Perry Family

Cousins

2010-08-29T18:54:00.000-07:00

Before we moved, we were able to get together with Nick's mom and brother, Sean, and his family several times. Here are two boys who had a ton of fun in the splash area at Desert Ridge.

4th of July

2010-08-29T18:45:00.000-07:00

We traveled to Heber to spend the 4th of July with the Crandell family - fantastics hosts!!! Kaden got his very first soda (not his first taste of soda, but his very first soda ALL to himself). He was thrilled! I wish I had more pics of that trip! We had so much fun, we didn't think to take pictures!

Wisdom Teeth

2010-08-29T18:33:00.000-07:00

Nick had his wisdom teeth removed in June. He was a little nervous about the whole process, but was a real trooper. He was up and moving by that evening. Very little swelling. The fat cheek you see in this picture is all of the gauze he kept shoving in there. Glad it's done!

Family pictures courtesy of Kathy

2010-08-29T09:00:00.000-07:00

Before we left the Valley of Death... I mean, of the Sun... (Summer is almost over guys! Hang in there!), Kathy Crouse took some family pictures for us again - she's fantastic! Yes, we are missing a member of our family, Bryana. It is tough to get family pictures taken when you have kids full-time, but even more tricky when you do not!
(I have no idea why the words above are underlined. If anyone knows how to get rid of it, save me some time and let me know!) :)

Me and my little girl.

Nick was determined to "style" Travis' hair for the pictures, much to Travis' chagrin. I think he was happy when he saw the finished product. :)

That little mischievous smile. She's on to him!

My boys! So handsome!

The old folks.

Sweet girl! Where all the curls came from, I do not know!

Don't be shocked!

2010-08-22T15:09:00.000-07:00

Alright, alright! Here we are again... apologizing for the amount of time that has lapsed without an update on the blog. I just looked at the most recent pics on here, and they are well over six months old! I figured that now that we are so far away from family, I better update more often to make sure our family recognizes the kids when we see them again!

So without further adieu...

Rock-a-bye Baby...

2009-12-27T20:17:00.000-08:00

I really do try to teach my children to be gentle with each other and with others, although you may not think so after viewing this video! Kaden had been learning to rock the "baby" while I rocked Makenna. Nick made a game of the song with Kaden and would drop him on the bed when the baby "falls." This is the result of a two-year-old combining those two ideas....

Halloween Fun!

2009-12-27T20:06:00.000-08:00

Nick had the "privilege" of participating in the pie eating contest at our ward's Fall Festival. They use to have just the Bishopric compete, but now they've included the auxilliary leaders so Nick has more competition now (not that he ever won even when it was just the Bishopric!).

This is Makenna and her butterfly buddy, Emily, who Makenna loves.

She just stares at the red light when we try to take a posed picture, but she still looks adorable!

Trying on the costumes.

Kaden and I carved our pumpkin and gave it a "smiley face."

Don't let your child go without a diaper for even a second!!!

2009-12-27T19:54:00.000-08:00

Here's why...

She had a little red bum, so I thought I'd let her air out a bit. What was I thinking!?? Nick couldn't believe I took a picture of it. All I have to say is - it's for posterity.

Job training

2009-12-27T19:46:00.000-08:00

Kaden is looking at the possibility of a career in sports announcing...

...looks like he'll need to refine his social etiquette before pursuing that career.

The Joy of....

2009-12-27T19:41:00.001-08:00

POTTY TRAINING!!!

Did I say joy? Well, the novelty of choosing fun underware and trying them on was fun, but when we got down and dirty, I can't say it was all that fun! We started in October. He has done fairly well, I think, but we still have accidents periodically (usually during Sacrament Meeting at church!).

I Wanna Be Like You, Dad!

2009-12-27T19:37:00.000-08:00

Gotta have piano pictures!

2009-12-27T19:22:00.001-08:00

She's finally just the right height to reach the keys and finds her way to them fairly often. Too cute!

The duets have already begun! Again, too cute!

