McLaughlin Clan: March 2009

Thursday, March 26, 2009

First Crush

..and this is why I'm sort of thankful my Lexie LuLu has smelly pits.

But Caleb doesn't seem to notice, or care. I don't think he could get any closer to my LuLu without sitting on her. The lovely smell of her hair, irresistible quirky smile & pleasing personality must make up for her four (almost five)-year-old enigma.

This is the Caleb that's 'in her eye' all the time (aka in her dreams). I have to say that I think it's hilarious...innocent little almost-kindergartners. I remember my first kindergarten crush, Eric was his name... my friend, Lena, and I would fight over him even at the tender age of five. But man, we certainly weren't THAT bold...or were we? I guess we need to hold on tight; with four darling girls (I'm not biased...okay, maybe a little) we're in BIG TROUBLE.

So yes, I'm sort of thankful Lexie is 'armed' with smelly pits. Hey, she's the four-year old who forgets to put on the deodorant! And I'm quite certain one day she'll look back in hateful anger and resentment that I just announced her enigma to blogland! It's good for humility...

Monday, March 23, 2009

One-on-one

Two parents vs six growing kids = Mom and Dad are spread rather thin these days. It's easy to lose track of that closeness with each unique personality that makes our family function...or ROAR is really a better word, because that's really what it's like in a large family--- we're not the gentle, whispering, all-obedient and calm type...just ask the neighbors.

Each of the kids wants 'equal time' ...and shhhh... each of them gets that sparkle in their eye when I tell them they're my favorite. Personally, my beloved time of the day is right before bed. Okay, maybe I'm lying just a little- it's right after bedtime. Truly, when my 11 year old BOY demands cuddle-time...it melts my heart. I love it that I get to make the rounds and that everyone wants a piece of me. Goodnight cuddle time isn't just reserved for the little girls in our home...even though they have the corner on the market and try to hog it. And I know that's not gonna last forever so I'll take it while I can!

Back to what this is really about... Going on dates has been a coveted activity for our kids. Dates with us, that is! We go down the line and each of the kids gets a turn to go out with mom, dad or both...and pick the place. The one-on-one time is so vital to our family! It's when we found the time for 'the big talk' with Brayden ...and then McKenzie. Bray won't step foot into Chili's again because of that date. But he'll always remember it! Our dates help us to stay involved and aware of their feelings, expectations, goals... It's a chance for our kids to see that WE really are normal people behind the parent cap and for them to open up (like that's a problem in our house)! It can become tough to maintain that individual closeness with so many children to think about, and this has been the perfect tool for our family. Plus, it gives us a chance to bribe them and who wouldn't want to bribe their kids?

Every year San Elijo Elementary hosts a Father Daughter Dance-Date. McKenzie has looked forward to her yearly dance with dad, complete with flowers and dress-ups. This year I crashed the party! I was asked to take pictures of the Dads & Daughters as an alternative to the paid 'professional' photos ...that's what happens when the PTO activities coordinators are two of my friends who know I have a cool camera even if my skills are sketchy at best.

I guess March is a whole month devoted to Kenz because she had a second dinner date with Curt for our ward's activity days program. Curt and Kenz celebrated St. Patrick's Day and dressed to the nines in their cool green. Too bad I don't have the evidence... I didn't send them with a camera! Or maybe the girly slip cover I just accessorized it with was just too much for my man? Naw... he looks great in pink:

Saturday, March 21, 2009

Cocka-Doodle-Noodles

Do you eat Cocka-Doodle-Noodle Soup at your home? Why not, it's extra cheap, it's super easy, it's loads of fun (it's packed with sodium-what kid doesn't love sodium?)...and with a name like that, who can resist? "Mom, for dinner, I want that cocka-doodle-noodle soup!" --Izzie

She could sell a lot more soup calling it her charming little name instead of its boring real name. Mmmm...mmmmm good.

Friday, March 13, 2009

It's the little things...

In Hawaii I was a little obsessed with capturing details of the unmatched beauty and textures all around us. This is a handful of the amazing nature surrounding the Waimea Valley.

Kenzie was patient as a 45 minute hike turned into a 3 hour stroll...and for just a little bit, the cares of the world disappeared...

Thursday, March 12, 2009

Birthday Traditions

We started a tradition with Brayden that for the kids' tenth birthdays either Curt or I would take them on an exciting adventure. It's developed into quite an undertaking... Curt took Bray to the College football hall of fame and fulfilled a dream of having a Notre Dame experience. They palled around South Bend for an extended weekend only a couple of days after Viviana came home for the first time from the NICU. They had the time of their lives...loved every moment of it. Here's to moving on with life's plans and not letting the bumps and get in the way of 'living!'

Fast forward 18 months to this last week...

Lucky for Kenz, her 10th rolled around and we had miles to use or lose, so I was the lucky travel companion this time around. Kenz and I flew first class to Hawaii using all miles, despite our crazy financial and house situation at the moment. I figured if we were going to use the miles, why not go to a little bit of paradise and really put the miles to good use! I think I needed the break more than she did. And an added bonus...my mom surprised Kenzie and met us there to share the 5-day-long birthday celebration! We quickly learned that Kenz doesn't possess our adventure gene! Despite a few 10-year-old tantrums (yes, they still tantrum at this age), we all had a fabulous get-away in paradise. Staying on the North Shore in Oahu was a little chillier & rainier, but more scenic and beautiful than the over-built tourist trap of Waikiki.

A GIGANTIC Thank you to Curt for holding down the fort with the other five kiddos, even if the girls went to church looking like no one loved them:)

Some of the hilights:

La'ie beach-front rental morning sunrise walks on Hukilau Beach roosters in the wild sea shell collecting cool driftwood roadside fruitstands boogie boarding & wave watching at Waimea Ted's Bakery searching for giant sea turtles walking through 'no-trespassing' signs to take shortcuts Birthday at Dukes Waikiki finding and getting to go on the LOST set (Thanks, Katie for the directions!) collecting cool coral on Hale'iwa Beach Matsumotos shaved ice The Polynesian Cultural Center Kua Aina's best avocado pineapple burgers & fries snorkeling at Hanauma Bay & watching Kenz freak out 2 foot fish cruising past my nose hiking in the rain cool finds at the swap meet Pearl Harbor quickie...but not so quickie Waimea Falls hike & swimming in the freezing falls (I opted out of the swimming part) collecting sand from all the beaches we visited afternoon at the beach with Katie & Addy...trying to snorkel in murky Ko'Olina lagoon Dixie Grill showing Kenz the painting of her Great Grandpa Brower at BYU-H (he was the president in the 70's) appreciating Hawaii's unmatched natural beauty the temple rainbow over Sunset Beach giant storms blow hole watching kite surfers on Hukilau strutting peacocks pineapple whip

How grateful I am to have been able to share this dream vacation with two of my most favorite people in the whole world!

How lucky you are, McKenzie, to have these memories and experiences with the two women who love you the most!

Happy week-long Birthday, Lucky Girl!

First Class all the way!

We arrived in Honolulu! At last!

Happy Big ~10th~

Katie joined us for Kenzie's birthday dinner at Dukes

Pearl Harbor

We didn't take the ferry out to the USS Arizona, but we saw the movie & showed Kenz pictures in the bookstore of what she was going to miss out on (she'll appreciate it in 10 years)