Considering that I am married to an LEO, it’s not so outlandish that I have an affinity for firearms;  I appreciate the role they play in our nation’s rich history and I especially love that I live in a country where firearms are a constitutional right given to the people.  


 

This year, Mike and I were privileged enough to be amongst a record-breaking 67,000 attendees that made the pilgrimage to the Shooting, Hunting, and Outdoor Trade show, otherwise known as SHOT show, in Las Vegas.  SHOT hosts an amazing array of vendors – from guns to camping gear to camouflaged lingerie (yes, that would be camo panties) – and runs for a full 5 days, which  is still not enough time to see it all.  

Meeting Chris Costa. 
This man is quite possibly God’s gift to firearms training. 
He is respected in the industry like no other, and meeting him in the flesh was a tongue-tying moment.   He chatted with us about his latest promotional video and how the behind-the-scenes portions were the true reward of the production.  He graciously gave us a few pointers on Vehicle CQB for Mike’s upcoming class on the subject.  We were beyond honored that he would invest so much of his time with us.

Laying hands on LWRC’s Special Edition PDW. 
I.  LOVE. THIS.  
It’s compact, it’s light, it has full-size fire-power, it’s ergonomic, it’s intuitive… and it’s gorgeous.  About the only things I might change on it is the color, which is fine because it's going to be standard in black, and possibly the forward grip.    

Someday, when they unleash the six8, I hope to make one of these little beauties my own.    

Being in Vegas – good times.   There’s not been a Roulette table that’s been bad to me. It’s a fun game and I enjoy the pace of it.  I especially love it when my number hits and that crotchety old dealer has to stack up a mountain of chips and slide them across the table to me.   (Don’t worry, I gave him a tip for the trouble.)   
I would also like to add that taking the winnings to the piano bar is too much fun.  Especially after a few spicy Bloody Mary's.  

The Sights...
A Vegas tradition for me is going through the Bellagio Atrium.  This year, they have it decorated for Chinese New Year.  What’s neat about the Atrium is that nearly everything is made in flowers. It’s like a parade float, and it’s amazing. 

And last but not least,
Making lots of great new contacts in the industry....  

The boys demanded outside time today, and I can't say that I blame them.  After several days of wintery weather, this Sunday morning was actually quite pleasant.
Max was on a mission.  He quickly set about rearranging the kiddie table and chair set on the front porch of the garden shed.  He then went and gathered clover, dandelion, and lettus leaves from the yard and garden and proceeded to make us a "Healthy Garden Salad."  He laid out the spread on his table, complete with a garden spade and hand rake for utensils.   Excitedly, he welcomed us to his "restaurant" and invited us to "enjoy!"

Sweet Max - he clearly has been picking up on all the "healthy eating" discussions I've been having with Mike lately.  "More greens" I say.  And Max delivers.   It's funny how they listen, even when you don't realize it.