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!

Mini Scoop

Dana Point kayaking, first up.

I probably shouldn't say it, but Carter is a total bad ass.  Seriously.  10 years old and he's already fighting the waves in a single kayak.  This was the first time I had seen him in action, as we don't own one and he often goes with friends sans Mom.

It was impressive.

There he is......while his friend, Daniel, rides tandem with his dad.  They go all day.  Quite the workout.  We kayaked in Mexico when he was 4.  It's not easy in the ocean.

Little ones and I checked out the campground.  I can't wait to go!  Sleeping on the beach and hearing the waves crash at night?  Yes, please.

Carter's friends rented an RV and camped in style.  Jack and Lainey checked everything out.

I want an RV. 

Jack was super helpful.  He did all sorts of clean up and hauling with the big boys.

Laine was more interested in the Cheetos.

He did make time, however, to set up camp with the family next door.  Hauled his chair over there like always.  It's a good thing I'm well poised to take rejection.



I want a sailboat, yall.  Might have to auction of a kid to make it happen.

We will be here for the next several days.  Pool side or touring the gawdiness that is Las Vegas.  I can't wait.


A few little bits:

*The vacation fairy is slated to arrive in "Was Begas".  I know what you're thinking......the trip is enough.....and it is, but I'm using this little opportunity to sneak in some things I want them to have, all in the name of fun.  What they don't know is that indulging in these snacks and activities will help me stay on budget each day.  Dumbies.

*I love champagne.  And, when I think of Vegas, I think of sitting pool side with a glass of champagne. It does not fit in my calorie range, however.  And, sipping on Vodka seems entirely less responsible than champagne.  Damn.

*The kids have a million grand ideas of what we're going to do while there.  Carter is planning on zip lining, swimming with sharks and seeing a pirate ship come to life.  Oddly, all of these things might actually happen.

*Back soon with our first update via Was Begas......pending time and accessibility.

Have a great weekend!

Dana Point on Dwellable