So, fighting all sorts of traffic out of Orange County, we hauled ass to Las Vegas Friday evening. We made it there just after midnight. Check-in was a breeze and as we unpacked, we marveled at the state of the room provided by Marriot's Residence Inn. In addition to the spacious bedrooms, the main area boasted a kitchenette, complete with microwave, sink, refrigerator/freezer, a stove and oven. A note stuck to the 'fridge said if we'd care to leave them a shopping list, they'd fill the order and bring it to the room.

The front desk said we could use the pool after midnight and so that was the first order of business. Leaving Kelly to crash out after the long drive, Elisa, Tim and I all splashed around the swimming pool a bit and then relaxed in the jacuzzi. We chatted, but I've no recollection as to what. Afterward, it was showers all 'round and sleep.

Or, at least an attempt. I don't know if I actually slept. Regardless, Kelly and I were up for the free "continental" breakfast they provided, which was ok. There were eggs, but not much to go with 'em and that was as close as it came to there being any meat anywhere. There was biscuits and gravy. There were bagels and toasters to toast them, there was cereal & milk, oatmeal, juices, pastries and donuts, and, most interestingly, waffle batter and a couple of waffle irons. Mine didn't turn out very well, but it was certainly something new. I've had better and worse breakfasts, so I wasn't complaining. 'Specially since it was free.

Kelly had classes to attend, so it was up to the happy couple and I to amuse ourselves for a while. Blackjack and roulette at Excalibur, buffet at the Flamingo, driving around town. Once it was time to re-acquire Kelly, we hit the Hilton for The Star Trek Experience. I'd been to the original once before and enjoyed it, though my memory of it was so faded it was almost like seeing it for the first time. We hit Borg Invasion first, shopped a bit (I'm now the proud owner of a Bajoran earring *shrug*), then Klingon Encounter. I like BI more, personally, but it was all a lot of fun. We had an early dinner at Quark's, but (sadly), nobody was up to getting wrecked on the signature drinks. While waiting for the food to arrive, I chatted with one of the local Klingons, briefly discussing the differences between his religion and the Bajoran worship of the prophets. Later, the table was mildly impressed when I explained that neither of us were talking out of our asses and then shoved my geek self back into its cage. The food at Quark's was decent, but could've used a bit more flavor/spice. Damned Ferrengi always skimping on something to keep costs down...

From the Hilton, we went in search of more entertainment. First stop was New York, New York, where we looked for something to do in their bars (one piano, one Irish) and caught the end of the Lakers/Spurs game. The place was packed. We bailed. From there it was a few miles east to Sunset Station, which just rocked. E&T attacked the blackjack tables, while Kelly hit it big on nickel and penny slots. To celebrate, we hit the night club they had inside, where an 80's cover band played all the hits. We got down, we got funky, we got close, we had an awesome time.

Back at the hotel, it was time for another swim, more jacuzzi time and rest...except two of us were hungry and it was 2am, so we hit Carrow's for some chow and conversation. We also concocted a scheme to tell everyone we'd gotten married. The results were amusing, to say the least.

Next morning, everyone slept in ('cept Kelly, who had more schooling) and eventually got around to packing. When she returned, we left T&E to more pool aciton, while Kelly and I went to Luxor for food. We hit their buffet and then wandered around for a bit. I couldn't convince security to let us ride an inclinator, but we did end up seeing Pirates 4D starring Leslie Nielsen and Eric Idle and looking around at a few of the shops. We passed the chapel and chuckled, remembering our plan. Jokingly, I got down on one knee right there in front of her and, surprised, she jumped back a foot and yelled, "No!" and we about fell over laughing together.

We came back to the hotel, grabbed the other half of our party, and hit the MGM so they could have lunch. We got drinks at the Rainforest Cafe, checked out the lions, bought some merch, and broke out.

Got back a little later than expected due to freeway traffic and poor time management, but all in all, it was a rockin' trip.

Man, I love Vegas!