January 29, 2017

What Happens in Las Vegas...

Alex, Harper and I spent the last six days in Las Vegas.  It is not everyday that you take a toddler with you to Sin City, but my poster was accepted at the Society of Maternal Fetal Medicine annual conference and I'll take any opportunity I can get to spend time with my family outside of work.  It was nice to have my research from residency presented at such a major meeting.  We stayed at the Caesars Palace Hotel which was beautiful!  Kate had also signed up for the conference and she and Sean stayed down the hall from our room.  Since Alex and I were already flying across the country, Michele and Dave decided to spend a couple days with us to see Harper.  It was an awesome trip!
    
 We spent our first night out at the Rainforest Cafe.  We had read about all the animals, who make noises and move around, as well as the thunderstorms, which happen every ten minutes, and were very excited.  Harper girlie was terrified.  At least we got a lot of snuggles that night.  We took this picture during the first thunderstorm.  The overhead lights go down, there are flashes of light and loud booms.  All the animals get hyper during the storm as well.  Harper was not a fan.
   
Still recovering from the first storm. 
    
Hello elephants!  They could wiggle their ears, move their heads and snort.
   
At first Harper called this panther Moo Moo and was excited to see it, but then it began to wag its tail and growl.
    
Harper refused to even look at this gorilla.
    
Walking back from dinner!
    
We were able to see a lovely fountain show in front of the Bellagio Hotel.
   
We had fun exploring Caesars Palace.  It was beautiful and humongous.  
    
A little crepe nutella treat!
    
The entire hotel was decorated for the Chinese New Year.
   
Our room was huge!  The only downside was the daily construction which started at six thirty in the morning.
    
    
    
We were very excited when Kate and Sean arrived!
    
We spent our first full day exploring Red Rocks Canyon State Park.
    
    
    
    
I had done a lot of research about the trail we picked to hike, Calico Tanks.  It was noted to be family friendly with moderate difficulty.  I can't imagine what the Las Vegans think is difficult because we definitely had to work hard to get to the top of the trail.  I can't believe we finished this hike with a baby on Alex's back!
    
    
We also misjudged the temperature of Las Vegas.
    
    
    
The rocks were gorgeous. 
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
We knew things were getting a little tricky when we reached the snow covered areas of the hike.
   
    
Living life on the edge...
   
    
This was good practice for our upcoming trip this summer!
  
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
This picture does not capture the depth well.
    
Hello Las Vegas!
   
   
    
Harper was a sleepy hiker!
    
    
      
      
We ate our picnic lunch at the top.  
    
Shortly after we reached the top, it started to snow!
    
    
    
    
    
   
Kate 
    
 CMC Tree of Life 
    
I used Harper's bib for an ear muff.
    
    
    
After the hike, we drove through a thirteen mile scenic tour of the park.
    
    
    
    
After we got back from Red Rocks Canyon, we explored the shops at Caesars Palace to find a fun place for dinner.
    
The ceiling was painted to look like the sky.
    
   
Too bad it was too cold to swim!
   
    
 We spent the next morning at the Hoover Dam.
  
      
    
    
    
    
    
    
Lake Mead
   
   
   
   
    
Lake Mead National Recreation Area
    
    
    
    
Kate and I had to take our annual in service Ob Gyn exams while we were in Las Vegas.  Alex and Harper went to an aquarium and animal exhibit at the Mirage Hotel until we were finished.
    
Harper loved the fish!
    
    
 And the Moo Moos
    
    
    
    
   
I presented my research at a poster session of the conference.
   
 After the conference, we all went to Old Las Vegas to explore.
    
 It was very loud, chilly and trashy.
    
    
  
We decided to eat dinner with the Finnerans back at our hotel.  Matt is completing his MFM fellowship in Ohio.  We are hoping they come back to Charlotte when they finish!
   
 Alex's parents arrived Thursday night for a quick visit.  We took Harper to the Mandalay Bay aquarium to see more fish.
     
   
   
    
    
    
  
 Petting sting rays!
    
   
After the aquarium, we explored the Paris Las Vegas Hotel.
   
 Nanna and Granddad
   
    
I spy a Harper!
    
    
We won 75 cents!  Viva Las Vegas!