Vegas Baby!

We have not had one minute to get internet at our place so updating this blog is proving to be hard at the moment. I wanted to throw up some pictures that B and I took while we were in Vegas. Sometimes I still pinch myself to see if it's real. We had contemplated going to Vegas the night we got engaged, but for several reasons did not go. I think this was the most spontaneous thing I have ever done, and definitely the best! We stayed at the MGM on the strip and had an amazing room. Our adventure started while I was still at work on Thursday when I got a call from B shortly after the students had gone home saying; "Let's go to Vegas!"

I went home, and not having luggage, threw things into bags then into the back of my car. Neither my mom nor Pookie picked up on what I was doing, even when I took my wedding dress out to the car! I went to B's and we moved my stuff to his car. B didn't have any luggage either, so his stuff was also just thrown in the car. We both thought we were busted by his parents, but turns out we weren't. No one figured it out. We were missing for the whole weekend. Either we are sneaky or...

We stopped in Salt Lake City and ate dinner at Squatters. We sat on the Patio and to be honest, I was so excited that I can't even recall what we talked about or did during dinner. I just remember the patio and the lights and being totally exhausted. Now we were really off! We only made it to Cedar City that night, as we didn't leave SLC til late. We were up early and ate super dried eggs and burnt english muffins at the motel, yes, motel. The restaurant had an Excalibur theme. Need I say more? When we got to St. George, we stopped for gas and decided to get luggage. You can't really roll up in Vegas without luggage, right? B got his haircut while I moved all our things into the luggage. A couple of hours later we were in Vegas!! We had no reservation and no plan. I had not been to Vegas since a trip with some friends over spring break almost ten years ago and B had not really ever been. We stopped at an outdoor mall for a few things and then drove down the strip. Michael Buble' was in town. No we did not go, but getting a room proved to take longer. We pulled up to the MGM and Brandon went and wheeled and dealed and got us a room.

Lunch at Caesars. We were not in a rush and ended up having an amazing conversation in our hotel room for several hours before we got ready to go get hitched. It's one I will never forget and one I will hold dear. We got ready and then B whisked me off in a town car to go get our marriage license. I don't know anyone who has done this, so I didn't know what to expect. When you get to city hall there are people waiting outside with pamphlets to their chapels, offering you all sorts of deals. VERY colorful people. I didn't know this then, but B was mortified and couldn't believe he had taken me there. He really is such a good man, it never crossed my mind how weird it was. I was with B. I always feel safe and have fun with him. And I get a kick out of odd people. There is no way to accurately tell you about this or the people there....just know it was awesome.

With our license in hand, we just walked down the street. And there it was, The Graceland Wedding Chapel. We walked in and got scheduled as a "walk-in". While we were waiting, two groups came. One was a group of Argentinians, there with friends to get married. The other group was from California, there with friends to renew vows after 15 years of marriage. We were waiting outside while the other parties had their ceremonies. We had a good time talking with the group from California. After the ceremonies, it was our turn. The Groom (from CA) realized we were there alone and asked if we were. Then he yells, "Guys! We've got another wedding to go to!" This group of people, who spent maybe a half hour talking to us outside before their own ceremony, let the limo go so we wouldn't be alone. Maybe you find this weird. Who does that? I find it amazing and it honestly added to the night. Brandon greeted all of them as they walked into the chapel, shaking each of their hands. Minutes later, we were Mr. and Mrs. Sandall!!

I know some might read this and think we are nuts. But I have to tell you, this was the best night ever! We left the chapel and went to dinner at the MGM's Rain Forest Cafe. We didn't eat dinner til way after midnight! The rest of the weekend was spent relaxing, ordering room service, and exploring Vegas. I know I am leaving so much out of this tale, some of it on purpose. But I hope this gives you a glimpse of our Vegas adventure!

Here are pictures from our adventure!

Signing paperwork and finishing touches....

The people in the white suits and black dresses are who were from Argentina, everyone else was our wedding party.

You are not allowed to take pictures of Elvis with your own camera...you can't take a camera in....B just had to snap this...

At Dinner. Barely married! I love how B's tie is loosened...

Room service anyone??? I LOVE room service and this was fantastic!!

B and I riding up the escalator at the Coke store...

On Saturday, B and I went over to the Coke store. I LOVE this store. We did a sort of "tasting". We got 16 samples of drinks that Coca Cola makes around the world. Not sure if I know what word describes this. Awful? I am super grateful that Coke is available in most countries. I don't recall having anything this gross when I went to Europe but I think I stuck with Coke and bottled water. Which turns out, was a good idea!

B and I having dinner Saturday night at the Mirage. Seriously YUMMY sweet potato fries!!!

On Sunday and went to see the St. George Temple. I didn't know that the grounds were even open on Sunday let alone the Visitor's Center and that missionaries were there to give you a tour. This is a beautiful Temple that I have never seen up close. And it was a lot of fun and interesting to learn about how it was built.

