Little Mermaid

Kenzie, you just LOVE the water! The pool this summer has been one of your favorite pass times. You took some swimming classes this Spring and have gotten to use some skills you learned but we can't quite get you to go in without your floaties... ;-)

Happy Birthday, Baby

Little baby girl, you turn four today. My, time is going by fast. Can you stay this little forever for Mommy and Daddy?! Although, you still crave for Mommy and Daddy to hold you and shower you with kisses and tickles. You say, "Mommy, I need loving..." or "Daddy, hold me, Daddy, hold me", you are getting to be a big girl. It is wonderful to watch you blossom into a smart, loving, happy little girl. You have such a big heart, sweetie, and that trait endears you to many who get to know you. We love you so very much Kenzie-cakes (as Daddy calls you)!

Springtime Memories

March 2010- Upon getting home from preschool, you love to run to room and change into your tutu/skirt/dress and ballet shoes so you can dance and twirl to songs or your favorite music & dance show Hi5.

Favorite spring pass times:

• Playing with homemade goo (as pictured)
• Reading books
• Baking
• listening to Christmas music (yes, even in the springtime)
• singing & dancing especially to Christmas music (see video)
• Hi-5 dance show
• princess dress-up
• tumbling
• bubble blowing
• playing with your little sis
• taking walks and exploring
• riding your bike
• jumping & running (you are so very active)
• writing your name
• playing with your trains
• swimming lessons/indoor pool time
• on-line puzzles and games

Current favorite foods:

• tofu
• homemade mac&cheese
• edamame
• miso soup
• Daddy's grilled salmon
• cucumbers
• fruit and yogurt smoothies
• cereal
• peaches/nectarines
• apricots
• chocolate milk
• ice cream (just like Daddy)
• yogurt
• broccoli

Mommy memory: At night in preparation for sleep you love to have me hold you or rock you in the rocking chair. Sometimes you sing me a happy song when I cuddle you or you tell me a highlight of your day, like if you got chosen for circle time by one of your classmates! I think to myself how you are now 3 1/2 and it is still wonderful to hold you in my arms and have you fall asleep. Some may say my little girl is too old and she should fall asleep on her own, but your Daddy and I say that there will come a day when you won't want to be held, so we will continue to cherish all the hugs, love and kisses we can give you and receive.

May 9, 2010- "Mommy you smell like yummy strawberries and chocolate !"

May 7, 2010 - We spent a wonderful day together. A morning at the spa getting you hair trimmed with Anne, shopping, having lunch together at Mike's American Grill, and doing some gardening at home. You loved eating the 'doughnut balls' at the restaurant that you asked if we could go back to eat them the next day!

Spring Soccer

Sweetie, with all the running around you like to do you we thought you might be interested in playing soccer. You had once mentioned to Daddy that you had an interest in playing a game where you run and kick the ball... you had seen some kids playing at the park a few times.

Daddy explained to you that the game is a sport called soccer. We enrolled you in a team and you were so very excited to play. It was a co-ed team with little ones the same age as you. Kenzie, you were the only little girl on the team but that didn't bother you one bit, baby. You really enjoyed getting on that field and running and kicking! It took some time before you learned that you couldn't use your hands but once you practiced enough, you began maneuvering (dribbling) the ball with your feet pretty well. You kept up, and in some instances outran some of the boys! :) The coach nicknamed you his "tough little cookie!"

Favorite Preschool Songs

Sweetie, below are the latest songs you enjoy singing with your classmates and at home:

Siete Dias -Siete dias, siete dias, siete dias de la semana. Domingo, Lunes, Martes, Miercoles, Jueves, Viernes y Sabado!

Open shut them - Open shut them, open shut them, give a little clap, clap, clap! Open shut them, place them in your lap, lap, lap! Bon appetite, now you may eat. Quietly please enjoy!

Days of the Week (Adam's Family song) - There's Sunday and there's Monday, there's Tuesday and there's Wednesday, there's Thursday and there's Friday and then comes Saturday! Days of the week - clap, clap! Days of the week - clap, clap! Days of the week, days off the week, days of the week - clap, clap!!

