Vegas Vacation 2012

We spent a fun filled week in Las Vegas with Grandma and Grandpa during the middle of April!  Our flight left Indianapolis right at Breanna's bedtime on Wednesday night with us thinking 1 of 3 things would happen: 1) She would stay up during the flight happily entertained and thus the 3 hour time change with no problem. 2) She would stay up during the flight overtired and cranky but still make the 3 hour time change. 3) She would fall asleep on the plane and we would have to gradually switch to Vegas time.  Of course none of those exact scenarios played out.  Why I continue to think that I can predict a toddler's behavior is beyond me, haha!  Breanna did stay up on the flight and was actually very happy the entire time.  It helped that the plane was half empty so we were able to spread out and use all 3 seats in our row.  She was entertained with stickers, crayons, play doh, and a few Mickey Mouse DVDs.  The snacks that they passed out were a big hit as well.  She crashed as soon as we got in the car to head to Drew's parents' house.  We figured she would have no choice but to switch to Vegas time, since she didn't fall asleep until after 8 Vegas time (11 our time).  Breanna is a pretty scheduled kid though, and right at what would have been 6:30 our time (3:30 Vegas time) she was up and ready to go.  I tried for about an hour to get her to go back to sleep by laying quietly with her on the couch, but she wasn't falling for it.  So at 4:30 my wonderful husband volunteered to take her so I could go back to sleep for a while!  He's a keeper, I know!  We were all still up pretty early anyway though, b/c a toddler can only be so quiet while playing.  We spent the first day walking the strip and enjoying all the sights.  Breanna LOVED this!  I figured she would crash early and fall asleep in her stroller while walking.  She wanted to take everything in though!  She actually fell asleep for all of about 5 minutes at a reasonable hour, and woke yelling "nooo" as if she had missed everything!  That power nap got her through until 2 Vegas time, when we stepped into a dark elevator and she was out.  Here are our pictures from the strip:

 

In the mornings Breanna is allowed to watch a Mickey Mouse Clubhouse episode, but at home we have them taped on our DVR, so this was Breanna's setup to watch them on the computer:

 

We went to a "zoo" while at a Bonnie Springs Ranch.  They had several animals that just roamed like goats, deer, chickens, and sheep.  Breanna loved petting each of them, and was even brave enough to feed a few.  When we got back home we made a trip to our zoo, and when I asked her what she wanted to see she said without hesitation, "chickens!"  They had several other animals to see, but the petting was the highlight!

 They also had a train, which is a huge interest of Breanna right now.  It was the thing she was most looking forward to doing while we were at Bonnie Springs.  She asked to get on the train at least once every few minutes, and as soon as we got off she kept asking for "more train, please."

We spent one afternoon at the Aquarium at Mandalay Bay.  We all really enjoyed, but for some reason I didn't have any pictures of that.  The aquarium is small, but they did a really nice job with it.  We were pleasantly surprised. 

Drew was able to play a disc golf tournament while we were in Vegas, so we spent that time exploring the park.  We found a lake with tons of birds, ducks, and geese that were all begging to be fed.  Breanna loved it, but she had no fear of them, and they had no fear of her so I was worried she would get nipped.  I held her, and she still loved it!

 The weather while we were there was not as warm as usual, but by the last day it was in the 80s.  We were able to enjoy the pool at Grandma and Grandpa's house.  She loved it!  It was fun to see because she was very hesitant the last time we were at a pool.  One of the other kids at the pool let us borrow his boogie board, and she thought that was awesome. 

We also spent lots of time at the various parks around Vegas.  She loves the swing and slide, so she thought is was great!

 
By the time we got home Breanna was one tired girl!  She fell asleep within minutes of getting in the car.

 (Did you notice Breanna is in her "big girl seat?"  A little after turning 20 months, we turned Breanna around so that she is facing forward in the car.  She loves it!)

We had a great vacation, and we really loved spending time with Grandma and Grandpa!  Hopefully we can go back soon!