LAS VEGAS!!

It had been a really long time since we had been on a big vacation as a Family (since Wade was one), so we finally decided it was time again. This cold weather year after year had just finally become to much so we decided to head somewhere warm and hot. I remember going to Las Vegas as a kid and loving it so I thought it would be fun to go as a Family. We left very very early on Saturday April 13th. We stayed at a hotel the night before and then we were up at 3:30 Saturday morning. We were so tired and exhausted but the kids did amazing. We were well equipped with tablets and snacks thanks to Dad being so well prepared, I didn't really want to bring anything at first but I'm glad we did as they kids stayed quiet and occupied the whole flight. We landed at 9:30am Las Vegas time and headed straight for our rental car. After we got in the rental car we drove down the strip quickly and then looked for our Hotel. Thankfully the Hotel let us check in early so we could get all set up and rest for a bit. The kids loved our Hotel room. Macie had her very own room with a TV in it. She thought that was the greatest thing ever. Wade had a pull out couch and loved that his bed could transform (we called it the transformed bed) Kansas had her very own play pen and Mark and I got our own room with a king size bed and our very own bathroom. We also had a small little kitchen that was fully accessorized (toaster, blender, pots, pans etc.) and a nice size dining room table. It was the perfect set up for our family for the whole week. After getting settled in we got some lunch at the hotel restaurant then we headed to Walmart to stock up with Groceries. We saved a good chunk of money by making breakfast everyday at the hotel and even a lot of our lunches. After having such a long day on Saturday we decided to go to bed nice and early. Sunday we woke up pretty early and so we headed to a 9:00 Church at the Serene Ward with Bishop Burr. We ran into a family from Toronto who was down for General Conference and a tour. After church we came home, had some lunch and then headed to Red Rock Canyon for the day. We had a lovely time there and the kids loved climbing all over the rocks. It was such a beautiful place and I loved seeing the amazing landscape that our Saviour created.  We then drove to the Las Vegas Temple to walk around the grounds. What a peaceful feeling. Monday was the day of touring the Stripe. Again we had got up nice and early and we headed there right away to avoid the busyness of the crowds. Everything thing started out great until a Man that was completely out of his mind lunged at me with some type of pen or knife and then spit on Wade. It was a horrible and terrifying experience, but we were grateful that nothing worse happened. The rest of the day thankfully went great. We did a lot of walking and touring. We ate at Guy Fieri's (from diners, drive in and dives) restaurant, spent a lot of money there and at the M&M store. Wade bought himself a knight costume which he found at the begining of the day and wouldn't stop begging to go back and get. Macie got a fairy jewelry holder and fairy globe, and just enjoyed viewing all the amazing hotels. After a long day of walking we headed back to the hotel for supper and then some hot tubbing down at the pool. Tuesday morning, because the weather was crappy, we decided to go and do our indoor activities. So we headed first to the container park to kill some time as we were a bit too early to hit the activities.Container Park was pretty cool. All made of sea cans. Kansas loved running up and down the ramps and playing with the big legos. After about an hour we headed to the SeaQuest Aquarium and then the Rex Centre. Sea Quest was amazing and a very cool interactive fish Aquarium. You got to pet sting rays, sharks, a huge turtle named Norman, we were able to feed lots of animals and see a Rodent of Unusual Size. We all loved the fish aquarium and had a blast. Macie needed to buy a stuffy from the gift shop, so dad took Wade and Kansas out of the store to wait. A little train on came by and dad and the kids jumped in not telling me. So Macie and i come out of the store looking for them and can't find them. We found the stroller just sitting there and began to worry. All the while dad and the kids are having a blast in the Jupiter Express.When they came back they got a serious stink eye.
Next we headed to the Rex Centre where Dad, Macie and Wade went and did some lazer tag and then some go carting. There wasn't much to do for Kansas at the Rex Centre so me and her got Dippin Dots and hung out while the older two and Dad had a blast. I did get to go on one of the go cart rides with Wade as the kids couldn't drive by themselves and that was a blast. We had a great morning and enjoyed being inside as it was windy and raining all day. Next we headed to the strip and tried to go and see some more stuff but the rain was terrible so we decided to go out for supper. We went to TGIF's which was kind of disappointing. After supper we headed to the outlet malls, Me and Mark were disappointed and found nothing good to buy but the kids hooked up with some goodies. Kansas found herself a Mickey stuffy that she fell in loved with and wanted to buy with her Money. Wade found a dinosaur stuffy from the show Toy Story, and Macie bought herself some new earrings. when we were all worn out we headed home and crashed. Wednesday was an awesome day, we got up nice and early again and went to go and see the incredible Hoover Dam. It was amazing and just so unreal, almost couldn't believe that man had actually built it, and especially so long ago. Wednesday afternoon we hung out in the pool and me and the kids got burnt to a crisp. Wednesday night we headed to Target and Ross to do some serious shopping. We hooked up with some cute clothes for us and the kids for such good prices. Thursday we hung out at the pool all day and then Thursday night was my favourite part of the whole trip, Me and the two older kids went and saw Cirque Du Soleil (The Beatles LOVE). It was incredible, we had front row seats and got to be so involved with the show. It was so amazing watching these people just do unreal stunts and terrifying tricks and had no fear and so much confidence. Me and the kids absolutely loved it and couldn't stop talking about it all night. While me and the kids where at the show Dad and Kansas toured the strip some more. They found the flamingo's (which Kansas loved), the cool architecture at Ceasars palace and watched the fountains at the Bellagio. We all collapsed that night from a long, incredibly awesome day. Friday was another chill by the pool day, but we got so hot and roasted by 2:00pm we had to come inside and chill in our air conditioned hotel. Friday night we went for supper at this delicious place called "Steaks & Shakes" It was so delicious, especially the burgers and milkshakes. Saturday morning we had to get out of the hotel by 10:00 but didn't have to catch our flight until 7:30 so we had a lot of time to kill. We decided to drive down the strip one more time and as we drove by Circus Circus, Mark wanted to go in and check it out. When we got there we decided to stay and play at the indoor amusement park as it was not busy and we were so burnt we didn't want to be outside all day. While that was a great idea and the kids had a blast. Our Brave Macie went on the big roller coster for her first time, she was absolutely terrified and I don't think she will be going on one again for a very long time. The rest of the morning they stuck to pretty low key rides that they both could enjoy together. They especially loved the airplane ride where they got to pretend to be fighter jets and shoot the other airplanes down. After Circus Circus we went and played at a fun outdoor park that also had a splash park, which was nice to cool down in when we got hot. After the Splash Park we ate at a fun sub joint called "FIREHOUSE SUBS"  It was pretty good and the kids loved trying on the firemen equipment they had set up and getting their very own fire hats. Well after all these amazing adventures it was finally time to come home. We made good time dropping of our rental car and getting to the airport, so with lots of time to kill and three very busy kids we walked the halls of the airport for a long time and bought some fun snacks. We boarded the plane 30 minutes late which meant we were not going to be home until 12:00am our time. The kids again were excellent and the tablets, snacks and pop-it books saved the day. We decided to be crazy and drive home that night, and thankfully the kids slept the whole way and pretty much fell asleep the second we got in the car. We got home at 4:00 in the morning, put the kids to bed and then still set up an Easter Egg hunt for the kids that morning. Wow what a trip, such an amazing time. I hope our kids remember it for many years. Besides a couple moments here and there the kids were excellent, I would have used our sunscreen a little better, and it was so fun constitently running into members of the church, especially at the hotel we stayed, so many members of the church. I wish we had a little more money set aside to do a couple other fun adventures, but there is always another time and another moment. It was awesome and incredible and we are definitely looking forward to more travels and adventures like these in our future.

