.

And lest you think that everything was peaches and cream here are some of the many outtakes we had to deal with.

This next one almost made it onto the wall. Total fashion shot right there!

I am just glad we got it done!

Cheers!

:O)

Singing in the Rain

My kids are always complaining on rainy days that they do not have umbrellas. They always want to use mine and the one time I let one of my kids use it, it ended up broken, of course. So today, in honor of the rain and in a gesture of goodwill and nicety I bought everyone their own umbrella. When I picked Rylee up from preschool I carried her umbrella to the door. Oh boy was she ever so excited to see that umbrella. After lunch and TV time Rylee came up to me and requested the two of us to go on a walk. I laughed and reminded her that it was cold and rainy and why would we go on a walk. She gave me the duh look and then I remembered the brand new umbrellas. Of course! So we bundled up, grabbed our umbrellas and walked to the corner. On our way I remembered I left my camera at home so I told Rylee to wait outside the house while I went in and grabbed it. When I came out I found her dancing and singing in the rain. It was adorable.

All of my kids love the movie "Singing in the Rain" and you can bet your buttons that was what little Miss Rylee was singing to!

I think she loves her new umbrella!

odds and ends

I took these pictures just because I had finally uploaded and then deleted the hundreds of pictures on my camera and I felt my camera was sad being all empty. I think some inanimate odjetcs have feelings because I am odd like that. Oh here is a funny and nerdy story I just thought of..

Back when I was in middle school I wanted to earn some money and so I had a paper route...an early morning paper route. My Mom would wake me up at 4:00 in the morning and I would start folding newspapers while she went back to bed. After about an hour my Mom would come out and drive me on my route. It was early, I was tired and bored and so I would finds things to do to make it more interesting. I found a dog planter to talk to. Yup I did. One of the houses I delivered a paper too had a dog statue and I would talk to it when I saw it. Just asked it how it was doing and whatnot. I know I am such a nerd! This lasted for quite a while until one day I said hello to theis dog statue and then I turned and saw a couple of boys hanging out staring at me. I was mortified and I never talked to that dog again.

I got a job teaching dance and I am so excited!!! I will terach classes while Rylee is in preschool and hopefully it will all be good!

Friends

Hannah Blackburn, Natalia Giauque and Kenedy Peterson.

These three girls became best friends in Kindergarten and have remained so throughout the elementary years. They have had many ups, lots and lots of downs (they are girls after all :O) but have remained close. At the end of this summer Natalia moved away to Idaho Falls. It was a sad time but thankfully we are modern day and the girls are still able to keep in touch.

This weekend Natalia's family came to town for something or other and so Kenedy had Hannah and Natalia come over for a late night. I am so glad that Kenedy has good friends in her life and I hope that come what may these three cuties will always be good friends!

Kenedy, Hannah and Natalia

Viva Las Vegas!

Last weekend Kefford and I flew to Las Vegas for the annual Vision Expo that was being held there. Kefford said it was not too important to be there but we needed a break and we went last year and had a blast so we decided to go again. We left Thursday and came home on Saturday. Pretty quick trip but it was the perfect amount of time for us. Like last year our hotel booking, at the Venetian, came with free tickets to see the Phantom of the Opera. We loved it when we saw it last year but were hoping we could switch our tickets to see The Blue Man Group instead. Nope we couldn't so we happily went to see Phantom Thursday night. This year we got our tickets closer to the stage and it was amazing how close we were. We could see everything! I really love that show, the music, the story, the special effects, amazing! The people in front of us and behind us were clearly seeing it for the first time. We overheard them questioning why the chandelier was in pieces all spread out and they were talking about the special effects they heard about. It was all I could do to not just start blabbing and telling them everything. But I did not want to ruin all the surprises in store for them and so I kept my mouth quiet and enjoyed them reacting to all the surprises in store. Such a great show, I don't think I can say that enough!

I was excited to wear my special party skirt that I made out of seven yards of chiffon. It is pink and poofyish and oh so fun...loved it!

The next day we wandered around outside we came across the wax museum. We thought it might be fun to check that out but it was a little more then we wanted to spend. fifty bucks for the two of us just did not seem worth it. So we took pictures with the two waxed celebrities they had outside the entrance...

