It's almost Christmas...

It is almost Christmastime and I can not even believe it! I got this little video clip of Kenna singing Christmas songs.This little clip just cracks me up! And I was laughing so hard when I was recording it that the camera was just shaking. Kennedy was singing for us- and she just makes me laugh. You might have to pause the music so you can hear her- she's pretty loud for most of it- but gets kind of quiet in the middle.

We have been so busy getting things ready and doing so many fun things! Even though I have been laid up- and my mother basically comes over everyday to help me do the most basic things...I have had a wonderful holiday season! We went to "The Forgotten Carols", the Mormon Tab Christmas concert, the Zoo lights, Temple Square, Pioneer Christmas up at "This is the Place" Monument, and my sweetheart husband surprised me with tickets to the Nutcracker Ballet! It's been so busy- but so wonderful! Kennedy has been on cloud nine with all of the decorations and the music. She is getting so excited for Christmas and spends her days coloring pictures and making birthday presents for Jesus. I haven't been able to do much of my baking or making Christmas candies because of my stupid injury- but again- my angel mother has made sure that Kennedy has decorated cookies and made my favorite English Toffee. I swear I would be lost without her and my incredible husband! Only a few more days though until I throw away the sling and leave it forever behind me. It literally has driven me nutty to wear it.

I took my sling off for two seconds so we could get a family picture without the nasty thing in it. I had it made into a Christmas card at Costco- but don't feel bad about not getting one- because I can't stuff them or label them without my right arm- and my honey has had so many other things to do that we just didn't even get them mailed out. SO! To anyone reading this blog- Merry Christmas from my family! I will definitely try to do better next year!

So pretty and ready for Church- Kenna loves her new Christmas dress! (And I love it because she can wear it later on in the year and not just at Christmas- I think the fur trim and plaid dresses are so cute at Christmastime....but I am too practical I guess- I can't justify buying a dress to only wear in December. Well all- hope your Christmas is wonderful! I'll have to post some more pictures of all of our adventures after the holiday. This post has literally taken me 2 days to put together and I still have to figure out how to get Kennedy's hair re-braided....hmmmm....that might have to wait too. :)

We're Having a Baby!

Just some exciting news! McCarrey and I have been chosen by a birth mother and we are going to be adding a new addition to our family in February! It's a girl!! We have had a chance to talk with the birth mother and she is just awesome! We are so excited to get to know her better and have her be a part of our lives. She is making such a difficult, unselfish choice- and I am so grateful to her! We are so thrilled and can't wait to meet the newest member of our family! YAY!!!!

What a month-

Well- Contrary to what most people might think about me by now- no I am not dead. We have had a crazy eventful month though! Neil and Annie came down for a visit from Washington and we were soooo happy to see them. The kids were screaming and hugging and picked up right where they left off from the last visit. We have missed them like crazy! We spent a week doing all sorts of fun stuff- and we had a blast! My birthday was this month also- so happy birthday to me. I got the cutest video clip of the kids all playing in the leaves at the park by my house- so I had to share it.





Doesn't that look so awesome! I must admit- even all the adults got in there and played in them. The pile was HUGE- who wouldn't want to roll around in them! Kenna loved it!

We did Thanksgiving early with my family- and we had the kids doing little games and crafts to keep them busy and out of the kitchen while everything was getting ready. This picture is of the stylin' "turkey hats" that the kids made to wear while they were eating dinner. Yep- I know you're all jealous of how cool they are. They all looked hilarious and it was great.

We found this fun place in North Salt Lake called Kangaroo zoo that the kids just LOVE to go to. It's a place that has just tons of bouncy, blow up slides and things for the kids to play on. We went a couple of times while Neil and Annie were here to just let the kids work out a little of their energy. These pictures kind of give a good idea of what the place is like. Except for the bottom one- which I just added in because of how hot my husband is. (You rock my world baby!)



Well- (sigh) All was not fun and games because I was bouncing around at Kangaroo Zoo with all the kids and I fell...hard...and I broke my shoulder bones in two different places and dislocated my arm. Ugh. It was AWFUL!! Teach me to be bouncing around like a 3 year old huh! So- I have just been recuperating and my sweet husband basically has to do everything for me. The doctors are talking surgery- but I am going to try my hardest to just let the bones heal and get as much of the movement as I can back through physical therapy. I really don't want to do the surgery right now if I can avoid it. (I have had shoulder surgery before...no fun at all!) Anyhow- I literally have been working on this stupid post for what seems like hours because I am working as the "one armed monster" at the moment. Typing left handed and pecking at the keyboard like a chicken really sucks. All in all though- the month has been good, and everyone says from the way I landed that I am just really lucky that I didn't break my neck- so there you have it. Heavenly Father is blessing me once again!

