Park Adventures

Alyssa is finally seeing the joys of going to the park. She discovered the swings today and was giggling quite a bit (until I had the camera out, of course). The video might be a little dizzying, and I'd like to pre-apologize for my obnoxious, sing-song voice. Why do I turn into this cheesy character when I'm behind a camera? Just turn down the volume.

Chuck E Cheese fun (for the kids, not me)

I swear . . . I can never leave that chaotic place without a headache. :) However, Jayce loves it so much -- I can't resist taking him. Here are a couple of pics from playgroup this week (thanks to those moms who came!):

Shout-out to the Cougs!

Okay, I just have to say that this was a GREAT football weekend. After the silly losses to UCLA and Tulsa (games which I'm trying to forget), BYU came back strong with the thumping of Air Force. Whew!!!!! The season is not lost! And, as petty as it may sound, I was so happy that the Utes were beaten by UNLV. Everything is right in the world . . . BYU won, Utah lost . . . just as it should be. (Granted, my cockiness could be short-lived, but I'm happy this week :) ).

Allergy Season :(

As much as I love the weather right now, I do hate the allergies that come with it. Jayce suffers coughing fits at night, so we've had to resort to breathing treatments four times a day. No big deal, of course, but last year he was quite traumatized and didn't really get the whole thing -- he was filled with utter confusion and sadness every time we tried to do it. Fortunately he's older and wiser now, and he understands that this will help him feel better. He's been such a good sport (notice the thumbs-up sign letting me know he's okay), and the mask has rhino features . . . even better!

A Tale of Two Siblings

The following sequence is a microcosm of my children's relationship -- from peace and tranquility to tears and frustration in mere moments.

Cruising

Guess what? Someone must have heard my weather complaints, because our evenings are starting to become bearable -- perfect, actually. Jayce is thrilled because now he can venture outside for a stretch of time, and I'm thrilled that he has an outlet to burn off all the excess energy before bed.

Anyway, he loves, loves, loves his truck -- he drives up and down the street (fortunately, we live in a cul-de-sac) with his neighbors, who also have a battery-powered vehicle. The picture above is of Jayce and his friends, Adriana and Kellsie. I'm so excited for our quasi-autumn (Nevada doesn't have a fall season in the traditional sense)!

We have a walker!

Alyssa's been taking steps for nearly a month now, but I can now confidently say that she officially walks. Not bad for 10 1/2 months. I'm just glad she'll be getting those hands off the floor, seeing as how I'm a germaphobe. Ironically, Jayce is suffering another cold (his third in two months), so please excuse the coughing in the background.

Bellagio Adventures

Today we ventured out to the world-famous strip with my fun neighbor, Christine, and her kids. We attempted to check out the Bellagio conservatory, which unfortunately, was under construction. The kids were very impressed with the fountain show, however, and we found other things to do. The picture above is of Jayce and Alyssa in front of the chocolate fountains (sorry -- poor quality due to backlighting). They don't look very happy in the pic, but we really did have a good time! Jayce found another water feature and created a watery mess on the floor, and Alyssa wasn't too fond of having the sun in her eyes as we watched the fountain show.

I've been tagged! (Courtesy of Tricia)

1) What I was doing ten years ago, September 1997

I had just finished my second year at BYU, having fun at the condo with roommates Hannah and Jodie -- enjoying my carefree single life, but stressing over confusing dating situations (thank goodness those are over!).

2) What I was doing five years ago, September 2002

Jeremy and I had been married a year, and I had just quit a job that I absolutely hated. I had gotten into a much better employment situation and my life was immeasurably better (thanks AMG!).

3) One year ago, September 2006

Eagerly anticipated the birth of Alyssa. I was huge and the summer was hot.

4) Yesterday, September 12, 2007

Went to playgroup to pick apples at the orchard (see post below). Spent a typical day enjoying my kids.

5) Five snacks I enjoy: Raspberry Newtons, pretzels, animal crackers, potato chips, CHOCOLATE!!!!!

6) Five things I would suddenly do if had $100 million: Pay a healthy tithing check :), buy houses at my favorite vacation destinations, have Jeremy quit his job so I could go back to school, travel, help deserving family/friends

7) Five locations I would like to runaway to: Grand Cayman, certain areas along the California coast (Malibu, Santa Barbara, Newport, La Jolla, etc.), Alaska (to escape the Vegas heat), Switzerland, and Edwards stadium (during a game where the Y thumps the U, or some big-time opponent).

8) Five bad habits I have: Being nonconfrontational, not falling asleep at a decent time (it's 1 a.m. now), forgetting to eat breakfast, talking on the cell phone as I drive, constantly complaining about the 1 p.m. start time for church (we've had that schedule three years in a row, and I'm bitter!).

9) Five things I like doing: Keeping in touch with friends, taking Jayce to fun places, traveling, reading, and doing brain teasers (crosswords, Sudoku, etc.).

10) Five TV shows I like: The Office, 24, Fox News programming, . . . I'm sure there are more, but the new TV season hasn't started yet and I'm bored with summer reruns.

11) Five things I hate doing: Unloading the dishwasher, driving in a hot vehicle before the A/C kicks in, changing diapers, applying sunblock, taking kids to their doctor's appointments, vaccinations, various surgeries, etc.

12) Five biggest joys at this moment: Sleeping kids, sounds of silence, having a clean kitchen, having a healthy family, the ending of summer

Now I guess I tag five people to do the same (?). I hope I'm doing this right!

1. Kayelynn
2. Brittney
3. Jennie
4. Stephanie
5. ?

Day at the Orchard

Yes, Las Vegas has an orchard! For our ward's playgroup we ventured into a strange land unfamiliar to we desert dwellers . . . one rife with foliage and vegetation!!! Strange, yet wonderful!

We picked apples and zucchinis and purchased the best apple juice ever! Jayce and Alyssa were intrigued at first, but as the temperature rose, so did their impatience. The high hovered near 105 that day, so we were done pretty quickly. We'll have to go back IF the weather ever cools down . . . . a dream I feel will never materialize. I've given up hope that I'll ever need a sweater.

Regardless of my complaints, we had a fun time! I plan on going back.

I've succumbed to my blogging peers!

I've officially joined the blogging world simply because I don't have time to update everyone.
Blogs are a great way to go because you (family, friends) only have to check in if you want to get the Pike scoop -- feel free to ignore me, and I'll never know.

Now I just need to figure out this thing. I really don't know what I'm doing -- hopefully the appearance and content will improve over time, and I can keep this site engaging and timely.