Travels

I presented a poster at the WIN conference in Portland this year. Brent's sisters live there, so we got to spend time with them. We had a blast. I have to say, flying solo with three kids is not the easiest task I've ever performed. I stopped counting at five people who said "Boy, you've got your hands full" and one girl actually said, "I'm SOOOO glad I'm not you". However, the trip was a success (and we even got a free upgrade to a mini-van-I think the car rental company felt sorry for me). I also got to see my colleagues from UNLV and the conference was inspiring as always.

 We took the kids to the zoo. It was POURING rain. We had a blast, though. Paige, Brandon, Dawson, Jordan (Dawson's girlfriend) and Colleen were troopers.  

 Jackson LOVED the zoo. He was on a mission to see every animal...and we were NOT leaving until we'd seen all the exhibits.

 Colleen and Collette took us to a really cool pet store. The kids loved it. The pet store is great about letting customers hold the animals. I have to say, it was pretty cool.

 Brandon and Dawson also have several pets of their own and Jackson was very brave and held them. I was proud of him. Historically, he hasn't wanted to hold animals, but he wasn't scared at all.

 Ashton and Jackson LOVED the plane. One of the best comments was from Jackson. As we were landing in Portland, he said "Mom, why is it so green here?". Confidentially, they also loved the minivan. Jackson said, "Mom, I wish this could be our car forever." The DVD player might have had some influence on Jackson's fondness for the minivan.

 Jackson and Ashton LOVED hanging out with the cousins. Ashton is holding her new "Hello Kitty". She had a stuffed duck, but he got lost at the airport when we landed, so we had to find a replacement. Brent says the duck probably wanted to stay with the Oregon Ducks. Ashton was convinced she saw "Quack-Quacks" at the zoo.

 Ipuna is a colleague and friend from UNLV. I'm so grateful to be in this program with her. We talk every day...and I could not get through this program without her. It was so fun to see her!

 Brandon, Paige and Dawson were so great to Jackson and Ashton. They helped Jackson learn how to play some video games, and were very patient.

 Ashton FROZE at the zoo. She had a blast, though...and had lots of attention from the cousins and Aunt Coco.

 Ashton also loved the pet store.

 A picture is worth a thousand words...here we are getting of the plane at home. I was sooooo happy to see Brent, as were the kids. Check out Ashton running to her daddy.

Myself and colleagues Robin and Ipuna.

What a whirwind trip...but so fun. I'm looking forward to next year's conference (it's in Anaheim). Ipuna and I are already planning a presentation!!!