Cowden Family

Superbowl Weekend 2011

2011-02-11T15:42:00.001-08:00

The Annual Superbowl Party!!!
The guys plan the feast, cook the feast, and cleaned up the feast! We had such a fun weekend. We stayed up late, woke up early, had a picnic, went to the park, played the Wii, ate our brains out, and made some FABULOUS memories!

Say "Cupcakes".......

The best part of all is when we wear out the little darlings and they CALMLY watch
TV. We finally figured it out after many years to put a TV downstairs hooked to the Wii and the DVD player for the kids to enjoy while we enjoyed the TV upstairs!

Ultrasound for Baby Cowden 2011

2011-01-26T08:01:00.000-08:00

IT's A BOY!!!

Finally Caught Up!

2011-01-10T20:33:00.000-08:00

Here are my words of advice, Don't ever get behind on your blog. It takes FOREVER to catch up. Our life hasn't changed much other than the girls are growing up so quickly. We do have some exciting news if you haven't heard already. We are expecting our third child on June 22nd. It seems like a dream that I will have another baby around here. Navey will be 7 and McKenna will be 4, you could say our lives will be changing pace! We will be finding out what we are having on Tuesday, January 18th.....I CAN't WAIT!

Christmas 2010

2011-01-10T19:26:00.000-08:00

Christmas jammies from Nana and Papa

Navey's new best friend. She does whatever Navey says and loves all of Navey's ideas.

What an exciting Christmas night at Nana and Papa's

MONEY!!

Santa remembered Cramer too. :)

Papa Kev loves his chocolate covered peanuts from Santa

How embarrassing....."Santa gave me underwear"

Navey was very anxious that Santa wouldn't know whose stocking was whose, so she made name cards and taped them on each stocking. Thank goodness someone is prepared at our house. :)

Christmas Eve jammies!

We had a fabulous Christmas. My parents came down and spent Christmas with Silas, me , the girls and Silas' parents. We all went out to dinner Christmas Eve with the Thomas'. We then headed back to our house to open the girls Christmas Eve presents (pajamas). Went to bed WAY TOO LATE. Woke up nice and early. Opened presents; yes Santa found us. Played, took naps, went to Nana and Papa's for dinner and opened more presents. What a Wonderful Christmas!!
Christmas 2010

Thanksgivimg 2010

2011-01-10T19:18:00.000-08:00

Poor Zeups, he was a little frozen from all the snow.

The girls love the snow!

Tayli :)

My mom and I always seem to take each others picture while taking a picture.

What a awesome cousin Tyler is. He pulled Kenna around for a long, long time.

Thanksgiving 2010

Halloween 2010

2011-01-10T18:48:00.000-08:00

My beautiful princess Belle and Cinderella

Shelly was Mrs. Potato head....her kids were all characters from Toy Story and the awesome mom she is, she had to dress up!!

Navey's school halloween parade

Halloween 2010

Halloween Party

2011-01-10T18:36:00.000-08:00

Navey as Belle (Beauty and the Beast)

McKenna as Cinderella

Gracie as Snow White

Tayli as Cinderella

Dacen as Dracula.....poor kid wasn't feeling to well

Cowden annual Halloween Party
October 2010

Ron & Karen Moving Day

2011-01-10T18:05:00.000-08:00

The big Moving Day is here.....

Goodbye Cedar City, here we come Hurricane.

Silas and Phoebe driving the U-haul

The new house

Ron and Karen's move to Hurricane, Ut
September 2010

The new Bike

2011-01-08T21:56:00.001-08:00

Navey wanted to buy a new bike so she saved her birthday money.

And of course if Navey has something new then Kenna needs something as well. So we brought down Navey's old bike and it's as good as new to McKenna.

Madden's Baby blessing

2011-01-08T21:48:00.000-08:00

Little baby Madden

Grandma Lou made each of the grand daughters matching cupcake "pillow case" dresses.

We almost had everyone here, but we also added one extra too :)

Hogle Zoo Day

2011-01-08T21:34:00.000-08:00

Strike a pose Dace and Navey.

This stroller just wasn't big enough for everyone. All kids sure did try to sit in it one time or another. But as soon as Jayce or McKenna saw someone in it they let them know.....NO WAY it was for them! (which it was) :)

Can you find the "real" ape?

Hogle Zoo
September 2010

Grandpa Knopp Memorial

2011-01-08T21:16:00.000-08:00

This is Navey and Kenna's Great Grandma Knopp (Karen's mom)
Silas, Karen (Nana), McKenna, Grandma Knopp, and Navey

Grandma Knopp

Each of the grandkids had a white balloon, they shared their favorite memory of Grandpa Knopp, and at the end they all released the balloons. What a peaceful moment!

McKenna keeping Nana and Papa busy so I could take pictures

And the night couldn't have ended up any better for these two; Aunt Dawn let them have a "tea party".

California August 2010

2011-01-08T20:55:00.000-08:00

The waves were so HUGE that most of the time Silas and Navey were running away from them. We had to keep moving our chairs closer and closer toward the rocks and away from the water until we finally were ON the rocks. :)

Nice Boogie Boarding!!

California Beach
August 2010

Navey 1st Grade

2011-01-08T20:41:00.000-08:00

Navey LouAnn Cowden

This is my beautiful 1st grader. She couldn't have been more ready and excited to start 1st grade. We were so fortunate to have her in Mr. Clay's class. She absolutely loves her teacher, going to school, playing basketball with Mr. Clay, reading, math, LUNCH (either home or school lunch on Friday's), and she does amazing on her spelling test! I am so blessed to have her in our family, she plays such an important role and is an amazing big sister!

7 Peaks

2011-01-08T19:55:00.000-08:00

As a family we all went to 7 Peaks. The girls had a great time. There is nothing more that I love than being with Silas and my girls, and having a blast!

7 Peaks Family Vacation.
July 2010

Heaton Reunion July 2010

2011-01-07T19:25:00.000-08:00

Heaton Reunion 2010
Flaming Gorge, Utah

Lucky for the kids this mote was already built before we got there. The fun has just begun.

