Hello World...Again...

I started this blog 7 years ago on a whim.  After reading so many interesting, funny and inspiring blogs I wanted to get in on the action.  Not to mention we have family all over the country and, at one point, the world who we wanted to see our kiddos grow up.  I start and I stop, but now I'm coming around again.

In case you forgot, I'm Jess.  I've spent my entire life living out West.  Born and raised in the Battle Born State, a tried and true silver and blue fan.  I think at some point I always intended to leave,  but one college degree, one husband, three boys and two homes later I think we are here for the foreseeable future.

I love fabulous home decor; all holidays; cheerleading; Diet Coke; reading; anything country; cowboy boots and denim on my kiddos; pizza; throwing parties; baking; summer; good coffee; and, most of all, my family.

I hope you will rejoin us on our adventures!!

xoxo - j

Labor Day Weekend 2017

Well, Labor Day has come and gone.  That dreaded end-of-summer holiday that not only signals the closing of the pools for the season, but also the last day for white pants, shorts and skirts, as well as the retirement of linen.  Boo!!  Hiss!! But, before I get too ahead of myself I should share what was a pretty marvelous long weekend.

We kicked off our weekend trekking to Declo, Idaho to say good-bye to one of my favorite people, my Grandpa Fred...or as my kids call him Grandpa Fred 2.

Though our reason to get together wasn't the happiest, I am so glad I got to spend time with my sister and cousins.  Uncle Steve, Uncle Gene, Jason, Sara and Amanda all gave amazing words to an amazing man.

Let me tell you this grandpa never missed a single sports event that any of us could remember, we played many a card game of "Oh Hell", any excuse to BBQ was good enough for him, he had the most amazing garden, we played several games of backyard baseball...my kids spent one of his last days doing just that with him, he was always Santa Clause at Christmas, and in the end he gave the most selfless service to our sweet Grandma.  Thank you so much for the lifetime of memories, we will miss you.  Until we meet again...

xoxo

Virginia City

Last weekend we took the pipsqueaks for a step back in to the old west, Virginia City.  The 19th century mining town was once the largest city in Nevada, hitting it's peak of 25,000 residents, including the infamous Mark Twain!

The historic town is resplendent with old mines, haunted buildings and home of the V&T railroad.  This quaint little spot is only 45 minutes away from Reno.  I would say it is a very popular tourist destination, especially during the summer.

We strolled the wooden sidewalks taking in all the history and discussing which buildings could possibly be haunted.  We found ourselves waiting to board the V&T Railroad for a quick ride over to Gold Hill.

Since I was a child I have been intrigued by history, especially Nevada history.  I find myself drawn to these little ghost towns where my mind wanders to the people who used to live here.  What was it like for them, what drew them here?!  Hence why this Saturday outing was much anticipated and enjoyed

After our train ride, we explored the antique shops, ate lunch at a cute little ice cream parlor and ended our day with loads of candy from the Barrel 'O Candy store!  Just one of many great adventures for our 2017 summer!!

xoxo

A Bear Affair

Yesterday, Trevor and I had intended to pull off an afternoon at the splash park only to find out they are closed on Sundays!!  Epic Mom Fail!!  However, we were able to rebound and rally into a fun filled afternoon of excursions.

We started our afternoon of adventure with a trip to The Baked Bear for ice cream sandwiches!

After a harrowing trip to Target and a failed attempt at a quiet resting period we loaded up the stroller (with Daxton) and walked up to Bully's for dinner!!  Once we were there the boys discovered one of their favorite big kid friends and couldn't be happier to share their $10 worth of tokens with him  and play basketball all evening!!

Though it was not the original day planned I can't help but pat us on the back for coming up with an exciting and fun alternative.

xoxo

Closing Day

We spent Saturday at the baseball fields.  Carter played his second to last game against the Royals...why is Tball so long??   Ethan's team made it to the first round of playoffs against the 1st place A's before wrapping up their season.  We are so lucky both boys had great coaches, great parents and most of all great teammates.

Ethan loves playing pitcher just like his dad!  Both boys are great hitters, Carter is definitely ready to move up to Farm.

We rounded out the season last night with a pizza party, resplendent with lots of competitive arcade games, end of season game balls and amazing handmade coaches gift (I forgot to get a picture) made by Lana Gonzales - definitely check out her Etsy shop!

Ethan was all smiles when he was awarded one of the coveted end of season sportsmanship game balls!

Eight of the twelve 2017 AA Yankees!

It was such a fun season, the boys made it on the wall at JJ's Pie Co!  We're sure going to miss baseball over the summer!!

xoxo

A Fun and Fabulous Friday

As much as I love Fridays as much as the next person, sometimes that day is almost more overwhelming than a Monday.  Between getting all the pipsqueaks off to school, and wading through piles of paper on my desk hoping that I've squared everything away for the weekend to be ready to do it all again on Monday sometimes it feels like a whole day in just 1 short hour!!  Whew I'm tired just thinking about it!!

One of my favorite fun Friday traditions is taking Ethan to Starbucks.  It's our weekly treat, and I'm so excited that in just two short months Carter will be joining our Friday date!

Anyhoo...yesterday afternoon Trevor and Ethan were off at baseball practice preparing for our first playoff game against the A's so I picked up the littlest pipsqueaks.  I had planned to make a run to PetsMart with them since Fisher will be spending the next few days boarded while we are getting our fence fixed.  But those two had different plans, which included laying on their nap mats watching Alice in Wonderland until they all but dozed off at 7 pm.

So, while we may have had a less than jam packed Friday, we sure had fun and enjoyed just being mellow at home.  I think some of the best fantastically fun days are the days we have nothing to do at all!!

xoxo

The Wonderful Wizard of Oz

Part of closing out Mrs. H's second grade class is a presentation of Wizard of Oz.  I warn you this is going to be cuteness overload.  Here it goes...

Ethan played 'the great, the wise, the wonderful Wizard of Oz"!!  My favorite line was "how dare you disturb me from my wizardly wizardness!"

Not only did Mrs. H have all the kiddos draw and paint the scenery used throughout their show, but she also required after the final bow that they each say their first and last names and what part they played.  I'm so impressed with all the public speaking preparation she has taken the time to teach these sweet kiddos.

Next, we joined the class out on the C Hall patio for a small little celebration, complete with cupcakes and juice.  The littlest pipsqueaks were over the moon to have gotten out of school early to see their big brother in their fave show and also to get a cupcake to complete the trifecta!!

We grabbed the Wicked Witch of the West, Dorothy 1 and our favorite Wizard for a quick photo before they ran off to sign autographs and get their very own copy of the original Wizard of Oz book from Mrs. H.  I truly hope that Carter and Dax both have the privilege of having this amazing teacher when they hit second grade!!

Such a fun way to send second grade out and spend my afternoon with these wonderful friends!!  I'm truly lucky to have these ladies in my corner...can't wait to see if we get to spend third grade together next year!!

xoxo