The Cragun Crew

Easter in the Hospital

2010-04-26T18:14:00.000-07:00

Yes, we spent easter in the hospital. Mckenzie woke up easter morning with horrible abdominal pain. I took her to the ER, where they did a CT scan that showed her appendix had ruptured. They immediately did surgery to remove it. The doctor told me after the surgery she would need to stay in the hospital for 5 days to receive IV antibiotics. When I heard this I thought "there's no way". (little did I know we would end up staying 11 days) I have three boys at home and my husbands in Afghanistan. Really? That's when my guardian angels swooped in to rescue our family. (nelsons) We had so many people reach out to us, from family, friends, HT and our amazing ward family. I have never felt so loved and comforted during what was one of the roughest times of my life. To help with her recovery, mckenzie had to take walks around the hospital. This is a picture of her at her favorite place in the hospital. If you look just above her head you can see a picture of chad. It is up in the dermatology clinic to show who is deployed at that time. Everytime I would ask where she wanted to go on our walk she would say, " I want to go see daddy". Of course, this was a bitter sweet place for me to visit as well. I could hear chad all the way in afghanistan pulling his hair out that he couldn't be with us. He has told me many times that he had a feeling of comfort finally come to him, knowing that we were surrounded by "angels" in the form of our family and friends.

So.......... on the 5th day of our hospital stay, the transmission in my van breaks. Meanwhile, on the side of the road, waiting for the tow truck, I get a call from the hospital saying mckenzie has had an allergic reaction to one of the antibiotics. Awesome! I had to laugh, and take a picture, of a moment in my life that I will never forget. I have to give a shout-out to austin, who endured this moment with me. Thanks! chad owes you!

Gramma libby came to save the boys from being pawned off to the world, during our extended stay at hotel wilford hall. Big "thanks" to gramma.

Right before we were going to be discharged on our 6th day, they decided to do another CT scan. When it came back it showed she had developed a couple of abscesses. They took her into surgery again and cleaned out the infection and then placed a wound vac. Now, I know all you medical people think this is such an amazing, awesome thing. And it's not that I don't. It's just so DISTURBING to see it on my six year old daughter. If you can't tell I had a hard time with this. Especially when they told me we would be going home with it for 2 weeks! If you don't know what a wound vac is, it is a tube they stick down in a wound that sucks out the infections and basically heals from the inside out. So poor mckenzie endured carrying around the machine, that was hooked to the tube, coming out of her stomach! What a trooper! But of course, true to herself, she did it in style. If you look closely at the picture, you can see the tube coming out of her "blinged-out" backpack. Mckenzie still had to go back to the OR for wound vac changes every 3 days. But after the 3rd time they took it out. We went back in today and they removed her stitches. So I am glad to say, that after 4 weeks, Mckenzie is almost back to normal. Words can't express how blessed I feel. Thank you to everyone for your help and prayers during such a challenging time for our family. We love you!

SCIENCE FAIR- 2ND PLACE

2010-03-11T18:50:00.000-08:00

Mckenzie took 2nd place at the science fair. We all went as a family to see all the experiments at the school and when we got to mckenzie's experiment there was a trophy! She was so excited! Her experiment was testing out after school snacks to find one that would make her feel happy, healthy and less hungry. Then she explained why the snack accomplished these goals. I am so proud of her. She loves school and her new trophy!!

Saying Good Bye

2010-02-25T22:26:00.000-08:00

On January 4th chad deployed to Afghanistan. He has now been gone for almost 2 months. It has been challenging at times, but also rewarding. I know that Heavenly Father has put His protective shield around chad and our family. Saying good bye was a very difficult time for our family, but we know we'll be together again soon. (well, 6 months soon)

Colin, has had the hardest time with chad being gone. Every time he sees a man in uniform he yells "DADDY!" or if the phone rings he yells "DADDY!" He misses his daddy.

Miss you, Daddy!

No training wheels!!

2010-02-25T22:19:00.000-08:00

On new years day chad taught mckenzie how to ride a bike. It was a special day. she is so brave! Everyone lined the side walk and cheered her on.
Even after she got the hang of it, she still wanted her dad to run along side of her. Her safety net.

Awesome job, kenz!

Christmas 2009

2010-02-25T22:00:00.000-08:00

Christmas was amazing this year. It was a peaceful time together as a family. Chad was leaving for afghanistan 2 weeks later so we just spent the day loving and enjoying each other. It was my most memorable christmas.

Thanksgiving 2009

2010-02-25T21:51:00.000-08:00

We were lucky this year to have chad's parents and sister come visit. And we give thanks to our good friends who put up with us.
The boys got the boot to the backyard. Of course, they didn't mind not being supervised and it was 70 degrees.

Mckenzie's 1st piano recital

2010-02-25T21:45:00.000-08:00

Mckenzie had her first piano recital. She was so nervous her hands were shaking. But she made it through. The piece was The can can.
The brothers came and cheered her on. Gramma kelli and papa were there too. Good job, kenz!

