Day One Hundred and Sixteen

Actual Date: Monday, July 19, 2010

Just a normal Monday morning 'round here...

"Roar!"

Day One Hundred and Fifteen

Actual Date: Sunday, July 18, 2010Look who's sleeping in a big girl bed now! We have been meaning to take the front off of her crib for some time now but things have been busy.

A few days before we left for our California trip Ava was climbing out of her crib, fell and bonked her head on the bed side table. That was the last straw. Daddy took the front off of the crib and put on the little bumper piece so she won't fall out while she's sleeping. If you have ever seen her sleep you would know that it is highly likely that she'll bump into that piece at least a few hundred times. She's a wild sleeper.

So there's our little big girl Ava. Seems like just yesterday she was looking like a tiny little thing in bed that was way to big for her. Now she's out growing it! Why can't they just stay little forever? I don't want my babies to grow up.

Day One Hundred and Fourteen

Actual Date: Saturday, July 17, 2010

We made it home safe and sound. It was a pretty uneventful trip. The kids did well and Brian and I were both able to get some much needed rest.

Have you ever tried this Honey Cornbread from Target?

You have to.

It's absolutely amazing.

Seriously, it's almost as good as cake.

Too good.

I could probably eat the whole pan if I allowed myself.

Day One Hundred and Thirteen

Actual Date: Friday, July 16, 2010

All good things have to come to an end. Today we had to head back home. Everyone else who was visiting had also planned to leave on this day as well. So we got up early to pack up the car and say our good byes.

My little Tanner Bee. I'm gonna miss this kid.

Here's the crazy hair group! Garenn was jealous of Anne's "tail" because he wanted one so he could look like some guy from Star Wars (I'm not sure who because I've never seen Star Wars, nor do I care too). So Chelsea told him he could have one too for a few days.

Parker and Brooke with Auntie Chelsea

After we had only been on the road for less than three minutes, my cell phone rang. It was my Grandma and she said that I had left my camera on the table outside.

*Insert panic here*

I about had a heart attack!

She said "Pull over, DJ will bring it too you."

So we pulled over at the old Lazy Three Cafe (any of you old time El Miragians will know what I'm talking about) and sure enough within minutes my Uncle DJ pulled up on his white horse (ok, maybe it was just a white Cadillac), like my Knight in shinning armor. He saved the day. I would have been so sad if I would have left my camera behind.

We had planned to meet my brother Kenny at his wife's work for lunch. My sister-in-law Heather works at a BBQ place in Havasu that I have heard was amazing. We decided that we were going to surprise her. Kenny told her he was coming for lunch and bringing someone but wouldn't tell her who.

While we were driving the temperature slowly started to creep up. I started taking pictures of it when it said 113*. Then before we knew it, the temperature would go up one more degree. Then I'd take another picture. It went on and on like this until we finally got to a toasty 116*.

Let me tell you it is every bit as unpleasant as it sounds. Literally when we got out at the restaurant it felt like we opened the door to an oven and stepped inside. Gross. I don't think I could handle that kind of heat everyday. We scurried inside. Half because we were eager to get into the air conditioned building and half because I was afraid if we stood in the same place too long my shoes could possibly start melting to the asphalt parking lot.

Oh yeah and because we were excited to see Heather Feather! That was the main reason!

So we finally got to try some of this World famous Waldo's BBQ that we'd heard so much about. And let me tell you it lives up to all the hype. Brian and I seriously stuffed ourselves. It was so yummy.

Parker loved it too. I put some BBQ sauce on a Cheerio and gave it to him. I know I'm a mean Mom. I wanted to see his reaction. It took him a second, then he made the funniest face ever. But after he got over it he begged for more. So I gave him a few more. Just look at that face. He loved it!

Parker with Auntie Heather

Parker and Uncle Kenny

As a side note: If you are ever out in Havasu, or live near there, and need your car or boat detailed, contact my brother (Arizona Hydro Clean). He's the best there is. I am excited to see his business grow because in the future I plan on sending the kids out there for the Summer to "help" Uncle Kenny.

