An Ardvark? Maybe an Anteater?

Don't you just love it when one of these shows up on your camera? I can't tell you who it is but I'm pretty sure the other one took the picture.

Tipping

It is a real source of anxiety for me. It seems everyone deserves a tip and I never know what is the appropriate amount. Here is a list of tipping opportunities that come to mind:

Carpet layers

Carpet cleaners

House cleaner

Piano deliverers

Movers

Valet

Bar (just ordered a water or Diet Pepsi)

Dinner

Haircut and color

Bell boy at the hotel

Personal shopper (just kidding)

Guy that comes to your house to hook up the cable

I don't want to be cheap, but I get tired of tipping! And what gives me the anxiety is not knowing what they EXPECT. Eric's opinion is that they have to earn the tip and he will reward them based on their service, or not. Is this common? I know in the restaurant industry it's 15 - 20%. Is that standard in all service industries?

Years ago I tipped the movers $35 (each) and they were mad. Obviously I was way off on what they expected. I need a little direction.

Piano Concert

Eric came home from work with a $150 ticket (free to us) to a Spring Concert Gala at the Via Tivoli (home of the Ebay owner) located here in Henderon. It was a fancy recital featuring piano students aged 6 - 13 with extraordinary talent. Also performing was Alphin Hong - a Julliard graduate specializing in the piano - probably the best piano player I've ever listened to in person. And while he played Rhapsody in Blue, Arbe (a french artist) painted a picture of what I assume to be Beethoven. It was a once in a life time experience that Kennedy and I didn't really want to go to at first. Valet parking was mandatory, hors d'oirvs were served, there was an open bar, and lots of botox! Stuffy in the beginning but when we settled in, a night to remember. Eric's co-worker gave the ticket to him as his wife is the piano teacher to the recital students. The kind of teacher that can charge hundreds each month.

Every piano player had their own piano.

Above is Alphin Hong. He played Nocturne with only his left hand and you would've thought he was playing with two hands. Kennedy was in awe.

Arbe with his canvas in the beginning. He painted most of it upside down, throwing paint and spreading it all around to create his masterpiece. He painted it in about 10 minutes. Totally amazing!

The finished master piece.

And...because Kennedy worked so hard in school and has been patient playing on a keyboard all these years, we rewarded her with a piano. We purchased it through UNLV and Family Music Centers so it's already seen a little wear and tear but we like to buy things that way - worked in. That way when a ball comes flying at it, it's not the first ding. Kennedy was thrilled and sat right down to play her recital piece - Cannon in D. She's practicing as I'm typing this too. I love to hear her play.

Go Karts

These go karts were given to us by the Hannum's back in December. One of them worked but barely. The other had seen better days. Eric and the kids came up with grand plans to fix them up, making them like new. As with all projects, the beginning started with a bang but as time went on, they became more expensive and time consuming. Our friend, Chris Bodily, was determined to get them working before he moved to Texas in March. He helped to accomplish the goal.

Eric and Brad Beckstead took the kids out to Boulder City about a month ago and took them for a spin. When the engines were first installed, they went about 40 miles an hour. I put the kibosh on that! There was no way the boys were going to be let loose at that speed. Some how the engine was tamed down to a speed I could live with.

They had such a great time! They picked up a pizza and drinks and went crazy. Brad captured the outing and posted these pictures on his blog but for some reason I couldn't get them to normal size. Just click to enlarge.

I went out with them a couple weeks ago and took the go karts for a spin. Very jerky ride with lots of bugs. It reminded me of riding a motorcycle on the farm with bugs flying into my mouth. I really must be a "kept woman" because that one outing was enough for me. Eric enjoys taking the kids so I will let it be their special time together.

Preschool Graduation

Miss Marsha's Mini School held their annual graduation program Tuesday and it didn't disappoint. The kids learn fun songs throughout the year and perform them like pros. I was worried Boston wouldn't do his part because Sunday he wouldn't give his talk but he was right at home on stage.

He made a great sunshine although this was his expression most of the time. I think he was a little nervous.

This is one of his teachers, Miss Sandy. He has grown so much this year (outside of his size). He is ready for kindergarten although he isn't officially going until 2011. I'm not sure how I'm going to keep that a secret from him because he doesn't miss a beat, but with his birthday being September 20, it's just best.

Last year his posed with his friend, Eva too. She is such an adorable little girl and we really like her parents so you never know...

