Shark Reef and a Walk Around the Neighborhood

As a wrap up to our visit, we decided to venture to the strip to go to the Shark Reef at the Mandalay Bay Hotel and Casino.  If you've ever been to Atlantis, then you'll notice that this reef is very similar to the gorgeous underground aquarium in Atlantis.  Not only do you get to see sharks, but there's a large collection of fish, lizards, and a horseshoe crab and ray touch tank.  Here's a few shots from our visit:

Before you get to the aquarium, there's an awesome projection
on a blank wall that is interactive and moves along with your movement.
Alexander loved pointing out the "FEESH!!" and watching the
"big kids" running around.

Checking out the fish.

Alexander running like the other kids.

"HI YA!!"

Alexander enjoying snacks from his snack trap as he looks
at the piranhas.  We were promptly told to put away all food, so
as not to be attacked by fish.  Yikes! 

This lizard followed you with just its eyes and completely
creeped me out.  It's looking at you, too!

Kristen showing Alexander the lizard.

Mom and Kristen in the underground tunnel
aquarium.

Kristen "touching" the horseshoe crab....
she faked it!  But honestly...I wouldn't touch them either.

Joseph, Alexander, and Mom checking out the majestic jellyfish.

Joseph actually touched the sting rays.
He's very brave.

Alexander pointing out the "feesh."

Alexander and Joseph at the shark reef.

"SHOH!!" (Alexander's version of "shark").

Kristen, floating along with the fish.

This fish was GIGANTIC and I swear that it was staring at me...
no sir, I didn't like that fish...and yes, I was a little afraid of it.

Me and Joseph with a fish floating between us.

Alexander, looking like he's ready to take a nap.

Me and Alexander checking out the jellyfish once more before we left.

"Wowwwww!"  It's hilarious that he is our little parrot and reiterates
everything that we say.

Pete, Mom, Me, Alexander (who was fussing at the time),
and Kristen at the Shark Reef.

After Alexander's nap (and everyone else's for that matter - we were all pooped), Joseph, Alexander and I took a walk around my parent's neighborhood.  It was an absolutely beautiful day, the temperature was perfect, so we just had to take advantage of this opportunity.

"Hey Dad!  Can we go on our walk yet, or what??"

I'm doing my dance that says I'm ready go to!

"Hi Mom!  I've got Thomas in one hand and Daddy
in the other, let's walk to the pond!"

One of the ponds that's nearest to my parent's house.  I love that
we can see the mountains in the background.

Joseph pointing out the ducks and coots to Alexander.

I love this picture.  It makes my heart happy.

Mommy and Alexander with the coots.

I love that not only are there evergreens and
olive trees in my parent's neighborhood, but there
are beautiful palm trees everywhere you go!

My parent's backyard - I love these pineapple palm trees.

And so ends the Franses Holiday Tour 2011.  It was so great to see so many friends and of course, our families.  Until next time...

Love and kisses,

Nikki