Kelly Visits in January

This is a VERY late posting, but we didn't want to forget Kelly's visit to Las Vegas. We went hiking with Kelly in Red Rock, we ate deep fried twinkies, and Barley made a new best friend.





I am about to eat my first, and probably my last deep fried twinkie. I think it may be a heartattack on a stick.....


















Do I have to eat it.....????














Kelly thought this a funny sign that the religous folks display down on Freemont St. They are trying to save us "wicked" people.
















Kelly taking Barley for a walk in Red Rock Canyon




















Don't look down.....!!!

New Year's Eve 2007

This New Year's Eve - we decided to spend it with our closest 350,000 friends on the Las Vegas strip! We had Big Edd drop us off at the Sahara and we walked the strip (drinking beer and jaiger-bombs and buying party hats) all the way to 15 where we eventually talked a taxi into taking us home around 1:30.

It was quite an experience and a great party! Next year we're thinking about getting a room and staying there a bit longer...if you want to join us - let us know ASAP because things will start to sell out soon.

Here is a short video of the fireworks display that went off at midnight. Seven strip casinos were included in the choreographed display and you can see about 5 of them in the video - we were standing in front of MGM when we took it but those fireworks didn't make the video. Enjoy!





Betsy is sporting the 2nd party hat of the evening she found - with a 'Happy New Year!' lighted up for everyone to see... she's staning in front of the Bellagio fountains which were going off to the song "It's starting to look a lot like christmas..." very nice.






Betsy was making friends with all sorts of people - including this friendly Las Vegas Police officer who was part of crowd control. Say "lock down"!



Stan with his greatest find of the night - 32oz pitchers for only $6. Hmmmm Beer - it's what's for dinner on NYE!

Christmas in the Bellagio Gardens

If you've never been to Vegas or if you have but haven't yet been to the Bellagio, well, it's one of those things you really should do. Every month or two, the Bellagio overhauls their garden and puts together a themed fantasy world - this month is was the holiday with reindeer, christmas trees, animated penguins and their water chasing fountains. We hope you enjoy....we certainly did!

Here is a short video of the water chasers and other decorations at the gardens.




Betsy and her big christmas balls!














The reindeer are in search for their lost red-nosed leader...oh no, I hope they find him before Christmas!









A real 42 foot spruce fir (or something like that) decorated with 6,000 red LED lights. We're putting this in our living room next year for Xmas...I'm sure it will fit.

Another Year - 3 more Birthdays!

The end of the year signifies many things - and one of those in our household is getting older! On December 31st - Stan turned a whopping 33 and he spent it down on the Vegas strip with 350,000 of his closest friends. Betsy turned the corner and is now 32 as of January 2nd. Sharing her birthday - little Barley is now 1 year old!


Stan is set to blow out the forest fire he has accumulated...













..and he huffed and puffed and blew all 33 candles out! Woo-hoo, he is sure to get his wish (more oxygen).



















Betsy appears to be a little nervous about blowing out the spread of fire on her birthday carrot cake...can she do it?











One mighty wind from Bets sends the birthday fire back to the stone age! Nice job!












Betsy relishes in her victory over the 32 candles and wonders when her wish will come true...













Barley didn't seem to mind wearing her red birthday hat too much...but she wants to know where the cake is?!?!












Make a wish (more cake) and blow out your candle!

Barley Time

Barley has had a busy few weeks. Her doggie friends Max and Chester (2 black labs) stayed with her for almost a week, she's had grandma and grandpa visiting, Christmas & New Year and her birthday on the 2nd.... here's a few pictures of our little fury girl..hope you enjoy!

It wasn't a rare occurrence to see a floor of canine. After playtime and a full belly - Barley, Max and Chester liked to relax and stretch out in the loft with Betsy.












Barley having a christmas bone treat! Thanks to Shannon and Time (Max & Chester).











At the 'dirt' dog park, Barley found a mud puddle and in her fashion began to dig and roll around like a pig. She loves anything mud and will sniff it out in a heart beat. It took us an hour to get her cleaned up but it was so fun to see her dive head first in the big puddle!














One of the funniest things I saw this christmas was Big Edd feeding Barley a treat from his mouth. If you can somehow zoom in on the expression on his face - it's priceless. Thanks again for a pee-my-pants laugh Big Edd!

Barley and Max loved to play tug of war with any toy big enough for them both to get a hold of...this toy (which you can barely see) was one of their victims.

Barley giving Grandma Remling a big sad "bye-bye". I am not sure who misses who most...

Christmas at the Springs Preserve

A trip to the Springs Preserve in Las Vegas was quite unexpected. Who knew there was a conservation of indigenous vegetation with over 500,000 christmas lights only miles from the 'Strip'?!? It was one stop on our journey this holiday season in the desert...



The dynamic and dashing threesome (Big Edd, Bets and Stan) in front of a red-lighted tree.













It's something cool to see christmas lights on cacti...don't you think?



















Mama (Dottie) couldn't stay out of the lime light - move over Big Edd..












More cacti adorned with christmas lights - and these 2 floridians just loving it...or completely frozen (they're not used to below 60 temperatures).