Oct.- Week 3- McKenna's BD

On Saturday the 18th, we celebrated McKenna's 6th birthday (on the 19th). We convinced her it might be more fun this year, instead of having a friend party, to take her on a mom and dad date!  She chose Panda Express for her dinner.  We talked about what a wonderful girl she is and how special she is in our family!  

 Then, we skipped (literally) over to Target to take her toy shopping.  We gave her a price limit and let her go! 

 She chose a little Anna and Olaf toy set with a wardrobe, and Rosetta, the fairy.  

 Next, we headed over to the Rec Center for some ice skating!  She originally wanted to do this with her friends for a birthday party, but she settled for doing with this just mom and dad.  

 These little "walker" things are so useful!  She used it for about the first 30 mins, then graduated to holding our hands or the wall.  

 Dan and I even got to do a lap or two, just us with McKenna as the photographer.  She watched us go around the rink and, using Dan's phone, took over 80 pictures!  ;)  

McKenna's actual birthday was on a Sunday this year- the day of the week on which she was actually born!  We decorated the house the night before.  For breakfast she requested french toast, cream and strawberries.  

The primary sang to her the following week due to Primary Program Practice and she got a coupon to go to the Bishop's office to get some popcorn. :)  

Sunday evening, we went to Mickelle and Jonathan's for family dinner.  They made her favorite dinner: pasta salad (my mom's recipe), rolls, and some blue berries.  They also got her a present: an Elsa doll to go with the Anna doll she got in Disneyland.  

 Had to document Anna's new outfit and new shoes.  Blurry cause she's on the move!  Officially at almost 15.5 months! WALKING

 McKenna requested donuts for her birthday treat. 

 We sure do love this big girl of ours!  She's got a pretty amazing spirit about her.  She's got an amazing memory and is showing us how smart she is in Kindergarten by already reading on a 1.5 grade reading level.  She still loves gymnastics and has started learning the basics of piano in her music class.  

Monday, the 20th, we went to Gardner Village with Aunt Lara and new baby Hailey to hunt for Witches!  

The weather was amazing (I'm wearing shorts!) and we got the $.35 cookie for filling out the scavenger hunt page.  

That evening was the Nelson Family Birthday Party where we once again, celebrated McKenna and other October birthdays.  

Tuesday, we got to babysit cousins Oliver and Ellie (6 mos).  She had just gotten her shots so she was super mellow and snugglie!  We'll take it! 

 This is our view right out our front door this time of year!  We have a hilly backyard facing our front yard and it's gorgeous! 

 I hosted the co-op preschool this week and taught the letter Gg.  One boy was missing, so McKenna got to participate a little more.  We made grass/garden crowns.  

We made some Goop! Ben is always a little hesitant to get too messy.  Wonder where he gets that from? ;) 

 Thursday night, Dan's parents treated a few of us (that could go) to see Thriller!  It's a dance company that performs all kinds of dance routines in all genres.  There are tap dancing skeletons (with black lights), zombies, scarecrows, Frankenstein and his bride, Salem Witch trial witches, mummies, and other spooky routines. Very good!

 On the way to the theater, we ran in to Jeff Hornacek, a former player and coach of the Utah Jazz, now a coach for the Phoenix Suns!  I probably couldn't have told you who he was, but Dan and his mom sure could.  :)