The Vegas Ketchs

2012-01-28T12:14:00.000-08:00

January 2012

Lisa's trip to Illinois and Michigan to celebrate her Grandmother, Eleanor's 95th Birthday Party with Family!
What Beautiful Day it was!

December 2011

2011-12-20T16:05:00.000-08:00

Rick, Lisa, Mom (Lynn) & Joe at the
Bellagio Hotel Holiday display.

Polar Bear Holiday display at the Bellagio Hotel

Conversatory. Made out of hundreds of fresh carnation flowers.

Lisa & Rick at Horse Carriage Ride at The District for the Holidays.

Santa & Lisa at HOA (Terra West-Green Valley Ranch) Holiday Party.

2011-11-23T15:33:00.000-08:00

A Matched set! Rick just got a Chili Red 2006 MINI Cooper S (Supercharged), with only 5000 miles. Last year Lisa got a loaded 2003 'Red Velvet' special edition Cooper with 16000 miles. Both 'barn finds' now reside in our 'barn'; The garage now looks like the movie 'Italian Job'!!

2011-11-23T15:30:00.000-08:00

Sweetest Day 2011
Rick & Lisa's annual luncheon at Mt. Charleston.
The fall colors and mountains were just beautiful!

2011-11-23T15:18:00.000-08:00

Fall 2010-
Rick & Lisa at the Bellagio Hotel. The Conservatory Exhibit.

2011-11-23T15:13:00.000-08:00

September 2011
An evening at the Galleria Mall, Lisa met Reality TV Star Gretchen Rossi from the show Real Housewife's of Orange County.

2011-11-23T15:07:00.000-08:00

August 2011
Lisa went for the weekend to IL. then MI. to visit family & friends. Lisa's Dad Bob and Step Mother Elaine were the gracious Host & Hostess on this priceless trip! Memories to treasure! Lisa's Grandmother, Eleanor is going to turn 95 in Jan. 2012 an inspiration to all!

Happy 4th of July Weekend to you! Be safe & have fun!

2011-07-01T15:03:00.000-07:00

June 2011
Amanda graduated from Coronado High School. We are so proud of her!
She will be attending Reno University, NV. Her major will be: Broadcast Journalism. Watch out CNN!

June 11, 2011 - Rick & Lisa Celebrated their 23rd Anniversary. Went to see the musical/play "Annie" with Lisa's Mom Lynn and StepDad Joe. Joe also celebrated his 70th Birthday too!
Our pets:

Pablo

Toby

Callie

2011-04-02T10:35:00.000-07:00

March 2011
Our newest Hotel: The Cosmopolitan. Beautiful chandeliers when you enter!
Lisa in the big shoe there!

Spring exhibit at The Bellagio Hotel. All made with fresh flowers and included: real butterflies too!
Our good friends, The Langas family from Illinois, visited Las Vegas. We met up at Jimmy Buffet's eatery: "Margaritaville" for dinner and enjoyed walking with them to The Venetian and The Flamingo Hotel, including real flamingos!

Amanda's 18th Birthday party!
Amanda with her Best Friend Lauren at her dinner party and Amanda's Boyfriend John also!

2011-03-06T17:02:00.000-08:00

March1, 2011
Our good friends Vi & Zoli in Las Vegas visiting from Canada.
Our usual meeting place The Elephant bar and enjoyed walking thru the District at nite.

March 5, 2011
Our good friends Lisa & John join us for a nite on the town.
We enjoyed the new menu at Al's Garage especially, the deep fried twinkie for dessert! (Fat free, if you can believe that!).

2011-01-02T16:38:00.000-08:00

Happy New Year 2011!
Katie & Grandmother Lynn @ Ethel M Botanical Gardens during the Holidays.
Joe, Lynn, Katie & Rick.

Horse & Carriage ride with Lisa, Rick, Lisa's Dad Bob & Elaine visiting us during the Holiday Season. We also took in Mt. Charelston one day.

2010-11-26T10:35:00.000-08:00

Dear Family & Friends:
In January Rick turned the Big "five oh"!
Rick & Lisa went to Planet Hollywood to see the musical "Tina & Tony's Wedding".

