Viva Las Vegas!

The happy couple on their wedding day
(image courtesy of Simon's FB page)

Stew and I went to Vegas together for the first time years ago, and we've been back for quite a few trips since then.

This time, we were headed down to see Stew's cousin Simon and his new wife Lisa on their honeymoon! Simon and Lisa got married in England the weekend before, and since Vegas has always been on Lisa's bucket list they decided it would be the perfect honeymoon destination. And since it's just a quick two hour flight for us, we popped down for a few days to say congrats and see the sights (and get some much-needed sun).

Sometimes I'm in a photography mood, and sometimes I'm not, and for some reason on this trip I just felt like enjoying myself, rather than documenting every single moment. However, I did manage to get a few shots... Enjoy!

Hangin' on the strip with the beautiful bride.

The last time I went to Vegas the pools weren't open, so this trip we were super excited to spend quite a bit of time poolside.

Temps in the 90s the whole time we were there, and I couldn't get enough!
This cheers was for Brett and Haley, who were supposed to join us on this trip but
had to cancel at the last minute due to a death in the family...
we missed them so much!

Tropical paradise, complete with flamingos outside our hotel. I love these guys!

Cool firefighter tribute on the strip, and check out this shirt I found from my home town!

On our way to see Cirque de Soleil's Zumanity, which we've been dying to check out!
The show was absolutely FANTASTIC, definitely a must see (adults only).

Fountains at the Bellagio, obviously a Las Vegas staple.

Notice my flip flops... I would normally be wearing towering high heels in Vegas, but I got
some monster blisters on the first night so I had no choice. Sigh.

I finally made it to Fremont Street, the original Las Vegas strip! I just loved the vibe out here... super old school.
Stew and I did the Flightlinez zip line over the crowds, and then we had dinner and just wandered around,
checking out the sights and doing some cheap gambling. I liked it so much I think I would honestly consider
staying here in the future! As long as the Golden Nugget has a decent pool, of course.

Friday night we checked out the Sirens of TI show at Treasure Island, because Stew and I remembered it being really
good on our last trip. Unfortunately it seems things have changed. What was once an exciting pirate show has turned into
a dance number with moderately talented, scantily clad girls. Meh, I'd skip it.

New York New York has always been one of my favorite hotels; we really need to stay here on one of our trips.

On our way to Excalibur to see Zumanity. This was a super long walk; I always forget how long the Vegas Strip is!

And Paris, an all-time favorite. I've still never been to the night club that's halfway up the tower, but
it seems like it's always hoppin' when we walk by.

And finally, our Las Vegas home-away-from-home, the Flamingo.
Stew and I have stayed here on our past three trips, and it's always been awesome. Even though it's an older hotel, the rooms
have been renovated, the pool is nice, and the rates are cheap. They also have $5 black jack in the casino... sign me up.

We saw some shows, ate some food, did some gambling, and soaked up some much needed sunshine. I was hoping to win enough money that I wouldn't have to go back to work on Monday (or ever) but unfortunately Vegas got us again... why does the house always win?!

I can't really tell you about anything else, because, well... what happens in Vegas stays in Vegas, duh. But it was a fantastic trip and we always have a fabulous time with Simon and Lisa... it's unfortunate that we live so far away from one another, but we make the best of it and see them whenever we can. Hopefully the next time will be sooner rather than later.

Cheers to the newlyweds!