Two Weeks of Bliss in Thailand!

We had an amazing vacation in Thailand. I could spend hours writing about all the wonderful things we did. We had a packed itinerary and everything came together seamlessly. It was the best vacation I have ever had. What can be better than two weeks alone with your husband in an amazing country.

We began our trip in Bangkok. The moment we stepped out of the airport Chris commented, "I remember this smell. Just the smell brings it all back to me." Before we left he had been excited about going, but felt a bit like he would rather visit someplace he had never been before. But I could tell that at the moment he smelled the city, he was ecstatic to be there. He talked to the cab driver all the way to the hotel. I think that his Thai was very good and I was impressed with all that he remembered. Many people were shocked that he could speak the language so well and some had a double take because they wondered were the Thai person was. I just viewed the sights and soaked it all in. It was incredible to see the homes, buildings, shops, billboards, markets, etc for the first time. Just amazing.

We were able to see many temples including the grand palace and temple of the emerald Buddha. I was fascinated by the Buddhist religion and their practices of worship to the Buddha. I enjoyed watching the people and how devoted they were. Everywhere people had a Buddha and a picture of the King (whom they hold in the highest respect and honor.) Shrines for both are everywhere!!

We went to Chiang Mai and rode elephants, went bamboo rafting, and visited the hill tribes. We had a wonderful tour guide! We had toured the Bridge of the River Kwai sites on a private tour while in Bangkok and when we got to Chiang Mai we booked another private tour. (only Chris and I with a driver and tour guide for the whole day) She told us so much about everything we saw and the customs of the country. She even took us to some extra places because we had some time left at the end of the day. She used to work with the hill tribes in helping them to not be embarrassed by their ethnic clothing and customs. She even speaks their languages. So, when she offered to take us to see some of them I was ecstatic!

In Udon Thani we were able to go down to the nearby village of Kumpawapi and visit a church branch that Chris worked in. It was his favorite area. We even took the missionaries with us and visited a family that he baptized, but had gone inactive after a couple of years. They recognized him immediately and were overjoyed to see him! They promised to go back to church and the missionaries were excited to have met them and will be visiting them again. It was amazing that we found this family, as addresses mean nothing in that area. Chris remembered pretty much where it was and they asked around the neighborhood the find the exact house. It was wonderful to visit this family and go to church there. The people are so welcoming and the spirit was very strong at church. After church they always have a potluck lunch together. We enjoyed spending that time with them.

We spent the last part of our trip in Phuket, an island very popular among tourists. It was gorgeous! We stayed at the JW Marriot Resort at a private beach there. No other hotels were anywhere close and the beach was pretty much deserted. The water was warm and clean and beautiful. We walked the beach, layed by the pool and enjoyed the extensive tropical grounds! We took a day trip snorkeling at the Phi Phi Islands and loved it so much that we booked another trip to the Similan Islands our last day there. It was a great experience for both of us. The number of fish and the variety of colors was fascinating as well as all the coral!!! The water was so clear and a beautiful blue color. The islands were amazing to see as well. Just a great experience all around.

At night we walked the beach and the grounds around the resort. They had torches all along the paths and around the pools and huge torches in a shallow reflection pool in the center of the resort. The sunsets were gorgeous.

Like I said, I couldn't come close to relaying all that we saw and did on our trip. It was a very cultural experience and a trip we won't ever forget!

Annual Pictures of the Girls

This year, being busy and such I decided to try to take portraits of my girls myself. Hey, why have a camera that can make big photos and not use it? I think they turned out pretty well. The photo op was quite funny, though, as I had to keep calling the dog away as he'd turn up in the background on some pictures! Anyway, I think my girls are beautiful!

More pictures of Orlando

I just love this picture of Courtney being scared of the Grinch. She loved to see the characters from far away, but not up close. She turned her head and then peeked. When he was still there she covered her eyes and peeked. Then she just started screaming! The grinch obviously sees this a lot and posed for a fun photo! The girls got to see Dora, Shrek, Spiderman, the x-men (and women), the Cat in the Hat, Betty Boop, Scooby Doo, and many many more! Lots of fun!

