life in general

smell the flowers

A few weeks ago I had my mom come visit so we could fit in some mother/daughter time.  It's our tradition.  Last year was a pretty fancy affair -- like, band-aids on a silver platter kind of fancy.  This year was a little more low key.  But wonderful as well.

DAY 1 - Breakfast at Bread and Butter (my favorite), exploring the Bellagio Conservatory & Botanical Gardens, some window shopping in Caesar's Emporium (Max Brenner chocolates), lunch & Frrrozen Hot Chocolates at Serendipity 3, and later a movie night at home (Les Miserables).

DAY 2 - Pedicures and chocolate chip scones from Great Harvest Bread, shopping, shopping, shopping at Town Square, and lunch at The Meatball Spot with the most amazing milkshake I've ever had.

It was such a great time.

But let me tell you about the Conservatory & Botanical Garden at the Bellagio because I just about died and went to heaven.  

Tulip explosion.  Daffodils.  Foxglove.  Poppies.  Hyacinth.

These things just don't exist in the desert!  And they are all my favorites.  It wasn't until I walked into the garden that I realized I was in such a floral withdrawal.  I'm sure the addition of peonies and hydrangeas would have sent me right over the edge.  I miss my flowers.

And the smell.  Ohhh, the smell!  I have never experienced such a fragrant wonderland.  I just kept sniffing and sniffing and sniffing trying to take it all in.  Soon, we figured out their little secret.  There are air vents around the flower beds that gently blow air -- and the sweet smell of spring -- straight up into your nose.  

It was wonderful.  And magical.  And just about the best thing to happen to me this year.  (aside from Kauai)

I'll let the pictures do the talking from here.

They change the set-up at the botanical garden several times a year - the Holidays, Chinese New Year, spring, summer, and fall.  I definitely want to go back and see them all.

Thanks mom, for coming to visit!

campus photography walk

I just realized that aside from Brigham Young University, I don't think I have ever stepped foot on another college campus.  It's one of those "huh" moments.  Now, there's a chance I made my way onto California State University Stanislaus (in Turlock, CA) for something or other, but I really can't pull from my mind any other college campus that I have visited.  Oh, I guess there's Portland State University -- but it's located in downtown Portland so I had to walk through it to get to the next block.

Anyway, I always love walking around BYU campus.  One of my favorite things are the sculptures and art pieces -- there's the Brigham Young and Karl G. Maeser statues, the Tree of Wisdom, the giant round rock that bears no explanation, and of course the Museum of Art garden.

When we had some extra time at Conner's Junior Festival last week I decided that we should walk around the University of Nevada Las Vegas campus a little bit.  To check out the art and get a feeling for the campus, even if we didn't go very far.  Plus it made for a fun little photography walk.

UNLV's mascot is the Rebels

This thing kinda creeps me out.  It reminds me of The Lord of the Rings and the Two Towers.  Big, black, and ominous . . . . minus the orcs.

Hey -- I was there too!

Do you have a college campus nearby?  Have you checked out the campus art?

Miss Atomic Bomb

That's me and Miss Atomic Bomb 1957.  Yes, she was a real person.  From a real beauty pageant.  

Don't you just love her mushroom cloud costume?  So classy.  Back in the 50's, Nevadans were pretty proud of their big ol' Nuclear Test Site in the desert.

I came across a Groupon for tickets to the National Atomic Testing Museum and figured, hey! -- it might make a good date.  At the very least it was something new and different.

First, we had lunch at Johnny Rockets.  You know, the whole rocket/bomb/explosion theme.  Food was *ehh*.  Service was sloooow.  But the butterfinger milkshake was delicious.

Onto the museum which was right next to the UNLV campus.

"In association with the Smithsonian Institution" . . . hmm, makes this place sound pretty legit.  We might learn something today!

And we did.  The biggest thing I learned was that underground nuclear testing in Nevada continued clear up until 1992.  I was like, in 8th grade!  (Above ground testing stopped in 1962).

You know what happens when you push the big red button . . . . . 

This (below) was kind of funny.  And sad.

All in all, the museum was . . . interesting and a little eye-opening (for someone who did not live in the nuclear age).  Not a museum for children -- there really are no hands-on exhibits, just a lot of reading -- so kids would get bored, I think.  But there was a cool little theater (mocked up like an underground bunker) where you get to "experience" an atomic blast -- bright flash of light, rumbling seats, and a big screen that plays a short film.

