About Me
- Maureen
- East Providence, RI, United States
- I am the proud gramma of a beautiful 10-year- old girl named Hailee. Her Pappa and I started this site so she can follow us as we travel throughout different states on our vacations. Now that she is older and we are able to travel the country with her, this will be a site for all of our friends and family to join us on our adventures throughout the USA
Wednesday, September 23, 2009
Saturday, September 19, 2009
VEGAS DAY 7 AND 8
Hi Everyone,
On Thursday, we went to the Flamingo Hotel and checked out the Habitat. It was beautiful. That hotel was my second choice if we had not stayed at the Luxor. We then went on to the Venetian Hotel. Very classy and elegant. We saw the gondolas but did not take a ride on one.
After resting in our hotel and playing with our chips, we got dressed up to see the Criss Angel Magic Show. It was very dark and weird. We’re glad that we saw the show; however, it not one that I would say “rush right out to see it”. After the show we tried our luck at the casino again. In all, I lost a total of $64. Carl, on the other hand, well we won’t talk about that!!
Well, we are on the plane heading home. So, far we have had wonderful plane rides. Going to Vegas was exciting and fun. Now, on the way home, it is peaceful and relaxing.
Superman is sleeping like a baby and I am blogging the final day of our trip. We should be landing in three hours.
We had a great time on our trip. We hope all of you did too. If it wasn’t for missing all of you, we would have wanted to stay longer. One week in Vegas was definitely not enough for us. It felt so good to feel the “LOVE” from Emily when we texted her that we were staying another week. Sorry, Emily. Thank you for being a part of our trip. Our family has sure grown since last year and we love you all.
See you soon,
Love, Gramma and Pappa
On Thursday, we went to the Flamingo Hotel and checked out the Habitat. It was beautiful. That hotel was my second choice if we had not stayed at the Luxor. We then went on to the Venetian Hotel. Very classy and elegant. We saw the gondolas but did not take a ride on one.
After resting in our hotel and playing with our chips, we got dressed up to see the Criss Angel Magic Show. It was very dark and weird. We’re glad that we saw the show; however, it not one that I would say “rush right out to see it”. After the show we tried our luck at the casino again. In all, I lost a total of $64. Carl, on the other hand, well we won’t talk about that!!
Well, we are on the plane heading home. So, far we have had wonderful plane rides. Going to Vegas was exciting and fun. Now, on the way home, it is peaceful and relaxing.
Superman is sleeping like a baby and I am blogging the final day of our trip. We should be landing in three hours.
We had a great time on our trip. We hope all of you did too. If it wasn’t for missing all of you, we would have wanted to stay longer. One week in Vegas was definitely not enough for us. It felt so good to feel the “LOVE” from Emily when we texted her that we were staying another week. Sorry, Emily. Thank you for being a part of our trip. Our family has sure grown since last year and we love you all.
See you soon,
Love, Gramma and Pappa
Friday, September 18, 2009
VEGAS DAY 6
Hi Again,
Dinner at StripSteak was delicious. It was a 5-star restaurant from start to finish. The presentation was unbelievable.
The Lion King show was wonderful. I had seen it at PPAC a few years ago and it was almost the same. Carl thought it was great. The theatre was sold out. It was beautiful, but I think PPAC is just as nice if not better.
Tomorrow it will be finishing up the strip. We have Flamingo and Venetian hotels left to see. We got to see all the hotels on my index cards and still have time to sit by the pool each morning. We won’t be able to see Freemont Street, so we will just have to come back here again someday. After the strip, we will see Criss Angel and his magic show.
Our trip is coming to an end. It will be hard to leave this exciting, sin city; but, it will be nice to return home to our family and friends. We miss you all.
Love, Gramma and Pappa
Dinner at StripSteak was delicious. It was a 5-star restaurant from start to finish. The presentation was unbelievable.
The Lion King show was wonderful. I had seen it at PPAC a few years ago and it was almost the same. Carl thought it was great. The theatre was sold out. It was beautiful, but I think PPAC is just as nice if not better.
