White Elephant Christmas Party

When Niel and I were first married we hosted a white elephant Christmas party at our apartment in Orem, Utah. Since then we've wanted to have another one. Last night we hosted one and had twenty guests! We've had some pool parties and small get togethers at our house but never a party with this many people.

I usually go the easy route and buy almost everything pre-made when we host parties but this time I decided to do everything on my own. I underestimated how much work it would be. I spent all of Saturday preparing and baking (first time ever I've spent the whole day in the kitchen). We had sparkling cider, a hot cocoa bar, fixings for sandwiches, party platters, sugar cookies, rice crispy squares, and brownies.

I was so busy hosting that I didn't get as many pictures as I would have liked but here are some.

Amanda & Rob

Tracy, Jared, & baby #2

Marleen & Spencer

Tate & Lindsey

Faith & Matt

Everyone brought a wrapped white elephant gift. We had some good laughs during the exchange. Some of my favorite gifts were the Breaking Dawn poster, the redbox dvd, and the 'Not Tonight' pillow.

So much work but lots of fun. I really do enjoy hosting parties and getting together with our friends. It was something I looked forward to doing once we had our own home. Not making any promises but maybe the Schurig White Elephant Christmas Party will turn into a yearly tradition.

Ragnar

Niel ran in his first relay race forever ago and did really well. Remember Niel is one of those people who is good at almost everything? He hasn't ever been a 'runner' but he started training for Ragnar several months ago.

Short description of Ragnar:

12 Runners

2 vans

Running 200 miles

day and night

Relay style

Each person runs 3 legs during a 24 hour period

Not my idea of fun. Running, no sleep, and riding in a sweaty van for 24 hours sounds awful but plenty of people love that stuff apparently.

Niel with two of his teammates, Gregg and Mollie. Their team name was Loose Seals.

Shortly after crossing the finish line.

Niel's Stats:

First Leg: 7.3 miles in 52 minutes. 23 Kills

Leg 2: 3.5 miles in 24 minutes. 14 Kills. No deaths.

Leg 3: Forgot to write it down. Wasn't as good though.

Afterwards Niel came home and slept. A lot.

Mom & Dad's Visit

My parents were in town last week visiting. I always look forward to their visit and getting to spend time with them. It is even more fun now that we have Kensie! I love showing them all the funny and cute new things she is learning and doing.

We did lots of fun things while they were here. My mom watched me at my Zumba and ballet tone class at the YMCA. We went shopping. Went to the park. Went on walks. Ate at Sonic. Went for a hike at Mt. Charleston.

About that hike... At first Kensie was really excited to be outside and strapped onto grandpa in the bjourn. She was smiling and laughing and soaking up the outdoors. Then about half way up the mountain she got hungry. No surprise mom, it was lunch time! For some reason I didn't take food. I didn't think we would be gone very long or do the whole hike. Kensie flipped a switch almost immediately and cried most the way down the mountain while I held her. Maybe next time we will remember to bring food and make it to the falls:)

After our hike we ate lunch at the lodge in Mt. Charleston.

They went to church with us.

We had a BBQ in our backyard.

Side note: A day or two after my parents arrived Kensie stopped taking good naps and not sleeping well at night. I think she thought Niel and I were going to leave because as soon as they left she started sleeping well. Little sleep translated into a very cranky Kensie.

We had dinner at Aunt Marilyn and Uncle Carl's. Grandma Davis was in town visiting so we had to get a four generation picture!

My aunts and uncle were also at dinner. They were having a sibling get together.

I loved having my parents in town and look forward to seeing them again hopefully soon.

Pony Rides and Pumpkins

While shopping I came across the most adorable pair of leggings with a black tutu attached in Kensie's size. I instantly fell in love and knew I had to get it. I exercised self control and didn't get the pumpkin top to go with it because she had a black shirt that would match. But then I ended up going back for the pumpkin onesie that went with the leggings because what the heck. I couldn't resist.

Which means...Kensie had two costumes. A pumpkin and a ladybug. It's fine. Most kids have two right?

