A Graduation in Vegas

The time has already come for the first of three dental school graduations. Emily, my cousin, received her Doctorate in Dental Medicine from the University of Las Vegas School of Dentistry this past weekend. In talking with my dad, we decided that all three of us would head to Vegas for a quick trip in support of her amazing accomplishment. Cheryl and I decided we would drive-in on Saturday morning and head straight to Emily's graduation party. The actual ceremony was on Friday night, and although we couldn't make it, my dad had flown in on Friday afternoon and was able to videotape the event for us.



It was wonderful to see most of the family there and Cheryl and I had a great time catching up with loved ones. Most of the talk was centered around how quickly mine and my sister's graduations would arrive and how it seemed like just yesterday when we both started; I

Emily's parents hired a cake decorator to create this amazing dentistry inspired graduation cake. Everything was edible, even the instruments!

After dessert, the cousins all headed to the Red Rock Resort to try our luck in the casino. An hour and a half later, I found myself $60 dollars richer. I called it quits and left a winner - tough luck Vegas, maybe next time.



On Sunday, we met back at Emily's parent's house for a morning brunch before my aunties and a few other relatives headed to the airport. Cheryl, my dad, and myself, took the opportunity to head to the strip and check out the newest hotel - Aria.

If one word could describe this new ultra luxury hotel, it would be - breathtaking. The last time Cheryl and I visited "sin city" was on our 2 year anniversary back in 2008. At that time, the newest hotel to open was the the second tower in the Wynn complex, aptly named - Encore. Needless to say, Cheryl and figured that if we visited Vegas every 18 months, there would be an even newer, more luxurious, and more amazing hotel for us to NOT spend our money in. Alrighty then.

The engineers, in their brilliance, not only connected the Aria to the Bellagio, a cornerstone in the luxury hotel market, but also built a monorail that spanned the distance between the Aria and the Monte Carlo. Traveling from one hotel to the other was now not only free, but effortless.

Cheryl and I enjoyed the Bellagio's seasonal Atrium display. "Springtime" was simply incredible and every decoration, with the exception of a few insects, was completely made of flowers, seeds, or other organic materials.



A toad under his toadstool and a huge bee with it's flower.

The snail's shell was made entirely out of different colored roses.

Cheryl is mocking the manikin and it's ridiculous outfit. You go girl!



Yes, my dear, those ARE made of 100% chocolate.

The most incredible Gelato I have ever tasted. Peanut butter with peanut brittle mixed in - WOW.

Before our trip was over, I was able to convince Cheryl to let me take a quick peek inside to see what was so amazing about the Bass Pro Shop.

Lets just say that I would need another lifetime to fully immerse myself in this type of lifestyle. Unbelievable!

Congratulations Emily - you will be an incredible dentist.