Trip to Boulder City & Hoover Dam

On our first weekend of summer, we took the kids to Boulder City to ride a train and to go to Hoover Dam. It had been about 8 years since Larry and I had been back and what a HUGE difference a few years makes. I don't estimate very well, but the lake is down at least 40 feet. Of course you can see the line of demarcation in the rocks but if you look way in the back, you can see little white specks... those are the boats. It gives you an idea of just how low the water level is.
We are standing on the State Line... Arizona and Nevada for you geographically challenged.

Matthew and Lauren take a look down the Dam - river side.

In the recent years, the traffic over the Dam has become ridiculous... plus with terror threats, Arizona and Nevada decided to build a Dam Bypass bridge. The picture doesn't do it justice... it was spectacular and absolutely mind blowing in it's construction and engineering.

Another shot of the Dam Bypass.

Lake side

We also took the kids to the Southern Nevada Railway Museum.

We saw some great old trains... some that have been around for over 100 years and others that helped transport materials and goods to the Dam during construction in the 1930's.

We sat in the open air cars and took a 45 minute ride through the hills of Boulder City.

Although it doesn't look like much in the way of scenery, it was a beautiful ride!

Lauren was ready to stay on the train all day!

We love trains!

End of the School Year Celebrations

Matthew's school held a 1st grade performance in which they sang songs, recited patriotic responses and hosted Matthew Shaps as a headliner. The title of his written piece was called, "Who I love and Who Frustrates Me in My Family." We were extremely proud!

Little Miss Lauren, too debuted at her school singing "You are my Sunshine" for the kindergarten graduation.

Preschool was a cinch... Kindergarten here I come!


Matthew was chosen as the Program Hander-Outer.

Mom poses with one of her favorite student aides. Derek will go on to do great things... Good luck!

Another 2 great girls ... Congratulations!

Although Lauren has not gone through First Communion, she found my old veil and dons it regularly. I rubbed some olive oil on her forehead in the form of the sign of the cross. She should be good to go with that! :)

Hope's Birthday

Our fabulous friend Hope invited us to Bonnie Springs to help her celebrate her 8th birthday. We had such a great time!

Lauren tried to feed the doe but she just wasn't hungry that morning.

The 3 Musketeers...

Matthew wanted to take those Peacocks home.

Knott's Berry Farm 2009

We are fortunate enough to have a Dad that HAS to chaperon school trips to Southern California theme parks. This May we traveled to Knott's Berry Farm with 130 Orchestra and Band students. The weather was superb and the kids had a great time. Matthew has a new found love for roller coasters.

Lauren atop the Knott's Chicken...

Snuggled in... the hide-a-bed wasn't too bad this trip.

We took some time away from the park to enjoy the pool. It was a little chilly for Lauren, but she dipped her toes quite a few times.

Matthew fooled around in the water feature.

Back to the park before heading home. This was the ever-so-fun hot air balloon ride.

Dad and Matthew before lift off.

Snoopy's Red Baron ride topped off the trip.

Play Dates and Easter Break

We love spring break because we get to spend time with our great friends Bailey and Daniel. We headed to the Springs Preserve to take in a little "desert education."

Here Matthew is exploring the desert reptile exhibit.

Next, he "hangs" out with the regional bats.

We are waiting for the flash flood demonstration. It was the coolest part of the day. Water came rushing down the rocks and got the little ones up front wet.

Thanks for a great day everyone!

Easter egg hunting at Aunt Cristy's house. It was a little chilly this year... but no complaints from us!

Matthew had an unfair advantage... help from Baron!

Checking out the loot... I think the Easter Bunny hid $5 in one of those eggs!

Lauren had no help from the dogs and still made out pretty well... great work!

After Easter dinner we celebrated Grandma's 75th birthday... "Happy Birthday!"

Spring Break 2009

Our first day in California we took the kids to the Marine Mammal Care Center at Fort MacArthur to see the seals. They got to see how the injured seals/sea lions were "fixed up" and cared for.

Lauren loved it when they jumped in their pools.

This big sea lion was making all kinds of noise. I think he wanted someone to play with.

Here we are at a park in San Pedro that houses the Korean Freedom Bell as well as overlooks the San Pedro Harbor. Not sure why the kids' sunglasses are all cock-eyed, but they really were enjoying themselves!

Here they sit at the base of the Korean Freedom Bell monument.

Beautiful day...

Off we head to Redondo Beach to play in the surf and sand.

Beauty on the Beach.

Digging holes is always fun.

Lauren braved the water temp and went in up to her little thighs. I think she even tripped and got her hair wet.

On our last day, we headed into the city and stopped to take in the sites of the oldest and most historic street in Los Angeles; Olvera Street. Matthew is standing in the court yard of the oldest standing residence in L.A., The Avila Adobe, buit in 1818.

This is the entrance to the adobe.

Lauren chose a lovely little spanish shirt and beads to round out her day at Olvera Street. Tia would be proud!