Water Problem Fix

Once the weather cooled down but before it froze and snowed we finally got the chance to fix the water issues we have had since moving in. We used Summers & Summers and they did a great job of not only getting the job done but also not making a huge mess and destroying our yard.

While they worked on the yard Matt got our cameras around the house installed. Its nice to have them in and have another level of security

And then we both worked on putting up the Christmas lights

We decided while they were here to have them fix our drainage issue in front of the 3rd car garage. When they put in our concrete they forgot to run drainage so every winter the driveway gets a frozen puddle thats slick and dangerous.

And this is how they left it...they did an amazing job

Then a couple weeks later we poured the concrete to replace the concrete they had cut out.

Matt and I are a pretty amazing team

These kids stayed warm and safe inside watching shows and snuggled up

We definitely learned a lot building our first house and drainage was definitely one of those things. Do it right the first time

Back to Real Life

After getting back from Vegas it was time to get back into real life. I had had cleaning the blind on my list for a long time but I had been putting it off. But with winter closing in it was now or not until spring. So on a warm fall day we got it done and they look so much better

Then after all the cleaning we decided to hit up the lake and eat some cheetos. The life in the valley is amazing. Slower life style that allows me time to just enjoy life. I don't run from point A to B or feel crazy over scheduled all the time. Its amazing and everyone should try it. Matt's family has this terrible idea that your success is based on how busy you are and I wish they understood how wrong they are. 

Las Vegas Fun

When I found out that Matt had a conference in Vegas we decided pretty quickly that we would make a family trip out of it and I'm so glad we did. I also knew pretty quickly if we could make it work that I wanted us to stay at Tahiti Village. Lucky for me it worked great and it was an amazing plan. The resort was beautiful and had so many fun things to do that we really never even needed to leave the resort. The first morning the girls and I ran to the grocery store so we could have food for the remainder of the week minus a couple nights we planned to go out. And then late morning mom met us with Kimber's kids so we could play in the pools

The girls and I picked up lunchables and some fruit that we took to the pool with us. It ended up being a great plan and the kids loved it. After playing in the lazy river and having some lunch we headed over to the beach front pool.

Unfortunately the water in the pool wasn't heated like the lazy river but it didn't stop the kids from playing like crazy.

They built sand castles and splashed in the water

Then they found this ledge to jump in and some friends to play with 

After a couple hours we decided to wrap it up and go get the kids changed before the craft time started. They decided to get in the shower to rinse off and warm up. They were so silly

Then it was time to decorate mason jars for Halloween

The kids had a great time and did a really good job.

Em and Lydi quickly lost interest but the room had a bunch of toys in it as well that they played with

Then while I made lunch the kids watched a movie all together in one bed

The memorial site for the Vegas shooting was between us and the strip so we passed it frequently. There were always several people there praying, crying, hugging, and leaving mementos.

One afternoon we went over to grandma's house and she made sugar cookies for the kids to decorate

The kids loved giving each other rides in the cart until Lydi ran Em into the chair and then every time Lydi came close Em would freak out

After cookies and a quick dinner we headed over to Maddi's volleyball game. Unfortunately Maddi's team killed the other team so it was a very short and uneventful game but it was still fun to watch her play

Nate is so great with the kids and makes things so fun

While I was playing with my family Matt was at the aerospace conference checking out cool airplanes

Since the weather was so warm we spent a lot of time outside. At the local mall they have an outdoor play area that has quite a few fun things for the kids to do.

There was also the splash pad. We didn't come prepared to get wet but the kids did a great job running away from the water while also having a blast

Then off to the Silverton to see the mermaids. We we lucky enough to catch 2 mermaid shows and they were both a big hit.

The kids favorite animal in the aquarium was the string ray for sure

At that point grandma headed home and the girls and I headed back to the hotel for rootbeer floats

Then we got ready and once Matt got home we headed to the Strip for dinner and some more exploring. This one was so tired she fell asleep on the way to the resturant

We decided on Rain forest cafe and it didn't disappoint. It was fun and interactive although I think the food was a little over priced for what it was

We of coarse had to check out the Bellagio and the floral displays. They are always beautiful and something new

The water show is always a crowd pleaser and I think its extra cool at night with the lights

After the water show we got our running shoes going and headed down to see the volcano erupt. Its the first time any of us had been and although it was short it was really cute.

The next morning before we left we were able to meet up with Kimber and the kids for an early lunch. Its always a handful when we try to take them all to lunch with only a few adults but we managed and had some good conversation. 

It was a fun trip. I think Vegas can be fun if you know where to look. I also loved staying in a hotel instead of at my parents house. Then we were able to explore and really have a vacation. It was fun to visit grandma and papa and then have our own space. I love getting to experience new things with the kids and making memories. Until next time Vegas