03.31.2013: Happy Easter from Paisley

So Vince and I weren't actually in San Antonio for these pictures, but I cannot help but post them.  They are the most classic Easter bunny pictures ever.  Poor Paisley!!!!   I am sure she will be traumatized for LIFE from this!  We have started a trust fund to pay for her counseling.  Contact me if you would like to donate....

 

03.30.2013: Newport Night Trip



Vince and I were out in CA for Easter weekend and just to help take care of Gramma & Papa.  On Sat we made the trip out to Newport to visit and celebrate with Christina, Lex, and Justice.  We decided to go to dinner at Kya....one of our favorite places EVER in the beach cities.  I didn't take any pics from there, but it was a perfect beachy night for us.  Just overcast & cloudy,,,,but not cold.  Soooo nice and such a good break from what is to be the heat of the desert soon.  Soaking up every cool moment we can!!!

 

Before we got to their house, we went for a walk on the boardwalk....it was soo nice out!  And we saw a whole school of dolphins swimming in the surf along the beach.  I LOVE seeing that!!! Seems like we get to see it pretty often lately....but still never take it for granted and enjoy each moment of it.

 



 



03.13.2013: Never Complain About Working in Vegas!

 

Vince and I went to Vegas for a few days for some meetings we had and to visit with some co-worker friends we hadn't seen in forever!!!  So, we never, ever complain about mixing a little Vegas with work meetings.  We had a special offer from the Cosmopolitan hotel....so stayed there for free for a few nights.  Is it possible to be in love with a hotel?  If so, I have to admit that I am in love with the Cosmo.  Not only do I love the name, but the hotel is fabulous.  No other hotels in Vegas have balconies in the room....and you never know how special they are until you have one!  The Cosmo also has little mini kitchens...separate living rooms, and bedrooms, and AMAZING bathrooms.  Wierd to love a bathroom?  Oh well...I do.  There is a huge sunken tub that has a window t the outside.  In this case, we had a strip view.   If I could stay anywhere on the strip, this would be my first choice....always.

 

We visited the Caesar's buffett again one day for lunch...which was amazing as always.  I think I prefer it to the dinner there...less crowded and just as amazing food. 

 

So, anyways, the week went well. Spent most of the week working...very little time playing this trip.   Meetings were all good...and it was GREAT seeing our old peeps!!  Miss them :(

 

 

03.10.2013: The End Is Here....

Well, unfortunately, this week is over :(  And I am super super sad.  Brent & Alisa come home tonight...and while the kids are beyond excited, I wish I had a few more days with them.  Vince and Drake were here most of the day today....and the kids all played outside and drew all over the driveway with chalk.  They made "welcome home" signs on the cement.  I'm sure the HOA appreciated it!

 

It was pretty warm out today, so all the kids played out there most of the morning....until Avery got mad that they wouldn't let her draw too, so she threw a fit...and threw herself on the ground, crying, and rolled around in the chalk trying to erase it all.  She did a pretty good job, until Vince swooped her up and brought her in.  I was inside, but he said it was pretty hilarious!!!  She didn't think so though.  Haha!!!

 

So we had some lunch before she took her nap...and she was back to her chipper self!  She is such a ham!  The kids then all came in and played karaoke for a while and all sang songs.  Even Avery got her microphone out and chimed it.....really cute!!!!

 

 



 

 

 

Vince and Drake went home in the afternoon to do some chores around the house...and I stayed in Mesa until Brent & Alisa got back.  It was late, but the kids all wanted to stay up and wait for them....even Avery.  So we played Wii until they got home.  I have to tell you though...I cried the whole way home because I missed them already.  They are truly the sweetest kiddos.  Brent & Alisa have done a great job raising them....and it shows.  Something to be said for a stay-at-home mom that spends her days raising 3 kids....its hard work, I know, just from a week!!! But nothing in the world is more rewarding!!!   Hats off to you two...and hugely to Alisa who has these kids so programmed they could raise themselves!  But they are always looking for some love too :)  They definitely hold a special place in both Vince & my hearts....and we will take them ANYTIME Brent & Alisa need a vacation....flu bugs and all!!!  Haha!!

03.09.2013: Rest & Relax on a Cold Rainy Day

So after we got home, we were going to go out for pizza, but it was raining and HAILING like crazy so decided we better stay home.  So we hung out at the house and made some chicken nachos for lunch.  The rain was coming down, and the wind kicked up....and the backyard was getting blown all over the place!!  It was amazing.  The kids were in awe.  So we sat and enjoyed the show.

 

By the way, while I took the kids to the football game, Vince stayed home with Avery...put her down for her nap...and relaxed.  He said she basically asked for her bottle and nap when she was ready to go down.  Again, easiest baby on the planet!!!!

