The Trip--Through Anna's Lens

 The unique parts of Anna's camera roll were flowers, sunsets, mini Jesus, and hearts. When she found a heart it reminded her that God was keeping her safe. Facing fear of heights and feeling unsafe was a theme for her on this trip and seeing one more heart in the city lights as we landed was an extra special sign to her of God's protection on her life. 

Jay and Anna worked together to figure out how to focus "Jesus" and the background at the same time. I think Jay was able to do with his camera. 

Anna is happiest watching a sunset. 

These two ladies from London were sitting in front of us. When they left, Anna showed them the pictures she had taken of them. They were so touched. Anna gave them the pictures via airdrop. 

This heart was at the end of our Ooh Ahh Point hike. 

Anna was our car photographer as we drove. 

Taking pictures through her sunglass lenses gave this effect...

The Trip--Day Six

 Isaiah was especially vocal about sad about our trip ending and this being the day that we go home. In this stage of family life, I was a little sad that it was ending but also just really glad that we were all still going home together. I didn't have to say good-bye to anyone. 

We had one more adventure left. Las Vegas.  

For the luxury hotel and casino experience we went in the Bellagio. Bathroom was first on the agenda. Every stall door had a sign with at least three phone numbers and QR codes to report trafficking. I made sure the girls noticed that. They did. And my eyes were on them...and the boys. 

The conservatory and botanical garden was magical. So many flowers and colors. Aliza called it a fever dream.  

We walked out of the conservatory, through the lobby and around the corner into the casino. The casino was a stark contrast to the colors, flowers and beauty we had just seen. I did not mind that all of our children were immediately uncomfortable. 

Our lunch plan was Shake Shack which we thought was one block away. Turns out that block was almost a mile. I'll admit that I was the one complaining this time! I was dressed for travel, not walking in desert heat that was also radiating up from the pavement. We didn't have water with us. I was miserable. 

The shakes were yummy. Josiah hoped that the milk wouldn't curdle in the stomach with the heat. Thankfully no one got sick. Jeremy offered to get an Uber back to our car. By then I couldn't give in and so we walked back. 

Driving to the airport we drove past the dome. Actually we were close enough that we could see the individual light bulbs. 

The overwhelming opinion of the Heslop family is that Las Vegas is definitely not for us!

On the flight home we were all in the same row! 

Somehow I also overlooked our departure time. Jeremy ended up booking one a bit later so that we would have some time in Las Vegas. All of the lights in the Baltimore/DC area was a huge contrast from the dessert. Anna spotted a heart in the lights. 

 

We landed at 12:30am and pulled in to our driveway at 3:30am. I went to sleep with a full heart of moments and memories. And very grateful for this time that we certainly are not guaranteed. We can only steward what we are given moment by moment.