Hoover Dam

Although not the girls' favorite stop of our week (they called it "boring"), we knew we couldn't pass up the opportunity to visit such a major American landmark.  We are so glad we did too.  We know that they will remember it always, and appreciate it someday.  :)

The tricky thing was that the area was experiencing unusually strong winds that day (50 mph gusts, anyone?) which made traversing the memorial bridge looking down on the dam more than a little scary.  We made it roughly halfway across before the flinging winds and steep drop off on one side, and the semi trucks speeding by on the other got the best of us, and forced us down to the dam itself.  

The best part was standing with one foot in each state, and jumping back and forth between the two.  :) Pretty cool...

Pool time

80 degrees and sunny?  Yes, please!!!

Madame Tussaud's wax museum

Another fun location we were able to take the girls to on the strip, was Madame Tussaud's wax museum.  Although there was some disappointment when we didn't find Taylor Swift, we all got a kick out of the place anyway.  (None of us more than Brian, though...)

My date, Ben Affleck...

Brad and Angie wouldn't notice a few more kids, would they?

Getting Elvis' autograph...

Cameron and Camryn.... :)

Aubrey had no idea who this was, but thought she was "fancy"

Oprah and I chatting...

Catching for Babe...

Reading the green for Tiger...

If they only knew...  ;)

Vegas, baby!

This spring break, we made the best of some travel opportunities, and headed to Las Vegas for six days.  

Our goal was simple:  go somewhere warmer and drier, and simply relax.  Though we spent plenty of time by the pool, soaking up the sun, we also took the girls down to the strip to explore (only!) the kid-friendly tourist options.  

Amidst lots of walking and and observing, we also saw the dolphins, white tigers, and other exotic animals at the Mirage, checked out the "magic ceiling" in Ceasar's Palace, took a gondola ride at the Venetian, explored M&M World, the grounds of the Flamingo, and the conservatory at the Bellagio, and ate at the Rainforest Cafe.  

The girls were in awe at everything.  There is just so much to take in...!!!  One of their favorite things, however?  The moving sidewalks and escalators that gave our tired feet a break.  :)