Week in the Life: Days 5, 6 & 7 (plus a few more)

Friday morning AH and I got Mr. B off to school, finished packing, dropped Beeb off at my wonderful neighbors and headed to the airport (AH had packed the camera away, thus no pictures). We had a quick flight to Las Vegas with some turbulence at the end that had everyone clapping once we landed safely. AH's good friend Jason and his wife, Wendy, picked us up and we headed off to kayak the Colorado River.

We arrived at Willow Beach a couple of hours before sunset and got busy putting the boats together and loading our gear in and on the boats.









We set up a temporary camp the first night and then headed out early Saturday morning "before the wind picks up" (Jason's theme of the trip). We paddled up river for about 6 miles, the last mile against a strong current, to our main bases camp. Up the canyon of our campsite was a wonderful hot spring waterfall and pool. It was private and wonderful!









Saturday afternoon we went across the river and explored some other canyons and hot springs. That evening we enjoyed a nice dinner and played some card games. We were all very tired and slept soundly that night.















Sunday morning we headed out early again with our goal being to make it up to Hoover Dam. We stopped a few times to check out little side canyons and hot springs as well as warm waterfalls along the way.











We stopped at the "sauna" caves. Words can't describe the heat and humidity as you make your way to the end of the tunnel/cave. I did make it to the end but I didn't stay long!





We made our way up several slot canyons, all having many hot spring pools to enjoy.







The water in this pool was a toasty 110 degrees. Jason said it felt fine so long as you didn't move.






On Monday we decided to head out so we spent a leisurely morning enjoying the last bits of hot springs and then packed up. We took our time floating down the river, exploring more little coves and canyons. At one point we lashed our kayaks together and played some dice games. It was very relaxing.










We ended up in a sweet $60 per night room at the Rio just off the strip in Vegas. We enjoyed their seafood buffet and literally ate ourselves sick. It was nice to have a shower and good seafood - a great way to end our trip.





This was a great way to end my "Week in the Life" series. I am glad to be caught up!

Week in the Life: Day 4

We were on the road early today. The kiddo's have early morning swim lessons and LOVE it. I enjoy sitting in the very warm pool area reading my book or magazines.
I had a lot of packing/trip preparations to get done (of which I made but a small dent). I met with my monthly Healthy Eating group where we discussed the documentary, Food, Inc. and enjoyed tasty treats. I made a quick stop at the grocery store to get a few items I forgot the previous day and had to stop by REI to get biodegradable soap and peruse the bargain bins.




I got the entire house cleaned! My office was immaculate. It felt so good to have everything in order; I only wished it happened more often. As usual Mr. T came over to play with Mr. B. They are currently "thick as thieves" at home and at school - getting them into some trouble at times.



I spent the evening (a wonderfully sunny evening) photographing a beautiful young lady (senior pictures). It was such a great way to end a very productive day.

Week in the Life: Day 3

Poor Beeb hates Wednesday's because it is my "errand" day when I hit the town and get all my stuff done that requires driving. We usually leave as soon as Mr. B heads to school and then are done just in time for me to drop Beeb off at the school front steps where she books it to class.

On this particular Wednesday we did a little grocery shopping at Fred Meyer. I love that Beeb likes to be helpful and push the cart for me. She's still working on her steering skills and she gets better each time (she didn't hit me or any other carts). I treated her to lunch since I knew we wouldn't make it home in time.



We also did a quick trip to Costco and I left with only a 1/3 of the bag full. Now that's impressive! They must not have had anything good that day, my self control just isn't that strong in that store. Beeb hit the ground running when I got her to school.



The rest of the day was picture free. I had a little nap, delivered photos to a client and did my visiting teaching. When I got home I dropped into bed!

Week in the Life: Day 2

Two of my most favorite things include reading and baths (I usually have 2 baths per day). I am currently reading "Book of a Thousand Days" and loving it. Beeb had art lessons this morning and came home with her usual master piece. The girl has serious talent. She is always great about clearing her dishes from the table after she eats and then we had some sock/foot wars.


Once Beeb was off to school it was time for me to get some serious computer work done (okay, I play games while I am editing - seriously!) Beeb's stuffed rabbit set up camp by the front door awaiting her return (so sweet!). My two very favorite magazines both came in the mail TODAY (that's never happened before) which always makes me happy. No matter how healthy I try to eat there is one food I'll never give up - Mac & Cheese. I can't recall a time in my life when I didn't devour this tasty processed junk and I still love it to this day.


I love meeting the school bus in the afternoon. I love having the kiddo's home and hearing about their day. I miss them so much - why does school have to be so many hours each day? You know who else misses the kids? Zane and Lucy, our neighbors dogs. If I could adopt Zane (he has the white face) I totally would, it would be worth the fight with AH. The kids love Lucy, she's their favorite. Really it's the best way to have pets - let the neighbors have them and you just play with them when you want (sort of like grandkids).


