Our Superhero!

This boy turned THREE + he loves superheros = a super fun superhero PARTY!


Nate has been talking about his party for some time now. He was so excited to invite his siblings

and all of his other friends who could make it.

I made them all capes with thier initial on the back. We played games

and ate lunch.

We captured the bad guy with silly string.

We blew out candles, well actually Nate blew out candles.
on a fabulous cake. (I guess I will have to start making cakes again when I move, dang I will miss these girls and their amazing cake decorating skills- maybe I should get a cricut cake?)

Fun was had by all! Nate loved every minute of it and still talks about the bad guy coming to his party and how he got him with silly string.

Nate facts:

Loves his sisters, his brother, snacks, pop, movies, wii, dsi, leapster, candy, running, swords, guns, shoes, bad guys, super heros, tv, arguing, being silly, hotdogs, reading books, making noises, and having baths.

Is ok with eating food, going to bed, getting dressed, going on the potty, cleaning up, sitting in timeout.

Hates taking naps, getting told no, sitting at the table during dinner, loud music.

We really enjoy having Nate in our family and can't imagine what life was like with just the two girls. Nate can quote movie and book lines after hearing them only a few times, it is hilarious. He loves being Luigi on Super Mario Brothers and is actually good at it, he is quite the gamer already. He loves to cuddle and is also a mad man running around the house. We love you, Nate.

Looking on the bright side...

Pretend there is one less 's' in the wording. These kids are so fun! I love being their mom, not all roses but it is very entertaining! We sit back and laugh constantly, we have our own little entertainment all the time. McKell telling about her valentine's day and all the boys giving her gifts and how they did it, to her in tears over nothing. Alyssa cracking us up telling jokes or rolling her eyes so far back only the white shows. Nate, well he is 2 and most anything he says is hilarious, to him pretending he is spider man all the time. Zach is 9 months old, he says "uh-oh" when you ask him to and he laughs so hard when his siblings tickle him- which makes us laugh just watching.

Here is our update from around here...
*Computer fixed with new hard drive, benefit: I got new photoshop for it.
*Pictures have been recovered after 3 different places tried ($550 later), benefit: all my pictures are now backed up on dvd's.
* Phil had his last month of Q3 (in hospital call every 3 days) 30+ hours shifts, benefit: shows how you can adjust to about anything.
* House all clean and up on the market, benefit: half our house is now packed and ready to move.
* The snow is still coming down and it is still freezing, benefit: can't see the ugly dead grass?( I would rather see the ugly dead grass, by the way)
* Phil is gone for a 2 week Medical Mission in Colombia, benefit: (for him or me?) him- sun, service, brushing up on his spanish me- ummm?
The kids are doing great, I am surviving, does anyone want my dog while we get this house sold?

Picture this...

A great Christmas season was had by our little family. We had a church Christmas party I took the kiddies to by myself while Phil worked* we had Phils anesthesia Christmas party at the nice Hata's home and did some ball room dancing* we decorated our 9 foot real Christmas tree that we got for only$25* we made yummy treats* we did the 12 days of Christmas to a family in our neighborhood* we rode the bus through Coralville and looked at all the lights and had a visit from Santa on the bus* we sat on Santa's lap at the mall* we shopped*we made gifts-blankets and a calendar, this year* we wrapped- well I just wrapped* we decorated gingerbread houses with friends* we had a wonderful Christmas Eve party with friends- tons of food, acted out the nativity, sang carols, got pjs* our first Christmas morning at our own home since we have been married was great, the kids were magical, excitement was everywhere as was wrapping paper, we had a great breakfast with my tradition of lox and bagels and Phil's tradition of muffins, bacon and eggs* we had friends over for a ton of yummy food on Christmas night*

We missed seeing our Moms and Dads and Brothers and Sisters and Grandmas and Grandpas and Cousins and Nieces and Nephews and Friends that we usually get to see this time of year.

