The Wedding

We are almost officially settled in Arizona!!! There are a couple of boxes here and there, but other than that we're done. Hurray!!! Now for some catch up time after the madness :) While D.J. was studying like mad during "math boot camp"(yes...that's what they really called it) we were having a good old time in Utah (missing D.J. of course :)). Clayton and Cortnie decided to get hitched during this time and we were more than happy to be able to be there for their wedding. It started out with tons of showers. I think Cortnie had like six, or something-You know it's true Cortnie! Anyways, Kierra had a blast dressing up with her friends pretending that she was getting married. She was so cute as she danced around the kitchen in her "wedding dress" that various people made for her. The wedding dinner was fun...Did I mention the fact that I didn't bring the kids with me? Hmmmm.....maybe that was why it felt so relaxing:). Hey look! How did Aaron get into the picture with us. I thought that he was in Japan, or something like that. Weird! Clayton and Cortnie got married in the Manti Temple on a beautiful day. Compared to Arizona it was freezing....but who's complaing? The few relaxing moments were spent watching the girls roll down the hills the temple was on. They had way too much fun doing this. Sorry about the undies picture-too cute to pass up. The girls have been wanting some ballet tutu's (however you spell it) for awhile now. So I decided why not just make them for the wedding. Perfect right? Two things at once makes a great multitasker....go me! They danced and ran around the whole night. Kierra especially had fun when her Uncle Caleb threw her up in the air. Ariana being scared of heights prefered to spin with her Mother. I love this picture of the "girls." Here's Jessica, Shanae, myself, and Mariah. Congrats Clayton and Cortnie! Hope you had a great day-better have with all the work we put in. j/k...kind of :) We're glad to have Cortnie as part of the fam!

Future's So Bright...

We have had a busy few weeks. It started out with a nice trip to Montana. We were able to see four of my siblings and their families, see my grandma, hit the Great Falls Waterpark (see below), visit a buffalo jump, play some disc golf and just relax. I always enjoy going back there, but the then responsibility has to hit.

We returned to Utah and quickly got ready to go to Tucson (just Kindra and I) to look for a place to live. It was a whirlwind trip. We looked at houses about 11 hours each day. There were a lot of trade-offs to be made and we had a difficult time deciding. We were able to squeeze in an opening day movie of Harry Potter and midnight swim in the world's coolest pool.
We got on the plane the next day still not knowing which place to rent. After talking out all of the pros and cons, we made a decision. We got off of the plane, drove to Park City, stopped at a Staples and faxed over the lease for this house:
With that stress finally settled, we drove from Park City to the Uintas to camp with Kindra's family. We camped for two nights in a beautiful place. We relaxed, fished, visited, ATE. We had a great time, but, by the end, we were definitely ready for our own beds!
Last week we went to Lagoon so that Kindra could get her final fill before we move. She had a blast! I, on the other hand, do not like amusement parks. Why is it when a plane's turbulence throws you all around and makes you feel like your face is being pulled off it is horrible, but when a roller coaster makes you feel the same way it is awesome? Okay, nerdy accountant checking out (next week I will vent about how hard it is getting nose bleeds). Kindra had a great time, and a happy wife makes for a happy family.


KID QUOTES

Dad: Kierra, it looks like you have a primary party this week. How cool is that?!
Kierra: Way cool...except I am supposed to bring my scriptures.

4 Years Ago Today...

Kierra Lillian Fairhurst was born. Kierra's birthday celebration has been a week long. She shared a party with her aunt Mariah on Wednesday that involved kickball, a barbie cake, and a water balloon fight. Today she took her best friend Talia (the one she doesn't want to eat) to a place called Jump on It. They had a blast and she was giddy all night. Tomorrow we drive to Blackfoot, ID to see cousins and it will be another mini-party. Then it is on to Montana to see more cousins. Kierra is so much fun and she is very kind to everyone, especially her baby sister. Our lives would never be the same without our little RaRa.

This past week we went on a fun group date with some of our good friends from the MBA program. We played a round of disc golf (never can go wrong with disc golf) at Solitude Ski Resort. It was a lot of fun. I know they say there are mountains in Tucson, but I have a feeling they won't compare (see below).

