Violet's Baby Blessing

It does not work out in my favor to let so much time pass after important events. Baby Violet was blessed by her daddy. I think the date was November 6th, 2011. I think it was in November because of the Thanksgiving decorations at my mom's house.

Violet has been an amazing baby from the beginning. She is a fighter and a go-getter like her brother and she is beautiful like her sister. Darwin blessed her in our ward and then we (along with so many family members) went to my parents' house for dinner. We feel so blessed that so many people came to share in our special day of our Baby Violet.

I was originally going to have Violet blessed in Jensyn's blessing dress. Then one day I was shopping and I found a beautiful violet dress that I absolutely love. I made sure it was OK to have her dressed in a color other than white and I was told that it was just fine.

My pictures are out of order from that day but I do like rearranging them.

Violet and her aunt Angie. (Angie LOVES babies. She had four of her own-the youngest is 6-and she is always willing to hold and help out with the new babies.)

This is Darwin's aunt Michele and his cousin Brielle. Brielle loves Violet. She held her a lot that day.

Here is baby Violet with her Great Grandma Parker. Violet is named after her. Violet Isabelle and Donna Belle.

Here is baby Violet with her Grandma Nancy.

Darwin's brother Dwight with his girls, Quincie and Jovie. There mom had a baby a few weeks before I had Violet so she was home taking care of him.

Here is Brielle and Violet. Brielle was always so happy to hold her.

Me and my cousin Zoey and my cousin Staci. We were all born in 1983. I am so glad that they came!

Here is my aunt Tami with baby Violet. Tami LOVES babies too. She is a wonderful great aunt and she is anxiously waiting to become a grandma!

This is Darwin's uncle Grant, aunt Debbie, and cousins Kyle and Millie. We see them often and LOVE this family so much. They are amazing and the love they have for one another is incredible and something I am striving for.

This is Darwin's uncle Mike, cousin Amanda, and aunt Deanna. (They have two missionaries out.) Violet is so loved and is lucky to have so many people that care about her.

Here is Violet with her Grandpa and Grandma Parker. These two spoil her (and Jensyn and Hurley and me and Darwin) like crazy.

This is the closest we have to a family picture. Grandpa Parker, Daddy, Mommy, Violet, and Grandma Parker.

Me and my Hurley boy. He kept telling everyone it was "Church day!" He wanted his picture taken with me so I knelt down so we could be close to the same height and then he sat down and insisted that the picture be taken that way. He is a funny boy!

Violet being soothed by Grandma Parker.

Baby blessings are wonderul things to hear. I am grateful everyday for my beautiful daughter.

McKellar Family Photos November 2011

My parents have 16 grandchildren. In order of birth it goes: Jordan, Morgan, Sierra, Payton, Mialee, Boston, Hayden, Jensyn, Nikell, Knox, Hurley, Aiddie, Mackson, Keilla, Violet, and Memphis.

Here is the original eight. Some people hate the idea of only doing the "orginals" but I think it is fun to compare these pictures to family pictures from forever ago. My parents are in the center and then it goes (L-R) me, Travis, Jason, Angie, Darrin (kneeling by my mom), and then BJ (kneeling by my dad).

Again, the eight of us.

This is Angie's family.

This is Jason's family.

This is BJ's family.

This is Travis's family.

This is my Hurley. He is wonderful and so sweet. He keeps us all busy and laughing.

And here is Jensyn. She is growing up so fast. She loved school and she is a natural teacher and nuturerer (is that a word?). She loves to help with Violet and she loves being Hurley's big sister.

Darwin had to work the day we got pictures taken so I took the opportunity to get some of just me and the kids. I wished I would have had pictures of just the kids. I guess next time.

The Parker girls.

The boys: Jason, Darwin, Darrin, Travis, BJ, and Brian.

The sisters, me and Angie. I wonder why there is not a picture of all the girls. I guess we need a list of pictures for next time.

This is the entire family. There are 29 of us. A very large group. We get along for the most part.

Me and Darwin.

The Parkers. I love this picture.

And I didn't get a picture of just Violet so this one is cropped from our family picture. I guess it really is time to get pictures redone.

It was so cold outside. And I think we were all happy to be back in a warm house.

Christmas 2011

Nothing like backtracking 8 months. I don't know why I slack off so much . I look at other people's blogs and love to read about what is going on in their lives I just don't keep up with my own blog. We always have two family Christmas parties. One with the Thackers (Darwin's mom's side) and one with the Parkers (Darwin's dad's side).

This picture was taken at Darwin's parents' house at the Thacker Christmas party. Santa Claus always comes and the kids are excited to see him. I don't have any pictures from the Parker party. Maybe in a few months I'll take some....

