Getting home turned out to be a bit trickier than we thought! We were flying from Rapid City, SD to Vegas to Bellingham. We knew it was going to be close. We had to switch airlines in Vegas and had a very short layover, but we were really hoping we could make it. We were in the front row on the plane, some of the first people off and we took off RUNNING! Kev had to go and get our bags at baggage and we had to go all the way out past security and recheck in again due to the fact that Allegiant wouldn't check our bags all the way through. Kev was gone right away and we had agreed to meet at the Alaska check in counter. I was running-well, as much as I could with Rusty in the stroller and my pregnant belly-through the airport. I am sure it was quite the sight...Rusty certainly thought it was fun!
I finally made it to the Alaska counter-of course it was the last one-and rushed up to the counter only to find that I was five minutes too late. Five minutes! I asked if at least we could get on the flight and have our bags sent later, but it was not to be. The lady was extremely nice, and immediately began to try to figure out a solution for us. That solution was that we would be catching a six p.m. flight to Seattle-meaning four plus hours in the airport-and then another two hour layover in Seattle, followed by a 10:30 flight to Bellingham getting us in around 11. Then there would still be the drive home...oy. Not so fun! We reluctantly paid the $50 change fee, and handed over our bags. Kev was beyond frustrated, something that he NEVER is! We trudged up toward security, trying to think of another option. Kev said, "Oh I only wish that we hadn't handed over our bag, I would just get a hotel and we could stay for the night!" I said, "Just go and see! Maybe you can get it back!"
About thirty minutes-and a Diego episode-later Kev came back with our bags and a plan! He had talked to the same lady and got us on flights the next day and all for free! She didn't charge us anything extra because she could tell how tired we were and we had already paid one fee. Technically she should have charged us another $100 PER PERSON, but she was super nice lady of the day! Yay! He found us a great deal on a hotel room at the Excalibur on the Strip and we were into a taxi and off. It was so very much better than sitting around and chasing a cranky Rusty around in an airport for hours. Ugh.
Our room was nice and Rusty was thrilled to be out of a seat. We let him run around the room, jump on the bed, and do whatever he wanted. He was in heaven! He turned the tv on and off, played with the alarm clock, ran in circles and just burned some energy. Then we were off to get some diapers-we were down to just two and his potty training went off track in South Dakota! We found a Walgreens and then a McDonald's for an ice cream sundae. Again, imagine if we were trying to corral him in an airport during that time!
It was my first real time in Vegas, so Kev wanted us to enjoy it. Our hotel had a great pool and considering it was about 105 degrees Fahrenheit, it looked amazing. Rusty had so much fun going back and forth between Daddy and Mommy and we even found some little friends for him to play with. Sitting by a pool in Vegas is beyond relaxing...I think I could do that again!
After the pool we showered up and hit the strip...maybe not in the normal fashion, but in the fun family fashion. We ate a delicious dinner at Outback Steakhouse. I LOVE their Bloomin Onions and we downed that while waiting for our burgers. Our waitress was super sweet and gave Caden free milk and animal crackers. He had fun eating his pasta and even tried the Bloomin Onion and loved it! One of his favorite parts of the strip was all of the cartoon characters along the sidewalk. He saw Winnie the Pooh and Garfield, as well as a "BIG ELMO!" That made a pretty good impression on him!
Later we went ot the Bellagio to see the fountain show. By that time it was almost 9 p.m. and Rusty was getting pretty tired. He loved the fountain show and kept saying, "WOW! WHOAAA!" Everyone around us was smiling at him.
As soon as it was over we laid his seat down in his stroller and he was out about two minutes later! He slept great and all the way back to the hotel, through putting on his pajamas and laying in bed. He slept in a great big queen sized bed all by himself and he did great! Us, not so much! I was so worried he might fall off that I didn't sleep much all night! It was still better than a super late night on airplanes!
After our little Vegas mini vacation, we finally got home the next afternoon. I enjoyed the little time with my family and enjoyed this little diversion. I'm kind of thankful that we missed our flight! Here's to Vegas, baby! Who ever thought I would say that?
What a great opportunity for you to enjoy Vegas. It doesn't all have to be about casinos and show girls. I think there's a lot of family fun there too! Not that I've ever been! Maybe one day! Glad you got home safely!
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