We also went with Kindra's family to drop her brother at the MTC. He will be serving in the Tokyo Japan Mission. Because of the swine flu, you actually drop the missionary off and drive off as opposed to going in to say goodbye. It was fun and hopefully the last time I am in a minivan with 12 people!

KID QUOTES

Kierra: Dad, I just saw an deer!
DJ: Wow!
Kierra: I could tell it was a boy because it had thorns on its head.

Ariana: I like your watch mom.
Kindra: Thank you Ari!
Kierra: Well, I like your puffy mole.

Ariana: Mmmm! This water is juicy!

Kierra: Okay dad, I know I am not supposed to be out of bed, but this is an emergency!
DJ: What is it?
Kierra: Grandma Sainsbury's birthday is next week and we do not have a present yet! (I am pretty sure she came up with that after she declared it was an emergency).

Kierra: (from her bedroom) DAD! ARIANA PINCHED ME AND PULLED MY HAIR!!
DJ: (after running into their bedroom) Why did she do that?
Kierra: Because I told her too. We're hyper!
Ariana: Yeah, we hypa!

Ariana: Give me that Kierra!
Kierra: No.
Ariana: Please.
Kierra: No.
Ariana: TIMEOUT!

Quips, Pics, and Kid Quotes

So, some of you figured out the riddle. We have been accepted to attend a PhD program at the University of Arizona in Tucson. This has been a dream for both Kindra and I for a while and we are excited and anxious to start. We will be moving to Tucson in the end of July.

We rode our bikes to Utah Lake the other day. It was pretty fun on the way there. The way back was a little more difficult. The girls were a bit sick of being in tight quarters in the carrier. Ariana proceeded to pummel Kierra every chance she got. I had to stop every couple of minutes to pull Ari off of Kierra. Kierra was pretty patient. We told her to slap Ari's hand away next time. Well, a few minutes later, Ari grabbed a fist full of Kierra's hair. Let's just say that slapping someone's arm away when they have a tight grip on your hair doesn't necessarily help the situation. Overall, it was fun.

Question: What is a moving lump that is pink, blue, and white all over?


Answer: Kierra's newest way of getting out of bed at night.


Kindra's brother Caleb and his wife Jessica and their two kids are visiting right now. Caleb is currently in law school in Boston. It is fun having them here. Tonight we went on a date with them, Kindra's parents and Kindra's brother Clayton and his fiancee, Courtney. We took canoes out on the Provo River. It was really pretty and we saw a few beavers, an owl, and, let's not forget, witnessed a few water fights. We had a good time.


KID QUOTES

Kierra: Meat is dead animals?
Kindra: Yes, Heavenly Father provided us with animals for many reasons. One of them is for us to eat their bodies to keep us healthy.
Kierra: [after a brief pause] If we eat my best friend Talia I will be so mad!

DJ: Ariana, you need to say sorry to Kierra.
Ariana: No! [with her bottow lip sticking out]
DJ: If you don't say sorry, you will have to lay in the bed for a while.
Ariana: Bed!

Happy Mother's Day

A Riddle

From wildcat to grizzly to rustler to viking to wolverine to cougar back to wildcat!

No Responsibility

I had my last class of the semester on Monday...really, it is my last class in an MBA program. So, for the last 5 days I have had no responsibility. I will just say, it has been great! Over the last few days we went to SLC to take the girls to temple square and the children's museum, Kindra went with some friends to get a pedicure (a VERY rare occasion when Kindra will do something for herself), I played in a golf tournament, we both have been able to work out, we attended graduation, tonight it a closing party with friends from school, and we spent a lot of time as a family. With all of those activities, the best thing has been no homework at night, breakfast with the family in the morning, watching a little tv without feeling guilty, etc. It has been a nice break and I feel rejuvenated. Here are some pictures:

Family Car Wash

Of course the car wash turned into a water fight and that, of course, lead to Kierra and Ariana running around scantily clad.

The Christus at temple square.

Right after graduation...the girls weren't necessarily in the mood for pictures after a three hour graduation.