Christmas was on a Sunday this year and I absolutely loved that. I felt closer to my Savior on this particular Christmas than any other. I think far too often we think about Santa, presents, and parties more than we should. I love all of the fun traditions with Christmas I just really enjoyed the spiritual side to it as well. Darwin and I woke the kids up. We had a lot to get done before church and then heading to our parents' houses.

Here is Jensyn wrapped in her blanket checking out what Santa left for her.

Hurley is pretty excited and didn't wait at all to start playing with his new things from Santa.

Jensyn and Hurley each got each other a gift and they were both pretty excited to give it to the other.

 

I wonder where Violet was. Probably sleeping so we don't have any pictures of her.

After we we opened the presents at our house we went to Sacrament Meeting. It was the best church meeting I ever remember attending. I think we had over 10 musical numbers and I was amazed by the talent of the ward members. Everything was focused on the Savior. After church Darwin and I agreed that we think each year there should some sort of churchy thing on Christmas. It only lasted an hour so it was the perfect amount of time.

After church we went to the Parkers for breakfast and to exchange gifts. The kids got spoiled and really enjoyed there time with their cousins. Hurley wanted a garbage truck for Christmas and that is what Grandma Parker gave him. I am pretty sure he had played with it everyday since Christmas.

Jensyn got a purple tutu skirt that she loves. I am pretty sure she wears it once a week. Grandma Parker picked some good gifts.

After the Parkers we went to my parents' house. We had had a huge family fight just a few days before so I think I was pretty nervous about taking any pictures. Here is a picture of Violet and her Great Grandma Tanaka (she is my dad's mom).

I really enjoyed Christmas day. I loved being with my family and watching Jensyn and Hurley experience the magic of the holiday. I am grateful for my Savior and for the love that He has shown to me. I am a very blessed mom and I have three amzing kids.

DISNEYLAND 2011

We love Disneyland!! Darwin and I wanted to take the kids around Christmas time. We asked Darwin's mom and dad to come with us. Then we found out Jason's family was planning a trip too and we thought it would be so fun to be there together. We made plans to be in Disneyland during the first week of December. We left our house on November 27th (our anniversary) and drove to Las Vegas. We stayed at the Rio right off The Strip. (I used to love going to Las Vegas, now I can't handle the constant smell of cigarette smoke.)

Violet and Darwin in The Rio on our way to a very fancy schmancy dinner at Burger King.

Jensyn and Hurley ate at Wetzell's Pretzels

(actually they ordered off the menu but ate very little food).

The next morning (Monday, November 28th) we were up and ready to go. Darwin was going to go with his dad to Nellis Air Force Base to get our tickets for Disneyland (the ticket office at HAFB had technical difficulties two weeks prior to us leaving so Alad couldn't get the tickets before we left town). Fortunatly (for me and the kids and UNfortunatly for Adele, Ellen, and Alan) Darwin decided to start drving toward Anaheim. We decided that it was going to be a problem keeping the kids entertained in Las Vegas since there is not much for them to do. We figured that we could get to our hotel in Anaheim and get settled in. I am so glad that we decided to do that. At Nellis it took Alan about 2 hours longer than anticipated.

When we got checked into our hotel room, the kids and I decided to go swimming (we are in California). But the water was so cold (I guess they don't believe in heated pools-pretty lame). So we put our feet in the water and headed back to our room. It ended up being fine because we really wanted to go to bed so we could get up early and go to DISNEYLAND!!!!!

Disclaimer: I tried to organize the pictures in chronological order, but I do not have the patience necessary to deal with blogger, I am sure that it could be much more user friendly.

Day 1

Hurley had been talking about going on "The Train at Disneyland" for months. So the first stop was to Casey Jr.'s

Hurley, Jen, and Jensyn waiting in line.

This picture doesn't capture how happy Hurley was, but believe me, he LOVED it!

Jensyn and Jen looking at the "monkeys".

Jensyn and Hurley right after they off the tea pots.


Granndpa Parker wanted to buy them Mickey ears. And of course with their names stitched in the back.

On the carasoul.

In Toon Town with the McKellar girls, Kiella, Nikell, Jensyn, Aiddie, Sierra, Mialee and Hurley.

The McKellars with Minnie Mouse.

Our family with Minnie Mouse. Jensyn did NOT want her picture taken, but her sneaky uncle Jason got her in the picture regardless of her bad attitude.

Nikell and Hurley in Minnie's kitchen.

Jason and Jen inside Mickey's house. (And yes, Jason was this happy the whole time.)

Darwin, Violet, and Mickey.

Our family and Jason's family with Mickey Mouse.

