I am super late in getting this posted but with the holidays and well you will see at the end of the report.
This was our first family trip out to LV. The youngest turned 21 on the first of Nov. so we took Thanksgiving break to head out for our first family vacation in almost 8 years.
We left the day before Thanksgiving from 2 seperate airports. Our planes were suppose to land within 10 minutes of each other and even though our plane was about 20 minutes late, we didn't have any problems meeting up in the airport. Tyler (the youngest) only had Wed-Sun off from college, but Lee (oldest) just lost his job so he stayed 2 extra days with us (it was almost $300 cheaper to keep him around instead of flying him home on Sunday)
After getting the rental car, we headed for family pictures at the Welcome to Vegas sign and then onto Ellis Island for micro beer and lunch. Tyler's goal was to try as many micro brews as possible. Used the free drink coupons and then had a nice lunch. The boys weren't very impressed with the place, but liked the micro brews. After lunch headed over to get the boys the $12 membership to LVA and print their Terribles coupons. We had never been to the LVA office--it was very easy to find and the girl at the front desk was nice.
Our first 2 night were spent at Bally's. Used hubbys offer to get the boys a room and my for our room. We had only been to Bally's one other time and had been up graded to the nice tower. Wow--what a difference between the 2 towers. I was not impressed with the room. We did a lot of free sight seeing with the boys, including going IP car museum and TI pirate show. Organized the free play from the LVA and ACG, along with new sign ups and the boys were able to play with out losing to much. Our biggest problem we ran into with the boys is that they were on completely different sleep scheludes (yes they slept). Tyler was use to early morning classes and Lee just came off a job were he worked 12 hours night shift for 3 years.
Our first night, we took the boys to the Rio buffet (2 B1G1F coupons). The lines were very long, but it was something the boys wanted to see/do. After Tyler downed 5 plates (I don't know where the kid puts it), Lee and I headed back to Ballys so he could go to bed. About an hour later hubby and Tyler caught up with me. I couldn't catch anything playing VP, so headed to bed. The next morning I heard the stories of how Tyler was surrounded by a group of ladies while he played the Wizzard of Oz. I guess he was quit loud everytime he hit a bonus and before long, he had 5 or 6 ladies in their 70's surrounding him and cheering for him. I must have be a sight to see. The rest of the stay on the strip was regular--nothing special except the time I got to spend with my boys. We did eat at the Mexican restaurant on the 3rd floor of the IP. I was decent. Tyler was excited that the waitress carded him (no once else had) and he has such a baby face. Lee favorite food is mexican so he was happy too.
On black friday we packed up and headed downtown. Before hitting downtown, we drove over to Terribles to use the boys 100 coupon. They didn't have the $$ to lose, but we cheated and played on their cards. After about 3 hours both hubby and I were up a few hundred each so we headed out. The kids were about to use the points we earned to get some itmes. We stayed a good ol' MSS and we put the boys up in rooms at the 4Q's. They were happy to have seperate rooms, they are close, but each are use to being on their own. We left Lee to nap and Tyler and I headed to the outlet mall. From then on--we alway knew where to find Lee--he found the Lord of the Rings game and could not lose on it. He loved it. One night he sat on the machine for over 5 hours and walked away up about $50. Both boys really liked the MSS. They like the "feel" of it, both said. Still the boys were on opposite sleep times (just like when they were little). We were more comfortable leaving them by themselves downtown, so they were on their own. Only got one call (Tyler) was lost. LOL. He had forgotten his room number. Funny thing was, his room number was 1111. Not that hard to remember.
Satuday afternoon we headed out to Red Rock to get in some hiking, fresh air, and bread from playing. Wow, did that turn into an adventure. Tyler wanted to do so majjor hiking, so we found a sign that said it was 1.4 miles to the next parking place. It was about 1 1/2 till 5:00 closing time and figures that was not big deal. Hubby and Tyler took off and Lee and I drove down to the next parking spot and wait for them. Well Lee and I are walking around the next area and notice that the sign there says that is is 4.4 miles==not 1.4 miles. Big difference with it getting dark quick. Of course we had no phone service either. I was getting upset at this point. No one was around. I had images of search parties having to look for them. At 5:30--very dark now--no ranger had come around to "close" the area, so we started driving towards the exit. 4 miles later we found hubby and Tyler walking down the road. We can laugh about it now, but it wasn't a warm/fuzzy feeling. Needless to say--problem won't get to go hiking there again. LOL. Oh well--it wouldn't be a family vacation, if we didn't lose Tyler.
