Sunday, September 9, 2012

Olympics

Our neighbors invited us over for FHE the opening week of the Olympics.  All the kids competed against each other in different events including two legged race, slip n' slide, egg carrying, and a noodle toss.   
The kids received gold metal awards for participating.
Ernie taking Kensie on the slip n' side.  Thanks to the Leavitts for such a fun FHE!

Callville Bay

 Boating with the Adams at Lake Mead.
Kensie and Addilyn being cute boating buddies.
It was pretty hot outside and the water felt so good.  Kensie went for a swim a few times too and didn't want to get back in the boat.  
 I went wake boarding for the first time in years.  Even got up on my first try!  So much fun!  

Saturday, September 8, 2012

Princess Tea Party

Kensie was invited by her two favorite friends, Clara and Mia to attend a tea party at Cupcakes by Kate inside Tivolli Village.  It may have been the cutest thing I've ever seen.  First they picked out princess dresses and hats to wear.  Kensie wanted nothing to do with wearing a hat though.  
They did a princess craft and then designed their own bags with glitter, crayons, and stickers.


 After they finished their princess crafts, the girls got to decorate their own mini cupcakes.
 Tea time!  I'd never seen Kensie sit so still and act so proper before.  I didn't know it was possible.  How come at home she is throwing her sippy cup off her high chair and then when at 'Tea Time' using nice, breakable plates and tea cups she manages to be so dainty and proper?!  
The frosting was her favorite part of course.  I think she ate the frosting off of three mini cupcakes.
  So proper and well mannered:)
 The cupcakes and cake pops were so good I couldn't resist buying some to take home.  I also got Kensie some adorable jelly sandals there.
After the tea party we went outside to the splash pad and play area to eat lunch.  Such a fun play date!  I highly recommend anyone with girls to take them to Cupcakes by Kate.

Friday, September 7, 2012

Girl's Night Out

For Tracy's birthday we went to dinner at Brio in Tivolli Village.  Dinner was great and we had good conversations and laughs during dinner. Afterwards we went shopping at Charming Charlie's and Downeast Basics.  These girls are so much fun.  After nights like these we wonder why we don't do get together more often!  

California Trip: Zoo

Our last day in California we spent at the Orange County Zoo.  Kensie especially liked the petting zoo and this creepy goat.
The goat was creepy and hilarious all at the same time.  It came right up to us and stared for a long time.   
We had lunch at the park, fed the ducks at the pond, and then headed home.  This trip to California was the funnest family trip we've had together.  Kensie is finally at an age where traveling with her isn't a nightmare.  She slept pretty good at the hotel and was so cute during the trip.  Hopefully lots more family trips to California in the future! 

California Trip: Disneyland

My favorite day in California was at Disneyland.  It was the most memorable and fun day we've had together as a family.  We almost didn't go to Disneyland but I'm so glad we went!  There was much more for Kensie to do than I thought.  The only downside was she was super tired from not getting much sleep during the trip.  The night before Disneyland she was up in the night and woke up really early.  For being a tired girl, she was overall really well behaved during the day.

We woke up early to be there when the park opened.  We jumped on the Disney bus and walked through the park doors at 8:00 a.m. sharp!  It was so fun being there when the park opened.  All of the employees greet and wave to you with their big mickey mouse gloves.
We started at Tomorrow land and did most of the rides there.  We hardly had to wait for any of them. Kensie was excited to go on the carousel.
Kensie's favorite ride was Flying Dumbo.  It's the only ride we went on twice and she would have liked to go more!
Then we met the Princesses!  I was far more excited for this than Kensie was.  I am such a kid when it comes to Disney Princesses.  Belle has always been one of my favorites so I was so thrilled when we were able to meet her!  Kensie acted shy but Belle was so sweet to her and let her touch the diamonds on her dress.
Next we met Tiana and Jasmine.  
After meeting the princesses we went to story time by Snow White.  As we were waiting for it to start Kensie made friends with one of the cast members.  She went up to her and initiated a hug and then let the cast member hold her doggy.  I think Kensie thought she was a princess because she doesn't share her doggy with very many people. It was adorable. 
Next we went to Mickey's Toontown.  She loved playing in Chip and Dale's tree house, riding the cars, touring Mickey's house, and meeting Mickey Mouse.  Pluto made Kensie laugh.  He was really cute with her and she cried when we had to leave him.
After Toontown Kensie fell asleep in her stroller for about 45 minutes and had a breakdown when she was woken up.  That was the hardest part of our day. After a good 20 minute melt down we had lunch and carried on.

We headed over to Critter Country for the Winnie the Pooh ride and to meet the characters.
Eeyore was the cutest character.  He made Kensie laugh so hard.  He interacted and played with her for a few minutes before we got a picture.
By this time of the day it was pretty hot and the park was packed so we jumped on the Disney Railroad and took it around the park for awhile.  After that we climbed around Tarzan's tree house.  Next was 'It's a Small World' which Kensie really liked.  We had dinner and ice cream along the sidewalk while waiting for the parade to start.  Kensie was so excited when the parade started, she was dancing and jumping in the street.

Not long after the parade we were tuckered out from a fun, long day at the park.  We were able to do just about everything we wanted to do.  We bought Kensie a Minnie Mouse stuffed animal and headed home.

I was sad to leave.  It was such a magical day.  I've always loved Disneyland but being there with Kensie seemed even more fun and magical.  Seeing Disneyland through her eyes was the best and I can't wait to do it again.

Sunday, September 2, 2012

California Trip: The Beach

We went on our second annual family beach trip in July!  We stopped at Ikea on our way to the hotel in Irvine.  Saturday we went to Newport beach in the morning.   
When Kensie first stepped in the sand and water she didn't like it at all.   She immediately sat down and tried to get the sand off her feet.  It didn't take her long to get used to it though.
That evening we went shopping and had dinner in Costa Mesa. 

By day two at the beach, Kensie was loving playing in the water and sand.
Stopped by to see the Newport Beach temple on our way to church.
We rode our bikes along the beach.