Dress Up

Kaiya got invited to a birthday party today. The party was a dress up party, and everyone was suppose to come in their favorite dress up clothes!! It was a stretch between being a princess and being Snow White. She decided on princess!! There was a new hairdo I'd been dying to attempt. So, we tried the new do this morning!! Here is Princess Kaiya all dressed up for the party!!

SILLY SLEEPER

Kaiya has a nap on my bed the other day. I went in to get a few things and discovered this . . . It never fails to amaze me the crazy ways she can sleep!

We Remember . . . .

August 11, was our last day in Idaho! I was so sad to be leaving the cool air, beautiful green mountians, and the cabin! I love the cabin! Kaiya had asked to go get her picture taken at the western photo studio. Grammy, doesn't have a picture of her there, and I thought if she wanted to do it, better take the opportunity. As soon as it was the day to do it, Kaiya changed her mind. She didn't want to. Then, she decided she would do it for Grammy.

Off to West Yellowstone we go to get a few last minute things and that picture taken on our way to the airport! I love flying in and out of "West" it is just so much easier!

We arrive at the photo studio, and there is a family having their picture done. So, we sit down to wait our turn. Our turn arrives, they ask if we want to be Saloon ladies or outlaws! No question, OUTLAWS! As we are getting dressed, the nice photographer lady says to Kaiya, "I remember you from last year! Weren't there 3 or 4 of you little girls?" Then, he aid, a nice young man comes from the backroom and says, "Didn't she get her picture taken last year? With a couple other little girls, but she didn't want to be in it?" They proceeded to talk about how there was a pink hat last year too. My mom and I start laughing! How embarrassing . . . one little girl caused such a SCENE that they remember who she was a year later. They remembered the WHOLE SCENE and KAIYA! We talked about how she was the only one in a dark hat and had her arms folded in the background. It was a great laugh, and embarrassing at the same time! I asked Kaiya if that sort of embarrassed her that they could remember clear since last year! Please refer to SAID POST if you have forgotten . . .

SCREAMING 3 year OLD OUTLAW terrorizes local photo studio

We had a good chuckle, and Kaiya gave me the "stop talking about it, I am embarrassed look." I did point out that the next time we go to the clinic in Island Park, they will probably remember her too!!

Screaming Outlaw STRIKES AGAIN a year later!

Thankfully this trip to the photostudio was without any tantrums, and without making Grammy cry! I can't wait to share this story with Kaiya when she is all grown up!

Here are the two photos we got . . .

Yellowstone Park and Birthday 4 Year Old Style

On August 10th, I celebrated by 31st birthday with Grammy and Kaiya! We woke up early and rode into Yellowstone Park hoping to spot a bear and Old Faithful. On our way in, we stopped by the hotpot and enjoyed a breif walk around the area. Then, on to Old Faithful.

After Old Faithful we present Kaiya with the choice of driving around the park HOPING to find a real live wild bear in his environment or going to Grizzly Wolf Discovery Center where she would definitely see one. She picked the later! Smart GIRL!!!

We ate Chinese food for lunch and then went to the Grizzly Discovery center and had a fun time there. This is becoming a yearly event. Kaiya enjoyed the bears and the wolves. Once we finished checking them out, I was told we needed to run a few errands, and no one would say what! But, we were hitting the "party store."

Once we arrived back to the cabin I was told I was either getting locked in my room, or I could take a nap! I went for the nap. When I awaken from my nap, I entered the room to the following set up!!
After we sang Happy Birthday, we went into Pete's Pizza for dinner. And returned to eat cake, ice cream, and open presents! Did I mention we even got to play PIN THE TAIL ON THE DONKEY?? Kaiya is definitely a great party planner with Grammy!!!

The Ranch BBQ

August 5, we headed over in the morning . . . well, late afternoon to the ranch for the BBQ! Grammy and Granddad were already there! Grammy headed straight over after her shopping trip. Granddad was there waiting for his cattle scales to be installed. We arrived really late due to traffic, wanting to squeeze in a visit to my mission president (never happened), and we went the LONG way to the ranch via the SAND DUNES. I definitely don't enjoy going the LONG way to the ranch, and I think Kaiya would agree.

We arrived in time to move tables from the barn to the yard. And do a few little things. The crew arrived and we enjoyed GIGANTIC hamburgers, fishing, 4 wheeling, visiting with good friends and all the like. I got a few pictures late in the evening, thankfully the trusted photographer (LISA) got a few too!

