Dolphins and Clowns and Birthdays! Oh My!

This is the first of what will probably be several posts! I mentioned a few days ago that we were in Vegas! So I thought I'd do a proper trip report :)

We flew in on the 19th, ended up back at our hotel (The Orleans, which was amazing!) by about 8pm and went out in search of supper. We decided on the Mexican restaurant in the hotel. (Ryan and I both had enchiladas, while Skyler had Rice and Beans *lol* ) After dinner? We went straight up to bed.

The next day, the 20th was Skyler's 3rd birthday! So we decided to do a day based on things she would LOVE.

We hopped on the shuttle to the strip, and started out at Caesars Palace. (I thought she would LOVE their anamatronic fountain.) Of course, theh fountain was out of order. (*Instert Sad Face*) We did try for a family photo (having someone else take it) and it was blurry. Sadly? I forgot all about a family photo and we didn't get another. I'm so bummed at this.

So we hiked on over to the Mirage where they have this amazing Tiger and Dolphin Habitat. We spent a good chunk of time watching the big cats, and then watching the dolphins with their trainers.

Finally, we were starving, so we left and headed to Treasure Island for lunch! (We ate at Kahunaville, which was really yummy. But before we got there, we got sidetracked into looking at the really cool mammoth tusk they have near the front entrance.)

Next up? A nice LONG hike from Treasure Island to Circus Circus... (I wouldn't recommend this hike, not on the hottest day so far in 2011, but that could just be me ;) )

Skyler LOVED Circus Circus. We watched several circus acts (A clown, some acrobats, some dancers) and played a few carnival games - which Skyler won 3 stuffed animals - one good sized "Vegas" Bear.



We headed back to our hotel, where Skyler played in the Kids Tyme playground (she'd been begging ever since we saw it when we first toured the hotel the night before!) We had dinner at a small Irish Pub across the street from our hotel. (If you're ever in Vegas and at the Orleans -- I highly recommend McMullins Irish Pub - it's across the road. The Shepherds Pie is the best I've ever had!)

After dinner we headed out to the strip to see all the pretty sights. Skyler was IN LOVE with the fountains at Bellagio! We watched them at least 3 times. (And there will be photos of Vegas at night later -- but I'm caught up to what I've edited so far! *lol*

We finally got back to our room about 11pm (*eek* Skyler was surprisingly well that late at night!) and we gave her her birthday present (a stuffed Tiger from the Tiger Exhibit) and then we all crashed!

(More updates tomorrow!)

Happy Birthday!!

Dear Skyler,

My beautiful, baby girl, Happy 3rd Birthday!

I know for the rest of your life, I will look back on the day you were born - the days leading up to your birth - and I will tell stories, full of anxiety, fear and excitement. Of the first time I saw you right after you were born - of the first time I got to hold you. But I will always remember how beautiful and perfect you were.

Your first year was nothing but an adventure! Both travel wise, and as you learned and explored the world around you.

For your first birthday, we took you to the Lincoln Children's Museum! There was so much going on, you were so excited.

Your second year was spent exploring even more! You loved trips to the zoo and story time at the library.

For your Second Birthday, we had a quiet time at home and then a quick trip up to Frisco Colorado!

The last year has been full of excitement as you continued to grow. You're always asking questions and you know your ABC's, you can count to 17 and you amazed even your doctor with your intense vocabulary and understanding.

I am so proud of you baby girl, and I look forward to exploring this world even more with you this coming year!

Happy Birthday Skyler!!

Love,
 Mommy

Viva Las Vegas!!!

That's what people heard on our plane from an almost 3 year old!! (Since she was pretty good at yelling it!)

I thought I'd give a few "spoiler" photos!! (Although our plane didn't land until 7pm Colorado time - thanks to an oil leak in the engine that lead to a delay!)

Skyler had a blast checking the window and watching them load baggage onto planes.

We had a pretty fabulous view!

Skyler LOVED watching the ground below.

Unfortunately? The Rockies were cloudy, so no photos from there.

After our flight, Skyler got to check out the cockpit and the pilot invited her to sit down for a photo! 

(After that, I think we could have gone home - trip complete and successful for Skyler!) 

Silly Skyler!

As Skyler approaches her birthday, I find myself looking back at photos of her over the past 3 years.

An odd similarity seems to have occured...

Snapped last week:

Snapped at just a week old:

A fabulous Party!

Today was Skyler's 3rd Birthday Party!!

We had such a wonderful time, and we had an awesome turnout!! (Thank you so much to everyone who came!!)

We met at the park for Pizza and Cake! Then Skyler and her cousin Jacob and friend Taylor played at the park for 3 Hours!! The cake was a pretty big hit! (Thanks again to Katie who helped me put on the last minute touches!!) And Skyler has a ton of new toys! (Thanks everyone!!)

And now, I'll quit rambling and share some pictures! (Warning:: Photo Overload!!)