What the Donkey Drinks?!

We were so glad to have Britney and Landon make the trek down to Vegas while we were still here last weekend! So excited, in fact, that we planned our Vegas Strip itinerary a week in advance and planned out how to hit all the good stuff in 12 hours or less. And we DID it, too!

Pulling away from the Vegas sign, Landon suddenly said, "What the Donkey Drinks?!" He said it the way someone would say, "What in the world?" or "What the heck?" and I was a little confused how he came up with this unique exclamation. It turns out, he was reading a billboard aloud that said, "What the donkey drinks," which was likely a beer advertisement. I'm not totally sure why it came out like a question, but maybe it's because he's a farmer and he knows that donkeys typically don't drink alcohol, so he was reading it in a confused questioning way. Maybe? Anyway, it was a fun way to start the day and I think I'll be working that one into conversation from now on. :)

So, for anyone that wants to do the free Vegas stuff in 12 hours or less, here's your itinerary.

1. Stop at Vegas sign (above) on the south end of the Strip.

2. Stop by the Bellaggio Conservatory and admire Chihuly's work on your way out (above). Look familiar? He's the same guy who did Tacoma's Bridge of Glass (click here).

3. Head South. Stop and take a photo with and/or of anything picture worthy on your way. (We also had pics of the Harley Davidson Cafe, the statue at the Hawaiian Village/Flea Market thing, and a better one of The Chandalier place.)

4. Cross Las Vegas Blvd. and check out M&M World.

You can also catch a 3D flick at M&M World! Darwin wasn't havin' those glasses, though.

5. Stop by the MGM Lions.

6. Check out New York, New York on your way to the Excalibur/Mandalay Bay Tram.

7. Take a nap.

8. Then check out the Shark Reef at Mandalay Bay. Very cool.

(Not free, unless you do a timeshare thing or you have connections, but cool.)

Darwin thought it was cool, too, once he woke up.

9. Head north, walking or catching the Monorail, to the Flamingo, and meet up with friends or fam to see Nathan Burton's Comedy Magic Show. (Pre-planning required: Must have eagle eyes like Michael and find a voucher for 4 free tickets on the street corner a week earlier. Or, you must ask any time share people on the street. They will be happy to give you one. But finding one on the corner is a lot easier and takes less time.) :)

We really liked the show. He had some tricks that were just kind of "filler" ones--not super impressive, but we probably still couldn't do them without lots of practice--and some that had us saying, "What the donkey drinks?!"

Oh yeah. I just worked that in there. :)

10. Get "something awesome" at Ghiradelli's. That was exactly what I wrote on our itinerary--"5:30-6:00 pm, eat something awesome." My recommendation, at least for the next few days of this cold spell in Vegas (40 degree nights. I know, not that cold in comparison, but cold for here): the sea salt caramel hot cocoa.

11. Watch the Mirage volcano.

 12. Walk through The Venetian on your way to see the Sirens of Treasure Island.

13. Walk through Ceasar's Palace on the way back to your car and the fountains at Bellagio. Ask Ceasar himself for directions if you get lost. :) (I think, actually, he was Ceasar's bodyguard.)

14. End your day with the Bellagio fountains x 2 shows (one extra one while you're walking to your car) and a search for the nearest pizza joint for the prego lady. (She said it's okay to tell now. Hooray for Britney and Landon!) :)

Michael had to do his Trauma night, so he didn't get to see as much of them, but Darwin and I had a great time, and we are all so glad they could come and explore with us.