I have really enjoyed the MBA program at BYU. I have met so many good friends in this program. The nice thing is, I can keep in touch with them and I don't have to do the homework anymore. I will miss associating daily with the people that I have met over the last two years.

KID QUOTES:

Ariana hits Kierra.
Kierra: That didn't hurt.

Ariana hits Kierra again.
Kierra: That didn't hurt.
Ariana hits Kierra again.
Kierra: That didn't hurt.
Ariana claws Kierra's legs.
Kierra: That kind of hurt.

Kierra: Dad, I think it would be good to live in Arizona. I have always wanted to live where the white polar bears live. (she might be sorely disappointed.)

Kierra: Where are you going dad?
Dad: I have a temple recommend interview.
Kierra: What is that? What do you do there?
Dad: I meet with the bishop and the stake president. They ask me questions to see if I am trying to do what's right.
Kierra: Uh oh!
Dad: What? Don't you think I will do well at the interview?
Kierra: Well, sometimes you forget that stupid is a bad word!

Widget

Happy Easter

Today is Easter, and it is so much fun with our little girls. They get so excited over the smallest things. I found a good Easter message here. I really enjoy the Easter season. It invokes many of the same thoughts and feelings as Christmas, but there is not as much commotion (except finals).

We are waiting to see where/if we will be going for our PhD program this year. We are down to three possibilities: University of Arizona, Purdue University, and Penn St. It is also possible that we also get a second masters and re-apply next year. Waiting to hear is driving me a bit crazy, but I am getting used that (being crazy). Here are some pics:

Kierra loved letting the new baby calves suck on her hands (sick!).

Ariana loves to take a bath!Both girls loved the Easter egg hunt at Grandpa Butterfields.

KID QUOTES:

Dad: Okay, it is almost bedtime.
Kierra: I know, I know. Put on your PJs, brush your teeth, blah, blah, blah. (Thank you Aunt Kelli and Glenn Beck!)

Kierra: Hey Ari, say howie you ya. (The Hallelujah Chorus was on in the car)
Ariana: Howie you ya. (This went on for about ten minutes with lots of laughter.)

Kierra: Hey dad, I saw a statue of Rush Mountain. (That is Kierra-ese for Mount Rushmore)
Dad: How did you know?
Kierra: Because there were four little boy's faces carved in it.

Pics and Quotes

Well, we are to that point in the semester where I only have the energy to put in pics and quotes. I know, I know, that little voice in your head is saying, "Finally, we don't have to dig through all of the other junk to get to the good stuff." So, enjoy:Ariana has officially joined the ranks of nursery. She is not the biggest fan. I don't get it. If you want her to stay with you during church, she wants to run away. If you put her in a room full of toys, she wants to stay with you.Riding with Grandma and Grandpa to the Draper Temple open house.

Blowing bubbles with our milk. Oh, the wild times at FHE.
Kierra and Kindra at their mother-daughter date to Classic Skating. What a couple of babes!

Kid Quotes

Kierra: Dad, will sit on this egg (really a beach ball) for me?
Dad: No, that is way too big for an egg.
Kierra: It's okay dad, your bum is huge!

Ariana: Poo poo, mama.
Mom: Oh, do you need a diaper change?
Ariana: Yeah.
Mom: Okay, let's change your diaper.
Ariana: Just jokin'. (she really was joking...no poo poo's)

Dentist (to Kierra): I love your shoes.
Kierra: Yeah, I'm all about the color pink.

Ariana: Come here, princess. (that is what she calls Kierra sometimes)

Blast from the Past

We were tagged by Curtis and Steph to post the fourth picture in our fourth folder in our photos. It has seen the blog before...and now it is back:This is us at Winter Quarters. I am pretty sure that Curtis somehow found out that this was my fourth picture in my fourth folder so that I would have to post a picture of myself in this hat again.

This is an easy tag (I even did it), so we tag Jake and Khanyi, Caleb and Jessica, the LaPierres, the Stevens, the Waters, and the Lambs.

Ready or Not...

