Tuesday, July 5, 2011

First of all, yes, I'm well aware of the fact that this blog hasn't been updated as often as many would like. Truth be told, Elise takes a lot of attention and when she's asleep...the blog isn't high on the priority list of things to tend to in the short window of time I/we have. Nonetheless, we'll do what we can, when we can. This will be a long blog to make up for it.

Much has happened since the last update. I'll try and cover as much as possible. Elise got to go on her first airplane ride. Cars, vans and buses she was used to. This was a different animal.
There is a lot of preparation in taking a toddler on a flight. The truth be told, although I'm more knowledgeable about the protocol, I'd rather not have her fly again until she is a bit older. The only thing that was a parental preparation fail was on the flight out to Las Vegas we figured she'd do better if she was freshly rested and less apt to be cranky. Wrong. She was alert...and being a non-stop flight (which is the only way to fly when you have a young one in tow), she wanted to touch everything. Jeana and I did a sufficient job of containing/entertaining her during the flight without too much disruption to the other surrounding passengers but we also learned our lesson.


Elise reads her safety information before take-off.

All in all, we just wanted to relax and have Elise spend some time with her Grandma, Grandpa and also meet her cousin (Tara) and her Aunt Cheryl and Uncle Mike. We also met Tara's newborn boy, Max. Elise was definitely intrigued by the wee baby but not too much since he didn't do much. Explaining to her that she was like that a year ago would've been futile. We also wanted to see some of the sights. Jeana hadn't seen much of Las Vegas and Elise, obviously, hadn't seen any of it....and Elise would like some of the bright lights.

We did get some unexpected VIP treatment thanks to Amber Jones, who is the stage manager for Barry Manilow (and "retired" but active roller derby girl). We asked if she had any availability for us to see the show and she said "yes" but it was for that same night and it was Barry's last show for a few weeks. Luckily, that's what Grandma/Grandpa are there for...to spend quality time with Elise while Jeana and I get some adult time. We weren't expecting the VIP treatment. We picked up our tickets at will call and we were given complimentary programs and shown to a private elevator. We were then escorted to a bar for VIPs where they give you complimentary water, soda and/or champagne (with a strawberry) in a Barry Manilow-etched champagne flute. We were then shown to our seats that were up high and center. There were panels to "guard" the VIP section from the rest of the viewers. It was interesting as I'd never encountered such a thing, at least from that perspective. It was a great show, however. I don't claim to be a huge Barry Manilow fan but he is an accomplished musician and I appreciate that greatly and he showed why he is in such demand, that night.

Of course, we wanted to see some other sights so we went to Boulder/Hoover Dam.

Jeana, Elise and Mike in front of the Boulder/Hoover Dam and the new bridge that was recently built.

Mike, Elise and Grandma Sandberg overlooking Lake Mead/Colorado River. Note the water table lines and how much water used to be here. Staggering.

We wanted to see some aquatic life and bought tickets for the Shark Reef in Mandalay Bay. You REALLY should like sharks if you're willing to pay to go to this. There are sharks..yes. They have quite a mix of sea-life but the price and what you get in return is less than I had hoped. We also heard of there being a large aquarium at, of all places, Bass Pro Shops. So we went afterwards. I really wished we went there first. It has a very large aquarium that was sized just right and had a decent amount of sea-life in it. It also had a little alcove that was perfect to wheel her stroller into.

Elise makes friends wherever she goes and they will go through great lengths to hang out with her.

I also mentioned going to my favorite part of Las Vegas. Historic downtown Las Vegas. It's a little seedier but it gets away from the Disneyland-effect that the Strip has become to a great degree. However, it reminds me of Venice Beach, California. It has some street performers and just odd characters. There is also the Fremont Experience on Fremont Street ("Glitter Gulch"). It's a canopy light show that is free. It uses 12.5 million led lights controlled by 10 computers and the theme changes regularly. It's pretty neat and one of the free things to see in Las Vegas.

Jeana and Elise during the psychedelic portion of the show.

Elise and Mike being mesmerized by the bright lights of Las Vegas

Of course, I did a few trips on my own....mainly visiting Denver's Choppers and talking with Mondo and his assistant, Bill. It was neat to look at some of the bikes he has worked on and some of the others in progress. I also had to do my obligatory trip to In 'N' Out Burger. If you don't know them...you're better off...because it can be an addiction. Jeana and I also went to Craftsteak for our gourmet dinner. Jeana, having chef experience, knew of the owner of this restaurant and his reputation as a chef. Needless to say, it was a tasty dining experience. Maybe one day I'll get to return and afford some of the high-end entrees.

While the men are away, the women will drop their top and cruise.

On the return trip, we wore Elise out so she'd take a nap on the plane and it worked. She slept the majority of the time on the plane. All in all, we had an excellent vacation and Jeana was subjected to multiple games of dominos....and now we have a domino set and now seeking redemption of her multiple losses.

A few weeks after vacation, we wanted to further work on Elise's walking progress. Jeana had tried day after day to no avail. When Jeana went to go to a roller derby practice, I was determined to get her walking and make progress. So I tried a few techniques. I found that her milk cup was a motivator. I set up the video camera and documented some small successes. A lot of video editing and I came up with this little gem.


Update more very soon!

~Mike