Spring Break - Vegas, Baby!

We had so much fun last year in Las Vegas, that we decided to do it again this year with an added bonus of bringing our cousin Sophie with us.

We got up at 5am on Tuesday and through most of northern Nevada this was our scene. It snowed for about an hour and was even sticking on the ground.



We got to Vegas around 2:30 and since we knew our room wouldn't be available for awhile, we decided to check out Freemont Street since we'd heard others rave about it. It was completely overrated in our opinion and we will never go back. It doesn't feel as safe as the strip and there isn't really anything to look at or good shopping. We were super disappointed, but we did enjoy the deep fried Oreos and Twinkies we were able to try. The boys thought these necklaces were pretty cool and HAD to have their picture taken wearing it.







Jayna's girls think that this emoji is chocolate so we had some good laughs and had to take a picture when Levi found Eliza and Norah's "chocolate" and sent them this picture.



Our room at The Tahiti Village Resort (where we stayed last year) wasn't ready when we got done at Freemont Street, so we decided to hit the outlet mall that is right across the street from the resort.

All of the boys got new shoes and shirts.



We found Levi's store!



We found more "chocolate"!



We finished up our shopping and then headed to the resort. We got checked in and the three younger boys were ready to snuggle into their beds and relax while the teenagers and dad couldn't wait to get to the strip. These are pictures that Nathan took of their adventures. They first found Shake Shack and ate a delicious dinner and custard.







Andrew and Dad did a little shopping in Gucci and were told that this $1,500 slipper is a top seller.



To end their night, they found Sprinkles and thoroughly loved the experience of getting a cupcake from the ATM.



The next morning, while the teenagers slept in, the younger boys, Mom and Dad went swimming. It was a bit chilly but that only meant we had the pool to ourselves.









Later that day, we took to shuttle down to the strip. We love the flowers at the Bellagio.











We ate lunch in the Paris casino.



Everyone wanted to experience Sprinkles so we all went there for either a cupcake from the ATM or cookies and ice cream from inside the store.





I don't remember everything we did the first day, but we walked about 10 miles. We loved showing everything we enjoy with Sophie and being together.

The next day, we did some swimming before heading to the strip.











Sarah and Sophie rode the roller coaster at New York, New York.











We ate dinner at Shake Shack before going to the show Zarkana. We absolutely LOVED it and can't wait to go see another show.









Thanks for the GREAT adventures Vegas and hope we come again soon!!



This picture was taken around 6am the morning we left. We all look super tired!

Here is the video Sarah made of our grand adventures in Vegas.

February

We started the month off with more snow which was great as Nathan and Benjamin went skiing with the school the first Saturday evening.
Nathan says that Benjamin is a natural on the slopes and they loved having time together!







Levi had 100's day at school and got to make a 100's day hat. He put 100 stickers on his hat. I think it turned out awesome!!





We frosted sugar cookies one night for Valentine's day.





Spencer was the only one that needed to make a Valentine's box for school and dad was left in charge to help him. I love the theme of his box!!


On Valentine's day, our family enjoyed Valentine treats and a delicious dinner made by dad. Unfortunately, this is the only picture that was taken - thanks Sarah!



I did get a text the morning of Valentine's day from my neighbor across the street. She sent this picture and asked if he'd slept outside all night. I laughed and replied back - YEP! That's my boy out there!



Our ward did a Where's Waldo activity at the mall one week and I got to go and participate. It was super fun and well planned out and the kids had a great time finding ward members hiding throughout the mall. We have amazing leaders!!



This was pretty much how Sarah looked one weekend as she waited to find out if she was selected to go on a service trip to Thailand with Hailey Devine. A couple of weeks later she was told that she was put on the waiting list and that they would let her know by March 14 if she was going. March 14 came and went and not a word. We were shopping in Vegas when she got the email that she could go if she wanted. There was no questioning in that girls mind and her dad paid the down payment. We have ONE HAPPY girl in our house!



Andrew went ice fishing with the scout troop one Friday night. The weather looks cold but clear in the picture, but from what I heard, the night before was a terrible wind and rain/snow storm (in a falling apart tent that went in the garbage when he got home) that ended with three boys sleeping in a leaders truck. The joys of camping in Winter!



Benjamin presented his Heritage Box. This is one of my favorite projects that they do in 3rd grade. I love that they get to research and learn about their ancestors and then tell others about them. Benjamin did a fabulous job of sharing his heritage with the parents and students of Hidden Springs.



Spencer finished up his basketball season. I called him the Rebound King as he was most often the tallest one on the court and was able to get lots of rebounds. He learned quickly to get those rebound and then go right back up for the layup. Great job, Spencer!!