Meyer Family Updates

Busy month with taking in lot's of fun FALL activities!!!

First off was McKenna's 4th Birthday which we also celebrated with Perry's folks in Des Moines!




She received alot of great gifts along with a life size barbie doll which has been her "best" pal to play with when sister is not around!



Next up was "prepping" the pumpkins for Halloween........and our end results!





McKenna's class Halloween party (she is Snow White in yellow) and Raegan in her cat outfit in her school parade.

The girls in their outfits before trick or treating on Halloween. "Hitting the streets" on Halloween!




Our last Oct. activity was the Milldale Farm Fest which is a beautiful property with acreage, ponds & horse barns.
We took in pumpkin decorating, fishing, a campfire, hike & horse & buggy ride.

A beautiful September we had starting off with McKenna starting her 1st day of PRESCHOOL! She is attending 2 days a week (Tuesdays & Thursdays) for 5 hours at a local church. She was very excited & wanted to dress up in a skirt for her first day!





Her teacher's name is Mrs. Hawkins & she has 10 kids in her class.


Onto our 1st family BD of the year......Raegan's 7th BD!
No big party this year....instead we celebrated up at Grandpa & Grandma Meyer's house in Des Moines. Of course there was a HUGE cake to help us celebrate, lot's of gifts & lot's of fun all weekend long doing exciting things like helping with a farm sale, burn a barn down on their acreage, fish & hunt for golf balls! It was a weekend long birthday celebration!





The girls patiently fishing & Perry & Raegan trying to "lip" a catfish with their hands at the pond.

August was a quick month with wrapping up Summer & getting ready for school to start. 

                      
Raegan's 1st day of 1st Grade!  She loves riding the bus which stops right outside our door!  Yeah!

                  

                      
My cousin Dena & her family came down for a visit this month & we had a good time boating, touring Kansas City & going to a kids activity place called "Paradise Park" where we all had a great time riding go-karts!

In July we did alot of boating this year.  Raegan is very into riding the inter-tube now & is spending more time being drug around in the water then actually in the boat!

     

Perry had to work on the 4th of July this year but the girls & I attended the parade anyway.  It ended up being more of a "car-show" then a parade but we managed to get a few "dribbles" of candy anyway!
In our "down" time while the boat was at the local mechanic in town the girls did alot of fishing & we had a "craft" day where we made some very fashionable hats for the trip.

      

Our June was packed with trips out of town, our big neighborhood garage sale, boating & more!

May brought around lot's of wrap-up school activities along with their last days of school!

        

All the Easter Festivities!

        

   COLORING EGGS WITH DADDY!                               VISITING THE EASTER BUNNY AT MOM'S GYM


                   
  AFTER "THE HUNT" AT MOM'S GYM                  "THE LOOT" FROM THE MOPS EASTER EGG HUNT


                                                                  

EASTER MORNING & ALL THE GOODIES THE BUNNY LEFT ON OUR DOOR STEP!  BOTH GIRLS GOT BASKETS & BELLS FOR THEIR BIKES, SOME CRAFTS & THE EVER POPULAR CHOCOLATE BUNNIES!!!! YUM! YUM!

      
March brought a little more activity for us.  The girls finished up their tennis & tumbling classes & now we are on to swimming lessons until the end of May.  That way they will be well "water-schooled" for all the swimming & boating coming up this Summer!

Mid-March we got away for a weekend up to Des Moines where we met my brother Todd & his family & my parents at a hotel for a little R&R and ALOT of swimming!  The kids got in a lot of time with cousins "Joe" & "Lauren".

            

This also happened to be the weekend before my Father's "70th" BD so we had a fun BD celebration as well @ the hotel!



DENTIST APPOINTMENT TIME!  I know this is wierd but it was McKenna's first time of having a cleaning & I thought it would be fun to "capture the moment"!  We go to a Pediatric dentist so of course it's very fun with colorful walls, yummy flavored cleaning pastes, cool glasses to wear & they get to pick out toys from a bin at the end!  Not one tear this trip & NO CAVITIES!

   
 
Both girls have been getting into helping me cook in the kitchen & prepare for meals.  Raegan is actually getting pretty good at measuring things, cracking eggs in a bowl, mixing things up & peeling carrots, potatoes etc.!  This day she helped me prepare marinated chicken breats (shown), cheesy potatoes, dill carrots & a key lime pie for Perry's folks & my Mother who were coming into town for dinner that night.  We both had on aprons the girls had received as a Christmas gift for Aunt Joyce in San Diego & chefs hats that they acquired from a BD party last year!

