New Years

On New Years Eve Jeff and I took off to Las Vegas! We had been trying to plan a trip with the family but flights were so expensive so we decided to do something just the two of us. This idea came up when I saw that Imagine Dragons would be playing on New Year's Eve in Vegas, but I didn't realize the tickets would be thousands of dollars! So, we didn't see their concert, but had a lot of fun doing many other things. 

We stayed at the Aria, which we have been to in the past and really loved. On New Year's Eve we splurged on the most delicious steak dinner we have ever had. Jeff and I love fine dining, but this was by far the most tender, melt in your mouth, steak we have ever tasted! It was at a restaurant called Jean George's Steakhouse. They also had amazing appy's, sides, and a famous brownie where the ice cream is covered by white chocolate, which is opened up by pouring hot fudge on it. It was amazing! Afterwards, we had booked a rooftop skating party that was actually a lot of fun. We skated on one of the pools that they had frozen and it was actually awesome! It was funny to see there were little dolphins that people were pushing kids around on. We had some drinks and then watched the fireworks from the roof and had a great view. By that point it was 1am our time, so we were exhausted and ready for bed! I realized I am getting a little old for this (but also was a little sick that night too). 

The next day we shopped for most of the day at the Fashion Show Mall, which I think I would say is the best mall I've ever been to. We came prepared with an extra suitcase and went all out buying what we wanted! It was a blast. Afterwards, we went to the magic (and comedy) show "Piff the Magic Dragon." It was really funny and he was very quick with his jokes. The next day we relaxed at the spa! We each got a massage and then used the facilities together. They had an infinity pool, cold/medium/hot pools, steam rooms, and saunas. Jeff and I drank the yummy tea they had and ate all the snacks on a pool chair by the pool. It wasn't super warm on our trip, but at that moment the sun was right on us and we felt like we were in Mexico! We also hit an art museum that day that was really cool. It was mostly screens that made you fell like you were somewhere else, and just a really neat experience. Later that night, we went to a sushi restaurant called, "Catch." It was super delicious and completely up my alley.

We loved sleeping in every day and doing whatever we wanted! It's always a nice change to our everyday lives when we get away for a bit. Let's also not forget the most delicious breakfast place "Salt and Ivy." Their avocado toast and Dutch pancakes are to die for!

We had a mix of babysitters while we were on this trip to make it work. It started with my parents, then Jeff's parents, then Ryley. We were incredibly grateful to them all for helping us out and making it so the kids didn't miss us one bit. In fact, I think they were a little sad when we came home and got back to real life!

We were, however, sad that we missed New Years with the kids. So, we decided to pretend it was New Years when we got home and have a meat and chocolate fondue, bubbly, and watch our family videos from the year. It's probably the kids' favorite tradition we have, so we didn't want to miss it! It was a blast to be with them again and have such a good time. That marks the end of 2024!