Viva Las Vegas #2: Freemont Street Experience

"Growing old is compulsory; growing up is optional."~ Bob Monkhouse

You read most of the insane travel-related quotes yesterday, so you understand that just getting to Vegas was an adventure all its own. 

Once we all got situated, we decided to head down to Freemont Street.  My parents and Aunt and Uncle Evil Kineval say this is their favorite spot in Vegas, so I was excited to check it out.  We all piled into a limo (including poor Soldier Cousin who got stuck riding on the floor there and back) and I proceeded to get car sick from riding backwards.


Loading into the limo

I have to agree, it was my favorite as well.  It's much more low key and smaller than the Strip.  It was great for a big group of people because it was easy to find each other.

I'm totally not a gambler, but I decided to play some quarter slots.  About 20 minutes into this, I hit three 7's across the screen.  I knew I won, but could not tell how much.  After the winnings total got to $20, I yelled to my dad who was a couple aisles away, "Dad, I won!"  He sort of waived and kept on playing his machine.  When the total got to $100, I yelled again, "Dad, I won A LOT!"  When it was finally done, I ended up winning $135.  I spent $20 to play.  And so, being the wild and crazy person I am, I cashed out for the night. 


The three sisters lined up at the slots....Uncle Evil Kineval checking on things.

About this time, I look over and hear some guy yelling to my dad across the bar, "Hey Tex, can I try on your hat?"  Soldier Cousin took the hat over and the guy put it on.  His head was so much bigger than my dad's that it looked like one of those little has that monkeys wear on the top of their heads.  Anyway, the guy took a couple pictures with the hat and then returned it.  When we got ready to leave, the guy said, "Wait a minute, Tex, I'm buying you a shot!"  My dad said no thanks and it was not necessary.  Then the guy stood up---all 6'8 of him.  My dad looked up at him, and down the hatch that shot went!

Next, Soldier Cousin wanted to ride the zipline, and he wanted Aunt Delta Dawn to go with him.  She was really nervous, so being the kind of niece that I am, I totally lied to her and told her it would not be scary at all.  So off she went to ride the zipline with her grandson.  He had an absolute blast.  She did not.  Here is photo proof.  It's hard to see, but Soldier Cousin is doing a thumbs up and Aunt Delta Dawn looks horrified. (Family:  does anyone have a better picture of this?)

Solider Cousin and Aunt Delta Dawn

She was not happy with me, but she crossed it off her bucket list and gave Soldier Cousin a memory that he will never forget.  I call that worth it.

The rest of the night was spent just milling around Freemont visiting with family and friends and listening to a live country music show. 


The whole crazy group!

Me and the Hepburns

About 1 am, we decided it was time to call the limo to come back and pick us up.  Everyone was on board, except for my mom who was still playing Deal or No Deal and was NOT happy to leave.  So there I was, dragging my own mother out of the casino.


My parents in front of Hard Rock at 2 am

When we got back to the hotel, I was headed off to bed when my parents, Moomoos, Cousin Leroy and his girlfriend decided we all needed to go to Hard Rock across the street.  I walked about halfway over when Ski Trip John and I decided we could not hand with these old people and we had to go to bed! 



Me and Ski Trip John (aka the quitters)

So we snuck away from the group....you got it---I had to sneak IN so my parents did not notice.  Those people are crazy, I'm telling you!

Stay tuned tomorrow for the recap of Day #2!