The Other Callihan Clan

Of course we are not the only Callihan Clan! It just so happens that I have a fantastic brother and sister law who have three amazing kids. We don't get to see them very often as they have been living in Europe for quite some time now. After living in the Netherlands they relocated to Scotland. I so wish we would have had the opportunity to go visit them. the places they lived were incredible. Old castles, green rolling hills, beautiful landscapes, and architecture. All the things I am dying to explore one day.

We were excited to learn they would be relocating yet again, and this time right here in the United States! After learning Dutch and developing sweet little English accents (well the kids anyway) they will now be adding some Southern twang into the mix in good old Kentucky!

I am sure they were not excited to be moving all their stuff AGAIN but we are sure happy they are so much closer and we can now go visit them and send actual gifts int he mail! LOL ;)

Anyway, As they made their journey back, my brother-in-law was already in KY working away and his wife and kids stopped off in Las Vegas to visit us and Grandma and Grandpa Callihan. My kids had so much fun playing with their cousins. As they would say, "We had a smashing good time."

Of course I wouldn't let them leave with a little photo shoot ;)

I bring to you the other Callihan Clan.

They sure know how to get their pose on! 

This picture makes me laugh! They were pretending to be royalty! LOL

We sure do miss you all! We can't wait to visit you in Kentucky one day! 

Carpenter 1 Fire

I am deeply saddened by the Carpenter 1 Fire that is destroying one of the few beautiful places we have  here in Las Vegas. Caused by a lightning strike, this fire has destroyed over 25,000 acres! It is now destroying structures as well. I feel so bad for the folks who have homes there and for all the animals that are suffering and dying because of this. I know that natural disasters happen but it feels so personal when it is right here in your own home town. 

I have spent so much time up there camping, hiking, snowboarding, photographing and simply enjoying the beauty and cool air it has to offer with friends and family. I hope and pray that all these hardworking fire fighters can get this thing under control. 

Even though we cannot physically aide in fighting the fire we can help by donating items or money. I am sure every little bit helps. 

In the mean time I took a little photo field trip with my mom to Vo Tech where I set up my tripod and snapped some shots of this "Beautiful Disaster" during sunset. I plan on capturing more images from different locations in the coming days. 

Here are some of my favorites from last night. I know some look similar but I thought it was neat to capture the sun setting and how the light and colors changed within just minutes. 

These photos were taken in HDR Vivid mode from a tripod. My settings were ISO 100 F/22 at a very slow shutter speed "10 I love the drama it added to these photos. It captured the Vegas Strip beautifully with the dramatic fire and smoke sneaking up over the mountain.

Beautiful Disaster

Look closely to the left side of the mountain and you can see a helicopter coming in. Looks neat in this slow shutter speed.