vacation babble

We are sooooo not Las Vegas people. Of course, we just finished a three day stay in Vegas with plans (at least the kids have plans) of returning. We don't gamble. We don't smoke (although everyone else in the entire city seems to). We don't drink to excess (me, not at all, Joe only the occasional mojito or "boat drink"). We don't stay up all night acting foolish. So, why go to Vegas? The shows.

We took the kids to see Phantom of the Opera (their favorite musical having watched the movie version over and over and over). They loved it. Joe thought that it was ok. I invented recipes and daydreamed throughout the performance, pretending that i was anywhere but there. (Shrieking/opera, couldn't understand/hear much of the words--loud, not clear--, bored). We took the kids to see Cirque du Soleil LOVE (Beatles theme) which they love, love, loved. Since Christmas when they got the Beatles RockBand for the Wii and then Joe got the Beatles BoxSet (every Beatles song ever), it's been Beatlemania at the Rossi household. Putting the Beatles (way-cool) with the acrobatics and dancing and light show of the Cirque du Soleil made for a wild success for our crowd. The kids loved the "beach" pool area at the hotel.

So, while we may not be the typical "Vegas folks", it seemed to be a successful trip. Better than New York (again, there for the shows) although we didn't really take advantage of all the "amenities" that were offered. We never made it to the fancy-schmancy gym. We didn't bet at all (not even the "free spin" on the slot machine). No viewings of feather-encrusted show girls or kitty kat lounge lizards. No buffets. Ever. Many would say, i guess, that we missed out on the whole Real Vegas Experience. I"m ok with that. :o)

We're in Utah now and it couldn't be any more different. Amazingly high and sharp red rock cliffs shooting up from the brown and swiftly flowing Colorado River. Horses and cows in the pasture across from our cabin. Silence only broken by the twittering of birds and occasional snuffle of the horses nibbling the grass. While, like Vegas, there _is_ a buffet offered here, it features red-eye gravy, sausage and biscuits . Thus, the similarity is in name only. And, like our stay in Vegas, we won't be participating in this buffet either. Something about eating until you're uncomfortable so that you feel like you've "gotten your money's worth" that just doesn't appeal. We don't eat enough at any one time to make it worth it. With the exception of Christian who can, and often does, eat more than me and Joe and Alessandra combined. Growing boy and all.

So, speaking of Christian, let's review. On vacations thus far, he's nibbled his way through much of the animal kingdom.
Shark.
Squid.
Octopus.
Rattlesnake.
Tuna.
Cow.
Pig.
Elk (last night).
Buffalo (in Vegas and Albuquerque).
Chicken.
Turkey.
Anchovy.
Deer/venison.
Shrimp.
Lobster.

No duck or squab...yet.,, but he is looking to try that. He really wants to try rabbit and squirrel but hasn't had the opportunity. He points out that both can be purchased at the Keller's Market near our home and cooked. I just don't see me making squirrel etouffee any time soon.....

Alessandra is still staying pretty much with the "tried and true" (noodles of all kinds, cheese, milk, some fruits/veggies) but has expanded her palate a bit too. More hamburgers and some other sorts of beef. Pad thai (which has egg on it). She even tried the salt/pepper squid in Vegas (the "salt" sections that looked like rubber bands, not the "pepper" ones that were little entire squid bodies). One cannot live on mac 'n cheese forever i guess!

Off to wake the gang and head out on today's adventure. Hiking in Arches National Park? Going to the river and splashing around? Horseback riding (for Alessandra)? Our kids are so fortunate. When i come back, forget being a queen or a corporate bigwig... i want to be one of my kids and live the lives that they're now living. Young, cute and indulged (within reason). Good to be them. :o)