The trip of a (Ronnie's) lifetime

My dad's brother has a boat in Alaska (and yes, I realize I could have used "uncle" in that sentence, I was just wanting you to understand where all the connections are).

Three to four times a year he invites three people to go up to Alaska with him to fish.  They do halibut fishing, salmon fishing and some crabbing.

On the 5th of July, at the family barbecue, my dad was bragging to Ronnie and I about how depending on when his Alaska trip panned out, he may not be able to help us move (luckily for us, and unluckily for him, he was indeed around for the moving).  Ronnie mentioned that he would LOOOO-OOOO-OOOVE to go sometime.  My dad said that he would ask Larry (my uncle) if all of the slots were full.  Ronnie and I didn't think it would actually pan out, since Larry normally has a line of people ready to go.

The next day, my dad called Ronnie and asked if he was serious about Alaska.  Ronnie responded "YES!" and the plans were set.  It took a bit of schedule re-arranging and all of the budget for Ronnie's birthday and Christmas's for the next five years or so, but he was ready to go.

There are just four things you have to do to go on  an Alaska trip:
1. You have to not annoy Larry, my dad, or the other gentleman who went.
2. You have to be okay with eating seafood for every meal for a week.
3. You need to be able to sleep through multiple people's snoring.
4. You have to not annoy Larry, my dad, or the other gentleman who went.

I guess Ronnie passed all of the tests, as he did not get thrown overboard and came home safely.

Now on to the pictures!

Ice from the glaciers.

Beautiful scenery.

Ronnie catching a skate ray (unintentionally)

The ugly side of halibut.

Whales, whales and more whales.

Ronnie with a silver salmon.

Waterfall

Ronnie with another salmon

Crab!

Ronnie and my dad by the very large halibut that my dad caught (pretty side of the halibut shown).

Why Hello There!

Let's see if we can get some catching-up accomplished on this little blog of mine, shall we?

We're back from various trips and settling into the real world.

Ronnie started work, the kids and I are keeping busy (with what, I don't know) and life in general is great.

While I know that "catching-up" posts generally stink, I'll try to make them as painless as possible. :)

Kendree - 6 months

Kendree had her doctor's appointment today, so I decided to delay this post by a day.  Her official stats:
Weight: 16 lbs. 10.5 oz. (70th percentile)
Height: 26 1/8 inches (70th percentile)
Head: I never remember the actual measurement, but it was also in the 70th percentile. 

Gotta love those proportional kids!

Can you believe it's been 6 months?  Yeah, me either.  The craziest part of this milestone for both of my babies is that in my family, my grandma (and hence my mother) has always told me that it takes 6 months for you to integrate a new little someone into your family completely (and they should know, what with the 13 children between them) and it is so true!  Now, going to the store with both kids, doing a night-time routine for two, bath time for two, feeding, napping, etc. all seem totally normal.  I can't imagine Kendree not being a part of our lives.

It's when I feel somewhat in control that I know I'll be getting a curve ball thrown at me any day now! :)

Kendree continues to be such a good baby, but is finding her voice a bit more.  Most of the time, the noises she makes are just LOUD, not that she is upset.  It was just this week at church that I wished for the first time that she took a binky more regularly.  It was really nice to just shove one in Easton's mouth when he was being a noisy boy.

Kendree has still not rolled from her front to her back.  I continue to leave her on her stomach for extended periods of time, to encourage her to roll both ways and all it has done is make her really like being on her stomach (which isn't really a negative thing).  She'll get there eventually, I'm sure.  She's scooting around (slowly, and mostly not on purpose), and it has made me start to actually think about what is on the floor, around her, etc.

She has decided this month that she would like her feeding at night again, and is waking up around 4am every night.  I imagine (fingers crossed) that that will extend back out to 5 or 6 when she is eating cereal/solid foods.  [side note: I think I mentioned with Easton, but due to some research regarding the time you nurse vs. allergies, we have chosen to nurse exclusively for the first 6 months with both of our kids.  Kendree will be starting rice cereal in the next week or so.  Don't you worry, the large rolls on her thighs, arms and cheeks will assure you that she is nowhere close to hungry. :) ]

We continue to work on a consistent schedule with her naps.  I'll admit that most of that is my fault, as she falls asleep within minutes of getting in her car seat, so when I run errands she will always take an unscheduled nap and mess up her schedule.  Oh well, such is the life of a second child!

