You deserve a break today... McDonalds!!!

On Monday I picked up Riley so we could go work out together at this little gym that's in our neighborhood. We started doing this over the summer and since school started up it's been hard to find the time. We always have so much fun "pumping some iron" and doing a little people watching. Which, to me is always the best part! Seriously, you see some of the funniest characters at the gym. Mostly we laugh at the men's faces when they're lifting weights but occasionally you catch a lady in hot pink spandex(like yesterday) or you'll see some really desperate guy trying to pick up on some "hot" chick. It's always a good time!

Every once in a while Riley will say something like "I WANT TACO BELL!" just out of no where and we'll both crack-up and because I have absolutely no will power we usually give in to these urges! Perhaps, why I have a gym membership in the first place!!! On Monday she saw a girl in class eating some McDonald's and was telling me how she had been craving it ever since. SOOOO, Yep, we went to McDonald's after the gym. I know, kinda defeats the whole purpose but we did SHARE a fry so that wasn't too bad, right?!? When I pulled up to drop Riley off at home afterward we waited to see Kris' reaction when she saw our McDonald's cups in hand. She just laughed and said MCDONALD'S?!!! Sorry, we're going to try to be better about that! Riley had me laughing so hard that day which is exactly what I needed and we may never be the hot babes we hope to be but I love going to the gym!!! ...oh, and McDonald's, love that too!!!

Pictures from the Preserve.

The kids just hangin' around!
Karley is enjoying the view of the nature trails. Scotty just loved this train in the children's play area. He could've stayed there all day.Taking a ride on the tractor in the "sustainability gallery", which is just fancy for learning how to conserve and recycle.

Madison was playing in the sand with Scott and he was laughing so hard. We had to shake him out when we got done.

Paige in her most favorite spot, high atop the mammoth bones.

gettin' there!

Karley and Scott just checkin' it out

Springs Preserve...again!!!

Kourtney and I planned a trip to the Springs Preserve today since our kids didn't have school and I've been trying to recruit new Preserve addicts, like myself. I guess the Preserve is the hot, happenin' place to be on Nevada Day since it seemed that everyone else was there also. We wouldn't be able to do that any other time though so I'm really glad that we went. Frankie and Bradley both had the day off and Dustin was able to meet us after lunch. We ate at the Wolfgang Puck cafe again which was an experience, let's just leave it at that. I love the food, love the view but next time we'll just leave out the crowd, the kids, and the snobby, fake-boobed mommy groups. The kids love that place and we still haven't even seen but a quarter of it, if that. I have some great pictures that we took and don't worry Kourt, I'm going to post all of them...I'm serious, ALL of them!... Just kidding! I wouldn't do that... then I couldn't black-mail you!!!! HaHa After we said good-bye to the Farina family we checked out another building in the Preserve that Dustin had heard about. I left my home today at 11:00 and didn't get home until 4:oo. WOW!!!, What a day but, as always, totally worth it! Thanks for coming with us Farinas, had a great time! We'll have to go again sometime soon!

Count down to track break!

After today there is only one more day until track break!!! I can't wait! On Sunday I was so excited that it would be the last week before our month long vacation and Kourtney said"wait, you are EXCITED for track break?" and I said "YES!!!", and let me just tell you why... (1.) I will get to "sleep in" possibly until 7:00 maybe even until 7:30. Wooo Hoooo!!, (2.) I don't have to do all 3 girl's hair first thing in the morning, all before 8:30, (3.) I don't have to worry about packing lunches or if we even have food TO pack cause if we don't I can go to the store any time during the day, (4.) I don't have to worry about being home by 11:30 to pick up Paige from Kinder- kinda hard to always be on a short leash, (5.) I get a break from tending kids. Don't get me wrong I love the kids I tend during the week, they are great, but two extra kids is still, well, two extra kids!, (6.) I don't have three packets of homework that I have worry about getting done all before Friday morning. I could go on and on listing all of the things about track break that I'm excited for and I probably only feel this giddy because it hasn't actually begun yet.
I DO love this time that I get to spend with my kids and I love that these breaks are spread out through the year instead of in one lump. I have many a fun adventure planned for OUR break from school! It will be great, and stayed tuned for my mid-break list of reasons why I'm excited the kids are finally going BACK to school!

C-H-A-P-A-R-R-A-L !!!!

