Last week we had a great time with our dear friends Frank and Manuela. Manuela arrived first; she arrived on Sunday evening. On Monday the first order of business was pool time.
After the pool and Abby's nap we headed to the Fashion Show Mall for a bit of shopping. We were both in the market for a new swimsuit. And as usual, when you go looking for something specific you can never find it. It was at least nice to get out of the 111 degree heat into an air conditioned mall.
On Tuesday we went to check out Springs Preserve. Springs Preserve, according to their website is, "...a 180-acre cultural institution designed to commemorate Las Vegas' dynamic history and to provide a vision for a sustainable future. The Preserve features museums, galleries, outdoor concerts and events, colorful botanical gardens and an interpretive trail system that meanders through a scenic wetland habitat".
We were there as soon as they opened but unfortunately they didn't open until 10 and it was already really warm. We still went in to check things out. It was a beautiful spot and I can't wait to go back once it gets cooler out. We did not stay long but we were there long enough for Abby to visit the playground and for us to check out the gardens.
On Tuesday afternoon I had a doctors appointment so Manuela and Abby headed into the pool.
Wednesday morning it was right back into the pool and then off to the Vegas strip. Earlier in the week I scored some really good tickets for the Cirque de Soleil show Ka so we went to go pick up our tickets. The tickets I got were normally $150 a piece but I was able to get them for $62.50 a piece. Apparently I have become a good ticket negotiator because earlier this summer I was also to get a really good ticket price for my Aunt Ellen to the Cirque de Soleil show Viva la Elvis.
After picking up our tickets to the show we headed to a huge outdoor mall in the area Town Center again in search for a swimsuit but...no luck. Abby was so tired on the way home she HAD to take a little snooze...
On Thursday Frank joined the party and we spent the afternoon by the pool and grilling.
Friday was the day we were all looking forward to...our big night out! When we were in Chicago our monthly game nights grossed $590. We did not have a chance to spend the money before we left Chicago so what better place to spend some money then in Vegas. We started off the morning by going to the Hash House. It is delicious with HUGE portions.
We spent the afternoon by the pool and then it was time to go out on the town. We started with dinner at a restaurant in the Luxor called Tender. We choose this restaurant because it was one of the few that opened for dinner at 5. Our show was a 7 so we were trying to fit dinner in first.
Our food was basically good but Jim's stake was terrible...all grissel...and he actually sent it back. They were very nice about it though. They upgraded his cut of stake and gave us a free dessert. After dinner it was a mad rush over to the MGM for Ka. Ka was amazing! It is the only Cirque show in town that follows a script. Jim was not sure about the show at first stating, "this is the weirdest thing I have ever seen". By the end of the show he had changed him mind and thought it was great. Our seats were amazing and it was by far the best show I have seen so far in Vegas.
We were sad to see Saturday come because Frank and Manuela had a morning flight back to Chicago. It was a great visit and we can't wait until we get the chance to see them again!
We took a trip to the Secret Garden (where Siegfried & Roy house their white tigers) and Dolphin Habitat at the Mirage. Abby was SO enthralled with the dolphins.
Also while my parents were here they got the chance to visit with some old friends, the Houses. They have known the Houses since our days of living in California. They drove in for a few days and we all had a great time catching-up (it had been 26 years since I had seen them).