Tomorrow it will be finishing up the strip. We have Flamingo and Venetian hotels left to see. We got to see all the hotels on my index cards and still have time to sit by the pool each morning. We won’t be able to see Freemont Street, so we will just have to come back here again someday. After the strip, we will see Criss Angel and his magic show.
Our trip is coming to an end. It will be hard to leave this exciting, sin city; but, it will be nice to return home to our family and friends. We miss you all.
Love, Gramma and Pappa
Thursday, September 17, 2009
VEGAS - DAY 5
Good Morning Everyone,
Life is good! We are lying by the pool sipping Pina Coladas and I am blogging. What can be better than that!! OK guys, no comment.
Yesterday, we took a tour of California. We began at Warner Brother’s Studio and then went onto to: Beverly Hills, Rodeao Drive, Sunset Strip, Stars Walk of Fame and Graumann’s Chinese Theatre, Mulholland Drive and ended at Santa Monica Pier. Although we were not in Cali for a very long time, we saw soooo much. We went by Michael Jackson’s house in Beverly Hills. His mailbox was adorned with many flowers, notes, pics and candles. There was so much security around the property that we could not stop and take pics. Santa Monica Pier was fun. I was so surprised that the Pacific Ocean is so cold. I would have thought it would have been much warmer then the Atlantic.
In Hollywood we saw the Four Seasons Hotel where Pretty Woman was filmed. In Beverly Hills we saw the Hollywood sign, the Greystone Mansion where President Obama had his fundraiser, Richie Rich, Spiderman III, Witches of Eastwick and Ghostbusters (to name a few) was filmed. We saw Cher’s and Elton John’s condo. We saw Hugh Heffner’s home and across the street where he houses his “bunnies”.
I had been soooo nervous about taking this trip for months. I was afraid that we would be mugged and robbed in the Mojave Dessert by our tour driver. I was also not too happy to be going in an SUV with only one other couple. Well, I worried for nothing. Our tour driver Ken (although he LOOKED like a criminal) was amazing, we rode in a 2008 luxury conversion van, which was more comfortable and relaxing than in the tour bus on Sunday and there were six of us and the driver. The Mojave Dessert was wonderful. Nothing but sand, cactus plants, and mountains in the background. Miles and miles of vast open land with a major highway running right through it. I loved seeing the Joshua plants (named by the Mormons for St. Joshua because the plant looks like it arms reach out to the “Promised Land”). It was a very long trip; but, I believe it’s not just the destination but the journey! The 4 ½ hours each way gave me memories that I may never get to have again.
We returned back to our hotel at 7pm. We headed down the strip and did not return to our room until 2:30 AM. We have logged over 75,000 steps so far this week and have drunk over a gallon of water each every day. CRAZY!!
Tonight it is dinner at Mandalay Bay and The Lion King show. After dinner I will try my luck again at the casino (trying to hit it big to send for Emily). I did invest some money yesterday on the money wheel and won a profit of $2. I was so excited I took my money and ran!
Talk to you all soon. Parents, give all our adopted grandchildren kisses and hugs!
Love, Gramma and Pappa
Life is good! We are lying by the pool sipping Pina Coladas and I am blogging. What can be better than that!! OK guys, no comment.
Yesterday, we took a tour of California. We began at Warner Brother’s Studio and then went onto to: Beverly Hills, Rodeao Drive, Sunset Strip, Stars Walk of Fame and Graumann’s Chinese Theatre, Mulholland Drive and ended at Santa Monica Pier. Although we were not in Cali for a very long time, we saw soooo much. We went by Michael Jackson’s house in Beverly Hills. His mailbox was adorned with many flowers, notes, pics and candles. There was so much security around the property that we could not stop and take pics. Santa Monica Pier was fun. I was so surprised that the Pacific Ocean is so cold. I would have thought it would have been much warmer then the Atlantic.
In Hollywood we saw the Four Seasons Hotel where Pretty Woman was filmed. In Beverly Hills we saw the Hollywood sign, the Greystone Mansion where President Obama had his fundraiser, Richie Rich, Spiderman III, Witches of Eastwick and Ghostbusters (to name a few) was filmed. We saw Cher’s and Elton John’s condo. We saw Hugh Heffner’s home and across the street where he houses his “bunnies”.