COME ON, SING IT WITH ME!!!! For all of you Chaparral alum out there, this ones for you! On Friday Kris invited us to join her at the Eldorado homecoming game which is something we love to do with our kids (go to high school football games). I knew they'd be playing Chaparral(my Alma mater) for the cleat and since we lost last year I was really hoping the Cowboys would get it back. Now, I normally don't care about these sorts of things but since it is both me and Dustin's ten year reunion I was really glad that Chaparral did me proud, I mean, we spanked those sun-devils! I always tease Dustin since we went to rival schools even though he won't claim Eldorado as his own. We just really had a great time! Scott loved the band and all of the action, he was just so excited! The girls always watch the cheerleaders, totally in awe, wishing they were old enough! They also admire the homecoming court ( even though some of the dresses were quite SCANDALOUS)! I just enjoy the whole experience! But let me just tell you times have changed. High school was so different 10 years ago!!!

Tricks and Treats

Here are a few pictures at our Halloween carnival tonight. We didn't stay long, we went through the haunted house, which I swear took some years off my life. Not sure if it was the girls screams or if it was just me who was really scared,( I know I'm a wuss). We did the cake walk and WON!!! My brother,Matt and his daughter, Elara came with us and it was a lot of fun, I really love fall carnivals!


A picture of the cutest parking attendant! Grandma Kris had parking duty again this year. It was funny to see her trying to find spaces for ALL THOSE CARS! She did a great job! Karley and her A+ teacher Mrs. Wilkins. We just love her!

I found this little dog costume for Scott and he hates it. I thought he would love it since he loves doggies so much. Not the case, we had to bribe him with a bag of fruit loops and after awhile he just got used to it. Sorry Scott. I'm sure next year he'll probably have an opinion about the costume he'll want, maybe I should've gotten the pirate one after all.

Madison wore this poodle skirt that Grandma Sarah made for her dance recital last spring. She's going to be a two-headed monster at our ward party tomorrow with her best friend Emma. Since she was goin' "solo" to the school carnival we went and got her some saddle shoes so she could wear this little number since it's ALWAYS fun to dress up as much as possible.

Karley insisted on being something "scary" this year. I told her she would have to look through our costumes and pick something since she hated the costume I had picked out for her. This is what she came up with. I think she looks adorable!, and SOOOO SCARY!!!

GRRRRR!!

Paige as Dorothy. I know she only wanted to be Dorothy cause of the ruby slippers. What girl can resist sparkly shoes!? Too bad she got a really bad blister:(

MOM, PLEASE don't make me wear this stupid dog costume.

The girls posing for their Halloween pics. I love Halloween it is so much fun getting dressed up. I love doing their hair and make-up. They love it too! We have so much fun creating their look for the evening.

Matt and little Elmo, I mean Elara. She's so cute!

Madison, Karley, cousin Elara, and Paige waiting to buy tickets for the carnival

"OK, CAN WE GO PLAY SOME GAMES NOW!!!!"

Dustin chowin' down on some nachos and Scott hoping for a bite.

The kids admiring the yummy cake we won!!!

The cake we scored at the cake walk. Actually Scott is the one who actually won it and we picked the cake that Tanner H. decorated. It was totally the cutest and it even won 3rd place. Pretty good for first grade, that's what I call talent!!!

I love Halloween... our favorite holiday!

Halloween kiddies in their cute shirts from Gram!!!

I LOVE Las Vegas & the Springs Preserve

Our little crew posing among all the beautiful flowers and cactus!

Scotty really loved his PB&J when we took a break to have our little picnic lunch.

I mean he REALLY, REALLY loved it!!!!

The kids playing around in the children's area climbing on some mammoth bones!

Karley's first gamble. Well you know it IS Vegas, baby!

Madison and Paige grinding corn for tonight's supper. Thanks girls...push harder!

Paige hammin' it up in front of the train. Hannah in training...maybe?

The kids taking a ride on some sort of spinny,make-you-wanna-puke. thingy.

Still lovin' it!

Karley and Scott standing next to a Paiute Indian hut. Fun AND educational!

I think this lizard really wanted me! ...

or Karley, not sure though. It just walked right up to the glass for a phot op. Cheeky lizard!

karley with the funny lizard thing again.

My family had planned an outing to the Springs Preserve this weekend and since Dustin was up in the mountains I decided to take the kids since we have never been before. If you haven't been I highly recommend it. I loved it! There were so many things for the kids to play with, do and see and plenty for us grown-ups as well. The gardens are amazing and the weather was so beautiful today. We watched a short movie called Miracle in the Mojave. It made me really appreciate Las Vegas, the place I've called home for my entire life.I've seen a lot of change in my 29 years here and it was good to see some old pictures and learn about the history of our city. I know it's really easy to focus on our extremely hot summers but I've gained a new appreciation. My family all have season passes which are totally worth it because it's almost impossible to see it all in one day(with kids at least). Someday we'll go again and eat at the Wolfgang Puck restaurant. I'm so glad we finally got to go!