Putting the "Vegas" in "Vegas"

Just in case you're scratching your head and wondering what exactly I mean by the title of the post, my brother-in-law and sister, Pablo & Kristina VEGA came to visit a few weeks ago. Hence, Vegas. Perhaps you don't think it's as clever as I think it is, but indulge me. And in case you couldn't see the resemblance, I had them do a jumping picture. Oh, you see it now? Thought so.

Here's further proof. Going back a few years, you'd never have known, but word on the street is that we're definitely related.

The "newlyweds" went on a mini-Honeymoon for a few days and stayed in various hotels on The Strip. Some luxurious, others...not so much. But nothing beats Casa Richards. It was so fun to see them and party into the wee hours of the morning. Them more so than us. Newsflash: we're old and boring! 

Teagan certainly enjoyed having company in the backseat for a change. She isn't pouting here, she's just playing up one of her finest features - the fullest, pinkest bottom lip you'll ever see on a 16 month old. So is Kristina - look at those eyes!

We crammed a lot of activities into one Saturday - Hoover Dam, Red Rock AND Cici's. I won't tell you where we spent the longest (ahem, all-you-can-eat-pizza) but we enjoyed every minute. Although I shouldn't speak for Teagan - she hit a wall. What a baby!

Even newlyweds need a little space...like different states.

The apple doesn't fall very far from the tree when it comes to a love of the concepts "all-you-can-eat", "dessert", "pizza" and "dessert pizza".

I think they really enjoyed Red Rock. There certainly isn't anything like it in Toronto. As my Dad calls it "John Wayne Country". Aren't they cute?

We went for a cute family photo as well. It didn't go as well. For once it isn't Brandon that doesn't want to be in a photo.

Here was our second attempt. She didn't have a choice on this one. Neither did I, for that matter.

After a few failed attempts (by the previous photographer) Brandon took over and captured this sweet picture of Pabs atop a gigantic rock.

While that photo was being taken, Kristina was looking for the legendary Red Rock Troll. Look's like she found it. I believe I was told to "make a funny face", but by the time the words reached my ears it must have sounded more like "look as scary, creepy and ugly as you possible can."

The bros-in-law. And 10 points if you can see the wee one.

We took a this one as a tribute to Dad and his animal-tracking skills.

You may remember his self-proclaimed expertise from this post from the past.

Summing it up, we had fun at Red Rock!

Who knew the Haw sisters were so outdoorsy? Me neither! Yet here we are, atop a "mountain". Or what felt like a mountain on the way up, but turns out it was merely a molehill :) Teagan was much happier than she let on.

You can't vacation without running into someone you know. Even at Target. We found the "Awkward Family Photos" book published last year, featuring our friends from our Stake back home. Really good family...of pumpkins. It's all about who you know. (Hope you're still reading the blog from time to time, Marci. Just sorry you aren't pictured - the only thing that could make this picture better.)

Auntie Kristina & Uncle Pablo were clever enough to bring along their electronics and therefore made instant friends with Teagan after not seeing her for a few months. It did get off to a rough start, what with Teagan whipping her head in the opposite direction when they came down the stairs every day for the duration of their visit, but who hasn't given a friend the cold shoulder in their lifetime?

They also came with a gift for Teagan from my family. A recordable storybook of a Charlie Brown Christmas, read by my Mum, Dad, brother & sisters. Tears were streaming down my face as we read it the first time. She grabs it off the shelf multiple times a day and flips through and I absolutely love that she can listen to their voices (and accents) and begin to recognize them. And we all love my Dad taking liberties with the script. I don't recall Charlie Brown saying "Stone me" or laughing like Elmer Fudd at the end, but they are some of our favourite bits. Such a wonderful gift!

They also came with a beautiful dress Pablo's mother made. It's a shame you can't see the detail in this photo, since Teagan's trying so hard to model it for you, but trust me when I tell you it's impressive. So thoughtful!

And last, but certainly not least, they brought plenty of shoes for Miss Teagan to run around in. We loved having them and word on the street is they're trying to figure out when they can come back. Anytime, Vegas, anytime. After all - it's your town. Love you!

Ahead of Our Time

The other day, Brandon's boss called his staff together to announce that he had concert tickets he wasn't going to use. And while everyone else was asking, "Who are The Oak Ridge Boys?", Brandon was gasping in excitement. So the tickets went to him. He'd listened to their Christmas CD every year from birth and jumped at the chance to see them live - if only to make his family seethe with jealousy.

We found our seats in Row 7 (of 15) behind these folks. I said "folks". You imagined the "old" part - but for the record I didn't say it.

Oh, and we sat beside an older couple (the ones on our left were older) and in front of even older people...you get the idea. Let's just say people were looking at us like we were lost.

Confession: the only Oak Ridge Boys songs we knew revolved around "Mama Mary" and an old lady named Christmas Carol, and since the concert was in February, none of our yuletide favourites were performed. But despite not knowing a single word to a single song, we had a fantastic time. Besides, the ol' bitties sitting in front of us were singing loud enough for all of us. Not to mention flailing their arms and cat calling, trying to get the attention of The Boys, while their husbands sat idly by, perhaps contemplating growing an impossibly long white beard or purchasing some cowboy boots. I poke fun, but years from now when Brandon and I are sitting side by side in our wheelchairs, listening to Hanson or the Backstreet Men and I'm flailing my Relief Society arms in an attempt to get a wave or a smile, I will think back on this moment.

Seriously, they were super entertaining. If you don't believe me, check out this video for one of their most famous songs, "Elvira", the one everyone but us was singing along to, but we've been singing ever since we got home. They've added some pizazz since the 70s, but this video showcases Richard, the Bass. Incredible. And I never would have picked him as the owner of the ridiculously low voice, but sure enough, he's the guy hitting the B flat at the bottom of the piano. Enjoy. (If you're pressed for time, watch @ 1:08 & 1:38 for the amazing stuff...and stop being so busy - you're making me look bad.)

At the end of the show, those who were able "rushed" the stage. If I'm being honest, it was less rush, and more shuffle. Given that we had an advantage over those with recent hip replacements, we managed to make it to the stage in time to shake hands with two of The Boys. And they seemed genuinely surprised to see us there. 

The next weekend, The Osmonds were gracing the same stage, but unfortunately we didn't have free tickets fall into our laps again.

This photo doesn't do her justice, but Catwoman's grandma came out (in costume) to see the show.

It's pretty evident that we had fun. Thanks go to Kristina & Pablo for babysitting - more on their visit to come. Until then, "Oom papa oom papa mow mow". If you watched the video, you're probably still singing it too.