July 2010 Weekend with the Venable's

We took the Venable Clan upto the cabin over the 24th of July 2010. We rode around on the four wheelers and played outside. We just went up for the night and came home the next day. Still fun times to get away.

Bryce and Saige, Blake and Savannah

Saige, Bryce, and Savannah

Reagen and Whitney

Kennedy and Me

Kennedy and Me

Kennedy

September 2010 - Last Bag and Randomness

Well, I can finally say Kennedy is at her last bag of breast milk.  She was 16 months old when she finally finished.  Mind you I quit pumping in March.  I had enough stock of milk for 6 months.  Yes, 6 months.  That is my claim to fame while I was nursing.  When I was in full swing of things and could make it thru the night without pumping.  I would pump first thing in the morning and would pump any where from 14-20 total ounces.  Yes, that is correct.  That wasnt in one day, that was just from the last time I pumped before I went to sleep to went I pumped first thing in the morning.

Yes, this was an odd post.  Hopefully when child number 2 come, I am as successful.

First time watching TB ( a.k.a. TV).

Kennedy likes to watch the

Mickey Mouse Club.



Reading her scriptures.

Takin' a nap with Grandma Karen

Baby Ellie

My cousin Keri and her husband Darren had their first baby.  It was a girl.  She was named Ellie.

Beaver Creek

Blake, Kennedy, Payzlee, and I went with my parents to a place called Beaver Creek in the Unitas's.  If you are familiar with Hoop Lake and Henry's Fork, this area is right in the middle of the two.  

The campsite we stayed at was a non-maintained campsite.  Which is no official campfire ring, no outhouses, no running water, and such.  The campsite we stayed at looked like mainly hunters were the one who used it.  Since there were no outhouses, the hunter made their own.  I thought they looked a bit rough, I guess you cant complain when you are in the outdoors.  That being said I used the bathroom in the 5th wheel.  There was no way you would catch me using one.  Now I cant say that for Blake or my dad. 

I don't have too many camping stories that we have left the horses home.  Of course they were with us.  It had been a couple of years since I had rode my horse Chance.  He was having some feet issues.  And finally my dad had him feeling better.  Blake, my dad, and I went on a horse ride.  We left about 8:00/9:00 and got back just after lunch.  My mom the trooper watched Kennedy and Payzlee for us.  On our way in to where my dad was taking us, we didn't see anything too exciting.  Just trees, rocks, grass, and wild flowers. I can't tell you how tranquil it is when you on the trail.  You definitely get lost in your thoughts.  Great time for mediation. 

Getting all ready to ride.

Ready to get on.

Ready.

Off we go!

My dad wanted to ride to this lake and check it out.  It took a couple or more hours to get there.  We came into the opening and there was the lake.  It was pretty big.  We let the horses get a drink and then we got off.  As we were sitting there on the opposite side of the lake, there was a juvenile bull moose.  Next thing we know he is in the lake to take a dip so we thought.  From where we were to where the moose was seemed liked 500 plus yards away.  So no big deal right.  As this moose began swimming he was headed right for us.  I was a bit nervous and was like "what the heck is he doing?".  As he was swimming he began to look tried.  By now this moose is roughly 250 yards aways.  You can tell the bottom is quite deep by how he is swimming.  He looks like he was dog paddling.  Just then he disappeared.  I said to my dad "what is going on? Is that moose drowning?"  Just then he pops up.  He is completely covered in water but his rump and head.  Then he is gone, but this time we watched close.  When he popped his head back up, you could see he was eating.  He was eating grasses off the bottom of the lake in this somewhat swallow area.  He must of got too hungry to continue coming at us.  Cause just ask Blake or my dad, that moose looked like he was on a mission to property his territory.  He ate in this one area for about 1/2 hour.  Then he got out of the lake.  When he got all the way out his shook like a wet dog.  And you could hear him.  It was pretty cool.  Now I am sure pictures would be so cool to see, but guess who left their camera at the trailer.  You guessed it me.  But I am sure you all know what a moose looks like.  Not missing anything there.  But it would have been cool to document, since people don't get too close to them often. On the way back my dad's horse Bobby Jo got all excited and nervous.  She can be kind of skittish.  Initially we couldn't see anything to figure out why she was acting the way she was.  We got a bit further down the trail in this open meadow and eating on the edge was a cow moose.  Bobby Jo could smell the moose.  It all made sense.

