Cannata Clan

Been Awhile

2011-06-18T23:38:00.001-07:00

Well, What can I say. It's been awhile since this has been updated, but don't worry.... expect great things in the upcoming days.

Cannata Family Reunion

2009-05-26T20:19:00.001-07:00

This year the family reunion was at my brother David's house in Tucson. The weather was great; not too hot, but hot enough to hit the swimming pool. What do we do at our family reunion? Mostly hang out, chat, play games, swim and eat. We started the party at Aquas Caliente Park, a desert oasis.

I'm not sure how long we were here before Ashley fell in the water.

She was fine, but she got to change clothes.

Our friend Lori and Zachary at the park. We had a fierce game of Ultimate Frisbee and Three Flies Up. The victors were team Mickey (green shirt), Zac, Jess and Rene.

Ashley in her new outfit. I swear, that girl loves heals. Even though she could ride this bike, I'm not sure she knows what she's doing here.

My brother-in-law Duane came with Stevie and Mickey. We missed my sister, Chris, who was at a bridal shower for my niece, Markie, who is getting married in August.

We love to eat and David's wife, Leticia, did a wonderful job. In this picture (moving clockwise) is the back of David's head, Leticia, Jenny (Harry's wife), Harry (Leticia's son), Amy (Leticia's daughter, Jess, Mom (Kathy).

Kristin and Rene (Amy's daughter).

Lori took this picture of the kids before we left for church. Zac 12, Nic 9, Mackenzie 6, and Ashley 2.

Nicholas taking a break with his cousin Joseph.

Nicole, Mackenzie and Rene. The three cousins were unseparable.

Ashley and Grandma Kathy.

We went to Colossal Caves. Ashley had the best seat and view, til she bonked her head.

Cool caves.

Ashley hamming it up in the cave.

Jess and Leticia hanging out in the cave.

The view of Tucson outside the cave.

Ashley and Lori.

Desert prickley pear flower. Playing around with my macro focus on my point and shoot. Man I love this camera.

Finding out what's in Zac's geode.

The end result. Kinda cool, eh?

Father and Son's Outing

2009-05-16T16:45:00.000-07:00

Well, we just got back from our father and son's outing this year up at Camp Stimpson on Mount Charleston. The weather was great. We invited Nic's friend, Antonio and his father, Paul for the camp out. We had a good time. Got up there around 5PM. Set up camp, made a good hobo dinner, hot dogs and of course smores.

Next day got up and had breakfast, helped with a service project of moving firewood then had fun hiking, going up the rock climbing wall and speeding down the zip line.

Zachary at the top of the west side of the valley.

Antonio and Nic, two peas in a pod.

Bunch of kids trying to be Man vs. Wild and start a fire with flint and steel. Not too successful.Antonio's dad, Paul, chatting it up around the fire with Joseph Lamb.Zachary coming off the zip line!

Fearless Nic, being all boy in the wilderness.

Nic on the line.

Bike Riding with the Girls

2009-04-24T19:01:00.001-07:00

The girls wanted to go on a bike ride last night. The weather was not too hot. Can you see Ashley's personality in this picture? We ran out of time and had to head back to the house for dinner, but not Ashley, she wouldn't turn around until we made it all the way to the end of the road. The best part is she's just an inch too short for her feet to stay on the pedals so she does the Fred Flintstone move. It's great! Two tough girls on their bikes.

Here's Ashley and her patented move.

Ashley's first fingernail polish

2009-04-15T13:03:00.000-07:00

Ashley picked out the color, but I think she thought it was lip gloss

After numerous pictures trying to capture the cuteness of her first nail polish application Ashley grew tired of posing for pictures and this is the result.

California vacation

2009-04-06T09:08:00.000-07:00

Posing with the Bionicle at Legoland

The kids at Mission Beach in San Diego, California

We were supposed to take a Spring Break vacation during Conference weekend to St George, but fortunately and unfortunately Aaron got a few days of work. I braved a long weekend in San Diego with the four kids. The first day we actually stayed the night in Ontario with Aaron's sister and her family (big thank you to them). The next day we hit Balboa Park and the museums. We also went to Legoland and the beach during the trip.

Camping - Lake Mead

2009-03-28T12:03:00.000-07:00

I've been threatening the kids that I would take them camping and I finally followed through. Mackenzie joined the boys and I this time as we headed to a warmer clime. Since there is no camping in the valley here, we made a short drive to Lake Mead National Recreation Area and Callville Bay.

Nic and Mackenzie wondering if this is such a good idea.

Me, wondering if this is such a good idea.

A cool shot that Zac took on the way to the campground.

Tent's up, now it's time to get on the fire.

Success! Though I think Nic isn't too impressed.

