Mad Science!!! AGAIN!

After a failed attempt to go to Verdi for the program, we ended up at the later showing at Sierra View. We made drums and again, enjoyed a wonderful and educational science program with Ladybug.

Our favorite was the chicken, tiger, and t-rex noises made by wet strings!

Trek

Trek. 

To be a pioneer and experience a little of what life was like back then.

Better her than me.

UNR Math Center- Mandalas & Sugar

So.... hmmmm...

Basically, this was a very nice opportunity to get free ice cream.

End of Preschool Year One!!

Ella had one more week of preschool but we decided to take her out a little early.

Since THERE WAS A LICE OUTBREAK.

It really was a wonderful year. Great teacher. She loved going... kind of.

But it definitely ended with a bang.

No lice yet. Please say prayers to Jesus.

Eli's Treat

Eli spent a good 20 minutes straight one day coloring a sheet he got from school. When I looked at it I thought.... frogs on cocaine.

A local company was offering free t-shirts if children brought in the coloring sheet for Father's Day.

But that wasn't the exciting part.... the thrill was that he would get a coupon to take out not only daddy... but PAPA TOO!!!! to Texas Roadhouse Grill!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

It was actually a coupon for an appetizer, but he basically thought he was earning a meal for them. And he was soooooooooooo excited to do so. He talked about it daily. The meat they would eat. The great time they would have. Riding in Papa's car.

They chose the tater babies for an appetizer and then Papa treated... but I don't think Eli knows that. He got balloon T-Rexes for his sisters (so thoughtful) and a sword for him.

It was lovely night. He was so very happy to spend time with his best male buds. He gets too much estrogen around us ladies. He enjoyed his meat and went straight to bed, exhausted from so much excitement and good food!!!

Thanks Papa. Thanks Joe. It's these moments that make life. (And I need pics if you have any!!)

A Day Early... 42!!!

When Jody came into the world, the doctor broke his hip. I don't know if he was stuck or what... poor little fellow. Rough start and then it got even rougher.

But one thing about Jody is that he is resilient. He doesn't just survive, he does what he needs to do to make sure he is happy.

At a Black Grads he said, "I make a lot of tough choices every single day. But to see you.... I wouldn't choose anything else."

He lives for his work and friends at school and there lies his happiness.

Not to mention his sweet kiddos. Nothing makes him smile like his little girls.

THIS CAKE.

It was a meal in itself. I wish I had gotten a picture of my dad's face when he was done. It was a workout just to eat it!!!!!!!!

Cheesecake, ganache, rich chocolate cake with decadently light chocolate shavings and chunks.

It beat the cake I killed my mother with. I know she is envious in heaven. But this cake would have killed her off too....

Sheesh. WHAT A CAKE!!!!

Just right for the birthday boy.

Happy 42nd Joe!

42 Years. Joe's Birthday Hike

Jody was feeling up to a birthday hike, so we headed out early.... 6:30AM over to Huffaker Park. There is a great .5 mile walk around the mountain with some pretty nice views.

Papa introduced us to it! This was the 2nd time we've gone with him.

 

It was hilarious. All the kids wanted a picture of these lizards that were chasing each other... thank you mini-indoraptors.

I was able to get the above pictures and all the kids started cheering and were super excited.

It's the small things in life I tell ya.

Such a lovely morning. Everyone looks more tired than they were. We walked it twice to get the full mile.

Such a great weekend!

My dad truly is the most wonderful person ever. He spoils us rotten and we had the most delightful weekend together.

First up... fear, terror, and lots of blankets covering eyes.

I haven't watched Jurassic Park since I was a teen. It gave me nightmares and I never wanted my kiddos to be so terrified. However, Eli and Maria really wanted to start the series, so... we got it from the library and they were hooked.

Fortunately, they weren't as scary as I remembered! No nightmares for the kids at all! (yet.... do I type too soon?)

Chris Pratt is adorable and we all love him.... especially Maria. She has moved on from Orlando Bloom I think.

Ella sat in my lap. Eli sat in Jody's lap. Papa kept scaring Nina. Thank goodness Ella had a blanket, we just covered our eyes quite a bit.

The movie was predictable and fun! Kinda loved it. But wouldn't see it again... anytime soon. Because sometimes at night I swear I hear dinosaur sounds.

Then Papa took us to a great new pizza place that opened up in town. It's way south Reno, but worth the drive. So yummy and fresh! Thin crust and a great size (we had leftovers) and really good drinks!!

It all just felt so luxurious and wonderful to spend time together and enjoy great activities too. We truly are so blessed to have the grandpa we do.

Not only that, but then he took us to the Eldorado to get Jody a special birthday treat. Ultimate of ultimate treats.

Father's Day

So blessed to have the fathers we do!!!

Feeding the Ducks

We grabbed some bread and headed over to visit our beautiful Yaya Sofia.

She lives near a nice little lake and it was good to get some fresh air.

Fortunately the ducks weren't overly aggressive! It was a pleasant outing!!

Park Time

With the weather so nice outside, we headed to the park.

Where within 2 minutes Ella needed to use the bathroom.

Ella was a trooper and we continued on with playing.

Lots of arm muscles used!!