Las Vegas Girls trip

Thanks to an amazing husband, friends with the drive and desire to have fun always, plus a friend with hotel points, and US airways, I was able to get together with girlfriends from Mesa and have the most wonderful weekend!  Because of the flight loads, I worried I would miss the trip altogether, but I headed to the airport with my packed bags (packed days in advance in excitement for this!) I got on the first flight I tried, which was to Phoenix, which means I got to make the LATE night drive with my besties to Las Vegas.  I thoroughly enjoyed a relaxing airport experience and reading a book the entire 3 hour flight.  Heaven!  I thought I would be so tired and boring on the drive to Vegas, but the conversation started and I woke right up.  I'm pretty sure we didn't stop talking for 3 straight days.  Just what a momma needs!

We finally settled in at fell asleep around 4 am my time!  Luckily and surprisingly, I was able to sleep in until 10 am my time!  Yeah, I still got it!

We worked out, ate a crappy breakfast to make up for the work out and then headed to the pool where we parked ourselves for the rest of the day.  We thought we would sleep, but never got around to it(didn't want to miss anything!)  We slide down the water slides, sat in the hot tubs, had some swim races, sucessful dodged a bee in the water.... 4 times, and just enjoyed the sun and relaxing by a pool Because I am always with kids I don't know when the last time I 'relaxed' by a pool.  When I talked to Jackson, he said "I wish I was there!" I said honestly, "I kind-of wish you were too!" To which he replied, "You ARE there mom!"  

After an amazing dinner of pina coladas and fajitas, a movie and cleaning up, we spent the evening playing games.  I am way to competitive, but being super tired slowed me down a bit.   

The next morning was spend primping.  I don't know about the other girls, but I loved spending time in the bathroom with other girls.  I loved the new hair tips I got and enjoyed getting dressed up with only girls! 

 

We made it to the temple and enjoyed a session (beside the lady full on snoring next to me).  So peaceful and full of love and joy.  I really love the temple. 

We then made it to the strip in stark contrast to the temple.  We shopped in Ceasars Palace, enjoyed the flowers at the Bellagio.

 then went to eat at Pampas... a Brazillian meat grill.  It was so delicious!  It was funny that 6 mormon girls ended up here... we don't drink, smoke, gamble, or participate in any of the crazy, lewd, and crude aspects of Vegas, but still found a way to be entertain and have a great time.  

We headed to our show "Recycled Percussion" With all the years I've lived close to Vegas and driven through, I have never seen a show.  It was not to be forgotten.  Pure entertainment from the moment before it started to the end.  It was mostly clean and the boys were from our generation, so they made all sorts of references to 'the good ol' days' which we could relate to.  Pretty sure the other girls turned into 8th graders pining after the 'hot performers'.  I couldn't get THAT into it, but enjoyed the entertainment immensely.

Yes, they are drumming while hanging sideways being dropped from the ceiling, the fact that is turns completely upside down just blows me away. 

We finished up with more time on the strip and headed home. 

I love these ladies.  their example of faith, devotion to motherhood, encouraging each other, helping and service each other and drive for fun and laughter is amazing.  I feel so blessed to have had the chance to be friends with them.  

We were exhausted and the thought of getting up at 4 am to go for a flight was horrible.  I ended up waking up around 6 and headed out to see if I could make the flights.  I missed 2 but I made the next one.  I should've slept in and gone forward with the plan, but honestly I was just glad to be heading directly home (and so was Dave!) I was exhausted at home, but it was well worth it.  I felt like I was a much better mom after getting a break and perspective.