Las Vegas

We're home! We got home late on Tuesday night, and I'm happy to report that the traveling was so easy, both ways. The boys were so good. I couldn't believe it. When everyone stood up at the end of our first flight, a woman two rows in front of me looked back and said she hadn't even realized there were any babies behind her. I was so pleased. On the way home, Clayton had two very short outbursts, one when he couldn't watch the DVD player on take off, and the second when he couldn't watch the DVD player on landing. That said, the DVD player was our best friend on the plane.

We were so busy in Las Vegas. We arrived at Ryan's parents' house Thursday evening and had a big family dinner that night. On Friday morning, my good friend Laura, her baby Keaton, and her mother Ellie came over for a visit. These are two of the most laid back infants ever. They both slept, ate, and slept some more.

Ellie, Laura, Keaton, Wendy, Eli, Ginny (Ryan's Mom), and Clayton

On Friday evening Kristin, Ryan's sister, put together a big surprise party for Ryan's 30th birthday. Several of our high school friends and their families were there, along with a few Air Force friends that now live in that area. There were also some of Ryan's old family friends that he hadn't seen in many years. Thank you to Kristin for putting it all together and being the "hostess with the mostess" for the weekend.

Careful Kristin! That's a lot of candles!

The birthday boy... 30 years old!

On Saturday Kristin was at it again, as she, Ginny, and I put together a baby shower for my sister-in-law, Jayann. Her first baby, our niece, is due in early April. We had a really nice turn out, and Jayann got so many beautiful gifts. Jayann had a doctor's appointment on Tuesday, and from what I heard, we may not have to wait until April. We're so excited for her and Matt.

While all the women were at the baby shower, Ryan, his dad Jim, and our friend Dave took Clayton down to the Bellagio to see the spring garden display. It was three men and a toddler, so I'm sure it was a sight to see.

On Sunday we were able to have a "whole big family" picture made. We also had a little family picture and a picture of the boys made. I'll have to scan those in later.

On Monday we were able to visit Ginny's school. I wish I had my camera with me. We walked into the lunch room and the kids completely swamped Clayton. He was handing out high-fives left and right and was completely loving all the attention. After visiting the school, we headed down to the Shark Reef at Mandalay Bay. The cousins had a good time seeing all the ocean life. It's pretty well done for a casino in Las Vegas. That night we were invited to Austin and Harmony's house for dinner. We had a really great time catching up with them and hanging out with their little Josiah.

On Tuesday Ryan went golfing with his dad and brother while Kristin, Ginny, and I took the kids to a playground. Then we had a little lunch, packed up, said our goodbyes, and headed off to the airport.

It felt like there wasn't a moment to spare in the whole trip, but that's the way it has to be when we go to Las Vegas. There's always so much to do and so many people to see in so little time.