Sunday, May 30, 2010

Final Dance Review

Samantha had her final dance performance of the year last week. She absolutely loves to dance. She performs so well and seems to remember every step. She enjoys being in the spotlight (surprise, surprise) and she did an amazing job. The boys even commented that she remembered all of the steps and actions. She must have been pretty good for them to pick up on it!





Thursday, May 20, 2010

Wax Museum

Austin's 5th grade class participated in a wax museum. They had to pick a historical person, write a report, dress the part and then be able to perform an oral speech. Austin picked Albert Einstein of course. He wrote the report entirely by himself and dressed the part very well.



Wednesday, May 19, 2010

Dance Performance

Sami and her little dance class had a performance at a local adult day care center. The people there were so excited to see these little girls come and perform for them. They all laughed and cheered for the dancers. Sami loves to dance and does such a good job.



Saturday, May 15, 2010

Hot Pot Hike

Matt wanted to go hike to some hot pots that he has heard about, so last Saturday we decided to go. Needless to say we did not make it all the way to the hot springs. The little legs that we had with us gave out after about an hour. We hiked as far as we could and the boys climbed a few rocks. I am starting to appreciate the desert and the "beauty" that it holds. Maybe I can say that now that we are close to moving from here! The kids all love to be outside and hiking is something that we all enjoy. Hopefully the next time we go we will be in some actual trees and mountains!







Preschool Graduation

Sami graduated from the ABC Etc. Pre-school this past week. She woke up on graduation day, ran into our room and said, "Today I am a graduate, just like Dad!" She has loved going to school. She loves to learn and loves to have something to keep her busy. She is very social and has made some great friends. She has been with Jack Parker and Mason Heiselbetz for the past two years. They are the sweetest boys and the all play really well together. I will miss listening to their conversations in the back of the car on the way to and from school. Sami is all ready asking when her Kindergarten is going to start. Hopefully she keeps this enthusiasm about school for a while!





Sami, Mason Heiselbetz and Jack Parker

Thursday, May 13, 2010

Gate Play

This year in Austin's GATE class instead of doing a museum, they decided to do a play. Austin's teacher wrote it and it turned out great. It was on the life of Albert Einstein, who happens to be one of Austin's favorite people ever. Austin was chosen to be in charge of the music and sound board. He is not one for being in the spotlight, so this worked out perfect for him. The play was cute and Austin did a great job. He loves his GATE class and Ms. Zillis is an amazing teacher.



Saturday, May 8, 2010

Lion King

While the grandmas were in town for Matt's graduation, I decided to take Sami to see the " Lion King" for her 5th birthday. She was so excited to go on a girls night and get to see a real play. Grandma Mary ended up heading home early, so at the last minute Ava got to join us. She did pretty good and enjoyed the play (except for the hyena parts.) Sami sat wide-eyed the entire time. When it was over she stood up and said, "That. Was. Awesome!" She is now hooked on musicals and keeps asking when we are going to see another one!


Friday, May 7, 2010

UNLV Dental School Graduation

After four long years, endless late nights, countless missed family activities, and at times what seemed like single parenthood; dental school is at last over. It is filled with a wide range of emotions that we end this journey and embark on a new and somewhat unknown path. For that last four years we have been told what to do and how to do it. We have had a very set and specific schedule. All though stressful it was all very simple. We knew had much money we had, (or didn't have), how long it needed to last, when we would have a break or a vacation, and when things get more stressful (finals, boards, etc.) Worries such as the economy and job loss had little effect on our thoughts. Now "real" life is staring us straight in the face. We leave the so called easiness of school and now need to figure out what to do with the rest of our lives. Our lives will forever be referred to as before Dental School and after.


We were lucky enough to have a lot of our family travel down to Las Vegas to be with us. It is always amazing to feel the love and support that our little family receives from those who love us. We had a great lunch together before heading over to UNLV for the graduation ceremony. Matt has never been into the pomp and circumstance that comes with ceremonies, he would rather just pick up his diploma and be done with it. I explained that this is more than his graduation, it is a family graduation. He may not want to participate in the ceremony, but the rest of us wanted to celebrate his accomplishment.


I could not help but become emotional during the ceremony. Sitting there thinking about what has happened over the past few years it was surreal to realize that it was really all over. I was overwhelmed with pride and a sense of accomplishment for Matt. There have been many times when he has sacrificed his time, vacations, and his attendance at many of the kids' activities. It finally hit me that our "plan C" had worked out and we made it through.


Way to go Matt! We are all very proud of you!









Thursday, May 6, 2010

UNLV School of Dental Medicine Senior Gala

Tonight we had Matts Senior Gala at the Red Rock Casino. It was a great time to be able to spend time with our friends and the people who have become part of our family over the past four years. We had a fabulous dinner followed by an awards ceremony. Matt was awarded two Leadership Awards for his service to UNLV and the Dental School. After four long years it is strange to think that this may be the last time in a long time, that we will see each other. This is a crazy time in that we are excited to move on with things, but in doing this I know that we will leave behind people that have become very dear to us.

The "twins" in their matching suits Suzanne and Danielle Jason and Suzanne Vaira
Jason Vaira, Matt and Jared Baurle

Gina Salatino, Keith Benson, Matt, Jason Vaira and Jacob Dunn

Jared Baurle, Steve Wolfington, Ben Snydergaard, Jason Vaira, Matt, Jeremy Cox and Jason Brady

Matt, Sarah Fabozzi and Jason Vaira

Birthday Fun

With Matt and Sami's birthdays just a day apart, there always seems to be a joint party. We had a Dental School Gala on the night of Sami's birthday so we combined with Matt's and celebrated both on May 5th.

Sami wanted to go to the "Pit Stop" for dinner. This is our favorite "mom and pop shop" in Boulder City.


After dinner we celebrated with pie (for Matt) and cake (store bought due to our broken oven!).


Sami was able to hold off and wait for gifts until the next morning on her actual birthday. Between two birthdays and graduation, we had a week full of parties!