Happy Birthday Daddy!

Since Ryan started driving a truck back in 2005, there have been only a few birthday's he's been home for. (Since Skyler was born in 2008, even less! I believe this is his first birthday home since she was born!)

He usually opts to spend Halloween with us - but we were glad to have him home this year! (Even if it was just because his license expired this year, and he needed to renew...)

The day was great, we had Skyler's last football game! Then we went with the team to get pizza.

After all the football festivities were over it was birthday time!! We went to The Olive Garden for dinner, then home for cake and ice cream! (We had cake-brownies, of which Skyler had made a drawing and wanted me to transfer onto the cake - stick figures of our family! And our cat...)

We ended the evening with presents (enough audio books to keep him entertained for a month on the road and some movies!) and then it was time to watch Stephen Kings Bag of Bones after Skyler went to bed!

So all-in-all? I think Ryan had a nice birthday! But I wanted to share a few photos (from football and his birthday!) so that the Grandparents can see!

 

Skyler's Birthday in Lincoln!!

This past week we were able to celebrate Skyler's Birthday a few days early in Lincoln with her Grandparents!! We had a lot of fun, and I thought I'd share a few photos and videos with you!

First up? A trip to the Zoo in Omaha! (Where, coincidentally? Our last visit was 10 days before her 2nd birthday!! So I snapped a comparison shot!)

(Also, I apologize that the videos are sideways - They were shot on my phone and I wasn't thinking!)

Other than the zoo, we also got a chance to have two birthday parties (one with each set of Grandparents!) and I have a few fun moments to share from those evenings!

Blowing out Candles with Ryan's family:




And her birthday gift from my parents:



And the Olivia Cupcakes that I made for her :)

Dolphins and Clowns and Birthdays! Oh My!

This is the first of what will probably be several posts! I mentioned a few days ago that we were in Vegas! So I thought I'd do a proper trip report :)

We flew in on the 19th, ended up back at our hotel (The Orleans, which was amazing!) by about 8pm and went out in search of supper. We decided on the Mexican restaurant in the hotel. (Ryan and I both had enchiladas, while Skyler had Rice and Beans *lol* ) After dinner? We went straight up to bed.

The next day, the 20th was Skyler's 3rd birthday! So we decided to do a day based on things she would LOVE.

We hopped on the shuttle to the strip, and started out at Caesars Palace. (I thought she would LOVE their anamatronic fountain.) Of course, theh fountain was out of order. (*Instert Sad Face*) We did try for a family photo (having someone else take it) and it was blurry. Sadly? I forgot all about a family photo and we didn't get another. I'm so bummed at this.

So we hiked on over to the Mirage where they have this amazing Tiger and Dolphin Habitat. We spent a good chunk of time watching the big cats, and then watching the dolphins with their trainers.

Finally, we were starving, so we left and headed to Treasure Island for lunch! (We ate at Kahunaville, which was really yummy. But before we got there, we got sidetracked into looking at the really cool mammoth tusk they have near the front entrance.)

Next up? A nice LONG hike from Treasure Island to Circus Circus... (I wouldn't recommend this hike, not on the hottest day so far in 2011, but that could just be me ;) )

Skyler LOVED Circus Circus. We watched several circus acts (A clown, some acrobats, some dancers) and played a few carnival games - which Skyler won 3 stuffed animals - one good sized "Vegas" Bear.



We headed back to our hotel, where Skyler played in the Kids Tyme playground (she'd been begging ever since we saw it when we first toured the hotel the night before!) We had dinner at a small Irish Pub across the street from our hotel. (If you're ever in Vegas and at the Orleans -- I highly recommend McMullins Irish Pub - it's across the road. The Shepherds Pie is the best I've ever had!)

After dinner we headed out to the strip to see all the pretty sights. Skyler was IN LOVE with the fountains at Bellagio! We watched them at least 3 times. (And there will be photos of Vegas at night later -- but I'm caught up to what I've edited so far! *lol*

We finally got back to our room about 11pm (*eek* Skyler was surprisingly well that late at night!) and we gave her her birthday present (a stuffed Tiger from the Tiger Exhibit) and then we all crashed!

(More updates tomorrow!)

Happy Birthday!!

Dear Skyler,

My beautiful, baby girl, Happy 3rd Birthday!

I know for the rest of your life, I will look back on the day you were born - the days leading up to your birth - and I will tell stories, full of anxiety, fear and excitement. Of the first time I saw you right after you were born - of the first time I got to hold you. But I will always remember how beautiful and perfect you were.

Your first year was nothing but an adventure! Both travel wise, and as you learned and explored the world around you.

For your first birthday, we took you to the Lincoln Children's Museum! There was so much going on, you were so excited.

Your second year was spent exploring even more! You loved trips to the zoo and story time at the library.

For your Second Birthday, we had a quiet time at home and then a quick trip up to Frisco Colorado!

The last year has been full of excitement as you continued to grow. You're always asking questions and you know your ABC's, you can count to 17 and you amazed even your doctor with your intense vocabulary and understanding.

I am so proud of you baby girl, and I look forward to exploring this world even more with you this coming year!

Happy Birthday Skyler!!

Love,
 Mommy