They say it's your birthday!

Morgan is 6! It's official, she's old, we're old, we're just a bunch of geriatrics over here. I'm okay with Morgan turning 6, but I'm kind of having an issue or two that on her next birthday, she'll be 7. How can someone in their mid-20's have a seven year old? Oh wait, that's right, chronologically I am in mid-30's, it's just mentally I am stuck in my 20's. Needless to say, we're wild about this little girl. Little did I know that on August 29th, not only would a baby girl arrive in this world, but half of my heart would leave my body too.

These pictures are out of order (sorry!). Morgan celebrating with her buddies!

We bought Morgan a motorized razor scooter for her birthday, because yes, we like to spend money on ER bills. We thought practicing in the basement was a good idea, until on the first run Morgan ran into the wall. What good parents we are!

Daddy presenting the present.

Aidan happy that he is finally the proud owner of a ninja zhu-zhu pet.

Hopefully, Morgan will take to her guitar lessons and profits made from her musical debut will offset our medical bills related to the motorized scooter.

Breakfast celebration. A Kearney favorite... pancakes, homemade, jam and whip cream. Who are we kidding, we don't just eat this healthy treat on special occasions, unless you consider every Saturday and Sunday morning a special occasion.

Byron, the luau dog, waiting to greet guests at Morgan's luau celebration.

Morgan and Aidan waiting for guests to arrive....

Thank you Mema and Papa for making the trek over and helping to make "6" a special celebration for Ms. M!

Pin the tail on the donkey with two of Morgan's favorite people, Petra and Ryder!

Table Rock - Part Deaux

Papa and Mema Kearney surprised Morgan for her 6th birthday... So we took them on a hike to Table Rock, part II for the Boise Kearneys!


Ryan and Jim, collaborating to find cures for all that ills the world.

Morgan's making a fashion statement with her hiking attire. Soccer shirt, ballet tutu skirt, sparkle shoes. Yes, fashionistas of the world, you will copy this look, you know you will.

Papa, Mema, Morgan and Aidan. Happy as can be!

I Heart Summer....Random Pictures of Summertime Fun!

Since we've had about a 30 degree drop in the last couple of days, I am already getting nostalgic about the passing summer season. How the Kearneys love summertime!!!


Ryan. (It's a Monday, so no, I can't muster the brain power to think of a better caption.)

Ryder and Jeremy doing a little father/son wakeboarding!

Ryder making skiing look really easy.

Buddies. I love Aidan's closed eye smile.

We tried to get to the kids to take a nice picture with me. Thanks Morgan, that face is nice.

Fosters + Kearneys = FUN!

My parents came last weekend to have some fun with the Kearney brood. A great time was had by all, minus the massive amounts of pizza we made my parents eat (hey it's easy and allergen free!) and also Ms. Morgan's massive sinus infection (plus some nerves thrown in there about the upcoming entrance into Kindergarten!). We played on the boat, tried to play at the pool (it was shortlived due to a random kid pooping in the kiddy pool and Morgan's aforementioned sinus infection), went out to dinner, and even hiked up Table Rock! But in the Foster tradition, we pushed through and had a fantastic time with the grandparents!!!!

Papa Jeff and his namesake....

Sinus infection? What sinus infection?

Grandma Deb and buddy boy... Grandma was a champion innertuber with Ms. Morgan... Unfortunately the pics are on her camera.

Swim break!

My dad is going to hate this, but I had to post... Always singing and dancing, hmmm.... who does that remind us of?

Because sometimes....

Being normal just isn't fun....

Memories to Etch in My Brain...

For those of you who have had children, especially infants, you've probably at some point said to yourself, "Remember this, don't forget how this felt, how wonderful this moment is, how lucky you are." I remember doing that a lot when our children were infants and they would snuggle into my neck and I find myself saying this to myself at special moments... We had a special moment today, Morgan started Kindergarten! Leading up to this moment entailed a lot emotions, nerves and excitement. Sending your child off to "big kid" school is a big deal. Sending your child with potentially life threatening food allergies is not only a big deal but TERRIFYING! Throw in Morgan's fears of "what if I am the only one in my class with food allergies?" (She is the only one). "What if no one else has a peanut or nut free lunch and can't sit at my table with me?" (No worries there, I'll explain that in a minute). And then Ryan and my thoughts, "Does this school really GET IT?" "Will they jump into action if they need to?" I think and pray they do and we go on!


Morgan and her buddy from preschool, Petra. This little lady made my day, no check that, my school year. She informed her mom and dad that there would be absolutely no nuts or peanuts packed in her lunch and snack so she can sit at the peanut/nut free table with Morgan. What a thoughtful sweetheart! Thank you Petra!! And a minute after this picture was taken, Morgan told me it was time for me to leave and "to have a good day!" Thanks Morgan, I did, but missed you like crazy!!!

About ready to go! Proud and as excited as can be. Oh how I love this girl.

Please note the sparkly "sneakers" (as Morgan calls them). It was P.E. day so we had to wear the "right" shoes.

Okay, reality might be hitting. Looking a little nervous in this picture.

Another memory to not forget. Our little buddy, always at the front of the boat, as serious and stoic as ever. I think with this guy looking out for all of us, we'll be okay. (As an aside, he has had the most emotions about Morgan starting school. At our send off today, he was so proud and excited for her, but had a little tear in his eye.... And that's love!)

We don't know stress...

Ryan and I frequently have the same conversation as we are scurrying around (I make us sound like mice), working, paying bills, keeping up with two wild monkeys (or children as some people call them), a mortgage, a dog and all of the other aspects of young parenthood in the 21st century. We don't know stress! We might FEEL stressed at times or feel like we are pulled too thin to get everything done that we need to or want to, but ultimately... we don't know stress and neither do millions of Americans because we don't have chronically or terminally ill children. I often say to myself, bankruptcy... fine, foreclosure... bring it, cut my right arm off... didn't need it anyway (I'm a lefty), lose my legs... great (good excuse to not have to work out anymore), but if something happened to my kids, well then we are going to have some real problems. In my personal life, I really only know one family who *knows* stress and they have done something absolutely amazing with it. You can read more about it HERE and I strongly urge that the next time you are feeling stressed to donate to the Ben Towne Pediatric Cancer Foundation, because what this family has gone through is the real deal and good on them for making steps to ensure that no one else has to *know* stress.