McKeAn Family Reunion

Yesterday was Steve's family reunion on his mom's side. There was a lot of great food, a bounce house for the kids, kiddie pools, and what every family party needs..... a good water fight! (Which was then followed by a whip cream fight, and anything in a cup fight, etc.....)

Steve with his mom and sister, Natalie.

Aly with her cousins and 2nd cousins.

Me and Nat.

(sorry ya'll, haven't learned how to flip pictures so you can actually view them right side up!)

The 'GiRlS' - Amanda, Whitney, Kels, and Aly.

It was so good to see everyone, especially the cousins that we haven't seen in such a long time.

Natalie and Missy, you did a fabulous job! Thanks for having ALL of us!!

(Grandma Hazel would be so proud!)

First DaYs of School

In preparation for the big days, I took them both for new hair-do's on Tuesday. I don't know if you can tell from the picture, but Aly got some blonde (actually a LOT of blonde) highlights weaved in her hair. I was a bit nervous while waiting for the processing time, and trying to figure out a way to break this one to Steve, and my parents for that matter, (that our baby Aly is in fact growing up....), but, it turned out beautifully! Then, there's Kels, sweet little Kels. She told their hairdresser (Dana) that she "wanted it all gone"! And that she "didn't want to be able to hold it" (as she held a fist full of her hair). Well, Dana saw the look on my face and did a fabulous job compromising with Kelsey. She ended up with a short A Line (a lot shorter than before), however, with the exception that if it needed to be a little shorter, she would cut more. Well, it turned out darling - she's always looked so dang cute with short hair!

Aly was very nervous and and a little excited. Yesterday was her first day as a seventh grader (yikes!). As an introduction to Jr. High, the school starts the first day with just the seventh graders, so they can find their classes and hopefully not feel too intimidated by the whole thing. She came home happy and a little overwhelmed with LOTS to say!

Kelsey's first day was today. She wanted me to take her to school - just for the first day, she kept reassuring me. She was VeRy excited, nervous, happy, and a little high strung! Once she got there and saw her friend, Ashlynd, I think she forgot I was there, because she ditched me! She too came home happy with lots of stories and notes! Aah, to be young again.....

The NEW "fuel efficient" addition...

As if we didn't have enough events going on in our weekend, Friday night we traded in my ol' Montero......

for a brand new 2008 Hyundai Elantra. I don't think I've ever cried over getting rid of a vehicle, but I loved my Montero! With the cost of gas nowadays, It was just costing us too much to keep driving it.

It's a tough adjustment, considering I'm just NOT a car person, but I'm pretty sure I'll get over it once I hit the gas station for a fill up! Steve has been really sweet trying to make me feel better about the whole thing - SO, the windows are getting tinted next week, and we'll be putting some fancy wheels on it too! But, I must admit, it's a pretty nice car - with very high safety ratings - not to mention up to 39 mpg!!!

Musicians Extraordinaire!

Saturday morning (after Kelsey's 7am softball game), the girls had a recital/concert in Tooele. It was so neat to see them each play the songs they've been working so hard on!

Here's Kelsey with her two friends and one of her teachers for a group song.

She did a perfect solo with piano accompaniment.
Aly before the "concert" started.
She did an excellent job as well!
Beautiful job girls! You're hard work really paid off!

Violinist/Softball Superstar

I had to laugh as we headed out the door Friday morning to Kelsey's violin lesson. In one hand, she carried her violin, and in the other, all her softball gear. She was all prepared as we would be going directly to her tournament in West Valley right after her lesson.

Kelsey the "HAMMER"!

These games are SO much fun to watch! It's so funny to hear these cute, sweet little girls with these LOUD voices yelling their cheers and chants!
Nice swing..... but, a foul ball! (We won this game!)

Happy Birthday Aly!

On Tuesday, Aly turned 12 years old! It doesn't seem so long ago, that mine and Steve's prayers were answered when they laid a precious, sweet baby girl in our arms. I can't believe the time has gone by so fast-- she's going to be in with the Young Women on Sunday, and in Jr. High next Wednesday! With this being such a special birthday for her, I wanted to do something fun - just the two of us. So, with the help of Heather, (Kelsey's friend's sweet mom), Kelsey was with them for most of Tuesday, so I could spend time with Aly. We started off with glitter toes on Monday (because that's when they could get her in). She has been wanting her toes done like mine since I started, so it was a fun birthday treat for her to finally get them! She absolutely LOVES them!!

On Tuesday, we started with yummy lunch from Costa Vida (our favorite place!).

Then, we headed to Fashion Place mall for a fun afternoon of shopping at all her favorite stores! And believe me, she can SHOP! I love it!!

After 5 hours of shopping, we had a nice party at the house with our family. Aly's sweet friend, Kylie joined us too. Thanks SO much to all who came - we love you!

This is her "surprised" look.... (we don't call her Drama Queen for nothing!)

This is one of her surprises from Mom and Dad. After I jokingly told her she looked silly on her little bike, I should've known she'd never get on it again. So, we replaced it with this.


Al, I hope you had as much fun as I did. And, don't worry about Dad, he'll eventually recover from all the "sticker shock". Hope you had a fabulous day! I love you. Love, Mom

Happy Birthday Aly! I hope you know how special you are to us, and how much joy you bring in to our lives. I love you. Love, Dad

My Two Well-Babies....

Since I never thought to take a camera along to the girls' well-baby check ups, I figured I'd make up for it now. So, as we left the house today for the pediatrician's office, Aly saw my camera going into my purse, and she said, "you're gonna blog about this, aren't you?". I simply said, "yes honey, I sure am!" She just rolled her eyes (something she does alot!)

Here they are waiting patiently in the waiting room - -
Kelsey, on the other hand, doesn't do "patient" for very long.
Aly was thrilled (not), while waiting for her THREE shots. Lucky for her, they were out of one, and we have to go back in a few weeks. As for Kelsey, she's off the hook for now.

Thankfully, both girls are growing up healthy, happy, and beautifully!

A New "Kid"

It's been a while since I've blogged about anything, so I figured I'd take some pictures while wondering around the yard and update! Last Wednesday after Steve left for scout camp (like, RIGHT after), the girls and I went to Erda and bought a 10 week old female pygmy goat. Yes, we already have 2 males (Bill and Ted), but I decided we needed another! She's a bit shy, unlike the other two who seem to think they're dogs, but she's slowly warming up to us. Kelsey decided to name her "Junie". (Not sure where that came from, but okay.....)

Bill, Ted, and Junie

Kelsey had her cute little friend, Ashlynd over for a swim, and the water was SO nice!

While I was taking pictures of the girls, Jake (my Yorkie) was in pursuit of trying to strangle the cat. Yikes!