Karlynn's First Ponytail!

 

It is the little things that make me the happiest, I guess. 

Caden's Farewell to Preschool

We love you and we are proud of you, Caden! I truly can't believe my second born is about to be 5 years old and in Kindergarten.

Performing

 

Receiving his certificate of completion and other goodies



Goofy Graduate



Celebrating with cookies!

Grown-Up Getaway

Jake and I headed off to Las Vegas for a one-night grown-up getaway with a couple of friends, Levi and Elissa.  It was the first time I had ever been to Vegas... well, the first time outside of the airport.  The city was interesting being both fun and rather twisted at the same time.  We definitely had what I would consider a PG trip to Vegas, but truly enjoyed time with friends and time to just be adults.  The weekend was both a 31st birthday celebration for me and an anniversary celebration for our friends.  We walked around to check out the sights and fountains, went to dinner at Planet Hollywood, saw the Drew Carey Improvaganza in the MGM, visited to M & M store to find souvenirs for the kiddos, and stuffed ourselves silly at the Luxor breakfast buffet before heading back home.  Oh, and I lost $15 trying out a dumb slot machine.  I cut myself off at that.  I'm not much of a gambler... I started to get sick over losing the money after just a couple bucks.  This was the first completely kid-free night for Jake and I in almost five-years!  Jake's parents were kind enough to stay at our house with the kids for Karlynn's sake, who thankfully, did very well.

Apart from being with my husband and friends, I keep saying that the other best part of the weekend was a chance to dress up in clothes that did not have boogers and drool on them as well as a chance to wear make-up.

View of the Stratosphere

Passing by The Mirage on the strip

Fountains at the Bellagio

Taking pictures at the Bellagio

At the Bellagio across from the Paris Hotel

Early casual dinner at Planet Hollywood -- we dressed up for the show later, but totally forgot to take pictures :-(

Trying to get a good picture while at breakfast

An interesting shot

The Friends!

Lunch at In-n-Out Burger

Micah's Kindergarten End of the Year Program

We sure love our Micah and had lots of fun watching him and his classmates sing, dance and show off some special artwork.  There was even cake and punch to share - Caden and Karlynn's favorite part no doubt!  If I ever make it through one of these school programs without crying like a baby, I will deserve a special reward!

 Excited we are there!

 Ms. Lynn & Micah

 Micah's Family Painting

 Waving Flags for "He's a Grand Ol' Dad"

 Signs to honor mothers

 

 And then we all got to Chicken Dance!

Growing Hair

'Lil Miss is finally getting some length to her hair. And to my great joy, she even requested to have the bow put in, calling it "pretty".

Wonderful Visit with Aussie Friends

We were blessed with a visit from friends Saxon and Kelli, all the way from Perth, Australia, for just a couple days as they toured the USA.  The last time we saw Saxon was in 2003 when he ushered in our wedding.  This time he brought along his wife of nearly 4 years, Kelli.  She was beautiful, smart and fun.  All around lovely!  Although I must admit that it was as strange to see my dear high school friend with a wife as it was for him to see me with three kids.  The visit was short, but we were able to catch up and even got to do a bit of sight-seeing to Oak Creek Canyon, Sedona and the Grand Canyon. 

Oak Creek Canyon:

 

Sedona:

Grand Canyon:

Hellos are wonderful, but goodbyes are so very hard.  Here's to hoping we meet again!

Cinco de Mayo Flowers, Food and Friends!

I love flowers! It is all I can do to wait to plant them every spring. I spent the afternoon working out in the glorious sunshine, planting flowers, painting a barrel and cleaning up the yard. Then we got together with some friends for flank steak fajitas on the grill and homemade margaritas. A day full of heart-happy moments!