No Doubt at the Vegas Sphere

Let me tell you how great the last couple days have been, but to do that, I need to go back a few months. Back in October, I found out No Doubt (like my most favorite band when I was younger and became super obsessed with; like when they "broke up"/stopped making music I was legit mad at the person who told me and didn't want to talk to anyone for a while) was coming back and performing a few nights at the Sphere in Vegas. I FREAKED out and immediately signed up for the presale alert. I had been texting a few people about it and there were rumors that tickets would be about $400 each. I wasn't sure if I was okay with that, but I figured I had to at least check it out. Once the Presale hit, the tickets ended up being $800!!! I thought NO WAY do I want to spend that much. For one, I've seen them a few times and it's not like they'd have new music to play so it wouldn't be TOO different. As much as I'd love to see a show at the Sphere, I'd also have to pay for a way to get down there (gas if I drive, or a flight if we didn't) PLUS a hotel. It just seemed like it would be a lot and I didn't NEED to spend that. Now, saying nevermind was super hard to do. 

Then came November, and Stace (aka the best person ever!) found out that they extended their stay in Vegas and tickets went down to only $200 each. We immediately jumped on that and got our tickets. We talked about if we wanted to stay in Vegas for a bit or just go for the night, but with dance stuff coming and all the other things going on, we decided it would be a super quick trip. We'd fly down the day of the concert, check out the city for a bit, eat dinner, go to the show, and then fly out the next day.

So now fast forward to Wednesday, the 27th. We got in okay, and immediately had to figure out how to get an Uber. Stace usually does it on her phone so we stayed with that, but she scheduled it right as we landed so then we had to RUSH to get our bags and get out to the rideshare pickup area (which was a feat, it was so mislabeled, in my opinion). Then we realized we gave them the wrong airport (how many airports can a small area really have?) so we had to cancel that and get a new one, but still got stuck paying half price for the first one (grr!). We finally got that figured out and got to our hotel. I originally thought we were in a new hotel (it was called The Strat, I didn't realize The Stratosphere just rebranded). They do, however, have a new hotel being built that is guitar shaped. Apparently Hard Rock is doing so well that they bought out one of the other failing hotels and is getting a new one. Tell me I'm not the only one who is shocked that Hard Rock is doing THAT well!

We got unpacked and then headed out for lunch at some random hole in the wall burger place (like they didn't have multiple menus, just one paper on the counter of the ordering area that only had like 4 options to choose from). We didn't want to fill ourself so we both split a burger and tater tots. Not bad, not the best though. We decided we'd check out the aquarium because we both remembered it being really cool on previous trips we'd taken. We got tickets to that and to the new monorail they have there (which proved to be super helpful and time saving for us! We really got use out of the 24 hour pass we got). Turns out the aquarium really isn't that cool. It was much smaller than I remember (though they were doing some renovations, so maybe that's why?). We spent $30 on tickets and only spent maybe half an hour walking through it, so we decided to walk through a couple times to really get our moneys worth.

We ended up doing a lot of walking around (and with Stace, that means a lot of really fast speed walking...I don't think she does well in crowds, haha). I thought we'd be going back to our room, which I needed because my phone was about to die and I didn't bring my external charger. Stace thought we'd just walk around until we went to dinner before the show, so there was a bit of confusion for a bit. We ended up hitting up the No Doubt Experience area to check that out (which was cool, but not fully necessary for us) and we found a shirt we liked there (they didn't have too many options we loved. They did have a puzzle I wanted, but it was 1,000 pieces - which I don't do yet - and I didn't think I'd have room in my check on bag I brought) and got those. Then we headed back to the hotel so I could charge my phone for a bit (it had the tickets on it, so we couldn't risk that going dead) and then decided to head out and figure out where the Sphere entrance is. That took SO long, we ended up missing our window to eat dinner and had to settle for a concession dinner. Again, not terrible, but not the best. You can't bring ANYTHING in with you to the arena, so we decided to go get some candy and water to keep with us during the show, which was nice to have.

After eating and a quick bathroom trip so we'd be good, the show finally started. And what a show it was! This was definitely a top experience for me. I saw quite a few kids with parents there and thought "if this was my first concert, nothing would ever be good enough after this!" It was SO cool. The screen with little videos they made, the music was great, AND Gwen invited SO many people on stage and would give them hugs and take pictures with them. I was so jealous, but you really felt more like you were hanging out with them rather than being at this big ass show that it really was. Granted, we were WAY high up (like so high I thought no way in hell was I going to be getting up to dance or move or I might actually fall face first down and fall off the tier/level we were on), but it was still so great! EVERYTHING about it was great, honestly!

The show was even the best length, too. Like it didn't feel like we were bummed when it ended, but we weren't wondering how much longer it was going to go either. Gwen had some great costume changes as well. After it ended, we had a very, very, very long trek back to our hotel. We got there so late, I was exhausted! We hurried and got ready for bed (rushed was a bit of a theme for this trip, but I don't regret it) and passed out, though I think Stace actually did stay up to read for a bit, I'm not sure because I passed out right away haha.

