Memorial Day Weekend

I love holiday weekends so we get an extra family day. I especially love holiday weekends with nice weather so we can be outside! We have had so much rain that everything outdoors is beautiful and green. We decided to take the kids for a hike at Roxborough Park. I was a little nervous because there were quite a few alerts about wildlife (including bears and mountain lions) in the area. But the most wildlife we saw was a chipmunk. Cole was thrilled that he "spotted wildlife." Poor guy. Someday we will see something cool for him.

The scenery did not disappoint and was incredible with the vivid green grass, yellow wildflowers and red rocks. Colorado is beautiful. Vanessa did great in the stroller and slept half the time. She is a dream and so tote-able. Perfect as a 4th baby.

My boys!

 Elise is such a wonderful sister. She & Cole held hands a lot of the hike. <3 p="">

May

May was busy getting back from my getaway trip then Mother's Day and end-of-school programs and events. I am always so ready for summer break by the time it arrives. And ready for school to start again after summer. :)

Cole's preschool did the cutest Mother's Day Tea with a program and refreshments. They made adorable bonnets that we all wore then brought us a flower and poem after singing to us. Those are some of the best moments. Cole actually sang this time!

Grey made a poster for school and I wanted to save it. I don't know why I can't rotate it. He is pretty funny.

We had a huge snowstorm that took down a few trees in our back yard. Luckly even though it fell onto the house there was no damage. I hated that tree anyways! It dropped leaves, twigs, berries and all kinds of stuff all over our deck.

We surprised the kids with their own Fire tablet. They loved them to say it mildly. This was the scene in our house until I implemented better rules.

The weather is finally getting nice enough that we can go for our walks again. It is the perfect way to pass time crazy time before bed.

Elise graduated kindergarten. She was adorable. They had a wonderful program designed just to make me cry! Full of pictures from the year and songs about kids growing up too quickly. Ugh. Those things break my heart. I just love them so much at this phase that I would love for time to slow down a little. They are so sweet and innocent and I hate thinking of the tough things in life that they will have to face. I love how happy this little girl is--always. She is our sunshine.

My ward held an amazing paint activity. I am grateful for our ward and the wonderful people I get to spend time with.

Grey & Elise had their field day. Jared volunteered to work a station and realized how hard it was to keep those kids  paying attention. Haha. Never again. I got to follow Grey & Elise all over to the different stations and eat bagels. I liked my plan better.

 Elise was sad she didn't get to stay after field day since she was in half day kinder that day. So I cheered her up with a little Wendy's lunch.

We took a family trip to the aquarium. I do those things a lot by myself with the kids. So it was extra nice to have Jared with us. The kids loved showing him everything. Cole actually touched the stingrays this time.

And the other thing keeping us crazy busy. We (meaning Jared & his dad) have been finishing part of our basement to move my laundry room downstairs so we can have a full mudroom upstairs. We have a hallway! This is where the laundry room and bathroom will be. Someday...

Birthday Trip to Vegas

I had been telling Jared for a looooong time that I would be going somewhere after Vanessa turned one. It was my celebration for being done nursing and having babies! My sister & I both weaned our babies at the same time so it seemed a perfect time for a birthday trip with my two other favorite people. I appreciate having a husband who is willing and supportive of letting me take off for a few days leaving him with the four kids. We had a wonderful time. Although I think we had too much fun because we didn't sleep nearly enough. I guess that is what happens in Vegas...

We walked the strip the first night to see the fountains and wander. Unfortunately it was the night after a big Mayweather fight and the crowd was interesting to say the least. I have never felt unsafe in Vegas until that night. It was a little bit unsettling.

We spent a lot of time at the pool either at our place or the MGM pools and lazy river. It was perfect.

On my birthday we went to the Wynn lunch buffet which Heather researched as one of the best. It did NOT disappoint. Look at the desserts!!

That evening we went to Blue Man Group which was a riot. We bought the cheapest tickets at the back of the theater and ended up getting moved to the front row. Luckily right next to the splash zone. What a fun show. And don't ask why we match--we just think alike and didn't realize it until we were already out. Haha.

We did a tiny amount of slot machines. My mom won big on the penny machine--$3. 

Our place was incredible. We stayed in a 1 BR at the Signature MGM. I would absolutely stay there again. Loved it. Look at the bathroom (one of two bathrooms) and the view from one of the balconies.

Jared took such good care of the kiddos as always. He took them to Steak & Shake after I left because they were feeling sad. On Sunday he found Cole in our bed all tucked in a cuddled up. We find him all over the place sleeping. When Jared sends me these pictures, I melt a little. I love seeing their cute faces. Makes me miss them.