The McKennas

trip to ikea

2012-02-10T17:10:00.000-08:00

My mom, Adell and I (and the kids) went to IKEA this week for a bite to eat and nice snoop around some darling Swedish goods. Yep, these are strictly pictures of Keaton again but how can I resist? He loved it. However, I think he would have liked to have had Mac n' Cheese like Roan did (hence, the sad face picture) but I guess he should probably grow a couple teeth first so he had some graham crackers instead. He stopped complaining once I put him in the cart and pushed him around...He didn't say, but I'm betting he had a pretty enjoyable day.

oh, boy..

2012-02-06T13:59:00.000-08:00

hard to have a bad day when you have this little kiddo around the house...

lunch in the park

2012-01-28T22:53:00.000-08:00

Twice this week I've been lucky enough to make time to eat lunch at the park with Keaton. I don't know the name of it but it's directly behind the Barnes & Noble at Dana Park (Sam works at the at&t there) and it's really a beautiful park. The weather has been pristine for outdoor excursions and I've been wanting to take advantage of it for quite a while now. The first time we were able to go after running some errands with Sam who we then had to drop off back to work. Second time we had some time to spare while waiting to pick Sam up. I'm determined to go again, this time WITH Sam. Keaton loves being outside in the grass it's so funny to watch. The first time I set him down he just started laughing out of pure joy! Our little spot is just under a tree by some balance beams, which he loves to stand up on (and occasionally bite when I'm not looking) I love my little buddy...I hope Keaton will always be as excited to have lunch with his mom as he did when he was 9 months old!

all grown up...(kinda)

2012-01-22T23:05:00.000-08:00

Today Keaton wore a white shirt n' tie to church for the first time :) Had I known I could find them at The Children's Place, who sells them from size 6-9 months and up, I probably would have done it a long time ago. However, he fits this 12 months shirt just fine and the tie I received way back at my baby shower is finally around his sweet cherub neck. It's funny, when I first got the tie I remember thinking it would be ages before he would be able to wear it but little did I know this first year would go by in the blink of an eye. He looks so grown up! (minus the bit of drool that is forever down his chin) Got to admit...the boys were looking pretty smart today.

two, free, four

2012-01-18T18:54:00.000-08:00

I personally love the random guy at the right who does all meaningless hand gestures....and the guitarist wearing the lazer-beam helmet....almost as good as the song itself.

the home

2012-01-14T14:50:00.000-08:00

I have had a folder saved on our computer for quite some time now that I've been putting in pictures here and there of different ideas I'll come across for adorning the home...and now with the move coming up I can get really excited about cleaning house and starting afresh with the handy help of some lovely inspiration :)

pack your bags

2012-01-07T11:45:00.000-08:00

These are the lovely pieces I picked up at DI yesterday...this lot cost me only $10 and as a bonus, all the zippers still work perfectly. You'd be surprised how often being frugal gets you the types of things you'd be tempted to pay a lot more for.

buster k.

2012-01-07T00:29:00.000-08:00

I know I've talked about Buster Keaton before but I watched Sherlock Jr. last night and I just can't get over how awesome his movies are..(FYI there are a few of them on Netflix) And yes, he is the name sake of our first born..what can I say. When I was in high school, I would spend most school nights watching old movies on TCM when one night they were going through a list of the 100 best movies of all time and Buster Keaton's The General was very near the top...they played a few clips of it and it just looked amazing to me. Thats where my affinity for these movies began and I bet if you watch this video you just might be next.

day out

2012-01-06T23:36:00.000-08:00

This week Sam's day off was today as opposed to the usual wednesday and the first thing we did was head over to DI (Deseret Industries) to drop off a few things we didn't need anymore and take a look at what they had. I was lucky enough to find some cool vintage luggage for next to nothing that I will be using when we move. Afterwards, we went to Urban picnic because we've heard good things about their Turkey and Stuffing sandwhich (if any sandwhich was created just for Sam, this has got to be the one) I got the BLT (pictured) with a side of fresh fruit...delicious meal, perfect weather, lovely company. I love days like this where Sam, Keaton and I can just go out and enjoy one another without worrying about schedules or work. If I was going to give anyone advice...marry your best friend because it's moments like this that remind you whats most important in life.....eachother.

