McKay is 5

Last week I took McKay to the mall to get his 5 year old picture taken.(I'm no Holly so I can't do it at my house) I think they turned out well and I am taken back by how good looking my son is. I can't believe I am the mother to a 5 year old. He is such a wonderful kid. He plays well with Ellie...most of the time. They come up with the best imaginary play and keep themselves entertained for hours. He has really taken an interest in his baby sister Clara. He always want to hold her , he informs me when she has spit up when we are driving in the car, and if she's crying and I'm not around he'll try and give her her pacifier. All in all a great big brother.

He is really excelling in school and looking forward to starting Kindergarten the first of August. It's a mothers dream to hear that they use your kid as the model in class for pre reading and math skills.

He is such a sweet sensitive kid and I only hope it continues.

Playtime!!

The other day I came up the stairs to find that McKay and Ellie had set up a picnic on the landings. They had all their play food spread out on their blankets and were having a wonderful time.

All that eating really made them tired!

This is from a different day. They were throwing their imaginary play friends into the air on their blanket. Notice how they stop two different times to add more friends.

Collectors Edition... Bobble Head Clara

Clara is so much fun. She is such a sweet baby and makes having 3 kids not nearly as hard as I thought it would be.(knock on wood)

Clara's Blessing

Ryan had the honor of giving Clara her blessing. We had the blessing in Utah since both sides of the family are there. It was a beautiful heartfelt blessing, and it was great to have everyone involved. Clara was able to have both Grandpas and two Great Grandpas in the circle. Not to forget about her uncles and Bracken.

All the men that were involved.

The proud parents.

McKay's 5th Birthday!!

McKay enjoyed a wonderful Thomas the Train birthday party. It was changed last minute from Lightning McQueen, but he knows what he wants. During the singing of 'Happy Birthday' he got so excited he fell off his chair. He was very patient and waited until everyone was done eating to open his presents, although he asked at least 15 times if it was time for presents yet. He got way more gifts than he needed and his only disappointment was that He wasn't allowed to play with all the toys until we got back to Reno. He did get to play with a few. I can't believe that he is 5. It makes me feel like an official mom since I am now the mother to a kid and no longer only toddlers. As if being the mother of 3 wasn't enough.

Party Time!!

He really loved his present from Great Grandpa Hill.

Dad working on putting together McKay's Hot Wheels Shark Park.

"Is it time yet?"




Tootsie Roll teeth in honor of Aunt Lindsay.

I put this picture just because McKay looks so old, at least to his mom.

PINATA!

Hogle Zoo

This last trip to Utah was a trip of firsts, this was the kids first trip to a zoo. The kids had an excellent time, especially Ellie. If you know Ellie than you know that she LOVES animals. They were only disappointed by the fact that they couldn't touch the animals. Oh well the bronze sculptures will have to do.

Classic Hogle Zoo picture. Drinking out of the Lion.

On the train ride with cousin Hailey.

Ellie riding the Rino. One of her favorite animals.

I know this picture is dark but if you look close you'll see a HUGE python. "McKay likes snakes, but I don't like snakes." -Ellie

The kids loved this Elephant. It snorted one of their favorites "Pop goes the Weasel" and would puff air out of its trunk. McKay wouldn't get near it and I had to coax Ellie just to come stand by it, but they sure did love to stand back and watch.

Bowling

On our trip, the kids had their first experience with bowling...and they loved it. They were cheering for everyone as their ball rolled down the lane, and excited if it knocked any down. McKay's favorite part was watching the screen to see what number would appear and then shouting it out so we knew what we got. Ellie was practicing for her future modeling career and working the fan effect from the hand blower. I think they both beat Aunt Lindsay ( they cheated a little by using the bumpers and ramp)

Tulip Festival

During our stay in Utah we visited the Tulip Festival at Thanksgiving Point. It was so beautiful, almost beautiful enough to inspire me to get out in the garden.

Clara enjoyed the fresh air

McKay and Ellie exploring the paths winding through the garden.

I forgot the stroller so Clara had to ride in a wagon. Her seat didn't fit so we had to leave the door open. She didn't seem to mind.