Wreck It Ralph | Family

02 Friday Nov 2012

Posted by Stefanie Van Aken (RSMLVTravel) in Archive It

I don’t usually do movie reviews on my site, but I have to tell you all how much my kids and I loved Disney’s Wreck It Ralph.

Since my daughter and I attended the D23 Studio Presentation last summer, we have been anxiously awaiting the opening of this film. And, seeing how my son is addicted to video games, we both had a feeling he would be, too. Since the previews started a few months ago, it’s all I’ve been hearing about when it comes to which movies we will be seeing. It was well worth the wait. My daughter was at the edge of her seat, laughing, clapping and holding on to me during some of the suspenseful parts. At the end, she cheered and exclaimed, “I LOVED this movie! That was AWESOME!”. I have to admit, it was quite humorous to have my kids ask who Q-bert was, and I loved the references of the 1980’s video gaming technology vs today’s high-tech, high-definition, virtual reality experiences. The movie was well written- clever, witty and heartfelt. Most importantly, the characters were voiced totally appropriately. I cannot imagine a better Wreck It Ralph than John C. Riley- he played the part perfectly. Jane Lynch, Sarah Silverman and Jack Mc Brayer got all their parts right as well. It was a perfect combination of sassy, sweet and shilvery from three different worlds colliding into one.

At the end of the screening, the publicists asked the kids what they thought. My daughter planned her words out carefully before we left the theater, “Awesome, Heartbreaking and Friendship.” I would have to agree!

RSMLV Tips:

See it in 3D…We had the opportunity to see a screening of the film in 3D, which I would highly recommend. Again, I don’t usually encourage 3D films because they are pricey and I don’t always “get” the benefit. This time, however, I noticed the difference. Because the film is based inside the world of video games, the 3D element allows you to see the tiniest details such as they way the Fix It Felix, Jr. characters move vs. the way the newer video game characters, like Sergeant Calhoun and Venellope Von Schweetz do.

Fright Factor…Without a spoiler alert, just be advised that there are a few parts towards the end that could be a bit scary for the little guys. I noticed, but didn’t bring it to their attention. Later that evening, my 8 year old said he was afraid to walk into my kitchen in the dark because of a character at the end of the film.

Emotional…Though I was impressed with the story line, it really is full of emotion and suspense. Which I thought was great for the age my kids are, 8 and 6, because it forced them to think about feelings and actions and how it affects others. There were a few scenes that were “edge of your seat”, especially if you are 6, but nothing that would create nightmares.

Overall, I would highly recommend Wreck It Ralph as a great family flick for all ages. Go see it this weekend with yours!

I Shot A Gun | Las Vegas

01 Thursday Nov 2012

Posted by Stefanie Van Aken (RSMLVTravel) in Fun

≈ 5 Comments

Yes, you read that right. I shot a gun. It was my first time. And, it was crazy. I was completely overwhelmed with the intensity of the situation. Having never really been around guns growing up, and knowing they are a deadly weapon, I was faced with a plethora of emotions that day. My husband, on the other hand, couldn’t wait. He was like a kid in a candy shop. He has been around guns his whole life. His grandfather and uncle taught him how to shoot when he was 8 years old. He’s been a hunter, outdoors kind of guy ever since. A point we argue about profusely when it comes to taking our kids out shooting. On one hand, I don’t want them to experience the same fear I had as a thirty-something holding a gun for the first time, on the other, I want the fear of God in them when considering holding or even looking at a gun. It is a tough compromise, but an important one for us to agree on.

The Range 702 opened a few weeks ago along the industrial corridor, off of Dean Martin. Coincidentally, my husband had just brought up this new wave of high-end gun ranges opening up along the Strip. This is huge for him. As someone who enjoys shooting, and appreciates the mechanical beauty of these weapons, he was quite intrigued by the trend of facilities entering into the main stream and allowing people the opportunity to shoot. You may or may not have noticed the spike in gun sales in the last few years due to many reasons: violence, government, politics, economy- for whatever reason, the American people are beginning to take an interest again in the Second Amendment of the Constitution, exercising their right to bare arms. The nice thing about these gun ranges popping up is that it provides the learnings for proper usage to an average citizen, like me, who is in the beginning stages of operating and handling a piece. It also provides a safe space for those at any level to engage in conversation about new mechanics, safety precautions, and education.