Kendree has decided this month that she is done with the swaddling.  She began not really settling down for the night unless her arms were out, and after a few nights of that, I gave up.  It's nice to not have to worry about whether the swaddle blanket is clean.

Kendree has no signs of teeth coming in anytime soon, but she sure has started to enjoy chomping on things (her finger, your finger, chew toys, blankets, etc.)  I always say that my kids can wait as LONG as they want to get those little chompers.

I, myself, have yet to make her really belly laugh, but all Easton has to do is look at her the right way and she will die of laughter.  He will do anything to ensure she will continue laughing.  It's one of the only things he can do with her, hence it is one of his new favorite activities.  I just can't seem to stop the most lively session from being right before we need to be getting them both to bed!

Her current favorite toy is the diaper wipes package.  I'm constantly worried about her getting a little piece of plastic off of it (thanks to Ashley), but if she can see it, she will do anything within her power to get over to it.  It's also the first thing that has made her cry when I take it away!

When in her car seat, she prefers to have the tag blanket I made for her above everything else.  I'm so glad I got that out sooner with her than I did with Easton (I really didn't make his until he was done with that kind of thing).

As always, we love our little Kendree-girl (who Easton has recently started calling Kenny-bear.  You would die of adorable-ness if you heard him say it).

I wanted to get this post up ASAP, so I'll be adding the pictures at a later time.  Hopefully very soon!

But sometimes, they just have to deal for a while

So, you all know we are moved.

I haven't mentioned (at least in any kind of detail) that the kids and I will be traveling to Laramie one day a week for my work.  All in all, my kids are great travelers (something that comes from being forced to travel?).  I'll admit I do rely on the DVD player, maybe a bit too much, but coming up with things that Easton can do without any help from me has been difficult.

Which brings me to the title.

In the three trips I have made as the driver to Laramie I've learned that I have no skills.

Skills to do things other than actually drive, that is.  So when our DVD player decided it was done two days ago, I was a little panicky.

Don't get me wrong.  I can hand something to Easton, and take a drink, but anything much beyond that and my stress level greatly increases.  All I can think about is the rollover stories, the police sirens and lights, the ambulances.

I try my best to get both kids as settled and prepared as I can before we take off, but inevitably Easton drops his game/book/toy or can't quite reach his sippy cup and begins to go into meltdown mode (did I mention that the trip home to Cheyenne is when he is really, really, really ready for a nap?).  Sometimes, there is an exit coming right up and I can pull off, get him re-situated and then be on our way, but other times we are in a classic Wyoming situation (no exits for 10+ miles) and he just has to deal.  Kendree, the little angel, has fallen asleep within 10 minutes of leaving every. single. time.

Am I alone? Does everyone else have mad skills while driving?  Am I totally missing out on some secret?

Card Winners

Random.org has spoken.

Comments number 3 and 9 are the big winners!

That means a big congrats for Aubrey and Erica!

I have both of your addresses :) so I'll get those out to you right away!

And no, this wasn't rigged.  The fact that it was two family members who actually both have the same last name is a total coincidence.

Silence

I never would have guessed how much I would enjoy sweet, sweet silence.

I've been traveling back and forth from Laramie a few days this past week and on my way home to Cheyenne, the kids have both fallen asleep every time.

What do I do with my silence?

Revel in it.

Who needs the radio?  Give me a few minutes of calm silence any day!

Burning Questions or I am not yet unpacked enough for a different post

I've loved your answers to my "life or death" questions.  As soon as Ronnie, ahem, I mean Donnie, makes a decision, I'll be sure to let you know.  As for the duplex/townhouse, the picture is of the general idea of the one we live in, but not a picture of the actual building.  Ours doesn't have the pretty rock and trim, unfortunately.

