Jenna's Birthday and Connecticut

Jenna is officially 4! She has had a great birthday week, and yes I do mean week, not day. She is growing up so fast. We really love her. She can be very moody (stop with the female jokes), but she is also very kind and loving. She is the peacemaker in our family. She gets along well with both of her brothers. She has the greatest expressions. She is also smart, funny, and adorable. We love having her as part of our family.

This week we were able to visit with lots of family. We spent some time with Diana, Michael, and Tanner. We were also able to make a trip to visit Poppa and Muzzy. We had a great time visiting everyone. Thank you for letting us stay in your houses, and making everything so much fun!

The kids had a great time playing with their cousin, Tanner.


The morning of Jenna's birthday we were at Diana's house. She is a great aunt! She let Jenna choose what she wanted for breakfast and lunch. Jenna was awfully spoiled. :) She loved it. We drove to Poppa and Muzzy's later that afternoon. We celebrated Jenna's birthday while we were there with an ice cream cake (Jenna won't eat a regular cake) and presents. Jenna was really tired and therefore really moody. She insisted on opening presents before eating her cake. Lovely. It was a really nice birthday for her. Thank you for making her birthday so special.

While we were at Poppa and Muzzy's house, Muzzy took Kevin to the local country club to learn some golf. Kevin has been wanted to learn some golf for a while now. We have a golf course in our neighborhood, and Kevin has asked many times to golf there. He had never been golfing before she took him. He lucked out and was able to have an hour lesson with the golf pro. It was great! Kevin did really well for his first time. They taught him some basic golf techniques using a game called snag golf. The balls and the clubs are larger than normal, but they teach him how to properly hold the club and aim the ball. He really enjoyed it. Hopefully we can get him out a little more. Unfortunately neither Derek nor I play golf.

Kevin lining up his swing (they gave him that visor and he LOVES it)

Starting the swing

Following through

Poppa helping Jared "golf" - Jared didn't care to do it correctly :)

Muzzy helping Jenna with her swing. Give her a couple of years and she will be playing golf with her brother.


While Kevin and Muzzy played golf, Poppa, Derek, Jenna and Jared went to a farm. They were able to see calves that still had their umbilical cords attached. They also saw a rooster, chickens and llamas. After they got back Jared kept saying "Cock-a-do." :) I love that kid.

Poppa and Jared with the cows

Poppa, Jared, and Jenna with the cows

Poppa and Jenna with the cows


On Thursday we drove to my parent's house. Rachel and Levi, are visiting right now too. The kids have had fun entertaining Levi and spending time with their grandma and grandpa. My parent's wanted to have another birthday party for Jenna. She got another ice cream cake and more presents. She milked this birthday for all it was worth. :) She definitely enjoyed her three birthday parties (see previous post for the first of the parties). It is nice to know that she is loved by so many.

Jenna's birthday party in New Hampshire





Kevin's moment of Zen:
Background: Jenna got a new baby doll for her birthday. She named it Lydia. This is not a name that Kevin had heard before. Kevin is always the "dad" of Jenna's baby dolls.

Kevin: Dad, what is Jenna's baby's name?
Dad: Lydia
Kevin: OK, I am the dad, but sometimes I forget.