Islands of Adventure

We had an amazing vacation to Orlando! Chris had corporate meetings at the Royal Pacific Resort and we got to crash! The girls and I spent the week at Islands of Adventure and Universal Studios. Univeral Studios was OK. The girls really liked the Barney Show, the amazing Curious George water play area, and the Shrek 4D movie. The Revenge of the Mummy ride was pretty fun for mom and dad. But we all loved Islands of Adventure. Each area had something for everyone and there were play areas galore for the kids. They had some huge coasters for Chris and I to go on and some small rides for the kids. The rides where we got wet were quite fun! Great times and great memories! Enjoy the photos!

Cute Quote of THE YEAR!

OK, I think this one beats them all hands down. McKayla is my thoughtful kid who comes up with some doozies. Here's one from yesterday:

McKayla was talking about Heaven again and how it was a lot like "this earth we live on." I told her that actually it is way better than anything we can imagine. She thought about this for a moment and asked:

"Is Heaven even better than KISSING?"

My answer was an emphatic yes, what else could I say? The thing Chris and I want to know is, how would she even know how good kissing is?

Cute quote of the month!

So McKayla came up with another cute one! She told me this morning as we were getting ready to go to the mountains her theory of how Heavenly Father blesses us. She said that he has a big picture book of everyone that prays and when he wants to bless us he just blesses the book and everyone inside gets blessed.

On the way home we were talking about how the rain clouds go all the way down to the ground when it is raining. McKayla said that Heavenly Father makes the rain and that he lives on one of those clouds, but his cloud doesn't fall down to the ground.

Too cute!

Student of the Month

On Thursday, Chris and I were given a special invitation to go to an awards assembly and Brianna's school because Brianna would be getting an award. She was named Student of the Month! We are so proud of her! She works really hard in school and I'm glad she felt recognized for it. She has also gotten an award for being a Student of Character too!

A trip to the mountains

For Labor Day we went up to Big Bear (finally) and took a ride on the ski lift and hiked back down the mountain. The day was cloudy and much cooler than down in the valley. In fact, we were greeted at the top of the mountain with a thunderstorm. Still, my girls were up to the adventure and we went ahead and hiked back down instead of taking the ski lift. It was 1 1/2 miles and pretty steep. We had to break out the umbrella a few times, but overall it was pleasant. The mountains were beautiful and we decided we have got to visit more often!

All I want for Halloween?

It's official, Brianna has now lost her two front teeth (top and bottom, though one of the bottom ones is in now). She had a loose top tooth for a very long time and finally she decided she wanted it out. It only took a quick twist and it was out. The new tooth was already sticking out when the baby tooth came out! Well, the one next to it was beginning to get loose, this was about 2 weeks ago. We've been checking it, but it was still in there pretty good.

Here's the part we'll not forget: Today Brianna and I were playing hot potato with her soccer ball when the ball hit her in her open mouth. She told me that it hurt and when she pulled her hand away from her mouth there was blood on it. It took a look at her mouth and her tooth was gone! She was very excited because she said it hardly hurt. We took a quick look in the grass and found it. So, it looks like a little fairy will be coming to our house tonight!

Summer Nights at the Zoo

So two weeks ago we went a little crazy and had a "Zoo Weekend." We have annual passes to the San Diego Zoo and Wild Animal Park and we go a LOT! We just love it there and the kids are always so well behaved and excited to go. Every time we go we get to see something new and different as we observe the animals.

Well, during the Summer the zoo is open until 9:00. Considering that our kids go to bed by 7:30, that is a late night for them. Well, we went a month ago and got in line to see the "Jewels of the Rainforest" acrobatic show, only to have it rained out . (yes, in San Diego in the Summer. It seems they can't handle a little drizzle.) Well, we ended up going on Friday afternoon, as Chris is usually home and done with work early, and Brianna has early dismissal every Friday. We went to the Wild Animal Park and didn't get home until like 10pm. The next day we didn't have any work to do, so we decided we might as well go again, but to the Zoo this time. We stayed for the late show--which was amazing--and got home late yet again (11pm?). The girls were just all oohs and aahs for the shows, which makes it all worth it. They all want to be gymnasts and acrobats now, not that Courtney needed any more ideas!

