Monday, June 8, 2009

Viva Lake Las Vegas...



Hmmm, where do I start?

First off, Dakota and I had an A-MA-ZING time at Grandpa's house! The car ride out there was uneventful. Thank God!! I never really worried too much about how she would do, since she has always been great in the car. I did bring the portable DVD player just in case. She watched about 15 minutes of Blue's Clues, decided her matchbox cars were more fun, then passed out for 2 1/2 hours. I couldn't have asked for a better traveler!!


We arrived around noon, and within a few hours we were swimming in the pool. Dakota was SO happy to see water!

~There's about seven pictures total~

Dakota absolutely loved grandpa's new house, especially since she had free reign to run around like a mad woman (with in reason). Although, my dad wasn't too thrilled that she put her fingerprints all over his glass windows and tables. I guess you really don't think about how much glass you have until a little one comes around mucking it all up. Needless to say, I was armed with windex and paper towels to erase all the evidence. At least she cozied right up to grandpa while I slaved away...


Later that evening, my Uncle David and Aunt Nancy made their appearance. It was sooo good to see them. Unfortunately, Dakota was a little frightened by my uncle. I think the mere fact that he stands at 6'5" classified him as a giant in her book. She did, however, love dancing with Aunt Nancy on the back patio...


The next day, we took a drive out to Green Valley Ranch. We looked through the shops and walked around while Dakota chased after pigeons. Grandpa even bought Dakota some super cool sunglasses from Gymboree. She actually left them on, and learned to put them on all by herself.

Dakota putting her new sunglasses on

Once we got back to grandpa's house, it didn't take long for Dakota to start banging on the glass doors again. She loved being outside and running around the back patio. Look how sassy she is in the first picture. Typical girl!


Of course, we had to go in the pool again. Everytime I let Dakota out in the backyard, she would make a mad dash for the pool. Luckily, she never ran right in. I think she has made the connection that if no one is in the water, than no one is there to catch her. Obviously, we'll never let our guard down, but at least I don't have to run in after her fully clothed. Here she is waiting so patiently for grandpa to get all the debris outta the pool.



Like I had mentioned in the prior post, the swimming lessons are really paying off. She has no fear of jumping in towards us, which is great. As a matter of fact, Dakota had a lesson today and she was able to back float by herself for about 5 seconds. Not too shabby for just 3 lessons!

The three of us swam in the pool for about 10 minutes, then decided to hit the jacuzzi since the wind made it a little chilly. Here are the two of them enjoying the spa..


Here's the little DIVA chillin' after a nice refreshing swim. Can we say attitude?!


Oh ya, she was beat!


On Saturday we woke up and enjoyed our breakfast on the back patio while listening to some tunes. Dakota got her first taste of quiche, which she seemed to like. She was certainly lovin' the blackberries and cantelope. Mmmm!



After breakfast, Dakota and I decided to take a walk through the village and around Lake Las Vegas. We also took a drive out to the strip to visit the shark reef at Mandalay Bay, as well as take a picture at the famous Vegas landmark. Here are are some pictures from that outing...


Later that night we walked over to the village to enjoy some Gelato at the Jazz festival. Dakota loved the sprinkles atop her cookies and cream ice cream. She then ran around and played in all the fountains



After the jazz festival, we headed back to grandpa's house and Dakota took one last bath in the super deep bathtub. The video is a crack up (no pun intended...lol)



Unfortunately, Sunday eventually rolled around and it was time to head home. It was sad having to pack the car and say goodbye. Dakota had such a wonderful time with her grandpa. She was always running up to him and wanting to sit on his lap. They even watched Fantasia together, while mama got a much needed break. Thanks you dad!

The drive home was just like the drive out there. She was such a good girl! We stopped at the Cajon Pass and watched the trains chug on by. Below are some more pictures from the rest of our trip.



Just three more weeks and we'll be in Montana visiting the other Grandpa and Grandma Kathy. She loved it when they visited back in March!! I can't wait to post all about that trip!!

3 comments:

Bradshaw's Buzz said...

sounded like you all had a fabulous time! I love the pics.

Nichole said...

Heather
Sounds and looks like you two had a great trip. Dakota is such a good little swimmer. Loved the sunglasses. Your dad has an AMAZING house. The ice-cream after the Jazz festival looks super yummy- I bet she loved it! Oh yeah, and she looks adorable in the headphones! Did she keep them on the entire road trip?
Love this post :)

AnieCooper said...

Looks like you had a great time. Beautiful house too :) Dakota is so adorable and getting so big!