Weekend Excursion

My last post was what I was working on last Thursday and was interrupted by time. I did get my hair braided and it's lovely. Did I mention that my hubby asked me to take Friday, October 20th off a few weeks ago? I did and had no idea what was up, until I got home from my hair appointment. The dog was gone (clue 1) and he asked me to pack a suitcase for the girls (clue 2). That evening, as we lay in bed snuggling, he told me that we would be gone until Sunday afternoon. Still, no idea as to what lay ahead.

The next morning, we took our eldest to school and dropped my car of at the shop to get my tune up and fuel system tune up. Then, off to my mother's to drop off our baby. Drop off the baby?! My mother took the day off to take care of her, at my hubby's request. Amaing! I was completely awestruck. Normally, you have to book an appointment with her, just for the girls to have a play date. The next stop was hubby's bank for quick cash then, off we went on the open road. We talked for hours and hung out like we did when we used to date. It was fantastic! We ended up in...

LAS VEGAS!!

The Orleans was our place of refuge. What a beautiful hotel! Of course, I always forget that I'm going to smell like a smokestack after walking through a casino. Ugh! The room was large with a fabulous, king-sized bed. That Friday, we went to the outlet stores and did a bit of shopping. Afterwards, we grabbed something to eat then back to the hotel. Before going down to the casino, hubby had his wicked way.

We walked around the pit area to get better aquainted with what the hotel had to offer. Several eateries (including our favorite, the French Market Buffet), three bars, two lounge areas, a bowling alley (75 lanes), a huge arcade and a movie theater. The color scheme was inviting and fun, without being tacky and univiting. It was fabulous! We left the hotel briefly and visited the Albertsons down the road where we found liquor at discount prices. Sweet! We stocked up (damn you Utah state liquor stores!) Back to the hotel after our little tour, jaunt to the grocers and this time, I had my wicked way with hubby.

Saturday morning, we dined at the French Market buffet and remembered why we loved it so much. It was awesome! Then, off to the Ross Dress for Less for more shopping. We picked up several Christmas items for the girls and other family members. Afterwards, around the corner to the Stratosphere. Hubby buys the Xtreme pass which gives us access to everything in the tower and an unlimited ride pass. Ohmigosh! Those were the scariest rides I've ever been on (insert scary ride pictures/Insanity, Xscream and Big shot). We took picture of me looking like I was about to meet my maker. You know, I'm as adventurous as the next person and I love thrill rides, but this took things to a whole new level. You're 900 feet above the city just hanging there or spinning or dropping. It's so intense! I could only manage one ride each, hubby was off and going for a second ride. I was supportive from a distance.

Next, down Sahara and over to Maryland Parkway. I'm in Vegas, so I gotta buy hair. Seems strange, I know but there aren't a lot of resources here in Utah. Usually, I pay $2.00 or more per bag of pre-braided hair for the babe. In Vegas, it's half that. We stocked up then off to Popeyes for lunch, which unfortunately wasn't very good. Back to the outlet stores (hubby needed dress shirts for church) where we shopped for a few hours. In 'n Out for dinner! Can't go to Nevada or California without a stop there. At the hotel, we gambled a bit on the Star Wars slot machine, where I won about fifty bucks and hubby about sixty. I continually expressed my thanks and love for his planning prowess and ability to keep it secret from me. It was the best weekend I've had in years!

By Saturday evening, we were missing our girls and looked forward to the return home to see them. Even though we missed them, this did not stop us from drinking ourselves into a stupor and then knocking wholes in the wall (or at least, that's what it sounded like). I guess our neighbors got an ear-full. With kids in the house, noise levels must be maintained. Not so when you're away and no one knows who you are.

Sunday, we made our way home, picked up our girls and relaxed for the weekend. I will never forget this kindest of gestures, not just because hubby gave me the "skys the limit" okay, but because he recognized how tired I was and burned out, then did something about it. I'll always be grateful for that. Now, it's back to reality.