Vegas, Baby

After two nights in Palm Springs, we drove to Las Vegas. The drive took us through the Mohave desert where there was, at times, nothing but sand and cacti. Truly stark and amazing landscape. We passed the time listening to Harry Potter and the Socerer's Stone on audiobook. We had read much of the book at home prior to the trip and Sam was on the edge of his carseat listening to it.

We journeyed to Vegas specifically so I could visit with my long-time friend, Lindsay, and her three children. As life would have it, they were days away from moving to Bend, OR (closer to us, yay!).

Our first day we visited Red Rock Canyon. The weather was unexpectedly (for me at least) windy and cold with a bit of rain so our hike was cut a bit short.

Strong winds!!

Our second day, we went to Mandalay Bay to visit the Aquarium and Shark Reef. It was really a well-done aquarium that kids could truly enjoy. The exhibits were easy to see and the path guided us through the space from start to finish.

Snacks near the sharks.

This diver was a great show for the kids!

 Sam says he could've pet the stingrays "all day long." We had to practically drag him away from the tank!

Henry (2), Lindsay, Doc (4), Addison (6), me, Sam (5), Kyle, Elsa (2)

We stayed a block off the strip, using our SPG points at the Westin. Abba and Teeb also joined us for our three nights in Vegas. We took a turn around the largest observation wheel in the world, walked the strip, and spent a little time at the pool. Kyle and I also had a night to go to a show.

It was a wonderful mid-winter get away!