Springs Preserve With the Fam

Unfortunately it wasn't a white Christmas - however, what do you expect?  Las Vegas is in the desert!  Thus, we had beautiful 50-60 degree F weather and were comfortable walking around in our regular clothes with no coats - it was SO nice not to have to bundle up.  Also, thankfully Las Vegas has a lot to offer in regard to entertainment.  However, we had to find child-friendly entertainment, and thus found ourselves at Springs Preserve, which is a beautiful desert preserve in Vegas.

Alexander excited to be running around freely.

This is Alexander's "excited" run - he always
runs squealing with one arm up in the air.
He's so stinking cute!

Joseph had to reel him in so that Alexander
wouldn't run into a cactus or anything.

Alexander checking out the lizards, while holding his trusty
"Toby" train.

Alexander and Kristen checking out a fox that was currently
waking up from a nap.

Dad and Alexander checking out the lizard statues.

Alexander cheesing for the camera.

Alexander checking out the "BUH!!" (bunny).

Uncle Pete helping Alexander to ride the turtle.

Joseph and Alexander watching an indoor
 simulated flash flood.  This was actually pretty cool.

Joseph and Alexander checking out another lizard.

Alexander pointing out the bats - I decided not to get too close.
Whenever I've gone into caves, I ALWAYS have bats land on me...
which makes me not like bats...at...all.  They give me the creeps.

After checking out the animals, we went to the playground.
Alexander immediately flocked to the train.

Alexander hanging out in a turtle shell.

Dad, spinning Alexander in the turtle shell.

Alexander playing in the sand with Mama B.

It was a bright day - that's what I LOVE about Las Vegas.
It's normally gray skies in Boston in December,
but ALWAYS gorgeous blue skies in Vegas.
It's a real pick-me-up to look up and see a blue sky.

This one is my favorite pic - look at his chubby little face.
What's not to love?

Cutie patootie!

He's quite a chatty little guy, huh?

We're ready to go back home!

Alexander had to say "bye bye" to the turtle before we left.

I know I've shared our visit to Springs Preserve before - but I just felt compelled to share our most recent visit because more family got to come and it's such a beautiful place to visit.  It's not typically something that you think of when you visit Las Vegas, but if you get a chance, you really should visit this place.  It's got gorgeous walking trails and shares a lot of interesting historical facts about Las Vegas' desert.
After our visit, Joseph and I went to have lunch with a few wonderful ladies that I used to work with at the Bertha Ronzone Elementary School in Las Vegas.

Me, Mikie, Vanessa, and Michelle - they are part
of my "must sees" every time I go to Vegas.  Love you ladies!!

Until next time...

Love and kisses,

Nikki