Vegas - March 2012

Before we moved from St. George we wanted to take one last trip to Vegas, since it's only a stones throw away. We've gone a couple other times since we lived down there so we decided we better make a last trip before the move. We decided to go on the first weekend of March and go to the NASCAR races while we were there. 

We stayed on the South end of the strip, at the Mandalay Bay. We LOVED our hotel! Although it was a little out of the way from the shopping and such, it was kinda nice to be out of the hustle and bustle of Vegas; at least most of it. Our room was on the 17th floor so we had an AWESOME view of the strip! 

During the Day... 

And at night! 

Once we got there we got our summer duds on and headed out to explore, walk the strip and do a little shopping. We had tickets for the Qualifying NASCAR race later that night so we were just enjoying ourselves till the race started. 

We left Claire home with Aunt Wendy and Uncle Tony in Cedar so we were able to do some serious relaxing and just enjoying time with us 2. 

I've been to the Vegas NASCAR races a few times but Jacob had never been so I was super excited to see his reaction when we got to the track and have him hear how loud the cars are and all that. As redneck as we (I) may sound, I LOVE going to the NASCAR races. It's seriously so fun. Even if you don't like NASCAR, it's worth going. Qualifying is a little more low key since it's just 1 car at a time but Jacob was still amazed. We've been watching the season, for the most part, on TV, so it was fun to go to a race in person. 

The next day we slept in, if you can call 8 AM sleeping in. We lounged around in bed for awhile enjoying the fact that we could! :) Finally we were famished so we headed across the street for some good ole' fashion McDonald's breakfast. Then it was back to the hotel for some serious pool time. Apparently you have to get to the pool at 8 AM to get a seat, or a decent seat. We finally found 2 chairs, dragged them together and laid out and soaked in some sun. 

Then it was time for more shopping and exploring. Crazy how you can go to Vegas many times but it's still fun to walk around and shop the strip every time you go. 

Somehow we have a million random pictures of me and none of Jacob, not sure how that happened. 

That night we had a delicious dinner at a place in our hotel, can't remember what it was called, but it was yummy! We got to sit out on the deck and have a view of the strip while we ate. It's been so long since we've been out to eat without wrestling Claire it was almost like we didn't know what to do with ourselves. 

Of course, we did a little gambling that night, tried our hand at some slots and a Jacob played a few tables, but of course - - we won.... and then we lost! So we quit and called it good. Can't leave Vegas without playing a few greenbacks. 

Next morning we were up bright and early, our Dale Jr. NASCAR shirts on, ready for the race. We got all checked out and then headed off to the festivities. 

Can't go to NASCAR without having the full experience, so yes we bought our gear so we could blend in with the rest! Ever since I started watching NASCAR, Dale Jr. has been my driver that I've liked. Since Jacob is new to the sport he just followed along and rooted for the same driver. (After the race though, he was on board!)

At the race you rent a thing called a Track Scanner. It muffles the noise, which is insanely loud, and allows you to tune into different drivers radios and here their conversations with the spotters and crew chiefs. It's a definite must have when you go. 

We had AWESOME seats. I had bought them off eBay for an awesome price and was surprised at how good they were. We were right behind the Start/Finish line with a view of all the pits and the entire track. 

Here's the 88 car, Dale Jr, going around the track. He led the first 100 laps or so! 

In the pits....

We had an absolute blast at the race. Jacob is now just as hooked as I am; we hope to be able to go every year. The weather this time was perfect! It was plenty hot but not enough to be miserable! 

Of course we had to bring home the little one a little something from our trip. We looked all around Vegas and couldn't find anything we felt like she had to have. Everything I wanted to get her I probably couldn't have gotten at Walmart and she wouldn't have known the difference. 

So we opted in to getting her something from the Races, since it was the main reason we went. We brought her home this cute Dale Jr. shirt and a car to match. Doesn't she look adorable! Our little Dale Jr. fan, HaHa! 

We had such a fun time. It was great to get away, enjoy some alone time, and do some fun things that were out of the ordinary of our normal day to day. Can't wait till next year! 

(As I'm re-reading this post I am realizing how much of a redneck we (I) sound like. Promise, we aren't! HaHa Going to NASCAR races in person is seriously awesome - almost gives you a rush - seriously, everyone should go. But I even like to watch it on TV, so maybe I really am a redneck at heart. HaHa)