viva las vegas

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love in las vegas. did you know that’s what viva las vegas meant? although las vegas isn’t my ideal vacation spot, when scott’s work offered to send him to a conference here, i jumped at the chance to go! I pictured myself lying by the pool sippin’ a tasty beverage. just me. yep. just me, a book, and my own thoughts.

2 days into the trip i finished the book, it’s way too hot to lay by the pool, and it turns out my thoughts aren’t very interesting. i miss my girls so much. it’s much more fun to see everything through their eyes. we’re staying at Mandalay Bay.. Ava would absolutely love the shark reef and the wave pool. Annalise would get a kick out of watching all the helicopters fly around right outside our window. but you know what the girls would love the most? the millions of escalators! oh how they love escalators. up and down, up and down, oh what fun. “oh excuse me sir, I’m sorry, my kids are very shelterd, just hold on while Ava gets up the nerve to step on the moving stairs without holding my hand.” yes, that’s what a nice mommy who misses her girls would say. in reality, i’m the tired, hairied mom that would say, “Ava, just go! There’s people behind you!” but for now, as well rested as I am, that’s the kind of mommy i’m going to imagine i am.

scott and i ventured down to the casino the first night. we put $20 into a slot machine, played for 2 hours, and walked away with $19. ya, we’re pretty risky. the second night, we went to a comedy show, played a couple of slots and only had $15 out of our $20 remaining. we decided our luck was down and cashed out. craps was really calling my name the third night.. but no way was i going to play at mandalay bay.. minimum bet of $10?? we went to the excalibur instead where the minimun was $5. i threw a whopping $20 bill on the table. an hour later, I walked away with $60. pretty sweet. Scott turned $40 into $69 playing roulette. when we went to cash in our chips, scott asked the gal if she could get a security gaurd to escort us out! really, he did. we were feeling pretty proud of our $59 win. Yep, the casino was hurtin’ that night.

tonight we are going to a variety show. not sure if I should try my luck at craps again. i’m sure last night was a fluke.

All in all, i am happy for the break and the chance to get to know scott again. my mom is an amazing grandma.. i know the girls are having a blast! but I am very excited to see those lovely faces tomorrow!

New member of the family

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On Friday, the last day of May, Scott made the journey to pick up the newest member of our family, N7053B. Five Three Bravo is a 1956 Piper Tri-Pacer, serial # 4307 out of nearly 8000 produced between 1950 and the early 1960’s. Considered nearly bullet-proof, the 150 horsepower Lycoming O-320 engine still powers many new airplanes today.

Anyone else see the smile?

Some would question why one would desire a 57 year-old airplane. These flying antiques are the only high-wing, tricycle gear that Piper made, and are surprisingly modern and capable in some respects, besting the performance of the super-common Cessna 172 that is still in production. They were built at a time when paved runways were uncommon and thus have stout landing gear, and a back seat that comes out easily making them a great choice for Idaho flying and camping. Short-coupled and resembling a tripod, they are not much in the looks department — often nicknamed “The Flying Milkstool”, but they are charming in that “so ugly only a mother (or father) could love” sort of way.

So Scott left Friday afternoon in a one-way rental car to make the 8-hour drive to the airplane. Woke up Saturday morning to meet the owner, get a quick checkout flight from an instructor, then fuel up and head for home.

So welcome to our new family member, Five Three Bravo!