Crazy, Fun Weekend

We had a fun but crazy weekend. Trying to fit in soccer, swimming, BBQ and lots of family visiting into the weekend Kyle got ordained a Deacon was a bit crazy but tons of fun.

We got soccer out of the way Saturday morning but it was way too hot to be outside for 90 minutes. We came home in time to get our things gathered together and head over to G&G Marz's house for our afternoon of swimming. Wes, Lindsay and Nate were already there so we had a quick lunch, put the little guys (Nate & Daisy) down for a rest and jumped in the pool. The Butlers arrived a short time later. Although we live in Vegas and do a ton of swimming, we rarely, if ever, swim together. It was a fun treat. Ruby got to check out Grandma Marz's sink (always a hit), Lulu amazed us with all her pool tricks and of course took Abbie on many adventures. I forgot to load the photo of Rich chillin on the raft but when Lulu wasn't cartwheeling onto it, Rich was lounging on it. It was one good afternoon. Sadly, they had to run and make the Missionaries Dorrito Casserole so we had to say "Farewell."

After the Butlers hit the road, the rest of us exited the pool for a little inside rest time. The kids played in the playroom, Tripp and Wes crashed in front of the TV and Lindsay and I started getting things together for the BBQ. Pat, Jenn & kids arrived just after 5 p.m. and we had everything ready to go. We ate then jumped right back in the pool for another round of fun.

We cleaned up and hit the road about 7ish. Everyone was pooped. All the kids got baths and showers and were put in bed. Lindsay told me later that she felt like sleeping at 8:30. I think Jenn and I probably could have as well but we waited around for Tripp and Pat to get home from their hour long trip to Walgreens, Double Stuff Oreos and back patches in hand.

The next day Kyle was ordained as a Deacon. Scott and his family joined us at church and we waited patiently for Kyle to be "kidnapped" from Primary. It's hard to believe he is in the Young Men's program now. Thanks to everyone who traveled (Pat & Scott Thompson and families) and came locally (Karla, Grandma & Grandpa Marz, Lindsay & Family, Sam, the Butler Family, Sean Gubler & Bishop Boyle) to either stand in the circle or be present for the ordination. We appreciate it.

Kyle got home Sunday night at 7 p.m. Tripp had the popcorn ready and they plopped down and watched "Return to Witch Mountain" before Kyle made his lunch then hit the sack for school the next morning.

Happy Birthday to Kyle

Kyle turned 12 yesterday. It was also his first day of school so there wasn't a lot of time to celebrate. He never, and I mean never, gets to celebrate his birthday at school then with his luck, it lands in the 6th grade. He'll tell anyone who listens about suffering the harsh realities of a birthday in middle school. He told the truancy officer or some such official that it was his birthday and they politely told him "Happy Birthday" then screamed at him to get to class. He won't make that mistake twice.

We celebrated Sunday night with ice cream cake and presents among family and friends. We had to make it quick with school starting the next day. After his mini-celebration the kids played Potato Head and he wanted me to take a picture of his. I guess he hasn't quite grown up yet. Abbie put hers on display as well.

He received a few gifts in the mail Monday then after soccer practice Monday night, the team sang to him and we surprised Kyle with cupcakes for everyone.

Kyle's big celebration will be on Saturday, 9/5. We gave Kyle a certificate that awards him one entire day with a friend at Magic Mountain. He hearts roller coasters and junk food so it should be a great day for him and one lucky friend. Probably not the best day for Tripp but he is a trooper and will do a great job pretending its the best day ever. If you're interested in a day at Magic Mountain and don't mind leaving before the sun and returning in the middle of the night, Tripp might like a co-pilot.

Kyle's favorite - Baskin Robbins Cookies & Cream Cake

Opening the fourth installment of the Fablehaven series...thanks Boyles!!!!

End of Summer

Our summer break ended with a sleepover, a trip to Shark Reef, lots of swimming with friends and soccer practice. Tripp and Kyle are on their way out tonight for one last movie before homework and the busy school schedule begins.

