Vegas, baby!

The first stop on our Spring Break road trip was Las Vegas - 

a perfect break after 9 hours in the car!

*** disclaimer ***

I know I've said before that I would never take my kids to Vegas, due to the prevalence of adult-oriented atmosphere (ahem.) But somehow, the excitement of taking them to see the really cool hotels and a Cirque du Soleil show trumped the worry of exposing them to Sin City's other attractions!

Anyway... our first stop was the Bellagio where the boys were amazed by the beautiful Conservatory and Botanical Gardens full of springtime flowers - it smelled wonderful!

As we stepped outside, we were just in time to catch the Bellagio Fountains.

I loved watching them experience the "dancing water" and delight at the huge rainbow that accompanied the show!

 We walked (one of the constants in Las Vegas - lots of walking)
just long enough to get to the Mirage for a delicious dinner at BLT Burger,
complete with a full sized ice-cream sundae for Hamp!

heaven!!!

... and as if the flowers, fountains, and feasting wasn't enough to satisfy, our entertainment for the evening (and main reason for stopping in the first place!) was Mystere, the standing Cirque du Soleil show at Treasure Island Resort. The boys were completely in awe of the whole show... and if you've ever seen a Cirque show, you know why! They are awesome. Check it out:



An amazing 18 hours or so in Las Vegas - just right! ☺
on to Southern California....