Indiana Jones

and Whoopi Goldberg

This is where things got a little interesting for us. The thing is when you look at maps of the Vegas strip it all looks doable, it is only when you start walking that you realize how far everything is and the walking gets a lot tiring. I heard about M&M World and I really wanted to visit the place but it was miles down the road. We tried walking it and did not even get close to halfway when we gave up cause it was too much walking, I did not bring my fancy gym shoes which next time I think I will, that would make the walking lots easier. SO after giving up we were walking back into our hotel discussing our options when we were ambushed by a lady who was talking about cheap tickets as she herded us over to a desk nearby. Turns out we could get Blue Man Group tickets 2 for fifty plus food voucher money if we just took a couple of hours and checked out a new resort being built 20 minutes down the strip by car. We were told we would get lunch too. Now we really wanted to see the Blue Man group and it was a heck of a deal so we took it. Crazy? Kefford thought so. The whole time we were waiting to be picked up and taken to the destination Kefford was extremely skeptical. He is a little bit of a pessimist. So we did this tour thing which turned out to be a timeshare thing and we of course, after the two hour presentation thing, politely refused. We were handed our tickets, given our $150.00 of food vouchers and were put back on the bus to take back to our hotel. When we boarded the bus there was another couple on there and we started talking to them asking if they got suckered into the timeshare and what perks they received. Turns out they are a super nice couple from Utah who got the food money vouchers (we all had the choice between food or gambling vouchers) and tickets to see the Blue Man Group. During the bus ride back to our hotels we continued talking and getting to know each other and  before you know it we were agreeing to go to dinner and the show with them. Number one they had a car which they offered to drive us in and number two they were super nice and it felt ok. So Lindsey and John picked us up at our hotel and we drove down to the MGM. We had a little time before our dinner reservations so we went to M&M World which is right next door to the MGM. Yay! It was three levels of pure M&M goodness.

Just check out this M&M wall...

I picked out my kids favorite colors and got them each a small bag of M&M's.

Keford liked checking out the nascar M&M car and then we headed next door and checked out the Coca-cola store. I am not a Coke fan so nothing their was too interesting to me. But if you were a coca-colaholic better hightail it to Vegas, you can outfit your house in all coke products for sure.

Finally we went to dinner and it was a good thing we had the vouchers because we would not have been able to get anything other then a water. It was crazy, rich people expensive. You know, the type of place where the Waiter places your cloth napkin In your lap for you and between every course the dishes and silverware are whisked away and replaced with fresh ones.  Fancy!

Kefford ordered a $50 dollar steak and I stuck with my tried and true hamburger and fries.  Delish.

Even though we were hitting the full mark at the end of out meal we of course had to order dessert. Raspberry Creme Brulee please. That was yummy goodness also. My first Creme Brulee if we can all remember was at Disneyland's fancy steakhouse and I have to say Disney beat this place on presentation hands completely down!

Here was our bill. Of course I took a picture, this bill is impressive. As we were working out the bill we found out that while John and Lindsey also received money vouchers, they did not receive the same amount. We got $150 and they only got $50. What a rip offed bummer. We didn't use up all of ours so we in our kindness let them have the rest so that they didn't have to pay too much out of pocket.

Finally it was time to hightail it out of that place and head back to our hotel for The Blue Man Group! Crazy Vegas late night traffic was making us worry about being lat but we arrived, parked and seriously booked it to the theater with minutes to spare. I loathe being late, thanks Dad, and so I am glad once again not to be one of those people who show up after the show starts. While we were watching Phantom an entire row of people came in about 15 minutes late! Seriously? So disrespectful and distracting.

But we got there in time and sat back in our fifth row poncho wearing seats to enjoy the show. The front five rows wear ponchos because the Blue Men do a lot of things with paint and so we had ponchos just in case anything came out at us., I was a little disappointed that I did not get splashed on at all. I think that would have been fun. :O) as long as it came out of course. We absolutely loved the show, it is so interactive and exciting. Ooh and here is a funny little surprise for all you folks who like to be late to things. A little ways into it, no, not even a little, a ways into it all of a sudden a loud honking alarm started going off and up on the screen flashed the words..Late Arrivals. The Blue Men completely stopped what they were doing, grabbed a spotlight and turned it on two girls who were walking in late. They also had the camera turned on then so we could watch their walk of shame on the big screen. That cracked me up. What a way to deal with the late people!

Seriously though what a fun show! A couple times they came out and rubbed Keffords bald head and one time they all three stood right next to us and gave me a little stare down. After that they walked away to do it to another girl and this girl they pulled on stage and did some things. I was so glad it was not me who got pulled up there. I will just watch and enjoy thank you very much.

After the fantastic show we were outside the theater talking a little bit when I suddenly saw a Blue Man. They came out to pose for pictures how cool is that?

The band was out taking pictures also. The paint on their faces is glow in the dark as is the bone outlines in their black outfits. So when all the lights were low you saw these cool glowing skeleton types playing the instruments. Very rock and roll and super cool!

Then it was time to say goodbye to our new friends. It was fun to meet them and to branch out and do things we have never done before, like hang out with strangers. We liked them and did have a good time with them.

The next morning Kefford went over to look at Ferrari's while I hung out in our hotel room and enjoyed the quiet.

Once we got home it was great to see our kids again and I gave them their special M&M's

Rylee got Dark Pink

Toothless Avynlea got turquoise.