Tonight I made a yummy Chicken with Mushrooms and Artichokes dinner in my NEW dutch oven that AH bought for me last week (for no particular reason - love those kinds of gifts!). It turned out yummy and we even had our neighbors over to enjoy it before we headed to the school for the 1st grade musical concert. Mr. B did great. He got to stand on the highest riser was super wiggly and goofy and I loved watching him perform (he loved it too!).

A Week in the Life . . .

My neighbor and great friend, Christine, has persuaded me to participate in a "Week in the Life" picture/scrapbook challenge. Today being day 1 here is my first post NOT actually scrapbooked but rather "blogged" because I'll never actually have time to scrapbook it (at least not this year. . . or next if I am being realistic).


The Story of Monday~

I woke up with no intentions of serious productivity toward my mile long list of things to get done before AH and I head out on our vacation this weekend. I got Mr. B off to school in shorts as we celebrate the fabulously warm weather. I even packed him a super healthy lunch with a surprise treat of a chocolate candy egg and Hershey's kiss.

Beeb and I headed out mid-morning and met up with my visiting teaching partner. We visited with Alison (who, much to Beeb's delight, has alpacas) and then Rachel and her daughter Jennifer (who, much to Beeb's delight, has a very friendly cat). Then Beeb and I proceeded on to the bank and a quick trip to the library before I dropped her off at school.

For the early afternoon I found myself at PCC to pick up some fresh fruit and a few items for dinner. I ran into my friend Melanie in the produce department. I adore Melanie and the more I get to know her the more I like her. We chatted it up for a good 30 minutes before we both had to get on with our shopping. I hope to catch up with her this summer and do some day hikes with our kids.

The drive home ended in satisfaction and perplexity as I had a near miss accident on the interstate when a woman, talking on her cell phone and driving 90+, was weaving in and out of traffic and nearly hit me as we both made a lane change at the same time/place. Lucky for me she took my exit and I was able to record her license number. Angry as I was by her reckless attitude I couldn't bring myself to report her UNTIL she started passing cars illegally (double yellow line) on the narrow winding road between the interstate and my home. It felt good confirming to the 911 operator the car make/model that he brought up after I gave him the license number. In the end I felt perplexed about how to handle this situation come June, when talking on your cell phone while driving becomes a primary offence. Will I get a ticket for calling in this type of situation while I am driving? Hmmm, food for thought.

Apparently this little incident got my adrenaline pumping because now I found myself with great ambition and proceeded to clean all 3 of our bathrooms, sort and clean the cupboard beneath my bathroom vanity (including the drawers), make a fun after school snack for the kids, sew a pillow for Mr. B's bear, bake banana bread, bathed the kiddo's and put them to bed (giving AH the night off to tinker in the garage) AND do this entry.



I leave with a list of what is currently on my iPod (that I am currently listening to):
Then - Brad Paisley
Bad Romance - Lady Gaga
Golden Years - David Bowie
Me and Mrs. Jones - Michael Buble
Short Skirt/Long Jacket - Cake
Son of a Preacher Man - Dusty Springfield
Tiny Dancer - Elton John
The Distance - Cake
So What - Pink
Please Don't Leave Me - Pink
The Climb - Miley Cyrus
Maybe - Ingrid Michaelson
Long Black Train - Josh Turner
Waking Up in Vegas - Katy Perry
Cowboy Casanova - Carrie Underwood
Wouldn't It Be Good - Danny Hutton Hitters
State of Love and Trust - Pearl Jam
Mercy - Duffy
I've Got That Thing - Catherine Russell
I Can Talk - Two Door Cinema Club
Supermassive Black Hole - Muse
Never Think - Rob Pattinson
Clair de Lune - The APM Orchestra
Better Man - Pear Jam

Sigh....... I mean Si

AH and I were very productive today with my attending a baby shower in the morning, and AH readying our garden area and we both (okay, mostly AH, but I did help in the end) building our raised bed garden boxes. We capped off the day with a family and friends hike up Little Si.

Let me say that friends are a great motivator but unfortunately friends don't make us in shape. Poor Mr. B learned that lesson today as he tried to keep up with his buddy but was plagued with side aches. Fantastically he made it to the top and I applaud his efforts. It is quite a feat in and of itself to endure and complete such a physical task when your entire body wants nothing more than to stop. I am very very proud of him and his enduring and finding triumph in reaching this goal. AH also deserves huge kudos as he prodded the boy along the entire way and was patient and kind and never let Mr. B give up.

Beeb had her little friend "S" to motivate her and neither of them ever seemed to run out of energy. They literally ran up the trail/mountain and then ran back down it. I am so not exaggerating. Beeb is going to be her fathers daughter in this area. I look forward to our summer backpack trips with her.



Beeb did hike up and down the mountain wearing that head piece and butterfly wings. Miss "S" hiked the mountain in her skirt and boots. Ladies it is always important to be fashionable no matter the destination.





Mr. B found this cool cave to explore.









We had to wait a while at the bottom for the "boys" so the girls picked flowers galore and Beeb made some wishes. Thankfully we left all the flowers there for the other hikers to enjoy.