Circuses and Seashells

Brad and I somehow managed to go an entire year without making it back to Vegas to visit the Nielsen family, so we were definitely due for a trip. We decided to crash Kristy and Trevor's Vegas weekend and compete for the "favorite aunt and uncle" title while we were there. 

Brad and I first made it to Vegas last February and our trip consisted of Rhode and Scarlet calling me "Aunt Jules" the whole time. I'm pretty sure that was a catalyst for our relationship. 

Here are a few flashbacks from our first Vegas trip in February, 2012. 

Classic Fountain shot 

The Mirage

Riding our bikes to the park with Scarlet

Okay, fast forward to February, 2013. Here are a few high lights from this trip. 

Rhode showing us his punching bag skills, haha

Brad and I taking Rhode & Asher to the park

These next few pictures are taken at this huge Bass Pro Fishing shop that Jon helped build. I think I was as entertained as the kids were. 

Scarlet

Rhode

Asher

Watching the scuba diver feed the sting rays!

Brad looks good with a baby on his hip. 

I never realized how creepy these things looked from underneath

After our fun at the Bass shop, we made our way to Hash House for some dinner. Brad and I couldn't even finish the burger that we split because it was so big. 

The gang at Hash House

After dinner, we headed to The Strip and made the classic stops.

The Bellagio, 2013 (Notice how our clothing styles haven't changed much over a years time)

Hopefully we'll get a picture in front of the real thing this summer.

The next night is when the real fun began. After delicious hamburgers at Jon and Kacey's, us adults made our way to Treasure Island for Mystere. This show is amazing! 

Anxiously waiting for the show to start

The Cirque Du Soleil group, minus Jon

Awkward angle, but you get the point

After the show, Kristy, Trevor, Brad and I had a fun time at Serendipity and stuffed our faces with sundae's and cookies. So good! 

Group shot at Serendipity!

This past weekend, we made our way back to Vegas...and kept on going down to Pomona, CA to spend the weekend with Brad's Aunt Lori and cousins. Everything about California was perfect, including the 80 degree weather. On our first day, we made the drive to Malibu to visit Paradise Cove. Here are some shots from the Cove! 

Eating outside at Paradise Cove Beach Cafe 

On our drive home, we stumbled upon Santa Monica Pier and had to stop. While driving around looking for a parking spot, we stumbled upon "Ocean Avenue" which of course lead Brad to put on the Yellowcard song. It brought me back to my high school days. We ended up walking around the pier and eating an Oreo sundae for dessert!  

The next day, we drove to the beach house on Newport Beach and spent a glorious day in the sun playing bocce ball and throwing a football around. Here are a few shots from their beach house porch. 

After a while, Brad and I decided to go walk on the pier. 

I wouldn't mind living here. 

Once we were done with our beach activities, we headed back to Lori's house for homemade pizza night. All I have to say is we need a Trader Joe's out here because that pizza dough was GOOD. Here is a shot of Brad attempting to make his pizza. 

It sort of looks like Pac-Man, doesn't it?

We had a GREAT time in Pomona visiting with everyone and I loved getting to know more family members. We hope to be back VERY SOON!!