And a sweet picture of my very sweet baby...

A WALK

Once there were three sisters who passed a very intriguing mini church every day on the way to school, and also on the way home. "Please can we stop?" was part of their everyday commute. Well finally, their distracted mother was no more, and said. ok.

Oldest sister wouldn't wait, and youngest sister refused any sort of help.

Middle sister sweetly presented teeny tiny flowers along the way

Did you know that cactus can grow in a rain forest?

There were quite a few crosses with cactus.

Lyla Rose LOVED walking alone. Even after falling repeatedly

And then....there it was.

The only thing that barred the entry was this plant....

But that was no deterrent for these determined girls

They squished themselves through a tiny window

And found the quaintest mini church yet!

A fine walk indeed!

VEGAS TO KONA

VIVA...

Vegas was fabulous! So nice to see Stacey, and have some "me" time. We spent so much time giggling, talking, shopping, and LAUGHING. Seriously, that girl is a riot. Thank you so much Stacey! I miss you...

So excited to be eating in a restaurant w/o paper napkins, or cartoon characters. I kept remarking how big, and fancy everything was. After a while, Stacey wanted to make sure I wasn't visiting from some third world country.

Food. Please do not underestimate how much I love to go out to dinner. Something about not cooking. Or doing dishes. Or...well, I could go on and on.

Stace taking one from the Great One.

Awaiting our very anticipated massage. Even if it was in a strip mall. Isn't EVERYTHING in Vegas in a strip mall. Unless you count the strip, which partially resembles an underpass. yes, some parts ARE scary.

Again, here I go with the dining. Truly amazing Gnocci.

I LOVED this store....even if the clerk was socially retarded. and rude. Um, I thought you guys work on commission?
It's probably better that they didn't ship, although I am still daydreaming about that adorable daisy chandelier for Lyla's room. But still, did she have to be so blunt about their shipping policy. Guess the economy is not affecting the Goat Feathers Emporium

Vegas Bar. Please note, we went when there were no other patrons, as twenty one year olds actually resemble fourteen year olds. I was NEVER so young. Oh wait...also, please take a look at the tire swing. We did not get a turn. It is still daylight. Aparently, one must embrace their inner "coyote ugly". That is sooo 1997

So sad to say goodbye to my sweet friend, but lucky me, she is coming to see me in Hawaii this year. Also, Las Vegas was FREEZING the entire time. Do you know how hard it is to find a sweater with long sleeves in Hawaii?????? I was dreaming of warmth, only to come home to a FREEZING house...(it really can get cold here) Well, I suggested a day trip to Kona, and shock, surprise...there were a lot of takers...

Mr. Wonderful

This would drive me to become OCD. She loves to cover herself in sand. It IS kind of funny to see a wet child rolling down the sand. I guess I did the same thing, only with grass. Way to adjust to your surroundings Sophie!

Does it really matter that they're too big?

Finally,,WARMTH!!!

She is in heaven too

Avery wasn't "in the mood, Mom" for pictures. Seriously, all of the pictures of Avery look about the same, side face...or non-compliance. But, she did have a blast anyway.

It was wonderful to visit Vegas, and it was HEAVENLY to come home. I missed my girls and Toby the whole time I was gone, but I feel like I am so much more tuned in now that I've had some time just for me.. and Stacey!!!