2012-01-01T17:24:00.000-08:00

For New Years Eve we went over to my parents house to celebrate. Adell and Logan were also there so of course there were delicious treats (homemage green pepper cheese ball and white chocolate fuge with cashews...yum) We engaged in a little game of left, right middle in which Sam won a whopping $14! Then obviously there were fireworks to be set off, plenty of them. Happy New Year!

new year, new hobby

2011-12-27T11:28:00.000-08:00

A few weeks ago I saw a lovely watercolor painting and said to Sam 'I'd like to start watercoloring' Well, little did I know he took it to heart and I was so surprised to see he had gotten me an entire set with paper and everything for Christmas :) I used to paint a little back in highschool with acrylic paints but after I graduated I didn't really carry on with it. I'm so excited to start it up again, watercolor is so beautiful I just hope I can get the hang of all the blending and shading that goes into it. Here are couple of my my first attempts! I thought I would start off with something that doesnt need a whole lot of experience so I did the union jack and american flag.. simple red, white and blue then I went on to try and copy a picture I took of Keaton on a skooter. It's been so much fun!
Thanks Sam, for always listening and being so thoughtful :)

christmas 2011

2011-12-26T13:25:00.000-08:00

We had such a fun time with Keaton's first Christmas! Keaton loved it and got a lot of fun gifts from family. We were able to Skype Sam's family after we opened our gifts to watch them open ours to them. I hope they liked what we got them, I kept asking Sam after we sent their package off 'Do you think they'll like the gifts??' I'm sure I drove him crazy but if they loved them as much as we loved all they gave us then I know we're ok :) It was so good to see everyone! We then headed over to my parents house for the gift exchange and delicious breakfast. Beautiful weather for an all-around fab christmas!

big news

2011-12-24T21:09:00.000-08:00

Well, it's been a while since Sam and I have made the decision to move to England but until tonight, no one besides immediate family knew about it. Yep, it's true! The plan is to move just before summer next year to somewhere close to where Sam's family live in York. A lot of thought and prayer has gone into our decision and we know it needs to be the next chapter of our life and we truly just feel like it is what we need to do. I love my family so, so much and will miss seeing them as often but I will love visiting them and them visiting us. They have made me the person I am today. However, I am greatful for this opportunity and have already felt myself grow through this process. We appreciate all the love and support from others. We both have everything we've ever wanted and are so happy together, we support and love one another so much. We have a fantastic family we are going to and I am really looking forward to seeing them and growing closer to them.

(Sam and I - England 2008)

on etsy

2011-12-23T15:11:00.000-08:00

click to take a look

I started an etsy store a while back to have a bit of fun in my spare time. There isn't much for sale at the present but I enjoy it and hope you feel free to take a peek every so often :)

little K

2011-12-20T14:01:00.000-08:00

Today, I decided to take advantage of the lovely natural light coming through our giant front window and snap some pictures of Keaton, who turns 8 months on Christmas! As always, he was a good sport and put up with me. What a nice guy.

the stockings were hung

2011-12-19T16:23:00.001-08:00

One of the funnest things I've discovered about getting married and starting a family is you get to continue all the fun traditions you grew up with. Since Sam told me that his mom used to always have a parachute man in his stocking, I have done it every year. In my family, it was an orange. I asked my mom about it the other day because as fas as I know, we are the only family on earth that puts an orange in everyones stocking every year. She told me it was so she didn't have to make us breakfast...genius! Just another reason why we will be continuing on with the orange in the stocking tradition. Looks like Keaton will never have a dull christmas with his parachute men and nature-made breakfasts!

