Memorial Memories!

Our cousins from California came to visit us for Memorial Day weekend! We filled our days with visits to the strip, a little shopping, an evening out for the adults and playing at home. Matthew & Connor especially enjoyed riding in the bike trailer with Uncle Bill- too bad we didn't get any pictures of that. Our weekend was perfect, despite the overcast weather. Thanks for coming to visit us... we hope to see you again real soon!

Here's the photo journey of our vacation:
On Friday we headed to the strip where we started at the Bellagio atrium. They have an impressive train exhibit surrounded by beautiful flowers and 'shooting water fountains'.

Next it was on to the M&M factory to satisfy the sweet tooth in us! Matthew choose 4 shades of blue & Madisen chose 2 shades of purple and boy were they were disappointed to find that they had to share with their siblings!

Caitlyn & Connor enjoying their after-lunch snacks.

This crazy picture is taken at the Lion Habitat in the MGM- it's actually 2 pictures. I tried the 'multi-exposure' feature in Picasa. I thought it was kind of cool to see the size comparison of the lion with us- we're actually standing directly below it.

Madisen liked riding with Matthew- who was happy to oblige & shared his seat in the stroller with her.

Back to the Bellagio so we could see the spectacular water show- we actually got to see 2 quick ones in a row. It stared with a patriotic song and then it was one of my favorite songs, the Italian song that Andre Bocelli & Sara Brightman sing together... it made waiting in the chilly weather worth it. Connor enjoyed this show with his eyes closed- it had been a big day.

Our plans to BBQ were spoiled with the threat of rain so we savored a bowl of homemade chicken noodle soup instead!
Too many kids in this tub!

On Saturday we were hoping to enjoy a show at the Luxor IMAX since we couldn't hike at Red Rock, but they don't allow children under 11 in, so we went with plan C & visited the Shark Reef.

Sunday evening we did some finger painting- Madisen is hiding NOTHING here. She was T-I-R-E-D!

On Monday morning we left early to shop at the outlets in Primm so Don & Karlea could beat the traffic into CA. After we got home we took a nap, did some home improvement projects, and had a picnic in our backyard.

It started out warm, but got progressively chillier! A big THANK YOU to Sara who let us borrow her camera for the weekend. Karlea's was broken & mine is, well, MIA!

The Library

We've been making frequent trips to the library lately. We rarely get there for story times, but still enjoy going & playing with their puzzles & reading books as we exchange our old books for some new ones. Yesterday we went with our friends Wyatt & Mara- who my kids just adore. Mara & Madisen are 2 princess peas in a pod! Here they are stopped for a snack before heading home.

It's fun for us to have a boy around!
(Thanks for the pictures, Sara! We have ordered a camera & it's on the way- WAHOO!)

American Idol

Bill and I are NOT TV watchers, but this year we (yes we) have been following American Idol. It has been extra exciting this year b/c I'm from Murray- the hometown of David Archuleta- and I really thought Brooke White was talented! I was a little disappointed when to find out that our monthly book club was going to be on the same night as the final performances, so I asked Bill to record it. (No, we don't have DVR or TiVo- so this was the good old fashioned way.) Well, after we discussed "Jane Eyre" and had a few snacks, we decided to watch American Idol.

I was pleased to watch it with girls who were as excited about it as I was. So we watched the finals, and the songs that each of the David's had sung on the Mariah Carey night & the Andrew Lloyd Weber night. (We really need to update to the world of DVR.) Thanks for hosting us Janet!

Last night when we were watching the results show, Bill completely surprised me. After they announced that David Cook was the winner Bill said he thought it was rigged, b/c Archuleta outperformed Cook the previous night. I guess he had watched the show the night before 'while he was recording it for me' and tried multiple times to vote for David Archuleta but couldn't get through on the phone line, even an hour later. What? He was watching and voting?

We have arrived!