Mckenzie's 6th birthday!

2010-02-25T21:34:00.000-08:00

Tradition is that we eat a pancake breakfast on birthday morning. Mckenzie loves pancakes.
She wanted to have a princess craft party. So the girls made necklaces, bracelets, and cards. It was stone silent for almost 30min. I love girl parties.

Present time. the highlight of ever party.

The girls then dance to music and ran around in circles giggling.

Happy birthday mckenzie. I love you and think you are one of a kind. I hope you always want to have a princess party.

Halloween 2009

2010-02-25T21:20:00.000-08:00

Troy went as the green power ranger. He loved his built in muscles.
Mckenzie went as one of the Three musketeers.

Levi and Thomas are one.

And I know have a picture of all of my kids wearing the chicken little costume. I love it. He wasn't the biggest fan of it. He was very warm outside. But in true colin fashion he continued to smile.

And chad spent the day breaking his back laying our new floors. Happy Halloween!

Colin is 1!

2010-02-25T20:56:00.000-08:00

Colin's 1st birthday was spent with family and close friends. He is a crazy kids, full of energy. He never stops. He can go all day. He's my busy boy! He is always happy and smiling. He is my little sunshine.
Let's get this party started. The kids showed up......for the cake and ice cream.

But no one wanted to eat it, once colin was finished. He was a little shocked that he got to devour the cake and no one stopped him. He loved it.

I made this frog cake special for colin because he's always so "hoppy". Cheesy, I know.

First day of school

2010-02-25T20:24:00.000-08:00

Kenzie and troy giving each other moral support for the big day ahead.

Mckenzie loves her kindergarten teacher, ms. guevara. She was really nervous but soon warmed up.

Troy LOVES his pre-k teacher Ms. Israel. Of course, Troy loves most ladies. (hand check, troy) Like father like son.

August at the lakehouse

2010-02-25T19:53:00.000-08:00

We were very lucky to spend a few days playing the water at gramma and papa's lakehouse. He is a picture of kenzie and chad heading out in the canoe. The kids had such a blast. And so did the parents.
Here are the cousins and neighbors playing on a big water trampoline. It was literally a party everyday.

Levi loved the beach area and spent most of his time there. He would send the toys drifting out into the lake or else plunge them down to the bottom. He had a grand time playing all by himself. what a surprise.

Gramma and papa rented a house boat for extra room. The best part of it was the awesome slide off the back.

We also played Olympic games. The kids loved the candy medals.

Troys second birthday

2010-02-25T19:38:00.000-08:00

Troy got lucky this year and had 2 birthday parties. This one took place at gramma and papa's house with all the cousins. He felt very special.

He are all the cousins sitting so nicely together. It lasted about 10 sec. I was impressed we even got the picture.

Gramma and papa had a very special present at their house waiting for troy. A RAZOR SCOOTER!!!!! He was thrilled.

Here is troy and his best buddy, dad. Two pea's in a pod.

TROY'S 4!

2010-02-25T19:21:00.000-08:00

Troy had water party for his birthday. Here they are busting up the optimus prime pinata. Nothing says happy birthday better than beating a pinata.

Troy loves transformers and robots. Here is his cake he requested. Chocolate with a robot. easy pleaser.

This is where the party really took place. Which made my life easier.

I can't believe that my sweet, loving, snugglie little boy is 4. Time flys. Troy is so tender and thoughtful and I'm so proud of him.

July 2009

2010-02-25T18:50:00.000-08:00

This summer was a particularly hot one. And since chad was studying for his board exam we didn't go anywhere june or july. The kids still found ways to entertain themselves in the backyards blistering heat. Here they are having a musical parade with the neighbors. Got to love summer fun!

Aunt jessebears came to visit us all summer long. She and I put a hannah montana wigs on poor colin. Even when he's being tortured (notice his hands are pinned to his sides) he's still smiling.

Jessebears did lots of amazing things during her visit here, including acupuncture.

Chad and I on a WICKED date! To see the play that is. It was the best Broadway play I've ever seen.

Kenzie and Troy escaping the scorching heat outside. And acting crazy in the house. Got to love summer!

CHAD'S MARATHON

2009-07-11T11:22:00.000-07:00

Chad ran in his first 1/2 marathon on june 20th. He did amazing! He placed 23rd out of 2800 people. When he crossed the finish line the kids were screaming his name and cheering. It was so cute!
While daddy was running we went and played on the playgroud. They had a blast! And mom was happy they had somewhere to play.

Colin. He was happy to be out in the stroller looking around. Easy pleaser.

Kids Fun Run

2009-06-07T21:23:00.000-07:00

On saturday we went to a local park for a kids fun run. It was so cute, they had numbers and gatorade for them. The first race was a 100m run for the kids. Mckenzie took First place. When she crossed the finish line they handed her a trophy. She was so excited she didn't speak for a few minutes.
Troy came in 2nd place in his age group and was given a blue ribbon, which lost it's glamour when he saw mckenzie's trophy. Got to love it!

