… and then some! After returning home from our annual Lodge vacation and cleaning up all that chlorinated laundry we brought back in our suitcases, the Catholic Family and I were absolutely thrilled about celebrating Independence Day WITHOUT our rude and obnoxious neighbors. That’s right - THEY ARE NOW GONE! It’s like the Dad Dude gave his wife and kids the boot, leaving us to enjoy our little family fireworks display in peace. Because really, we’ve had enough of all those teens partying it up on the Fourth by aiming roman candles, bottle rockets and other illegal fireworks at neighborhood homes and/or vehicles in our area. Enough.

So just sit back enjoy this flashback of our Great Wolf escape as I revel in our 4th of July family fun.

Who says God doesn’t answer prayers?
Thanks, Big Guy.

It’s just a tad bit windy but perfectly nice otherwise at the Lodge today, which is why I was able to capture a teensy video from my poolside perch. Look & listen closely to this clip and you’ll see my favorite Jamaican Jammer playing a funky tune from behind that water umbrella:

Summer just doesn’t get much better than this! Ok minus the wind, of course.

Last week, the Catholic Family and I trekked ourselves to Las Vegas, Nevada and had the time of our lives. The reason? To get together with extended family while enjoying the sites in a fun new location outside of our usual digs. And after all was said and done, I must say that we accomplished that goal to the fullest, leaving me to blog about our favorite events of the week in Vegas listed by each of us individually:

ITCM (me): By far, the biggest WOWEE! moment for me happened when we stepped into the Forum Shops in Caesars Palace and witnessed the sky ceiling. Amazing. Given more time, I could’ve wandered through that place all day (and night) long. The fountains, sculptures and shops actually made my heart skip a beat as I walked around in complete awe. Next time, if there ever is one, I’ll be sure to add more time to my personal agenda dedicated to the Forum.

CS (Catholic Son): Never had we seen CS light up as much as he did when we found the Shark Reef at Mandalay Bay. Up until that point in our vacation, we thought Vegas was completely lost on CS, then we entered the elaborate aquarium where we viewed rare and exciting sea creatures never to be seen before. All wide-eyed, CS looked at us and said, “I’m really having fun now!” His comment was made even before purchasing a stuffed shark at the gift shop, so you know he was being sincere about it.

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Unlike computer technology, gaming systems in our house aren’t always state-of-the-art, yet we do eventually hop on the bandwagon and venture out to buy the latest craze. This time all the rage is the Nintendo Wii. After the CK’s spent many a play date testing out this game system at friend’s homes, finally I caved and promised to buy one by the end of the school year, mostly as a way of congratulating them on their hard work and dedication throughout the year. So now the time has come, and I’m scrambling around like a headless chicken in search of a Wii. No problem, right?

Wrong. Check out my progress so far:
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