July 1, 2007

Today we toured Hoover Dam and the Grand Canyon. The guided tour at Hoover Dam was great and informative. To find out all the cool, yet boring details, visit http://www.usbr.gov/lc/hooverdam/

The Dam.

On the Observation Deck overlooking the Hoover Dam.
(Our tour guide said they have seen it get as hot as 145F up here)

Looking down from the top of the dam.

Nothing like needing a BIG cold drink in the desert.

By the time we made it to the Grand Canyon we were tired of looking at Joshua Trees.

This is the LOVELY dirt/graded road we got to drive down in our convertible mustang (that you can feel every pebble.) for approx. 20 miles. About half way through I thought my bladder would explode, but as you can see there is NO WHERE to pull of and “go.” With out the whole world seeing you. By the time we go to the Grand Canyon I was in pain!!!.

We made it!!

This is Eagle Point. If you look at the center of the picture, in the rock, it looks like the back of an eagle with his wings spread.

The Grand Canyon

This picture was taken on the new sky walk at the Grand Canyon. It is a large horseshoe shaped walkway that has a floor of glass so you can see straight down the canyon. Where our picture was taken, we were standing on a white surface. I did not go off of it the whole way around the walkway. I could NOT stand on the clear glass. Kelly had no problem with it, but it got to me a little too much.

If you want to get a better view of what we were standing on go to http://www.grandcanyonskywalk.com/ They have some great pictures in the “Gallary.”

(This picture is very misleading. It makes the Grand Canyon look red in color when it is not. The drab brown/gray in my pictures above are the true color of the Grand Canyon.)

June 30, 2007

Today was a very relaxing day in the city. We got up at 5:45am Las Vegas time (8:45am Louisville time) and headed out for a nice walk down the strip. At the end with the Circus Circus Hotel we found a place serving a great breakfast. After that we headed back to the hotel to hang out at the pool.
This pictures does not do justice for the view, but in the background you can see some great mountains.

Celine's Concert Picture

We went to the Celine Dion Concert to celebrate our 10 year anniversary. She was awesome and so were all her dancers. If I could have I would have went back every night. She rocks!!

June 29, 2007

Aerial view of Lake Mead. (This is the lake created by Hoover Dam.)

So we arrived safely in Las Vegas this evening and decided to find somewhere to eat. We checked out all the restaurants in Bally's, but did not find anything we wanted to eat. We then headed next door to hotel Paris where we found "Le Burger Brasserie." The prices of the burgers were about $9.99. My eyes about bugged out of my head when I saw the 777 Burger. Not only is that the name, but it COSTS $777!
I was so baffled I had to take a picture of the menu to show you guys.
In case you can't read the description on the menu it says,
"KOBE BEEF and MAINE LOBSTER BURGER"
"Caramelized onions, imported brie cheese, crispy prosciutto, and 100-year aged balsamic vinegar, served with a bottle of Rose Dom Perignon Champagne."

We finally got some much needed rain today so Kristofer had to go play in it. (6/24/07)

He was making hand and foot prints and decided to make a head print.

Such a boy! Had to drive his truck through the puddle.

Throwing rocks in the puddle.

Parenting Stuggles

She opens her mouth in wisdom, and the teaching of kindness is on her tongue.

–Proverbs 31:26

This past week, in the job of parenting, it has been pretty rough. Kristofer has been really testing me when I tell him not to do something. Instead of making him have a time out for his offence I have been letting it slide and then getting so upset I start yelling. With Kristofer, if you yell, it just makes him more out of control.

After talking to my mom and sister, and crying my eyes out last night, I have learned that if it gets to the point that I am yelling then I have not done my job in disciplining my son and it IS my fault. I don’t feel alone anymore or like I am a “failing” parent. I just have to buckle down and work a little harder this week.

Today is a new day and I am starting over. We have already had a few instances where he did not listen and had to take a time out. It is amazing how much smother the day goes when we are all calm. I am also remembering that I do not have to be a “perfect” parent just a “good” parent.

To anyone else who may be struggling: Stay strong! It won’t last forever!

Train a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not turn from it.

-Proverbs 22:6

They like the Airplane ride.

Kristofer and Noah LOVED the race cars. Kristofer got off and chatted non-stop about it.

Riding the Swings.

The gang with Bugs Bunny.

Riding the Fire Truck.

Josh and Noah are ready!!

Getting ready to take off on the roller coaster.

Kristofer's first roller coaster ride did not end well. He was terrified!

We spent Father's Day at Six Flags KY Kingdom and had a great time. Mom, Dad and the Olson's came with us. Kristofer liked all the rides except the roller coaster.
We also met the characters of Looney Tunes. I think Kristofer was a little amazed to see them in person. He was not scared at all. (6/17/07)

Blueberry picking with Grandma K. (6/15/2007)

Another great day at the Zoo. (6/9/2007)

He had to stop and throw some rocks in the creek.

Grinding corn.

Playing with old toys (a top/spinner.)

Kristofer was cranking an old music box.

Kristofer was so tired from all the hiking he sat down on the trail and refused to walk any further.

Memorial Day Weekend

On Saturday we went to Spring Mill Park where they were having reenactments of the Civil War, and we did a lot of hiking.

On Monday we grilled out and had smores. Kristofer really enjoyed them.

Awesome kick!!

Kristofer with his trophy.

Taking a watermelon break.

Kristofer played his first season of soccer. In the beginning he had a hard time understanding that everyone played with the same ball. On the first game he got mad at another kid and went after him pinching his cheeks. By the last game he understood how it worked and had a really good time. He even scored a goal! (5/22/07)

Kristofer got a play shaving set and Kelly was teaching how to shave. He loves it. (5/18/07)

Swimming at the YMCA (5/14/07)