Kenley's Blog

January Fun!

2012-01-29T20:30:00.000-08:00

Hi All -

We've been having some January fun these last few weeks! Last weekend, I took off for an amazing girls weekend/college reunion with my college roomies, Michelle, Katy, and Meghan!

It was a total blast and I love my amazing husband Michael and my parents for watching Kenley while I was gone! Kenley spent most of the weekend with Bebe and Papa, where she helped shop for the last few items for Baby Sugar and had a ladies lunch with Michal, Bebe, and Nan.

Here are a few miscellaneous pictures of Kenley - here she is actually drawing a PERSON - so crazy! Look, it has a head, and a face, and a body! Wowow!

Today we had brunch with the Connellys and friends - here's Kenley having juice with Finn. Kenley now says that she and Finn are married and that daddy was the flower girl at their wedding.

Kenley and her monkey.

We have also signed Kenley up for a month of gymboree classes! Michael took her this Saturday, where they "did music," "went camping," and "HAD SO MUCH FUNNN!!!"

This week we had our annual parent teacher conference with Kenley's teacher at day care. It was nice to hear about how she's doing with her friends and teachers. We learned that she has excellent conceptual awareness, language skills, and large and small motor skills. She also "acts out," "disregards directions," and "expresses her emotions in strong bursts." In summary, "Kenley is very bright though has trouble focusing on pursuit of healthy outlets." Oy. Overall, we were not surprised at anything we heard and are proud of both our spunky little girl and her amazing, patient, understanding teachers.

Speaking of language skills, Michael has been recording some of the more funny things she has been coming up with lately.

On why Baby Friesen is inside Michal's belly: "Mymy had her belly cracked and sugar flew in there to be warm"

On Seattle:

Kenley: Are we going to the Berry Patch today?
Me: No Berry Patch is closed. You get to spend all day with Daddy. What should we do?
Kenley: Go play in Seattle. It's a fun place to eat and shop.

On pictures of Michael before his beard:
KK: Daddy, where's your beard?
ME: Oh honey, I just hadn't grown it yet.
KK: You mean...somebody TOOK it???

On circle time: "Daddy!! I'M SORRY! You can't do that right now! You have to come to circle time!"

"Daddy, are you pooping yourself?"

Looking forward to February and all the exciting events (ok, just one in particular) that are coming up!

Remembering Grandma Cay

2012-01-18T21:19:00.000-08:00

As many of you know, Rachel's Grandma Cay passed away last week. You can read her obituary here. Michal posted a nice post over on her blog with some photos of Grandma here. Here are a few highlights of blog posts about Kenley and her Great-Grandma Cay.

Grandma First Meeting Kenley

Kenley's First Visit to California

Visit from Grandma Cay and Cathie

Visit to the Tulips

Last weekend, Dad and I joined Mom, Cathie, Chuck, Grandpa, and other wonderful family at a service for Grandma Cay on Monday in Walnut Creek. (Poor Michal and Jason were stuck home with Michal's belly, and Michael and Kenley stayed home as well). Afterward, some friends and family joined us at the house to reflect and remember and catch up on old times. We saw old friends, new friends, and extended family. It was a wonderful way to remember our Grandma.

Here are a few photos of our gathering:

And Mom and Dad and I stole a chance to get out and enjoy the beautiful view over the Berkeley hills! No wonder Grandma loved living here.

Snow Day!

2012-01-18T20:53:00.000-08:00

Here's some pics of the fun we had today in the snow! Kenley cried after sledding because she was cold, but hey, isn't that part of the fun? Michael was out driving to every local store to find a sled last night, right before the snow came down - what a good daddy!

And a video of Daddy and Kenley sledding!

2012 Begins!

2012-01-13T22:42:00.000-08:00

Wow. We have taken almost no pictures in the last few weeks! Well, here you go! Kenley and I have made two trips to the zoo with friend Finn and family the last two weekends. Here's Kenley riding the carousel at the zoo on the horse she named "Lady." And Kenley playing in the bathtub. Whoopee!

Christmas Photos

2012-01-03T21:46:00.000-08:00

Here are some photos from Christmas! A sort of random mix.

Making christmas cookies!

Heading to the Christmas Ships!

Playing radio disney games with the big kids.

Kenley won a prize for bringing up an item that started with "S" - her shoe! She had a little help from auntie my my with that one.

Visiting the living nativity down the street from Bebe and Papa's house. We went to see the camel, but Kenley found the baby (doll) most fascinating. Here's her little outline checking out the baby Jesus.

Making rolls with Papa Bert.

Cheers!

Opening one present on christmas eve - jammies!

Kenley and Papa prepare for Santa claus.

Kenley choosing to watch Sid the Science Kid instead of going downstairs to see what Santa brought! (Wearing her new christmas jammies)

"Baby Bobby!" Kenley loves her new baby sent by Grandma Karin and Papa Richard!

Christmas Videos

2011-12-26T21:43:00.000-08:00

Here are a few miscellaneous videos of christmas-related events!

Happy Holidays from the Kings, Friesens, and Brehms

2011-12-20T20:34:00.000-08:00

* And Baby Friesen expected February 2012! :)

And some photos from the photo shoot - we worked up a sweat at Molbaks trying to actually get pictures of Kenley smiling! Hope you enjoy them!

2011-12-20T20:21:00.000-08:00

Hello everyone! We made a quick trip to the Bay Area this weekend to visit Grandma Cay, Grandpa Chick, Chuck, and Cathie. Michal already posted some great stuff about our trip over on her blog. Here are a few more pictures!

Helping Papa decorate his Christmas Tree before we leave for California!

Chuck kindly let us stay at his place.

Enjoying morning bagels with Uncle Chuck!

Reading a new book from Great Grandma Cay!

Riding on the Tilden Carousel!

Playing the organ with Great Grandpa Chick.

And happy to be home, goofing around with Daddy!

Flashback: Flower Girl Pics

2011-12-20T20:14:00.000-08:00

These are the beautiful photos of Flower Girl Kenley taken by the official photographer at Bryna and Peter's wedding (August 2011)!

Tis the Season!

2011-12-11T19:53:00.001-08:00

We had a weekend filled with holiday events! Here's daddy and Kenley at the local nursery, on the hunt for the perfect Christmas tree!

Checking out the train setup!

We saw Curley the Camel, plus a donkey and two reindeer!

Very impressed.

Is this a good tree?

Should we get this one?

Yahtzee! This is the one!

We took it home and decorated it.

Then we headed to a Kindermusik holiday concert.

Kenley is ready for the concert to start!

This is what happens when you say, "Kenley, smile!"

We liked the concert too.

In the evening, we walked Greenlake with the Friesens! Greenlake was lined with luminaries and had music at certain locations around the lake!

Hope you all are enjoying the season!

Santa Claus is Coming to Town!

2011-12-11T19:20:00.001-08:00

Here's a little video of Kenley kind of singing her favorite new song!

Trip to Connecticut

2011-12-07T21:20:00.001-08:00

(From guest writer Michael)

The King Clan hopped on board JetBlue for a red-eye flight to Connecticut last Thursday. Wish the circumstances had been better, but we were heading east to put Opa to rest with a memorial service at Grandma Karin and Papa Richard's house. Bright side was that Kenley got to take her first trip east! She was AMAZING on both the journey east, as well as the journey home yesterday. She slept for nearly the entire red eye flight on Thursday night - a bit restless, but releasing her from the car seat on the plane and letting her stretch out did the trick.

After briefly waking up as Mommy and Daddy got settled into the rental car, she went right back to sleep and was easily transferred to the crib Grandma Karin set up for us. She woke up and gazed very confused at Oma (their first meeting!) and Grandma Karin before taking one look at Spike the dog, who is the dopiest looking dog you've ever seen, when she laughed hysterically at his droppy little face.

Kenley had a great time meeting Uncle Ryan, Oma and friend-Uncle Paully and seeing her Grandma Karin and Papa Richard! She's usually more than a little skeptical when seeing folks that either doesn't know or hasn't seen in a while, but she hopped right into play time and story time with everyone! She did pretty well sleeping/napping in the strange environment as well. All-in-all, we think this little monkey can travel with the best of them.

