Viva Las Vegas.

 One of the first events Mar planned to attend after her mission was the wedding of a CDS Mission couple in Las Vegas. She had initially hoped that she would be able to find a ride down with others going, but it didn't pan out, so I told her I would make the trip with her. I love me a road trip ;-)

We drove down on Wednesday, August 4th.

I had never had to check into a big casino hotel before, but we figured it out, made our way with all our luggage (and pillows haha) through the casino to our room. Phew! Upon arrival, we also discovered that the governor of NV had just put in place a mask mandate. We were not prepared, but the hotel kindly provided us with masks to use during our stay. That evening was the bachelorette party, so Mar headed to that while I chilled in the room. It was nice and relaxing - other than my occasional burst of worry about Mar driving around Las Vegas late at night. I was happy and relieved when she came through the door of our hotel room.

There were no wedding events on Thursday, so Mar and I spent the day doing fun things.

We went to lunch at the True Food Kitchen.

We strolled around the outdoor mall, purchasing some yummy rub-on perfume from Lush.

Then we hit a movie theater to see In the Heights.

We headed back to the hotel because we weren't ready for dinner... yet.

We googled a good spot to get dinner and ventured back out around 9pm that evening. We drove much farther than we thought we would need to for tacos that were pretty... okay. It was food for our belly in the city that doesn't sleep ;-)

Friday, August 6

Wedding day.

Since Mar and I had decided that we would make the drive home later this evening, we had checked out of our hotel before we drove to the Las Vegas Temple. We were there a little early, so we walked around the beautiful grounds and snapped a few pictures.

Once Mar spotted some weddings guests, she left and I returned to the car to read. In 100 degree temps. With the car running. I figured that temple ceremonies are typically not that long, and because it was so stinking hot, I thought for sure that pictures afterward would be brief. 

I was wrong.

I think I sat in the car for nearly 3 hours. Finally Mar came and joined me, and we drove to a grocery store near the church where the reception would be held to purchase a few snacks for our late drive home. After dropping Mar off at the reception, I headed to the nearest TJ Maxx/Home Goods to pass the time shopping. That's the best way to make time fly, let me tell you. I also waited in the longest line I have EVER seen in a Home Goods before, so I started sweating that I wouldn't be back at the church in time to pick Mar up. I pulled up just as the happy couple were leaving amid the bubbles and cheers of their guests.

Mar changed her clothes and we headed out. Initially I was driving, but was so drowsy (plus I have terrible night vision), I could only make it to St. George. Mar said she could drive the rest of the way home. I don't remember much about the drive - I think I stayed awake for most of it, but probably dozed on and off. We made it safely to Britt's house around... 2am? Thanks, Mar, for being the designated driver ;-)

It was a fun few days, and I loved the time I was able to spend with my girl.