For our Daddy

For Father's Day I gave Chad some photos of the kiddos for his office. I hadn't had their pictures taken for awhile, so my friend Laci met me at Gardner Village (during all the crazy rain storms) and we were able to capture my darling babes! Oh, how I love these kids. Yes, they drive me crazy, but my days would be boring without them!

Myka is officially potty trained! (hooray!) She did it herself and I just went along with it and capitalized on the moment. I wasn't intending on even going down that road until this fall when we were finished with pools and parks, but she has done pretty darn well! (And watch out if you are in the neighborhood...She will pull down her shorts and show off her Dora panties!) Oh she's cute!

Carsen is her number one fan when it comes to her going potty! Is it inappropriate that he's right there by the toilet when she's going and there's been a time or two when he has even hoisted her little bum up on there? I think for now we're fine! They are the best little playmates and bounce off each other (not fun to take shopping....) They turn every outing into a game of chase, tag and hide-and-seek.

Spring Briefing

I won't even apologize for the lapse in posts....As Carsen says, "You get what you get, and you don't throw a fit." So, there you have it...that will be my motto.

Here's a quick briefing of some of the things the kiddos have been up too (that took place at least a month ago!)

"Look Ma, No Training Wheels!"While I was in London Carsen decided to ditch the training wheels. Now he's popp'n wheelies, riding with one hand and telling us when he can come inside. (The helmet is a must and always on!) He has a serious obsession with riding his bike and has turned into 'one of the big kids' on the block out playing and not needing his mommy to entertain him or set-up play-dates. It's nice, but I can't believe how grown-up he seems this year!

You like his Scout shirt? Another obsession. I was put in the Scouts several months back and now with both Chad and myself sporting these awesome Scout shirts Carsen decided he needed one too. He wears it every week to Scouts and even holds his own 'pretend' den meetings where he is the scout leader and Chad and I have to be the Scouts. Pretty cute!

T-Ball Time! This year we recruited lots of neighbors to be on our same t-ball team. Chad is the assistant coach and it's a twice-a-week outing where we cheer on our little t-ballers! He has had a fun season and really improved! Only one more game left and I can't say I'm sad.


Carsen was supposed to be letting me take an Easter picture of him (before Church). But instead he grabbed his golf clubs and began practicing his swing.


Myka has her own obsessions.... toenails and fingernails. She will walk up to strangers on the street and show them her fingernails and toenails. My poor friends are always bombarded by Myka sticking her little toes in their faces so she can show them her "pretty toenails!" We have to paint hers AT LEAST three times a week. This picture was taken way back at Easter! I think she's even changed a lot since this photo was taken. She also loves "ah-me." That's chapstick or any other lip product. She refers to anything that goes on the lips "ah me." I think it's because when she was younger I would always say, "That's Mommy's." (And she thought I was saying, ah me's.) Anyhow, she loves putting things on her lips (and all over her mouth and face). I have had to chuck many beloved lipglosses and chapsticks thanks to her!


Ah, my little fire-ball. She's a sassy little thing. (Oh, and look how long her locks are getting! It's so fun to do her hair, but I have to bribe her with fingernail painting!!!)




That's the quick update for now. I have hundreds of more pictures from various other activities we've been up too. Maybe I'll get to them soon...maybe I won't:)

Salt Lake 1/2 Marathon

I really wanted to run the Moab 1/2 Marathon in March (Moab is where so many of my childhood memories are, and I love the scenery); but I didn't draw out...Bummed at the outcome, I registered for the Salt Lake Marathon in a rash decision. (Yes, Marathon. The entire 26.2 miles). But....as time progressed (and after running the Painter's 1/2 Marathon) I found myself loving just my 1/2's. For me, I have a chance to try to beat my time before and become a better, stronger runner. I have only ran 1 marathon in my life, and maybe there will be another one (or maybe not). For now, I am satisfied with the 1/2's.

Saturday was one of those spring mornings you are glad you are awake to watch the sun rise. I was joined at the starting line by my two great friends, Leslie and Natalie. (Who continued on with the training and did the entire Marathon! They are fantastic runners and take it to the next level). I, on the other hand, was finished after 13.1 miles; and fine with that!

