We have just returned home from a lil trip to Vegas with our friends Ben and Kristi. It was the first time for Brett and I and the 3rd or 4th for them, so they were the perfect tour guides. It takes awhile just to take it all in so luckily we stayed for four nights. We stayed at the MGM Grand which I just found out has the largest casino on the strip. It was a great time with shopping, attractions, eating, shows, museums, and LOTS of walking! Bring tennis shoes next time!!
View from the room, Excalibur and NYNY on the left and right.
The lion habitat at the Hotel which I adored, I enjoyed seeing them several times throughout the day. I'd go through it over and over again while Brett was playing poker. You could walk through a glass hallway that the lions sat on top of.
Our first night walking the streets. The Bellagio is behind us somewhere. We ventured out to try and find some new shoes!
And it just so happened by BFF was in town also to celebrate her Mom's Bday. Our stays overlapped for only one night:( We went out to dinner with her fam and walked around the Paris hotel. But it was sooo nice to see each other in person, as she lives in Utah. And I got to see my (her) lil baby- Due in April:)
On the second night we went to Love- The Cirque du Soleil Beatles show at the Mirage. Here we are in the morning getting the tickets. It was awesome and I was sad when it ended. Another bonus- theater snacks allowed inside the show!
During that day we also went to the Venetian, Caesars Palace and the Wax Museum. We had WAY too much fun there. Caesars Palace has the Forum Shoppes which are $$$$$ anything from Dior, Gucci, Harry Winston Jewelry, FAO Schwartz, and the lovely Gap where I found my shoes finally and a pair of jeans.
Jerry Springer was in town, Planet Hollywood I believe, and Brett insisted on a photo.
The third day we woke up early and went on a 6hr tour of Hoover Dam. It was amazing to see and the drive was quite scenic. Even got to see some celebrity homes from afar. Sad part though, the line between the Arizona and Nevada state lines was not even marked. No super cool photo ops. Oh ya and went to the Tropicana and put 5$ in a penny slot and won 210. After that I was done:) Brett well, not so hot. He played black jack and poker the whole time.
The Lake Mead side of the Dam, the water rose several years ago and the calcium deposits left the white mark.
That night we went to fancy schmancy dinner. Brett had a six course meal and I stuck to chicken:)
Next day we ate the Bellagio breakfast buffet. Totally worth the 16bucks a piece. I was in heaven. We kept it pretty low key that day, walked down the strip. Went to Excalibur, NYNY, and Luxor. We saw The Bodies exhibit was at the Luxor. Even tested out the waters in the pool, well hot tub. Gambled some more and then..... The Bellagio conservatory.
Bellagio desert shop.mmmmmmmmm$$$$$$$
The glass ceiling in the main lobby of Bellagio.
Outside leaving the Bellagio.
Bye Bye Vegas! Next time I will actually get a pic of us gambling.
The entire Hansen family, minus the felines and canines. Wade, Alissa, Anne, Alex
Hansen Family with the out of control canines. My Yankee behaves much better in pictures. As seen above!
I can't believe I have lived in Iowa my entire 25 years of existence and never gone to the state fair, I guess I am more of a city mouse than country mouse. So when Brett and I had the day off together I thought we should take a day trip to Des Moines. Jill came along since she also has never been to the fair. I think I was most excited about the food!