For Easter Lisa's Brother and Family came into Vegas and we met up at New York, New York Hotel for the day and enjoyed "catching up"!

In May Lisa & Rick did the Crohn's Disease walk in Las Vegas. Also, in May Lisa assisted on the Parent Advisory Committee Luncheon a "Cinco de Mayo" theme this year.

For Lisa's and her Mom's Birthdays we celebrated having "High Tea" at the Bellagio Hotel. Even felt a bit of royalty that day! It was wonderful time and our good friend Marylou joined us.

In June Katie graduated from High School with Honors and 2 Scholarships. She is currently attending Reno University and pursuing a Dental Career in the future. Katie is enjoying "dorm" life and has joined Clubs at the School and stays busy! We miss her a lot! We look forward to when we see her on break time!

Rick & Lisa celebrated our 22nd Anniversary this year we enjoyed going to the summer theatre with Good friends John & Lisa and Lisa's Mom and Step Dad Joe to see Willie Wonka, Damn Yankees and Ain't Misbehaving.

Lisa got a car, a Mini Cooper. She loves tooling around in it! Now she is not stranded without a car (2 teens)!

Our Good friends Vi & Zoli came to Las Vegas twice this year from Canada. We enjoy meeting them at our usual eatery the Elephant Bar.

Amanda is a Senior this year in High School she enjoyed going to Homecoming with a group of 50 kids. They rented a "Party Bus", went to the "Strip", out to dinner and to see the "Love" show. Amanda also got a part time job at Chuck E. Cheese. She is too cute for words in the costume! She also tutors grade school children after school at the Library (Teen Advisory Committee).

In October Amanda, Rick & Lisa went for the weekend to her Mom and Step Dad's home in Lake Havasu City, AZ. There was an old car show so Rick was in Heaven with that! Amanda took in a gun shooting range and shot a 9mm and 45! to say the least she enjoyed it! We also took in the new "Bridge Over America" at Hoover Dam.

Columbus Day weekend, Rick, Lisa, her Mom Lynn & Step Dad Joe went to Mt. Charleston for Oktoberfest. The changing of the fall colors were just beautiful! We ate at the famous "Lodge". Rick even tried the Elvis Presley sandwich (Peanut Butter & Banana's deep fried!).

On Sweetest Day Rick & Lisa took in the Fabulous Sin City Girl's Roller Derby. I remember watching when I was younger the "Thunderbirds" on TV. It was a blast to watch.

We look forward to Lisa's Dad & Step Mother Elaine coming to visit this Holiday Season! Also Lisa's Brother Kent & Sister-in Law Karen are coming to visit in January 2011 in Vegas.

Wishing You A Magical Season! - Love, The Ketchledge Family

2010-11-20T17:36:00.000-08:00

Halloween 2010
Amanda is a purple grape and her friend Maddie is a green grape for the Children's Library Halloween Party.
Lisa dressed up as Judge Judy. We had MANY trick or treaters this year! A Fun nite!

2010-11-20T17:34:00.000-08:00

Sweetest Day 2010
Rick & Lisa went to their first Roller Derby in Las Vegas! The Sin City Fabulous Girls teams! Lisa's team won that evening!

2010-11-20T17:29:00.000-08:00

October 2010
Rick and Chuck E. Cheese (Amanda incognito). Several Birthday parties that evening there. Always, fun and getting tokens and playing games and get prizes each time!

2010-11-20T17:24:00.000-08:00

Columbus Day Weekend 2010 Mt. Charleston.
Rick, Lisa, Lisa's Mom Lynn & Step Dad Joe took in the beautiful fall colors and ate lunch at the "Lodge". Rick tried the Elvis Presley Sandwich (Peanut Butter, Bananas deep fried. Octoberfest was also going on.

2010-11-20T16:47:00.000-08:00

October 2010 Lake Havasu City weekend trip.
Amanda went to a Gun Shooting Range and fired a 9mm and 45! To say, the least she enjoyed it and hit the target several times!

2010-10-02T16:31:00.000-07:00

Lisa posing with "cut out" of Jerry Lewis at the Jerry Lewis Teleathon at South Point Hotel.

2010-10-02T16:27:00.000-07:00

Our Good Friends Vi & Zoli came in town recently from Canada.
We met at our usual place the Elephant Bar for dinner and great "catching up" on things together!