Anyways, the Saturday before Halloween we got her dressed up in her pumpkin costume. My parents were in town so we took her to the park followed by lunch at the Olive Garden.

After that we went to The Farm! It's hard to believe there is an animal farm about ten minutes from our house in Las Vegas but there is.

First thing we did was take her on a pony ride. We had to wait in line for about thirty minutes but Kensie patiently watched the other kids take their turn. She seemed very fascinated. I was worried she would start crying when we put the helmet on her or when she got on the pony. I was wrong. When she got on the pony she acted like she knew just what to do. She sat up straight and put her hands on the saddle horn like a big girl.

When the pony started walking she looked down and made this cute little smile.

Taking the pony ride very seriously. Concentrating. Working on her form.

The helmet was big on her.

Watching her ride the pony was seriously one of the cutest things I have ever seen her do.

Afterwards we looked at the animals and got some pictures at the pumpkin patch.

See? That tutu is too cute to pass up right? Right.

Then Grandpa paid for Kensie to go on a train ride.

Halloween

Niel and I weren't planning on dressing up for our ward trunk or treat until I abruptly decided at 4:30 p.m. that we needed to. I called about four different stores to see if they had any ladybug costumes. No luck. So I had to resort to our trusty costume drawer. I somehow managed to squeeeeeze into my cheer leading outfit from high school. It wouldn't zip all the way and I almost popped the top button off the skirt. Not to mention I was short of breath after eating dinner. But that is besides the point. The point is, I was able to squeeze into my old cheer leading outfit. And Kensie thought it was pretty amusing. She wouldn't stop staring at me.

Niel was a nerd. The nerd and the cheerleader.

I couldn't stop laughing at Niel when he first put on his costume. The high water pants were the icing on the cake.

and Kensie was the Cutest.Ladybug.Ever.

I handed out candy while Niel took Kensie trunk or treating. She didn't want to put her candy in the trick or treat bag or hand it to us. Instead she held each piece with a death grip. I took Kensie to a few homes in our neighborhood after the trunk or treat.

Halloween was so much fun this year with Kensie. I decided that Halloween is about five times more fun with a little kid. I loved dressing her up. Plus, she scored us some free candy.

Pigtails

Kensie's hair is long enough for pigtails and I can't get enough of them! The first day I put her hair in pigtails she looked so much older to me. She looked like a little girl and not as much like a baby.

We have a new morning routine on the days she gets pigtails. After breakfast, I put her in the bumbo seat on the bathroom counter in front of the mirror. Then I comb her hair and she usually smiles real big when I tell her, "all done" and she sees her hairdo in the mirror.

Totally rockin' her new boots.

Look at those teeth! She's got eight chompers now.

She will usually pull at least one pigtail out by the end of the day though. Oh well, they are cute while they last.

Lion King

Niel's mom and sister came to visit in October! When we get visitors it's a good excuse for us to do something tourist-y. Since Lion King tickets were 50% off for locals, we decided to go see it. I'd been wanting to see it since we moved to Vegas. We went to dinner at Max Brenner beforehand and enjoyed some delicious chocolate desserts. Max Brenner is known for their amazing chocolate dessert menu. Just my style.

When our friends found out we were going to Lion King they wanted to join in on the fun also. It turned out to be a party with Pam, Jason, Sonja, Mollie, Gregg, Courtney, Cameron, and us!

Courtney and Cameron are moving in a few weeks to New York. We are really sad to see them go as they are one of our closest friends in Las Vegas:(

For some reason we didn't get a picture of us and Niel's family at Lion King so I snapped a picture before they headed out. During their weekend visit we BBQ'd, hot-tubbed, visited, and played in the pool. Come back soon!

13 Months

The past month she has been mimicking us a lot. I love watching her learn and do things she sees us do. It makes her seem more like a 'little person' and less like a baby.

My favorite things she has done to mimic me...

At the grocery store she insisted on holding my pen and grocery list. Then she continued to check items off the list like mom.

