Everybody needs a little R&R

If you didn't know, it's a scientific fact that everyone needs a little break from life and kids and routine...and this lucky girl and her sexy, hot hubby got just that. We are calling it our Anniversary since we didn't even get around to dinner on the real date last month. But let me tell you...it was sooooo worth the wait. No kids, or work, or dishes or cleaning..just 4 days of pure bliss and relaxation..and yes..yes you should be jealous ;)


We started with a little trip to the Stratosphere in Vegas..where this old lady rode the Big Shot and stayed up til 3 am...totally felt it the next day.

Then we hit the road to Cali..stopping in Primm to ride the Buffalo Bill roller coaster (I know... are we 12 or what?)

And if there is anything bigger than boys and baseball..I have yet to find it..(well I may have one clue :) but I'll just let you all guess what that is..and if your mind is in the gutter then you are headed in the right direction. But back on track with baseball..these 3 boys were giddy with excitement and worried that we weren't gonna make it to the game 3 hours early. Angels vs.Yankees

And other than the heat and the $6 drink Nate bought (#hehatesspendingmoney)..the game was a success.


                                                   We walked around the harbor

Took lots of pictures

                                             And I even got some hair extensions for the night...

And  you can't go to CA without a trip to the beach...and to Nicks restaurant (thanks to Scottie..a local who gave us the 411 on where to go and what beaches to hit up..)

can't believe I got a pose outta this one..#hemightdiewhenheseesiputthisontheblog

We ended with a walk along the pier and dinner with the best hamburger Nate has ever eaten.

And it was a bitter pill to swallow heading back to the real world..where I have to be a grown up again and take care of the 5 kiddos and pay bills and do laundry..but I tell ya..having these breaks from life which are too few and far between make the real life possible to endure..am I right? So here's to a fab trip with some great friends and lots of good laughs #biggestfakebuttweeversawinvegas  #ididn'tkillusdrivinginthecity #nastynastiesgoin'oninthecarnexttous #thosearesomelonghashtags #let'sdoitagain 

Campers R Us...

Listen y'all ...I may have been born and raised in a small town..surrounded by cowboys, farmers and hunters.. but none of these were ever a part of the life I lived. My dad never owned a gun..I think one of my brothers got a BB gun one time...we didn't own any farm land and all the animals we owned were hermit crabs, a cat and a couple dogs. Needless to say,  the extent of my camping experiences chalks up to girls camp where we stayed in cabins...you're disappointed aren't you...tsk..tsk..what a shame...

Behold..... she camps folks

 That's right..we packed up all our chillens and half the house and headed for the hills for some full on, real-life camping.

And it really wasn't that bad ;) Well except for the toilet situation..I mean with 5 girls just in our family..you can see where I am going with this right? My only request before we braved the rugged outdoors was that Nate figure out some sort of decent latrine..none of this squatting business.. I mean we girls don't have the luxury of easy peasy peeing or a straight pee stream either...we are talking shooting, sporadic pee spray and I only brought everyone so many pairs of pants. So my amazing husband jimmy-rigged a toilet, a hole and a privacy tent to boot! Bless his heart.

And while we are disclosing my not so great talents..let's add "riding mini-motorcycles" to the list.  I mean how hard could it be..4 wheels..2 wheels..what's the difference. Apparently a lot..especially when the throttle gets stuck and you have to bail the 3 year old on the front and tip it over in order not to run into the tent or parked car. Yep..not a born outdoors man here guys! But this Natie of mine..he's a stinkin pro at all things mother nature..it's just in his blood..poor guy..married a bonifide city slicker!

 I mean check out the inside of our tent..I know..I know..how can I even be complaining..it's practically the Hilton :)

 And these four-wheelers aka best nap inducer ever..best gem out there. Why hasn't someone invented a simulator for homes. cha-ching!

 Sophie became an ol' pro on this little bugger...taking everyone for rides like a seasoned veteran.

 Then came craft time..I thought I was a genius bringing along some paints..and it worked well for the most part...til Chloe's paintbrush found her eye..she is obviously gonna have to work on perfecting her eyeshadow application.

And besides the week of preparation and packing, loads of laundry afterwards, flat tire, Nate's melted boot and sock, kids covered in filth, lack luster fishing trip, flies swarming the latrine, a few kids and #2 mishaps, throttle stuck mini cycle, hole in airbed..it was a pretty great trip. I think we may make this an annual trip..cuz once a year may be all this small town girl who likes her modern amenities can handle ;)