One-on-One Time with Grandma While the Big Kids Play in Vegas

We're slowly getting back into our regular routine around here. Kari had a fabulous time having Grandma Haugstad all to herself this past weekend. They found plenty to do and see particularly because the weather was so fantastic, 50 m.p.h. winds notwithstanding. Kari only tested Grandma on the first day, checking to see who was boss by yanking on her hair with a knowingly coy smile. Grandma was so caught off guard, and also knew what Kari was up to, she burst out laughing rather than scolding her. I wish we could have had pictures of that episode. Much of the time was spent conjuring up ways to build her bubble collection and being outside.

Kari continues to be a good eater. Lately she can't get enough broccoli. It's borderline funny how she'll leave the traditional kid-type food on her plate and ask for seconds or thirds on the little green trees-sans butter, cheese or any other flavor enhancer.
Meanwhile, Kevin and I headed straight out to our favorite vacation destination spot, Las Vegas where we, too, enjoyed pleasant weather. We counted our trips to Sin City have each reached double digits, so we needed to make this one different, special. We rented a car and for the first time left The Strip. We took a day trip to see Hoover Dam.


For those of you who have been there, it is nothing short of spectacular. If you've been there recently, you may have seen this new engineering feat under construction.
Eventually the dam will become a gigantic pedestrian bridge connecting Nevada and Arizona and all auto traffic will be diverted up to this bridge and a new 4 lane highway. We were equally impressed that Lake Mead was named after Dr. Elwood Mead, Bureau of Reclamation Commissioner from 1924 to 1936, and Purdue grad.

We also were able to celebrate Kevin's birthday and did so in fine style atop The Palms Hotel at the lovely Alize restaruant. I think I can speak for both of us when I say that French dining has resurrected itself after this experience.
The rental car also served a very useful purpose as we did some preliminary research on wedding chapels. Yes, that's right! Kecklers will be renewing their vows sometime in Summer 2010 to celebrate 10 years of marriage. We couldn't think of a better destination to celebrate this milestone. Stay tuned for more updates- all are invited, but be forewarned; this will be nothing short of a typical Vegas-style affair.

I scream, you scream, we all scream...

Kari and her favorite teacher, Miss Vicki

For ice cream! Kari's school had an ice cream social this afternoon. It was a great way to meet some of the other parents and talk to Kari's teachers. No one could have asked for more perfect weather for the event- 80 degrees and sun (and, of course, it wouldn't be Indiana without 30 mph winds.) Every day this week the kids got to dress up in a different theme, rounding out today with a Hawaiian/beach theme. Kari's best bud, Mati, was right by her side, like most days, while we were there. Miss Vicki often reports that Mati will help Kari put on her shoes, will be the first one to make sure she's okay if she falls down, and even recently was spied giving her a backrub during story time! We suppose this is okay behavior...for now. 14 years from now, watch out; I don't think Daddy will find it nearly as humorous.

Mati making sure Kari comes down the slide safely.

Grandma Haugstad is here this weekend to stay with Kari as we take a quick trip out to Vegas for a long weekend.

Welcome!

Well, we've spent a good 2+ years at our other site but thought it was time for a change. We figure we've got lots of other changes coming up and this would be a good time. As many of you know, #2 will be here later this summer, so we're preparing in as many ways as possible for, what will feel like, starting all over again.

We're still learning the ins and outs of Blogspot, so please be patient; I'm sure our svelte computer skills will eventually emerge here. In the meantime, allow me to attempt to at least post one picture...

Okay, so clearly I need to work on my layout skills. The first picture is from yesterday when we decided to play hookie from church and head to Cracker Barrel for breakfast. With our bellies stuffed with breakfast goodness, we then headed off to the bookstore to restock Kari's library.

The second picture is from Saturday when we participated, for the first time as a family, in a 5k walk on campus. We met up with many people we knew, Melissa and Ryan, one of my former pharmacy students, Lisa, and Kevin's cousin, Sara. It was a pleasant surprise to get to spend the morning with all of these fine folks.