If you’ve been reading my blog for a while, then you know I try to find activities for the family to do on Sunday’s. So when I heard about an event where monster trucks compete and do tricks I knew Jacob (and Sarah!) would love to see it. This past weekend hubby and I took the kiddos to Monster Jam.
It was loud, it was entertaining, it was a bit dusty and it was oh so cool!
Did I mention it was loud? Oh man was it loud. Jacob, age 3 was super scared.
But after we put on his ear protectors, he adjusted well.
Even sister Sarah, age 7, wanted to wear them. Hubby and I brought ear plugs, but didn’t end up using them.
I highly recommend ear protectors for everyone attending. Prior to buying our tickets, a few people suggested we sit in the top section to avoid some of the sound. I feel like that was a great tip. Between the noise and seeing everything at once it was a great move.
Cool fact: There were TWO female drivers. One was inside Wonder Women and another in Monster Mutt Dalmatian.
After a few tricks and a rollover it was time for ATV competition.
After the ATV competition we had a 20 minute intermission. Kids got a treat and little stretch break. PS Thank you to my MIL who happened to have gotten him a Monster Truck shirt last year. It came in handy.
Next up was the Speedster competition.
Our favorite part was the last round when the Monster Trucks had a freestyle competition. This is the round where they crushed cars, did tricks and lot’s of donuts. So fun!
In the end Megalodon won the competition!
What a fun way to spend our Sunday!
To see more of our Sunday Funday adventures click below.
Next up was the reptile tent. Parrots, snakes, spiders, tortoise and so much more. 
It was 94 degrees and we were all ready for a much needed break. We checked out the Outshine truck for some free Popsicles. Hubby got the watermelon while the rest of us got different flavors. 
The kids had fun riding ponies and cuddling with the bunnies in the petting zoo. Sarah could have stayed with the animals for hours!!
They had so many areas set up for kids. We had lots of fun in the bubble area.
We walked around some more, spotted a professional watermelon carving booth and tasted the new Coffee Mate Cold Brew. 
We left home with a big bag of watermelon popcorn and happy memories of our family fun day!
We recently went to the California Science Center in LA with Sarah’s friend Kallista from school.
This shadow exhibit was lot’s of fun. The kids had to try and beat the tiger.
Time for the earthquake exhibit. Eek so scary! 
My favorite exhibit has to be, the Endeavour. I remember watching the Endeavour on TV as it got pulled around LA. It’s so big, so amazing and so very cool. To think this was in space, but really only a spec in satellites is mind blowing. 
Imagine millions of those carpet tiles you see in doctors offices, but instead heat shield tiles that cover the space shuttle. This thing is just so massive! 
Just ONE of the huge rocket engines!! It was huge!!!!
It’s a good day to wear your space shirt!
Next up was the External Tank. The only part of the shuttle stack that isn’t reusable, the external tank carried the propellants to power the space shuttle main engines. 
Our cuties!
This museum is free, but has a few exhibits that are additional. We prepaid for the Pandas 3D movie for 2pm, but once inside we were so busy that the extra movie was not necessary. However it was a nice 30 minute break. 
Our final stop was the touch tanks. Sarah loves this part! Jacob, not so much.
Day 1
Tip: We always leave the kids in their jammies and change in the last rest stop. That way kids in comfy clothes can nap easily. 
Coincidentally my sister and her fiance were in town the day before. We met up, checked in to our hotel and headed to the pool. This time we stayed at the MGM Grand. We are big fans of a lazy river and this hotel is known for their pools.
We washed up and got ready to hit the strip. Right before we left my sister asked the kiddos if they would be a part of their wedding. How cute?!!
There is something so amazing about the strip. Being able to walk everywhere, seeing all the sights, the plethora of food choices. I love it! 
My sister and her fiance!
My lovely family!
For dinner we went to Tournament of Kings. 
Each person gets a hearty 3 course meal using the original utensil – their hands. Tip: you can ask for silverware, but the kids thought it was so cool to use their hands. Dinner was a cornish hen, potatoes, roll, broccoli, and soup. Included is unlimited soda refills. A choice of dessert come the last 15 minutes of the show. 
We were so excited!
Each section of the theater was placed in a team. Our team was Russia. So we cheered for the purple horse. 
The kids were entertained the whole time!!!
The show had so much going on. One minute there’s dancing, horse jousting and even fire.
What a fun show!
Day 2
Kids playing with the jam packets while we wait for our food.
Fun fact: The first time I went to Vegas was also on a family vacation and we stayed in the Paris hotel. Somehow my sister found this picture if us, so we thought it was only natural to recreate it. 
We walked around the strip for a bit. We love walking in and out of hotels. 
For lunch we stopped by Taco Bell and got icees. 
Love me some sister time! 
Our next stop was another favorite, the M&M World. After each kid picked a treat we headed upstairs to see the 3D movie.
It was getting really hot so went back to our hotel to swim.
Since my sister was in town, hubby and I took advantage of this time and went on a date night. 
We went to 
While we were at dinner, Osh and Matt took the kids to dinner and walk around.
So thankful to have family that loves on my kids.
We got ready for bed and called it a night. 
Day 3
We cleaned up, watched cartoons and mapped out our day.
Back at the pool and in that lazy river. Bliss! 
Funny story, while driving to Vegas, hubby realized he forgot his sunglasses. A quick order on Amazon and it arrived to our hotel just in time. My sweet hubby even got me a pair. 
Me and my little man.
J needed a nap so hubby took him upstairs while Sarah and I had mommy daughter time.
We spent most of the day in the pool and then showered and got ready for the evening.
Day 4
One last swim before we have to check out. 
We packed up and headed to our final destination, The Pinball Museum.
Back on the road and back to reality. Looks like one of us couldn’t hang. 
Love these family trips!
Nestled near Lake Casitas this park is split into 4 different areas. The activity pool, lazy river, lagoon and splash pad.
Certified lifeguards are on hand at all times and life jackets are available at no extra charge (while supplies last).
Next up we visited the lazy river. A great spot for the whole family, the Lazy River offers a cool water ride on inner tubes along a scenic waterway featuring waterfalls, fog filled bridges and jet sprays. The inner tubes are available free of charge on a first come, first served basis. 
Tip: wear water shoes as ground is very hot. 
We took a break for a bit and hung out by the lawn chairs. They also have a few shaded decks. 
(picture is from Google)
Tip: Locker rentals are available for a nominal fee. Showers are coin operated.