Home!

:( Well, we're back home and everyone is a bit depressed that our vacation is now over. Our flight back was uneventful though we were concerned about Hurricane Dennis as we were flying from Las Vegas to Atlanta and then on to Tampa. We got in and out of Atlanta with few problems (we must have timed it just right!) and the weather in Tampa was clear. Bob and I have decided that an entire week spent in just Vegas is too much. Two or three days and then on to some place new seems to be a better option. We just didn't feel that we had gotten in enough sight-seeing so we'll have to remember that for next year. Now if Bob could only win the Lottery . . .

More sightseeing!

Yesterday, the 7th, was a "visit the attractions in Vegas" day. Mindi, Chris, and Sarah went to the Stratosphere so Chris could ride the 4 rides located at the top of the tower. The rides managed to impress Chris who considers himself a connoisseur of thrill rides. Then we all went to the Mirage to check out Sigfried and Roy's Dolphin Habitat and Secret Garden. The dolphins were fun to watch as they were quite playful.

Today, the 8th, we went to the Valley of Fire. We left very early to try and beat the heat (106 degrees). The rock formations and petroglyphs were very interesting and we saw a jack rabbit, some eagles, and lots of chipmunks. We took the scenic route home through the mountains.

Hoover Dam

Today we saw the Hoover Dam from the Lake Mead side. We took a cruise aboard the Desert Princess which took us up the Black Canyon to the dam. Very scenic with the contrast between the stark rocks and the bright blue water. We were surprised at how much lower the water was than the last time we visited the dam. Any sight-seeing really needs to be done early in the day due to the excessive heat so the rest of the day was spent lazing around. Bob tried the casinos again but still didn't have any luck. He decided that the nickel slots at least give you more play time before you lose your money! Tomorrow is another stay around town day. Friday will be Valley of Fire.

Happy Birthday, Mindi!

Another "take it easy" day. Mindi celebrated her birthday with a Swedish massage at the spa. Bob and I cruised the Strip via the Monorail. The only one with any luck at the casinos was me. Unusual! We went to the dinner show at the Excalibur in the evening to see the Tournament of Kings. Sarah enjoyed the horses but didn't like the cannons. Tomorrow we're going to do some real sight-seeing. We're going to the Hoover Dam and Lake Mead. My idea of a vacation! :D

Happy 4th of July!

Our first full day in the City of Lost Wages! First on the agenda - food. Boy, am I glad I don't have to feed 6 people on a regular basis! Next on the agenda - relax, pool time, and relax some more. Check out the picture section of our Family Travels page to see some pictures of the condo and Mindi's favorite vacation spot. Last on the agenda - more fireworks and a little casino time. A patriotic themed slot machine was very good to me!

Vegas, here we come!

Well, departure day finally arrived! We left our house at 8:15 AM, changed vehicles at Mindi's house and headed for Tampa. We gave ourselves plenty of time to get there in case there were any traffic woes. Fortunately there weren't and we had lots of time to kill at the airport. The flight from Tampa to Atlanta was not the greatest but the flight from Atlanta to Vegas was very comfortable and pleasant. There was a little confusion over the rental car but it all worked out. The condo at the Hilton Vacation Club lived up to it's expectations. We ate our first buffet, watched fireworks, and retired early (for Vegas time not Florida time!).