Kirsten and Mark

At 11 months Kaia finally made her first trip to the beach.We went to Newport of  course. She’s a fan. Of the sand anyway. The water not so much; that made her cry. Not sure if it was too cold, or if it scared her.

She liked playing with the toys though.

Britton actually laying on the sand.

She’s not trying to eat it, or the sea shells in this picture. She really thought that was fun.

Sand stander

Chez with Brit by the water. They like getting it on their feet.

Grandma with her favorite kids.

Kaia chilling on the blanket for a minute.

And, like usual, we got to see dolphins. They really like this beach. I just love them. It was pretty much a perfect day at the beach. But, then it got windy and a little chilly. So we packed up and headed over to Balboa Island to get us some Balboa bars. Delicious.

We finished the day off with some Cafe Rio with our cousin Christy and her family. It was great to see them and enjoy some yummy food too.

We’ve had a “summer to do” list for months now, but somehow, something else keeps coming up, so we haven’t done much of the list. One of them was go to the “Real Pirates” exhibit at the Denver Science Museum. It was in its last week and I wanted to make sure we saw it. We’re members, and as I read in the monthly magazine it was Member’s Night on Thursday, the 11th. Yay, we hadn’t missed it because of being out of town.

We planned all week to go. Thursday night came, we picked up Mark from work, and about 3 blocks from the museum Britton threw up. Out of NO WHERE! No stop and go, no turns, nothing! So we had to go a few miles out of the way to the mall, get him a whole new outfit, scarf down dinner, and head back to the museum.

We get inside, Britton’s all excited. Go up to the ticket counter and they look at us like we’re crazy. Tonight is Volunteer night. Member’s night was LAST Thursday! Seriously!? I almost wanted to cry. Luckily Britton is a flexible child and didn’t have a tantrum.

We walked outside and decided to walk around City Park…there’s a lake and going on the paddleboats was another to do, but walking was enough.

There was a playground and Britton had a lot of fun. Kaia likes the bouncy toys. Then we walked around the lake. It was gorgeous.

City Park. Check.

The next day we got to see our Pirates. Very cool! Apparently The Whydah is the only pirate ship with treasure that’s been found. Britton liked it.

Pirates. Check

One of the reasons I don’t mind our trips to Cali is that B and I get to see our friends and family that we miss terribly.

After the AMC Kids event, we had an all too short visit with our first besties, Mav and Paige. I also got to see their super cute new guy Tuck.

We all had a great time, and the hours flew by quickly. I’m bummed I didn’t get a pic of Paige or the baby, but I hope to next time. When asked who his friends are, Britton always says “Maverick and Paige and Max.” Sometimes Paige even comes first.

There’s a pool at my mom’s place and we spent a lot of time there. There is a 2 foot section, so B could “swim” by himself, and Chez helped too. Kaia LOVES the water. On the first day I saw a girl giving her baby swimming lessons (she’s a real instructor) and so over the next few visits she gave me pointers. Kaia was always happy to put her face in the water or go onto her back. Like, so excited about it. I’ve got to get her into lessons here. And Britton liked to pretend he was swimming too.

Just don’t try getting him to do a back float or really go under.

Grandma Sheri even got to come one afternoon. Britton even got her to go in the water!

On our last day in town our other besties Max, Eden and Linda came for a swim. The boys had a blast playing together, and eating sandwiches.

Kaia and Eden had fun together too. They’re just under 2 months apart. Such cute girls! We were sad when they had to go home.

We got B’s next shooting dates, and they were just far enough away that we decided to go home, and fly back. So, the next day we headed out. The drive went pretty well. We got to stop at Angie’s again for a little fun and food. Britton wasn’t too happy when we had to leave.

Then at Shaela’s the dogs were happy to see them…and I think vice versa. Kaia wasn’t as afraid of them as before. We’ve discovered that Kaia has a thing for men. She likes them a lot better than women for sure. She’s always gone to Greg easily, but she’s been around him since she was born. Sometimes she likes Grandma, but I usually have to be nearby. At Shae’s she wasn’t too keen on going to her, but she went to Ethan right away and was just fine. Silly girl.

The next day we visited with my grandparents. GiGi and Gpapa to the kids. Grandpa indulged Britton with some ball throwing, and they played with the toys.

The little crawler came up for her close up.

Kaia with GiGi and GPapa. She went to him right away too.

Later we went to Cassie’s and played with her and Kaylee for a while. We got snow cones. I was so excited. I love them so much, but we don’t have any around here that I’ve seen. They’re very hard to find in LA too.

They are sharing a small. That’s right, each has HALF of a small. And B almost ate the whole thing. Not that I blame him. The Pina Colada was delicious. I stuck to my usual of Tiger’s Blood, Raspberry and Watermelon. Sooo yummy! Then we headed back to Cassie’s house and the kids played while I went through some of Kay’s clothes for Kaia.