Ryker got green

and Kenedy got lime green and aqua

on a side note, we decided Avynleas tooth was ready to come out and so while she yelled and resisted, I held her down and Kefford pulled that thing out. She was yelling so much she didn't even realize it was out. What a stinker. Now she has a big hole in the upper part of her mouth!

This picture got mixed up in the order but one of Keffords emloyee's gave him a dollar to gamble with and so on our last day in Vegas we stuck it in a Happy Days slot machine. Obviously we are not gamblers and had no clue what we were doing so we let the machine do its thing and ended up with five dollars. We cashed out immediately, like I said we are  not a gambling people. I think his employee was happy with the return he got. :O)

So in all Vegas was lots of fun and someday We would like to go back and do some more fun things. Vegas is dirty and gross and all that but it is also beautiful and amazing and has so much to see and do...even for those like us who are into the wholesome clean stuff :O)

A good time was, again, had by all!

Rylee

Rylee loves playing baby dolls and she loves playing in water. Most days I will find her sequestered in the bathroom with barbies, Polly Pockets or baby dolls, a sink filled with water and lots of fun being had.

What a cutie!

First day of School

Ryker and Avynlea started school on August 22. Ryker is now a third grader and my little Avynlea goes to all day school now as a big first grader. I know have three kids in all day school!

 Kefford gave all the kids fathers blessings the night before and they went to bed ready and super excited about the first day of school.

After school I met them at the bus stop and asked how everything went and they both had a great day and are in love with their new grades and really like their teachers. Both of them ended up with lots of friends from the previous year in their classes. Ryker commented on how third grade is so easy, he said it felt like they were in first grade with how easy everything was. I know that will change but I am glad he had a great day!

Rylee was feeling a little left out with everyone getting new clothes but her. So after the kids left for school I took her and Kenedy to the mall for a little shopping. We found a couple shirts for Rylee that were super cute ad some new jeans. She found a skirt that went with one of the shirts and she really wanted it. I thought it was a bit overpriced for what it was and so I told Rylee no on that skirt but that as soon as we were done I would take her to Costco because they have fun skirts that were cheaper there. She did not like that idea and started crying and saying how much she wanted that skirt. I said no way and if she did not stop crying by the time I counted to five she was getting nothing. It took right up to the last count but she did it and off we went. Sure enough at Costco we found two skirts that went with her new shirts perfectly. they were cheaper, they were fuller, prettier skirts and they came with matching leggings. Rylee was so happy and hopefully learned a little lesson about Mommy knowing best. :o)

Here she is on her first official day of Pre-school wearing one of her new outfits.

I tired to get her to be more sassy with her poses but this poor girl is so camera shy,

I have no idea where she got her camera posing skills from. ;o)

And finally on August 30th Kenedy started middles school. She is now a sixth grader and very excited to be doing different things.

I had a crazy morning this morning so let me get this all written down so that it can be remembered. Kefford woke Kenedy up at 6:20ish and in doing so Ryker woke up. Ryker decided to go around and wake everyone up which was not appreciated. He is such a stinker! It was crazy but Kenedy managed to get showered and dressed and ready in time to leave and her and I were out the door by 7:20. I think school starts at 7:40. So we drove to school, parked and I walked in with her. I was planning on just dropping her off but other Moms were telling me they were going in with their kids. I asked Kenedy what she wanted me to do and after thinking about it she said to go in with her, so in we went. I didn't think she needed to go to her locker first so I walked her to her homeroom said goodbye and turned to look at all the bedlam that was going on around me. Kids and parents everywhere! It was a zoo, seriously! Right about when I was getting ready to head out Kenedy came out of her classroom and said she had to put her backpack in her locker. What?! Her locker is in a different building so we fast footed it to her locker and got her binder out and put the backpack in the locker. Apparently kids are not allowed to carry around the backpacks during school. Nobody told me this before hand so we were feeling really rushed and I personally was starting to feel overwhelmed with all the craziness going on. Got that done and I finally left the school. I got in my car and started driving away when I passed a police car parked by the side of the road. I am a kind person so I waved as I drove by. Then I saw him pull out, turn his lights on and yep I got pulled over. I was going 35 in a 20 mph school zone. Under normal circumstances I know the speed limit and I do follow I was just frazzled and overwhelmed with all that had happened already that morning and I neglected to pay attention. Of course I did not have my licence or the proof of insurance on the car. So I gave him my name and birthdate and he went to check my record. When he came back as soon as he opened his mouth I started to cry, so emotional,  he told me that he was not going to site me for anything that I just needed to be more careful. He was so nice and I am sure he understood my morning because I told him I was dropping of my sixth grader. This was my first time being pulled over since Kenedy was a baby and once he saw that I had a clean record he must have been willing to give me a second chance. I am still ticket free thank goodness!

So yeah my morning was all over the place. Hopefully we start getting used to this schedule and things will get better.

I have to say though it is nice to have 3 out of 4 kids in all day school! :o)