Tuesday, July 19, 2011

And The Report...

This morning Olivia informed me that all her life she thought it was "Merrily, merrily, merrily, merrily, ICE is but a dream," but it's actually "LIFE is but a dream." A big day for all of us, folks.
So, we totally survived! We had a big fat blast, and came home exhausted and satisfied. The exhaustion lingers, even though we have ALL slept ALL night in our OWN beds the last TWO nights (even Katelyn. Cheers.) -- you mother's out there know just what that means mental health wise. Perhaps you Dad's do, too, I shouldn't discount you. The Double B suffers from nightly awakenings just as much as I do. Equal Rights and all.
Back to the subject at hand.
We stayed at my Uncle Craig and Aunt Mary Lou's cabin, or as my children consider it, we stayed at Mecca. It's still pretty much all we talk about. For instance, last night I was driving Olivia home after a fun evening at Grandma's and I asked, as is tradition, "What was the favorite part of your day?" to which she replied, "Uncle Craig's cabin."
Okay. And . . . scene.
By the way, we saw Harry Potter. I was happy. I really was.
Back to the subject at hand.
Thursday night we were going to go to the rodeo, but the line wasn't moving for-ev-er (who do I contact about that, does anyone know? Ute Stammmmmpede committee, are you out there?) and the children just couldn't stand it anymore, so we went to the carnival instead.
Woo-hoo! Which really worked out well, because as everyone knows, Marie is a cheap-skate, and I just can't stand paying carnival prices. Is this Disneyland, I ask you? Fortuitously, Thursday night was "Every Ride 1 Ticket" night, so K.J. and Livi-pants got to go on FIVE RIDES EACH. Are we the parents of the year or what? I ask you. They LOVED it. They both agreed that the dragon was the best part of the whole night, in case you are wondering.
And then Daddy bought them both their OWN bag of cotton candy. Only at the Ute Stampede, folks. Let me tell you, it was like livin' the high life. We had a most marvelous time.

Including Katelyn, though there just wasn't enough nappynappy or sleepysleepy time there in all the excitement. Here she is, one year old, wearing her new puffy shirt bought from the craft fair, birthday girl, completely unconscious. It was very sweet. If only we could have really figured out the sleep thing. Oh well, if fishes were wishes.

In other news, Aunt Megan and her family came down for Kate's birthday and the Mammoth Parade! That was so fun, and very nice of them, but then -- they are very nice people. Here we are in REED'S. You may have heard of it. I may have mentioned it once or twice before.

Look at that man stretching in the background. It looks like a good stretch.

My Reed's experience was delightful as ever, but if the Reed's owner is reading this after his trip to India, I have one helpful suggestion: HIRE MORE STAFF. For the love of Pete Sampress.

The horse's were there for the third year in a row. Katee thought there were groov-ee. But then, who doesn't? Where is my brother Matt when we need a good barrel race, I ask you.

All in all, it was a most marvelous time. I got to visit with a whole lot of cousins that I love very dearly and every one of my aunt's and uncle's, which really, is sort of like . . . a modern day miracle. I'll go that far. I really will.

We stayed up late, laughed, ate an obscene amount, and felt lots of love. I even learned how to do something crafty, which, let's be honest, is miracle #2. I can practically apply for sainthood at this point.

I love the UUUUTTEEEE STAMMMMPPPPEEEEEDDDE. It was awesome to be there with the Double B and everyone else.

Amen.

While we're here, let's add a little extra post and call it one post. We'll call it:


KATELYN TURNS ONE!

And it's true, she really did. She turned one on Friday.

I really can't say enough about this little girl, who has brought so much into our lives and brings so much joy wherever she goes.

It doesn't seem like it's been a year, but it seems like she's always been here. You parents understand. What would my life have been like without her? I can't imagine.

Birthdays are fun because they help you remember just how stinking miserable it was to get her her, and just how incredible it's been to get to be her Mom.
She is a truly sweet, truly happy, truly marvelous little girl. We love her.

Katee enjoyed her birthday festivities, particularly the cake, as all smart girls do. Papa was feeding her, but he just wasn't going fast enough, so she just pushed the fork out the way and grabbed the whole thing in her fist and went to town. Mmmm . . . thank you, Costco, your red velvet cake is a magical dream come true.

It's been so fun seeing little Kate's personality show up more and more. She already makes us laugh, she loves to have fun and even has a fake laugh when she wants us to start laughing and playing with her. One-year-old's are cool.

Here's the Birthday Girl after opening the doll that Grandma and Grandpa got her. I can't say for sure, but I think she likes it. We took her yesterday for her one year check-up, and at 25 pounds, she is in the 95th percentile. 89th for height. WOOT-WOOT! You should see her thighs. Almost edible.

It's been a whirlwind year, but we are so thankful for our little princess, and we love this fun little person so very much!


We love you, Katee Jill!!! Thanks for being born!

3 comments:

Elise said...

I want to be in your family. Or can just anyone go to this UTE Stammmmmmpede?

I don't think that man in the background is stretching, I think he's having a heart attack.

I can't believe you didn't help him.

Elise said...

(Jusssst kidding!)

Ducksoup said...

loved it. maybe you could just throw in a few pics of my kids, and i could use this post on my blog? think about it.

pictures of katee jill eating cake and with her doll are darling.

what a great report!