What Happens In Vegas.............

I'm back and Vegas is still standing, even if I'm not.

The Wedding was great. The bride was beautiful. The people were fun and the mood festive. And we all have a few good stories for years to come to bring home with us.

Thursday night we ventured out as a group to hit the strip. Seeking some music and drinks we headed from our hotel, The Flamingo, over to Bellagio . Upon entering the "cool" lounge their, we found it was full and were sent away with the distinct impression that we were too old and not quite hip enough to hang out in this joint. But they were kind enough to direct us to "Caramel", the club on the other side of the casino floor that would be much more what we were hoping for anyway. The gentleman working the door at Caramel also sent us away. The grooms brother and the brides brother were both wearing sandals, this is a capital offense in Vegas night clubs, -not cool enough for this place either. Once again we were directed 'just across the way' to a lounge with an 80's cover band and dance floor, perfect. We enter to find that we are the youngest people in here by at least 25 years. The funny part was that we were really enjoying the band and this is where we fit in. We didn't stay for more than an hour. We couldn't at those drink prices. We were off again. This time back across the street to Margaritaville. Great band, younger crowd, more affordable(slightly). Jimmy Buffet has no hang-ups about sandals.

The next morning we all dressed and primped for the wedding. We had to search through the hotel to find the right exit where the Limo was waiting. The super stretch was supposed to be able to accommodate 12, however at 9 people we were sardined in. Our driver should not be working in a service industry. He was most unpleasant and did not seem to enjoy his chosen profession. Not even a smile and congratulations for the bride and groom. However, he did drive just fine.

The wedding went off without a hitch. Well there was one hitch, but that was the point of being there.

On the way back to the hotel the grooms brother decided that it would be a good idea to lean 1/3 of his body out the window and wave at the woman driving next to us, with a state trooper behind us. Just for the record this was not a good idea. We were given a warning in the form of a quick flash of the lights and siren. That would be enough for most people, not for this guy. A few moments later while the Trooper was passing on our left, he blew a kiss at the trooper. Not having much in the way of a sense of humor, the Limo was now pulled over. No ticket issued, but a stern warning about how going to jail would put a crimp in the day.

Luckily, the rest of the day was fun and smooth. We had dinner and cake. Some went off for naps to rest up for the night ahead. I hit the tables for a while and had a blast. Black Jack players are pretty typically a fun nice group. We had some fun and entertaining dealers and a lot of laughter. Later is was back out as a group for more music and dancing.

Saturday was definitely time for some downtime poolside. I was relaxed and feeling great. We were all having fun, watching the water volleyball game when I hit a slick spot on the pool deck. My feet came flying out from under me and I crashed full force onto the concrete flat on my back. I was given a towel an icepack and a Coors Light. I received a nasty headache and blinding pain that ended my day.

I filled out an incident report in the security offices. The take the report in the infamous 'back room'. And that is exactly what it is. A small interrogation room with a table, 2 chairs and a camera. The security officer who took the report had about as much social skill as the Limo driver, polite, but barely.

Sunday was time to head for the airport. Ibuprofen was not cutting it and I was not looking forward to a 4 hour flight in coach. Of course the flight was delayed and overbooked. Of course I am assigned the 'middle seat'. And of course the drink of the guy sitting next to me spills into my lap and I get to sit in Jack and Coke on the rocks for 3 hours.

At 1:30 a.m. I was grateful to be home in my own bed. At 7:30 a.m. I reached for more ibuprofen and am calling the doctor today for an appointment.

So to recap: I got 'backroomed' at the Flamingo and I didn't even get a lousy t-shirt.

Let Freedom Ring!

The kids are gone! I love grandparents. At the crack of dawn they were pulled out of bed and thrown into the car for the long ride to Camp Grandparents Farm. I waived from the driveway until the car pulled out of sight, then started dancing in the driveway, still wearing my pajamas. No wonder the neighbors don't send Christmas cards. LET FREEDOM RING!