Crazy bus ride to the air port from hotel

They Love their Hockey team

Kansas and the Flamingos

LEPRACHAUN TRAPS

This year for Kindergarten Wade got to make a Leprachaun trap. Macie with her love for crafting also wanted to make one, so we doubled up on our supplies at the dollar store. They had great fun making their traps and Wade loved taking his to school to show his teacher. He brought it home on Friday from school having unsuccessfully caught a Leprachaun. So Saturday night we put the kids traps on the kitchen island and that silly Leprachaun somehow swiped our coins and got away. He did though leave us with some Lucky Charms to have for breakfast that morning and some skittles to enjoy.

MOMMY'S AND MACIE'S YEARLY TRIP!!

Every year since Macie was very little we have gone on a Mom and Daughter trip, the first year was to Calgary for Disney on Ice, then we moved to Cold Lake so our yearly trip switch to driving to Lloydminster to watch plays put on buy a Jr Acting program. First year was Annie, then The Little Mermaid, Last year was The Lion King, and this year was The Wizard of Oz. I was so excited as this is one of my all time favorite movies.  It's been fun watching these kids every year get better and more confident with there acting. Me and Macie this year started buy some shopping then Lunch at the best Mom and Pa restaurant ever (Tasty K's). Donairs and soups were loved and devoured by me and Macie. Then off to the play, they did such a good job and we both loved watching it. After the play we did some more shopping then Marble Slab Cremary for some ice cream. This is one of my favorite traditions to do every year with Macie and I love the fun we have and the bond we are building in our relationship, I can't wait to start bringing Kansas with us next year.