Dinner! Mmm, s'mores.

Roughing it with the Nintendo DS. Not exactly how I remember camping but it is the 21st century.

Playing around with my camera. I'm still learning new tricks. These are 15 second exposures. The top one is Mackenzie spelling her name, you can definitely make out the "M".

Snug as a bug in a rug. We actually got to bed around 9PM and we didn't freeze to death.

Morning comes early. Around 6:45am we were up. I love that Mackenzie always wakes up with a smile.

Here's the hill we're going to hike.

Halfway there, time for a rest and a picture. So far, they're all smiles.

The view of our campground from halfway up.

Making the summit.

On the way home, a bonus treat of seeing these old roadsters heading into the park.

Snow day

2009-03-14T16:56:00.000-07:00

Ashley and Mackenzie sitting near the ski slope

Grandpa John and Nana came to visit all the way from Oregon. Zac and Nic went skiing and snowboarding and the girls just plopped down in the snow. It was warm on Mt Charleston and a perfect day for skiing.

Happy Birthday Ashley

2009-01-23T22:40:00.000-08:00

Happy 2nd Birthday to our little mama Ashley! She enjoyed when we sang to her in the top picture and clapped when we clapped for her. Then she dove right into the little puppy cake that we got for her. So cute!

Twilight for the 3rd time

2009-01-02T22:36:00.000-08:00

Invited some good friends to see Twilight for my birthday present to me! The movie just keeps getting better. Can't wait until it comes out on DVD. Thanks for the fun time girls!

Happy Birthday to me!

2009-01-01T22:33:00.000-08:00

Hip-hip-hooray I had another birthday! Don't I look thrilled to be 37? Aaron got me a yummy cake and the kids did a great job singing.

Love the Wii

2008-12-31T22:29:00.000-08:00

I just love the Wii! I don't play it that often, but when I do it sure is fun. My parents came for a visit right after Christmas and I got my Dad to play tennis with me. The best was him jammin out to Guitar Hero. What a good sport!

Fitzgibbons' Tree

2008-12-26T08:20:00.001-08:00

Wow, we finally made it over to see the Fitzgibbons' wonderful Christmas offering! Way to go Ryan! I couldn't see one square inch of the tree that was not covered with lights. So beautiful.

Zac's Cool Creation and other cool things

2008-12-25T19:14:00.000-08:00

This is one of the tracks Zachary made with the Magnetix iCoaster. The cool thing is it connects using magnets and you can connect your iPod and play music too it, plus sound effects. You'll notice the LEGOs in the background, the Star Wars Imperial Star Destroyer is under contruction...

Another shot of it.

Ashley and Mackenzie hanging out in their new castle.

Ashley sporting some new "dress up" earrings.

Another shot, notice she is holding real still so you can see her earrings?

Kids Gifts

2008-12-25T15:41:00.001-08:00

Mackenzie's Polly Pocket pop n' swap

Nic's new wall climbing car

Ashley's Trike

Ashley with her new dolly.

After Santa had some of our gifts for him, cookies and milk, he left some gifts for us.

Merry Christmas!

2008-12-25T09:29:00.000-08:00

Before...

and After

Merry Christmas to all of our friends and family.

Happy Thanksgiving!

2008-11-27T13:43:00.000-08:00

We're about ready to eat! Happy Thanksgiving to all of our wonderful family and friends. Gobble, gobble.

Twilight!

2008-11-21T16:36:00.001-08:00

Heard all the ladies talking about seeing Twilight at midnight on Thursday so I got in on that action right away! Wow was it worth it, I had such a good time with all the best girls last night. Thank you for letting me invite myself. Some ladies got a little rowdy (you know who you are), but it was lots of laughs and heavy breathing...

Happy 6th Birthday Mackenzie

2008-11-12T15:07:00.000-08:00

Mackenzie turned 6 on November 1 and had her party on Nov 8. Her close friends came and her favorite cousin, Savannah, came from Salt Lake (BIG thank you to my sister). They all had a lot of fun in the bounce house (shaped like a birthday cake) and eating pizza and cake. She used the money she received from her grandmas and grandpa to buy a Girl Gourmet Cupcake Maker. Yummy!

BMX Night

2008-11-05T13:44:00.001-08:00

The local BMX track is being threatened by closure. So Zac and I went out to show our support.

Here are pictures when we visited the track as a family to watch our friend Trent race.

It really takes a lot of effort to make it around the track. The Pros make it look so easy.

Never Know Who You're Going to Run Into

2008-11-05T13:04:00.000-08:00

I went to the Stake Center to pick up Zachary from his choir rehearsal and ran into my old professor from BYU. Bob Sink was the Broadcast Production advisor over the communications department. Needless to say, he's responsible for what I do for a living. Anyway, I guess his son and family are in our stake, so it's a small world, and it was great to see him after 10 years.