2011-12-13T12:40:00.000-08:00

nativity 2011

2011-12-12T19:32:00.000-08:00

My mom really wanted to do a grandkid nativity photo this year for their christmas card so last night we dressed them all up and had a photo shoot. Luckily they were all very cooperative!

Here is Keaton fullfilling his assignment as a sheep. I must say, we were very proud of him.. he took his roll very seriously, even eating the hay at times (because he is just that good) although, I'm not sure his cousin Quinney was as impressed by it as we were!

2011-12-01T16:40:00.001-08:00

Today Sam and I took Keaton to see Santa Claus because this is his first Christmas ever so that's pretty special. While waiting in line, I asked Sam what he thought Keaton's reaction would be... we predicted that he would be a little confused at first but then slowly realize Santa Claus looked like a pretty fun guy and smile away like he usually does. We were right!

thanksgiving 2011

2011-11-25T11:50:00.000-08:00

Thanksgiving this year was in the backyard of my Aunt & Uncles house. It was fun getting to see everyone again and enjoy the nice weather. I love this time of year, we had a great time and are excited to get to Christmas even though I've still got a lot of shopping to do!

2011-11-25T11:33:00.000-08:00

Sam and I have recently both undertaken some extra-curricular activities on the side and it has been really enjoyable to take part in/support each other in. Sam plays ice hockey once a week whilst I am on an adult city softball team that plays once a week so Sam takes Keaton to watch me and I take him to watch Sam. It's been a blast and as you can see, he enjoys it as much we do! I'm sure he just likes getting out and about seeing as he's usually at home with me all day. It's been a good reminder that amidst the busy-ness of life, have fun too!

2011-11-10T17:49:00.001-08:00

"Of course, part of the 'problem' with redheads is that there aren't enough of them. They make up just two percent of the population. So they're pretty extraordinary." - Big Hair

2011-11-03T19:41:00.000-07:00

Lately I've been thinking that it would be in my greatest benefit to become a morning person. Now all I have to do is convince myself that it will be easy. It won't. It's true, I usually get up just before 8:00 which I guess isn't so bad (for me anyway) but visions of getting laundry, dishes and breakfast done by the time Sam wakes up are attacking my brain and making me want to try a little harder everyday to make it possible. I took a little inspiration from this napkin I found at my grandma Vance's house. She hand embroidered it and I love it because the word 'darling' is just so grandma. She is so sweet.

Here's to end-of-year resolutions!

6 months later

2011-10-31T19:38:00.000-07:00

drooling.teething.laughing.crying.playing.crawling.eating.screaming.smiling.mumbling.

reaching.rolling.staring.snorting.

the picture on the right was taken today when Keaton fell asleep on our bed this afternoon. he looked so perfect and peaceful that i just had to stay there with him and share in a little down time together.

I love being this little boys mom so much, words can't ever describe it.

summer snapshots

2011-10-17T00:43:00.000-07:00

Watching their flight come in! British Airways 1-way from London

Keaton and Grandma Wendy

Driving to the grand canyon - Keaton was a great little traveler!

Sam and Keaton at the grand canyon

From our balcony at The View hotel in Monument Valley - beautiful!

Can't resist those cheeky cheeks - Monument Valley

Happy chap

Diamondbacks game - so exciting

YUMM..

We had the greatest time with Sam's parents and 3 younger sisters! We are really excited to see them a again in a few short months.

chiming in again

2011-10-17T00:05:00.000-07:00

Well, we've been living on our new place for just over a month now and we are really loving it. There are a lot of things about living here that make me wonder how we ever managed at the apartment we were living in before but I guess thats how life goes! I do admit however that it was hard to leave just because of all the memories that were created there. The greatest being that it was Keaton's first home and looking at his empty bedroom for the last time was harder than I thought it would be! I could just picture myself standing there rocking him at 3am like I did so many times. Then, instead of feeling sad, I got really excited thinking of all the memories to come in our new place and believe me, there have already been plenty!

