This past weekend we decided to do something arguably crazy: we took an (almost) 16 month old on a road trip. Our original plan was to have Klair stay with her grandma, but she became ill and on a whim we decided to just take baby girl with us. Our travel companions, Brittney and Jesse, love Klair and when we proposed the idea to them they were fully supportive.
Thus, we all piled in to our SUV and headed south to Sin City.
Now I'm sure you're probably wondering why we would take a baby to Las Vegas of all places. Well, first off, we stayed with Brittney's parents who live in a nice neighborhood (so we weren't on the strip the whole time). They were such kind, gracious hosts and made us feel very much at home. Second, we're Mormon... remember? Our trips to the bustling desert metropolis don't look much like the Vegas vacations that most people take. Our stay consisted of good food, shopping, a children's museum, swimming, parks, and generally enjoying the perfect warm weather. Brittney's family has a pool, so we took advantage of it. Klair was a little timid with the water and insisted on clinging to us at first, but eventually she warmed up to it and had a good time.
I can't wait for the weather to warm up enough in Utah so we can enjoy more days like these.
We managed to go to church and the temple while we were there, and it was really enjoyable and uplifting. The members in Vegas are so warm and loving. It made me want to be better, kinder, and more outgoing. Also, the temple in Vegas is beautiful--especially the grounds.
The flowers were so vibrant, I could have stayed there all day.
Klair was one happy little baby wandering through the gardens at the temple.
The craziest thing we did while we were in Vegas was the roller coasters at the top of the stratosphere. I was convinced they would be really fun--I had no idea just how tall that building is, and how high up those rides really are. When we got to the top, it took all my courage not to get back on the elevator and return to a lower altitude. There were a few moments when I thought my life was over and I literally braced myself for the end. Luckily, I lived to see another day. While we were waiting in line for the ride that dangles you over the edge (the scariest one in my opinion) the song "What Doesn't Kill You Makes You Stronger" came on. This became our motto for the adventure. And, although I would never do it again, I'm glad that I can say I conquered my fear.
Also, since I didn't get killed, apparently I'm stronger for it? I'll take it.
This is a photo Sam took from the top of the Stratosphere... impressive, right?
Klair came up with us and she kept saying "wow" repeatedly while staring out the windows. It was really neat seeing that view, but it was even more amazing to see it through her eyes.
Overall, we had such a wonderful time. I cannot emphasize enough how amazing Brittney's family was to take us in, and how much fun we had with the Leavitt's and the Wride's! Even though the car ride was a little rough at times with a baby (we drove at night to minimize the effect on Klair and she slept for most of it), Klair did so well and I think she enjoyed herself almost as much as we enjoyed having her with us.
