Our Snow Witch

As unbelievable as it is, it snowed A LOT here in St. George. So, we decided that we better get out there and make a snowman before it all melted. I was shocked at how much snow there actually was. We had enough we could have made a whole family of snow people. Once we started our snowman, we seemed to be gathering a crowd. A bunch of the neighbors came out to help, even Talen put on his snowsuit and joined in the fun. The neighbors were very helpful when it came to accessorizing our snow lady.

Decorating the Tree

Kennedy really wanted to help decorate the tree this year and I will take any help even if it has to come from my 5 year old. However, when we pulled out the Christmas stuff, I remember that we had gotten rid of all the little glass balls because the were breaking. So we ran to the store to get some new decorations and Jay made the mistake of telling Kennedy that she could pick out one item for the tree. She decided on an extremely large acorn. Don't ask me why she wanted an acorn, but she was very insistant on getting the acorn. Thankfully I talked her down to a medium sized acorn, but it was still an acorn nonetheless. So, on our beautiful tree covered in red bows and red and silver glass balls hung Kennedy's acorn front and center. I don't think she has ever been more proud of anything in her life.

VAUGHN FAMILY PICTURES

We finally had our family pictures taken. I think it was Mike's aunt that took them. She did a good job. (Although it is easy to take good pictures when the subjects are so darn good looking. hehehe) Here are a few of my favorite:

Talen Swinging

I don't know what prompted Jay to do it the first time, but Talen absolutely loves to be hung upside down. I know that seems bad and we need to be more careful (given his weak neck) but he just giggles like crazy whenever Jay does it. In fact, Talen was having such a blast that Kennedy insisted that Jay hang her upside down too!!

KiKi Asleep

I really do think that Kennedy can fall asleep anywhere and in any position. She was sitting in Talen's chair watching a movie and the next thing I know, she was out cold!

Talen's 1st Official Haircut

I gave in and finally asked Jenny to cut Talen's hair. I was so afraid that once we cut off his curls we would never get them back, so I didn't let her take off too much. Now I realize that we probably won't ever be able to get rid of the curls (not that we want to). Talen did pretty good during the haircut, but he did not like the squirter-bottle. What a handsome little boy we have under all that hair!!!

BEFORE

DURING

AFTER

Talen

I don't remember what was happening when I took these pictures, but I am sure it was something adorable. I am amazed every day that the Lord gave me with such a wonderfully special little boy. He is one of the best blessing that I could have ever asked for. I never thought that such a little person could teach me so much. I pray every day that I can be the mother that you need me to be. Talen, I couldn't possibly love you more.

Practice, Practice, Practice

I was in the other room when I heard Talen start to fuss a little. I knew that Kennedy was in the bedroom with him, so I wasn't too worried, but I decided to see what was wrong anyway. When I walked in there, Kennedy was struggling to get Talen into her arms. I asked her what she was doing and she replied, "I am practicing holding babies. " Poor Kennedy wants us to have another baby so bad!! She was definately meant to be the "big" sister. I love my KiKi!!!

Halloween

This year we decided to trick-or-treat in our own neighborhood. Talia and Brooke brought over their kids and we walked them around while the guys stayed at our house to hand out candy. It is obvious that our kids are still too little to appreciate the full extent of Halloween because after one or two blocks they were done. Man, when I was a kid, I could have gone for hours (that is, if there would have been more houses that I could have gone to).
Kennedy = Bat Girl
Dylan = A Ninja
Talen = Tigger
Hailey = A Bumble Bee
Trey = A Turtle

Preschool Halloween Program

Just like last year, Kennedy had a Preschool Halloween Program. All the kids came out in their costumes and paraded around for everyone to see. They sang some Halloween songs and trick-or-treated to all the parents. Our KiKi is the adorable "Bat Girl" and Dylan was the "Ninja." Kennedy was especially excited because Grandma Robin and Gavin were there to see the program too!

Pumpkins!!!!

For the first time as a family, we decided to carve pumpkins. Kennedy wasn't as excited about it as I hoped she would have been. She didn't even last long enough to get hers cut, but Jay and I had a good time. Of course, it unded up in a competition to see who carved the better pumpkin. I think I should of won because mine had more detailed, but when we asked our friends, there were mixed reviews. I guess we just have to say that we tied!!

(Shelly's is on the left and Jay's is on the right.)

HALLOWEEN FOR THE ADULTS

So, we were invited to an "Adult Only" Halloween party and it was "costumes mandatory", which I loved because this forced Jay to get dressed up. I had heard that there would be prizes for best costumes and such, so I decided our best chance at winning would be to pull out my infamous "Bride of Frankenstein" look. After some convincing, I got Jay to agree to be Frankenstein to complete the duo. I did such a good job on his make-up that several people didn't realize who he was until he sat next to me. The party consisted of lots of games and lots of treats. The big prize went to Jon and Jenny for their Pop-eye and Olive Oil costumes, even though I think we should have won. (I am not biased at all, am I???) Well, you decided!!!

Special Needs Halloween Party

The Family2Family Network put on a little Halloween for all the families with children with special needs. So, I called up my friend Kelly and we took our kids. The cutest part was the costumes. Jackson was Batman, Kennedy was Batgirl (we didn't plan that), Talen was a motorcycle rider, and Sam was a cowboy. They had a great time. There were lots of games for the kids to play and of course they got goodies! I think the biggest hit was the barrel train ride. KiKi and Jackson rode until they shut it down. (Good thing, or we would have been there all night!)