She decided to help. A mighty cute baby in a box for sure.  Not so helpful though. She did continue her love of guys though. When Jeremy came home she was really excited, even though she’s seen him like once before. Apparently he was hilarious.

The next day we had a “normal” morning, then went riding in the afternoon.

Our Hayseed. He looks like a natural up on the hay.

He even took over the reigns on Star. He learned the “kiss kiss” and “woah” plus a little turning I think.

Kaia’s first ride. She had fun for a while, and did good on a trip around. But then she saw me again and it was all over. Bummer.

Then we got more snow cones near Shae’s house. They weren’t as big, but just as delicious. Grandpa Jim came to visit too. Since he didn’t have a nap, Britton fell asleep in the car on the way to dinner…he slept the whole time!

We had a nice trip this time. It was fun seeing everyone…it’s been a few months. Kaia has changed a lot, and is much more mobile, so it was a bit of a challenge keeping her out of things,

The fans of All My Children descended on “The Valley” a couple of weeks ago for their chance to meet the stars of their favorite Soap. Happy for us, we were already in town for a few other things, so we didn’t have to make a special trip. Britton (and Kaia and Chez and I) went to two events, of several, and had a great time!

The first one was “Scoops with AMC Kids” where the kids on the show along with their tv moms came and ate ice cream with the fans. Britton was a little intimidated at first, but had fun playing with his friends and meeting people.

Kaia and Chez ready to party

B and Jake just hanging out

This is the room before the ice cream…

Britton and Jake got into a wrestling match on the floor

During the raffle, Britton thought he’d help too, so he climbed up next to Danielle to read tickets. It was a fun event for the kids.

The next day was the “Main Event” with a lot of the cast members and a whole ball room full of people.

Britton being nice to Kaia before all the craziness.

She thought she’d try taking his face off. Then the next second there were kisses, so they’re friends.

Hanging out with new buddy Tate

All the kids just playing around

Kaia and one of her fans, the gorgeous and super nice Stephanie  Gatschet.

Britton being introduced to the crowd with Tate

Host and MC, JR Martinez. Super nice guy. Kaia LOVED him and wouldn’t let go of his finger when he walked by and said hi to her before the event. Oh, and that’s Britton by him. He was a little scared to go up on the stage and needed a hug from me. But, his “aunt” Bianca took care of him.

That’s him in the back row on the far right. Hunched over, asleep. Don’t worry, he woke up at the end.

Mommy Kendall's entrance

Signing autographs. He does most of the writing himself. I just “steady” his hand a bit.

B with Mommy Kendall. She is so great too. He LOVES her!

As we were leaving he thought these chairs would be fun to sit in.

I think he had a lot of fun. We’ll see what happens over the next year!

So, I found out about these “shoes” when I was in Texas visiting the showroom that carries our Sprout Shells. While my mother-in-law and I were wandering around looking at the products they represent, I saw these:

I had to get them. Kaia doesn’t keep socks or shoes on her feet, and I hate her looking “unfinished.”

She wasn’t so sure about them at first, and did manage to get a toe off, but then she kept them on and got compliments from everyone at church. I’m so excited for her to have something for her feet, but not shoes that can hamper her foot development too.

This pic is really not good, but she looks so cute I just have to post it….

Silly girl!

We do have beaches here, just not with waves. Last week we went to Bear Creek Lake Park and had a great time. Britton really liked the water because he could walk in and play, and I didn’t have to worry about him getting knocked over and falling in.

I’m not sure what I was thinking, but I didn’t bring any toys for him to play with. We did leave our sand toys in Cali since he hated playing with them at the park, but still. So, he kept playing with everyone elses. I seriously “talked” to him about it 20 times.

Miss Kaia had lots of fun too. She should’ve slept most of the time, but somehow she senses there is fun that she’s missing and wakes up.

But I’m glad she did, ’cause she liked it. And tried to eat the sand a lot. When I put her feet down in the water she did NOT like it. I don’t know if it was because she was tired or what because she loves the pool.

Anyway, we had fun at the lake, and we’ll try to come back this year–with toys.  Britton really didn’t want to leave. His new line is “But I’m having Fuuuuun” is a whiney little voice.

I’ve decided to call it that from now on, not just the 4th of July. Our stake had a breakfast in the morning, and had a young Marine speak about different characteristics of “heroes” and also made the point that sometimes these days the meaning of the holiday can be lost when we refer to it as “the 4th of July.” He said that’s just a date on the calendar. But it is Independence Day.

Anyway, we had a nice day.

Kaia at the breakfast. Little stinker was laying on Mark’s shoulder, but as soon as she sensed the camera she was wide awake.

strollin’ to the Arvada city Independence Day “festival.” I love that they’re both holding their pinwheels and B had to have his sunglasses on.

Yum, giant hamburger

Impressive climbing

down the big slide

We mentioned getting his face painted and it was all he talked about after that. We couldn’t believe he sat still for it! After changing his mind on the design several times during the long wait, he settled on this:

He was very proud.

