Birthday Bash

Early September found us smack dab in the middle of Las Vegas for a Birthday celebration-- Hard to believe that it was Dakotas 21st birthday!

When I think about the day Dakota was born and the many days before in labor {4 to be precise}and the horrible weeks {3} to follow in the NICU its hard to believe how far we have come!Although I admit everyday is still a challenge in many ways -- I can honestly look back at the begining and at least recognize all the accomplishments too. I have always been more of an optomistic person and prefer to look at the glass as half full than to ponder on all the things that went wrong or did not happen.

So this was a celebration of joy and happiness. A celebration to give Dakota an experience that any ":typical" 21 year old would want. Now I do admit we didnt do the strip club or the alcoholic beverage but we took in some of the best parts of Las Vegas. His Dad was also able to come and stay for a couple of days which enhanced the vacation for him.

We saw "the Beatles "LOVE" Cirque Du Soliel" which was fabulous -- I want to go back and see it again.  We also saw John O Hurley in "Spamalot" which I think Dakota loved because he loves John O Hurley!It was a great combination. Of course we had some great dining and what would Vegas be with out gambling.

Oh the week didnt go by without challenges but the experiance as a whole far outweighed the behaviors. His dad walked him all over the strip so he got to see many casinos and together we took him downtown to see the new overhead canopy and to get one of the "world famous" shrimp cocktails at the Golden Gate Casino for 99cents!he actually worked a slot machine at the Gloden Nugget and built up almost 90 dollars but instead of cashing out he insisted on playing till he was busted!!! I GUESS THATS JUST LIKE MOST OF US!

Rather than recount the challenges I will say that although I thought Vegas would be more difficult than it was and i was really glad that I choose to try this. The noise and the lights and the crowds were definite distractions even potential triggers for behaviors BUT we made it through . Perhaps better than I expected.That was a present to me.

It been Disneyland for years for Dakotas birthday but for once we tried the "adult " Disneyland and just maybe we will have an alternate destination in the years to come!HAPPY BIRTHDAY DAKOTA - - - - - - I LOVE YOU!