Dante's Peak in Death Valley

And now for some scenic shots. Here we are in Dante's Peak looking over Death Valley. It was mighty cold up here and we did not stay very long but the view took our breath away. Below you see the salty bottom of a lake that disappeared 2000 years ago. We are standing at 5000 feet and the lake below is -120 feet, the lowest altitude in the USA.

Our resident comedian

It was great to be able to spend so much time with my family. This extra time with Thalia has confirmed that she is the resident comedian. Not only does she have the most infectious laugh, but she also makes us laugh. She is funny. And she laughs at funny situations. Much moreso than her older sister does. Here you can see a little glimpse of her personality.

More performing shots

Here are some more photos from that same performance in Death Valley, taken on my birthday. Maybe she was singing for my birthday.

Just Singing in the Desert

We are back from our travels. Death Valley is an unbelievably beautiful place. I plan to go back many times. Las Vegas was wonderful, too. My favorite spot in Vegas is a place called Red Rock Canyon, which is about a 30-minute drive from Las Vegas.

These two girls still love to sing. Here they are performing for us at Furnace Creek Ranch in Death Valley. Sophia told us where to sit and they stood in front of us and sang together. I had my camera ready!

On the eve of our vacation

Tonight I am frantically trying to pack our bags because tomorrow morning we leave for vacation. I'm almost ready to go to bed. Steve beat me to it.

I'm very excited about this trip. We will drive to Las Vegas and I will see Sheila and Mike's new house. I will see where Harley spends his time.

And on our way back home we will drive through Death Valley, a place I have never been before.

I am just about to celebrate a big birthday. Its hard to believe....

And some sad news. Thalia's preschool teacher, Jacqueline, did peacefully in her sleep on New Years Eve. This was unexpected and the whole preschool community is shocked. She was a very sweet teacher who had been with the school for 11 years and her daughter, Tanica, was a teacher in the four-year old classroom (the Mandarins, not the Mallards). I don't think Thalia understands what is happening but we did try to explain to her.

Sophia still asks questions about death and often tells me she will love me even after she dies.

She also announced yesterday that she knows how to make the voice inside of her head to talk to her. We will play a game where that voice says something and I try to guess what it says. Usually it is something about wanting a pet fish or dog.

She loves her violin and has had two lessons so far. We will let her bring the violin with her on the trip.

They continue to sing all the time and are pretty good about taking turns.

Good night.

My family in town for the holidays

It was so nice having my Mom, Dad and sister in town for Christmas. Here they are in front of our tree.....

part 4