This past weekend we successfully crossed number seven off the pre-baby bucket list (!!). It was the most random spontaneous trip ever, planned exactly three weeks ago. Southwest was having a sale, we happened to have a free weekend, and the Avett Brothers were playing at Silverton Casino. Next thing we knew, we were on our way to sin city! This was my first time going to Vegas (I KNOW) and at the risk of sounding like an old lady, I have concluded that Vegas is not for me. The hotels were beautiful, and I loved looking at all of the casinos and shops, but I just couldn’t get over the smell of desperation.
Everywhere we turned, scenes of crowded desperation followed. Girls desperate for love. Guys desperate for sex. Old people desperate to get rich. Rich people desperate to impress. Everyone was trying. so. hard.
And then there was me. Oooohing and aaaaahing over pretty chandeliers. Drooling over (and creepily staring at) Adrian Grenier, who sat across from us at the Sugar Factory. Getting lost in Paris and New York New York, daydreaming of our next trip. Sure, I put on the sequined dress and wore lipstick and stayed out past my bedtime, but none of that changed the fact that I didn’t really belong (and I’m not complaining).
On Saturday night, Brett and I had just stepped on the monorail to go back to our hotel when I remembered that number seven on our pre-baby bucket list clearly stated “go gambling in Vegas and act like we know what we’re doing.” It was almost 1:00am, and we had to be up in four hours to catch our 7:00am flight (p.s. what were we thinking?!). Regardless, we were dedicated to the cause so Brett quickly grabbed his wallet. Upon opening it, we found what was to be expected: one lonely dollar.
Wah wah wah.
It was pretty pathetic, but after spending money on the concert and a fancy dinner, we felt content just gambling a dollar. So we stopped at a casino, plopped down at a slot machine, acted like we knew what we were doing (what the heck does five lines mean??), and lost that dollar in less than 30 seconds. It was fun and silly and we laughed the whole time. So no, we didn’t strike it rich in Vegas. But we crossed number seven off the list, and I’ll take that any day 
Are you pro-Vegas? Am I missing something? Maybe it’s a lot more fun if you’re single and like to party (of which I am not)?
I’m going to Vegas in September & am neither a big gambler nor a big partier, but I’m looking forward to some fancy food & shows with friends. And we’re staying at Treasure Island. I’m pro-pirate.
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Spontaneous trips are the best. We have totally done a few when Southwest has had good deals!
I’ve been to Vegas a number of times & my favorite thing has always been sightseeing! Everything is just so larger-than-life there (plus we also like a few good restaurants, the hotel pools & the roller coaster at NY, NY!)
Aw, I’m so happy you guys were able to make a trip to Vegas! It’s definitely a busy city, and I’ve actually only been to Vegas with Jay (I’ve never been as a crazy, single gal!). We adore out Vegas trips, which usually circle around food (Jay loves him some buffets) and finding cheap blackjack tables (there is one place that has $3 tables and table games are MUCH more fun than the slots!).
You can also usually find cheap shows to see, too – we’ve never done anything big like a Cirque show, but we love snagging $25 tickets for stand-up comedy or a cheesy hypnotist show. Heehee.
In any case, I’m glad you guys had a good time, and I LOVE all the photos! You two look so perfect next to each other.
That is EXACTLY how I feel about Vegas. Couldn’t have said it better myself (literally).
I’ve been to Vegas quite a few times and have a love/hate. As you saw…it’s called sin city for a reason
It’s fun to go out dancing with friends, people watch, see shows, stay up late…but it’s not a Godly place at all and for a lot of people, it’s dangerous (for the reasons you mentioned above.). Glad you guys had fun though!
I’ve never been, for that very reason. Las Vegas just doesn’t appeal to me in any huge way. I’d like to go someday, mostly to catch a show and say I’ve been, but it’s not high on my list.
I completely agree with your thoughts on Vegas… and I’m shocked you got so many slot machine photos! They wouldn’t let us take any pictures in the casino and they actually wanted to take my camera to delete the photos off myself! I had to delete them right in front of them. It was really strange and incredibly frustrating.