Nick says that he may be getting a little too old for me to be taking pictures of his naked buns, but I just couldn't help myself on this one!! I was in the middle of helping him change, got distracted by Makenna, then found Kaden playing a little tune on the piano. He's playing his rendition of "Freebird" by Lynyrd "Skin"yrd! :) For any of my students who may be reading this, don't worry, I did sanitize the bench afterwards.

Another funny one... I watched Kaden sit down at the piano, look at the music on the rack, then get up and go to the bookshelf and pick another book of music. He then walked back to the piano and put the new piece of muic up and started playing. Pretty cute!

Trampoline!

2009-12-27T19:13:00.000-08:00

This Fall, we discovered the USA Gymnastics gym here in Gilbert. They hold open gym time for preschoolers and home schooled kids every day. In other words, you can pay a small fee and let your kids bounce, run, jump, and swing for 1.5 hours in a cool, air conditioned gym when it is 115 degrees outside. It is great!!! Kaden calls it the trampolines.

Kaden, My BIG Helper

2009-12-27T18:27:00.001-08:00

Kaden's favorite thing to help me with is baking, because he knows there is always a "tweet" for him at the end.

One day, Kaden decided he was ready to help Makenna eat. He actually did quite well until she sprayed food all over him.

Kaden loves to "clean" the sink, but has to be seated on the counter to do his best work. It keeps him busy for a good 15 minutes or so. :)

Yes, he is putting away our silverware. It's like a matching game to him, and he usually gets the spoons and forks in the right area. Another good 15 minutes or so. :)

San Diego

2009-12-27T15:06:00.000-08:00

We took a little vacation to San Diego and L.A. to visit Nick's grandparents and his uncle and aunt, Craig and Darlene. We had a great time with them; it was the first time I've been able to spend some considerable time with them, which was neat. We went to some of the places that Nick has fond memories of, like a neat spaghetti place that has been around for years. Unfortunately, I didn't have the camera on me for any of the time we spent together, so SORRY, no pics of Nick's family! :(

Part of our trip included the San Diego Zoo. It is an awesome place to visit for ALL ages! We loved each exhibit, but I think the kids' loved the people movers the best. These paths take you all the way up the hill, switch-back style, for about six times the distance you see in the picture. It was a fun feature to get you from one point to the other.

It may be hard to see, but immediately behind the kids is a sleeping lion. The exhibits here are designed in such a way that you always see the animals up-close.

Kaden had to get a quick touch, then ran for it, thinking the goat would chase him. Pretty cute.

Again, too cute!

We loved the trams. They gave us a quick glimpse at every area of the park. FUN TRIP!

Family Gatherings

2009-12-27T14:59:00.000-08:00

It seems that whenever a holiday comes, we have time off from school, or for no calendar reason at all, we gather with our family members. This summer, Janna and Ryan came with their family to visit from Virginia. It was fun to see them and hang with the whole crew...

...and it seems that "Risk" is inevitably part of the festivities. Let me just say - if your husbands have not already discovered the world of "Risk," don't introduce it now! (It really is a fun and exciting game, just lasts for HOURS!)

Father/Son Time

2009-12-27T14:31:00.000-08:00

Here's Travis practicing for his trip with Dad out on the lawn in front of our house. Without water close by, I guess it's the best you can do.

Nick and Trav took an overnight trip to the cool country up north one weekend in July. They hiked and tried their hand at some fishing, but came back empty-handed :(.

Swim lessons

2009-12-27T14:22:00.000-08:00

This was Kaden's first time in swim lessons. He had a blast! He was a little nervous at the first lesson when she started pushing his head under the water, but quickly learned the skills and had a good time! (What you don't see in these pictures is Makenna and I dripping with sweat on the side of the pool while we watched his lessons. Oh, the sacrifices we make!)

Bryana's horse lessons

2009-12-27T14:12:00.000-08:00

Bryana had the opportunity to care for and ride horses this summer at a ranch in Chandler. I have to say, it was a pretty cool set-up! I wanted to participate, too!

Family and Friend Blogs

2009-12-06T18:00:00.001-08:00

I want to have all my friend and family blogs in one place. This has been a slow going process for me, so don't be offended if yours isn't up here yet. In fact, e-mail it to me, and I'll put it up. Thanks!!