2010-10-02T16:21:00.000-07:00

Amanda and her friend Kevin at Homecoming.
51 kids were in their group took a "party" bus to the "strip", dinner and saw the Beatles show "Love" at the Mirage Hotel.

2010-09-04T16:07:00.000-07:00

Dear Family & Friends:
We wish all of you a Happy Labor Day Weekend! Enjoy and be safe!

Some updated info and photos from us.

Katie graduating from Coronado High School. She is attending University of Reno now her major is Biology and hopes to be a Dentist or Orthodontist in the future.

Amanda is a Senior this year in High School. She recently got a part time job at Chuck E. Cheese. She is a hostess to the Birthday parties, etc... a fun job as you can see she is in costume here. Too cute!

Rick & Lisa enjoyed the musical/play the "Damn Yankees" with good friends at the Super Summer Theatre outdoors. Our next adventure, is to see the Roller Derby here this month. I remember the Thunderbirds way back.

Hope all is well with all of you we always love to hear to hear from you too. Until next time, take care and be well! The Ketchledge Family

2010-07-04T08:04:00.000-07:00

Dear Family & Friends:
Wishing you a wonderful Holiday Weekend!
June was a busy month here.

-Katie graduated with Honors from High School June 8th along with two scholarships.
-June 11th Rick & Lisa celebrated 22 years together Anniversary. We celebrated it with good friends Lisa & John at Spring Mountains Theatre to see the musical/play Willie Wonka and Chocolate Factory.
-Rick enjoyed Father's Day at home and really liked the appetizer platter from Katie's work (Lucille's BBQ)
-Lisa got a car. A 2003 Mini Cooper. As her car was dividied by two teens leaving Lisa without a car most of the time!
-Rick got a promotion at his work to Quality Assurance Manager and is loving his new position!
We are trying to be better at "staying connected more" and love to hear what is happening by you. We will also try to update our web page more often!

Until next time, take care and be well always!

Red Velvet Cupcake!

2010-06-26T10:53:00.000-07:00

With 4 people using two cars, we needed another, so we were not 'stranded'. Lisa just got a like new low mileage (17k) loaded 2003 Mini Cooper (white over Red velvet mettalic). Real go kart handling and fun to drive. Rick loves the ability to manual shift using the 'sport-tronic' mode!

2010-05-30T16:01:00.000-07:00

January 20, 2010 Rick celebrated his 50th Birthday!!
Celebrated with family and friends.

February 2010: Our Good friends Vi, Zoli and Steve came in to visit from Canada. We meet at Elephant Bar our usual meeting place and eatery.

March 2010:
Amanda Rose our youngest turned 17!!! She had a party at home with 20 teens.

April 2010:
Lisa's Brother and family came into Las Vegas to visit. We met up at New York, New York Hotel on the "strip" in Vegas for Easter.

May 2010:
Lisa helped with the Parent Advisory Committee Luncheon again this year. Served 150 staff at the High School for Appreciation Week.
Lisa and Rick attended the Crohn's Disease Annual Walk again this year. Las Vegas raised $20,000 that day towards research.

Lisa celebrated being 47!!! with her Mom's Birthday the next day and got to spend Mother's Day together! We went to have "High Tea" at the Bellgio Hotel in the afternoon. Even felt a bit of royalty that day!

Rick and Lisa also went to Tina and Tony's Wedding show at Planet Hollywood, Las Vegas. We enjoyed being part of the "wedding" party!

2010-01-05T18:23:00.000-08:00

Wise words that we identify with during recent tough times for us-
"There comes a point in your life when you realize:
WHO matters,
WHO never did,
WHO won't anymore...
And WHO always will.
So, don't worry about people from your past,
there's a reason why they didn't make it to your future."
(Lisa recently found this, not sure who wrote it)

