The Vegas Strip

Dallas remembers a little bit about Vegas but Jabin and Hadden don't remember. When we came through Mesquite they couldn't believe all the lights and exicitment. I said, "Wait till you see Vegas." After I threatened that they won't be able to go down town if they weren't on their best behavior, they were so good and really had a good time down town as I showed the kids some of the sights. I showed them the roller coasters me and Matt have went on and even the Big Shot. They loved every minute and want to go back when we have more time.

Too bad they changed the Pirate Show at Treasure Island to a "not for kids show", it used to be a for sure stop. Jabin liked driving by and seeing the ships anyway though.

Watching a little magic at MGM on the way to see the lions.

Hadden Pearl got to fishing for her own pearl in a clam shell.

LOL! Sorry for this photograph, but she didn't even know what these glasses were.We were a little dissapointed that the lions were sleeping. I guess they sleep 11 hours a day. It was still fun to see them. They were doing some "save the lions" experiment and showing that they are not man eaters. So they had a man sleeping with them to show that they are friendly. Of course they are friendly when they are sound asleep!

M&M World! We got to see the 3D show where the m&m lost his m in Vegas gambling. I think I have seen this show a dozen times but it is still a fun tourist stop.

Lots of random people on the strip doing weird things with a container where you kindly give them money for entertaining you as you walk by. This guy seemed like he wasn't real but then moved in robotic ways. Kind of cool. I guess he was supposed to be Michael JaksonI thought I got a picture of the Elvis' but I guess I didn't. Wonder Women will do.

This guy was really interesting. We heard some loud noises and saw this guy with a sign by a money box that said "Turn me on." I thought he would humor a kid and I gave Dallas a quarter to put in the box. He simply made a squeak but didn't "turn on." I watched for a little while and decided I didn't want him to "turn on" and moved the kids along quickly.

The kids favorite was a little "bubble butt" in a store down town.

Rachel's beautiful back yard. The kids were dying to go swimming in the hot tub and Rachel was so sweet to turn it on. They even swam in the cold pool and had a great time.

Weekend in Vegas

Kids got out of school on Friday and I loaded them up and we headed to Vegas. I had planned on attending the Nash-ville Party sine I heard that my friend Mel was moving in June. As it got closer things started to get in the way and I almost decided I wouldn't be able to make when my good friend Rachel invited me to stay with her for the weekend. Josh and Whitney had went to the cabin so it would just be us and her and Conor. I couldn't resist spending time with Rachel and the chance to see dear friends I hadn't seen in 6 years or more. The kids were pretty excited. As I got to Vegas I headed to our old house and noticed A LOT had changed. Rachel thought it was funny the way I got to her house, but I didn't want to risk getting lost so I went the same old way, from my house, instead of taking the new freeway exit.
As soon as we got there we headed down to the Beligio so I could show the kids the water show.

Some people go to Vegas to try their luck at gambling. My kids wanted to do it the easy way and raid the fountains.

We watched the water show over and over. The kids were so excited I was getting a little annoyed with them because I had to keep getting after them. I had to threaten that if they didn't settle down and listen to me I wouldn't take them to M&M World because I hate to holler at them in public and have them ignore me. ;)

The weather was sooo beautiful!

My dear friend. We ended up staying up until 4:00 a.m. talking. Rachel is training for the Boston Marathon next month so I told her I would get up with her in the morning and run. So...we got up at 6:30 a.m. and went to the awesome new Gold's Gym close by her house. Oh my did it kick my butt! I really miss Rachel as a work out partner and realize I have been slacking and need to push myself more.

Time was getting away from us and after we worked out. We kept talking and I ended up waiting to long to get in the shower so Rahel made the pot luck dish which was a delicious salad and we headed over to the park for the Nash-Ville Party.

My friend, Melody Nash, and her family have decided to move to Nashville so Melody can pursue her dream of being a singer and song writer. Melody is a great friend and I have never really gotten the chance to hear her sing. I know Matt heard her at a Pioneer Day Celebration and he said "SHE ROCKED!" I was so excited to hear her and the songs that she has written. Of course my memory card filled up fast and I only got a small clip of her singing but she was soooo great! I truly believe she has everything going for her and know she will go far. After hearing the story of how this all came to pass I admire her and her family for their faith and going for their dreams. What a neat family. Good Luck Mel!

Melody, Sara, Me, Sarah, and Rachel

Jason and Steve

John, and Adam

When she is rich and famous we will always remember her sitting on a cooler in the park singing to us. She said I could come to Nashville and be in her music video. LOL! Hey, never say never. These are desperate times and I hear the economy is booming in Nashville. :)

Big Thank You to the Murray's for planning this get together. We missed everyone that couldn't make it. I was planning on leaving Sunday so I didn't even think of making it to church, but as Rachel was getting ready to go she mentioned that I should stop by. So I sat in on YW with her and got to hear my sweet friend, Sarah, give the YW a beautiful lesson. I loved seeing my friends in my old ward and realized how much I miss it!! They will always be great friends. What a fun weekend!! I needed this for my soul. ;) Even though I missed a great horse ride, which made my hear ache a little, and missed almost 48 hours of sleep thanks to the time difference, staying up all night, and the time change, it was all Worth It!
Matt and I had been texting back and forth and I knew he was very nervous I was still in Vegas and not home safe and sound. I thought it was really kind of sweet of him to be worried. We passed each other near Valley of Fire on the freeway. I saw him wave and he flashed his lights. :) I really love him, and missed him over the weekend. He was headed down to Death Valley for work for the week.