5th Birthday Party

We took a long time to figure out what kind of party we would have for Taeya's 5th birthday. Truthfully I wanted to skip the party this year, but Taeya and Gordon just wouldn't let me do it. We thought of having a Hello Kitty party, or a Pony Party, but in the end we decided on a "Mermaid Party." That way we could incorporate the water slide. There were a million ideas online and a million more things I wanted to do for her party, but I think it turned out good. The party wouldn't have come together without Heathers help, and Gigi came and helped too which was awesome!  Thank you, Thank you.

This was the little table decoration/set up.  I probably didn't need to make the cake but what's a birthday party without a cake??

The first game we played we called "kill the shark" (so the shark wouldn't get the mermaids).  We had blown up a bunch of balloons that Gordon had drawn sharks on, they had to pop the balloon in a pool of water.  I think the kids had fun, but it seriously lasted all of about 5 minutes tops!

Next we played "pin the crown on the mermaid."  This was fun but there were so many kids so by the end I think some of them were getting a little bored!

After the game we had a little treat - blue jello with whipped cream and a swedish fish. (This was totally unnecessary but it looked cute)!

To drink we had Mermaid Punch (aka blue gatorade).

Bela and Taeya - Bela had a Pony Party/Water Party earlier in the day, so these 2 girls had a fun day.  Aren't they beautiful?

After a little treat we sent the kids on a scavenger hunt around the neighborhood.  Gordon and came up with some little riddles.  There was a clue at the Bailey's, the Cooks, the Milligans, the park, they mailbox and then it ended in our basement when they finally saved the mermaid from the pirates - it was a mermaid pinata.  We then broke open the mermaid pinata filled with candy and prizes.  The pinata was a tough one and it seemed to go on and on and I was so nervous that someone was going to be hit by the bat.  Thankfully there were no casualties.

It was finally present time.  This was alot of fun and Taeya got some fun things.  A mermaid barbie, a "fur real" dog, some hamburger making play dough, some cute little piggies, lots of candy and some fingernail polish, and a cute ariel nightgown.

Lastly, it was time for cake and ice cream

After cake and ice cream we turned on the water slide and the kids played in the water til their parents came to get them.  I think it was a fun party and everyone seemed to enjoy themselves. I was glad it was over.:)

Anastyn had a great time during the whole party - she loved it too!

5th Birthday for T

Taeya's 5th birthday was a busy day - of course!  She got spoiled - as always!  Gordon had the day off of work (in observance of Pioneer day), so we packed the day in with things she wanted to do.

I went for a run early in the morning then headed to the grocery store before Taeya woke up to get her some balloons and Fruity Pebbles for breakfast.  I tried to give her breakfast in bed but she wanted to sit at the table in her room instead cause she was afraid the tray would tip and spill.  (This has happened before and I got a little upset with her when I had to clean up cereal off of my bed.)

After breakfast we got on our swim attire and headed to 7-Peaks to go on some slides.  Sadly I didn't get any pictures but we rented a tube and she and Gordon got to go on some of the big slides together while Anastyn and I played in the little pools.  We all had a fun time.  We grabbed some Little Caesars Pizza and headed to the mall.

I got the brilliant idea to let her go to Build A Bear and choose a bear.  She had a great time picking everything out.  Anastyn enjoyed watching.

Getting the bear stuffed

Giving the bear a bath.

Leaving the store (Gordon felt bad that Anastyn wasn't getting anything so he took her to the Disney store and she picked out a Minnie Mouse car.

Taeya named her bear "Olivia."

After the mall we headed home to give Anastyn a late nap.  She played at the Bailey's for a while (cause of course she had to show them her new bear).  I finished making her cake and preparing dinner.  She wanted fondue!  We invited Gordon's dad over.  He came for dinner but wasn't feeling so well, so he left after only a few minutes, so the Bailey's came and had fondue and cake with us instead.

Taeya was pretty excited it was her special day - if you couldn't tell by the big smile.

Taeya got an Alarm Clock, a new Mermaid Barbie, and her build a bear.  I had a few other things for her but she didn't seem to really care so I think I'll save them for a certain holiday in December.:)  It turned out to be a really fun day.  We all enjoyed a holiday together.

On July 28th She had her 5 year check up - she was actually pretty excited to have her appointment.  She was a little puzzled why she needed to pee in a cup, but she had no stage fright thank goodness.  After they pricked her finger for the iron test I had a hard time convincing her that she needed to get another shot, but in the end she didn't complain too much and she loved the Hello Kitty treat bag she got for being so good!  Anastyn was happy to get a sucker afterwards.

Here are her stats:
She weighs 43 lbs (75th %)
She is 45 inches tall (90th %)

Here are some things about Taeya:

She is generally a Happy girl.

She loves to sing and dance - she especially loves Brynn to be the ballet teacher.

She loves playing with friends, this summer she mostly played with the Baileys and Cooks.

She is a great swimmer and loves to be in a swim suit.

We get compliments all the time on her beautiful hair color.

Taeya is very observant and is quick to notice any changes.

She is also quick to give compliments.

She loves anything girly - sparkles, pink, earings, etc.

She is a great big sister and loves to get Anastyn out of bed in the morning.

She can count to 49 all by herself (she gets a little stuck after that).

She knows all her letters and there sounds.

She is so excited to start Kindergarten.

Shes not a big movie watcher but when she wants to she still loves care bears, strawberry shortcake, barbie, and sometimes a princess movie.