Colin wasn't allowed to enter the race (left his racing shoes at home) but was happy just to be along for the ride. Levi ran the 100m and when he got 10ft away from the finish line with everyone cheering him to cross it, decided to just stop, we all were pointing to the finish line for him to cross it, but of course he looks around at everyone and then comes and gets in the stroller. No one tells him what to do. And don't make a fuss about it either.

After the 100m kids fun run they had a 1/2 mile, 1 mile and 3 mile run. They told all the kids if they ran all three races they would get a trophy. So mckenzie being the good sister that she is, tells troy she will run all three and get him a trophy. I didn't think she would really do it, but she did! Troy ran the 1/2 mile and then got in the stroller. After Mckenzie had finished the 1 mile I tried to talk her out of doing the 3 mile, but she was determined to get another trophy. So we did the 3 mile race. At about the 2 1/2 mile mark she said her legs hurt her, I told her to stop and walk, but she told me "mom, you don't walk in a race!" I kept trying to convince her to stop but she wouldn't. And when she crossed the finish line, legs so tried and barely holding back her tears of pain, I cried. Everyone was cheering and so impressed that a little 5 year old had ran 4 1/2 miles. They gave her a big trophy. she was one of 3 kids to finish all three races. And by far the youngest. And so in the end Troy got a trophy. He was so happy she ran it for him. I am so proud of Mckenzie and her determination, drive, courage and love for her brother. You go girl!!!

Mckenzie's Graduation

2009-06-07T20:55:00.000-07:00

Mckenzie graduated from pre-k thursday. I'm not sure exactly what that means, but we celebrated anyway. Here she is with her best friend, paige.
Mckenzie is going to miss Mrs. Isreal. She had such a great year.

I can't believe she will be in kindergarten next year. I don't know if I can handle her being gone all day. I guess we'll just have to enjoy the summer. I love you, mckenzie.

Chad's Graduation

2009-06-07T13:53:00.000-07:00

On June 5th Chad graduated from his dermatology residency. It has been a long journey getting to this day. (And we are still not quite there. He takes his board exam Aug. 5th. ) He has worked so hard to reach this goal. I am so proud of all he has accomplished,which is alot! He received the Monte Lewis award for most outstanding resident on friday. But the best part is he didn't even hear it when they announced it! I am so grateful to everyone who has helped chad and I on this journey. Friends in med. school, friends in residency, mentors , and most importantly our families. We love you! And we did it!

Olympic Triathlon, Austin

2009-06-06T18:07:00.000-07:00

On memorial day, I did an olympic triathlon in Austin Texas. It was amazing! The course was in downtown austin. We swam in lady bird lake, (1 mile) and then biked downtown around the capital (25 miles) and ended with a 10k run (6.5 miles). It was Awesome!!!
I am so thankful for my good friends who have helped me achieve something I never thought possible.

And even more thankful for my husband and great kids who supported me in reaching this goal. Here we are in the hotel room the night before. The kids loved staying in the hotel.

We had a blast but we were ready to go home.

Easter

2009-06-06T17:41:00.000-07:00

The kids really got into decorating eggs this year. Levi especially loved it! Of course, his hands were blue for a few days. All in the name of fun!
Troy and Hyrum, partners in crime. Out to get all the eggs in the backyard. It's called backyard survival. Keep up, or get out of the way!

Kenzie and paigey. BFF's. Too cute!

We've been teaching Colin to do one arm push-ups. He's getting pretty good. Next step, on his knuckles.

Can I pleeeeeeeeeeease get a decent Easter picture?! Not going to happen.

Galvaston Triathlon

2009-04-29T16:48:00.000-07:00

On April 4, I went to Galveston Texas with some friends and did my first triathlon. It was a blast! I'm totally hooked. Here I am at my transition area. We swam in the ocean 1st which was a bit of a challenge. Ok.... a HUGE challenge! The water was very cold and nothing like swimming laps in a pool. I have made a mental note never to do another triathlon in the ocean. The bike ride was amazing! It along the coastline and was beautiful and peaceful. It was also my weakest event. I was enjoying it a little to much. It is my favorite part of the whole day. ( well, maybe the end of the swim was my favorite part, it's a toss up.) The run was good and fun because people lined the whole way and cheered you on! I felt like a superstar!

This is my amazing friend Jen who inspired and encouraged me to do the Triathlon. She is one of the most incredible people I've ever known. I love you, Jen!

This is my crazy friend Rebecca, who wasn't afraid to be nuts with me! She also saved my life in the ocean. I owe you!

Here we are at the end of our adventurous day. It was one of those experiences I'll never forget. Thanks to everyone who helped get me in shape and encouraged me to do this. I'll be doing another one memorial weekend in Austin TX. This time chad and the kids are all coming to cheer me on. It should be fun!

Carnival and Rodeo

2009-03-31T20:38:00.000-07:00

Every year the carnival and rodeo come rolling through town. And of course, we can't resist a good carnival. OK, it was free military night.
Colin and Levi enjoyed mostly from the stroller. Which seemed to be good for both of them.