Floating the Snake River

The Triple Ms had to go home on Monday night to attend their various activities. Grammy, decided to spend the night at their house, and shop for the recent annual tradition of the "Henry's Lake Crew" having a BBQ at the ranch. Kaiya and I decided to stay behind. We had planned to join up again with Lisa and Lyle plus family the next day to float the North Fork of the Snake River. We were also going to attempt to visit my mission president, and go get pizza and such in West Yellowstone.

We woke up and leisurely enjoyed our morning with just us. Soon, we were meeting Lisa and family at the station, where we grabbed snacks and drinks with our lunch. Off to Big Springs, to drop our rafts in and head down to Mack's Inn. We left my car at Mack's Inn and took Lyle's truck up to Big Springs. There, we dropped in and began our journey down. We enjoyed a leisurely float, with a stop at the rope swing. We didn't see any moose this year! I was pretty sad! I floated down with Kaiya and Lisa's two daughters. I definitely made the right choice because I hardly had to work a bit to float down the river.

About three quarters of the way down, I realized that I had put the keys to my vehicle in the door of Lyle's truck. And as I did so, I said to Lisa, "When we get to Mack's Inn and I worry where my keys are, remember I put them in the trucks door." Can I here state the fact that Lisa has a doctorate and I have a master degree . . . ask me which of those two degrees should have kicked in and said, "Wait! You will need those keys to get back up to the truck!" Just goes to show . . . education doesn't give you common sense!! Haha! Lisa and I had a good laugh at our silliness in that action! Lyle correctly punished us by making us find a ride back to Big Springs to get the truck.

We had LOTS of fun!! Here are a few pictures of our little day on the raft!! Kaiya fell asleep on the couch when we got home! We ended up not getting to see my mission president, but did find a cute bear for Kaiya's souvenir.

Firehole and DUTCH OVEN 2009!!

The highlight of last years trip for Kaiya was floating the rapids at the Firehole. She talked about that river we swam in and lost my shoe, all year! As soon as we got to the cabin, she began asking when we would do that! We arranged with our friends to go at the same time they went! So, Monday, August 3, we headed into Yellowstone National Park for the Firehole!!

We had a BLAST!! The girls once again loved it! Madison went from the top of the rapids again this year! Kaiya loved jumping in near the bottom!! I think we can say everyone had a blast! I was grateful for Lisa and Lyle, our friends. Lisa took the great pictures, and Lyle helped Madison go up higher with their girls and him. It wasn't till the end when I started getting to go up, once Kaiya gave up and was done! She probably floated down nearly 10 times! We had fun!!!

Monday, ended in the perfect way! Every year, the Henry's Lake crew is treated to the BEST DUTCH OVEN in the most beautiful setting, by our friend "Indian Jim" as I called him growing up, he is now referred to as "Old Crow" or "Jimmy" or James! Now, I will say this, I am not certain that he has an ounce of Native American in him . . . he might! However, as a child we called him Indian Jim because he always had a TIPEE! We would arrive to Henry's Lake with the TIPEE already put up or in the process! I cannot tell you the number of summer at Henry's or Easters on Antelope Island we spent sleeping in and playing near that tipee!

Needless to say, we went to the Lake for the most perfect Dutch Oven dinner! I say perfect because Jim's dutch ovens are always delicious! But, I say perfect because normally we are either eaten alive by mosquitos, the wind blows the food and plates away, or it pouring rains on us! However, this year, we had a nice breeze just enough to keep mosquitos down, and a second of trickling rain. It was delicious!! The view was great! I can't believe it but, I think I deleted the one picture of the view we had as we ate!!

Grammy and the Girls at the dutch oven!

USA ROCKS!!

The Triple Ms got to stay for a couple days! They only came with the clothes on their backs because the plan was for them to go home the next day. However, as one will quickly find out around us, plans change quickly. Luckily, GRAMMY had purchased these cute shirts for them all on Memorial day weekend! And of course saved them for them! Here they are posing in the USA ROCK shirts! We sure loved these cousins!!!


M2 and Kaiya (M2 is 6 years old, and Kaiya is 4)

Rodeo and Cousins!

Saturday, August 1, we headed to the Island Park rodeo! It was lots of fun! We met up with a bunch of the "Henry's Lake Crew" there and enjoyed a fun filled afternoon.