She loves getting snow cones.

She loves to snuggle and be loved on.

She has decided she doesn't like cheese, and believe me, she notices it!???

Lake Powell is her favorite place.

Kierra is her best cousin.

Everytime we go into a store she asks me if I can buy her something. (so annoying)

She is getting so darn tall and so much fun - we love her to death and couldn't imagine life with out her!

New Baby

We took a quick trip to St. George over the 24th of July to see the newest addition to the Andrews Family - sweet Baby Gage.  The girls were in heaven holding this cute little man.  He is so adorable, we just ate him up.  We got to St. George late Friday night.  On Saturday Kristy and I did a little errand running, and some shopping, and some swimming while Ryan and Gordon put up a bead-board type finish in Gage's room. They did an awesome job and it looked great (I should've taken a picture!).  On Sunday we went to Sacrament meeting, had a delicious dinner, and had a birthday cake for Taeya.  She was so happy.  We left late Sunday night so we could be home for Taeya's birthday.  What a fun weekend, thanks Ryan, Kristy, Daylen, and Gage for letting us spend the weekend with you!

Daylen showing Taeya how to hold baby Gage.

Taeya looking like a pro!  See what a cutie he is, even if he is a little uncomfortable.

Anastyn had to have a turn, she did pretty good.  She was so sweet with him.

I made Gage a Pirate quilt, he's probably a little young for it now, but hopefully he'll enjoy it in a few years.

Taeya was so excited that Kristy got her a cake for her birthday,  it was a fun surprise.

Blowing out the candles.

Little Girls All Dressed Up

Brynn dressed the girls up and they were so excited to come show me, they had such big smiles and they were so darn cute as the were walking down the sidewalk, by the time I got the camera and posed them they weren't quite so excited! Oh well, I know there will be plenty more dress up days in the future!

Crazy Sleeper

This is how I found Taeya sleeping the other night, she might as well have been standing up!  Maybe all her animals were booting her out of bed?  Whatever the reason, it made me laugh.

The Cabin - for the last time:(

We invited the Bailey's to join us at the cabin for the weekend and as always, we had a great time.  The girls played together so well and enjoyed the bug kit Alyson bought at the dollar store.  We ate lots of yummy food, Gordon went on a really long bike ride, I went on a long run, we watched a few good movies, I was able to work on the quilt, and Seth and Gordon took the girls on a 7 miles hike!  Sadly after this trip the cabin was sold.  So I guess this is it for the cabin, we are in mourning.:(

Taeya, Brynn, Alayna, Anastyn, and Kira

Heritage Park

I think I say this daily, but I don't know what I would do without Alyson. She is always so willing to help me out and sometimes I wonder if I abuse her kindness, why do I always need so much help with my girls, when I hardly ever get to return the favor? She really is so awesome, I love her so much and so do my girls - she is definitely their 2nd mom. Not only does she watch my girls while I work often, she takes them to the park while she's doing it!

She took them to Heritage Park while I was at work and they seemed to really enjoy themselves. They played in the water, and at the park. Thanks Alyson - what would I do without you??

Cute Anastyn - she loved the water

Brynn and Rachel - she is a great help with the kids, I'm not sure what we would do without her either?

Brynn, Taeya, and Rachel

Anastyn, Rachel, Brynn, Taeya, Alayna, and Kira - not only did Alyson take my kids, she also took Jared and Rachel (Jared is in the left corner of the picture - maybe there are just too many girls around??)

Alayna, and Anastyn racing to the top!

Grandma's 90th Birthday

My sweet Grandma turned 90 years old! She is an awesome woman with a lot of spunk. She is living in an assisted living center in Roosevelt, but she is slowly loosing her memory and talks about "going home" everyday. She was happy to celebrate with us and she looked beautiful for the occasion. It had been a long time since the Fenn family has gotten together so it was fun to see family we hadn't seen in a very long time.

My mom and her sisters - Connie, Shirley, Carole, Lori (missing is Coleen and Ron).

4 Generations - Taeya, my mom, Brandalyn, and Anastyn with Grandma Fenn

As decorations for the party there were 90 balloons decorating the tables.  We let them go at the end of the party to represent each year of her life!

It was fun seeing all those balloons in the sky.

The kids were the ones who got to let them go and they thought it was pretty fun! (Anastyn, Me, Asilia, and Taeya)

4th of July

The 4th of July was a little different this year.  Since we were driving home from Lake Powell on July 2nd we weren't able to go to the Stadium of Fire which is our usual 4th tradition.  Instead we woke up and Gordon went for a bike ride then I went for a run.  Then we ran a few errands and got stuff done around the house.  Our next door neighbors, the Cooks, had a little party that we went to that night.  We had hotdogs, lots of yummy salads and treats, and a great fire work show.  We tried to watch a movie outside but the weather wasn't permitting!  It turned out to be a nice day.

Taeya and Anastyn all outfitted in patriotic colors.  I was planning on putting the ribbon around Taeya's neck in her hair, but she had other plans for it!

Brielle and Taeya - Lawni stayed in town for another few days and we were so happy they did!

Brielle and Rachel

Anastyn being silly - she absolutely loved the fireworks this year.

Lawni and Bryce

Our family

Cassidy, Frank, and Presley - they decided to join us for the evening.

Anastyn wanted to be as close as possible to the fireworks.  It was so fun to see all the fireworks in the neighborhood this year.

We love Bryce, Lawni, and Brielle, and we were so glad they stayed to celebrate with us.