Beginning Soccer

I'm officially a soccer mom. I'm not so sure I like it. Our lives are centered around soccer on Tues/Thurs, with two practices in the evening right around dinner time on opposite ends of town--AND two games on Saturdays!

Brianna and McKayla had their first soccer game last Saturday. McKayla is by far the youngest and smallest on her team. She loves soccer, but she spends most of the game just observing the group and following everyone else around the field. The ball with go right by her and she'll just watch it. Her coaches are good about letting her do goal kicks and throw the ball in a lot. She loves it. The picture tells it all--notice the girl getting ready to catch the ball?

Brianna's team is actually quite good. I am amazed at what some of those girls can do. Brianna has so far been a bit reserved. We spent Saturday evening playing a good natured game in the backyard. McKayla and Mom against Brianna and Dad. It was so fun. We got those girls really playing aggressive and going for the ball.

I broke down and bought McKayla a pair of cleats yesterday. They are so TINY! She's on cloud nine and is convinced she can run faster and kick the ball farther now. So cute....

Overall, I'm amazed at what goes into these AYSO little kids leagues. We're talking fancy team banners, matching hair ribbons, sponsers, pictures, fund raisers, decals for the car, etc. Wow!

A Reunion

While we were in Oregon I got to visit with two of my best friends from high school. We've hardly kept in touch and it was SO great to see them. I hope that we can keep in touch via e-mail, now that we have each others addresses. (That is, if they forgive me for puting their picture on my blog!)

Events I've Missed!

OK, so I looked back at my blog and realized I've missed including a few key things.

Brianna graduated from Kindergarten! Hooray! She was so happy to get to move on to first grade. She just started that on July 10th and so far she loves it. She was worried about the long day, but when I picked her up after her first day she said, "That went by really fast!" It went by fast for me too. I thought I'd get more done at home that day!

The girls took swimming lessons and loved it! Brianna loves to jump in and swim. McKayla decided, unexpectedly, that she no longer likes to go under water. So, that was a set back, but she had fun anyway!

Fun Vacation Memories

While on our trip our girls got to experience a few "firsts." We took them bowling, which was a lot of fun. Brianna liked it so much she got Chris to take her again the next day! Chris tried out clamming. It was pretty fun, but as we were new to the gig we weren't very successful. Still, he got enough for dinner two nights in a row! The girls got to try their own version of sandboarding--one that is designed like a sled for kids (and adults) to ride. What fun!

Family Reunion!

We had a great Kinkade family reunion over the 4th of July. We even tried out sandboarding for the first time. That was a hit with the kids as well as the adults! The kids had fun making their own flag shirts to wear for the 4th. There was a trip to Cape Perpetua to check out the tidepools and a golf outing for the grown ups. Of course we ended the event with the fireworks display in Old Town Florence. We enjoyed being all together, which doesn't happen very often. I really enjoy hearing my brothers tell stories about when they were kids. (like how they would go in pairs to turn off the barn light and chant "we are men" to scare off the robbers! It seems, however, that the brother left to stand guard usually abandonded the other one inside the barn so that he could run back to the house before the light was turned off and everything was dark!) My memories of them pretty much center on them being teenagers, so it is fun to hear what they were like as kids and the memories they have together. The cousins had fun playing and getting to know each other better. All in all, a great event. We can't wait have another one!

a quick camping trip

Last weekend we went for a one night campout. It was in one of those crowded campgrounds, which we really don't like, but it was fun nonetheless. Next time we are heading for the mountains and may just have to do a primitive camp, where we can be away from everyone! The kids had fun cooking over the campfire and sleeping out in the tent. We did some fishing, but it didn't last long. Next time we'll have to rent a boat.

Family Vacation to Utah

We had a great trip to Utah to kick off our Summer vacation. We visited John and Karen, Chris' parents. We spent a day hiking and touring Timpanogos caves. It was quite a hike for the girls, and Chris with Courtney on his back, but we all had a great time. The girls actually easily made the 1.5 mile hike that went up 1060 ft in altitude. The caves were amazing!

