Utah Trip/Balloon Festival

A couple of weekends ago we went up to Utah to visit my dad. In Eden, where he lives, there is an enormous balloon festival. For him it is amazing because the hot air balloons lift off basically in his backyard. Some fly over his house and some almost land in his backyard. When they do land that close to his house everyone gets to watch the people let the air out of the balloon and put it away. Kade thought all of it was awesome. He really liked watching the balloons, especially the big energizer bunny balloon. This balloon is supposed to be bigger than the Statue of Liberty. When standing next to it, is sure did look like it was.

We didn't get to watch the balloons take off in the morning because it was raining like crazy. What a relief from the Vegas heat. Instead, we went out to breakfast with my Grandpa and Grandma Strickland. It was fun getting to visit with them and letting them see how big the boys are getting. Later in the day, the storm subsided and the clouds disappeared. At night the balloons do a night burn where all the balloons light their fire at the same time. It was pretty neat. These are some pictures I took of the boys watching it.

While up there I took some adorable pictures of Kyle. He is in that stage where he smiles really big for the camera. I love it!!!


Here are some pictures of my dad's backyard, his dog, Dee, and all of us. Even though this dog is a lot bigger than Chloe, Kade loved him (and so did Kyle).

Overall, we had a great time and what good for Eric to have a break from work. However, our trip was too short. Maybe next time we will be able to stay longer. It was also fantastic to see my dad. We hadn't seen him since he was down in Vegas when Kyle was born. Thanks dad for having us come up. We look forward to next time!

*Funny story from the trip I want to remember.....
About a month before Eric and I were teaching Kade what our names are. While we were up in Utah I was feeling sick from still being in the first trimester. I went into the restroom and Kade followed me in there. As I was leaning over the toilet he was patting my back saying "Mom are you ok?" He said that a few times. Finally he said "Are you ok Connie?" It was just so darn funny and cute how he said it. I started laughing and after that was feeling much better.

Shark Reef

Last week was really long. Eric was working on a project that kept him at work until 9:30 p.m. Monday-Thursday. Therefore, the boys and I were stuck at home on those days. It is not much fun being in the house all day long for four days straight. On Friday I had to drive. I was wondering what we should do to get out of the house. I remembered a friend telling me the Shark Reef was doing a promotion for teachers. All teachers, when they present their photo I.D., can get into Shark Reef at Mandalay Bay for free. On top of this great perk, kids under 4 also get in for free. I thought this would be fun to do and it wouldn't cost us a penny. I loaded the boys into the car and we were off. Both Kade and Kyle enjoyed seeing all of the fish and sharks. There is a place where people can touch, with one finger, some of the fish (shown in the top right hand corner and bottom right pictures). It was really cool! They felt really slimy. I felt bad for Kade though because he couldn't touch it. His little arms were too short. Kyle enjoyed his bottle most of the time, but was intrigued when the fish and sharks were swimming above our heads. For a little guy, he seemed to really like it.

Random pictures of the day. These were the best pictures I could get of the boys.It was extremely difficult to take decent pictures of the boys. They were not being very cooperative.

Kade is usually a little stinker when it comes to taking pictures. He will look anywhere, but the camera. After asking him three times if I could take his picture he climbed onto the seat and struck a pose. This is one of my most favorite pictures of him. I think, as his mom, he looks absolutely adorable. He takes cute pictures when he will let me....

Overall, we had a lot of fun. It was so nice to get of the house and do something.

Kade and his bug

On Tuesday, Kade had a friend come over to go swimming in the new pool Nana bought. Before he came we were outside filling the pool up with water. On the hose was a cricket (I think). Kade started to talk to it. It was hilarious! He was asking it how it was doing and things like that. Too cute! At least he is not afraid of bugs. He will pick the dead ones up and throw them away for me. What an awesome little guy!