Vegas

It wasn't long that we were in Vegas till the boys were in the pool playing with cousins. 

They had a lot of fun with the water slide grotto. Either jumping off of it or sitting up in the water of it trying to shoot others in the pools with water guns. 

That evening Brian took us down to the strip to sight see some things before heading to the airport to pick up Maybrie from a school event she competed at. 

In the Belagio hotel/casino they had this beautiful garden area displayed. Everything was made of vegetation (some real some fake) and it was just beautiful. I loved the zebras on the couch. 

It was the boys' first time being on the strip.

Giant flamingos

Giant chess set up. I feel like the pictures can't show how incredible this display was. And walking in to the room just smelled so fragrant with blooms and vegetation. I know it was artificially pumped in to the room but it's one of those senses that makes the displayed experience that much better. 

We waited outside the hotel for the dancing water show to start. 

It was fun to experience it with my boys. The music was My Heart Will Go On by Celine Dion. It wasn't the best water show I've seen at the Belagio but it's still pretty cool. 

July 2

The next morning we were up and taking Aidan to Brian's office first thing in the morning. Another was due to have their wisdom teeth out. Brian really enjoys the surgeries and it's pretty neat that he lets me get right in there and see what's going on. Aidan was a champ and perfect patient. His teeth were taken out faster than Lindsey and Olivia's. I'm so glad when things just work out well. Also, I think Brian has had more experience now that he's just faster at what he does as well. 

The bottom two had to be cut in half to get them out. One of the top teeth had a small infection starting. Nothing Aidan could have done to prevent it. It was just how the tooth was growing and let in bacteria. So it was a good time to get the teeth out. There was no way of knowing the infection was there until Brian cut in to the gums and saw it. I'm glad nothing came of it and caused Aidan problems. So grateful for Brian using his skills to benefit family. 

I had to take a screenshot of the weather forecast. While we are here in Vegas the temps are "cooler" and only in the 90s. I really do bring cooler temps when I travel. The week before we were in Arizona it was around 120 degrees. I fly in and the temps are in the low hundreds. And now in Vegas they're even lower. But after we leave the temps are headed back up in triple digits. Generally I'm bummed when I bring cooler weather places I travel but this time it made it very enjoyable and not extremely hot and miserable. 😂

July 4

Before the traditional Independence Day festivities kick off Brian, Jaime and Tyler went down to an exotic car racing track. They went the day before but before they could drive a crazy rain storm with thunder and lighting hit. The track had too much water on it so they had to close it down. Which meant the boys had to go back the next day. But man were they so excited to go!

Jaime loved speeding around the track and getting tips from pro drivers about how to handle curves and move through the course. He was able to drive as fast as he could handle. It was a fun experience for him and Brian to do and they said they'd do it again. 

Tyler on the other hand wasn't old enough to drive a car but he wanted to go just to see the cars. He was in car heaven. 

Jaime, being the softie that he is paid for Tyler to be able to be a rider in a car with a professional drifter. So he sped down the track and when they'd come to the curves he would break and they would literally drift forever going around the curve! Tyler said it was so awesome. 

This boy loves cars like his dad. He said for his senior trip he just wants to come here and drive cars. Honestly, it'd be cheaper than traveling somewhere far! 

Time to celebrate our country's independence!

I went to the store with Darin and Christy and we bought some things to assemble a charcuterie board for lunch. It wasn't the prettiest one I've put together but in a pinch it worked and we all enjoyed it. 

Family Pool Time!

After swimming we had a yummy BBQ dinner of steak and fruits and veggies. 

Christy made mini pavlovas with raspberry sauce and fruit for dessert.

And we had plenty of time to get in another swim!

Later the kids played games outside,

while the adults played corn hole. When the skies got dark we headed up to the balcony to watch fireworks. It wasn't quite the same as what we see at our house from our rooftop but I still can't help but feel blessed to be in the country that I live in. No matter the firework show. :) And being able to celebrate it with my brothers' families was just so fun and special. 

July 7

Jaime has been getting in lots of work done at Brian's office. The boys have been hanging out with cousins and I hit the gym with Summer one morning. Other mornings I did my workouts in the casita and would go for walks and of course lots of swimming. 

One afternoon I just had this itch for Birria tacos! So I found a place that had great reviews and Jaime topped and picked some up for lunch for us to have. They were delicious and hit the spot!

The teenagers getting some quite swim time together. 

Brian and Summer took Jaime and I to dinner at this super cute restaurant. It was a nice evening out!

Tivoli Village. Such a cute place with shops and restaurants. 

We came home to see the kids playing Just Dance 

So cute!

July 8

Another month another temple!

Jaime scheduled a time for us to go to the temple with Brian's family. Brian said it's hard for them to get appointments because it's always so busy. Luckily we were able to get one!

Next time we go with them Henry will be old enough to go. But these five enjoyed going together. 

I love this goal our family has set to go to the temple every month as a family. We're over half way through the year and we've been able to keep the goal. 

Summer was so good to get a picture of us all so we needed to be sure to get a picture of her with her family outside the temple. 

Only by the street has the sign that says Las Vegas Temple. So of course we had to stop at the bottom of the hill and get a picture. Maybrie and Aidan and Tyler. 

It's a beautiful place!

July 11

Jaime, the boys and I flew home July 9th. Sadly we left Koda because we knew we had a miracle getting him on the plane on the way down. Jaime's parents said they could bring Koda with them since they're traveling up to go camping on the coast. So Koda got a road trip with Grandma and Grandpa. They left on the 10th and got to Hermiston on the 11th. I'm pretty sure he was spoiled from them just like he is from us. 

I drove to Hermiston as soon as I got off my subbing shift at the temple. I got to Bel's just 10 minutes after Marty and Diana got there with Koda. He was so excited to see me when I walked in! Bel took the picture to show that I was just as excited to see him. He could hardly wait to be picked up by me. I've said it many times now, I never realized the kind of love someone could have for their dog until I had my own. Glad he's back with us!