And I would like to share pictures but my computer died and it is the hard drive and yes I had pictures on it that weren't backed up- 2 years! So we are a little down here at the Brenchley house. We found out we have to send it somewhere for them to try and recover the data- does anyone have any info on a good place to send it? I feel weird just sending it to some random name that I have googled. All we have is our way old computer that doesn't have any photoshop stuff on it right now so I am keeping all my pictures on my way old camera-will this residency life ever end so we can spend some money on things we need (want)?!

So hope you all had a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year! Any info on the computer stuff would be WONDERFUL!

News

I think it might finally be winter around here. Today was our first day of cold weather. It has been a wonderful fall. I hear we might have a mild winter, I will cross my fingers.
We went to Milwaukee for Thanksgiving and it reminded us how much colder it is up there. My cousin and her family moved there the same time we left, huge bummer. Our kids got along wonderfully and we enjoyed a gourmet Thanksgiving meal made by her hubby (3 turkeys each cooked a different way, 8 pies! it was amazing!)
My cousin and I shopped the black friday sales like pros, we started at 9:30pm Thanksgiving night and went all night and got home at 8am the next day. We went to a million store and got some great deals. I think she might be wiped out for next year. Anyone want to do it with me next year?
I will be closer west so we can figure it out and plan it. We have made our decision and Phil has accepted a job in Cheyenne, Wyoming! It was a hard decision but we think it will be a great fit all around. My mom- not so happy that we didn't go with the closer offer, but after a visit during Frontier Days(a big deal in Wyoming- rodeos, country music concerts, parades, a whole week of western fun!) I'm sure she will love our decision. :) It is so great to know our next step in life. We are super excited!

ALOHA!

Look who turned 5 Hawaiian style!!


Alyssa had her hawaiian luau party on Saturday and is now a big five year old! She invited 10 of her friends over for her big day. We had them all wear their swimsuits, even though it is November and we live in Iowa. We didn't swim and we turned the heat up so no one was too cold, but it was actually a beautiful dayoutside. When the guests arrived we got them all hula'ed up with their leis, grass skirts, flower for their hair and tatoos.

We then had a hula hoop contest.


Then McKell took center stage, without me even telling her what to do. The night before McKell and I had gone to the library in search of a video teaching how to hula, no luck. The day of the party after the hula hoop contest I said we are going to learn how to hula and I was turning up the hawaiian music we had playing in the background and McKell went to town. She had everyone stand up and spread out so they weren't touching anyone. She taught them all how to 'hula' for a good 15 minutes. "Move your hands like they are going over mountains" "go side to side" "good job Maria, I like the way you are moving your hips". I was so surprised! I let her do her stuff, the little girls LOVED it. Thanks Kell you are a super star!

After hulaing we had lunch. Hawaiian pizza, fruit kabobs, and fish crackers.

We then did the limbo. The girls had a great time and wanted to keep going lower until they had to slither under the pole on their backs. I had the 'cake makers' make Alyssa's birthday cake, remember how cute Nate's was? They did an amazing job!

I made a ice cream volcano to go with the cake and Alyssa blew and blew and blew out the candles, we used trick candles- Phil was getting worried she was going to pass out she was blowing so much, it was pretty funny. We finished up the party with present opening and snow cones! You can't have a hawaiian luau without a snow cone! Here is the snow cone maker I rented, don't ask any questions- this thing almost put me in the dog house with my hubby. There was even talk of giving me a budget for my parties- gasp- I know! In my defense, we did have snow cones with friends Friday night, saturday, and sunday and the kids all loved them.

The tradition has now been set that you get to pick where we go to dinner when it is your birthday so Alyssa picked Red Lobster. As we were sitting there getting ready to order Phil and I were looking at the kids menu and we said to each other, 'Why are we here for Alyssas birthday she doesn't like anything on this menu?' and then it occured to us, she doesn't like anything on any menu. She was just there to pet the lobster. Since her actual birthday is Sunday she got to pick what we had for dinner. She wanted tortillas and carrots. After we talked further she came up with the menu of- bean burritos, cucumbers and carrots with ranch, jello jigglers and pineapple- with snow cones for dessert! (see we used it a lot) Happy Birthday Alyssa, you always make us smile!!

