Getting ready to leave on a trip for the weekend without my husband or kids, meant a lot of planning. I typed 3 pages of directions for Mark, and he still wanted more detail, minute by minute what to do. We went over the dishwasher, the wash machine, neither one he knew how to use. We went over meals, bedtime routine, morning school routine, Luke’s schedule, and on and on. You would think the man has never lived in this house.
At 1:00 my mom, Allie, and I were on a plane to Las Vegas. This is the National Finals Rodeo in Las Vegas. I have been twice in 97 and 98. I would go back every year if I could. Not so much for Las Vegas, but for the rodeo. We had a 3 night weekend planned. We arrived in Las Vegas around 2 and checked in to the Monte Carlo hotel. This was the host hotel for the bareback bronc riders too. The temp all week was on the chilly side, around 50. Tonight was the only night we had rodeo tickets and terrible ones at that. I didn’t care that we were in the last row on the top, I was just thrilled to be there. We could still see really well and had binoculars for close up view. The rodeo was awesome. We have a local cowboy which makes the whole experience even sweeter. In the 51 years of the NFR, rarely is there ever a cowboy from the state of Iowa that qualifies. Not only an Iowa cowboy, but Boxholm Iowa. Wade Sundell is our electrician/plumbers son. Allie thought that was so cool as she knew him also. He rides saddle broncs and went into the NFR in 4th with around $82,000. Tonight, he had a good ride, placing 3rd in the round. There ae 10 rounds and $17,000 in prize money for first place in a round. They award 6 million in prixe money over the 10 days. There are tons of familiar names in the rodeo that I have heard over the years and several I saw when I was here 11 years ago. Watching the barrel racing is a thrill, I can’t even begin to imagine the thrill and excitement to get to run in the NFR arena.
After the rodeo, we got off at the Excaliber near our hotel. Allie being a minor, only 17 was not supposed to be in a casino. I told her to just walk and act older and not to worry about it. The entire time we were in Vegas, that was never an issue. Heading to our hotel, we came across a Santa Clause photo op. This was not your typical set up. You had your choice between the ladies in red wearing skimpy outfits, or the hottie men in their Santa robes. For fun, we decided, why not. My mom insisted we have a photo done. It was quite funny. Allie got a little to into the pose and we had to cover a little more of Mr. Santa’s chest. I kept reminding Allie of her age. The Santa photo was a highlight for her. TO finish the night, we had some ice cream then headed to bed around 12:30, which would be 2:30 our time.
After the rodeo, we got off at the Excaliber near our hotel. Allie being a minor, only 17 was not supposed to be in a casino. I told her to just walk and act older and not to worry about it. The entire time we were in Vegas, that was never an issue. Heading to our hotel, we came across a Santa Clause photo op. This was not your typical set up. You had your choice between the ladies in red wearing skimpy outfits, or the hottie men in their Santa robes. For fun, we decided, why not. My mom insisted we have a photo done. It was quite funny. Allie got a little to into the pose and we had to cover a little more of Mr. Santa’s chest. I kept reminding Allie of her age. The Santa photo was a highlight for her. TO finish the night, we had some ice cream then headed to bed around 12:30, which would be 2:30 our time.
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