So, because I haven't unpacked, and the kids and I are just kicking it--I decided it was time for another round of burning questions and this time there is a prize involved!  I'll take everyone who comments and then randomly select two winners.  Each will get 6 of my handmade cards.  For an idea of what they look like, you can go here.

Without further ado:
1. Is a Dustbuster or similar vacuuming apparatus worth your money?  Would a carpeted dining room sway your vote?

2. What slightly obscure kitchen tool (even if you don't use it that often) could you not live without? 

3. What book can you read over and over?

4. Honesty here people, how many times have you read the Twilight series?

5. How often does one who lives by a mall actually go to the mall?

6. What child TV/movie program do you detest the most?

7. What are your favorite go-to snacks for kids (or heck, for yourself)?

1. I've looked at them at the store no less than 20 times, but have yet to come home with one.  The more days we live on our carpeted dining room, the more I think it is an absolute necessity.

2. Apple slicer/corer.  Dude, cutting an apple any other way is way too much work!

3. The Love Comes Softly series by Janette Oke.

4. Four

5. I've lived in the same town as one for coming up on two weeks and have yet to make a trip there.  I'm afraid if I start to go, I won't be able to stop! :)

6.  It's obscure, but Howdy Town.  I could KILL the theme song, you know, if it was alive.

7. One of my favorites is dehydrated apple slices and I offer them to Easton almost daily, but he has yet to eat them.  Other than that, we do pretty standard stuff: grapes, string cheese, cheese slices, marshmallows, pretzel sticks, raisins, etc.

Moved

We're here.

With all of our stuff.

Three trailer loads (just ask my dad--he can probably tell you the number of boxes).

I really, really hate moving.

I thought that if I talked myself up before it happened and continually chanted "Moving is great!" it might help.

It did a little.

But not a lot.

Hopefully we can dig ourselves out of the boxes in the next few days!

P.S.  I'm sending an email out with our new contact info.  If you don't get one and would like one, let me know.

This is Life or Death, People

Life or Death situation #1:

Let's say, hypothetically, that your name is Donald.  Your entire life you have been going by Donnie.  You are now in a position professionally and personally (at church, etc) where you could change and start to go by Don.  Is Don the more professional name?  Does it even matter?

Life or Death situation #2:

See this picture here?

Is this a townhouse or a duplex (please note that the left side is not connected to another building--it's kinda hard to tell)?

Your help is, as always, appreciated.

I'm in need of advice

So, our new place in Cheyenne has great space, but it is two levels.  The main floors has the kitchen, dining room, living room, half bath and entry and upstairs is the three bedrooms, two bathrooms and the laundry room.

I have never lived in a two-story house before.

With a 2.5 year old and a 5 month old, do you recommend dedicating some of the living room to toys?  Having special "downstairs" toys and then others that Easton can go upstairs to play with?  Just leaving all toys upstairs?

I'm just trying to minimize the amount of toy-carrying I'll be doing daily, since Easton can only carry certain things up and down stairs and I'm not super comfortable with him upstairs by himself for extended periods of time.

Your help is appreciated!

And we're* done

As I post this now, Ronnie is finishing up the Wyoming bar.

Hooray!

Let the summer actually begin.

*I use the term we pretty loosely considering I'm not actually the one who took the test.
[We won't hear results until mid-October.  They love to torture you with the EN.TIIIIIRE process.]

The way I roll

Ronnie and I have always been very lucky with our cars.  Aside from a very few incidences, they've been reliable and great to have.  We've been happily driving sedans for our entire driving lives and they've served us wonderfully.

Enter two kids.

And those kids' gear.

And the crazy Wyoming weather.

We were ready for a change, so we did it.

Say hello to our new car:

We love it.  It's a 2006 GMC Yukon and fits our family with plenty of room to grow. 

[Those of you that don't care to know every little reason that we purchased this car can stop reading now.  For the rest of you, if anyone is still with me, I apologize if you get bored quickly, but in all fairness I totally warned you.]