Gotta Love Carousels...

We all got season passes to Lagoon this year with my folks and Christian and Melody's family. It was So worth it because literally we went twice and they were paid for. We didn't even go for a full day once, we didn't do nine-tenths of the rides, but several times during the summer and the fall- we would go for an hour or two and let Kennedy do all of the little kiddie rides. She absolutely LOVED it!!! For me- Lagoon is over rated with huge long lines, too many buildings that need a fresh coat of paint, and hundreds of 12 year olds-dressing like would be hookers and making out with their pimple faced boyfriends in braces. But- for a kid- who doesn't see all of those things- Lagoon is a magic place with rides and music and cotton candy- and life is just awesome for those hours that you are there. It was so great to have a place that was free (because we had paid for it months before...) that we could go and meet up with the family and play. By far- the favorite ride was the Carousel. Which I was completely pleased about because that (by far) is my favorite ride at Lagoon. It just makes me feel like life is a lot simpler and calmer, than all of the other high-tech crazy ones. Kennedy rode it at least 2 times every time we would go. Every time she would wave at people and pretend to do stunts and tricks. I loved watching her imagination go wild. Anyhow- this little video clip was our last night at Lagoon before it closed and I just thought it was fun. She was having so much fun- I just love her so much...and my goofy husband. He just makes me smile!

Halloween!

We had the best Halloween! Kennedy was a pirate and looked SOOOO adorable! I have to say- I was tickled pink that she wanted to be a pirate! I was totally expecting some girly princess or something like that- but she wanted it- and totally went for it. And- I just love seeing all of the other kids dressed up in their costumes! We have an insane amount of trick-or-treaters come to our house every year. Last year I bought 400 candy bars- this year I bought 450- and we only had 20 left at the end of the night! AH! 430 kids!! It even rained- which I was certain would slow them down- but no dice. We literally just had to leave the door open because it was so tedious to close it just to open it 2 seconds later. We had a few friends come over and the guys took the kids out trick or treating while us moms stayed and manned the fort. We had lots of fun just playing and visiting. I am MAJOR bummed because I got the cutest video on my camera of Kenna right before they went out- but I shot it vertical and now it will only play sideways! (sniff, sniff...) I am major stupid when it comes to computer stuff, and I can't figure out how to rotate it...but she is so flippin' cute that I am hoping that everyone that looks at it- won't be too annoyed with the fact that they have to view it with their faces against the keyboard. Awesome.

I love Fall-

I seriously LOVE falltime! I love the colors, I love how it gets cooler and I can wear sweaters but I'm not usually freezing cold. I love the campfire smell in the air at night, and the scarecrows, cornstalks and haybales, and pumpkins that just seem to be everywhere. I LOVE Halloween and seeing all the little kids in their costumes- AND because that awesome holiday is rapidly approaching I realized that it was high time that we went to pick out our pumpkins to carve on Halloween. We went to a place out in Sandy. Kennedy LOVED it- and took her "job" very seriously. She was very careful and picky about which pumpkin would be just the perfect one for her. I got a huge kick out of it.

Kennedy walking up and down the aisles in search of "The one".

I loved all the cute fall decorations! It made it so fun.

Seriously you just thought the last picture was cute- she is a rockstar!

Kenna and Mom

And WALA! The perfect pumpkin! We each got one and now we just have to keep them from getting smashed for another week. Sigh... I will have to post our finished products after they are all carved.

Wahoo for new hairdo's!

Ok- I realize that it is stupid and whatever to "toot your own horn".... HOWEVER- there are moments in life that sometimes you just have to shout from the rooftops and say "YES! I, (Whatever your name is) THE GREAT- ACCOMPLISHED THIS CRAZY FEAT!" (Kind of like the scene in "The Castaway" where Tom Hanks is running all around screaming-"I made Fire!!"- ya- kind of like that...) Anyhow- Last night Kennedy and I went to "Hair night out". A little while ago I joined a group of mom's who have also adopted black kids and it is just a place where I can vent and make new friends, and talk about skin care and hair care without boring everyone else...and Kennedy gets to play with tons and tons of darling little kids that look just like her and also "get" how it is being raised as a black child with white parents. AND!! I learned how to do extensions last night! At first I thought it was pretty hard. It just felt unnatural and I didn't know where my fingers should go- and I was afraid that I would just rip her hair out by the roots if I pulled or yanked too hard. BUT!! I quickly got the hang of it...and after TEN long hours of braiding, and braiding and braiding....(and I am not even kidding when I say it took me 10 hours...I was up until 2:00am and even then I had to finish the next day...) My beautiful little girl has a new 'do'!

