Viva Las Vegas

So. Las Vegas was not only on the list of places I never thought about going to, but it was actually on my list of places I never wanted to go to. (Yes. I watch way too much CSI Las Vegas. I know what happens there.) (And also how to solve the case.)

But lo and behold, I had to go there for a work trip. (I travel a lot for my job. And I realize having to go to Las Vegas is nothing to complain about.) With Las Vegas being on Tanner's "I have to go there" list, he immediately made plans to join me. This obviously made me way more excited to go... I LOVE traveling with him.

So plans were made, and we were off.

First stop upon arrival.... In n Out Burger. It is one of those places you always hear about, so obvi you have to give it a try. I would say prices are comparable to McDonald's, but the food is way better. But at the end of the day, its totally just a fast food burger. And it was worth it! Especially given the fact that as we ate, we realized it was the equivalent of eating a hamburger and french fries at midnight back home. (Super healthy.)

Then we made our way to The Venetian where we were staying. I LOVED our hotel. Right in the middle of everything, had shopping and restaurants (including Carlos' Bakery.. from the Cake Boss.. which was awesome), amazing decor, 2 casinos in house, and the really cool wax museum of celebrities.

We made a trip to the Hoover Dam and made countless references regarding dam bait and dam tours. (Which they clearly hear 268431 times a day, because they did not find it nearly as funny as we did.) The Hoover Dam is quite amazing for modern day, but even more amazing when you think about how long ago it was constructed and what materials they must have been working with.

See that bridge? We climbed to it and walked across it.

Nevada/Arizona border.

View from said bridge that we climbed to.

We also walked the strip and went into all the major casinos (Harrah's, Bellagio, Ceasar's Palace...), we watched the Bellagio fountain show (loved it), accidentally found (scary) Old Las Vegas and saw the Little White Chapel.

This isn't the real Caesar's Palace is it? I didn't think so.

Ole Dolly was our lucky machine for this trip!

To end the trip, we stopped at the Welcome to Las Vegas sign for the obligatory picture.

For someone who never wanted to go to Vegas, I have to say, I would actually love to go back. We had such a great time, and it was so nice to be able to get away... just the 2 of us. (Although we referenced Fisher 500 times a day and FaceTimed him at every opportunity..... : )

Happiest Easter 2014

I love love love Easter. I love doing special things with my boys. I love how big my family is, and that they flock from all over to spend the day together. I love the fact that Jesus saved me in spite of my countless flaws.

We (of course) made it a weekend affair.

Saturday coloring eggs (after a family reunion and a birthday party)... This was Fisher's first year helping with the eggs, and it was a blast! From dropping the tablets in the cups, to adding the vinegar and water, to dropping them (with no caution) in the coloring.

Before Fisher went to bed Saturday night, he wanted to discuss the Easter Bunny. He asked how big he was, but was already convinced he was huge and scary. I diffused the crisis by assuring him the Bunny is no bigger than Madison (our 10 lb Maltese). This seemed to comfort him to some extent, but he still requested that I ask the Bunny to leave his basket on the porch and to not come inside. (Side note: SO glad we didn't take him to Bass Pro to meet the Easter Bunny. Holy meltdown.)

So once he was asleep, Tanner and I assembled the basket and put it by the front door so we would remember to place it outside in the morning.  Glad we did, because F didn't forget our conversation. He meant what he said about the Bunny not being welcome inside.

After we allowed him to eat a chocolate bunny for breakfast, we got dressed and left for service. As much as I want Fisher to have fun with each holiday, I more so want him to understand the true meaning of why we celebrate.

This makes my heart smile.

Church was followed by dinner and an egg hunt with my family. This year, we had 196 eggs. We found 194, so good luck when my Aunt finds the lost two.

Lots of babes!

Big man found the golden egg! $1 and he thought he was LOADED.

My Grandma in the middle, who just had her first Great Great Grandchild.

We went home that evening with full hearts, full bellies, and a sugar crashed 3 year old.

It was a very Happy Easter.

The Amazing Weekend 'Adbenture'

This past weekend was quite honestly the American dream.

Tee-ball, fishing, and a fish fry.

Done and done.

We kicked off Saturday with Fisher's second tee-ball game. HUGE improvement from the first game. (And by huge improvement, I mean he didn't run off the field crying about someone getting the ball instead of him. Not once. And man was he proud of that accomplishment.) It was also our turn to provide team snacks. I will admit that this is something I have looked forward to since becoming a parent. I remember when I was a tot, the best part about a weekend ball game was the snack and drink that would follow. Caprisun was BOGO the week before, so I already had the drinks.... And the evening before, I took Fisher to Publix to select the snacks. Did we just get enough for each child to have one? No ma'am. We had three options. And enough for each child to have one of each option. Obvi. Fisher goes big.

It was also team picture day! See how sweet he is in the individual picture? Now see how confused he is in the team picture? That would be because the photographer barked at the children. I understand the goal was to get them all to look at him. But honestly. He barked. I was just as confused.

That morning, Tanner had gotten up early to get the boat packed and ready to go immediately following the game. He hooked it up to his truck, and we rolled right up to the field ready to take off as soon as the final run was scored. (Dads all over the park were jealous.)

We hopped in the truck, stopped at Publix for subs, and headed to the coast.

To say it was a beautiful day would be a harsh understatement. And this was also the first time just the three of us took the boat out for a Saturday 'adbenture' (as Fisher calls it. And its too cute to not repeat. At every opportunity.).

I took my book (Divergent. READ IT.) and layed out on the back of the boat while my boys caught speckled trout like a boss.

Then we headed in, pulled into my parent's house, and had a family fish fry.

The. Best.

Fisher is still talking about it, and we are eagerly awaiting next weekend so we can do it again!

(Our house is in a constant state of disarray. But hey. We are eating fresh fish.)

The Very First TeeBall Game.

April 5, 2014 was Fisher's very first baseball game. It was amazing and adorable and an emotional roller coaster. Put 20 three and four year olds out on a field together, and sit back... there will be fireworks. 

Sofia spent the weekend with us, and Fisher just could not contain his excitement for all the weekend festivities.

We kicked it off with a slumber party and Aladdin..... (Tanner might have also provided chocolate ice cream with marshmallows on top.)

Then Saturday was GAME DAY!

Warming up with some ground balls.

His very first baseball meltdown.

His very first hit.

His very first run to first base.

His very first run to home.

And this just makes my day brighter... (Please notice how he literally touches home and then cleans his hand off. Because who wants dirty hands?)