Summer in Vegas

Last summer we travelled so much that we didn't get to experience much of summer in Vegas. Not this year! It's been different to spend more time home between trips, but it's been a lot of fun, too. Here are some things we've been up to:
Back in June we went with three other families to see Beauty and The Beast at Spring Mountain Ranch.

At the end of June I got together with two friends from high school, Lisa and Tammy. I hadn't seen Lisa for about ten years. Way too long! It was great to catch up.

A few weeks ago another friend from high school, Lorianne, came to Vegas for a convention and stayed with me for a few days. It was perfect, because Jeff was in Mesquite golfing with his high school friends that weekend.

One morning Jackson was playing in the pantry when I saw something behind his back. I thought, "that cockaroach has really thick legs!" Then I looked closer to discover that it was a scorpion! Yikes! Luckily it was already dead and we haven't seen any others. Isn't that the creepiest looking bug ever?

The kids have been doing their usual playing and getting into things. One day I heard Jackson whining and when I came downstairs I found him stuck in the stroller!

We took the kids back to Spring Mountain Ranch a few weeks ago to see 1776, and it was a disaster!! The kids lasted an hour, and when we left, Jeff said, "Is it too much to ask that they just sit still for an hour?!!!" I reminded him that they are one and three, and yes, it is too much to ask! We're definitely getting a babysitter for Aida next month.

Last week I took Kim to dinner at RA for her birthday (finally)! The sushi was to die for! And we shopped at the Nordstrom sale.
Last week we had a blast with Kathryn and my sister, Jenn, who came to visit for a few days. We had nothing but fun for days! We swam and ate and swam and ate and shopped and ate! The kids loved being spoiled by grandma, and it was so nice to have one-on-one time with her again.
We ate at the best Thai restaurant one night. It's my new favorite place.
The kids kept us busy during dinner by spilling drinks, screaming, banging in the table, etc. Ugh!

Wednesday night we had a BBQ and swam at the Tews.
Thursday I got a sitter, and the girls went shopping and to lunch. It was so fun. Thanks again Kathryn!! We had a blast!! Come again soon!

Portland

For the 4th of July, we went to Portland to see my mom, Kurt, and my brother, Jon. We had the best time! My mom and Kurt totally spoiled us!! They were so helpful with the kids, fed us great meals and had all sorts of fun things planned. It was so great to spend time with them again. Besides a brief few hour visit in Utah a few weeks ago, my mom hadn't seen me or the kids since Jackson was born!

It was Jackson's first time on an airplane
Here the kids were entertained by the DVD player (at least for a few minutes!) and were sharing headphones for the first time. Jackson first tried to eat them! We had to show them how they worked in his ear.
Kurt picked us up at the airport and took us to meet mom and Jon at a park for dinner and to let the kids play. It's so green and beautiful in Portland!

Wednesday morning mom took us to the zoo. I think that was the kids first time at one.
You can buy cups of juice to feed the birds
One of them hopped on my shoulder. As scary as that was for me (not a huge animal person) it was better than the bird that pooped all over my foot and in my shoe! One got Lexi, too.
Giraffe
The kids got to pet and brush baby goats

That afternoon we drove to the beach house that my mom and Kurt built on their own. It's amazing!! When we got there we all walked out to the beach.

We're here!

The kids loved playing in the water

View of South Bend
relaxing on the deck. We did a ton of relaxing and just hanging out, which was so nice.
me and mom - check out the view from the deck! The sun actually came out for a few hours, so we were able to lay out and enjoy the warmth

One of many delicious meals. We also tried oyster shooters (not a huge fan) and had some fresh local crab dipped in butter (to die for!)

We went for several walks. It was nice and cool - highs in the 60s, which felt great after the Vegas heat!
Nana bought sparklers for the kids on the 4th, which they loved
Then we sat on the porch and watched the amazing firework show the neighbors put on
Saturday we drove back to Portland. Kurt arranged a babysitter that night and went to a nice restaurant on NW21st. It was so nice to have a quiet, peaceful meal without the kids interrupting or destroying something!
Sunday morning we got together with our friends from BYUH, Jeremy and Kristin, who now live in Portland. We hadn't seen them in years, and it was so fun to catch up!
Then it was time to say goodbye! Thanks so much for the great week mom and Kurt! We love you!!