Thoughts from Highlands Ranch: SURPRISE

A number of months ago our daughter-in-law, AJ emailed us to say she was planning a surprise trip for our son Matt’s 30^th birthday and would we like to join in. Yes, was the only answer possible. I love these kind of surprises. Well, we just got back from the surprise trip and it was great.

First of all it was to Las Vegas, Nevada where we have never been before. So I was excited about both seeing our kids and going to Las Vegas.

During the months leading up to the trip we had to watch what we said to Matt when we Skyped so the surprise would not be ruined. That really wasn't hard even though it was always in my thoughts.

Cindy & I drove to Casper, WY (2 hours away) to catch the morning plane to Las Vegas. In the meantime, Donny (my brother) was driving into Vegas from Phoenix (5 hour drive away). He met us at the airport without any difficulties and we drove to Bally’s across the way from the Bellagio where AJ and Matt were staying.

Once in Vegas we started texting one another to coordinate our surprise. After deciding to go early to a restaurant in our hotel we waited to spring the surprise. Matt and AJ came around a corner some distance from our table. At first he didn’t see us then he saw our daughter Laura and hesitated a moment probably because there were people with her. Laura & BJ had met Matt & AJ the night before at the airport but that is another story. Then Matt saw Cindy, Donny and I and he did a double take and broke out into a big smile while rushing over to the table. It was priceless. The surprise was sprung and there was laughter and hugs all around. It was great.

Over the next three days we were constantly going.

The surprise happened early afternoon so that left us with the rest of Friday, Saturday and Sunday to go at it. What can you see in 2 ½ days in Vegas? A lot.

We saw the fountains at The Bellagio, the canals at The Venetian, a golden lion at the MGM Grand (the real lion was retired about a year ago), a Roman soldier at Circus, Circus, and of course the endless rows of slot machines and gaming tables. As brother Don said “everything was over the top.”

It was about 100 degrees out so walking the streets during the day was not something you wanted to do. And the crowds of people made everything that much harder. But we took cabs ever so often and stayed inside mostly until evening so we made it.

The Cirque du Soleil show Mystere at Treasure Island was simply fabulous. I didn’t realize there is more than one show. The acrobatics, lighting, special effects and music all combine to give a truly remarkable show. I would love seeing some others. I wonder where they get all their performers?

The Eiffel tower at night gave us some awesome views of the Vegas strip. The shops in the casinos sold very pricey things but it was fun looking. People watching was great also.

The Venetian was wondrous. It was almost like being back there again. The others took a gondola ride.

There is a bunch more I could say about casino activities, bars, etc. but remember “What happens in Vegas stays in Vegas” so I shant.

BJ and Laura and brother Don headed home Sunday afternoon. On Monday morning AJ, Matt, Cindy & I flew back to Casper where we picked up our car for the 2 hour drive to Riverton. This was the beginning of the second part of our vacation.

Matt & AJ have never been to our home here so it was a chance for them to see where we call home.

On Tuesday morning we loaded the car and headed to Yellowstone National Park which is a few hours drive from Riverton. We had a cabin at Yellowstone for the night. Having a cabin right there allowed us to walk around the geyser basin around Old Faithful until dusk which was great.

AJ really wanted to see wildlife and we hoped she wouldn't be disappointed. Thankfully we weren't. We eventually encountered elk, deer, a bald eagle, and plenty of buffalo. We wanted to see a moose also but no luck this trip.