Spending the Day with Bob's Family - Fri., Feb. 28

Henderson, Nevada, was our destination today to visit Bob's mom, Louise, and sister, Laura. Henderson, Nevada, is the second-largest city in Nevada after Las Vegas.

Henderson was founded in the 1940s when the Basic Magnesium Plant was built there during World War II. Henderson became one of the main suppliers of magnesium in the United States. Magnesium was used for incendiary munition casings, and airplane engines, casings and other parts. According to Wikipedia, a quarter of all U.S. wartime magnesium (used to strengthen aluminum) came from the Henderson plant, using 25% of Hoover Dam's power to separate the metal from its ore by electrolysis. Magnesium was called "the miracle metal" of World War II.

It was time for lunch when we arrived at Bob's sister's house on Friday. Bob chose Sweet Tomatoes for lunch. All of us filled up on salads.

After lunch, we picked up Jayce, Bob's five-year-old great-nephew, and we all went to see "The LEGO Movie." Jayce and I enjoyed it for the second time. Bob, Louise and Laura weren't as enthralled with the movie as I was. Oh, well. Different strokes for different folks.

Friday evening our "adopted" sister, Kristin, had us over to her new (to her) home for dinner. Bob's sister, Laura, cooked a chicken and rice casserole, and we had salad, green beans, and cake. 

Here are Bob's relatives who were at dinner:

• Louise (mom)
• Laura (sister)
• Janice, Shay, Jayce, Jovie (niece, nephew-in-law, great nephew and great niece)
• James, Valerie, Jonah and Elaine (nephew, nephew's fiancee, nephew's fiancee's daughter and James's daughter)
• Kristin (the family's "adopted" sister)

Our hostess, Kristin, with Kealani

Kealani just returned from the groomer.

Shay

Janice and Jovie (two months)

Jonah and Elaine - let them eat cake.

Bob's sister, Laura

Bob's nephew, James

Valerie - James's fiancee

Jovie

James and Valerie

The evening started out with Louise's dog, Mr. Sunshine, escaping from the house in a neighborhood he's not familiar with. Three people chased him down and returned him to the house. There was lots of loud conversation and kids and two dogs romping around the yard, patio and house. We enjoyed the energy and reconnecting with those we hadn't seen in over two years.

Thank you, Kristin, for inviting us to your new home with welcome arms. We had a fun night with plenty of good food.

Travel Bug out.