What happens in Vegas

gets posted on social media...let's just all be honest.

John and I plan a trip together each year just the two of us. This year, we had a lot to celebrate!! Our 15th wedding anniversary and my 40th birthday! Two HUGE events in our lives!! So we tossed around the idea of going on a trip to celebrate both.

Back in August when we were deciding where to go it was between Vegas and the Florida Keys. John had been to Vegas for work and really wanted to take me back. I was leaning heavily toward the Keys because at this juncture in our life, a vacation was all about relaxing. For some reason, I relented and decided Vegas was the better choice. Total God moment because for some reason, I knew Vegas was where we should go, but my heart wanted the Keys. A month after we booked everything Harvey and Irma unleashed their terror on our coast. The Keys were decimated.

Not that Vegas didn't have its tragedy before we arrived. I felt very safe going there even though someone had just reeked terror in that amazing city a couple weeks prior.

We started our Vegas trip off right. The first evening we ate at Olives in the Bellagio. I was hoping for a table overlooking the fountains, but the patio was closed for a private party. Sadness. The food was okay but way overpriced for what it was. We still had a good dinner with an abundance of drinks and got to watch the fountains. There is no video or picture that can ever do the fountains justice.

Walking back to our hotel, we stopped in a couple stores. When we found out the M&M store was FOUR stories tall, we looked at each other and said, "it's on!" *beverages may have helped this decision and dedication to explore all four stories of the M&M store* We did score some really delicious M&Ms that you can't buy in the store. 

We spent most mornings and early afternoons lounging by the pool. MGM has multiple pools for you to choose from. There are huge umbrellas, hundreds of chairs, and really loud pop music barely through the speakers. Even I was only able to handle the music selection for about 3 hours. Poor John must have been suffering the whole time.

We went to see a Cirque du Soleil show called KA. No videoing or pictures allowed during the show, but Vegas is all about breaking the rules...The set really stole the show in this one. It was phenomenal! We sat front row and I was awestruck at every move. It really was amazing.

We did a lot of walking around the city. The best way I can describe it is Times Square for miles...and miles...and miles, but prettier during the day.

I finally found an Amanda-sized portion of Hershey's chocolate syrup.

One afternoon we went back to The Bellagio to tour their garden area, which is a literal garden in the lobby. I have never seen so many flower sculptures in my life. 

Another evening we went to Avenger's Station. John and I are both superhero nerds. A little Tony Stark can change my day around. I also have a small thing for Hulk. What can I say, I'm drawn to the misunderstood guys...

We had a blast walking through the exhibit. There are a ton more photos that will stay just between us and not expose exactly how dorky we are, even though most of you already know that.

On our last evening, we went to the Neon Museum. This was a suggestion from a Facebook friend. I asked my Facebook friends for recommendations of Vegas attractions. I got over 125 responses! One person suggested The Neon Boneyard, and after some internet research, I knew this would be a place I would love. 

Since The Neon Museum was near Old Vegas or the Freemont Street Experience, we decided to check that out on our way. There was also a brewery that had been suggested by a friend. 3 birds with one stone! Freemont Street was...well...an experience. WOWZA! The old casinos were pretty beautiful. The architecture inside didn't hold a candle to the strip casinos. You could tell there was history in these casinos. There was also smoke...and low ceilings, so we didn't stay long.

Sadly, the brewery was closed for a private event. I was really really really bummed, but things tend to work out for the best. We went to an Irish pub and sat down at the bar. The world series was on, so we decided bar food and beer with a giant TV wasn't so bad. It was smokey and the menu was meh. I called home to check on the kids while John started searching the interwebz for other places. He found this place called Therapy so we went there. Again, things worked out for the best. Therapy was hands down the best meal we had while in Vegas.

The Neon Museum is now the FIRST thing I recommend to people who tell me they are going to Vegas. It was so so amazing! And when I got home, I learned someone I am personally friends with in Memphis TN actually started the Neon Boneyard!!! She worked in event planning and set the entire thing up for a GQ party. After it was set up, they turned it into a museum with guided tours! I am friends with the person who started my favorite thing about Vegas! Such a small world.

The entire boneyard is only about 100 yards down and 100 yards back, but it takes an entire hour to go through the tour. There is so much great information about Old Vegas.

This vacation was just what we needed midst our too busy hectic schedules. We really can't wait to go back!