We had an island out in the water for any and all ages to enjoy

Well McKenna your mother taught you well; you can't be too safe near water, or on shore :)

Miss Navey was able to knee board. Next summer we will work on moving up to your knees, but what a die hard she was. She could have been pulled around the whole lake if we'd have let her.

Tah Dah!!!!!

So this was part of our relay race. Each adult had to take a child or partner out to the island around the island and back to the beach then....

....each person on the team had to hit a golf ball into the lake then......

.....And finally you had to run to the lake many, many times and fill up a bucket with water using only the water guns! We had some great laughs.

This is one of those moments that you can't help but love. Even if it wasn't their own idea!

Suelyn and Todd

Steph and Kenny

Trees and Marc

Mel and Silas

Cam and Mike

Dad and Mom

What a fun vacation it was!

4th of July 2010

2011-01-07T19:19:00.000-08:00

Out little Red, White, and Blue Beauties.

The girls loved the sparklers. Pretty sure we came away from it burn free. :)

Swim Lessons

2011-01-07T19:10:00.000-08:00

Navey's swim lessons
June 2010

McKenna 3 Year Birthday

2011-01-07T18:30:00.000-08:00

I went above and beyond my abilities and attempted a Diva Singing Cupcake Cake. Not too professional but they were Yummy!

Gramma Lou and Papa Kev gave Kenna some magnetic ice cream cones with an ice cream scooper and 4 flavors of ice cream. What a fabulous toy. They still get it out a least once a week.

Kenna's very own birthday cake!

Family Night

2011-01-07T18:24:00.001-08:00

Family night at the Splash pad!
June 2010

Navey T-ball

2011-01-07T18:07:00.000-08:00

What an All Star!!

Gramma Lou came to visit and Navey was lucky to have her at the T-ball game.

Gramma Lou trying to get McKenna to look at the camera. It's nearly impossible!

Grand Slam Navey!

Navey Gymnastics

2011-01-07T17:57:00.000-08:00

Navey did so well at her parent day for gymnastics. She is amazing, and looked so beautiful.

Campout

2011-01-07T17:48:00.000-08:00

This is how the Cowden's camp out, IN OUR BACK YARD. What you can 't see is the extension cord for the electric blanket and the TV.

Hurricane Half Marathon 2010

2011-01-07T17:42:00.000-08:00

Another Half Marathon completed!
I must say I didn't train as much as I should have and at about mile 9 I knew it!

This backpack that I won made it all worth it. :)

Navey's 6 year Birthday

2011-01-07T10:14:00.001-08:00

Happy Birthday Navey!! 6 Years old

April 2010 Disneyland

2011-01-07T09:30:00.001-08:00

Hello California! Disneyland Here We Come!

The funny story behind this kite is.....at Navey's school they were having a kite flying day that she missed because we left for California. I thought I would be the mom of the year and buy her own kite to take to the beach. After many, many, many attempts to fly this silly kite we gave up. Only to figure out once we got home that we had it put together upside down. OOPS!!

McKenna loved all the characters. Before Navey could even get to them Kenna had ran over and gave each of them the biggest hug! So Cute!

We let the girls each pick out a design and have their faces painted at the Princess Enchanted walk way.

We'll Be Back Soon!!!

Cramer

2010-04-11T17:43:00.000-07:00

Welcome Cramer. We got the most adorable, lovable, playful, tolerant puppy you could ever want. Camille and Mike had cocker spaniel puppies about 7 weeks ago and they let us have one. The name is obviously a crazy one, so story time....we have a yellow lab that is named after Jerry Seinfield "Jerry" so of course one of his comrads is the hilarious Cramer. And that is how we picked the name. The girls LOVE him. McKenna might love him a little too much for my patience, but it seems to be getting better. At first she would have the biggest melt downs if we took Cramer away, or put him outside so she couldn't hold him, but now we have learned to distract her or bribe her with other things. :) All I hear from Kenna anymore is "I wanna hold Cramer", "Where's Cramer", "Hey, Hey, Hey" "Cramer bite me right here, look mom". And the list could go on and on. Navey has learned to hold him and play with him at the most appropriate times, after he has played and is tired! A puppy is not too much different than a newborn baby at first. Lots of holding, taking them out to potty, protecting them, and playing with them. Yes I was a bit hesitant at first, but just look at that adorable face, it's hard not to love that. It's been a fun addition and the girls were thrilled!

I'm Back!

2010-03-26T20:32:00.000-07:00

I will admit it's been a while since I have posted anything new. Not because I didn't want to because believe me it's been a weight on my shoulders to get caught up. I just never made it a priority. Tonight I had both the girls in bed before 8pm and Silas wasn't feeling well, food poisoning we think, so he was also in bed by 8pm. A evening to myself and that ladies and gentlemen is the only way I could FINALLY catch up.

The girls are growing like weeds. I keep looking at old pictures and can't hardly believe they have grown so much. Navey is such a beauty, and she is trying so hard everyday to be a good big sister and a good kid for her mom and dad. In her prayers every night she asks for help to be just that. She is loving kindergarten, and is in gymnastics and girl scouts. What more could a kid want huh?

Mckenna, McKenna, McKenna, what a little ham. She is a 2 year old through and through. She comes up with some of the silliest things to say that you can't help but laugh. She gets Navey laughing pretty hard sometimes. Food is "dewishous" a lot lately, she likes to shrug her shoulders and say "fine" after I ask her to do something she isn't too fond of. And her new favorite story is "little piggies", and insists we read it every night.

Dr. Suess Green Eggs and Ham

2010-03-26T20:28:00.000-07:00

Navey had Dr. Suess week and today was his birthday, so of course to celebrate we had Green Eggs and Ham.

Yummy!

McKenna's new word when she likes something. "Dewishous"

March 2010

2010-03-26T20:16:00.000-07:00

The girls both love to put makeup on so why not do it together. :) Navey is all about her eye shadow, and McKenna loves to do "wips".

Pretty "wips" Kenna.

It's Hailing.

Kenna kept getting scared of the lightning so her adorable big sister let her hang on.

