This is the most recent picture of our family taken all together. This was taken at Carthage Jail in the room where Joseph and Hyrum were killed. Despite my ill conceived notion that this was not the best vacation to take with a young family-I would recommend it to any family(yes, even before Disneyland) to go to Old Nauvoo and experience all the great things they have and the great spirit that is there. We had a wonderful time and the kids still talk about how much fun it was. (from left to right- Cameron in the camo- Zachary on the floor-Hailey held by Aunt Angie- Wes and I by the window with Brooklyn in my arms- and Jonathan on cousin Monica's lap)

Hair Scare

What is that? Premature balding? you may say. Though it may look like my eight year old son Zachary has taken on one too many of his father's and grandfather's traits this is actually the result of a "bad habit" that Zac self inflicted on the bus. Don't worry, we have been psychoanalyzing him ever since and any of our parenting skills that may have traumatized him. Jonathan on the other hand, decided to get a new hair style the old fashioned way-with scissors.

Hailey Maeva McKinney

Hailey Maeva McKinney Shy? Quiet? If I could describe Hailey in 10 seconds what would I say?

Blogger Blocked

So, short of having anything interesting or funny to say, I can't post pictures or videos. Our computer is a dinosaur and so I thought I would have better luck on my in-laws. NOPE! Anybody have any suggestions or tips (other than getting the latest, greatest technology and gadgets) so that I can post pictures and videos(without it taking 4 hours). Much appreciated- Thanks

Dance Dance Dance

Dance has started up again. My house looks like a drug house on Wednesdays with car traffic in and out for 3 1/2 hours strait. I have forty students this year with age range from 3 to 16. Hailey is so excited on dance days. She gets to wear her dance outfits(she'd sleep in them if I let her) She does well, as does Jonathan and Cameron. Zachary has been somewhat of a no show this year because he has scouts right after school and then hides until class is over. (He doesn't like the attention he gets from the girlies, some are pretty annoying) We've been working on a Halloween dance that we'll hopefully perform for our ward Fall Festival.(Adam's Family and Monster Mash) It's fun for me. I call it "me" day because I get to do something I love and then I get to hang out with the young women afterwards. I've been feeling a little aged after classes are all over. A good massage(wink wink Wes) would do me some good. HA!

Canning Blues

Well, yesterday confirmed my excuses for not being a canner. Last night 10 women from my Relief Society met to make applesauce. I got there about 10 minutes to 7 o'clock and got home about quarter to 10 o'clock. Wes was quite impressed with what I had to show for my three hours of canning. 2 and 1/2 bottles of applesauce!! I think I will stick with the case lot sales at Macey's -3 cans of applesauce for a buck.

Celeste-N-Wes Crew

Well, 9 1/2 years of blissful marriage and 5 children later, I finally made the resolve to make some sort of journaling or history of the McKinney Clan household and decided this new innovative way of blogging would best fit my crazy lifestyle. Thanks to family members for introducing to the computer impaired (that would be me) of this great way of keeping in touch with other family and friends. Now the hard part is just knowing where to start. So, let's just make it easy for me and start TODAY! It is going to be a long day today, it is raining(pouring, but I am grateful for the moisture) and I am putting off the innevitable, yet never ending task of house work. It's a pretty typical day, Zachary(8) and Cameron(7) are off to school and I've set Jonathan(4) and Hailey(3) in front of the TV(PBS of course) so I can get some work done while Brooklyn(1) follows me around the house vying for attention. I usually play school with the kids have lunch and then it's naptime(YEAH!). That's my time to work on outside and inside projects(the list is neverending) Wes is busy dealing with the scum of the earth and I stay busy wiping little hooday's and kissing sticky dirty faces. It's a hard job but somebody's got to do it. I love being a mommy! Well, the day must go on for time doesn't stop for the newly converted bloggers and the dishes aren't going to magically disappear as I always hoped for. So Adieu, until next time.