Enjoying fresh air...

 

Our first park of the day, beautiful. Fun. Perfect.

Had it all to ourselves!!

 

Second park. Old. Trashed. "There's bird poop in the water fountain!!!!"

 

Missing slides, bug head on climb toy?, tons of prickly things, graffiti....

and this random structure? Have no clue what it could possibly be used for.

 

2 thumbs down

 

Happy Birthday Jaime!!

 

The BIG 38.

What does it feel like?
Dad's face says it all.

 

We had stayed up late the previous night and Papa was so thoughtful to bring a motherload of fresh, delicious doughboy donuts!!

 

Hooray for birthday breakfast!!!

 

The kids wanted to make snow cones. They had a scavenger hunt for daddy and gave him gum and a slightly used word search. Christina made a book for him. We went to see How to Train Your Dragon 2. And then Joe enjoyed some flounder at Red Lobster.

 

Thanks Papa and Yaya for treating us out to such a fun day!

Jaime is one of a kind.

The world is a better place because he was born.

GGma, Grandmama, and Grandpapa come to town!!

 

What a treat to have Joe's family from Ohio and California come to town!!

His parents were so generous and flew everyone to meet up in Reno.

 

GGma is getting up there in age, but is still going strong. What a blessing to be able to see her and have her meet the children.

 

We did lots of fun things together. Joe even got to drive his parent's Corvette!!

 

Eli had a fun little cousin to play with, Carter. They got along really well!

 

Grandmama was soooo thoughtful! She planned everything to the finest detail, had treats for everyone.... Maria was in love with her. Sasha was also really wonderful. She played with the kids and really took the time to get to know them.

 

Alex's husband Chad. What a neat guy! He has an identical twin.

 

The girls took a whole 5 seconds before they were in the water!! Of course it was frigid, but they didn't care! It's so fun to watch them. They are quite the little fishes.

 

We ate at the Atlantis buffet, went swimming there, went to Lake Tahoe, and ended our time together with a nice bar-b-que at our house. I hope that we can spend more wonderful times together!

 

Grandmama (pronounced grand-muh-mah with the stress on the last syllable), Grandpapa and all the grand kiddos!!

 

Cousin Alex. Her sister Miriam was also here. So nice to get to know them.

 

Favorite. Picture. EVER.

We love you GGma!!!!

 

And one has to mention Grandmama and Grandpapa's AWESOME new Mercedes Van. WOW.

That thing was huge and amazing!!! My only regret is that we didn't let Eli get to peek in!!

Next time!

Pretty Baby

 

She is so sweet. I can't say it too many times!!!

 

She's rolling to her side now.

She's my only baby who would let me just sit and rock a little, then fall asleep.

 

Such a happy little one!!!

Gilly's Grad Party

 

I have the most talented cousins. They know how to throw a perfect party down to the exact details!!!
This party was no exception!! We had such a lovely time!

 

Gilly graduated and we enjoyed a cool summer's evening in a magical garden. I had no clue Reno could get so green.

 

We got to see quite a few people from the family. The food was excellent. The girls had a wonderful time playing with cousins and eating lots of sugar!!

 

I admire my cousins so much. They are amazing and kind. We are so blessed to call them family. They have each been through their share of struggles but they remain positive and just do everything to help others.

 

Ella, always happy with Papa!!! She does so good. We keep her out late and she's as relaxed as can be. Such a doll.

 

The s'mores were soooooo fun!!!

 

Cousins!!!!

It was a lovely night and fantastic celebration!!! I'm not even messing around... I will have my cousins help me with all the girls' wedding!!!