Our 3 Week Adventure - Part 1

July 15 started our three week adventure to Utah and Nevada. We had a direct flight from Nashville to Las Vegas. Traipsing three kids through an airport is not John and I's favorite activity. The kids did great and were very well behaved. Tyler talked to anyone who was around him. The unsuspecting passengers who sat near us certainly got an earful. He told the lady sitting next to him to buckle her seat belt. He growled at the man behind him. Then when the man decided he was done with the growling he closed his eyes and went to sleep. Tyler turned to me and said, "Mommy, that man's eyes are closed." To which I responded, "Ok, well then he's asleep. Leave him alone." And as is Tyler's custom he had to test the waters just to make sure I really meant what I said. He turns around and in a loud voice says, "Hello!" Then turns to me and says, "He's not asleep."

My dad picked us up from the airport looking much tanner then the last time we had seen him. It was good to see him. On a side note: For those of you who may not know, my parents moved from here to St. George, UT back in May. My grandparents had graciously lent Dad their van to pick us up. We made the 2 hour drive up to St. George. It was neat to see the differences in the scenery.

The Joshua tree forest. Yes, that is considered a forest in the deserts of Nevada.

I-15 goes through a small corner of Arizona as you're driving from Nevada to Utah. The Virgin River cut this huge gorge through the rock. Its quite an impressive drive. This picture doesn't do it justice.


We arrived and were able to spend the evening with my sister, Amy, my brother Brady and his wife, Solveig. It was nice to see them and visit with all of them. Friday morning we left for Las Vegas again. We had a nice time at the Clark County Museum where we got to meet my brother-in-law's family. Such a nice family!! That evening we had a pizza party at my Uncle Brent's house. Tyler was terrified of their dogs but eventually Cody won him over. I wish I'd taken more pictures there but we were having too much fun talking and socializing. Tyler did make a new friend and began to call him his "Big Friend."

Saturday was the wedding. Amy was gorgeous! The ceremony was nice and very special to be part of. The reception was fun and the food was delicious.


Four Generations of Atwoods

Amy and Justin outside the Las Vegas temple


Tyler and his "Big Friend" Uncle Brent


Hannah and Karena outside the temple


The kids with Aunt Solveig

Dancing with Daddy and Aunt Solveig (Grandma made the girls' dresses and Tyler's vest! Thanks Grandma!!!!)


Amy's cake