What to See and Where to Eat in Las Vegas

When Gary and I were looking at places to go to celebrate our 10 year anniversary, our priorities were; 3 nights, affordable, warm, good food, and fun.  For our 5 year anniversary we did a relaxing getaway so this time we were ready for something different. Gary had never been to Las Vegas and I had only gone once 10 years ago. I'm sharing this as a review in case any of you decide to go to Vegas. I think I've realized that food is very important to us!

We stayed at the Monte Carlo, a 4 star hotel on the strip, and were really happy with it in regards to location, cleanliness, hospitality and smell (so much smoking in Vegas casinos!!).

We planned all of the restaurants that we wanted to eat at beforehand by asking for recommendations and checking out reviews.  Then, we could decide where we would eat each day due to their locations.  This might sound a bit extreme but that freed up so much time to just enjoy our time there. We also booked our shows ahead of time.  You can get two for ones once you arrive but I had no problem getting them online.

Day 1:
We arrived at about 6 pm and got settled in our room.  We went to 800 Degrees Pizza which was on the outside of our hotel.  Great food, fast, affordable.

Then, we walked all the way to Treasure Island (about 3 km's away) to go to our first show; Mystere.  We enjoyed the Bellagio fountains on the way there.

Mystere (Cirque Du Soleil) was beautiful and the high trapeze act had me sweating!   I had worn my nice dress and heels but packed a pair of sandals to walk back in.  I wish I could have taken pictures of the shows but believe me when I say that it was magical.


Day 2:
We went to Mon Ami Gabi for breakfast and were able to sit on the patio.  The ambiance, service and food were all great.  Definitely sit on the patio if you eat there, it's so fun to people watch.

{You can see the view in Gary's glasses}

We spent some time in the Lazy River at the hotel as well as the hot tub.  The weather was perfect in the upper 20's.  We each gambled $1.00.

Then we went to Bobby Flay's Mesa Grill in Caesar's Palace for lunch.  I had a chicken skewer dish and Gary had Chili Relleno.  The atmosphere was really nice, my meal was good, but I think it was a tad overpriced.  Gary really loved his Chili Relleno. What I did love was the bread basket that they brought, it was a variation of cornbread, jalepeno bread and raisin bread.  Maybe it's because we haven't had white bread in months, but wow, yum.

We walked around and visited the M&M store (Gary has always collected dispensers) and walked through several of the hotels.

We just went to the Shake Shack for dinner as it was super close and affordable.  The burgers and shakes were really good!

We had tickets to go see  V The Ultimate Variety Show at Planet Hollywood which I had gotten through a Groupon.  It was entertaining and such a great variety of everything from extreme juggling to magic to rollerskating performers.  The only one I couldn't watch was Turf the contortionist, it is just too much for me.   For the price, I thought it was good.  After the show, we took the Deuce (double decker bus which costs $8 for 24 hours) to Fremont Street.

It took almost an hour to get there with all of the stops and it was so busy.  Fremont Street is a 5 block covered area of pure party.  We were there St. Patrick's Day and took a quick walk through but it was a little beyond my comfort level in regards to the, uh, outfits (or lack thereof).  Taking the zipline overhead there would've been cool.

{This is my `I'm really tired  and want to go back to the hotel' face}

We stayed for maybe 30 minutes and went home.  That day, we had walked 20 km.

Day 3:
We got up early and got our rental car from the hotel at 7:30 am.  I had booked it ahead of time to save money.  We used this day to eat at restaurants outside of walking distance and went to EAT near Fremont.  It was super friendly and huge portions.

Then we drove 30 minutes to Red Rock Canyon.  It costs $7 to get into the park for the day and it was so worth it.  We picked up a map at the Visitor Center and a friend had advised us on what hikes to try out.

The park is a loop that takes about 30 minutes to drive through. It is just one way traffic and you can stop at parking lots along the way to hike.  We did the Calico Tanks Trail which was rated as moderate and 1.5-3 hours.

 I highly recommend this beautiful hike. Perfect distance, difficulty and view.

 I wish that we had brought our wide angle lens but we just did carry on baggage to save time and money so we were a little tight on room.  Next time, we'd ditch a pair of shoes and take the wide angle lens :)

If you need something easier, just stay in the Calico Trails.  This was such a highlight for me, I loved it!  It was a breath of fresh air in more ways than one.

 If you want a more difficult hike, Turtlehead Peak would also be beautiful.

 We then drove the rest of the loop and did a small walk (Willow Springs Loop-not very pretty) and then drove back into town.

