April 2013

April 2013: This month, Aurora got to be a princess - twice. The first time was on a trip to La Vegas, where we stayed at the Excalibur Hotel. The second time was at her birthday party.

April 13, 2013: After a late night of traveling, Aurora woke up in a castle! We had a great room, overlooking several of Excalibur's turrets and the Luxor Hotel.

The first thing we did after getting dressed? We walked over to the Luxor. Then we took the monorail back to our hotel. It is on this trip that Aurora learned about pyramids and the Sphynx. Who knew Vegas could be so educational?

After grabbing lunch to go at the local Whole Foods, we drove over to see Hoover Dam. Despite his numerous trips to Vegas, this was Jon's first time touring the dam. Guess he had other things to do during all those business trips and bachelor parties!

I'm pooped! My parents made me walk all the way over from Nevada to Arizona! Aurora was not too excited to be standing in 2 different states (and time zones) at once.

Aurora perked up when we got back to the hotel and headed down to the pool.

That evening, we met up with Monica and Shawn for tapas. Aurora did not make it through all the plates. (BTW - this is the last known location of the Hello Kitty headband, a casualty of the Vegas nightlife).

April 14, 2013: We took the monorail to the Luxor for breakfast, going from medieval England to ancient Eqypt in minutes. Did you know Aurora is world famous? She has a bank building in Shanghai and a bar in Vegas named after her!

Video: Monrail

Aurora really liked her strawberry waffles!

Back at the Excalibur, and back into the pool. Aurora bravely tried the water slide for the first time.

Video: Water slide

Up to our room for quick showers and then we had a wedding to attend!

Video: Not your typical wedding dance

The "wedding dinner" was at the Tournament of Kings show. While Aurora enjoyed the dancing girls and seeing horses inside our hotel, she got scared by the big flames and small explosions that accompanied the Dragon Knight. After the show, she got to meet the prince.

After the tournament, we took a walk up and down the Vegas strip to catch the free shows. Unfortunately, the winds were too strong for the Treasure Island pirate show to run. Perhaps that was for the best, since Aurora was concerned about the loud noises and, as a consolation, Jon & Aurora got to meet the cast members.

Aurora enjoyed the fountains of the Bellagio.

Video: My heart will go on

Video: Romeo and Juliet

March 15, 2013: We were leaving Las Vegas that day. But first, there was time for a quick trip to the pool in the morning (chilly!).

Ahhh! The hot tub is much better!

As we checked out of our hotel, we got a text from Monica telling us about the Marathon bombings in Boston. Luckily, we did not know anyone running the marathon that day, and Walnuts in Natick were all safe. On the way to the airport, we stopped in Venice for lunch. Aurora was fascinated by the gondola rides, but we did not have time to do it on this trip. This is one of the many reasons why she repeatedly asks to go back to Vegas.

April 21, 2013: Who says you have to be proper to enjoy a nice French dinner at Sel de la Terre?

April 27, 2013: The day for Aurora's birthday party finally arrives! Over 20 kids attended, plus more than 30 parents. Good thing Jump on In has plenty of play space! We think everyone had a great time, based on the happy looks and laughs from both kids and grown ups. Unfortunately, it is difficult to capture decent photos of fast moving kids.

A rare moment's break with her three best friends (one from daycare, one from Walnut Hill, and one from Cornell).

After close to 2 hours of running, bouncing, and jumping, it was time to take a break and head into the party room for pizza, fruit, snacks, and of course cupcakes.