Despite the little green alien who seemed very inviting, we decided we weren't willing to pay extra $$ to go inside the Area 51 exhibit.

Instead, we came home, played with the kids, cooked dinner, and got to enjoy this sunset from our balcony.

historic railroad tunnel trail

On Monday morning, a day off from school, I woke up early.  And laid in bed.  Once Scott awoke we finished watching the Downton Abbey season finale (we had started it late on Sunday night and couldn't stay awake long enough to finish the 2-hour episode).  All I can say is . . . . Noooooo!!!  

After breakfast, I hopped on the elliptical for 30 minutes while Scott watched Flipping Vegas on A&E.  Our new favorite, random, reality show obsession.  Our plans for the day consisted of absolutely nothing.

But once I was in the shower my mind started ticking and by 10:30am we were on the road, bound for Boulder City and a hike on the Historic Railroad Tunnel Trail.  As we walked down the trail I felt pretty lucky that we had access to great outdoor activities (in February!) just 20 minutes from our home.

Here's the backstory . . . Railroad tracks were built in 1931 so that materials & supplies needed for the construction of Hoover Dam could be transported to the site.  They finished building Hoover Dam in 1935.  And the tracks were dismantled in 1962.  Eventually they turned the raised railroad bed, and it's 5 tunnels into a hiking trail.  And in 2013 the Browns went for a walk.

It was a great hike!  The trail is wide and flat. A 5 mile round-trip for us.  (We didn't do the full 3.6 milesl because it ends with a view of Hoover Dam and Payton has his heart set on being the first one in our family to see the dam -- the 4th graders will go there on a field trip this year.  So we turned back after the last tunnel.)

There is the typical rocky, desert terrain.

The occasional helicopter tour flying overhead.

And to your left, views of Lake Mead are a constant.

But the best part is the tunnels, of course.

The kids had the great idea to bring their flashlights.  They aren't needed, but it adds to the fun.

Between the tunnels, old wood frames, the color of the rocks, and the dusty trails . . . . I kept telling Scott that I felt like we were in an Indiana Jones movie.  In fact, these tunnels were used in the filming of a Clint Eastwood movie -- The Gauntlet.  I've never seen it, though.

And proof that I was there

If you've made it this far through the photos then you should take 2 extra minutes and enjoy this little video.  It's a pretty good capture of our family dynamics -- loud and happy children, a teasing dad, and a mom keeping everyone in line while capturing the moment.

pawn stars

When the Habels came to visit in November the Pawn Stars shop was on their "must see" list.  Have you ever seen this show on The History Channel?  Well their kids are big fans.  And after moving to Vegas we started watching the show too.  It's a reality show about a pawn shop.  Most of the entertainment value comes from watching these 4 guys try to run the shop -- one or two are missing some brain cells, one is really old and sleeps all the time, you get the picture.

Chumlee, Old Man, . . . . good stuff

Here's a little look at our visit to the shop.

First off.  It's kinda in an old, and not so nice part of town.  A great place to bring a group of 8 children!!  As we drove past the strip and continued north, let's just say the billboards and businesses became a little more . . . . naked.  Kids!  Cover your eyes!

We parked and were surprised to find a line outside the shop.  It's a busy (touristy) place.  People were let in as visitors came out.  

And if you're planning to visit it's good to know that the store is not actually called "Pawn Stars".  It's the Gold & Silver Pawn.  How boring is that?

And here it is . . . 

It was much smaller inside than we had pictured it.  Such is the case with most things you see on tv.

There were glass cases filled with rare coins, antique knives & guns, jewelry

Merchandise

A few items we recognized from past episodes

But none of the guys from the show.  Boo.  Apparently, they aren't in the shop on Saturdays.

But we still had fun!

When we stepped out of the shop we noticed this place next door.  Awesome.  

And then we walked down an alley to get back to our car.  All kinds of classy on this field trip!

holiday cactus garden

I've been meaning to post this for some time, so here goes.

If you remember, we visited the Ethel M chocolate factory & cactus garden back in April.  We had a fun time checking out all the cacti and, of course, sampling chocolate.

Well, when I heard that they adorn the cactus garden with christmas lights during the holidays I knew we had to go check it out.  And where there isn't a whole lot that is Christmas-y or winter-y in the desert, I hoped that thousands of Christmas lights would be just the trick.  

This, is how Vegas does Christmas.

In a word . . . colorful!