Rachel and Jenny woke up early to be on the sidelines cheering us all on! (It's great to have such supportive friends!) Chad and the kids were also there to see me cross the finish line.

It was a beautiful (yet slightly challening course). I had some great new tunes on my Ipod and the serene Salt Lake Valley in front of me! It was a great run, and for now it holds my record.

We had to hurry back home to get on with our day; we had "Wicked" tickets that afternoon (which was phenomenal!)

England

I became extremely overwhelmed when I uploaded the photos from my camera (300+); especially knowing Kelly has just as many pictures on her camera. Alas, I am trying to make some headway and recap about the best trip ever! (There are so many more pictures, and maybe I will post some more later....or maybe not.) My mom was the brains (and the wallet) behind the trip. She arranged all the tours ahead of time (she is quite the world traveler). We invited Kelly's fun and vivacious mom, Joyce to join us on our adventure. Good times were had with 'just us girls'. Some good laughs were shared and I know this trip will be right up there as one of my all-time favorites!

We saw England in a quick 6 days. Our only down time was sitting on the long airplane ride, riding the tour bus from location to location and sleeping in our little hotel room. We were on the go go go; that's the way I like it when I travel.

When we arrived in London we were feeling slightly jet-lagged from flying all night, but we didn't let that stop us. We checked-in to our hotel which was right by Hyde Park. After grabbing a bite to eat a local Pub we walked through Hyde Park and visited Kensington Palace and took in all the beautiful greenery. Sleep came early because of the lack the night before. Plus, we knew we had some busy days ahead of us.

Our first full day in England we visited Windsor Castle, Bath and Stonehenge. I had heard from some people, "Don't waste your time going to Stonehenge." Easy for them to say; they'd been there before. This is an amazing sight that is one of the Seven Wonders of the World. I don't think I will ever need to visit Stonehenge again, but how cool to see it in person! Windsor Castle had amazing history (my favorite was the Doll House). Bath reminded me a lot of Italy with all off the Roman statues.

Our second day was spent touring Oxford, Stratford-upon-avon, the Cotswolds and Anne Hathaway's Cottage. What a beautiful part of England! When we were at Oxford we were right where Harry Potter was filmed! (How cool is that!) Anne Hathaway's Cottage is straight out of a story book with a thatched roof and all. So quaint it made me want to sit down with a cup of tea and eat some crumpets.

The third day was a London tour. We visited all the main attractions--London Bridge, the Tower of London, Westminster Abby, St. Paul's Cathedral (absolutely amazing), Big Ben, and a river boat ride on the Thames. Us and about a million other people viewed the Changing of the Guard at Buckingham Palace (which I missed the last time I was in England because I was too busy being a mindless teenager). We even had a traditional English lunch at a Pub where we ate meat pie and fish 'n chips. (Wouldn't be a trip to London without it).

Our fourth day was spent roaming around the streets of London. We visited Harrods (and picked up some delightful English chocolates). Of course we had to visit the London H&M! We walked down to Covent Garden and browsed a few shops on Oxford Street. We took the tube down to Kings Cross Train Station where we stood at Platform 9 3/4; where Harry Potter was filmed. (No, I am not a huge Harry Potter buff, but I have read almost all of the books, and love all the references to England). We saw the Broadway show "The Lion King", which is my new favorite musical! The costumes were phenomenal and my view of the show was 'perfect.' (I say this very sarcastically, because we bought our tickets off the street and the guy who we bought them from must have spotted us from a mile away. We confirmed with him they were good seats and of course he said yes. We took our tickets and noticed later the price on them....half of what we paid him for them. And, I had a lovely bar rail right in my face for the entire first half and then Kelly was kind enough to switch me so she was able to view the bar). Besides that, it really was the best musical ever!

We ate Hobnobs (a delicious biscuit), some nasty Indian food (Kelly's brilliant idea), and every morning for breakfast we had Porridge (Kelly's and my idea. Our mom's wanted to go eat some good 'ole fashioned English breakfasts, but we wanted our "Wakey Wakey Oatmeal." We didn't want to spend our $$ or calories on breakfast). Our last morning at the airport Kelly and I slipped away for a traditional English breakfast (to get rid of the rest of our Pounds...meaning English money) while our mom's ordered healthy smoothies! Kelly and I also found another food treasure in Englahd--the best yogurt EVER. It's Greek Yogurt with organic honey and granola. Kelly found it at Starbucks and since we've been home she has researched and found the Starbuck's in the States don't carry it (yet). What a let down. It was the absolutely best thing I have ever tasted and lucky for us--just like in the States--there is a Starbuck's on every corner in London.