2010-01-03T12:23:00.000-08:00

2009 Happy Holidays!

2009-11-27T10:50:00.000-08:00

Another year gone by so quickly! To update you on our happenings:
>> Katie is a Senior in High School. She became a licensed driver this year. She "Shadowed" this summer with an Oral Surgeon, Orthodontist, Endodontist, Dentist, Optician and a Dermatologist. After much research, she has decided she would like to be an Orthodontist in the future. Katie has received Scholarships and has been accepted to University of Nevada at Reno (UNR). She is looking forward to it and Dorm life too.
>> Amanda is a Junior in High School and also became a licensed driver this year. She joined Katie recently on a student chaperone trip to Reno (UNR) and would also like to attend that University. Amanda would like to pursue Broadcast Journalism. She has completed many films for her High School and loves it!
On St. Patrick's Day, Lisa underwent several surgical biopsies for cancer. It must have been her lucky day (Irish) as she did not have cancer. However, complications set in afterward. It was a long recovery for her, but she has healed.
>> In May, Rick helped Lisa with the High School Luncheon for 150 staff. We had a catered lunch and raffled prizes off to them for Appreciation of service thru the year. This is all done by parents that volunteer thru the Parent Advisory Committee.
>> We were able to see our good friends Milan and Cheryl from AZ when they came into Vegas. Also our good friends from Canada, Zolie and his wife Vi, came in and were able to visit. Lisa's brother and family came into town in the Spring too.
>> For Easter traveled to Lisa's Mom and Step Dad's home in Lake Havasu City, AZ. One is never too old to hunt for Easter eggs- fun was had by all!
>> Rick, Katie, Amanda, Lisa and Connor (Amanda's boyfriend) did the annual Crohn's Disease walk at the University of Las Vegas campus. Lisa has had Crohn's Disease now for 27 years and helped with fund raising for this years events.
>> Lisa and Rick have enjoyed outdoor plays at the Summer Theatre here. It is at Spring Mountain Park. The wildlife is abundant thru out and beautiful. We also enjoyed Mt. Charleston this fall with the changing of color trees there. We spent Sweetest Day there with lunch outdoors with mountain views.
>> Lisa is wrapping up her role as a Delegate for the Home Owners Association and Social Committee. She will be devoting more time looking for part time work leading to full time. In this economy, that is not so easy to find, and wondering if that perfect job exists anymore like she once had in Illinois?! With two kids heading to College costs will be coming in!
>> In June, Rick and Lisa celebrated their 21st Anniversary. A milestone is January 20th Rick will be the big 50!Also, in June the family went to Chicago for a Family-Friends Reunion. What a Wonderful time! Lisa's Grandmother came in who is 92 years old! (an inspiration to us all!) Lisa hope’s she has her genes!
Both girls have participated in the Driver's Edge Program here 3 times now, held at Las Vegas Speedway, consisting of a free program, taught by Professional Race car drivers. They teach teens how to drive defensively. Rick being into cars just loved it! Rick also enjoys drawing/designing cars in his spare time. It has been his favorite hobby for years.
A Special thank you to ALL that have kept in touch with us via thru emails, phone calls and regular mail it means so much to us! PLEASE, let's stay in touch, we do need from some current emails, address and phone! Everyone of you has a special place with our hearts always!
Love Always, The Ketchledge Family

2009-11-27T10:45:00.001-08:00

We had Thanksgiving at home this year, with friends Milan and his wife Cheryl in from Tuscon, and Lisa's parent's Joe and Lynn in from Lake Havasu AZ. Lisa made a great dinner and the Turkey was perfect! Afterwards, we all went to see the Christmas Lights display at the the Ethel M Botanical Gardens, our yearly tradition since our move here!

2009-10-17T17:02:00.000-07:00

Lisa and Rick spent Sweetest Day together with a drive around Mt. Charleston to see the fall colors and enjoy a great lunch at the Lodge overlooking the mountain at 8000 ft. The new chef is great and we enjoyed some gourmet delights!

2009-09-20T15:57:00.000-07:00

Lisa and Rick had a date night under the stars in the Spring Mountains, at an outdoor theatre we frequent from time to time. The theatre is in a natural outdoor ampitheatre setting, with a back drop of the nearby mountains. This time we saw the play 'Working', had great food and drink and the weather was perfect. http://www.supersummertheatre.com/Shows/Working/Working.html

2009-07-25T15:29:00.000-07:00

We want to thank family and friends for thier support when Rick was recently laid off. We will not forget the caring and kind words showed to our family. Rick starts a new job next week, and we'd appreicate your ongoing prayers that he will be secure and prospers.

