Vegas - 8 years later

Last week, I went to Las Vegas for the second time in my life. I was there Wednesday through Sunday. The main reason for the trip was to attend some meetings for work on Thursday and Friday. But it was also the perfect opportunity to invite my Mom to meet me there to spend some time together. Since I no longer live in my home state, we miss our girl time......

The first time I had ever been to Vegas was with my Mom also - about 8 years ago. She had driven my Grandpa out there, since he is afraid to fly, and my Grandma and I flew out to meet them there.

I couldn't believe how much it had stayed the same, yet changed. There were many more new hotels since I had been there and I can't remember what was imploded down for the space. Right next to where we stayed - the Monte Carlo - there is a huge complex going up called The City Center. There are multiple towers (hotels and condos) and a shopping center. When I had first been out there, I was not married yet (although close to it). So it was interesting for me to be there now that I have grown and matured so much. I am not really a gambler, so I can't even say that I put so much as a quarter in the slots. But what I love about Vegas is the shows, the wonderful restaurants, the shopping, and the beauty of some of the hotels.

Here is a picture of Mom and I at dinner on Friday night. We ate at the Eiffel Tower restaurant at the Paris hotel. Then we were off to see Cirque du Soleil present The Beetles, Love at the Mirage.
This is the view from our dinner table at the Eiffel Tower restaurant. I love the fountains at the Bellagio!

On Saturday, we went to the Bellagio for breakfast and to see their gardens. Here is a mini Bellagio display they had in the gardens.

They had the gardens decorated for Fall - it was so beautiful! It even smelled like Fall in there. We think they must have scents come in through the vents! Even in 90 degree weather, Fall can be created in Vegas!!!

Gorgeous glass lights in the entry to the Bellagio - I can't recall the artist, I will have to look it up.

On Saturday night, we saw Phantom of the Opera at the Venetian.

The shows we saw were wonderful! The food we ate was great! We really enjoyed ourselves, but man, does that city take a lot out of a person! We did so much walking I don't know if my legs and feet will ever be the same! At least I walked off all that rich food I ate!

Now it's back to reality, and trying to get back into a routine. As much as Vegas and I have both changed in the past 8 years, it is still a place the makes you forget about reality. I guess that means Vegas is doing what it is supposed to be doing!