Field Trippin'

2013 must be my lucky year. I was randomly selected to accompany both Ben and Zack on their field trips. It kind of felt like I won the lottery, especially because both boys were excited that I was picked. I am still cool! (Or at least not totally embarrassing). 

I accompanied Ben's class to see a play (Frindle) at the Smith Center. As far as field trips go this one was easy. I just had to help the kids find seats and then we relaxed and watched the play. The only down side was the bus ride. Bus rides are always rough for me (I was the kid that threw up on the bus in elementary school). This time they didn't have enough buses so we sat on a hot bus for almost an hour waiting for another bus to come. CCSD transportation really needs to get it together! 

 I was assigned to watch over five boys at the Springs Preserve for Zack's field trip.

 We had a great time wandering around, in 100+degree weather. Fortunately there is a decent balance of indoor and outdoor activities to entertain them. 

Minds Blown

We decided to do something Vegas-y while Lionel and Etsuko were visiting. There must have been a Groupon or some kind of amazing deal that enticed us to see The Mentalist. We had to travel to the middle east (aka the Miracle Mile shops/Planet Hollywood). 

Did you know that the guy--the mentalist--had something to do with a TV show of the same name? I didn't until he told us multiple times. I have decided that there is a weird clap loud for me vibe from all magician, mind reader and illusionist types. It's off putting to me to have a performer demand more applause. But they seem to all do it so what can you do? Clap louder, I suppose. 

As far as the show went, it was actually very fun. I haven't the slightest idea how he could know what he knew. We had a fun time and spent a lot of time and energy after the show trying to figure it out. Ken thinks it had something to do with his watch. Ken is wrong. 

 After, we went to one of Matt (& Lionel's) favorite places to eat: Tacos El Gordo. This is a menu that doesn't photograph well, but they offer cabeza, lengua, sesos, buche (head, tongue, brain & stomach) of which we didn't partake. 

We finished the night at our favorite behind a strip-club frozen custard stand: Luv-It Frozen Custard. Now that's doing Vegas right! 

ADA All The Way

Since I bought tickets in February, I have been so excited to see Band of Horses at the Cosmo pool. I like the venue and love, love, love the band. I was especially excited to go with our friends the Dastrups. When we bought the tickets, we didn't know that Stephanie would be on bed-rest but her doctor said she could go in a wheelchair. Fortunately we have easy access to a wheelchair. 

We frequent this particular venue often for concerts. It's general admission so we weren't sure where we should go with a wheelchair. Apparently the staff doesn't really know either. But after a lot of confusion and multiple explanations we ended up in the sweet spot: ADA seating and it is awesome. We were off to the side, but super close and in chairs! I am getting old and so chairs at a concert are a luxury. Even better, we HAD to sit down so that anyone in a wheelchair sitting behind us could see.  Sidestory: Last time we saw the Foo Fighters, I was having horrible back pain. I thought that I would be ok for the concert because we purchased seats. But I was not so lucky, Dave Grohl started the concert by calling out anyone who was not properly rocking out (ie standing). Rather than suffer his wrath and inflict embarrassment upon myself I stood the whole time.  It's a good thing I love the Foo Fighters because it was by far the most painful concert I have ever been too. 

Anyway, we were so close it was almost a little awkward  Almost. I put my phone on the little Plexiglas wall in front of me to take this picture. No zoom needed. 

We also got a sneak peak of the set list, which it turns out isn't so great. I like the feeling of anticipation better. 

 We would have been down there in the crowd with Ken, Ethan and David. Instead we were in our own private, non sweaty people rubbing against you, awesomeness. Best. Concert. Ever.

Video Game Troubles

Santa didn't bring Zack and Ben a Wii U, and after playing the Ricks' system, Zack really, really wanted one. Turns out, if you don't spend your money on every whim and $1 toy that crosses your path you can save a considerable amount of money--enough to buy your own Wii U. 

It is awesome and fun and amazing and serious competition for the PS3. The inevitable happened-a disagreement one serious enough that Mom had to get involved. There may have been some yelling and threats and in the end each boy went to their room to compose a one page paper explaining why I shouldn't take both gaming systems away and propose a solution to what promised to be a never ending Wii U vs PS3 battle. 

Noah: 

Ben:

 Zack needed more than one page:

These were definitely not what I expected: gospel doctrine, Beatles' lyrics, begging, a fairly well thought out argument combined with and a subtle threat...but I have to say I was amused and even a little bit proud. Boys!!!

Blessed

Our plan was perfect: spend spring break with my family in Idaho then return to Vegas to spend the next week with Mike and Dianne. We were almost to Pocatello when we received the phone call that Dianne had suffered a heart attack and was in intensive care. And so, our plan for a leisurely drive back to Vegas become more urgent. 

The days that followed were filled with unknowns. Leanne flew in, then Ryan and the kids came. Dianne's brother Lionel and wife Etsuko came from Australia. We prayed. We worried. We waited. We spent time together--a reminder of how important family is. 

One night, not long after arriving, Etsuko cooked us up a Japanese style feast. 

This was my first time meeting her and she is so much fun. 

 A sushi rolling lesson:

Another day she showed the kids some fun origami.

We love Australian visitors, especially when they bring candy. 

A few weeks later, after suffering what should have been a life ending heart attack, our little energizer bunny was released from the hospital. 

We are so blessed!