I realize that this news seems lame to most people...but I have to admit... it has been a real challenge for me trying to learn the art of black hair. It is so different from anything I have ever experienced and it takes meticulous care and effort to make it grow and keep it healthy. I do a style and then I freak out and worry if it is good enough or if I should start over. It takes SO long even to just comb through it sometimes. Top that off with the fact that I have had complete strangers walk up to me in the stores and tell me what they think of it...good and bad...makes me feel even more completely lost with trying to manage it. However..this past little while I have almost felt like I have had tons and tons of help from the big guy upstairs. I have not only been able to manage it, but I feel fairly confidant- and I am learning new things all the time. ME! The girl who never even learned to braid my own hair! So- I am just so excited about this newly acquired skill and I am so grateful to Kristin for not only showing me how...but making me do it on my own. Now my tiny little girl looks SO grown up!! She loves her new hair- and I am just feeling so good right now.

99 Things...

I thought this was a fun one... I copied it from Cam-
Here is a list of "99 things..." the ones that I have done are in Blue.
1. Started your own blog
2. Slept under the stars
3. Played in a band
4. Visited Hawaii
5. Watched a meteor shower
6. Given more than you can afford to charity
7. Been to Disneyland
8. Climbed a mountain
9. Held a praying mantis
10. Sang a solo
11. Bungee jumped
12. Visited Italy
13. Watched a lightning storm at sea
14. Taught yourself an art from scratch
15. Adopted a child
16. Had food poisoning
17. Walked to the top of the Statue of Liberty (does half way count?)
18. Grown your own vegetables
19. Seen the Mona Lisa in France
20. Slept on an overnight train
21. Had a pillow fight
22. Hitch hiked
23. Taken a sick day when you’re not ill
24. Built a snow fort
25. Held a lamb
26. Gone skinny dipping
27. Run a Marathon
28. Ridden in a gondola in Venice
29. Seen a total eclipse
30. Watched a sunrise or sunset
31. Hit a home run
32. Been on a cruise
33. Seen Niagara Falls in person
34.Visited the birthplace of your ancestors
35. Seen an Amish community
36. Taught yourself a new language- (Do I have to be fluent?)
37. Had enough money to be truly satisfied
38. Seen the Leaning Tower of Pisa in person
39. Gone rock climbing
40. Seen Michelangelo’s David
41. Sung karaoke
42. Seen Old Faithful geyser erupt
43. Bought a stranger a meal at a restaurant
44. Visited Africa
45. Walked on a beach by moonlight
46. Been transported in an ambulance
47. Had your portrait painted
48. Gone deep sea fishing
49. Seen the Sistine Chapel in person
50. Been to the Eiffel Tower in Paris
51. Gone scuba diving or snorkeling
52. Kissed in the rain
53. Played in the mud
54. Gone to a drive-in theater
55. Been in a movie
56. Visited the Great Wall of China
57. Started a business
58. Taken a martial arts class
59. Visited Russia
60. Served at a soup kitchen
61. Sold Girl Scout Cookies
62. Gone whale watching
63. Received flowers for no reason
64. Donated blood, platelets or plasma
65. Gone sky diving
66. Visited a Nazi Concentration Camp
67. Bounced a check
68. Flown in a helicopter
69. Saved a favorite childhood toy
70. Visited the Lincoln Memorial
71. Eaten Caviar
72. Pieced a quilt
73. Stood in Times Square
74. Toured the Everglades
75. Been fired from a job
76. Seen the Changing of the Guards in London
77. Broken a bone
78. Been on a speeding motorcycle
79. Seen the Grand Canyon in person
80. Published a book
81. Visited the Vatican
82. Bought a brand new car
83. Walked in Jerusalem
84. Had your picture in the newspaper
85. Read the entire Bible
86. Visited the White House
87. Killed and prepared an animal for eating
88. Had chickenpox
89. Saved someone’s life
90. Sat on a jury
91. Met someone famous
92. Joined a book club
93. Lost a loved one
94. Had a baby
95. Seen the Alamo in person
96. Swam in the Great Salt Lake
97. Been involved in a law suit
98. Owned a cell phone
99. Been stung by a bee

Which ones have you done?...

