Vegas with Amber

Finally, after years of watching me and everyone else in the family go to Las Vegas...it was Amber's turn!

The first places we visited were the Wynn and Encore. We enjoyed the spring flowers there.

Next, we went to the Pallazo and Venetian.  We had gnocchi and gelato for lunch. 

That night, we treated ourselves to a Japanese dinner at Nobu. We loved the black miso cod, the crab tacos, and the sushi.

After dinner, we walked around Ceaser's Palace (Amber's favorite) until we had to be at the High Roller Observation Wheel, for our 9:10 reservation. 

Yes, we will be riding this thing!

Since we had our tickets already, we did not have to stand in line. Here is the "pod" that we would be going in.  It was us, and about 10 other people. Not crowded at all. 

Here is Amber, inside our pod. 

Look at the view! It was so beautiful, I didn't even think about how high we were. Looking below, we could see the pod behind us. 

The ride took a half hour, and it moves very slowly. 

The next day, we had breakfast at the Sugar Factory.  I just had to try the "Fat Elvis" special - a Belgium waffle, caramelized banana, peanut butter mousse, and bacon.  I only ate half of it...but I'm glad I tried it!

We hung around the Bellagio...

...and visited the City Center.

Our feet were tired from all the walking, so we stopped to rest a few times! 

My mom and I always have our picture taken at this spot, so I just had to take one here with Amber!

We had dim sum at this fun noodles place I always wanted to try.

 That night we saw my favorite show, "O". 

The view from our room at Planet Hollywood. 

The next (and last) day, we visited the other side of the strip - Excaliber, Luxor, and Mandalay Bay. Then we took a cab to Ceaser's, because that was Amber's favorite. 

Before we left, I really wanted to try Gordon Ramsey's burger place, and we had just enough time. I am sad that our trip is over - it goes so fast - but we had a really wonderful time. :)

Summer and September

 It has been awhile since I have posted, so here are some pictures!  The girls attended a church camp for a week in July. 

 (sniff) Amber's bestie moved to Southern California.

We visited Half Moon Bay and walked around the Ritz Carlton.  

 We went to the City a few times and had Starbucks overlooking Union Square.

 Chop!!! Amber got a cute, but major hair cut.

We visited Pier 39.

...and before we knew it, it was back to school.  This year, Nick is driving Karina because she started high school.