Viva Las Vegas!

Have I mentioned how much I love teaching because of all the breaks you get?!! I will never be able to go back to a job where you only have 2 weeks off a year. This past week I had a 4 day weekend. Monday was MLK day of course but the Friday before, we had off just to have off. Apparently elementary schools have to align with secondary schools who ended their term so we had the day off. It was called a recess day. Although I don't fully understand it, I'm not questioning it! So having a 4 day weekend usually means some sort of road trip for me and this time is was LAS VEGAS!
I know I don't live that far away from it, but I must admit that this was my first time visiting Vegas. I've driven through several times but never went down to the strip or anything. I went with my good friend Kristen who has been several times since her brother and his family live there and I don't think I could have gone with anyone better who would have shown me a true Vegas experience :)

We walked through the Bellagio and saw the botanical gardens,

then saw several of the fountain shows.

 

We walked a little of the strip as well. There were some interesting conferences and events going on this weekend but we managed to avoid most of the creepers. 

 

We had a delicious breakfast buffet that messed my stomach up for the rest of the day Friday (surprise, surprise), played some bingo, and spent plenty of time in the casinos. I think I only lost about $10 :). I have pretty good self control but can definitely see how gambling is addicting. Getting a bonus or free spins on a slot machine was very satisfying and I wanted to just try one more! I did win my money back a few times at least.

Saturday night was the highlight of the trip for me. You can't go to Vegas without hitting up a show and we decided to see Celine Dion. My friend Kristen is a huge fan and has seen her several times. I'm not as big a fan but am not ashamed to say I love me some Celine as well. We did have to wait in the stand-by line for a couple of hours but it was definitely worth it. The show was awesome and made me even more excited and anxious to see Titanic in 3D!!

We also hit up the outlet malls, ate at the very delicious Capriotti's sandwich shop, and stayed up way later than I normally do. It was a wonderful trip and I'm glad I was able to go. Now it's back to work for a long 5 weeks before another day off, but who is counting? :)