We visited the gardens just after Thanksgiving when both sets of grandparents were visiting for Conner's 12th birthday.  Here is the group . . . 

As we walked around the garden we noticed many kids and adults wearing 3D glasses.  We were totally confused by it and curious what it was all about.  Well, we found some 3D glasses in the gift shop and soon we understood.  These weren't 3D glasses, but special glasses that when worn makes every holiday light bulb appear as a snowflake!  Imagine looking out at the Christmas lights and seeing thousands of snowflakes!  Our minds were pretty much blown away.

It was a fun night!  Much too warm, though, to make a $5 hot chocolate purchase seem worth it.  We'll have to go back another time to sample the Mexican hot chocolate.

serendipity 3

Three words . . . . frrrrozen hot chocolate.

When Mark & Jenn's family came to visit and they wanted to do something "touristy" on the strip (with children), Serendipity 3 immediately came to mind.

There was a bit of a wait for a table (maybe that had something to do with the fact that we had a group of 12), so we found a place to sit in front of Cesar's Palace and in small groups went wandering here and there.

Trying to keep things PG.

They seated us on the patio by the strip -- it was a great spot!

Kids on one end and adults on the other

All of the adults ordered a Frrrozen Hot Chocolate.  I got the white chocolate this time and it was delicious!  My favorite so far.

Isn't she so cute?

Do you want to see what the kids were eating?

Hehehehehe!  I can't wait to show you!

The Treasure Chest!

It includes:

• A chocolate treasure chest with edible gold
• 16 scoops of ice cream (the kids chose vanilla, strawberry, and mint chip)
• chocolate covered strawberries and miscellaneous berries
• waffle cones
• deep-fried oreos
• and 3 slices of cake & cheesecake - we had them place those on a separate platter rather than mixing it in.

Simply wow.

It was all we could do to get a picture before they began devouring the thing!

While our frrrozen hot chocolates were melting, Jenn & I played the part of mom photographers.  How could you possibly pass up a moment like this?!

I love that the kids will always have this memory!

When all was said and done we had a shell of a treasure chest and ice cream soup.

When our waitress saw the remains she was shocked.  She said that she has never seen a group knock out a treasure chest like our kids did.

Well then I think they deserve a t-shirt or something, right? 

shark reef aquarium

This summer the kids participated in the summer reading program at the Library.  The prize for reading 1200 minutes was a free ticket to the Shark Reef Aquarium at Mandalay Bay.  I told the kids that we would go at the end of the summer and if they wanted to come along they had to earn their own ticket!  Luckily, they all made it.

And thank goodness, because even though it was a fun outing with some cool fish and sharks and tanks and such . . . . it wasn't that big and after 40 minutes we had seen everything.  I think it would have pained me to pay $60 for the whole family to attend (that's with the NV resident discount).  This way, we only paid $30 (for Scott and I) and we left with a good feeling.

Here is a glimpse of what we got to see . . . 

The kids had a fantastic time and thanked us over and over again for taking them there.

Then we posed for a family shot in the mirror.

I swear I'm not pregnant.  Bad mirror angles and too many snow cones.  (See the bride and groom in the background -- we were standing next to a wedding chapel.)

And because Mandalay Bay is connected to the Luxor we walked over there so the kids could see the cool ceilings.

And because we love it and can't get enough, we rounded out the day with a trip to Purple Penguin for snowcones.  Get in my belly!

Here, we use umbrellas for shade.

 

love the place you live // discovering the rec center

When we moved here I was surprised and impressed to find neighborhood recreational centers throughout the area.  I have never experienced or even seen facilities like this.  Growing up in a small town and then raising your kids in a small town is probably the reason why.

Anyways, they are pretty awesome.  And this summer the rec center provided entertainment and recreation for us in a lot of ways.  Here is what we discovered so far . . . 

Tumbling class.  This is her attempt at a cartwheel in one of the first weeks.  And by the end of the 6 weeks she figured it out!  Which is a good thing, because I don't know how to cartwheel so I can't teach her. 

Swimming lessons.  These two took lessons in the morning while Conner swam laps in the indoor pool (during which he was "recruited" by the swim team coach).  They had a great time and learned a lot.  Their class was small - only one other girl -- and their teacher says they should register for levels 4 and 5 next time.

Activity pools.  We went just 3 times over the summer and the kids had an absolute blast every time.  Waterslides, shallow pools for playing tag, water sprayers . . . a total kids playland.