Kenley got to enjoy her first real sandwich (sorry northwesterners, y'all don't know how to make a grinder), east coast style, rampaging through a great christmas shop near Grandma Karin's house (the only person that broke something = daddy) and visiting Stew Leonards, an incredibly wild and crazy grocery store that we all loved as kids. When it came time on Sunday for the "party" (what Kenley decided to call Opa's memorial), she very patiently watched How The Grinch Stole Christmas while the rest of us memorialized Opa. It was a wonderful little event at the house, Papa Richard eulogized Opa and played a great song he wrote for him. After that, Kenley was thrilled because it was EAT EVERYTHING IN THE HOUSE time! She munched down on anything and everything put in front of her.

She was sad to leave! While the reasons for the trip were quite sad, it was wonderful to see her enjoying the other side of the family, who she so seldom sees.

Here are a few pictures, taken with our brand new camera!!! Thanks Mom-Santa-Elf-Turkey. I'm workin out the kinks, so some of the pictures are sideways... :)


Ready for a red eye!

JFK Airport, 5am EST

Sometimes a girl just needs her paci.

Meeting Uncle Ryan!

Kenley has everyone's attention - just the way she likes it.

Ice cream from favorite local grocery store!

Breakfast with Oma!

Listening to Papa Richard play guitar.

Papa Richard reads a book!

Here's the only picture I got from the memorial service - Kenley ate whatever she wanted the whole time.

Reading with Oma and a dolly.

And we're home and putting baby and monkey to bed.

KK learns about Frieslet!

2011-11-27T21:21:00.001-08:00

Last weekend, we told Kenley that she has a new little cousin on the way! Here's a video of her reaction. She told us that Michal should have a baby girl and name her "Sugar." Then she tried to change the subject.

Thanksgiving: Thankful for Family

2011-11-27T20:23:00.001-08:00

Our thanksgiving brings sad news. Michael's grandfather, "Opa," passed away this weekend. He was an amazing person and a huge role model in Michael's life. We are very sad to see him go. We are even more thankful than usual for our amazing families this year, and especially all of our wonderful grandparents.

Here are some photos from our Brehm Family thanksgiving in Portland. (For a fun look back in time, see photos from 2009 (part 1 and part 2) and 2010).

Kenley was actually awake to enjoy our thanksgiving dinner with the family! She loved the mashed potatoes.

Here's Jason, Michal, and the Frieslet tucking in.

An amazing cake made by cousin Elie for Grandpa Bert's birthday. Happy Birthday Grandpa Bert!

Cousin Sammy reads a book to Kenley. They were best friends after that.

Great Grandpa Bert coloring with Kenley.

All the cousins who were at thanksgiving.

Great Grandparents Bert and Dorothy!

Bert Jr. and Bert III

The little momma! Doesn't she look so cute??

We spoiled ourselves by staying in a hotel in downtown Portland. Here we are taking the Frieslet to the pool.

On Friday, we hit up the Macys Parade!

Kenley had the best seat for the parade.

Family was out in force!

Cousin Elie, enjoying her candy cane.

Santa is here!


Parade viewing wears a toddler out.

On Saturday, Michael took Kenley to the Seattle Center while Mommy worked on elf-projects. Here's Kenley having a snack with a view. She loved the whole day, including riding the bus, riding on the elevator up the space needle, eating lunch at the Centerhouse, and checking out the awesome train display. Hooray for quality time together.

We also watched the Apple Cup and taught Kenley how to say "Dirty Cougs!", and had a visit from our friends Kelsey and Charles and their new baby Madeline, who now live in New York.

We hope you all had wonderful thanksgivings!

Raking Leaves

2011-11-23T20:43:00.001-08:00

Here's another video! Apparently I hit my daily limit yesterday.

Another cute video

2011-11-22T21:34:00.001-08:00

Here's another cute video of KK playing in her crib.

Cozy Together!

2011-11-22T21:28:00.001-08:00

Here's a video of KK playing in her crib!

Big Girl Bed

2011-11-22T21:25:00.001-08:00

Well, it finally happened. We had an idea it might be coming since Kenley climbed out of her pack 'n play while she was supposed to be napping on Sunday at Michal and Jason's house. This morning, she finally climbed out of her crib. I heard a thump while I was in the shower when I thought everyone was sleeping, and was immediately suspicious. Sure enough, I scrambled out of the shower and found KK standing in the hallway, looking pretty proud of herself! Since we knew this day was coming soon, we decided to just take it as a sign that it is time to "convert" our convertible crib to a toddler bed. We took off the side and put up a bed rail. She was pretty excited about it, but had a hard time falling asleep. Finally, we closed the door and left her to her own devices, and then found her like this! We'll see how she sleeps!

Leavenworth, leaves, and a Job!

2011-11-15T08:54:00.001-08:00

Hi everyone! Big news this week - I got a job! Kind of. I'll be doing another clerkship with a judge at Division 2 of the court of appeals in Tacoma through August, replacing another clerk who left. So it is short term, but its something! I start on Thursday.

Meanwhile, I quit my contract work and gave myself a few days of fun, fall cleaning, and catching up. We had a fun three day weekend! On Friday, we took a family day trip to Leavenworth, our favorite pseudo-bavarian village. Kenley was great (despite the long drive) and we had a lot of fun. On the drive up, we spontaneously stopped at the Reptile Zoo, where Michael and I were totally creeped out and Kenley loved everything, including touching the corn snake. Yuck! Kenley's other favorite part of the day was the Christmas store. Daddy's was the beer and german food at Andreas Keller.

We also went to the Children's Museum (thanks Youngs for our membership!), had dinner with Mary and Megan, raked the leaves, and just hung out!

We are getting excited to seeing the Portland family at thanksgiving! Yippee!

*** We still are without camera, so I have no photos for you. I made some videos, but the blog program is not cooperating. So, maybe videos to come.

Halloween Party

2011-11-02T22:35:00.000-07:00

Here are some photos our friend Ali took of Kenley at a Halloween party thrown by our friends from our pregnancy group. First activity - toddler friendly pumpkin decorating!

Kenley and her decorated pumpkin.

Then, Kenley got to decorate her own cookies. She surprisingly evenly distributed a precise amount of sprinkles to each cookie. Look how cute she is, concentrating on her project!

Thank you Alicia, Mark, and Avery for hosting us!

Trick or Treating 2011!

2011-10-31T20:59:00.000-07:00

A Kitty Cat, a Mud Puddle, and A Whole Bunch of Pumpkins

2011-10-26T22:09:00.001-07:00

Hi Everyone! Its been awhile, so we have a little catching up to do! Our camera is malfunctioning, so I don't have a lot of photos of the fun things we have been up to lately. Last weekend, despite the rain, we did get to go to another pumpkin patch with friends!

Tons of fun things to do, like go in a bouncy house and ride a little train, and where does our kid head? That's right, straight for the biggest mud puddle she can find. This is right before she said down with a "Kerplop"!

I can't get this one to rotate correctly!

We have definitely hit the twos head on at this point. Kenley's new favorite word is "NOOOOOO!" (with that emphasis). She especially loves to say it when you ask her to, for example, hug her grandmother or kiss her daddy goodnight. :) Its not easy for us! But, she still makes it worthwhile by being cute and funny. The funny phrases she has been picking up are growing. Some of my recent favorites:

Can you please leave this area?
Daddy, you don't understand me.
Veronica, do you know your ancestors?

She has also been making up great stories lately. It is really fun to see her imagination grow, and try to figure out how her funny little brain works when you see strange things being connected. Here are some samples of funny stories she was telling me the other morning.

Once upon a time there was a little girl named Mommy. And she was walking through the woods when she saw Kenley. And they kept walking until they got to the grocery store. And then they had ice cream and went home. The end!

Once upon a time mommy and kenley were walking through the woods. They climbed a tree! And Kitty was on a branch! And he saw another Kitty cat on another branch! And she was pink! And then a monkey climbed up the tree! She was wearing a monkey shirt! And then they saw a goon! The end.

