Kansas City Day Trip

For a Saturday in June we headed up to Kansas City with Nate, Laurel and cousins. We got to do a lot of fun things; all jam packed into one day!

Mom and Dad took their turn going into the temple first, while N&L watched the kids at the ward building next door. Chloe and Delilah loved seeing the temple, and especially loved the Angel Moroni on top, and the water fountain of course. I'm so glad we took a family picture. Now Chloe and Delilah have something to look at to bring back memories of our trip together.

The 3 younger girls are getting better at taking pictures! We can almost see all of their faces. Can't wait for the day when they're all looking AND smiling for the camera 

While Nate and Laurel took their turn in the temple, Bryson and I took all the kids to Science City! They all had a ton of fun; the time flew by so quick!

Waiting for a train to come

Delilah forgot to read the sign that says no touching the bunnies.

And so she was upset when mommy told her the rule. LOL

Cousins loved the bunnies too.

Inside Union Station. That place is huge

Chloe was a big helper and pushed Delilah around while Mommy took pictures. Delilah wasn't as thrilled with this arrangement as we were

And no trip is complete to KC without visiting Ikea for some meatballs, cinnamon rolls, and whatever else has been waiting on my wish list. We were supposed to get a bedframe for our new king mattress, but luck would have it, they sold out while we were eating lunch. Instead we got a clearance file cabinet, and some new bedding for Chloe's birthday. 

And as the last fun part of our 6am to 9pm day:
Since we thought we'd be bringing home a big box, we brought my XL7 with us.
While driving home, we hit the 100,000 mile milestone! 

Bentonville Film Festival

Last week Bentonville hosted the 1st annual B'ville Film Festival, supporting women and minorities in film making. A pretty cool event. Although we didn't go to any of the free screenings, we did spend 3 of the 5 days enjoying the vendor booth section. A different lunch each day for free? We're there! Plus the ice cream and candy treats that the vendors gave C&D by the handful, stuffed animals, sports backpack and shirts, and my personal favorite, the Dove Very Important Beauty (VIB) booth!

The VIB had a lot to offer, including free makeup, hair styling and nail polish application. Plus TONS of free makeup and Dove beauty supplies. Here's a few pictures one of the photographer captured during my "makeover". He was impressed that both girls sat on my lap, well behaved, the whole time. I made sure to get his business card to get the pictures. A moment I'm glad he captured and so graciously shared with us. It's also nice to be in a photo with my girls, since I'm usually the one taking the pic. ;)

I've also included some pictures from the other days. Daddy was even able to meet us on his lunch break one of the days.

Delilah's 1st Birthday

January we celebrated this little cutie on her FIRST BIRTHDAY!!!

 For her "Wish Upon A Star" party, the Shepherd's, Pendleton's, Blaylock's and Greenhalgh's joined us for a crepe "breakfast for dinner" meal, in our jammies, of course!



When it came time to sing her Happy Birthday, we turned out all the lights and everyone got to hold their own "star in a jar" and make their own wish too. It was a pretty cool sight!

Delilah was mesmerized by her star cake and gold glitter #1 candle. It was pretty cute to watch as she put some decent effort into her attempts to blow out the candle!

Delilah got some neat gifts, and hasn't minded sharing her puzzles, books, pushcar, little ponies, bath toys, and racetrack with sister. :)

It was a pretty fun evening, and she enjoyed the all you can eat cake and hugs from cousins that ended the evening. What more could a little girl want than to be dotted upon by those she loves?

We are so happy and blessed to have Little D as part of our family. Our 7 toothed, walking, climbing, signing, babbling, squealing, singing, bouncy dancing, bathtime splashing, animal loving (real & stuffed), sister kissing/hugging/tackling, adult sized stomach, non-picky, fourth meal eating (at 11pm at night), cup and utensil using, plate throwing, Charley feeding, hilarious, attention seeking, copy catting, mischief finding, bin & cupboard emptying, slender built, sweet smiling, blonde and blue eyed sweetheart continues to win our hearts everyday. WE LOVE YOU Delilah Rose!

And now for some cake eating pictures!

My Happy Valentines

One thing I know, Valentine's Day this year was spectacular! The girls let us sleep in, and then Chloe helped Mommy make a delicious waffle, eggs, bacon, Nesquick and mixed berry breakfast. A favorite for all of us!

Chocolate milk moustache!

While waiting for Delilah to finish her mid morning nap, Chloe painted watercolors into her princess coloring book. 

Look how good she did!

Once sissy was up, we all headed to the Slaughter Pen trail for an "adventure". Daddy rode the bike, taking turns as to which child was in the 2nd seat. And Mommy walked/jogged with Charley and the other kiddo.

Charley was barking because everyone else was ahead of him. And Chloe was shushing him. LOL.

It was Chloe's turn to walk Charley first. She loves being independent.

A girl and her dog.

While Chloe insisted on walking Charley, Delilah enjoyed her 1st BICYCLE RIDE!!!

She wasn't scared, I promise. She was just taking in the scenery.
There were a lot of other cyclists on the path too. Perfect for people watching..

 Once Chloe had enough running, it was her turn for the bike. She's a pro!

 Do you like how we all coordinated today?! Red, White, Black... (except for daddy, who was technically wearing burgundy. Apparently he doesn't have any red shirts. I guess I know what he needs for Christmas)

I don't know how we lucked out, but both of our girls are quite eager to learn and be self sufficient. Not always the easiest to manage when we're in a rush, but a pleasant/constant reminder to take life slow and enjoy it as it comes.

And here's Delilah, not wanting to be held by Mom on the return trip. She was quite adament to walk Charley, too. ALL BY HERSELF. 

"Don't worry Mom. I got this."

Charley was such a good sport. He was glad to be on a family outing, so he behaved really well and only pulled on the leash a few times. He's pretty aware of Little D's fragility, and he tried to take it slow and keep next to her. Lest he get stepped on!

One more picture of these two. She really didn't want to let go of the lead!

After our "adventure" the day had warmed up enough for ice cream cones! We love the cheap hand scooped, Yarnell's ice cream cones we can get at the Spark Cafe on the square. It was so warm, we ate our iceycream outside. Without coats! Boyah; take that winter!

I've pretty much given up on all 4 of us ever looking at the camera at the same time.
Atleast we're all present!

Orange Cream!

Chocolate, of course!

We had a few errands and chores to do that afternoon. One of which was taking down our outside Christmas lights. Good thing we don't have a POA. But hey, they we're lit or anything. :) Chloe and I made a trip to the grocery store, where in addition to milk, she reminded me that we needed popcorn. She's never specifically asked for popcorn as a treat, but since having some of cousin Izzy's last Thursday, she hasn't let it go that we don't have any at home!

Chloe also joined Mom at a missionary farewell. Although short and sweet, I am glad that Chloe knows two young adults serving missions. Her uncle Isaac, and now a sister missionary, Whitney Fraire. Two wonderful examples of living righteously and having so much love for the Lord and our Heavenly Father, to serve our fellow man.

We hope your Valentine's Day was just as pleasant, even if the weather wasn't. And remember to love those around you everyday!