Week 6 - 3rd Annual Lake Mead

SUNDAY

We made a last minute decision to head out Sunday morning instead of Friday.  Of course morning turned into early afternoon so my dad was kind enough to meet us at the Acton Market with the pack n play and we were able to grab a sandwich for the road.

Gage spent a good hour crying on the way there and it turns out he caught the lovely hand foot mouth - poor guy.  So while waiting for the Evans to finish up at the Urgent Care in Henderson, we paced an outdoor mall.  Yes, the outdoor mall in 110 degrees cause a few fights among us all.

We ended up eating on our own at Cafe Rio and then the rest of the family got their first taste of Neilsen's... their first taste of this trip, that is.

 MONDAY

At about 10am we all headed out to the lake and Cole was not prepared for the wind smacking him in the face.  I guess he forgot what it was like back when he was four months old!?

Andi was often with her BFF, Cory.  Yep, she can totally drive now.

Finally, what they've all been talking about FOR A YEAR - hanging in the lake with their friends.  The cool thing was this year Cody and Lauren and their family were able to join us.  So fun being with everyone!

Can you tell their happy to be there?  Yes, Ryan is waving at the camera.  He's a character.

Our first day out so kicked their butts.  The drive from the lake to the Hacienda is about two minutes... they couldn't make it that long.

Dinner was low-key as we dined at a local pizza joint.

Two days down, four to go.

TUESDAY

Arriving late Monday night, the Barron's joined us on the lake Tuesday.  Melanie is a hit with everyone making our job so very easy.

Cole really took a liking to Hunter.  We would often find him "hugging" the baby when unattended.  Hugging, smothering, same difference!?

This man was content if the wind wasn't smacking him in the face, if he had caught a morning nap and if he was sitting on the boat eating.

We had to bribe Jackson to ski, yet again.  Last year he tried once, got up and never tried again.  This time he had to try twice, getting up on the second try, knew it was fun but wouldn't go again.

Ryan willingly got the skis on.  No tantrum here - totally showing up Jackson.  But when he didn't get up his turn ended in tears and a refusal to go again.

We were all so excited when the Milhoans made it out.  Everyone was finally there - well everyone but the Ball Family; we so missed them this year!  And, uh yeah, we're at Neilson's again.

WEDNESDAY

Andi and Cole came tubing with us and Cole had a blast until again, that wind started smacking him in the face.  Andi was by far our most courageous child on the tube.

Wednesday was our GNO but before leaving, I had to perform my motherly duty of smothering my dry child in lotion.  It's for his own good; why does he fight it so?

Dinner was late but delicious.  We tried out the Cosmopolitan Buffet at $35 each but oh so worth it.  Seriously, delicious.  I have never been a fan of buffets but it turns out, you get what you pay for.  Delicious.  It was such a fun night hanging out with the girls and experiencing Vegas through Melanie's eyes.  Love that girl.  The only downer was not getting a group shot of us all!!!

THURSDAY

This morning we stayed in bed a bit longer and took our time getting out the door.  With plans to go out on the lake that evening, we decided to head to Hendersen to eat at some wing place.  Delicious - Andi of course loved 'em.  This girl is crazy.

While waiting for "our ride", Cole chilled in Ryan's seat.  He loves being a big boy.

By this point, everyone was getting the hang of things.  It was nice.

Anderson Family
Mead 2012

Remember I said Andi was the bravest - turns out Jackson was the most brave when it came to cliff jumping.  This kid that had a freak out any time the tube or skis were mentioned, had no problem climbing up and jumping off on his own OVER AND OVER again.  Andi took some time but went.  Ryan struggled the most.  Finally Andrew jumped with him but as you can see, he more so threw Ryan off the cliff.

Ryan, Gunner and Cole couldn't quite make it past 9pm.

FRIDAY

With Andrew's late nights in the casino and mine staying up reading, we had no energy to rise that morning with Cole.  So, he took full liberty to feed himself breakfast.

I forgot my camera charger and at this point, it was dead.  So as we were showering in the Evans' room, I had to use my phone to capture Cole entertaining himself in Hunter's seat.

Our last night of Cafe Rio/Neilsen's.  My favorite dish that week was the coconut shrimp tacos!

We were the last ones standing that night: Evans, Milhoan & Anderson children.

Week 5

SUNDAY - PPI at 9:30am church at 1pm

MONDAY - Dave's funeral with a screaming kid.  Fun.  But such an amazing service.  Came home to a barfing Jackson.

TUESDAY - Being chilly outside, we decided to forego our swimming plans and instead head over to the park.

WEDNESDAY - the movies of course - slip n slide - tofu - and sick kids

 THURSDAY - Mail and the park

So exciting seeing Andi and Ryan both have preschool mail!

Marci texted me Wednesday asking if we could meet up for a play date.  I declined because of the two pictures above... fevers = hand foot mouth potential.  Well, all worked out considering it was already running it's course through the DeLeon home so we were good to play!  Took the kids a while to warm up but once they did they had fun!

FRIDAY - Some birthdays!

Jackson has spent too much time "forgetting" how to learn so I picked up a work book and he loves it!

The highly anticipated birthday of Kaelyn Milhoan finally arrived!!  Andi was especially excited to give Kaelyn her gift.  Super excited.

To celebrate Kelsey's birthday we all headed out to BJ's for dessert.  I missed the movie beforehand because we were partying with Kaelyn, so I was so glad I was able to meet up afterwards.  Love Kelsey - she's fabulous!