We went to the Lotus of Siam for lunch directly after the hike (yes, I was a tad sweaty).  When you see the outside of the building, you'll wonder why I recommended it, but once inside, it makes sense.  They have amazing Thai food and have received so many awards.  It was highly recommended to us and we both really enjoyed it.  Gary had a duck curry dish and I had a Bangkok beef noodle one.

We went back to our hotel and got cleaned up and relaxed a bit.  We decided then to book tickets for the Blue Man Group which was playing at our hotel.

{I wore a cute dress to the show but didn't get a picture before or after as it was chaos around there.  This face is my `I really didn't get it' look.}

 We did a quick shopping stop at ROSS across the road, relaxed by the pool, and then went to the show.  You guys, something must be wrong with me.  I did not like the Blue Man Group.  I didn't smile or clap.  I don't like drawn out awkward humour.  If someone can tell a joke in 10 seconds or 10 minutes, I very much prefer 10 seconds. I love visual beauty but the effects seemed 10 years old.  I've seen many of those things before and maybe if I had as many drinks as everyone else I'd like it more?  I didn't even get a picture with them afterwards.  Gary liked it more than I did, but still not as much as the majority of people there.   We did one last walk to the Bellagio fountains and went and sat outside New York New York, at the Shake Shack, sharing a peanut butter milkshake while people watching.

Day 4:
We got up at 7am to head to the Hash House A Go Go as the last time we tried to get in it had an hour wait.  We got there before 8 am and had no line.  The servings are huge and we probably would have shared a dish had we known.

It was packed with so many men waiting for March Madness to start one hour later.  We liked it but I definitely couldn't eat a meal like that more than once in a trip! Then, we walked back, packed, and headed to the airport!

Gary and I had a great time together.  It's funny because we considered just taking it easy one night and Gary said, `We can relax when we get home!'.  Three kids is more relaxing than Vegas.   It took about 12 hours to get our groove of just being together without kids and on holidays.  It was our very first time flying together without kids and I've never been away from Nya for more than one night!   We are so thankful for Gary's parents who watched our kids and ensured that we could have a great time without worrying about them.  I'm glad we went to Vegas.  It was a different sort of vacation than we had done before and we definitely crammed in about 5 years worth of dates into the 4 days :)  We would not do this trip with our kids, although a lot of people did, so it was a good one for us as a couple.

I would love to hear your thoughts on Vegas!  Have you been? Would you?  Now I'm looking forward to our 15th wedding anniversary trip...wherever that may be!

Love,
Louise

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Thankful Thursday {Marriage Edition}

Yesterday was the 10 year anniversary of Gary asking me to marry him.  When he asked me, it was so surreal.  I knew it was going to happen but I felt like we were acting.  I think I responded with `This is so crazy!' instead of `Yes!'.

{At Green Lake the day after getting engaged}

We had a rocky dating relationship (we broke up twice) and I'm so thankful that we worked through it.  I knew one week into dating that we would get married and he wasn't as, uh, convinced.  So today's `Thankful Thursday' is a different one.

In my marriage with Gary, I am thankful for:

1. His patience. I'm a little more moody than he is.  I get worked up.  I get ideas.  I get irritated.  His calm response can bring me back to normal or at least in that direction.

2. His cooking skills and his desire to show his love to me through it.  It took me until year 8 to understand that this is him saying `I love you'.  I'm so thankful that he supports my/our new way of eating.

3. His superdad skills. I'll admit it, he's more fun.

4. The desire for both of us to work on our marriage.  We are now in the best place we've been.   I know it won't stay this way.  Now that we know we can work on it and see great results, it will help  us the next time we find ourselves in a rut.

5. A solid foundation.  We both believe that God brought us together and continues to work in and through us.

6. His faith in me.  He pretty much thinks I can do anything except become an Olympic athlete.  This was a real conversation by the way.  Ask me about my shot put and discus skills one day...

7. The fact that he always finds me attractive.  I never doubt it.

8.  Each of us being able to take leadership.  We each enjoying being leaders and so somehow we have worked it out that we know when to lead and when to follow.  I have definitely learned not to `lead' while he is driving.

9. His openness to my ideas.  Adoption.  Fostering.  Traveling. Renovating.  Removal of refined sugar...

10.  Both of us being open to growth.  Desiring it. Seeking it. As parents, spouses, friends and believers.

 I honestly had no idea it would be as hard as it is at times but it's so worth it.  I think we make a great team and there's no one else I'd rather spend my time with.

Have a happy and thankful Thursday.

Love,
Louise

PS As always, please leave a comment letting me know what YOU are thankful for today!