Daisy LOVES Kyle's room. She snuggles in his bed every chance she gets. Kyle is pretty good about letting her in and giving her a chance to be a big kid for awhile. This is what they were up to just before her bedtime tonight.

Yesterday, Tripp and I flew to Salt Lake for the day to attend the sealing of my sweet Aunt Kara and Uncle Allan. Their son Devin was sealed to them immediately following. It was lovely. Afterwards, my Aunt Leslie had a huge BBQ in her backyard for our entire family. So fun to see all my aunts and uncles and lots of cousins. The kids spent the first part of the day with the Boyle Family and the second half with Kristen. A huge, public "Thank You" to them for spending collectively 17 hours with our 3 kids. Never, ever could I have done it without you two especially since my family was all in SLC as well.

School. Monday. Hope we are ready. Hope you are too.

Summer Break - Week 10

Lots of fun last week but sadly, no photos. Here is what we were up to:
*Playdates with friends
*Buying all the new gear for soccer and dance
*Kyle's Greenspun Middle School 6th grade orientation (three mornings last week), welcome pizza party and official welcome day.
*Using our Summer Reading Program prizes - free bouncing at U-Bounce
*Las Vegas Children's Museum
*First week of soccer practice
*Swimming with family at Grandma & Papa Marz's house
*Moving Daisy into Abbie's room and Kyle into his own room
*MamaThom & PapaThom coming to spend the night before their trip to VA, GA and FL

I think a lot of moms were tired of having kids home last week. Everywhere we went (the bounce place and Children's Museum in particular) were filled with crazy boys just let loose to wreak havoc while their moms sat around and chatted. The girls get roughed up by their brother so they are used to a little tough play but it was crazy out there last week. Daisy would barely leave my arms at the museum because it was so nuts. Although we are really sad that summer is ending it will be nice to have all the crazy bigger kids in school so the little guys can enjoy some fun without being mowed down. We really can't believe school starts in seven days. This has been one quick summer...

Summer Break - Week Nine

It was a week at home yet we seemed to cram a lot in. Monday the girls and I tried to play catch up on laundry and some errands while Tripp hit the road again. On Tuesday I took them to the library and the rec center pool...it had been awhile since we'd visited either of our favorite summer hangouts.

Wednesday morning Kyle came home and within minutes of his arrival we were out the door for our last free movie of the summer. I let Abbie pick, confident she would choose Curious George. Much to my dismay she actually wanted to see Alvin and the Chipmunks...Kyle was thrilled. Daisy got to hang out with her favorite big girls, Emma & Susannah Boyle. Later that afternoon the kids played Rock Band and other video games. It's been awhile since they all really played the Wii but I guess that is what 114 temps can do to a family. Kyle had soccer camp all week from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. so we ate dinner early last week and spent time watching him play goalie.
The Hurd Family surprised us with the Peanuts 1960s collection DVD set. The girls have been watching it non-stop. They love Snoopy (or Foo Foo as Daisy calls him) and this set has been a particular treat as it includes features we didn't previously own. What an incredibly thoughtful gift...we heart the Hurds!!!!!

Thursday was Nate's birthday and although Tripp (newly returned from St. Louis) and Kyle had to make their way to soccer camp, we packed our things for his swimming party. Abbie and Daisy couldn't wait for his party and talked about it all day long. It was in the evening which made for a really long day. Abbie even had a playdate that morning but couldn't wait for the party. But it was worth it...the girls had so much fun with Nate and his friends. They love cousins and are so happy he lives in Las Vegas too. Aunt Lindsay and Uncle Wes aren't too shabby either. As for me, I was digging the grape and orange soda that filled the drink cooler.

On Friday we met my sister-in-law Laura and her kids Isabelle and Seth at the rec center pool (Cooper and Daisy were left at home - supervised - to nap). Kyle is especially great with his little cousins and Isabelle and Seth had so much fun with him. Abbie of course loves her big cousins so swimming with them was a special treat.

