2nd Adventure - Las Vegas

So this blog may get a little long, but keep reading.

June 4th started our 2nd adventure. We were dropped at the airport in Rapid City, SD at 10:30am. Our plane was supposed to leave at 11:40. At 11:30 we found out our plane was delayed an hour. Since our layover in Denver was only 50 minutes we had to go get our tickets changed. Our new tickets left us with a 3 hour layover in Denver. We took off at 12:40 and got halfway to Denver to find out the airport was closed for weather. Our plane was so small that we didn't have enough fuel to circle so we went back to SD. It was only a 58 minute flight to begin with so it wasn't that bad, but now we were back where we started. We got off the plane and ate. They told us the airport was opened and we took off again a little after 4. We arrived at Denver at 5:20, but still missed our flight so had to be rebooked again. We were on stand bye for the 6:30 flight but did get on. Our flight to Vegas was ok until we started to descend. The wind was so hard that I nearly got motion sick. Our landing was very rough as well. Needless to say, we were supposed to get there at 4:30 and we didn't get all done checking in till 11:00pm.

June 5th we got an early start at 9:00am. Lori's wedding wasn't until 2:30pm, but it was at the other end of the strip. We decided to start walking and seeing the sights along the way, figuring if I got tired or ran out of time we could get a taxi. We stopped first at Circus Circus to get a schedule for the shows to return later. Then we stopped at Treasure Island to pick up Mandy, and get a schedule for their shows as well. We ate breakfast at Denny's, I know exciting. After that we went to see the garden's at the Bellagio. They were beautiful. We left Mandy at that time and continued on down the strip. We stopped at the M&M place, that was a trip, three stories of nothing but things with M&M's on them. Then we stopped at MGM and saw the lions but they were sleeping. After that we stopped at Excalibur but all the stuff they used to do for kids had been replaced with bars and stores. We did get something to drink and buy some T-shirts. After that the tram took us to Mandalay Bay and from there the chapel was only a few blocks away. We made it right on time at 2:10pm.

The chapel was a nice one for being on the strip. It was surrounded by trees and was probably the only grass I saw on the strip. There was a pretty gazebo to get pictures in. After the wedding we went back to Lori's house that she rented. The kids played in the pool while we had some good conversation and food. Michael was very glad to be sitting down. I think I worn the poor man out. After the wedding we went back to Treasure Island to watch the outside pirate show. Then we went back to the Bellagio to watch the water fountain show. Finally the day was over and we could go back to the hotel to sleep.

Friday June 6th we wasted the morning at the time share tour so we could get our hotel free. They are usually fun, as I've been on 3, but this one was boring and very pushy. He also insulted our way of life and the things we enjoy. Anyway, after that was over the fun could start. We went back to meet with an old high school friend Adam Romkema and his wife Annella Jo. It was a great joy to catch up with them. We went to the stop of the Stratosphere and took a few pictures. We finally found time for a nap before our American Superstar show. The show started out lame with Tim McGraw and Rod Stewart, but then the Christina Aguilera, who did a great impression and the guy that did Michael Jackson was awesome, much better than the real one. Blake is now a fan. Lastly we went back to Circus Circus to do some kid stuff. Blake played some games, I even won a horse race, though Blake lead the race for the most of it. We saw some funny cowboys that were like the 3 Stooges. It was great fun.

The trip home was uneventful. We got home and then went to Casa Bonita for Michael's birthday. Blake really enjoyed the shows. June 8th brought the farewell party. We packed up and cleaned the house up. The party was a great success. Thank you all for showing up. I think it was one of the biggest turn outs we have had.

June 9th was filled with cleaning, appointments and all that exciting stuff. We are nearly ready to head out. Tomorrow is the big day. We have a little packing and cleaning left, and a few errands as always, but are pretty much all ready. I am really glad this day is finally here. The work isn't all done yet, but at least it will be more fun work after we get there. So keep reading, we will update this blog as things happen.