Day 4 - July 8, 2011

Today we made our way to Las Vegas so we could meet Amy and Damian and their family to spend some fun time together. They were out west visiting with Damian's family, so it worked out for us to drive 30 something hours to see them :)





We listened to an information radio channel telling about the Hoover Dam as we were on the way and they kept encouraging people to take a 'Dam' tour, so that set us up for quite a punny day. It started with Leah saying, "Let's get this 'dam' tour over with, to Al saying, "That 'dam' tour is too expensive!" ($30 each) To Amy's, "Let's do this 'dam' thing." And Molly's, "This 'dam' bridge is too hot!" You see we took full advantage... :)




The Kerces and Andersons



The Kerces plus Merin (cause she loves her Uncle Al)






After we went to the Hoover Dam, we took some time to cool off by touring a chocolate factory. Apparently we hit it at the wrong time, because all we got to see them doing was folding boxes, but we did get two pieces of complimentary chocolate out of the deal.Then there was a cactus garden where we caught this of Leah, Merin and Hayden.



After a long day in the sun, Al and I decided we couldn't stay in Las Vegas without walking down the strip. We took Molly and Ashlyn, while Leah stayed with Aunt Amy and Uncle Damian to swim in the pool with Hayden, Zade, and Merin.

The famous sign we went back to get a picture of (more to the story later...)



Ashlyn and Molly waiting for the fountain show



The Elvis guys wanted our "Sweet Mamas" to take a picture with them



We saw the fountain show at the Belagio



Since we rode a bus from the resort we were staying in with Amy and Damian, we didn't get a chance to see everything we wanted to in Vegas by walking the strip. It only dropped off and picked up from certain places, so once we made it back to the hotel, we left again in our car. Al wanted to see the pawn shop from the show "Pawn Stars" on the History Channel. It's open 24 hours a day, so he knew we would have plenty of time. Also, Ashlyn wanted a picture of the Las Vegas Welcome sign, so she reluctantly went as well, though she didn't care anything about the pawn shop. We got the pictures of the welcome sign with no problem, then headed to the pawn shop. Once we pulled up I was a little nervous because it was in a "seedier" section of town, but what excitement we found! The doors were locked because they were filming a show. We could see through the door what was going on and we were the only ones around. Ashlyn went to take a picture, but their body guard quickly stepped in front of the door shaking his head no. We walked to the other door and Al, being the true fan, saw Big Hoss, so Ashlyn sweeltly asked through the plexiglass if he would take a picture with her. Then Al saw Chumley walk by and Ashlyn asked Big Hoss if Chumley would take a pic with her. He told her "probably not, but I'll ask" after a few seconds of conversation Chumley willingly came and took a picture with her. It was definitely HIS lucky day :) How funny that Al is the fan and Ashlyn is the one in the pictures, LOL!

Ashlyn with Big Hoss



Ashlyn with Chumley