VIVA LAS VEGAS

Well, I figured that I should post about Vegas before the year ended, but I see that didn't happen. Since it is Jan. 1st today and since I am about a month behind on posting it. I guess it was way too much fun and too much to post about so I kept putting it off. But here it goes.


***Beware of the picture overload***

We started out Tuesday morning and made our way to Sin City. I was pleased at how well the kids traveled. They did amazingly well, for being stuck in the Truck for 8 1/2 hours.



Yep, I ended up in the backseat to entertain the kids.

We crossed over the Hoover Dam. It was a pretty neat sight.

We finally made it. Woohoo. What a relief.

The AWESOME HOTEL we stayed at and were the roping was held. Way cool. It was nice because if we wanted to we could stay in our room and still watch the roping. I did that a couple of time while Karlee was sleeping. It was nice.

We had such a fun time. Brandi and her family, Jaci and her family, my mom, dad & Les. We have such a blast when we all get together. Braden's parents, Scott and Carolynn came to Vegas too, to support Braden while he was roping. We were glad they did. I think they had a fun time.

Karlee and Me watching Daddy rope.

Our crew watching the roping

Scott and Carolynn watching the roping

Mom and dad

Hi Miss KarKar

I didn't get any pictures of them roping. I was being superstitious about taking pictures and now I regret it. But o'well. I guess that me taking pictures wouldn't have made a difference...dang it.

Below are some random pictures from the trip.

Karlee chillin in her stroller

Britt in what he call his "begas" shirt

Us walking through the hotel

Britt riding a Horse Bike at the Cowboy Christmas.

Britt being silly while eating dinner...like usual.

Karlee and Braeli..."nope they are not twins"...was often said the whole week.

Braeli chilling in her stroller


At the Mandalay Bay they have a Kids Finals Rodeo each day. Well when we found out about it they told us if the kids participated they would recieve a buckle. We told Britt and he was all excited. Then the next day was to hectic and crazy watching roping to make it over to be there on time. So, we had to put it off till the next day. Well, by then I had bribed Josh and Alyssa(yep, she wanted to do awesome girl) to ride the sheep to win a buckle. Then we bribed Bri and she was smart and said she would barrell race, instead of ride a sheep. Smart Girl.

all ready to go with their vest and helmets...too cute!!!

Alyssa wanted Britt to go first to show her how to do it.

Britt was the first cowboy out of the chute. Braden was there too help him out. It was a pretty funny sight to see. Braden made sure that he didn't hit the ground too hard.



Then Josh was next. He was brave and held on really tight.

He wasn't to sure about it...after he fell off.


Then comes Alyssa. She held on for dear life. I swear she rode it for 8 seconds, that girl was not letting go!!!

Brianna did awesome at the barrell racing. I think she was the fastest runner.

Our family with Grandma and Papa Hawkins. They sure were proud of our little Bubba

After it was all said and done, they didn't get buckles. They ended up with duffel bags and roper hats. yea that sucks. So, we had to go out and buy each of the kids a buckle. Since, they were all about in tears because they didn't get a buckle. But now they each have a little souveniour to remind them of their 1st time in a rodeo!!

We got tickets to the NFR for Thursday night.

It was a blast. Jaci, Bryce and Les went too.

It was so much fun. mom and dad kept all the kids for us while we went.

This is what we came home too...thanks grandma and papa

The next evening was an eventful night. We went to check out the strip. After a few trips around the block to find a parking spot, getting in the wrong elevator to get into the hotel and a couple other mishaps we finally made it. We watched the water show at the Bellagio and the Volcano. It is so fun to see all the lights and see all the crazy people.

us in front of the bellagio

He looks real happy to have his picture taken

Britt was crashed in the stroller, so we, wait I mean ME!!! had to carry Karlee the whole time. Yeah, that was fun:)

Now to the whole the reason we went...

The Roping.

Braden roped great all week. He was entered with my dad and his Uncle Dennis. Braden and dad were too long to make it to the short go or win any money:( Braden and Dennis roped all 4 steers and had a pretty decent time, before the short go started on Saturday. But, after all was said and done they ended up 24th. They got their $2000 entry fee back, so that was nice. But it wasn't the $80,ooo!!! O'well. There is always next time right??

The rest of the time in Vegas we went bowling in the casino, hung out as a family, lost a little money gambling, and just lived it up with room service and everything!!!! I am sure there is tons of stuff that I missed. But remember "What happens in Vegas, Stays in Vegas!!" It was such a blast and I will cherish these memories for a long time.