Sunday, January 29, 2017

September 2016

September 2016

This month was really mellow...

We had some fun play dates. It's still super hot, so water is a must.



On September 11, we walked out front to go to church and I was touched to see our entire street lined with American flags. It gave me an opportunity to teach my children about this important day. As I was telling them about the heroes who risked it all, I found myself getting emotional. It was a day I'll never forget. I'll continue to love the men and women who serve our Country and appreciate their sacrifice. We live in the greatest land. God Bless the USA!


Although it doesn't feel like fall weather, we figured we'd start the season by visiting Oak Glen. The kids loved the fresh apples and the petting zoo. They also loved spending time with Grandma and Grandpa. I'm sad I didn't get a picture with them.






 I love it when these 3 play together!
The boys were collecting roly polies, and Kennedy was trying to eat them.

Her feelings got hurt when we stopped her from devouring them.


Our big girl is 11 months!

She's more comfortable crawling and she explores everywhere
She makes messes with DVD's, books, toys, etc.
She's teething like crazy, and doesn't tolerate the pain well. We've had a lot of sleepless nights because of it.
New words this month are "uh-oh" and "hello" It's the cutest thing in the world when she says it.
She's still a mama's girl and screams when other people try to hold her
The boys adore her, and are always worried about her. They yell for me if she ever has anything in her mouth, and they're extra careful with legos or coins that they may have. They're already so protective! 



 Max is a cutie, and a stinker!



This was all his doing within 15 minutes.


Port is loving school and getting extra smart.










November 2016

This month was all about adventure...

I went on a 3 day cruise with my dear friend Becki. It was such a nice mom break, no cooking, cleaning, or working. We literally ate, slept, and talked the entire time. That's my kind of vacation!







I appreciate Scott holding down the fort, and letting me relax. Even if I returned to my house and kids looking like this.


Scott and I did our first mud run, and it was sooooo fun!





We spent Thanksgiving in Cancun!!!!!


The kids loved the resort we stayed at. They had a kids center, kid pool area, and it was right on the beach!



I loved watching my kids make memories with my parents. Porter had the best time watching his grandpa "fall" in the waves.


The beach is gorgeous!






We went to Xcarat and saw some Mayan ruins...



 saw the marine life,


went snorkeling, and floated down an underground river...



walked through the jungle...


saw tons of animals...



and saw an amazing show on the history of Mexico.






Another highlight of the trip was visiting Chichen Itza. Our tour guide was named Helaman, and he taught us the connection between the ruins and the Book of Mormon.









These bees had no stingers...


Baptismal font


We also visited Tulum





and swam in a beautiful Cenote!


We had the best time on this trip, and my boys keep asking when we can go back. My parents were so fun to travel with, and we made some wonderful memories as a family.



October 2016

It's October! Time for fall activities, Kennedy's birthday, and Halloween!

But first, check out these AMAZING family photos.

 I may be biased, but my kids are absolutely beautiful!






Porter, 5 years old...






Maxwell, 3 years old...





Kennedy, 1 year old...















Now lets get the festivities started!

We took our annual trip to the pumpkin patch.



Brent's family and the Kilifi's joined us. They're so much fun!





We've been getting a lot of use out of our fire pit lately. They boys love to cook hot dogs for dinner.




Our princess turned ONE!!!!

At one year old Kennedy....

weighs 20 lbs (54%)

30.5 inches long (87%)

says..."mama, dada, dad, hello, bye bye, baby, uh oh, apple, ball, up"

she's not walking yet, but likes to cruise on our fingers and explore everywhere by crawling

she lights up when dad walks in the room and wants to give him a quick hug before returning to mom's arms

she loves her toys

still nurses to sleep, but will sleep through the night (most nights)
loves books

she thinks Max is the funniest person alive


We had a family party/dinner to celebrate.

I hope she realizes that she's so loved.






Through out the year I kept a list of things I love about her...

her quiet, meek voice

her long lashes

her giggle

 I love that she plays with her eyelashes to fall asleep

her tiny nose

she's a daddy's girl

bosses her brothers around

her huge cheeks

her bed head

her sweet kisses (especially when she gives them to babies)

her love of baby dolls

her cuddles

Kennedy, you have brought so much joy to our family. Heavenly Father blessed me so much by letting me be your mother. Your brothers adore you, and will always protect you. Your dad and I will teach you righteousness and always have a Christ centered home. You are so fun, and your personality lights up a room. I love you with all my heart.





The rest of the month was all about Halloween!

Here we are at the "Halloween House" . This house near our home has lights that make it look like the house sings to Halloween songs. It was a 30 minute show, and it was awesome!



Next up, was Trunk or Treat at the church...

Kennedy recently discovered candy, and decided that she's a fan






Porter wanted to be a bat for his school costume parade.







 On Halloween night, we had the cutest Batman, Darth Vader, and R2D2 I ever did see...







We went trick or treating with a group of friends, and ended the month with lots of candy