Day 11: Las Vegas, NV, Monte Carlo, few miles down the strip

Our stop in Vegas is all about down time, a break from the road. It's also time for the kids to have time apart and pool time too.

I take my first opportunity at civilization to get a workout in. This is the first time I can run without bear danger or fear of heat exhaustion.

Since we ended up staying at the far end of the strip I took the opportunity to take Skylar to the Venetian. We soon found out there was a Carlo's bakery inside. Skye was in heaven! The line was so long that we didn't wait to get a pastry, but it was fun to see the place.

He is addicted to the show Cake Boss and now wants to be a baker some day.

"Oh, that sky isn't real, I thought we were actually outside for a second."-Skylar 

We finish things up down in the far end of the strip by noon and head to the Monte Carlo.

Great view of the New York, New York coaster from our room.

After some chill time in the room (nap or movie depending on who you are) it was pool time...

"Is that the real sky?"-Gracie 

The whole trip Maddy has been looking for someone to yell, "Go Cougs!" to. She finally found him pool side.

Sun went down behind the buildings so it's time to shop!

Yes, she is made of Hershey chocolate!

"You've arrived at your destination."-Skylar 

One of many Vegas Starbucks.

At the Coke store you could pose with the bear. Maddy was excited and tried to hug the bear. The photographer got all weird, said she can't touch the bear and took this shot.

Apparently, the same rules don't apply to the bear.

I was impressed with Coke's recycling program and campaign. They had many cute recycled plastic bottle shirts that also promoted recycling.

M&M store time!

After a bite at The Hard Rock...

It was time for the big kids to go out and play.

"Trust me, you can dance."-Vodka

T-shirt seen on a random chick at The Bar at Times Square, in New York, New York dueling piano bar.

Maddy really enjoyed the piano bar. Since she couldn't go in we stood outside and listened and watched for quite some time.

When we left NY, NY after riding the coaster and enjoying the pianos we were ready for more. We headed down the strip.

We saw the beautiful Cosmopolitan,

 Paris,

And Belagio.

Although we showed up just after midnight, when the last fountain show runs.

My favorite thing today: hanging out with my son

And the roller coaster.