3rd of July Festivities

 We were able to meet up with Scott & Chersten on the 3rd of July to do a little celebrating.  These kids had a blast. After a yummy dinner, they were sent out to play in the water. These kids know how to have a water fight. All two hundred balloons were gone in less than 5 minutes. These pictures were taken in the middle of the water fight.  Baylee had on a little dress that she quickly took off as soon as it was a little wet. The onsie eventually came as well as the diaper.  Funny girl. 

 My kids love having cousins close by but I will say they absolutely love having Gregory around!  All day Baylee asked when we got to go to Gegee's house and even screamed a little when we pulled into their drive way.  This picture of Gregory is how I will always remember him. He is such a cool kid.

 When the balloons had all been popped, Dean thought he could blow them up again so that there were more to throw.

 Oh Miss Baylee, you are one of a kind!

 Martha is one daring girl. She actually loved the sparklers.

 All the Harris cousin clan watching the fireworks. My kids usually fall asleep on our way home but this time they couldn't stop talking about the water balloons and fireworks.  The evening was a great success!

Family Fun

Paul's work schedule makes it possible that he has a couple of days off during the week if he works the weekend.  While taking two young children to Church on Sunday by myself is difficult, the days off later in the week really make it worth it.  We decided that a family outing was needed.  I had read a blog post on cheap outings in the Vegas area.  One that really struck my interest was the Historic Railroad Tunnel Trail. 

 We decided to check it out.  We were not disappointed with this outing.  The trail is a 5 mile round trip and we were able to push the jogging stroller.  We did this on a Tuesday morning so we were pretty much the only ones on the trail. (We were also the only ones under the age of 60 in the visitors center.) I'm pretty sure this was a pretty awesome experience based on Dean's arm position. 

One of five tunnel's.  Dean was so cute walking through and exploring.

 The Historic Train Trail runs along the side of the hill and over looks Lake Mead.  It was beautiful.

 Baylee has a little obsession with necklaces. She won't take them off.  While walking through the tunnels she would stop every few steps and drag her necklace in the dirt then stand up and giggle.  I wonder what she is thinking.  She does some of the funniest things I have ever seen.

 The wood work around the tunnel openings is awesome.  I wasn't able to get a great picture of it.  But you can see the pillars behind Dean and I.

 We had such a great time walking and exploring with our kiddos.

 Paul is such a handsome man!  Baylee's cheesy smile just makes my day.

 We made a little friend along the way.  This was one huge lizard.

 By the end, we had worn our kiddos out. That makes for a great family outing.

Riding Horses

 The prize Dean asked for while we were trying to potty train was to ride a real horse. Luckily, his new Aunt Jess is a rodeo Queen with a horse named Cowboy.  While we were in Utah, Aunt Jess and Uncle Max took the kids for a horse ride.  I think the look on Dean's face while waiting for his turn shows that pure excitement.

 Even Miss Baylee couldn't wait for her turn. 

 I love the excitement on his face!  He loved every minute and still talks about it.

  Then it was Baylee's turn. She couldn't stop neighing.

 Thank you, Aunt Jess and Uncle Max for a day that will never be forgotten!

While in Utah we celebrated Grandma Scott's birthday. For the party celebration, Miss Baylee was able to have her face painted.  She sat still like an angel and loved having her makeup done.  Doesn't she look darling!  

We love being able to visit our families and experience new and fun things! 

Happy Birthday to Dean!

Dean turned three on Sunday, January 13th!  We had a fun weekend celebrating.  Dean has been anxiously awaiting his birthday since we celebrated Baylee's in September.  He informed me during everyone birthdays since then that he wanted a chocolate cake and chocolate ice cream.  The theme of his party changed from month to month but it always had to do with a Mighty Machine of some sort.  His last requested birthday cake was for a tow truck.  I decided that meant a Mater tow truck. (You have been warned, this is going to be a long post with lots of pictures)  

The first activity of the weekend was to visit Daddy at work.  When Daddy has a little boys dream as a work place who wouldn't agree to an hour drive and 35 degree weather to fulfill that wish.  We took lunch to Paul and then headed out for a drive around the golf course.

For Dean's 1st birthday we took a picture standing in the same spot!

I love this face.

Who doesn't want to roll around on a tee maker. Funny Girl.

 Next activity: drive the loader.

This is one happy three year old.

He maybe just a little annoyed that he has to stop and take a picture.

Freezing in the cart while waiting on a loader ride.

 We finished the trip off by playing on a few more Mighty Machines.  I think this was the highlight of his birthday.  So glad Daddy has an awesome work to visit.

 That night we celebrated his birthday with his cousins.  Once cousins are around, pictures are just a nuisance.  This is the best picture I could get with him and his cake. 

Dean and his Mator cupcakes. They kinda look like Goofy, so I'm just clarifying. :)

 

 

The Party Games: Tractor Tipping.  This was a real hit.

Then we had a punch box  with a few treats.

Opening Presents: he loved his new swords and books.

 Blowing out the Candles!

This was the first year he wasn't scared of the fire. :)

 Morning Birthday Balloons.  

Dean wakes up around 4:45 so Mom wasn't awake to take pictures of his morning balloon party.

We are so grateful for this energetic little man.  He keeps this mama on her toes.  I love his independent nature and strong will. He is such a joy to have in our family. Love you Mister Dean!

Happy New Year!

Being the super fun parents that we are we let our kids stay up late to celebrate the New Year in style.  We had dinner at Cafe Rio and then came home to have a party.  We started the party off with a picture scavenger hunt that lead to our party hats and supplies. After we took a few pictures, we played games and ate popcorn.  The most fun was our count down at 7:30 pm (That is way past there bed time).  Here is the all the party count down fun (wait and watch until about the one minute mark): 

It is a little long but watching Paul and I struggle to open the silly string and watching Dean sprint away from the silly string it just too funny!

We hope everyone has a very Happy New Year and that all your resolutions will last the entire year.

Oh, Christmas Tree

 We are close to being ready for Christmas.  The kiddos have loved having all the Christmas decoration up and were really excited to decorate the Christmas tree.  We may have had a few ornaments break but it was worth it.  Dean tells me every morning as we walk down the stairs that we have a Christmas house.  I am so, so excited for Santa to come this year.  Dean is at the age where he understands and it is magical for him.  Baylee loves to chew on the fake candy cane. I think I should go get her a real one.  :)  I love the picture of Paul and the kids, he is such a wonderful dad. 

We hope everyone has a Merry Christmas.  We are so blessed to have each one of you as family and friends.