Vegas Vacation

We have spent the last 2 full days here in Las Vegas.  Thursday we went downtown and toured around the large hotels and casinos.  The Bellagio Conservatory was amazing.  I guess they change the floral displays seasonally.  We also really enjoyed the choreographed water and music show there.  We had some good opportunities to teach our children to think about the things made by God (most of what we've enjoyed on this trip) versus what was made by man (Vegas) and how and why they are so vastly different -- the things that God wants us to do with our money, time and talents vs. what the world says will bring temporary happiness.  We talked about what gambling is and how and why it can be a problem in some peoples' lives.  When we saw pawn shops on every other corner, this really hit home with them.  Brock said the casinos looked like a giant Chuck E. Cheeses and Colette wanted to "play the games".  However, we did have a little fun with it and they watched Henry loose $2 on roulette in about 15 seconds and we we all cheered when the 1 dollar Claire gave to Henry to play on a slot machine quickly turned into $5!  Then we indulged in a buffet dinner. It featured food from all over the world and they kids loved the dessert area that had all of the usual cakes, pies, mousses, etc. but also had M&Ms, jelly beans and cotton candy!  The excess of everything was really disgusting (but delicious :))

In the conservatory - nice pose, Colette

Before the water show

Yes, that's a crab leg, Camille!

Glorious Cotton Candy

Yesterday we just hung around and did a lot of school and work in the morning.  We then went and toured the Ethel M. and Mars chocolate factory.  We got some yummy samples and had fun in the M&M's World.  We enjoyed their beautiful cactus gardens also.  Our afternoon ended with some swimming in the campground pool.