The Triple M cousins walked into the rodeo just in time! Every year, as a intermission, the tie a ribbon to the tail of a calf. The kids try to get the ribbon off the tail for a cash prize. This was the first year Kaiya particiapated! The consin walked in just as the announced the calf chasing! These few distant pictures are of the Triple Ms and Kaiya chasing the calf! We didn't get the ribbon this year, but they sure had fun! Every year, they come back saying next year they are wearing sneakers cause boots are too hard to run in!!



As you can see, missing the youngest Triple M, but if you are ever looking for us at a rodeao, search out the 4 PINK cowgirl hats ALL LINED UP!!! That would be US!!

Ranch Day 3 and 4

We spent the night at the ranch. Kaiya had lots of fun. The first night, Tiger came to see her! She was so excited! We spent an hour or so just loving on Tiger! I love that cat! This is the only cat I ever remember allowing one to rub their tummy, infact rolls over so you can get to it!

After playing with Tiger, Grammy and Kaiya headed up by the pond. While checking out the fish, they had a visitor in the form of a rattle snake!

The next morning, we headed back over to the cabin to go to the bull wars! But before we left, we made sure to get a ride on Lightening and Rain. We also went fishing! Yes, mom took Kaiya fishing! I love to fish, I just hate the part where you catch the fish! The plan was to release the fish. However, it was bleeding when I reeled it in and had done a fabulous job swallowing the hook. It was so slimmy I couldn't keep my hand on it while grabbing the hook. I finally got flustered and gave up. Grammy tried and couldn't get the hook out either! So, I made her clean the fish, and I got the hook our of the head! Then, Tiger got a GREAT TREAT, a fish head for lunch!!!

We went to bull wars to find ourselves alone until a few minutes into them. It was an enjoyable time, however not as many of our friends were there as we anticipated! Kaiya loved watching the bulls vs. riders! Post that, we met Granddad and Uncle Cary at the cabin for some dinner.

Day 3- POST TANTRUM - Sand dunes and the 5 hour trip to RANCH

After we picked up the prescription in St. Anthony, we headed to the ranch via the sand dunes! While we were driving past, we decided to get out and play too!! Grammy is always good for playing!! Kaiya had lots of fun climbing up the side, digging in the sand, and rolling down! Even with the shake down she got before we could get back in the truck!

Climbing UP! WE are TOUGH! Sliding DOWN Rolling Down!

We arrived at the ranch to discover all th epower was out. We played with that for a few hours! While trying to figure out why the back up solar didn't kick on and where the problem was, Kaiya and I enjoyed time wiht our favorite CAT!! Tiger!!!

Kaiya got to ride in the back of the truck on the private dirt road up to the ranch Kaiya, Mom, and Tiger!

Tantrum!!! This may be the TOP ALL TANTRUMS!!

We woke up this morning to find Kaiya's hand was still just as swollen. Grammy pointed out some "tracts" and I conceded. We decided a trip to the Island Park Clinic was a must if it was open. Kaiya began then and there protesting the idea! We headed off to the ranch which, you so happen to pass the clinic. We did fine getting out of the car, did find getting into the clinic initially, we were good up until the nurse wanted to look at it in the waiting room. OH MY!! The leapster went flying, the kid melted to the floor, the cowgirl hat flew off, the blood curdling screaming began, a big slap to the face, kicking, and mom began to turn red! Mom, definitely was going to lose it! Grammy believed she could get it all undercontrol said she would take the "not my daughter" at the moment kid out!

I will here mention there was ONE person in the waiting room . . . he happened to have on a BYU hat, I figured while he probably thought I had no control, he probably could find some empathy for me! But, was still absolutely embarrassed!!! I start to fill out paperwork, and can still hear Kaiya screaming! I go outside, Grammy is having no luck! I go to tell Kaiya she is going, there is no option, I get the slap to the face again! Off to the truck where she gets a good swift tap on the bum! I pull her out of the truck and begin trying to lug my 43 inch tall, 42 lb. daughter from the truck to the clinic all while kicking and screaming! No way is she going to get the best of me!! Grammy has had enough! She jumps in the truck and leaves! This of course doesn't help the situation because now Kaiya thinks Grammy has abandoned her! But, you know it is bad when GRAMMY doesn't want to be around!

I put Kaiya in a time out on the sidewalk, and go in the clinic! I know, you are thinking . . . you left your kid outside a medical clinic alone?!?!???? RELAX! I felt confident she was SAFE! Here is my reasoning:

1 - BLOOD CURDLING SCREAMING child - no matter how cute - NO ONE WOULD WANT HER!!
2 - As long as I can hear her in the clinic, I know she is safely exactly where I left her!
3 - Island Park, Idaho - small - - no one of consequence - small town!

