Vegas 09

You know it's been a good vacation when it takes you a week to recover from it. And that is just about how long it has taken me to get back into my real life. That and my need for underwear, as I let the laundry go for long enough that I ran out. We had such a great time in Vegas. J.R. had an IT conference there and I got to tag along. The weather was perfect, the company superb, and the food.....ah the food was exceptional. I can attest to this since I gained over 3 pounds while there. It was worth every last bite.

We flew in Friday evening. I had developed an awful sore throat which I was pretty sure was strep. I had some left over amoxicillin so I self-medicated. I wasn't going to miss this trip for anything. We got to our hotel and got settled and then met at California Pizza Kitchen for our dinner. I didn't feel much like pizza, I was wanting a club sandwich. So being the gentleman that he always is, J.R. hoofed it over to Carnegie deli where he bought me the BIGGEST club sandwich I have ever seen.

We were tired so we turned in early, plus with the illness I needed some rest.

The next morning we went out for an early stroll where I bought this: It will be delivered in the next few weeks and I can hardly wait. I LOVE Olbinski!

We wasted... I mean paid for tickets to The Secret Garden where we saw these:

The Secret Garden sucks, don't waste your money on this little field trip because it literally is the size of a backyard and $15 a person. Total ripoff. I should have totally dropped that money in a slot machine. After the SG adventure one of my best friends showed up. Kelly drove up from San Diego and I am SOOOO SOOOO glad that she did. She is awesome and we had so much fun together.

We immediately went to eat lunch and had some interesting pickles:

We then headed over to the Bellagio where we went to the Andy Warhol and friends exhibit which was no where near as cool as the Ansel Adams exhibit we had seen two years prior. We didn't leave the Bellagio before we spent some time in the Botannical Garden though:

Kelly was ready to do some damage at the casino, so she and J.R. went and did that, while I rested...still weary with my throat. I think Kelly won and I know J.R. didn't.

That night we drove to Red Rocks casino and ate at the Mexican Restaurant there. Very cool ambiance if you sit at the back of the restaurant with a view of the fire pits.

The next morning, J.R. was off to play golf at TPC Canyons. It was the perfect day for golf AND also for the pool. Kelly and I had way too much fun at the pool LOL!



You will have to turn your head sideways to watch our waitress act out a chicken wrap sandwich for us. She was awesome.

That night was the reception. J.R. was the man, showing up with two women:


We then headed back to Bellagio where the guys surprised us with a dinner at Prime which holds the record for the world's most expensive appetizer. $350!!!! and so not worth it:


We also had the spitting waiter. I think at least 4 of the 7 of us, got spit on at some point by him. But we had fun and laughed a ton.

Kelly and I finished the night off at the Rhumbar.

Monday morning Kelly was going to have to leave, but not before we went and enjoyed some crepes at the Creperie at Paris. YOU HAVE TO TRY THESE! I had the Napoleon which was lemon custard with all sorts of fresh berries and whipped creme. It was to die for which might explain why I went back the next day. You might be seeing where the 3+ pounds is coming in to play at this point ;)


We had some fun at the Venetian before Kelly had to leave:



I was sad to see her go. Really sad. I can't wait to see you again, Kelly.

That night we had the banquet. Jay Leno was our performer. He had just gotten out of the hospital and you could tell he wasn't 100%, but I still love Jay and he was funny.

We went to Carnegie for dessert. You can't stay at the Mirage without having dessert at the Carnegie. Blueberry Cheesecake with whole milk. J.R. had the carrot cake.

Tuesday was back to the Creperie and shopping. Our Anne Taylor Loft closed here so I had some fun shopping there and getting the girls some gifts. We spent some more time at the pool and that evening Pete took us to Stack. YUMMY! This was by far our best meal. We had this awesome appetizer of premium beef, that we cooked ourselves on a lava rock in the middle of our table. PHENOMENAL!!!!!!! And before we retired to our rooms, one last trip to Carnegie deli for dessert:


Fabulous trip.