As you can tell my the itinerary, this adventure involved lots of traveling by plane and by car, and the Brothers YZ handling the traveling aspect amazingly well. They kept themselves well occupied during the many miles and hours with drawing, listening to books on CD, watching movies, playing Mad Libs, singing to Sage's 6th Birthday Party Dance mix, and using Leapster video games (courtesty of kind neighbors who loaned them to us).
Day One: Traveling to Las Vegas
Our grand adventure started from Hartford, Connecticut where we would fly to Las Vegas to meet up with Grammy and Grampy. .After our mad dash to the plane following a less than smooth trip through security and a tasty lunch at the Black Bear Pub, we had a smooth flight. We changed planes in Atlanta, where upon disembarking from the tram to our terminal Liam announced to all, "We're in Vegas!"
By the time we arrived in Las Vegas, it was already dark. Evan was impressed by all of the neon, as we hoped he wouldn't read what was on some of the signs. Liam immediately fell asleep as soon as we started the rental car. We met Grammy and Grampy at the Rio Hotel and Casino where they had gotten us a comped room. The boys thought that they had arrived at the biggest arcade that they had ever seen. They were a bit disappointed to learn that they could not play the machines, but once we explained how they work, they lost interest. Of course, they got the non-gambler version of what the machines were. Once again, Greg and I spent more than 48 hours in Vegas without gambling a cent.
Day Two: Las Vegas
Finally it was time for the pool at the Rio to open and warm enough to swim so we headed back to Rio. There were three pools and three hot tubs at our disposal including a pool with a sand beach. The weather was perfect for swimming, the pools were practically empty, and the boys loved it.
Later that afternoon we headed back to the Strip with Grammy and Grampy to take in more of the sights and try to avoid having Evan notice the sights that he should not. (There were many times when I wished that Evan were less observant and literate.) Liam crashed on the shuttle to the Strip, and Greg and I carried a comatose Liam around Paris trying to find a place to sit down not in front of a slot machine which is illegal with a child. Greg was scolded immediately after this photo.
Fortunately, Liam awakened refreshed and ready for more adventure. We enjoyed two different fountain shows and the indoor gardens at Bellagio, dinner at PF Changs, a stroll around Venice, pirate show at Treasure Island, and the volcano at Mirage before crashing again on the shuttle back to the hotel.
Day Three: Travel to Anaheim, CA
After a quick dip in the pool, we thanked Grammy and Grampy for a great time in Las Vegas and hit the road to go to Disneyland. It was the first of many long drives in our Ford Focus, and the Brothers YZ did a great job for the 5 hour journey across the desert. We stopped at a tourist classic, Peggy Sue's Diner, which featured a Diner-Saur Park in the back, and we were not disappointed.
After settling into our hotel in Anaheim and taking a dip in the pool, we headed to Downtown Disney for the highly anticipated visit to the Lego Store. Unfortunately, the real Lego Store was under construction so the Brothers YZ couldn't see all of the awesome displays that I saw at my visit a few years ago. All they cared about was making purchases so they weren't disappointed.
Day Four: Disneyland
We managed to drag the Brothers YZ away from the play structure at our two star hotel and their new Lego sets to go to Disneyland for the first of our two-day pass.
Other than the constant requests to return to the hotel, we had a great time for a family that is generally not nuts for all things Disney. We were all very impressed by the quality and length of the rides, and with the Express Pass, we didn't spend too much time in line.
Of course, our first destination was Tomorrowland which included Star Tours, Space Mountain, and Buzz Lightyear. Star Tours did not disappoint. Liam was dazzled by the in-line entertainment that including a talking C3PO. The ride featured the most amazing 4D trip through the Star Wars galaxy.
Then, I terrorized my children with a ride on Space Mountain where being a party of three (Greg has to sit this one out) meant someone had to sit alone. The Brothers YZ opted to sit together in the front car. I loved Space Mountain, but the Brothers YZ refused to try it again.
Day Five: Disneyland and California Adventure
We felt much more prepared and relaxed for our second day at Disneyland and California Adventure. We began our day with a return to Tomorrowland at the request of the Brothers YZ. We were pleasantly surprised that the Star Tours featured different planets than the first day--a whole new ride. We gave the boys some 1:1 time allowing Evan to go on the Indiana Jones Adventure ride that Liam was too short for and Liam to ride the train around the park twice.
Liam loved driving his own car in Autopia.
California Adventure features some of the newer Disney movies. We arrived a month too early for the new Cars Land which looked amazing from the top of the ferris wheel.
In California Adventure, we finally caught up with Mickey. Evan and Liam refused to have their photo taken, but Evan did agree to take a picture of us for Nana.
Before we hit the road for Bakerfield, we made a stop at Build-A-Bear to fulfill my own dream to make my own stuffed animal. Evan and Liam carefully selected bears and outfits, had them stuffed with the special machine, and fluffed them at the special station for the purpose.
It was National Park Week so we didn't have to pay the entry fee and the Brothers YZ could enjoy some special educational activities at the Visitor Center where Evan wowed the park ranger with his knowledge of nature. The park was huge, and the elevation tested the gas mileage and power of the Ford Focus. In our few hours there, we were able to see the world's tallest tree, Sherman, as well as the Auto Log. Not only were the trees incredibly tall and wide, but we were standing in snow wearing shorts to see them.
Day Seven: Pleasanton
Our time in Pleasanton with the Ciraulo clan was definitely the highlight of a very exciting trip. Evan and Liam had a blast playing with their cousins, and Greg and I enjoyed being spoiled by Larry and Sheila. We all enjoyed lounging around in their fabulous pool and backyard.
Day Eight: Long Trip Back to Vegas
We had a long trip back to Las Vegas for our flight home. With books on CD, groovy tunes from Sage's birthday party, Leapsters borrowed from friends, Mad Libs, lots of snacks, and a few breaks, we made it through the trip in good spirits minus some frustration finding somewhere for dinner about one hour from our final destination. Our major stop along the way was Calico Ghost Town, an old silver mining town. The place was surprisingly large. The heat and extra fees kept our visit limited to a walking tour and ice cream. 
Day Nine: Homeward Bound
We rose very early start our journey home. We had to return our rental car, take a bus to the airport, wait in long lines for our boarding passes and security, take a tram to our terminal, and race to the plane, but we made it! The Brothers YZ continued to good behavior on the two plane flights back to Hartford. What an amazing trip!
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