Vegas

Daniel and I were ever so fortunate to have a get away this week. Daniels mom selflessly came down and watched the kiddos for us, and we headed off to Vegas for a conference for Daniels work. We were suppose to fly there, but Sunday we had a sand storm, which delayed the flight, making us miss the connecting flight. So Daniel decided we would drive. He made really good time on the way up, but in order to help him stay awake he got himself a caffeinated col-a, and then couldn't sleep once we got in.
He checked in for the conference Monday morning, then we went to get some breakfast at the Wynn Breakfast buffet, as I heard it was a MUST for Vegas. It was really good, but holy moly was it pricey, especially for breakfast.
While Daniel was doing the conference thing, I walked all over the place, and was astounded at the price of things in Vegas. I went into a kids boutique in one of the ritzy stores and almost had a heart attack when I looked at the price tags. I think this trip cost me years off my life not only from shock of prices, but also how freaking smokey that place is. Everywhere I went I was gagging from all the stinking smoke. And then the casino's try to make it smell a little nicer so they perfume the place and the combination of smoke and perfume was almost too much to take. I was excited to get back home and have some "fresh" air once again.
Tuesday night we went to Phantom of the Opera with the others from his office that attended the conference as well. I loved it. And so did Daniel. He was concerned it might be scary "like in the movie." He only jumped out of his seat a few times, so I was proud of him for being so brave. The cast was superb- their voices were magnificent!
I also got to go to part of Daniels conference that night. They had Ben Zander, the Boston Philharmonic Orchestra Conductor, do a session, and it was awesome.
Wednesday night Daniel and I saw Mamma Mia. The performers were all very talented and the dancing and music were so fun. I had to fight the urge to jump out of my seat and dance and sing along.
Thursday night we went to KA. OH MY GOODNESS-- IT WAS TREMENDOUS! Seriously. I was in shock with the stunts they do. The stage they use is out of this world amazing. The martial arts and choreography and costumes and special effects were truly incredible. I still cant get over how cool it was.
We went to the Fountains of Bellagio, went to Danielles and got our favorite "snowy popcorn", we visited our favorite hotel- the Venetian and considered the gondola ride just to take a trip down memory lane-(Daniel officially proposed on the gondolas there, and we spent our honeymoon there too-) but the wait was a bit long so we just reminisced while walking along side the little canal instead. We had such a great time and will forever treasure this trip.
We are forever in Daniels mothers debt. She and the kids got locked out and had quite the adventure getting back in. And since my little Ben still doesnt sleep through the night, she didnt get much sleep. We really appreciate her and the kids had such a great time with her and created lots of great memories too.
I brought my camera with us, but as you cant take it to the performances, I didnt get any good shots. Oh well- I have good shots in my head.
I really missed my kids and was so excited to see them and hold them today. I think they all grew a ton in just a few days. It was so nice to get away, but its so nice to be all together as a family again. Kind of funny how that works.