Brother From Another Mother

2009-12-06T17:56:00.000-08:00

We all got a good laugh one day when Travis introduced Kaden to someone as his "brother from another mother." There is no doubt that they share some strong genetics, however!

Summertime

2009-11-16T20:41:00.000-08:00

Without further adieu.... some pics from our summer adventures. Now that the kids have aged, you might not recognize them. : )

FINALLY...!

2009-10-15T22:21:00.000-07:00

I have finally updated our blog! Unfortunately, all I had time for tonight was changing from the black background that we had to a much more pleasant background. Yay! I didn't realize how easy it would be. Keep checking for more updates... you may just get to see some new pictures one of these days (but don't hold your breath - I won't be held responsible for any permanent health issues resulting from that!).

Bumbo

2009-04-10T22:34:00.001-07:00

We tried Makenna in the Bumbo for the first time tonight. The second I pulled her out, Kaden decided it was his turn. The funny thing is, when he was younger, his thighs were so chunky he didn't fit in it. Now that he's stretched out, he fits perfectly!

Siblings

2009-04-10T22:05:00.000-07:00

Little miss Makenna is getting so big. Her big brother is learning to love her. He layed down next to her one day, so I had to get the camera out. Too cute!

Morning jog

2009-04-10T22:02:00.000-07:00

All bundled up and ready to go!

Cousins

2009-04-10T21:36:00.000-07:00

Kaden with his cousin, Adam, who is one month his senior. Too sweet!

My Dad is a nut!

2009-01-26T16:10:00.000-08:00

I'm not going to say anything about this picture. Just enjoy!

Regression

2009-01-26T16:07:00.000-08:00

One afternoon, I put Kaden down for his nap, then heard him messing around upstairs. When I went up there to check on him, I found him in Makenna's swing, fast asleep with the music on and everything! It was too cute!

Birthday fun

2009-01-26T16:04:00.000-08:00

Kaden likes to be my big helper when I bake, mostly because he knows he'll get a "taste" before were done. He helped me make cupcakes for a little surprise we had planned for Nick's birthday (although Nik ended up working late and we had to bail on it, that turkey!). Here's a few pics of our little chef.

Growth spurts

2009-01-26T15:59:00.000-08:00

OK, we have a chunkster on our hands! Makenna has already gained several pounds, and I think most of it has gone to her cheeks! The bath-time picture was taken two weeks after she was born, the other two were at four weeks. Chubba-bubba! Such a cutee!

Siblings

2009-01-26T15:48:00.001-08:00

Now, with two boys and two girls, everyone has a buddy! Kaden wanted to do everything that his big bro and sis were doing. (Our little imitator!) Bryana and Lainey (our niece) were little mommies to our little miss Makenna.

Christmas-time with FOUR kids!

2009-01-26T15:18:00.000-08:00

Obviously, our Christmas plans changed with our new addition, so we had multiple celebrations with family in the weeks the followed. Travis and Bryana were able to be with us that first week. We had a blast with all of the kids!

The Best Christmas Eve Gift EVER

2009-01-26T14:46:00.000-08:00

For those of you who are sick of seeing Nick's bloody head, we have something a lot cuter for you to look at - Makenna Noelle. She was born Christmas Eve, which was a special surprise! The night before, Nick and I had planned a date to see "The Forgotten Carols" at the Orpheum in downtown Phoenix. My water broke right before we left, but I wasn't quite sure that was what had happened, so we decided to go to the show. As the show progressed, I became more certain that I wasn't just experiencing pregnancy incontinence, so we called my OB at intermission. He said if I wasn't experiencing hard contractions, I should just stay and enjoy the show, then get our things ready and head to the hospital. So we did! (Great show, by the way!) We got to the hospital just before midnight, and she was born the next morning at 8:29.

Nick's Trauma

2008-10-24T13:12:00.000-07:00

This Monday, Nick underwent minor "surgery" to remove a cyst on his head. He called as he left the doctor's office, moaning and groaning in pain! I told him next time I'll come to hold his hand! Actually, he did very well and is glad to have that procedure over with! He'll have the stitches removed shortly and will forget the whole ordeal!