Sunday rolled around and Tyler had extra money (he had won several sports bets) and he tried his had at roulette and earned a new nick name (babyface) from the pit boss. Lee was still sitting at Lord of the Rings and busy changing hotels. His last 2 nights--we put him up at the El Cortez. We had free night there in the tower or cabana's. Since it was just him, we said that a vintage room would be fine. They put him up in a suite in the vintage rooms. That was impressive. The room had a huge L shaped couch, king bed, wet bar/kitchenette area, double closets. Very nice. Hubby took Tyler to the airport and said goodbyes.
Monday we headed over to the Luxor to kick of Cirque week. Cirque offered a package deal for that week that included behind the scene looks at all their shows. While we picked up our show tickets, gift bags and behnd the scene passes, they had snack foods, costumes for pictures opts and performers there for pictures and autographs. I was so not paying attention and the guy who plays the rooster in Mystere came up behind me and cock a doo a dooed and I about doo-dooed myself. He just laughed and went onto scare someone else.
Tuesday rolled around and of course found Lee on the Lord of Rings game. It was time to change hotels. Lee took the El Cortez shuttle to the airport and we dropped the car off at the Belligo and checked into the Paris. I was nervous leaving Lee to catch the shuttle on his own (he is not the best with time and never traveled on his own). the older bell desk guy just winked at me and smiled when we dropped Lee's suitcase off and gave him is instuctions in getting home. This was our first time staying at the Paris. We were a little dissappointed in the room. We did have P room with a nice view of the tower and pool, but the room was a little room. Got settled in our room and was looking over the Cirque schellude and realize the behind the scenes at Zumanity was in about 1 hour so headed down to NYNY. Behind the scenes was very personal/small. They should how they shave off time off a scene and had a meet and greet/q & a with the cast.
Wednesday--Hubby and I walked down to Terribles to try our hand at our hand at our 100 coupon. I lost my 100 in about 3 minutes. LOL. not really just seemed that was. I did cash in and got my free play and after running it though was only down about $8. Hubby was up a couple of 100 again. We had tickets to see O that night. It was a completely amazing show and did not dissappoint. I was looking foward to seeing eveythng else Cirque had to offer for Cirque week.
Thursday morning rolled around and we were awaken with a phone call from home. My dad had passed away. We just didn't know what to do. We still had several night left to our trip. We got checked out of the Paris and caught a taxi down to the Exicalibar where we had 2 night in one of their new rooms. Everyone we got ahold of was wonderful about cancelling reservations and returning our money. Southwest changed our plane tickes to Friday morning at no charge and went ahead a checked us in so we didn't have to worry about that. We called Cirque as we still had shows left in our package. I was sure they wouldn't return our money since it was a package deal, but they returned our money for the show we were suppose to see Friday night. Hubby sent me down to the Excaliber spa to relax/unwind. Found the spa very nice. I think I would llike to go back and try it under normal circumstances. After getting back from the spa headed over to MGM to see backstage at KA'. We had never seen the show and it was totally awesome. We had ticket to see the show that night. It just blew us away. It was nice to get ingrossed in the show with all that was going on.
Again--we were able to find a few new things and do some of our old favorites. It was hard to keep track of winnings/losings as we gave the boys $$ when we were up to help them out. They were having record low temps --to bad. It was the first time in 5 years the boys had got to spend time together. With Tyler away at college (didn't come home for summer), we don't get to see him much, so it was time with him. Lee said it was great to get away from the pressure back home ( he has had a really tough year--losing his job, breaking up with his living in gf of 5 years, and a few other things). Both boys have been wanting to go to LV since we started going 5-6 years ago. Wouldn't take them till both were 21. They got a huge kick out of using coupons and see the value in them. They take after their mom. LOL. Lee perfered the strip, but Tyler perfered downtown. Both are looking forward in going again to LV with their buddies. The cirque week thing was kinda expensive, but I think I would do it again, if offered as the behind the scene thing was really neat. The seats we got for the shows were not the best--but not the worst. Not impressed with the Paris or Bally's, but would try the new rooms at the Excalibur. Downtown is still a solid deal.
It is always hard to come home from vacation and deal with the stress of work and home life for both hubby and I. He has such a high pressure job as a firefighter/paramedic. This was an even harder trip to come home a face the reality of Dad's passing. I did have to laugh though--and my mom and brothers laughed also when I reminded them that everytime something big happens in my life--someone is out of town. Dad was working in NY when Lee was born and Mom had just flown back to OH (we were in FL at the time) when Tyler was born--2 weeks late. So it was appropitate that I was out of town when Dad died.
