Fourth of July Vacation

Trails Around Mom's House

We just got back from visiting my Mom and Ed in Show Low, Arizona. This was a picture of what it looks like on the morning walk a block from her house.

Due to recent fires, we weren't able to go camping like we usually do. Instead we stayed at her house and played chess, checkers, backgammon, and Yahtzee. The kids didn't ask to turn on the TV once.

The kids made use of the community pool and a couple times DJ and I went to some antique stores. He is always looking for that rare find.

My Mom and I played poker at the local casino. We came in fourth in a tag team tournament. She played 20 minutes of Omaha and I played 20 minutes of Hold'em. We did well in the live games too, overall.

We went to a real rodeo also. Holden got to compete in calf riding. He only lasted 4 seconds. Video is here.

Holden Observes Younger Kids Riding Sheep

 Holden, as usual, didn't mind the heat and was unafraid to participate in the calf riding. Anything active...

Ed Tries to Shield Himself From My Camera

It was so hot at the rodeo that Riley and DJ were getting heat sickness, so we spent a lot of time under the bleachers.

There were no fireworks on July 4th, due to the fires. Instead we watched a parade.

DJ Teaches Siblings to Shoot an Air Rifle

Riley and Holden Play Chess

Laughlin Cools to 100 at Night

We ended our trip in Laughlin where it was 100 degrees at 10:21pm. You would think Laughlin is not a place for kids, and you'd be right. Still they managed to have fun in the room, the arcade and the pool. We drove around Bullhead City looking for a "real" Starbucks and a real backgammon set one day. The hotel Starbucks weren't cutting it. We also shopped at the outlet stores for clothes and souveniers.