Yes this is SUPER zoomed in. Don't care!

This morning, we got up to get breakfast. We ended up going to a Zeffer's Cafe in Sahara hotel and it was SO freaking delicious! We both got the Grand Marnier french toast and it was literally the best french toast/breakfast I have EVER had in my life. The berries, whipped mascarpone, and candied oranges were to die for!! I have every intention of trying to make it again at some point.

Most amazing breakfast EVER!

We thought we'd have to rush to the airport after breakfast, our flight was originally scheduled to get us home RIGHT before my girls had their rehearsal (around 3:40), but then Stace started getting alerts that our flight was delayed. So we decided to go check out things on the strip while we were waiting. We got SEVERAL delayed flight alerts, so we ended up checking out the Hershey's Factory, the M&M Factory, and the Coke Factory. We even got some drinks at the Coke Factory and hit up an ABC gift shop to find gifts for the kids, too.

By that point, we stopped getting delay alerts and grabbed an Uber to the airport. We got there and even more delays happened (apparently the flight in Utah had experienced some gas/engine issues so they had to get a new plane and, for some reason, that meant getting a whole new crew that they had to wait for). We were supposed to land around 3:40 Utah time, but didn't even leave until 4:40!

For some reason, our flight home felt long (honestly, both flights were so freaking bumpy I never want to do short flights ever again) and we got back to late I was SO happy to be home and tell Larry all about it. I was bummed to miss their rehearsal, AGAIN, but I'm glad I'll be here for their show this weekend.

Overall, it was an experience to remember and I'm so glad I went and I feel like I was able to see more of Vegas than we thought we'd be able to do and some of it I had planned for a family trip we may try and make happen, but they weren't THAT great so now I know we can skip them (or at least not plan a lot of time on them). So glad I could say I've seen No Doubt every chance I have had!

End of the School Year

Wow, the whole month of May gets so crazy, but especially when you add that it's the end of the school year. This year, Lucy had a Kindergarten Graduation on the 11th. It was so sweet! They did a few songs and then as they went back to class, we stayed back to watch a cute slideshow of random pictures throughout the year. It's fun to find your kid in the pictures. After that was done, we met up with them in class to take pictures with the teacher or by themselves. It also meant they technically got to get checked out early, so I let her stay and play for a bit. Unfortunately, it was a really hot day, so we ended up heading home to drop her stuff back and then headed back to the school to get Gwen. I do love that they do these ceremonies, they aren't a big thing in the grand scheme, but it's so fun to have a reason to celebrate them.

On the 19th Pierce's teacher had a little end of school year celebration (well she put 19th on the calendar, but when me and a few other parents showed up, she was very confused why we were there so "early." I guess she didn't realize what day she put on the calendar). Pierce wasn't happy I came to get him though, I think they were watching a show he wanted to watch rather than take pictures with me. She still tried to make it fun, but, well...

He wanted NOTHING to do with pictures

On the 20th, Gwen and Lucy had their Badger Boogie. Let me say, this seems extra crazy for Lucy because she had Kindergarten graduation songs to remember, a Boogie dance to remember, a dance recital dance to remember, AND a Daddy and Me dance to learn all within this last month (to be fair, her recital dance she'd been learning since September, but the rest was all this month...her brain must have been dead!) The Badger Boogie, though, was really cute. They have two times they perform on the day (one in the morning and one in the afternoon) and I ended up going to both because the area I sat in at the first time was horrible and I couldn't get any good videos. The front area was already filled both times I went, but I did end up with a much better spot the 2nd time (though I did get burnt because I got there an hour early and was sitting in the sun, totally forgot I'd need sunscreen). 

Lucy danced to the Rub a Dub Dub song, she got to wear a cute pink shower cap, and they had bubbles going throughout the dancers. Gwen had to dress in 80s attire (she danced to a few songs from that decade) so we put her in bright clothes, a last minute side pony tail and then I forgot she needed sunglasses so I gave her mine. It ended up looking pretty cute.

On top of all that, Cara had a potanimals exhibit project to get done by the last week (who assigns a project for the last week of school??). She had a snow fox and did the whole thing by herself. It was pretty cute, but you could totally tell who had help from their parents with theirs in the class.

Lucy also had to make a big car for her movie day at school, the girls each had a themed day that we had to make sure we had things for and it was just always something. I've never been so happy to not be working and have more time to make it easier to make it to all the things AND run all the errands and go to all the school functions. Phew! Glad we're done with that and can enjoy our Summer Break now!

Lagoon Day

Man did we get SO lucky today. We had picked today as our Lagoon day and I was a little nervous because the weather app said it was supposed to rain ALL day long. However, next weekend it said it was going to be VERY hot, and I knew that would be miserable for Larry. We decided to keep an eye on the weather and if it looked to be too bad, we'd just go next weekend. As Sunday got closer, the rain kept getting pushed back more and more (what was supposed to start in the morning, showed it would actually be in early afternoon) and so we decided to chance it (plus, on the Lagoon Facebook page they say that rainy days have such little lines it makes it worth it to go, so I really had higher hopes it would be okay). We did our grocery shopping and then headed over (kind of the nice part of them opening up later) so we got there around 10:30. We started with Spider and Wild Mouse (one of us rode with the bigger girls while the other took the smaller ones on Musik Express). I needed to see if putting the safety bar on the girls myself helped with my anxiety and it seemed to help A LOT!