Super Bowl Feb. 2010

2010-03-26T19:26:00.000-07:00

As luck would have it, we have everyone coming down to Southern Utah to get out of the cold and enjoy some warmer air. As you can see it didn't seem to work out as planned. It was windy, and rainy almost the entire weekend. But leave it to Uncle Marc to find fun in the rain. He had the kids floating a boat down the gutter and chasing it along the way. Then he decided to get all the kids in his car, float the boat, and see just how far it could go.

Raef and Brett ready to launch.

We had our annual super bowl feast. The kids loved it too.

Raef

We had a project of putting a colage' together for the kids that wanted to. I loved seeing the personality put on paper that each one has.

Dacen

Brett

Navey

Dam to Dam 2009

2010-03-26T19:04:00.000-07:00

Navey was waiting with me to see her dad cross the finish line at the Dam to Dam race at Sand Hollow. She was sure "her" dad would be first. :) That's why we have these precious children to keep our self esteem high.

Not pictured - Me! I was behind the camera taking all the pictures. I didn't run the race this time.

Isn't pink a very becoming color on miss Shelly!! Last I checked it was still her favorite color. :)

Silas is the best at striking all sorts of poses!

Hurricane's Snow Day

2010-03-26T18:57:00.000-07:00

Hurricane's Snow Day! Navey and Kenna couldn't wait to get outside this morning.

There is nothing better than seeing snow outside your window in the morning, but knowing that if you don't get the kids out there before noon it will ALL be gone.

You gotta love the grass that shows through your "pretty snow angel".

Dear Santa letters 2009

2010-03-26T18:11:00.000-07:00

Thank goodness Navey knows what they each wanted. Navey was very helpful writing McKenna's letter, and she knew EXACTLY what McKenna "wanted". Navey also knew EXACTLY what she wanted.

Christmas 2009

2010-03-26T17:44:00.000-07:00

Merry Christmas Fashion Diva!!

These are the moments that you are so grateful you captured.

Like Big Sister, like Little Sister. Another Fashion Diva!

I have a couple of clients who have loved our girls as if they were their own. They have been so generous through the years. Merry Christmas money from Al and Medrith.

I see you McKenna.

The were thrilled to see their very own bike for Kenna, and scooter for Navey from Santa Clause.

The girls got about 6 lip gloss's each and to this day McKenna asks for her "wips" so she can smear them ALL over her cheeks, lips, and chin.

Ward Christmas Party 2009

2010-03-22T20:43:00.000-07:00

Ward Christmas Party! McKenna was all too excited until she realized she was going to sit on Santa's lap.

Isn't she meant to "strike a pose". She had a list in her head of what she wanted for Christmas, and I believe she didn't leave a single thing out!

Those messy reindeer. Oats and Carrots seem to be the hit treat for some fun gifts in return. McKenna got a littlest pet shop, and Navey got sprayz'a art.

Thanksgiving 2009

2010-03-22T20:31:00.000-07:00

It doesn't get much more adorable up on the mountain than this. Papa Kev was the best and took the little darlings on many, many Rhino rides. They loved it! Left to right, McKenna, Zaden, Jayce.

Oh the excitement of SNOW! And running away while your picture is trying to be taken. Little stinker!

Gotta have a little fun right! The mighty man Kenny got a great scream out of mom on this one.

Not sure why we trust Dacen to drive all the kids around, but he does do a fantastic job. Dacen, Navey, Tayli, and Brett.

Just another Cold Cold day on the mountain. This is the Heaton tradition to look for a Christmas
tree the day after Thanksgiving. Silas and I have an artificial tree so we just get to go enjoy the company and enjoy the nice brisk air. Ha Ha!

Disneyland November 2009

2009-11-20T15:43:00.000-08:00

Another trip to Disneyland and most definitely not the last! November Christmas at Disney was amazing!!!

Disneyland November 2009

2009-11-20T15:22:00.000-08:00

Winnie the Pooh!

More Winnie the Pooh.

Pluto was very loved this trip!

Ho Ho Ho!

Santa and his reindeer were there too. Navey and Kenna had made their own autograph books, and Navey even got Santa's autograph. Not too many kids with that one huh?

Kenna adored Pluto. She has a little pluto dog we bought last time we were there and she hasn't slept a single night without it!

What a "Goof"!

Toon Town Christmas Tree!

Little miss Navey was so so so fun. She wanted to pose for any picture, she would try to help Kenna not get impatient waiting in line for rides, and she was just a sweetheart! Love Her!

Just in case you couldn't tell...ha ha ha, Kenna was trying to pull off poor Minnie's ears! Sometimes the excitement is just too much to contain!

In Minnie's house it is adorable. Everything has sound or lights that you can touch. The phone will ring, computer talks, table has tea with magical cookies that appear, fridge opens, and the girls loved watching Minnie's dishwasher.

My darling McKenna was a little upset when we had to leave Minnie's house. These are the most precious moments that you rarely capture! She was "angry"! Kenna tells me fairly often when she is upset "I am so angry, mom". Who knew a 2 year old could learn to express her feeling so well. :)

You can't help but smile with a little chuckle when you see this!!

Disneyland November 2009

2009-11-20T15:09:00.000-08:00

Navey heading into Donalds Boat!

This was the biggest highlight of Navey's day. She kept seeing all these kids with their faces painted. She even went to the extent of asking one of the parents where she could get hers done, and got directions to give me. How can you put a price on something so glamorous? But of course there's a price, but well worth it.

Navey ran up to Mickey and gave him a big kiss on nose, everyone around got a big kick out of that one. Navey could hardly contain herself!

Woody was a crack up. I wish I would of had a video. What a goof!

At the end of a Fabulous, but long day we hit the most memorable ride, Small World. Navey loved this one the best because it was warm inside. It got pretty chilly when the sun went down so we loved any warmth we could find.

HaPpY HaLLoWeeN!!! 2009

2009-10-31T20:27:00.000-07:00

Halloween 2009 here they come. My oh so fabulous Navey decided to be a witch, but not just any witch, but a Glamorous Witch. We had curled hair, glitter eyeshadow, mascara(which I can't resist with those lashes) and lipstick. And with the push of a button her dress lighted green with fiber optics.

