Viva Las Vegas!

Kate got to take her first plane ride this last week. We headed down to Las Vegas to spend Halloween with Anthony's sisters family (See the link to THE SHAPS for more pictures). John, Heather, and Jeffery drove all the way from Salt Lake City to spend the weekend with us too. Kate did great on the plane and enjoyed looking out the window. We were happy that her new ear tubes worked and and she did not have any pressure issues!
We landed Friday morning and after nap headed out to a local park! There are many great parks in Las Vegas. Plus it was in the 70's!!!! and clear skies. Here is Lauren running around the playground.

And here she is getting a lift from Anthony.

Kate went crazy over this small stroller (Yes Santa is now aware!!!). We actually had to hide it because her and Jeffery both wanted it all the time. Here she is in Halloween prep.

Lauren was beautiful in the dress! and the best picture taker ever.

About the time we left to go out to trick or treat, kate had a total melt down. The combo of two very short naps and all 4 molars coming in did not lend itself to a fun time. Jeffery was the best looking cowboy I had ever seen!

Matthew was a very scary vampire! Jeffery is trying to see if he can take him! Matthew was a great older cousin to all the kids, always making sure they were OK and having fun.

Trick or Treat! As I try to get the candy I like!

On the way home. Let me just say, being out in 70 degree weather was a great way to do Halloween. This may have to be a tradition. Who needs the cold and rain.

Matthew counting his loot.

On Saturday we headed out to another park on the southeast side of town. It was in the "wild west" theme. It was a lot of fun and all the kids loved it.

"I think I am pretty good at this"

Well, we learned on this trip that Kate loves slides. She will go down the biggest ones in the park all by herself and LOVED the water slide at the hotel. This is a great picture of her getting ready to come down.

Kate and Matthew wrestling a lizard.

The park had a trail that took you to the top of a hill and you could see all of Las Vegas. John, Matthew, and Anthony made it to the top.

The girls all stayed at this shelter at the half way point. You can see the strip behind Kate.

After naps on Saturday, we headed out to Green Valley Ranch/The District for some BBQ! I have been waiting to find the perfect time for Kate to wear these white pants my Mom got her. This picture does not do justice to what the pants went through with BBQ Chicken, watermelon, and more.

After dinner, we went down to the Bellagio Hotel. They have a sesonal gardens. This one was really neat as they had a talking tree. His eyes, eyebrows and mouth all moved. The garden was full of beautiful flowers, pumkins and more.

Dad and Kate enjoying the gardens

Heather and Jeffery taking it in.

Waiting to see the water show out front! It was beautiful. After that we strolled through the casino and shops only to loose 10 dollars and wish we could shop at Tiffanys. Sunday the Boknechts headed home and the rest of us enjoyed a quite day just hanging out and having fun. Monday, Matthew had to go to school but Anthony and the girls had fun hanging out. Monday afternoon, Anthony and I were able to go out to Lowes at Lake Las Vegas Resort for his work conference. It was nice to enjoy such a beautiful place and get to go out to dinner just the 2 of us. I even got to enjoy the spa and read an entire book! Kate stayed with the Shaps and had a great time.

Tuesday Jenn and the kids came out to the resort. We had the entire pool to ourselves with our own water slide. Kate loved the water which was a big improvment from the summer when she was just not quite sure. We had a great day!

Kate napping in her cabana! We flew home today (wednesday). It seems cold. But I have to say while I am a bit worn out, it was a great trip. Besides the sunshine, it was so fun to see Kate have such a great time with her cousins and Jeffery and to be with such fun family and friends. I countinue to feel that having Kate in our lives brings out so much more how lucky we have always been to be surrounded by such wonderful people. Stay tuned for our next big adventure....Salt Lake City in January!