Legoland - Day 2

We started day 2 off by riding a few more rides. Legoland has a couple of bizarre practices. Early close time being one, and ride age restrictions (instead of height restrictions) being another. Sadie couldn't ride this one, because you had to be 4 years old. Weird. But fine with Sadie since she was not exactly champing at the bit to ride these horses (pun worthy sentence!).

We then went to the aquarium. It was pretty cool, and definitely worth your time if you ever go to Legoland.

These sea creatures painlessly eat the dead skin off your fingernails:

After the aquarium we headed over to the waterpark. It had been overcast all of the previous day and that morning, but as soon as we entered the waterpark, the sun came out! It was a stroke of luck.

When Sadie discovered she was too short to ride this waterslide, she remarked, "I'm so happy!"

Sade pretty much disliked every aspect of the waterpark. More crying pictures:

Luckily Megan and Jackson loved everything about the waterpark:

After the waterpark, Megan and Jackson climbed the rock wall. They were pretty darn awesome at it. I don't have many pics of Megan, because she got up there so fast:

Jackson took a bit longer, but never gave up. I was seriously impressed. He was definitely one of the smallest kids to attempt it. And certainly one of the smallest to complete it:

Ringing the bell at the top:

Repelling back down:

Before the 5 o'clock closing time we rode a few more rides:

Whew.......Another great day!

Sadie Said

Sadie: "Um, Mom....I think it was pretty embarrassing that you wore that outfit to pick me up from pre-school."

Granted...She did have a point. But, really? I'm embarrassing her now? Just imagine the mortification I am going to put her through in 10 years. And FYI: I actually changed into these shorts, from sweatpants, right before picking her up. Can you imagine if I had worn the sweat pants? And another FYI: I got that shirt for FREE at Fresh & Easy!

Sorry to all of you pre-school moms who had to see me like this.

A Wig Apart

We have a favorite family wig. It has been known to make appearances year-round, but always shows up at Halloween time. It most famously was worn by Eric out to dinner after losing a bet when a few of his brothers were visiting. It seems to magically morph depending on which one of us it wearing it. It turned Sadie into a middle-aged woman!

Me into a 1950's housewife:

Megan into an ice skater from the 1980's:

And Eric and Jackson into a perfect father and son pair from the 70's:

Ha, ha, ha.....

Cathedral Rock

Last weekend we hiked up to Cathedral Rock located on Mt. Charleston. It is considered moderately strenuous, and to that I say hogwash! To me it was maximally strenuous!

It was quite steep, without any switchbacks until you are almost to the very top. But it was beautiful! We started off on dirty, rocky terrain:

But soon found ourselves under canopies of beautiful fall-colored trees:

On our way up we took a small detour to see this tiny waterfall:

We met, quite possibly, the worlds most fearless squirrel. He got so close to us, I feared an attack:

And pretty soon we ran into snow:

Getting closer to our destination:

And.....1.5 miles later (which may seem like a tiny distance, but does not feel like a tiny distance when you are gasping for breath), we made it to the top!

Sadie, Sade was ornery and tired, but was able to take a refreshing nap on the way back down:

I am so outdoorsy now, I don't know what to do with myself.

Eric's Birthday!

Sunday was my very favorite persons birthday! Eric turned 41!!! I mistakenly thought that I had manly wrapping paper at home, but when I started wrapping I discovered only feminine designs. So Eric got newspaper wrapping. I did manage to gussy it up with cute, but masculine, ribbon.

Opening presents:

He received all sorts of cool things. Like socks and clothes. But also a rad hot chocolate maker I bought at the D.I. for $5!

And of course, this nifty card the kids made.

We spent the afternoon at the park finishing up Eric's 40 year old challenge. FYI to all his brothers: His mile run time is quite impressive! Be afraid. Be very afraid.  

Blowing out his candles:

Eric's day ended with one last birthday surprise. Check out this ice cream:

Ooh..la...la......Happy Birthday Eric!