Happy Halloween!

2008-10-31T14:54:00.000-07:00

We had two girl pirates, a neon green skeleton and a zombie Motocross rider. Mackenzie told me a few months ago that she wanted to be something "mean" for Halloween this year. That meant absolutely no pretty princess costume for her! I got these pirate costumes on clearance last year so that worked out perfect. Zac borrowed his gear from our next door neighbor, Matt who really does ride Motocross, and added the blood for a little twist. Nic wouldn't tell me he wanted to be until two days before Halloween so the skeleton was all that was left at the store in his size. We went to Trunk or Treat at our church building and then walked around trick or treating with friends. Still lots of candy left...

More Talents from Ashley

2008-10-21T23:08:00.000-07:00

I have soooo many talents:

1. My double binky trick (check the post a few below this one)

2. I practice running from the kids trying to steal my Halloween candy

3. I can hold three Pringles cans at once

4. I can write on my hands, face, couch and chair with a purple pen.

P.S. Can't u tell I am the only one home with Mommy and Daddy all day???

Daughtry's "What About Now"

2008-10-20T00:39:00.000-07:00

I am not easily inspired by music videos, but this new song by Daughtry really tugs at your heart strings. I was preparing a talk on compassion this past week and I saw this video Sat on VH1 and of course cried. Check it out!

http://new.music.yahoo.com/videos/Daughtry/What-About-Now--157691378

OMG!!!!!

2008-10-19T23:29:00.000-07:00

Where has the time gone?! I cannot believe we have let about six weeks go by without updating our blog. I am now going to attempt some catch up blogs, which I am going to cheat on by back dating them so it won't look like we are as lame as we are. And I promise anew to keep up on it.

US states I've visited

2008-10-07T15:15:00.000-07:00

visited 46 states (92%)

I'd love to see Hawaii **Hint for Aaron**

Soccer Season

2008-09-27T15:40:00.000-07:00

Soccer season has started again and Nic is excited about it! We are so happy to be on a team with great friends again. Nic is still working on his endurance during the games. He probably likes playing defender best especially if the other team never make it down to our goal.

Double Binky Girl

2008-09-20T17:56:00.000-07:00

Each of our children has many different and unique talents. This is one of Ashley's talents. She learned this on her own so we are very proud of her. She can also do the rolled taco tongue, we'll catch a picture of that soon. I just wish her parents would pay more attention to her so she wouldn't have to resort to two binkys to make herself happy.

Aaron's Birthday

2008-09-16T23:34:00.000-07:00

We had a little cake and ice cream with friends and our family for Aaron's birthday. I am allergic to pictures so I am trying to hide in the background and get the candle on Aaron's cake lit. I think I still owe him a birthday present. Ooops!

Skate Park at Washburn

2008-08-30T13:34:00.000-07:00

Aaron took these awesome pics at the Skate Park. The pics of our kids weren't in focus, but these other ones turned out really neat.

Happy Birthday - School

2008-08-29T11:08:00.000-07:00

Nicholas brought cupcakes to Elizondo Elementary school and quickly became a class favorite. Happy 9th birthday, son! Can you believe over 30 students in 4th grade?? Good luck Ms. Dixon.

So Long Cast

2008-08-27T11:02:00.000-07:00

Can you believe it's been almost a month? I love this picture, it really captures Mackenzie's enthusiasm. She loves to be happy, and we love her for it.

One final look at the cast before the visit to the doctor's.

And... voila, it's all better!

First Day of School

2008-08-26T16:31:00.000-07:00

Zachary's school day started at 5AM on Monday with a smile--got to get up early to catch that school bus. He is enjoying himself at Cashman (thus far) and he's been really good and enthusiastic about attending a magnet school which focuses on science and math. He enjoys his classes and can't wait until his locker is ready for him to start using it in a couple of weeks. Now if the buses could just get him home when they say they will.

Nicholas and Mackenzie on their first day of school back at Elizondo. Nicholas is going into 4th grade and making the move back to track 5 which means some new and familiar faces in his class.

Mackenzie gets a hug from Mrs. Messerli, her new Kindergarten teacher. Mrs. Messerli was Nicholas' Kindergarten teacher when we moved her to Las Vegas. Has it really been 5 years?? We wish the kids all the best this school year! Make us proud!

Wedding in Tucson

2008-08-11T09:33:00.000-07:00

We were able to drive down to Tucson to spend time with my brother, David, and his wife Leticia and attend Leticia's son's, Harry's wedding. Here is Harry with is lovely bride, Jenseng.

Renaye with her Great Uncle Aaron.