Honestly, what "BOOGIE PERSON" would want a blood curdling screaming child? She was safe! When she would quiet down, I'd go check on her! Finally, I haul her intot he exam room, where the screaming continues! Somehow, I got her to calm down! To be honest, at this point it all becomes a blur . . . I just remember telling her something that usually gets her attention such as no one want to listen to you scream. The PA was fabulous with her! I think Kaiya believes that tongue depressers are the all time coolest things ever!!!

After all that trouble, we find out they believe she has been bitten, there is nothing stinger, etc in her hand. But, she had a reaction that turned into cellulitis. Off to the pharmacy we go to get antibiotics!

And just so we all know, Grammy did return to pick us up! And at the pharmacy, the technician made a comment about how I must be from a "BIG CITY" cause I wouldn't let Kaiya go from me to Grammy because I couldn't see Grammy! I do watch and care very much about my kid! If only that same lady could have seen us an hour before!!

Day Two - Idaho

One our second day in Idaho, July 29, we woke up to find that Kaiya's hand had swollen up about two - three times it size. By the time, it was done swelling, I swear the thing looked like it might pop! Honestly, Grammy described it best, it appeared to be one of those little medical gloves blown up with the wee fingers sticking out. We couldn't for the life of us figure it out. When she went to bed normal, woke up not normal. And it hurt! We have concluded there must have been a bit in the night and she was having a reaction. We would keep an eye on it. She convinced Grammy to let her wear a brace because it hurt to bend her wrist! Brother!

We went into West Yellowstone to run a few errands. One of those things was I promised we could look for a pink cowgirl hat like M1's. However, I also promised nothing about purchasing said cowgirl hat! We'd look and consider price! We searched that town high and low! Kaiya had it in her mind exactly what she wanted! And, when we found it . . . she was sold! I checked the price and felt like it wasn't too expensive, and was really EXCITED to get rid of the PURPLE CADILLAC hat, for a real cowgirl hat! Even Uncle Cary was excited to see the CADILLAC hat replaced by a really cowgirl hat, even if it was PINK!! We can make some exceptions.

After the cowgirl hat, we attended a play at the new Pinecone Playhouse. Kaiya loved it! Especially when the guy who sold her her treat at intermission looked at her while he sang! I enjoyed the production, as did Kaiya and Grammy!!

Sun, Surf, and LEGOS!

Took a quick trip to California. Kaiya and her Dad were going for his birthday. They convinced me to come along for the fun.

Butterfly

As soon as we got to the cabin, Kaiya saw these little butterflies flying around. She wanted to catch on! Of course, in 4 year old Kaiya language this translates into, "MOM, catch me a butterfly!" I was shocked when I caught one in less than 5 minutes! The easiest fly/bug I have caught in my life!!

Leaving on a Jet Plane!

Kaiya and I left on July 28th to the great state of Idaho! She was so excited to go on a plane to see Grammy. The entire trip, she kept telling me we are on a Jet Plane! She is too funny!! The week prior, she finally outgrew her hot pink cowgirl boots and needed a new pair. Ever packed a pair of boots? Well, they are large and quite heavy! So, we opted to wear them to Idaho. The entire trip everyone commented on her cute pink boots!

In SLC, the Pilots asked Kaiya if she wanted to come sit in one of their pilot chairs and they would push some buttons (sure it would have been nothing but the windshield wipers, etc! However, Kaiya refused to sit in one of the pilots chairs! I was so MIFFED!! It isn't every year anymore you get invited to A - come in the cockpit B- sit in a pilots chair C - have them push buttons for you! This picture was as close as she would get to the cockpit! I couldn't believe it and was so DISAPPOINTED she didn't take that opportunity!!

After a SHORT lay over in SLC, we boarded another flight into West Yellowstone, MT. It was a small prop plane and I had to explain it wasn't a Jet Plane! She slept most of the way!! Here are pictures Grammy took of the little cowgirl so excited to be there and see her!!

Plane Landing (spare the the shot of the plane in the air)

Waiting for the door to open!

Cowgirl Kaiya and Mom

Oh! There is Grammy! Off we go running!!

Once inside the airport, we had to pause to take pictures with the Bison. The town of West Yellowston sponsored a Bison Art, there are Bison all over the town just like last year! Only this year you can go bid for a Bison. I think they are fabulous!

Airport Bison

One Tall PAIR of BOOTS!!

My FAVORITE BISON . . . Mammoth is cut out and scupted in it's side and there are two elk