Yesterday marked "Day 3" of our Vegas vacation. Since we had to transfer hotels we didn't have the luxury of sleeping in. Problem is, check out from the Stratosphere and check in to the Orleans didn't really coincide, so we had some time to kill during the afternoon. That meant it was time for Tori, Tyler and Deana to join Craig and I shopping on the Strip.
The shuttle from the Orleans dropped us off outside of Billy's Hotel and Casino. As soon as we stepped off the shuttle, we smelled a brilliant offer for lunch; hot dogs! They were seriously yummy. I know Craig's face contradicts that, but I promise, they were delicious. I honestly have no idea why Craig is making that face.
The first shop we hit was the Coca Cola Factory on the Strip. Even though I'm not a Coke fan, I still bought a hat. Honestly, I love the thing! Someday I would love to decorate my game room with "Coke" stuff from this place.
After, we went next door to M 'n M World. This brilliant building is four floors of pure chocolate bliss. I never get tired of this store. A basement wet bar would look great decorated from this spot.
This is also where we found Brayden's gift. I can't wait to see him in this shirt. I'm sure it will fit better on him than it does on Craig.
Once we had checked into our new rooms at the Orleans, the entire group met at Mandalay Bay to visit the Shark Reef Aquarium. We had to hike quite a way through the hotel before we found the first sign that we were headed in the right direction.
The aquarium was pretty cool. Craig's favorite part was the tank holding all the jellyfish. They were oddly beautiful as they slowly swam around. My favorite part was getting to touch a stingray. I can't even begin to explain how weird they felt.
Before we hit the Strip for the night, we stopped at the restaurant inside of the Hooters Hotel and Casino. Dinner was pretty good, but I don't think any of us will forget the show going on behind us at the hotel's hot tub.
Last night, we were able to see a few of the shows on the Strip. We saw the exploding volcano at the Mirage and the Sirens at Treasure Island. I had never seen these shows before. It was pretty cool.
Craig's and my final stop before going back to our hotel to play was the Tequila Bar to get us a Margarita. The glass cup that came with it was awesome. Truth be told, later that I night I lost this one at the Craps tables, so we had to buy another one before we left. Oops! After this, another really, really late night gambling began. I'm starting to get used to seeing the sun before bed.
Today is our last day in Vegas. Tomorrow we get to drive back to Utah. None of got to sleep in again this morning. We had to get up in time to meet up with Charles and Deana's bowling league. Most of us, Craig and I included, got up in time to eat breakfast, but not Deana. Therefore, her breakfast consisted of mixed drinks at the bowling alley. True friends don't let their friends drink alone, so I joined her.
After another lazy afternoon spent hanging around the pool, we were out on the Strip again enjoying our final night in Vegas. My goal this evening was to make it to the Bellagio to see the dancing water fountains. This is my absolute favorite thing about Vegas! I could sit there for hours. I'm glad that the majority of the group was willing to come with me. A sidewalk vendor was selling these floral leis that lit up and we couldn't pass them up. Craig gave up his to Deana so she could join us in our picture. What a nice guy!
Tomorrow, it's back to real life. We had an incredible time and I'm sure we'll be back in Sin City this time next year.