My sister-in-law Leticia is in front of Kristin. Here's a shot of all the women, mostly aunts having a good time.

And here's a shot with all the uncles and cousins hamming it up. My brother, Bishop Dave, is fourth from the left, just over Zac's left shoulder.

Zachary's 5th Grade Commencement

2008-08-09T09:18:00.000-07:00

Congratulations to Zachary on his all "A's" performance this past semester at Elizondo Elementary School. Ms. Shevokas was a huge help in his education. We are so proud of Zac and hope that he will continue his success in 6th grade year at Cashman Magnet Middle School, even if it does mean that he has to get up to catch the bus at 6AM.

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Not to be outdone, congratulations to Nicholas for making it on to A-B Honor Roll (all A's and one B) and perfect attendance. Way to go, Nic!

Flash Back Friday - Taking to the Sky

2008-08-01T18:40:00.000-07:00

Seeing those pictures of Mackenzie in her cast reminded me of Zachary's green cast from two years ago. Here he is seen sporting a well-signed cast and some cool headphones. Nearly all of these pictures are ones he took.

In August of 2006 Zachary and I went up for an introductory flight. Here we are about to preflight the Cessna 172 for our trip. Not shown is the certified flight instructor from Greece.

I have to tell you that this was a GREAT experience. And yes, I am flying the airplane. And no, it's not a flight simulator, though all those hours flying on the computer really helps. The flight instructor was really impressed that this was my first flight. Truth be told it was probably my 20th or so, but it was the first time that I was in the left seat (you can fly from the passenger side too). Oh and that's Nellis AFB off to my left.

Here we are heading east of KVGT (North Las Vegas Air Terminal) and just north or KLAS (McCarran Internaitional). The view of The Strip includes the Wynn with it's green golf course.

And here's our "destination", Hoover Dam on Lake Mead. We made a circle then headed back to KVGT. We (or I should say, I) landed the plane with a little bounce but otherwise all was well. It was a great time in the sky and I have to thank my wonderful wife, Kristin for it.

Oh, and here's the proof that I've been flying for years. This photo was taken around 1983 at Ramona Airport in California. From left to right: my dad, Dick; my little brother, Jess; my mother, Kathy; me, and my dad's mother, Grandma Judy. The Piper Archer II was one of the planes my dad flew a lot while in living in Southern California.

Matching Outfits

2008-07-31T16:08:00.000-07:00

Mackenzie finally got her cast on Wednesday,

coincidently the same time that Ashley got her full bodycast.

(Pre) Olympic Basketball in Las Vegas

2008-07-29T09:31:00.001-07:00

Team USA paid a visit to Las Vegas last Friday night for their last scheduled game in America before the Olympics in Beijing. To say they beat Canada's Olympic team is an understatement. The 120-65 final does not reflect the truly poor level of play that garnished most of Team USA's perfomance that night. Had they been firing on all cylinders the score could have easily been 160-50.

As for the show, it was cool to have more than the stock four standard-definition cameras we are accustomed to using for sports in Vegas. In fact, there were 8 high-definition manned cameras. (Now before you think that's a lot, during the 2007 NBA All-Star game I was #24 of thirty-something.) For this game, however, I ran the low slash camera (#7) which is used mainly for replays--which translates into more fun, ESPN highlight footage. In fact the game was aired nationally on ESPN and globally to dozens of countries. It's a fun camera to run since it shows the court at a 45 degree angle and is very close to the action. The only real problems were that the camera may not have been high enough in the stands to see over the tops of players, and that the camera was on the wooden extension of the bleachers and not concrete. Thus any foot traffic (and there was a lot) caused the lens to shake. I was thankful for the Thomas & Mack security/ushers for trying to keep the area clear.

That's Not Dancing

2008-07-28T16:37:00.000-07:00

Here's our first attempt at video with our new fancy Canon SD1000 camera. Obviously, Mackenzie has a different idea of what dancing is. No Ashleys were seriously hurt in the making of this video.

Bad Day #2 - No More Monkeys Jumping on the Bed

2008-07-22T10:38:00.001-07:00

Our beloved Mackenzie after her great fall.

Both bones are broken in her left forearm.

Sunday morning, 24 hours before her accident.

Last night at around 7:30PM Kristin took her to Urgent Care only to be told after x-rays that she would need to go to the pediatric ER at UMC. That's a serious break.

Mackenzie's been a real trooper. Her first question was, "Am I going to die?" After she was assured that she wouldn't the next question was, "Are they going to give me a shot?" After nearly 4 hours, several x-rays and one mild sedative they were able to set her bones with a POP!