This is the best I could get of them together.

Then it got windy and icky, so we went home. Luckily we only lived a block away.

A few hours later it was finally dark enough for the fireworks. We went out to the grass behind our house and had an excellent view.

Britton really liked them this year. He kept saying "Bam" after each one. That got old quick!Even the little miss liked them. She was very interested in the lights, and wasn't scared by the sound.

Then this happened:Kaia even laid her head back on me!And Britton sat still for a minute.Shortly after this Miss Kaia fell asleep. She didn't even stir during the finale that was super loud.

They were quite pretty and the view was spectacular. We felt very patriotic =)

I thought this got posted like weeks ago!

I just love this girl!

Link to video of her first crawling attempts:

She is the sweetest little girl, and getting easier every day. We have so much fun with her and she just laughs all the time.

She went from inch worming a couple of inches to pulling herself all around the house in about 2 weeks.

One of her latest antics:

Yes, she is through the handle and trying to get the train stuff.

She also loves my phone. Sweet little thing!

I know, I’m late. But, I wanted to wish all the fathers a happy day.

I’m thankful for my kids’ wonderful father who provides so well for us, spends time with us and is so much fun. We all love him, but the kids ADORE him!

Tickle time! Seriously, Britton loves it. And he asks all the time “where’s Daddy?’ even though he knows perfectly well where he is. He is super excited when he gets home from work every day. Kaia gets really excited when he’s around and loves having him spin her around or turn her upside down.

I’m thankful for my dad too and the effort he puts in to stay in touch and visit us when he can. Thanks to my other “fathers” who are always there too!

Man, I’m glad I only told Britton that the day before our trip. I didn’t hear the end of it for days! Every time we left the house he asked if we were going to Texas, or said “We’re going to Texas.” And go to Texas we did! It was a fun trip where we got to see lots of family, and friends.

Here’s the highlights: Kansas and Oklahoma are really quite pretty with gently rolling hills and green fields. It made me wish I had grandparents with a farm to spend my summers with.

After a night in Hays, Kansas we had our first mishap. Miss Kaia rolled off the bed and hit her head on her car seat.

Yeah. Beautiful, huh?

Poor baby! This picture doesn’t even do it justice. But, it is almost gone now. Whew!

The drive wasn’t terrible. Kaia had a hard time sometimes, but we made it. In Oklahoma City we visited Becky’s Gift Shoppe, which carries our Sprout Shells, so it was fun to see.

Then we visited Mark’s long-time friend Ryan. It’s the first time I’ve met him, and it was great to visit with him and his girlfriend Lori.

It was fun just talking and getting to know them. Plus, I learned an awesome new salsa recipe that I’m excited to try out this weekend.

We mostly just hung out in the pool and visited with Mark’s sister Lori and our nephew John on Thursday. Britton liked the raft. We had dinner at his dad’s house. There was lots of room for B to run and roll around and he had a great time.

Being chased by Grandpa

Grandpa, Mark, Britton, Bulbin

Then, Britton decided to take some pictures of his own.

On Friday, we went to the World Aquarium. It’s a really cool place with a lot of different animals, not just sea life. there are a lot of monkeys, as well as a jaguar and

He likes to “read” everything these days.

Mommy monkey carrying her baby on its back.

Crocodile

Pretty Tamarin

I added this just for Mark. These are bats.

We have no idea what this is, but it has a shell like a turtle, but this soft, lizardy like head. And it’s smiling

Brit liked the Manatee.

Super cool octopus

Mark and I with the fish.

We really wish we knew what this bird was. It looks like a prehistoric pelican of some sort.

I never knew that flamingos ate kind of upside down. The top beak goes down on the ground and they gobble backwards.

Later that night we ate at a BBQ place called Rudy’s with everyone (except Lori, she had a trip to pack for). Then we went to my aunt Melissa’s house.  Britton instantly went for Henry’s trains and wanted to play with nothing else. Even though it was like 10 at night.

The next morning we just visited and went to the playground. Later that afternoon we went to Paul’s wedding. It was a very nice, small affair.

Britton loved playing with his cousins. Tommy played with him and taught him Spanish, etc.

Jenna and Laura

Britton with Julia doing “Guppy Face”

Aw, loving Grandma

After the wedding we went back to Melissa’s and went swimming. Kaia was really excited about it.

Really, she loves the water and “swimming”

She also had fun with her cousin Cooper. They’re about 2 1/2 weeks apart, so it was fun seeing the differences between them.

I’m a little bummed I didn’t get pictures with the rest of the family. London and Henry are really cute, and Kaia really loved the attention from Londie.

Sunday was fun, with an extra long sacrament meeting and restless kids (yay). Then we had dinner with Doug and Laura and Jenna, Kira and Tommy. Britton got more play time with his big cousins and had so much fun. We were sad when we had to pack up and get on the road.

We told Britton we were going to Kansas. Guess what we heard the whole night?