Tyler's Week in Vegas (May 13-19)

Shelley's brother Tyler, was able to take some time and come visit us in Vegas - he brought two friends as well...Darci & Justin. We picked them up from the airport on Thursday evening, and headed directly to Tacos Los Toritos - our personal favorite for take out Mexican food...it's completely authentic too (they don't even speak English there....it's that good!) The next day, our three visitors began their lazy days of laying by the pool while we had to go to work. Dave also had his Calvary Chapel Regional meet...where one of his vaulters qualified for the state meet! How awesome! Friday evening though, we headed to the Heard Rock Hotel for their Friday Night Live series of concerts by the pool...they had Open Bar for about three hours, followed by the concert. Toots and the Maytals were playing. The five of us (Tyler, Darci and Justin & us) met up with Jackie and Karin there. We headed out before the concert ended though - and went to Houfbrau Hous, an Oktoberfest/German Pub restaurant. We got some of their choice beers and some of their marvelous appetizers. They have a live band (Dressed to the nines in lederhosen) and sang some German songs, and some modern songs (such as Margaritaville). Tyler got really "tired" though and we headed home - Dave took off early to get the car (which turned out to be quite an adventure trying to find him) But since we have such wonderful communication skills, we managed to find each other! On Saturday, May 15th, we went to the Red Rock Casino & Resort and went to their fabulous Feast Buffet. We all gorged ourselves there (and literally were not hungry the rest of the day). We then drove through Red Rock Canyon stopping at the overlooks and taking lots of pictures! The rest of the afternoon we spent hanging out by the pool and laying out. We had a bonfire as it got closer to evening, before we headed down to Fremont Street. At Fremont Street, we hung-out at the Golden Nugget by their pool, the Shark Tank...gambeled at The Fremont and wandered a bit around looking at the casinos. Again, the 5 of us met up with some of our friends down there, Rachel, Roberto and Jackie. When everyone else decided to call it a night, Jackie and Tyler hadn't had enough of Vegas for the night, so the two of them headed back to The Hard Rock (Tyler had seen his "queen" the night before there - one of the cocktail waitresses that he fell in love with, and Jackie had a friend in town that was staying there). So, Shelley gave responisibility for Tyler over to Jackie, and they had a good rest of their night. They must have since Tyler didn't get back to our house until 8:30am! Sunday, our afternoon was devoted to watching the Chicago Blackhawks win over the San Jose Sharks. We barbequed out that evening and really had a nice lazy day again by the pool. On Monday, it was back to work for us, but the three visitors didn't waste a ray of sunshine...or an ounce of beer! They chilled in the pool and really enjoyed their lack of responsibility. That evening we headed to the 51's baseball game. We witnessed some interesting events...a family was in a wrong seat, yet refused to move...another group of college kids (and not the fun ones, the rude, cuss word in a family setting kind) got kicked out...at least the 51's won...it was a really fun time! It was $1 hotdog, pretzel and peanuts night...and Dave weazeled his way into some free cheese for our pretzel by saying his wife had only given him $5, and to add on the cheese would have made the order over $5, so the guys at the prezel stand took pity on him and gave him some cheese for free :) Sweet! On Tuesday, Darci, Tyler and Justin headed down to Hoover Dam. They really enjoyed seeing the dam...Tyler had been there before - so he played tour guide. That evening, was another Blackhawks game, that after a little "fighting" with Direct TV, Dave managed to get us the correct channel! We ordered in from Chili's and we were pleased that.....They Won, yet again!!! Go Hawks! Wednesday was their last day here, and they were amazing house guest...did the dishes, laundry and even picked up their Beer Pyramid from the pool area! They are welcome back ANYTIME! It was a perfect fit while they were here as well...they each had their own rooms (Tyler got the Futon we brought home from Shelley's classroom) ... and Darci got to share his room with her :) Charlie thinks he gets a whole queen bed to himself (all 7 pounds of him). Tyler and Charlie as also known for their animosity...yet Charlie started to warm up to Tyler throughout the week, and even allowed him to pet him! It was absolutely wonderful having Tyler out here, as well as Darci and Justin. It is alwasy fun to have people visit...and it was even better to spend some uninterupted time with Tyler - it seems when we're at home he's always busy doing something!

PS. Check out the scratches Dave made on our patio chair, trying to break up wood for the bonfire!! haha