9 Years, 30 Hours and a Million Dollar Piano

One week before our Nine Year Wedding Anniversary we had a conversation that went something like this:

"Hey, trips to Vegas are on sale.  Wouldn't it be great to go to Vegas for our Anniversary?  Maybe we could make it happen, you know, just one night.  That would be awesome, lets check it out.  It's getting late, I'm getting tired, this stresses me out.  If the prices are the same in the morning, maybe it's meant to be."

Badda Bing Badda Boom.. the next morning, prices are still low, everything worked out and reservations were made.

Fast forward five days and these beauties were ready to fly.

Wednesday morning, Keith I were excited to say Happy Nine Year Anniversary!!

With an hour to kill at the airport, we opted to kick off our Anniversary celebration with a set of His and Hers.

His and Hers cocktails that is.

Bloody Mary for him, Mimosa for her.

SO Happy to be on the airplane!!

With the courtesy of free drink coupons, we kept the celebration going on the airplane with another pair of His and Her cocktails.  The best part was the stir sticks that were topped with love. 

At 10:00 AM we landed and before lunch, we were walking out of the hotel to the palace pool.

Paradise!

Next stop, another set of His and Hers.

Vodka Tonic and a Blackberry Mojito that they called the Black Dragon.

So Happy Together!

At this time last week, we thought we would be at work today and maybe we would have a dinner date.  Instead, we were here, together.

Don't even ask us to stop smiling.  It's just not possible.

There was nothing but angels and blue skies for as far as the eye could see.

and a Bright and Warm Sun!

When the kids aren't here, we take pictures of each other.  Instead of seeing Oliver and Kellan's many different smiles, here are ours.

I only got about half of my People magazine read and non of my book, mostly because this guy kept me laughing and we had so much to chat about and catch up on.  Plus, there was some serious people watching to get done.

The wind was blowing, but it was like built in air conditioning.

There were Caesars towers for as far as the eye could see.

The pool was one of the coldest that we have been in, but it didn't put a chill on our fun.

Having fun and setting up for a auto photo.

Fun in the Sun of Caesar's Palace Pool.

Still able to crack him up after over a decade together, nine years of marriage and two boys.  Our secret, VEGAS BABY!!  (maybe not exactly, but defiantly quality time)

Then... he tries to be serious.

NO WAY!!

The serious look lasted about 2 seconds.

I love to see this smile and hear his laugh.  I hope it never fades.  If it does, I'll jab him in the ribs with a tickle finger and it will spring right back into action.  HA!

FINALLY, we were able to check in.  It's a good thing that they let you chill at the pool even before they give you keys to the room.

After a quick clean up we were back downstairs at Nobu, the sushi bar.

Yes, we were kid-less, which means that we can eat AT the sushi bar.  Right after we sat down we actually tried to remember the last time we were at the bar and we couldn't remember.

Happy 9th Anniversary to US!

Sushi from the bar.

I can hear my Mom cringing from here but let me tell you... it melted in your mouth.

Hands down, the best sushi ever!

The highlight of the trip (other than spending time together, the amazing food that we ate, the refreshing cocktails and the sunshine) ELTON JOHN!!!

Since Elton John started performing in Las Vegas, I have said that I wanted to see him there.  Keith thinks that this trip was a conspiracy just to see him, but really, it was fate.  I mentioned to Keith that I would LOVE to see Elton and the night before we left I received an email receipt from Keith that he had purchased tickets.  Truly, it was the best anniversary gift, ever.

Carrie and Keith, Nine years and going strong at Elton John!

Elton was practically begging us to spend our nine year anniversary with him with this sign.

It was so enticing that I had to pose with him too.

The stage from our seats.

The Colosseum.

Keith and Carrie ready for the show.

There he is!!

The photos aren't the best but he was nothing short of Amazing!

The whole band.

Elton a little closer up.

He would stand up and strike a pose with his sparkly shoes.

I love this guy!

The show was SO good.  We loved every minute of it.  I even caught Keith singing along once or twice, which never happens at concert.  THANK YOU Keith for making this dream come true!

Now... for more food!!

Instead of one big dinner, we opted for two small dinners.  Next up, we bellied up to the bar at the Mesa Grill for a FAVORITE dish, Pork Tenderloin with Sweet Potato Tamale.  YUMMMM!!

Next up, Outfit #4 of the day and event number.... oh, who knows?

It was time to go DANCING!!!

Sadly, we discovered that we may have been in the mood to shake a leg but the clubs in Vegas aren't open on Wednesdays.  So, we took a picture of the outfit next to the elevators.  You know us, living on the edge.

The next day, we enjoyed a wonderful breakfast at a french restaurant and then hit the pool.  The forecast was for a cool off to 70 degrees, but that didn't stop us.  Plus, we wanted one more round of fun.  As an added bonus, there was a Greek God delivering drinks, how could I say no?

But alas, after an hour or two the clouds came in and even those of us from the North couldn't handle pool attire with cooler temperatures so we headed out for one parting meal with lunch at Mon Ami Gabi in Paris.  We truly felt like we ate our way through Vegas in the short time that we were there and it was FANTASTIC!

On our way back to Caesars, we paused on the bridge that crosses the strip to gander at the view.

We also took a quick photo or two.

Happy Ninth Anniversary to Us!

It's been a great Nine Years where we have grown and learned a lot along the way.  We have always believed that our secret to a great marriage is spending quality time together.  Sometimes we get so wrapped up on the day to day activities that we feel like we need to get done that it's important to stop and appreciate what we have right in front of us.  Even if that means booking a last minute trip to Vegas to spend 30 hours together to rekindle our relationship, chat about whatever comes up (without interruption from our shortest family members), eat decadent food and have an evening of a life time at Elton John in Las Vegas.

For us, what happens in Vegas definitely doesn't stay in Vegas.  We bring back the love and hold on to it all year long.

Nine is going to be DIVINE!