Nelson's

We went to Nelson's or the first time with a few friends, and stopped by the old lake bed on the way. I was so disappointed to discover on the way there, that my camera was running on reserve, and I wasn't able to get all the shots I wanted. I didn't even get any of the kids playing on the beach, where we stayed for hours, until the wind picked up, urging us home. Until then, we had a GRAND time!

some of the friends

when is this baby not smiling?!!

look who's driving!

strike a pose!

caught in a moment inside of an old school bus

Chloride

We wanted to take a little break from the big city and check out a "ghost town" in the area. Most of the internet searches rated Chloride, AZ as the #1 ghost town as a day trip from Vegas. It just happens to be a currently inhabited ghost town.... All of the original settlers apparently moved out when the mining boom came to a halt, and then some time later, travelers discovered the area and decided to settle in. Now, it's one of the most picturesque "Old West" towns around! A photographer's dream!
And lucky for me, I've been taking a couple of photography classes, so it was an awesome opportunity to try my hand. I even took the whole family portraits with myself include (on a timer). We had such a great time checking out the town, the local rock shop, looking for art glyphs, checking out awesome antique stores (I want to deck out my future home in Chloride wares), and even checking out property for future possibilities! Siena REALLY wanted to find an abandoned house, so we did, and when she went inside, she found a snake! I think that should put an end to her curiosity of uninhabited homes for a while, lol! It's been a while since I've seen that girl run so fast!
We ended the day at a splash park. The girls were so happy to cool off after a long, exciting and eventful day!

in front of a former gas station, now someone's front yard!

Baby John Tanner

My sister had her 3 natural (2nd home-) birth! Everything went smoothly. They named their sweet baby after our somewhat famous ancestor, John Tanner. If you are not familiar with him or his story, check out the free video here.
John was born on Memorial Day. He weighed 8 lbs and was 19 1/2 inches long. Melissa is doing great! I am so excited to meet me sweet little nephew!

the perfect little gentleman!

Jairus shared his toy plane with his brother

moments after the grand debut

sleeping like a baby!

proud big sister

sweet face!

Red Rock

Red Rock has always been a special place for me. I have so many fond memories going there as a little girl, climbing all over the rocks, going to Bonny Springs Ranch, seeing the wild burros. I loved sharing some of these experiences with my girls, and enjoying the day at Red Rock and Spring Mountain Ranch, one of my new favs! (Although my mom says I went there as a kid too, I just don't remember it).