Thankful Thursdays...member these

I have so much to be grateful for...

life, a healthy family, friends, jobs, food but that sounds so trivial. I guess I am thankful for the simple things in life. So many people are struggling and we are blessed. God restores our blessings daily no matter how minuscule they are.

I'm also thankful for these:

I'm able to attend a super great bunco group on Thursday nights. I loved tonight, it was so fun and relaxing. We ate the most delicious soups and salads with yummy peppermint Dove chocolates for dessert. I have been playing with these teachers from my old school Vegas Verdes for 7 or 8 years now. It is a great night out for mom and dad gets to have some quality time with the kiddos.

Reece's teachers, Jensen & Smith are the kindest people I have ever met. They are so patient and loving to all their students. Reece is finally warming up to them and appreciating how awesome they are.

Raine's teachers are just as fantastic. I appreciate all they do for Raine and her preschool friends. Donna and Sheri are so soft spoken and sweet it's amazing to watch them in action.

Raine's Field Trip

Raine went on her pre-k field trip to the Gilcrease Bird Sanctuary. She was very excited because mama was able to go with her. It was a bitter cold morning for us desert rats but we toughed it out. Raine wasn't all that interested in feeding or petting the animals. The birds were way too loud for her; she walked out of their little barn with her hands over her ears. She did however enjoy chasing the ducks & chickens. I was so thankful to be a mommy chaperon!

Raine was a bit hesitant about the miniature ponies.

They were so excited to check out all of the neat animals.

She would pose for a pic but wouldn't dare feed the animals.

Best Buddies

Happy Halloween

We had a great tine this Halloween. We carved our pumpkins and then went over to Shadow Hills Trunk or Treat. Our dear friends, The Feldmans were handing out candy from their car. The kiddos walked from car to car collecting nore candy than they could ever eat and we were finished in an hour and half. It was perfect for our little princess and optimus.

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.