Vegas Baby!

Back in April or so, my Mom mentioned that there was a new airline carrier, Vision, that was new to the Ft. Walton Beach airport.  They were offering some really low fares as promotions.  When she said that she and Dad were looking to flying to Las Vegas for less than $100 a person, I told her the Wingate's wanted IN.  I had no idea how it would be to travel with two small children but I was certainly willing to give it a try for that price.  She booked the tickets and we went on June 26 - July 1st.  It was so fun!

Both our flights were at night with the return flight being "on the red eye."  Both the girls did great on the plane.  The most difficult part of traveling with them was all the gear we needed for Arden.  However, strollers and car seats travel for free (at least on this airline) and we brought the big stroller and her regular seat and base plus a booster seat for Loren.

Loren's first trip on a plane!  It was also her first time to chew gum.  (Yes, I know, I just haven't wanted to deal with the possible mess!)

After we ate breakfast on our first morning there, Arden fell asleep in the stroller and we used the opportunity to see the Venetian.  It is beautiful!  Here is their fourth of July display.  Loren loved it and kept exclaiming, "Grand Ole' Flag!"

In case you didn't grasp the hugeness of the flag....this is us after the escalator ride down.  I would say the flag was a couple of stories.

After that, my Aunt Mia, Grandma (who was visiting them) and cousin Kira drove in from their home in Irvine, CA.   It was so good to see them.  Mia had not met either of our girls and I had not seen them in many years.  We all drove out to Mt. Charleston and enjoyed the drive through the mountains and had lunch at a neat lodge type place with a great view.  Later, we hit the pool and I got to chat with Mia while Kira, Andy, and Loren played.  Still later, we headed to a buffet for dinner.  (Apparently this was much too late for my children and they both had meltdowns.  Sorry girls!  Momma lost track of time.)

The next day we went to the wax museum and then back into the Venetian to show Grandmother the beautiful Fourth of July decorations.

Grandma loves Prince!

I believe Andy enjoyed the posing opportunities!

Loren and Grandma at the Venetian

We did a ton more things while we were there including but not limited to:  

• Seeing the lions at MGM
• Seeing flamingos and coy fish at the Flamingo.  We also saw a Vegas style wedding going on in the courtyard
• Visiting the "Pawn Stars" pawn shop from the show on the History Channel
• Andy and I saw the Cirque du Soleil show "Ka."  It was so neat and the stage was complete vertical at some points
• He and I briefly walked around Ceasar's Palace after the show
• Walked around and saw beautiful decorations at the Bellagio
• Saw several acrobatic acts at the Circus Circus
• Saw the volcano erupt at the Mirage
• Saw the Hoover Dam.  (Loren loves to say this in a real southern accent for some reason and also sometimes says, "Hoover Ham."

Here are a few more photos.  I am definitely forgetting some things.  We packed a whole lot of activities into just a few days and we all had sleep to catch up on when we got home.