Our 24 Hour Date

On Thursday it was my 36th birthday and to celebrate we had many things planned!  Back in the beginning of July, I won Fort Langley's Ultimate Dream Date so we decided to do it all on my birthday.  Unfortunately the helicopter ride has to take place on a different day but we were able to do a lot of other things.  We dropped all three kids off at Gary's parents around noon and we were off for 24 hours of fun.  

We started at the spa for a couple's massage.  Gary and I have had one before...on our honeymoon 9 years ago!  This was probably the highlight of the day.  We were so relaxed and probably could have taken a nap there in that room. We will definitely do this again to celebrate something special. 

Then, we went to Lelam Cafe in Fort Langley for lunch.  I have never been there but we will go back here (well, we have half of our gift card left so that's another reason to go!).  I would recommend it and likely next time we will go for breakfast.  

I'm delivering a Double Chocolate Boston Creme Cupcake to Gary. I've been eating very low amounts of sugar for the past 3 weeks so only  had a taste.  I had Butternut Squash soup and Gary had a Meatball Sandwich.  They had way more fun things to try but I wasn't that hungry.

Then, we went for a walk to check out the flower shop and chocolate store.  We didn't actually buy anything there yet so we'll save those for later.  We're going to let the kids each choose something fun from the chocolate/candy store.  

We walked a few of the trails in Fort Langley that we haven't been on yet.  Here Gary said, `I want to take a picture of us holding hands for my blog.'  He doesn't have a blog by the way.  He's funny like that.

Next we headed to the Fort Wine Co for a wine tasting and tour.  We tasted 10 wines and got to pick one to take home (I took home the apple/pear table wine).    

Then we got changed to get ready for our dinner date at Eighteen 27.  Our reservation was at 6pm but we were ready by 4:30pm so we decided to eat early as we had such a small lunch. 

We were the only ones in the restaurant the whole time which we loved!  They changed their menu 8 months ago so now it's all tapas.

We shared 4 different ones.   Above is the Crispy Risoto Gary got.  I loved the Short Ribs Wellington below.  We also shared a Chocolate Lava Cake for dessert.  Would we go back? Yes.  Would we get the Beef Kabobs again. No.  Would we get the Tuna and Short Ribs Wellington and Lava Cake again? Yes.

Then, the less glamorous part of our 24 hours....we went home and worked for 4 hours editing photos and fun stuff like that.

The next part of our 24 hours of freedom was that we got up at 5:15 am to head to Garibaldi Park.  We started hiking at 7:30am and made it to the lake by 10:30am.  The suggested time is 3.5 hours so this old lady is still under the recommended time. Phew.  

Unfortunately it was super foggy so we couldn't see the gorgeous mountains or the glacier.  The plus side was that it wasn't hot.  If you've never done Garibaldi Lake (or Black Tusk), the first 2 hours (6 km) are switchbacks and quite the work out.  

We stopped and ate some food which I probably should have done 2 km 's earlier.  We relaxed for half an hour and then it was time to head back through Taylor Meadows.  I was hoping that all of the wild flowers would be in bloom but they weren't.  Oh well. 

I've done Black Tusk twice but I've never done Garibaldi Lake.  I'm glad we tried something new!  The last time I hiked it was over 10 years ago...it sure is a lot harder with 10 years and 10 extra pounds on! 

The final 6 km (switchbacks down) hurt my knees so badly.  I truly am getting older.  I don't mind pain but I don't want to damage my joints.  So, next time, no hike ending on 2 hours of downhill.

Very thankful for grandparents that could watch the kids for 24 hours.  I know they aren't the easiest kids and that's why it was so nice to have a break from them!  Seriously, so great to just focus on Gary and I.  Yay, glad we like to be together :) 

Gary's favourite part: The Massage For 2.

Louise's favourite part: No kids (is that bad?!) and the Massage For 2. 

I hope you have a wonderful weekend.

Love, 

Louise

PS  When Nya saw me, she gave me the hugest hug full of giggles and laughter.  She gave me a big squeeze saying, `Mommy! Mommy! I love you!'.  Then she pulled back and looked in my eyes and said, `SO MUCH!'.  She's so cute.

Here's a one minute video for a taste of the hike. Thank you, Gary!

Ultimate Fort Langley Dream Date

Yesterday morning I found out that I had won the Ultimate Fort Langley Dream Date through She's A Valley Mom.  I could not believe it and had to confirm with her that I was truly the `Louise D' that won.   I love winning things.  I enter A LOT of contests. If I win a $5 coffee card I get excited so you can imagine my excitement over winning such an amazing prize!  We love Fort Langley and go there many times throughout the year, usually because it's the perfect photo location for weddings and sessions.

What is involved with this date?  A lot.