Just say no to crack. Go, Troy!

They had a petting zoo there where the animals just wandered around and you could pet them and feed them. Troy walked in the gate 2 steps and ran screaming and crying out of there. Of course, it could have been the little goat who went chasing after him the second he walked in. That was the end of Troys petting zoo experience. Levi walked right in and started having himself a look around. It was as though he couldn't figure out what was going on. Some goats and sheep would bump into him and crowd his space, to which he would respond by pushing them out of his way. I swear I heard him mumble under his breath, "Step off animals!"

Mckenzie was nervous at first (she just saw troy run out screaming) but then she loosened up. She really enjoyed it.Of course, no carnival is complete without some Carney rides! This was troys favorite, the train. He rode it all by himself. So big.

Levi's 2!

2009-03-31T20:07:00.000-07:00

I was informed by mckenzie and troy that when it is someone's birthday in our family we decorate the downstairs the night before, so when they wake up and come downstairs they are surprised. So that's what we did. Levi's face says it all. I Think this is a tradition we will keep.
Levi loves Thomas the train. So... for his birthday we did everything Thomas. He ate blue pancakes for breakfast which are his favorite.

He and troy helped make the cake. Or just helped eat the batter.

He had a great time singing happy birthday. He sang it over and over again. Levi isn't the biggest fan of attention, but he bore his birthday burdens well.

By the end of the night, after his favorite dinner of fettuccine Alfredo, he was glad to be done with the day.

Wonder Baby

2009-03-31T19:39:00.000-07:00

Colin is our wonder baby. He is happy all the time. It doesn't matter if he knows you or not, he always gives a smile.
At 5 months he started low crawling. (just using his arms)

He would also roll over and over to get to where he wanted. He is a curious little thing. Always content and happy to roam around on the ground.

At 6 months he was fully crawling on all fours and he hasn't looked back. He is so fast now he can chase after his brothers and sister. Which they love! He is now 7 months and can pull himself up on anything and can crawl up stairs..... it's getting back down on solid ground that he needs to work on next. He is truly Our Wonder baby and I can't wait to see what he does next.

MONSTER TRUCK JAM!!!

2009-03-31T19:31:00.000-07:00

Troy was so excited to go to the monter truck show. It comes to town every year and is truly a highlight for this 3 year old boy.
He went with his daddy who loves it just as much as he does. Two peas in a pod. Troy got to stay up until after midnight. (another highlight)

My Little Sunbeam!!

2009-03-07T20:08:00.000-08:00

Troy is a sunbeam now! No more nursery! He has done very well in his new role as a "big primary boy". He says he trys to be reverent and keep his arms folded but sometimes they just want to be crazy. (his exact words) He is such a sunbeam in our family. Always quick to hug, love and crack a joke! Congrats, little buddy!

Christmas festivities!

2009-01-15T13:45:00.000-08:00

Mckenzie and Troy love to play with dough. So making christmas sugar cookies is one of their favorite christmas activities. They rolled and cut out their dough over and over agian, until the dough became stiff.
We made gingerbread houses with the nelsons. The kids had a great time.

Levi, was all about the munching. He loved picking and choosing what to eat next.

Grandma libby came to stay with us for a few days. Here she is feeding the kids frosting from the tube. Airn't grandma's great?! Chad and I sent the kids to sleep with her that night.

The Nutcracker

2009-01-09T18:13:00.000-08:00

Mckenzie and I went on a special date to the nutcracker ballet. Mckenzie has a natural love for ballet, which she didn't inherit from either one of her parents. She also has a natural grace in dance that she also didn't inherit from her parents. We had purchased nose-bleed seats ($15) but, the place wasn't full, so we were able to sit floor (almost) center. It was awesome! She loved every minute! She has decided she will one day perform in the nutcracker.
After the show we were able to meet alot of the dancers. This was mckenzie's favorite part of the whole night.

This is mckenzie with her best friend paige right before we went to the show. The two little dancers.

It was a special night I won't forget and neither will mckenzie. I think this will forever be our tradition around the holiday's. It was magical!

My Baby is 5

2008-12-10T12:49:00.000-08:00

Mckenzie turned 5 on Nov. 22. I can't believe she's 5, where did the time go. She continues to be my little helper, an awesome big sister, my friend, my comic relief and a wonderful blessing to our family. We love you, kenzie! Mckenzie had an Enchanted sleepover party. Well, not an actual sleepover, they pretended. She got lots of presents and lots of treats! It was great!

Halloween

2008-11-29T22:00:00.000-08:00

We started the halloween festivities off by carving pumpkins in the backyard. Since our backyard is also shared by our neighbors the Nelsons, this became a joint family project. As you can see it was alot of fun.
Mckenzie decided this year to be a little edgier with her costume. Instead of the princess/fairy theme she decided to shake things up a bit. This is her creation: Fairy Witch.

Troy of course choose batman... again. He really didn't even want to wear his costume and part of the way through trick or treating he took it off. He just wanted the candy.

