Why Work can Sometimes Be Great!

Last week the hubby and I headed to Las Vegas for a work conference.  Every year this conference is in April, when the weather is great, in a great location, amazing hotels, and never fails to disappoint in how we are taken care of.    I actually really look forward to going to these because it is work but yet fun and entertaining at the same time.  Matthew and I went to Las Vegas the first year we were married and while we aren't gamblers or drinkers we still enjoyed walking around and seeing the sites. 

This year was just as great as others.  I spent time in meetings but got to do some shopping, sightseeing, had a chance to run each morning, laid out, tried some new foods, and had some time for relaxation too so it all equaled out.  

Now I said before that I wasn't a gambler but I did put in $2 and got it up to $6.20.  Matthew said to keep playing until I won more and or until it went back down to $2 and since I have no idea what I'm doing when it comes to gambling I placed a $4 bid on accident and lost it quickly. We did see some other lucky big winners though as we walked through casinos.    

We had to check out the Bellagio water show again.   I remembered loving it the last time we were there.  Pictures just can't show how awesome it is and how cool it is that they can make the water seem like it's dancing to the music and the height it goes is incredible.  

We also got to watch the show from our floor in the hotel. 

Sightseeing at the Wynn.  We went there to watch their night show over their water, it wasn't anything too exciting

This was a neat lit up tree/ flower tunnel at the Wynn.  The things these hotels do are just so over the top!

Every year for the conference on Saturday night  there is a huge event.  Last year they rented out Sea World and it was just us there.  This year they rented out Pure Night Club.  Night clubs aren't really our thing but it was fun to get dressed up, see what the big deal about the place is ( it was a really neat set up and decorated place), and get to have some delicious free food!  

We really didn't get any good pictures because this girl forgot her camera so this is it, the hotel selfie ( fancy I know)

Sunday was a completely free day, we slept in until the late hour of 7.   I got a run in and then we headed down to the pool and stayed there most of the day!  It was awesome having nothing to do and just to lay there and be lazy.  We then cleaned up and joined the tourists checking out the sites and tried to hit some of the free hotel shows like the Wynn and Treasure Island.  

We enjoyed dinner together at an  Italian restaurant in the middle of the indoor Forum Shops.  The ceiling in the shops in the background was made to look like a sunset because it mimics the outdoors.    It's sunny during the day, and stars come out at night!  

We had a great trip, but it was also great to get home to our kiddos.  Their faces when we pulled into the driveway was priceless!  Carson just stared at us like he couldn't believe we were home.  I wish I could have  heard what was going on in that brain of his.  Then Noah just kept saying things all night and the next morning like "  I missed you sooo much mommy", "mommy you're my best friend", mommy your are my sweet little girl", and  " I love you so much".  

There isn't anything like home!  

Have you ever been to Las Vegas?  What was your favorite hotel?  

Disney Family Vacation

We're Home!

  

We had a great trip.  I can sometimes be a negative Nancy and pictured our trip being way more difficult and not going nearly as well as it did.  Carson was such a happy boy at the resort, I don't blame him I loved it there too.  Noah loved being with cousins.  Lines were fairly short.  Boys were in awe.  You get the idea.  Things went really well.  Of course we had those moments and meltdowns  by kids and moms (We did have 7 kids, that were 6 and under).    But the wonderful happy moments far outweigh the stressful ones.  This will be a trip I will always remember.  I'm not sure Noah will, and I know Carson won't but we have the pictures and their smiles ingrained in my memory. 

Here was the rundown of our week.

Sunday night flew in to Orlando, got in late.

Monday bright and early headed off to Magic Kingdom for the day, came home in the afternoon for naps and back at night for some more rides and the awesome light parade/fireworks

Tuesday-  Hung out at the resort swimming, eating, played at the playground and just hanging out

Wednesday-  Hollywood Studios for more shows and rides, back for naps in the afternoon.  Swam and more playing in the evening. 

Thursday-  Pack up, ate lunch and headed home!

It was a good amount of time, not too short, and not too long.  When the kids get older I could see spending more time at the parks but at their age this was the perfect amount!  We got to do what we wanted but didn't over exhaust ourselves.  ( I did take naps with the boys, it was wonderful) 

Now for the photo reel!  

Carson's first time flying and he did great.  He got really nervous/scared at takeoff and landing but handled it well.  Just wanted to hold on to his momma.  

Noah, the helper.  He thought it was his job to buckle Carson in.

Waiting to get on the monorail to enter Magic Kingdom.  My poor baby was teething, had his fingers in his mouth a lot lately.  

Our family.  Boys were not wanting to look at the camera.  I don't blame them, Mickey Mouse and friends were on stage singing and dancing!

My boys and I on the monorail heading in

Disney you are a magical place

Noah seeing Mickey up close and personal for the first time was priceless.  He loved it and wasn't shy at all. Gave hugs and high fives and even talked to him. 

My water baby

My big water baby.  He is fearless in water.  

Riding Toy Story 3D ride.  Mommy got into this one too.

My hubby, his twin brother, our two boys and one of my nephews heading to the playground at the resort

Boys got to meet Lightning McQueen and Mater.  Noah was a big fan!

More water fun at the kiddie area at the resort.  I seriously loved this place, a lot to do around the grounds.

Mickey Time

Someone was too wore out and took a quick cat nap

Waiting in line to ride Dumbo

Boys posing on Dumbo

Another priceless memory.  The afternoon parade.  Carson danced, clapped and waved the whole time.  I think it was one of his favorite times, haha at 1 1/2 and Noah loved it too.  He thought everyone was waving at "him" the whole time.  He just keep smiling and waving.  

My sweet baby on the flight home.  He was out just about right after we took off and napped the majority of the flight.  It was perfect!

Noah and Micah ready to leave the first morning in their gear!

Snuck back to see Mickey again for more hugs!

All the kiddos on the last night swimming !  Love that they have cousins their age and that we are so blessed to have each other.  I'm lucky too my SIL's are great.  Love hanging out with them!  

Disney I'm sure we will meet again someday !