Another Circus

Since our last Circus event several months ago the kids have been wanting to go to another one. They had such a good time and talked about it forever. We've had a few different circus's roll into town but we were never sure it would be as good. Well Jeff found another circus and as a surprise got us tickets for this past weekend.

The kids were so excited to go when Jeff told them Friday night. We made an evening of the event going out to dinner before and then making our way to the Circus. This one was a little different as you could go down to the arena before hand and buy tickets to do a few things like pony and elephant rides. The arena was packed with people and the lines were really long. Much to the kids dismay we had to pass on the extras.

This circus had most of the same elements as the other. I do have to say it was a little smaller and not as well run. It was still a lot of fun but just not as good in my opinion. They had 3 rings set up in the arena and the different acts would perform in one of the 3 rings. Sometimes we had a good view and sometimes it was a bit far away.

I made Jeff take some photos since he was closer most of the time and I've been told he is done for the year of taking anymore photos.

They didn't really have any clowns which the kids really loved but they did have a few acts that had some humor or comedy so it filled in the gaps.

There were also some new elements that we had not seen before which was new and different. It made this experience unique but the same so that was nice.

This one also had a bike raffle. Andrew was off one number. So close but no win. We also had a marriage proposal from a tight rope walker. The spot light popped up on the tight rope as a guy walked out and asked for our indulgence. He had his girlfriend brought out to the arena down below and proposed to her kneeling on the tight rope. You could say that was definitely unique.

The kids both said that this circus was just as good as the last in their opinion. They just love a circus and all the cool things that you get to see. It's not everyday you see such cool acts.

After all was done and we were headed home in the car I asked if the kids had fun. Both said they had a great time. Andrew said "it was awesome" and Megan said " it was just okay" even though she would totally go again.

Happy Birthday Laurie!!!

A big Happy Birthday to my wonderful BFF and Sister Laurie Von!! I love these days where I get to reflect back and look at all the photos from the past. It always gives me great laughs to see how much we've changed and remember all the great times. It was hilarious to see some of the pictures we took. I hope you get a good laugh like I did. I know you'll remember each picture and be glad I didn't share anything really embarrassing :}

Really who would have thought that just by having 3 classes our junior year of high school would have brought two totally different people together for such a strong friendship? It has been a long road when I think back and I'm glad you never gave up on me and continued inviting me to activities.

I hope you have a wonderful day and enjoy your palindrome year. Put your feet up and relax you deserve a day off at least once a year.

Fire & Ice

A local library in our county had a Fire & Ice free kids event. The flyer described it as: Explore basic science with a Mad Science twist. Combustion, giant vortexes and bubbling proportions help explain the three states of matter for a very cool time.

It was a fun 40 minute presentation and the kids loved it. They sat glued to the science guy and loved watching the cool fire and dry ice projects. He even jazzed it up with some comedy as he let a balloon fill up with dry ice gas and go sailing across the room. This had Andrew literally rolling on the floor where he sat with laughter. There were several funny things that he did and the audience would request for him to do it "again, again, again."

It was a really cool event for us to hit up. It had some education as well as cool stuff to watch. It may have been a bit more technical for the kids to understand but they sure did enjoy all that they got to see happen. From the flash paper on fire to the chemical solutions changing color to the dry ice it was all fun to watch. After all was said and done Megan's review was that it was just "okay" and Andrew thought it was "great." I thought it was a lot of fun and glad we got the chance to go.

A Swinging Good Time

Andrew learned at school how to pump his legs to make the swing go higher. Ever since his new favorite thing at the park is the swings. He can spend forever just swinging away. It has given the kids something to do together. They enjoy swinging next to each other and there is no fighting which is a big plus.

It is still a bit cold here but we are out for spring break so we had to get out of the house and burn some energy. We geared up with coats, hats, and gloves to head out to a park. We only lasted for about 45 minutes before my little ones were turning into ice cubes so we had to call it done. It was still a swinging good time.

Death By Cheese

We were watching the Food Networks Triple D and they had this extra cheesy cheese burger that made this circle thing around the burger. It looked super yummy and we both thought some day we'd like to try that.

Well for our date night we went out to a restaurant and much to our surprise it was on the menu as a cheeseburger skirt. I of course had to order it and just as expected it was so yummy. The cheese spills over onto the grill and gets a smoked grill taste to it and a bit crisp. Talk about cheesy goodness hello.

Jeff decided to make mini cheeseburger skirts at home and they were equally as yummy but really the big beef is needed. These were super cheesy and holy cow they knock ya over with the cheesy taste. So if you love cheese it is super yummy to try but if you value your arteries I wouldn't put it as a staple on the family menu.

Eggcellent Times

Happy Easter to everyone!!

This year has been a very low key year for us. Jeff had some lay offs at work so he's been working more hours than usual. That on top of his birthday and conference made this Easter seem like it came speeding at us. I was prepared with goodies for the kids but we just did it nice and simple this year.

A huge Thank You to Ken for watching the kids for a special birthday date night. MarGene was off to help her parents with the final closing stuff of a move into a new place. The kids got a little one on one time with Papa which was nice. After our dinner out and movie we spent the night so that we could see the first session of conference with Ken.

We had a yummy breakfast and then had a nice and small Easter egg hunt that MarGene had put together before she left. The kids had a great time hiding, finding, and opening their eggs.

After the first session of conference we headed home to just relax and enjoy our Saturday with more conference at home. The kids were up bright and early this morning ready to get their baskets. We did another small hunt for chocolate mini bunnies and the big reveal of baskets. It was a storm and then over as the kids retreated to their rooms to play with their new toys.

We've made the kids try and watch some of conference and tried to talk about the Resurrection to bring the whole spirit back into Easter. Jeff made a yummy lunch of hamburger sliders and we are excited to finish off our day with the last part of conference. I hope everyone has enjoyed this Easter season.

Happy Birthday To The Big Guy

Today is Jeff's Birthday and we are excited to celebrate another year with him. The kids got up bright and early to make him a birthday card. They both decided to make him cakes which was really cute. We did help make filled cupcakes for real already but this was their vision of a birthday card for him.

We are excited for a special date night tonight to celebrate. It always takes me by surprise when I realized just how many years we've known each other. I've been spending my morning looking through some of our old photos and remembering all the great memories we've created over the years.


From newlyweds to becoming parents we've been through a whole pile of things. It is nice to know I've got such a strong partner to help make me laugh and share the load at times. We've had a roller coaster so far and I'm excited to see what more comes our way.



Happy Birthday!!!!! We love you bunches!!

If you give a kid a fun night

Tonight the kids school had a family fun night. It was a nice family outing centered around Laura Nuberoff's book series "If you give a mouse a cookie." They had free dinner for the families followed by at least 15 or so booths to play games at.

You got a little passport with all the games listed and as you completed the games you got a stamp on your passport. You had to collect at least 7 stamps to get the big reward at the end.

Both kids did a great job waiting in line for their turn at the games. The school was a bit crowded so there were people and kids everywhere. Andrew could do some of the tasks but had some problems with others. Megan was a pro at all that she attempted to do.

Megan was a bit sad at the end she really wanted to get her face painted but I think the rest of the school wanted that as well. That line was so long it would have taken an hour just for that one single thing. Andrew was in no way going to hold out and wait while she stood in line so we had to pass on that one.

At the end the kids each got a stuffed animal and a book. Our kids got "If you give a moose a muffin" and a stuffed moose. Andrew instantly fell in love with his and after dressing hers up Megan has warmed up to hers. It was a fun school event for the family.