Three generation girls trip

My mom, Emma and I just had a three day blissful girls trip to Las Vegas. The first five hours were driving in the snow, so that made this trip an even better treat for us.

We started by going to the Excalibur so Emma could be in a real live castle. We saw three different 4-D movies/rides that were fun for all of us and also rather clever. My mom refused to go on the Sponge Bob ride but joined us for the Log Ride and Happy Feet.

We then ate at Rain forest Cafe which was the highlight of Emma's day, even at thirty I still get excited about their atmosphere. Then we hit up M&M world and walked the strip for a bit. This was conference Sunday and it was QUITE the contrast to how we typically spend our Sundays. Man alive, Vegas tourists are sooooo skanky! Where are they coming from? We were all too happy to not be staying on the strip.

Our hotel was bomb-diggity! It had a view of the strip, but we were spared the casinos, smoke, and pornography. I don't think I will ever stay on the strip again. Tahitian Village was the name and it was so nice and had the largest rooms and best pools, all for $72 a night! We were right smack in between two awesome malls and had a kitchen in our room so we didn't have to eat out every meal, even though we still pretty much did.

Monday we just laid by the pool all day. Part of the pool had a sandy beach entrance and Emma played there all day with her mermaid and various friends.

The lazy river is something that not even I have outgrown. We had a blast going between this pool and the main pool.

I loved that this hotel wasn't laced in rules. We could put our lawn chairs in the actual water as well as our table while we both enjoyed our books. My mom ordered us a Pina Colada, that is one of my favorite tropical vacation traditions, and it really added to the experience for me :) Silly, but it's the little things that make such a difference.

Tuesday we went back down town to enjoy some of the unique exhibits the big resorts offer. We went to the Secret Garden at the Mirage hotel to check out their Dolphin Exhibit. This was money well spent. I ADORE Dolphins, and this was the closest I've ever been to them.

There weren't the bells and whistles that Sea World has, but there also weren't the crowds and expenses either. It was fun to watch them play and seemed like a great environment, IF you have to live in captivity that is.

Emma has been saving her piggy bank money and so she bought herself this little dolphin, Bella, named after the baby dolphin that lives here. It hasn't left her side since she bought it.

There was a mediocre Cats exhibit with white tigers. It was much more like a zoo, but more unimpressive. Oh well, the dolphins gave us our money's worth.

We also went to the Bodies Exhibit at the Luxor hotel. I have wanted to see this for years! Photography wasn't allowed, so we had to be sneaky. This was SO fascinating and beautiful. I could have spent far more time here, but having a five year old in tow was limiting. This man I am standing next to was filled with medical body replacements. His knee replacement looked like a car part!! It was soooo incredible to see. I definitely recommend this to anyone who gets the chance. It's a true testament that God created us, we didn't just "evolve."

This is the only photo we have of the three of us. It was SOOO fun for me to be with my mom, and also my daughter. How often does that get to happen? My mom has always been my best friend and I could never ever get sick of her companionship. Emma was such a joy to take on this trip. She is at such a fun age, and I noticed that more when I didn't have a one year old demanding so much time and attention. She was so excited about everything and so grateful. I never understood before, but now I do understand why people travel with their kids. Spending time alone with my girls is always such a treat and really strengthens my relationship with them. I hope I do one on one trips much more often.

The hotel was right in between two fabulous malls and we enjoyed shopping at each of them. The Town Square mall is a step above all others I've ever been to. I will sorely miss the warm weather but I am so thankful I had a nice little break from the snow.

Wednesday we spent the day driving home. Lydia had missed me soooo much, sadly, I think more than I missed her. But once I had her back in my arms three days of missing her came to the surface. She hasn't left my side since I got home, and I wouldn't have it any other way :)