Illinois Family and Friends Reunion

2009-06-24T17:53:00.000-07:00

We just returned home from 5 days in the Chicago area to see Family and Friends. We also took a tour of downtown Chicago by boat..
Pictures!

Lucky 21

2009-06-11T17:01:00.000-07:00

Lisa and Rick celebrated thier 21st anniversary with an initmate dinner. Through up and down, thick and thin, we have made it together.

2009-05-24T11:51:00.000-07:00

We attended the Nathan Burton Magic show on the strip, after the buffet at the Flamingo, and meeting friends Milan and Cheryl, in from Tucson and staying nearby.

2009-05-10T20:05:00.000-07:00

We celebrated Lisa's Birthday and Mother's day at a nearby restaurant with her Mom and Stepdad who were in town.

2009-05-08T18:09:00.001-07:00

Rick and Lisa helped out at the H.S. Teacher Appreciation Luncheon that Lisa organized. She and her committee did a great job with the food, drinks and prizes. Rick enjoyed doing the the raffle too!

2009-04-25T11:47:00.000-07:00

Lisa and the whole family participated in the Walk for the cure and treatment of Crohn's disease, at the University of Nevada at Las Vegas. Lisa has had Crohn's since her late teens and we all hope there is a cure some day for this disease of 'no cause, no cure' currently.

2009-04-12T19:11:00.000-07:00

We just returned from spending Easter weekend in Lake Havasu AZ with Lisa's Mom and Step Dad, Lynn and Joe. We had a great time, getting to see their new puppy Scarlet, and visiting the sites along the lake, the flea market and a great lunch at a renowned local restaurant.
Pictures!

Chicago! [UPDATE]

2009-04-02T19:57:00.000-07:00

Friends and Family, we are planning to visit the Chicago area this summer and hope to see as many of you as we can!
[UPDATE] We will be in town in June and hope to see everyone we can. Please email for details!

2009-03-29T10:50:00.000-07:00

Amanda had a 16th Birthday Party, Bonfire and sleep over for all her friends (21 total-lucky las Vegas!) late yesterday and last night. Everyone had a blast we are told. Today we clean up LOL!.
Pictures!

2009-03-24T17:46:00.000-07:00

We had a bad scare here, as Lisa had several tests, then biopsies taken for breast cancer. The good news is she does not have cancer. Bad news is her still hard recovery from the procedure, which is no picnic. We are very grateful she is ok, and to all the freinds and family that supported us during these scarey times!

"Race" day

2009-03-08T10:36:00.000-07:00

Lisa and Rick are taking the kids to a free driving program at the Race Speedway here (LVMS) called 'Driver's Edge' that will teach them how to handle a car at its limit. They teach skid control, how to 'drive out of the accident', and how to handle a car and regain control. This is in addtion to the many hours they are getting behind the wheel with us, as well as a formal driving school lessons they are attending. The program today is taught by professional race drivers in street cars they provide. If time permits, Rick hopes to go out too and perhaps see if his skills from his old racing days in SCCA (racing a 1983 GTI) still exist!

2009-02-23T19:30:00.000-08:00

Lisa's Mom came in from AZ for a visit, and brought a new rug for our Living Room, new pillows, including Las Vegas sign themed pillows that her friend Mary Lou made for us! Thansk you so much, as the pictures show, they look great!

2009-02-15T18:31:00.000-08:00

We met Cheryl and Milan, friends of ours in from near Tuscon, for brunch at the Mirage today. Much catching up and laughter ensued, it was great to see them and lots of fun!

2009-02-14T14:16:00.000-08:00

Lisa and Rick celebrated a modest Valentine's day today. Amanda is having friends over tonite for a bon fire.

1 more until half century old!

2009-01-20T18:42:00.000-08:00

Rick turned 49 today. We celebrated quietly at home with family and his Mother-in-law Lynn, who was in from Lake Havasu AZ. The engineer's who work for Rick also got him a gift certificate to Dick Blick's for art supplies, which he will use fast.

Shelby!

