Our New (York) Visitor

For the past five days, we were graced with the presence of Cousin Julia.

Julia was extremely excited at the idea of another trip out to Vegas from New York.

She experienced Vegas last summer with a huge group of friends and little sleep,

so she was very tolerant of the curveballs that were served up by our little one this go-round.

We explored much of what Vegas has to offer.

(As much as you can with a 14 month old.)

We enjoyed artificial blue skies:

A quick trip to Paris:

And tons and tons of colorful parasols floating above our heads:

A gondolier caught a glimpse of Claire while rowing a group of tourists across the Grand Canal (Shoppes), and serenaded her with an exquisite rendition of "Twinkle, Twinkle Little Star".

We spent the afternoon in the Bellagio, amongst

an enchanted (indoor) land filled with flowers created from glass:

hand-painted mushrooms:

dancing ants and snails made of green moss and fresh roses:

Claire couldn't contain her excitement when we came upon a ceiling of artwork that was more beautiful than a sea filled with a million colorful jellyfish:

At Encore, Claire practiced taking steps upon the handcrafted floors, with Mom and Dad right by her side:

The time went so quickly!

Claire wonders where the fun girl with silly voices and an abundance of free kisses went.

I try to impersonate accents, and sing her a ditty or two, but it just isn't the same.

Thank you for leaving us all with smiles on our faces, Julia!

XO