Our version of the zoo

So, I thought it would be cool to get the kids out to the LV strip and check out some culture.  They had never driven down the strip other than passing thru to the other side.  We checked out the wildlife at the Mirage, the fountain show at the Bellagio and the conservatory inside.  The only time I ever go downtown is when we've got family that wants to go.  This time Jordan came through with Lisa to get a quick  make-over and to check it all out with me.  Layla totally bonded with little Tyler.  They were so cute with each other.  Thanks to Dad, Harley knew the difference between every kind of lion, tiger, panther, jaguar, you name it. At the end of the night after about 20 people gave me dirty looks for having my kids out on the strip,  we watched the fountains at the Bellagio.  Try to find Harley in the dark.  It was so funny to see "Harley monster" afraid of something.  He always acts really tough on the outside.

Labor Day with the Hermanators

Since we didn't go to the fair this year (a first in seven), I thought we needed some fun over the weekend.  I think this was our first time out with them this summer.  It's too bloody hot to even go out to the lake.   That day wasn't too bad though, and really, what's better than getting muddy and eating a bag of chips with a diet coke on the Lake Mead beach.

Friday

Layla started pre-school this past week and I pick her up on Fridays to take her home since Janie works most Fridays.  Miss Marsha's is about halfway between my office and our house so it works out fairly convenient for me to take her home and eat lunch at home.  I snapped a few pictures while I was at home with my new camera.  It is nothing special, just something I can put in my pocket.  It does have wireless internet to send photos.  I will probably never use that feature like most of the features on my cell phone.  

Janie and I actually got two dates in this week.  On Monday Janie's Uncle Dave, who does the sound for Phantom of the Opera, got us some great tickets. The stage is amazing and the show is pretty good.  Of course, the sound is amazing tickets.  Coincidentally, it was Dave's 1,000th show.  Then on Friday, we went to dinner and a movie for Nicole's birthday.  Yesterday, I took the kids to Rock and Roll Kids for a make-up class.  I am sure the other mothers at the class thought Avery was homeless.  I was in a hurry so I grabbed her out of the crib, where I had left her wearing a dirty onesie complete with dried oatmeal on her face.  I am sure that combined with a black eye from earlier this week raised a few eyebrows.  The kids had a great time.  Avery even got involved as she is walking all over the place now.  We came back and and the kids made some bagels before nap time.  I mopped the floor and we could actually walk around the house with bare feet for about four hours.  

Yesterday, we took the kids to the UNLV v. Utah State football game and they loved it.  We were there with Eric and Diane and Tyson, Kathleen, Devon and Tyler.  Eric gave Harley a piece of licorice, which he fit the whole piece in his mouth and was asking for seconds.  He also made good friends with the family in front of him and they shared their cotton candy with Harley and Layla.  While the mother was distracted Avery even tried to get a sip of  the mother's beer.  Fortunately, she was unsuccessful.  It is scary how much Avery acts like her big brother.  This morning, I was feedomg her some oatmeal.  She watched Harley blow on the oatmeal on his spoon to cool it off, so she blew on the very next bite I gave her before eating it.  She also goes around and sips on everyone's drink, which Harley is notorious for doing.  

Well it is time to sign off as I know the kids will be up shortly ready to go.  

Summer Vacation

We have been gone 2 weeks in August and so much has happened in the past few months that I wanted to jot down a few things.

I decided that August is probably the best month to not be in Las Vegas and I couldn't pass up another Goleta trip with Aunt Barb.  This time I strung my mom along for the ride hoping to get some quality time with her and the kids.  I love being away from home, not worried about my work and home stuff.  Mom and I drove the kids down on Tuesday morning which became a terrible mistake.  Every parent knows that driving at NIGHT with kids is the best.  It has just taken me a few times to figure that out.  We spent every day at the beach and one day in Solvang.  Layla and Harley got to pick out a toy at the little old toy store there, just one of my little traditions starting the year before.  Everywhere we went Layla worked on her magnet paper doll set and Harley was busy with the new motorcycle he picked out.  My dad always had a few rules when the family went on vacation;  there's no such thing as Sunday and the money grows on trees.  I've tried to live by these rules and add a few of my own.  Anyway, it was so nice this year to be right next to the best free hotel breakfast ever and the pool.  It was really hard to be with the kids without James but it was still worth it.  One of the last nights my mom had me move the pack and play right onto the courtyard and it was the greatest idea ever.   Avery could be outside and I wouldn't have to be grossed out at the next thing she was licking or playing with.  Layla and Harley were always in the pool or at the beach.   We had the best time and the weather was pretty perfect.   James met me down there on Thursday night to spend one more day at the beach with him.  We came home Saturday, I worked another week and then took off again to be with the kids down in Oceanside, CA.  I forgot my camera that trip but wanted to jot a few things down.  Sorry no pictures.

