VEGAS

Oh my God. Vegas was incredible. Just... wow.

We flew in on Saturday morning and headed to the rental car lot. Thanks to the helpful Hertz guy, my President's Circle status, and the discounted rate through my job, we got a convertible Camaro for $40 a day.

You just don't turn down the option for a convertible for that price in Vegas.

The trip went by so fast and was SO MUCH FUN. (Even with disappointing hotel service)

At the end of the trip, Foxy Grandpa and I were talking about our favorite parts, and it was so hard to decide on the highlights because it was ALL so good.

We started with a private limo tour of the city, including stops at the historic 'Welcome to Las Vegas' sign, the Mirage, the Bellagio, and Freemont Street.
WOW, Freemont Street. I could go there every day. It was spectacular. The limo was pretty awesome, too. I'd never been in a limo before.

Then we woke up Saturday and got to see Luke. He gave us a tour of his job, which involves creating concentrates from marijuana (all completely legal). The tour was fascinating and scientific and I'm incredibly impressed at the mad scientist antics that my brother is involved in. That industry is about to explode and he's one of the few skilled scientists in the country. I'm so unbelievably proud of him.

Then we crammed into the camaro and visited the Hoover Dam, which was cool but freaking HOT. I'd like to go back when it's cooler to see all the different things.

That evening we dressed up and caught Absinthe at Caesar's Palace, which was a fantastic show. I loved every minute. We had great seats and the show was hilarious.

A little gambling ended the night, err... morning. It was 3am or so when we finally got back to the hotel room... which wound up being a trend. Everything in Vegas is so spectacular that time goes by so fast and the next thing you know you're falling asleep in a casino at 4am. I loved it.

Sunday involved a little sleeping in, then meeting Luke and Natalie at the Stratosphere, which is really close to where they live. The view was incredible. We had a drink and watched the city light up. Planes flew in, helicopters zoomed by, and a dust storm rolled in. I got to visit with Luke a bit and hear some stories from his adventures over the past couple years. Foxy Grandpa and Natalie enjoyed a few rides at the top of the building while Luke and I cheered them on because rides don't exactly thrill us haha.

Then we visited a nearby dispensary so that Foxy Grandpa could sample the concentrates that Luke had made and we could visit for a bit. I loved visiting Luke. I haven't seen him since Frank got married, and I've never seen him in his element. I'm so impressed with everything and so proud of him.

Foxy grandpa got a pretty good high, so I drove us back to the hotel with the top down, cruising down the strip amidst the lights and glitter. It was gorgeous. We stopped at the hotel convenience store and spent 30 bucks on snacks, then we gambled at the casino until I started to fall asleep. We didn't win anything but had so much fun.

Then it was time to go back home. The days were jam-packed and fun and we're already planning another trip early next year, probably with Ash and Collin.
I really want to try that big ferris wheel thing and the eiffel tower and will definitely go back to freemont street. And walk around some of the casinos and drive into the mountains to see some snow.

Overall, it was an absolute blast and I'm so happy we had such a good visit. I know Foxy Grandpa loves Vegas and would go back just for the city, but he keeps focusing on the fact that we'll go back to see Luke and it's such an important distinction.