UTAH TRIP 2012

THE VENETIAN:

We  stayed in Vegas for 2 nights and this gave us time to see the Venetian and Ceasr's Palace.

GONDOLA RIDES:  I think I like them better in Vegas than in Venice.  In Venice they don't entertain you or sing to you.  They just drive the boat.  The ride might be shorter in Vegas, but all of the Gondoliers are paid performers, that usually have stage experience.  To get that in Venice you would have to hire the Gondolier, and the singer, and the acordian player.

THE SINKING OF ATLANTIS:  Elaina was scared of this performance with fire and an arguement between two siblings over control  of Atlantis.  The performance came on again after we ate at the Cheesecake Factory.  Elaina got so scared that she hugged the stranger in front of her, in fear.  I took her into one of the stores so she wouldn't be afraid, but she got board with that, and eventually wanted to see the rest of the performance.

MISSION INN, RIVERSIDE CA:  We had to stop and see it on the way home.  It is a tradition and it is much less crouded after Christmas.

THE MIRAGE:  On the way up to Utah we stayed at the Mirage and I finally got to see the Volcano erupt.  Elaina was afraid of that too.  The funny thing is Elaina and Seth fell asleep, but Aubrey kept on going past 10:00 pm.

SNOW ANGELS IN OGDEN:  Elaina and Seth truly enjoyed the snow in Utah.  They got cold and wet, but they didn't care.

CHRISTMAS VILLAGE:  All around city hall there are little playhouses filled with Christmas decor and some even have miniature train sets.

HOTEL BEN LOMEND:  The view from the hotel looking out on Christmas Village.

ATTACKING UNCLE PAUL:  Luckily he is a good sport and likes rough housing.

CITY CREEK CENTER:  They rebuilt the old Cross Roads Mall.  When I was on my mission it was the best shopping mall within 350 miles.  Times have changed and it needed to be updated. 

TEMPLE SQUARE:  My mission revisited.  We went there twice on our visit once by ourselves, and the 2nd time with my DC friend Jonathan and his wife and 2 children.

THE 2nd CARTER CHRISTMAS:  Seth is so excited to get his Thomas the tank engine book, equipped with map and miniature trains.