Time, Time, Time Isn't on My Side

There is never enough time.

Especially when visiting Las Vegas.

My family came for a visit. We managed to do most of what I had planned, but time didn't allow it all.
The stated purpose of this trip was to celebrate my nephew's 5th birthday. I managed to throw up some poker/casino chip related decorations and purchase a cake. I invited Linda and her Grandson Riot to attend.
She accepted. David didn't exactly cooperate. He went into SHY mode. This is NOT a side of him that I am used to. David spent much of his party hibernating under the covers of my bed. Go figure.

Happy 5th Birthday David!!

The rest of the visit was complete with the usual tourist attractions. Pirates/Wenches, Volcanos, Bellagio Fountains, Bellagio Conservatory Stratosphere Tower, Bass Pro Shop at Silverton (This is worth a trip unless you have an aversion to stuffed/mounted animals and fish. This place is wall to wall taxidermy) , Freemont Street, Shark Reef at Mandalay Bay and the Show in the Sky at Rio. David and my sister Debbie got to ride on one of the floats used in the show.

Perhaps the most exciting experience for the kid as well as the adults was a helicopter tour of the strip/downtown at night. I happen to deal regularly to guy who is a helicopter pilot employed by Maverick Helicopter tours. He took very good care of us.

I've flown in and out of Las Vegas at night many times but the view from a jet simply cannot compare to the experience of zooming up and down the LV strip in a helicopter. I would highly recommend Maverick. Don't forget to tip your pilot. Hey, this is LV, when in doubt, just tip.

It is interesting to note that several times people did nice things for us/me.

The night I took David to see the pirates/wenches at Treasure Island I asked a security guard about show times and if we had time to walk down to the Mirage and catch the volcano first. He said that by the time we got back from the Mirage they may have already closed the viewing area at TI if the crowd was already at capacity. He then reached into his pocket and handed me a pass to the VIP viewing area. Front row and no having to fight the mob. Nice touch.

When we went to the Stratosphere I asked about a locals discount. This is available to anyone with a local ID. When the nice lady asked how old David was, I relayed that he was here celebrating his 5th birthday. She again asked how old David was. I replied 5. She asked the question again and it started to sink in. I then asked her how old I should say he was. She said I should say that he was 4. Alrighty then, he is 4. His admission is free then since he is only 4. 5 year olds have to pay. Again, nice touch.

David and his M&M slot machine

After three days off I ventured back to work on Saturday afternoon. Things were just as I left them...moderately busy.

Today was anything but moderate. We were giving away the first of two $10,000 WSOP main event seats. You had to be present to win. By mid afternoon all tables were in action and the waiting list rivaled anything from our past. We're giving away another seat on July 23rd. If you haven't already logged the requisite 48 hours you still have time. Take advantage of it.

And to my family..........come back when you can stay longer.

David & I at the Bellagio