Vegas baby. Vegas.
Chris, Charlie and Chuck flew into Las Vegas (via Los Angeles) on Thursday around noon. The one hour delay was all but forgotten as the plane was tossed to and fro in the gusty winds. After waiting in the check-in line in the lobby of the Treasure Island hotel, we were ready for vacation. We met with friends who had already checked in, ate dinner at an expansive (but not terribly expensive) dinner buffet with lots of food choices. The adults went to the Cirque d' soleil mystere show while those not old enough for the show were watched by a babysitter--sorry Charlie.
On Friday we awoke and experienced buffet number 2, this time for breakfast. Shortly thereafter a contingent (including the Richters) traveled by Dodge Grand Caravan to the Hoover Dam. Once at the dam, we watched the video presentation, toured the parts of the dam, walked around the exhibits, and took some pictures. On our return to sin city, we stopped at the Ethel M. Chocolate Factory. Free samples convinced some of us to buy. After a brief trip to Walmart we returned to the hotel, where we headed pool-side. Charlie donned his swimming atire and showed us his splashing water free-style. Another buffet and the treasure island pirate show rounded out the night. Chris bet two quarters and lost.
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On Saturday the breakfast buffet at the Mirage Hotel was larger (and more expensive) and included champagne. Chris, Charlie and Chuck walked the Las Vegas strip (much of it anyway) until our feet were sore. We stopped and looked at the various hotels and their theme attractions. Later we checked out of our room before meeting up with the Bentlers for lunch at the RainForest Cafe. On the way out of the restaurant Chris found a quarter on the ground, so her losses were reduced to a quarter. Later, visiting and swimming in the pool were enjoyable activities before the Richters parted ways with our friends. Onto the Grand Canyon we drove, arriving at the South Rim Village where we had hotel reservations.
Sunday morning was mother's day and we started it off right with a breakfast at the South Rim lodge. Following breakfast we embarked on a 3 mile (round trip) hike into the canyon. With Charlie and Charlie supplies, both Chris and Chuck got a great workout. We took some scenic drives along the South Rim and decided to see if the North Rim was as impressive. <4 hour driving interlude> We arrived at the North Rim as the sun was getting low on the horizon. It turned out that the North Rim was impressive. The daylight faded to dusk as we ate mother's day dinner at the North Rim lodge. With Charlie asleep in the back of the minivan, we drove to the town of Kanab, just short of the Zion National Park. Without realizing we had passed into moutain time zone, Chuck asked for a 8:00 am wake up call at our hotel. |
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Monday morning we awoke early. After breakfast we were on our way to Zion National park where we would have the fourth opportunity of the trip to use our national park pass. Impressive sights were viewed and arduous hiking was accomplished until the 11:40am launch window for the drive back to Vegas came. A short three hours later we were returning our rental minivan and making our way onto the plane. The ride home was quick and Charlie was the most pleasant baby on the plane. We arrived in Seattle after 8:30pm. The jeep was still in the airport parking lot even though some idiot ("Chuck Richter") left the window completely down.
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