Spring Break

Family Trip

We headed out to Las Vegas, NV so that Aria could do a dance competition. 

The day before the competition we headed to the Adventure Dome at Circus Circus. 

Spotlight Dance Competition

Aria did really well with her solo and placed in the top 10 for her age division.  Her performance was rated at the Diamond level, which she was very excited about. 

Sugar Factory

We tried to pick up some ice cream afterwards at the Sugar Factory, but it was booked, so we got take out instead. 

It was quite windy while we were in Vegas, but we still tried to have fun.  We swung by Treasure Island.

And also watched the volcano erupt at the Mirage. 

Red Rock Canyon

The strip was really noisy, and it seemed like everywhere we went someone was smoking weed, so we headed out of town to enjoy nature. Although Aria refused to join us and stayed in the hotel, the rest of us went on a hike.

Here's Zade on the Calico Tanks trail.

Here's Ryzen at the end with a view of the city. 

Tara and I afterwards along the scenic loop. 

More Fun along the strip

We tried to take the kids to see the animated statues at the Coliseum, but they weren't in service. 

Bellagio Fountain Show

Bellagio Gardens

Valley of Fire

Coke Store

Tara picked up a sampler platter so that the kids could try out different Coke beverages from around the world.  There were a few we liked, a few we thought were okay, and a few that probably should be used as punishment. 

Rainforest Café

We had lunch at the rainforest café.  The food was good, but overpriced. 

Hershey's Chocolate World

Container Park

Stratosphere

We got to watch people bungy jump off of it.  It was pretty crazy.  I asked the kids if they wanted to do it.  Not surprisingly, they all said "No way."

Fremont Street

The video screens across the ceiling were epic. 

Last, but not least, at Zade's request, here's his favorite picture from the trip. 

Feb 2021

Ryzen and Liza built a pretty cool block tower.

Family Valentines Dinner

Aria's Zoom dance studio (at home).

Aria has gotten into doing eye makeup. 

Bingo at the Nature Discovery School

Ryzen won some slime at Bingo. 

Great weather in February made for a nice family bike ride. 

Everest's favorite place to sleep: his hammock.  No wonder he has a perfectly round head. :)

Nova loves playing with her dolls anywhere and everywhere. 

Trip to Reno

Since all the dance competitions in Oregon that Aria was planning to do this year got canceled, Tara decided to sign her up for a competition out in Reno, NV.  

Here's Aria enjoying some pizza in the Portland airport. 

Images from their hotel in Reno.

Aria warming up for her dance competition. 

Aria and her friend Campbell. 

Everest loved swimming in the pool. 

Aria's friend Trista also came down and did the competition too. 

Aria's solo went well and she earned the score of "High Gold" and got a scholarship to attend Dancerpalooza. 

Meanwhile, back at home, the boys played soccer in the backyard. 

Aria's art work.  She's gotten into the show Miraculous, and enjoys drawing the characters. 

Lady Bug

Cat Noir

Chloe

Ryzen and Everest, hanging out after school. 

Feeding the chickens in the back yard.

Zade's Party

For his annual trip around the sun, Zade invited his friends Alex, Isaac, and Langdon over to celebrate. They started it out by going to Defy. 

Followed by pizza and a piñata. 

Ice cream, cake, and Mario 3D World.  Zade had a great time. 

Everest decided to be a baby model.  I think he nailed it. :)

Nova and Emery playing the hammock.