Las Vegas

So the past two weeks have been a little crazy! First, I tried unsuccessfully to potty train Spencer with this method that is supposed to take 3 days and work for kids 22 months and up (22 months being the ideal age). I learned a lot, including that as a parent I know a lot less about parenting then I did before I was a parent. Then this week I got some stomach flu or something- I was out for the count for 4 days. So now I am getting back to normal, and can finally post some pictures from our Easter vacation.
We spent Easter weekend in Las Vegas. We stayed with our friends the Risenmays. It was a super vacation. We are now re-energized to last through the last 4 weeks of school!
First we went to the Predatory Aquarium in Mandalay Bay. Devon and I had been here a few times, and we thought Spencer would enjoy it. We had no idea. Spencer was enthralled. He literally just sat in front of the glass and stared. Here he is pointing to the sharks.

I thought this picture was so funny, he just had to get comfortable so he could keep watching.

We stayed for a long time- but not long enough apparently. Spencer was screaming when we left. I guess for a two year old that is a sign of success.
The pictures didn't work too well because of the glass- but here are a few of the fish we saw.



Next we went to the Rainforest Cafe for lunch. I thought that Spencer would be really excited about all of the animals and stuff. He liked them- but nothing compared to the fish. Apparently the food was good though. I do not know why Spencer feels like he has to fill his mouth so quickly- he doesn't have any competition for food!

This is our favorite part of the Rainforest Cafe- the Brownie Volcano. It was huge and delicious!

Spencer often refuses to look at the camera- so Devon and I were trying to spin him around just in time to get a picture before he turned away again.


Next we went to our favorite casino- the Bellagio. They always have something new and beautiful in the gardens. This time it was "Gardens Around the World." Devon is a great photographer who takes lots of cool pictures- but then I have to choose which ones to post. Here are just a few.






Devon and I visited the gardens again later while the Risenmays were watching Spencer.

These umbrellas are not actually in the garden area- just somewhere else in the Bellagio- but I thought it was a cool picture!

Next we went to the toy store FAO Schwartz. Last time we came they had a whole floor to just play on but now that is only open for birthday parties. Spencer didn't mind though- he still had fun playing with all of the toys. There aren't too many toy stores around Monument Valley- so it was a new experience for him!



We also love the fountains at the Bellagio. I thought Spencer would be really excited about them. He seemed to think it was just a really weird idea to have all of that water spraying everywhere!

Here is one more of me trying to get him to look at the camera- no luck!

Devon's amazing photography in action.



Also in the Bellagio they have this really cool chocolate shop. It has a huge chocolate fountain.
Here are some more pictures of the fountain and also the cool food creations that you can buy if you are super-rich!





If Spencer's favorite part of Vegas was the aquarium, my favorite part was definatly when Devon and I got to go out alone. We thought about going to a show- but then thought of plenty of other ways to spend $150. We just enjoyed ourselves. We explored the Paris casino, and ate at a great cafe there. It was just so relaxing- thanks Ron and Judy for taking Spencer for us!




Here is our attempt at a family picture. I can't believe Spencer is actually looking at the camera. We had a great time!

haircut

So a few weeks ago we decided that Spencer was looking a little too girlie with is flowing locks, so I decided to cut them. I just used normal scissors- mistake #1- but luckily his hair is so blond you really can't see how uneven this is unless you get up close. We did acquire some clippers on a later trip to Walmart- and now he has a little more straight haircut. I haven't had enough practice to do Devon's though!

Coombs Visit to Monument Valley

Last week my family came to visit us. We had a great time! Spencer especially enjoyed the extra attention. He has been pretty bored since they left- I am not that exciting!
Here are some pictures from their visit.
Natalie and Spencer with the horse statue in "The View" lobby.

My mom, Nathan, Natalie, Spencer and I outside of "The View."

Devon took my dad, Nathan and Natalie on the classic hike behind our house- we take everyone on it- but after Devon's parent's visited we decided driving up the back way was better. Anyway, we usually have to get our neighbor to drive people up in his 4-wheel drive, but Devon tried out the 4-wheel capability of our new CR-V this time. Lewis drove the Blue Bullet too, because we had no idea how our car would do on the roads, it did great though!
Here are Nathan and Natalie in the sink-holes at the top. These things are pretty deep!


Nathan, Natalie and Lewis at the top.

I told Devon that it is not fair that he gets to take people on the hike (it's not exactly Spencer friendly, so I always get to stay home). I don't think I could make it up with my big belly right now- but after the baby comes, I'm going exploring! They always find new stuff that I have never seen. This is one of those new things.

Devon, Nathan and Natalie by the ruins.

These are just more pictures of the hike.




We had a great time! We are ready for more visitors anytime!