Vegas... again!

I guess we didn't get enough of Vegas last time we were there so we decided to go back. We went for a four-day dental thing. I was slightly panicked this time around because I had to leave my baby at home. Leaving my baby who was sick and still nursing was a rather traumatic event for me. Actually, I think it was probably more traumatic for my friend, Megan, who watched him while we were gone. Sleep is over-rated anyway. Right? Seriously, Megan is a saint.

Anyway, we stayed at the Venetian. It was awesome! This whole trip was kicked up a notch in every way from the last time we were here- nicer hotel, nicer view...

Dave and I walked in and put our stuff down. The first thing we both did was to walk up to that padded wall. I wasn't paying any attention to Dave. I put my hand up to touch the wall, looked over at Dave and he was doing the same thing. It made for a good laugh at the time. Sometimes you just can't resist touching the padded wall. That's all I'm sayin'. Kindred spirits I tell you.



Now you'll note that I didn't say we had a nice view, just a nicer view than last time we were here.



We weren't even sure what this was... but we had a nice view of it, whatever it was...



While we were there, it was Earth Day. It seems Vegas is trying to help save the Earth (not one soul at a time, of course) but one lightbulb at a time. The lights on the strip were dimmed for an hour that night to honor Earth Day. I took some pictures but as you can only imagine, they were rather dark. Yes, I will be kind and spare you looking at those.

It really turned out to be a good trip. We spent most of our time in class but managed to fit in some time for friends, eating, and walking around the strip. Fortunately for us, our friendly neighborhood front office lady and friend, Fern, took some pictures of us while we were walking around. Unfortunately for you, they are still on her camera. I know you are all gnawing at the bit to see the picture of me and Dave standing in front of a bronzed larger than life statue of Siegfried, Roy, and their lion friend. Only in Vegas baby!

While we were gone, we entrusted our other three children to my brother Mark and his wife Annie. Somehow they managed to stay alive while we were gone (and no, I'm not referring to the kids). Upon arriving home and taking a gander through the pictures on my camera, I got some insight into the weekend events while we were away. Buckle your seats ladies and gentleman...

Would you have expected anything less?!



Who is in charge here?



The combinations here are amazing.



Annie has found the way to my kid's hearts- she takes them to Chuck E. Cheese. Please note- I do not take my kids to Chuck E. Cheese. In fact, I don't know if I've ever been there in my entire life.

Is anyone else disturbed by the wonky-eyed Chuck E. Cheese in the background?



I don't know what the deal is with this clock thing but there were many pictures of it on the camera. It must be important.



Oh looky here- Chuck E. no longer has wonky eye.



The kids now talk about "Chuck E." all the time. It looks as though they are on a first-name basis with him. Funny how every time they say his name I think they are saying "Chucky" and that creepy red-haired doll kid in those scary movies pops into my mind.



That's my girl!



Now that I realize he is capable of this two-handed cooking technique, methinks I will be putting this boy to better use in the kitchen.



I probably owe someone some money for this...



Well if that isn't just the cutest little thing I've ever seen.



If dressing up with them, taking them to Chuck E. Cheese, and feeding them was not enough, they also took them to Thanksgiving Point to see all the animals.

Mark and Annie took such great care of the kids! Annie even washed all their laundry so I wouldn't have to when I got home. Thanks you guys! You are the best. Talk about having all your ducks in a row! Bueno!