2008-12-29T18:38:00.000-08:00

Lisa and Rick toured the Shelby American sports car and Mustang factory and museum here in Las Vegas. The history was interesting and the cars were awesome. The gift shop was hard to miss, and we left a bit 'lighter' LOL. Rick got a 1/18th replica of the Shelby GT500 E 'Elanore" Mustang from the movie "Gone in 60 seconds" and also a book on the renouned 1960's GT40 race car that beat Ferrari.

2008-12-17T19:27:00.000-08:00

We braved the snow covered streets to meet friends Zoli and his wife Vye for dinner, who flew in from Alberta Canada. Of course I asked what he had brought us, with all the winter stormy weather and all LOL. It was great catching up and also meeting his lovely wife.

SNOW storm in Vegas

2008-12-17T19:23:00.000-08:00

Well, we thought we had left such storms behind when we moved here from Chicago 6 years ago, but we got a record snow fall today and evening. 8 inches here in the SW Vegas Valley near the foothills! Driving was bad with lots of accidents, and the unrelenting wet snowfall cuased may trees to be downed and damaged. No snow plows, salt for the roads nor de-icing equipment at the airport (causing a shut down) made it harder.

Check out the video here.

2008-12-14T11:34:00.001-08:00

Lisa and Rick attended his work's Christmas Party at Red Rock Casino Resort last evening. Aristocrat Gaming held a grand gala, with lots of prizes, but alas, we didn't win. Food, dancing and conversation was fantastic!

Happy Holidays!

2008-11-24T18:08:00.001-08:00

Please see our Holiday Letter by selecting the following link, then"download" to view.
http://www.mediafire.com/?zueku1vlrmt

2008-11-22T12:15:00.001-08:00

Rick just attended the huge Global Gaming show (G2E) here in Vegas, http://aristocratgaming.com/mailimages/g2esite/

where his new project was introduced. See it here: http://aristocratgaming.com/mailimages/rfx_video/

"Aviation Nation" Air Force Air Show

2008-11-12T12:55:00.000-08:00

Amanda and her friend went with Rick and his buddy to the Nellis Air Force Base "Aviation Nation" air show.

Favorites were the Thunderbirds and the F22 Raptor fly by. Walking thru the C5A Galaxy was cool as well!

Pictures here

2008-09-28T12:05:00.000-07:00

Recently, my work created a promotional film, with all of us on the 'Yosemite' Project, at the Neon Graveyard here in Las Vegas. Pictures: http://s22.photobucket.com/albums/b346/jackdogg890/Neon_graveyard2008/?albumview=slideshow

Homecoming Weekend!

2008-09-27T14:48:00.000-07:00

Its Homecoming weekend for Amanda and Katie, at Coronado HS here. Amanda went with friends to AdventureDome at Circus Circus on the strip, and Katie had the full spa treatment. Tonight they attended the Dance.

2008-09-26T21:47:00.000-07:00

Me and some coworkers attended the large well established annual old car show and entertainment venue here, called the "Super Run", in downtown Henderson late today and into the evening. Great cars, great food and drinks, with perfect weather, made for a good time by all. Pictures: http://s22.photobucket.com/albums/b346/jackdogg890/SuperRun2008/?albumview=slideshow
Slideshow:http://www.kodakgallery.com/Slideshow.jsp?Uc=4z9apn0c.5oe4jh9g&Uy=iegoh1&Upost_signin=Slideshow.jsp%3Fmode%3Dfromshare&Ux=0&UV=297706751533_639792950308&mode=fromshare&conn_speed=1

2008-09-09T19:47:00.000-07:00

Sad news, our 8 year old Guinea Pig, 'Oreo', had to be put to sleep after becoming very ill tonight. She was a good pet, one of the family and never bit us when we petted her. She is one of our longtime pets that made the long trek out from Chicago when we moved. She will be missed

2008-09-07T19:50:00.000-07:00

Amanda, Rick and a few of his friends went camping for a long weekend at our favorite Hilltop Camp site on Mt. Charleston, not far from our home. Great hiking and stories around the camp fire, and Amanda and Rick went horseback riding on some of the trails! Pitcures: http://s22.photobucket.com/albums/b346/jackdogg890/Mt_Charleston_Camping_Aug_2008/?albumview=slideshow

2008-08-30T23:36:00.000-07:00

Had a great labor Day BBQ at our friend's Mike and Stacey's home. Lots of different dishes and everyone left full!

