Vegas Baby

Craig and I had some plane tickets that needed to be used from a previous trip that had been cancelled and so we decided to hit up Vegas for a weekend.  We each hadn't been there in about 15 years, so we thought we'd check it out for a quick get a way.  The kids stayed with Craig's parents, thanks Nana and Pops.  We flew into Vegas Thursday evening February 6th, so relaxing flying without the kids.  We stayed at the New York New York right on the strip.  Friday morning we got in a workout and then headed out to explore the strip.  First we hit up the bodies exhibit  at the Excalibur. We both found it very interesting with our backgrounds in exercise science.  We then just wondered down the strip checking out all the hotels along the way.  We ended up the day with a David Copperfield magic show at the MGM.  He was very entertaining and was really good at what he did.  We got in over 25,000 steps that day.

Saturday after our workout we drove over to the Shelby American museum and factory.  Craig is a massive car guy (thanks Pops) and we had just recently seen Ford vs. Ferrari, so we had a blast.  We took a tour and learn a lot about Carroll Shelby.  Craig was also very excited because he had just ordered his Mustang and in the factory they were working on some new Mustangs.  We then headed out to some of the outlet malls and grabbed a few things there before heading back to the strip. We then explored the city some more including the roller coaster at the New York New York before we stuffed our bellies at the buffet at the MGM.  We again hit over 25,000 steps.  By this point my back was hurting from being on my feet so much.

Sunday was a little bit more lazy of a day.  We hung out at the hotel for a while before heading to see the Hoover Dam.  Neither of us had been before and were pretty excited to see it.  They weren't doing tours that day for some reason so we just walked around and read some info about it.  It is truly amazing.  This was by far our favorite part of the trip.  The shear size is just overpowering.  I just can't even fathom that being built.

Monday morning we got in a quick workout before packing up and heading back to the airport.  We had a great weekend, but were ready to head back to the kiddos.  I was quite impressed with the cleanliness of everything.  The streets were a lot cleaner than I remember and the casinos didn't smell like smoke even though there were people smoking all over the place.  The weather was perfect and the kids were great and had fun with Craig's parents. At this point we feel like we have "experienced" Vegas as much as we ever will, so I don't see us ever going back, but I'm glad that we went this time.

Trying New Things

Brooklyn had the chance this winter to try a few new things.  First off was basketball.  If you know me and Craig at all, you know that it was a very proud moment when she said she wanted to play basketball.  The season was a little painful to watch, 6 and 7 year olds trying a new sport, but it was so fun to watch her learn and grow in the sport.  We did a lot of practicing on our hoop in the backyard and she also had a great coach that stuck to teaching the fundamentals.  It is amazing the difference between the first and last game of the season.  They really did learn so much.  She was so excited when she scored her first basket and she was quite the defender.  Craig helped out at practice when he could and I did my best to keep my mouth shut during games, I only got told to be quite one time.  She had a blast and can't wait for next season.

This winter Brooklyn also tried out snow skiing.  Craig and Brooklyn headed up to the bunny hill at Brundage 4 times this winter.  She was such a good student and Craig was very patient.  She really did improve so much in just 4 times, her turns are quite impressive.  She was enjoying it so much that she requested to go skiing instead of ice skating for her birthday this year.  Craig said that she'll be ready for the Bear chair next year at brundage, Craig is very excited to get off the bunny hill. Now to just get McKay skiing so I can get back up on the mountain. 

Brooklyn also did a short 6 week tumbling class this winter through the Star Park and Rec.  She has done gymnastics before (when she was 3), but she was excited to learn a few new things like handstands, back bends, and round-offs.  McKay was a little dissappointed that he wasn't old enough, we will have to get him into a little ninja class soon.  I love when my kids get to try new things and when they find something that they really love and want to get better at.