November 10, 2009

UFC

Chad has gotten into UFC lately. His friend from high school, Jordan Seager, got some free tickets and invited Chad to go. He had a blast! I threatened him with his life that he had to take the camera and get a couple pictures. He only took 2, but I guess that's better than nothing right?

November 9, 2009

Pumpkin Patch

We went to a pumpkin patch this Halloween season. No it wasn't a real pumpkin patch. It was one of the ones with the bounce houses and carnival rides.
Grandma and Grandpa bought some tickets so the kiddos could go on a view rides. Vance tried out the cars and a horse ride. I thought he would love them but I think he was a little tired.
Mason, Zach, and Jennie also came with us. Mason and Zach decided they wanted to try the trampoline-thing. They did so many flips I think I lost count! You're the best Grandma and Grandpa!

November 6, 2009

New Moon Anyone?

My sister has a theater at Townsquare reserved for the opening night of New Moon. We have 90 tickets total, but only 40 tickets left to sell. They are $11 each. We are doing dinner before, but I'm not sure where yet. We did this last year and it was a blast!

Avoid the long lines and be in a theater full of friends. Come join us! You can buy just a ticket for yourself or for you and a group of friends. The more the merrier. You can feel free to join us for dinner or just meet as at the theater. Tickets are first come, first serve. You have to actually pay me for your ticket before I count you in.

I figure this is a great way for me to see all you friends I haven't seen in awhile. Let me know if you're interested! Only 14 days left ;)

Back in Vegas

So we're back in Vegas. It wasn't our plan, but it is how things worked out. A lot of people have asked "why" so here's the explanation.

When we returned to Texas from visiting Las Vegas, my cousin and her husband wanted to talk to us. They very nicely told us that while we were gone they realized how much their family dynamics had changed with us and that a year was probably going to be to long for us to stay with them. We needed to figure something else out. They were very nice and I am still grateful for what they did for us. Everything was left very friendly.

We looked at the numbers and decided it wasn't financially possible for us to stay in Texas. In order for me to finish cosmetology school we would have to completely drain all financial resources and still probably have to take out a loan. I am against taking out a loan because I feel like we should be focusing on Chad's school. Basically I think it would be selfish of me. So our choices were stay in Texas and be broke (plus debt) or move back to Vegas. We decided to move back to Vegas.

I'm still glad we moved to Texas even though it was only for a few months. Chad and I experienced so many new things. We got even closer as a family. We learned not to take family for granted. Our desire to move away and have an adventure was fulfilled. I'm not bummed to move back to Vegas. All of our family is close, how could that be disappointing?

I am in the process of figuring out how to finish cosmetology school. You can transfer hours and I have a year to go back to school. I'm crossing my fingers everything will work out. I really loved going to hairschool and would be really sad if I can't make it happen.

It was definitely a humbling experience. I feel a little embarrassed to move back without really acccomplishing anything, but oh well. Hopefully all the people who really care about will understand and won't think I'm stupid!

So that's my story. Hope to see all you old friends again!

October 30, 2009

Elf on the Shelf

Chad's mom gave our family an Elf on the Shelf. It is probably the cutest Christmas tradition ever and I can't wait to start it. My mom used to have one when she was a little girl, so she was excited when Georganne gave us one.

If you haven't ever heard of an Elf on the Shelf this is how it works. Elf on the Shelf is a little elf doll that reports directly to Santa Claus. Kids can tell the elf their Christmas wishes. They may also want to be on their very best behavior as the Elf on the Shelf has Santa's ear. Some children also like to name their elf. Place the little elf around your home during the weeks before Christmas. During the holidays the elf watches children carefully during the day. At night when the kids are sleeping the elf magically returns to the North Pole to report to Santa Claus on the kids' behavior. In the morning the elf appears in a new place which offers a daily hide-and-seek ritual for kids. Elf on the Shelf comes with a 28-page hardcover illustrated book that explains the story and an 8-inch elf doll.

Isn't that so cute? I'm sure I'll be posting about it again during the holiday season. You can buy an elf at elfontheshelf.com for $29.95.

Buggy Ride

One thing you can always count on my dad for is a dune buggy ride. With all the kids over for the annual Octoberfest (post coming soon), he literally packed the buggy with kids and went for a ride. This is how I always picture my dad. He is and always has been so fun!
Later Vance had his own ride where he even tried driving a little bit. I don't think he's quite as ready to drive as he thinks he is.

Breakfast with the Waldron's

The Waldron's invited us over for a family breakfast. It was delicious! Georganne had set up an omelet, pancake, smoothie and waffle station. They know me well - they even had peanut butter set out for my waffles ;) As always it was great to see family. Vance is always so excited to play with Grandma and Grandpa Waldron. His favorite activity of the day was wheelbarrow rides from Grandpa. The other kids got in and out but Vance just sat there and sat there.

We tried to get a picture of the great-grandkids but it didn't really turn out so cute. Oh well, all you can do is try right?
Vance and Ty are definitely going to be good buddies in the future. They are pretty much the same size already and Ty is 7 months younger! I love this picture with the boys and their dads ;)

For the love of Peeps

For the past several years, my mom buys my brother-in-law, Joe, Peeps for every holiday. She insists how much he loves them and thinks she is doing something thoughtful for him. The funny thing is Joe doesn't even like Peeps. He always says thank you and eats one, but he actually thinks they are gross. It was just this year that we finally told my mom the truth about the Peeps. She still buys him some at the holidays, but now it's just an inside joke.

Hope you enjoyed the Halloween Peeps Joe!

Pepsi Time

If you know my dad at all, you know how much he loves his Pepsi. While we were visiting my parents, Vance was always begging my dad for a sip. My dad must really love Vance because he finally decided to share. This is what I think Vance was thinking:

That sures looks good Papa. I could really use a nice refreshing beverage.
Sure I'll have a sip if you really want me to.
I have an idea: you drink out of the cup, and I'll have the can.
Thanks Papa! I'll be sure to stay up late and be crazy for my mom and dad ;)