They Call it Sin City

Sometimes I wonder about blogging about vacations.  I feel kind of selfish using my blog to post pictures and talk about vacations that you probably couldn’t care less about.  But last summer Greg and I went to Germany and Switzerland to visit my sister and I hardly blogged any of it.  Now eight months later, I really regret that.  There are lots of things about the trip I don’t remember because I didn't write them down.  So I decided to heck with it, I’ll blog about my vacations how I want when I want.  If it’s boring to you as a blog reader, no problem!  Check back in tomorrow and we’ll definitely be talking about something else.

This weekend Greg and I headed out for some Las Vegas sunshine.  Forecast said 78 degrees.  We live 5-6 hours from Vegas and it seems like every year around this time we decide that we absolutely need some warm weather and we book it for Vegas (See this post and this post).

I haven’t left the state since June was born so I needed a vacation in the worst way.  Furthermore, Agathe, our French foreign exchange student, was dying to see something more in the states than just our living room.  Greg’s parents agreed to take June for three days, Agathe invited her best friend to come along, and we were off- my ginger husband, two seventeen year olds and me.

What we listened to: (on the way) The Serial podcast. We’re four podcasts in (out of twelve) and dying to finish it.  WHAT IS GOING TO HAPPEN?

Where we stayed: Watergate Resort Hotel and Casino.  We didn't have the best experience.  I am 95% certain that the hotel workers were smoking pot in our room because every time we came back in it after it had been cleaned it reeked of weed.  Also the pool was closed for maintenance, but of course they didn't say that anywhere on their site.  We complained and had our resort fee waived as well as were allowed to use a neighboring hotel's pool, but still.  Not staying there ever again.

What we did:

Walked up and down the strip... 

Shopped...
Agathe blended right in with the H&M models

Watched the water show at the Bellagio... (several times)

Went to the M&M factory... '

Took lots and lots of selfies, due to Maggie’s purchase of a selfie stick.

And enjoyed the absolutely perfect weather.

WHAT WE ATE:

Cheesecake factory

Greg and I were going to go alone Saturday night to Cheesecake Factory for a little Valentine’s dinner but we felt a little uneasy about letting Agathe and Maggie roam the strip on their own at night, so we had them tag along.  Two teenagers could be quite the buzzkill for a V-day night date, but it turned out fine.  My favorite things at Cheesecake Factory are: Avocado Eggrolls (appetizer) and the Chicken Madeira < - - - - out of this world!  Greg and I usually split those two.  For dessert we ordered the red velvet cheesecake this time around, but nothing beats the Anniversary cheesecake.  Cheesecake Factory is one of my favorite places to eat so I’m always interested in new things to try.  What are your favorite dishes there?

Our double date partners...

My forever Valentine.

Shake Shack

I insisted too, that we try Shake Shack because I have heard so many rave about it.  I am sorry to report that I thought it was only okay.  The ice cream was regular ice cream.  The fries were the best part, squishy and hot just like I like my fries.  But I thought the burger was too salty.  It’s got nothing on In-n-out burgers.

Do I look like mature enough/ old enough/ responsible enough to be this girl's "mom"?

I almost died when...
Agathe and Maggie insisted that we ride the rides on top of The Stratosphere.  Greg was all about it.  I was lukewarm.  I LOVE roller coasters, but I did the swings on top of The Stratosphere when I was 19 and IT WAS TERRIFYING.  It's the only roller coaster I've ever been on that I didn't totally love.  I just remember wanting to get off the whole time.  It's just so freaking high and you're dangling over the whole city and you feel not one bit safe.

On top of The Stratosphere.

Waiting in line at midnight with 100 crazy teenagers from volleyball and basketball tournaments around the country.  I kinda wanted to put a gun to my head.

Here's the scoop on The Stratosphere rides.  There are three rides- swings, a rocket that shoots you straight up, and a rollercoaster that launches you over the edge in which you think you are going to drop.  They are all terrifying but the straight down launcher was absolutely terrifying.  The worst.  I thought I was going to die.  I never ever ever ever want to do that again.

But you could probably talk me into it.

After the rides.  I was happy to be done.  Greg was throwing up.  The girls were in line for another ride.  Ah, teenagers!