Adoption Chaos...

McCarrey and I have been working and trying to get our paperwork in for another adoption....here is where it all lies...

We have about $13,000 of "reimbursements" from various sources, my work will give me a certain amount towards adoption and so will McCarrey's...etc. That is an AMAZING- HUGE blessing! Adoption is crazy expensive and definitely the money aspect is the hardest obstacle when it comes to actually going for it. The downfall is that it is a reimbursement and we can only get that money 6 months after a child is placed with us. At this point in time- a typical adoption is going to run us about $20,000.00 give or take a few grand. We will have to pay for legal, and the birthmothers medical expenses. Now- while I would love to say that we just have an extra 20K lying around the house, or even that we had oodles of change hiding in the couch cushions that would be great! But...we just don't. Providing for a child-you bet!....education, clothing, food, vacations- no prob...but 20K in cash right this second...Nope. The crap thing- is that the economy sucks bigtime at the moment and we are nervous about taking out a loan for 20 grand. Even though the reimbursements would come within 6 months and the loan could be paid off in less than a year...we would still have to float the payments on a HUGE loan. At this point in time we would be looking at about $400.00 a month. Ouch! That is pretty rough to just come up with... especially because we would be buying gallons of formula and mountains of diapers at the same time. AAHH! It is a definite frustration to me. Why does adoption have to be so expensive anyway?! Why can't there just be some amazing non-profit organization that just wants to see the children placed with a loving family- and not get rich off the deal? Well- anyhow- just venting a little bit. We will be ok- and if there is one thing I know for sure...when it is right- God will just make it happen. When we got Kennedy we had about $500 in our account. We got the phonecall that day- and I kid you not- in 24 hours we had over $15,000 in our account and we were able to get her with out any trouble. So- we are going to forge ahead- and just trust that when the timing is right...it will happen. We just have to keep working hard and saving our pennies. For all of the chaos and frustration that comes with the adoption process- the amazing experiences far outweigh them. I will try and keep everyone up to date on how the whole "process" is going. Next comes the paperwork and the homestudies...and then the waiting game! Exciting!

Disneyworld!

YAY for DisneyWorld! We just got back from our awesome vacation and we had a great time! It all kind of started out pretty shaky- and for a little while there- we weren't even sure whether or not we were even going to go...but we did and it was fantastic! We had a little accident on the plane ride over. Kennedy was coloring with colored pencils and McCarrey reached over to grab something off of the little tray. Well, Kenna thought that he was trying to take her colored pencils away and she screamed, "No! Mine!" and jerked the pencil away...and my eye happened to be right in the path of the pencil. It stabbed me right in the eye and gouged my eyelid. So at this point in time- I am in crazy pain and my eye is blood-red and I can't open it or see anything out of it. But- we flew all the way to Orlando and I am just thinking- "Get me off of this plane- and get me home!" It must have really been awful- because the paramedics were waiting for me when we landed in Florida and I spent most of the night in the hospital. The puncture hole was literally touching the border of the blue in my eye- and the Doctor said that if it had gotten me even a millimeter over I probably would have lost my sight. Scary! They gave me some drops and some painkillers, patched me up to look like a pirate-and released me. So at that point- I am really miserable and we are just planning on catching the next flight back to Utah. But! I was given a blessing and the next morning- my pain level was down considerably! I still couldn't open my eye all the way- and I looked like I had bloody, fake eye- but I was able to function. It literally was miraculous as far as I am concerned! I didn't get any infection from it, and I was able to stay so that my family could still have a great time together. I tell ya though- it'll be a while before I give colored pencils to a 2 year old again.

The Magic Kingdom was all decked out for Fall time and it was just magic! We went to a Halloween Party that they had after park hours and it was the FUNNEST night ever! They had a Halloween parade and fireworks and we were all dressed up in costume and they had trick or treating all throughout the theme park. They had fog machines going and characters EVERYWHERE and it was so fun to see Disney from a different perspective like that. I have been to Disney... I don't even know how many times and that Halloween party was the best yet.