Kansas & Puzzles

Kansas loves her puzzles.

Today I was watching her do some puzzles. I was very impressed with her ability to do the magnetic fishing one. She is able to control the swinging magnet by dropping it near the piece she wants to pick up, then dragging the magnet to the metal tack and lifting the fish and shaking it off into a container. She did this so fast and efficient, it was like watching a 5 year old, maybe even better.

 

Kansas also loves her ice-cream- watch out if you try to take away her cone. That was a 1 hour long tantrum. I had to, she was almost done and was making a huge mess because it was melting all over.

I know you think I am a barbarian, steeling a cone from a baby, but it needed to be done.

SPRING FINALLY

Well Spring may have temporarily arrived, but it has been so nice the last few days. There is so much melting happening.
As a family we have been outside quite a bit going on walks or playing. Today the kids were extra sugared up with Lucky charms. Our walk was looking to be the 6 km run around Sobey's and back home. The walk was cut short when Wade tried to avoid a large puddle lake by walking in the snow adjacent to the side walk. He ran an jumped and fell over. The snow was held up by 3"-6" of water. This wasn't what Wade was expecting, and he fell down. He yelled, "I'm drowning, I'm drowning! Help Help!"  Watching him crying and screaming was kind of funny because the water was only at his shoulder blade as he was laying down. Mom ran to his rescue and pulled him up. Yes he was very cold.
Luckily the sun was very warm and we made it home in one piece

Wade and Kansas playing in the kids park.

example of what wade tried to avoid

LIFE UPDATE

Lots of things have happened this past month.

The company that Mark has worked for since 2006 is selling and moving out of Canada. We are very sad to see that happen as the future is now unknown. Devon has been a great company to work for, and has taken care of our little family. We hope that the next company will be just as wonderful and will keep Mark on during and after the transition.

The weather has been dreadfully cold for many weeks now, but finally in early March warmed up to more seasonal temperatures. In light of this change, Mark took an extra day off to enjoy the warmth and as a family we all went skiing.
Our children did soooo good.
Macie picked up where she left off and was ready to get skiing.
Wade has progressed so well, and not only did he go down the bunny hill by himself, but also did all the runs available, in which he only fell down once on "the last run of the day" (of course). He was going so fast that dad could hardly keep up to him, but when he caught Wade, he was laying in the snow crying. Dad was very worried that Wade was in serious pain, but funny enough, Wade went too fast that he got scared and bailed. After a little bit of coaching Wade finished the hill. Very good day for Wade.
Kansas also had a great day. She was so cute as she went down the critter hill with mommy close by. She never fell over, and only cried for the first two runs. After that it was "again" "again"  in a quick cute high pitched voice. we used these little gator clips on to tie the skis together, otherwise here little legs would have spread apart wide and the day may have turned out much worse.

Kansas prepping for the first run
Her coat was a little too big.

Macie and Wade on the Chair lift

Mommy and Daddy have both been called to the Stake Self Reliance program  and are attempting to help the program move forward in the Sherwood Park stake.

We did a Fireside in Edmonton and have 3 groups that have started up. One of the principles that start the finance class is seen below.

Our little Kanas is growing like crazy and is talking like crazy as well. She knows a lot of animals and their sounds. She can repeat most words you say to her and comprehends most conversations.

Kansas eating peanut butter and Jam

Kansas loves her Peppa Pig

Our dancing girls 

Wades Leprechaun trap

Wade has finished up another season of gymnastics and did very well. He was very sad to have completed it. He took it pretty hard knowing that its all over.

Wade at Gymnastics

 We  were shown this great board game by our friends the Lowry's, in which we have since downloaded to our phones. The game was nearly impossible to win, infact we could not win playing the board game. We have since won several times and glory in the victory. This win came at a cost, some very late nights.......

screen shot of the win

Mommy was very sick one day and was having trouble moving about. Our Sweet kids pulled together and helped out big time. Macie put Kansas to bed. Then her and Wade wrote this sweet note to mommy. Then Macie helped put Wade to bed, and put herself to bed. What great kiddos

 it reads " I am sorry that you are sick. I love you very much. I hope you have a very  good day tomorrow. To Mom. Love Macie and Wade.

Our Sweet Lilly is getting up in Age and has had a tumour on her back hip that is progressively getting larger. We all dread the day we have to take her to the Vet one last time.

                        

And finally some very important news that had mommy and daddy stressing as they didn't know if it would happen in time. The children all got their passports and so we are all ready to go to Las Vegas trip.  Macie's and Wade's were delayed because they didn't get the correct birth certificates sent, and we had to order a new one for Macie. This had potential to take a long time to get mailed to us so we could send it to passport Canada. and then it would take some time to review and render the passport and mail it out. However, we have everything and we are ready to go.