She got into my facial wipes and started wiping the cupboard and floor with them. Cleaning like mom.

She puts her hand on the shampoo pump and then rubs it on her tummy and body pretending to wash herself. She will also grab the washcloth and rub it on her body.

Holds the phone up to her face and 'talks'

Anything that has a strap becomes a purse and is carried around on her shoulder.

Besides lots of mimicking here are some other things about Kensie at 13 months...

• Started saying Thank you. Cutest thing ever. Sounds like 'tay-doo'.
• She babbles and jabbers all the time with very meaningful looks and facial expressions.
• Stands alone for a few seconds.
• Finally says Mom consistently!
• Total daddy's girl. She usually prefers her dad unless she is tired or sick.
• Points and makes an 'Oooo' sound when she wants something.
• She slides down the stairs on her tummy at an incredible rate.
• Has eight teeth. Got her one year molars.
• She gets into the fridge, pantry, and dishwasher at any opportunity.
• She will stay in the swing at the park for 30 minutes if I will let her.
• Has been more clingy. Leaving her with a babysitter or taking her to the gym daycare is usually somewhat traumatizing for all parties involved.
• Her favorite things to do: Swing at the park, read books, get into cupboards, push her walker around, take baths, makes messes, push buttons, and play with dad.

A Week in Quincy

A re-cap of what we did in Washington...

Kensie loved spending time with Grandma and Grandpa and gave them lots of hugs and kisses. She got really excited when Grandpa came home from work. I think it's safe to say she stole a little bit of his heart while we were there.

On Tuesday we got together with my high school friends. I usually get to see one or two of them when I go home but we hadn't all been together since the summer after our high school graduation. We went to the Birds' lake house at Billy Clap Lake just like old times! We sunbathed, jet skied, and went boating.

Kensie had her first experience jet-skiing. Maybe if she didn't have to wear the life vest she would have enjoyed it more.

My mom went jet-skiing for her first time and even drove!

Kim Bird made us a delicious meal afterwards.

Wednesday my mom and I headed to Spokane for a dentist appointment at my brother's practice. We had lunch with Dr. Brent Child followed by some shopping.

We didn't quite get our fill of shopping while in Spokane so my mom and I headed to Wenatchee on Thursday and shopped until we dropped for Kensie. Shopping for little girls is the best!

Friday we had a relaxing day at home besides a quick trip to Walmart.

Saturday we went to Quincy Farmer Consumer Awareness Day! I hadn't been in years. It was so fun to take Kensie to the parade and introduce her to my friends. We had lunch at the Rotary luncheon and then looked around at the craft booths. Afterwards we went to see Camille's new house. Then Grandma watched Kensie while I went with Camille swimming at her condo in Crescent Bar.

Sunday we went to church with my parents and then headed to Tri-Cities. We had dinner at Lori's before flying home.

The flight home was a complete nightmare. Short summary: Evening flight. Delayed an hour and a half. Kensie teething. Inconsolably screaming baby. Tiny plane. Mom starts crying. Flight attendant and passenger intervene. After it seemed nothing would console Kensie, the flight attendant gave her some ice for her gums. Shortly after she fell asleep for the rest of the flight. I don't know how long she cried for but it felt like an eternity. Thankfully I had sweet ladies sitting next to me who were very understanding and helpful.

Not to end on a bad note with the plane ride though... Besides the plane ride home, our vacation was so fun! I loved having our girl time:)

Labor Day Weekend

Our family decided to take a last minute trip to Washington for Labor Day Weekend! My sister Lori and her family picked us up from the airport on Friday and took us to my parent's house. I knew Kensie was going to be in heaven with all of Grandma and Grandpa's toys. Sure enough. When we arrived Trent and Tiffani got out the toys and Kensie looked ecstatic! It was WAY past her bedtime but she was full of energy. She especially liked the tractors.

Saturday Kensie had so much fun playing with her cousins who gave her lots of attention. My brother Brent and his family also came to my parent's house while we were there.