Hiking with the Brummers

2008-10-24T13:04:00.000-07:00

Early in October, we went on a Saturday morning hike in the Superstitions with our friends, the Brummers. Nick carried Kaden back-pack style, and I carried Makenna as I do every day (my load was a little lighter than Nick's that day!) You can see in one picture that Kaden had to lean around Nick's back to get a good view of the mountains ahead of us. Our friend, Lindsay, caught all of these great pics, including those of our little hiker-in-training. He loved it! (And the weather was amazing!)

Attachment

2008-10-24T12:53:00.000-07:00

Kaden is getting more and more attached to people. Grandpa and Grandma Balls left a few months ago to serve as full-time missionaries in San Jose, CA. Soon after they left, I caught Kaden stacking up books to get their pcture from it's normal place and putting it on a shelf that he would have easy access to. Pretty sweet!

The other picture is Nick's return from his big "hunting" trip in September. Ask him about it sometime! :) He came home sunburned, dirty, and smelly, but Kaden didn't care! He just wanted to give Daddy a BIG, long hug!

Visits to Paradise

2008-10-24T12:41:00.000-07:00

Kaden loves to play with his cousins, especially if he gets to play outside with them! The last time we visited their house, I couldn't get him to come inside! These pictures are from a few trips to visit them in far-away Paradise Valley (booo!). We miss having them close!

Our Little Dancing Man

2008-10-24T12:08:00.000-07:00

Kaden loves to dance (Nick wants me to mention that he loves to play ball, eat dirt, and many other "manly" activities as well). Anytime he hears music, he starts to move. The movement is usually initiated in one arm (which looks somewhat like a one-armed chicken dance), then spreads from there. Before you know it, he's doing circles around the room. One night, just before bedtime, we caught him in the act. Due to the late hour, his orientation was a little off. However, thanks to his "toughness," he got back up and got his groove on again. (As a side note, he wore out the play button on his little Dora CD player, so he's had to look to other musical sources for inspiration!) (Sorry for the dark video! We didn't have all the lights on!)

Curtis and Sharri's wedding

2008-08-13T11:30:00.001-07:00

The summer began with a bang (yes, this post is a little out of order) with Curtis' (my brother's) marriage to Sharri in St. George, Utah. We had most of the crew together. All of the nephews had fun trying to figure out if they were playing with Grandpa or the "fake Grandpa" (my dad's twin, Garth)! I didn't get any good pictures of the bride and groom alone, because my camera battery died! Blast!!

Perry Clan and Perry Boys

2008-08-13T11:26:00.000-07:00

Here is an up-to-date picture of the whole family. I couldn't leave out this adorable picture of all of the boys!

More reunion pics...

2008-08-13T11:23:00.000-07:00

(Sorry, it wouldn't let me put them all on one post!)

Balls Family Reunion

2008-08-13T11:12:00.000-07:00

Nick, Kaden, and I traveled up to Idaho for my family's reunion on the 4th of July. It was a blast! Nick loved the small town celebration (and especially appreciated air conditioning when we got back home, as our hotel did not have AC!) We watched the parade, visited the old home where my dad grew up, sampled real soda water from a natural spring (Nick didn't care for it, but thought it was fun!) and rented out the bowling alley, among many other fun activities. Because his outdoor playing time is limited here in AZ in the summer, Kaden LOVED playing outside and exploring new things (like garbage can lids!). Simple pleasures! I've included a picture of our family with my grandparents - very special!

Newest addition

2008-08-13T11:08:00.000-07:00

Here's one of the first photos of our newest addition who is due to arrive on Christmas Day! We had confirmation last week that she is a little girl. Kaden was so excited to find out he would have a little sister, he decided to try out the girly fashions. What a supportive big brother!

Pizza, anyone?

2008-08-13T11:01:00.000-07:00

Travis and Bryana both love helping me in the kitchen. One night, we had fun making homemade pizzas. Nick was home from work early and wanted to do it the "real" way. It turned into a tossing contest (and a bigger mess!). You can be the judge of who won!

