Happy Love Day!

These images were the treat toppers for the valentine that the kids gave to their friends at school. We thought we would share the love (minus the Hershey's kisses) with you all! Hope you are feeling loved this Valentines Day!

Kira's Big Heart & Short Hair

Some time back, Kira and I discussed growing her hair out and donating it to Locks of Love. Then when it started getting really long, I really started liking it. We said that someday she would do it, but hadn't talked about it in sometime. When she was in Prescott staying with her Grandma, after the holidays, for some reason they started talking about it, and she decided she wanted to do it to surprise me!

Then everyone got sick, so when they rejoined us for New Years' she still had long hair, and immediately told me that on Friday, she and Grandma were going shopping BY THEMSELVES--or in other words with out me!

Well, instead of shopping they went to Lolly Locks, where Kira had her hair cut and donated. Fortunately Aunt Mikelle went along with my camera and took lots of pictures, and since I wasn't there, I'm going to have to let the pictures tell most of the story.

Jackson's hair was too short to get cut, but he had a great time, anyway!

I'm told her braid was a good 14 inches long!

Look at her fun hairdo!

Kira is joining the ranks of the other generous children on the wall behind her--each of which donated their hair to Locks of Love.

And here she is after surprising everyone at church on Sunday.

I loved that long hair, but the short do is awfully cute on her, too!

I probably don't say it enough, but my Kira really has a big heart! Her 6th birthday she agreed to ask all of her friends to bring presents to give to children at the Children's Hospital, instead of to her. She is growing up into such a neat young lady, and I am very proud of her!

Letters to Santa, and mean elves, and a toothbrush

Trenton: "Mom, does Santa have cameras everwhere to know if you are bad or good?"
Me: "I don't know. Maybe he sends his elves to spy on you."
Trenton: "It's not nice to spy on boys and girls!"

We have some version of this conversation everyday in the car on the way home from school. Today he told me it is a lie that Santa knows if you are bad or good. Maybe that is his wishful thinking!


Kira helped Trenton write his letter to Santa. The funniest part was that she wouldn't write "I've been a good boy this year," at first. She would only write that he was trying to be a good boy. She insisted that the first sentence would be a lie, and refused to write it, until I insisted that he could say whatever he wanted in his letter.

Incase you can't read it, here is a transcription:
Dear Santa,
I want a new niga (ninja) turtle. I would also like mini legos, and a lego bionicle. I have been good this year.

Love,

*(mostly erased scribbles)*

(with lots of help from his big sister, Kira)

But you have to read Kira's letter! It will make you laugh. It will make you cry!:

Dear Santa,

I don't need a lot for Christmas. A few things I need are a toothbrush, and a pair of tennis shoes. You gave me a toothbrush the year before last year. I also have another toothbrush, except for it is a grown-up toothbrush. The one you gave me the year before last year is worn out. And I would like lace-up (with ties, I mean) tennis shoes. I wear size two. You can give me whatever other things you want. I didn't ask for a lot for Christmas, because I know times for other families are very hard. They need a lot more than I do.

Sincerely,
Kira Brynne Halterman
age, 7 in 2nd grade.

My Human Thesaurus

Kira (making up a story and telling it to Trenton):

"...and when I woke up, I was astonished! I was flabbergasted! I was dumbfounded!"

(She might have kept going if her mother hadn't broken into laughter).

Anyone need to borrow my human thesaurus? She isn't very heavy.

Kira's Capsule

Kira has updated her blog again. You might want to check it out. She is becoming quite the writer. She actually has a lot she wants to add, but school gets in the way. I bet she will do lots of posts next week with fall break.

*Catching Up* Lake Powell--Kira Edition-June'08

Kira had fun at Lake Powell, too. Can you see her crouched over in front of the Seadoo in this picture? She is doing her favorite thing to do at Lake Powell...dig in the dirt and collect little shells. One day when they were doing this a frog jumped out of a hole and about scared Trenton to death. It took a little talking, but I believe he know believes it was a friendly frog.

She also got to go for rides with her dad, although Kira is not a fan of big bumps, which can get in the way of most lake activities. Her least favorite thing to do was Trenton's favorite... going down the slide on the house boat. I am hoping to get that video from Mikelle...SO FUNNY!

She did brave a long boat ride to go on an expedition with "the big kids."

They went to Rainbow Bridge...

And hiked Hole in the Rock! And I think Kira made it all that way on her own!
Back at the houseboat, she enjoyed playing with the babies,

And getting her hair done (Thanks Aunt Krisin!)

When she was ready for some non-bumpy fun, her aunts took her around the cove on this...