Ariana is starting to scare us! One of her favorite new words is 'hide'. Unfortunately, she doesn't say it until she does it. She will randomly wander off, close the door (whether the light is on or off), find a place to hide, and wait for us to find her. It would probably be helpful if we new we were supposed to be looking for her. We have found her in many dark rooms, in cupboards, in the bathroom, behind our close hamper, in the dryer, in a locked room at the church (luckily there was another door that was not locked), etc. I really hope that her next favorite word is 'seek'. Here are some photos of her hiding (Kierra thought it looked so fun, that she decided to join in):
Kindra went to a place called Color Me Mine this past week. It is a ceramic shop. You go, pick out which piece of ceramic you would like to decorate, and then you paint and decorate it. They have a huge variety of paints and stencils. Kindra's friend gave her the idea of a 'celebrate plate'. It is a way to recognize someone in the family that does something special by letting them eat on the celebrate plate. She had a lot of fun and wants to go back. I don't necessarily want to go, so if you are thinking of a vacation, consider Color Me Mine in beautiful Provo, UT! Here is a picture of the Celebrate Plate:
Kid Quotes:

DJ: Kierra, put your pants on please.
Kierra: Dad, no, I want to put my hands in the pockets of my panties.
DJ: Kierra, your panties don't have pockets. Put your pants on.
Kierra: No dad! You don't understand. 'Pockets of my panties' is Spanish for 'pockets of my pants'.

Ariana: Jungle, hide, sparkle, all animal noises, up, more, drink, why she sad, thank you, and cracker (which sounds very much like thank you).

...For a Sunbeam

Kierra started Sunbeams last week. She was so excited! I thought I might peek in on her. The primary president was teaching the class. She wanted to have the kids get their wiggles out, so she said, "Stand up, turn around and sit down." Kierra apparently is very literal in her obedience. She stood up, turned around (180 degrees), and sat down on the floor. The primary president looked at her, laughed, and said, "I am sorry. I wasn't very clear. I meant for you to sit on your chair." So, Kierra stood up and sat down on her chair...still facing the back of the classroom. It was pretty funny. She did great. I think she is going to love primary! Here are some pictures of her first day:



We changed to 1:00 p.m. church last week. Here is a little math for you:

1:00 p.m. Church + 16 Month Old Daughter =

(Peace in Sunday School)

So, I called home this week and heard something that I didn't expect to hear. "I have to go. Kierra got her tongue stuck in the door." What?! I was left for a few hours to wonder how you get your tongue stuck in the door. It really isn't that involved of an explanation. Kindra was coming inside and Kierra stuck her tongue in the hinge side of the door when Kindra was closing it. Luckily Kindra didn't try to slam the door after it wouldn't close the first time, so Kierra still has a tongue! Just one of those stories I thought others should hear about.

Kid Quotes:

Ariana: Hi DJ
Me: Daddy.
Ariana: DJ!
Me: Daddy!
Ariana: My Daddy DJ! (I was okay with that)

Me: I am just trying to figure out the best way to help you out.
Kierra: I know how you can help us!
Me: How?
Kierra: Make some money
Me: Why do you want me to make some money?
Kierra: So you can buy us a house.
Me: Why do you want me to buy us a house?
Kierra: So I can have a puppy!

City Slicker

Our Happy Ariana...most of the time.

Kindra's birthday celebration.

Cutting down our Christmas Tree with Kindra's family.

So, for those of you who don't know, my father-in-law has a small farm and he has more cows at his brother's house nearby. The other day, after getting our Christmas tree, I needed some twine to tie our tree to our car (picture Clark Griswold minus the station wagon). So we ran over to the farm to get some bailing twine. We went over by the hay bails where we could get some used twine. When we got there, we realized there were two cows loose. So, my father-in-law ran and opened the gate and told me to bring the cows over...WHAT?! How, do you bring cows over? They're huge! I am a fairly large person, so one of my rules has always been not to mess with anything bigger than me. So I tell the cows to go over to the gate, but they are not listening. My father-in-law tells me to push them over. So I pushed the cow. The cow looks at me, moos a little, and goes back to eating. In the meantime, all of the cow friends that are still in the fence start surrounding me...and they looked hungry! I have never really thought about how appetizing I look until this point in my life, but the drool coming out of those animals mouths tell me that I might make a good meal. Well, I could go on and on, but I will spare you. We got the cows in (after they decided that I made a big enough fool of myself). However, I did learn one thing about myself. Accounting was a very good decision for a career path for me.