Kenna loved all the rides,and we got big balloons and mickey ice creams- it was awesome. We stayed for a week and we got a WAY good deal on our package. All of our meals were prepaid and we could go anywhere we wanted to eat. We went to lots of fancy restaurants and lots of different character meals where they would come around to the different tables. Kennedy was kind of unsure at first with all of the characters but by the end of the week- she was asking to go and see them. She loved all of the characters, and the princesses and such. But her all time favorite day was when we went to Hollywood Studios and she got to meet the Little Einsteins. I had never even heard of them before she came along- but now we are official Little Einsteins experts and she was in awe of meeting them,and meeting Handy Manny. I found the whole thing absolutely delightful.This last picture is of my little princess with her Fairy Godmother. She wore this little dress for the Halloween party and when we ate at Cinderella's castle with all of the princesses. In this picture she is a little unsure of whether or not she wanted to smile for the camera- but I thought it was darling anyway. We had so much fun and we wish that we could have had more family come along to enjoy it with us. I love Disney- and the magic that it is for little kids. Kenna had the time of her life and that made it even more fun for us. I am thinking next year that Mexico sounds pretty awesome for a vacation... What do you think?

Gotta Love the Fair...

It's Fair time! YAY! I absolutely love going to the State Fair! It's a must do- every year...even though the booths never change and I already have purchased the "ring cleaner", and the "salsa maker"...McCarrey and I took Kennedy and we all played at the fair on Monday night. Kennedy LOVED it! She was just enthralled with all of the people and the lights from the rides, but most of all the animals. It was as good as the zoo as far as she was concerned- and BONUS! The animal owners weren't shy about letting Kennedy go up and pet all the animals.
Kennedy's "fabilate" (that's how she pronounces favorite...) were the fluffy little bunnies. I have to say- I have always loved the bunnies too. I remember once in high school when we went to the Summit County Fair and my mom, my brother Neil and I were looking at all of the rabbits. Neil said, (I think almost jokingly) that he wanted one and thought it would make a fun pet. I sat there thinking..."Ya right! No way in heck mom'll go for that!" And then later on that day we left the fair with a sweet little gray rabbit. We called her "Bunji Rabbit" and she was such a sweet pet and we loved her for years- now the rabbits are always my favorite at the fair.
Kenna was kind of scared of the little goats. However- They kept trying to eat her clothes or her hair- so I guess I can't blame her. Too Funny...
And of course- the crowning glory at the Fair- the amazing 700 pound butter statue. I can't go to the fair without oohing and aahing over the butter cow. Anyhow- the lady that sculpted it happened to be there when we went over to see it. I swear- one of the great moments in my life...or not.
At any rate- we had a great night. Filled with pigs, the big yellow slide, navajo tacos, and "live info-mercials" - and we can't wait for next year when the fair rolls around again.

Happy Adoption Day for my Gorgeous Girl!

Well- we survived it- and we had a WONDERFUL time! Kenna's 2 year adoption day was this week and we had the best time with a lot of friends and family. This is her cake- which the awesome ladies at Costco were more than happy to turn into an adoption cake fit for a princess. I thought it was darling and I was so excited because they didn't even charge extra for it! YAY for Costco! I swear I couldn't survive without that store.
We had a BBQ- and grilled up Burgers, Brats and hotdogs. There was WAY too much food, and awesome company. Mac and I feel so blessed to have such a great support system- everyone has been so incredible and supportive since we even started thinking about the whole adoption process and they have welcomed our little girl in with open arms- we love you guys and are so grateful for your love and friendship-

We had a pinata for the kids that were there. Most of them were small enough that we just didn't even bother with the blindfolds or trying to save the pinata from getting hit. We were just lucky that the darn thing even broke! (Well...ok- I guess I have to be honest- the darn thing didn't break and I literally had to just shake everything out of it!) But once it was all out on the grass- the kids just scrambled and it was absolutely delightful! We had the best time just visiting with everyone- and Kenna loved playing with all the other kids. It definitely was a wonderful night- just celebrating our family coming together. Hey- it makes me think that we should have more random celebrations like that- just celebrating the fact that you get to be a family...I know I like to shout it from the rooftops...let's start a petition and maybe we can get a holiday out of it!

The Big Girl Room Revealed!