The next day we just hung out around the camp while it rained.  We really roughed it.  We watched a couple of movies and took some naps.  After dinner we took a ride in the truck over to Hoop Lake.  My dad wanted to check things out over there; to see how full the camp sites were and stuff like that.  On the drive over we came across some free range cattle.  One of the cows just happened to cross in front of us.  However, it was a bit odd looking because it had the biggest bite mark out it's hide.  It was bright red too not scabbed over.  We wondered what would have done something like that.  We all surveyed the area to see if we could see anything.  Nothing in site.  We continued on our way.  We got to the camp sites and drove through them and also the campsites where the trail head and corrals were for the horses.  If you haven't been to Hoop Lake the campsites are separated by the lake.  The ones for horse on the south side of the lake and the general campsites on the north side.  It was pretty wet and crowded.  My dad was glad he decided to stay were we did.  We turned around and headed back.  Blake was driving.  We were in the area of the cattle again. We surveyed the area again.  Out of the corner of Blake's eye he saw something.  All I saw was a quick whip of the very end of the tail.  Now he really cannot confirm what he saw, but I can tell you from the size and bushiness of the tail what we think he saw and what could take such a big bite out cattle like that.  Not a mountain lion, but yes, a wolf.  Now in the state of Utah at the time the DWR said no wolves were living in the state.  The DWR may not have publicly addressed that the wolves were in Utah, but I bet darn well those ranchers knew if there were wolves in the area.  I say that because the ranchers know if any of their cattle are missing plus they have their ranch hands that ride to check up on them.  Folks can believe what they want, and I will believe what I want.  All I can say is the tail was not long, skinny, and sandy colored.  It was bushy and gray.  Bushy and gray more resembles a wolf. 

Blake and my dad the following day went on another ride with the horses.  I felt kinda guilty leaving Kennedy with my mom back at the trailer, so I decided it was best to stay with them.  I sure don't get to ride as often as I would like.  But I got to ride quite a bit more than the year before.  That nursing business kinda holds you back, but well worth it.  My mom, Kennedy, and I went on walk and went to check out the other camp sites in the area.  Some were a bit more improved than ours, but not isn't saying much.

Kennedy had fallen asleep went we went riding the first time.  We put her on the horse when my dad and Blake we getting for the ride when it was just them. 

As you can see she didn't like it so much by herself.  But later when they got back and was with Grandpa Bart, everything changed.

My dad and Kennedy on Bobby Jo

You maybe thinking, how come Karen never went for a horse ride.  Well, for those of you who don't know, my mom DISLIKES riding horses.  She had a bad experience some years ago when I was a kid.  I believe she was bucked off.  Since then she hasn't cared to ride.  I know of 2 times since then that she has rode a horse.  Depending on where we go, she will get a head start walking and then us on the horses will catch up and usually pass her.  She will then later on catch up with us.  We carry all the gear.  That was she only has to worry about carrying some water and jolly ranchers for herself.  It works for her and us.  Depending who we have gone camping with I will let someone else ride and then I will walk with my mom.  That way my mom isn't always walking by herself.

  Payzlee

My mom and Payzlee by the river.

Blake and my mom always love a fire.  I could really careless.  I don't like smelling smokey.

My mom, Kennedy (holding the cow bell), my dad, and Blake.

Kennedy and Blake.  She is still holding the cow bell.

My dad put the cow bell on the lead horse, so he knows

where they are when he lets them out to graze while

being hobbled. 

2 Year Old Photo Shoot

These were just taken at Target.  They do a pretty good job.  I can't complain as far as the quality.  However, they won't go bigger without going grainy.   

Serious Pictures

Silly Pictures.

I had my mom go with me to get her pictures done.  She has not been the most photogenic child.  I was not looking forward to going, plus she had been sick on and off.  The list goes on.  In the end she cooperated great.  That was not the case back in December when my mom and aunt to take Kennedy and my cousin's kid Ellie to get pictures taken.  Just wait and see.  And you will agree Kennedy has transformed.  