Once we knew we were staying in Wyoming for a while, we knew that we wanted a 4-wheel drive vehicle.  That Wyoming weather is a little crazy. We really went back and forth on what other features/size we wanted our new wheels to have/be.

We love Hondas and would love to own one of the brand new Pilots, but let's be honest, they are a little pricey.  So, then we started looking at other mid-size SUVs.  Initially, I knew I didn't need a 3rd seat now, but wanted the option of having more seating for toting around my kids friends, the occasional guest, etc.  A 3rd seat that folded flat seemed like the perfect option, so we decided to test drive several different brands and see how we felt.

We were pleased with pretty much every car we drove in that category and started to think about actively searching for a mid-size for a great price.  Then, it was time for me to travel to scope out a meeting site for one of my tri-annual work meetings.  I rented a GMC Envoy for the trip and the whole fam took off on a long weekend.

It wasn't long into the trip that we realized that with children the age of our kids, there was some of the time that I needed to be in the back with them....if we wanted to avoid stopping ALL. OF. THE. TIME.  While I did fit between the car seats in the Envoy.  I barely fit, and I mean barely.  It wasn't comfortable at all and as the trip went on, I realized that wasn't what I was looking for.  We did more research, realizing that all mid-sized SUV were within and inch or two of that and decided to widen (no pun intended) our search once again.

Enter the full-sized SUV.  Yes, the gas economy is not our favorite, and the 3rd seat doesn't fold flat, but with two kids in car seats, I can sit in between them comfortably. The cargo area is the same size as the mid-sized SUVs, even with the 3rd seat still in (and folded up) and with the 3rd seat removed, it is massive.

I've driven to Cody in it with one kid and it was marvelous to sit up higher on the road.  We're taking on its maiden-full-family-voyage all the way down to California and I'm confident it will be fantastic.

More Burning Questions for you

I was so in love with the burning questions post I did a while back, I decided a repeat was in order.  So, without further ado...

1. If you gave a large-ish gift to charity, an institution, etc. how would you want to be listed? Or, would you want to remain anonymous?

2. Should siblings share a room?  Why or why not?

3. Do you eat raw potatoes?

4. Your favorite guilty-pleasure of a treat?

5. How do you relieve stress?

6. Favorite song? You know, the one you sing to yourself all of the time.

1. I'd like to think that I would be an anonymous giver, but to be honest it would be cool to have "something" named after even just the family.  Not really me specifically.
2. Depends.  I shared a room for 11 years of my life and turned out beautifully (if I do say so myself).  I figure that while Easton and Kendree are young, we may as well put them together and have an extra room for other things.
3. Heck yes.  With extra salt please.
4. Currently it is Heladas Mexico Coconut popsicles.  Delish.
5. I need to write it all down, every. single. thing. I have to do.  Then, I need some sweets.
6. I always find myself singing songs from college (the reason we get adults get stuck in that "era" I'm sure).  Lately, it's been Maroon Five.  Anything by them.

July--in Pictures

We went to the Jubilee Day's Parade and had a lot of fun.  My camera only shows you one corner of what you are taking a picture of (yes, it was me that dropped it).  So the fact that this picture was un-focused went unnoticed.  I liked it anyway.

Easton spent 3/4 of the parade with these noise cancelling shooting ear things on.  He took them off just before the police and fire trucks went by with their sirens.  Perfect timing.

We've also enjoyed outdoor time at Grandma's house.  Everyone has gotten in on the action.
Uncle Dan and Alayna

Just Alayna

And Easton working on his baseball form (we have a ways to go...)

That Kenny-girl has been there too.

We've lined up cars...

Lounged on the couch...

And driven over to Cheyenne a few too many times.

We've also decided that we must look at every single picture mom takes, right after it is taken, or this face (dirty, I know) appears:

But then, we cheese:

And show mom where the pictures come from:

Hope you're having a great July as well!