Weather Person - Weather Person, weather person, tell us what the weather is, tell us what the weather is, won't you please? won't you please?

Merry Christmas

Little Kenzie, you have been enjoying the holiday season this year immensely. Since you are a little older now, you understand the meaning of Christmas. You also understand that there is a lot of celebrating that goes on, and with it, anticipation and surprises! This year Santa sent an Elf to check in on you and your baby Sister to see if you were being naughty or nice. You named the little Elf, Toby, and every morning you enjoyed looking for Toby to make sure he came back from reporting to Santa in the North Pole. Toby really kept you in check! ;-) No matter how many presents were under that tree from Santa this year, you should remember how fortunate we are to have love and each other. Your Daddy and I consider you and your baby sister the best presents we ever received! We love you Darling.

Halloween Fun

So many events this year and thanks to the Fall consignment sales, Mommy spoiled you with various costumes that you could choose from! You had your school party and parade. Your cousins had a costume party, and on the holiday, we had two parties and the trick-or-treating. You and your little Sister had a fun time, especially collecting candy!

Ballerina

Kenzie, you were enrolled in a dance class this Fall for basic tap and ballet. You expressed an interest in taking dance, so we thought we would see if you enjoyed it. The class was every Saturday afternoon, and you were always so eager to get going that you didn't want to take your nap... You really liked your teacher. and you had fun learning the steps and moving to the music with your friends. On the last day of class, parents were invited to watch you all dance and show us what you had learned. You were so excited to wear a special dress and dance for Mommy and Daddy, Sweetie. We are glad you had a good time!

Back to Preschool

Kenzie, you had a fun time at Summer Camp and now it's back to school. You are now in the older 3's classroom and your new teachers are Ms. Liz and Ms. Kathy. You are still the youngest amongst your little friends. Below is your weekly schedule. We hope you continue to enjoy your days of learning at your school, Sweetie.

• 9:00am- Morning Snack
• 9:30am- Circle Time (learning activities)
• 10:00am- Music & Motion
• 10:30am- Outside Playground Time
• 11:00am- Lunch Time
• Noon - 2:00pm- Nap Time
• 2:30pm-Math / Kulinary Cooking Time
• 3:00pm- Outside Playground Time
• 3:30pm- Spanish Circle Time
• 4:00pm Computers/Learning Centers
• 4:30pm Arts & Crafts

Outdoor Picnic Fun

It was such a beautiful day! We had a nice picnic lunch, we kicked the ball around, you flew your first kite, and little Bella rode the carousel and the train with you.

You were so adamant about trying to fly the kite on your own once Daddy got it going for you. Mommy and Daddy thought you did a great job, Sweetie!

Festival Time

Kenzie, it's the time of year where you enjoy the Summer festivals with rides for little ones like you. This Summer you were able to get on some of what we call "the big kid rides". The ride you really enjoyed the most at this festival was called "Spider Man." Mommy and Daddy were pretty skeptical because even though you seemed pretty excited about getting on the ride we thought seeing and doing are two very different things. We thought once you were strapped in you would change your mind... but boy did we underestimate you! In the video below you can't really hear how much your giggling, Sweetie. You even made Daddy laugh a bit too!

Happy Daddy's Day!

I love you so much Da-doo! I look forward to our mornings of cereal, ESPN and Curious George. Thank you for being the best playmate and Daddy ever!

Happy Birthday

Sweet little girl, full of energy and joy, Mommy and Daddy wish you much love, health and happiness! We are cherishing every day that we are blessed with you in our lives.

Early Celebration

Mommy and Daddy thought it would be great to celebrate your third birthday at Walt Disney World this year, Sweetie. Plus we also needed a little vacation of our own. :) We went a bit early to avoid the summer crowds and Auntie Kristi was able to join us as well. You enjoyed the pools, Disney's Animal Kingdom, and the resorts kids activities. But most of all, you enjoyed the Magic Kingdom. When you saw Cinderella's Castle you seemed to be awestruck. Then you got distracted with all the Mickey and Minnie Mouse balloons and the other rides we passed as we made our way to Peter Pan. When you spotted Cinderella's carousel and Dumbo you were so very excited. Overall, you said your favorite was Dumbo and then the cars at the speedway which you were able to ride on twice with Daddy.

