Despite the weather (high 90's) both our families drove to Red Rock for some exploring.
Presley and Nixon were so excited to be along for the journey (we usually leave them at home).
Dean, Graham, Macie, and I blazed the trails.
The terrain was rocky, but Presley and Nixon were troopers.
Towards the end of the hike Nixon's little legs grew tired and Mom carried him the remainder of the way.
We love the Ketcham family and we love that they get Mom outside her comfort zone- skipping naps and bringing the little kids along for a hike is not in Mom's wheelhouse.
Later that night we had movie night while our parents all went out for a night on the town. After eating dinner downtown they went down to Freemont St. for some Vegas style fun!
Judging by the pictures, it looks like they had a fun time.
Despite a short, but we were so grateful they traveled all that way to spend some time with our family.
The rest of the school year went by surprisingly quick. I had the opportunity to travel to Universal Studios in Los Angeles with my GATE class at school and Dad came along as a chaperone! We loaded a bus at 4am and began the long drive to CA. Movies and snacks helped the time go by until all my friends "woke up".
We played all sorts of games and Dad was enthralled by the constant conversations going on around him.
After a long 5 hour drive we finally arrived and couldn't have been more excited.
Our class got a special back lot tour and went behind the scenes where we learned interesting facts about Universal Studios. Mom sent me with my own camera and I made sure to document everything!
It was awesome seeing all the movie props.
When the tour was over we were able to make our way around the park.
The most exciting part of the day was going to the Wizarding World of Harry Potter!!!
After riding some rides we walked through Hogsmeade and enjoyed some butter beer and snacks. Everything was right out of the movie. Olivanders was AMAZING, and Dad let me buy a wand for myself, one for Macie, and one for Cari. It was so fun picking out each wand.
My trip to Universal Studios was fantastic and I was so grateful that I got to spend the day with my Dad. He made a special trip even more amazing.
On the weekend Macie had a dance recital and really got into character for her hip hop number...
Mom is hoping that attitude ends when the recital is over.
Since the weather was still tolerable in early June we made sure to spend lots of time playing outdoors on the weekends.
Our last week of school was busy and filled with parties, projects, etc. Each morning Mom made sure to catch a few pictures before we made our way to school.
Macie's class had a Luau mid week to celebrate the commencement of second grade and she was thrilled that she was able to dress up in full Hawaiian garb.
I spent all of my evenings that week working on my final school project. I made a diorama of a covered wagon that included a campfire, a tent, and a bench. I designed all of them with random household items and Mom was really impressed with my creativity.
On the last day of school Mom made sure we were up and ready early with plenty of time to take pictures. Interestingly enough, Nixon seemed to be the most excited for the day ahead.
Presley's class was celebrating their last day of Preschool with a pajama party and after some careful consideration she chose her Angry Bird pajamas to wear to school.
At school Presley and her friends couldn't wait to get their party started!
When the door flew open at pickup Presley ran out with a big smile on her face- she had an awesome day!
Nixon threw his arms around her and gave her a giant hug. He loves her so much!
Macie and I were melancholy when Mom picked us up at school that afternoon. Despite being thrilled to be out of school for the summer we were sad to say goodbye to our teachers and friends.
Before leaving for our Summer in California we spent two days enjoying Las Vegas. We went to our favorite park to run around with some friends,
and while Mom was talking to another parent Presley snuck into her purse and put on her lipstick. None of us could believe what a fantastic job she did...
At home that night while Mom was packing for our trip Presley dressed up Nixon in a "fancy" outfit. He didn't seem to thrilled...
She was a little too thrilled with herself and Mom has a feeling it won't be the last time she dresses him up.
Life in our house is full of laughter, but without Dad there always feels like something is missing. We are looking forward to spending our summer together with him in San Diego.
