Tuesday, September 15, 2009

Kenna is 4!


Kenna was very excited about her birthday this year. She decided early on that she wanted a "flower" themed birthday so that's what we did! She picked out the flower cups, plates, and napkins and we even found flower shaped candles so I thought we were good-- until the day before her birthday she told a friend that she was going to have flowers sticking out of her cake like they were growing. I said yeah, we got candles that look like flowers growing. I was immediately corrected that she wanted big flowers that were part of the cake growing. Really? Because we hadn't really talked about that, Kenna . . . Well, good ole Jo-Anns to the rescue, they had flower shaped brownie molds that apparently work for cake as well. She requested chocolate frosting, (that's my girl!) so the flowers were decorated with colored sugar and sprinkles. She was thrilled with the outcome and loved picking the flowers and eating them.


We started a new tradition this year of everyone saying one thing they love about "the birthday girl". Since Kenna loves compliments, this may have been her favorite part of her birthday. ( She especially loves it when Jaren gives her a compliment. For instance, she'll say, "I love you, Jaren." Then if he answers, "I love you too", she'll say, "Yeah! Jaren you love me!!!That's awesome! You love me . . ." until Jaren is so embarrassed he tries to disappear.) But anyway, back to her birthday, we all said we loved her wonderful smile, her dimples, her spunky attitude and that she is fun to play with.

Here is a glimpse of Kenna at the grown-up age of 4. She is a big fan of dolls and spends her quiet time playing with baby dolls, her doll house, or now, her recently acquired Cinderella figurines. She also loves to be read to, or look at books on her own. She will sit on my lap and read book after book. I asked her what her favorite book was and she said, "Llama Llama Red Pajama" (Probably because she can really relate to the line, "please stop all this llama drama and be patient for your mama")
Anyway, Kenna loves to dance and sing and be the center of attention. She learns the words to songs very quickly and likes to belt them out no matter where she is or who is around. She also loves to talk and will confidently talk to just about anyone about just about everything. Let's just say she will never have to work on overcoming shyness.


Kenna also loves to color pictures (especially of her family)and write her name. She spends a lot of time at the art table using crayons, scissors, stickers, etc. She loves to play with Jaren and Kaelyn and her friend Ellie. She says her favorite foods are pizza and "pa-sghetti", but is not a big fan of brown rice or plain meat. She is very playful and loves to be silly and make others laugh. We love you, Kenna!

Tuesday, September 8, 2009

Back to school!


Here is Kaelyn on the first day of school. We started school pretty early this year, on Tuesday, August 11th, and we were racing against the clock to be completely moved in to our house by Monday night. And by completely moved in, I really only mean moved in enough so we could find bowls and spoons for breakfast, round up some toothbrushes, find the school clothes--just the essentials to get to school the next morning.

Kaelyn letting us know she is starting the 3rd grade. Third grade already? It does bring on the tears every year as I watch her find her desk then put on a brave face and wave good-bye. Then I make my way back to the car all the while silently praying that she will be safe and confident and happy in her new school year. And I still have so many "first days of schools" ahead of me! Hope my heart can take it!


Jaren and Kenna miss Kaelyn so much when she is at school! Actually we all do. She is a peacemaker in our family (most of the time!:)) and she loves making up games and activities for Jaren and Kenna to do. I especially love it when she plays "school" and reads them books and has them practice writing their names. Or she will teach them how to draw certain animals. Or they will make big elaborate villages out of blocks with all their animals and little people included. Lately they make art projects , then sell them at their "store" for 10 cents a picture. (Anyone want one?) We all miss Kaelyn when she is at school and look forward to 2:00 when we pick her up each day! So far she has loved the third grade, and her new school, Paradise Elementary. She enjoys her teacher Mr. K, and has made many new friends. What more could we ask for? Maybe less math homework!