I now have another teenager in the house! Grace recently celebrated her 13th birthday. She had a wonderful Saturday where her and her friend hung out together, got pedicures, dinner and a movie. I sure enjoyed my time with them (even if I was the mom and the money).
On her actual birthday, I took her balloons, Krispe Kreme donuts and lunch to school for her. She was very happy. I enjoy her company, her heart for caring for little ones and her sense of humor. She challenges me, but in a good way, and I pray we keep laughing together through these upcoming teenage years.
The very next morning, Mark and I got up very early, headed to the airport and flew off to Vegas. We take an annual vacation just the two of us and I look forward to it all year. Last year was Honolulu Hawaii, and this year Las Vegas.
This year was even more special because my brother and sis-in-law joined us. Whenever the four of us are together we seriously have the best time! Having never been to Vegas before, my brother pulled out all the stops and I was blown away by his creativity and generosity. It was nice to have long talks with Katie and not be interrupted by little people who wanted her attention as much as me.
Every time anyone needed to use the restroom, we would return to a scene such as the one above. "When in Vegas...right?" We were joking by the end of the trip asking, "How much did that bathroom break cost?" Lol.
I felt dwarfed in this huge city (both in height and personality). It was amazing to take in the lights, color, sounds and yes...even smells. Ok...maybe not so much amazingness in the smells, but I am now able to correctly identify the individual smells of sewer, cigarettes and marijuana.
My brother is the literally the best. We fought like crazy when we were growing up. I never wanted him in my room, around me, or touching any of my things. But now, even though he is younger, I look up to him. He is a very accomplished business man, and extremely successful. However, he is humble and generous and oh how I wish we lived closer. I appreciate his candor and ability to call something like it is. He doesn't beat around the bush, and is quick to the point. This past week, he opened the world up a little wider to me. Me...a stay at home mama whose weekly outings are a grocery store, therapy and if I am lucky Target. And there is nothing wrong with any of those things, but I appreciated the culinary skills of the chefs who made the most amazing food I have ever eaten, the art work in the Bellagio, music in the Venetian, and the acrobats who performed the most mind boggling show I have ever seen (Cirque de Soleil: KA).
To be able to have an uninterrupted conversation with Mark is a gift in of itself. We normally either pause to pick up the conversation at a later time, or talk over the loud circus we have going on in our home at times. What a gift to have all the attention and not have to share. I will be treasuring this trip for a very long time.
The Bellagio had some of their amazing Chinese New Year decorations still displayed. Even though the main display was "dark" the week that we were in Las Vegas, I was able to enjoy the symbols of Chinese New Year that I have come to know and love. And all the red lanterns!!! It was a sight to see.
At Bally's I won big...big for me! I decided video poker is my calling in terms of Casino games. Haha. I did manage to get 4 Queens and walked away with $75 dollars.
I equally enjoyed my time with Katie. The sister I always wanted. We laughed so much I was crying at times. I will never ever forget the cab ride. Lol. She is an up lifter and encourager. I know whenever I need her she is there for me.
The first night we were in Vegas we ate at Morimotos. My kids and I were avid Iron Chef watchers and he was our favorite. Luke was just a little bit jealous we were eating there. The food was amazing!!! The Hamachi tacos will go down in history as one of the very best appetizers I have ever eaten. And I am usually not a fan of raw fish.
(Sisters at Morimotos)
(It is called, "The Angry Chicken")
(Brothers)
(The two events we attended the first night in Vegas: Morimoto and KA)
David scored us amazing seats at KA! (Third row). I could see the sweat pouring off of the performers, and look up and see them flying over us. I wish I could have taken pictures of the amazing acts, acrobatics, moving stage and flying, but no photography allowed. At one point, the moving stage went completely vertical and the fight scene that ensued was amazing. It was as if you were watching it from above, looking down on it. An amazing experience I will always remember.
(The world's biggest chandelier at the Cosmopolitan).
Top Golf at the MGM Grand was another experience organized by my brother. It did not disappoint. If you ever have a chance to go and have zero golf experience, GO! It is like a driving range and bowling morphed into one.
Seriously...the food doesn't stop!
Mark was able to see the race trucks/cars/bikes that were getting ready to race the Mint 400. He had been looking forward to this for a very long time. He was happy!
M+M Store. 27 colors of M+Ms. I had no idea.
Another amazing dinner was had at Capo's. An Italian eatery and speakeasy. Seriously you guys...you entered from a side door and they opened a smaller slider door so you could only see their face and ask you what the password is! So.much.fun. High backed red booths and mobsters photographs adorned the walls in the restaurant. A magician came to our table and entertained us with his magic and baffled my husband who was trying to figure out how he could do these tricks.
I found the cupcake ATM machine, because seriously we watch Food Network and I had to try cupcakes from the Sprinkles bakery. The cupcake did not disappoint and was probably the best cupcake I had ever eaten before in my life.
No trip is ever complete without a visit to In and Out Burger.
Overall, our trip to Las Vegas was everything I was hoping it would be and more. I was so thankful to have that time with Mark and David and Katie. We came home to very happy children and very clean home (thanks to my amazing mother). I want to learn how to clean like her when I grow up. The kids did very well while we were gone. So did my mom. So thankful to my village that steps in and helps. I love that others root for our relationship.
I am still adjusting to this weeks realities which have included: dental appointments, an IEP meeting, therapy and speech therapy, vomiting children, cooking and cleaning. I find myself reliving the past week over and over again in my head. Or having thoughts such as, "last week at this time I was.....". However, mostly, I am just thankful. So very, very thankful.