Thanks for lunch guys! We miss you and love you. Wish Arizona was closer!

Day One Hundred and Twelve

Actual Date: Thursday, July 15, 2010

I forgot to post two very important pictures for this day!This first one is Parker standing up on Grandma Cindy's chair. That's how all of my little ones have learned. It's fun for them. There's so much to look at and play with. And then here is my Papa's brother's Marvin (left) and Bill (right). In the middle is Bills friend Darlene. I was so happy that they were all able to make the long drive down to be there for Papa. It was so good to see them.

After all the craziness of the week, we all needed a day of pampering and relaxation. We seriously spent the WHOLE day in Chelsea's shop. Cindi getting her toes done.

My poor Mom was so tired she fell asleep sitting up.

My Aunt Anne wanted some highlights and a hair cut. While Chelsea was doing that someone found the bag of fake hair that we had left over from the last time I had braids. We thought it would be fun to put one in Anne's hair and see Uncle Duane's reaction. He was already worried about what the "California girls" would do to his wife. Walking in to show him. He didn't notice it at first. Then little Ryan said "Mommy, you have a tail!" Then he saw it! It's so fun to tease you Uncle DJ! He's such a good sport.
Anne painting Brooke's nails. "See Mom!"

Cindi reading the kids a story.So since we couldn't get a rise out of Duane by putting a "tail" on his wife we decided maybe we should do something to his son's hair instead! We really wanted to do a Bull Dog paw print ( Anne is a Teacher/Coach at their local school in their home town and their mascot is a Bull Dog) but we did not have the extra sponges that we needed to make the stamp for it. However we did have purpler dye (their school color) so we went ahead and did a purple star.

Little Ryan took a little convincing but eventually he gave in and let us stamp his head. He was so cute telling us stories about his baby sitter and the Barber who cuts his hair back home. Showing DadI believe he said something like "What did those girls do to you?" Then he laughed.

Sure wish I could have been there to see the look on the faces of the people in their little Iowa town when they got home with the little purple starry haired boy.

Uncle Jeff making the Parker face.

While we were in the shop getting all beautified, one of the biggest storms I have ever seen out there came rolling through. The thunder and lightning were really close. At one point the power even went out for awhile. And of course it had to be when I was getting my hair done! I had a full head full of bleach foils too! And since the shop water runs off of a well, we could not get any water because the pump didn't have any power.

We eventually had to pour our water glasses into a spray bottle to try to remove some of the bleach from the spots where it was done already. Just as I was about ready to go and stand under the eve of the house and use the water pouring down off the roof like a shower to rinse my hair, the power came back on and we were able to rinse it out in the sink.After the rain stopped we were left with these huge puddles everywhere. The desert doesn't see much water so the ground is very hard and it's slow to absorb the water.

I was standing outside watching Ava stomp in the little puddles up on the porch. Then I looked out and saw the whole drive way was one big pond. And you know me, I couldn't resist that kind of fun! I grabbed Ava and gave her her very first lesson in Puddle Jumping. Before you know it everyone was out there! We all had the best time splashing around and getting muddy. Although at one point Cindi and I did stop and think about out toes that we had just had painted earlier in the day. Would all the polish be chipped off by the rocks? ... But then we gave in and splashed around some more.

Too bad that Abe had to go home a couple days early. Would have loved to have the chance to drag him in there with us!Brookie Girl. Yep she's definitely my daughter.Me and Ava. She takes after me as well.

Daddy wasn't going anywhere near that water.

After we got cleaned up.Auntie Kath, Uncle David and the kids came over to hang out with everyone for our last night there. It was so very good to see them. Thanks for coming guys. Love you!

The girls sound asleep in the tent we brought from home for them to camp out in. Brian, the kids and I set up camp and overtook Chris and Chelsea's living room with all of our stuff for the few days we were there. Thanks for letting us crash your pad guys!