2011-06-24T14:58:00.000-07:00

Keaton is 2 months tomorrow - can't believe how fast he is growing and kinda whish he would actually just take a breather and stay our little newborn but I'm sure he has some pretty awesome plans for the world so I guess its ok for him to grow...just a little.

our own little photoshoot

2011-06-09T23:08:00.000-07:00

innocence is bliss

2011-06-01T13:39:00.000-07:00

While I promise that not all of my posts from now on will just be pictures of Keaton, I must say it's hard when you have a baby who loves the camera as much as he does! Ok, maybe I make him love the camera but all the same we can't get enough of this boy. Everyone tells you how exciting it is to have a baby and also how hard it is but one thing no one mentioned to me is how funny it is. Babies are seriously the most hilarious people on earth. We are constantly laughing due to this little butter-ball. One of the things that probably makes us laugh the most is how innocently he undertakes certain bodily functions...things that would make any dignified adult blush..(you know what I speak of)

Among many things, he is defiantly teaching us to be careful not to take ourselves too seriously!

Anniversary: 2

2011-05-28T11:34:00.000-07:00

The past two years have flown by giving credit to the phrase that time really does fly when your having fun! I am so grateful that I was lucky enough to have found such an amazing person to fall in love with and marry. I always thank Sam for writing to me in which his reply is always 'Thank you for writing me back'. Anyways, to celebrate ourselves we indulged in a lovely dinner at P.F. Chang's then skipped over to the movie theatre. There wasn't a movie we really wanted to see but we really wanted to see a movie...which didn't make much sense but Pirates of the Caribbean in 3D is pretty neat.

I love being married to my best friend :)

Happy Anniversary!

2 weeks old!

2011-05-08T22:03:00.000-07:00

Keaton and Dad - 2 weeks old

Can't believe it's already been 2 weeks, seems like we were just at the hospital yesterday! Hopefully it wont always go by this quickly - we are enjoying our little guy too much :)

Since he's been home for 14 days now, I wanted to share a few things we have already found that we love about Keaton...

14 things for the 14 days we have been a family...

1. The way you snort like a piglet when you get upset

2. How you kick your long legs so fast the blanket comes off and you cry because your cold
3. How sometimes instead of crying you growl
4. How your legs and arms shoot out rigid when you hear a loud noise when your asleep
5. They way you instantly fall asleep every time we take you in the car
6. The way you sleep occasionally with your eyes halfway open
7. The fact that you would much rather held by your mom or dad than to be put in the swing
8. How much we miss you when you sleep for a long time
9. The fishy face
10. Your cry
11. How I've caught you laughing in your sleep more than once!
12. When you cry so hard your gums show
13. How long it takes you to finish stretching after you wake up
14. Everything!

Keaton Samuel McKenna

2011-05-04T15:03:00.000-07:00

April 25, 2011

7 lb. 12 oz. - 21 in.

week: 40

2011-04-16T15:00:00.000-07:00

...and ready to meet our boy anyday!

almost there!

2011-03-18T23:55:00.000-07:00

Been working on the baby room a lot lately - just a few more things I'd like to get finished with before he arrives in 5 weeks :)

2011-03-09T21:40:00.000-08:00

Sam had a day off today so we decided to go fishing for a while - I love any excuse to get out and harvest some fresh air and sunshine, especially when I get to bring my new camera along. We started off at Riverview Lake just off Dobson road but it was crowded and we quickly caught on to what seemed to be a trend of no one catching any fish - so we packed it in and went to the nearest canal where we had better luck.
Today has been a great day!

BOY!

2010-11-20T23:23:00.000-08:00

5 months to go!

8 weeks

2010-10-17T14:44:00.000-07:00

I am now 13 weeks, but this is the only picture i have of the little peanut so far :) We are both very excited!