Once upon a time there was a little girl named Monkey. And she saw a raccoon! And . . . the end.

That's all for now - hopefully I will get my camera working and have better documentation for you. Halloween is coming and cute pictures of her as a lion/ladybug/scary pumpkin must be taken!

PS In case anyone is interested in what will be on Kenley's christmas list, i have posted it here! Look <-----.

Rainy October Fun!

2011-10-09T20:21:00.000-07:00

Hi everyone! We had a great weekend of low key fun! A couple play dates, dinner out for Thai, family movie night, and lots and lots of books (Kenley is back into reading and wants to read books pretty much constantly - arg!)!

This morning, we decided to head outside despite the rain for a little hike at our local park.

Here's Kenley chasing bubbles!

Afterwards, Rike and Finnegan came over to play!

The kids LOVE to jump together!

And snuggle under the blanket together.
So much fun!

Funny Things She Says...

2011-10-05T07:40:00.000-07:00

Here are a few random things to share -

Kenley got a haircut this weekend!

Here's how we found Kenley this morning.

And, here are some classic Kenley quotes -

Michael: Kenley, are you rooting for the Yankees or the Tigers?
Kenley: Yankees.
Michael: Why?
Kenley: Tigers might bite me. Kitty might bite me too. He likes the Tigers.

Kenley: I love my mommy and my daddy!
Michael: We love you too Kenley! Who else do you love?
Kenley: Spinach!

Everytime we ask her what she wants to be for Halloween, it is something different. We have heard: Lion, Ladybug, Elmo (and Mommy be cookie monster and daddy be big bird), Big Bird, Scary Pumpkin (and mommy and daddy be happy pumpkins). . .

Pumpkin Patch!

2011-10-02T13:06:00.000-07:00

Hi everyone!

I'm just getting around to posting pics, but here is a really bad picture of our trip to see Obama speak at the paramount theater in Seattle last weekend. We had great seats (but not good enough to enjoy the Tom Douglas luncheon served on the floor).

This week we had friends over with a 6 week old baby. Kenley loved visiting with the baby, and insisted on tucking her in with her other babies, and then cuddling with her under a blankie. Hopefully this is a good sign on how she will handle her new cousin!!

On Saturday, we went to the pumpkin patch! We didn't let the rain and mud stop us from picking out a family of "pump-kwins" (one for mommy, one for daddy, and one for Kenley!).

This is our 3rd annual trip to this pumpkin patch! You can see pics of our visit to the pumpkin patch last year here or two years ago here.

Thanks for Aunt Michal for taking pictures and compiling this collage!

Other great news - we found out Michal and Jason are having a girl!! Of course we are thrilled. Here's a pic of the munchkin herself (in utero). More on this news over at their blog here.

Also this week, Michael and I celebrated our 4th wedding anniversary. Bebe and Papa had Kenley for a sleepover last night so we could enjoy a night on the town! Thanks Bebe and Papa.

2 Year Old Portraits

2011-10-02T12:39:00.001-07:00

We finally took Kenley to get 2 year old portraits done - enjoy!

End of Summer

2011-09-24T21:25:00.000-07:00

The summer is winding down, but we have had some beautiful weather and have been trying to appreciate it as much as possible!

A few weekends ago, we went for a picnic and swimming at Magnuson Park!

Here's Kenley playing in her "classroom".

Last weekend and today we enjoyed local "festivals", including Kenley's favorite artist, Caspar Babypants! Here she is watching Caspar today at the Bite of Broadview fest.

Bouncy houses!

Plinko!
And butterfly face painting!

Here's a video of Kenley at the festival today, shakin' her booty to Caspar Babypants and bouncing in the bouncy house! I took a bunch of cute videos of her playing with Michael, and accidentally deleted them. Poop! Will have to try again tomorrow.

Kitchen Makeover!

2011-09-24T21:14:00.001-07:00

Here's how we spent our labor day weekend - Beth and Bert very kindly helped us replace a part of our kitchen - labor included, of course. The project included replumbing the kitchen sink so we can actually get hot water and installing a dishwasher!! Thank you mom and dad!!

I forgot to take a true "before" photo, but this is pretty close.

After demo.

Mom helped out both by babysitting and doing master ikea assembly.

Jason helped too!
The crew at work.

Hooray! Michael lovingly places the first load of dishes in the new dishwasher.

He caresses it while it runs.

Kenley "helped" too!

Final product!

We love it!

Birthday Pics

2011-09-24T21:01:00.000-07:00

Aunt Michal kindly posted birthday pics earlier, but here are a few more to add, plus a video of Kenley and her friend Finnegan singing happy birthday to Kenley while eating birthday cake - the only video I managed to get on her birthday.

Here's Kenley trying out her new birthday slide first thing in the morning - in jammies!

Ah, it works great as a water slide!

Kenley is checking on the health of all her new doggies with vet gear from uncle ryan.

Measuring KK on the growth chart!

Kenley woke up to birthday balloons in her room! yay!

Video!

Flower Girl Video

2011-09-24T20:43:00.000-07:00

Here is a video of Kenley walking down the aisle with the other flower girls at Bryna and Peter's wedding!

Technical Difficulties

2011-09-24T20:40:00.000-07:00

Hi! Due to some technical difficulties, we've fallen behind! I know this is going to shock you, but i filled my computer up with photos and videos of Kenley. :) Michael fixed it, and now we are back up to speed! Here come a few catch up posts!

Kenley doesn't know it, but...

2011-09-10T06:36:00.001-07:00

...Kenley has a cousin on the way!

Baby Friesen is due in February! That, of course, necessitates a new blog. Check us out at http://michalandjason.blogspot.com/, or just cruise over there from Kenley's blog using this handy link on the left bar.

<-----------------------

Everyone is getting excited, and Kenley's getting confused! When we dug out old baby clothes, Kenley looked at us funny and said "Those are baby clothes, not Kenley clothes!" We're all curious to how "Princess Baby" will react to having another baby around!

KK's 2nd Birthday!

2011-09-10T06:02:00.000-07:00

We got to celebrate two birthdays in one weekend! Uncle Jason turned 33, and Kenley turned 2! Click here to see how much bigger she's gotten since last year!

We decided to have a low-key family picnic this year. We chose Kenley's favorite park as the perfect spot...it has swings AND slides!

New play tent, "Kenley's Market."

Peek-a-boo!

This tent is WAY more fun with friends! 2 year old friend, Finnegan, arrived just in time to make it extra fun. We also ran into an old friend from the centering group! Friends, awesome playground, doggies, and a great mud puddle made this the perfect location!

So sad this one turned out blurry!
Happy birthday Kenley! Since Kenley loves ice cream, we got an ice cream cake.

It took a couple tries to blow out the candle. Thanks for the help, Finn!

Delicious! Finn was getting really into the "Happy Birthday, Kenley!" while enjoying his ice cream cake!
Time to open gifts! Katy and Marcus knew KK would love this ball...she plays with one just like it at their house!
Horsey must be played with immediately...in the tent.

Kenley's been into babies and playing pretend games lately, so the tea set, dinner set, toy foods, apron, and dolly were all a hit! Even better when all were loaded into the tent.

So great to have an extra visit from Great-Aunt Mary, who worked a long layover between Portland and Kalispell to join us for the party! Perfect timing!

Thanks to everyone who came! Aunt Mary, Mary, Howard, and Megan, Katy and Marcus, Nan and Ron, Uncle Bill, Finnegan and Rike, Bebe, Papa, MyMy and Jason, Mama and Daddy! Can't wait 'til next year!

Let the Celebration Begin!

2011-08-25T21:10:00.000-07:00

Kenley celebrated her birthday today at day care! Apparently she had a ton of fun receiving her "wheels on the bus" (KK's interpretation)/ "party bus" (teacher Nicolie's interpretation) birthday crown! (Much awaited - she has wanted one since Milo's doggie birthday crown!). Then she shared ice cream sandwiches with all her friends!

More Weekend Pics

2011-08-25T20:36:00.001-07:00

More pics from Aunt MyMy!

