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?