Spring Break Getaway: Las Vegas & Zion Canyon

Wynn pool

My daughters are on a year round track system where spring break is one month long so we decided to take the girls on a 5-day Spring break trip to Las Vegas, Nevada and Zion Canyon in Utah. Las Vegas is one of our most frequented destinations because it's fairly close (about 3 hour drive from our home) with luxurious five-star amenities and tons of good restaurants and fun activities for kids. We take full advantage of our generous casino host and card member room rates, which makes Las Vegas the most luxurious yet affordable Spring break destination. (One of many perks of living in Southern California!)

We lounged around the beautiful pool at the Wynn, spent a day at the Las Vegas Natural History Museum (which contrary to my reservation, turned out to be a fun & educational place for kids with plenty of activities and lessons) and explored the familiar city a little more by visiting new spots like the Stratosphere.

The highlight of our family trip however, was not Las Vegas but Zion Canyon in Utah. We were a little concerned about how we can pull this off with two young kids but our girls proved to be strong and determined little explorers by hiking a total distance of 5.2 miles!

It was the perfect opportunity to accomplish a common goal as family, share priceless memories and get fit; all while being immersed in the wonders of nature.

We were extremely proud and excited as the Zion Canyon day trip marks the beginning of a new chapter of traveling for the Kim family. We can now participate in more adventurous activities and explore nearby canyons and hiking trails. What a huge milestone for the girls!

An easy, flat riverside trail leading to "The Narrows"

Intermediate trail called "Emerald Pools" with lower, mid & high pools

Riverside trail

Another amazing part of the trails at Zion Canyon is its abundant wildlife in its natural setting. I saw so many squirrels and even a deer during the hike, it was such a unique experience. There are so many adorable squirrels that come right next to you and let you photograph it close up. One hungry squirrel came so close to my daughter, she couldn't resist sharing her snacks!

This was my family's first time hiking through a huge national park like Zion Canyon and the experience was no less than amazing and surreal. The magnificence and beauty of a well preserved national park cannot be contained in pictures, and I was in awe of its majestic presence.

Nature truly is, the best teacher for kids and despite the strenuous walking, this was a great opportunity for my children to experience the beauty of nature. Even better, I think they now understand the benefits of hiking not only as a physical but a mental exercise.

I will dedicate another post to Zion Canyon for families with better pictures and more details and tips. Until then, I plan on enjoying the last week of spring break with more relaxation and quality time my little ones.

First trip of 2013: Wynn, Las Vegas

Tower Suites, Wynn

The destination of our first family trip of 2013 was none other than Las Vegas. Las Vegas is one of our favorite getaways because it's only a few hours away from home and offers an array of activities, fine dining, nightlife and fun for the whole family.

We usually spend the day with the kids visiting places like Circus Circus, Caesar's palace & Mandalay Bay for family friendly activities. We play games, visit the aquarium, visit white tigers at the Secret Garden and just enjoy all the spectacles that Las Vegas has to offer.

This time we watched the Mac King Comedy Magic show which turned out to be a lot of fun. The kids had a blast and I greatly enjoyed my first magic show. I'd highly recommend this show to anyone, even families with older kids (kids ages 4-5+) as it is very kid appropriate (with occasional crude humor that young kids can easily bypass) and Mac King turns out to be a very pleasant and likable guy with smart humor.

As always the trip was a blast and I was sad to leave our beautiful room behind, back to reality with chores and daily routine. My body was fighting off a cold all weekend and despite not feeling my best, I got to enjoy Vegas to the fullest with good food, good company, good music and quality time spent with loved ones.

The beginning of 2013 is very positive and hopeful thus far and I have big plans for this year. Starting something entirely new and taking chances are never easy but I believe it's time. Must find a way to get back into work mode and get the ball rolling again.

Making positive changes, taking chances & keeping my eyes high on the prize....

This is how I'm beginning my 2013.

A room with a view

Reina Cosmopolitan, Tower Suites Bar

Nervo @ XS

Date night w hubby

A weekend in Las Vegas

I just returned from the most amazing trip ever. Being grateful for little things really do add up and I'm now a firm believer of this new outlook because the universe did provide me with just what I needed- plenty of R&R, a fun night out with old friends, a romantic Valentines Day dinner at the perfect restaurant and even some extra cash in my pocket. :)

The first night we went to Raku which is now officially my favorite Japanese restaurant. I LOVE authentic Japanese course meals consisting fresh sashimi, salad and ornate & dainty meat/vegetable dishes that are unique and perfectly put together in various colors, textures & flavors. We ordered $50 per person Omakase and every dish was very interesting and delicious.

Sashimi salad

What I like about Raku is that they never overbook and will actually turn customers away without a reservation. Reservations can be made in increments of two hours 6-8, 8-10 and so on--- and you have to be there on time to ensure the next group of customers can have their two hours. I believe this is a way for them to make sure the chef has enough time to prepare each and every dish with care. I'd definitely recommend this restaurant off the strip to anyone who is visiting Las Vegas.

At night I met up an old best friend from junior high named Nancy and we ended up at Foundation Room which is an exclusive, members only lounge located on top floor of Mandalay Bay. Being 30 years old, I'm tired of overcrowded Las Vegas clubs without room to walk or dance and Foundation Room provided the perfect upscale lounge experience with a breathtaking view. We danced the night away and reminisced about our old days. We joked about how we've been friends for over 10 years but were drinking together for the very first time. It was a perfect night.

The second night we went to Wynn hotel to watch Le Reve. Hands down, Le Reve wins best performance and stage over Bellagio's O and MGM's Ka. Le Reve seemed more romantic and visually stunning compared to the O show and it had a solid & interesting storyline unlike Ka which left viewers wondering 'who's love story is this?' Don't want this to be a spoiler so I'll stop here but yes, highly recommended!

After the show we checked out the newest addition to Las Vegas, the Cosmopolitan Hotel. I was very impressed with the overall decor and layout, especially the glamorous chandelier curtains that draped from ceiling to floor across multiple floors. I didn't go into Marquee nightclub but wasn't too impressed with the crowd surrounding outside. There were lots of intoxicated young 20 somethings walking around barefoot with shoes in their hands and a bunch of young men who looked like predators. You know what kind of club scene I'm talking about. Wasn't too thrilled and would still prefer Wynn's XS over Marquee Nightclub unless the crowd changes.