Saturday night Niel and I left Kensie with Grandma and Grandpa for a date to the Dave Matthews Band concert at the Gorge Amphitheatre! I have fond memories from going there in high school and I've always wanted to take Niel there. It's an outdoor amphitheater overlooking the Columbia river.

Monday we drove to Tri-Cities and had a picnic at the park next to the Columbia river.

Niel flew back to Las Vegas Monday night to return to work on Tuesday. Kensie and I stayed in Washington for another week to par-tay! More on that later.

Five Years

We celebrated our five year anniversary on August 26th! We left Kensie overnight for the first time with our amazing friends Courtney and Cameron. First we had dinner at the Cheesecake Factory and then checked in at Mandalay Bay. When we checked into the hotel they only had rooms with two full size beds lefts even though I booked a King. I was kinda furious. Then an Indian guy knocked on our hotel room door at 10:45 p.m. with a refrigerator. Oh and the AC didn't work very well in our room. I kinda overreacted about the whole thing but it paid off because we got a $100 credit to Mandalay Bay.

(We failed to get a picture of the two of us on our anniversary.)

Anyways, the main reason why we wanted to stay at Mandalay Bay was to hang out at their awesome pool on Saturday. Niel and I spent the morning in the wave pool and laying out without chasing around a baby. Then Niel went home to pick up Kensie while I read my book lounging in the pool. It was fantastic.

When Kensie arrived she stole the show at Mandalay Beach. She was pretty much the only baby there and received oodles of attention even from gross, drunk men. We spent lots of time in the lazy river and she loved it. It was fun feeling like a tourist for the weekend!

Birthday

Shopping for Kensie's birthday was so much fun. Not that she will remember what she got, but it gave me a great excuse to go shopping for some new clothes, toys, and books.

Kensie got spoiled by Grandma Child who bought her lots of adorable new clothes and shoes.

We had a little party for Kensie's first birthday. I wanted to keep it low key and invite just a few friends over. The Hunts, Dodsons, Finlinsons, and Schelins came. We heated up the pool, ordered pizza, and ate cake.

Kensie dug into her cake after some initial hesitation.

Happy first birthday Kensie Roo!

One

Kensie turned one!

Which means I survived the first year of being a new mom! (Maybe a post on that later)...

And overall I'm SO happy to have a one year old and not a newborn this year:)

Her one year stats:

Weight: 17 lbs 11 oz. (5th percentile)

Height: 27 3/4 inches (10-25th percentile)

Head: 45 cm (50th percentile)

Little miss Kensie...

Goes up both flights of stairs but not down

Stairs are her favorite activity. Goes straight for them after breakfast.

Shakes her head 'no' if she doesn't like something

Likes wearing shoes now!

Moved up to a size 2 in shoes finally

I'm lucky if she will keep a bow on her head these days

Sleeps with her puppy and her kitty

We called her shark tooth and little pirate for a few weeks because she only had one sharp canine tooth on top

Now she has two teeth on top and two on bottom

Has her beauty pageant wave down to a T. People comment about it all the time.

She learned to say No

Whenever she sees stuffed animals she says, "Ahhhhh Ahhhh"

Does the same when she sees puppies and gets really excited

Diaper changes are pretty much impossible

Telling her "No" only encourages her

She started mimicking us

Wears 9-12 month clothes

Got her first black eye. She hit herself with the remote.

Points at things

Likes getting her teeth brushed

Favorite foods: yogurt, chicken, cheese, bread, and watermelon

She started being a picky eater. I hope it's just a stage.

Words she says repeatedly: boo, Da Da, Ah-done, No, Hi

When done eating she does one of three things: 1)Starts throwing all food off of her high chair 2) Politely signs 'all done' in ASL or 3) says, "Ah-done"

Sleeps 7:30 p.m.-6:30 a.m. Still experimenting with nap times.

Gets really excited when her dad comes home from work

Side note: She posed like this all by herself. I put her in the chair forward facing and she maneuvered to the side, put her legs through, and crossed them. That's my girl.

Yay for being one! One is more fun than being zero.