 

So, anyways, we finished lunch...and the kids played whatever they play when they are hanging out together.  Avery chilled with Vince and I...sand us some songs. Danced a little.  Then later I let her play on the iPad.  Man, does she control that thing!  She is a little genius.  She swipes and knows which screens to go to for her "stuff".  She likes watching Dora and Elmo on YouTube....so she knows where to go to find that.  Sometimes she gets Dora in Spanish...and it's hilarious because she talks to the screen...and answered questions when Dora asks them...like she totally understands what she is saying (in SPANISH).  So, Vince and I decided that Avery is basically a baby genius :)  Haha!  Now I know Alisa doesn't  really let her just sit there and play on the iPad forever....but I was just amazed by it so it was more entertainment for me and Vince observing this whole magical thing going on.  Oh, and later she was even singing to the Elmo songs on there too...which I WISH I would have videoed but was just enjoying the moment too much.

 



 

 



Later that night we ordered some pizza from a local place...which took like 2 hours to get there...ugh!  But it was pizza and everyone liked it.  After pizza we let the kids play the Wii for a little bit.  The standard is the Michael Jackson dance...which seems to get everyone off the couch and participating.  Even Avery.  She gave up her Titi (bottle) to get up and do a few dances.  I DID get those on video...so am happy about that.  After  few though, she was ready for her titi and her night-night....and off she went to bed.  The bigger kids stayed up playing until they were just too beat down. So much for our all-night slumber party....they were all ready for bed by 10!!!  Oh well....such good kids when they all ASK to go to bed...ALL of them...haha!!

03.09.2013: Saturday is Football Day

Saturday we woke up and it was once again sprinkly and cold.  It had been raining ALL week and I swore there was no way that Andrew would have a football game because for the past 2 days the fields they play in had been completely flooded.  The coach kept saying that they were playing though....so we showed up!  And, the field was fine...just a little muddy...but definitely playable.  So this was their "playoff weekend".  So basically they could have had 4 games if they kept winning.  Unfortunately (kinda) they lost the first game.  Even though Piggy was kinda bummed, he played the ENTIRE game....like literally the entire game...and got a trophy at the end.  "Everyone wins".  So he was pretty excited.  Annnnnnd it started raining...a lot.  So, I was NOT terribly disappointed that we had to leave.  Drake and Nana were REALLY not bummed we had to leave! 

 

Although I have to say that Piggy had a great game.  AND he almost had a breakout run that could have won the game for them.  He had a great catch at the end, which led to a touchdown, which brought them within one.  Then they were driving done the field from the other end zone...and he had a great catch down field, but got his flag pulled.  Next play could have won it, but the kid they threw it to dropped it.  So, although they didn't win, Andrew did everything he could to put them in the position to.  So proud of him....he had a rough season with playing time....so it was a great ending for him!!!

 



 

 This is how Drake & Nana spent most of the game....they were cold.  Even though they didn't believe me when I told them to bundle up...they semi-did...and still suffered.  Everyone came out in shorts and t-shirts after getting ready in the morning...fools!!!  :)   Then they were mad when I made them all go change.  Even Andrew came down in a tank top under his jersey & shorts.  Silly kiddos...it was raining!!! And crazy cold!!!   BUT good thing they came to cheer on Andrew!!!  ;)

 

03.08.2013: Finally, Everyone is Well.....

Well if this hasn't been the longest week on the planet.  Last post was the start of the what was supposed to be the amazing babysitting week ever...and I had to go dark there for a few days...because it turned into a plague filled week of throwing up, sick kiddos, sick Cassy and sick Vince!!  What a mess. 

 

So, as I said before, it started out with Avery getting sick Monday night before Brent & Alisa left.  She seemed better on Tuesday, but was still totally out of it.  She also threw up a couple times, in the most inconvenient places...like her car seat...twice!  Once in the morning on the way home from dropping off the kids at school.  Then Andrew had football practice Tues night...so I loaded up everyone & drug them to the field.  Avery was content to ride around in her "ride" which is her little car thingy.  But on the way home she threw up all over herself in the car again... so, she must have overdone it.

 

Tuesday:  Western Day

Two super cute westerners. It was "Spirit Week" this week at school so the kids had outfits laid out for each day....I used to LOVE spirit week at school...so do they!

 Avery didn't really care much about Western Day...or anything else for that matter besides sitting on the couch, watching toons, and being waited on hand & foot.  Which was my pleasure, as she was super cuddly :)  She didn't do or eat much today....just chilled and got better.

 

Tuesday night, I started feeling pretty queasy and not too hot.  Ended up being up all night in the bathroom...but was hoping that it was getting flushed out of my system and I would be good by morning...otherwise, we would have a problem!  Vince came over for a little bit earlier on Tues, but had to head back to Scottsdale to pick up Drake from school.  So he ended up staying out there Tues night, and was going to head back to Mesa in the morning so I didn't have my backup partner to help me out Weds am no matter how bad I was feeling....so off to get up and get the kiddos ready for school!!!!