Jensyn and Hurley playing in Toon Town.

At the Post Office.

All locked up.

Riding Finding Nemo with Grandpa Parker and Ellen.

I LOVE how much Jensyn and Hurley look alike.

Hurley, Jensyn, Jen, Violet, Alan, and Ellen.

Hurley and his trains. This is the tram that goes to hotels and Downtown Disney.

Jen getting ready for the parade to start. I had just stopped two ladies and asked them if they were twins (why I felt the need to ask, I have no idea). One responded with, "This is my mother, she is 77." Yep, I felt like an idiot.

Grandma Parker had just bought Hurley Mack and cars. Who cares about a parade when you have a toy to play with?

Now back to the hotel to get lots of sleep.

Day 2

I had to feed the baby so I was seperated from the group. I think the background looks fake, but it isn't. The castle was blocked off (I can't remember why anymore) and it was the perfect photo opportunity.

Jen and Violet.

After our pictures were done, I found Snow White and Princess Aurora (Sleeping Beauty). I called Darwin to tell him to run over with the kids for the picture. They didn't make in time to see Sleeping Beauty (Princesses have very busy schedules you know.)

Snow White and family

Mom and Violet with Princess Aurora
(obviously the pictures are out of order...)

And I just can't resist this super cute face.

Violet.

I don't remember if this the end of our second day. This is what I get for waiting 3 months to blog about our trip.

Day #3

Up and early again. We were going to have breakfast with Minnie at the Plaza Inn. First stop, photos.

Alan, Darwin holding Violet, Jensyn, Jen, Hurley, Ellen, and Adele.

Hurley and Jensyn holding Tinkerbell.

All of us with Alice and the Mad Hatter.

Our Family holding Tinkerbell

(out of order again).

Now off to breakfast.

Hurley and Winnie the Pooh.

Jensyn and Winnie the Pooh.

Jensyn made faces in the mirror for the longest time. When she noticed that we were watching she was pretty embarrassed. It is kind of nice to know that she can still entertain herself even when she is at Disneyland and surrounded by all of her favorite characters.

Jensyn, Brer Fox and Hurley.

Hurley with Chip.

Jensyn with Chip.

After this picture was taken he kissed me and told me to call him. For some reason Darwin was not jealous. Maybe he is not afraid of little woodland creatures.
Jensyn, Tigger, and Hurley.

Jensyn, Minnie, and Jen (this is one of my favorite pictures).

Breakfast was fun and super yummy. It is worth the money (in my opinion). You get to see a lot of characters and the food is so good. We went mid-morning so we counted it as brunch that day. So we only ate two meals instead of three.

After breakfast Jensyn went to Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique with Grandma Parker. Jensyn was so excited! Adele let Jensyn pick out an outfit and she picked Ariel (Little Mermaid). She looked so beautiful (like always). She had so much fun getting pampered.

This is Jensyn's Fairy Godmother in training. She made Jensyn's hair stick straight-up.

Sprinkling pixi dust on Jensyn.

Getting Jensyn's tiara just right. (Jensyn's fingernails were just painted so she is being very careful with her hands so the paint won't smear.)

A little bit of make-up so her cheeks are nice and rosy.

And she finally gets to see herself in the mirror.

(This picture is out of order too.)

Adele/Grandma Parker and Jensyn/Ariel right before Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique. Jensyn is all dressed up and ready to go inside. She waited and waited and waited for her name to be called. (It really wasn't that long of a wait but she is five and excited so it felt like forever.)

And then we went on Splash Mountain. Adele is in red, then Darwin in blue, and Jensyn is in yellow, and then me in blue. I love/hate that ride.
Ellen, Jensyn, and Darwin on Space Mountain. I am really impressed that Jensyn went on the "Big rides". She always wanted to go again and Hurley missed out.

Violet and I did a lot of waiting and waiting and waiting. This was taken while Darwin was on Indiana Jones. (Violet is wearing her Mickey ears from Grandpa Parker.)

We tried to get a good family picture in front of the castle. But Hurley wanted to pose himself.

Jen, Jensyn, Darwin, Violet, Hurley, and Ellen.

A better picture of Hurley.

It has been too long since we were there, I don't know why Jensyn is wearing these glasses.

And another day has come to an end.

Day #4

WARNING: This is the most scrambled day of pictures. I have no energy to put them in the right order. I am sure that I will regret it one day. So I will tell you what I remember of that day. We were going to meet the McKellars first thing at the Princess Fantasy Faire. It usually is a pretty long wait so I thought first thing in the morning would be better than later in the day. Well, we had good intentions. We walked into Disneyland right on schedule and then we saw some characters that we hadn't met yet and wanted to get our pictures taken with them. So we were late. Luckily for us Jason's family was at the Princess Faire and we met up with them. It was nice to be with so many fun people and the kids didn't seem to notice that we were in line for close to an hour.


