Lions, tigers and bears...oh my!

I was able to chaperon for Kaiya's 1st grade class last Friday. We went to the Woodland Park Zoo. I grew up in Washington but have never been to that zoo, so it was an experience for me too! I had Kaiya and 3 other little kids in my group. Kaiya said that her favorite parts of the field trip were the zebras and the birds. Here are some pictures from our day!

I had luckily put some cash in my pocket that morning so I gave the 4 kids in my group a $1.00 to buy some food to feed the birds. They thought that was cool.

This little monkey was so cute and came up to the window to look at the kids.

This is one cool chick..

I met Sandy when I was trying to get her company to buy office products from CE. She was in purchasing and I was the nagging sales person. We hit it off pretty quick. A couple of months ago we started to work out together 2 times a week. She is one of the coolest people that I know. I am so glad that I met her! Sandy is getting married in about 2 weeks, so last weekend her sister (Suzy) threw her a bachelorette party...I had SO much fun! We all met at her parents house...she had no idea about the party, so her fiance brought her there and she was surprised to see all of us. Suzy rented a limo and we all piled in and went to Starbucks. Then we went and ate at The Melting Pot. It was sooo yummy. I had never been there but I am definitely looking forward to taking Cirdan.

After the Melting Pot we drove around Tacoma and stopped down by the water to take a picture. Then we drove around and went back to her parents house.

Martinelli's Sparking Cider in the limo...

Happy Happy Birthday!

My Gramee's birthday was last Friday. She celebrated by going to the temple with family and then afterwards we all met for some yummy chinese food. It was fun to wish her happy birthday. My Gram still seems 60 to me and it seems like her looks haven't aged for 15 years!

Happy Birthday Gram!

Ummm Dad? Is that your purse?

You are missed

On March 17th it was 8 years since my Grampee Fred died. I miss him often and wish that he was around to meet Kaiya, Ella and Cirdan. I have a lot of good memories of Grandpee.

This was a picture of him in Puerto Rico where him and my Gramee served their mission...

March 26th it was 3 years since my Grandpa Glen died. I remember that day like it was yesterday. I felt at peace when his spirit left this world. He had such a strong spirit and I am sure that he is up in Heaven teaching many people the gospel.

This is a picture of the 1st time he met Kaiya...

My dad, Kaiya, Ella and I took some flowers last Thursday to the cemetary to put the on my Grandpa's graves.

Painting - Part 1

I did it! I painted 2 walls in the house. The color looks different in the picture than in real life. I can't wait to see some more color on my walls in the next few weeks!
Before...

After...

Mommy's little mess maker

Ella's favorite things to do...

Twilight fanatics

Twilight came out on DVD Saturday morning at 12:00 am and Walmart was open late just for the DVD release. So, at midnight my sister Stacey and I were standing in the long line at Walmart with a bunch of nerds (did I say that?) with anticipation for the release of a vampire movie. I, of course had to go and chaperone her. Just kidding...I did want to go. Stacey and Casey spent the night so that Stac and I could come home and watch the movie. I was SO tired today but it was fun.

My baby sister turns 19

Kaylee's birthday was yesterday so we had a little birthday party for her last night. Pizza was the choice for her birthday dinner.

My mom and Kaylee made a really cute purse cake!! I thought it was such a cute idea! It was really yummy...made with some kind of light and fluffy icing. Honestly, I am still thinking about eating a piece right now.

Stacey and my mom had to get in the picture...

My dad decided that in the middle of her birthday party she needed decorations. He is always one step ahead! :)

Had to post this picture we took. Casey's face makes me laugh...

Happy Birthday Kaylee. I remember 19 years ago, sitting in my 4th grade class, getting a note from the office saying that you were born. I was so excited and remember going to the hospital to meet you. You will always be my little bud, my princess, my Kirby Georgette. I thought you were my baby growing up and I have had so much fun with you over the years. I love you!

No more!!...

...waking up at night to make Ella a bottle (or bottles). It was getting to be about 3 bottles a night which was insane!! Since I am not working I figured I can handle a couple of nights with Ella crying and not getting much sleep (thanks to my new option to take a nap during the day). Last week we had 2 really bad nights but I am very happy to blog that she is finally bottle free at night!

On another note, Kaiya brought home her 2nd trimester report card. Her teacher sent a note saying that she is reading ABOVE grade level. Her oral reading/fluency range should be 50-60 words per minute and ther latest score was 72 words per minute. I am so proud of her! She hasnt enjoyed this year as much as she did last year and it has been a struggle to get her out of bed in the morning (problems with the teacher). I am thankful that this year is almost over.

I'm done!!!

So, last Friday was my last day of work. Monday was the official last day but I decided to take that day off (who wants to end on a Monday?). What did I do yesterday for my first official day unemployed?!?!? Cleaned the house and took care of a sick kid!!! I figured the faster I clean the house and get organized the more time I will have in the coming weeks to go do fun things! Kaiya had a temperature of 102+ so I of course nursed her back to health. I also decided on what colors to paint my dining/no dining table room and family room. Yeah!
It's a crazy feeling to be unemployed after working a straight 12 1/2 years. I don't think it has really sunk in yet. I am sure it will as soon as I stop getting my severance checks! :)

Presenting...America's Next Top Model!

One of Kaiya's favorite TV shows is America's Next Top Model . Every time we watch it she gets up and does her model walk. Kaiya also likes to get dressed up and ask me to announce..."Presenting, Kyra (she changed her name to be like Tyra) America's Next Top Model" which she then comes strolling into the room doing doing her runway walk.

Kaiya is such a little girly girl. I love her innocence and imagination

Here are some pics I took of her this morning, almost every time the camera is on her she has to do her ANTM poses.