ROCK WALL

This past Saturday the Energy Centre here in Cold Lake had the grand opening of the new Rock Wall.  I was so excited to hear that we got a rock wall, one more thing for us to do in the Winter to hep past the time. I decided to take the kiddos all by myself as they had Bounce Houses, sparkle Tattoos, Free Rock wall climbing, and Cupcakes all day long for the kiddos to have fun with. I was so nervous as I thought it was going to be jam packed with people. Thankfully though it wasn't that busy and we got their nice and early. The kiddos got their Tattoos right away, then Macie went climbing, Wade was to little, he was a little bummed but pulled through it. We then went to the bounce houses where the kiddos had a blast. One of Wade's best friends from school was their (Osric) and Macie found some older kids to play with and run around and burn tons of energy. After all that fun, we meet up with Lowry's for some skating. It didn't last to long as Wade was tired and Macie fell hard on the ice. It was such a great day and Kansas even lasted the whole time with no Nap. The kids were so good and we all had a blast. I'm excited as the kids get older and Wade and Macie are more independent and Kansas can handle not having a nap how much more things we can get out and do and not have to leave to come home and nap Kansas.

18 MONTHS!!!

Holy Moly this little cutie is 18 months old! Of course like always it is going by way to fast. I love that she is getting older and more independent and becoming a little kid, but man why does it have to happen so fast! The Toddler stage is the best and worst. They are so busy and Mom's are so exhausted by the end of the day, but they are so stinking fun and adorable. They are learning so much and exploring and growing so quickly. It just amazes me on a daily basis how much she changes and learns. Sometimes I just sit there and watch and observe her, learning new things and figuring things out.

Kansas at 18 months!!

-She is talking up a storm and says tons of words, puts 2 words together a lot and can repeat a lot of what we say. Some of my favourite words she says are... Sit Down, Thank You, Fun, DADDY!!!!, Lily, Yeah. Her voice is so stinking cute. She also does a sign language for Please where she puts her finger to the palm of her other hand. She pretty much gets whatever she wants when she does that, as it is the most adorable little thing on the planet. Especially if she does it to Daddy.

-She is 100% a Daddy's girl, she doesn't even say Mom yet, not cause she can't but she just always has Dad on her mind. When he gets home from work, she runs to the door and yells DADDY!!!, then gives him the biggest, longest hug ever. You want your heart melted, watching Kansas hug her Daddy is pretty stinking amazing!

- She is an amazing eater and for the most part eats anything I give her. Their are a couple things she doesn't like (apples, grapes, broccoli, and sometimes bread). She especially loves oranges, grapefruit, strawberries, blueberries, blackberries, cheese, yogurt, any kind of meat, cookies from Sobey's and any kind of treat.

- Kansas loves to Dance and starts moving her body the second she hears music. Reading books, playing with Macie and Wade, giving Lily kisses, going to play at the energy centre and the parent link centre, she loves being outside, watching Peppa Pig, playing with toys, and just hanging with Mom and Dad.

-She is completely obsessed with her Nani (blanket) and has to have it with her everywhere she goes. She also loves sucking her thumb, and she can't suck her thumb unless she has her Nani in her hand. It's pretty stinking adorable and doesn't bug me at all. Although I might think differently if she is 10 and still doing it.

- We went and saw a Neurologist in November and she had a bunch of blood work done. Everything with the blood work came back good. Her eye's still droop a lot and the Neurologist wants to monitor Kansas on a regular basis until we have made the diagnosis that she just has Ptosis in her eyes, or their is something else going on. We won't  know for sure until she gets older and more signs and symptoms start to happen, or hopefully no more signs and symptons happen. From their if the eyes continue to droop she might have to have surgery. It is just a waiting game and lots of prayers that everything will be OK with her, or if their is something bigger going on and she does have Myasthenia Gravis or possibly something else that we will find the right help and the best Doctors to help her.

-Kansas's milestones were walking at 14 months, talking lots these past two months (her first words were Dad, Lily and Yeah). She weighs about 20 lbs right now and although she doesn't have quit the energy that Macie and Wade did she still keeps us busy. She's peed on the potty a couple times, although I don't think she is ready to go hardcore on the potty training yet. She is definitely tiny and I get comments on it all the time, it use to bother me just because their was so much stress in the beginning with her weight, but I try know to just ignore it and think yeah she is tiny but it makes her so stinking adorable.

This little girl is so amazing and we just love her to pieces, she has such a fun, bright personality with a little sass and attitude. She loves saying Thank You and loves helping Mom around the house. She has such a sweet heart and cries if she ever gets in trouble, and loves helping people get their shoes. We sure love you little bug and love watching you grow up.