HamiFami

Thursday, February 27, 2014

Weekend in Vegas

After Bryan's presentation, we stayed the night at my cousin Tina's for the first time. It was great to spend time together. It made me think, "Why didn't we do this years ago?!" I just know that I have some cool cousins and we are not going to put years in between visits again. The kids had so much fun. We really had a great time catching up. I want to do it again soon.

Evie and Willow :)

The kids put on a talent show for us with the rocking' sounds of Michael Jackson (Evie's favorite)....

This is Vince. Just so you know, he can probably whip anyone's butt on a bicycle (street or mountain). He almost lives on it. When their family was out in September he rode his bike from Baker all the way up to Wheeler Peak Parking lot (5,000 - 10,000 ft) then he proceeded back down to Baker, over to Garrison, the Border Inn and to Baker again. That was his "Morning ride"..... no joke.
lol

It wasn't warm enough to swim in the pool, however the kids enjoyed a dip in the hot tub.....

Adam was able to hold a baby that didn't cry........ ;)

The following day we caravanned to Red Rock State Park. My other cousin, Heidi and her family, was able to join in on the fun. We've hiked in this area before, last year, with Daryl. This time we went up a different route. This area had some really cool pictographs. Can you tell what they are?

"Painted Hands"

It was great to be out on a trail again.....

Adam joined me in a selfie

At the end of the trail, there was a canyon where a spring trickled out.....

Of course there were many rocks to play mountain lions on.......

Can you tell Isaac had a snack?

Heading back .........

The sun was starting to set, leaving a soft glow on the valley below.......

This was officially Willows first hike! She's always a trooper in the pack. No complaints.
Ironically the name of the trail we hiked was called, "Willow Springs!" Haha

Getting a group photo was important to me. I didn't know when we would do this again. Hopefully my cousins will be able to make a trip out to our neck of the woods so we can go exploring......

I couldn't help to think maybe our dad's were looking down a smiling......

Ryder, who is usually camera shy, allowed Bryan to snap a quick one :)

We left Red Rocks and drove over to the largest Bass Pro Shop in the country. They had a large aquarium to view. The best part is that it's free.

There were many fish, sting rays, and a sturgeon shark .......... even mermaids. Also, countless dead animals for your viewing pleasure all over the place! Ha!

Saturday night we stayed with uncle Daryl. We were able to spend some time with him, Malcolm, and Annette.....

What a great weekend in Vegas. We didn't do anything that needed to "Stay in Vegas!"
Haha :D

Sunday, February 23, 2014

Bryan's UNCE Presentation

On February 7th, Bryan did a Herpetology presentation in Las Vegas. I believe this is the 3rd time he's been asked to do it by the University of Nevada organizers. I think he's a natural "teacher" and great speaker. I enjoy watching and learning; as do many others.....

One of the members of the group brought in his pet, a burmese python, which is one of the largest snakes in the world. This is a baby of course.....

I can't imagine what someone would do with a 15 foot snake in their home. This is another reason why coming here is so fascinating; you never know what beady eyes you are going to meet each time!

Willow got to hang with uncle Adam for a little bit :)

Ava got to miss a day of school, but she worked hard on her journal entry.......

Bryan's presentation is different each time he comes. This year, during the Venomous Snake Safety section, he included his first-hand snake bite experience (that he had back in September).....

This year we had a larger support of family in the crowd. Besides us and Adam, we were joined by Uncle Daryl and Malcolm and his significant other, Annette. My cousins Tina and Vince and their kids (Brodie & Evie). My cousin Heidi and her kids (Michael, Scarlette, and Ivy).

This is the part of the demonstration where people can get a safe close encounter with a rattlesnake;
a crowd favorite.......

Isaac and Michael playing on the chairs......

They had a raffle for desserts after the talk. All our kids bought tickets and ended up winning most of the goodies on the table! Haha ~ the kids were delighted as you can see.