BOO!

Did I scare you? It is a shocker that I am actually posting, I know I will try and do better.

We had a great halloween around here.

The kids were all pirates!

We had a fun party for the kids and their friends. I made these fun invitations...

They are those little cans that are filled with fruit coctail, you open the bottom with the safety can opener, wash it all out and let dry, fill with paper scroll that has party details on it and put gummy worms and other candy in it, then seal the bottom back on with clear glue. Cover the can with cute paper and there you go.

We had scary food,

Mummy hotdogs, spider sandwiches, worm slime, witches brew, eyeballs, and ghost, witch, and cat cupcakes.

The kids all came dressed-up. We decorated sugar cookies, played games, ate food, had glow-in-the-dark necklaces and bracelets and sat in the dark while I introduced the kids to our dear friend John who was nice enough to leave his remains for them to feel. They felt his guts, heart, ears, eyeball, brains, teeth and fingers.

A good time was had by all.

We had our ward party, which I had to do by myself since Phil was on nights, ugggh. There was a little party at the hospital. The girls each had their school parties. McKell's I helped with and made the popcorn witches hands, Alyssa's we took cupcakes (thats why I made so many for the party) but she didn't want me to even come in and take a picture. Some friends came from Indiana to go trick-or-treating with us, it was so fun to see them. McKell and Kaitlyn hadn't seen each other for over 3 years, but use to be great friends in Milwaukee- McKell answered the door when they came and they said to each other "I don't remember you" while they gave each other a big hug. The girls didn't waist any time, all 4 of them (McKell, Kaitlyn, Alyssa, and Sadie) loved playing together. Nate, Porter and Zach will be the same way in a few years.

Other fall fun: Pumpkin picking-

Hay mazes and farm fun.

And of course the annual pumpkin carving.

Football games- McKell did a cheer camp and performed at the West High game. She loved it and it was the first game Phil and I have been to since we were in high school. Fun times!
Other things we have been up to-

Phil has been traveling- conferences (New Orleans), interviews for jobs (can we really be close to finishing?).

I have been obsessed with the decisions of what we are doing next year and need a decision to be made so I can get other things done!

McKell has been going to birthday parties galore. We had her parent teacher conference and she is doing great in the second grade. Her teacher said there is a romance going on with McKell and Noah in class. They always want to be partners with each other and when they are reading or doing something Noah will put his arm around her, her teacher thinks it is so funny. McKell just thinks they are best friends. Her teacher and I were talking about how different it is for them because McKell is the oldest and Noah is the youngest with three older sisters.

Alyssa is looking forward to turning 5 next week. Her parent teacher conference was last week as well. I was a little nervous about going because a few weeks ago I found out about Alyssa's problem with telling the truth at school. Her teacher said Alyssa hasn't had anymore problems with telling the truth since I talked to her, whew! Alyssa is doing great and is ready for kindergarten. Her teacher is going to try and get some more things to challenge her for the rest of the year. She says she loves to play with her girl friends in class but when they get on the playground she loves to run with the boys because the girls can't keep up with her. Her teacher says- "She is so fast!"

Nate loves his music class I take him to once a week. He is obsessed with motorcycles, swords, guns, spiderman, batman, pirates, scooby doo, candy, books and drinks. He is hilarious to talk to. He is still a total boy. I dressed him up like this (it is a Kogan tradition) to dress up boys once like a girl. Phil is not happy about this picture. McKell told him to hold his dress up. After I put the camera away he ripped off his head band and pretended it was a gun. Zach is now 6 months old. He is a stellar food eater and loves veggies and fruit. He makes everyone think they are so special because he will catch your eye and give you a great big smile and keeps smiling at you like you are his long lost friend. He really has made peoples day, it is so cute to see strangers reactions to him. He can sit and loves toys. He went on his first airplane ride to Denver and did great.

