YIKES!

I'm a terrible mom and an even worse dental assistant. We made our bi-yearly trip to the dentist last week. Kiana didn't fare well. She has 4 (yes 4!!!) unwelcome guests. I have been so nervous. Kiana is so close to 4, but still only 3. I have worked on plenty of 3 year olds to know that fillings and 3 year olds don't get along. We have talked about it all week, and I am surprised to say, SHE DID EXCEPTIONALLY WELL! I didn't want it to be a bad experience, and I didn't want to have to go somewhere else where they'd put her under or for my office to think poorly of my mothering skills (not being able to calm her down), so you can imagine my relief (Kiana not being the calmest child in the world...haha...understatement).

Here's Kiana in her elephant nose:

And here she is just sitting back all cool, relaxing and watching Mickey Mouse.

She was pretty numb after and kept biting her cheek, now she has kangaroos (aka cankers). She looked so cute with only half her face smiling and talking, I had to get a picture of that too!

An Amazing Man

My grandpa, Don C. Lewis, passed away this morning. Though he was my step-grandfather, he never treated us differently. He and Grandma Lewis have always been so good to us, and shared their love with everyone. Grandpa had 6 children, with one passing away as a baby. His wife passed away quite young(before any of us grandchildren were born), and soon after he married my Grandma Lewis. They were so good together, helping to take care of each others families, and just enjoyed the rest of life together. We love them so much and are greatful for their love and thoughtfulness. Grandpa was such an example of the gospel, lived it well and shared his testimony. He has had Parkinson's Disease for many years and it has taken a lot out of him, grandma standing by and helping the whole way. He still was always quick with a witty comment, one of the funniest men I know. No wonder where my step-father got it. We love and will miss him always, but for sure he is in a happier place, one where his body will work as well as his mind.This is Grandpa and Grandma with Kiana when she was born.

Us visiting Grandpa at the nursing home.

Thank you for sharing your life with us, we love you!

Let the Summer Games Begin...

It's a competition, me versus the kids...

First Event: Trying to Keep them in the house (I swear I lock every door). With or without clothes is the question.

Second Event: Not breaking a bone. This is a hard one with our new toy that was handed down. I can't keep Kiana off it.

Third Event: Walking, Falls, Tumbles, and Bruises

At least this shiner took place at church, I have witnesses.

Fourth Event: Tupperware and Food Toss (I can't keep anything clean with these munchkins)

With all these hurdles, I just might lose my sanity, but we sure are having fun!!!!

Who do you think will win?!?

Walking Already

Maile, 10 months old, is cruisin'. Am I ready for this? Kiana took a little longer, and while I am eager for her to move, I wasn't ready and she is getting harder to chase around.

She gets so happy and almost runs to you, and it seems everyday she gets a little better. I am a bad camera man, and it would have been easier to film it if I would have had some help(she just kept diving for the camera) but here is a small clip.

I was also taking pictures of them playing in the bathtub, but figured most of them weren't appropriate, however, this one turned out cute and wasn't too exposing.

When Maile gets her picture taken, Kiana needs one too. Here she is as a princess on a tower!
Here we are at the gateway with some friends. The fountains were closed, so we just hung out in front of the waterfall. I love when friends call and invite us to do things, we get so bored. This day we went with the jowers to the gateway, old navy, and then the church museum and saw the I am a Child of God exhibit. It was a lot of fun, and the kids got to play with things. We didn't get to see it all, so we will have to go back when we have more time =)

We also got a new Del Taco in Tooele and had to try it out. The kids place, being new, was pretty clean. I even got up there to play with Kiana for a minute. Here she is making a chessy face.

Not too much has been going on. We are just enjoying the weather and being outside. When Daddy is home, we are trying to play catch up on home projects. It is nice having him home a little more, even though it won't be for long.

Finally a Graduate!

Steve has graduated!! I know, it's been a long time coming (6 years). He got a double associates degree. One general and a bio-tech. It was long, but I am so proud of him and all he does for our family. It isn't over yet, the "U" says another 4 years. I can't believe it. But at least this is a big step. I can't wait to have a normal life, to have a husband that comes home once in awhile. But it will all be worth it in the end.

He was the handsomest graduate there!!

"The walk..."
He does this for all of us, and despite all of the interruptions we give him =)

Steve with his parents.

This man has a diploma. He is so smart.

Good Luck with the rest of your schooling. We love you and are so proud of you!

Quick update of pics!

So many pictures...so little time!

This is a cute picture of Maile...look close and you can see her two bottom teeth.

At first Kiana didn't want me to take pictures of them, so I just took some of Maile. My mom and I made the bows in their hair and I wanted pictures of them.

Finally Kiana conceded to join! (and you can't even see her bow)

Kiana likes to take these dogs for a ride. She sits on them, beats them up, you know whatever, and they just take it. She sure gets them excited!

The girls "driving" Dondi crazy. No wonder she has blue hair!!! Just Kidding =)

Steve's Grandma Benson also had her 88th birthday and of course we had to celebrate!!

Steve's mom, grandma, and Uncle Tom

Kiana playing with her cousin Jaylee.

Steve and Maile partying hard!!

Grandma is doing well for 88 years, and hopefully we have many more!

The Bunny hops came and went

I don't often get around to posting anymore, but thought I should show some Easter pictures. Right before Easter, we went to the mall. I had forgotten that the Easter Bunny sits there like Santa, and though I hadn't talked to Kiana much about the Bunny (or that a holiday was even coming up), I decided to introduce them. Kiana was not having any of that, and instead booked it out of the area to the arms of our friend. I guess the Bunny is a little more scary than Santa, at least Santa has a real person face. Needless to say, we instead spent time doing this.....(and may I say, enjoying it so much more!)

Kiana got a Easter Bunny house from Grandma Mullins and made it with her Tia Chani. She mostly liked the eating the candy part. It turned out really cute, but I thought the candy was gross. I had to be snaeky and finally through it away.

The Easter Bunny left clothes, books, and of course CANDY. We watched the animated story of Jesus' death and resurrection. I hoped she could understand the importance of the day if only in a small way.

Daddy needed to sleep, so that night, our egg hunt was at the Wrights and some good dinner. They don't like us to mention them, but what do you do when you spend so much time with good friends?!?

Maile had to join in the fun and find one too....

And then proceeded to eat it, blue mouth and all!

The girls dresses turned out so beautiful. I have gorgeous girls!




And a picture just for the Wrights....No one is ever too old for this!