On Friday night we sent Rachel and Michael to the rehearsal dinner, and the rest of us went out for Chinese (KK loves her peas and rice!), and hit up an Oak Harbor park at sunset (may have been a little...past...bedtime. But the swings and slide call to us!).

On Sunday, Mom, Dad, Jason and I took Kenley to the Island County Fair, where we met up with the Thomas family! Kenley got to pet a baby goat!

Here's Kenley telling Papa all about the horses, all of whom she says are named "Skittles."

Here's Kenley riding "Peanut!" Can you tell she is clutching on to that harness for dear life?

Maybe she can let go for one wave...

In the dog tent, Kenley got to feed treats to a very slobbery dog!

So much fun packed into one weekend!

Flower Girl Kenley!

2011-08-24T22:56:00.001-07:00

Hello everyone! Kenley had a very special experience this weekend - she got to be a flower girl for Uncle Peter and Aunt Bryna's wedding! I managed to not get very many pictures of the weekend, but here's a few. Video hopefully to come later.

Pre-aisle snack!

5 of the 6 flower girls in the flower troop! Kenley loved being with the big girls - and the ring bearer, Jack McCullough!

Kenley managed to keep up with the big girls and make it all the way down the aisle!

Here's cutie cute Daddy/Best Man!

A big thanks to Bebe and Papa and Aunt Michal and Uncle Jason, who helped out a ton with Kenley so we could enjoy the wedding and related events. They took Kenley to the pool at our hotel, a fun park, and the Whidbey Island fair, where she got to ride on a horse "Peanut". She also got slobbered on by a doggy, which she will tell you all about.

Kenley is on her way to potty training! She is wearing big girl undies during the day, so we ended our cloth diaper service. She is doing okay with the potty, but sometimes resists it in two-year-old stubbornness. We will keep working on it!

This weekend is KENLEY'S SECOND BIRTHDAY! We are celebrating by bringing ice cream sandwiches to day care tomorrow, celebrating Uncle Jason's birthday on Saturday, and a small party with family on Sunday at Kenley's favorite park. Stay tuned for photos!

Hopefully she will love it - "birthday" has been one of her favorite pretend games lately, along with music class. She will line up blocks as "cupcakes" for her stuffed animals and put "candles" on everything, and then sing happy birthday. It is pretty funny. This morning she took pretend a little too far, crying and crying because she was "scared" of the "elephants" at the "zoo" in the living room.

She's saying all kinds of funny things: for example:

- Mommy: Kenley, time to get your towel for bath time! Kenley: I can't, i have POOPING to do!
- Mommy: I'm going to color with crayons. Kenley: I'm sorry, Mommy. Crayons are not an option right now. Only markers.
- Kenley: I made up my mind daddy. There's nothing I want to do.

A little mommy news, my amazing, fabulous, best job ever clerkship ended last Monday, so I am swimming in the pool of the unemployed. I managed to find a solo practitioner who needed some help on a case representing low income hispanic workers retrieve unpaid wages for construction work, which is a tolerable way to fill my days for now. But hopefully another amazing fabulous job is on the horizon.

Happy 30th Michael!

2011-08-10T18:57:00.000-07:00

Hi everyone! This weekend we celebrated Michael's 30th (!!!) birthday!! At his request, we went to Wing Dome!

Daddy and daughter contemplate the menu.

Jason and Michael decided to try heat level 6 (just one down from the deadly seven). Here they are about to dive in!

Its all fun and games at this point.

Here come the tears!

Getting hot.

Painful, but the basket is empty (they ate 7).
Kenley enjoys some wings too (not so spicy as daddy's).

We otherwise had a great weekend! We celebrated MaryEllen's birthday on Saturday, and here we are at the zoo on Sunday!

Colorado Part One

2011-08-04T20:51:00.000-07:00

Hi everyone! We just got back from Colorado! We flew to Denver on Friday to meet up with Michael's parents and spend a few days in Estes Park/Rocky Mountain National Park. Karin and Richard rented a lovely house in the hills above Estes Park. We spent three days enjoying the park and quality time with family!

Here is Kenley getting ready, complete with backpack and firewoman's hat.

Suitcases are packed!

Here we are on the plane! (Kenley's third trip on a plane.)

Kenley and Daddy entertain themselves on the plane with stickers.

We all took Kenley for a pony ride!

Here is our little cowgirl riding "Skittles."
Grandma Karin is one with the animals.

Here's our favorite horse, Zach. Kenley fed him some grass!

Here's Kenley at the visitor center for the park. Pioneer girl!

Future park ranger!

Here's a big critter we spotted while driving down the road!

Daddy teaching Kenley to play minigolf.

Kenley excitedly chases her ball down the course.

A course with a view!

Grandma Karin introduces Kenley to the local resident, "Daisy Deer."

Heading up into the park!

More photos in the next post!

Colorado Part Two

2011-08-04T20:39:00.000-07:00

(Colorado, continued!).

Here's a herd of elk that decided to take up residence across the street from our rental house!

Next, we visited the Stanley hotel, famous as the inspiration for the Shining and favorite haunt of John Philip Sousa.

Kenley hops like a frog.

And excitedly rolls in the grass.

And smells the flowers...
Then we headed into cutie-cute Estes Park for shopping and treats!

On Monday, we left Estes Park and drove to Loveland to visit Michael's Aunt Lisa and Uncle Jim. Aunt Lisa planned a great day of visiting a sculpture park, riding a mini train, and enjoying beer at a Fort Collins brewery!

We made it home just in time to celebrate Megan Young's 16th birthday! Happy Birthday Megan!

All in all a great trip! Thank you to Grandma Karin, Papa Richard, Aunt Lisa, and Uncle Jim for all the good times!

In other news, Kenley was an excellent potty-goer all during the trip. She loved the "Special pink travel potty" we bought and used it all over the place, even at the airport and in a scary pit toilet at the national park! Today was her first day of no diapers except during sleep at day care! One of her teachers told me that Kenley told her, "[so-and-so] wears diapers. Not KK. KK wears underwear." Tonight we went shopping to buy more underwear! Cross your fingers that we are on our way! We also shed Kenley's night time bottle while in Colorado, so Kenley really is becoming a "big girl"! Two is right around the corner!

Finally, tomorrow is Michael's 30th birthday! We are looking forward to celebrating the big event!

23 Months

2011-07-28T21:06:00.000-07:00

Here are a few pics from last week:

Kenley and Daddy snuggling in bed.

Kenley snuggling the kitty.
Kenley painting - naked.

While Daddy headed to LA for a bachelor party, Kenley and I had a super fun weekend! We went to Golden Gardens, went to a bbq at day care, went to the pool and visited Papa, went to Sara and Ian's wedding (Rachel) and Parent's Night Out at day care (Kenley), and finally, went to a friend's birthday party!

Here is Kenley waiting for the bus to head to the party!

And on the bus...

And waiting to sing happy birthday...
And enjoying toy story cupcakes!

That afternoon, surprise! Great Aunt Gail came to visit! Kenley wore her ice cream cone dress to celebrate.

Yay! A good weekend!

Here's one pic from our trip to the Greenwood Seafair parade on Wednesday evening!

Now we are off to Colorado to meet Grandma Karin and Papa Richard for a long weekend! see you all on the flip side!

22 Months and 3 Weeks: Rain and Number 2!

2011-07-18T20:02:00.001-07:00

Hi everyone! We had a rainy weekend here this weekend so we were pretty tame. On Friday, Bebe, Michal, Kenley and I had a girls' night with shopping, teriyaki, and sword in the stone! On Saturday, Michal, Rachel, and Aunt Tessa went out to celebrate our favorite bachelorette, Sara! (here's a cute pic - and evidence that parents do still go out - sometimes)

Here's a funny new face kenley has been doing.

Kenley spent the weekend playing with play dough, pretending to be the teacher of "music class" with all her stuffed animals, and having a new friend over to play.

Tonight, big news - KK went number two in the potty for the first time!! She was very "excited" and "proud." We called Uncle Ryan (Grandma Karin was asleep) and Bebe to tell them about it, and then we went to the toy store to pick out a prize! Here's Kenley shopping for her prize.

And here's the best picture I could get of what she picked - a little baby doll.

