Flowers

I have been sick and this is what my wonderful husband brought me!

Alaska!

Florida

Discovery Cove

February 2011

We had a great time on our Stay-Cation in Omaha and were sad to see it come to an end. UNO basketball games and tailgate parties. Mason spent the night. Alaska at the zoo IMAX. Taco Thursday at the GI Forum. Movie: The Dilemma. Rock Band concert at home. Lunch and courthouse jail tour with Uncle Danny. Coco Key!! Buffalo Wild Wings take-out and watching the UNO hockey team beat Wisconsin. Aaron spent the night. High altitude balloon launch. Little King. Durham Museum for Lincoln's birthday. Lancer's game. No snow tubing as too muddy :( Party at Aunt Maggie's. Laser tag!! Mason spends the night again. Allison's baptism. Creighton Bluejays basketball game. Whew!!!

Here are the boys on the courthouse jail tour.  With friend Aaron.

At the Durham Museum.  Grandpa Dan, does this bring back memories???

At the Durham Museum old-time Soda Fountain.

Kayla is / loves Mary Poppins.  After all, she is 'practically perfect in every way!'  She took her Mom and nieces Kaylee, Madalyn, and McKenna to see Mary Poppins the Broadway Musical when it came to Omaha at the Orpheum Theater.  What a great time!

Wolf and cousin Tommy at Alli's Baptism.

Beautiful Allison, Godmother Kayla, and Mom Julie.

Neil Diamond Night!!!  About once a year, my wonderfully crazy family gets together for Neil Diamond Night.   We grew up listening to Neil.  We still go to his concerts and all the kids know the songs as well.  Anything goes on Neil Diamond Night: sequins, wigs, ladies clothing, dressing like figure skaters or Disney Princes and Princesses - anything to get in the spirit of Neil!  Mike's Lounge is Dad's workshop in the basement and the little kids (and the big kids) like to get on top the workbench and sing.  It is always a late night and always a great time!

January 2011

The year didn't get off to a great start.  Zach had a shooting at his school where the principal was shot and critically wounded, and a vice principal was killed.  The troubled student turned the gun on himself after he left the school grounds.  It was a terrifying day as the school remained on lockdown until they could clear the building and let all the students go room by room.  We have a new perspective on troubled kids, school security, and will be forever in debt to Mr. Kelly for allowing Zach to break the rules and text us that he was okay.

A vigil outside the school the day after the shooting.

Our relaxing trip to Vegas turned out to be just that. We arrived at South Point Casino Resort and Spa on Friday evening. Saturday we went to the couples only spa. It is so nice we bought a pass for all three days. We went to Tiffany at the Bellagio so I could exchange one of my Christmas presents, and I think I might be surprised with a Valentine's Day present as well ;-) We had dinner at Bootlegger Bistro which we would highly recommend for anyone coming to Vegas. The outside is very modern and the inside has the traditional old steakhouse feel. The bread (and everything else) is wonderful! We are such party animals that we were in bed by 7:30 pm on a Saturday night! It was so great! Today we are up early and are heading to Red Rock Canyon, the spa, and some outlet shopping. Not the typical Vegas trip, but we are having a blast relaxing and being together :)