Kenzie's Doodles....

California Seashells

2009-07-07T11:23:00.000-04:00

When we first moved back to Kansas we started to visit the JoCo Library with regularity. Kenzie always stopped near the cases to admire the collections displayed. All displays are provided by and arranged by other library patrons her age. She finally asked a librarian how she could share her collection and her name was added to a waiting list. They predicted it would take 4 years for her name to come up for display!

At the beginning of July, we got a call from the library indicating that a child had not shown up to provide their display and inquiring if Kenzie would go early.

Well. SURE!
Her seashells will be there this entire month, and she's very proud.

Colorado Camping

2009-07-04T16:24:00.000-04:00

As the 4th of July holiday, loomed near, Daddy envisioned a last minute camping trip to Colorado. We decided to do it - without a reservation or a solid plan ...and drove on up there in the RV. The kids were great sports, as they always are, and it proved to be a most excellent idea. Thanks Daddy! We ALL needed that! We considered it a "sign" that while eating Chinese food the night before we left...my fortune read: "Visit a Park. Enjoy what Nature has to Offer." YES! We did exactly that!

We decided to stop midway to Colorado, in Goodland KS, and stayed at a very nice KOA campground. After sleeping, showering, and playing on the playground for a bit...we trekked on to our final destination. We soon learned that "Kenzie is on Daddy's team" with a sheer love for the mountains. She declared them better than the ocean and smiled constantly once they came into view.

We lucked out by reaching Moraine Park Campground in the Rocky Mountain National Park and finding a campsite open for our use. We'd pinpointed this park after reading about it in a book which gave it the highest scenic rating out of all the sites in that vicinity. We learned, however, that the park was considered "full" throughout the weekend and we'd have to play a gambling game on whether we could get a campsite for the following nights. This would require us to put our names on a waiting list, hope someone decided to leave early - or better - cancel a preexisting reservation, which provide us an opening for another night's stay. This point made it convenient that our children wake up at the crack of dawn each day as we could easily walk down and be the first on the waiting list. :)

We took many hikes. Most were uneventful, however on the second day we decided to trek a few miles to Fern Lake. It was a glorious warm day and we were decked out in shorts and loving it. The weather appeared so peaceful and calm that we opted not to pack our rain gear for the hike.
And.....about 2.5 miles from the campsite..it started pouring. COLD rain.

The trek back was a bit nerve wracking, and a nice couple who had a spare plastic poncho gave it to us, which we ripped in half and made a cover for each of the kids. Mama & Daddy were cursing themselves as we walked back, teeth chattering. The walk back took forever. We saw some wiley coyotes who were stalking our campgrounds, and some marmots who were sunning on a rock just before the rains came down.

Finally, we made it back, warmed up in the RV and sat by the fire once the rain let up. The next day, when attempting another hike along the river, we packed up all the rain gear. And, of course, we celebrated a dry and uneventful hike. We celebrated with smores that night.

We ventured into Estes Park for a breakfast at a quaint little restaraunt and wandered around the cute little city. Everyone daydreamed about living there.... That's us. Always dreaming. While at the sites, Kenzie enjoyed jumping rocks, nursing the fire, making friends with neighbors and climbing to the tip-tops of the rock formations. In the midst of all that nature stuff, she still found time to groom her hair, paint nails, and pretend to be a supermodel. There was also a rather large water puddle on a nearby road which the kiddos pretty much bathed in.

Our trip ended with a final night in Moraine park at a 3rd lovely site. We departed early in the morning and began the longer trek back home...with nearly non-stop driving. Kenzie "babysat" Rylan by reading him stories and feeding him milk and snacks. The trip went extremely well, and will hold special memories for us all, I'm sure.

A professional

2009-07-01T13:15:00.002-04:00

One of Kenzie's most favorites summertime antics this year is nail painting. I type this sporting some hot pink nails with purple polka dots -- courtesy of my "professional" in-home manicurist. As she paints, she carries on conversations just as you might hear in a nail salon, inquiring about the status of my family and what we've been up to on summer vacation.

No single paint color is sufficient. This professional takes her job seriously and often adds a second coat of another color, paint-pen polka dots, and maybe even a final coat of shiny glitter. WoW.

Even Rylan and Daddy have visited her place of business. And, when the client options have been exhausted. She turns the polish on herself. Often we'll see her with perhaps 5-7 coats of polish on her fingers. Now THAT's PRETTY!

X's & O's

2009-06-27T12:59:00.000-04:00

Dear Sweet Pea:
This summer, at age 5, we find you to be especially snuggle-y. Often you come to us and just cling to a leg until we stop what we're doing and hug you back. It's so worth the moment that it takes. We love you, big girl. X's & O's always...
Mama & Daddy

LOV*E

2009-06-25T12:49:00.001-04:00

Radio Flyers

2009-06-22T10:33:00.005-04:00

This weekend, we wandered outside and found mutual interest in Kenzie's old tricycle. Kenzie has always adored this trike, and we're so happy we bought it in red so that it can take it's turn as Rylan's when the time comes. (our neighbors went with pink...and luckily they have 3 girls).

