Much needed update!

We moved to Las Vegas in August and had to quickly adjust to the heat.  We were very blessed to find a home that fit our needs perfectly and have absolutely no complaints about it.  Trent started his residency program as soon as we arrived and we discovered we were going to have another rough year but were grateful it is only one.  He is learning a lot and we love being part of the Air Force.  The boys love Las Vegas although they miss their yard in Ohio.  We haven't missed Ohio until fall came around and we thought about the fresh doughnuts and apple cider at Patterson Farms.  And the leaves.  Nothing can replace fall in Ohio.

This is a picture of almost all of the residents kids.  They get along perfectly and have no complaints about the usual weekend party.

Raef started half day kindegarten at a prototype school a block away and loves it.  His teacher is amazing and the school is beautiful.  Everything is green and solar powered.  Very cool.  I asked Raef if he liked his teacher and he said, "yeah, she's young like you mom and she is pretty.  She always has different earrings on.  Everyday they are different.  I like that."  He works hard though and has about 40 minutes of homework every night.  He is learning how to read and write and doing really well.  We try not to laugh at him as he sounds out the words.  His new favorite word to read is "but." 

We met some great friends here right away and our kids adore each other.  Ryan calls Emily his princess and he insists on wearing knight costumes and gear anytime he will see her and asks her to wear her crown.  It's very cute.  We went to the medieval knight show and dinner at Excalibur on the weekend and took turns watching the little ones so we could each enjoy a free night at a nicer hotel and dinner.  The kids loved staying in the castle and love, love, love the knight show.

We thought this picture was so cute.  They watched a movie and then stayed up for awhile staring out at the lights and the rollercoaster.  They talked and giggled for a half hour before we made them get some sleep.

We quickly discoverd Mt. Charleston and the surrounding area to try and escape the summer heat.  It was warm but so refreshing to smell pine trees and have a cool breeze.  We hiked awhile and had a picnic. 

Ryan started gymnastics and couldn't be more excited to go each week.  He does very well because he somehow has some decent arm muscles.  And it helps that he is half monkey too.  He also started ninja class and loves it. 

Raef decided to give tae kwon do another try this year and is liking it much better.  He stands next to this little kid in the picture who seems like he could be teaching the class and they do great together, staying out of trouble.  He is very serious and I try not to laugh as he snap kicks and almost gives himself whiplash every time.