U.S. Open Synchronized Swimming Championships.  So random, I know.  But the parks & recreation e-newsletter announced that one of the city pools was hosting this event, and admission was only $1.  Done.  An afternoon of entertainment and we get to see something new.  We were there during a warm-up period so there were several teams in the pool at once, practicing their routines.  This team from Quebec was a little nuts, and pretty great at what they do.  And can I just say that the solo performers (the ones with fancy swimsuits and super-water-proof make-up), they use some crazy goop in their hair to keep it slicked back for performances.  We saw it up close and I'm pretty sure it was just shortening.

Golf lessons.  4 weeks in the evenings for the boys.  Obviously this was not at the rec center, but we signed up for the class through the rec center's catalog. They had a good time.  There were fun games, they earned points, and even got to play a few holes on the golf course.  We're planning to sign up Payton for more golf lessons this fall.

Boy Scout Swimming Merit Badge.  (no photos)  This was $20 very well spent.  Conner attended a 4 hour class/clinic during which he learned and demonstrated everything needed to complete the Boy Scout swimming merit badge.  Score!

around here

Lockers, dressing out for P.E. . . . . oh yes, we are there

Today was "Get your schedule day" but we already had Conner's schedule because he attended the 6th grade summer institute last week.  Because of that little camp he knows his way around the school and is a pro when it comes to opening his locker.

But still, we walked through his schedule once so we could meet the teachers.  And then he politely asked if I would sit on a bench so he could go through his schedule on his own.  Go for it kid.  I was glad to see that initiative and planning on his part, wanting to be as prepared as possible.

The nerves over first grade are gone . . . 

She met her teacher today, loved her, and seems to be much more comfortable with the idea of going into 1st grade.  Most of her worries centered around the morning line-up (they line-up on the playground, rather than going straight to class) -- she doesn't think she'll be able to remember the number she needs to stand next to.  I told her that we could write the number on her hand and she is counting on it.

This one is an old pro, but still wary of the wolf

Seriously, that thing is so realistic.

Going into 4th grade, Payton is facing the least amount of transition among the kids this year.  He was so excited to find out a that friend from last year is in his class -- they staked their claim on two desks right next to each other.  I think he enjoyed showing Anna around the school and giving her tips.  He got his new agenda book and loves the fact that it is blue this year.  We got home and he said, "I am so excited for school!"

Purple Penguin is a winner

We have heard the great reviews, it was even on our summer fun list . . . . but for some reason it took us this long to finally make a stop.

And oh boy, it was delicious.

Flavor choices . . . . Payton - blue bubblegum, Anna - pink cotton candy, Conner - rootbeer, Me - coconut and vanilla with ice cream.  The shack is only open for one more month and you can bet that we will be back for another visit.

This is the method Payton used to cool down his ramen at lunch today.

What a nut.

flash flood alert

Over the last few months we have become very familiar with the terms "monsoon flow" and "flash flood alert".

We have hot, hot days.  And then these random thunder/lightning/wind/rain storms that pummel very small areas at a time.  It's not uncommon for us to have a torrential rain storm here and later find that Scott, who works just 9 miles away, didn't get a single drop.

Last week we had one of those awesome rain storms so I captured some of the action on video:

*That leaky rain gutter . . . . we first discovered this defect a few weeks after the move.  The kids and I were leaving Winco, just as one of these crazy storms began.  Then we got home and we had to carry all the groceries up the steps and through the waterfall to our apartment.  We were soaked!

*Notice the blue skies?  We're in the middle of this storm and yet we can see the edge of it, with blue skies not too far away.  It's wild how concentrated the rain can be.

*Later in the week I wanted to take the kids to an outdoor activity pool.  The sky was cloudy and Anna was adamant that she was not going and she was not going to swim because she was afraid of the rain.  All because of a few clouds.

*There are public safety commercials on tv and billboards on the freeway that warn against driving through flooded streets.

*I love it when I go to the grocery store after a storm or any day that a storm may be impending and see signs like this:

Really?  I'm glad I have been warned.

I guess in Oregon you might see similar signs: "Caution.  Sunny weather may cause sun burns."

let's go on a date: july date link-up

This month's date was blingy and absolutely delicious.

First the bling.  My mom was in town for the weekend and took me shopping.  I got this cute top/dress which I wore over leggings -- I felt like I was flirting with the edges of "my box" with this color & pattern, and I love it.  Gold necklace, gold earrings, and gold braided belt . . . check

Everything is from Francesca's Collections.  To my Oregon friends, there is one at Bridgeport Village and they are opening up a store on NW 23rd soon.  Go!