Camping, Girl trips, and the Frog

We had our annual ward camp out a few weeks ago and Phil was on overnight call at the hospital. I thought it would be a fun adventure and decided to try and do it by myself. We got the tent set up and made a giant bed for us all to sleep on inside. Phil was totally surprised I did it, mostly because I did it without an air mattress. It was the first time I have ever been camping without one, and I am glad it was only one night. The kids had a blast and slept great. Zach slept next to me, away from the other kids, and he woke up with a big smile on his face, he is a camper already. The kids had fun catching little toads, which died the next day.

Some friends decided to go camping again the next weekend so camping was done again, except this time Phil took the kids (minus Zach) while I spent some girl time in Chicago. They ate like kings, well cowboys, with wonderful dutch oven dishes. Phil said he is getting too old to go camping without an air mattress, other than sore mussels everyone had a blast.

Kasey, who moved to Alaska a year ago, came to Chicago for her hubby's conference. So Robs, Sarah, and I drove up to see her. She brought Ethan so Zach wouldn't be the only boy. We had a blast shopping, laughing, eating, taking pictures of Robilyn, talking about the past and the future, and just being together. The boys were super stars!

I got home Saturday night, our anniversary was Sunday, Phil was on call 2 more times that week and then I headed out on another fun girl trip adventure. I went to Minneapolis to the Mall of America! Not to shop, can you believe I only went in two stores the whole weekend! It was Scrapfest 2009. My friend Heather, from med school she lives in Des Moines, and I decided to see what it was all about. It was Disneyland for scrappers. We payed to get a badge ($15) and then spent three days walking around the mall standing in lines and doing projects. It was lots of fun! They even had the expensive souviners we had to buy to remember the weekend.

The frog! I was driving to volleyball at the church one night last week and noticed something hop on the side of the road. I thought to myself, McKell is obsessed with frogs right now, she should come to this pond and see what she finds. The next day Phil was post call (home sleeping) I was taking the kids to school and when I got home Phil was awake, shocking.

He said, 'that was a funny joke.'

Me- 'What?' looking at him like are you sleep talking?

Him- 'Go look out in the garage in the bucket'

Me- 'Why?' thinking- just go to sleep so you can get up before dinner and help me with the kids

I go look in the bucket and there is this

I was so shocked. He found it on the ground in the garage. McKell has been asking for one as a pet and Phil thought I got one and was playing a joke on him. There would be no way a frog would be able to get in our garage on its own. We were baffled. Then I remembered the night before when I was driving to volleyball and saw something out of the corner of my eye. He must have jumped onto the grill of the van and stayed there while I played and then got off before I left in the morning. Prayers do get answered! The girls were so excited when they saw him and quickly named him Cody. They kept saying, 'I can't believe this is real, I can't believe we really have our own frog.' Poor frog had a broken leg, look how it goes out. They were planning his recovery and feeding him crickets and deciding who gets to take him to school first. McKell took him the next day to school and he was a hit. She didn't let anyone hold him except for Brody, of course, but let everyone look at him. She was going in from recess and held the door open for some 1st graders, a girl was walking in and looked at the frog box and didn't believe it was real. She took the box from McKell and shook it and threw it on the ground. Poor Cody was bleeding from his head and only lasted until about 5 pm that night before he 'croaked'. McKell was devastated. She was crying and didn't want to eat dinner. She wanted a proper burial, which I talked her out of. Poor Cody, he will now be forever remembered on the blog.

We won't be hanging out together as a whole family anytime soon, Phil is on nights then headed to interviews and conferences and then another week of nights. So maybe once October is over we can finally celebrate our 12 year anniversary, and go to dinner together.