 |
| The annual trip to Las Vegas is a favorite. |
We asked our kids what their favorite Christmas tradition is and this year they had a new number one. They said that visiting the Poole's in Las Vegas was at the top of their list. So, after Dad's birthday, we got up early and drove down to Las Vegas. It is such a long drive, and we only stopped once in Cedar City for food and the temple. None of us had been inside, so we quickly changed into our church clothes and went in for baptisms. The temple was beautiful, and since they knew we were first-timers, they took the time to explain the special stained glass window that was rescued from a condemned Presbyterian Church in New York.
 |
| It was a windy day like every day in Cedar City! |
Further down the road, we gained an hour and rolled into town about 3 pm. Then we spent four days eating Jonny's food (steak, pulled pork, french toast, spaghetti, home made bread, and wings). We played a ton of games with both adults and kids, and enjoyed being together. We also went to church with them and went on a few adventures.
 |
| The older boys played a new game with Josh. |
 |
| Seth played light sabers with the Pooles and neighbors. |
First, we went down to Hoover Dam. The Visitor Center and tours were closed, but we still went to the overlook and walked on top of the dam. There were a ton of people, especially for a site that was "closed," but we still got some good looks at the dam.
 |
| Mom's favorite red heads. |
 |
| Cousin buddies! |
 |
| The bridge was almost as cool as the dam. |
 |
| Boulder City railroad museum |
 |
| Barely hanging on...for real! |
 |
| This was a fun stop near Hoover Dam. |
 |
| Jonny is so good to our family! |
 |
| We love spending time with cousins! |
 |
| Ben and Dax are buddies. |
 |
| Dax hid in the leaves in hide and seek and was never found! |
Our second adventure was a half day at Red Rock Canyon. While there, Seth did the Junior Ranger program, and we did a couple of short hikes. The area was really pretty, and we enjoyed most of the overlooks as well. We were only a little disappointed that the turtles were in hibernation until March. We finished this fun day with food at In-N-Out.
Mostly, the kids enjoyed the late nights, movies and video games, and sharing the loft with cousins. It was really great!
 |
| New Junior Rangers |
 |
| This was our first time at Red Rock |
 |
| We did a few short hikes. |
 |
| It's nice to have people with us to take pictures. |
 |
| We all climbed up on a huge rock for the picture. |
 |
| We are enjoying Mark while we can. |
 |
| Dad and Audrey struck a pose. |
 |
| Our second hike was to a dry wash. |
 |
| Every place is lovely when Mom is there. |
 |
| We found a donut shop that was inviting Dad in. |