I had been soooo nervous about taking this trip for months. I was afraid that we would be mugged and robbed in the Mojave Dessert by our tour driver. I was also not too happy to be going in an SUV with only one other couple. Well, I worried for nothing. Our tour driver Ken (although he LOOKED like a criminal) was amazing, we rode in a 2008 luxury conversion van, which was more comfortable and relaxing than in the tour bus on Sunday and there were six of us and the driver. The Mojave Dessert was wonderful. Nothing but sand, cactus plants, and mountains in the background. Miles and miles of vast open land with a major highway running right through it. I loved seeing the Joshua plants (named by the Mormons for St. Joshua because the plant looks like it arms reach out to the “Promised Land”). It was a very long trip; but, I believe it’s not just the destination but the journey! The 4 ½ hours each way gave me memories that I may never get to have again.
We returned back to our hotel at 7pm. We headed down the strip and did not return to our room until 2:30 AM. We have logged over 75,000 steps so far this week and have drunk over a gallon of water each every day. CRAZY!!
Tonight it is dinner at Mandalay Bay and The Lion King show. After dinner I will try my luck again at the casino (trying to hit it big to send for Emily). I did invest some money yesterday on the money wheel and won a profit of $2. I was so excited I took my money and ran!
Talk to you all soon. Parents, give all our adopted grandchildren kisses and hugs!
Love, Gramma and Pappa
Tuesday, September 15, 2009
VEGAS - Day 4
Hi Everyone,
We started today lying by the pool again. We spent just enough time there for me to read five magazines and the East Providence Post. After the pool we got changed and headed to lunch.
It seems that every year we manage to do something wild, crazy and dangerous on vacation. Well, this year was no exception! I had this great idea to eat lunch at the famous IN AND OUT BURGER. I loaded the address into my GPS and we were on our way. It was only ½ mile from our hotel, but it was off the strip. We had to cross 3 major highways and pass several homeless people sleeping under the bridges. We should have worn neon signs across our chests reading “we our tourists from out of town and are carrying lots of money and electronics – please rob us!!!!” I have to admit that I was a tad nervous, but we did survive and one bite of the burger made me realize that it was TOTALLY worth risking our lives for it.
We went to MGM Grand hotel and looked around before heading back for a really nice dinner at the Camelot Steak House at the Excalibur hotel. Now, we are going to our room to rest before our California trip tomorrow.
Sleep well everyone. To Hailee and all our adopted grandchildren, have a great day at school tomorrow. Talk to you again, soon.
Gramma and Pappa
PS: Answers to comments:
1. We got the free Nathan’s hotdogs because I printed out coupons on Vegas.com
2. I definitely recommend ZOOMANITY show – not sure of any other Cirque shows.
3. Our Southwest flight was long and boring. No TV’s, radio or electrical plugs.
4. We miss all of you, too
We started today lying by the pool again. We spent just enough time there for me to read five magazines and the East Providence Post. After the pool we got changed and headed to lunch.
It seems that every year we manage to do something wild, crazy and dangerous on vacation. Well, this year was no exception! I had this great idea to eat lunch at the famous IN AND OUT BURGER. I loaded the address into my GPS and we were on our way. It was only ½ mile from our hotel, but it was off the strip. We had to cross 3 major highways and pass several homeless people sleeping under the bridges. We should have worn neon signs across our chests reading “we our tourists from out of town and are carrying lots of money and electronics – please rob us!!!!” I have to admit that I was a tad nervous, but we did survive and one bite of the burger made me realize that it was TOTALLY worth risking our lives for it.
We went to MGM Grand hotel and looked around before heading back for a really nice dinner at the Camelot Steak House at the Excalibur hotel. Now, we are going to our room to rest before our California trip tomorrow.
Sleep well everyone. To Hailee and all our adopted grandchildren, have a great day at school tomorrow. Talk to you again, soon.