swim lessons

Today was our last day of our month of lessons at the Turner's and I thought I would take a few pictures of the kids and Austin(Patty's grandson), excluding the swim teacher.  I didn't want anyone to be offended by her Playboy bikini.  I'm serious.  Every lesson, she wears a the same string bikini with an actual Playboy logo printed on her chest; very proffesional.  Trust me, you don't want to see her.  I'll save your eyes. 

Anyway, I told Patty when we were all done that I would pay her the $25 to come swim anytime.  I should have listened to my Aunt Eileen who told me to never get swim lessons.  I knew it was a bad sign when the instructor asked me for the money before our first lesson.

Layla is actually putting her face under water.  A week ago, she wouldn't even let her hair touch.  She' s getting so much better.  I'm not attributing it to the lessons.  Probably her friend Presley who can get her to do pretty much anything I can't.  I'm hoping that by the end of the summer that I can get her to swim to the wall by herself.  I think it's a good goal.

Harley only pooped twice in the pool (so humiliating for me, not him).  He actually thought it was funny.  Weird, I know.  He is not scared of the water in the least bit.  His floaties (James calls them water wings) fall off every time he jumps in the water and he doesn't freak out at all.  He's a total fish.

Avery is just like Harley.  She puts her little face right in, blows bubbles and doesn't really care about being wet or splashed.  I'm remembering Layla being that way now.  Probably just her age.  She is such a good little baby.  Everywhere we go people want to steal her from me.  

I love my kids.   I never thought I would like them this much or enjoy doing the little things with them.   I feel so blessed to have this experience of being a mother.  I love it all.

Bye the way, I love that James adds his two cents when he can.  He made fun of me starting a blog and now he blogs way more than me.

The usual routine

I just finished the bath/book routine and I am getting the kids ready for bed while Janie is at a Relief Society meeting.  

I couldn't resist posting this picture of Harley. Janie gets really ticked when I tuck his shirt into his pants.  In fact, Harley has caught on and pulls them down after awhile.  

I also posted a picture of Avery, our runt.  She just finished one of Aunt Barb's magical cookies baked with love.  As you can see, she enjoyed herself tremendously.  She has four teeth on the bottom and two teeth on the top.   She is also pulling herself up on the couch, table and my legs.  Her little fingers are able to grab my individual leg hairs as she pulls herself up.  It is surprisingly painful.

Layla is talking me into watching a little Deadliest Catch before she goes to bed.  So I will have to sign off for now.   

Fourth of July

I just hooked up an extra wireless keyboard I had to Janie's Apple.  It reminds me why I hate this computer.  I have to relearn everything from PC.  After using non-Sunday language I actually figured out it was the batteries and not the computer.  

We spent most of yesterday in the Pool at my in-laws.  The kids were pretty wiped-out and we came home so they could take a nap before heading over to the Clark's annual 4th of July party in Red Rock Country Club to watch the fireworks.  I thought Harley was going to be disappointed because he kept saying "firetruck" when we were talking about seeing the "fireworks" during the drive over.  He loved watching the fireworks.  He kept saying to me, "did you see that," every time a firework went off.  He did a get a little nervous as some of the big fireworks went up.  I think he thought they were going to land on us.  

Anyway, I should probably go to bed since Janie is already asleep, which is unusual for her to go to be before me.  I think it is her fault for signing us up for this blog thing.  I am surprised I am actually contributing.  

Here is a little sample of Harley's moves.  I think he was a little shy when I got out the camera.  Normally, he does  a few head spins and leg kicks.