Already looking forward to our next trip--when its warm though. And no hiking.
This was our first family trip out to LV. The youngest turned 21 on the first of Nov. so we took Thanksgiving break to head out for our first family vacation in almost 8 years.
We left the day before Thanksgiving from 2 seperate airports. Our planes were suppose to land within 10 minutes of each other and even though our plane was about 20 minutes late, we didn't have any problems meeting up in the airport. Tyler (the youngest) only had Wed-Sun off from college, but Lee (oldest) just lost his job so he stayed 2 extra days with us (it was almost $300 cheaper to keep him around instead of flying him home on Sunday)
After getting the rental car, we headed for family pictures at the Welcome to Vegas sign and then onto Ellis Island for micro beer and lunch. Tyler's goal was to try as many micro brews as possible. Used the free drink coupons and then had a nice lunch. The boys weren't very impressed with the place, but liked the micro brews. After lunch headed over to get the boys the $12 membership to LVA and print their Terribles coupons. We had never been to the LVA office--it was very easy to find and the girl at the front desk was nice.
Our first 2 night were spent at Bally's. Used hubbys offer to get the boys a room and my for our room. We had only been to Bally's one other time and had been up graded to the nice tower. Wow--what a difference between the 2 towers. I was not impressed with the room. We did a lot of free sight seeing with the boys, including going IP car museum and TI pirate show. Organized the free play from the LVA and ACG, along with new sign ups and the boys were able to play with out losing to much. Our biggest problem we ran into with the boys is that they were on completely different sleep scheludes (yes they slept). Tyler was use to early morning classes and Lee just came off a job were he worked 12 hours night shift for 3 years.
Our first night, we took the boys to the Rio buffet (2 B1G1F coupons). The lines were very long, but it was something the boys wanted to see/do. After Tyler downed 5 plates (I don't know where the kid puts it), Lee and I headed back to Ballys so he could go to bed. About an hour later hubby and Tyler caught up with me. I couldn't catch anything playing VP, so headed to bed. The next morning I heard the stories of how Tyler was surrounded by a group of ladies while he played the Wizzard of Oz. I guess he was quit loud everytime he hit a bonus and before long, he had 5 or 6 ladies in their 70's surrounding him and cheering for him. I must have be a sight to see. The rest of the stay on the strip was regular--nothing special except the time I got to spend with my boys. We did eat at the Mexican restaurant on the 3rd floor of the IP. I was decent. Tyler was excited that the waitress carded him (no once else had) and he has such a baby face. Lee favorite food is mexican so he was happy too.
On black friday we packed up and headed downtown. Before hitting downtown, we drove over to Terribles to use the boys 100 coupon. They didn't have the $$ to lose, but we cheated and played on their cards. After about 3 hours both hubby and I were up a few hundred each so we headed out. The kids were about to use the points we earned to get some itmes. We stayed a good ol' MSS and we put the boys up in rooms at the 4Q's. They were happy to have seperate rooms, they are close, but each are use to being on their own. We left Lee to nap and Tyler and I headed to the outlet mall. From then on--we alway knew where to find Lee--he found the Lord of the Rings game and could not lose on it. He loved it. One night he sat on the machine for over 5 hours and walked away up about $50. Both boys really liked the MSS. They like the "feel" of it, both said. Still the boys were on opposite sleep times (just like when they were little). We were more comfortable leaving them by themselves downtown, so they were on their own. Only got one call (Tyler) was lost. LOL. He had forgotten his room number. Funny thing was, his room number was 1111. Not that hard to remember.
Satuday afternoon we headed out to Red Rock to get in some hiking, fresh air, and bread from playing. Wow, did that turn into an adventure. Tyler wanted to do so majjor hiking, so we found a sign that said it was 1.4 miles to the next parking place. It was about 1 1/2 till 5:00 closing time and figures that was not big deal. Hubby and Tyler took off and Lee and I drove down to the next parking spot and wait for them. Well Lee and I are walking around the next area and notice that the sign there says that is is 4.4 miles==not 1.4 miles. Big difference with it getting dark quick. Of course we had no phone service either. I was getting upset at this point. No one was around. I had images of search parties having to look for them. At 5:30--very dark now--no ranger had come around to "close" the area, so we started driving towards the exit. 4 miles later we found hubby and Tyler walking down the road. We can laugh about it now, but it wasn't a warm/fuzzy feeling. Needless to say--problem won't get to go hiking there again. LOL. Oh well--it wouldn't be a family vacation, if we didn't lose Tyler.
