Monsoon Season

The only good part about summer in Las Vegas is monsoon season.  We get a little bit of humidity and, every so often, a good old soaking rain.  But, these past few days have been a doozy; Las Vegas is actually getting hit by a tropical storm!  Yes, a tropical storm in the desert.  Ivo made his landfall in Baja California and has been making his way across the southwest for a few days, leading to more rain in Vegas than I have ever seen.  

Now, luckily for us, we were smart enough to buy a house in the foothills, which means we are higher up in elevation AND on a hill; all the rainwaters just flow right past us.  But they have to end up somewhere, right?  All of these shots were taken less than 10 minutes from our house, on roads we drive almost every day.

Grand Canyon/Grand Teton intersection 

SkyPointe Drive near 95 and Horse

The desert near Grand Teton

Grand Teton and Hualapai

Grand Teton near Oso Blanco

Ft. Apache and Brent

This is US 95, looking north . . . the way my husband travels to work every day.  Very, very thankful he had yesterday off, as the road was completely shut down due to high water.

And what were we doing during all this flooding?  Having a "tropical storm in the desert" party on our backporch!  We snuggled up and watched the rain . . . 

. . . and played in it (when the thunder and lightning stopped, of course!).

The only party pooper was Oskar, who hid under the chair and sulked because he hates the rain.

The good Lord also gave us a pretty spectacular sunset as well, even despite the clouds.

Thanks for the rain, Lord.  Keep it coming. :)

How I Long For My Indiana Home . . .

WARNING:  This post contains picture over-load.  You have been warned.

Matty and I had been planning a visit back to Indiana this summer for several months.  Not only do we miss family, but there is no better time to escape the heat and dust of the desert than summer.  Unfortunately, a week before we were set to depart, we received word that my uncle had passed away in a tragic accident.  A few phone calls later, and we were on a plane home sooner than expected, and not for reasons we would have ever wanted.

However, my uncle's unexpected passing made us appreciate our time with family more than usual.  We took advantage of every single minute home, and I really enjoyed being able to share with Matty some of the things that make Indiana such a special place to me.  Below are just a few examples.  Enjoy. :)

One of the highlights of Mamaw and Papaw's house is always the pool.  There was lots and lots of swimming.  With Aunt Erin . . .

. . . and Mom!

There was also sweet, blessed rain! And (although it annoyed the people who live there), Matty and I absolutely loved it and ran outside every time it started to sprinkle.  Here he is watching the rain from the garage after a sudden downpour.

And, of course, rain brings puddles!

When it wasn't raining, the sandbox was  HUGE hit.  Matty asked every day to go play in the "doot."  Luckily, big cousin Gabe was such a sport and would play in there with him . . . even when Matty decided it would be more fun to tackle him.

Gabe got his revenge, though; he buried Matty in the sand.  Matty didn't mind too much. :)

But you know what's sand is NOT good for?  Eating.

Quality time with Mamaw and Papaw was a huge highlight of the trip home.  Papaw is always ready for a ride in the four-wheeler . . . 

. . . to build a fire with . . . 

. . . or to take a nap on the floor with.

And Mamaw's are good for racing down the hallway with . . .

. . . and helping fill the bird feeders with . . . 

 . . . and picking flowers with. :)

And, of course, we can't forget a little QT with Aunt Erin . . .

. . . and Uncle John.

All of these family members to hang out with left Mom with plenty of free time.  She was even able to take in a baseball game with Karen. :)

Some of my favorite moments were the times I got to show Matty some of my favorite places at home.  We went hiking at Portland Arch Nature Preserve . . . 

. . . and Black Rock Barrens.

We shared a sundae at Dari-licious and played at Turtle Park . . . 

. . . took a stroll along the banks of the Wabash . . .

. . . and watched the otters swim at Columbian Park zoo with Angie and Noah.

In addition to visiting a few of my favorite spots, I also gave Matty a crash course in what it means to be a Hoosier (because, even if he was born in Vegas, my son is a Hoosier at heart!)  That meant a little romp through the cornfield . . . 

. . . some "one-on-one" . . . 

. . . and a lesson in shucking sweet corn . . . 

. . . (which he thoroughly enjoyed the benefits of doing!)

We were also lucky enough to be there over the Fourth of July holiday so Matty got to experience some fireworks for the first time (no more red flag warnings for us!)

Matty also got to spend time with ALL his cousins from Jonathan's side of the family.  It was only one day, and he was a little overwhelmed with all the chaos, but it was the first time all the cousins had ever been together at once.  As you can see, Jonathan's side of the family is a LITTLE bit bigger than my side of the family. :)

Sad to say good-bye, but Las Vegas was calling us back (okay, to be honest, Daddy was calling us back) so we had to go.  Thanks for all the memories, Indiana.  Until next time!

License to ILL

Before heading to Indiana, Matty and I stopped off in Paris, IL to visit Jonathan's parents for a few days.  It was Matty's first real taste of the midwest . . . and he loved every minute of it.

Grandpa's motorcycle was COOL.  But don't worry, Dad, we didn't take any rides . . . yet.

Playing with Daddy's old toys (Grandma and OKB helped).

But the best thing about Grandma and Grandpa's house?  Golf balls.  Choking hazard, shmoking hazard. ;)

We all went out to the farm to visit our future home.  Matty was so excited (and a bit confused) to be able to sit and play in the grass.  We spend half the time back in Vegas trying to keep him OUT of our heavily fertilized yard; I think he was just waiting to get in trouble for being in it.

First ride on the four-wheeler, getting ready to head back to the pond.

Future home site, albeit with dead grass.  Please Lord, send some rain!

"This four-wheeler thing is AWESOME!" (And no, I didn't let him ride in the back!)

Matty and Oskar imagining life on the farm.

Playing in the grass under the apple tree.

"Grandpa!  I'll help you water the garden!"

"Here, Grandpa, let me help you with these water jugs."

Jonathan's custom-made bar did not make it into our house in Vegas (it was either a bar room or a nursery), so we sent it home with his parents.  They set it up inside the new garage/game room at the farm.  Matty played bartender, offering out sippy cups of water.

He also got to meet another set of cousins, when two of Betsy's children came over for a visit.  They were so excited to meet "Baby Matty" and were quick to show him all the toys in the basement.

And now, off to Indiana to see Mamaw and Papaw!  We'll see you again soon, Illinois!