We ended a great day at the park with a visit with Minnie and Mickey. We were not sure how you would respond to being so close to your (larger than life) favorite character, Minnie, that we were prepared if you got a bit shy... When you saw her you ran right up to Minnie and gave her a big hug! We are so glad that we have these pictures to share so can see the joy in your face, Sweet girl. I think your baby sister, Bella really enjoyed Mickey as she giggled when he was playing peek-a-boo with her. We all had a wonderful time and are very grateful that we were able to take this trip together.

Thomas Event

Kenzie, your friend, Xander, introduced you to Thomas when you were about one. Every time you had a play date together or when we had family outings together, he always had his Thomas trains with him. Then, on Easter 2007, you got your very own Thomas Easter themed train. Ever since then you have treasured your trains just like Xander and really enjoy playing with them very much. When we heard about the Thomas event we immediately thought to take you. You really enjoyed every minute of it, sweet girl!

Earth Day

Kenzie, you and your sister are future caretakers of our planet. At school you learned about the importance of Earth Day and at home Mommy and Daddy will continue to teach you how important it is to do the below. These actions will help you understand what you can do to prevent the environment from suffering future damage.
Preserving this precious earth for you, your little sister, and future generations to come is one of our priorities, Sweetie.

• Recycle


• Keep lights off when not in the room or at home


• Conserve water


• Use bags from home at the grocery store


• Planting


• No littering


• Love and respect animals big and small

Easter

Happy Easter, Darling. This year you were very excited to share this special occasion with your little sister, Bella.

A day in the life of toddler "you"

Kenzie: "I will hide first and you count"
Mommy: " Okay (counting), ready or not hear I come. Is Kenzie in here (room-to-room)... Oh, I think I hear something, is anyone in here?"
Kenzie: "No, no one is here"

"Mommy, the slide at school is only for one person to go down... some of my friends take too long so it is hard to share and then I get timeout."

Kenzie: Daddy, I can help you... I know, I know what I can get... the tools!
Daddy: "Good girl, okay some of these (tools) are not for little ones so you can hold on to these screws for Daddy and I will show you where to put them once I ask you for them okay?"
Kenzie: "Okay, yeah Daddy, teamwork!"

Kenzie: "Mommy, can we go to the park?"
Mommy: "Yes, maybe after our nap this afternoon"
Kenzie: "Yeah! Daddy, Mommy says we are going to the park so you better get some rest!"

"Bella, sweetie, are you okay?" (Bella fussing)
It's okay, lil sweetie, it's okay, Mommy's here with us"

Kenzie: "I'm a butterfly flying through the air... come on Mommy you are the bee... oh, oh, I have a cough"
Mommy: "oh, are you okay?"
Kenzie: "I'm okay, I think I will fly to see the doctor (flies away and comes back )"
Mommy: "hello little butterfly, what did the doctor say?"
Kenzie (long pause and then giggles): "he gave me medicine and said no more monkeys jumping on the bed!"

Daddy: "Hands up in the air"

Kenzie: like you (just) don't care!!"

walking in to a room and sees Daddy: "what shak'in' baking?"

"Mommy, I'm going to work, wish me a great day and to have fun!"

Kenzie: "Daddy, something is stinky... "

Daddy: "oh, yeah, what's stinky?"

Kenzie: "Um, it's Bella, she's stinky..."

Daddy: "we're off..."

Kenzie: "...like a herd of turtles!!"

Kenzie: "Mommy, are you taking me to school?"

Mommy: "No, not today, Sweetie. Would you like me to take you to school?"

Kenzie: "No, maybe Daddy should take me and you can come later."

Mommy: "Honey, what are you taking to SHOW and SHARE today?"

Kenzie: :"Um, I want to take my blue car, but I will put it in my cubby because I don't want my friends to get it"

Kenzie: "Mommy, Daddy, where are we going?"