The girls enjoyed riding grandpa's horse, gathering eggs from the chickens, roasting marshmallows, and playing in the hot tub! They love to see thier grandparents and always enjoy the trip. Chris and I enjoy the break too, as our kids are generally on their best behavior while on vacation and we get to relax!

CUTE QUOTE OF THE MONTH

While passing a lone shack in the middle of Nevada, Brianna noticed dozens of cars in the yard/junk yard. Her observation, "Look at all those cars, they must be having a party!" Ahh, the innocence of youth.

Full of Smiles

Today we took some pictures to use in some Mother's day cards. I decided that my girls sure are cute, even if they are a handful!

Easter and other things

Easter at our house was "the best day ever!" (Comment by Brianna) Which is good, because yesterday was labeled the "worst day ever" after a morning of particular behavior resulted in having to go shopping with mom instead of going to the community easter egg hunt/party in the park. It was a tough decision for us parents, but necessary to teach a lesson.

Anyway, overall we did have a great Easter weekend. Brianna got the rest of her birthday money from her grandparents and she bought exactly what she's planned on buying with it for months--a razor scooter! She and Chris went to Toys-r-us on Friday afternoon and she picked out a red one. She spent the rest of the day riding it in the garage-as it was actually raining outside! Then on Saturday morning she rode along side me as I went jogging. The dog decided to come along too. Between him pulling on the leash to "mark" and Brianna's constant stopping and starting, I didn't get much exercise. But, it was fun to be out in the fresh morning air together.

After buying the necessary Easter dinner items at the grocery store (still needed the ham and some items for banana cream pie), we came home and put Courtney down for a nap. While she slept, Brianna, McKayla and I went for a walk. In our house this means that mom or dad walks while the kids either ride in the stroller or ride their bikes (and now scooter.) So, this time McKayla rode her bike (very proudly that she was now faster than Brianna) and Brianna scooted. I enjoyed a little bit more exercise and Chris enjoyed some quiet time at home.

While Courtney finished her nap we spent the quiet time with the girls coloring easter eggs. We got the kit with the foam stickers. I was amazed at their creations. We had flower gardens, shape patterns, eggs made to look like ducks, etc. After cleaning up, we had a few minutes left of quiet, so Brianna headed out with her scooter again. Chris decided to try it out, but unfortunately he couldn't help showing off just a little and ended of crashing down right on his tail bone after attempting to use the wheelie bar! The sight caused quite the giggles among us girls, but he was feeling it for a long time!

Later that afternoon we headed to Home Depot (which seems like a weekly ritual in our home). We bought three more citrus trees (lemon, grapefruit, and orange) along with some flowering shrubs to add along the side yard. The trees smell WONDERFUL, as they are all flowering. While we picked out just the right plants, all three girls made a game out of going into the "rainforest" they imagined was in the middle of a large group of palm trees. What great imaginations! The highlight for them, though, was picking out a big butterfly lawn stake-purple of course was the choice.

By the time we got home and unloaded our purchase, which always results in some backyard play time, it was time for a quick dinner before bed. We heated up the grill and had hamburgers and salad. They were delicious! Chris has been the chef a lot lately, and he's quite good!

Sunday morning began at 6 am with mom quickly helping out the Easter Bunney before the girls woke up. At 7 am they headed out into the backyard to find all the eggs-even Courtney! She found pleasure in shaking them. This simple pleasure, which followed finding their hidden baskets in the house, is what led to Brianna's "best day ever" comment. She was very excited to have received new sunglasses. (She could even be spotted wearing them in sacrament meeting, though I put a stop to that quite quickly!) It is amazing how such a small thing can make a kid happy. After a great hunt, we settled down for some breakfast to offset the sugar and watched Courtney's new movie "Old Yeller." McKayla appropriately recieved "Annie" and Brianna got "The Parent Trap." So Sunday was kind of a movie day today, oh well.....