Levi was a lion/ewok. (explanation is in the next post) Colin was a bat and was a cute as can be. He just loved being outside riding around in the stroller. Of course, he was a little scared of the thing sitting next to him.

Happy 1st halloween, colin!

Ewok or Lion?

2008-11-29T21:32:00.000-08:00

So.... it was hard finding a costume for Levi. I had bought him a Knight costume complete with helmet, shield, sword and breast plate. Which he refused to wear. We dug through all of our dress ups and tried everything. Finally, I found this costume that had been given to us by some friends. It was the only one that would work because, he couldn't get it off. At first he was angry, then he just accepted it. Well sort of... as you can see from the photo above. We had several people say to us, "Cool ewok costume!" I think it's suppose to be a lion but ewok sounds cooler. Although, I don't recall any of the ewoks having red bowties.
At our church trunk or treat the little ewok/lion was hard to contain. Mckenzie (our little helper) tried all she could, but as most of you are aware, he does not contain easily.

He eventually broke free and teamed up with another lion to plan an escape.

But the extra lion proved to be a burden and just slowed our little ewok/lion down. And as we know.....Levi works alone.

Side note: There is a huge party going on in the parking lot, complete with games, prizes and candy, and he can't wait to get away. He would rather scale a cyclone fence and look for any possible escape, no matter how hazardous, then join in. Sadly, I think a lot of men there wanted to do the same thing. Wise beyond his years.

So in the end.... our little lion Levi (or ewok) proves to be as gentle as a lamb. And comes back to his Mommy...... for a small fee of course.

Our trip to portland

2008-10-25T12:37:00.000-07:00

Me, mckenzie and colin took a quick trip to portland to see grandma. kenzie had the time of her life! She loved grandma's backyard, and who wouldn't, it was magical.
We took a quick trip to seaside and cannon beach. Mckenzie loves the ocean and sand. Just like her mommy.

These two were never apart. Grandma even went into the freezing cold water, caught a sand crab and built sand castles with kenzie. They were truly inseparable!

We stopped in to visit my grandme, and took a four generations picture. It was great to see her, and to have mckenzie finally meet her.

This is the house I grew up in. The people we sold the house to still live there, and gave us a tour. The crazy part is that after 15 years the house was almost the exact same. We felt like we went back in time to when we lived there. We got to visit with the next door neighbors who I grew up with. Good memories.

We also got together with grandpa, aunts, uncle and some cousins. I can't wait to go back. It was a great trip!

Chad's Birthday!

2008-10-25T12:21:00.000-07:00

Chad wasn't to excited to celebrate his birthday. I guess turning 32 and still being in school can be a bit depressing. Hang in there chad, just one more year to go. We had a pizza party with our neighbors the nelson's or as WE are called, "the Nelguns".
Mckenzie. Paige, and Troy worked very hard on the cupcakes for chad.

Mckenzie takes her decorating very seriously.

and Troy.........he takes his snacking seriously.

My Halloween Chickens!

2008-10-25T11:45:00.000-07:00

I thought I would share my chicken picture collection. This year Levi joined the club. Next year will be colin's turn. I just love this costume! See if you can guess who's, who?

1. mckenzie 2. troy 3. levi

Molly's 29th Birthday!

2008-10-12T18:50:00.000-07:00

Yes, this is officially my last year in the twenties. Party! I spent the day shopping and relaxing. It was great. I came home to the house decorated and the kids very excited to present me with the cake they had been working on all day. Or should I say Chad had been working on all day. It was very cute.
And here it is! My bat birthday cake! I just love it.

Colin's Blessing

2008-10-12T18:23:00.000-07:00

We blessed colin on august 31st. He was only 12 days old. He is loved by all his siblings. ( I can't believe we have four kids! And the oldest is 4! What's the matter with us? And I can't believe we actually got this picture.)
Grandma and Grandpa Cragun came to town to help us out. A special thanks to them. We were able to bless colin while they were still here. It turned out to be a very special and memorable day for all of us.
So here we are. A family of six. I don't think I will ever get another family picture without a finger in someones nose. All in all, a very special day for colin and our family.

First Day of School

2008-10-12T13:47:00.000-07:00

Mckenzie rode the bus on her first day of school. I met her up at the school and when she got off she didn't look very happy. I asked her when she got home how it went. She said, " mom, there are no seat belts on the bus. It is very dangerous!" The poor thing didn't want to ride it again. How do you explain to a 4 year old that it is ok to ride a bus without a seat belt but not in any other vehicle? It was tricky. She now loves to ride the bus because you don't have to wear your seat belt. Whatever.
Troy. He's my little ladies man. He loved his teacher last year and I was nervous about how he would react to his new one. Luckily it's a lady, ms. lori, who on the first day of school said to troy, " come give me a hug!" He's been in love ever since. Now when I ask him what he did at school he says," I hug ms. lori." Thats my boy!
Then there is Levi. When I put levi's backpack on him to take a picture he was so excited he started walking down the street. He likes to feel big and important,and wearing a backpack certainly makes him feel that way. I tried to warn his teachers that he has a very strong but quiet opinion on things. They found out on the first day, when they went to art class. He walked in, saw what they were doing, and walked out. His teacher says, " if he doesn't want to do it, he won't." I just love this kid!