This morning I was looking over the medicines she was adminstered in the ER. When I asked her how she was feeling, all she could rave about was the banana flavored popsicles she got in the ER. They even gave her two. Gotta love that morphine ;-) (UPDATE: Now she just told me that when she was in the hospital and looked at Mom, she saw two noses, three eyebrows and four eyes. Yikes.)

Wednesday morning she has an appointment with the pediatric orthopedic doctor to get it cast. So I guess it's goodbye to swimming lessons and a break from piano lessons.

We love her and pray for a full and fast recovery.

The pictures below are not for the squimish, but are still pretty impressive.

Swim Meet

2008-07-21T07:33:00.000-07:00

Zac on the starting block
Nic on the starting block

Nic and Zac had their second and final swim meet this past Saturday. They each competed in the Butterfly, Breast Stroke, Freestyle and Individual Medley. They both did very well during the swim meet. They have been swimming every weekday since June on the swim team. Some days they are very tired from being in school all day, but they still go to swim team. Good job boys!

Bad Day!

2008-07-18T11:31:00.000-07:00

I came out of Wal-mart with all four children in tow and this is what I found! I usually drive our Honda Odyssey van, but Thursday I discovered the air conditioning has gone out on the van. Aaron worked on Friday so he was kind enough to trade cars with me so I could drive the kids around with air conditioning. This is how I repaid his kindness. Luckily the driver of the car that hit mine stuck around and she might actually have valid insurance. We'll see...

Happy Anniversary

2008-07-01T20:28:00.000-07:00

Happy Anniversary, Kristin! Thirteen years have been good to us. I love and appreciate all you do for me and the kids. You're the best.

Poway High School: 20 Years Later

2008-07-01T13:17:00.000-07:00

Shawn McCain and Aaron.

Shawn is one of my best friends since 6th grade. We both played the drums in band, all through our senior year. That's six years, people! He is still in the music biz, recently starting a new band. He and his wife, Kay have two kids and live in Murrieta, CA.

Aaron, Heather McCleod and Brant Bender.

Brant and I hung out in Drama classes our junior and senior years. He is the funniest, goofiest, most talented wedding photographer I know. Check out his awesome work at PhoenixPhotography.

Anyway, Brant and I were in our school's airband competition. Don't laugh. Remember this was 1988, and airbands were HUGE. He was George Michael and I was his bass player. Want to see what all the fuss was about? Click here.

That led to us recruiting Heather for the "Hot Chick". She is one of the coolest, funniest, hot-chick-goofballs I know. We went to the Morp dance our freshman year and she's always been fun to be around.

Kristin McCarthy and Aaron.

Kristin was another drama buddy. I think we were in more plays together than anyone I know. Kristin's house was THE place for Wrap Parties. She actually reminded me that I took out their cast-iron gate around their driveway. Shhessh, after 20 years you can't give a guy a break? After finishing USC's law school, she joined the Navy's JAG. She's a Lt. Commander and a lawyer! So she can kick your butt and send you to jail.

Speaking of butts, I am still waiting to see that picture.

Amy Blackburn, Steve Scates, Inna Scates and Aaron.

I've known Amy since middle school and though she moved from Poway her senior year and technically didn't gradute a Titan we still consider her an alumna. I almost fell over when she told me that she is Assistant Chief Pilot at AirNet flying Learjet 35's all around the country. I'm so jealous!!! Steve moved to Poway a week after I did and we were in Mrs. Whiton's 5th grade class. He and his wife, Inna, run a company in San Diego training..... pilots. UGGGHH, more jealousy.

Aaron and Todd Sallenbach.

Yes, good old Todd. Todd moved to Poway in 10th grade. He was in Poway 1st ward. Todd is now an ER doctor in Joshua Tree, near Palms Springs. He and his wife are proud parents of a darling little girl. I still remember when Ben Shipley's mom got mad at him during early morning seminary. It was one of the funniest momemts in seminary history. Just ask anyone who was there.

That's it for now. It was a great seeing everyone and I wish everyone all the best.

Flashback Friday

2008-06-27T21:07:00.001-07:00

Aaron graduated from high school 20 years ago. ROCK ON DUDE!!! This weekend he is going to his reunion in Poway, California. The best part is that the reunion kicks off on Saturday night with a casino themed party, isn't it ironic?!

Rock, Paper, Scissors Tournament

2008-06-21T15:46:00.000-07:00

Aaron's glamorous camera operator job has taken him to new heights, The 3rd Annual Bud Light Rock, Paper Scissors Tournament. Yes there is big money in this crazy game of chance, the winner receives $50,000 and a trip to the Beijing Olympics. This tournament will air on The Best Damn Sports Show Period on Fox Sports Network October 6 so watch for Aaron's work.