On another note, today in these United States we celebrate freedom. It is a day to be grateful for all that we have and to remember all those who gave of their minds, time and lives to ensure our freedom and still are fighting for freedom today. I think of our Founding Fathers with awe of the great ideals, forthought and extreme courage they put forth. As Ben Franklin once put it "We shall hang together or we will surely hang separately". Good ole Ben also stated "Beer, proof that God loves us and wants us to be happy". I swear I am not making this up.

While I am on a useless trivia ramble, let me mention something about Independence Day itself. Today we celebrate the signing of the Declaration of Independence. That glorious document that started it all. However, did you know that it was actually signed on July 2, 1776? Yup. That's right. Independence Day is actually on the 2nd. We celebrate on the 4th because that was the day that the enlarged document to display in the town square behind Independence Hall came back from the printers and was posted. No kidding. You can go look it up, I'll wait.


Ha! You didn't believe me. But I am right!
My kids teachers hate me. Teacher's editions of history books don't mention this tidbit. Remember the episode of The Simpsons were Bart stole all the teacher's editions? That always cracks me up. *Note to teachers....Don't be hatin', have a chuckle and move on*
Happy 4th everyone!

T-16 hours and Counting

My in-laws are one the way and should be here by dinner. I am in the midst of insanity trying to do kids laundry, clean the house for overnight guests, pack the bags and plan dinner. I think I will be slaving over a hot phone for that last one.
I should not even be taking the time to write this. But I can't help it. I am too excited. Early tomorrow morning I will wave at them from the driveway while pretending to be sad. I will have a week of solace. My vacation alone @ home. It sounds glorious. Just Hubby and I, and he will be a work 1/2 of the time. Tomorrow the whole country will celebrate for us. They will hold parades, shoot off fireworks, orchestras will play, people will BBQ and drink to us and our joy. Or at least that's what I've convinced myself of.
For now though, I am in the final stretch. These last few hours will be a grueling test of stamina. But I have my eyes on the prize.

T-Minus 5 Days and Counting

The countdown has begun. In 5 short days The weasels are going on vacation, without Mom or Dad!!!!!!!!! They are headed to their grandparents farm for a week of country livin'.
My in-laws are pretty great in this regard. They love spending extended time with the kids without pesky parents getting in the way of the fun. They can break a good many of Mom's rules, 'cause Mom's not here'. And that's okay, they're on vacation. They will have lots of fun avoiding walking in cow pies, chicken scat and horse manure. They will play with (by this I mean chase down and torture) dogs and cats. Walk through the woods and the creek until they become mud caked specimens not fit for living indoors. They will eat blueberry pie for breakfast. They can feed the pig and collect the chicken eggs. But most of all, they are looking forward to driving the tractor.
Being little patch lawn suburban kids, the farm life is an excellent adventure vacation for them. Like the people from New York City who pay thousands of dollars to vacation working as a ranch hand in Montana (fools). Only this vacation for 5 consisting of 8 days and 7 nights at the luxurious Grandparents Farm Resort comes to a grand total of $0.00. But that's not even the best part.
The best part is I will have the house to myself!!! Hubby still has to go to work. He and I will have great quiet time together in the evenings and on the weekend. I will pick a day to meet him for lunch near the office. But during the days I shall be alone! In a nice quiet clean (that will be my 1st priority after they leave) house. A house that will stay clean for a whole week! That may not sound like anything too special to some people, but for me it's almost as good as a week on Waikiki Beach ( I said almost).
We have been in this house for 4 years now, and the longest that I have been alone in the house was for 4 hours one afternoon, and that only happened once. So I am very much looking forward to the serenity of it all. But first, I think I will have to tear off my clothes and run naked through the house, just because I can. IF the neighbors are lucky I will close the blinds first.
Don't get me wrong. I love summertime with the kids. But they can use a break from oppressive parent types who are just 'the man, trying to keep them down' and Mom and Dad need time to think up new chores for them to do and other ways to continue our oppression.