Monday, June 27, 2011

Las Vegas - Day 1

Was Begas.  It's pretty awesome.

We left San Diego at 4am and made it here before 9am with a long stop in Primm, Nevada.  GPS said 4 hours total for the route.  That started the awesome-ness.



A little background.  I went to Vegas when I was 17.  And, then again about 6 years ago.  I'm mildly familiar with the casinos, but of course, I learn more each time.

Blake has been twice before, too.  Both on business, with an emphasis on fun.

Never, have we been with kids.  So far, it's going remarkably well.

I did have to take this picture to show how out of place we look.

The people here are super nice.  They offered us a room immediately upon arriving, but we opted to wait.....for one high up and with a view.

So, we chilled at the pool.

If you haven't noticed, this is our trademark "Starnes in Vegas" pose.  It's catching on.


Lunch. 


The MGM Grand has 5 pools and a lazy river.  Carter and Jack are in each of the lazy river pics.  See if you can find them.


We are staying at one of the Towers near the hotel.....rather than in the midst of casino mayhem.  Non-smoking and very swanky.  Definitely the way to go with kids.



Our main pool stop thus far.

Easy access to the river and 1 foot water for the little punks.


It was H.O.T. hot, people.  We stayed cool with cold drinks.

Rafts are $16 each for the day.  We laughed in the kids' faces when they asked for one.

And, by the time we left, we had 5.  Cute punks = free rafts.

Kind of like how Mommy got drinks in college.

My childhood friend, Ashley, met us at the pool with her adorable son, Rider. 

Ashley and I were cheerleaders together for our hometown little league.  We've caught up via Facebook and have discovered we have very similar taste in music.  Music brings people together, folks.

Rider showed up with a t-shirt saying "tour kid" on it under neath Jerry Garcia's face.  I will be requesting such as a hand-me-down.



My punks + Rider.


Drinks are cheap in Vegas.  :)


Almost as exciting as seeing Ryder was discovering the walk ways from the MGM to the Signature Towers.

And, the view is fantastic.  The hotel peeps hooked us up with the highest floor possible before the penthouses.  Which means, I'm perhaps one floor away from Bradley Cooper.  OK, so they stayed at Caesar's Palace.  A girl can dream.

Most impressive part of the suite?  There's a phone in the bathroom.  And, you know one of our jackass kids will call someone - maybe you - before this is all over with.

Jack gave us a tour of the kitchen.


And, Carter made himself comfortable in the bathroom.  Which is bigger than our master bedroom at home.


We ordered a pizza and took a nap while Blake worked.  Then, on to the evening!

Loving the view.


This actually triggers a vomit sensor in me.  Not a fan of the heights.

But, Jack loves the monorail.


Before we left for the evening, Lainey put my heals on and asked Daddy to marry her.


No interest in the kiss, however.

 \
Sun down.  Vegas, baby!



A reactionary foot-sensored aquarium? 

Awesome.


World famous 4 story high M&M store?

Yes!!!!!!!!!!!



This is what checking out looks like.  $12.99 for a pound of candy.  Fantastic.


Transformers!


Excalibur was up next.  Not exactly the fabulous venue I remember staying in 19 years ago.  I guess Vegas takes its toll on some places.

Who knew?



Lainey INSISTED we stay for this singer's performance.  She cried as we tore her away.

Can't wait to see her in action one day.  She was very impressed.



Back home.


 Night, folks.  Vegas, part 2 is coming up!

17 comments:

The Lenzers said...

send me your hotel digits! I will call Jack while he takes his poo!!! have fun in Vegas

Lauren W said...

I am completely in awe of your ability to blog while on vacation. I am usually sitting somewhere in the dark with Tylenol and a cold compress on my forehead.

I have been to every state in the US but 4, and Nevada is, sadly, one of them. I am living vicariously through your pictures. Looks like you are having a blast.

Dee Stephens said...

Sunset in Vegas was always one of my favorites. Even though I didn't really like living there after the first year that was a good part of the day for me. Also -- Excalibur=DUMP!

Impulsive Addict said...

Seriously, do you EVER just stay at home? You travel soooo freaking much and I'm sick of being jealous! You must be rich.

Vegas can take their drink prices and shove it. That's ridiculous.

I love L's outtie belly button because Emma has one too. She had a hernia when she was born and now it's just a small outtie.

aunt caroline said...

Great post! Wish I was there! I would have DESTROYED that M&M store. Looks like so much fun! Can't wait to hear of your adventures from today... and oh my... that room is fab!

Monica said...

I'm so jealous. I wish I was on vacation right now. And Lainey proposing to Blake? LOVE IT.

Pam Bowers said...

Look at that pool area. My goodness. I loved Lainey's lil wedding with her daddy. Very Vegas appropriate. Such fun...but I don't envy you all that heat. It takes a strong constitution to go there in the summer time.

Kittie Flyn said...

I'm lovin' the updates - I get to vacation vicariously! :)

I'm so jealous that you went to M&M world...walls and walls of delicious *drool* chocolate-y won't melt in your hand goodness? YUMM-Y!

Enjoy BEGAS! I can't wait for the update in which you say you saw Bradley Cooper! ;)

Merry Mack said...

I am not jealous. Ok, maybe a little, but tomorrow is Adventure Tuesday for the Macks so maybe we will do something for everyone else to be jealous of.

Those pictures of Blake and Lainey are so fabulous. Save those for her wedding day.

Have fun in Was Begas!

If the shoe FITZ said...

dude, you got big feet.

Jodee said...

It looks like you are having loads of fun in Was Begas. We honeymooned there 10 years ago and I remember paying $80.00 for two rafts and two cocktails. It was an expensive week!

I can't wait for Day 2!

Allyson and Dave said...

I have stayed at the MGM 5 times and never been in the pool...stupid casino and it's addictive games. We did manage to talk our way into the "mansion" one night. It is the high roller suite. It was the most amazing thing I have ever seen.

Heather said...

Starnes clan rocks! Looks like a blast. Who knew Vegas was so kid friendly? Add it to the list. Everytime I go there (on a layover), I am just amazed. Kids are darling as always. Lainey cracks me up with her vegas pose

Kim said...

Love your family! How cute are the picture of Lainey and Blake! I will do more cathing up tomorrow, can't wait to see the rest!

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