Flashback Friday

2008-06-20T15:25:00.000-07:00

OK before you think something rude, no these are not pictures of Aaron and I from the 80's. But do you remember these disgusting cards??? Sadly for me some of you reading this may be too young to remember. I remember having these and collecting and trading these with friends. The kids got a package today from their Uncle Jess and inside were some really great books and these cards (actually an even bigger stack than what is pictured here). Let's have a moment of silence for all things 80's including Garbage Pail Kids...

Swim Team

2008-06-17T01:26:00.001-07:00

Zac finishing first in his group

Nic still smiling even after LOTS of laps.

The boys have really been enjoying swim team, well at least these first two weeks. I should take a poll in another month when they are still being forced by their mean mom to swim five days a week. It is certainly the best $40 I have spent. They will have the chance to swim in two meets this summer. I sure hope the swim coach teaches them how to dive soon...

Happy Father's Day

2008-06-15T19:37:00.000-07:00

Happy Father's Day to our Dads! We love you all so very much and wish you lived closer, good thing you are only a phone call away. How funny that all of them are pictured with Zachary?! Grandpas and dads sure love their boys. Thank you to our dads for many years of unconditional love and support.

Flashback Friday

2008-06-13T19:37:00.000-07:00

This is me in Savannah, Georgia in 1996. We had a great visit for my nephew Tomas' baby blessing. Love, love, love the South. If you are ever in Savannah you must eat at Mrs. Wilkes' Boarding House. They have the best grits, macaroni & cheese, and fried chicken and the funnest part is that they seat you with other people at big tables and serve the food family style. I will have to go workout now after just thinking about the yummy food!

Mojave High School Graduation

2008-06-10T17:57:00.000-07:00

This morning we attended the graduation ceremony for the 2008 class of Mojave High School. Pictured with us is our neighbor, friend and sometimes babysitter Alex with his little sister Teresa. Alex did a great job at Mojave and graduated 10th in his class. Way to go Alex! The best (or worst) part of the ceremony was when the Senior Class Senator forgot the words to the Pledge of Allegiance. I am not sure if that reflects on a Clark County education or national patriotism???

Swim Party

2008-06-07T22:38:00.000-07:00

Before...

And after...

The ward swim party was super fun! Benjamin Ferre really enjoyed himself, even though his bottom lip was quivering. A big thank you to the Kelly Family for hosting the party and to Cortni and her Activities Committee for the great idea and yummy food.

Soccer season over

2008-06-07T21:55:00.000-07:00

Nicholas during his final soccer game

Mackenzie waiting for her final game to start

What a busy, crazy day! It started with Zac and Nic going to swim team tryouts then we raced over to the soccer fields for Nic's last game of the season. Right after Nic finished his game Mackenzie had her last soccer game and Zachary had a tennis lesson. Then it was off to two pool parties at the same time for two different kids. Who says Pioneer life was harder??!!

Flashback Friday

2008-06-06T22:43:00.001-07:00

This is proof that I was skinny once upon a time. I also apparently invented the mullet. This picture was taken about 1980 (yes ladies I am that old so you can close your gaping mouths now). Billy Ray Cyrus wasn't rockin' a mullet until the early 90's so I am definitely a trend setter. Look closely and you can see my sweet Jackie O type glasses. Thank goodness for contacts when I was a teenager and then LASIK a few years ago.

Piano prodigy

2008-06-05T21:41:00.001-07:00

The top picture shows Ashley preparing to start playing Moonlight Sonata. The second picture shows her really getting into the piece. All the proud mommys were showing their children's piano recital videos and photos, so Ashley asked me to post these for her. I am going to contact the Van Cliburn Foundation to see what the age requirements are for this year's competition. Uh-oh they might not want her if they see the poopy pants post!

Special surprise for mommy

2008-06-03T12:44:00.000-07:00

I left the house at 5:50 am to go workout at Fitness 19. When I got home at 7 am I heard Ashley in her room. She wasn't crying just kind of talking to herself like little babies do. I slowly opened the door because most times she is asleep right behind the door. Not today! She was standing up behind the door and had created this masterpiece for me on the floor. My little Ashley is such an artist, I just wish she would find another medium!

Kiddie Kollege Graduation

2008-06-02T07:33:00.000-07:00

This past Friday Mackenzie and her good friends Emalani, Makayla, and Aria graduated from Miss Sherie's class at Kiddie Kollege (preschool). Emalani and Makayla were with Mackenzie in Miss Amy's preschool class when they were four years old. Miss Sherie said this is the first time she has had a child reading when they were done with her class. Thanks so much to Miss Amy and Miss Sherie for being such great teachers and loving our Mackenzie just like we do!

Indiana Jones is getting old!