Nikell, Jensyn, Aiddie, and Hurley.

Nikell signing Jensyn's autograph book.

(This picture should be at the beginning of Day 4.)
Darwin, Jensyn, Goofy, Hurley, Jen, and Violet.

Hurley with Goofy (Hurley is even wearing his Goofy sweatshirt). Goofy put Hurley's hat on crooked and Hurley wanted it back to normal. We convinced him to leave it for the picture.

Adele and Violet.

Jen, Hurley, Jensyn, and Woody.

Mialee, Tinkerbell, Sierra, Aiddie, Nikell, and ?

Sierra and Mialee

Violet, Darwin, Jensyn, Jen, and Hurley

Another family photo

(Out of order)

Mialee

Darwin, Jensyn, and Hurley with Mater and Lightning McQueen

Jeri Dawn and Kiella at the Princess Fantasy Faire

Jason and Kiella

Jake (Jake and the Neverland Pirates), Jensyn, and Hurley

Hurley with his baby Tigger that he found at our house and has been carrying it around since.

Hurley and Jensyn

He is so sweet.

Guess who doesn't want her picture taken again?!?! JENSYN!

Us with Chip and Dale.

Jensyn and Hurley happy to see Buzz.

Violet, Belle, and Jensyn. Belle asked Violet if she could be her favorite princess. I think it is very fitting since Violet's middle name is Isabelle. Violet also spit up on Belle's dress....so we owe it to her-right?

Nikell and Belle (Her family calls her Nike Bell.)

Hurley, Belle, and Jensyn

Mialee, Nikell, Belle, Aiddie, and Sierra

Aiddie and Belle

Jensyn dressed up as Little Mermaid, Violet and Ariel.

Hurley walked right up to her and hugged her. It was so cute.

Hurley telling Ariel something important.

I love this picture.

Mialee, Nikell, Aiddie, Ariel, and Sierra

Alan, Adele, and Ellen

Aiddie and Belle

Jensyn, Hurley, Jen, Aiddie, Woody, and one Jeri Dawn's nieces.

The cutest toys in the whole world.

Ellen and Hurley on Toy Story Mania (which is one of the funnest rides at the park).

Darwin and Alan on Tower of Terror.

Hurley and Max

Jensyn and Max

Jensyn (who didn't want her picture taken-surprise, surprise), Jen, Hurley, Darwin, Violet, Sully, and Ellen.

After an incredibly long day we decided to make it even longer and stay for Fantasmic. It started at 9:00 PM. It was a water, fire, and fireworks show. It was AmAZinG!!! Darwin and I loved it. This is what Jensyn and Hurley thought of it....

Hurley is sleeping in Violet's baby carrier and Jensyn is strapped to the sit/stand part of the stroller. They must have been exhausted to sleep through the show, the crowds, and the bus ride back to hotel.

What a wonderful fourth day at Disneyland.


The last day :(

I don't think any of us were ready to leave and go back to real life. But we were going to make the most of the last few hours. Everyone got to pick one more ride and we were sure to do those ones first and then squeeze in as much as we could.


In California Adventure there was a family getting their picture taken in front of this gigantic bear and so Jensyn and Hurley wanted their picture taken with it (they are easy kids to satisfy).

Bumper Cars in A Bug's Life Land (this picture is not from the last day, but I don't know where it belongs...) I think everyone that was on the ride at this time is related to Jason and Jeri Dawn.

We had just finished eating our lunches by the Hollywood Tower Hotel and a worked told us to go stand at the end of the block. Right after we got to the spot he told us to go to, Monsters Inc came out and did a "parade/show." I look really excited, I really wasn't that excited about it.

Hurley and Jen on the bumper cars.

This ride made me day!!! I was sitting in the ladybug with Jensyn and Hurley and the worker came over to me and said, "Excuse me, Miss. How old are you?"

I said, "I am 28. Why?"

He said, "Oh, I am sorry. I have to ask guests their age if they look younger than 14."

Yep, pretty much made my day (and my whole year).

Jen, Violet, Mr. Incredible, Hurley, Jensyn, and Darwin.

Our very last picture at Disneyland (really we are at California Adventure).

It was such a fun week. I am so grateful for the memories. I am grateful for my happy kids who make Disneyland fun. I am so glad that we got to spend the week with our extended families too. Now who is ready to plan the next trip?

(Jensyn thinks the next trip should be a Disney Cruise-I kind of agree with her.)