Vegas: First Weekend

This post combines three days of photos and narrative.
Kayla's routine continued the same from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., in this UNLV building.

Friday we went to the Bass Pro store. While Mike shopped to replace his lost hunting and fishing gear, I walked around admiring the many animal and nature displays. This one of a bighorn ram fascinated me because I had just learned that each horn can weigh up to 40 lbs.!

After picking up Kayla we experienced another side of Las Vegas away from downtown and the strip. We spent two nights with Paul and my nieces. This is typical Southwestern architecture.

And here is a panoramic view from their back window. Kayla lamented the absence of grass. But, hey, no lawns to mow.

I was drawn immediately to their mate collection (the name refers to both the gourd and the beverage) and later truly enjoyed drinking the special Argentine tea.

Kayla, of course, was interested in the gaucho hat.

Saturday was 9 de julio, Día de la Independencia. I saw this poster at the restaurant where we celebrated.

Why do you think it says Argentina is the country of the six continents?

Saturday was girls' night out. We picked up Kayla and went for pedicures and manicures. Such a special treat. Look how relaxed Lizzie looks.

I love the color I chose. My toenails still look like that. Not my nails. No way!

Sunday was the last day of the ballet seminar. In the afternoon we said goodbye to our wonderful hosts and went to the student performance. 

After that it was off to stay at the Flamingo where all the other dance events were to take place.
First a tour of the grounds.

Then out to check out the surroundings, and fight the crowds.

 Here is one cityscape of the evening.

Vegas: Day Three

Mike and I started the day bright and early by going to the pool. (We were still at the Ramada where the pool was quiet, abundant breakfast is included, there is a fridge in the room, and free WiFi.)

The routine every day was to drop Kayla off at the UNLV  and come back later for her lunch break. Sometimes we went in to check the schedule and try to connect with teachers or parents. On this particular day, I talked to a mother from Georgia who knew of our OM headquarters and some of the people we know! As they say, "It's a small world."

After lunch with Kayla, we took off for the mountains to explore Red Rock Canyon. (The short video on this site beats all of my photos.)

We practiced using the panning feature on my new camera.

We hiked a trail that was reasonable in length and was supposed to be the coolest--the Ice Box Canyon.

He must be wondering what's taking me so long. I was probably checking out the varied vegetation...

...or the amazing cloud patterns.

Can you see an eye peeking out from behind the clouds?

This evening we headed for Circus Circus, ate well at The Garden Grill,...

...circled the midway,...

... and finally made it to one circus act--a very young girl hula hoop expert.

Another good day.

Vegas: Day Two

While Kayla was in class, we went places we thought would not be as interesting to her. This day we headed to the Bellagio to see Richard MacDonald's sculptures. We took a lot of pictures before we were told not to. Oops!
His exhibit is connected to the Cirque du Soleil. Amazing!

Mike was very inspired. He recently began experimenting with sculpture in clay.

In the same hotel we visited the Conservatory and Botanical Garden.
I do like these bicycle pics, however, since bikes have been important to us. (We recently replaced all the burnt-to-nothing bicycles that were in our garage.)

There were beautiful displays of Dale Chihuly's glass art, similar to what you can see at the Indianapolis Children's Museum.

In the afternoon and evening, with Kayla, we started where we had left off the day before, at the Excalibur.

Some of the views getting there--by car, cross walks, up and down and around.

We ate Chinese in the food court and went in a few shops. Kayla had to model some of the interesting items, of course.

By the time we made it over to the MGM we were ten minutes late for the Lion Habitat, one of the best free attractions in Las Vegas. Too bad.

It was probably enough for one day, but we packed in stops at M&M and Coca-Cola stores and museums.

Come back tomorrow for more.

Vegas: First Day

Yes, I promised photos. Monday came and went. I was overwhelmed with the immediate and had no time for reflection till too late at night to be capable of decision making. Where to begin? At the beginning, of course.

Also known as Sin City. Casinos and porn are everywhere, unavoidable, more ubiquitous than McDonald's. Even in the airport you walk by slot machines.

We may not have chosen Las Vegas as a vacation destination, but this trip was for Kayla.

However, there is way more family-friendly fun than one can take in even in a two-week visit.

Notice the scary roller coaster. It winds in and around and above buildings and monuments.

Where in the world can you experience a taste of New York, Egypt, Paris, Rome, Venice all at once and on and on ad infinitum? Where can you be everywhere at once? Only in Las Vegas!

So our first outing was to the South Strip, Mandalay Bay, the Luxor, and Excalibur with a monorail running between them.

Do I dare mention that we had a 2-for-1 coupon so we ate at Terrible's Buffet, and that it lives up to its name?

That was our Tuesday two weeks ago. For you virtual travelers, come back tomorrow for more. It gets better.