After Kyle's last night of camp, Tripp loaded Kyle and Abbie up and headed to Duck Creek for the weekend. Kyle worked on his 4-wheeler license exam the week prior, took his test and passed so Tripp took the two kids up for a day of 4-wheeling. Grandpa & Grandma Marz were spending the weekend at the cabin so it was the perfect time for a little father/son/daughter time in the wilderness.

Kyle riding through Duck Creek

Hanging out by the lake/stream

Gearing up for the ride

Stopping for a snack

Playing outside Biff's BBQ

Washing the Rhino

One last swing before leaving town

Setting up their army while Daddy did the chores.

Daisy and I took care of Kramer and basically held down the fort. We met Kristen for U-Swirl Saturday night but otherwise spent our time cleaning and doing errands. Daisy missed Abbie like crazy. She doesn't know what to do without her sister and just walked around asking "Where's Sissy" all weekend. Thankfully, everyone was home when we arrived back from church Sunday.

With only two weeks left until school starts, we are trying to take advantage of every opportunity we have but soccer and school orientation are creeping up much too quickly....

Sweetie Pie Bakery Felt Cake GUEST GIVEAWAY!!!!

Sweetie Pie Bakery Felt Cake GUEST GIVEAWAY!!!! - Wish us luck....this would be so much fun with our tea set!!!!!

SB Week Eight - Reno

The girls and I set out early Wednesday morning (last week) for our annual summer trip to Reno. We got an opportunity to do most of our favorite things...sadly no Lake Tahoe this year. Maybe next time.

We did, however, do all of the following:

Water Grandma's plants
...every single morning.

Play in Grandma's sandbox.

Hang out on her deck blowing bubbles and playing in the grass and the sprinkler.

Visit the library - with the best kids section filled with dress ups, blocks and other amazing toys. We always manage to hit it at storytime and get to join a fun Reno version (very different from our Vegas storytime).

A Visit to Rancho San Rafeal Park

Lots of animal time...

Hugging goats.

Panning for gold.

Covering Mommy with water while trying to pan for gold...

Playing in the dinosaur park.

Riding a pony. And the log ride (didn't want to take the picture of the buckets of fear and tears).

Dressing up like your from the old west.

A visit with the Legarzas....Martin, Katie, Ceadon, Maddy & Shasta

Getting to know cutey baby Maddy.

Playing toys, games and some kind of magic sand with Ceadon after a morning of swimming at Caughlin Ranch (thanks again Legarzas!)

Eating Cheetos on the deck with Grandma.

*Hanging out with Aunt Susie who brought dress ups (the key to Abbie's heart) and homemade sticker books for both girls.

*Eating lots of Deli Towne, Tripp's favorite sandwich this side of the Mississippi.

*Playing Ping Pong (tennis) in the backyard with Grandma.

*Generally enjoying seeing our family and friends for a several days in a row. The cooler weather was sure a nice treat as well. Sadly on Sunday, it was back in the car and back to reality.

The Bear Ate My Hair!

Abbie came into my room yelling last night (well, this morning at 3 a.m.) "The Bear Ate My Hair!" She has been having a lot of bad dreams lately and last night a bear was chasing her, trying to kiss her but ate her hair instead. Needless to say, she slept with me for the next couple of hours.

After her nightmare she acted like a bear this morning so she is taking a mandatory nap before we head to the pool this afternoon. She fell asleep in less than 3 minutes.

Daisy likes to accessorize while eating her breakfast. But honestly, who doesn't?

"Oh Crack!"

That's what Abbie said to Tripp a day or two ago when she walked out of Grandma Sandy's house after I told her something she didn't want to hear. Tripp thinks she overheard someone (Kyle perhaps, or possibly Aunt Sam....) saying "Oh Crap!" and since she doesn't know what crap is but does know what a crack is thought that is what she heard. She repeats everything she hears...it could be days, weeks or maybe months later but rest assured it will reappear so watch what you say around our the sponge. She could divulge some of your secrets...

She amused the entire girls bathroom today at the rest stop in Beatty with her lively discussion on "Privates" with me in the bathroom stall. A full post about our trip to Reno later this week....