And then there is McKenna the most adorable Minnie Mouse we have ever seen since Navey was just that 3 years ago. Bless little McKenna's heart for being a good sport, well as good as a 2 year old can. The ears and bow were a little on the heavy side so keeping them on was a challenge, but we did it. She learned oh so quickly how to say "trick or treat", and she would usually follow it with a "thanks".

I will hold a brief minute for your applause..............thanks. I know these aren't your award winning pumpkin carvings, but I did do them all by myself with the help of a very anxious 5 year old. :)

Gilligan's Island

2009-10-31T20:22:00.001-07:00

Just in case you can't tell what we were for our Halloween Party, even though it is SO obvious, we were Gilligan's Island. Silas was the professor, I am Merianne, Shelly is Ginger (movie star) and Darin is Gilligan.

Kindergarten Halloween Parade 2009

2009-10-31T20:13:00.000-07:00

Navey and her most favorite Gabe, walking in their Kindergarten Halloween parade. What a fabulous tradition that has been carried out since I was in kindergarten, and I'm sure many, many years before that. Just a quick jab to all of you who are older than me. :) I can remember walking the halls of the elementary school waving at all the moms and dads, but looking so intensely for my own mom.

Mrs. Creel as the candy corn, sure made it easy to find their class.

Yea I've been found. Say "cheese".

Sick Sick Sick

2009-10-28T20:58:00.001-07:00

My sweet little Navey has been sick the past few days. She seemed to finally break her fever today, and after playing all day, as she was getting ready to climb into bed she says..."Mom I have ideas in my head again since I'm not sick anymore." This child has an imagination I can't even begin to explain, and how pitiful she could comprehend that she was too sick to have ideas in her head. Good news, she is back full force with all sorts of new ideas. :)

Precious Moments

2009-10-23T11:43:00.000-07:00

So our house usually consists of a lot of noise, so when it becomes quiet you have to wonder what are they getting into. This morning was one of those quiet moments with both girls upstairs and I was downstairs. I began walking upstairs and I could here the most sweet endearing voices. Navey and McKenna were reading each other stories. These precious moments are why us parents don't go crazy half the time. :)

Story Time

2009-10-23T11:35:00.000-07:00

These little darlings have been the most amazing thing that could have ever happened to me and Si. Everyday is different, with new laughs, cries, screams, silliness, and of course hugs and kisses.

Ohhhh Cute!

2009-10-21T10:02:00.000-07:00

McKenna just couldn't resist hang'n out on Jerry's bed.

The Reception

2009-10-18T09:59:00.000-07:00

Navey and McKenna waiting for their Aunt Sadie and Uncle Matt to arrive at the reception.

The Happy Couple

The girls adore their Aunt Sadie and this was too precious. They had just made their speech so everyone was coming over to congratulate, and Aunt Sadie stopped to give Kenna a little squeeze. :)

Matt & Sadie Reception

2009-10-18T09:40:00.000-07:00

McKenna decided to find her way to the bride and groom, and cut in on their first dance. It was so dang cute I had to snap a few pictures before I grabbed her.

Navey was absolutely adorable. She danced and played ALL night.

This is Sean taking the picture of his girls; Hannah and Navey. Someone mentioned that we might need to break it to him that these girls are his cousins. He was such a ladies man.

Left to right....Uncle Tom and Dawn, Ronnie and Karen, Uncle Ron and Mona. These are Karen's brothers and their wives. Everyone made it to the reception except maybe one or two cousins. It was so fun to see all the family and put some faces with names that I hadn't met before.

After a long day, and some fun dancing McKenna was worn out.

There is something so special about your little ones when they have fallen asleep on you, and are just content to stay there.

Stayli Family Farm

2009-10-16T22:47:00.000-07:00

Sue and Todd came down for the weekend. We decided to head to the Stayli Family Farm.

We all went on a wagon ride out to the pumpkin patch. Both girls got to pick their own pumpkin. Funny thing they each picked one that resembled their size.

This was classic; the wicked witch off of The Wizard of Oz. Of course Kenna thought it was scarry and wouldn't even look at it. Aunt Sue and Navey were too cute acting for the camera.

Each year they seem to add something new, this year they had the tire horse merry go round, and a petting zoo.

Aunt Sue and Uncle Todd doing what they do best, being the most fun ever.

The petting zoo was literally hands ON. They were able to walk right in and pet the animals. They had goats, baby cow, donkey, and a sheep. I was a bit nervous, this is a little out of my comfort zone to be right there in the pen with the animals. But as you can see my sweet girls are fearless.

Soccer

2009-10-16T22:32:00.000-07:00

Navey has been playing on a soccer team for the past 3 weeks. She can really get in the middle of it all and make something happen. She can also drift off to la la land during the game as well.

My favorite is logo on their shirts, it reads: RELAX we're just kids. Win, lose, or draw no one gets paid.

Check out those thigh muscles, she must work out. :)

Leave it to Navey and her MOM to take a picture during the game. In my defense, the green team had just made a goal and they were headed to the middle to receive the ball.

This game was against one of Navey's friends, McKendre.

St. George Marathon 2009

2009-10-16T22:16:00.000-07:00

Funny little story: Jess and I were waiting at the Snow Canyon State park at mile 16 for Shelly to come by and read our sign. I had Jess hold a bottle of water just in case Shelly needed some while I was taking pictures. Well Jess decided that Shelly wouldn't want it so she put it in her purse. Well as Shelly was headed toward us she had this look which meant "where's the water". We did get it to her with only a few seconds that passed by.

Just in case you can't see the pink writing.....it reads "Mel was here too" :)

Shelly made her goal and qualified for Boston. YEA!

Shane and Karrie N. I am amazed at anyone who can complete 26.2 Miles.

Shelly, Shane, and Karrie are 3 of the runners that I run with during the week in the early, early mornings. I decided to not run for numerous reasons which are all good reasons if you ask me. First of all anyone who runs 26.2 miles is a little crazy, I wanted to be able to walk to day after the marathon, and training would have been too difficult with my little darlings being so young and Silas having to work so early in the morning.

