We finally took a "real" Vegas vacation. Of course we go to Las Vegas quite frequently to see my family but we've never really had a trip where we go all out as if we were regular tourists. This time, we did! We planned this trip along with Peter's brother Alex and his wife Tawny.
The first night we went to the Hooters Casino for dinner at, naturally, Hooters. I have never eaten at Hooters before so I was cautious. Turns out the food was great, the atmosphere was nothing too extreme, and we had a good time. I really liked my food so I will definitely go back (whether or not I have a male with me!) Plus, the girls are quite covered up compared to a couple places we've been to in Dallas - Twin Peaks and 3rd Base. Afterwards, Tawny and I played a little penny slots mainly as a way to sit down while the boys played at the tables. I came away a winner! $16.50 - thank you penny slots. :)
The next morning we got up, went to breakfast, and headed out to go to the Hoover Dam. None of us have been to the Dam before so it was really cool to see. We were going to go on the tour that actually went inside the dam but the wait was over 2 hours so we opted for the tour that took us through the powerstation. It was really interesting learning all about the dam, how it was built, and all the electricity it generates.
The room with half of the generators in it - huge! 
Peter on the lake side of the dam
Looking down from the top on the river sideWe then went to the outlets and did some shopping followed by dinner at the MGM Grand Buffet. That night we went to go see KA - a cirque du soleil show. It was awesome! I love the cirq' shows they are always so inventive, unique, and jaw-droppingly amazing.
Me and Peter
Alex and TawnyOur next day was spent mainly on the strip. We walked around, shopped, gambled, ate, etc. We had dinner at Cafe Rio (another must when in Vegas) and then headed over to the Green Valley Ranch. Alex wanted to play some Texas Hold 'Em Poker and Peter played Blackjack. My friend Tida and her fiance Jason (who recently moved from Dallas to Vegas) came over and we got some time to visit, which was nice. Afterwards, we met up with Kimberly and Lalo late that night for the show Blue Man Group. We had seats in the center of the second row in the "poncho zone". And boy did we need those ponchos! I had a jello mold thing shoot off the stage right at me. We were splashed by paint and then the worst was when mashed bananas hit us. It was ALL over me. The poncho didn't help much because at that point in the show I was feeling pretty safe so I had taken down the hood. BAD MOVE. I ended up with bananas all in my hair, my arms, my chest, etc. It was really a fun show though.
Tawny, Alex, Peter, Kallie, Lalo, Kimberly
Me in my poncho
Kimberly, BLUE MAN, and Lalo
Peter, BLUE MAN, and AlexThe next day Alex and Tawny went home so Peter and I got to spend some good time with my sisters and their families. After we dropped Alex and Tawny off at the airport though we headed to the strip and walked around the new city center a little and did some more gamblings. (Overall I ended up losing about 25.00 total gambling but was able to get in a lot of time playing. I was up on the slots and down on Blackjack.) At the Amos/Mejia household, Lalo made his famous carne asada (OH SO YUMMY!!!!) and while he was grilling it, we got to watch how Tyler and Kaitlyn now can ride 2 wheel bikes. I am stunned with how old they are getting. For example, on this trip we helped Kaitlyn with homework. It's kind of weird for me because I don't feel like I'm getting older but yet there are visual reminders like this of how time is passing. I still think I'm basically the same person I was 5 years ago and not much has changed. Sometimes I think that maybe I'm missing some boat because I'm not experiencing major shifts or changes in my own life... ??? Anyway, sorry for the digression.
Hayden on the scooter 
Tyler and Kaity riding bikes 
The Grill Master - Lalo
Joe and Hayden
Kaitlyn and DadDad came over to enjoy dinner as well. We even got a little "Just Dance" in on the wii but couldn't get Dad to participate. :)
One of the nights, after Alex and Tawny left we went out to dinner with Tida and Jason. We went to this great Spanish tapas restaurant called FireFly. It was sooooo good. We had tons of food, good drinks, and great conversation. I sure miss Tida and wish they still lived in Texas! After dinner we went to a club and had drinks while we watched people dance. That's what you do when you go to Vegas, right? We stayed out late and had a really good time. :)
Peter and Hayden
We ended our Vegas Vacation by having lunch with dad at a buffet before heading off for home. It was a really fun vacation and I loved all the time I got to spend visiting with family and friends. It makes it hard to go back home where we don't really have any of that, yet.
One of the nights, after Alex and Tawny left we went out to dinner with Tida and Jason. We went to this great Spanish tapas restaurant called FireFly. It was sooooo good. We had tons of food, good drinks, and great conversation. I sure miss Tida and wish they still lived in Texas! After dinner we went to a club and had drinks while we watched people dance. That's what you do when you go to Vegas, right? We stayed out late and had a really good time. :)
Peter and HaydenWe ended our Vegas Vacation by having lunch with dad at a buffet before heading off for home. It was a really fun vacation and I loved all the time I got to spend visiting with family and friends. It makes it hard to go back home where we don't really have any of that, yet.
