Kallie Wants a Dog

Kallie,

When you were 2 or 3 you begged for a dog, so I told you we would get one when you turned 7. Honestly, 7 sounded like forever away and I was hoping you'd forget the next day. A few days later you were allowed to pick something out at Target, you chose a dog toy for your future dog.  At that point I realized you were not going to forget.

Now here you are at age 6, and turning 7 in 5 months.  As part of us preparing to buy a dog for the family we have been taking care of two dogs for our good friends Jason and Nicole. Manziel and Zena have stayed with us twice and it is clear that you need a dog in your life.

 

You gave me this note to show me you know how to take care of a dog.

 

Maryn Reading

Maryn,

At this point in your life you HATE being in pictures and on video. When I try to take a picture, you cover you face and run away screaming. I had to sneak this one!

Teaching the Girls to Work

"You should never be too busy working to teach your children to work"

I do my best to repeat this phrase in my head whenever my kids are "helping" out in the trailer. As they grow older, I want them to remember this time as something we spent together and not a place where Daddy disappeared to

I took this quote and statement from Nathan's blog tenxfifty because it was a powerful quote and statement by Nathan.  

After a evening or riding "challenges" in Zilker park before Blues on the Green we came home with 3 flat tires.  While this is not work, I needed to change the tires and before I read this quote I probably would have knocked it out by myself in 20 minutes because I was in a rush. However, I decided to slow down and show you girls how to change the tires. 

This was a great experience and while you won't be able to do it yourself next time you at least understand the concept (and the result of skidding your tires all the time).

Maryn pulling the thorns out

Random Swim

On the way home tonight we decided to take a random swim with clothes on and run home.  I hope you girls continue to create these memories and live your life in the moment like this!

Maryn's doctor's visit

Maryn,

Today we went to the doctor with an infected sore on your leg.  This sore had you limping around and screaming in pain anytime it was touched.  Unfortunately Dr Unite had to lance it and squeeze the juice out.  I have no doubt that this will be an appointment that you remember forever.

We had to hold you down as you kicked and screamed.  This was so difficult to watch but of course it is what he had to do.  I tried to explain, but I know it's hard for a 4 year old to understand.

I hope it clears up, because I don't think I could get you back in that office anytime soon.

Climbing

Today we went rock climbing (indoors) for the first time and you both did great!  I hope that you both develop a love for climbing and adventure but I know that is not my decision.  We hope to constantly create great adventurous days for you girls.  Maybe you will climb a big mountain with me one day because that would make me the happiest Dad in the world.

Bike Rack

I built a bike rack several months ago for both of your bikes and Kallie's scooter.  You were very upset I didn't have a scooter spot for you, but you didn't have one yet.  Once you got a scooter you reminded me about once a week to add a spot for your scooter.

After about 4 months on reminders, we made it happen.

Hair Cuts

While I was at work, Mommy had enough of the tears from tangles so it was time for a haircut.

The Garee's

Today we went to see James Garee and his chickens.  Kallie, when you were one you visited the station (26 on OT) and James rocked you and read you a firefighter magazine.  That memory has always stayed with you.

Dirty Car Contest

Today when we got in the car Maryn said, "Daddy, you need to clean your car! Ma has the cleanest car, Mommy has the second, and you are the loser of the clean car contest."

Kallie replied, "Don't call Daddy a loser!  Daddy, you're the winner of the dirty car contest."

Thanks Kallie Zane.

Carnes Fest

Kallie and Maryn,

Last night we went to a party with the families from Station 18.  You have been going to these parties since you were born and have grown up around the other kids.

Maryn Holding a Picture of Daddy

Maryn,

This is you holding my favorite picture of us.  You spend more time on my shoulders than you do walking so it's a perfect picture.

Kallie's Special Friend Ryan

Kallie,

This is you and your special friend Ryan at the kindergarten field trip.

Princess Anna

Maryn as Anna from the movie Frozen.

Sleeping Sisters

Maryn Night

Maryn,

Tonight Kallie had her book club meeting so we went to eat and have dessert.  While you were eating you asked me if Kallie really had invisible freezing power.  I explained to you that she does not have any magic power and that no one has freezing power.  So you said, "Excuse me...hello...Elsa?! (from the movie Frozen)

Green Belt Hike

Girls,

Today we had a great hike to Twin Falls today.  

Birthday Gift

Kallie,

This morning, on my birthday, you realized I didn't have presents to open immediately so you gave me this for a present.  You told me you were sorry it was pink and that it was a K and not a T.

You are such a caring and thoughtful kid!  Love you sweetie.

Curly Hair

Kallie and Maryn,

This is one of yalls new favorite things.  You want your hair braided at night so you have curly hair in the morning. A friend of ours Meredith Garee told you about it.

Cookies in Bed

Tonight Mommy had book club downstairs so we snuck two cookies and ate in bed! Ssshhhhh.

Maryn on Her Bike

Maryn,

You love riding your bike to pick up you sister.  You especially like cruising down hills.

Kallie's Questions About God

Kallie, tonight you said to me, "This is going to be a hard question that I just don't understand. How can there just be a God.  I mean how can he make himself if there wasn't even a world yet.  I don't understand."

Maryn's Text to Daddy

Today I got this text from Mommy...

"Maryn said can you send Daddy a text and tell him to fix this frozen honey because he can fix anything and you can't."

and

"Maryn cannot figure out how the pantry froze the honey and wants you to explain it to her."

Gravel Angel

Today we were riding bikes on the Brushy Creek trail.  Kallie, you made it to the top of the big hill and I was really proud of you!  I could tell it was hard but you didn't quit.

Maryn, as we were going down a hill on the trail you wrecked out and busted really hard.  I walked over and you face was in the gravel but you didn't even cry.  You jumped up, looked around and immediately laid on the ground waved your arms and legs to create an angel in the gravel.  After that you jumped up laughing and rode away.

You are both amazing!