Some Fun in the Sun

We love summer! We better considering it is the longest season we enjoy down here in Vegas! On the weekends the kids wake up asking to go swimming and usually crawl out of the pool at night to put there PJs on exhausted from an entire day of splish splashing around.

One of my FAVORITE photos:
I called Cole "Scuba Steve" all summer long.And of course we had to have plenty of snacks on hand to replenish all of the energy that was spent swimming, some of our favorites included this GIGANTIC tub of cheeseballs. I seriously think it lasted us the entire summer!And who can make it through the hot day without a good old fashioned Otter Pop!






Event Date: 05/29/2010

Something To Be Proud Of...

I have had a ton of wonderful experiences in my 11+ years with my job. The challenges of my career continue to get bigger and better every day. This year however has brought new motivation to why I do my job. I LOVE my job and in these times I truly know how lucky I am to have a job. But never before have I felt so blessed with my job.

In January, myself and two other co-workers began a program to prevent drug abuse in our local community. We have brought our message to thousands of middle school and high school aged children by way of school assemblies in various schools here in town.

We have partnered up with some very special friends who have carved a special place in my heart. They are to old to be my kids, but I have shared special moments of pride with them and they have brought tears to my eyes sometimes in front of a crowd of hundreds! I hope each of them know how important they are to me and to my career! And I hope they know that I think f them each often and say a little prayer for them to be strong and good. Thanks boys, you will never truly know how much you have had an impact on my outlook on life!Event Date: 05/26/2010

Take Your Child to Work Day

This is what happens to BAAAADDDD little girls! They go to JAIL! At least that's what I have told her since she was little, however, she is getting smarter and smarter every year and I think she is finally catching on! Rest assure I do make sure she knows that shall she ever land in jail, mommy and daddy will not come to her rescue. You better be good baby girl! Event Date: 05/26/2010

Catchin a Fick at Town Square

We met Clarice and Dallas and their kiddos at Town Square for an outdoor movie. We ordered pizza from California Pizza Kitchen, headed to the park, ate and played while we waited for it to get dark. The boys had a blast attacking each other with their balloon swords. We watched the Princess Frog which is such a cute movie. Had a great and very much needed relaxing time with good friends.

Event Date: 05/20/2010

Trip to ABQ for Kevin's Graduation

We drove out to Albuquerque to celebrate Kevin's graduation from High School. On our way out, I took some pics of the new bridge over Hoover Dam. It is almost done and ENORMOUS!!!Grandma Neilson spoiled Chance with another mini birthday party.

This time it was Spider Man cupcakes...YUMMY!He definitely got a little messier.

Gia waited patiently for a cupcake of her own. Ari got a Karaoke machine for her birthday and brought it up to Grandma Neilson's so everyone could try it out. The kids had a blast singing as loud as they could to all of the songs...it was hilarious!

We took the kiddos, their cousins and met up with Tanya and her kiddos at the mall to try the bungee/trampoline/jumpee-thing. The kids waited patiently for their chance to bounce.

After all the bouncing it was definitely time for a treat...off to Cinnabun's for smoothies and the hardest choice of all a Cinnabun or a Cupcake! Cole and Matthew...Chance and Mark...I absolutely love this picture! We were at Angelo's baseball game and I glance over and see Kadee and Micaela perched up on this block almost like they are runnin' the town! Had to get a picture of it. Notice Micaela with her hands on her hips (she ain't nothin like her momma :) !!)We spent one of the afternoon's at the park playing some fun games. One of my favorites, the splash ball. I love watching them freak out in anticipation of the water balloon breaking inside!

The worst part of our trips to ABQ is always when we have to say goodbye. Micaela was so sad when it was time to go. She started crying, Tanya finally convinced her to go, she headed to the car and then turned back and ran to give Kadee one last hug. It was so sad and I have to admit a tear escaped from my eye at that moment. Monday was Kevin's graduation from Rio Rancho High. Cole anxiously awaited to see his big cousin walk up on to the stage to receive his diploma.We are so proud of him! He is headed to NMSU to seek a degree in Professional Golf Management. Oh Kevin, the good times you will have!Grandma Neilson and Kev.After a fantastic dinner to celebrate Kevin's graduation we headed back to Grandma and Grandpa's for a little play time. The boys of course wanted to play a little baseball.Then we though it would be a good idea to take a picture of the grandkids. Well we tried! It really would take an act of God to get eight kiddos to all look in the same direction and sit still long enough to get a good pic. But we sure got some cute ones trying!Cindy and the newest addition to the family...adorable Ian.Also got a good pic of Charlie's mama and his sisters...We had a great trip celebrating such a good Kid's achievements and spending some good quality time with our friends and family.

Event Date: 05/17/2010

Chance is 1 Today!

I can't believe my baby boy is 1 today! It is really hard to believe how fast the year has flown by. I still remember him as a teeny-tiny little man. And now he is so rambunctious, he is definitely going to be the ornery one of the bunch! He has had his ups and downs this year, a couple bouts with pneumonia, but all in all he is such a GOOD baby! Even when he is miserable he still smiles!

I love this little one to death and am so thankful to be blessed with him. He truly is the BEST surprise I could have ever wished for :)

We started the morning off with the traditional Birthday Pat-a-cakes (that what the kids call pancakes).

That night we all went to Chuck-E-Cheese to celebrate Chance's birthday. The kids had a blast playing all of the fun games.Even Auntie Julie got in on the fun :) Then of course we tried to take the memento photo with Chuck-E himself and it didn't go so well...Chance was terrified of him!After traumatizing him trying to get him to smile while be next to a giant rodent, I mean mouse we headed back to the house for birthday cake. Of course Grandma Barb spoiled Chance with not one but two cakes. He naturally needed one all to himself!He didn't get as messy as I expected but sure did love every bit of his cake!

It was a great day! Wow, still hard to believe he is really 1!?!?

Event Date: 05/07/2010

Cookin' some Kabobs

Kadee decided to help Charlie in the kitchen. When it's warm outside we love to BBQ! One of our favorites is yummy Beef, Shrimp and Chicken Kabobs. The kiddos love to help put them together!

Event Date: 05/06/2010

Tubes in the Ears

With all of the streaks of ear infections that transformed into pneumonia the docs made the suggestion that Chance get tubes in his ears. We of course were all for whatever would help make our baby better.

It was an early morning, we had to have him at the hospital first thing in the morning. They called us into triage and gave me a tiny little gown for him to where. The nurse explained what to expect and then our doctor came in and went over everything in detail. I know that this is a very routine procedure but I was still a basket case. I tend to FREAK OUT when it comes to medical procedures with my kiddos. They took him back in to do the procedure and we were asked to wait in the waiting room. It was the longest half hour of my life!
When we got to go back to see him he was still waking up from the anesthesia. He was so upset and screaming! It broke my heart! After about 20 minutes of straight crying he finally calmed down and just snuggled into my neck. Hopefully this was worth it and will help him from getting sick!

Event Date: 05/03/2010

Take Me Out to the Ball Game...

One of the PTA fundraising events at Kadee's school is a UNLV Baseball game. We weren't able to make it last year but we're looking forward to this year's game. Pete, Julie, Dani and Kevin joined us. Chance stayed home with Grandma and Grandpa.

It was the perfect night for a ball game. The weather was beautiful. The school choir sang the National Anthem and the teachers used a sling shot to pass out T-Shirts. The kids had all kinds of signs made up and were chanting cheers all through the game.

Kadee loved seeing all of her friends. I loved seeing the small community of parents, teachers and students who make up and support her school. It was a good time had by all and I am already looking forward to next year!