Spring Preserving & Winter Flowers

No school vacation would be complete without an excursion to the Springs Preserve. This time to see The Palace Of Exotic Wonders! (FYI: The new exhibit is only open through Jan. 13th if you want to see it).

The exhibit it filled with freaky insects and spiders from around the world:



Sade preparing herself for the flash flood exhibit:



I had never noticed this particular hand placement before this trip:



Jackson saying, "Excuse me sir, excuse me. Do you know where we're going?"



The weather was pleasant so we spent a lot of time at the outside exhibits and then on the playground:

 

After leaving the Preserve, we had lunch at Wendy's (my very favorite fast food) and then went to the Bellagio to see their winter/Christmas display:



We felt that it was seriously sub-par to the way it has been in past:



But still good to see.




I do believe this marks the end of our Chritmas festivities.

Bucket List Item #1

When constructing my bucket list last year the first thing I wrote down was:

SEE THE EAGLES IN CONCERT!

I love the Eagles.

My two favorite songs of all time are, "Life In The Fast Lane", and "Take It Easy" (which you may remember mentions Winslow, AZ, the destination of Bucket List Item #16!).

So when I heard the Eagles were coming on December 30th, I knew I had to purchase tickets.

I have been to a lot of concerts in my day, mostly in my high school and college years, so I know the scene. Generally lots of standing, dancing, partying, and crowd singing.

This wasn't quite the same.

Although I did catch a few whiffs of marijuana, there was not much standing or crowd singing. And most of the dancing was performed seated.

Since I was -7 and Eric was +1 when the Eagles released their first album we were decidedly some of the youngest concert goers there.

As we took our seats, the 4 people behind us who were in their late 70's or 80's complained loudly and cantankerously that us younguns' were probably standers and would block their view.

It was hilarious, and kind of joyous to be considered younguns' at ages 35 and 42.

Soon The Eagles took to the stage, and I didn't stop smiling for the next 2 hours.




See those teeny-tiny dots on the stage? That's them.



Maybe next time I will spring for the $1000 floor seats.

I love a concert and this one did not disappoint. They sang all of their hits, including my two favorite songs. I have them on video and was going to upload them for everyone to hear, but sadly blogger is not allowing me too.

Sniff, sniff.

So instead I will spread cheer by posting self-portraits of Eric and I at the show.



These self-portraits really annoyed the unfriendly concert goers behind us.

I was tempted to turn around and tell them that they had also really annoyed me with their excessive talk about how Mexicans have ruined our country!

Did I mention that one of them was from Canada and thereby a transplant himself?

 But instead of confrontation I'll just complain about them here.

It was another dream come true.





Modeling our new Eagles t-shirts purchased at the show:



2012 was a dream realizing year for me. I was able to complete 5 of my bucket list items!

Bucket List Item #6: Meet Phil Vassar. Click here to see.

Bucket List Item #17: Hold A Snake. Click here to see.

Bucket List Item #16: Stand On A Corner In Winslow, AZ. Click here to see.

Bucket List Item #21: Learn To Trapeze. Click here to see.

and

Bucket List Item #1: See The Eagles In Concert.

I know 2013 will be a dream realizing year too.

Sadie's 5th Birthday Celebration

I lobbied real hard for Sade to have a birthday party this year, but she was totally not into the idea. She informed me that she would much rather go to Circus Circus, so I caved.

Before going, she opened her presents:



Megan gave her this Birthday Princess crown:



She also received a pillow pet, dream light, aqua doodle, money, princess items (make-up, dolls), clothing and games:



After present opening Sade chose to eat at Cici's pizza (gag):



And then we headed to the Adventuredome! Upon arriving I made the mistake of riding two spinning rides in a row and fantasized about throwing up for at least an hour afterward. I'm sure Cici's didn't help things.

Ride riding:






Sade's favorite ride: The Frog Hopper. She rode it 8 times in a row:



Annoyed with me for taking her picture:



After the water ride:



After a few hours we left to attend Eric's Friday night soccer game and then headed home for doughnuts (Sadie's request instead of cake):




Sade was a little extra bossy on her 5th birthday, and Eric and I do believe was a bit drunk with power.

We love that girl.

Happy 5th Birthday Sadie!!!!!