Thunder and Lightning in Vegas

2008-08-25T18:15:00.001-07:00

Some storms that hit here near and around my work in Vegas today

The 'Best of the Best' BBQ!

2008-08-24T23:07:00.000-07:00

Had my team of 'Top Gun' Software Slot Game and Platform Testers, 'Goose' (Doug Huang), 'Maverick' (Mike Frazier- with his wife Stacey), and 'Viper' (Eric Vieceli, and his Mom Joselin), over for a BBQ, great stories and lots of laughs. Eric made killer 'Rolls Royce' Margaritas, while Mike brought his renounded Salsa, and Doug some fantastic authentic chineese dishes.

2008-08-10T19:28:00.000-07:00

Lisa and Rick took some fun time for themselves and went to a nearby indoor putt-putt golf course for some 'spirited' play'. The score was close, with each trading the lead for lowest strokes, then several ties. We won't say who won, but it was super close, and lots of fun!

Date Night

2008-07-14T19:42:00.001-07:00

Lisa and Rick enjoyed time alone at an intimate dinner followed by great seats at the Mamma Mia show at Mandalay Bay last evening. Yes, we loved the ABBA music too!

2008-07-04T18:29:00.000-07:00

Happy 4th of July. We cooked out buffalo burgers and angus hot dogs, with fried cut potatoes. We then did some safe fireworks at home before heading down the street to see the real ones nearby at Green Valley Ranch Resort!

My Nephew now a U.S. District Court Judge!

2008-06-24T18:25:00.000-07:00

...Lawmakers also confirmed Raymond Kethledge, a Troy attorney, to the Cincinnati-based 6th Circuit and U.S. Attorney Stephen J. Murphy of Detroit to a vacancy on the U.S. District Court for Michigan's Eastern District. Both were confirmed on voice votes. {{{LINK}}}}

20th Anniversary!

2008-06-11T09:02:00.001-07:00

Lisa and Rick celebrate our 20th anniversary today!
We spent the day together visting the Conservatory at the Belagio, then a special meal at Eifel Tower Restaurant, overlooking the strip. We then went to the top of the Eifel Tower for a great view. Pictures of our day are here: [Link]
Then(Downers Grove Il.):____________and Now: (today at Paris Las Vegas)

2008-06-01T18:15:00.000-07:00

Rick just returned with friends from the Pomona CA old car show and swap meet, held at the oldest drag strip in the nation, Pomona Raceway (and mentioned in Ronny & The Daytonas "L'il GTO" song from the 60's). Rick's favs were the old air cooled VW's, Porsche 914's, and some of the rare finds like a hot rod Hillman. Pictures here. Also more here.

2008-05-17T20:31:00.000-07:00

We just completed the "Crohns and Colitis Foundation of America" walk. Rick also approached his company, Aristocrat, at Lisa's behest, and they helped sponsor the some of the walk materials!
Last weekend Lisa celebrated her 45th Birthday!

15!

2008-03-30T10:16:00.000-07:00

Amanda is 15 today! For her Birthday, Amanada has a slumber party that her parent's are recovering from -LOL. They did 'dance-dance-fever' pn the Playstation, a scavenger hunt that scared the neighbors, movies and lots of pizza and cake. Happy Birthday Amanda!

2008-03-29T14:28:00.000-07:00

Lisa's Brother and Sister-in-law from Chicago, Kent and Karen, and thier kids- Natalie, Stephanie and Nick, stopped over while visting Vegas for spring break! Also, Lisa's Mon and Stepdad Joe stopped in to see everyone. We ate at Cheezecake factory and then came to our house in nearby Green Valley Ranch to catch up, share stories, upset the dogs (esp. our chiuaua Pablo) and laugh alot. Pictures here [Link].

Short Vacation

2008-03-10T19:02:00.000-07:00

We just got back from a three days at Disneyland and California Adventure park. We stayed on-property at Paradise Pier resort, ate alot and walked our feet off! Weather was perfect and the shows and rides a blast for all. Pictures coming soon.

Outta There!

