We stayed at the Hilton Grand Vacations Club. Rob is a VIP cardholder and we got to stay there for super cheap, but had to do a timeshare tour. No problem, just a couple of hours of our time.
This flight is 5 hours for us. For about 2 hours of the flight, there was a HUGE storm that was over the Midwest, in particular MO and KS. The storm with lightening was beautiful! The pilot actually announced it and wanted everyone on the 'right side' to experience what he saw. This picture does not do it any justice of what it really was like. How fast can cameras take pictures, right?
The first full day, we hung out at the pool/pool bar for 7 hours and had a great time talking to strangers. Since I have no adults really to talk to during the day, I was willing to talk to anyone!
That night, after so many choices to pick from, we decided to go to LeReve at the Wynn Hotel. It was an acrobat water show. It was wonderful!!! I actually tried to video clip some of the show, but got caught (go figure) and lazered by the staff....oops!
The last night, the one we were looking forward to the most, we met 2 of my brothers and their wives out at Margaritaville on the strip. I had not met them (my sister- in-laws) yet...LOVED THEM BOTH! I hadn't seen Kevin since 2001 and don't even remember the last time I had seen Matt. Matt and Rob were on the swim team together in high school (which is how we met). So, it was neat seeing them together again after such a long time.
I have to say, it was, and still is, a very humbling and surreal time for me. I am very proud of them both. It had been too long, and am glad and grateful we have re-established a relationship after too many years. It saddens me that so much time has passed and I have missed out on everything they (the whole family) have done and experienced. And, that they have missed out on my life. I tried to explain this at dinner, before they all stopped me. I am trying hard not to look/ponder of the past and at what has happened, but it is hard, and I am still struggling. I am human.
Divorce is difficult. Divorce is traumatic. The children are so innocent. The children are the ones who suffer. I don't want to suffer anymore. Unless you have experienced it, you truly don't understand it. I am 32 years old and this happened when I was a baby, and am still effected. I think I will always be. It has made me the person who I am today. On a good note, I have realized (especially after having Braeden) that life is just too short. I can't control or change the past. I can not judge. I can only love and look forward to the future. I do not want to regret anything anymore. Family means everything to me; divorced parents or not. This is my family, too. These are my siblings. And I am proud to be their big sister. I am pleased that they still accept me for all my short-comings over the years.
Rob mentioned several times to me that he noticed the 'special bond' Kevin and I(still) had. That was cool and made me smile that he recognized that. I still feel that bond. He was my best buddy. We were inseparable when we were in Indy and had so much fun together. I have alot of good memories when I lived with my dad and step-mom....besides being grounded most of the time because of my grades-ha ha!
We had a great time! I hope they had a good of a time as we did! I was sad to see them leave, and wanted to cry, but totally understand with kiddos.:) This night was worth the trip to Vegas 100% and can't wait until we reunite again and Braeden can meet his (hot)aunts, uncles, and cousins! I sure wish we all lived closer vs. scattered across the US.
Here are some pics of this wonderful night! THANK YOU again for taking out the time and driving to meet us. It meant the world to me. I LOVE YOU ALL! *tears*
*Alana*
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