This summer has been filled with lots of sun and extreme heat. It has also been filled with exciting vacations including a trip to the City of Angels. We were in the area last year for Christmas as a family for shopping but this trip was different. I received an invitation to attend a taping of American Ninja Warrior Junior and decided to fly the family out for an adventure. 

The invitation was for priority tickets to the American Ninja Warrior Junior show, which means we were guaranteed a seat and would not be put on a waiting list. They were very specific about clothing, food, drink, cameras etc. but everything was reasonable and didn't prevent us from having a great time.

We were not told the exact location for filming and were required to sign several waivers and release forms before getting a wristband. This gave us access to the bus that would take us to the studio. We had free parking in a lot in downtown Los Angeles about 10 minutes away.

Audience members supporters of the contestants all gathered outside before entering the course. It was hot but everyone was in a good mood. The line moved quickly once we were permitted to enter. There was no shade and the bleachers were hot but they did provide plenty of water and fans with misters.

We were there for the filming of the semifinals and the final competition. The course was different and top secret but the last portion remained the same. The contestants completed the course quickly and exhibited amazing upper body strength along the way. We were able to talk with a contestant in another age group from our home state. His trainer and family gave us some behind the scenes info about applying, training, and competing. It is a major commitment for a prize of $15,000. Adults receive $1 Million!

Last summer, I purchased tickets for my husband and I to visit Las Vegas and see @BoyzIIMen perform. The seats I secured were near the back of the venue but as luck would have it, when we arrived my husband was taken for a celebrity and as a result we were escorted to third row center stage! Now I was already excited to see the group perform live as it was my first time seeing them in concert but from that vantage point the show was extra special!

We stayed on the Diamond Member floor of @BallysVegas and had a great view of the city during our time in Sin City. The concert, however, was at the @TheMirageLV which is also on the strip and just a quick 5 minute ride away.

The concert began on time (yes!) and there was no opening act, to be honest @BoyzIIMen doesn't need one. They have enough musical selections to give a four hour concert easily lol. There was an extremely diverse crowd @TheMirageLV, old and young, men and women, black/white/Asians...everyone showed up! We heard all of our @BoyzIIMen favorites plus some Motown goodies all while witnessing some fabulous wardrobe/stage changes. We even met a "new member", Marc Nelson who gave a great performance. He's pictured below...

The time passed too quickly for me and before I knew it Nate, Wanya, and Shawn were throwing roses (I received one *blush*) and dancing with a few women from the audience wishing us good night. If you have not seen @BoyzIIMen in concert it's not too late they are still performing in Las Vegas @TheMirageLV and any seat in the house is well worth it, you will not be disappointed!