Ash, I’m right there with you! Even though I’m single, my idea of a good Vegas trip would be laying out by the sank hotel pool, seeing a good show (preferably celine dion) and going to a fancy dinner!! Not everyone can handle Vegas
Vegas is one of those places that you need to experience – and you will find that you either love it or hate it – and sometimes like me, will find a place in the middle. I love to people watch and can be content just walking around watching the people. Sometimes I gamble and of course really enjoy the trip if I win!!
Glad you had a good time and one more thing crossed off your pre-baby bucket list. Have I mentioned I can’t wait to be a GRANDMA!!! Love you both!! Mom
I totally (!) feel the same way about Vegas… everybody is so desperate.
But I am just looking forward to some good food, a show, some strolling along the strip and admiring the fancy hotels and some pool time. That’s it 
Having said that, I’ll be heading there with my family next week
ha, I actually loathe Vegas. The heat, the smell of smoke everywhere, so many sad gamblers… but I did have a great time with Dave spending part of my bday weekend there, nonetheless!
I’ve never been to Vegas, so I’m not sure, but I think that I would go for the Belagio fountains and to see Blue Man Group. That is probably about it. I’m not a partier either.
I had almost exactly the same impression of Vegas as you did, Ashlee. http://www.onblueundercanvas.com/2011/01/sin-city/ However, I gambled just a bit more (:
Also – I love the editing of your photos. The ambiance of each environment you capture pours right out of them.
I went to Vegas for my 21st birthday–my parents treated me to Love at Cirque de Soleil and then I stayed behind with a few girlfriends to party. I don’t love the club scene, but I would totally do it like my parents do it–every once in a while, they’ll pop over for a Cirque de Soleil show, good food and sunshine! That’s really all I love about Vegas…the rest is a bit too much for me!
never been, but i’m jealous of the spontaneity of it and the fact you saw the amazing avett brothers. and you looked hot in that sparkly dress with those shoes! glad you two had a good time
@Kate – I am also pro-pirate. Good call.
@Kerri – If we ever go again, we’ll just go with you guys. Sounds like you have it all figured out
@Sarabell – That is SO WEIRD! I don’t think anyone even noticed me snapping photos….that would have been a bummer.
@San – We did have some good pool time. That’s the best.
@Lauren – Just read your post, too funny. Glad you guys had fun and won some $$!
@Christine – I wish we could have done Cirque again but it was SO EXPENSIVE.
One: I LOVE the idea of a pre-baby bucket list! Hahaha. I must make one of those. Hmmmm Vegas. I think I have to be in a certain mood to enjoy Vegas. I know what you mean, about playing the game but not really belonging. You have to admit that it’s definitely an experience of a lifetime, it’s not like anywhere you’ve ever been! I’ve only been once. I think I was more excited by dressing up, swimming in the awesome pools, and enjoying exotic drinks that I rarely ever try! It was like stepping into another lifetime for a little while, and then coming back down to earth on the drive home. <3 I loved reading about your experience!
That’s pretty much how I feel about Vegas, but it’s just a place I feel like needed to be experienced!
Eh, accidentally hit submit too soon. I meant to say you described it in a way that I was feeling but never could have put into words.
Gotta say. Vegas is not for me, either. I went once because I was curious. Everything is larger than life and that pretty much sums up the entire experience for me. I don’t mean to be a snob, but because I’ve been to the real Paris and the real Venice, Vegas’ version is just a sad, sad facsimilie. I hate that America has commercialized and glamorized things/places that need no help in being fabulous. But, to each his own… I have plenty of friends who want to meet in Vegas for a girls’ weekend. I cop out gracefully.
i’m not a vegas fan.
but i am a pre-baby bucket list fan.
also you’re a bombshell.
We went to Vegas a couple years ago and stayed at the Mirage. It connects directly to everything from the casino, and the mall. I honestly went outside twice- once to leave, and once to return home. I loved it (they even upgraded our suite to a penthouse!) but besides the view and the $12 i gambled, I feel ya.
Just found you through “Who to follow” on Twitter and I’m in love with your pictures!
And spontaneous trips are the best!!
xo, Ana