Bike riding

2009-10-16T22:04:00.000-07:00

To help Navey get better on her bike riding we have been taking the girls out to Silas' warehouse to ride. Kenna brings her car, or big wheel with the "naked" baby. Heaven forbid she should keep clothes on her dolls, anyway they get to just ride or play with no worries on my end about other cars coming by.

Navey has gotten very, very good. She has been very patient, and keeps trying until she gets it. She loves to go to dad's "workshop".

Boating with the Dekorvers

2009-10-16T21:43:00.000-07:00

Boating with the Dekorvers. Our boat was currently under repair so Shane and Jamie took our family boating, what a great time. You can obviously tell who is more comfortable on a wake board. I feel lucky to just stay behind the boat and not crash. Silas jumping the wake, he makes it look effortless.

Navey, Krista, McKenna and Mikey showing us how tube riding is done. The older girls were great with Navey and Kenna.

Kenna and Krista on top, and Navey and Mikey below.

Jamie and Shane

After being in the sun all day and no nap prior to this one, McKenna finally crashed. We put the sunglasses on to shade from the sun, but they also kept her "Hollywood" syle in check.

Lagoon

2009-10-16T21:30:00.000-07:00

We went to Lagoon for Silas' work party. Steph, Kenny, Marc, Trees, Dace, and Tayli came too. Good Times.

Kenny and Si getting ready for what I think is the scariest ride I have ever been on. It seriously takes you straight up and then STRAIGHT down.

The newlyweds!

Navey claimed this was her favorite ride; the haunted ghost rides. Steph and Kenny left Jayce at his grandma's, which I believe was best for him and them. Anyway how wonderful it was so Silas and I could have help with our girls. I am quite sure Steph thoroughly enjoyed her freedom. :)

The little haunted house rides were not McKenna's favorite. This is what she did the whole time, poor baby.

Navey's first day of Kindergarten

2009-10-16T21:14:00.000-07:00

KindergartenPapa and Navey with a secret handshake before she heads off to her first day of school.

Dad and Navey walking into school.

Navey goes to Hurricane Elementary. She was so excited for her first day. I love her enthusiasm and excitement each day since. She is amazing with her numbers, letters, shapes, patterns, syllables, writing her name, and reading her sight words. She loves recess of course, and working on the computers.

This is her best boy friend. Now she tells us constantly that he is not her boyfriend, but a boy who is her friend. Works for me.

Suelyn & Todd's Wedding

2009-10-16T20:33:00.001-07:00

Suelyn and Todd's Wedding. What a fun weekend. The pictures don't show nearly enough for how beautiful the temple grounds were, and how amazing my parents back yard looked for the reception.

Navey and Tayli were two of the four flower girls. They looked absolutely adorable.

This was one of 10 pictures. It was actually the best one. Trying to get all the cousins together can be a chore, and can be a bit embarrassing when you are clapping and dancing around to get ALL of their attention. Memories is all I can say for this one.

Navey LouAnn

The infamous sisters. Back to front is Camille, Me, Steph, Sue, and Trees.

Why not have a little fun right?

Silas and Me

And here are the little darlings. They were just about through with pictures at this point. Wait....they were through with pictures before it started. McKenna had come down with a little cold, so to make her happy we gave in to the binki, but as you can see she wasn't too happy when we took it away for the picture. Most of the other pictures, she was in full tears for the STUPID binki.

These were at the temple grounds after the wedding. Navey was giving a kiss to Dace, but I am pretty sure Dacen wasn't too thrilled.

McKenna Lee

Me and my girls.

The Cowden Clan

It' About Time

2009-10-16T20:31:00.000-07:00

These next few posts are too all of you who let me know in the past week, I believe there were at least 6, that I needed to update my blog. So, Drum Roll Please........

Quail Lake July 2009

2009-08-13T16:33:00.000-07:00

We finally got the boat out, no thanks to the Thomas family for going on vacation for 25 days. Just the same we had a great time with us, the Thomas family and the Jensen family.

I need to note that after this boating trip Navey did get a new life jacket, being that she was at least 10 lbs. over the required weight, and a few inches too tall.

Silas wakeboarding and loving every minute of it!

Here I am, if you look close you can see the expression on my face which explains how scared I get, but yet I keep doing it. I am a pro-tuber!

The Binki :)

2009-08-13T16:26:00.000-07:00

So here is the story....I've been known a time or two to put things down my shirt to keep them safe, dry, etc. And my little darling McKenna had noticed that her binki was being kept in that safe place. So when she was given the chance and needed to put her binki somewhere while she drank or ate guess where she put it.......
Ta-Da! Here it is! :)

Quail Lake....Thomas Family

2009-08-13T16:10:00.002-07:00

The famous triplets.....Brooke, Bryce, and Brittan.
Matt hold'n on.....I believe not pictured is Matt falling off. :)

The woman of many names....
Shelly
Shelly-Kidd Thomas
Shelly Thomas
Coach Kidd
Coach
Sister Thomas
Mom
Shel
Mrs. Kidd
Mrs.Thomas
The list goes on.......Ha Ha Ha!

Darin the Great, or so HE thinks!

And lets guess who this little one belongs to? Hum? Not one of mine, she must be related to Shelly Thomas.

Quail Lake.....Jensen Family

2009-08-13T16:01:00.000-07:00

Josh & Kids
Jess waiting for the ride of her life......I never thought I would meet someone who could scream as loud and often as me on the tube, but I believe I have met my match.

Josh in the air....

Josh on his side....

Josh under water!!!!

24th of July fireworks

2009-08-13T12:36:00.000-07:00

If I am correct looking at the backs of their heads from left to right is Brittan, Navey, Connor, & Bryce.
Bless little miss McKenna once again she is SCARED! I have to admit I enjoy when she is scared because she says "hold you", and wants to sit on my lap and lay back.
Good thing Silas knew the camera was pointed at him so he could look so BUFF and THIN!

We seemed to have misplaced Kenna for this picture so I made sure she was in the next photo!

Sweet little thing!

