Fall In Las Vegas

Fall is my favorite time of year; too bad we go from hot to cold with nothing in-between around here. I miss the east coast and the amazing leaves decorating the hillsides. I took the kiddos for a hike a week ago but the Aspen leaves weren't changing very much. I went back up to mt Charleston again this weekend. Reece had a soccer game so we met Jenn and her clan at Burger King and she drove us all up there.

Two hot mamas and six awesome kids were all on a mission to eat a picnic lunch and hike along the Aspen trees. It was 80 degrees in the city but as we drove up the mountain the temperature dropped and the rain clouds blew in. We were not prepared for that, not one of us had a sweatshirt. Smart mamas we were not; we decided to eat our lunch at the ski lodge parking lot and hike around the Lee Canyon Ski runs. It was quite chilly and damp but well worth it. The wind was blowing the beautiful leaves off the trees, right into our hands. Evie looked up and said, "It's raining aspen leaves!" I got chills because my man's landscaping company is called Aspen Rain.

There were several neat discoveries while playing in God's splendor. The kids had a ball and if Raine didn't have to go to the bathroom, we probably would have stayed a little bit longer. She held her turtle head as long as we could and since I didn't have any tissues to wipe her little butt we piled in the truck and headed to the nearest campground bathroom. The afternoon was so relaxing and fun, I am very thankful the Russo family joined us for our freezing adventure.

Disney Magic Show

We were so grateful for FREE tickets to the Disney Magic Show! A friend from work gave Mo the tickets so while he landscaped I surprised the kids. We invited their dear friend Ava to join us. It was a very cute show, they kids were very excited the entire time. Reece loved the magic trick where they cut the girl in half. Of course, we had to buy one of those overly priced treats. When Raine was handed her snow cone in Minnie cup, she tried to take a bite and the whole thing fell on the floor. She was so bummed, luckily they replaced it and I didn't have to deal with a sad little lady.

All in all, a wonderful Saturday afternoon for only $20.00.

Reece's First Field Trip

Reece was extremely excited today; he went on his very first field trip. The first graders from James Bilbray ES go to Anderson Dairy. When I taught the little first grade kiddos I took my class there too. Reece was more excited about his first school bus ride than the dairy. Then I reminded him about the delicious ice cream he was going to be able to eat while at the dairy and he became a little more interested. I was able to attend the trip as a parent chaperone. It would have been neat to see Reece on the school bus but there wasn’t enough room for parents. The students walked into the barn and learned a little bit about the dairy. Then they were allowed to go on a walking tour around the factory; checking out all of the machines and food products. The last part of the tour was the frozen section where they make the ice cream. The kids loved walking through the dry ice. I think I had a smile on my face the entire time because 6 yr olds are so stinking funny! I had an excellent time being a parent volunteer for the morning.

Reece's First Day of First Grade

He is so excited to be a First Grader and to be going back to James Bilbray ES.

This is his teacher Mrs. Karen Jensen, she is wonderful!

This is his student teacher Mrs.Angela Snith, she is so sweet!

He was so happy to take a pic with his mama.

Reece was a little bit nervous about first grade, he brought his blanket into school with him. I read him a book called "The Kissing Hand" and walked him to his line. He was so nervous he complained of a belly ache. I know he had a great day because he couldn't stop talking about all the fun he had.

Raine's First Day of Pre-K

She was not so happy to be back in school and really wanted to stay home with Reece & I.

I was able to take Raine to school this year because she started a week earlier than the public schools. We stopped at Dunkin Doughnuts for a back to school treat on our way.

Only 4 yr olds are all ready for school and then spill their juice down the front of themselves right before we are ready for first day of school pictures.

Reece took this one of Raine and I.

How cute is this?

Raine said she had a great day! She loves being in Miss Donna's class just like her big brother. Daddy said she was an old pro and even took a nap!

Dog Days of Summer

We have had some relaxing days in the "new" old house. We seem to be settling in and adjusting to our much smaller space. It is taking some getting used to, but we are able to make it work. Raine loves playing in the sprinkler and with her Dora kitchen in her pretty blue bedroom. Reece really enjoys riding his Batman bike on flat roads instead on the hill on our old street. He has been working very hard at his reading and writing this summer. I am very proud of both my kiddos, they have transitioned very well. Thanks Lord!

Williams Wedding Day

It was such a wonderful celebration. Everyone looked so beautiful and we couldn't have asked for better weather. I think all of Amber's plans for her beach wedding went off without a hitch. I can't wait to see some more of the wedding party and candid photographs.

Dancing Queen

Visiting my siblings is always so much fun. We had a delicious BBQ with smores for dessert. The kids jumped on the trampoline and then played on the slip and slide. After dinner we had a little dance session in the kitchen. Raine couldn't get enough and danced for almost an hour straight. We were all cracking right up and couldn't believe how she loved to shake her booty. She must have learned her moves from pops! It was such an awesome night and a perfect start to family fun this summer!