                                    

The end of March I took off for a family wedding in L.A. and stayed on a few more days with my Mother, A. Joyce (San Diego) & sister Kim from Seattle & we made a girls trip out of it!  Had a blast just cruising the sites, beaches, piers & enjoying quiet stress-free dinners & evenings!  While touring a harbor one day we came across "McKenna's" resteraunt so I had to get a photo!  They claimed to have "Serious Seafood"!  Right up my alley!

                                     
BRING THE TRUCK PERRY!                                      Window shopping ONLY on Rodeo Dr. in Beverly Hills.
I found our next boat/house!
      
        Biking the beach boardwalk-Newport Beach.           Gifts w/Grandma when we got back-Kenna in her
Working off some of those margaritas!                                             new dress &Rae in new jammies.

So far 2009 has been fairly calm for the Meyer's household....although....define "calm"! 

I have been busy "purging" our house of uneeded/unwanted/never used items & came across the old waffle iron!  We have not attempted to make waffles in our house for years (as the girls were very curious about what this device was).....
So before deciding to get rid of it the girls & I tried making waffles one AM.  Needless to say, it was like I remembered in the past....over pouring the batter where it oozes out the sides or not waiting long enough before opening the lid to waffles that are stuck to everything!So the waffle iron went in the trash but not after having alot of fun with the girls.  Their job was to watch the "red" light & tell me when it went off which indicated it was time to open the lid & the waffles were done.  It was so funny as they patiently sat there staring at the light for 10-15 minutes each time....waiting & waiting.....



I signed both the girls up for activities to help entertain us this Winter.  McKenna choose a toddler tumbling class & Raegan choose tennis lessons!

       

                McKenna crawling through a tube.                                                Walking over "Beany Babies" on a balance beam.              

     
             Raegan working on her "fore-hand"                                             On the tennis court.


 

This month was full of shopping, helping out with Raegan's "Holiday Party" at school-which was a 1st for me.....& of course CHRISTMAS!!!!

   
We made our annual visit with Santa when he stopped by the Police Department like he does every year.  Raegan & McKenna were able to share their "wish lists" with him in great detail!

    
Santa definately had a full sleigh this year!  Lots of packages under the tree & even a 2-wheel bike for Mckenna! Mr. Claus didn't forget the candy canes along with a few other "goodies" in their stockings!
 
                         
So after 3 hours of unwrapping gifts, with a break in the middle for a Christmas brunch of crepe pancakes & lots of "small" breaks along the way to stop & play with all the new toys the girls were exhausted & we survived another Christmas!

   It's a tradition!  Making "FUGGINS" at Betty's house & McKenna wanted to learn how this year!...----Thanks again Betty, they were YUMMY!

 

Kelly had a "BIGGY"  this month......I turned 40!  

                                  

My wonderful husband & friends surprised me by throwing me the most classy & elegant party! I was told we were meeting some couples at a friends house & then going out for some drinks & a nice dinner.....when we got to the house everybody was inside along with an incredible spread of food, desserts, bartenders, decor, candles and the biggest surprise of all.....my PARENTS, TODD & KIM (all the way from Seattle) came in town to help me celebrate!!!!  I couldn't beleive it!  Everyone was instructed to wear something either black or white & I was in red.  They even hired a tarro card reader to read everyone's future which was a blast & made for great party conversation!

                                

       FOOD BUFFET.....                            LOTS OF GOOD FRIENDS....                     BARTENDERS.....

THANKSGIVING THIS YEAR...    Perry had to work this year so the girls & I headed to IA for a 5 day farm visit with Mom & Dad (Grandpa & Grandma Bob).

During this time we got in alot of time with       
cousins Joe & Lauren a movie & even
some swimming at the local YMCA pool. 
            
        Raegan & McKenna also expereinced their 1st combine ride while back-compliments of Bob Diercks & his 12 row "Picker".  The girls loved it & Mckenna even cried when we had to get out....she was ready for more!

Our excitement this month was Ragan's 6th birthday which Grandpa & Grandma Bob came down to help us celebrate.  It was a small group but lot's was fun at a local park where we played relay races, tug-o-war & had cake & ice cream.  The weather was perfect for all the outdoor activities!