In a post earlier this month I mentioned that we have only been to the strip once since moving here.  Well, this date makes twice.  There are always plenty of interesting sights as you drive down the strip.  The guy in tighty-whiteys and angel wings is something I wish I could erase from my memory.  But we endured all that so we could eat dinner at Max Brenner.

Have you heard of it?  I had.  From a blog friend who lived in New York for a while.  Apparently their chocolate is amazing.  One thing that is cool about Vegas is having access to all these famous restaurants originally from New York and other big cities.  Because if it wasn't for Vegas, the next closest option for Max Brenner would have been Philadelphia.  Or the Phillipines.

First course:  Churro fondue

We don't mess around.  

For dipping - chocolate, caramel, and raspberry sauce.

Apparently I eat churros the same way the English drink their tea . . . . pinkies up!

Second course:  Hamburger for him and Steak panini for me

It was all very delicious.

Third course:  Banana Split Waffles

This blurry iphone photo barely does it justice.  Vanilla ice cream, milk chocolate truffle, and carmelized rice krispies, over bananas and crisp sugar waffles.  I thought the melted chocolate served in a beaker was a very nice touch.

Dee-licious.  I think that dessert, dinner, dessert is definitely the way to go.  If there was any question in my mind about how great this restaurant was, this bathroom message sealed the deal.

After dinner we wandered around the Forum Shops -- perused the diamonds at Tiffany & Co., I tried on a watch in Michael Kors.

All day the sky was grey and threatening thunderstorms.  In fact, we had a mini flash flood in our apartment parking lot earlier that day.  When we got back to the parking garage after dinner we stood and enjoyed these views for a while.

Someone, somewhere, was getting dumped on.

We, on the other hand, were dry and happy as could be after a pretty wonderful date.

*****************************************

Okay now it's your turn!

Here's how it goes:

1.  Go on a date with your husband.  Easy, right?  And post a wrap-up on your blog.  This is for anyone . . . whether you put together a Year of Dates gift or not.

2.  On the first of the month, come here and submit a link to your blog post.  Not your blog

3.  In your blog post include a text link back to me.  You're also welcome to use the image below.

4.  Lastly, have fun and visit each other!

 

 

springs preserve

Even before we moved here I heard about the Springs Preserve through another blog (eighteen25) as they have given away memberships a time or two.  It sounded like a cool place, plus we got a coupon for discounted admission in the mail, so we decided to check it out.

The place is part Nevada history, part science, part desert education, with some critters thrown in for good measure.

Our favorite was the flash flood exhibit.

Payton has always wanted his own burrow.

Getting up close with a lizard.  This little guy was nuts.  Staring the boys down and furiously clawing at the glass.  The kids also liked the glow in the dark scorpions (seriously, they glow green), black widow spider, fox, and kangaroo rat.

We sat down in a theater to watch the live Bugs Show.  Anna decided to take notes (just like a college student).  This is a vinegaroon.

The Venominator exhibit was a huge hit.  It probably had something to do with this 20 foot long rattle-snake.

I think Payton just became lunch.  I bet he tastes good.

Getting friendly with the early Nevada settlers.

We learned that hotels consume only 10% of the total water usage for the Las Vegas Valley.  That was surprising to me.

A good time was had by all.

 

Payton is already asking when we can go back.  There is definitely more to explore and see during the cooler months -- desert gardens, walking/biking trails, a bird show.  We began walking to the desert gardens and then turned back after 2 separate staff members warned us to be careful because it was really hot out there.  One of those staff members was nice enough use his net to catch a cicada from the trees so we could see one up close.  They are much bigger than I thought they would be.

And that's all I got, folks.  Yay for history and creepy desert bugs!

 

pioneer day

Happy Pioneer Day!

One thing that is cool about moving into a large LDS community (bigger than Portland, smaller than Utah) is being able to attend a big ol' parade and party for Pioneer Day.  Actually, the parade wasn't big.  It was small, but it was something!

While most of my friends back in Oregon were playing the role of Ma & Pa over families of 12-18 year old youth on a 4 day Pioneer Trek -- dressing like pioneers, pulling/pushing wooden handcarts, camping, dutch-oven cooking, leaving all technology & cell phones behind -- we celebrated Pioneer Day with water guns!

The kids got to ride on our ward's Primary "float".