Gramma and Pappa
PS: Answers to comments:
1. We got the free Nathan’s hotdogs because I printed out coupons on Vegas.com
2. I definitely recommend ZOOMANITY show – not sure of any other Cirque shows.
3. Our Southwest flight was long and boring. No TV’s, radio or electrical plugs.
4. We miss all of you, too
Monday, September 14, 2009
Hi Everyone
Saturday was a very busy day. We started with lunch poolside for a few hours. It was so beautiful and the water was sooooooo warm. Just the way we like it! We went to Mass at the Shrine of the Most Holy Redeemer. Some of our best masses have been on vacation. Although this one was not two-hours long like last year, it was so moving and personal. We had to stand up and introduce ourselves and tell where we were from. The pews were like sofas, so cozy and comfortable. The priest told jokes and was so funny.
After mass we went to Hawaiian Tropic Zone for dinner (Carl couldn’t take his eyes off the waitresses long enough to eat his food). Our waitress was so cute and a great waitress! We took a trolley ride of the strip with an impersonator of Sammy Davis, Jr. We saw so much of the strip and the impersonator was fantastic. I would recommend this tour to anyone coming to Vegas. After the tour, as it was very late, we decided to head back to the hotel and play with our chips!
Sunday we headed to the Grand Canyon. It was a very long bus ride and a very long day, but certainly worth it. You can hear about the canyon, see it in pictures and watch it on TV; but, until you really see it in person, you can’t understand the glory of this Wonder of the World. It is so breath-taking it gives you Goosebumps and brings tears to your eyes!
We have been in Vegas for 72 hours and I still have not put in 1 cent in a casino. Carl, on the other hand, yea, well we won’t talk about that, again!!!!!!!!!!
Everyone laughed at me when I told them about the cornstarch and ice for your feet. I have been doing that every day and have not gotten one blister or problem with my feet. However, I worn a new pair of shoes to the show Friday night and got two really bad blisters on top of my baby toes. I have not been able to wear my sneakers or sandals because of the blisters. I had to go out and buy flip-flops. It is the first time in 51 years that I have worn a pair of flip-flops. I used to hate them and now for the last two days I have lived in them. I am a changed woman!!!!! Amy, thanks for the tip on the “special” Band-Aids. I have used them on my toes and they work great.
Well, it’s now off to breakfast and the pool again. Hope everyone is doing fine and we’ll talk to you soon
Gramma and Pappa
Saturday was a very busy day. We started with lunch poolside for a few hours. It was so beautiful and the water was sooooooo warm. Just the way we like it! We went to Mass at the Shrine of the Most Holy Redeemer. Some of our best masses have been on vacation. Although this one was not two-hours long like last year, it was so moving and personal. We had to stand up and introduce ourselves and tell where we were from. The pews were like sofas, so cozy and comfortable. The priest told jokes and was so funny.
After mass we went to Hawaiian Tropic Zone for dinner (Carl couldn’t take his eyes off the waitresses long enough to eat his food). Our waitress was so cute and a great waitress! We took a trolley ride of the strip with an impersonator of Sammy Davis, Jr. We saw so much of the strip and the impersonator was fantastic. I would recommend this tour to anyone coming to Vegas. After the tour, as it was very late, we decided to head back to the hotel and play with our chips!
Sunday we headed to the Grand Canyon. It was a very long bus ride and a very long day, but certainly worth it. You can hear about the canyon, see it in pictures and watch it on TV; but, until you really see it in person, you can’t understand the glory of this Wonder of the World. It is so breath-taking it gives you Goosebumps and brings tears to your eyes!
We have been in Vegas for 72 hours and I still have not put in 1 cent in a casino. Carl, on the other hand, yea, well we won’t talk about that, again!!!!!!!!!!
Everyone laughed at me when I told them about the cornstarch and ice for your feet. I have been doing that every day and have not gotten one blister or problem with my feet. However, I worn a new pair of shoes to the show Friday night and got two really bad blisters on top of my baby toes. I have not been able to wear my sneakers or sandals because of the blisters. I had to go out and buy flip-flops. It is the first time in 51 years that I have worn a pair of flip-flops. I used to hate them and now for the last two days I have lived in them. I am a changed woman!!!!! Amy, thanks for the tip on the “special” Band-Aids. I have used them on my toes and they work great.