Levi's First day in Nursery!

2008-10-12T13:36:00.000-07:00

Levi turned 18 months 5 days after colin was born. He is officially in nursery! phewwww! We barely made it. Levi marches to the beat of his own drum and nursery is no exception. He is clearly not a follower much to the leaders dismay. His favorite part is snack time! (daddy's boy)

Colin Is Here!!

2008-08-24T12:58:00.000-07:00

On August 20th, Colin Merrill Cragun was born. He weighed 7 pds 11oz and was 19.5 inches long. He is doing great and so is mom. He has already proven to be a good eater and sleeper. The kids have loved him, and continue to look out for his well being.
Mckenzie is definitely the second mom. she loves to hold Colin. Troy is the best big brother! He takes good care of his special new baby brother. "Baby Cowin"
Then there's Levi, who I don't think has noticed there's someone else in the house. He just does his own thing.
Welcome home, Colin!! We love you!

BIG MAMA!!

2008-08-19T19:15:00.000-07:00

I have had several requests for a prego picture. So.... here it is! I am on my way into the hospital right now. My nine months are up!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY, TROY!!!

2008-08-12T14:51:00.000-07:00

Troy celebrated his 3rd birthday on Saturday. He started his special day with blue pancakes on the much coveted birthday plate. We had his birthday party at a neighborhood pool. All of his friends came and brought many gifts. Here he is surrounded by his loot. A party is not a party here in San Antonio until you bust open a pinata.
Happy birthday little troy! You are growing up so fast. You are such a shining light in our family. We love you!
Troy requested a "Monster Truck" cake. When he saw the cake he immediately took the truck off and started licking the frosting off the wheels. I made him put it back on so I could at least get a picture.

Christmas in July!

2008-07-24T17:37:00.000-07:00

Yes, you heard correctly! Christmas came in July for us. (Special thanks to hurricane dolly). We woke up this morning to a very rainy and overcast day. This rarely happens. McKenzie said it looked like it might snow. I didn't have the heart to tell her that it was still 95 degrees outside. But this got me thinking. It' s about the half way mark from Christmas eve, why not spend the day pretending it is.
We started out our morning by getting out the Christmas dishes and eating breakfast on them. After breakfast, we then turned on the Christmas music and danced.
Then we made sugar cookie dough. My kids love to cook! while the cookie dough was chilling in the fridge, we watched frosty the snowman, Rudolph, and barbie nutcracker.
Then it was time to make the cookies. Troy and McKenzie loved this part the most. They rolled and cut out the cookies over and over again.
We ended the day by making our traditional Christmas morning breakfast for dinner. Pecan pie french toast and maple glazed sausage. It was yummy! Chad came home to the kids shouting "Merry Christmas, Daddy!" It was a fun day!

Karate & Gymnastic's

2008-07-24T13:33:00.000-07:00

For troy's summer activity he chose karate. And he has loved it! He is obviously the youngest in his class but that doesn't matter one bit!
HI-YAH!!
I'm not sure how I feel about him perfecting his kicking and punching skills.
Mckenzie chose gymnastic's. She has done really well at it. After only 3 weeks they moved her up a level.
She now spends most of her time upside down and flipping all over the place. She really loves it! At both practices troy and mckenzie have really cheered each other on. Troy will yell "good job, kenzie!" which echoes across the whole gym. Mckenzie will then stop whatever she's doing and say, "thanks troy!" in an equally loud voice. It's been alot of fun!

Happy 4th of July!!

2008-07-24T13:23:00.000-07:00

We went swimming in the neighborhood pool. It was alot of fun!
Troy deciding whether or not to jump in.
Kenize, our little fearless fish!
We spent the day with our friends who are part family, the nelson's, we ate BBQ and took naps. It was perfect.

7 nights in Paradise

2008-05-01T19:48:00.000-07:00

For our 8th anniverary, we went on a western carribean cruise. Now, it was not ideal for molly to go on a cruise 24 weeks pregnant, but given our track record on having babies, we figured we should hurry and get it in, or it would never happen. We went with 4 other couples (friends) from here. For all those people out their who have never gone on a cruise....you need to. The ship we went on was the "Voyager of the Seas" ( royal carribean). It was awesome!
The first port we stopped in was cozamel, mexico. It was on our anniverary (April 22). We went to a private beach and clear bottom kayaked and snokled.
In Roatan, Honduras, we went Zip-Lining through the jungle. Then we spent 3 hours at one of the most beautiful beaches we had ever seen. In Progresso, Mexico, we went on a "Truc" pulled by a horse on an old railroad track to some Mayan under ground caverns with clear blue fresh water swimming holes inside. It was amazing. Here is Molly climbing out of one of the under ground caverns.
Special Thanks to Grandma Kelli for coming and watching the kids while we went on a much deserved vacation without the kids.