Slip N Sliding in North Carolina

The kids had such a blast playing on Casey's super soapy slip n slide. I think Aunt Jaime poured half a bottle of dish washing liquid on it. Reece and Raine have never played on one of these before, since we don't have yards big enough for them in Vegas. We couldn't pull the cousins off this fun backyard activity except when it was time for a snack or a drink. I am so glad that they could make this awesome new memory with Aunt Jaime, Uncle Brian and Casey. We sure do miss hanging out with then.

ROAD TRIP 2010

Road Trip 2010 Las Vegas, NV to Buffalo, NY

Day 1 Las Vegas, NV to Rio Rancho, NM

Sitting on the back of a flatbed Ford.

Standing on a corner in Winslow, AZ.

Raine crashed out for a nap.

Reece trying to rest.





So happy to be at The Garcia's house.

Mo and I spent Thursday evening and early Friday morn packing up the truck for our adventure. We were sleep deprived and exhausted when our 4am departure arrived. I pulled the kids from their comfy beds and plopped them into their car seats. At bed time, I told them I would be waking them up in the middle of the night to start our trip. Reece woke right up and was very excited about it still being dark and finally starting our vacation to see family. Raine was still pretty pooped and crashed back out. Mo drove us over the Hoover Damn into Kingman AZ where we stopped for gas. Raine and I had slept most of that leg while Reece fell in and out of sleep. I wouldn’t doubt that Mo closed his eyes a few times as well. Our next stop was Flagstaff, AZ for breakfast, gas and a quick trip to Target for AAA batteries. We changed the kids from jammies to comfy clothes and let them play on the playground at McDonalds. After Target, Mo asked me to drive the next leg. WHAT?? I’ve never ever driven on a road trip before. I was a bit nervous, but did fine. Mo curled up with the pillow and passed right out. Reece and Raine enjoyed a new movie, Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs. As we drove along route 40 I saw signs for Winslow, AZ. Our friends just stopped here and had some cute pics, so I wanted to stand on the corner in Winslow too. Mo was cooperative and we all stood on the corner and took some neat photos. Once back on the road, Mo fell back asleep and the kids played with their backpacks full of toys. After a few more hours of driving I was getting very sleepy and could feel my eyes getting heavy. It was time to switch drivers again. I pulled into a welcome area just outside of Gallop, NM where Mo could return to his favorite place in the truck. The kiddos ran around to get some energy out and stretch their legs. I made sandwiches for everyone and we enjoyed an afternoon meal. We climbed back into the truck and headed east toward Albuquerque. Rio Rancho was our destination and we had to be there by 4:00 to visit with Vicki & Nick Garcia. They were headed to jazz at the zoo and wanted to give us the ins and outs of their house. We arrived in the city and then made our way north on 25 to Rio Rancho. Mo loves the maps and GPS feature on our new Droid phones. It has come in very handy for our journey.

Around 4:30 we pulled into this gorgeous home in AZ. There was breathtaking view of the mountains from their driveway. We jumped out of the truck very anxious to see the inside of this amazing abode. Vicki gave me a quick tour and went back to cooking us spaghetti. She had all the fixins for dinner ready for us whenever we wanted to eat. Nick took Mo on a tour of the outside of their home and the kids ran all over with them. The Garcia’s had to meet their friends at the zoo for an evening of jazz, so we sat down to eat to dinner. The kids gobbled up their spaghetti and meatballs but left a little room for cantaloupe for dessert. While Mo and I finished they watched some TV. I drew a bath for Raine and Reece joined her after the cartoon he was watching was over. We were all chillaxin on the couch when I found the movie Transformers. Reece has never seen it before but it was right at the beginning like the book he has. He shouted out that is was just like “Sam’s New Car”. He was so excited to see bumblebee. Raine wasn’t that interested but watched anyway. I only let them watch a little bit and then it was time for bed. The kids layed on the floor of our bedroom and talked and giggled for quite sometime. A late nap in the truck and the time change was keeping them awake. I crawled into bed around 9:00 because I had such little sleep and was exhausted. They were finally settling down and falling asleep. We all slept so soundly for 10 hrs, it was such a peaceful night. I was so thankful to be resting in this amazing home.

Time
One minute ago, I was reaidng about races I could run this fall.
One hour ago, I was getting my kiddos settled down for a late afternoon nap.
One day ago, I was reading Breaking Dawn, listening to Enchanted on the TV and eating popcorn.

One week ago, I was doing laundry and organizing Reece's clothes.

One month ago, I was sitting in San Diego airport waiting for the 5th graders to arrive.

One year ago, I was swimming with my kiddos.

Where has time gone?