Kansas City here we come... back

Kansas City is a really weird place to take a vacation. But if you would have asked me to go anywhere else, I would have been disappointed. It was time to get back!

We lived there for 7 years, and had been away for about 2 years. It was a fun, nostalgic, emotional, and just an all around a great trip!

The minute we arrived, we got a taste of a Kansas City storm. I had been missing these guys.

And then, this was our first stop. Its ironic, because this was the very last place we visited when we left

Then we went to the good ole town homes and did what we always do

YMCA

And yes, pregnant Jana and I did Beth's boot camp

DEANNA ROSE FARM

I used to take Avery and Brooklyn here all of the time. They were both about Isla's age when they started feeding the goats, so we had to give Isla a turn.

BBQ

It was a must, and the Z-man didn't disappoint. I'm salivating right now as I'm typing this

THE DUCK POND

We lived here back in the day. My kids loved feeding the ducks. It was as beautiful as ever!

AMY

She had somewhat of a bigger load than normal, she had triplets 2 weeks after I moved. They were awesome! I miss my running friend.

RUNNING TRAILS

I hit them up, I could have run forever! 

HASTINGS

We were able to stay a night at their nice new big house. Even though they have a new lifestyle than the town homes, they were the same! We even played poker like fools just like the good old days! 

ROYALS

Its so weird that they don't suck! There is so much Royal pride in that town!

TOWN HOME BBQ

My favorite people were here (minus a few) These BBQ's really were the best times! And I seriously miss all the great food people would make.

HANGING AT THE TOWNHOMES

This was pretty much how my kids grew up.

OGLING

I couldn't get over how green it was. Going back to the desert was tough!

We had the best time. We stayed in a tiny 3 bedroom townhouse for a whole week with the Johnson's. That is 7 kids, 4 adults, 1 dog and 1 cat under one tiny roof. But it just works with them. This trip was very confusing to me because I kept asking myself why we were in such a hurry to move to a new area. I grew to really love this place. It will always be in my heart!

Isla's first flight/ Our worst nightmare

Don't let that face fool you, she was the devil! She sure doesn't like to be contained or held for a long period of time. She only tolerates mass amounts of sugar for a minute. She doesn't find baby Einstein or any form of visual stimulation amusing. She just wants to explore on her own terms, which i'm sure the FAA frowns upon.

Isla's first birthday

I can't believe a whole year has passed and Isla is one! It's so weird to think that a year ago, Isla was just a tiny baby. A lot happens in a year. She is a wild, fast, curious girl now. Since Isla's birthday is May 4th, we decided to have a Cinco de Mustache celebration (we also like mustaches).

Grandma Tam and Grandpa Sid were able to come to Arizona to celebrate. We invited a couple close friends as well as the Jolley's. 

And a fiesta it was!

We made a Cafe Rio dinner which was delish!

Then we played pin the mustache on the face, mustache bash, the limbo and we beat a piñata. 

We also had a mustache competition, and Jeanette won!

Then, we of course had the infamous cake.

You got your own huge mustache cake (made by Tammy Bruce)

And I'm so happy to report that you went to town on it. You are my first baby to do that (the other two were too dainty).

Thanks for the entertainment! PS your bib says, "if you really mustache, I'm one."

It was a great first birthday party!

Isla, thanks so much for coming into our family!

You are the most determined thing I've ever met. When you want something, you always figure out how to get it.

You are not the best sleeper, you still wake up at night.

You are a great eater. You love anything protein, especially sausage!!!

You are busy busy busy!

You like to wander around, play with toys, wander more and sort of just do your own thing.

You are starting to copy the words that we say

You can say "mama, dada, doggie, uh-oh, baba"

You love to dance, and you mostly turn in circles when you do it.

You love to blow kisses and wave when we say "bye-bye."

You are into everything! You will pull all the pans out of the kitchen cupboard, the other day you got into my feminine products and tore them all open. 

You never just sit, especially on our laps, you are always on the move!

I try to put baby Einstein movies on when I need to get something done or have a break, and you don't last longer than 5 minutes.

You are happy to play alone, but you always need to be in the room with someone. If I leave the room, you will follow me till you find me.

You love your sisters and you have been starting to play with them. 

You love people. You are reluctant to go the a new person at first, but it only takes one time, and you usually are comfortable with them.

You are the squishiest and cuddliest. I love when you give me open mouth kisses!

We are so blessed you came into our family. You add a whole new dynamic to this family and it wouldn't be the same without you!

Happy Birthday little Isla!