Potty!

2011-07-12T07:45:00.000-07:00

This morning Kenley said "i have to go potty," sat down on her little potty, and peed! Wow! We celebrated by letting her flush it down the big potty and then calling Papa Bert to tell him about it. She (very proudly) said (to his voice mail) "I went pee pee in the potty!!" We'll see if this is the beginning of big things!

22 Months and 2 Weeks: Parade!

2011-07-10T20:48:00.000-07:00

Hi everyone! We had beautiful weather this weekend! Here are some fun pictures!

Here's a picture Kenley's teachers took of her while going to get a "treat" at cupcake royale on Friday.

Here's Kenley playing at the local "spray park" on Thursday.

On Saturday, Beth, Michal, Michael, and I took Kenley and friend Finnegan to the Wallingford Kiddie parade and fair. The kids loved it!! Everyone got stickers, balloons, and candy, and there were lots of dancing, bands, fire trucks, school buses, clowns, etc! A kid's dream come true!

Kenley at this point was saying "Ima ride the pony!" We didn't ride though.

Today, Bebe and Papa Bert were kind enough to watch Kenley so mom and dad could take a break to go kayaking on lake union with friends! Good fun had by all!

And, the Kenley story of the week - on Saturday night while Daddy and Uncle Peter were eating pizza with Kenley, Uncle Peter tried to explain to Kenley that the pizza needed to go in her tummy, not on the ground. She proceeded to pull up her shirt and rub it on her tummy. Hey, she follows instructions!

4th of July and Beach Trip!

2011-07-05T07:06:00.000-07:00

Hello everyone! We just got back from a fabulous weekend at the Oregon Coast! But first, here are some cute pictures from last week before we left. Kenley has suddenly decided to play "pretend." Here is she taking her doggy to the zoo to see the elephants. Wearing a fireman's hat.

Michael wrote the following about our weekend:

The King/Brehm/Gedney/Friesen clan decided to pack our bags and hit the road for the long holiday weekend. Our destination: the gorgeous Oregon Coast, home of wonderful beaches, wild bingo and THE Tillamook Cheese Factory. Also, home to Great-Grandpa Bert and Great-Grandma Dorothy's beach house! So Kenley, Mom, Dad, Papa and Bebe all took off Thursday morning for the coast. We "toodled" our way south, stopping first for a lovely lunch picnic in a nice park on the way. The weather appeared dark and gloomy, but the further south we drove, the better and better it got! Kenley took a good long nap, and when she awoke, we were at the Maritime Museum in Astoria, Oregon. This was a spot that we'd driven by a billion times on our way to the beach house, but had never stopped in to check it out. Well, we're glad we did! Kenley enjoyed "driving the boats" and checking out an old fashioned navy ship.

We drove on from Astoria and down the coast to Cannon Beach, where we went and played on the beach before eating dinner at the famous Mo's. Kenley found a killer stream on the beach and was as happy as she's ever been. Water, sand, doggies coming to say hello - about the happiest little lady you could imagine!

After a delicious dinner at Mo's (aside from Papa's "Fried" oysters coming back "breaded"), we drove those last 30 minutes down to the family house in Rockaway Beach. After settling in and relaxing for a bit, Auntie MyMy and Uncle Jason arrived.

On Friday, we woke up, grabbed a quick bite to eat, and headed to our family favorite destination - the Tillamook Cheese Factory! An hour later, we walked out shopping bags full of delicious cheesy goodness, half the shop's pepperoni and with our belly's full of tasy i-c-e c-r-e-a-m. And I mean, TASTY. Kenley enjoyed Wild Oregon Huckleberry Ice Cream. Mommy "helped" her with that ice cream by sneaking in a lick or six. No doubt, Kenley will remember this at some point in her teenage years. We then snuck out to Cape Lookout state park and played on the beach, where Daddy and Kenley played in the waves (and got very, very wet), and we all saw a beached seal! Poor thing was "stressed" according to the park ranger, so after hearing it yarp a few times, we dashed off for a mini hike, then a picnic! After heading back, Kenley (and all the ladies) took a quick little snooze. Then we headed out to the beach by the house (hehe, a block away, hehe) where Bebe and Jason flew kites, and some of us read our books. This all of course culminated in what has become a beach house tradition - a steaming pot of bouillibaise, filled with crab, clams, halibut, scallops and at least one or two family members.

Saturday's adventures took us southward to Nehalem Falls, a new spot for all of us. Kenley was fascinated by (and a bit scared of) the HUNDREDS of newts in the river. We're talking big honkin' newts here. Uncle Jason picked them up and invited Kenley to touch them, but she refused. Later in the day the Google machine told us that some newts have some kind of toxins on them. So if Jason looks odd or uncomfortable or starts changing colors in the next few days...well, whoops! After a nice hike, we grabbed a bite to eat in Manzanita and relaxed at home for the afternoon. Saturday night, Mom, Dad, Mymy and Jason all hit the rockin' town that is Rockaway Beach for a night of bingo while Bebe and Papa babysat. Thank you for awesome grandparents, Kenley said!

The weather was spectacular, but Sunday morning gave us all pause - clouds and drizzle. But we Kinbrehgedriesens toughed it out - and the weather turned back in our favor by the afternoon! Everyone minus Papa took a trip north to Cannon Beach, where Kenley wore some clam chowder for lunch, then played with Daddy and Uncle Jason in the park while Mama, Bebe and Mymy hit up the Cannon Beach shops. Of course, the most important thing that happened in Cannon Beach was taking a "one year later photo." When we were down last summer (at almost the exact same time), Mama snapped a great shot of Kenley on a bench that just says "Democrats." Well, we snapped basically the same shot this year! Here they are side by side so you can see...

(all the pictures from last year's trip can be seen here).

One crab dinner later, we all went in "our pack and plays," as Kenley said all weekend before waking up Monday, packing up, cleaning up and heading north! Mymy and Jason drove separately, but the Kinbrehney van made a little stop at the Mt St Helens Visitors Center on the way back up.

Another successful trip! Kenley was absolutely wonderful the whole time (of course! (?)). Slept great on both car rides, took decent naps (minus Saturday) and had a blast playing on the beach ('Splash Splash in the big pool" she told Daddy). Bebe bought her a "Dora" doll, and she wouldn't let go of it the whole weekend!

Thanks to Great Grandpa Bert and Great Grandma Dorothy for letting us crash the pad!

------

Back to Rachel:

We arrived home last night and celebrated the 4th by grilling burgers and having some friends to sit around the firepit in the backyard. The weather was fabulous and promises to hold for a week or two more. We love it! We plan on spending every bit of it outside whenever possible.

Here's a few other updates on what is going on with Kenley this week. She got two more teeth (bottom canines) and has picked up a few new hilarious habits. This morning, i caught her holding up a book and reading it to her animals like it was a story and saying: "Once upon a time there was a little Kenley, and a little house for Kenley, and there was Pete and Larry, and there was a doggy and a little Kenley..."

Also, at the beach house we taught her about the fourth of july, so now whenever she sees an American flag, she sings "happy birthday to AMEHRICA!"

Another favorite is repeating lines from books, such as "B is for Babe Ruth, that New York Yankee great," or (when she is naked) "My, aren't you bold baby!"

And finally, her new favorite thing to say is: "and because why?" for example: Dad: "Kenley, the rule is no running in the street." Kenley: "And because why?" I expect this is the beginning of a looooooong stage.

Happy fourth of july!

22 Months!

2011-06-27T21:36:00.000-07:00

Hi hi! Kenley is 22 months old tomorrow - Two months until the big 2! I can't believe it!

Here we are playing at Golden Gardens earlier this week with Peter and Bryna before we headed back to our house for a summer evening fire in the backyard!

On Saturday it rained and we made a much overdue trip to the Family Fun Center to spend a groupon about to expire! Here's KK collecting a wad of tickets, which we redeemed for candy and then didn't share with her. How rude!

KK rides the Tonka truck!

Playing with Daddy and Uncle Jason - so excited!!!

Giggles.
Kenley couldn't wait to go on the "horsey ride" aka carousel!

