Thursday, December 18, 2008

Specs

Allyse recently took after her father and was prescribed vision correction. I took her out to some stores and found her some frames. Allyse chose the above, which I think look rather smart.

Sunday, December 14, 2008

Brad and Benjamin's Birthday Bash at the Mirage (The Full Story)

Earlier in the year, I won a birthday party for me and up to 25 guests at Siegfried & Roy's Secret Garden and Dolphin Habitat at the Mirage Hotel. We decided to use it for Benjamin and my birthday and invite members of the family who have small children, as we thought the kids would really enjoy the animals.

First, we were given a private tour, one which included only members of our group. We started at the side of one of the pools where the dolphins live. Our guide told us a bunch of interesting facts about dolphins, but I would be hard-pressed to recite any of them now.

Next, we went below to a window where we could observe the dolphins as they swam around the pool.

Our guide told us more interesting facts about dolphins.

Then, we went to a private observation room. This was the best, because the dolphins kept coming up to the glass and smiling for the camera.

Angelina and her cousin, Nora, enjoyed seeing the dolphins up close.

The guides had the children sit down and they taught them more about dolphins.

To their credit, the children actually looked interested.

More dolphins up close.

Benjamin really loved the dolphins, and he laughed each time they came up to the glass.

After the observation room, we went to a separate pool that served as the nursery.

At the nursery, there were a couple of baby dolphins swimming with their moms.

After the dolphins, we went to the secret garden. If you have been to a regular zoo, the cool animals are always in hiding. Not in Vegas: they have to get out and perform. The white tigers didn't disappoint. This beast was the size of a small horse, and I'm not exaggerating.

They had a feeding of the tiger cubs while we were there. It was really funny to watch the "kittens" attack their bottles.

After the felines, we went back to the pools for some cake. The tiger cage was made of chocolate.

The two birthday boys.

Uncle Kris and Corbin had fun.

Cousins Aubrey and Lauren appear to have enjoyed the cake.

As usual, Angelina ate frosting first.

Joshua, Ethan and Jacob couldn't wait to eat the chocolate tiger cage.

Benjamin wasn't very excited about eating the cake with his grandmas.

The highlight of the birthday party was a family photo with the dolphin. Benjamin, who was squealing when he saw the dolphins in the pool, wasn't nearly as thrilled to see one out of the water and right next to us. At first, he looked a little unsettled, but by the time the photos were being snapped, he was certain that he did not like this. The rest of us were having a great time, as we had not previously touched a dolphin.

Saturday, November 29, 2008

Las Vegas Auto Show

Joshua, Joseph and I went to the Las Vegas Auto Show to see the new cars. The boys had a great time seeing all the shiny new cars and sitting in some of the real fancy ones.
Joseph is a happy boy in the new Corvette.

This is the 2010 Camaro. I don't know how true it is, but we were told that this is only the second auto show at which the new Camaro has been displayed.

Another angle of the new 2010 Camaro.

Josh looked like a good fit behind the wheel of the new Hummer H3T.

As if Hummer's don't stand out enough, they went with a bright orange on this one.

Josh was ready to take this Cadillac XLR home.

Joseph and Josh in front of a Rolls Royce Phantom.

From one of the most incredible cars in the world to the glorified Go-Kart known as the Smart Car. You know the car is small if these little guys look normal size in it.

This was probably the oddest vehicle of the show. The Jeep Treo is a concept vehicle

The rear of the vehicle tapers so that bicycles can be carried over the rear fenders. Strange!

Monday, November 10, 2008

Birthday Bash at The Mirage

I just couldn't wait to upload this photo from last Saturday's party at The Mirage. I will update this with more photos and the story.

Friday, November 7, 2008

Anatomy of a Photo Shoot

For the most part, Angelina hates to get dressed up in new "Sunday" dresses. Although she typically really enjoys the results, she despises the change that wearing something new necessarily involves. On a recent Sunday when Julene dressed Angelina in the outfit, below, she had an absolute fit. Being the nice and compassionate father that I am, I told Angelina that I was going to get out the camera and start taking pictures.

At first, I wasn't certain that my brilliant scheme was going to work, but then the tears started to dry up.

The hint of a smile replaced the pout.

Then, mischief returned to her expression.

Donning the hat caused seemed to cause a reset of emotions.

However, it didn't take long for her to reboot.

Soon, Angelina's inner ham took over.

In the end, our little girl's happy disposition returned and we were free of drama for the rest of the morning, without having to resort to any disciplinary measures.

Sunday, November 2, 2008

The Puppet Show

Allyse loves to create lessons and plays for Family Home Evening. One recent night featured a puppet show.

She got quite animated during the show, as she has really learned how to play to her audience.

The children were quite captivated by Allyse and her production. Angelina could hardly get any closer to Allyse's "stage," and all of them were laughing heartily at her jokes.

Allyse graciously posed with her handmade puppets for a photo when she completed her show.