Kaden just looked for a hiding place where he'd be safe from flying pizza dough!

Siblings

2008-08-13T10:55:00.000-07:00

Two budding pianists! (One just wants to do anything his big brother is doing!) You know I can't help but post piano pictures! Travis and Bryana were big helpers with their little bro., even putting on his socks for him (his face tells you how long it took to get both socks on!)

Tempe Town Lake

2008-08-13T10:34:00.000-07:00

Well, better late than never! Here are some fun pics from this summer with the kids. These first few were taken on a very warm summer day (is there any other kind of day in the AZ summertime?) (June 28th) at Tempe Town Lake. We fed the ducks, fished (but with no success!), paddled across the lake (you'll see how excited my nephew, Matt, was to have his picture taken!) and played at the water park. It's a great place for kiddos of all ages!

Kaden's 1st Birthday

2008-05-03T17:14:00.000-07:00

While I don't think Kaden knew why we were celebrating, he sure had a lot of fun on his first birthday! I experimented with some fun cupcakes for Kaden and his counsins to enjoy, which Kaden managed to destroy in a matter of seconds, of course. Kaden seemed a little confused by the candle, the green furry thing on his tray, and the loud singing, as you'll see in his smile-less pictures. He sampled the green furry cupcake, nearly gagged when he took a large bite, then decided it was better as body paint. Grandpa helped him with a quick bath before he opened some gifts.

With the help of his cousins, he was able to open his gifts. I think they were as excited about new toys to play with as he was! Poor Nick was in bed, having suffered from food poisoning just hours before, so you won't see him in many pictures. He made one quick appearance to make sure we were all having a wonderful time while he was suffering in bed! It was a wonderful day for our little Kaden!

Hi Travis and Bryana!

I love to laugh!

2008-04-18T11:00:00.000-07:00

Do you need a good laugh? I thought I should share this so everyone else could enjoy what I get to enjoy every day! The kid chuckles at the drop of a hat (or piece of bread, in this case). Isn't it wonderful to be so carefree and cute as could be?!

Christmas in Bethlehem

2008-03-19T16:12:00.000-07:00

For our ward Christmas celebration, "Journey to Bethlehem," we were asked to dress like those who lived in the time of Christ. It was a wonderful experience as we reflected on the events that surrounded the birth of the Savior and celebrated that great event with friends and family.

Piano Man

2008-03-19T16:09:00.000-07:00

OK, I couldn't resist adding another one! Isn't he cute?!

Music Lover

2008-03-19T15:03:00.000-07:00

Here's our little prodigy-in-training :). Whenever I sit at the piano, Kaden is sure to be close by. He puts his little hands on my feet while I pedal. Fairly often, I'll see him scramble off into the living room, hear him climb up to the piano, then plunk way at the keys. Don't worry Dad (Nick), we'll make sure he has plenty of exposure to sports, too!

Flagstaff Snow Adventures

2008-03-19T14:58:00.000-07:00

Winter time isn't complete without a trip to the snow! We treked up to Flagstaff with Sean and Rhonda and crew for some way cold fun! Nick an Bryana posed for a pic at the bottom of the hill after a nice run!

Christmas Joys and Boys

2008-03-19T14:43:00.001-07:00

Travis loves to help out, whether it's helping his little brother figure out a Christmas gift, helping his cousin get ready for a picture, or helping another cousin learn how to make (and eat!) gingerbread houses.

Bryana and Kaden on Christmas Eve

2008-03-19T14:37:00.000-07:00

Christmas Eve 2007. Bryana loves to make Kaden smile! We spent part of Christmas Eve with Nick's mom, brother and their families.

Getting caught up...

2008-03-19T14:17:00.000-07:00

Well, obviously I haven't updated this for quite some time, so I thought I'd throw in pictures from past events to get everyone caught up. This pic is Kaden at 6 months. He looks very much the same now, he just has many more tricks he can do these days. Hard to believe he'll be one very soon!

Perry Summer Fun 2007

2007-08-30T09:58:00.000-07:00

The time flew by, but we had a blast!