                            

Raegan received alot of wonderful gifts including
alot of new books from Aunt Joyce & Uncle Tom in Cal.!
 

                

Raegan also had some "1st" this month....as you can see she by the photos she lost her 2 front "choppers"!  They both came out just a few days after her 6th BD & lost 1 right after the other within a few days of each other!  Her other big accomplishment this month was she learned to ride her bike without the training wheels!  It was her idea & after Perry got them taken off she took off & in minutes was riding through yards, streets, over curbs & down steep hills!  We couldn't beleive how she picked up on it so quickly!  I guess she was ready!
 

                           
LADY UPDATE!
Lot's of you haven't seen our dog "Lady" for awhile so here's a few shots of her showing off her "blooming" personality!  Lady is always good for a chuckle with the things she does like laying in Perry's bow-hunting case! 

 

 

Raegan infront of her locker.  Ironically, she shares a locker with a girl name "McKenna".  This is Mrs. Jones her Kindergarten teacher.
FAMILY DAY OUT
One Sunday we decided to take the girls on their first canoe ride at a local park.  They enjoyed trying to paddle & trailing their hands along in the water.  Keeping the boat balanced when they both leaned over the same side was fun too!

July came & went by quickly but not without alot of fun!  Aunt Joyce from California came to visit & during her stay we took in the remodeled Kansas City Zoo!






At the zoo we took in a wild animal show & Raegan got to touch the burmese python snake!!!



And....of course we had to go visit the ELEPHANTS.....Raegan's favorite!


FARM TRIP!!!!

After a few days in KC with us we all packed up & headed to Iowa for 6 days to spend time at the farm for a family reunion as Kim's family was back from Seattle so all the cousins could play!



It happen to work out that while we were in Iowa visiting the county fair was going on!  This night, Carlena, Alison, Raegan & McKenna are all taking in the horse barrel races.



and....of course we had to take in a few carnival rides!  McKenna preferred the carousel & Raegan stepped up this year & went on "The Spider" (twisty, spinning, up & down ride) with her older cousins & LOVED it.....screaming the whole time!!!!



Perry keeping the girls warm one night after eating their ice cream at the fair.



Since there was 15 of us staying at my parents house we had several "slumber parties" in rooms while others took turns having their own parties in tents outside!



We all had a great time at the farm with swimming, fishing & hanging out at the pond every day but most importantly lots of time with the family & Grandma & Grandpa!

Father's Day

The girls & I tried to make Father's Day special for Perry. We let him sleep in, made him breakfast.....waited some more until he got up....waited some more until around 10:30 when I heard Perry asking McKenna through our bedroom window if it was time to come down yet....! We were waiting for him & he was waiting for us to come get him since he knew we were planning something special! He got several nice shirts from the girls & I & also a gift card to "The Bass Pro Shop"!






We also made a nice garden stone for Perry to put in one of his flower beds....it's a little covered up in the photo but it says "Dad" on it.


SUMMER LAKE TRIP!

We headed down with a large group of friends this year & stayed at some quaint cabins at a camping ground. Our group had 2 boats, 12 adults, 6 children, 1 jetski, & approximately 10-30 packs of beer! Needless to say we had a good time & there was never a dull moment!




Due to all the rain & high water the mid-west has received this Spring the lake level was higher then normal. It was 9' high when we were there making the left side of the bridge unpassable underneath with boats!






Raegan trying her skills at "tubing" behind the boat with Mom along for the ride!




Relaxing around a campfire after dinner one night.




BIG DAY! McKenna was tired & cozy after a long boat ride!



Infront of our cabin



The last morning before trailering the boat just our family took one more boat ride around the lake & went out for lunch on the water.






After getting their tummies full from lunch both girls crashed on the way back to the dock to pull out & go home. Must have been a fun trip! 

We are having a "late" Spring here in KC weather wise & are now just getting some warmer weather (5/22). Raegan had her Spring program (song & dance) through her pre-school Building Blocks & she did great! McKenna sat on our laps wiggling the whole time saying "I wanna dance" so she'll be on stage next year in the program.




"The girls & I on Mother's Day"
I got breakfast in bed & some real nice gifts & home made cards from the girls that were decorated with macaroni (unique). We did take out Chinese for dinner so Mom didn't have to cook!




