Pawn Stars

On our recent trip to Nevada, we spent less than 24 hours in Las Vegas. Nevertheless, we squeezed in everything we ever wanted to do while there into those few hours including a visit to the pawn shop featured in the show Pawn Stars. We did not stay long and we didn't buy, sell or pawn anything. The stars of the show were not there - I daresay they leave town during the hot summer months. However, it was interesting to see some of the stuff in the shop - everything from Star Wars toys and memorabilia to confederate money and Picasso prints. 

This Fashion Designer/Artist is Growing Up

I recently made it known to Elisabeth where the fabric markers were stored. The very next day she takes an old soccer shirt from a couple of seasons ago and transforms it with beads and all - no help or input needed. Creativity blossoms from this girl on a daily basis. She has such a sense of herself that I did not have until I was 30. I love that she is not afraid to stand out, wear bright colors and proudly wear her own creation. 

When she is around, there is color and laughter and beauty and fun. I am so very thankful God gave me this girl nine years ago despite my fears about mothering a daughter.

Happy birthday my dear, sweet, spunky Elisabeth. As this shirt so perfectly illustrates, you make my heart smile.

Sunset Crater Volcano National Monument

Sunset Crater Volcano

After spending most of the day at the Grand Canyon, we drove south and saw signs for Sunset Crater Volcano National Monument. Having only lived on the east coast of North America, anything having to do with a volcano seems foreign and intriguing. We were passing right by it. I could not resist so we made u-turn and I'm so glad we did. We stayed long enough to walk through the 900 year old Bonito Lava Flow and sit and ponder the rust-rimmed cone before continuing on toward Meteor Crater.

A walk through lava rock with Sunset Crater in the background

Black ash is everywhere

Lava flow rock formations

 

Meteor Crater

Meteor Crater or Barringer Crater

Meteor Crater is about a mile in diameter and was formed around 50,000 years ago when a meteor weighing several thousand tons struck the earth. This place is a striking and unforgettable sight. It was featured in the 1984 movie Starman and was used by NASA astronauts to train for the Apollo missions to the moon.

There are viewpoints along one edge of the rim. Meteor Crater is on privately owned property and admission is required. An optional 30 minute tour is included with admission. In the visitor center, there are several interpretive displays that discuss the history of the site as well as a video devoted to how the impact crater was created. A gift shop and Subway restaurant is available.

The visitor center houses the largest meteorite found in the surrounding area and is believed to have been part of the meteor that made the impact crater. One would not think it by just looking at it but this meteorite weighs over 1,406 lbs.

Naturally occurring processes are degrading the impact site but after 50,000 years it is still very impressive and will remain so for centuries to come. We first visited this site nearly 10 years ago with a one year old Jonah. He should remember this most recent visit.

2017

2007

Related articles

• The Grand Canyon Overwhelms the Senses (shannafern.com)
• Jonah is 10! (shannafern.com)