Weeeeeeeeeee!On Sunday, the sun came out!! KK played in the backyard at Bebe and Papa Bert's house while Bebe and Papa cooked up a delicious feast! Here are some cute pics of KK, her watermelon, and a sprinkler.

Later that afternoon, we packed up the feast and headed out to Camano Island to enjoy these cutie cute little cabins on the beach!

21 Months + 3 Weeks: Happy Father's Day!

2011-06-19T21:23:00.000-07:00

Happy Fathers Day to all our favorite dads! Hope you all had wonderful celebrations! Kenley and I failed to plan anything amazing for Michael, but that doesn't mean we don't think he's the funniest, best daddy there is!

Here are a few pictures from the last two weekends.

Here's Kenley showing off her Orinda pride (in the sun!) at Carkeek park last weekend. We had a very busy weekend of several baby, wedding, and birthday parties! Not a lot of photos!

We started off this weekend with a birthday party on Friday - happy 2nd birthday to our little friend!

Best kind of birthday party - everyone gets balloons!

On Saturday night, after another great video-chat with Oma, Opa, Papa Richard, and Grandma Karin, Rachel and Michael had a party so Kenley was off to her first sleepover at Bebe and Papa's house!

On Sunday, another birthday party this time in Nan and Ron's fabulous back yard - the lack of sun didn't keep us down! Happy Birthday Nan! We had a great time with all the Friesens-Brehms-Kings-Browns-Knapps!

Uncle Jason was the master of the grill! (Grilled pizzas!)

Kenley contemplating whether she is going to follow mom's rules.

Daddy making "other baby" dance -

Then Kenley makes her dance too!

Next thing we knew, "other baby" ended up in a mud puddle! Ooops!

"She's all dirty!"

Riding in the "tractor" with Jack and Jack's Aunt Amy!

KK's favorite auntie.

KK's newest funny things: singing "We all live in a yellow submarine!", saying "I was not a mistake" (???), and saying her own full name, my full name, and then when we ask her what Michael's name is, she says "Walter Elizabeth King."

21 Months + 1 Week: Sun and Fun!

2011-06-07T07:05:00.000-07:00

Hello everyone! We finally had a beautiful sunny weekend here in Seattle! We were busy busy busy trying to make the most of it!

On Friday night, we attended "Family Day!", the day care's celebration of Mother's Day and Father's Day combined into one event. They included lessons about how every family is different, including families with one mommy, two mommies, two daddies, one daddy, just grandparents, etc.! Hooray for liberal Seattle education. Here's KK showing off her favorite day care baby.

Here she is enjoying some "berry juice" (homemade berry lemonade) on the back porch of the new day care with friends.

Bubbles with teacher and favorite friend Milo!

On Saturday morning, we got up early and headed to Golden Gardens for a walk. Here we are strolling along the water.

Enjoying a swing with a view.

Here's what MK had to say about Saturday:

This Saturday, Kenley and I got some quality daddy-daughter time as Rachel went to a baby shower for a co-worker. Since visiting the Space Needle with her day care a few weeks ago, Kenley has not stopped talking about the space needle - in fact, any object reaching towards the sky has become known as a space needle (such as the electric poles in the neighborhood). Coupled with her space needle obsession has been a complete obsession and love of all things train-like. So where did we go? Seattle Center of course, home of both the space needle as well as the monorail! I'd also never ridden the monorail, so this was a terrific outing for daddy and daughter alike!

Kenley had a great time staring at the space needle (when we turned the corner around Key Arena and she saw it, she let out an enthusiastic, "Daddy!!!! Space Needle!!!"), and we hopped on the monorail to ride it down to Westlake Center ("It's a kind of train," Kenley said). Kenley enjoyed seeing the Seattle sights from the monorail line above ("Bus, daddy. And people!"). We hoppped off, then hopped right back on to head back to Seattle Center. After taking in lunch while watching a Filipino drumming band, we headed off to pick up Mama, Kenley took a little snooze, then we headed out to Monroe to see Uncle Jason, Auntie Michal and Papa! The Thousand Trails campground had a great pool, so we all took in the rays while Kenley, Mama, MyMy and Jason had a nice long swim with our little one. From there it was on to BBQ, then home!

A mid-swim snack with Papa.

On Sunday, we jumped out of bed and headed to the Ballard locks for a walk!

A breakfast picnic.
Running around the grass at the locks!

Kenley's new tricks this week: counting objects (I've heard her go as high as seven, and she knows her numbers up to 20 and beyond - thank you again day care) and comparing everything ("TJ is kind of like Nichi" (both cats), etc.). She also has memorized her full name ("Kenley Elizabeth King!"), our names, and tonight told me "Kenley goes to the [name of day care]." Smartiepants.

21 Months: Portland Road Trip!

2011-05-31T19:53:00.000-07:00

Hi everyone! KK is 21 months this week. Just mere months away from two - crazy!

Here are some pics from the last week:

We haven't done a lot of movies/tv, so they are a very special treat. Here is KK enjoying Muppets Take Manhattan - she loved it, especially the "MUSIC SHOW!" at the end.

Last Thursday we had a super fun visitor - Finnegan! And his mom of course. Finnegan became a big brother early Saturday morning. KK is so excited to meet her new friend Baby Gabriel!

Here's a pic of where the kids decided to do headstands (???).

Here's Daddy and Finn playing with the "Big, big ball!"

On Saturday (after visiting new baby Gabe), we hit the road for a last minute road trip to Portland! Michael's friend and his wife, Miles and Fabi, were in town for a weekend, so we decided to go down and visit with them - and do a bunch of other visiting while we were there. We saw: Miles and Fabi, Melissa and Colin, Michael and Michelle, Erin and the Clabaugh troop, and Great Grandpa Bert and Great Grandma Dorothy! (Sorry to everyone we didn't see!).

Here's KK get ready to head out in the "Suuuu-baaa-roooooo" (Or Subooboo, as she sometimes calls it). The new (to us) car did great on its first road trip! Hello, cruise control!

Daddy, KK, and Melissa.

Our on the go kid - she did a lot of this during the weekend.

Eating snacks at Miles and Fabi's swanky hotel.

Pioneer square!

Chasing pigeons!

Playing in the fountain.

Miles and KK take each other in.

And home safe and sound on Monday!

HAPppy BIRTHday PApa!

2011-05-28T07:03:00.001-07:00

On Friday we celebrated Papa Bert's birthday! We took him to Chinese food and then home for ice cream cake! Kenley got to sing him happy birthday and everything! Here are a few pics (thanks Aunt Michal!)!

Happy Birthday Dad!

Catching Up! Maritime Days, Parade, and Other Fun!

2011-05-22T20:42:00.000-07:00

We've been busy busy with work and other things - sorry for the delay in posting pictures! Here are some pics of the fun things we have been doing!

Here's another great pic of the pool we went to for Mother's Day - photo credit: Aunt Michal.

Last weekend we stumbled upon some excellent fun - Maritime Days! We got to enjoy a free Seattle Harbor cruise and saw an awesome Coast Guard helicopter rescue!

Kenley especially loved these remote controlled boats - they even had a mini Foss tug and a barge!

On Tuesday, the 17th of May, we celebrated the 17th of May of course! We headed to Ballard for what turned out to be an awesome parade! Scandavanian pride, local bands, Norwegian costumes and sweaters galore! Kenley loved it, especially the drums in the bands, and keeps asking if we are going to a parade every time we get in the car.

On Saturday, all the parents from Kenley's day care volunteered to help move the day care from one house to another, so we volunteered to open our house to the kids! So we had 8 kids under 6 here, with me and 3 moms. All turned out well! Kenley napped through most of it, and woke up outraged that the kids were using her toys. Here she is expressing her displeasure at her friend using her piano!

Here's a random shot from this weekend - KK in her super cute OSU outfit from Counsin Elie!

After we got dressed, we headed to the pool and breakfast with Papa, Jason, and Michal. Then we came home for a nap and a relaxing afternoon, including watching the Muppets Take Manhattan! KK pronounced the muppets "so, so fun!"

