Paige

Hi Paige - Here is a store named Paige! I think they sell women's clothing. I didn't go in but thought you would like to see a store with your name!

To Ethan

Hi Ethan - Here are the pictures of the fountains we were telling you about. This would be a perfect job for you someday. The fountains are synchronized to music and they are lit up at night and beautiful to watch. You could combine your music knowledge and engineering and have quite a fun career! They are right in front of our hotel and we had dinner in a restaurant that overlooks the water and were able to watch them while we ate. It was a really fun night!

Perfect Day

There are hundreds of shops in Vegas and nothing that I want to buy! Just not really my type of stuff. It's fun to look at some of them but I am not really into the status type stuff and big name label stuff and that's what it is. Neither Bill or I like gambling. So that leaves eating and shows both of which we do like. No, this was or would not be a place I would go if I was to choose a weekend away with my husband. We prefer the historical, quaint, less touristy, less flashy places.

Bill has been to Vegas a couple of times for work. Each time he has said I need to go the next time. No matter where we go we always have a great time! He knew we would find things to do that fit our style and have some time away together. Honestly I don't care where we go, I treasure every minute we have together like this.

Today we wandered around the Venetian shops, had lunch and went on the Gondola ride. Perfect!

Bill enjoyed a tequila sampler.

The Venetian

Vegas At Night

Hi Kids!

Last night we went to "Paris" and went to the top of the "Eiffel Tower". Vegas is much like Disneyland for kids. The ride to the top of the tower was quick and the views were awesome. We were able to see our hotel and the fountains, we could see every direction for miles. Very romantic!

Here is our hotel, The Bellagio

Rest and Relaxation

Here are some pictures of our hotel, The Bellagio. The lobby has Chihuly Persians hanging at the entrance. This horse is right under the Chihuly sparkly!




There are many statues and painted ceilings throughout the hotel.


These are my favorites.

The conservatory is beautiful and filled with Asian gazebos, bridges, plants, and bamboo.

The year of the tiger.

Baby Panda

Lunch

This is Jean-Philippe Patisserie in the Bellagio. We pass this multiple times to our room and they have amazing pastries, cakes, and crepes. Not to mention the world's largest chocolate fountain. Ethan - I took a picture below of all the information from Guinness World Records for you to look at. It is amazing!

This is the Indulgence and I had it for lunch yesterday. I wasn't too hungry since we had a big breakfast which included prime rib, shrimp, and ice cream. Remember how you have cupcakes for breakfast on your birthday Erin?! This was my birthday lunch a little early.

Donny....

Donny & Marie!

I'm tagging along with Bill while he is in Vegas to speak at a conference. We have the weekend to ourselves and enjoying every minute, it does not happen often so we are making the most of it. Tonight was the highlight of the trip for me...

Donny and Marie, live at the Flamingo Showroom, front row with VIP passes for backstage. Bill is a very good man! I admit that I am spoiled rotten. But with my 40th birthday looming ahead this summer I have decided to celebrate ALL year long and this is part of that celebration. I have been excited for tonight for weeks. I used to watch Donny and Marie every Friday night when I was 8 and nine years old. It was the highlight of my week, get in my pajamas and eat pizza in front of the TV, blissfully watching Donny and Marie sing and dance. I loved it!

When we found out they were performing in Vegas, Bill not only said to get tickets but insisted that I get the good seats and the meet and great. Having seen Donny and Marie in 1978 at the Palace Theatre in Columbus with my dad, I realize that it could be another 30 years from now before I could see them again. I was not disappointed! What a fantastic show! Bill and I both loved it. It was high energy, great singing, funny goofy brother/sister stuff, and lots of dancing. Fabulous!

I promised the girls pictures when they get up Saturday so here goes.


Girls - These are the backstage passes that we had to wear to go see Donny. Marie was not feeling well so she slipped out early and we didn't get to meet her. We got to keep the passes so you can see them when I get home.


Meeting Donny, he was charming!


My photo op!

Here is Donny looking at the ticket stub I brought with me from when I saw him in 1978. He was cracking up when he saw it. He thought it was amazing that I still had it and could not believe the price on it, $14.75!

Girls - I also have an autographed picture for all of us to share. I got to see the mirror ball trophy from Dancing with the Stars, he had it in the show. It was really neat! I also got a book for you to look at from the show and I did find you all some t-shirts, they are a little big but you can always sleep in them! Daddy and I had the best time. We were right in the front row by the stairs of the stage and both Donny and Marie were singing and dancing right in front of us the whole night. It was very cool! Love you all, can't wait to share more with you when I get home. Mommy