Talent and Patriotism

Katybug had herself a busy day yesterday! In the morning she performed her singing talents at school. Coley and I came and watched her. Of course, we knew how talented she was, but it sure does our hearts well to see her performing for others!

This little girl is a spoonful of sugar for sure!

Cole and I brought Wendy’s for lunch and stuck around to eat it with Sis in the school cafeteria. Pretty fun times eating at the school with little people again!

 

Later last night, the entire First Grade performed their First Grade Patriotic Program. This was hanging in the hallway. You can see Kate’s stunning dark hair from a mile away:

The kids sang lots of red, white, and blue songs! One song in particular (“Proud to Be An American”) was sung while a slide show played. The slide show featured the veteran relatives of the first graders. I was so happy we could have Kate’s Great Grandpa Argyle representing our family! And I’ll tell you what, that song gets me in the first place, but throw in a pic of a loved one who has passed on before while listening and I don’t stand a chance! Had to fight the tears! What a good way to remember this Grandpa I love so much!

 

Pics afterward of our Patriot:

So glad Gma Sandra could make it (and Kate was sure to let Grandpa know that he missed out on all the fun)!!!

Breaking for Spring

We road-tripped it with Sherrie and Lyle down to sunny Las Vegas! And what a weekend! We stayed at Lake Las Vegas, which is a man-made lake surrounded by several resorts; an absolutely beautiful setup if you ask me!

We loved the lake, the beach, the kayaking, the water slide, the company of my parents, and the free breakfast buffet. We did not like the triathlons going on nearby, the water slide & pool hours, nor the spotty Wi-Fi. But to be fair, the hotel recently switched hands and it seemed like they were still trying to figure a few things out. Maybe they’ll get it all down in the months to come.

Upon arriving there was a wedding being setup out the back doors of the lobby:

View from our room:

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Papa Lyle and Sissy admiring the lake views (and maybe other views?…look closely;) jk Grandpa!

We tried one of the “best buffets in Vegas” according to USA Today at the M Resort. “Hmm, never heard of the place, but let’s give it a go”:

Note to self: There’s a reason no one has ever heard of this “M Resort.” Worst food ever. And Sherrie vomited all night because of it. Shame on you, USA Today!

Did I mention our kids loved their swim time?

Sherrie and Lyle out for a romantic paddle:

Included this next one for the view behind Kate and me in the kayak. Just lovely!:

Grandpa was the BEST sport in the pool with the kids; took me back to my childhood:

We hit the dirty Strip; not sure why:

Dinner at Rainforest Café:

We did, however, see 3 sets of people we knew all within probably 2 hours there so that was kinda cool. (Dental school friends, Arthur and kids; Dave’s dental assistant, Kyla, and Wes and Gina).

We visited the Ethel M Chocolate Factory (owned by Mars). It, too, was ranked highly as the “#2 must-see attraction” in Henderson, Nevada. Another swing and a miss! Watching myself bake is 10 times more exciting than watching these workers. Which Lame-o suggested a factory visit on vacation anyway?;) We did, though, get a most delicious chocolate at the end (so not a complete waste).

Hoover Dam was most exciting of all; mainly because we could sit and tell “dam” jokes all dam* day long! It was hot there, and I think it made things even more hysterical.

And, of course, these two. They were such a delight to sit and listen to each night all nestled up in their bed and bonding through technology! HA! It does, though, make my heart swell to see them like this! What dolls!

We are spoiled and crazy lucky! LOVE, LOVE, LOVE vacations and this little family of ours!

Pics from Phones

A few moments captured on our phone cameras…

New Jammies: 

Cole is huge into Star Wars right now (amongst Legos and Superheroes). When he saw these jammies he couldn’t part without them! Sissy too wanted some Elsa jammies but there were none in her size. She settled for some Olaf jammers until some Elsa ones come along.

One-on-one time with the kids:

 

Cal-Ranch baby chicks. Kate and I discovered them early in the season when it was okay to pick them up and hold them to your heart’s content. Kate couldn’t have died a happy girl that day! We’ve since been back and there are signs and workers everywhere not allowing you to touch them. Still fun to see and hear them!

Coley and I hit Farm Country for the first time this Spring. Didn’t see too many baby animals, but loved our carriage ride.

Birthday celebrations with the Williamsons; two people we never get tired of:

 Enjoyed some dinner entertainment at Benihanas, a little shopping afterwards, as well as a failed mooning attempt. We always walk away with new, fun memories with them.

Dates With the Kids:

Dad and Sissy saw Les Miserables at Hale Center Theater. She loves the movie(edited), and loved the play too (it’s probably her favorite). I would have died from boredom watching a play at her age, but not this girl.

Meanwhile, Coley and I saw the The Muppets; not a super entertaining movie. I wouldn’t want to sit through it again, but I did love the first one:)