Our weather was perfect (didn't have to open the umbrella one time!) The company was the best part of the entire trip. It was a chance for us girls to get away from the boys and the kids and have a chance to bond and explore England. I love the bonding experience it was for all of us.

Our plane ride home was longer than long. It was an all day process, but I was anxious to see my family so I knew the end result would be worth it! (3 movies, 1 book and a few cat naps later I was finally home!)

All in all...a fantastic England adventure! I can't wait for the next mother/daughter trip. We are thinking somewhere warm next time.....

Teriffic Two's

Who said the Two's are Terrible! I have the sweetest little girl (well, most of the time!)

Myka had her big birthday while I was in England. How sad. I was heart-broken missing her big day, but luckily she's only two and she won't realize her mom wasn't there until she's much older and by that time I will hopefully have made it up to her with other wonderful birthday's.

We celebrated her 'un-birthday' the day before I left, which was a bit thrown-together and last-minute. She didn't know the difference. When we woke up Friday morning we decided to have a 'pretend' birthday for her. All day I told her it was her Birthday and she got to have cake and presents later. All that day she walked around saying, "Happy Bith-day to Myka." I asked her what kind of cake she wanted and said, "Puh pl." (her favorite color is purple). Whenever we asked her how old she is she would reply, "Big." She loved having it be her special day. We took her to breakfast and then she and Carsen played while I frantically packed for myself and the kids. (Have I ever mentioned how much I despise getting packed and ready to go).

Myka is growing-up so fast. I love her blond, long hair (which she is getting particular about me doing). Her little petite build is so cute to see running, climbing, jumping and sleeping:) She is a mimicker and says everything Carsen says. (It gets on his nerves sometimes because he'll say, "I finished first." and Myka will repeat, "No, Myka finish first." Her voice is so distinct and the way she says certain things is hilarious. I don't want to forget the way she sounds at this young age, but I know I will (because I thought the exact same thing about Carsen).

Other Myka Milestones:

• Dresses herself (quite particular about her clothing. Can't imagine where she picked up on that????)
• Wants to go potty (but sits down and then says, "All done.")
• Is obsessed with her mimis (I say that plural because she usually has at least 2 binkies in her hands and one in her mouth. I am starting soon cold turkey to get rid of those! Not excited)
• World's best sleeper. She goes to bed at 7:45 and wakes up about 7:30 and takes a two hour nap! Plus, she asks to go to bed. She'll say, "I want milky and go night night."
  
• She refers to herself in the third person. "Myka's turn." or "Myka's shoes."
  
• She loves to pester "Buddy." She's quite the little scratcher and has left her handy work on Carsen's face. He provokes her, but sometimes she does it just to be a little stinker.
• Is saying so many new words everyday! I was worried when she turned a year and had absolutely no desire to talk, but when she hit 18 months she has been turning into quite the little talker (or parrot)!
• Loves popcorn...just like me!
• Still puts everything in her mouth....crayons, sand, chalk, markers; you name it!
  
• She is Carsen's shadow. Whatever he does she wants to do too. When they ride bikes, she is out there with her helmet on wanting to be 'big.' They jump on the trampoline together and have to be pleaded with to come back inside.

I love my sweet little girl. Myka is our little spunk. She was so great while I was gone for a week and had a fun time playing with her cousins (and even went potty on the toilet for the first time! Without me!) Now that I am home she has come down with RSV. Of course. Oh well, at least her mommy is home to take care of her.

Book Suggestion

Anyone have a good book suggestion? I am wanting a fun, easy, entertaining book to read while I'm in London. Suggest away!

You Know Me....

