The Bellagio

While we were waiting for the water show at the Bellagio to start we discovered that we had a celebrity with us. A bus load of Oriental people had to keep stopping to gawk at Bekah and call her Shirley Temple. They took her picture so many times that Bekah started pointing to Oriental people and telling us she wanted her picture taken more.

We were able to catch two of the Bellagio's fabulous water shows. Michael really enjoyed these.

Just off of the lobby at the Bellagio there is a wonderful garden with jumping water fountains, animals made from flowers, and an antique ferris wheel filled with sunflowers.

"Tiger" birds as Benjamin called them

Adventuredome at Circus Circus

What have Mom and Dad gotten us into?

Bekah riding the "balloon" ferris wheel with Mom. She was too little (by 1/2 an inch) to ride most rides by herself.

Can you find the dinosaur? Benjamin spied it before the rest of us did.

Have we mentioned that Benjamin likes pirates?

Or is it obvious yet?

This was Bekah's favorite ride, the "Roadrunner."

Bekah wanted to ride the train but wasn't quite sure about it as it kept going around and around really fast. Benjamin had to tell us that the train was one of his favorite rides.

Benjamin riding the frog hopper. When he first saw the picture he said he didn't like that ride, but after he tried it once he wanted to ride it over and over again without interruption.

Here we are in the 3-D theater. The kids weren't big fans but it was a unique experience.

Dad riding the "Roadrunner" with Bekah. Michael did all of the big rides by himself, I decided I liked my stomach better in my gut than the bottom of my throat, and couldn't get enough of the roller coaster. I think he ended up going like 10 times.

We took the whole family on a ferris wheel ride so Bekah could share with Daddy and Benjamin how much fun she had on it.

We even caught a clown act while we were there. The kids thought it was hilarious.

Benjamin "driving" a helicopter.

We completely wore out the kids by playing so hard, but I was sure glad they took an afternoon nap, even for a brief time.

Top of the Stratosphere

Admission to the observation decks at the top of the stratosphere came complimentary with our room. With two very busy children, we stayed on the floor with windows and did not attempt to go to the outdoor observation deck. I think the stratosphere was over 100 stories high (at least the elevator said we were on floor 108) which was a little scary with my fear of heights. The children thought it was great to be so high in the sky and Michael liked taking pictures of the strip from that high up. It was an adventure, that's all I have to say.

Escape to Las Vegas

We took a much needed break last week, we ran away to Vegas. When I say things like that people give me quizzical looks, but since my grandparents have lived there for most of my life I have been exposed to the more family friendly aspects of Las Vegas and that is why we went there. Anyway, this was our first family trip in over a year that was to attend a family function and it was a relief just to spend time with our little family doing fun things.

Benjamin and Bekah showing off their white tigers by the statue of the white tigers.

Benjamin and Bekah were so delighted to get "white tigers" that they slept with them each night of our stay and haven't put them down much since we have been home.

Indoor garden at the Mirage.

Benjamin likes to play the "I Spy" game and I took pictures of all of the fun things Benjamin "spied" while we were walking up and down the strip.

Why is the dragon upside down, Mom?

Because that is how the statue was made, Benjamin.

Look! Dolphins!

"Skull Rock" outside of Treasure Island. You have to look at the rock face twice to be able to see it.

The sinking pirate ship at Treasure Island

Krispy Kreme kids' meals. The kids loved their hats and straws almost as much as the doughnuts.

I see camels! When will I be big enough for the roller coaster?

Playing with the extra bed cushions. Benjamin thought the pillows made great punching bags.