Michelin-filled Vegas

In the words of Emeril Lagasse, my trip to Vegas was "kicked up a few notches" because my friends and I decided to nix the famous Vegas buffets in lieu of Michelin star winning restaurants. Big thanks to Yuki for picking out the places!

Las Vegas is known for many things: gambling, partying, lavish hotels, shopping, top entertainment, and world-class food. My favorites are definitely the entertainment and world-class food! We were able to watch the beautifully made Cirque du soleil show, KA, and eat at Michelin star winning restaurants, Mix at Mandalay Bay hotel and Daniel Boulud Brasserie at the Wynn. This was my first time in Vegas as a person over 21 years old and it was my sister's first time in Vegas too! Vegas did not disappoint thanks to our wonderful friends Richard, Yuki, Tiff, Tricia, Kevin, and Jeanie.

*Special thanks to Kevin and his professional camera taking skills*

In front of the Cirque du soleil KA theater at the MGM Grand hotel

Mix is located at the top of THEhotel so anticipate a grand view of the Vegas strip. We all chose from the prix-fix menu, allowing us to get a taste of everything like lobster, lamb, scallop, shrimp, and so much more...Delicious!

A group picture at the outdoor seating in Daniel Boulud Brasseire. There was a gorgeous water and light show throughout dinner. The servers were very personable and funny. They kept flirting with my sister and gave us a free "engagement dessert" because they thought Tiffany and Yuki were engaged (or about to be engaged). Haha!

Since Las Vegas is a city that never sleeps, we explored the night life and went out to TAO at the Venetian the first night. Entrance was free for hotel guests! Even though it was super crowded that night, I was still able to spot other classmates who happened to be in town that day too.

Downtown Las Vegas

Many people don't know or don't choose to visit Downtown Las Vegas, a.k.a. Old Las Vegas. Our second night out consisted of tourist stops (i.e. Fabulous Las Vegas sign) and the Freemont street experience in downtown L.V. Here you will see older Vegas hotels and casinos. It may not be as glitzy and glamorous as the strip but it's still something worth seeing once.

So Long Fabulous Las Vegas!

Thanksgiving Turkey Bowl

Football, Food, Fellowship, and Fun!

Midway Girl's Football Team!! We won 1st place!!

This was the first year I celebrated Thanksgiving without my immediate family and without the Nguyen Thanksgiving feast. The holiday season is different when you're living in an area of perpetual sun and 70 degree weather. I can no longer relate to songs like "White Christmas" or "Walking in a Winter Wonderland". Nonetheless, the wonderful summerland weather here provided the perfect temperature for the 2nd Annual Turkey Football Bowl! Four teams from four churches competed for the title of Turkey Bowl Champions. As you saw in the picture above, Midway girls won!

Coach Hieu made a fantastic video of our team on game day. Enjoy!

Hanh, our make up artist is making us look fierce with that black eye liner

Our team then attempted to make fierce poses to go along with the make up

The last time I played football was at last year's Thanksgiving at my parent's house. From what I remember, we tied and I almost got a black eye from running into my fellow teammate. I'm glad it wasn't repeated at this year's game! The girls on the Midway team were talented players and I'm so glad to have been apart of it all. Congratulations ladies and Midway COACHES (Richard, Hieu, and Anthony)!!

Thank you to ALL the football teams who came out and donated canned foods and toys for Isaiah house and the Orangewood Children's home. Great game and I hope to see you next year!

I had to throw this in here for fun. Hahah!

....An old picture from last year's football festivities on the east coast!