Spud Harvest - Part One

We plan and look forward to our Spud Harvest family vacation every October.  In keeping with our budget-friendly approach this year, we decided to expand a bit from our St. George destination to include a few days in Las Vegas, Nevada so the kids could see where their Dad grew up.  

Although he lived just outside of "The Strip", Aaron rarely went into town while living in Vegas.  Carefully, we navigated the onslaught downtown and took the kids to see the "volcano erupt" in front of the Mirage and the water fountains sychronized with beautiful music at the Bellagio.  

That was enough for all of us and I doubt anybody will feel the need to return.  It's important for children to recognize there is "another world" out there but that they need not be overly fearful or too curious about it - mission accomplished.

It's a beautiful thing when your children recognize the difference it makes having the gospel be an intregal part a person's life.  Nothing like a little contrast in lifestyles to see this more starkly:).

405 Estella

This is the house where Aaron lived during the impressionable years (ages 9-17).  The turquoise trim is a "new addition" but the yard and home exterior have greatly been improved upon since the Aaron and I drove by 13 years ago.  In fact, the whole neighborhood was in better shape than we found it in its 'ghetto days'.  Nonetheless, the area is still a bit rough around the edges.  It's hard for me to imagine the daily affairs of all ten family members living in this 1700 sq. ft. 3-bdrm home together - and Erica had her own room so = a lot of boys sharing one bedroom! That's exactly what Aaron did - until his Dad utilized the garage space for two additional bedrooms.  There is really no yard to speak of - just enough space for a trampoline in the back.  What did Janene do with seven boys all the hot summer long?!?

Aaron's elementary school was right around the corner from his house - convenient.

The same sign Aaron looked at every morning...

The high school and church building were a few blocks down the other way - all within walking distance.

This sign is part of a new addition - they've upped the program.

 

Continuing with Aaron's "walk down memory lane", he took Tanner and Brinley to do work at the Las Vegas Temple - the same place he frequently attended as a youth.  Ironically, an older gentleman working in the temple recognized our last name and mentioned that he had had a wonderful bishop many years ago with that same name.  Of course, we learned he was referring to Aaron's dad.  The rewarding part of this news was the fact that Aaron knew this man had not been an active member during the time his Dad served as bishop of the 36th ward.  And yet, he had returned to full activity and now served in the temple!

We are so grateful for the many temples around the globe!

The weather was absolutely perfect and the kids enjoyed playing in the pools a few times - once they got over the disappointment of the lazy river being closed for maintenance during our stay.

We checked out the Pro Bass Shop in town where the collection of taxidermic animals were incredible!  There were lions, tigers, bears, a giraffe, - it rivaled any museum around - and it was free:).

We also checked out a large aquarium and watched a "real mermaid" swimming around with the tropical fish.

Jantzen and the 100 year-old sturgeon.

Someone paid a lot of money to create this masterpiece.  Very cool.  This building was around the corner from the Discovery Children's Museum where we spent Saturday afternoon.

Quinn the Pirate - in the stocks

Elsie - on the royal throne.

Jantzen and Tanner - checking out the grocery store.

Jantzen lowers Quinn below deck.

Quinn especially loved the pirate ship...

...and the airplane.

The museum was four stories with various interactive themes on each floor.  The older kids were good sports but the younger ones could have stayed much longer....there was so much to explore!

More to come.