Day 1: Arrival to Mandalay Bay in Vegas!
We arrived mid-afternoon in Vegas, and it took us quite some time to get the rental car (about two hours but felt like eight). Apparently, every Thursday-Sunday in Vegas is hard to get a rental car without a wait from the company we got our from. We eventally made it out of there and headed to the hotel. We met up with Heidi and Mark, and Heidi and I ventured to Wal-Mart for some much-needed supplies, while Mark took Chad and the kids to show them around a bit and to grab a bite to eat.
Day 2: Grand Canyon, Seven Magic Mountains, and Wedding Welcome Dinner
We woke up super early in the morning to head to the Grand Canyon and to see the Seven Magic Mountains.
"Everyone hop in the tiny car! It's only a 3 hour drive!"
The Joshua trees were so neat to see! The landscape felt as though we were driving through the majority of the Breaking Bad episodes, and when we were reaching the West Rim, we had to turn on the Cars Soundtrack and play some nostalgic tunes.
Waiting for the shuttle!
Back in the shuttle to the next lookout point!
Heading to see Seven Magic Mountains. Back in the car for another 3 hours!
"Move your feet! Stop touching me! Are we there yet? How many hours do we have?"
Just Drive.
But drive faster.
Watch out for cows.
Poor, guy. He didn't get the memo. :(
Almost there!
Seven Magic Mountains
We then headed back to head to the Wedding Welcome Dinner
Day 3: Cabana Day and Vegas Exploration
We woke up early to head down to the Vegas sign to get pictures and get a bite to eat before the Cabana Day.
Click click!
Congrats to the newly wed strangers!
Lunch at Citizens
Phones in the middle!
Catching the solar eclipse:
Carl the Pigeon
Mission: Catch Carl.
The plan was for Carl to land on Ella to eat the chips, in which she would then smother Carl with the towel, hence capturing him.
I'm not sure if anyone had a plan of what to do with Carl once he was captured.
Making sure Dad has sunscreen:
Whoops.
Carl recruited a pigeon friend.
The kids always find it entertaining to scare Grammie to the point she pees her pants.
There's Carl.
Still waiting...
Hand Pigeon
Come on, Carl!!!! Geez.
The last attempt was bird calls, which led to an unsuccessful capture mission. Until next time, Carl.
Heading back to the room to get ready.
Yep.
Time to explore Vegas!
Black Tap
Grammie loves cake!
Bellagio Fountains
With the construction of the F1 race, this was as close as we could get to see the fountains.
Botanical Gardens
Brock sure loves daiquiris!
Grammie: "Oh, she looks interesting."
Everyone else: "That's a he."
Sibling Love
Fremont Street
The goal was to get to Fremont Street so Grammie and Papa could ride the zipline. When we got there, there was quite a wait that would keep us there past 2:00 a.m.. We decided to head back to the hotel without the zipline experience. Next time, Vegas. Next time.
Day 4: Wedding Ceremony and Reception Dinner
Minors were not able to go into one of the bars before dinner, so we improvised and created our own fun for a bit.
Striking a pose at each Lady Gaga window:
Is it a shadow or....
Bonding
"You are so handsome!"
Day 5: Heading Home
Amanda assured us that the animals were thriving while we were gone!
The Heusy Bunch is headed home!
