I was trying to think of a dam joke, but just couldn't come up with a good one

Our dear friends Chris and Laura recently came into town, and we were lucky enough to get to hang out with them.

I like to think of Chris as my Obi-Wan Kenobi of my college years.  He was the grad student that I worked with in my program who taught me the ropes, made me sound cool on my vita, and basically made research fun.  I like him a lot.  And his lovely wife Laura, who is practically perfect in every way, is really fun to hang out with too.  She's sweet and funny and oh so nice.  Basically, they're like the perfect couple...if you don't know them, you really should introduce yourself.

We decided to take them to Mt. Charleston to go hiking, so we could get away from the oppressive Vegas heat that we all know and love.  It was a beautiful hike!

 This is one of my favorite parts...it looks like a rainforest.

 This valley is full of blown over pine trees.  It's beautiful, peaceful and still.  And it smells like Christmas.

 Our destination... "the chute".  The snowmelt has eroded this rock to look like a mini-version of a waterpark ride.  It actually really made me want to ride Splash Mountain again sometime soon.

 I really really wanted to steal this dog.  Isn't is so gorgeous?  I love hiking dogs.

 A little baby bird that perched very still for me, so I could take his picture.  He was a cutie.  I think I would make a very entertained bird watcher.

Then, after stuffing ourselves on Indian buffet, we headed over to the complete opposite side of town, so that we could wait forever in a line, so that eventually we could take Chris and Laura to see Hoover Dam.

 The new bridge is huge!  Quite awe-inspiring, if I do say so myself.

Oh yeah, Jeffie was there too.   It was a fun day, with fun people!