Red Heart Photography » wedding lifestyle photography on Hawaii

Las Vegas is Disneyland for adults.  Taking 4 kids there and finding things to do was no easy task, but we did it.  If you are planning a trip to Vegas, with kids, take notes here!

This was our second time visiting Las Vegas. Our first time was in March 2009 and we stayed at Circus Circus.  The cost, free entertainment, and theme were definitely appealing.  Personally, I thought it was old and dirty but my kids weren’t complaining.  We also visited Las Vegas Mini Gran Prix.  This place was super fun and totally what our family of (then) 3 boys needed for an afternoon of smoke free laughs.  The hubby and I even got a chance to race on the Adult Gran Prix tracks. 

Last month,  it was snowing up in Mt. Charleston and we were there for the most rain LV had seen in years.  I found the Lied Discovery Children’s Museum to be the perfect place for my kids to run around and stay out of the elements.  We were there for 3 hours and they were entertained the whole time.  The staff was very helpful and informative.  They even had a private sitting area where I could feed the baby.  The local moms were really nice and I had no problem finding someone to chat with as my kids explored. 

We stayed at Excalibur the first couple days and took in a showing of the Tournament of Kings.  The boys loved the show and I enjoyed cheering for our knight. HUN-GA-RY!!!  HUN-GA-RY!!!  The food was decent but my kids barely touched it.  I bought our tickets the morning of the show and we got sweet front row seats.

The next day the 4 boys and I headed out on a mission to find snow.  Using my iPhone and some local advise, we navigated our way to Mt. Charleston.  About 45 minutes and a stop at In-N-Out later, we found snow.  Thirty minutes was all my Hawaii-born kiddos could handle.

Mr.R spent most of our outdoor time bundled up in here. 

During the day we walked over to MGM to see the lions and New York to check out the roller coaster. 

At night, when my hubby was back from work, we went exploring the hotels as one big family.  There is a free tram that takes you to the LUXOR and Mandalay Bay from Excalibur that we took full advantage of.

I recognized one of my 2009 brides on this poster.  Do you see her?

The next day, hubby was able to join us to play in the snow.  We trekked up to Mt. Charleston again and found ALOT of snow. 

f/22 shows all my imperfections 

That night we headed down Tropicana to the Pinball Hall of Fame.  This place is perfect for kids of all ages.  I am sure I could have left hubby there for a few hours and he would have been totally entertained.  My favorite thing there was the vintage pinball machines.  The themes and design were so foreign and wonderful. 

Our last night in Vegas was Mommy’s choice so of course we went to the Bellagio, Venetian, and Paris.  It was nice to visit the ever changing garden area at the Bellagio and the fountains are always a hit.  The Venetian and Paris were really neat to walk around in and around. 

I hope my next trip to Vegas will be for WPPI, but I may have to wait for 2011.

Tomorrow, the second issue of Real Word magazine hits news stands and I have a few photos published in it.  I am really excited to see it!

If you want to come by and say hi I will be at the Wedding Cafe’s Photography Workshop on March 3rd. 

Update on Mr.R: 8 weeks old, 15 pounds, 25 inches.   He is a freaking monster!!!  I am so happy to have a healthy little dude. 

xoxo, Marina

In iPhone format because 8 gigs on the D3 sounds daunting tonight…  

The LUXOR

Some new strange but wonderful building more

SpongeBob eating my kids

One baby, many faces

Snow day 1

Taken while driving (not recommended)

Morning moment 1

Snow day 2

Pinball Hall of Fame  It’s rad.

Studio 54

Studio 54 LEGO

Spectating 

Spectated

Morning moment 2
 

In a nutshell, hubby had to work in LV so we tagged along.  We did lots of kid friendly stuff and had a blast playing in the snow up on Mt. Charleston.

In other news, an image of mine can now be seen on the Kona Village Resort site.

A talented friend of mine, Amy from Ardent Photography recently visited Imaging USA.  She spotted MY sample albums made by my book printing co (with permission) at their booth. I guess I can say I’m on the national convention circuit now, but not really.  ;)  Here is a link to some photos she so generously posted for me.  So freaking rad.  If you plan to visit WPPI this year, please be on the look out for my images. Yay!!!

And if you want to help out with the relief effort in Haiti but don’t know what to do, here you go.  It is a great way to help out and beautify your home or office.  I decided to contribute my vote winning fave of 2009.  It’s already getting quite a few bids!

Lastly, if you have any little people in your home that love legos, here is an app for you.

found on my iPhone. Artist Unknown

xoxo, Marina

Most of the wonderful people who read my blog know that I just had a baby and I am taking some time off from weddings.  For those of you just dropping by, now you know too.  Hi.  :)

I am still answering emails and scheduling meetings . but for the most part, I am mommy.  It has been a few years since I have been able to devote SO much of my attention to my kids.  And it feels good.

Photo by TJ age 8

This week I gave a few excursions a go.  I had to test the water.  Taking all 4 boys out in public is semi insane.  We went to Costco, the dentist (no new cavities!), a protest, and the skate park.  

At Costco, I ran into a future bride and started chatting. The bigger boys decided the crates of cases of beer were forts.  I shrugged it off and her fiance thought they were funny.  It’s all part of choosing my battles.  

At the dentist, they behaved.  I try to make the dentist a positive experience and they oblige with full knowledge of the sticky hands they will receive at the end of the visit.  I am just happy no one needs major work… this time. 

My friend and future bride Crystal and her hand painted sign

The protest was something I could have skipped.  I mean, that I have a good excuse (3 kids and a new baby!), but it was for a damn good cause and I wouldn’t miss out on trying to make a difference.  The Japanese Consulate was in town to talk to Hilary Clinton, so we took the opportunity to let him know how we feel about his country’s treatment of whales and dolphins.   Here are a couple links: 

Amazing eye-opening documentary http://www.thecovemovie.com/

Surfers for Cetaceans  http://www.s4cglobal.org/

Sea Shepherds as seen on “Whale Wars” http://www.seashepherd.org/

Photo by Lady with freakishly long toes age 29

Our trip to the skatepark was really fun. TJ, my oldest, is the skateboarder.  The other 2 big boys ride their scooters around.  I figure if I keep taking them they might want to try out big brother’s board… 

Photo by E age 5

This next week I am going to catch up on laundry, sleep, and New Years Cleaning.  We have been doing a little every weekend and we are staring to see results (aka the floors!).  

xoxo, Marina

Because I have some of the most awesome clients out there, I wanted to give back.  

Vote for your favorite shot in the comment section and the winner will receive a 16×20 metallic print of the winning image.  Voting starts now and ends Jan 16, 7:12 am HST, Riley’s one month birthday. 

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Thanks for your votes!

xoxo, Marina