Our lilac bushes are finally in full bloom along with our asparagus & leaves on the trees-yeah! The girls kept surprising me every hour bringing me in more lilacs as they know I love them!




We finally got our annual camping trip in (after postponing it 2 weeks due to the colder weather). All four of us slept in the tent this year (even Mommy) & the girls did wonderful! I think they slept even better then Perry & I & we had the blown up mattress!!! The girls are having a scrumptious dinner at the campsite.




Raegan HAD TO HAVE her purse along on the camping trip so she also brought all of her make-up & pretend cell phone! She kept "pretend phoning" our friends the Wilson's to see when they would be arriving at the campgrounds-had to take this shot as she looked so grown up doing this!




"The 3 girls boating"
Water was WAY too cold to get in but it was awesome to be out on the water & we had a great day!



The Girls patiently waiting for breakfast the next AM.





The girls "crashed" the next night when we got back. I'm sure exhausted & happy to be sleeping in their own beds again! -Fun Trip!



This is Raegan's last day that she gets to go to "Daycare" @ Building Blocks! Next stop....on to Kindergarten in the Fall! Today was "Mis-match" day at school so that is why she has odd socks & shoes on.

I've got some catching up to do on the blog so here's what's been happing the last month around our house!



Our Spring weather keeps "teasing" us here in KC, but there have been a few beautiful days in the last month that have been warm enough for the girls to get their bikes out! McKenna was excited as her feet now reach her pedals on the trike (which they didn't last Fall when we put the trike in storage for the winter). She has even mastered the concept of "pedaling" now with the help of her big sister! Now she just has to work on SPEED!




Uncle Todd was down to KC for a weekend to watch the BIG 12 basketball tournament. He stopped by for a day bringing with him lots of candy for the girls & lots of fun playing games & wrestling with them. Next time he'll have to bring Joe, Lauren & Lisa with as well!



Girls are getting bigger!

Easter holiday events


Coloring Easter Eggs @ our friends Kim & Chris's before Easter. Lots of dye to choose from & some AWESOME eggs were designed!




The girls & I went to an Easter egg hunt at the church where McKenna & I attend our MOPS (Mothers of Pre-Schoolers) group. McKenna did pretty good grabbing the concept this year!




Having Easter brunch after church with cousins Nathan & Payton! Yum! Yum!

Our holidays were wonderful this year as the girls got to see both sets of Grandparents, received lots of wonderful gifts & Perry was actually off work & around for both Christmas Eve & Day!



"Book Time" with Grandpa Bob




Each year around Chrisymas time we try to get together with the Rawalt family to make the yummy family recipe of "Fuggins". For those of you that have never heard of such a thing they are a yeast donut with raisins that you fry in oil in a special "fuggin" pan with holes. Then you roll them in cinnamon sugar-yum yum!






Book gifts received from Tom & Joyce in San Diego along with a "Wizard of Oz" snow globe which were all HUGE hits!




The girls by the tree Christmas Day morning.




The most "coveted" gifts this year that the girls received was Raegan's "Hannah Montana" electric guitar with mic/headset along with her first pair of cowgirl boots. McKenna's was not so much the drum but the "red ruby slippers/shoes" that Mom had an impulse buy on at Target.....she has even wore them to bed a couple of nights!!!






We spent New Years up in Des Moines with Perry's folks this year so Perry could get some last minute deer hunting in before the season was over-no luck in getting "the big one". However, we had a wonderful dinner New Years Eve as Gary made his famous prime rib on the grill....enough to feed an army & delicious!

Girls at the pumpkin patch picking out the "best" one!




Our "Snow White's" at Kelly's office "Barn Party"-they won 2nd & 3rd in the kids Halloween costume contest!






McKenna's 2nd BD party was celebrated at home with the help of our neighbor boys!



McKenna loved getting a bike helmet so she can now be like her sister!



Peter Pan & Tinkerbell visited our neighbors this year for trick-or-treat! Our weather was nice that night so we had a bonfire in our drive way, ate brats & handed out candy to the kids coming by. We had several adults join our bonfire afterwards for a little "post-party".




"Lady" got a dog-house for this winter but the girls seemed to enjoy it more then the dog did!






The girls & Perry surprised me after I came home from work with a BD celebration & cake they had made that day! It's always fun to "lick the spoon" after making the cake!