Viva Las Vegas!

I took the girls to Las Vegas. It kind of happened on a whim. I was looking at ticket prices and they were pretty low to go to Vegas. It ended up being super expensive so no vacations for a minute. We flew out on a Saturday afternoon. The wind was bad everywhere so our flight was delayed and we had to take the tram to a different terminal. I had brought a bunch of activities for Ruby so we played cards while waiting for our flight. 

We finally got to the hotel and there's smoking! Inside! That's insane, there's kids all around. All gamblers need is access to booze and somewhere to dispose of their money!

The first night we walked over to New York New York and got Mexican food. We went up to the room after that because we had to be up early the next day to go to the Grand Canyon. 

The TV wasn't set up for streaming, it was just cable, so we just had to channel surf to find something to watch. Maggie said, what kind of TV is this? 

She heard me tell that story and told me she was just asking what you call that kind of TV (like we refer to streaming) but, as I told her, that's way less funny.

More pictures from Ruby's field trip.

Millie and Buddy

From our flight:

Eating dinner

Ruby wanted gelato

Winter 2025

 The bottom of my heel started hurting. It took me a few hours and I remembered I felt that before and it's plantar fasciitis. I'm sure that's due to walking more. I immediately switched to new shoes and thought I'd try foam rollers. They fix everything! And! They did. Foam rolling is magic!

Ruby's been worried about death lately. She's worried about me dying and her dying someday. I try to just be supportive but clear: everything that lives will die. I tell her I don't know where we go or what happens, but I hope there's the "other side" where we'll be reunited. 

I remember the exact moment it occurred to Maggie. Me and Maggie and Grandmo were playing a board game and Maggie looked up and said, Mommy, are you going to die someday? Grandmo immediately blurted out, no! and I laughed. I told her yes, I'll die someday but no time soon.

Ruby went to Connor's birthday party.

My handsome Buddy boy

Maggie, Paige, and Ruby went to the movies. There's another girl there too but I can't remember her name. 

Maggie helped run the talent show and took pictures with some of the acts.

Dad/Grandpa as a little guy. He thinks he looks like Ruby. I think he looks like me.

Group birthday (Maureen--June 10, Gwen--June 11, me--June 14) from a long time ago.

Me and Ruby reading this big beautiful book Aunt Gwen got her for Christmas. It's a photographer who is focusing on conservation. Ruby loves it.

Still looking handsome.

Ruby's room. Mrs. Schmidt (her second grade teacher) gave her that drawing at the end of last school year.

Zilla's got funny ears and a giant head. She's a good girl. We call her the sheriff because she barks at the other dogs if she's decided they are doing something they aren't supposed to. And, honestly, she's often right. 

Look at teeny Chiara and huge Zilla.

I love this fat, stinky, stupid dog so much!!!

I seriously doubt it was cold enough for that much clothing.

Ruby did my make-up again.

Poor Chiara. Honey won't be denied her spot.

Ruby took a field trip to the Natatorium.