After everyone was cleaned up and in their jammies Cindi, Chelsea and I headed over to my Parent's house with every one's cameras. We downloaded all the pictures that everyone had taken over the past few days and put them all on one disc so that everyone could have all the pictures. So some of the pictures on here from the past couple posts are not from me. A big thank you to Anne, Cindi, my Mom, Ginny, and Gram. It is so fun go through all of the pictures that everyone else took too.

Day One Hundred and Eleven

Actual Date: Wednesday, July 14, 2010

Parker was very excited to see Grandma this morning. As soon as he came through the door at my Grams house and saw her he dove for her and gave her a great big hug.

Everyone was busy this day getting every last thing prepared for my Papa's funeral service this afternoon. Thank you again to everyone who helped. It was such a blessing. Everything turned out amazing. There's no way we could have done any of this without you.

Photos as you walked into the serviceThis is Papa and Gram's wedding picture. To the left of it is Papa's parents on their wedding day.Flowers from friends and family along with the beautiful bench from the family.

Thank you everyone. The flowers and cards full of thoughtful words brought us much comfort.Papa's Urn with the beautiful flower arrangement around it. This was an idea that my Great Aunt Ginny told us about. Each color and type of flower represents a family member.

The yellow rose on the top represents my Grandma Leona.

The three white flowers represent the three kids.

The eight blue Carnations are for all of us Grandchildren.

And the red Daises represent all of Papa's Great Grand Children.

Isn't that such a great idea to have him surrounded by all the ones he loved? I thought so.The anchor to pay tribute to his Navy days.One of the photo boards.The other. (Great job girls!)Flag for the Military Ceremony.

The service was beautiful. It was so heart warming to hear everyone who spoke such great words about my Grandpa. He was a loving man who touched so many lives. It really make me think about the impact that I am making in this world and what kind of legacy I will leave behind.

Chelsea and I went up front together and talked about our favorite memory of our Papa. When we were younger he used to tell us that his car had wings. And we believed him of course because he was our Papa. He wouldn't lie to us...right? He told us that he had to get up to a certain speed and then he would pop open his glove box and push a button inside there. Or pretend to push it anyways...

The car would rocket forward (probably from him pressing the gas pedal down) and he would say to us "can you feel the G-Forces?" We thought he had the coolest car ever.

One day when we were driving with him, Chelsea could not resist. She reached over and popped open the glove box and pushed the button as we were driving down the road. All of a sudden the trunk flew open.

We all had a great laugh. A few weeks before Papa passed he wasn't feeling so well but he was still responsive. We asked him if he remembered when that happened and he got a huge smile on his face and nodded his head yes. It was comforting to know that that fun memory was still with him in his final days. Hollywood (Mike) and ChelseaKar, Shawnee and GramAunt Pat, Kenny, and Grandma Helen

After the service a lot of us headed back to my Grandma and Chelsea's house to have some dinner and time for fellowship.While we were all at the funeral service my Aunt Anne and Cousin Cindi stayed behind to watch the kids. They are the brave ones. Seven kids, all 4 years and under. Brave brave girls!

I was surprised to find them both in one piece when we got home. And not only did they survive but they were able to get them all fed and in their jammies! Thanks again Anne and Cindi. You guys are life savers.Parker tuckered out from being sick and all the fun he'd been having with his cousins. Chels and Nate aka Goofballs

Shawnee Girl!
Karlana opening her presents. Our little Cha Cha is growing up. She graduated High School this year. *sniff sniff* But the exciting thing is that she's heading to Texas to go to Texas Tech! I can not tell you how excited I am about that.

For the past couple months my Mom, Grandma, Chelsea and I have been putting together some things that she'll need for her new college life. We had more than fun than should be allowed at the Dollar Tree store just picking out stuff for her shower caddy. I also bought her a big laundry bag and laundry soap in hopes that every time it gets full, she'll make the couple hour drive to my house so I can wash it for her!

And then Chels and I found this frame that the whole family signed. Inside I put a picture of her with her Dad, Mom, Sister and Brother on her graduation night.

I'm so proud of you Kar! I know you'll do great.