Boston also has his final t-ball game this Saturday. He's ready for coach pitch and the big leagues. He loves to take his hat off on the field and shake his hair. Seriously, his hair is famous with the parents. The school he is going to in the fall doesn't allow hair past the ears and I am thinking maybe he can't go there? We'll see what we can get away with.

He is growing up way too fast. He has no desire to be babied and can keep up with the big boys. Time to move into a different season.

Mother's Day

The kids showered me with handmade cards and gifts. I decided to take a picture of them and post them on my blog so that I will always have a memory of them. This is my way of simplifying space (if you know what I mean).

This Mother's Day I requested no breakfast in bed, no flowers - just to sleep in. My wish was granted. Eric had to go to work but Kennedy kept the boys at bay. I could hear her trying to be the mom and I just had to laugh listening to her. I'm sure it's exactly how I sound - a little up tight. I got up at 9:30 and the kids came in my room with toast and strawberries. The boys were all dressed for church and Kennedy was ready as well. What a treat to only have to get myself ready!

Church was great with a little chocolate gift and a special Relief Society lesson. It reminded me of how lucky I am to be a mom.

We brought a few friends home from church and I think they were ready to have a nervous break down for me. The kids were being so loud and not listening to me. For some reason after church, they are all hyped up. Kennedy informed me that Leighton was spitting on the window and playing tick-tack-toe in it. My friend and her mom were very amused. I just shook my head. Never a dull moment.

Eric came home from work and made the most delicious New York steak, baked mashed potatoes, salad, corn, bread, and peach cobbler meal I've ever had. I'm not exaggerating. His skills in the kitchen are a definite asset.

It was a great day. I'm glad Mother's Day is set aside to justify being pampered and to not feel guilty for doing nothing.

5th Grade Sea World Trip

Kennedy was so excited to go on this overnight excursion. She had every minute mapped and planned out. Once she got there, she through the plans out of the window and just went with the flow.

Two buses drove 79 kids and teachers and chaperons the 5 hours to San Diego and I was anticipating lots of noise. On the contrary, the kids were very well behaved and kept the noise to a minimum (although the noise level I am used to is high). I read a book the whole time.

At 5 pm, the campers were dropped off for a night of education and fun. They were able to sleep in the shark encounter. A few of us parents opted to stay at a hotel and boy was I glad. We went out to dinner and had a solid night sleep in a bed, not on the concrete, plus a shower in the morning.
Kennedy and Grace were able to sit near each other on the bus and be in the same group.
The penguins were a favorite. They had some outside and inside.

Above is Nikki and George. Nikki and I were roommates and also mistaken for sisters. We stayed up late talking into the evening, solving the world's problems.

Grace feeding the sea lions.

Kennedy feeding the sea lions.

Our group - Mrs. Au, Grace, Kennedy, Kelsea, Reema, Akeely, and me. Mrs. Au planned the whole trip and did an amazing job. It was more than she bargained for.

Kennedy touching the sea anemone and star fish.

Riding Atlantis ride for the third time. We just stayed on because there were NO lines. It was bliss having no one in the park except us.

A wahlrus upside down. It's amazing how close we really get to these animals.

A polar bear

The beloved Shamu. Unfortunately the show is not what is used to be because the trainers can't get in the water with the animals but they did their best to make it touchy feely.

I'm pretty sure the kids had a great time and will always remember it. Especially the bus ride home when one of the kids started puking and caused a trickle effect. Luckily, Kennedy and I weren't on that bus. Oh good times.

Career Day

In case you're wondering, Leighton is a Boy Scout leader, Grace is a Pediatrician, Kennedy is an Attorney, and Jackson is a Football player. Kennedy was all over that brief case at a garage sale a couple weeks ago as she was planning her career day outfit. She really is an attorney in the making. Leighton was going to be a police officer but decided last minute that his scout shirt made a better scout leader than policeman. Jackson didn't even think about what he was going to be. He had better things to do like play video games which I guess is what he really does "for a living" (so he told Rylee when she was taking him home from scouts one evening). We are aiming high at our house!

I couldn't resist a shot as they got out of the van to go to school. Kennedy panicked a bit when she saw that no one else had gone to the extent that she had. But when I picked her up at the end of the day, she was still wearing the heels with no complaints. A girl after my own heart! Fashion over comfort.