SATURDAY - Preparing for Mead

Jackson packed up his backpack with the essentials: work book, an umbrella, toys, snacks.

 

The classy way of organizing the kids' clothes!

Week 4 - Abuelos

MONDAY

I had a great day with Tristan at Ikea, Olive Garden and Krispy Kreme.  That afternoon I received sad, sad news.

When I first heard the news, I wanted to cry and yet I couldn't.  I felt odd knowing how awful this was and knowing how much my heart hurt, but I could produce not a single tear.  And then I went there.  I saw them.  I hugged them.  I left.  And I cried.  I couldn't stop.  I could not remove the image of Logan's face.  Jade huddled on the ground with Ty as they both sobbed.  Shook.  Trembled.  The police sat and looked over at me and I cried.  There was nothing else I could do.  I had to go home.


My second visit I avoided going inside.  Is that awful?  I couldn't handle it.  Too many memories rushed back.  Not of this family but of the pain within our own family nearly five years ago.  I struggled with what I needed at that time and wondering how I was to best serve this family now.  Coming from my position in their lives and from my own personal place.  The fact is, I still don't know what to do.  What to give.  Love, yes, I know.  But how?


I can't sleep.  Every night this week I stay up two to three hours past my bedtime just so I can pass out once in bed and not think.  I cleaned the garage and backyard at 10pm and then sat idly on the couch frying some brain cells.  You think about them, you talk about them, you hurt.  Is this because I am spiritually weak right now?  Is this because I have not dealt with the pain in our own life?  Is this because I think of our future and wonder 'what if'?  Surely each is a possibility.


So from here on out, I will aim to focus on God's plan.  We celebrate His hands in everything good, shouldn't we also celebrate His hands in everything sad.  Because truly, it's still his plan and there's still good laced amongst the heart break; right?


Dave DePrez... I never wanted to release him because he was a joy to have in Primary.  I can see him sitting there, smiling at those crazy boys all the while having his arm around his son.  They whisper back and forth and grin, but are never disrespectful.  I see him in the halls or at activities and his smile is there yet again.  He was kind.  I see Logan's eyes, swollen and red.  I see him pacing feeling lost and alone.  I hear Jade wondering who will baptize her next month.  I see Jade running over to Angie to curl up in a ball.  I see Ty, huddled and shaking.  I see Lisa, white, white and stunned.  My heart goes out to this family but I am amazed at their strength.


"Just lost my husband of 22 years yesterday. Our family is devastated and heartbroken but is continually receiving comfort from the Lord by the angels who walk this earth and without reserve offer their love and support and words of comfort. We feel greatly blessed because of this. We are an eternal family and know god has a plan for us. We will greatly miss our family's wonderful father and husband -We love you David Maurice DePrez!!"

TUESDAY

Swimming at the Wirthlin's knocked out Cole but inspired Andi's inner fashion designer.

Tuesday afternoon we hit up Staples for the Back 2 School goodies.  Jackson's inner writer was inspired to sit out in nature and begin his masterpiece.  Andi had nothing left in her.

WEDNESDAY

We scored at this week's movie when we were first, able to jump in line with Lauren and second, able to score the newly open theater with only three other families in there.  OH WAIT, we also scored because Andrew was home and was able to keep Cole.  Yes, best movie experience this Summer.
*Note the journals... you just never know.
Our fabulous movie experience was followed by an extraordinary swimming date!!

THURSDAY

Tuesday night my parents bought a new table for the kids.  With no shade in the back, this was quite refreshing to them all.  This inspired me to stay up close to midnight cleaning to back yard as well as the garage.  It was to the kids' great delight that their table was neatly displayed in the well groomed yard just right for "breakfast on the patio".  And no, no one left me a tip.

I got a last minute invite to the Aquatic Center and being free, we were able to pack up and head out the door about a half hour later.  We apparently have not been in a long time because last I remember, it only cost be $4 to get in... now... $15 :(

Jauna and Ito FINALLY came or a visit and everyone was so excited.  We got together that evening for a simple dinner.

FRIDAY

A teeny little cloud rained on the new table.  Bizarre!

The week was starting to wear down this crazy lady.  She made her bed and was prepared to lie in it.  Honestly, this is such a rare visual.

A child at boot camp took one of Jackson's birthday gifts and chucked it across the room.  It taught Jackson that things happen and you need to forgive.  But then the mom made her son earn money to replace the toy as best they could.  That then taught Jackson another lesson.  Always grateful for those proactive moms!

My grandpa missed my birth on account of a bowling game.  So it was only appropriate to have them accompany us on our first bowling experience.  I signed up for the "kids bowl free" shin-dig and this was the first time we were able to take advantage.  COLE LOVED IT!  He was immediately mesmerized.

It was so great having Ito, Juana, Bri and eventually grandpa grandpa there to help the kids, cheer on the kids, and experience with the kids.  

You get two free games and if Cole hadn't been there, I think the other three could have handled the second game.  Considering Cole's attention only lasted his first 7 or 8 turns, one game was plenty.  Lunch was calling our names.

Bowling kicked Cole's, Juana's and Ito's butt!

SATURDAY

Who stole the cookies from the cookie jar.....

SUNDAY

Symptoms:

Fever

Loss of Appetite

Sore Throat

Poor Cole began his cycle of Hand-Foot-Mouth... EWWW!  This was our first ever and I hope it to be our last.