I am going to borrow this blog idea from another mommy (thanks Michelle!), and share with everyone what was in my kiddo's backpack yesterday. I don't usually get a good look into what he brings home, however Jake mentioned muddy shoes and I needed to take a peak. There were 3 letters from girls! in his class, a birthday invitation, crumpled up homework, gross shoes and socks, and some doodles from classmates. Hidden in the front pocket were two little rocks that he brought home for his rock garden. I love this picture and I'm sure he'll laugh about it when he's older and gets to look back! I'm thankful for... Co-op Kindergarten!

A few weeks back I won tickets to the Backstreet Boys concert for this past Saturday night. I'd seen New Kids on the Block and Justin Timberlake so I figured *shrug* why not complete the set? My tickets were general admission on the floor and although free, they made me work for it! Holy cow the lines, the pushing, the screaming OMG the concert didn't even start for another hour! Once we were corralled in and in our spot!, the people watching began! There was a 62 year old grandma a few bodies over! A spoiled new jersey Barbie to my right and feuding couple to my left! I kept getting hit in the face by the ponytail in front of me so I quickly lost my patience and called general admission quits! Yes, I was about 6 feet from the stage, where the BSB would be, and MAYBE I could have touched Nick's hand BUT REALLY? REALLY? I am 27 and a frequent concert goer who has done her 'floor/ mosh pit' time and all I kept looking at were the cozy seats behind me! I worked my magic on the box office ladies and traded my tix in for some comfy seats front and center! Behind general admission, BUT still very close! Close enough to see the damage done by all those years of partying like rock stars! I went to sing along to my favorite high school ballads, remember who I was dancing with at the prom to their songs, and to enjoy a night out on the town! I think I'm done with boy bands for now...well at least until January when Boys II Men come by!

I am just now recovered from our 5 day trip to Disneyland! Jacob is at a great age to appreciate the fantasy and magic of the park. It was a great family trip with lots of fun memories for all of us. I can't tell you how many times I looked down at Jake while on a ride and had that cheesy moment where I remembered being his age having the same smile and probably thinking the same thing! Some highlights include:

• Being among the first guests to ride Pirates of the Caribbean on our Magic Morning (got to get in an hour earlier than most)
  
• Jacob taking pictures of Mom and Dad every 5 seconds!
  
• His mom making him ride the Tower of Terror! (In my defense I had never been on it and really didn't think it was so bad! I was oh so very very wrong!)
  
• Jacob scaring Captain Hook (a few years ago the Captain scared the crap out of Jake, this time he was ready for him with a VERY loud 'Tick, Tock, Tick, Tock'), 
  
• Watching the Jedi battle Lord Vader and Darth Moll!
  
• Searching for Dave's perfect ears! (Nope, never found the right ones!)
  
• Almost throwing up on those damn teacups!
  
• Watching Jacob pick out souvenirs (this was a HUGE part of the trip! The Disneyland piggy bank ended up adding up to $96! That's a whole lot for a 5 year old to spend! It started out small with a churro, a pretzel, and then he got a sword, a buzz light year zapper, and even lollipops for his whole class! There is even some left for next trip!)

We did visit some of my family while in California and I noticed how weird it was driving around town (I'm from Orange County) officially a tourist! I am happy to live in Vegas where traffic is not an issue for me, I won't be taxed on soda or a new washer and dryer, and where I work because I choose to, not because I have to! I think this town has grown on me!