24th of July parade

2009-08-13T12:24:00.000-07:00

For our 24th of July they have all the primary kids dress up like pioneers and ride or walk for the parade. If you look close Navey is in the back left with the pink bonnett on.

Hello beautiful! Jess the Super Star! Pretending she was in the parade :)

Finally some Pictures......

2009-08-13T12:13:00.003-07:00

The Hurricane Gang! So I must say that I have always thought I looked a lot better when I am running, but this and the other photos that I didn't post are here to prove me wrong. With only 20 yards to go I am feeling about how I look....miserable, but so glad it's over.

Silas the amazing!

2009-08-13T12:13:00.001-07:00

Bryce Canyon 1/2 Marathon 13.1miles

2009-07-18T18:46:00.000-07:00

No Pictures Yet......but Silas and I just finished our Bryce Canyon 1/2 Marathon today! Crazy you say, YES, but lots of fun. We went up Friday night and stayed in a KOA Kabin with our friends Mel and Corey. It had a double bed and bunk beds,very cozy! Saturday morning we woke up after the third phone alarm and Mel's beautiful voice singing " it's time to wake up"at 4:15 am. Yes you read it right AM! The race started at the top by Ruby's Inn and ended in Cannonville. We had about 7 couples from our neighborhood go and run. Silas did ABSOLUTELY AMAZING; this was his first and he ran it in 1 hour and 41 minutes. WOW! I am the proud wife of a FAST runner! I came in a bit later at 2 hours and 4 minutes. But I did beat my last half marathon by 2 minutes and thats all that counts! Hopefully I can get a picture of us to show here soon!

2009-07-07T12:00:00.000-07:00

Oh the sound of laughter!

Stepping on bellies....

2009-07-07T11:53:00.000-07:00

This crazy dad in our house we will call "Silas" thought it would be....

oh so funny to pretend to step on the girls' bellies.....he was right!

We were all laughing hysterically!

What crazy things we do for simple entertainment.

But in our book this was pretty dang cute!

4th of July 2009

2009-07-05T20:38:00.000-07:00

Our 4th of July was so much fun this year. We started off with our small town parade, and then off to the park for fun kid games. Navey had such a sweet, excited attitude and very easy going(FINALLY). After the games we headed home for a few zzzz's(we all took a nap) and woke just in time to head to the movies. We watched Ice Age; very cute and clever. Then of course a wal-mart trip, we can't go a weekend with out one. We invited Silas' parents down for a BBQ and fireworks. We had some good eats, and then hung out in the front yard waiting for it to get dark. I bought a few sparklers, pops, and glow in the dark rings. But thank goodness for neighbors....they had just the right amount of pre-fireworks for our kids to watch and love. Then the show began, and my poor little sweet Kenna was not impressed with the noise, so she laid against me and half covered her eyes while I covered her ears, she is so sensitive, but it keeps her little so I'm ok with that.

Play, Play, Play

2009-07-05T20:30:00.000-07:00

McKenna was able to benefit from Navey's swimlessons too. Connie(the teacher) has an amazing yard, they have a huge tree house with a TALL slide, sand box, trampoline, little kid size house and truck, basketball court, grass, and of course the swimming pool. Kenna loved to play while Navey swam, truely Kenna would try to come near the pool every so often to see if she could somehow manage to get in, she never made it in. Their were a few days that I had to run errands while Navey had lessons and McKenna was not impressed with Navey getting out and us driving away. I would dare to say you could hear her screaming at least a block away. It was very heart breaking.

Swim Lessons 2009

2009-07-05T20:14:00.000-07:00

Navey's swimlessons were a big success this year. She is getting much better at following directions and not becoming so free spirited when she enters the water. She is in level 3 and I believe she was the youngest. Most the kids were at least 6 or 7. Connie(her teacher) had them swimming the long length of the pool doing the front crawl, the frog(breast stroke), the chicken airplane zoom,(breast stroke on their backs),back crawl, floating on their backs, rescue jump off the diving board, diving off the diving board, and diving for rings on the bottom of the shallow end. As you can see Navey didn't quite get the diving part All the time, their were many belly-flops. My absolute favorite is when she would recite OUTLOUD "chicken, airplane, zoom" to help her remember how to swim that stroke. What a goof!

Heaton Family Reunion SLC 2009

2009-06-24T07:01:00.000-07:00

The Heaton Family Reunion was a success again. We started it off with a few hours at Raging Waters Friday night. The original plan was to be at Raging Waters all day saturday, but because of the weather to come on saturday we went friday instead. The kids loved it even though we were only able to be there a couple of hours, but honestly that was enough for me. Silas drove up a couple of hours after me and you forget how much your signifigant other helps out. It's exhausting to keep track of two kids around water! And mine seem to have no fear which makes it even harder.

Heaton Reunion SLC 2009

2009-06-24T06:16:00.000-07:00

LOOK OUT for the SHARK!!!

Thanksgiving point museum. All the kids seemed to love this museum. It was all about dinosaurs. They got to see bones, aquariums, draw pictures, put together their own dinosaur, play in the water and sand, and dig in the dirt. It was pouring rain outside so this was perfect for our family to be together. Navey loved being able to find "little foot, and Sarah's skeletons" off of Land before time.

Safety Town

2009-06-14T16:17:00.000-07:00

Navey was involved in the Safety Town program that Hurricane put on. She got to go every day for two weeks for a couple hours and learn all kinds of ways to be safe. Some of her favorite things were going in the ambulance, in the police car, seeing the fire fighters dalmation character, and the best of all was getting sprayed by the fire truck. What an amazing program, she would still be going if it would only last ALL summer!

Cleaning the golf clubs

2009-05-23T22:06:00.000-07:00

Every dads dream.....to have his girls outside with him cleaning the golf clubs before you go play 9 holes. The girls were actually thrilled to be out there with Silas. I believe I heard Silas say "NO NO NO, Kenna" and I am pretty sure she was trying to put the toothbrush she was cleaning with in her mouth. YUCK! I must say I love standing back and watching Silas with our girls, they are very lucky to have such a patient, loving, hands-on dad.

