My Family

Merry Christmas to All!

From Our Family to Yours,

We wish you a joyous Christmas filled with love and cherished memories.

Matt, Heather, Donovan and Allison

Allison's First Recital

Allie had her first Ballet Recital on December 6th.

Here she is...

Another One Bites the Dust

Donovan lost another tooth - his 2nd one - on Saturday 11/1/08. His lower right central incisor.

Happy Halloween

This year Donovan was Darth Vader and Allison was a Princess. They got to Trick or Treat with Violet (their cousin).

Allison was leading the pack, she was a girl on a mission!

Fall FUN

Our Family Tradition I see you!

1, 2, 3, 4...I declare a leaf war!

Where Dreams Come True

Just two weeks ago we went on our first family trip Disney World. This was Allison's first time flying and Donovan's third. We stayed on WDW Animal Kingdom Park at the All Star Movies Resort. Each building and courtyard was designed around a Disney movie. We stayed in the 101 Dalmatian's. There was also: Mighty Ducks, Fantasia, Toy Story and Herbie.













Our first day at WDW we spent at Epcot. We visited The Seas Pavilion, road the Nemo ride and went to Turtle Talk with Crush, Journeyed through our Imagination with Figment and much more. We were limited on some activities because Allie did not meet the minimum height requirement - a theme throughout our stay, but, we did not let that stop us from all the fun we had. Donovan especially loved the Spaceship Earth ride and Pavilion.

We had lunch with the Fairytale Princesses at Akershus Royal Hall (Norway). Allie was so excited. She saw, talked and had pictures taken with Snow White, Jasmine, Mulan, Belle and her favorite Ariel (The Little Mermaid).

Next day we hit both Animal Kingdom and part of Magic Kingdom (Tomorrowland and Toontown). We started the day at Animal Kingdom breakfast with Mickey, Donald, Daisy and Goofy. After breakfast we went on the Harambe Safari. Very neat experience for all of us. We booked from there to the Magic Kingdom via the Monorail. Donovan thought the monorail was "Awesome".

Kids loved the Buzz Lightyear ride-we went on at least 4 times (Got to love the FastPass). Took the Tomorrowland Transit Authority ride a few times to avoid the rain shower. Matt and Donovan, went on the Stitch ride - not one of Donovan favorites - while Allie and I cooled off and shared a ice cream cone. Now, off to Toontown, rode the Train, stopped by Mickey and Minnie's houses and stopped by the County Fair for Allison to have more pictures with "Her" princesses. Tried to end the day with the Spectro Magic Parade, but the weather just did not hold out.

On Wednesday we went to NASA. We got lucky and got to see a rarity for NASA...a shuttle on each of NASA's two launch pads-Atlantis on one and Endeavour on the other. This was "dreamland" for Donovan. He is a Space Freak like me! We got to see the crawler/transporter, walk through a "shuttle" and took the bus tour.


Back to WDW Thursday to finish up Magic Kingdom. Friday we spent at Hollywood Studios (MGM). Allie's highlight of the day was going to see Playhouse Disney on Stage. She was in her element. She was singing and dancing and have a blast! We had lunch at Pizza Planet - Donovan loved it. Toy Story has been is favorite movie since he was a baby.

No one wanted to go home! Can we PLEASE STAY!

We'll be back...when Allie is taller (at least 40 in) so we can enjoy the rest of WDW.

For All The Moms Out There

Year of Destruction

2008 maybe the Chinese Year of the Rat, but for the McKinney's it is the Year of Destruction, oops, I mean Construction.

We had many projects in our house that we planned to complete in our first few years living here. But, we got involved in a few side projects. The first was in 2002, Project Donovan and our most recent was in 2005, Project Allison. Since these took most of our free time, not to mention sleep and sanity, we put our home projects on hold. We have agreed to take a slight break for any further side projects to finally complete our original house projects.

I painted and gave Donovan's room a new look. He wanted a "Sports" room. You may remember me mentioning it in a previous post "Smurfette". Well, I finished that and even got a thumbs up and "Way Cool".

We also (Matt deserves all the credit actually) put in new windows in the living room, our bedroom, breezeway and parlor. We have to finish the trim and one more project is off the list.

Oh, did I mention also on the list is siding, new front doors, new front windows, new kitchen flooring, and new front porch and roof.

Currently the front porch/roof project is underway. Stay tuned to more updates!

Happy Birthday Bubba!

We tried something different this year. We had two parties.

Our family party (SPEED RACER THEME) was hosted at Auntie Jess's Clubhouse at her apartment complex. One word...WONDERFUL. I was so much more relaxed and was actually finally able to participate and enjoy a party. A DEFINITE MUST DO AGAIN!

The Clubhouse is huge, lots of run for the kids to run and play. It also has a full kitchen.














Our guests were even able to watch "Pirates" in their Movie Room!














The following weekend we had a friends party at National Golf Center. This was great, no set up, they ordered the pizza, no clean up and the kids each got a goodie bag from the Center. Highly recommend this!!! Donovan invited his soccer team and a couple good friend from school.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY DONOVAN! Can't believe how fast the years go. Six years and First Grade this year!

Donovan has lost...

HIS FIRST TOOTH! (His lower left central incisor)

Yet just another sign that my little man is growing up...no denying it (as much as I try to). The tooth has been loose for a few weeks now and it came out while he was eating a marshmallow - that's right a marshmallow! He is so excited. Of course he told me the Tooth Fairy is going to leave him fifty dollars. It was fifty cents when I was little, inflation I guess ;) I do wonder...what does a tooth go for now adays?

Happy Father's Day!

