Summer - Week 11

Our last week of summer vacation was pretty low key. The kids had the last of their play dates, we spent some time organizing their rooms, and met their new teachers. I felt like it was TOO HOT to do much (seriously what is up with this ridiculous weather), but we did venture out for a couple of activities. 

We spent some time at the park (at night).

Sadie is a true Las Vegan. Even though it was 105 degrees at 8 o'clock, she was still cold after playing in the water.

We were also supposed to have book club, but most of us had not finished reading the book, so we postponed it and went bowling instead:

FYI: If you ever go bowling at the Silver Nugget, first pat yourself on the back because you just saved yourself a lot of money, and then order something at the snack bar.

Not because the food is outstanding, but because you get a ridiculous amount for your money! Always a plus in my book.

Eric and the kids also attended a birthday party for our next door neighbor who was turning 12. Her mom always throws fabulous and elaborate parties, as evidenced by this GIGANTIC ice sculpture that greeted the guests this year:

If you are trying to decide what to get me for my birthday, please feel free to take the above picture as inspiration.

The kids came home with numerous toys, books, money, and bags and bags of school supplies. I apparently need to step up my goody bag game.

First Day Of School - 2011

It's already the first day! Megan and Jackson were both very excited to go back. They are starting at a brand new charter school this year that is K-8th grade. I am thrilled that they will both be in the same school for the next 3 years. Megan started 6th grade, and Jackson started 2nd. We chose outfits and lunches the night before, so they kids were ready ahead of schedule this morning.

On the way in this morning, the kids met up with lots of their good friends.

Megan told us she was way too old to be walked into school, but Jackson didn't mind. I'm glad we walked them in because it was a bit crazy on the playground, and I worry Jackson would have been overwhelmed.

Sadie doesn't start school until next week, but she still needed a picture. At least I hope she starts school next week! She is signed up for Kiddie College, but the city is still considering closing it down. We will see.

But Sadie got to have her own fun on the first day. She had a play date with her good friend Connor.

Which meant I was all alone all morning. I spent the time looking for a pair of EXTREMELY LARGE (like a size 12 or 13) women's high heeled shoes for a Young Women/Young Men activity. It was an unsuccessful endeavor. If you happen to have some laying around, let me know. I will be indebted to you.

Both Megan and Jackson were smiling pretty big when I picked them up, and said they had a great day.

Jackson said he learned about how to be kind. He also had P.E. the first day which I am pretty sure was his favorite part. He told me that they didn't have any garbage cans yet, which he thought was weird. They are also still missing lunch tables, so they had to eat in their class rooms.

Megan said the favorite part of her day, by far, was Science class. But I think she loved all of her classes, because she couldn't stop talking about them. She also was very happy to see a lot of her friends she hasn't seen very much this summer.

It was a great day, and I am so thankful that we are able to go to this new school! The only downfall was the awful pick-up routine. My kids will definitely be walking off campus tomorrow.

Summer - Week 10

Last week we took a trip to le gai Paris!

Or the strip, as it is known in Las Vegas circles. But wouldn't that be beyond cool if a trip to Paris was in the realm of possibilities in my life right now.

We also visited the gardens at the Bellagio:

And of course watched the fountain show:

Jackson remarked, "This is way cooler than the volcano." So very true.

While waiting for the show to start, a man volunteered to take our picture. I thanked him and handed over our camera. While handing it over, I noticed that he was quite drunk. He attempted to take our picture 3 times! Each time it didn't work. He kept trying different angles, and at one point got down on the ground. On the last attempt I finally lied and told him that it worked.  He was so nice, and made our trip much more memorable. I hope I will be forgiven for the lying. 

I also took the kids to The Atomic Testing Museum:

Here they are with Miss Atomic Bomb:

Bazaar

The museum focuses heavily on the Nevada Test Site, and gives lots of information on the building of atomic bombs. It gives virtually no information about the effects of atomic bombs, which seems like a major oversight, but was also good for me since I didn't necessarily want my kids to see the fallout.

There are a few movies to watch, and some interactive displays. There is also A LOT of reading to be done at every display. Very interesting, but not necessarily if your a kid.

Right now they have some artifacts from Ground Zero on display.

Very cool.

There is also a special exhibit they have this year called Building Atomic Vegas.

They had a whole bunch of dress up items for the kids, but Sade was the only one who wanted to participate.

Sade as Elvis. I almost died.

We also got to draw pictures of our own atomic bombs:

Morbid. But educational.

Other Things To Note:

We went swimming, but I am over taking my camera to the pool.

And, I can't remember anything else. My weeks are blending together.

The End Of The Journey

The time has finally come for my very last vacation post about Utah. Whew.....It has been a long journey. 

Our first stop of the day was the Logan waterpark. 

There were slides to slide down:

And diving boards to jump off of:

Or flip off of if you are Megan:

And of course, lots of swimming:

After swimming, we had dinner (Ham & Cheese salads from Fredrico's-If you ever visit Logan you have to get one), and did a lot of packing. That night we had popsicles (our nightly ritual) and  watched the fireworks from my moms house (she has a prime firework watching spot).

And that's it! The saga is complete.