Les and Marcia's Bohemian Life: Thunderbirds, Elvis and a Dam good time

Visiting Las Vegas this time is something Les and I have been really looking forward to. We love this town. You never know what or who you will see. This time we were happy to know that we would be seeing some of our fun fun family.

As I mentioned, we got to Vegas early. Nellis Air Force Base Family RV Park restored my faith in military run parks (our experience in Wyoming was really disheartening). The park, management efficiency and all of the base amenities were perfect. A huge surprise perk was the daily air shows given by the world famous Air Force Thunderbirds aviation team based at Nellis.

*Post flight checks

*Brady was happy at the park - he had a chipmunk to stalk for the week

If you are a fan of the History Channel you know a few reality shows come from Vegas. First stop was Ricks Restoration. Yep –everything looks just like on the show. Out front we did see Kowboy on the fork lift. During the free guided tour, (no pictures please) we saw Kyle and Tom in their workshops. There is a nifty, nicely priced basic gift shop and opportunities to buy many refurbished items. As we were leaving we did meet Tyler and spoke to him for a bit.

*Las Vegas is ripe for History Channel Buffs

*Kowboy at work

*Now Les - Where would we put the Harley Kegorator?

Down the street and around the corner is Counts Kustoms. This is a free self guided tour. No human celebrities were seen here but there are plenty of motorized stars. Your tour begins in the front purple office and then in to the Dannys Collection garage. This was a party. The place was full of fellow CK followers and yes we are all dorks quoting our favorite shows and characters. The gift shop here is much larger then Ricks but much less affordable. These were great stops!

*Horny Mike?

*The Planning Room

*Rollys Dream Car

*No Honey this isn't Heaven - Its Counts Kustoms

Then – the daddy of them all – Pawn Stars. We did a drive by Photo Shooting of Gold and Silver Pawn. We chose not to stop. I think Les was nervous to get me near all that vintage Vegas jewelry and then there is my huge crush on the Old Man.

*It is just not our time yet Richard Sr. - Some day

Here comes the Fam!! Niece Laura and husband Jim drove to Vegas for their ten year anniversary Route 66 Tour.Niece Susan and husband Bill flew in to celebrate Susan 40and fantastic birthday.Niece Becky and husband Joe flew in to celebrate each other and leaving their three of my wonderful Great Nieces with Grandma Dee.More extended family popped in to embrace LV, giving this trip a very local home town feel. Y’all are a hoot!!

*The Fam on Fremont

We have always loved Fremont Street.It has always had a festive carnival drunken street fair vibe.This time around we did notice an increase of bums and panhandlers. The addition of costumed street atmosphere seemed to overtake the talented street performers and musicians.They are still there just fewer (sad). Let your imagination go wild and you could see someone dressed or undressed as any character.All in good fun and profit right?

* Much love the hourly light shows

*The overhead light show gives Naked Kiss a chance to catch up on Facebook

*Transformers too - because this is kid friendly?

*View from the D balcony

*We were trusted to babysit $64.00 worth of cocktails.

*My Flying Nieces

*Classic Lights

*View of Fremont from above

Ranking in the ONE OF THE BEST DAYS EVER!! We Girls rented a cabana at the Gold Nugget adult pool. Such a great treat of sunshine, water conversation and Grey Goose. The water slide through the shark tank is pretty cool too.

*Susan and me in our VIP Cabana at the Gold Nugget

*I would pool with you ladys any day - Best Day!!!

*Nugget Shark pool

I did mention that Laura and Jim were on an anniversary trip– What better place then Vegas to renew your vows. If you know L & J an Elvis Re-wedding suits them perfectly. I am so happy we were able to be part of this super fun family experience!!

*We followed the wedding party to the Elvis Chapel

*I think they could get used to limo rides

*When in doubt bring your own disco lighting - Thanks Kalina - you lite up the room!

*Jim did have to quietly tell Elvis he couldn't sing with his band "Slow Buffalo"

*Elvis walking with Laura down the aisle

*Still amazing happy and fun after 10 Years

*The Offical Re-Wedding Portrait

The bridge by Hoover Dam is complete after all these years. Engineering issues and high winds messed with progress. Becky, Joe and we took a day to walk the bridge and visit the Dam. B & J took the Dam tour. Les and I had done this so we opted to eat ice cream and enjoy the view of the new bridge. For dinner, Joe chose to go to one of LV’s finest restaurants – In-n-Out Burger. As always – it was amazing. Thanks for such a fun day!!

*The new bridge view from Hoover Dam

*Now the view of the Hoover Dam from the Bridge

*Becky, Joe and the Deco Statue

*Jackalopes are much cuter in Nevada

All too soon the week with family and friends comes to an end. It is a week I will not forget. Thank you all!!!

Les and I had some scheduled maintenance for our 5th wheel (new awning install). So Les, Brady and I headed out to Red Rock Canyon just outside of LV. The driving route and hiking trails are always beautiful. I am happy to visit this stop anytime.

*Les and Brady