England 2010

2010-06-24T15:37:00.000-07:00

In 26 days, Sam and I will be in England to visit family and be at his brother Jake's wedding. This will be our second time to England since we've been married and we can't wait to be there again!

Some of the things we are really looking forward to are...

{Wedding!
{Fish n' Chips
{Bread that Sam won't complain about
{Caro/Vimto/J20/Lime Cordial/Ribena
{Family Dinners
{Monopoly
{Driving
{York City Centre
{Nice Weather

{Shopping

{CHOCOLATE

{Iced Fingers/Scones/Flapjack

{Ice Cream & Flake

...but most of all,we look forward to being with FAMILY. I have married into the most wonderful family and I get so excited to think about our trip over in a few weeks!

Anniversary: 1

2010-06-06T20:28:00.000-07:00

Sam and I celebrated our 1st wedding anniversary :) I can't believe it's already been a year, it has been the greatest time of my life and we look forward to many more years to come! One of the fun things we did was go to the Phoenix Zoo - we practically had the place to ourselves seeing as no one else is crazy enough to go in this heat! It was a lot of fun though!

2010-01-03T06:42:00.000-08:00

Sam and I have been in England since December 9 for a christmas holiday with family. We have had such a great time over here! My parents we able to be here the first week for a wonderful wedding reception we had. It has been a great time with family and we can't wait until we can come back again next year!

We..
}had a wedding reception
}visited robin hoods bay
}visited the lake district
}shopped in york
}house sat
}had snow ball fights
}stayed with family
}slept in :)
}had our own new years bash
}had a wonderful time!

Update-ish

2009-08-08T11:50:00.000-07:00

Well, we havent updated our blog for nearly 4 months so I don't anticipate any feedback from this post seeing as I'm not even sure anyone looks on here anymore but I figured we could get back to blogging anyways. We live in Utah again and both working right now. I work at World Wide Books [www.worldwidebooks.org]in Orem and Sam is working at Utah Valley University making survey calls to Alumni. Besides being busy with work, we're also getting Sams Visa papers prepared to be sent in this week. We will be so glad to finally get that out of the way, so many forms!(and fees) We enjoy our ward and both recieved callings last week. I'm on the RS Enrichment Committee and Sam is a Gospel Doctrine Teacher. We are both really excited, especially Sam :) He loves to teach (and he's good at it too!) As a double wammy, they also asked him to speak in church this week so I'm really looking forward to hearing him.

Bowling night

2009-03-23T22:07:00.000-07:00

Sam, his roommate Michael Johnson and I went to a BYU 38th Ward Family Home Evening activity at the Wilkinson Building on campus tonight. Enjoyed it!

Brighton

2009-03-22T22:05:00.000-07:00

Sunday Dinner

2009-03-22T16:47:00.000-07:00

We made a lovely dinner at Sam's apartment today. Consider the savory gravy and decadent potatoes....Yumm.

engagements

2009-03-22T14:35:00.000-07:00

the proposal

2009-02-20T21:48:00.000-08:00

32 days since::::

2009-02-20T21:45:00.001-08:00

I love you Sam.

Fishing at Grafton

2009-02-20T21:43:00.002-08:00

sure...all these videos are of Sam. But what can I say, I couldn't resist.

2009-02-20T21:43:00.001-08:00

Whilst sitting at Manchester airport in England waiting for my flight to JFK, Sam offered to cheer me up by doing some lovely impressions...Hope you enjoy.

"Computer says no..."

"Lemon DRIZZle cake!"

"Yeah but no but yeah"

England 2008

2009-02-20T21:40:00.001-08:00

2008-12-13T14:36:00.000-08:00

Well here it is! I have finally been converted and decided to create a blog for Leslie and I. Its about two weeks now until I get to see her again. Then it will be the start of something amazing. We have been talking every day to help it that we are 6000 miles apart. I am so grateful for Skype, its been an absolute lifesaver. I cant wait to see her and be with her, seems like its been 10 years since the last time i saw her. Roll on...