2008-03-07T14:20:00.000-08:00

Rick's last day at Wynn was today. Let's just say the 'experience' in thier IT Department was, to put it kindly, 'interesting';
"Hey Rick, you're finally out of the Wynn now, what's next?"
"We're going to Disneyland (and California Adventure)!"

2008-02-24T16:22:00.000-08:00

We met our friends Milan and Cheryl at the Mirage for a wonderful brunch. They flew in from Tucson (moving from the Chicago area 4 months ago) to get some time away, and see the sites.
It was great catching up with them!

2008-01-20T10:52:00.000-08:00

It's Ricks 48th Birthday today. Lisa's Mom and Stepdad from Lake Havasu are in this weekend, Rick, Amanda and a friend will got to Mt. Charleston (an hour away) to do some snow sledding!

A Special heartfelt thanks to my former Software Test team at Wynn Las Vegas, who got me a gift certificiate, for my Birthday, to Dick Blick's for art supplies! It was very touching and will be well used- Rick.

2008-01-13T10:27:00.000-08:00

Raking Leaves in Las Vegas? Yup, we live in the Green Valley Ranch area that has lots of grass and many non-native deciduous trees (like those where we are from in the midwest). Rick just wrapped up this seasonal activity, as the leaves fall much later than in Chicago where we lived previously.

2008

2008-01-01T12:51:00.000-08:00

Well, almost all the Christmas and New Years decorations are down now, and packed away for next year. The season went fast. Today Lisa made brunch and created a new variation of the 'mamosa', using mango and orange juice together with the champagne! Lets have seconds.

Happy New Year!

2007-12-31T15:27:00.001-08:00

Hoping everyone has a safe celebration and a great 2008!
We plan to stay in and celebrate at home.

CHRISTMAS 2007!

2007-12-25T09:04:00.000-08:00

Merry Christmas to all!
Last night we attended a special presentation at the Methodist Church. We then drove to some neighborhoods that were in the newspaper for doing up huge light displays. It was awesome.
Today we of course opened presents and later we went out to dinner, followed by a visit to the Ethel M gardens lights display.

http://www.meganedwards.com/Vegasland/Ethel-M-Holiday-Lights.htm

Click this link, then select "Download" at the bottom for our Holiday Letter to you!

2007-12-23T15:21:00.001-08:00

We met Lisa's Mom and Stepdad in Cal-Nev-Ari Nevada for lunch and to exchange gifts This is the halfway point between Las Vegas and Lake Havasu City AZ where they live. It was great to see them and share the holiday spirit!
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cal-Nev-Ari,_Nevada

2007-12-22T17:48:00.001-08:00

Our good friend Gary stopped by to exchange gifts from us and he and Tanya. It was great seeing him and catching up too!

2007-12-21T08:00:00.000-08:00

Lisa made cookies and many other goodies for Rick to bring to work to share with his team. Good eating!

"RKarDesign" automotive design studio!

2007-12-08T13:48:00.000-08:00

Rick continues his new found passion for drawing cars. He has created a new blog site to store, organize and display his many projects. Take a look at http://rkardesign.blogspot.com/
While you are there, help vote to name a new small Volkwagen sport coupe!

8 years, and going strong

2007-11-23T12:51:00.000-08:00

Rick, being the car guy he is, wanted to recognize that his 2000 Oldsmobile Intrigue GL SLP Type-R is now 8 years old and has just 53k miles. This was the vaunted GM W-body, in its 'premier' edition, using a Cadillac Northstar derived engine (named 10 best engines by Wards), an improved automatic trans that allows redline in each gear, and 100+ mph reached in second gear (!) a suspension imported form Italy and Germany, as well as other expensive bits. GM lost a bundle on each car, but what a car. To this is added the super rare "Street Legal Performance" (SLP) Type R package. Rick is part of the "130 mph" club, having taken it on the famous Road America road race course in 2000. He plans on keeping it a long time more and taking his usual meticulous care.

2007-11-22T09:29:00.000-08:00

Happy Thanksgiving! Lisa's family came in from Lake Havasu AZ to visit. Much eating today of course.

2007-11-11T17:39:00.001-08:00

Lisa's Grandmother, Nan, and her Dad with his wife Elaine, came in for the weekend from Chicago. It was great catching up with them, and sharing our sun and seasonal warmth too!