Weekend to Remember

This little note is from Michael to me and the kids. I thought it was pretty sweet! Michael had a hunting trip this Labor Day weekend. He and Phil went up North for archery deer. For the first time, the kids and I went on an overnight without Michael. While they were out, the kids and I went to visit my Aunt Dana and Uncle Jim in Payson. We drove up with my mom, brother and grandma. The trip couldn't have been any better. I have lots to tell and not much time to do it in. First, we got up extra early to take full advantage of the rest of the day. We made it to my grandmas house in Scottsdale by 7:15 and shortly after we were on our way to Payson. My brother wanted to go so bad that he didn't care where he sat and since there was only room in the cargo area, in the trunk he went!

He didn't think that my junk in the trunk joke was too funny, I am sure! And on our way we were! The kids were both ready for a fun filled, no agenda, go with the flow weekend. So was I! Here is Jaycee with Great Grandma Jeans glasses on. Dare Bear wore Great Grandmas sunglasses. We got to Payson around 9:30 in the morning. The kids immediately took over the joint, running around, into everything, playing the day away. It wasn't long before we were at the creek with the kids letting them get wet and play in the water.

The kids had their first horse ride and man did they have a good time. Neither of them were scared in the least which was somewhat of a shock to me. Here are some horse pictures.

It was such a great weekend with the kids and family. The weather was perfect, the sound of the rain was relaxing and everything around us was so green! We will definitely be making another trip before that green turns to white!

The Beginning of Something New

So Jaycee is all set up for her first haircut. Its sort of a big "to do" seeing how we waited 2 years where with Darren we only waited till his first birthday. And for those of you that remember Darren's hair pre-first haircut, he was definitely due! He was what we like to call Kramer :)
With Jaycee, I purposely schedule the appointment about a month out, giving me plenty of time to change my mind. Well, we are only a week away now. Her curls are her little trademark and I am so nervous to cut them. It will also give us a pretty good idea of just how long her hair was. So rather than wait to see until after its gone, we straightened her hair. Now, I have attempted this before and wow! It was so many different lengths and as soft as goose feathers. Needless to say, I sprayed some water on it and like magic, the curls reappeared.
This time was a little different. There wasn't much static cling in her hair and it was much longer and cooperative. I couldn't believe it! She was an entirely different little girl! Not to mention it really accentuated her chubby cheeks. Michael couldn't stop telling her beautiful it was. She just played with it and flipped it around and looked at herself in the mirror. Apparently, we weren't the only ones that didn't recognize her! hahaha. Rather than spray it back to curls again, I let her sleep in it. What would you know? Her entire head of hair was back to curls literally in the blink of an eye. Even though I thought her hair was totally cute straight, I cant bring myself to try anymore. I love the curls that she was born with and meant to have.

Jaycee vs. Shirley

I meant to post this last weekend, but with the birthday parties and all there was not a minute to spare it seemed. So the previous week, while at the store, I was stopped, yet again, by another elderly woman. And so the story goes:

"Wow, look at those curls! She looks just like Shirley Temple! Do you get that a lot?" Followed by the always irritating strangers hand running their fingers through Jaycee's locks.

So, I cant say that I don't agree, but thought I would let you be the judge. The resemblance is striking, minus the full indented dimples that Shirley sported.

But here they are:

Jaycee vs. Shirley:

Birthday Bash

On August 2nd, 2008 we celebrated Darren's 4th birthday and Jaycee's 2nd. The kids celebrated in style with nearly all their family by their sides. They got more toys and clothes than Christmas, and more than I know what to do with! Looks like I get to spend the rest of my day sorting through all their older toys and donating a good majority of them to make room for the new! haha. It seemed that everyone had a blast and enjoyed themselves. It was hot, but the water was cool. Darren amazes me with how much he wants to do things completely on his own. Not only did he run through the water park as if he owned it, but he was such a well behaved little man! Jaycee was also on her best behavior! She hung out with anyone that would let her perch on their hip. Most importantly, I wanted to take a moment to thank everyone for everything that they have done, did, and ever will do for my kids, my life. Its amazing how 2 tiny little people can play such an important roll in my life, and keep me grounded. The reality is, I don't know where or how my life might be without them. But again, thank you to all who were there with us and made the day special for my little pals. And since Darren cant type, and Jaycee cant talk, I decided to ask them how they would like to thank everyone that came and for the special gifts. Darren said "Thank you for my birthday presents and swimming!" Jaycee said "I unt cup cakes." Translation: she enjoyed the cake! hahaha. And now, a few pictures of the fantastic party.