Yesterday marked a big day for us... Caitlyn was able to go to nursery. She had struggled through sacrament, as usual. I was playing the organ & she cried each time I went to the front. She bumped her head on the bench in front of us, and had to be taken out 2 different times. Phew. Then it was time for 2nd hour. Both Bill & I had responsibilities so we decided to see how she'd do in nursery-I CANNOT BELIEVE THAT SHE'S ALREADY 18 months! I dropped her off, quickly left the room & she didn't make a peep! I checked on her multiple times through the window & she was smiling each time. Who wouldn't love play-doh, toys, singing time, coloring, snacks & books more that Sunday School & Priesthood?! Now let's just hope it sticks!

Picture This

If I had a camera, I would've taken pictures of the following events. But since I don't, you'll have to use your imagination & create your own pictures.

*Tonight Caitlyn attempted to eat corn on the cob. We were all eating it & had cut some for her to have on her plate, but that wasn't sufficient for this girl. She wanted to be JUST like the rest of us & eat from the cob.

*This morning the girls & I joined some friends for a fantastic hike out at Red Rock. It was the Children's Discovery trial and they loved it! We went early before it got too hot- smart on our part. The highlight was the 'waterfall' that we discovered on our way back to the car. Madisen has asked at least 3 times when we can go hiking again.

*Yesterday I ran out of gas as I was getting on the freeway. I had simply pushed it too far. I was headed to the gas station & had just told the girls that if we didn't get gas we were going to be walking. Since we had to pull over on the freeway entrance & I didn't have a stroller, I opted not to walk with my children. Instead I called Bill 6 times & sent 2 text messages in a matter of 1 minute- only to be ignored. (OK- he was in a mtg. & didn't have his phone.) Plan B was Kate to the rescue! Thank heavens for reliable friends who live close!

The Park

Tuesday is our park day- unless of course it's too windy, like today. I love watching the girls run & play on the slides, swings, spider-web climber, and in the sand box. There have even been a few times that we've discovered the sprinklers! The fresh air & sunshine are therapeutic for all of us! As it heats up we'll spend less time at the park & more time at the pool, but until then, you'll still find us at the park on Tuesday mornings!

Above, Madisen is showing off her new kicks! And below they are having fun, but it's a little bright looking into the sun!

So Blessed!

This morning I woke up to the smell of bacon cooking...mmmm. I was soon greeted by my daughters & husband who brought me breakfast in bed. Madisen found it very exciting that we got to eat upstairs!

I had the privilege of singing in sacrament meeting with the primary presidency & 2 other sisters who serve in primary with us. We sang the most beautiful song entitled, "How Will They Know" from the Primary Children's Song Book. The words are powerful! It gave me a stronger sense of what I already know is my most important responsibility- to teach my children about the Love of God and to live close to Him! We've been practicing for a few weeks & I didn't made it through a practice without crying. But today I only got slightly teary in one part so I quickly looked down at my family where Bill was bouncing Caitlyn on his knee and she was smiling with GREAT delight. Then I almost started to laugh, but I caught myself & hopefully I didn't detract from the Spirit too much.

After church I took a long nap! When I came downstairs I could tell that Bill was hard at work on dinner, which turned out to be grilled salmon. Now THAT was labor of love! He doesn't enjoy fish of any kind so it was quite thoughtful of him to purchase, find a recipe, marinate, and cook it for me. When it was placed on the table Madisen said, "Look mom, it's pink chicken." I asked her if she wanted a bite and initially she refused, but after a few minutes she consented to the idea- Bill told her there was sugar on it. Once it was in her mouth she said, "Mmm, it's soft. And it tastes like tuna fish. Caitlyn do you want a bite? It's good, it tastes like tuna fish." Caitlyn nodded her head but the 'pink chicken' didn't pass her approval.

I feel so blessed to be appreciated and loved by my girls and husband! Each day I wake up to face a new day full of surprises and adventures and I couldn't be happier with my 'job'! I also feel blessed to have been raised by a Christ-like and loving mother who gladly devoted her life to my sisters and I! She's such a great example to me of what it means to be a mother: committed, patient, loving, gentle, a great listener, hard-working, thoughtful, and kind. As I parent my own children I find that I value her opinion & example even more. Thank you mom!! Bill, too, was blessed with a wonderful mother who is another great example to me! And of course, I have many friends who are incredible mothers!!