TA DA! I know I know...the moment you have all been waiting for! Kenna's official Big Girl Room!! You have to understand the insane pleasure I get out of this tiny little bit of square footage. It went from the nastiest- junk room in the whole house to a bright, pink and purple toddlers haven. Kennedy loves it- and is always asking to go up to her room so she can lay in her new bed. she has it made because everytime we go up to lay in her new bed she wants lots of storybooks which we are always happy to oblige her with. McCarrey and I had a great time looking for all the bargains and deals we could to fix it up on our little budget...and when all was said and done we were able to outfit the whole room, including paint, furniture, shelves, and accessories for only $350! Wahoo for us! We have been having a great time watching her have tea parties and play in her new space. She is still getting used to the idea of actually sleeping the whole night in here...but I guess I can't expect everything to go smoothly. :)

Adoption day Preparations...

The other day Kennedy was throwing a HUGE fit. I was trying to calm her down by saying things like " There's no need to cry- you're ok. You're a good girl...when you wanna be..." and things like that. I guess that I didn't take into account how much Kenna sucks up into her brain every time I speak, because shortly after she finally calmed down and I was working on wiping off the counters, Kenna comes up to me and says "You're a good cleaner Mommy...When you wanna be." Awesome.

Yesterday was Kenna's official adoption day- but we are going to celebrate it tomorrow when more family can come over. I am just trying to get the last minute things done today...like buying all the groceries, making all the salads, cleaning the house, and ok..ok... I have to do EVERYTHING today. I am really looking forward to having everyone come over to celebrate with us. It's kind of hard for me to describe my feelings over the last couple of days. Celebrating adoption day seems like more than just a birthday to me. I love Birthdays and believe me I will NEVER forget the day Kenna was born and I got to see her and hold her and it was INSTANT love at first sight. But- adoption day is when I could officially put my fears at rest- and that point she was ours legally and I knew no one could come back and take her away. Then being able to go to the Temple that day and be sealed... no words can describe that. I used to be kind of jealous about parents who got to have the experience of pregnancy, and all of the different feelings and emotions that come with that. In a lot of ways it felt like a loss that I had to mourn, almost like a death. BUT- now that I have experienced adoption- I wouldn't trade the experience for anything in the world. When I married McCarrey-it was such a beautiful day- and looking across the altar at my new husband at the Temple was wonderful- and I always used to say that I wish I could repeat that moment in time. Well- when Kenna came we were able too- and being able to look across the altar onto the love of my life, and my beautiful, brown, baby girl was incredible.
Well- I guess I have gone on and on enough. I have lots to do today- and I don't have much time. This has just been a wonderful week. Lots to think about, and celebrate. August is the month that my family came together. I don't think that anything can be better than that!

Five Years and still Counting!

Look at us goofy kids! We have the most cheesy faces on the face of the planet! (I am sure that it had absolutely nothing to do with the fact that we were dropping off Kennedy with Grandma and we were just about to go out and spend the day together with just us...) Yesterday was our 5th wedding anniversary! YAY FOR US! McCarrey and I both had the day off so we decided that we would make the most of it. And a HUGE thank you to Grandma and Grandpa Hancock for watching Kenna all night! So-We started out our day by going for Indian Food! (My absolute favorite!) Thank Heavens I have an adventurous husband who is willing to try anything! He must love me lots and lots because he takes me out for Indian food all the time. We found a new restaurant downtown called the Star of India and we went there for lunch. Mmmmm! Then we decided that we would drive up to Park city and go horseback riding- which I would have LOVED- but sadly when we got up there they were full for the day and we weren't able to go. But- we consoled ourselves by doing the alpine slides and the mountain coaster. I really like the alpine slides- but I always get so nervous going on the ski lifts. I know it is dumb and ridiculous- but I just have this thing with heights and the whole way up I keep thinking to myself..."Well- if the cable has to break... I hope it breaks here because then I could land in those bushes..." or other irrational thoughts like that. We were able to talk alot though which is great- and I survived the ski lift. Oh my heck though! The mountain coaster is SO FUN! We had done it before- but I just have to say how much I loved it! I love that you get hauled all the way up the mountain on a track- like a roller coaster- so I am always close to the ground and don't feel like I am going to die. It is SO much faster and so many more dips and turns and SO fun!! We had a great time in Park city and got amazing caramel apples from Rocky Mountain chocolate factory. After that- we headed back down the canyon for dinner and a movie. We saw "Journey to the Center of the Earth" in 3D. It was fun and definitely a novelty having the whole thing in 3D. Then we went to Ruby River Steakhouse for dinner. Can I just say Amazing?! All in all it was an amazing day- and I was just so glad to be able to spend it with my honey! Sometimes it just blows my mind that 5 years has come and gone already! I am such a lucky girl to be able to ride through this crazy life with someone as wonderful as my McCarrey is! This is a busy week for us- our anniversary yesterday and adoption day is on the 28th! So many wonderful moments to remember and celebrate! Kenna's big girl room is officially done and I will have to post the pictures of it next time around. Happy anniversary McCarrey! I love you!