And, we inherited an awesome bike helmet from a friend! KK loves to wear it - now we just need a bike! Actually she has a trike at Bebe and Papa's house, so I guess that counts.

And an update of what the monkey is up to. Kenley increases her language day by day, she is getting to the point where you can really have a conversation with her. Every day we ask her "what did you do today at day care," and today she actually responded with "played in the backyard," "colored with markers," "sing the abcs," and "played with milo!"

She also will have conversations with herself, like last night when she saw the space needle while we were driving home from a friends house and she said, "There's the space needle! Where's the space needle lady? Oh, I found it! Under the tree!" Whatever that means! But still, i'm impressed that she is mastering some tough concepts, like using "me" and "I" appropriately rather than "KK", understanding the concept of "under," and other things! When I told her tonight that Daddy is working, she said "Daddy's in Olympia. Mommy's here though." She also told the cat, "Don't eat me, TJ!" since he bit her pretty good last week (when she manhandling him to the max). Oh, and I love when she practices things to say at day care. Sometimes she hangs out in her room and says something over and over again, like "I'm using that toy!" so she is ready to use it on the bigger kids the next day. Oh and Papa Richard will love this one - tonight she said, "Pitch, hit, slide - you're out!" Which is a line from a baseball book we read to her.

When she's not chattering, she mostly singing. Her favorites are Wheels on the Bus, some song about thunder from day care ("I hear Thunder, thunder, thunder! Safe inside, safe inside!"), and Take Me Out to the Ball Game!

That's all I can think of for now! Much love to everyone!

20 Months + 2 Weeks: Mother's Day, Mommy and MyMy's Birthday

2011-05-11T20:45:00.000-07:00

Hello everyone! We had a fun and exciting weekend! Not a lot of pictures, but here's what we've got.

Here's baby girl's first dress up! Check out her sweet kimono!

We celebrated Mother's day with a trip to the new pool(s) at the Lynnwood Recreation Center. Look how much fun it is!

After the pool, I got to go shopping with Michal and Beth while Daddy and Papa watched Kenley. Then we all reconvened for a family dinner with the Youngs and Friesens! Happy mother's day to us all!

We celebrated our birthday on Sunday and Monday. Thanks to everyone for the great gifts - most especially to my husband for my brand new ipad. Maybe I will be blogging from my ipad soon! (erg - doubt it). Beth took us out for our favorite Indian food for dinner on Monday to celebrate - "yum yum!" as KK would say.

Our other drama this weekend - we went car shopping! We went from two car family a few months ago due to an accident in my Vibe (not our fault), and then we found ourselves a no car family on Thursday when the transmission in Michael's car blew! So off we went to the subaru dealer where we picked ourselves out a nice, sensible family car - just like everyone else in Ballard. (MK says "I am officially a dad - and a Seattleite." And then he complained to me that he wasn't sure which subaru was ours in at the local grocery store). The most exciting part was when the first subaru we picked out (a 1998, 130K legacy wagon) made it all the way from Bellevue to about 1 mile from our house before it died on the side of the road. Whoops! Didn't even make it home. The dealer towed in back to the dealership, fell all over itself apologizing, offered us all kinds of coupons, etc, and sold us another, better (1999, 120K) wagon for the same price. So all's well that ends well - here's our new car! We love it and are looking forward to driving its little wheelies off in the true King-Brehm-Behrendt family style.

Hope you all are having a great week!

Kenley Pees in the Potty!

2011-05-05T20:29:00.000-07:00

Kenley peed in the potty for the first time tonight! After many, many, many experimental tries, we were shocked when we heard the sound of a tinkle tinkle!

20 Months: Spring Game and Planting Flowers

2011-05-05T20:16:00.000-07:00

Hi everyone! Kenley is 20 months old! Here are some pictures from last weekend.

On Saturday, we went to the Spring Game (Huskies v. Huskies)!

We met the husky!

Here's Kenley playing in the Kids Zone! Future quarterback?

To the 50 yard line!

Looking for defense!

Getting the hand off!

Uncle Jason and Aunt Michal played in the band! We liked listening to the band, but it didn't take us too long to decide it was "too loud!"

Go Huskies! Woof woof.

On Saturday, we also tore out the plants Mommy hated and bought some flowers to replace them. Here we are planting them together on Sunday!

Hooray for playing in the water on a sunny day!

Easter Cuteness

2011-05-02T17:02:00.000-07:00

We love Easter! We were so excited to celebrate with the whole fam this year (Bebe and Papa missed it last year), and for Kenley to actually hunt for eggs (you might remember last year's picture where we just put KK in a pile of eggs and let her "hunt" for the eggs she could reach!). Easter basket is stuffed, food ready, eggs hid...we are ready!

Kenley loved her Easter basket! It had some extras from Mama, Bebe, Grandma, and Great-Grandma. Kenley was so happy she hardly noticed what was missing...(candy!).
Kenley's a pro with these instruments, which she learned how to use at music class. She was so happy to have her own set!

Most of all she loved her new books! Here's Kenley with Bebe and Nan.
Thanks Mary and Megan for the candy and the cool glasses! But mostly the candy....
It's time for the hunt! The rainy weather made the Easter bunny improvise and hide eggs only on the front porch and lawn...but it worked out great!
Kenley is a pro now!

Chocolate coins to share with Uncle Jaycee...
Kenley's thinking "How much candy can I fit in all at once....?"
Jack, Kaden, and Kenley all joined in with the new instruments. Future family band??
The "little kids."
When the rain cleared we headed for the park. Jack was ready to get out some energy!
Mary's helping KK blow from her bubble egg.
Happy Easter!!

Happy Easter!!

Aunt Mary Named Teacher of the Year!

2011-04-26T20:33:00.001-07:00

Aunt Mary was named teacher of the year by the Montana Association of Family and Consumer Sciences! Go Aunt Mary!!

Kenley says, "Awesome!"

http://www.flatheadnewsgroup.com/hungryhorsenews/article_844d8040-7039-11e0-a9f8-001cc4c03286.html

So Much Fun to Catch Up On!

2011-04-25T20:27:00.000-07:00

Here are a bunch of pictures from the last two weeks or so!

Bebe visiting and watching Kenley for Mommy and Daddy!

Another night, here's Kenley reading books wearing her new outfit from Aunt Chris!

Taking Aunt Michal to the park!

Kenley loves to slide and swing!

Happy baby (ahem - toddler).

Here's another day of fun - dyeing easter eggs! While Michal tries to explain how to use the dipper to gently put them eggs in the dye, Kenley pushes her out of the way and dumps the eggs in.

Successful project!

Quality time with Uncle Jason.

Michael was out of town in DC and Connecticut last week, and the day care was on spring break. Thankfully, Bebe and Papa helped out with babysitting Kenley! Here's KK and Papa at the park on Wednesday!

Kenley checking out a cool new park in Bothell.

On Thursday, Uncle Chuck arrived for a visit! We took him to the aquarium on Friday. Here's Kenley checking out the jellyfish.

Looking at the sea lions!

We love school buses!

In the afternoon, we enjoyed the beautiful sunny day by heading to Golden Gardens! Here's Kenley getting completely soaking wet on the beach!

On Saturday, we went for a walk at the marsh by Bebe and Papa's house, and then of course, more swing and slide!

Then finally it was Easter! More photos coming...

Tulips...FINALLY!

2011-04-25T19:53:00.000-07:00

After many weeks of waiting, the tulips finally bloomed! We gathered the fam, hit the road (despite a few bumps along the way) and headed up to La Conner. It hailed, rained, and snowed? on us on the way, but as soon as we arrived at the field the sun came out and gave us perfect tuliping weather.

This is Kenley really trying with the "No Picking, No Touching" rule.

Happy Face!

Friesens in the tulips!

Kenley gathered quite a crowd with this move...I think lots of people besides us took pictures of her!

Mom doesn't look like she had emergency surgery, does she? Get caught up on that story here.

So much for no picking, no touching. Kenley thinks tulips make great mud paintbrushes!

BIG puddle!

So many puddles, so little time!

Wasn't this our baby just 1 short year ago?? Reminisce about last year's tuliping here.

Even further back, check her out here when she was just a little peanut!