Drum roll...........

2008-04-04T18:25:00.000-07:00

It's a BOY!!

We are very excited to let you know we are adding another boy to our crew. Troy was happy it was going to be another "levi" as he called it. Mckenzie was a little disappointed. She asked if we could still call him "Giselle". This was her name pick for a girl (she loves the movie enchanted) Chad has been saying it was a boy from the beginning, and I was thinking it was a girl. I've been wrong every time. OH, BOY...........ANOTHER BOY!

Check out my Slide Show!

2008-03-24T19:31:00.000-07:00

Happy Easter!

2008-03-24T11:20:00.000-07:00

I took at least 100 pictures and this is the only one that came out remotely decent. It's getting harder and harder to take a decent picture.
Mckenzie and her yellow dress. Mckenzie saw this yellow dress in walmart at least a month before easter. She kept saying she wanted it for her easter dress. I figured she would forget about it. Wrong! She came home and asked chad if she could get the yellow dress for easter. I took her to several different stores and showed her many other dresses which she would say, "oh, thats beautiful but, I just want the yellow dress from walmart." This went on up until the friday before easter when I finally broke down and bought her "the yellow dress from walmart." Mckenzie also got a new bike from the easter bunny.
Troy the happy boy. Troy got up early with me on easter morning and helped me make muffins and cinnamon rolls. He loves to help me cook! We had an easter egg hunt and brunch with some of our friends. Troy didn't like the easter egg hunt because every egg he picked up had "yuckies" and "dirties" on them. Chad had forgotten to turn off the sprinkler system so the grass was wet. This didn't seem to bother any of the other kids besides troy who gave up and went to swing and slide instead. Troy got a Thomas the train play hut from the easter bunny.
Little Levi. Levi is very busy now! He walks everywhere and gets into everything. At the easter egg hunt he would pick up the eggs and throw them on the cement thinking they would bounce like a ball. He threw one hard enough to brake it open and then discovered the candy inside. I think easter is his favorite holiday now. Levi got a new boat toy from the easter bunny.
Decorating eggs was alot of fun this year. I think they finally understood what to do. Mckenzie made sure that her half of the eggs were pink and troy's where blue. Before Troy even had an egg to dip he dipped his whole hand! I think his favorite part was turning his hand multiple colors. Happy easter!

Happy Green day!!!!

2008-03-19T07:45:00.000-07:00

We started out the morning with green pancakes. I tried to explain st. Patrick's day to troy and Kenzie who decided to rename the holiday "Green Day."
We had Green eggs and ham for dinner. Levi looks like he's strait out of one of Dr. Seuss's books.
Surprisingly, everyone ate up their dinner and loved it. Including chad.

Here is our st. Patrick's day desert tradition recipe. It's a bread that should be a cake. It's green and yummy!

1 box yellow cake mix

2 sm. boxes of instant pistachio pudding mix

1 c. sour cream

1 c. water

1/2 c. oil

4 eggs

Heavily spray bottom of pans with cooking spray. sprinkle cinnamon and sugar on bottom-thick layer. Fill each pan 1/2 to 3/4 full of batter. sprinkle cinnamon and sugar on top. Bake 350 degrees for 45-55 minutes, until done. makes 3 large bread loaves. Enjoy!!

Happy 1st Birthday, Levi!!

2008-03-11T10:43:00.000-07:00

Our sweet baby boy has finally turned one. It's been a wonderful year filled with fun!
Levi is our Little Lambie boy! So it was fitting we give him a lamb birthday cake.
Levi at age One.

Levi's favorite song is "If you're happy and you know it clap your hands" levi's favorite food is spagetti. Levi's favorite word is "Yah!" which he says all the time. Levi's favorite game is to throw his ball and then go pick it up. Levi loves to play trains with his big brother Troy. Levi's favorite time of the day is when daddy comes home. We call him the "cling-on" he clings onto chad and won't let go. Levi is a very special boy and we are so happy he's a part of out family. Happy Birthday!

Happy Valentine's Day!!

2008-02-20T18:02:00.000-08:00

Valentine Buddies!
Waiting anxiously to open their valentine presents.
Troy got a thomas the train dvd and a baseball glove.
Mckenzie got an angelina ballerina dvd and stamp craft set.
Levi got hot wheel cars.

It was a great valentines day. I love my husband and 3 beautiful children always and forever, and feel blessed to have their love.

Carnival

2008-02-18T12:22:00.000-08:00

Yes! The stock show and rodeo/ carnival comes to town every january-feburary. It was 80 degrees the day we went. It felt like july! Well, our july's aren't 80 degrees but you get what I'll saying.
Mckenzie and Troy were the only kids in the carnival and rode most of the rides solo. We went first thing in the morning so school wasn't out yet. Perfect planning on mom's part.
This dinasour ride was Troy's favorite he rode it 3 times!