Just a quick story...

Today is our FIVE year anniversary! YAY! Because we are out doing so many things today- I don't have tons of time, but I thought this was pretty funny- and I will try and get some more posted maybe tomorrow. Anyhow- I went to the store with Kenna and I was looking for some ribbon to wrap a gift. I happened to see a bag of old fashioned creme drops that were fairly cheap. I LOVED these as a kid and was so excited to see them. So I bought them and was telling Kennedy how much I loved these awesome candies and how lucky of a girl she was that she got to taste them with me. I gave her one and she took bite out of it and said, "Mmm! This is good Mommy!" then she puts her hand up by her head like she is thinking and says,"Hmm... I wonder where the garbage can is?" HA!! I laughed so hard! She was trying so hard to please me by telling me that she liked my treat- but at the same time she was NOT impressed at all! i just thought it was a priceless moment. I could definitely hear her thoughts at that moment where she was thinking, "Ok mom...whatever! This stuff is crap!" I just love that little girl! Well I am going to go and have an AMAZING day with the love of my life! Happy Anniversary to me!

Summer Projects...

We have been so busy this summer working on the yard and in the garden. Mainly this post is for Annie- She and Neil helped us SO much getting our yard done this year. I wanted to show what it looks like now that it is just about done. When we first bought our house- there was no backyard whatsoever! No grass, no patio, no awning, nothing. We had weeds literally that towered over the top of the fence! We fixed up the front yard last year- and because it costs ridiculous amounts of money to do yard work- we saved the backyard for this year. We had the concrete poured for the patio, then built the awning (Which can I just say how much I LOVE it!) Then came the horrors of never ending weeding and raking and shoveling. We took our yard clear down to the dirt. Then we had to install sprinklers and sod, buy rocks and boulders to build my little flower bed, shovel 27 cubic yards of dirt to fill it up...(I wanted to kill myself by the time we were done!) then plant the flowers for the bed, and the seeds for the garden, and paint the fence. It has been a nonstop process so far- and while we still have tons more things that we want to do in the backyard...Alas...the money is gone and we have to wait until next year. To be completely truthful though- I am ready for a break,and just to be able to enjoy what we have done so far instead of constantly worrying about finishing the next project. My wildflowers are my favorite. We bought several packets of seeds and threw them in at random. Except for the sunflowers. Oddly enough those came from the seeds in the bird feeder that sits right there. (Maybe I'm an idiot- but I guess it didn't really register that the bird seed would actually start growing!) Over all- we are so glad to finally have a yard that Kenna can play in and a place where we can have friends and family over for BBQ's. Our garden is doing really well though! I picked 24 cucumbers in one day! I am fast turning into one of those neighbors who is constantly trying to offload veggies on people! We have been really blessed though and we are excited to be able to bottle some homemade salsa in about another month. (My favorite stuff!) Anyhow- Thank you Annie and Neil for all of the help you gave us before you decided to move to Lame Washington! We wish so bad that you were here to enjoy it with us!

Jet Skiing with the Fam-

We had the funnest weekend this week! We went up Provo Canyon with with the family and did jet skiing all day! (Thanks Mike and Jean!!) We had a blast!! Kennedy was a speed demon and loved going fast. She and Josh played in the sand and the water ALL day long- it was a HORRIBLE NIGHTMARE trying to get all of the sand our of her hair before church the next day- but still worth it to see her having so much fun! My cousin Scott brought his fiance Katie to hang out with us, which was great- and my dad wowed us once again with his dutch oven cooking skills. Definately an awesome day! The only thing that would have made it better was if Neil, Annie and the boys could have been there too. We had a great time though- I LOVE being out on the water! I just think that it is completely exilharating to be out on the water, going really fast with the wind and the splashes in my face....mmm! Makes me want to do it tomorrow!

Memory Tag

Ok- I guess I am playing too! Here's what you do:
1. As a comment on my blog, leave a memory that you and I had together. It doesn't matter if you knew me a little or a lot, anything you remember!
2. Next, re-post these instructions on your blog and see how many people leave a memory about you. If you leave a memory about me, I'll assume you're playing the game and I'll come to your blog and leave one about you.
Just be nice...and if I have spilled all my dirty secrets to you...remember that they still have to be secret! :)

What?! So you think I should actually update?!