Mommy: "We're going to church, Honey, there will be a choir singing and some people will be playing instruments too."

Kenzie: "Will my friends be at the show too?"

Fairytales and Make-Believe

Kenzie, you enjoy what you call "ballerina dancing" and telling Mommy and Daddy that you can fly through the air with your magical wings. We love to watch you and listen to your little sing-song voice as your imagination takes you on your adventures. And, we can't forget the special tea time with your teddy bears, dolls and sometimes Mommy or Daddy joining you. Such happy times!

ABC's

Remembering...

This morning the sun was shining bright when we woke up and you said, "Mommy, Daddy it's a beautiful day outside!" I smiled, and I thought about the day when you were just a little over two year's old: You and I were running late to get to your art class one Saturday morning and we were pulling out of the driveway. You said, "Mommy!?", I replied, "yes, honey?" and you said, "you look so beautiful today, Mommy." I stopped the car and turned back to reach for you with a big smile on my face and squeezed your little hands to tell you how sweet it was to say that, and to thank you for making Mommy so very happy. I remember having tears of joy in the corner's of my eyes... Such wonderful memories. I will continue to treasure moments like this always, Sweetie.

Letting go

Kenzie, this used to be your little chair when you were a baby. Now, your little sister uses it and I guess you think you can still fit into it. One day when I didn't hear you playing or chattering away with your dolls/bears I had to check to see what you were up to. Most times, your Daddy or I will call out, "Kenzie, what are you doing?" and when you hesitate to respond and say, "nothing" we know you are up to something! This time I didn't call out to you and I found you having a treat in the baby chair. Luckily the camera was close by and I was able to get this shot of you. You silly girl, I can't believe how much you have grown.

Happy Birthday, Daddy!

This morning you helped Mommy get Daddy's gift bags ready and then we made him some breakfast, little one. After we let Daddy sleep in a bit, we went upstairs with his breakfast tray and surprised him. You decided you wanted your breakfast in bed as well, so a tray was brought up too. Thanks for being a good little helper, sweetie.

Happy Birthday to a wonderful father and husband, we love you so!

Getting ready for Santa

This was the first year that we would be celebrating Christmas at home. Santa was coming to visit and you were so excited for him to come. You kept looking out the window thinking he would be there any minute, it was so sweet. Here you are with Daddy getting ready:

A Visit To Santa

Kenzie, you were quite exited to go and see Santa this year. You wanted to tell Santa to come to your house for Christmas and to bring you the toys on your list. When the time finally came, you were super shy... you could barely even look at Santa. Your little, Sister, Bella didn't know quite what was going on but you did seem to enjoy him conversing with you. If you listen closely he tells you what kind of cookies he likes and mentions that his reindeer like carrots!

Jingle Bells

Kenzie, this is your abbreviated version, Sweetie. Thank goodness for the new unbreakable ornaments Daddy bought...

Thanksgiving

Kenzie, you and your sister enjoying a little peace and quiet before the guests arrive. Below is a picture of the pine cone turkey you made at school during arts and crafts- so cute!

Crash!

Kenzie, we decided to bring your trike indoors so you could still enjoy it despite the cold weather outside. You've gotten pretty bold and like to ride it really, really fast. Even with one of us watching over you, you sometimes tip over from the speed and onto the wooden floor or into the house plants you go. These little accidents usually end up with you giggling and saying, "oh, oh, I boinked my touchie, Mommy/Daddy!"

Your Special Day

Halloween 2008

This Halloween was filled with many events, Sweetie. On this day, we celebrate your Grandma Becky's Birthday- Happy Birthday Grandma!
Your Halloween events began the previous weekend wehre you joined your cousins for a party at the Air and Space Museum. On Halloween, you had a school costume parade, and then a harvest party. That evening, we went to your friend, Xander's, where we had dinner and then on to the highlight of your day- trick-or-treating. You also had a special guest join you at most of your events: Auntie, Kristi. Your auntie had fun spending the holiday with you. She even helped your teacher during the school events- thank you Auntie!