City of Lost Wages...

...also known as Las Vegas. This past weekend and part of the week, Mark and I went to Vegas with two of his brothers and sisters-in-law. We have had this trip planned for probably 6 months but up until it was nearly upon us, I didn't really think about it. I think I was trying to push it to the back of my mind because I knew I didn't want to leave both boys, but especially Elias as he is not quite a year old yet. The last few weeks I began to worry incessantly and become anxious. I did this the first time I left Christian for an extended time as well. I am still nursing him so I made sure I left enough frozen milk for my mother-in-law (who watched the boys) to give him, plus, I pumped while we were there. In the beginning, I planned to wean Elias early so neither of us would have to worry about it, but as the time got closer, I decided against it. I love nursing him (not so much pumping though), and he was/is still too young in my mind to consume regular milk full time. We have slowly introduced it to him, but he still primarily nurses. I was so worried that when we came back he would somehow forget to nurse, or prefer the sippy cup and regular milk over me, but my fears were groundless I am happy to say :) . A huge shout out goes to my fabulous mother-in-law who watched the boys for us. They are definitely a full time job!

While in Vegas we had a wonderful time. It was my first time there, so Mark and his brother and sis-in-law showed me around quite a bit. It was wonderful to spend so much time with them and see the other in-laws from California as well. I have to say, I married into an amazingly wonderful family whom I love very dearly. We spent the majority of our time walking to the hotels and casinos and enjoying the sights. We gambled some, but there was so much else to do that we didn't lose too much money! The trick is to only bring what you know you can lose, which is what we did. We ended up briging back most of what we brought in the first place! At an rate, we had such a good time, and are already planning a trip back :)


In the hotel/casino New York, New York


The water show in front of the Bellagio hotel


Inside the Venetian standing in front of where they do the gondola rides. I would like to do this next time.


Sneaking a pic before the Cirque Du Soleil show "KA". It was amazing, pictures wouldn't do it justice if we were allowed to take them!


Chinese New Year was being celebrated in many places, but none so grand as in the Bellagio. The display was amazing and made almost entirely out of flowers. There was incense burning as well which added a wonderful aroma to the atmosphere.



Later that evening we met up with more family and walked over to the Cosmopolitan Hotel to the Chandelier Lounge.


With the sisters-in-law


Brothers



As fun as we had, I was super glad to get home and see my little people again! I loved the huge hug Christian gave me when he first saw us after several days.

Signing off. Have a great evening!