Dede's New Doo

For the past few years we've had many struggles combining Kennedy's hair. As her hair gets longer, the challenge has gone from difficult to near impossible. While Kennedy has never liked combing her hair, she now screams like she's near death. Half the time I'm worried that someone in the neighborhood is going to call DCFS.

We finally reached a boiling point the other night. Ten minutes into the screaming I finally asked Dede, "Are you ready for a haircut?" To my surprise she responded, "Uh, huh."

Now, in the past she's been resistant to having her haircut. Truthfully, she's only had one haircut her entire life, so she's still kind of scared about the whole thing. The fact that she agreed to the haircut is a big deal. I decided that we'd make it a big deal and take her to Cookie Cutters for her special new look.

I have to say, Kennedy did great! Amanda (the stylist) is someone Dede knows from Church so it put her mind at ease as she sat in the chair. It didn't hurt that Kennedy was able to watch a Barbie movie, and she really wanted to balloon and sucker when the haircut was over.

By the time the day was done. Everyone was all smiles. Tara was happy she could comb through Kennedy's hair without a fight. Kennedy was pleased with her new look and all the new attention. I was happy that I had taken a girl to get a haircut and came home with two women still smiling.

Photos of the Day

Dylan discovered Creamies and I think he likes them!

The Bubble

Every year my mom's side of the family has a reunion near the end of July. It has all of the typical elements of a family reunion: tons of kids laughing and playing, all kinds of food to choose from, a midnight dip in the pool, cousins further than the eye can see. Oh wait, you don't go swimming for your family reunions at midnight?

I don't know where it started but every year our family reunion takes place from 9 pm to 2 am at the Bountiful Bubble (it isn't even called this anymore, but I don't know it's real name). It's a good time for everyone as we go swimming until midnight and then it's racquetball or ice skating til 2 am (Can you believe people actually play sports that late at night?!).

Not being a late night person myself I never make to the bitter end, but the majority of the family certainly does. I like the party as it's the best chance I have to talk to some of my cousins. Everyone is pretty spread out across the state and I rarely see my cousins, let alone get in a good game of water basketball...

My highlight from this year's party had to my mom in the pool. One thing you need to know about my mom - her hair is a big deal. Not just in size, but also in management. My mom gets her hair done once a week, so she is very careful to ensure it maintains it's proper appearance.

I'm sure you can imagine what happened to Mom's hair in pool. You guessed it. Somehow she happened to get her hair wet. I'm not going to claim any knowledge of how it happened. Let's just say there was an accident and we'll leave it at that. It's a good thing though. Once she stopped worrying about her hair my mom cut loose and had a great time. She even hiked up the stairs and went down the water slide. Way to go Mom!

Neighborhood Fun

The month of July is a big one for our little neighborhood. With the warm weather and festive mood, everyone wants to get outside and enjoy food and fireworks. Some of friends are really generous and provided a bit of both last night.



For the past few years we've gotten together with several of the other families for a BBQ and some giant water toys for the kids. It's fun to sit around and enjoy one another's company while filling up on some great hamburgers. While I look forward to the food it's safe to say Dede loves the water. She couldn't get enough of the slide, even if the water was pretty cold.



After we filled up on treats we headed over to the Cul-de-sac of Fire. Even though Dick isn't in the Bishopric anymore, his fireworks show is still a Ward event. It's awesome to see how many people come out to watch his assortment of different cones, fountains, and other airborne spectacles.



While Alex wasn't too hip on the noise of the show, Dylan was certainly interested in the lights and colors. I can't believe how good he was as he intently watched the 35 minute display. Dick certainly went above and beyond with the volume of assorted fireworks and everyone had a great time (even if Alex doesn't look like it).

For Your 3rd Birthday

Alex,

It's hard to believe that another year has come and gone. And now you're three. It was just yesterday that we brought you into our home, wasn't it? I can't think of you as our tiny baby anymore - you're certainly my little man now.

Over the past year I've really enjoyed watching you develop your own style. So many kids seem to simply copy those around them, but you are your own person, Alex. You have so many wonderful traits that it's hard to think of mentioning a few. I love your laugh, your energy, your playful teasing (even when it kills your sister).

My favorite part of each day is to open the door when I get home from work and have you give a big hug as you scream, "Daddy home!" You really know how to melt my heart. I love that you want to be around your dad. Whether I'm fixing something in the yard, playing games on the Wii, or especially "mow da grass" it's awesome that you want to be my little buddy.

This is going to be a big year for you son and I can't wait to watch as you continue to grow into yourself. You are a special little boy and I want you to know how much I love being your dad. Alex - I love you.

Daddy