The Andrea Bocelli Adventure

So the weekend of 12/7/13 started very snowy. Margaret and I headed out on our annual pilgrimage to a concert in Vegas, but it was a treacherous journey. We questioned our safety a few times, but we got through for Andrea!

We decided to stay the night in Vegas to avoid more dangerous driving situations. We stayed at The Rio and were upgraded to a VIP suite for free. This was because the guy checking us in thought two beautiful women deserved it...and they had lots of rooms available.
The concert was at the MGM Grand Garden Arena. BEST CONCERT I HAVE EVER BEEN TOO!!!!! That man is amazing. The first half of the concert he performed a lot of opera. He performed with Svelta Vassileva,  a soprano. They were amazing. I wish I could do something that cool. I was loving the opera, but I was getting anxious for some of his more popular stuff and some christmas music. I love christmas!

The moment that truly made the concert for me came next. Mr. Bocelli came out holding a flute and began to sing Ave Maria...best moment ever! He played the flute as well, which is awesome because the man is blind! It was so beautiful, I was on the verge of tears (which is saying something for me). He followed with Adeste Fideles (Oh Come All Ye faithful). Also awe inspiring!

After these two songs, the great Heather Headley came unto the stage! At first I didn't recognize the song, but it turned out to be the best version of "Somewhere Over the Rainbow" that I have ever heard. Her voice was incredible. I found out later that she is the original Nala from the broadway Lion King, one of my favorites! (picture courtesy of andreabocelli.com)

Next was Andrea singing "I Found My Love in Portifino" AWESOME! He then sang "When I Fall In Love" with Heather...very romantic and they were so good together! Then "Canto Della Terra" together! This is a beautiful song, I suggest looking it up on YouTube! They made it seem like this was the last song, but when Andrea got to the edge of the stage with the crowd going wild, he talked to the conductor and walked back on stage for an encore! He said "Because we are Vegas" and sang "Love Me Tender." Once again we thought this was the end and the crowds stood and went wild. And again Andrea walked to the edge of the stage and talked to the conductor. He did this to us an additional 2 times. He sang "New York, New York," "Time to Say Goodbye" (much to Margaret's happiness! This was the one song she wanted!), and he finished with "Nessun Dorma" from Turandot, an opera! Once he finished the last song, the audience in complete unison stood clapping and shouting!!! Seriously the best concert and one of the best performers. I loved it so much that for Christmas I sent my parents to the show in Phoenix the next night! They loved it!

So after the show, Marg and I feeling fancy took a taxi back to our hotel,

got hot chocolate and went to bed. We headed out the next day fully intended on getting back to Provo. The I-15 was closed due to the weather and the officials said it wouldn't be opened for 6-8 hours. We decided it would be worth it to just go home to AZ! My parents were super excited. I surprised my BFF Faith by making her believe we were going to skype then showing up on her doorstep! I'm an awesome friend :) It was nice to have a few days visiting friends and family! I miss my Harley guy! He's a real cool guy!
Marg and I then headed back home to Provo. It was a nice way to get over the weather! I miss warm sunny AZ and the people that live there! The concert was awesome and I can't wait to see who we choose next year to see! Good times!

Metro Special!!!

It has been a while since a metro post...I haven't been on the rail for a good 2 months. Thursday, my family and I went to a D-backs game in Phoenix. Here we are my nieces, nephew, and all the family on the light rail.

 Here we are at the game. We were fairly close, just behind left field. We had two home runs hit to our section. Very exciting!

Sadly the game didn't end in favor of the D-backs. Silly Dodgers and there silly fans. The game ended late and we were all very tired on the ride home, but still happy that we got to spend some quality time together. At night is when the crazy people of public transportation come out, so we saw a few of the usuals. The muttering man. The stoned and/or drunk man. And the crazy man that yelled at my niece and nephew to stay away from the tracks or they would die! He was very emphatic about it. Look how sleepy we all look!

 The game was fun. The light rail was fun but long at the end. It was a very fun day and at the end we were very tired. :)

Family Metro!

Last weekend I went to a concert in Phoenix with my family! It was the Mormon Tabernacle Choir and it was for the celebration of Arizona's Centennial! We rode the light rail into the city! It was a lot of fun and they were all depending on me and my vast knowledge of the light rail! :) The concert was awesome, but the light rail was really really crowded. On the way home I made friends with a drunk man who said I was cute and then apologized for being so forward. He then tried to sneak his arm around me, but I've learned a few tricks to get away. He was like 60 years old! Just another interesting, metro experience. Anyways, it was a lot of fun to ride with family. Here are some pictures!

Mom and I

Grandma & Grandpa

Dad & Uncle Rick gave up their seats

Uncle John took a nap

Concert at U.S. Airways Arena

Happy 100th Birthday, Arizona!!!