Of course, as Kenzie hops on...Rylan wants the bike too. NOW. So, the gal generously scooted back on the seat and invited him to join her. The adorable antics continued up and down the street, and on through a few other streets in the neighborhood. Both simultaneously spider walking their way to their destination.

Both remained cooperative and pleased with their sharing. It was adorable.

But, then we noticed that the little guy was dragging his toes with each step and he had double-ouchies on the big toes of each foot. So, Kenzie began coaxing him toward home, working with him to pull the bike uphill.

Rylan was NOT happy when the adventure came to a halt.

Waiting for Poppy

2009-06-19T17:57:00.003-04:00

This morning we played in the sprinklers, rescued an escaped dog, hula-hooped, and twirled a baton...all before 8:30 in the morning. Kenzie was excitedly waiting for Poppy to pick her up for their brunch date. It was a fun wait.

Rogue bubbles

2009-06-18T17:51:00.000-04:00

This morning when we went for a walk, we discovered our neighborhood fountains overflowing with bubbles. This happens occasionally, and we don't know if it's result of someone adding cleaning solution..or maybe just someone playing a prank. But, ginormous hunks of bubbles (think car sized) were separating and blowing off into the air. We were able to play around with these monsters for awhile before we headed into the pool for a swim.

Later, we came home & were excited to see a few rogue bubbles rolling down our street. Since I didn't bring the camera in the morning and had been dying to take some pictures I ran in and got it. I ran outside and took aim - just in time to catch Kenzie with a mammoth sized bubble...only to realize I'd left the battery in the charger. I ran back inside, got the battery and came back just as Kenzie was exclaiming that the bubbles had flown OVER the two story house at the end of the cul-de-sac. And, then she began chasing the straggler bubbles.

This was the only shot I was able to catch. Sigh.

Photog

2009-06-16T16:23:00.001-04:00

With her Mama snapping as many pictures as I do, it comes as no surprise that Kenzie is interested in photography too? I gave her an old point & shoot camera that's just been sitting around and she's been snapping photos like silly. And, Ms. Livvy is quite the willing model.

Birchwood Hills goes camping

2009-06-12T16:34:00.000-04:00

Traveling to Table Rock Lake for a long weekend with the buddies from the cul-de-sac was great fun. We did a lot of swimming, a bit of boating, a lot of exploring (amounting to a disappointing haul on the skinks this year), and some pretty excessive eating - but we had a fabulous time. The resort even had a movie night on Saturday that could be watched by boat from the water, or from our campground. Kenzie and I caught bits and pieces of a pirate movie in between dinner and a night boat ride. Camping never disappoints this family!!

Summer is:

2009-06-10T16:46:00.000-04:00

::bug hunting :: water play :: swinging :: flower collecting :: bubbles::

That's what summer is....Kenzie Doodle style.

Ladybug Release

2009-05-26T11:49:00.000-04:00

For Kenzie's 5th birthday, Nana Bieker bought her a ladybug kit. We received our bugs as larvae and watched the transformations occur. As they were fully mature, and we'd read that they might stay in your yard if released in the morning, she (& her bedhead) let them go bright and early. The bug lover loved the whole experience...but was especially hyped to come out the next day and find a few stragglers hanging out on our deck plants.

It's pool time!

2009-05-24T11:44:00.000-04:00

The neighborhood pool opened Labor Day Weekend and we LoVeD it. Kenzie starts her swimming lessons in a few weeks, but found her waterlegs quickly. She was also pleased to note that she's apparently grown a GREAT deal over the winter. She can walk almost all the way across the pool this year (minus the deep end). Last year, she was only able to go half way.

Preschool graduation

2009-05-20T22:27:00.003-04:00

Today was Kenzie's "graduation" ceremony from school. The classes did several song performances in sign language and song, and then it was followed by a certificate presentation by each classes teachers. Here she is with Mrs. Villegas and Mrs. Hawk. It was a touching ceremony, which Kenzie fully enjoyed. I felt myself getting teary toward the end, so quickly camoflauged it with the camera.

Following the ceremony, we had a picnic out in the preschool yards and it was a fun end to her preschool career. It's official, she's a kindergartner now!

Deanna Rose

2009-05-19T23:18:00.005-04:00

We made our maiden voyage to Deanna Rose Farmstead today, at the Kenzie doodles request. It was a beautiful sunny day...just perfect we thought. This was Rylan's first true experience with the place, given that he spent all his time asleep in the stroller last year. Although we had to move a bit slower and couldn't go fishing because I couldn't imagine hooking worms while maintaining him a safe distance from the pond water...Kenzie had a great time. She enjoyed teaching him what she new about the Indians, animals, and ...bomb pops.

Little Joey

2009-05-15T16:57:00.003-04:00

Some neighbors found this little turtle walking through their ball game and thought of Kenzie, bringing it to live with us. We have had a turtle once before after finding him wandering up our drive...but we soon returned him to a nearby creek.

