the long road home

We pulled in to our driveway at 1am, already missing the beach and our family but glad to be home. On the way, we stopped at Buffalo Bill's in Primm to investigate the roller coaster again. We've done this a number of times, but this time Brenden was finally ready to do it. He was so nervous, but pressed forward and tackled the fear. We're so proud of him! Scott said the look on his face as they went down the 225 ft. drop was the look of death -- sheer terror. Afterwards he was laughing and so excited.

The parking lot of Buffalo Bills was on that particular day was the gathering place for desert racing vehicles preparing for an upcoming race. The boys had a great time looking at them. We drove away and about 15 minutes down the road Oliver bursts into tears since we didn't take any pictures him in front of the racing trucks. We tried to convince him it's no big deal and it was still cool to see them, but he was unconsolable. Scott, being the generous accomodating dad he is, actually turned around and went back, so we could take some pictures. This made Oliver's day! Dad of the year! In the process they were able to talk to one of the owners and actually sit in the truck. So of course, these pictures have to go on the blog!



When we got home we were greeted by a back yard with plants and grass! Very exciting. The sod is new and still settling in, and we will add some creeping climbers that should cover more of the rocks when the weather cools off a bit. We are also planning on splitting some of the perrenials from the front yard to put around the raised area. But key favorite features are: a fire pit, a large maple tree that should hopefully shade most of the deck (eventually), three Swedish aspen trees for Scott, a pink flowering dogwood tree right outside my kitchen window (reminiscent of the Kensington house from my childhood), a large sand box along the side of the house, a garden plot, climbing roses that should eventually cover the neighbor's 8 ft fence (due to be installed soon), and two new hose spickets. The boys are dying to get a slip & slide out there ASAP.