Kendree - 5 months

Not even a week ago, Kendree turned 5 months old!  See?  I can get this stuff done in reasonable time. :)

She is still eating and sleeping like a champ.  I don't think I've ever mentioned it on here, but both of my children have forced me to be completely chocolate-free when I am nursing them.  For whatever reason, Mommy eating chocolate=babies screaming from gas pain.  When I say chocolate free, I mean not even one M&M for the first 3-4 months and then VERY limited chocolate from then on.  I thought we were on that second step with Kendree, so I had just ONE scoop of cookies and cream ice cream at my mom's house last Sunday.  Then, Ronnie and I spent all night dealing with a screaming, in pain baby.  It was by far the worst night of her life thus far and I have no desire to repeat it, so I'm back to completely chocolate-free for a while.

While I don't know exactly how much she weighs this month, I'm betting right at or just over 16 pounds, since she is in 6 month and 6-9 month clothing and wearing size 3 diapers.

Kendree rolled over (from back to front) for the first time on July 3rd and since that time has perfected her skills.  She now only spends about one minute on her back before she rolls to her stomach.  The problem comes after she is on her belly, since she doesn't yet know how to roll back over and she tends to get a bit frustrated.  This stage is so funny, since she truly acts like "Who put me in this position?  I don't want to be this way!" whenever she gets stuck.

She now loves the bouncer and is starting to test her limits in both the swing and bumbo chair.  While she still likes her thumb, it doesn't seem to be quite the fight this month.  She will search for a finger in general when she is both hungry and tired and I think we are nearing the end of the thumb battle.  She still doesn't really like her Binky on an "everyday" kind of basis.  She'll take it when tired, but most of the time spits it right back at you. 

If not swaddled, Kendree very much prefers to fall asleep laying on her right side, so her left arm and hand can be up and over her face.  I have yet to catch that on camera, but need to get a picture as she has been doing it since birth!

She continues to test her voice and entertains us all with her talking, screeching and squealing.  Easton is still your best bet if you want her to laugh, although more and more of us (and when I say "us" I mean everyone but me) are having success in getting giggles.  In fact, a video of my mom getting some is at the end of this post.

Overall, she's still our happy baby girl!  She loves watching her older brother and already you can see that she will be following him and idolizing him every step of the way in the future.  We just love our "little sister!"

Photos from mom's official 5 month shoot:

Smiling for mama on the couch

Almost rolling over (and before you think she was in danger on that ottoman, my sister was just out of the shot, ready for any more action than we thought we would get).

Lifting that head up

The top view :)

We're working on sitting up (not really that close to doing it on our own for more than a few seconds)

Grandma making Kendree laugh

Rolling over!

So Proud?

Today when Easton woke up from his nap he kept requesting what sounded like "ten-ah."

I had absolutely no idea what he wanted.

Then, it hit me.

Hannah Montana.

We'll just hope this phase passes before he has friends that would care about something like that. :)

Note to self...

If you move up a size in diapers the first time that you think about it (you know, those thoughts of "I think Kendree might be ready for size 3's soon") then you will avoid the four blow out diapers you have cleaned up in the last three days.

This Week

Alternate title: I love me some parentheses

My summertime babysitter is at EFY

I took the week off of work

I realized (again) how much work it is to be a mom

I remembered how hard it is to fit in time to blog while trying to get everything done around the house

My kids both caught colds (welcome home, mom!)

Ronnie learned he'll be taking a fishing trip to Alaska in August (lucky duck)

We found a place to rent in Cheyenne (hooray!)

I've loved spending extra time with my kiddos (while Ronnie is busy studying for the dreaded bar)

And then I break out into song

Every time I type Easton and then spell check it in blogger, it suggests that I change the word to "Gaston" at which point I immediately think of "Beauty and the Beast" and then start humming "Belle."

Every single time.

Sometimes not being the baby is hard

Just a random picture from the end of May when Easton was feeling like he needed some time in the carseat.

A Summertime Must-Have for Babies

I didn't know I needed it, but it has been a lifesaver.

Cool for the heat? Check.

Keeps out the massive amounts of pesky mosquitoes? Check

Blocks out that sun during naps? Check

Super Cute? Double Check

I first saw these when my friend Lindsey had one for her little girl, but I was convinced that my beloved BundleMe would be sufficient.

