Some people have been sheltering in place for a year and are just now coming out of hibernation. For us, it has only been a month, but like standard Grant and Luke shenanigans we definitely packed in quite a bit. At this time, we have decided to pause the adoption process and have been riding that emotional roller coaster. We are looking at different options to pursue, but giving ourselves a break for a bit to figure out what we want to do.
With no screaming kids in the picture, we decided to join the Newman clan on their first outing to Las Vegas. Grant and I had been during the pandemic, but this was the first time since most states have reopened from the pandemic. Along the way, Grant convinced his brother, Jake, and friend, Louis, to join in the festivities as well. Everyone came on different planes, but we all arrived ready to have a great time.
After getting a rental car and checking into our hotel— we met up with Jake and Luis for a room escape in the Basement. Emily, Grant, and I had done one at this place before and we knew that it was fun. This room was fun as I was initially trapped in a room by myself and then at one point, Jake was made to get into a coffin. We got out with plenty of time remaining to cement our current win streak.
Afterward, we met up with Rachele and Joseph and everyone ate at Giada’s in the Cromwell. The service was top-notch, the view was great, but the food was just…ehh… When you charge $30 for spaghetti you expect it to be earth-shattering. Of course, I over-ordered and wanted to try anything that sounded good. I am maintaining my weight so why not splurge!
We paid, people ran to the bathroom, and after a few other delays— we rushed out of the restaurant to find everyone else in Las Vegas waiting impatiently in their cars. The strip was bumper to bumper and with a show happening at 8 it was going to be close. Eventually, we escaped the gridlock and attempt to valet at the Luxor for our Carrot Top show. Unfortunately, the valet was closed! So I dropped everyone off, ended up driving down the street to Mandalay Bay, parked, and rushed over. Everyone got there right when Carrot Top started and I was about 10 minutes late. He was surprisingly funny and current on his jokes, which made for a fun show.
The rest of the evening was open so we went back to Harrah’s to gamble. Is it still gambling if we gave the casino our money? I think I should rephrase and say, “[t]he rest of the evening was open so we went back to Harrah’s to donate a lot of money to the casino.” Emily kept winning, which was exciting for her. So I guess it was less of a donation and more of a transference of wealth. Needless to say — Grant and I kept losing.
Sunday morning we were up early, which is an unfortunate trend we cannot buck. We laid in bed until brunch with everyone at Monami Gabi. This place is yummy and we were able to see a fountain show at the Bellagio across the street. Jake had an earlier flight than everyone so we dropped him off at the airport before returning to the Mandalay Bay for a quick dip in the lazy river. After about an hour, we cleaned up and went to Area 15 for Meow Wolf Vegas Part 2.
The first time around Grant and I did not finish due to time constraints. This was a real bummer, and I wanted to know what happened. Emily joined us this time around and filled in the gaps where we got stuck last time. Grant’s attention span was good for 30 minutes before he was bored and so he wandered around the exhibit hall. After an hour and a half, we finished the puzzle and unlocked the ending that I missed last time.
Time flew by and by the time we turned around, it was dinner time at Lotus of Siam. I raved about this place before, but I will do so again! It’s delicious. We got out favorites including the garlic shrimp and crispy rice and tried a few different items that everyone else ordered. The portions are large enough to share, which helped with me over ordering like usual. Before returning home for the evening, we all piled on top of one and other and went to check out the new Virgin Atlantic Hotel. As soon as we pulled out Rachel spotted a police cruiser so I just casually pulled right back into the spot and let the nice officer pass. Then we slowly made our way over. For it being a Memorial Day weekend— it was pretty dead but was a nice calm to have to end our eventful day.
The next morning Grant was revved up to go to the pool. He wanted to stay at Mandalay Bay just for the pool so we had to go more than once. I swam and then laid out with Rachel for a bit. Grant attempted to tan through towels as to avoid being sunburned. We quickly changed, packed up, and were home before we knew it. Not the most action-packed weekend we have been on, but definitely, a good starter trip to get us back in the swing of things!