Preschool Graduation 2009

2009-05-23T21:52:00.000-07:00

Miss Navey has graduated preschool! What a fun year it has been. She has learned so many things such as, writing, reading, sharing, listening, singing, and just having a great time. Her teacher Mrs. Takou will be greatly missed this summer. Navey is very excited for her 5 year old school (kindergarten) and can't wait to meet her new teacher. What a joy to have your child love school, I can only hope it will last another 13 years!

Navey's 5 year Birthday

2009-05-03T19:25:00.001-07:00

My beautiful, darling little Navey has just turned 5. How in the heck do I have a 5 year old, time flies! We had a great turn out for Navey's party, I believe we had 14 kids, 12 adults, and lots of WIND! No joke the wind was horrible, but it didn't stop our fun.

We played pin the nose on the Clown.

A fun silly game, roll the ball and keep it in the hoop, it's harder than it sounds; just ask the kids. :)

Navey had lots of fun presents to open.

Chocolate cake to eat.

The theme of the party was Mickey Mouse because we were heading to Disneyland the next day and one of the days was Navey's birthday.

More presents!!

One of the presents was a kite, how perfect with the weather conditions......lots of wind!

And the cutest thing ever, Navey got some GLITTER makeup from Grandma Lou and she had the best time putting it on herself and her cousin Tayli.

Sea World

2009-04-26T10:56:00.001-07:00

Sea world was very HOT but a lot of fun. We got to see Shamu, the dolphins, seals, and many more animals. The kids had a really great time, even though we were all dying of HEAT. The raft ride opened after 12:00 so we all went on that to cool off. I got DRENCHED! Yes my hair was a mess, and yes I was trying my hardest to be ok with it all. Yea for ponytails!

This picture is to remind me of how pitiful McKenna was. She got heat exhaustion, and severly dehydrated in Sea world. The temp was 91 degrees plus, and she became very lathargic and wouldn't eat, drink or walk. That night we constantly gave her liquids, and tylenol she was much better by the next morning.

Sea Port Village

2009-04-26T10:26:00.001-07:00

On the second day of our vacation we went to Seaport Village in San diego. It has shops, shops, shops, you could spend all day there. We window shopped, made a few fun purchases (sea shells) had lunch and just relaxed for a few hours before we headed to Anaheim.

Disneyland April 2009

2009-04-26T10:08:00.000-07:00

Once again we made it to Disneyland. We had a magical time with Cam, Mike, Trees, Marc and families. I could stay at Diseyland for ever. We went on all the rides big and small, saw lots of characters, ate, laughed, and had a care free time.

The Beach

2009-04-26T09:57:00.000-07:00

On our way home we made a quick stop at the beach to walk in the sand....BAD IDEA for my kids, and Camille's as well. The water was only 57 degrees and the outside temp wasn't too much warmer so we thought we could just hang out on the beach. McKenna had a whole different idea, it was all we could do to keep her from running into the water. Navey also couldn't grasp the idea of staying dry, she got her shorts a little wet. And 2 of Cam's kids fell flat on their face running away from the waves. Making memories is all I can say!

Guess who fell in? :( Brett and Raef were running from the waves with all the other kids, but the tide was coming in and they got hit by a HUGE wave.

Navey's Easter Cake

2009-04-14T13:49:00.001-07:00

Navey and her Nana made this fabulous easter cake. Navey decorated all by herself. It was to say the least "sweet"!

Easter Weekend 2009

2009-04-14T13:25:00.000-07:00

This year for easter we got together with about 4 other families and had a easter egg hunt. We hid over 100 eggs, but because we had so many kids we had to limit their findings to only 15 eggs each. It makes you feel bad that they can't just hunt until all the eggs are gone, but it seemed to work out. Sunday morning the easter bunny found are little darlings "again" and brought them matching dresses and candy. With the weather being so gloomy and cold we thought an inside egg hunt was the best way to go. The girls had a fun time with just the two of them that morning. I believe McKenna had m&m's for breakfast and Navey had what ever she could get into her mouth before I could stop her. Overall we had a great Easter day.

Navey's 1st Race

2009-04-14T13:06:00.000-07:00

These pictures aren't in order...dang it! Navey had her first 1k race last saturday. She has been asking to run with me for quite a while so this was perfect. She asked me to hold her hand the whole way which was good so I could PULL her along. A 1k is barely 1/4 of a mile if that, basically is't around the block. Anyway about 3 minutes into it Navey tells me she is tired and needs a rest, so I assume she wanted to walk. Before I knew it she had let go of my hand and was attempting to SIT down on the sidewalk. I chuckled and told her it was a race and we couldn't be last. She did so good, at the end she decided to let go and beat me to the finish line of course. She got her own medal, which she informed me was just plastic, but cool anyway, a water bottle and a fun bouncy ball. What a fun morning!

Happy St. Patricks Day

2009-03-18T05:53:00.000-07:00

I woke up yesterday morning to a very excited 4 year old wondering if I had any "green" on. Yep, she got me with a great PINCH! McKenna woke up shortly after and Navey was quick to see that Kenna didn't have any green on either so she gave her a much softer pinch. You can imagine how the day went from there. I try to make these simple holidays memorable so for breakfast we had green icing for our toaster strudles and green milk.

If you look close we had to slip a green hair elastic around Kenna's wrist to avoid her getting pinched more than once.

Then for their bath I put in green food coloring. McKenna loved it, this was the first time she has had a colored bath.

Navey invited her darling friend Annabelle over to decorate cookies. They had such a great time playing in the flour, rolling out the dough, and then frosting their assortment of rainbow colored cookies. What a day!

FYI

2009-03-05T11:53:00.000-08:00

This particular post is for my darling cousin Katie, which if they would invite me on their blog I would be able to leave comments instead of posting. Hum something to think about??? Anyway, lately when I post it shows that I am doing it an hour earlier for some reason I know not, but to set the record straight the last two posts were 6 am not 5 am. I do have to run in the wee hours of the early, early, morning before Silas works, so when I get back it seems to be the BEST time to blog.....basically the little darlings are still asleep. And that is that!