They had a petting zoo where you walk around inside the big animal pen. They had goats, lamas, sheep, deer and chickens. This particular chicken kept following around mckenzie and troy who would scream when it came near them ( no, they didn't scream when the goats, lamas, and deer came and got in there faces, just this little chicken) Finally, the worker picked up the harassing chicken and let them pet it without being pecked.
Levi's Highlight! They had 6 different blowup jumping pens. And they had one just for babies. As you can see this was Levi's favorite part of the carnival. Yaaaa!!!!!!!!!!

MONSTER TRUCK SHOW!!!!!!!!

2008-01-23T12:13:00.000-08:00

chad and Troy went on a date to the monster truck show. They didn't get home until mid night and troy stayed up the whole time. He loved it! Chad of course, got into the mood by wearing his mullet. Troy wasn't embarrassed at all.
mckenzie even got into the spirit of things.

Santa Clause Came.....to utah!!!!

2008-01-22T13:15:00.000-08:00

Troy Got his big Thomas the train filled with trains and cars!
Mckenzie had a victorious christmas, she got Belle and Phillippe!
Levi still had a hard time with the big guy in the red suit. Maybe next year.

All in all, it was a great christmas in utah with cousins, aunts, uncles, grandma's and grandpa's!

Santa Clause is coming!

2007-12-14T16:26:00.000-08:00

Here are the three excited kids, right before we left to see the big man. ( and I'm not talking about their dad)
Mckenzie was the most excited to see santa and tell him what she wanted. In line, she was acting crazy. Then it was her turn and she totally froze. Luckily, mom knew exactly what she wanted and helped santa out.
Next, it was Troy's turn who plopped in santa's lap and said "TRAIN!" When santa asked if he was a good boy Troy said, "train" He had been instucted by his sister that when you get on santa's lap you just say what you want. Troy was making sure santa got the message.
Then came Levi. He was very happy the whole time and lept into santa's arms when it was his turn. But apparently santa is a bit more scary upclose. He took a very long look at him and then turned and frowned for the picture.

Thanksgiving

2007-12-06T21:33:00.001-08:00

Chad and Troy enjoyed their own turkey ball in the backyard.
Levi enjoyed his thanksgiving by crawling around eating up scraps. Troy and hyrum (our neighbor) Waiting patiently for their feast.
DIG IN!!!
We spent thanksgiving with our next door neighbors the nelsons. They are our adopted family. It was a great relaxing day. The next day however, was a different story. I (molly) spent 9hrs shopping with my friend andrea nelson. We started at 3:30am and finished by 12:30pm. Now my christmas shopping is a wrap!

Trip to Seaworld

2007-12-06T21:04:00.000-08:00

Levi enjoyed watching from the stroller. Good sport!

At the coral reef tank the kids can stand up on a

platform right up against the glass. When troy stood up to the glass a

fish came right up and stared at him. This scared troy, who jumped

back. When he got up the nerve to stand back up on the

platform the fish came right back to stare at him. Anywhere Troy moved

on the platform the fish followed him. Everyone was laughing, except troy. He

didn't like it one bit. He kept trying to get away. Eventually, he gave in and had

a staring contest with his fish friend.

HAPPY 4TH BIRTHDAY, MCKENZIE!

2007-11-19T12:25:00.000-08:00

Mckenzie designed her cake this year. Her instructions to me were:

1. Pink frosting

2. green buttons

3. Tinkerbell on top

Pinatas are a must at any birthday party here.

Party animals!

"The Coneheads"

2007-11-05T14:00:00.000-08:00

Beldar and Prymatt came to visit from the planet Remulion, for a little "trick or Treating."

The rest of Halloween

2007-11-05T13:45:00.000-08:00

"twinkle toes"

Troy decided he wanted to

have two different costumes

this year. So, first costume

monsters inc.

"Cowboy Levi"

Victory at the cake walk

2nd costume "batman"

Halloween 2007

2007-11-02T20:25:00.000-07:00

"Tinkerbelle"

Mckenzie truly

believed she was

tinkerbelle. she

flapped her arms

up and down every

where she went.

Check out my Slide Show!

2007-10-30T14:13:00.001-07:00

The Cragun Crew! finally.

2007-10-30T12:07:00.000-07:00

Yes, after many pleading emails from family and friends we have finally entered the blogging world!
We are happy and healthy here. We are enjoying amazing mid 70's weather as we prepare for halloween. We will update as often as we can. Check back for some great Halloween costumes!

2007-10-28T19:27:00.000-07:00

OCTOBER 2007

THE CRAZY BUNCH IN THE PUMPKIN PATCH!!!!!

SWEET LITTLE PUMPKIN

TRACTOR BOY!

MCKENZIE & TROY BOY

We went to troy and kenzie's school pumpkin patch.

They had lots of fum running around and weaving through the all the pumpkins!

Troy had the most fun pushing, throwing and rolling all the pumpkins around.

In the end, troy and mckenzie both wanted a baby pumpkin. Which was fine with chad.$$$$