Our Vegas Vacation!
Last month we decided to take our family vacation in Vegas. It was a fairly quick drive and I had never been before. We had a great time relaxing at our resort as well as checking out all the sites.
The Hoover Dam
Here is the new bridge at the Hoover Dam. This was definitely one of the highlights for Shaun. Unfortunately we were about a month early because the bridge was not open. It is supposed to open later this month.
Relaxing at the Resort
We chose to stay at a resort at the very end of the strip that did not have a casino. It was very nice, quite, relaxing, and made for families! They had lots of little swimming areas for the kids and a lazy river.
Taking in the Sites
We did A LOT of waling while in Vegas and pretty much saw most of the casinos. Here are some highlights of what we did.
Here we are at the MGM Grand having dinner with Shaun's college roommate, Berger. He just happened to be in town for a bachelor party the same weekend we were there, so we got to catch up over dinner. What a small world!
The Mirage
At The Mirage we spent a morning walking around Siegfried and Roy's Secret Garden and Dolphin Habitat. We had a wonderful time watching the dolphins swim and play. The Dolphin Habitat had areas where you could enjoy them from both above and below the water. Siegfried and Roy's Secret Garden had white tigers, white lions, and other exotic cats. I think our favorite were the 14 week old baby white tigers. They caught everyone's attention as they chased after ropes and played just like baby kitten will do!
The Dolphins
Larkin watching the dolphins from the underwater observatory
A little game of catch
The Secret Garden
The white lions enjoying a little nap.
Larkin and Daddy posing in front of the baby tigers.
Unfortunately, the tiger cubs decided to move before the picture was taken!
Mommy and Brayden checking out the lions.
Ethel's Chocolate Factory and Botanical Garden
Well it was no Willy Wonka Chocolate Factory, but there was still plenty of chocolate! One morning we drove a little way off of the strip to find this chocolate factory and take a tour. While driving we debated if anyone even toured chocolate factories. Sure enough, as we pulled into the drive we followed four giant tour buses. I guess everyone loves chocolate! Outside of the factory was a botanical garden. It was pretty much just like being at home, filled with cacti and other desert plants. We even saw a lizard or two scurry by. You have got to love the desert!
M&M World
28,000 square feet of M&Ms, of course we had to see that!
Larkin posing in front of the M&M race car.
If you look closely you will see that this sign is made entirely out of M&Ms!
The Bellagio
Picture time in the Conservatory and Botanical Gardens
Paris, Paris
Mandalay Bay
At Mandalay Bay we went to the Shark Reef and Aquarium. They had all sorts of sharks, sting rays, jelly fish, and many other fish to observe. One of the highlights was watching them feed raw chicken to the piranhas. Those things are fast!
Here Larkin is checking out the sharks as they swam all around us.
Outdoor Tree House and Play Area
One of the outdoor shopping centers had a great children's area. After a yummy lunch at Claim Jumper we headed here to play for a bit. Larkin had fun going through the maze, climbing through the giant tree house, and watching the kids play in the splash area. The area was enclosed so those kiddies won't escape and out front they even had a huge lawn with fake grass for families to picnic on and play!
Shaun and Larkin making their way through the maze.
I think Shaun might have been cheating a little bit, since it was only about 4 feet high!
Play time at the park.
The Casinos
We actually had a great time just walking through all of the casinos and seeing what they had to offer. The weather was beautiful and we got plenty of exercise! Here were some of our favorites:
The Bellagio
Caesar's Palace
Paris, Paris
The Mirage
We are waiting to watch the volcano in the background erupt.