...until he was demolished. Fun Times!

Pigs in a Blanket...and a box???

Barry and the kids made giant pigs in a blanket one night for dinner.

He's such a good house husband, isn't he? ;-)
I think I've decided to take back all of the kids Christmas presents, and just give them the boxes they came in. (ok, not really) But what toy is more fun than a big empty box?

The Alien and the Astronaut...A Halloween Tale

Once upon a time there was an alien girl and an astronaut. The two had a great time playing together at a church Halloween party, but alas, photographers were unprepared and failed to catch this phenomenon on film. As Halloween night approached, photographers were anticipating another opportunity to capture a photo of the astronaut and the alien together. But shortly before Halloween, the astronaut was called away on a special mission to the distant planet, Prescott. Meanwhile the alien was excited to experience the earthing tradition known as "trick or treating." So the astronaut and alien were apart for Halloween. This must be why they look so unhappy in their pictures, but sources close to the astronaut and the alien, report that they both actually had a great holiday!

Kira & Trenton LOVE Tessa!

People ask how the kids are making the adjustment to having a new sister, and so far, the answer is, amazingly well! They are both so excited about their new jobs as big sister, and big brother, that they have been nothing but soft and sweet and loving to Tessa. For those of you who have seen Trenton wrestling lately, you will understand why that is so amazing.

These pictures were taken the first time the kids got to meet their new sister at the hospital. First is a close-up of the shirts they were wearing for the occasion, which Shanda made with them while Barry and I were at the hospital (can you see why I'm considering nominating Shanda for sainthood?)

Trenton has been very welcoming of Tessa because her being here solidifies his position as a big brother--not to be mistaken as a baby any more. He is systematically rejecting anything "babyish" because he is a "big brother." For example, he was happy to relinquish the hooded towel he has been using to Tessa, because he needs a big towel now!

Here are a few of his comments about his new sister:

“She looks pretty, she looks cute, and very unusual.” (He has said this more than once. I have no idea where he got it!)

“She’s the cuter!”

“She’s the cutest baby in the whole wide world!”

“Daddy can I see your fruit leather man?”---OK. This has nothing to do with Tessa, but I had to write it down. He is referring to Barry's knife, not something to eat.

It seems like Kira had some choice comments, too. Mainly they come in the mornings when it is time for her to go to school. She says something like, "I just can't bear to go to school and leave baby Tessa here all day!" Followed by something like, "when can you bring her to school?" To which I reply that won't be for a while citing germs, etc. Today she was trying to come up with a way to protect her from germs and take her anyway. "I wish I could just take her to school by myself!"

So at least while she can't argue or get into any of their things, the newest Halterman is being warmly welcomed by her siblings!

Kids' check-ups

Kira and Trenton had their well-visits (finally) yesterday. I am happy to report that they both seem to be in very good health. Kira about lost it when she learned she needed a shot--she had been told that she was done with shots until she turned 10--but otherwise the visit went well.

Stats:

Kira
weight: 45lbs. -- 50%
height: 48 1/4 in. -- 80%

Trenton
weight: 38.2lbs. -- 95%
height: 40 in. -- 95%

Anyone want to take bets on when little brother will outweigh big sister? I keep warning her that she needs to be nice to him, because the day is not too distant.

Summer Lovin'

I thought I was about caught up with any pictures/posts to share from the summer, but found a few more on the small camera that I had to share.

Kira found willing dance partner in the Nelsons grandson at their anniversary party. These two danced the night away! They actually looked like they knew what they were doing most of the time.

Trenton and friends at the splash playground for playgroup. Here he is stopping the flow of water by sitting on it

Is it horrible to post pictures of my son grabbing a girls behind? I promise he was just fascinated by the way the diaper part expanded in the water, but it was hilarious watching the scene unfold!

Summer Catch Up -- Kira & Serena

Being the oldest girls in their respective families, my sister, Serena and Kira bonded while in Utah. I thought they looked too pretty in pink to pass up a photo op.

School Picture and hope for Autumn?

School Pictures came early this year. They had all kind of options to chose from, too, which I'm not used to. The purple background wasn't my first choice, but Kira was determined and I thought it would be OK, so I relented. It is a little brighter than I thought it would be. So with the hair and all, it makes for a very colorful school picture.

The last few mornings as I have stepped out to say goodbye to Kira, the outside air has actually been cooler than the air in the house. This is the first indication of any kind that cooler weather is on the way and that summer is not eternal. I am still really hot since I have a hot flash everytime I have a contraction, but I'm sure that just about the time I am done with pregnancy, the weather will be downright pleasant.