1. Meal at Lelam (Never been! Can't wait to try it!)
2.  $150 at Aime B Clothing (Beautiful clothes? Yes please!)
3.  Wine tour and tasting at The Fort Wine Co. (Love wine.  Never been on a wine tour!  Yay for Gary, my designated driver.  Oh wait, the helicopter is picking us up!)
4. A helicopter ride by SKY helicopters.  (My dad will be so jealous)
5. Flowers from Greenworks (Love fresh flowers on our kitchen table!!)
6.  Checking out the show home at McBride Station (Uh oh, last time we checked a show home, we bought our house!)
7.  Into Choclate Candy & Confections gift card (Chocolate, need I say more?)
8. Massages at Su Casa Spa (The last time we had side by side massages was our honeymoon and we LOVED it).
9. Dinner at Eighteen 27  (Went there this year for the first time, great food!)

I am so incredibly excited.  I love all of these things!   I am a tad bit nervous about the helicopter ride but it will definitely be a once in a lifetime experience.  Gary and I celebrate our birthdays in August so I have a feeling this will be the best way we will ever celebrate them!

I'll be sure to let you know how it goes.

Love, Louise

Father's Day Hike

First off, a Happy Father's Day to my dad who is currently in Pond Inlet in Nunavet.  He has the heart of an adventurer and I appreciate his `go for it' attitude.  He is sleeping in his airplane tonight and trying to figure out a new route as his next planned stop will not have the fuel that he needs for another 2 weeks.

Onto our Father's Day celebrating Gary.  When I first met him 13 years ago, there were 3 things that attracted me to him; he was a Christian who loved the outdoors and was great with kids.  I knew early on that he would make an awesome father and that was just really...hot.

Gary truly is a great dad.  He involves them with everything (therefore spending quality time and teaching skills), he wrestles with them, and he shows them how to love and respect those around him by example.  

{Taken in front of Trisha's garage door pre-hike, I actually really love the colour of this door!}

To celebrate Father's Day this year, we went to church and then headed out to Abbotsford to my sister Trisha's house.  We were going on a family hike but decided not to take Nya.  This may have been the first family outing with her.  I felt really bad but I know that Miss Independent would want to walk the whole thing and we did not have 10 hours of patience with us.  She was thrilled to have some play time with cousin Hannah so I know she had a great time.

To be honest, it was so easy without her.  The boys are great hikers and therefore I had my hands free to take photos and just relax.  Poor Nya, we'll take you some time!

I just need to take a break from the talk of hiking to show you teenage Kai.  Okay, so he's 7.5 years old, but still, when did he stretch out to become so thin and tall?

All right, back to the hike.  We decided to hike McKee Peak as it's short, close, and still a bit of a challenge.  In the past we have hiked the Grouse Grind and Lower Falls with the kids so this was a sort of `in between' hike for them.  Before reaching the trail, Koen said over and over again, `I don't want to do a hike' and then 30 seconds into the hike he was saying `I love this! This is so fun!'.  That kid.

It took about 45 minutes to get to the top.  Kai is definitely the fastest of all of us.  Koen said he felt close to giving up but never did.  He also talked THE ENTIRE TIME.  That kid.  

There are a lot of mountain bikers heading up this trail but then they take the side trails down.  It's just a nice steady incline.  

Our boys do not sit still for a picture.  This was as good as it got.

In the picture above, Koen was pretty sure he got stinging `medals'.  Nope, he didn't.

And, the true motivator. Chocolate covered blueberries halfway up. Yum.

There's a beautiful meadow at the top.  At this point we were about 1 minute from the end so they took off running pretending they were in Amazing Race.  Gary and I placed second in case you were wondering. 

By this time it was raining so we started heading back down.  We stopped to have chicken salad wraps under the tree.  Thank you Gary for making your own Father's Day lunch.

You can tell in the photo above that Kai has just a few chocolate covered blueberries in his mouth.  He likes to savour things and will suck on them for as long as possible.

Had it not been raining, the view would've been pretty nice but this gives you an idea.

It took about 30 minutes to get down.  At this point we were really wet but the boys were still having fun.  I bet there are a ton of geocaches in the area but we didn't even think about it beforehand.

Then, it was off to get Miss Nya who had a fantastic time with Hannah.  Thanks for watching her, Trish!

Our plan is to do a hike per week this summer.  I need to figure out a way for Nya to stay in the Ergo or backpack without trying to fling herself out or screaming `I do it!' the whole time.

I hope you had a good weekend.  If you have any local hikes that you'd recommend with kids, please let me know!  I'll be keeping you posted on some throughout the summer.  Yahoo, I said `summer'!!

Love, Louise