Myra was one of my best friends growing up in Mimbres. We did everything together and were always at each other's houses in elementary and middle school, along with our friend, Tracie. So many great memories from those days! In my sophomore year in high school, though, I changed schools and started going to Silver High, leaving them behind and losing touch as I made new friends and got involved with different people. I have a lot of regrets about those days. :-( Fast-forward to college and when I found out Myra was there at NMSU! A sorority sister of mine and I went to talk to her and talked her into joining CERES (an agriculture sorority - little sister to FarmHouse Fraternity) with us and I was thrilled when she said yes! We became close again and she was even there when Colin and I got married, almost 17 years ago, helping to serve the dinner for us, along with many of my other college friends! After our wedding, though, she moved away - first back to Mimbres and then to Phoenix and thank goodness for Facebook, we have stayed in touch in the past 6 years, even getting together at my parents' house one Christmas for a nice, long visit that also included our dear friend, Cissy, who passed away this past November. Thank goodness for Facebook and we have also been in touch with Tracie, who now lives in Oklahoma, and Tracie is responsible for putting together awesome "River Rat Reunions" for those of us who grew up in the Mimbres Valley, like the one my entire family attended a few Thanksgivings ago.
I first received the invitation to Myra's wedding to Josh, taking place in Vegas, early last Fall and remember saying how much I would like to go, but knowing it probably wouldn't happen. In November, when Cissy passed away, it was Myra and Tracie that I was visiting with and feeling their love and support even though we were all so far away. During that time, I mentioned to Colin how much I really wanted to attend Myra's wedding in Vegas, and he surprised me by saying he thought it was important I go! I told the girls right away and they were so excited and we began making plans to go to the big Vegas wedding!!
Colin wasn't able to go because he had a work-related trip at the same time, but I talked to my Mom and she was game! The two of us had been talking about planning a mother/daughter trip for some time anyway. The big trip happened a couple of weeks ago, and although I hated leaving Colin and the kids and was wishing he and Dad could have joined us, too, I was so excited for that time with my Mom and to be there and support Myra on her blessed day.
We left Thursday morning from her house and drove the 9 hours to Vegas, making very good time! A lot of nice conversations were had that day as we drove. That evening we got settled in our room - the timeshare my parents own - and then went and did some shopping! The next day, more shopping took place, as did a trip to the Bellagio to see their beautiful gardens:
It was decorated for the Chinese New Year, which is the Year of the Horse this year, so things were very beautiful!
My beautiful Mom:
That evening, there was a social at the Tropicana for Myra and Josh and all their guests. Mom and I were a bit nervous because my friend Tracie had to cancel last minute due to all the snow their cattle ranch was getting hammered with and, although we knew Myra and her family well, we knew they would all be busy with the other guests. Boy, were we wrong, though! Myra cried when she saw us and gave us both long hugs. She was so glad to have us there. Her parents, brother and sister were all happy to see us and we were excited to see them! I always loved her family. Her extended family (aunts and uncles) and Josh's friends and family were all very nice and friendly so it was a good time. Here is a shot of Mom and I ready to go to the social:
After the social, we drove to the Wynn to see their gardens and get some dinner:
On Saturday morning, we got up and did some more shopping - Mom and I like to shop!! Then, that afternoon we met everyone at the Tropicana and rode in a party bus to the other side of the strip where the wedding would take place - The Chapel of the Flowers:
It was such a picturesque place! So pretty!
The wedding ceremony was quick but beautiful! While Myra and Josh were having pictures taken, Mom and I snapped a couple shots of each other:
After the wedding ceremony, we got back on the party bus for a ride to Mandalay Bay where the after-ceremony dinner was held at a pizza/pasta place. They had a back room set up and ready for us and the food was soooo good! It was here that we finally got pictures with Myra and her family! Here are Mom and I with the beautiful bride:
Mom with her Mom, Iona and in the second picture, with Iona and Myra's brother, Michael:
Then a picture of just Mom and I:
After the dinner, we had time to go back and change into something more comfortable before meeting back up at the New York New York Dueling Piano Bar for the celebration! My feet were killing me and although we only had to catch a ride on the tram from the Luxor to Ex Calibur and then walk across the street to the Tropicana, I was in a lot of pain! I refused to take them off and walk in those nasty places barefoot - even with hose on!!! Here I am waiting for the tram at the Luxor:
The piano bar was so much fun!! A new favorite in Vegas and something I cannot wait to take Colin to do next time we are there!! In fact, I was texting with him most of the time I was there - even though it was midnight here at home! So many great songs and great company - it was like a giant sing-a-long!! Here is a cute shot of Myra's sister and her mom dancing to one of the songs:
Can't wait to go back there, that is for sure!
All in all, except for missing Tracie and wishing she had been able to join us, it was a fantastic weekend and Mom and I are both so happy we went!
Congratulations to Myra and Josh!! Thank you for letting us be part of your very special day! So happy for you and can't wait to see you again!!
