Where to start?

I didn't want to become one of those bloggers that starts and stops so irregularly, but alas it has come to that. So...to the highlights of January.

Brittany and Tom's wedding on January 8th.

The good?? The day was beautiful. Some rain, some shine, some clouds. The bride and groom are happy and in love.
The bad?? My mom, Cort, and I had cameras around our necks the whole day and evening so I didn't even think to bring my OWN camera. what was i thinking?? So I had to hope I took some pictures of my own little family. Luckily other people took a few. And luckily Cortney gets married in a few weeks so I can remember a) My camera and b) To take pictures of my cute little family.

The FAMILY with everyone except Kevin who is on his mission.

Mason and Grant giving thumbs up

Kennedy and Mackenzie...not sure what Kenzie is doing??

Talmage and Tyler...Tyler reminded me of the squeaker penguin toy on Toy Story with his little vest and bow tie on.

Kenzie and I enjoying our dinner. Too bad my mouth was full but at least I got to sit for a few moments and take a few bites.

Kenzie and Talmage busting a move on the dance floor.

The rest of January flew by. Tyler continues to be a comedian and still considers anything of substance hat-worthy. It seems that every meal is not complete until he puts his bowl, plate, shredded cheese, apples, quesadillas, pasta, cup, bib, or ANYTHING else on his head and says "Nice hat."

Mackenzie is such a little bossy mommy to Tyler...and anyone else she so chooses. It has been really really hard trying to decide whether to start Kenzie in kindergarten this year or wait a year. There are definite pros and cons to both sides. Her birthday is in November 8th so less than a month before the California cut off date of December 1st. My birthday is the 15th of November and I started early and actually quite enjoyed that I was one of the youngest in my grade. My parents now say they wish they would have held me back for selfish reasons. When I was 17 and going off to college it wasn't such a fun idea for them. They have suggested we hold Kenzie back and let her play and be little longer. I agreed with it, but I also didn't want her to be bored this year not going to school or even next year when she does start school. Talmage thought we might as well just start her. SO I asked one of the kindergarten teachers and explained my hesitations both ways. She feels very strongly that it's good to hold young ones back. She said they notice such a difference in kids whose birthdays are even in August. She also pointed out that with talk of class size reduction being done away with she could end up in a larger class in the next couple years and struggle. I felt that I just needed someone to confirm substantial reasons beyond my selfishness of holding her back or starting her early. SO, the decision is to hold her back one more year.

Grant has yet to lose his first tooth...still. He has had a loose tooth for a few months now but hasn't worked it enough to come out. The other night at dinner he was wiggling his loose tooth and said he needed some pretzels. A kid in his class had a loose tooth and ate some pretzels and his tooth came out. We didn't have pretzels nor was Grant finished with his dinner so he needed to think of another idea. He asked Talmage what he ate to lose a tooth. Talmage, seeing that Grant hadn't eaten his broccoli, said he thought he ate broccoli. Not liking that idea, Grant turned to me and asked what I ate. I told him I probably ate vegetables too. So, he took a bite to give it a try. I didn't pay much attention to Grant's plate until he was clearing the table and I noticed broccoli still on his plate. We asked why he didn't finish his broccoli and he said he didn't want to lose his teeth after all. OF COURSE!!

We are so blessed with such sweet happy little kids, most of the time. They have so much fun together, most of the time. The weather has been incredibly nice lately so the kids have been able to play outside more. Grant is a HUGE fan of Star Wars which in turn makes Kenzie and Tyler huge fans as well. The other day they were in the backyard playing. Grant had a light saber. Kenzie had a gun. Tyler had a plastic baseball bat. They were wandering around the yard creating and using their imaginations...more like acting out a scene from Star Wars. Tyler was starting to get away so Grant called out, "Follow that Ewok!" I then understood what part Tyler got to play. I think he has been Yoda on occasion too. Maybe it's his height. What fun little imaginations.