Happy Anniversary

August 5, 1997 feels like forever ago.

Feels like we've always been together.

Feels like we were custom made for each other.
Yes, I know how cheesy that sounds.

I'm grateful it feels that way.

Spending forever with your best friend is such a treat!

We rarely get away, because life is crazy, the budget is tight, and let's be completely honest, finding anyone to take care of this many kids-especially overnight-is a huge challenge.  Even if they are split up into smaller groups.

A number of months ago we found out that Joe Satriani was touring again, and that he'd be in Vegas in August.  Aaron has been waiting to see the man perform live since before I met him, which means it's been over 20 years.
Suddenly I feel old...
It was a good excuse to go as an anniversary treat, even if it was a couple of weeks later.

We decided we'd take the leap and book a quick weekend getaway and worry about sitters as the day approached.
Thankfully we were able to get the kids taken care of (in multiple locations with multiple people involved), and off we went.

The road trip selfie:

We scored a killer deal at Mandaly Bay, and ended up in THEhotel there.  It was fabulous.  Two thumbs up for the room and the hotel.  Super extra bonus points for a hotel in Vegas NOT smelling like an ashtray, even while walking through the casino.  I'm ridiculously sensitive to smoke (have you seen America's Sweethearts?  "Kiki?  Is someone smoking within 6 miles of me?!"  Seriously.), so I was floored that I didn't have to hold my breath walking through the hotel like I usually do when we go anywhere down there.  It was great.
The view wasn't too shabby either.

I can't say the same thing about walking through The Pearl to get to the concert hall, where I was holding my breath and trying not to choke, but thankfully the concert hall was smoke free.  I was worried for a minute!
The concert was fun, not as great as Aaron had hoped after waiting so many years, in fact I actually enjoyed it more than he did.  Very interesting crowd, some people who were old enough to be our parents who had obviously never grown out of the rock and roll party hairband stage.  I was embarrassed for them.  A number of other people (also old enough to be our parents), who looked like they were dressed for church more than a concert and who I never would have pegged for fans of this amazing guitarist.  And yes, there were people our age and younger....a wide variety that really kind of surprised me.
Aside from the people watching, the music was fun.  The stage was fun, one of my favorites being this whole underwater thing.

The next day we enjoyed the luxury of sleeping in, and hanging out by the pool for a little bit before we had to get back on the road.
Aaron enjoyed the wave pool (he's the bald head in the middle).

Bonus points for a hotel where I can stick my toes in the sand.

And we had some good laughs.

It was a quick trip, but a lovely getaway if only for one night.