I was quite impressed with The Range 702. It was my first official gun range, so I don’t have much to compare it to. My husband is my expert for this article, and was also quite impressed for several reasons: 25 shooting lanes, the size of the facility (45,000 square feet), and the gun and retail selection. You can also grab some grub at Gary’s Cafe, which features a full menu from breakfast to lunch and dinner options.

There is also a swanky VIP room where a group of up to 20 can enjoy the comfortable surroundings of leather couches and chairs, a pool table, flat screen TVs and a full service bar area. The VIP room also has a range with 7 lanes set aside for personal use.

A second room provides space for public safety and self defense classes, which are available to the public. Additionally, other classes are offered at The Range 702, such as State of Nevada Concealed Firearms Permit (CCW), Multiple NRA courses, Basic thru Advanced Defensive Pistol, Variety of Women’s Classes and Hunter’s Safety. Of course, The Range 702 offers a complete retail shop filled with all styles and options of guns, ammunition, as well as safes and other merchandise. Not only is The Range 702 convenient for locals, but also to those visiting the Las Vegas Stip. It offers a different dynamic for something to do other than play in the large resorts and casinos, while still reminding you that you haven’t left the West- it’s just a little less Wild…or is it?

Yes. I shot a gun. I shot two, in fact, an M-16 rifle and a Glock 9mm. Once I got past the emotional stress of holding and shooting a weapon that can kill, I also started to realize how empowering, with the right education and knowledge, using a weapon like this can be, especially for women. When given the chance to shoot the rifle, I also began to understand how my husband enjoys shooting for sport. The challenge of finding the target, holding the rifle, and aiming properly to ensure a perfect shot is really quite exhilirating. This experience opened my eyes to a whole new level of respect for gun owners.

RSMLV Tips:

The gun range is open to young adults starting at ages 12 and up.

Check the website for specials and fees. As of 10/30/12, rental rates are $10, and locals can enjoy a special rate of $5.

If you are interested in booking the VIP suite, be sure to call ahead to book with plenty of notice.

For the months of November and December (2012), The Range 702 will donate 10% of their retail proceeds to the non-profit organization, Candlelighters Childhood Cancer Foundation of Nevada.

You can also follow The Range 702 on Facebook and Twitter.

I was an invited guest of the media to experience The Range 702. All thoughts and opinions are 100% my own.

Finally Fall

31 Wednesday Oct 2012

Posted by Stefanie Van Aken (RSMLVTravel) in USA

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I have been taking advantage of the beautiful, Las Vegas fall weather, thus my lack of keeping up with my writing lately. We have spent some really great time outdoors, and also enjoying seasonal festivities like Mickey’s Halloween Party at Disneyland. Last week, during Nevada’s Admission Day (a 3-day weekend for Nevada), I took all 4 of my kids, my nephew, my mother and mother-in-law to a working ranch just outside of St. George, Utah. The Staheli Family Farm is located in Washington City, UT, about a 2-hour drive from Las Vegas. My children had never been to a real working farm like that. When I explained we would be going to a Pumpkin Patch, they had no concept of what that meant. They kept asking about carnival games and a jumpy house. The day trip from Las Vegas was worth it in many ways. We had the chance to get up close and personal with chickens, roosters, bunnies, cattle and goats. We took a hay ride, explored a corn maze, picked pumpkins from a patch, and took a wild ride in a barrel train. The entire day took about 9-hours. We had a memorable time, and will most likely go back again next year.

Since you probably already follow me on Instagram (*hint*hint), I didn’t want to bore you with more pictures of my kids dressed up for Halloween (@RockStarMomLV). Instead, I wanted to take the time to wish you and yours an enjoyable Autumn Holiday. I am grateful for this beautiful weather and, for once, living in the desert. Be safe tonight! Enjoy your little ones! And take lots of pictures!