More like, water-gun assault vehicle.  I happily played the part of target practice.  It was hot out there.

A few parade highlights

TOP:  Pioner children sang as they walked // Jesus wants me for a Sunbeam // Mormon Battalion 

MIDDLE:  The Hustle performed by a High Priest group // firetruck featuring a "The spirit of God like a fire is burning" banner

BOTTOM:  Missionaries! // the cutest Primary float entry (and it's the ward we'll be moving into).  They all wore matching red capes and sang primary songs // Romney for President!

(One awesome thing about the parade . . . . they coned off just one lane of the road for the parade.  Which meant there was still traffic passing on the other 3 lanes.  You can just imagine all the cars slowing down, drivers with puzzled stares, wondering what the heck those Mormons are up to!  Hehe.)

Then it was on to the activities . . . . pancake breafast, face painting, snow cones, panning for gold, giant slide & bounce house, dunk tank, cotton candy, raingutter regatta, jump rope, water balloon toss, and a whole lot more.

It was a really well done activity.  All for free.  I think this is their 11th year putting it on (a tri-stake endeavor).  I'm glad we have something to look forward to next year!

Watch the Pioneer Day Concert - with featured guest performer, Katherine Jenkins, from Dancing with the Stars

celebrating the 4th

In a perfect world, our first 4th of July in Vegas would have involved the following . . . . . 

Going to a city parade, swimming all day in our pool, BBQ-ing hamburgers & hot dogs on the grill in the back yard, and lighting fireworks in the culdesac.

To me, that is the 4th of July.  (At least when you live in warm places.  In Oregon, forget about the swimming - grab a sweater!)

But we don't have our own pool, yet.  (I like to avoid the apartment pool on saturdays & holidays because that's when the crowds and smokers/drinkers come out).  And we don't have a BBQ grill.  (Sold it in Oregon, plus it's against the rules to have one on your patio here).  And lighting fireworks is not allowed in the complex.  (That rule is a-okay with me.)  

Hmm, so how do we celebrate the 4th?  That was my question for weeks.  I love the 4th of July.  I didn't want to miss out on having a great holiday.

I did some research.  Scott asked around at work.  And we came up with some ideas and options that I think worked out very well.

I love small town parades.  Especially parades on the 4th of July!  Lucky for us the sun stayed behind the clouds all morning and temperatures hovered in the low-80's.  That is unheard of.  What amazing luck!

Oh I so need a haircut.  Patience.  Trying to wait through the summer because it's going to be in a ponytail or in a pool most days anyway.

This creepy fish made the rounds with Lake Mead Park Rangers, reminding kids to wear life jackets on the water.  Note: later that day 6 boats capsized or sank on Lake Mead due to high winds.

Anna was my little model for the day . . . 

The only thing the parade was missing was a marching band.  How am I supposed to celebrate my nation's independence without a marching band?!  It's a travesty.  Moving on . . . . 

Before the fireworks show there was music, food, and activities going on in the park.  We weren't necessarily interested in those, but we did take a stroll through the park to check it out and eventually settled on a nice patch of cool grass to hang out for a while.

Now let's talk about this gorgeous light for a moment, shall we?

Okay, that's all.

Here's where our genius/lucky plan comes into play.  There is an LDS church one block from the park, up the hill.  Between the park and the church is an empty, dusty, desert-y field.  So . . . . we parked at the church, giving us a clear, unobstructed view of the fireworks show.  It really could not have worked out better.

These family pictures (taken with a self-timer on the back of the van) show our vantage point.

And then the show began . . . 

18 minutes of patriotic explosion!

Partway through the program the large, yellow-ish moon rose above the mountains in front of us.  I loved our view.

Just such a great evening.  And then came the finale.  Wow! 

My camera was on the same manual settings as the previous fireworks photos, and I wasn't going to spend time fiddling with it.  So this is the photo I got.

Talk about "bombs bursting in air."  All we could talk about on the way home (and the next day) was the amazing finale.

I think we pulled together a pretty great 4th of July celebration for ourselves.  The kids are a little disappointed they didn't get to do sparklers and I had a few heart-pangs, missing my Oregon friends who were all together for the 4th (a tradition for our clan).  But we were together as a family, exploring, and making new traditions in our new home.  Plus, this holiday gave us the opportunity to take our first family photo together in Nevada!

Next year we're looking forward to swimming in our pool, BBQ-ing in our backyard, and watching the city fireworks from our balcony.  That will be heaven.