Toys R Us free Lego Event

Alex and I walked to Toys R Us for a free Lego event. He got to make an X-wing fighter. Happy kid.

Marie-Anne

Geodysic Dome

Check out Sabrina and Alex's cool new clubhouse; a geodysic dome that their GrandPapa built for them. She loves playing in the back yard, (more than her brother) so I am sure this cool structure will get lots of use.

Marie-Anne

River Mountain Park

After watching the Bighorn Sheep we met Frank at River Mountain Park because it is closer to his work. We had a picnic lunch together before he had to go back to work.

Wayne and I let the kids play for a while.

Marie-Anne

Hemenway Park

We took Wayne and Audrey to see the Bighorn Sheep at Hemenway Park on their last day with us. Lake Mead is in the background.

Yes, we homeschool. The kids read the educational signs without being told.

They also had fun at the playground.

Marie-Anne

Joint B-Day Party

This year's joint b-day party was supposed to be a dress-up party, but only two other families came dressed up so the kids ditched the costumes. Alex was a clone trooper and Sabrina was a wildlife biologist.

The kids had a piñata. Alex was disappointed that the kids before him smashed it so I threw in some more suckers and let him have a turn too.

They had a lot of fun and this party was a lot less stress than last year's because I kept it simple. Once again, the party was a fundraiser for Operation Christmas Child and for a toy drive. Thanks to those who gave.

Marie-Anne

Thank You!

I just want to say thank you to all of you who gave the kids b-day presents; GrandPapa Wayne, Aunt Vivian and Uncle Robin,  Aunt Annette, Aunt Elexa, Aunt Sandy, LeAnn, Audrey, the Chavez's, and the Meir's, your thoughtfulness made two kids very happy. I greatly appreciate that.

Marie-Anne

Alex's 11th B-day

Alex celebrated his 11th B-day! My boy is growing up. Thankfully he is still a boy, but I see glimpses of the man he is becoming and I am quite proud of him. Alex is a smart, funny, wonderful boy and I am so blessed he is mine.

Alex was quite pleased with his gifts. He got money, gifts cards, model plane kits, and of course; Lego!

Marie-Anne

First Produce From the Garden

Frank got to sample our first fruits; a radish.

Marie-Anne

Henderson Bird Viewing Preserve with Audrey and Wayne

We took Audrey and Wayne to the Henderson Bird Viewing Preserve for the first time. We spent awhile in the classroom. One of the workers shared quite a bit about birds. I was impressed with his knowledge.

Next we walked the trails and admired the many types of birds. For some reason the kids were also very interested in ant holes, it seemed they paid more attention to that than to the birds, for a while, at least.

Marie-Anne

AppleValley with Wayne and Audrey

We rented a van and drove to Apple Valley, CA to visit Uncle Gary and Aunt Linda. They were kind enough to let us spent the night in their beautiful home and fixed us some very yummy meals. It was very nice to spend time together and get to know them better.

The kids loved Grandma's Closet, which had all manner of toys and games.

We attempted to walk the dog together, but it was sooo cold that it was a very short walk.

Thank you, Aunt Linda and Uncle Gary, for your wonderful hospitality!

Marie-Anne

Sunset Park- Hike

We went on a nice little hike at Sunset Park. We saw more roadrunners than I have ever seen in one day, jack rabbits, desert cottontails, greater tailed grackles, pigeons, western mockingbirds, mourning doves, Gambel's Quail, and another little bird that I can't identify. So, Audrey got her nature walk.

We all enjoyed a yummy picnic.

The kids played at the playground and the adults played badminton.

Marie-Anne

Birthday Week- Bounce U

Of course, the three kids had a great time burning off some energy at Bounce U. That's why we take them there.

Of course, the kids aren't allowed to have all the fun.

Selfie of the week.

Marie-Anne

Archery with Audrey and Wayne

This was Audrey's first time at archery. She did very well, in fact, the instructor told her she is one of the best beginners he has had in his two years of working there! Quite a compliment.

All three kids enjoyed shooting arrows and were quite good.

This wasn't Sabrina's best, but she wanted her picture taken as well.

Marie-Anne