Hello from Las Vegas. What a fantastic day we had. Got up early while everyone else was just going to bed. The streets were empty and the weather a bit cooler. It hit 97 today in the afternoon. Had a great breakfast at Caesars. Walked for about 5 hours. Made Chris' back feel great and Kim's feet a little sore. Took a quick rest. Had dinner at Spago. Then went to see O (a Cirque De Soleil show) that was incredible. Here's a few pictures.

Inside the Venetian

Waterfalls enter the Wynn Hotel

Weekend in Bloomington

Friday night at Chevy's there was cause for celebration. Ronnie is a year younger at 67! And Karli made the pom's squad. Mom isn't so "FAST" anymore, but finally she caught on to the surprise cake and presents back at the house. Weekend was filled with making sugar cookies and carmel corn and some awesome pork for bbq dinner thanks to Chad. Hope those cookies are almost gone. By the way, were was everyone when we were frosting cookies anyhow. Since when is homework more important than cookie decorating. It was a great weekend. Thanks to the entire Dixon, Smith, Aeschelman clan for all the excitement.

Next week... Las Vegas here we come.

Chris & Chad Elk Hunting in Eastern Oregon

What a great week hanging out with the bro and the in-laws. Lots of camo, lots of cribbage, and a lots of poker. Chris even won 2nd place in the Eagles Texas Hold'Em Tournament on the way home. And I can't forget to mention all the awesome food. Norma and Nancy were amazing.

Chad Posing with Bull Elk (not his)

The hunters (Chad, not Chris)

Eastern Oregon Scenery

Michigan and the UP (Upper Peninsula)

Chris and I got to be tourists again in the midwest and spent Labor Day weekend camping in Michigan. First night we spent near Higgins and Houghton Lakes. Lots of deer, maybe a little too many on the road. Second night we migrated clear up to the Upper Peninsula of Michigan staying in St Ignace and exploring Wild Life Refuge and State Parks. Final night we stayed in a campground just walking distance from Pentwater. We got the chance to see 3 of the Great Lakes: Michigan, Superior & Huron. Which feel more like oceans than lakes. The weather was perfect and the time away from all the other stresses of life was well needed. Hope you enjoy the pictures.

Upper Peninsula. Painted Rock State Park.

Wildlife Refuge on Upper Peninsula. Lots of birds, no bears or moose.

Mackinac Bridge (Route to Upper Pensinsula):