 

Wednesday:  Twin Day

They had some twins from their class that dressed like them.  Although when I picked them up at the end of the day, Andrew had his shirt inside out.  I guess his two "twins", actually triplets had other types of grey shirts on, so to be REAL twins they all took their shirts off and turned them inside out :)  So they all had inside out grey shirts...and were now REAL twins/triplets.  Nana had a Hello Kitty shirt and side-pony...very cute

Weds ended up being the worst of the days for me.  I got a call from Vince that he was laid up on the couch feeling horrible...same flu-like symptoms.  Not doing well at all....and, I was laid up on the couch in Mesa trying to recover too. Vince  ended up getting really really bad and ended up in the ER for the night.  Greg was able to come over and take him in, thank goodness!! 

Luckily for me, Avery is basically the best child on the planet (must have learned from her older siblings) and essentially took care of herself for the day haha!!!  She is sooooo good!!!  She is pretty self-sufficient and plays sooooo well....and was just so happy and content to be doing what she was doing.  Takes her naps on time and sleeps for 2 hours...just so easy.  I swear she could probably take care of herself because she is so programmed!  :)  Makes for amazing & wonderful kiddos....esp when you are feeling really crappy!  Anyways, we all survived the day and could not wait to get to bed and start over again tomorrow!

OK so spoke too soon on that one.  We all went to bed, exhausted,  I got a call from Vince that he went home from the hospital about 10pm... and then about 11pm Andrew came running in the bedroom saying he didn't feel well.  I heard him coming down the hallway so jumped up to meet him....and as I did, he threw up all over me...mainly on my legs, and feet...and in between my toes.  Yes, toes.  Ugh....but poor guy, he could not stop apologizing for it!!!  He kept saying "I'm so sorry...I tried to make it to the toilet".  Poor buddy.  So we spent the next few hours sitting on the floor of the bathroom together, getting cleaned up...as he continued to throw up.  He is such a good sicky though...he tried soooo hard to be "a man" even though he was obviously feeling HORRIBLE.  So, feeling it was safe, we went to bed...and about an hour later, just one more of whatever was left in his stomach...all over the sheets & blankets.  :(  I honestly think he didn't even wake up for that one though.  Poor guy.  So, needless to say it was a long, long night.  Avery woke up and started fussing about 5am, so not wanting her to wake up Nana, I brought her in and she ended up joining us in bed.  Poor Nana was the only healthy one all week!!

Thursday: Career Day

So, obviously Andrew didn't get to go to school today!!  He was actually kinda bummed and said he felt better...but no way.  Which also turned into no football practice tonight which he was even MORE bummed about!    So anyways, Nana went to school solo and I totally forgot to get her pic.  But she had on a cute dress, flats, and curled "done up" hair....very professional!

 

The rest of us stayed on the couch once again all day trying to load up on fluids and rest....and PRAYING that the bugs were all gone from the house!!!  Please......

please, please!

Friday:  80's Day

Everyone woke up well...and ready for school!  Fingers crossed!!!  Today was the last day of school before spring break...so the kiddos were eager to go for their last day...and of course get all dressed up. It was 80's day and who doesn't love the 80's!!!   It was pretty chilly this am though....so had to put a few layers on over their cute clothes!

 Avery wanted her own picture...without the other two kids...but she would not smile.

 Then all of a sudden she started acting like a total ham!?

 Avery was quizzing Nana on her spelling words for her test today. 

YAY!!!  We made it through most of the day pretty uneventful!  Kids got out at noon today so we went to Walmart for some McD's and to shop!  The kids had gotten some money from Mom & Dad for getting good grades and for Piggy doing good in his football game.  He actually went to check the mail last night...saw that he had a card in there (and he knew what it was cuz they warned him to be on the lookout for it)...so set all the mail down on the sidewalk...opened his card right there, and came running back to the house....leaving all the other mail on the sidewalk :)  Heehee!! That's our Piggy!

So today he bought a new Wii game that he had been wanting...and some legos too.  He was pretty excited to play his new game...so was Avery.  She sat up there with him and "played" too!  Very cute!!!  :)

 Nana playing with the new legos that she bought with her own money. 

And being a little silly too :)

 

 In the zone....

 Tubs getting her photo ops in...CHEESE!!!

 

Their favorite.....

After a week of me taking care of them all by myself...I get ditched as soon as Vince walks thru the door.  Hughuhm! Figures!  Oh well...he had been sick too and they sure did make him feel lots better!  Special moments when they all wanna cuddle with you at the same time....I was jealous! :)