What Happens in Vegas...

After 4 1/2 months of not being home, I decided that it was about time I pay my family a visit. After learning about a friend's (Bryan Weiderholt) missionary farewell, I decided that would be the perfect time for me to get down to Las Vegas.

I was accompanied by Laura Riddle, a girl from my ward who I thoroughly enjoy spending time with. 

We left around 12:00pm on Friday, November 14th. Our first stop was in Provo to have lunch at the house of Laura's parents, or Laura's parent's house, or the house where Laura's parents reside. In any case, I got to meet her parents and eat a free meal. I couldn't have asked for more.

                                                   

After a couple of hours of fun conversation and laughter, we left Provo to continue our journey to Sin City. One more stop in Cedar City for some gas, Gatorade and milk duds and we were on our way. After a good 6 hours of travel, we arrived at our destination, Las Vegas. Our first order of business...In n Out. We had been waiting all day to experience the "quality you can taste." After 60 years, they still know how to make the best hamburgers.

                   

After spoiling our appetites we drove the 2 miles over to my house were Laura got the amazing opportunity and privilege of meeting my parents. We all sat in the family room while my mom and dad took turns asking the normal get-to-know-you and how-was-the-drive questions. 

After the interrogation we decided to do the normal touristy stuff, so we went to the strip and watched a few of the fountain shows at the Bellagio and then went to check out the FAO Schwartz at the Caesar's Palace. It was about that time that we realized that we were really tired, which drove us to drive home and go to bed.

The next morning started early...8:00 am. We got up to head over to the Henderson Executive Airport where my dad's plane is kept. Once the plane was fueled up and ready to go, we took off and enjoyed about an hour of flying over the barren wasteland called Nevada. We then headed back and ate breakfast at the local Dennys, where, if you were wondering, I got a "build your own slam" with bacon, eggs, toast, biscuit, and hash browns. It was good, okay?

                                                 

We had a lot of time to waste before the farewell the next day so we went and played some miniature golf over at King Putt. You can look at the score card, but don't be fooled... even though it might look like we tied, it turns out that I don't know how to count and I ended up winning by one stroke. Sorry Laura...you shouldn't have doubted my ability to add. Right when we got home Laura felt like she needed to beat me is something, so we pulled out Scrabble. It was in the darkest corner of our game closet and probably hadn't been used in a decade or two. We played a nice game in which I won by two points. It's a good thing Laura was keeping score, because if it were me who knows who would have won.

                                          

If you want to know which words were mine and which were hers, you may call me and ask me. I would be happy to tell you.

We filled the rest of our night with hanging out with Evan Smith and Melissa Something. Evan was one of my best friends growing up and Melissa was one of Laura's mission friends that now lives in Las Vegas. 

Sunday came and we invited Nate Nead, Bryan Weiderholt, and Tyler Crawford over for French toast. We had a good time chatting and reminiscing over old memories that we shared while we all were living there.

We were ready for church really early and were kind of anxious to go (Well, I was. I can't imagine Laura being too excited about going to a ward where she doesn't know anyone).

We only stayed for Sacrament Meeting and then went back to Mom and Dad's to eat and drive home. We did take a walk while waiting for dinner to be ready, that is when I took this picture that looks like Laura is leading a blind version of me. 

                                              

The trip home was long. I think I would have fallen asleep if Laura hadn't been there to poke me every time I blinked. We got home safely, which is what I'm sure all of you were waiting to hear.

Yeah Boyee!!