2008-05-28T22:17:00.000-07:00

We went and saw Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull yesterday. I definitely say save your money and rent it when it comes out on DVD. No offense to Harrison Ford, but it is just not the same now that he is 65 years old. The script was really weak and not linked together very well and the funny banter between the Indiana Jones character and Marion just wasn't there. Shia LaBeouf was much better five years ago when he starred in "Holes". It is awesome to see the bullwhip in action again, but other than that I recommend taking a pass on the new Jones movie.

Summer has arrived!

2008-05-27T16:04:00.000-07:00

It is officially warm enough to swim in Vegas. Ashley loved it even though the water was still a bit cold. She is going to be fish in no time. Zac and Nic are going to be on the Rec Center swim team this summer so they will be worn out at bedtime. Yay!

Lori

2008-05-26T00:35:00.001-07:00

Here she is, the famous or is it infamous, super terrific friend Lori with Ashley. She is such a good sport that she came up to the family reunion from Phoenix so we have adopted her into the family or maybe we should call her an honorary member. I have known Lori since I was pregnant with Zachary back in Provo, Utah. I would set her up with Aaron's younger brother, Jess (an all around amazing guy), but she is a nice Catholic girl (she gave up Mormons for Lent) and only likes men with pictures of the Pope on their wall or on their shirt (though Jess does have the latter). So if you know any nice Catholic guys like John Stockton please tell me. They also have to be smoking HOT, work out, must want to attend the Cannata Family Reunion, debt free, no pets, college degree, must have a sense of humor, must put Lori #1, live on their own (not with mommy), must not be a Chia Pet, must not spill food on himself while eating, will ask a woman out and pay for her, is mentally stable, can cook like Bobby Flay, cleans up after himself, wants 4 kids, must like parsley, no tattoos, will buy her a Suburban, will buy a minimum 2 carat diamond wedding ring, likes long walks on the beach, take her on frequent vacations, buy her Brighton jewelry, must have a new (2005 or newer) car, must agree to separate bank accounts, must have a cell phone and know how to text, has to take his meds, must be chilvalrous, he must love pumpkin cheesecake, can pay for concerts and will support her extravagant lifestyle that she has grown accustomed to in her single years. These requirements might seem a bit lofty, but afterall deep down inside don't we all have the same expectations???

Cannata Family Reunion

2008-05-26T00:27:00.000-07:00

The 2nd Annual Cannata Family Reunion got off to a great start at the Nature Discovery Park on May 24. The families included The Warners, Cannata's, and McFadden's (family friends). My super terrific friend, Lori, from Phoenix took the picture. Family travelled from as far away as North Carolina to attend. We had such a great time and it was great to see everyone! We even filled up a few of the benches at church on Sunday.

Flashback Friday

2008-05-23T22:57:00.000-07:00

We are right in the midst of holding the 2nd annual Cannata Family Reunion right here in sunny (what happened to the Sun???) and warm (so really what happened to the Sun???) Las Vegas. I thought I would post this picture in honor of Jess Cannata the one in the center who started and spearheaded the whole Family Reunion idea last year. Thanks Jess! This picture was taken at his Masters Degree graduation from Georgetown University in 2005. And BTW if anyone knows a beautiful and single LDS girl for him please let me know, did I mention he has a Masters Degree from Georgetown? : )

Injured Ashley

2008-05-19T20:45:00.001-07:00

I came back to find that my precious little (ok ok not so little) angel baby Ashley was grievously injured at church by some of my dearest friends. I am considering litigation as she is now damaged goods and the baby modeling and pageant career we had planned for her is out of the question! And the worst part is that she was asleep when the attack happened.... : (

I'm baaaack!

2008-05-19T20:38:00.000-07:00

I had a fun and relaxing time this past weekend in southern Oregon with my father and step-mom. Here are a couple of pictures of the places we went. The top picture is a Gorge on the Rogue River the water is 44 degrees, brrrrr. The next picture is Crater Lake with about seven feet of snow still on the ground around it. Thanks to Aaron and my mom I was kid free. Whoo-hoo!

Flashback Friday

2008-05-16T11:01:00.001-07:00

Okay, Kristin asked that I contribute to the blog, so here it is, me as a young Neil Peart, Buddy Rich or Gene Cruppa (my aunts words inscribed on the back of the photo [he was a famous jazz drummer]). This was my first trip on an airplane when I got to visit my Auntie Monica for a week in San Francisco all by myself in the summer of 1980 at the tender age of 9. My aunt lived in a penthouse on the top of a building near the world famous Transamerica Building in the financial district of the City by the Bay.

I lived the good life for a whole week. Got to go to Fisherman's Wharf, Chinatown and hang out at Pier 39. My aunt owned a restaurant on Pier 39, The Eagle Cafe, so I got to hang out at the carousel and arcade all day long. Since my aunt worked in the restaurant business, we out for dinner every night, and this was 5 star dining! Yum.