So, as many of you know...I am quite the fitness fanatic. Many of you may tire of hearing about what I'm doing to stay in shape or what race I just ran.....BUT for those of you who care (or are intrigued) and are looking to change up your own physical fitness routine--check-out my new blog: KeyShapeFitness

I have become part of a fitness team--the Beachbody Fitness Team. I am now incorporating P90X into my regime and am loving the results! If you are interested or just slightly intrigued, check-out my new blog. This is a way for me to share my love of fitness and health with others. If nothing else..I hope to encourage someone out there to make a change in their physical activity and get into shape!

New York

THE BIG APPLE RUNDOWN:

I'm back (and have been for several days) but I just haven't gotten around to posting about the BEST trip ever! I didn't want to post, because that would be admitting the trip is over and done..and I am sad all the hype and planning has finally come to an end, and all I'm left with is memories and 400+ pictures! (That's what I get for taking my new camera and making everyone pose for me)!

I stole pictures from Natalie's blog, because she edited and made them all cute....(thanks Nat!)

We caught a red-eye (which I now understand the real meaning of 'red-eye') out of Salt Lake on Wednesday at 11:20 pm. We were all too excited to take notice of the time. We arrived in New York at 5:15 a.m. and hopped in a taxi and headed to Manhattan. It was too early to check-in to our hotel, but they took our bags for us and we were able to freshen-up in their bathroom. (Freshen-up means put on our t-shirts we had made for the Today Show. It was Leslie's 30th birthday (a.k.a. Lou Lou) so we surprised her with 'embarrassing' t-shirts and posters!

It was a hit! Al Roker kissed her on the cheek, Ann, Meredith and Matt came and chatted with us and we even had our several minutes of fame on the Today Show. (It was my second time!) When we returned home from our trip we all re-watched our silliness:)


Instead of visiting the famous Empire State Building, we were told to do the Rockefeller Center instead or Top of the Rock. The view was amazing; especially since we had beautiful weather! (Oh, did I mention we had PERFECT weather the entire trip!) Top of the Rock is amazing; plus you are able to see the Empire State Building!



Thursday afternoon we went to the David Letterman Show. A neighbor of ours has connections and scored us VIP seats! It was amazing! I loved seeing what happens during commercials. Dave is hilarious and I couldn't believe we were there and part of the show! They had to split us up into two groups, so Lou Lou, Rachel and I were sitting together. We were laughing the entire time; not because it was funny; but because we couldn't believe we were there! Surreal.

And of course...who can forget to mention BONO. Oh yes. U2 was the entertainment! They played one song for the show and then did another number just for the audience. It was better than being at a concert because were on the 3rd row. I think Bono's sweat flicked onto my cheek;) U2 is amazing and timeless; how lucky they were there!


After Letterman we strolled along Times Square and found some food. We wanted to be authentic the entire trip and not eat at any chains. We succeeded and had the absolute best luck with our food. (Probably too much food, but New York is known for their delicious dishes...and we didn't want to leave any of it out.)

Our heads hit the pillow after 24 hours of pretty much no sleep. We woke up Friday morning bright and early to get a start on the day.

FRIDAY
We took the Subway to Canal Street where we bought purses, jeans and other knock-off items. It was fun to shop and go at our own pace without having to worry about kids and husbands! We had lunch at a quaint Cafe in Soho and then caught our Hop on Hop Off bus back to our hotel to get ready for the evening.

Hop On Hop Off Bus


Waiting for the Subway


"SHREK" was amazing! We all loved it! It exceeded our expectations...and I would recommend it to anyone who is going to New York.


What else do you do at midnight in New York? Certainly not sleep if you are given the chance...we headed to Serendipity to get some dessert. If you've seen the show "Serendipity" then you know this restaurant is famous. (It is also featured in the movie "One Fine Day" and I'm sure many others). People wait in line 3 hours to be seated at this famous little spot; we waited 20 minutes at midnight! The dessert was unlike anything I have ever tasted (and larger than should be allowed!) They are famous for their 'Frozen Hot Chocolate'; which was absolutely divine!


SATURDAY
We caught the subway to Ground Zero to visit Rachel's cousin and see where the World Trade Center had been. It was fascinating to see how 'real' people with families live in New York. Let's just say Ikea must do well in the Big Apple! You have to learn to live in super small spaces...(I was humbled and realized I have way too much space to complain about!)

We stopped at the 1/2 Price Ticket booth to pick-up show tickets for later that evening. We all had different shows we wanted to see; but some of us had seen them already. So, we eventually agreed on the "Little Mermaid".