Nice Surprise

Jay & I had gone out for a date and asked Jay's mom to babysit. We knew that she was going to be taking the kids over to Brooke's. We didn't know that they would be taking pictures of them. Several days later Robin gave me some of the pictures that they took in beautiful frames. These are my two favorite (although it was hard to choose because there were so many good ones).

No Training Wheels!!!!

We decided that it was finally time to take off the training wheels. So, Jay took on the task while I got some work done in the house. No kidding - 5 minutes later my phone rings. It is Jay and he says, "Come out here!!!" So, I walk outside and KiKi is riding like a pro!!! I couldn't believe my eyes. Jay said he walked her down to the stop sign and she took off from there. She is so good. Now the problem is getting her to get off the bike and coming back in the house.

Chris's Funeral

We all knew the time was coming, but it is still hard to say goodbye to someone you love. Chris finally decided to return home to our Heavenly Father on September 29. We had his viewing on October 2nd and the funeral was held on October 3rd. I don't know if Chris ever knew how much I loved and admired him. I will always be grateful to Chris for preparing me to be able to handle a child with disabilities. I know it would have been harder if it weren't for having Chris in our family. Because of Chris, I know I can handle it. He taught me that having a disability doesn't matter. Life moves on and it is our responsibility to make what we can of that life, no matter how difficult or trying our circumstance. I am grateful for the time that I was able to spend with Chris, especially these last couple years. He was truely an amazing and admirable man. I love you, Chris!!!

For those who don't know Chris, he had Down's Syndrome and passed away at age 53.

Kennedy turns 5

For her actual birthday (she called her friend party her fake birthday), we had family & friends over for cake and ice cream. Of course, there was a pinata involved. However, this year I decided to make it myself - with KiKi's help of course. Well, that didn't last long and I ended up doing most of it. Although, I can't blame her, I pooped out near the end too and made my mom add all the finishing touches. It turned out better than any store bought one, if I do say so myself. After the pinata fun, we opened presents. Kennedy got a scooter and pads (we are hoping this will help with balance so we can take off the training wheels), barbies, barbie accessories, Little Pet Shop toys, a Batman mask (she was so sad when Talen had gotten one and she didn't), a little play computer, games, puzzles, books, and clothes. What a spoiled child!!!

KiKi's Friend Party

Since Kennedy was turning five, we decided it was time to let her have a friend party. She really enjoys going to the movie theatre, so we took them to the only kids movie that was playing, "Egor". I told her that since she was turning 5 she could invite 5 friends. She chose Amy (my cousin), Jessa & Jentel Wilson, Katelyn Leavitt, and Kyleigh Messenger. I had asked Jenny Wilson to help before I had realize that my mom would be here, so I had plenty of extra hands. My mom and I went to the movie early to save seats (it was the first week out) while Jay and Jenny brought the all the girls (and Jeremiah) a little later. It was an interesting show, not quite what I had in mind, but they seemed to like it. Afterwards, we came back to our house where they had princess cupcakes (a spider one for Jeremiah) and opened presents. Kennedy enjoyed it so much I doubt I will be able to get through another birthday without a friend party too.

Talen's 2nd Birthday

For Talen's 2nd birthday we just had family and friends come over for some cake and ice cream. Since he can't really play with toys, he ended up with mostly movies and clothes. I was pretty pleased though because I managed to find a Buzz Lightyear and Woody from the movie "Toy Story" (he is really liking that now a days). It was so cute, his face just lit up when he saw them. I guess one thing good about Talen's condition is that when the other kids took off with his new toys, he wasn't even a tiny bit jealous. We had also gotten him his own Batman mask. Once when we were over at our neighbors I put their son's Batman mask on Talen. He thought it was pretty neat, so we decided that since he had shown interest, we better buy him one too. All in all, it turned out to be a pretty good birthday for our little two year old.

Trails River Run 5K

I have turned into the racing machine. I decided to compete in another 5K. I really wanted to do a 10K, but they only offered the 5K and a half marathon (I know I am not ready for that yet). So, while Shanae tackled the half marathon, Jenny and I stuck to the 5K. Shanae did awesome. She took 5th overall and 4th in her age group. I sure do admire her (one of these days, maybe I will be able to keep up with her). Jenny and I did pretty good ourselves. I took over a minute off my time and ended up 7th overall. Technically I took 3rd in my age group, but since the 1st and 2nd in my age group were in the top 3 overall, they awarded me 1st in my age group. So, I am calling it a win - I took first!! (hehehe) Jenny ended up 12th overall and 6th in our age group (but with 1 & 2 out, she ended up in 4th). The crazy part is that right before the run, my MP3 player died on me. So, I was also doing it without and music or motivation. Good Job Us!!!!

(Shanae went home with her supportive husband who came to watch, so she missed the photo op.)

First Day of Preschool . . . Again

Well, it is here. Kennedy's first day of preschool for the 3rd year. I tried really hard to get her into Kindergarten, but they are very strict about the birthday deadline (which she misses by 28 days). Oh well, I guess she will just be really ready when she gets to go next year. So, we enrolled her in the same preschool she went to last year. She has a new teacher, but they did such a great job last year, I am not worried at all. Plus, her teacher (Miss Kami) is in our ward & such a nice person. KiKi was extremely excited to go this year because Dylan is in her class.