After all that hard "work", my aunt pulled out her snare drum, banjo and we made music around the piano. (I have a sneaky suspicion that she may have been a beatnik at one time.) This is when I knew that I wanted to be a drummer.

Oh, and ask me how fast we were going to get my aunt's girlfriend's 1962 Jaguar E type airborne on the streets of San Francisco.

Thankful Thursday

2008-05-15T21:44:00.001-07:00

I am thankful for my father's good health. He had some surgery recently and he is doing great and feeling better. I am going to surprise him for his birthday this weekend by visiting him in Oregon. Shhhhh! Don't tell him!

The Hubby Tag

2008-05-14T19:45:00.000-07:00

What is his full name? Aaron Richard
How long have you been married? 13 years in July
How long did you date? One year (friends for two years)
How did you meet? Singles branch in Poway, CA (it was love at first sight for me)
Who eats more sweets? me
Who said "I love you" first? Aaron did (I think)
How old is he? 37
Who is taller? Aaron is taller
Who is smarter? We can each hold our own in different areas
Who does the laundry? I do
Who pays the bills? Aaron does
Who sleeps on the right side of the bed? Aaron
Who mows the lawn? No lawn
Who drives? Aaron drives when we are together
Who is more stubborn? Aaron and I are both very stubborn
Who kissed who first? Aaron kissed me first, but I definitely kissed back
Who has more siblings? Aaron has three, I only have one
Who wears the pants? I let him think he does : )

Happy Mother's Day!

2008-05-11T21:51:00.001-07:00

Aaron and I want to thank our beautiful moms for all the years of love and support they have given us! The first picture is Kathy, Aaron's mother. The second picture is my step mother Sue and the third picture in the back row next to me is my mother Merlyne. We really appreciate the effort each mom has taken to be close to our children and the kids love all their grandmas and Nana.

One word (challenge from the Cardalls)

2008-05-09T23:53:00.000-07:00

You Can Only Type One Word to answer the questions. It's not as easy as you might think. Now copy, change the answers to suit you, and pass it on.

1.Where is your cell phone? purse
2. Your significant other? asleep
3. Your hair? thick
4. Your mother? compassionate
5. Your father? intelligent
6. Your favorite thing? kids
7. Your dream last night? none
8. Your favorite drink? Coke
9. Your dream/goal? lawyer
10. The room you're in? office
11. Your ex? none
12. Your fear? failure
13. Where do you want to be in 6 years? college
14. Where were you last night? home
15. What you're not? accomplished
16. Muffins? chocolate
17. One of your wish list items? grass
18. Where you grew up? everywhere
19. The last thing you did? games
20. What are you wearing? pj's
21. Your TV? big
22. Your pets? cat
23. Your computer? adequate
24. Your life? tranquil
25. Your mood? relaxed
26. Missing someone? nope
27. Your car? old
28. Something you're not wearing? tiara
29. Favorite Store? kohl's
30. Your summer? roasting
31. Like someone? Aaron
32. Your favorite color? red
33. When is the last time you laughed? everyday
34. Last time you cried? today
35. Who will/would re-post this? someone

Nicholas has a growth

2008-05-05T22:21:00.000-07:00

Our poor little Nicholas has quite a large growth on the back of his head and it is about to bite him! Either that or Ashley is wearing a really ugly human hair sweater. LOL!

Zachary's Birthday Party

2008-05-05T22:10:00.001-07:00

My big boy Zachary turned 11 on April 11th and we finally had his birthday party on April 29th. He invited all the boys from his school class and all the boys his age on our street. Unfortunately for us most of them came (picture an exhausted Aaron & Kristin praying for parents to come pick up their kids). Zac had a great time going crazy with 15 boys at the house and then outside they played in a giant bounce house with a slide.

Flashback Friday

2008-05-03T01:28:00.000-07:00

Ok so this isn't that far back for us, but I just thought Ashley looked so little and cute! It really feels like yesterday (not 15 months ago) that she was born. She is such a sweet little angel and we are so glad that we have her in our lives. She is about four months old in this picture taken while we were in California for the First Annual Cannata Family Reunion.

Aaron's work

2008-04-30T23:42:00.000-07:00

Contrary to what all the men in the ward think Aaron actually does pay the bills for us by working as a free-lance television camera operator. I posted the pictures for proof! Aaron loves being his own boss. As you can see from his wardrobe (all black) we really save on clothing costs for him. We really appreciate all his hard work as he has very long hours when he works.

We're blogging!

2008-04-30T23:28:00.001-07:00

Every time I go to Playgroup all the women have been talking about their blogs and never wanting to be left out I am now starting ours...