We then visited Century 21 (not the Real Estate Company) but a HUGE discounted department store. After we'd had our fill of shopping we took the bus back to Central Park. We hired a little bike tour to peddle us around the park.


Dinner was a hot dog stand. That's a must when visiting New York. (We tried to eat at a yummy pizza place, but it was too busy for us to make it to our show on time. The "Little Mermaid" was great and we followed it up with some real dinner! The night was still too young at that point...(only 11:30) so we decided Serendipity was just what we needed [again]!

Dinner on a stick:)


SUNDAY
Our last day. We utilized our bus tour and went through Harlem and saw other parts of Manhattan we hadn't been to yet. Lunch was at Carnegie Deli (the biggest sandwiches I have ever seen. Seriously, ridiculous). After lunch we split up and half of us went to Ellis Island and the others took a ferry to Staten Island.



We rushed back to our hotel to catch our limo (yes, limo) to the airport. Our bags were bulging, bellies too and our eyes were longing for some good 'ole fashioned sleep. We said good-bye to the Salsibury Hotel (perfect location and huge suite that fit us all!) I personally slept the entire flight home.

The entire time I was away I didn't worry about my kids at all. Chad was busy with work so Kye and Kelly were so fantastic to take my kids for three days! They even took them on a small road trip to Cedar City to be meet up with my parents to celebrate my dad's birthday. (Seriously, what aunt and uncle do that? Only my brother and his wife. They love my kids and my kids adore them!)

Thanks to Chad for funding this little getaway. He's such a sport about my girl trips (even if the guys get together and gripe about how much $$ their wives are spending:)

I have such wonderful friends who make getaway so enjoyable. Thanks to everyone for going along with my wild idea of taking a New York vacation; it wouldn't have happened without all of you...and it wouldn't have been as amazing without each one of you!

Happy Birthday to Pa!

(he's probably going to kill me for this picture; but we all died laughing the night this was taken......)

My Dear Dad turns 60 today! (March 4th) That seems so old to me, yet he is still so young and energetic. My Dad is one of my best friends. (I think a lot of people feel that way about him). He is easy to talk too and so much fun to hang-out with. He has always been my number one fan (and I have always been a huge fan of him!)

I asked Carsen what he loves about his Pa and he said, "When we karate fight." My Dad isn't the type of grandfather to just sit on the coach and watch the kids play; he's down wrestling with them and playing. I don't think I know of another grandpa who loves and fully enjoys his grandkids as much as my Dad does. He would rather be with his 'best buddies' than doing anything else...He will call just to talk to Myka and Carsen (almost every day).

My Dad is a true mans man (nothing 'metro-sexual' about him.) He is an avid hunter, fisher and story-stretcher:) My Dad tells the absolute best stories! He thinks every little boy (and girl) should own a gun and loves to take his grandkids fishing, hunting, camping and anything else that involves dirt and nature. My Dad is a 'goer' and always has some outing planned--and gets excited to get going on that outing. (Growing up we would leave for Lake Powell at 4 in the morning because my Dad couldn't sleep he was so excited!)

I love my Dad and wish way too often he lived closer so we could get together for just the little things. Growing up my Dad and I had a special day every year called, "Spoil Keysha Day." (Some may argue this was everyday; but let's be honest....we all know I was never spoiled:) My Dad and I would take the day off of school and go do whatever I wanted to do. We went golfing, shopping, out to lunch, and just spent the day talking and doing things with just the two of us.

I love you Dad. I hope you have a special 60th birthday. I will be thinking of you and wish I could be with you to celebrate this special day!

I Love....

HOORAY! The end of February is finally here. (Good riddance LOVE posts!) I over committed myself to the 'daily LOVE' posts. Funny thing is, I really thought about it everyday; but I just didn't take the time to do it. There are just too many things that I LOVE. Which is why February will not be the end of my LOVE posts. I am going to make a point to focus my blog more on random things which define who I am, people who influence me, and what I enjoy. So stay tune for more of my LOVES throughout the coming months. (Just not everyday!) I left out so many people and things that I LOVE....so I want to make sure they know of my LOVE for them....

As for now...I LOVE that I leave for New York in five days!