So- I don't really have anything all that exciting to report. Mac and I have been crazy busy trying to clear out the spare bedroom- that has somehow turned into the room where we throw in whatever we really don't have an official place for. It is the room that ever since we bought this place- had literally been untouched by human hands. Literally we have probably only been in the room about 4 times- when getting out Christmas decorations and then putting them away. We just open the door- and chuck whatever is going in there that day. BUT! (trumpets and fanfare) we are clearing it out and turning it into Kennedy's OFFICIAL big girl room! WAHOO! I am actually really excited about the whole thing- because once her room is finished, we can start clearing out the "nursery" room. I don't know how many people are aware- but we are starting the adoption process again and are just beginning the prep stages. Anyhow- we have cleared it and at the moment- it is covered in fresh new paint (pink- I might add), painters tape and plastic. We decided that Kenna is only young once and we wanted her to love her new room. So- we let her choose everything. Let's just say that this room is going to be a horrific- pink and purple, princess, butterfly, flower room- and while I am LOVING watching her enjoy it... I will be counting the days until she grows out of this style and into what I really wanted to do in there. I will have to post some pictures of our finished product when all is said and done. We have to hurry- because we are doing this for Kennedy's adoption day, which is fast approaching. (We celebrate adoption day- just like a birthday...party, presents- the works. One- because I love a reason to celebrate. Two- because Kenna's birthday is in January- and party's are funner in August because you can be outside. But mostly just because we want Kenna to grow up knowing that we celebrate the day that she became an "official" member of our family.) Kenna runs around telling everyone that will listen to her that she is getting a big girl bed for "doption" day. I love it.

What a wonderful world...

Tonight was seriously awesome! My cousin Steve got baptized today! YAY!! The baptism was held out at Eagle Mountain- and I had never been out that way before. I tell ya- the homes are nice- but it is SO far out there! I am definitely happy that I live where I do!

Tonight was so neat-because to me, it was the Gospel in action. This was a "re-baptism" for Steve. He has been through absolute hell- and had to reach way far down deep within himself to get to this point. It completely made me all teary and emotional to watch him- and see the joy in his face. His cute wife and kids were all crying and so happy. It was just wonderful!!! I am so grateful to have the Atonement in my life! Just to know that there is a way for me to be forgiven of all my stupid little mistakes that I make...and the huge giant ones too is amazing! The fact that my family can be together forever- brings me more happiness than I can even say. It just made me happy to go and think about all of those things- as I watched my cousin take the first steps to making his family an eternal one. So cool.

Last minute visit!

We had the most AWESOME unexpected surprise when Neil and Annie called at 8:00pm on Saturday night and told us that they were in Boise and would be coming to visit us! They arrived at around 1:00am and of course we were so excited! We even kept Kennedy up to wait for them to get here. The kids were SO excited to see each other and just kept giving each other huge hugs and kisses. It was sooo sweet! For the next 3 days we were all inseparable. The kids played like there was no tomorrow- and Annie and Neil spent tons of time with the rest of us which was AWESOME!

We got out a little swimming pool for the kids to splash around in- (which they all loved) and Kenna found these goggles that we couldn't get her to take off. Every time I look at this picture it just makes me laugh! What a goofy kid!

The trip was perfect timing! Boston celebrated his 4th Birthday while he was here! YAY!! We had a really fun spur of the moment Birthday Bash for him and he loved it. I have to say though- Annie, my mom, and I- probably had more fun at the store getting ready for it, than Boston had at the party. It was so great just getting away with the girls and leaving the kids at home with the Guys. mmm! Annie, Melody, and I made a castle cake for the party- and we were having a devil of a time with all the layers- but it actually turned out pretty ok- and dummy me after all that work I didn't even take a picture of it! Oh well- it was kind of lopsided. So I guess it's ok.

We had so much fun just sitting around and visiting. We took the kids to the fountain at the Gateway to play and splash in. (Another moment where my camera was nowhere to be found! What the heck is my problem?!) And the rest of the time we just took every second we could to hang out and smother the kids with hugs. We have missed them like crazy ever since they moved to Washington and Kennedy asks for Boston and Isaac all the time.

Well- after a final "sendoff" they are back in lame Washington. Hopefully they will have another spur of the moment burst of homesickness and come home again! Definitely at Christmastime- but that just seems so far away! It was great to have the whole family together again though- it only for a few days.