We then rode the Sky Ride across to the other side and did Screamer, Paratroopers, the Ferris Wheel, Primordial, the two airplane rides, and the Tilt-A-Whirl. I also rode Samurai solo while they ate snacks/lunch. We then were able to go to the other side of the park and I decided I wanted to try out The Nutcracker with Cara and Gwen while Larry did the kiddie land/area with the two smaller ones. 

Standing in line for The Nutcracker I started to get really nervous. Seeing other riders and how high they got up really made me want to back out and realize how big this ride really is (not to mention the seat they have to see if you fit in it didn't seem secure AT ALL and I was so confused how the restraints worked). However, I didn't want to make the girls think I was too scared, so I pushed through. Initially when we sat in our seats, I noticed the safety bar really didn't keep the girls in well AT ALL and I was about to back out and say absolutely no way, but then the workers came by to push them down farther and I had the girls try and stand up and it worked out. The ride ended up being SUPER fun, like one of my new favorites (especially since the line actually goes pretty quickly)! I also had no big anxiety attack, which was nice for a ride you kind of go upside down (or at least slide out of your seat a bit).

After that we knew the rain would be starting soon so we decided to go get our ice cream and everyone mentioned they were ready to call it a day. It was THEN that the rain hit and it hit hard and SUPER cold! The timing was perfect, since we felt done, so that was nice.

Overall, this trip was much better for me, no big anxiety and I could actually have fun. I'm not sure how I'll do on the bigger rides (Wicked, Colossus, Cannibal, Samurai, Rocket, etc.). I know Cara is itchy to be tall enough for them and to try them, but I just don't know when I'll be able to do it without completely freaking out. Luckily, Larry isn't as nervous and he'll take them (but I've noticed he is getting dizzier easier and gets worn out from rides quicker so I'm not sure how many he can actually do...me, though, I could go all day and be okay!).

So happy we have these passes!

Family Date Coupon

So this month, Gwen chose the Family Date coupon. Originally, she wanted to go see a movie in the theaters, but after looking at options we noticed there really wasn't anything that we hadn't already seen that was worth paying ALL that money to see (it's not cheap to take a family of 6 to the theaters, even without the candy/snacks). We had their last soccer game so we had extra reasons to celebrate and so she decided she wanted to go to a Nickel Arcade (these are very popular in our family haha)

This time we had it so I had a card that Pierce and Lucy shared and then Larry had Gwen and Cara with him and his card. Mostly, though, we'd take the kids to "play" the candy game (where they'd load up on frooties) and then we'd play games until they ran out and go back to get more candy, haha. 

I made sure, with Lucy and Pierce, I'd have them take turns to pick what we'd play and they did really well with that. They mostly just wanted to do the roller coaster ride. From what I hear, Cara and Gwen really liked the air hockey table, the Minecraft game, and massage chairs (that I didn't notice at all). 

Pierce looks sad, but he really loved this 
Ride "game"

I used to dread going to the arcades when the kids were smaller. Keeping track of them while Larry played was stressful. I do look forward to when Lucy and Pierce are older/bigger/wiser and we can send everyone off with their own card and then I can really play some games! Overall, Gwen was happy with her choice and we all had a really great time! And yay for the end of Soccer season for us!

Mother's Day Weekend

Mother's Day Weekend was a big one, for one, my last day working was just Friday so we went out to celebrate that. I had been wanting to go to Sonic because we were talking about how fun it is since they come out on skates and I remember liking their fun drinks. Unfortunately, they don't seem to do that anymore. We went and found a table to sit at (Larry really didn't want the kids eating in the car) and somehow the workers had a hard time finding us (even though we were right outside the door they came out and there were three of them and we were the only ones out there, but still they missed us). We also had to hit up the bathrooms and those were really gross and had no toilet paper, so that whole trip was a dud and I don't see going back (I'm honestly surprised that place is still open!). Luckily the food wasn't awful, but not worth it. 

On actual Mother's day, I got to sleep in, but I did end up waking up early so I decided to stay in bed and just keep cuddling with Minnie. I also sent Larry off with the kids to do the grocery shopping while I stayed home to read (one of my favorite things to do and has become a bit of a tradition for Mother's Day, haha), I took a bath in the afternoon and got more Minnie cuddles (I still feel bad every once in a while knowing she's just stuck in a room, even though I know she likes it and has a really good set up, I mostly hate how little we get to see her and I take any opportunity to sit with her).

After all that, we headed over to Mom and Will's to celebrate with her. Of course, they did end up feeding us, which is always yummy! 

So overall, it was a really good day, I got my yearly question sheets, some reading time, a relaxing bath, and was free to choose what I wanted to do when. I can't ask for more!