Silly Girl.....

2009-03-05T05:23:00.001-08:00

Silly Girl, McKenna found the pitcher cupboard a while ago, and has now been exploring her options of just what a pitcher can do.....lately she decided it looks absolutely fabulous on her head.

Latest & Greatest

2009-02-25T04:58:00.000-08:00

I have been looking at everyones blogs lately and realized that since I am going to be useing this as a scrapbook someday I probably should journal more than I do.
Navey, Navey, Navey, what more can I say. She is the life of the party, and the energy that keeps all of us going. She can be the most amazing big sister, so kind and thoughtful. If in the right mood, her and McKenna can play for quite a while. Navey has just started a chore chart with stickers, and she is doing absolutely amazing. She is now making her own bed, cleaning her room, playing nicely with her sister and friends, vacuuming, being a princess (basically not screaming and doing helpful things)and getting ready for the day all by herself. She has earned a trip for ice cream with her first 50 stickers, and at 100 she gets a movie night at home with mom and dad, and then 200 stickers she gets to go to the movies. She is oh so willing to do anything for a sticker. Navey is in preschool 2 days a week and is learning so quickly, she is sight reading a few words, sounding out others, learning to be kind to all her friends, listening to the teacher and following the rules, I am so proud of her. She will be 5 in April and the only thing she is constantly reminding me of is that she doesn't want to go to kindergarten because she will have to get a shot. She had a friend tell her all about her shot before she went into
kindergarten and Navey just can't seem to let that fear go, dang it!
Navey also loves being out doors. We are having some great weather lately and oh what a joy to send them out back and let them play. Navey keeps us on our best behavior, doesn't let us use bad words, and is for the most part trying her hardest to be cooperative. We sure do love her.

McKenna is 20 months now, and trying so hard to be a big girl. She loves to play with Navey whenever she gets the chance, or when ever Navey will let her. She is saying many words that only a mother can understand. She loves to be outdoors playing with our dog and cat, or just being outdoors. Kenna's new thing is to constantly give you a hug and a big kiss on your leg, foot, arm, face, wherever she can reach at the moment. One of the many routines we have is getting ready for a bath. McKenna has learned that her big sister brushes her teeth, and goes to the potty before she gets into the tub, so of course Kenna does the same. As soon as we walk into the bathroom she says "teeth", then after she finds the little potty seat and sits on the toilet, doesn't do a thing and then says, "all done, all done". McKenna is the best sleeper, bless her little heart for taking such wonderful naps everyday, and for also going to bed at 7:00pm and not getting up until 7:30am. She is such a little angel, but with a little temper as well. Who wouldn't need a little spit fire in them when they are the youngest, and can see that to be heard at times you have to be a little loud!

Cowden Girls...

2009-02-17T20:07:00.000-08:00

Valentines from Papa Kev

2009-02-17T19:52:00.000-08:00

Papa Kev came with a "valentine" of his own. He brought the girls each a balloon and a "fun bag". We had my parents here for the weekend and had such a great time. Lots of visiting, Navey went on the Rino with Papa Kev, my mom and I did a little shopping, and we went out for a valentine "lupper"....that would be the time in between lunch and supper.

Valentines from Grandma Lou

2009-02-16T07:48:00.000-08:00

In Navey's defense she had just taken a bath. Her hair looks so special!

Sue's was from her Mother, not her Grandma Lou!

Rainy School Day

2009-02-16T07:34:00.000-08:00

Last week on Navey's school day it was raining, so being a fun, exciting, fabulous mom (ha ha ha) I got a umbrella for her and her two friends to share, two seconds later there is a knock on the door. "We need one more". So I go get another and send them on their way. Not more than 5 seconds later another knock, "we need another umbrella we can't all fit". So I get a third umbrella, I should have know 3 little kids couldn't fit under one umbrella. Navey asked for all three umbrellas the first time they left, so I'm sure in Navey's head she thinks that if I would just do as she asked the first time ALL of our lives would be less complicated!

Dance Dance Dance

2009-02-09T20:39:00.000-08:00

Superbowl Fun!

2009-02-09T20:21:00.001-08:00

Superbowl 2009

2009-02-09T07:21:00.000-08:00

Good Times! We had everyone get together at our house for a superbowl weekend party! Yes it was a party! Everyone came down Friday night. We had Camille, Mike and their boys in one room, Steph, Kenny & Jayce in another room, Marc, Trees, and their kids in the living room which we made into a bedroom, and our family of 4 in our room. Oh wait I forgot to mention Suelyn and Raef slept upstairs on the couch. Mom and Dad voted for a hotel room and I can't really blame them, we did have 18 of us in our 3 bedroom 2 1/2 bathroom house, but what fun it was.

Making Cupcakes

2009-02-09T07:12:00.000-08:00

Aunt Steph always has the most brillant ideas and this time it was to decorate cupcakes. The kids loved it.

1/2 Marathon update

2009-01-22T08:23:00.000-08:00

So not that is matters to anyone but me......but I looked up my offical time and I finished the race in 2:26:33. Every second counts! Thanks to everyone for the fun comments!

Half Marathon 2009

2009-01-17T13:46:00.000-08:00

I ran my first half marathon today 13.1 miles in 2 hr 27 min. What a fun, yet exhausting experience. I had a friend (Karrie) I trained with for the past 10 weeks and that was what made it possible for me. Although you can't tell I am the one trailing in the back, actually I was trying to catch up to another friend from Vegas (not Karrie). My competitive side wouldn't allow her to beat me so I had to leave Karrie and book it to finally catch up to Callie at the finish line! Way to go Callie and Karrie!!!!
We won these amazing medals....ha ha they actually gave one to anyone and everyone who crossed the finish line.

Silas brought the girls to watch me finish, isn't he the best husband ever. Navey was having too much fun collecting rocks and pine cones that she really wasn't too interested in taking a picture, but she did anyway. Thanks Navey

McKenna wasn't too sure what to think of her sweaty mom.

WE DID IT!

Freezing Cold

2009-01-06T17:47:00.000-08:00

We all look a little rough because the WIND was so freezing cold!