an early fall vacation

much to our dismay, we realized we should pinch our pennies & better manage our time. which meant no trip to AZ like we'd been planning on for the past almost-year. but, we just couldn't justify the cost of ALL that gas nor the little time we'd actually get to spend there since Peter had recently found out that he had to leave for OR on Friday morning. plus, I must admit that me & Peter were afraid to do that long of a drive in his cramped FJ. (the van isn't reliable enough for such a distance anymore.) we thought about going to Moab or Bryce, but Peter didn't want to camp, plus we couldn't really since our tent isn't quite big enough for all of us at once. and since there are no Hilton or Marriott hotels near those locations, we couldn't stay for free. so, we put together a fairly last-minute trip to Las Vegas. unfortunately, the boys had to miss the 3 days of school being held that week in order to actually take a trip as a family (Peter had already secured the time off since we were originally going to AZ). oh well though; their make-up work only stressed them/us out for a couple of days...! :) anyways, we left on Monday the 13th and returned on Thursday the 16th. we enjoyed In-n-Out (twice) and Rubio's--delicious eateries that aren't close enough!! the weather was lovely, though not ideal for swimming, much to the kids' severe disappointment. a good time was had by all, though afterward (and after P being gone for 8 days including a weekend) I have to say that I'm ready for some time with just my hubby... and if I can't get that, I'll gladly take some time with just myself!

for details along with photos, go HERE ...you won't get the 'more full effect' of our trip if you don't!!! :)