Family. . . . . . .

A happy family is but an earlier heaven.
-- John Bowring

So far our family has lived in Las Vegas for one month and I have to tell you, WE LOVE IT!! Now don’t get me wrong, I am sure I will have my moments where I don’t love it so much, but moving here has made such a wonderful impact on my children and my relationship with Tyson . Just having my husband home every night to cuddle up to and to be there to hold me if I have a bad dream and to play catch with Kai and to console Ashtyn when she is sad, (not to mention me and Kai) has just been such a joy to see happen right before our eyes. I would never dream of going back to life before this move. Which consisted of Tyson leaving for Las Vegas every Sunday morning at 4 a.m. and stay in Vegas for three and four days at a time just to come home to his family (2 hour drive each way, twice a week) and be exhausted from working so much and driving so much. By the time he would get home, we were all anxious to see him and attack him when he got home and all he wanted to do and needed to do was rest. I was pretty much a single mother for half of the week without friends or family to support us. ( I have a new found respect for single mothers) My kids were also very lonely, it was so hard for them to make friends in St. George.

NOW, it’s so completely different, one of those changes in life that bring you the things that a lot of us take for granted. We have the luxury of living very close to Tyson’s co-workers that have become very good friends to us and they have young kids Kai’s and Ashtyn’s age and they all became quick friends, and so begins the endless cycle of birthday parties!! To Which we enjoy thoroughly. I love to see the smiles on my childrens’ faces to have friends to play with and so much to do here. I also wanted to say publicly on this blog how much I truly adore and unconditionally love m husband, Tyson. Every day he amazes me at his commitment to his family. He truly is a family man and is not afraid to show it. He loves his kids and is wonderful to them and is the most loving, loyal, self-less, supportive and beautiful human being I have ever known. I am a very lucky woman to have Tyson and my kids, Kai & Ashtyn in my life and I cherish and value ever second.

Fun at butterfly park!

These pics were taken a few days ago, I took the kids to butterfly park before Kai had to get to school. It was a beautiful day and the park wasn't too crowded. I met a group of Army wives there also that take their kids every Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday since these mornings are the best and least crowded. I made quick friends with them and am looking forward to meeting with them during the first of the week. Here are the cute pics, Kai and Ash had a BLAST!!

Kai is 6 years old!!

Yesterday was a BIG day in the Schrader family!! Kai turned 6!! It seems so insignificant, but of course not for our family!! Kai started school a few weeks ago and I remember dropping him off at the gate in front of the kindergarten yard. There were about 20+ other parents there dropping their kids off also. I gave Kai a kiss and told him to have a good day. He ran up to the gate and before going inside, he turned around and said,
" I Love you mom, are you going to be okay without me for a few hours?" and with tears in my eyes, I said, "yes, Kai, but I'll miss ya."
With that Kai came back and gave me and Ashtyn a big hug and kiss (in front of all these other parents) and ran back into the gate.
My heart literally melted and I immediatley got into the truck with Ash and cried. It was so bittersweet. I was so proud of Kai for starting school, also scared for him and also so full of joy that he was more than happy to show how much he loves his family in front of all those parents. (I know that might change as he gets older)
I called Tyson and told him how sweet it was and I feel like life goes by so fast, we need to cherish every second we have with each other.
Kai's first day of school