Well, there ya go. What do you think?

Yes. I hog the sheets and dont mess with my mac and cheese!!

We've been in our new place for a couple of weeks now and I have to say that things are getting unpacked faster than I had anticipated. Yay! So, it has come to my attention that, I hog the sheets. I used to be a bed hog as well but having found a King size bed has helped with that. I woke up one night last week to B standing at his side of the bed pulling the covers back in his direction. He had to get out of bed to do this? Am I really that bad?? Apparently so. All I can say is that I don't really have control over what I may or may not do during my sleep!

I had Thursday and Friday off for UEA last week and so got the kids early, well, early for me (11 a.m.) on Friday, and we went out to Gardner Village to check out the witches. The kids had never been out there so it was a lot of fun for me to introduce them to a UEA tradition of mine! We had a Halloween pizza dinner at my mom's and then home for creative sleeping arrangements! Does anyone else remember thinking our parents just had an endless supply of money? No? Well, I did (I fear I may still think that). The kids were shocked that we hadn't purchased four mattresses yet. Yeah....um..... Could someone water my money tree out back? Needless to say, we had a lot of fun camping out on air mattresses and cots and I had a great time hogging the sheets from B.

Saturday's, B is teaching at the hospital so the kids and I hung out at home. For years I have been given crap about all my junk. And I'd just like to announce that I was right in keeping and hauling around my Barbies (and everything else...). The girls busted those out and played with them all weekend! We babysat at B's sisters house and made Mac and Cheese for 8 kids, yes 8. I love Mac and Cheese, REALLY love it. The next thing I know, B and La La are cutting hot dogs and putting them in!!! REALLY?!? Who does that? I firmly believe that you don't mess with perfection. UGH. Well, we needed butter so B ran to our house to get some. There I am pacing. Wondering what on earth is taking the man so long. My tummy was grumbling so bad!!! We live like 2 minutes away...did he go home to make the butter??? Doesn't he know I'm hungry?? And then, he walks in the door. Not just with butter but with a coke and pizza for me (well, both of us). And the guilt sets in. I didn't have to eat hot dog contaminated Mac and Cheese AND the man got me a coke.

So, what have we learned here? I hog the sheets and don't like my Mac and Cheese messed with. Oh, and next time I'm pacing wondering where B is, it's prolly cuz he's thinking of me and getting me a coke. Duly noted.

Family Pictures

B and I decided that instead of doing all the engagements, bridals, etc. for pictures that we really just wanted some family pictures done. A few weeks ago we went into Memory Grove and also just behind the Gateway in Salt Lake City to take pictures. Natalie, Brandon's sister-in-law (and now mine!) took our pictures. We had over 300 to chose from and it was such a hard choice! B and I narrowed down a bunch for her to edit but I'm throwing up some unedited ones becuase I am just too excited!!! I will take time to introduce the whole family later but quickly, Brandon has four amazing and beautiful children. Yes, instant mom! I couldn't be happier!

After pictures we went out to dinner at the Macaroni Grill. Was anyone aware that the brocoli came out in bug chunks? Like mini trees??? Too funny! Lilly and I were smart decided that I would get chocolate cake and she would get cheese cake and then share....best of both worlds! This was so much fun for us to do, such a good memory.  So, here we are....

 The pictures infront of this orange door at Memory Grove are definitely some of our favorites!!  The Oldest is in the back on the right, she is 12 and just started the 7th grade this year.  La La is in the back on the left.  She is 10 and has started on a competition dance team this year (brings back great memories of when I competed!).  Yes.  The two in front are twins.  They are 6 and in the first grade.  They may be twins but they are totally different. These kids are amazing and I can't even begin to describe how blessed I am by having them in my life! 

 All girl.  There really is nothing more to say!  She has a style all her own and is one of the most independent six year olds I have ever seen!  We both share a love of lip gloss and she adores her dad.  Well, they all do.  But who could blame them??

The dancer.  She REALLY loves the color orange and anything that has a peace sign involved!  She makes everything fun and her smile lightens up a room.  She is quite candid and smart, she knows who she is and what she believes.  Something I truly admire.

Yes, she is this pretty in person, and has a great laugh.  She just started the 7th grade and young women's at church.  She is taking French and knows way more than I did when I took it in Junior High!!  She also has a great sense of humor and can always make me laugh.  Come to think of it, all four kids and B can do that. 

"Did you see that cop car?"  Big Man loves everything trucks and cars.  Transformers and Star Wars.  He is always on the go and I am jealous of his energy and excitement for life, it truly is never ending.  He always seems to have a joke or great story to tell.   He also loves Gold Fish, he made a point of making sure I knew this early on.  :)

Well, that is us.  In a nut shell.  Brief I know but there seems to be no time lately for anything...I hope Brandon and I can update you more.  I really should let him introduce the kids in better detail.  I will let him know. :)