Been awhile since I got to share my b-day with my Dad's Father's Day. Dad - I hope you know how special you are to me. I Love You!
Happy Father's Day from your first Father's day present.
-Heather

Allie B is THREE!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY ALLISON. Allie turned 3 last week. Of course, if you ask her, her birthday lasted a week.

Allie picked out Little Mermaid as her theme this year.

She had her first "Friends" party with a few pals from daycare. They all had a blast. They got to jump on our trampoline, ate hot dog octopus's and we even did a small art project (fish sun catchers to go with the Little Mermaid theme).

After our friends left, we had our family party - IN THE RAIN! Nothing like fitting 27 people into your house as the rain pours and the sirens sound. Donovan was running around saying a "Tormado" is coming.

Allie got lots of Disney Princess toys, bubbles, Barbies and TONS of clothes. Thank you to all who braved the storm with us!

The little lady in red...One of my favorite pictures of Allie. I took it on her birthday.

Newborn
1 year

2 years

Mr. Smarty Pants

HAPPY GRADUATION DONOVAN!

Couldn't be prouder and even shed a few tears at his Graduation Ceremony. He as learned so much this year and very proud of himself!

Even though school is out for the summer, he wants to write in his journal at Nana's house, work on a Math workbook (he had to have me buy - He loves Math) and reads me a book every night. Let's hope this continues as he continues school. He really is Mr. Smarty Pants.

Off to conquer 1st Grade!!!

GOAL!!!!!!!

I am happy to report that Donovan scored his first goal of the season at Fridays soccer game. I unfortunately was not there (the carpet cleaning people were late) and missed it. Sad Mommy moment for me. Donovan was a cloud nine. They were even talking about his goal at his game on Tuesday. It must have been great one!

Smurfette

I spent most of Saturday painting Donovan's room. When I was finished, I put the top on the paint can, washed my brushed and put the roller in a bag on the dresser in case I needed it for any touch ups after the last coat dried.

Later, I am in the Kitchen getting dinner ready and I call Allison. I hear her say, "I am upstairs". I ask, "What are you doing?" to which I get the reply, "I am painting myself." I quickly go the steps and see my little girl head to toe blue! I quickly call Matt and we get her in the bath tub. The paint washed off just fine. How she got the roller off of a 4 ft tall dress, I do not know.

Sorry no picture, was more worried about getting the paint off!

Game Night

It's Friday...
It's Beautiful Out...
It's Game Night...

Donovan started his third year of soccer this month. It is the second season that his team-Extreme-has played together. The first game was a rain out, so I was so glad to see the sun today.

He plays hard, even uses some of his hockey moves. He likes playing Defender.

Sorry, have no clue what the final score was. I'll have to keep better track this week.

Allison Ballerina

I have been waiting for this day since I had Allison, Scratch that, I have been waiting for this day since I found out I was having a girl...Allie's first day of Ballet class.

To keep with family tradition, Allie is learning ballet from the same teacher and studio I had. ( and Aunt Jess )

As soon as she got up, she had to put on her Ballet outfit and tutu or "Tattoo" as she calls it. Bear in mind dance class did not start for 3 hours!!

Class went great, they have cameras in the rooms so you can watch your budding Ballerina from the waiting area.

Miss Allie B

She has to do it HERSELF...HER way...HER own time and speed! Here is our Miss Independent...Miss Allie B.

First Dance

Sorry this post is a little old. Back in February, Donovan's school had a "Fairytale Ball" for their Valentine's Party. Donovan was so excited, he was going to be able to dance with a girl from his class.



He got all dressed up, got to wear a crown and almost dance. Just as the music started his partner got a nosebleed. He wanted to dance so much, but, the nosebleed kept them from the whole dance.




***UPDATE 4/18/08 - I have been informed by Donovan that he is going to marry this girl from his class and that this weekend he needs to write her a (love) letter!***

****UPDATE 8/2/08 - Had to invite her to his party, was SO HAPPY when she came!***

***UPDATE 9/2/08 - Smile from ear to ear when he saw her in his 1st grade classroom. "She's in my class Mom, yeah!" Although, she may hove some competition, he is also in love with his teacher!***

Bubba and Allie B

"Bubba"...Donovan is 5! Can you believe it, 5 (6 in August) . I look at him and find it hard to believe how much he has grown. He is growing up to be a handsome little man. He amazes me everyday!

He is two-thirds of the way through Kindergarten and learning so much! Second round of Report cards are this week. He reading "sight word" books at school and these Scholastic books I bought at home. His favorite is Fat Cat and Hot Dog. He is so proud of himself. He started basic addition and subtraction at school this month. It's..."Mom - 2 plus 4 is 6 and 3 take away 1 is 2." WOW! You can also check out Donovan's artwork from school at http://www.artsonia.com/museum/art.asp?id=2504539

He is so fascinated with Outer Space. He loves to go on the NASA Kids website. Last month's Lunar Eclipse was in his words - AWESOME! Every week from the Library he brings home some sort of space books to read. I think he may just fly to the Moon or live on Mars one day.

"Allie B"...Allison, is 2 (3 in June) going on 20! She always wants "Pretties" (barrettes) in her hair and has been caught plenty of times putting on Mommy's makeup.

She is a smart little cookie. She can count to 15, sing her ABC's, cut with scissors (she's practiced at home on my curtains!) and spell her name.

She is such a little helper. She loves to help cook. She helps load the washing machine and dishwasher.

She has her moments too...Let's just say from all the Sharpie I have had to clean off of her and items in the house (including the cream carpet in her room), She may have a few tattoos of her own someday!