This guy has been named Little Joey, or Baby Joey by the neighborhood kids and is currently living in a little turtle habitat we set up. He seems happy, is eating well, and as long as the kids follow the directions of "NO TOUCHING" we'll keep him for a few days, before sending him on his way in the same creek. Rylan gets really excited watching him - pointing and SQUEALING - and dancing around his home.

Kenzie's taken it upon herself to teach Rylan ALL about turtles, and he's thoroughly enjoying the lesson, it appears.

Park

2009-05-13T16:59:00.000-04:00

We ended up at a park, during one of our recent walks. It was here that we were surprised at how much Rylan could finally participate. Kenzie taught him all kinds of tricks that she learned at gymnastics class and we played several rounds of her favorite chase game. Mommy (the alligator) chases the babies up and down and around the slide...over and over and over again!

Rainy Day Play

2009-05-01T12:51:00.000-04:00

Oh man. It's been rainy around here. We're digging deep in the stash of nonsensical activity to keep you busy ~ and less bored on the days that outdoor play is impeded by torrential downpours. So, we melted some old candles today and let you paint the wax on some trash. You also discovered the joys of wax covered fingers.

OOoooh boy. What fun!

Spring Musical

2009-04-23T12:10:00.003-04:00

Kenzie's last preschool musical occurred today, and it was an awesome show. Kenzie was front and center and enthusiastic about her singing and signing. Due to a large guy standing in front of me (how rude!!!) and only one free hand to set the camera - we're stuck with a bunch of really lousy photos.

Last year, Kenzie was really distracted by a YELLER next to her and intimidated by the large crowd. This year, she seemed to really enjoy the show!

Spring Walk

2009-04-21T17:20:00.003-04:00

The weather this week shows promise for much springlike weather. We celebrated by taking a walk. You taught Rylan all about walking dogs and found a lovely "pasture" for him to play in. You're quite the adventurer, and it turns out Rylan's eager to follow in your footsteps.....

Sometimes it's not clear who's leading who. But, you're both enjoying the trip.

Princess Party

2009-04-19T12:22:00.003-04:00

Kenzie's 5th Birthday Party was another "BEST DAY OF HER LIFE!" (she uses this phrase a lot...)

We had 8 little princesses, 2 princes, and one excellent entertainer to our house to celebrate. The fairy godmother arrived and painted the girls' faces. Kenzie went first and asked for a butterfly, and suddenly we had butterflies on just about everyone!

We had a magic show, some balloon making, a birthday parade...and some yummy cake & ice cream. Kenzie loved her princess cake which was my recreation of one she spotted at the grocery store. She also made cupcakes in ice cream cones... frosting and sprinkling them herself.

All the kids had a great time, ending the party in a crazy dance party as we had a few minutes left before everyone's parents came to pick them up.
It was 2.5 hours of magical fun!

Happy Birthday Kenzie! Your five years have been amazing. You are chock full of spirit, personality, and energy. You're the best little girl ever, bringing us MANY smiles - and we love you!!

Round-Up

2009-04-17T12:20:00.000-04:00

Kenzie attended Kindergarten Round-up, meeting her school "boss" (what she calls a principal) and her teacher Ms. Adams. She's excited to be going off to school next year! {which is only overshadowed by having to get immunization updates!}

5

2009-04-16T11:36:00.004-04:00

Guess who's turning 5? I can hardly believe it myself!

This year's birthday will be celebrated at a party on April 19, complete with fairy princess attire and a Fairy Godmother show at our house. Kenzie's given the shout-out to all her best buddies who will be in attendance and can. not. wait.

Our baby girl is going to kindergarten next year. It's hard to wrap our minds around!

Easter

2009-04-12T11:51:00.000-04:00

We painted Easter eggs during a playdate. The gals were VERY eager to get started, so while waiting {im}patiently for the eggs, I turned 'em loose in the backyard to blow some bubbles.

Soon, the eggs were ready and Kenzie and her friend Olivia made quick work out of prettying them up.

The gals took the leftover dye outside and painted watercolor style with it.

We had a really nice Easter although the weather was dreary. Our egg hunt had to be held indoors, but was great fun anyhow. Gobs of sugar was consumed and Nana made us a really yummy dinner in the evening. The Easter Bunny had visited her house too, so it was a double Easter stash for everyone!

Gymnast

2009-04-02T11:44:00.001-04:00

Kenzie hasn't shown any interest in returning to soccer, which she played last year. So, after reviewing options, she decided she'd like to be a gymnast. She's started her classes and is really enjoying it. She's in a large group, which later divides into smaller groups. She's with the 5 & 6 year olds, and learning backward somersaults, bar exercises, balance beam tricks, etc. Each day she walks out with a smile, so we consider it a success.

The classes are in the same place we often attend an Open Gym at. Rylan gets to play during Open Gym too, and just can't quite understand why he has to wait outside during her gymnastics class. Poor guy watches from the doorway. :(