I think it has almost become tradition in our family that whenever Roger comes into town, the family heads for the hills! No in all seriousness, Roger and Jessica live in the D/FW area and one of his only complaints is that he misses the mountains. We have gone up to Red Rock a few times and up to Mt. Charleston a few times when he's come to visit Mom and Dad. I always sorta dread going to Red Rock because I know that it is going to be a difficult hike for me. Then when I get there I gear myself up for the climb. After it is over I smile because I have had so much fun climbing all over sandstone mountains. The views are incredible and amazing and I always feel touched by the Lords hand when I am there. This time was no different. I was a little concerned about going. Got there and was worried. Got going and loved it. Got done and was so grateful I'd gone! Silly really but I'm totally predictable! Caitlyn is a mountain goat! She was all over the place. Roger took off after Cote because he too wanted to be a mountain goat and then Jessica went back down because it was too much for Faith. Later we found out that she slipped and hurt her knee. (Not so good carrying a two year old and pregnant at the same time. Sorry Jessica, one of us should have been with you.) Emma and Jenna were a little scared but they made out pretty well. Maddie had never been and was worried about climbing all over. I'll be honest, there were a few times I thought I might have to carry her off the mountain and there was once when I told her she was going to have to toughen up and just do it. I felt bad for being so abrupt with her but you know she decided to give it another shot and by the time we got back into a little valley at the bottom she was climbing all over the place saying she could do whatever Caitlyn did. I was so proud of her for overcoming her fears. Heaven knows I have had the same ones and not gotten over them as fast as she did. She's one tough cookie! Heather will kill me for putting so many pictures of her up here. She hates having her picture taken but I think she is adorable. (Obviously I had to use the slide show again. Oh well I will get over it)
After we hiked Red Rock we headed back into town where Anita my incredible sister bought all of us dinner at Panda (mmmmm Panda!) and then we continued over to the Bellagio on the strip. It took us forever and there was more than one time when I thought that we should have bagged it for the night but looking back I am so glad we didn't. The Bellagio for those who don't know has an amazing water show ever 15 minutes in front of their hotel. It is done with lights and music and is just amazing. We finally parked and made it back outside to catch our first show. It was great, then we decided to see one more. Being Independence Day weekend, one tends to have freedom on the brain. The second show was with the music from Lee Greenwoods "God bless the USA". Instantly when hearing this song I think every American stands a little taller. We were surrounded by people from all over the world. I heard so many different languages that night. As we listened and watched and sang along so proud to be an American, I wonder if the people from other countries really knew what they were witnessing. Do they realize and know what we hold dear and often, to often, take for granted? Did they know that that song has become special to Americans? Did they understand that we are living in a place that you don't have to show your passport to enter into another state? The irony of it all struck me. I am so blessed. As we watched I heard Anita start to sing. I had been singing along inside my mind but when I heard her singing I decided to join in. Yes tears were shed on my part. So amazing. Not just the show but the feelings inspired inside oneself of Patriotism. I am Proud to be an American.
No comments:
Post a Comment