Terrific 2 or Terrible 2 You Choose

It's that time again.  It was Kennedy's birthday and she turned 2.  I know don't be surprised about how much I am blogging.  I only have 10 months worth of blogging to catch up.  I thought I should at least blog about the big day. 

It is so odd to think we have a 2 year old.  Most days she is pretty good, others she fits in the terrible 2's category.  I would say she hit the terrible 2's back in November.  Maybe she is just getting more of a personality.  Ya, that is it.  She is developing her personality.  She definitely knows what she wants and what she does not want.  Especially when it comes to telling daddy no (which is my favorite.) 

This sweet thing to...

This...not sure if you call her sweet any more.

First time I straightened her hair.

She is saying "Cheese".

Back view. 

Her hair is not very long here.  The Saturday before I had

my cousin Keri trim it up.  She took off about an inch from

the back. 

Blake doesn't like her hair like this.  He says it does not

look like his daughter.  She did look a bit different 

I would have to admit.

First I will start with her 2 years old doctor check-up.  All is well, except getting the shot.  This kid has a memory like you wouldn't believe.  The last time she got a shot was 6 months ago.  Who knew she would remember that long ago, since it is not in her normal routine.  You ask her where something is, next thing you know she comes around a corner with it in hand.  Kennedy is progressing as a toddler should.  Saying two - three word sentences, walking up stairs, throwing and kicking ball, starting to use a regular cup, and etc.  Good to know she is on track that way.  As far as her stats go, well, what can I say except Kennedy is Kennedy. 

Height:  31 inches (2%)

Yeah, she moved up 1%

Weight:  21.6 lbs (1%)

No change

Head:  18.75 (54%)

At least she is average in one area.

As far as Kennedy actual birthday not too much happened.  We were suppose to start playing softball in a co-ed league.  But this "wonderful" weather was not cooperating.  The game was cancelled.  Blake has been playing in a men's league in SLC, and those games were cancelled too.  We just hung out.  My cousin gave me the idea to run to the yummy sweets store where they sell gourmet cupcakes and such.  We did not make it.  My mom and dad stopped by.  So not a whole lot happened.  Because we were planning on having a softball game the family party was planned for Saturday. 

At daycare they had a little party with cupcakes.  Brenda her daycare provided took her to the store and let her pick out a little gift.  She chose a seahorse and mermaid.  She also got to pick out a balloon.  Brenda sent home the extra cupcakes.  After dinner since we didn't make it to the dessert store, we let her finish one of the cupcakes instead. 

The weather was terrible all week.  I was just praying for it to be good on Saturday for her party.  The forecast said the weather was supposed to be good, but we live in Utah.  It can change in a split second.  I remember bringing Kennedy home from the hospital.  The day before was great, but the days after not so great.  Last year was also the same.  Cold and rainy.  The weather this year ended up being good.  It hit about 70 earlier in the day.  I wasn't too worried then for her party later that evening.  We just had only family over.  Nothing fancy this year.  Just cupcakes and ice cream.  First off, we want to thank everyone for coming to Kennedy's party.  It is so nice for people to take time out of their day to come and celebrate Miss Kennedy in our family. 

Here are some photo's of the party.

Opening Gifts.

 

Her lips (a.k.a. chap stick)



 Her new ride and trailer. 

Isn't that just the cutest. I just had

to get the trailer for her.

 Her new kitchen.  Now she won't have to

use our entertainment center as her oven.

Cousin Jet with her.

 Trying to get in.

Playing softball with her new t-ball set

with her cousin Jordan and 

his friends Brock and Jake (twins). 

Throwing the ball. 

Kennedy and Jet Crusin'

The cupcakes.

My aunt Sharon and cousin Keri have much better

cupcakes.  Even my friend Michelle. 

she posts on her blog all kinds of cool cupcakes

she has made on her blog. 

Kennedy's cupcakes turned out good for the

occasion.  People just eat them any way right?

Next time, I will have to ask one of them to

make them for me or tell me their secret.



Make a wish.

My sister-in-law Jordyn being weird.