VEGAS BABY!!!

This last weekend we went to Vegas for a quick trip (sorry to everyone we didn't see, it was seriously an in and out trip). My best friend from High School, Chris was in town for a wedding so we went to go spend some time with her and her hubby. One of my favorite places in Vegas is the atrium at the Bellagio so we went there and got some pictures...

That would be a giant glass poppy with "hot air" balloons behind it.

This snail was done entirely from roses.

This ladybug is all carnations

I loved this ferris wheel. Each seat was full of sunflowers.

Me and Chris.

The way we really are.

Like mother, like daughter.





We also went to the chocolate store next to the atrium. They have the world's largest chocolate fountain. Emma was amazed and wanted one for her room....me too!

The same store also does amazing cakes.

Did I mention the cakes?? They were so cool!


We also got to go to the M&M's store where Emma got some chocolate lovin'!

Chris and I also go to go see The Phantom of the Opera at the Venetian. Can I just say AMAZING!!! I can only wish for one ounce of the talent those actors had! The set was so cool! It was constantly moving and changing. Thanks for inviting me to go with you Chris!!

It was a fun trip but way too fast!

Utah or BUST!!

Right after Mother's Day, the kids and I loaded up the car and headed off for Utah. We had a few family things going on (Kim's dad's funeral, a family reunion and my brother, Stetson's homecoming). Unfortunately, Michael had to work so I did the trip by myself. I have a new found respect for my mom going on all those trips with all 6 of us kids by herself! It was HARD!! But, I'm glad we went.

The first day we got there, the kids needed to burn off some energy so we busted out Grandpa Oz's croquet set. I think it's a Utah thing where you HAVE to own a croquet set (at least that's how it was when I was a kid). Emma loved wacking the balls through the hoops and hitting the stick. Lucas just liked getting down and crawling...

WHEELER FARM

The next day, we went to Wheeler Farm with Grandpa Oz. The kids loved looking at all the animals and I loved just getting outside for a walk....
Lucas loves watching birds so he got a big kick out of seeing all the
ducks and geese swimming on the pond.


I don't really know what these things are but I thought they looked cool.

Hey, Mom...what's this thing for??




Of course we took some pictures of the kids too.

Emma and Grandpa playing in the treehouse.

They had the most beautiful irises I have seen for quite a while.

I miss the mountains in Utah.


FLASHBACK FROM JR HIGH!

While we were there, I also got to get together with a few friends from Jr High that I haven't seen in YEARS!! We all met for some ice cream and let the kids play outside. It was fun to see Emily and Nikki. I wish we were closer so we could hang out more!! Emily is coming to CA at the end of the month so we'll get to play then! :-)

Emily, me and Nikki

All our kids

Lucas really enjoyed his ice cream!

I LOVE TO SEE THE TEMPLE

A few days later, we all headed down to temple square to see the sights.
We jumped on the train and headed downtown..




From right to left...Lucas, me, Mom,
Emma, Joel, Trevor, Kim and Zach





Emma loves to see all the "princesses" that are getting married. She was in heaven!


FAMILY REUNION/BIRTHDAY PARTY
We also headed down to Helper for a family reunion/birthday party for my grandparents. My Grandpa turned 88 and my Grandma turned 82.


They are such an amazing and cute couple! I love going to see them and I love hearing all their stories. It makes me sad to see them getting older.

Unfortunately, I didn't get any really good pictures of everyone who was there. I think there were about 45 people all together. It was really nice to be able to see all my cousins and their kids!

I know I mentioned Stetson's homecoming at the beginning of this novel but I completely forgot to take any pictures of him or the gathering. He is looking good (and single, ladies) and has some pretty amazing stories from the mission.

Slacker

So, I realize that I have been quite the slacker on my blog lately and I haven't been keeping everyone informed on our lives. I have every intention of putting up pictures from my trip to Utah and all the things we did there (they are cute!!) However, I seem to lack the motivation and energy to do it. Why? Could it possibly be because I am 10 weeks pregnant and fighting off insomnia and nausea? YUP!! That would be the reason why! I am due the end of December. I am REALLY excited about the baby but not too excited about the birthday day. Why?? My birthday is December 20th and I always swore that I would never have a baby in December (my Dr. says that's what I get for swearing!!) I hate the whole birthday/Christmas combined present so I do here solemnly swear that I will make every effort for my child to not have a "Birthmas" day! Emma is VERY excited for the new baby and Lucas just smiles (like he always does). Michael and I are kind of worried about being officially outnumbered by kids....any advice out there??

I love my Mom

So, I just have to say to everyone out there that I seriously have the best Mom in the world!! She is amazing!! Even when I was a teenager and at the age where I hated everyone, my mom was still one of my best friends. I can remember her waking me up early one morning to take me out to breakfast so we could talk. She has always been there for me whenever I needed anything. I love her to death and I just want everyone to know that she wins the contest...HANDS DOWN!!

Lazy Monday

Monday was spent rotating the kiddos through naps so I decided to snap a few pictures of the ones who were awake....

Trevor (aka Little Auggie) playing with Sydney.

He is a very coordinated little guy and was throwing the ball for Sydney to chase.

I love the look on Kaela's face.

Anyone up for a kissie??

Poor Miss Ava had a rough night and was not very happy to be awake! Do you see the big crocodile tear on her cheek?

These were all the kids awake at the time.

This picture is actually from Friday night but I forgot to take one of Zac on Monday....I know....what a horrible aunt I am!!


And of course, a picture of my cute kids....

Believe it or not, Lucas actually had a pretty high fever on Monday (103.2 when he woke up from his nap). But fever or no fever, this kid smiles like you would not imagine!!

We had so much fun playing with Joel and his family!! We sure wish they lived closer!!