Mommy & Ian

Ian and I decided to have a little date earlier this week. We went to Big Al's and bowled, as you can see Ian almost beat me. He loved using the ramp and 6 pound ball, although he wasn't into wearing his little bowling shoes at all. It was a TON of fun. We had lunch while we bowled. Afterwards we decided to play some video games, he only wanted the tickets, he didn't really care about the games (smart kid). He ended up with 25 tickets and picked out a cherry tootsie pop from the store. We got in the car to go home and he took one taste of his sucker and decided he didn't want it. All that work for nothing! It was such a fun afternoon and he actually slept for 2 hours when we got home. I can't wait to have a date again with him.

Christmas Cheer

Christmas has come and gone for another year. It was such a fun time, but also a very interesting holiday. Our entire family caught a terrible stomach flu on Tuesday and at least one of us was sick almost every day. Ian actually puked Christmas morning (that is why he isn't in his santa jammies), so needless to say, we were excited about Christmas but even more excited about the possibility of all being healthy again. Christmas Eve we went to Jeff's house for Mexican Christmas and it was awesome. The food was amazing and the boys were really good. Christmas morning the boys rode their bikes around the house for awhile and then Parker and Jeff got here around 9:30. We let the kids open their presents and then we had some brunch. Later the adults opened gifts and spent some time talking and playing with the kids. It was such a fun day and I loved watching Ryan and Ian and all the joy and excitement in their eyes. It was truly magical. Ryan had a little bit of a rough day, just being out of routine and also not feeling great, but he ended up okay and we were able to enjoy a nice family dinner. I got very spoiled by Greg (I am typing this on my new laptop)! We are looking forward to a fun new years in Bend.

Early Christmas

We had an early Christmas with Auntie Corie and Cousin Gabe on Saturday. They came up mid-morning and we had some lunch and play time and then exchanged some gifts. The boys played really well together and totally enjoyed opening presents. Corie and I even got a chance to chat a little big.....go figure! I love that the boys are getting older and can be a little more independent. I think Christmas is going to be awesome this year. Spending time with my sister was amazing, but I wish we lived in the same city so we could see each other more often.

Holiday Program & Zoo Lights

The boys had their holiday program at school on Thursday and they did pretty good. Ian refused to participate....no shock there! Ryan sang about 4 or 5 songs and then they got to a song he didn't like and he threw a HUGE fit. I had to go up on stage and take him out. In retrospect if was no big deal, but at the time it was very upsetting. I had a rough day because they had had a couple of really HARD days. I went to see a movie Thursday night to decompress which was awesome. Friday we met Jeff and Parker down at Mello Mushroom for some pizza and then headed up to the zoo with the rest of Portland. It was packed and the line for the train ride was over an hour long so we decided to just walk around and see the lights. It was amazing. We usually just ride the train so we missed some of the lights. The boys had a great time. Today my sister and Gabe are coming over for an early Christmas celebration.

Viva Las Vegas

Vegas Baby....Yeah! We left Saturday afternoon and returned Tuesday afternoon. Gotta love a 3 day trip to the "adult" Disneyland! It almost didn't happen, but I am so glad we were able to go. Greg was still battling bronchitis when we left and he decided not to do the 1/2 marathon. Bill and Sandy were scheduled to watch the kids and she ended up with walking pnemonia so we had to come up with an alternative. Enter Nana (my Mom) she hopped a plan Thursday morning from Texas and showed up late Thursday night. We are beyond grateful that she was able to come for a visit and watch the kids so we could still go on our trip. We arrived in Vegas on Saturday late afternoon and it was freezing there. As cold as Portland which was a bit of a shock. When I checked the weather it was supposed to be highs of 60. Luckily we both brought jackets so that was good. We checked into the Venetian and met up with John and Sheryl Snow. We did some drinking and gambling and then were off to Brio for dinner. It was a ways of the strip which was kind of nice for a change. After dinner we went back to the Venetian where Greg played some blackjack and I played some craps. I won a little over $100 which was awesome. Sunday morning the guys played golf and Sheryl and I walked over to the Forum shops at Caesar's and then to the Fashion Mall just beyond Treasure Island. From there we hopped a cab out to In 'N Out Burger to get Sheryl some good fuel for her run that night. After a Double Double we headed back and met up with the guys. Sheryl went to get ready for the race and Greg and I did some gambling and exploring down to the Casino Royale and O'Shea's. We tried to cheer for Sheryl as she passed by on the 1/2 marathon, but there were so many people running, even with all 3 of us looking, we missed her. After the race we met up with everyone and went to Bouchon for a LATE dinner and then off to bed. Monday morning the guys golfed again and Sheryl and I had a wonderful massage at the Canyon Ranch Spa. It was amazing. After several hours spent there we went and met up with her friends Ryan and Wendy at Fleur de Lys in Mandalay Bay for lunch. We headed back to the hotel and met up with the guys. Greg and I went down to the Cosmopolitan and it was amazing. I would love to stay there sometime. We gambled a bit more and met up with the gang for more drinks. We headed to Caesar's for another late dinner at Mesa Grill and then were done! We didn't get to go to a club this time, but everything else was awesome. Can't wait to go back. Now I just need to catch up on some sleep!