At church I subsituted for Brianna's class-and it turned out she was the only one there! We actually had a fun lesson-just the two of us. She thought it was pretty neat and we had a great time talking about the Holy Ghost. After church we had a delicious dinner of Ham, Sweet Potatoes, Fresh Pineapple, Vegetables, and Salad. Another walk soon followed, which always includes a few short chats with neighbors along the route, and we came home just in time for some pie and calls to grandparents.

All in all, a good weekend.

CUTE QUOTE OF THE MONTH

"I always sleep on my stomach. . . It never talks. . . it just sleeps."
McKayla's random thought during dinner.

Spring Flowers

I love spring and all the beautiful flowers that appear. We have been working on making our yard just the way we want it. Slowly but surely, it is coming along. The rabbits and the dog don't help matters any! We are proud of the progress we have made, considering it wasn't that long ago that it was just weeds and clay! This week we started our vegetables, the kids are very excited. We haven't had much of a garden since we lived in Pennsylvania.

Courtney

Courtney isn't talking much, quite a change from my other kids, but she does have some cute expressions.

*Bu bu baa (bubble bath)
*Hu de do (Here you go)



She has also decided that the funniest thing to do is climb up on the back of the couch and lay across the top! She only has to shift her weight and she'll be on the floor. So, I had to move the couch across the room up against the wall to prevent her cracking her head open on the tile floor! This doesn't make me happy because now the couch is covering up the fireplace (not that we really need one here). But, it is good because she also thinks it is funny to climb inside the fireplace!

Two weeks ago she was climbing up on the side of the bathtub and slipping back in when she fell hard and bit her tongue! She was left with a 1/4 inch deep gash about 3/4 inch across. Because it flapped open when she stuck her tongue out we were sent to Urgent Care. They prescribed antibiotics, but said that they never stitch inside the mouth. It is finally looking better and doesn't bother her when she eats. Did she learn her lesson? Of course not, she still climbs....

Currently at church we are in the circling mode--where we make laps around the building with Courtney instead of going to class. Boy is it fun! She makes it through most of sacrament meeting, but after that there is no hope. Only one more month until nursery!

Turning 6

Well, Brianna turned 6 years old last week! Hard to believe that my baby is growing up. To commemorate the moment she was given her very own soap and shampoo and the responsibility taking showers on her own. She was very excited about the idea and felt very grown up!

Our other plan for the celebration was to take her and her best friend out to dinner. The day before we thought, "why not take them to the San Diego Zoo too?" So, after Brianna's confirmation that it sounded like a great idea, I called her friend's mom and the date was set. Well, the morning of the big day Brianna announces that she didn't want to go to the zoo, she just wanted to play at our house! Well, too late for that, as the plans were all set. This started us off for an interesting day.

Overall we had a great day. The girls and I rode the tram and screamed our heads off, just for fun. They thought it was hilarious that I would scream with them. Even Courtney laughed! She tried to scream, but it was very weak--what can you expect from a baby? Anyway, the polar bears were plunging in the water and playing with their balls, we watched some baby ducks get separated from their mother and then reunite, and the sea lion show was a hoot as always. Dinner at Red Robin was delicious and fun, and everyone got the color of balloon they wanted.

Still, despite the fun there were a few small details that didn't go Brianna's way and her assessment of the day, "It was a little fun." My goodness! Talk about an ungrateful kid! This is a sure way to make a mom take a second look at her mothering abilities!

I must admit, while this kid certainly has some growing up to do (well, she is only 6), I am proud that for her birthday she actually wanted her own set of scriptures! We were going to wait until she was 8, but decided to go ahead and deliver. We got her burgandy leather scriptures and her own case. She loves them! She can read them with us and takes very good care of her things, so we are excited that they were valuable to her.

BIG ANNOUNCEMENT!

Brianna finally lost her first tooth-after it was loose for 2 months! Last week it got VERY loose and she decided she wanted it out! We were at the playground, but luckily she had her ziplock bag with a paper towel in it. (She had been taking it with her everywhere that day just in case it came out!) Well, I reached in and it came right out without hardly a tug. She was very brave and VERY proud. My little girl is growing up!

Cute quote of the month!

"Mom, why did you have me wear cotton? I'm cold!"
McKayla, 3 years old