Baseball Missing Photos

2011-04-10T22:51:00.000-07:00

Here are the pictures from the baseball post - I think I figured out the problem so hopefully this will be the last time this happens!

This team needs more bats:

Meeting the Moose (almost)

That moose is freaky dude! Get me out of here!

Rally cap time!

Eh, they aren't going to win, so I'll draw on Daddy's scalp instead.

Going Buggy Missing Photos:

2011-04-10T20:34:00.000-07:00

Here are the missing photos from the Woodridge Musical - Kenley checking out the risers and bugs.

Fun in My My's classroom.

Enjoying the show.

Picture replacements!

2011-04-10T20:32:00.000-07:00

Here are the missing photos from the last blog post - not sure what happened!

Reading books

Mad Face:

Just cute:
Laughing with Daddy

19 Months + 1 Week: First Haircut and Baseball Game

2011-04-10T20:07:00.000-07:00

Guest blogger = P-Daddy.   We three Kings of North Seattle have had a wonderful past few days! Aunt Chris visited from Portland on Wednesday, and Bert, Beth, Michal and Jason all came over for dinner....it was great to hear what the Portland clan is doing! Kenley enjoyed switching up the voice of her bedtime stories...and I think Aunt Chris enjoyed reading them!

From Friday night through Sunday evening, it’s been a fun, action packed weekend! The three of us enjoyed a Friday night dinner (and dance party) at Peter and Bryna’s house! Kenley loves visiting her play-Uncle and play-Auntie because not only are they both terrific chefs, good pals and owners of two hilarious cats, but their condo comes with a magic box full of unique play things, many of which have been accumulated via wild around-the-world adventures. These make for terrific toys (and a relieved Mom and Dad for not having to pack a toy bag when we visit their house!) and an entertained toddler! The four of us then hunkered down for an intense WII Dance game, in which Kenley (sorta) participated!

Saturday morning we headed off to our final music class, then hopped the freeway up to Mill Creek (of course) to hang with the family.

Rachel, MyMy and Bebe then headed off for Kenley's first haircut! While I was absent from the scene, early reports have indicated that Kenley was shockingly still and an easy customer! Now, we are trying to track down the barber to see if she also does diaper changes...

Check out the new hair-do! What a good lookin' little lady!

Then we all descended on the King estate of Crown Hill, were joined once again by Peter and Bryna, and ate Uncle Jason’s amazing ribs (not his actual ribs, the ones he bought at the store) and Rachel’s killer potato salad (as in, the best potato salad of all time, ever). Our original plan had been to go to the weekend beer festival (by “we,” I mean the men), but the tickets were sold out, so Peter brought over a wide array of interesting beers. Once Kenley went to bed (ok, before), the beer drinking, and eventually the Risk playing ensued. A great evening, made even better by Auntie MyMy and Uncle Jaycee’s swapping of their respective beverages with the one foul beer of the night. Oh, married life on a Saturday night.

This morning, the three of us enjoyed an outing to our favorite pool (Mommy, putting on bathing suit: “See what mommy is wearing?” Kenley: “SWIMMING POOL!!!”).

Here's a picture of KK painting when we got home.

Then, we did the single most amazing thing we have yet to do in parenthood. WE TOOK KENLEY TO HER FIRST BASEBALL GAME! Well, it was the Mariners, it wasn’t like a Red Sox-Yankees, Cubs-Cardinals, Dodgers-Giants match up...but that’s the best they can do in this part of the country, so off to Safeco Field we went! Kenley had a blast - from the smell of peanuts and beer to the roar (ok, dull roar) of the crowd to the music, it was needless to say sensory overload. Bebe bought Kenley her first Mariners cap, and she met the Mariner Moose! And by “met,” she was in line to get her picture with him, came up to the front of line, and had a meltdown, not unlike a child’s first encounter with Santa. The rest of the day, she kept repeating “bye bye moose!” The Mariners lost 6 to 4, but they may well have acquired their new biggest fan.

Here we are in the Left Field bleachers!

The best Aunt and Uncle a Kenley could ask for!
Daddy! Going to baseball game is the coolest thing EVER!!!

Mommy, please explain to me why the Mariners mascot is a freaky moose with at least two body guards?

That moose is freaky dude! Get me out of here!

This team needs some more bats!

Rally cap time!

Eh, they aren't going to win, so I'll draw on Daddy's scalp instead.

Yet another weekend rich with adventure for the Kings!

19 Months: 2 Weeks of Fun!

2011-04-03T20:43:00.000-07:00

Hi Everyone! I didn't post last weekend (Michael and I have been too busy watching "The Wire" :) ), so here is what we have been up to these last two weeks.

Last weekend was rainy (of course). We went to the pool and had a fun brunch with friends from our pregnancy group (hopefully will get some pictures soon). On Sunday, we went for a wet marsh walk with Bebe and Papa where we saw duckies and lots of water for splashing in with our boots (Ok, only KK has boots, which proved to be a fatal flaw in the plan). Then we returned home, where KK demonstrated the proper way to play with duplo blocks.

Then, we headed up to a lovely dinner at Nan and Ron Friesen's house in Marysville. Here is Bebe reading KK a story.

And here is KK playing the piano with Uncle Jason!

Fast forward to this weekend, when it is (AGAIN) raining. We took KK to music class on Saturday, and then to the library where we could play while the rain poured down. We found some great new books (new favorite: Chicky Chicky Chook Chook -anyone read it?). Then we headed to the grocery store, where we had to show off our Tillamook pride. Check out our "Baby Loaf!"

We headed home for Kenley's favorite thing in the whole world - throwing rocks into the puddle outside our house.

Then KK helped mommy make the first potato salad of the season!

Today (Sunday), KK and I headed off early with Rike and Finnegan to Seattle Center to visit the Children's Museum. Here they are checking out the "dolphin!" (For some reason she thinks whales are dolphins, and dolphins are "Baby Beluga").

Here are the kids holding hands to walk to the museum - so cute!

Running around the mural ampitheater!

At the museum, Kenley found a good seat.

Driving the "fire truck" (or, as she says it, "fire f--k."). Complete with hat.

Driving the bus!
Enjoying the "daffodils!" (How does she even know that word???) (Sorry, pics a little out of order here).

Splish splash in the area for the younger kids.

Home again! Daddy took a few pics of Kenley showing off her new game - "Happy Face, Mad Face, Sad Face."

Here is "happy face."

Normal face.

"Mad face."

Just a cute picture.

Laughing with Daddy.

Reading books.

Although we are tired of the rain rain rain we still had a lot of fun! Kenley turned 19 months this last week, and continues to amaze us with her advanced language skills. With those language skills, she is perfecting another skill - bossiness!! (insert all jokes about her being just like rachel - hardy har har). We noticed she was getting bossy at day care ("No no mason!") but she took it to a whole new level this weekend. Example: "No Kitty! That's Mommy's chair!" And at the children's museum, she tried to tell all the kids what to do ("No splash!" or "no slide" or "no no my turn you get off!"), to which they responded with complete bewilderment.

Oh, happy days in the King household. Hope you all have a great week!

Woodridge Musical - Goin' Buggy!

2011-04-03T20:35:00.000-07:00

I have to catch up a little on posting - here are some pictures from Kenley and my trip to see Aunt MyMy's class perform in the K-2 musical, "Going Buggy"! KK loved visiting Michal's school. First we got to go outside and play on the big kid playground.

Then we went inside, where we got to read books and color! Kenley even had her own buggy headband, just like the big kids.

Then we headed to the auditorium to watch the show! Kenley loved it and especially loved clapping extra loud at the end of the songs.

Here she is checking out the risers and bugs at the end of the show!

Beautiful Spring!

2011-03-23T21:14:00.000-07:00

We have had a few amazing days! I wanted to post some pictures of playing outside!

(Not an outside pic but so funny - Here's Kenley brushing her first ponytail).

Here we are enjoying sunset at Sunset park last night!

Here are some pics of Kenley, Michal and I at the park this afternoon!

(and dinner afterward).

Video of Kenley Helping in the Garden

2011-03-21T21:01:00.000-07:00