Family Adventure/Vacation

My dear friend Breanna was planning to get married in Vegas, so I had the grand idea to make a family trip out of it...well, I thought it was a great idea. Don't get me wrong, we had so, so, much fun. But, two little kids in Vegas...well, need I say more?The trip began slowly, and I thought, "What did I do?" But, as we got more into a routine, both the kids were so enjoyable, minus a few minor meltdows (by Kory and I, LOL!). The kids were so cute in the room. Parker has never stayed in a hotel so he thought it was so fun that we all got to sleep together.We stayed in St. George the first two nights, and Kory worked all day one of the days. So, the kids and I swam most of the day and then Kory joined us. Other than one scare in the hot tub, I handled the two of them quite well by myself in the pool.Parker was such a good little swimmer. He would have swam as long as we let him. He would dive in and go under and swim all over the pool; I was so impressed. His little swim floats were so great but I don't think it will be too much longer and he will be able to swim without them.We all enjoyed our relaxing pool time. It was such a bummer to drive him in the snow! Will spring ever get here!?

Another of my close friends is in the pirate show at Treasure Island. So, she got us up close and personal to the pirates. Parker loved this.

Parker was Peter Parker (Spiderman), most of the trip. He would show everyone his 'Spideyness' and then web them. Everyone at the first hotel we stayed at, would throw webs at him and play back... He is at such a fun age! In one of the pictures, you can see the pirates shooting their webs with him. At first I think he was a little frightened of the pirates...I mean really, look at their manliness! But, they were all so nice, he put on a little Spiderman show for them. It was hilarious!Tiffany is on my right in the photo. Isn't she gorgeous? It was so awesome that she got them all to come out and take a photo. We were VIP!! Preslie wasn't really sure about the tattoed guy...she couldn't take her eyes off of him.More web shooting!Then it was off to the wedding. Surprisingly, the kids sat through the ceremony...YAY!

One of the first nights we were in Vegas, we decided to eat at the Rainforest Cafe. We have taken Parker to eat there before, but thought he might enjoy it more now that he is older.

Well...we were wrong--we were close to the gorillas and Parker was not a fan! He buried his head in my lap and would not sit up. How disapointing! I tried to explain to him that they were not real, but then he asked, "Why are they talking then?!" I think it was our most expensive meal, and Parker spent most of it with his eyes closed! Not a good time. I think this is when Kory had his meltdown...LOL!This is how most of our family photos went. I thought I would post one for nostalgias sake.And finally, this is how we traveled around good ol' Las Vegas. It worked quite well. I now know that we can take a road trip with my family, and we all will survive! Yay! We had so much fun! Where shall we go next? I think it's safe to say that it won't be Sin City! HA!

Forgot to add this picture!

I totally forgot to add this picture, but it is too cute not to share. After I put the tutu on Preslie, she immediately began to twirl around. I guess it's just innate for a girl... Tutu means twirling! Kristy started snapping as she was spinning...it may just look like she was running around, but she was actually turning in circles. Too funny.

Happy Birthday Preslie

What a fun, busy and crazy year this has been. I can't believe my little baby girl is already one! I won't say she hasn't been a challenge, that would be a lie; but oh my do I ever love her! What fun it is to have a sweet baby girl to dress up, dote on and kiss! She is ever such a little diva and does like things her way...but I wouldn't trade her for the world! Parker loves her so much and my very favorite thing to hear him say to her is, "You look pretty Pres," I just love to hear him talk to her.

Sis is quite the daddy's girl, and yes, she does have him wrapped around her tiny finger. Isn't that the way it's supposed to be though?

Happy Birthday to our baby girl...

Kristy came over and took pictures of Preslie in her room for her 1 year old photos. I think they turned our pretty fabulous, although I never thought I would be the total PINK mom... and that's exactly what I am... AHHH! I did have a purple outfit for her to wear, but she was entirely too worn out by the time we were ready for the next background. I guess another day....man, who knew models were so fussy?! We hope to try some outside, once the flowers are bloomed and the grass is greener. I can't wait!

Bring On Spring!

I can feel it... I can feel myself being lifted from my funk. It's amazing what just a little bit of sunshine can do for your spirit.... mind you, it's still only 40 degrees, but the snow has melted and the sun has been showing itself every so often. I've finally realized that I have been in a funk for the last few months. I don't know if you would call it depression, or just a funk. Probably a bit of both. I do usually get sicker in the winter, and this winter has been no exception. So, that doesn't help the funky situation any. And I seem to get very discouraged every winter. But, I have been feeling better the last few weeks and that is such a blessing!

I do know that a little bit of sunshine makes my insides happy though, and it's nice to feel some inner happiness. I realize that I have only been going through the motions the last few months... everyday, I do as little as possible to get by and I am still running on empty. I feel I am spread so thinly among all of my callings in life, and I give only 50% to each. I know most mothers and women feel this way, but today I am admitting it. I am getting by though, and taking care of the things that must be done, and I guess that is what counts.

The winter is so cold and dreary though. January is grey and cold, and then there is February; still cold, but a bit less dreary. I am ready for the new beginnings of spring. Come on March.. bring on the tulips; bring on April; bring on Easter; bring on the bright colors; bring on the green grass; bring on the outdoors!

I am ready to be whole again! Bring it on!

Remembering Zed

Out of our sight, he lingers in our hearts. Out of our reach, we hold him in our dreams.

For he is gone. Yet we search for him. In every rainbow, in every song,

in all of heavens moonbeams;

Yet we must go on...

Keeping the memory of his quiet assurance, his gentle smile, his loving ways.

To hold on to this much of him, for the rest of our earthly days.

For now we will live our lives, and tend to our sheep.

One day finished, one less we must keep.

Our quest? To press onward, with one purpose in mind;

To regain the presence of this man who left us behind.

God in thy mercy, help us to be strong;

Stay by our side as we carry on.

May we never forget what he taught us each day;

And always remember our Father, an angel who passed by our way.

This poem was origally written by my mom and later arranged by me. My intent was to have the poem printed and framed for Kory, his siblings and mom, and to give it to them today. My intentions were good, but life comes and goes and this day is here. I will still follow through... but I did want to pay tribute to my father in law today, on the first anniversary of his passing. The world lost a wonderful man on this day. We will forever miss and love him.