But then, it got hotter and I needed something different.

Enter Lindsey's sister-in-law.  She whipped one up for me and I am in love.

 I wanted something gender neutral so I wouldn't have to get a new one with subsequent babies. 

The flowers pin on and when removed, the handle straps just have the rickrack ribbon.

I think they would be fairly simple to make, and maybe, if I get ambitious I'll make a few for gifts.  For now, I'm happy paying money for one that is just darling.

Kendree Laughing at Easton

You can see it in her eyes--she loves her big brother (although with the rough love he gives her, I wouldn't blame her if she didn't).  He is definitely the one who gets her to laugh the longest and most regularly.  Here's a taste!

What? You don't want to hang out with us?

Well fine.

But you're going to miss out on some wicked-sweet times.

I'm serious.

Just look at the joy on Easton's face...

Or the calm that Ad-man is obviously feeling...

What are we doing, you ask?

Riding the floor jack my dad got for Father's Day.....duh!

I see that doubting look on your face--but dude, it is FUN.  Good.  Clean.  Fun.

Erica likes it.

You've just got to watch it when you come down, it's faster than you think.

Just so you can experience it a little more, I took a video.  Of Easton.  Sideways (sorry about that).

Kendree-4 months (not quite 3 weeks late)

I'm slowly getting better!

Kendree continues to be what I call my "angel baby."  She is such a good little girl, that when she does fuss for a minute or two, Ronnie and I look at her like "what is your problem!?!?"

She is very smiley now and will ALWAYS produce a big cheek to cheek grin when you try just a little bit.  She's recognizing Ronnie, Easton and I now when we walk in a room, etc. and I love that happy look.  She is sleeping every night from between 8:30 and 9pm until at least 5:30am (and most days closer to 6:30 or 7).  She is taking very regular morning naps while I am at work from about 8:45 or 9 til around 10:30 or later.  Her other two naps everyday are not as quite "by the clock" but one is midday (while Easton is also napping, bless her heart!) and the other is late afternoon/early evening.

At 4 months she is very close to rolling from her back to front, but hasn't done it quite yet.

She continues to adore her big brother and when he decides that she is worth his attention, she is riveted to whatever he is doing to entertain her (I have a feeling that will come in handy in the future).

At her 4 month appointment on June 17th, she weighed in at 14 lbs. 2.5 oz (70th percentile) and was 24.25 inches long (55th percentile).  Her head also continued to be right at the 50th percentile.  She has very sensitive skin still, but since she is now 4 months old the doctor was able to prescribe some hydrocortizone cream to help the eczema in her elbow and knee joints and on her neck.  It is looking SOOOO much better now.

On to the pictures:
Official 4 month photo shoot with Mom:

We call this one her "chipmunk face" although what you are seeing here is a very mild form of it.  Normally, she gets about 15 chins and squishes her cheeks way out.  It is one thing she does when she is excited, so a lot of people get to see her this way if they are paying her any attention.

Easton wanted to cheese for the camera one evening so after this picture was taken...

...he had to let Kendree have a picture with the hat on too.

Kendree is really starting to love the bumbo--since she can be in on the action with the "big kids."

Channeling Stacy London?

I'll admit it. 

I've had a few gray hairs.

Ronnie usually spots them and pulls them.  They have always surfaced one at a time and haven't really bugged me all that much.

But then...

Last week I spotted a gray hair.  Me.

It was basically shining in the bathroom lights it was so glaringly obvious and all of the sudden I was feeling a little old.

I was able to brush it off and aside from complaining for a minute to Ronnie, moved on.

Then, the next day I spotted another one, in just about the exact same location!

This time I decided to get to the root of the problem (hahahahaha).  I grabbed hold of the hair and followed it down to my scalp and that is where I saw it.

A grouping of gray hairs (gasp!).

Right up front next to my hair line.

I debated for no time at all a minute and then decided that the Stacy London look was probably not my best.

All those hairs came right out.

And then I started to prepare myself for many more such experiences in the coming years (tiny sob).