Shark Reef Field Trip

On Tuesday, I had the opportunity to go on a field trip to the Shark Reef at Mandalay Bay with Ashlynn's class. All though we had been there before, this trip was much more fun and informative because we had a tour guide telling us all about everything. Like, did you know that Sharks's skin is little tiny teeth all over instead of scales, that is why it feels like sandpaper..... and did you know that Crocodiles can eat one large meal, and not have to eat again for another year? We learned all kinds of things that I never knew before. I had a great time spending one on one time with Ashlynn and helping our with her class.

Toothless Ashy

Ashlynn has lost 2 teeth in the last couple of weeks, both of them on Sunday's. Well, in this house, the Tooth Fairy does not work well on short notice, and instead of stressing over it, I told Ashlynn that the tooth fairy doesn't work on Sundays. The Tooth Fairy must have had a chance to go shopping on Monday because on Tuesday morning Ashlynn woke up to find a battery operated Bratz toothbrush and some Disney Princess toothpaste. Ash was very excited and the Tooth Fairy was glad to be done with that for a while. Then, wouldn't you know, the very next Sunday, Ashlynn lost another tooth. Same thing.... I told her, "You will have to put your tooth under your pillow tomorrow because the Tooth Fairy doesn't work on Sunday." Of course, this reverts back to the fact that the Tooth Fairy doesn't work well on short notice, as previously stated. This time Ashlynn said, "I just want the Tooth Fairy to give me money, she always gives me toothbrushes and stuff." So, the Tooth Fairy decided that she would give Ash money this time, only this time, Ash decided to wake up at the crack of dawn, Tuesday morning, before the Tooth Fairy had a chance to plant it. Of course, Ashlynn was bawling because there was nothing in her tooth pillow, and me being the quick thinker that I am, told her , "The Tooth Fairy can't come come if you wake up at the crack of dawn, Ashlynn." I said, "You will have to try again tomorrow, and sleep in a little longer." But, somehow while Ashlynn was getting ready for school that morning, the Tooth Fairy snuck in her room and left $2.00. When Ash found the $2.00 she was so excited, she kept saying, "She came! She came, while I was getting ready! All I ever wanted was $2.00, I wished for $2.00 and that is what she brought me!" Through all of this, the ever-creative Tooth Fairy, managed to keep her identity a secret... and managed to come up with 3 pretty good new rules:

1. The Tooth Fairy does not work on short notice.

2. The Tooth Fairy does not work on Sunday.

AND

3. The Tooth Fairy does not come if you wake up at the crack of dawn. :)

Happy, Happy Birthday Ashlynn Dear.....

Our little Ashlynn had her 7th Birthday this past week. I really cannot believe how fast these kids grow up. Ashlynn has always been our little spit-fire. She has always kept us on our toes, and is constantly entertaining us with her fun personality. Ashlynn is my little helper, she loves to watch every move I make... and learn how to do everything that I do. She loves to cook with me and she loves music, and loves singing. She has a beautiful voice and has always been able to sing on tune. One thing that I admire the most about Ashlynn is her determination, if she sets her mind to something, she always tries and tries until she accomplishes it. I wish I had more of that characteristic, I think she will go far in life because of it. Ashlynn is beautiful, we have always had so many compliments about how pretty she is with her blonde hair and big blue eyes. We love you Ash.....

Ashlynn really wanted a butterfly cake, so my friend Tara and I used our cake decorating skills that we learned in our class to make her one. It was a lot of fun making it, and Ashlynn loved it.

A Visit to Holden

On Saturday we decided to take a quick trip to Holden, UT to visit Dustin's Grandma Stevens. Her health has not been good at all, and Dustin wanted to see her. Although it was a VERY short trip, we had a great time visiting with everyone. Dustin's parents and all of his siblings were there. We also got to see a couple of aunts and uncles and cousins. Grandma Stevens is such a sweet lady. She is so full of humor, she is constantly making us all laugh by the funny little things she says. I am so glad that we had the opportunity to see her, and take some special pictures with her. I have learned that pictures with our grandparent's are priceless.

Night out with the Girls!

Friday night a bunch of us girls went out to dinner at BJ's (YUMMY!) for Kenna's and Shawna's birthdays. I think there were 18 of us. It was such a fun, fun night. I am so blessed to have so many wonderful friends here. I know I would not have survived living so far away from family, without them.

Cutest Aprons ever!

I almost forgot to post about the cute aprons that my friend Marissa made for Ashlynn, Samantha, and my neices, Danica and Bryhn. They were so darling, she does such an amazing job. Marissa made me one for my birthday that is pink and brown, and she made all of the little girl's in pink and brown also. They looked so cute in them on Christmas morning. Marissa also made aprons for my Grandma and my Mom. They were so cute also, but I forgot to take pics of them. I did get a pic of the girls, though. This one's for you Marissa! :) Everyone check out Marissa's Etsy Site, Marissa Magnolia (link on my blog roll).
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Package from Grandpa and Grandma Morris

Unfortunately, because of the weather we were not able to make to Idaho during our Christmas trip. It snowed and stormed the majority of the time we were there. So, we ended up taking all the gifts for my family back to Las Vegas with us and I shipped it to them this week. We received our package from them this week too. While the kids were at school I took all the gifts out and put them under the tree (yes, my tree is still up...) so that the kids would see them when they came home. They were so excited, it was like having Christmas all over again. Samantha got a life size Barbie that she now carries all over the house with her. Everytime I pass the thing, I see it out of the corner of my eye and think it is a real kid. Samantha has already undressed the doll and tried the clothes on herself, and they actually fit.

Getting fun packages has been one of the fun things about living down here. We can usually expect something fun on most Holidays and Birthdays, it makes us feel a little bit of home here.