Kid Quotes

Kierra: Mom, is dad going to say stupid?

Kierra: Dad, what did Ariana get me for Christmas?
Dad: You'll have to wait until Christmas.
Kierra: Oh, I think that I know. She was probably like maybe I'll get her a baby doll...no, maybe I'll get her a shirt...no, maybe I'll get her a carrot...no, maybe I'll get her that makeup thing from the Disney store...yeah, that's it!

Kindra: Oh, I am falling asleep.
Kierra: [begins to sing to Kindra]
Kindra: Are you singing me to sleep?
Kierra: Yes.
Kindra: Oh, that is so nice. Why are you doing that?
Kierra: So I can watch a MOOOOO-VEEEEEE!

Kid Pics and Kid Quotes

Kid Quotes

Kierra: I like it, I love it, I want some more of it! (surprising quote considering I don't allow country music in my house)

Kierra: Carrots are the worst!

Ariana: Daddy, Mommy, no, RaRa (Kierra), doggy, kitty, no, ball, baby, baba (bottle), no.

Me: Kierra, wake up, it's snowing outside!
Kierra: YESSSS!! Now we can go tube sliding at Uncle Snarlings house. (translation: now we can go tubing at Uncle Sterlings house)

Kierra: Dad, why is your toenail brown (trust me, I wish I knew)?
Me: I don't know?
Kierra: Is it because girls have white skeletons and boys have brown ones?
Me: No
Kierra: Maybe there is a nutshell stuck under there!

Kierra: Mom, will you read me another book?
Kindra: No, I need a break for a little bit.
Kierra: Uggh, you're so aggrevating!
Kindra: What?!
Kierra: Mom, what does aggrevating mean?

Me: Hi Kierra. What are you doing with your friends?
Kierra: We're playing. Can you please leave now? (I didn't think that was supposed to happen until she was a teen!)

Our Halloween was spent at our ward party as we were recently called to be on the activities committee. It was a fun party with several hundred people there. Kindra also took the girls to a pumpkin patch with a lot of activities, and Kierra had another party with her pre-school. and we had a party with the MBA program. I think they make a great witch and cat combo!

For a school project I was required to ask for responses on my leadership strengths. I asked for three stories that demonstrated a particular trait. If you ever are feeling like you need a self-esteem boost, I would recommend pretending that you have a similar project for school. I know that it is a bit contrived considering that I only asked for positive feedback, but it still feels good. At this point, I won't be surprised if I am elected as president of the United States on Tuesday. If I am, then you are all welcome in the white house anytime.

Kid Quotes
Kierra (to her babysitter): Umm, are that any small toys that Ariana could choke on...you know...like, uh-huh uh-huh.

It Works!!!

Today we had a nice Sunday family meal consisting of pork chops, rice, vegetables, and some of Kindra's delicious peach pie. After dinner, I took Ariana in the other room to play. After a few minutes, Kindra came in to talk to me. We were talking when Kierra came in with an entire pork chop in her hand. She was chewing and, all of sudden, she stopped walking and chewing. She reached for her face as it started to turn red. I realized she was choking, so I jumped up, leaned over, and gave her the heimlich manuever. She made a gurgling noise, and then a 4" x 1" x 1/2" chunk of fat from the pork chop came out of her mouth. I started saying, "Are you okay?" She just nodded her head and went in for another chunk of meat. We had a talk about getting meat by herself, and I am just glad she is okay. Now I know that the heimlich manuever really works. I hope that you can just take my word for that instead of figuring it out for yourself.

Last weekend was general conference for our church. It is a weekend full of spiritually uplifting talks. It was well-needed for me. I love relaxing with my family and listening to uplifting messages. Elder Uchtdorf gave an uplifting talk that talked to me especially. A couple of my other talks were given by President Monson, Elder Wirthlin, and Elder Perry. If you are having a rough day, check one of these talks out and it just might help.

Kid Quotes:

"That guy smells like he is way too old for me." -Kierra (referring to a guy at church)

"Hey, there's President Monson...where did his hair go?" - Kierra