Sunday rolled around and Tyler had extra money (he had won several sports bets) and he tried his had at roulette and earned a new nick name (babyface) from the pit boss. Lee was still sitting at Lord of the Rings and busy changing hotels. His last 2 nights--we put him up at the El Cortez. We had free night there in the tower or cabana's. Since it was just him, we said that a vintage room would be fine. They put him up in a suite in the vintage rooms. That was impressive. The room had a huge L shaped couch, king bed, wet bar/kitchenette area, double closets. Very nice. Hubby took Tyler to the airport and said goodbyes.
Monday we headed over to the Luxor to kick of Cirque week. Cirque offered a package deal for that week that included behind the scene looks at all their shows. While we picked up our show tickets, gift bags and behnd the scene passes, they had snack foods, costumes for pictures opts and performers there for pictures and autographs. I was so not paying attention and the guy who plays the rooster in Mystere came up behind me and cock a doo a dooed and I about doo-dooed myself. He just laughed and went onto scare someone else.
Tuesday rolled around and of course found Lee on the Lord of Rings game. It was time to change hotels. Lee took the El Cortez shuttle to the airport and we dropped the car off at the Belligo and checked into the Paris. I was nervous leaving Lee to catch the shuttle on his own (he is not the best with time and never traveled on his own). the older bell desk guy just winked at me and smiled when we dropped Lee's suitcase off and gave him is instuctions in getting home. This was our first time staying at the Paris. We were a little dissappointed in the room. We did have P room with a nice view of the tower and pool, but the room was a little room. Got settled in our room and was looking over the Cirque schellude and realize the behind the scenes at Zumanity was in about 1 hour so headed down to NYNY. Behind the scenes was very personal/small. They should how they shave off time off a scene and had a meet and greet/q & a with the cast.
Wednesday--Hubby and I walked down to Terribles to try our hand at our hand at our 100 coupon. I lost my 100 in about 3 minutes. LOL. not really just seemed that was. I did cash in and got my free play and after running it though was only down about $8. Hubby was up a couple of 100 again. We had tickets to see O that night. It was a completely amazing show and did not dissappoint. I was looking foward to seeing eveythng else Cirque had to offer for Cirque week.
Thursday morning rolled around and we were awaken with a phone call from home. My dad had passed away. We just didn't know what to do. We still had several night left to our trip. We got checked out of the Paris and caught a taxi down to the Exicalibar where we had 2 night in one of their new rooms. Everyone we got ahold of was wonderful about cancelling reservations and returning our money. Southwest changed our plane tickes to Friday morning at no charge and went ahead a checked us in so we didn't have to worry about that. We called Cirque as we still had shows left in our package. I was sure they wouldn't return our money since it was a package deal, but they returned our money for the show we were suppose to see Friday night. Hubby sent me down to the Excaliber spa to relax/unwind. Found the spa very nice. I think I would llike to go back and try it under normal circumstances. After getting back from the spa headed over to MGM to see backstage at KA'. We had never seen the show and it was totally awesome. We had ticket to see the show that night. It just blew us away. It was nice to get ingrossed in the show with all that was going on.
Again--we were able to find a few new things and do some of our old favorites. It was hard to keep track of winnings/losings as we gave the boys $$ when we were up to help them out. They were having record low temps --to bad. It was the first time in 5 years the boys had got to spend time together. With Tyler away at college (didn't come home for summer), we don't get to see him much, so it was time with him. Lee said it was great to get away from the pressure back home ( he has had a really tough year--losing his job, breaking up with his living in gf of 5 years, and a few other things). Both boys have been wanting to go to LV since we started going 5-6 years ago. Wouldn't take them till both were 21. They got a huge kick out of using coupons and see the value in them. They take after their mom. LOL. Lee perfered the strip, but Tyler perfered downtown. Both are looking forward in going again to LV with their buddies. The cirque week thing was kinda expensive, but I think I would do it again, if offered as the behind the scene thing was really neat. The seats we got for the shows were not the best--but not the worst. Not impressed with the Paris or Bally's, but would try the new rooms at the Excalibur. Downtown is still a solid deal.
It is always hard to come home from vacation and deal with the stress of work and home life for both hubby and I. He has such a high pressure job as a firefighter/paramedic. This was an even harder trip to come home a face the reality of Dad's passing. I did have to laugh though--and my mom and brothers laughed also when I reminded them that everytime something big happens in my life--someone is out of town. Dad was working in NY when Lee was born and Mom had just flown back to OH (we were in FL at the time) when Tyler was born--2 weeks late. So it was appropitate that I was out of town when Dad died.
Already looking forward to our next trip--when its warm though. And no hiking.