Well, it’s now off to breakfast and the pool again. Hope everyone is doing fine and we’ll talk to you soon
Gramma and Pappa
Saturday, September 12, 2009
Viva Las Vegas - Day 1
Hi Everyone;
Well we arrived safe and sound in Vegas at 9:15 am to a welcoming 98 degrees. It really is the city that never sleeps. At midnight it seems as if it was only 8 pm with sooooooo many people on the streets. We went to bed at 12:30 Vegas time (which would have been 3:30 am RI time). We walked ALL day. I logged 18,674 steps and drank 72 ounces of water (that's a record for me). We saw the Cirque show ZOOMANITY last night. The only way I can explain it was "unbelievably amazing!!" When I booked the show, I knew it was for Mature Audiences Only, but I knew Carl would love it. Anyone who knows me, knows that's not my cup of tea. Little did I know, I would LOVE it. I sat on the edge of my seat for almost the entire show. It was tastefully done and amazing!!! I would recommend it to anyone an would see it again in a heartbeat.
Well, I now know that gambling is NOT in my blood. We have been in Vegas over 24 hours and I have not gambled 1 cent! Carl, on the other hand, well, we won't talk about that!!!!!!!!
We are now getting ready to sit by the pool for a few hours. Then, it will be the strip again, church, dinner and a Double-Decker trolley ride of the city at 9 pm. We miss all of you and think of you all often. So glad we are able to vacation together again this year. Have a great day and we will talk to you soon.
Love, Gramma and Pappa
Well we arrived safe and sound in Vegas at 9:15 am to a welcoming 98 degrees. It really is the city that never sleeps. At midnight it seems as if it was only 8 pm with sooooooo many people on the streets. We went to bed at 12:30 Vegas time (which would have been 3:30 am RI time). We walked ALL day. I logged 18,674 steps and drank 72 ounces of water (that's a record for me). We saw the Cirque show ZOOMANITY last night. The only way I can explain it was "unbelievably amazing!!" When I booked the show, I knew it was for Mature Audiences Only, but I knew Carl would love it. Anyone who knows me, knows that's not my cup of tea. Little did I know, I would LOVE it. I sat on the edge of my seat for almost the entire show. It was tastefully done and amazing!!! I would recommend it to anyone an would see it again in a heartbeat.
Well, I now know that gambling is NOT in my blood. We have been in Vegas over 24 hours and I have not gambled 1 cent! Carl, on the other hand, well, we won't talk about that!!!!!!!!
We are now getting ready to sit by the pool for a few hours. Then, it will be the strip again, church, dinner and a Double-Decker trolley ride of the city at 9 pm. We miss all of you and think of you all often. So glad we are able to vacation together again this year. Have a great day and we will talk to you soon.
Love, Gramma and Pappa
Wednesday, September 9, 2009
T-31 Hours
Hi Everyone:
Are your bags packed and ready to go? We have 31 hours until takeoff!! I must admit that I am getting a little nervous. We are so glad that all of you (we added a few more friends to our trip this year) will be coming with us again. It is so much more fun when you go away with family and friends!
We found a Krispy Kreme shop that is open 24 hours and has free Wi-Fi. It is at the Excalibur Hotel next to our Luxor Hotel. We will try to go there to update our blogs. Since I will HAVE to have a donut each time I use their Wi-Fi, I will probably come home 10lbs heavier and in a diabetic coma!
Take care, and we will see you in VEGAS!!!!!
Pappa and Grandma
Are your bags packed and ready to go? We have 31 hours until takeoff!! I must admit that I am getting a little nervous. We are so glad that all of you (we added a few more friends to our trip this year) will be coming with us again. It is so much more fun when you go away with family and friends!
We found a Krispy Kreme shop that is open 24 hours and has free Wi-Fi. It is at the Excalibur Hotel next to our Luxor Hotel. We will try to go there to update our blogs. Since I will HAVE to have a donut each time I use their Wi-Fi, I will probably come home 10lbs heavier and in a diabetic coma!
Take care, and we will see you in VEGAS!!!!!
Pappa and Grandma
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