Horse show travels: Las Vegas

Yes, you read that right. I had the difficult task of traveling to Las Vegas for a horse show for work. They had to really twist my arm on that one.

I went up for the High Roller Reining Classic, which was at the South Point Casino and Event Center. It is the coolest facility; the arenas and barns are attached to the casino, so you literally never have to go outside of the building. I spent 4 days indoors without seeing the light of day. And you can watch the live feed for the show on your hotel room's tv, so you can see where they are in the draw while you get ready.

I had the awesome opportunity to cover the Open Derby Saturday night, and it was the best show I think I've seen since I started working at my job. Over 30 people scored a 220 or higher, and the winning score was a 232. The Reserve score was a 230.5. I've always loved reining, and getting to watch so many beautiful runs was exciting. This was also my first work trip where I got to go with a coworker, which made the trip even more fun.

We played the slots in our off time and ate SO MUCH delicious food. One of the restaurants, the Coronado Cafe, brought us this wonderful bounty:

Also, good news!

We attended a longhorn auction during the show, because apparently reining people like longhorns, too. And while there many things to take photos of, like the longhorns running amok in the sale ring while kicking their feet up and trying to eat fake plants, I only got a photo of the ice sculpture:

A week after I returned, Philip and I celebrated 6 months of marriage. I expected him to take me to dinner, but he had other plans. I arrived home from work to find him already there with steaks, potatoes, asparagus and rolls cooking. There was salad and a bottle of wine on the table, and the room was lit with candles. Frank Sinatra songs from our wedding played in the background. He even greeted me dressed up in his wedding clothes.

I am a lucky, lucky girl!