For the first time for a while we had a family holiday. It was David and my tenth wedding anniversary, and we took a week to enjoy our relationship and family.We chose the Sheraton on Maui as we wanted to not move for a week. No car, no bus, just walking, swimming, lounging and relaxing. Most of the day was spent by the pool, in the pool, on the beach and of course in the ocean.
Just in front of the hotel was a rocky cliff head that had a coral reef around it. There was a family of large turtles that would appear amongst the waves at various times of the day. The first day both Trinity and David had shocks as the turtles would swim underneath them, and an accidental kick would connect with a large turtle.
Trinity was extraordinarily brave, swimming with mask and flipper out past the waves to the reef and colourful fish, 20 meters out from the beach. David and I were amazed at her courage, and one of us was constantly by her side to help should she need it.
We took walks along the beach at sunset, ate ice cream and pizza, and generally had a great time. We left feeling relaxed, connected and ready for anything.We flew to Las Vegas for a one day conference David was running. We checked into the hotel and found ourselves booked into a high rollers suite. It was enormous, with white and gilt fittings. Quite something, with a view over the dolphin filled pools below (of course!).
The hotel also had Roy & Siegfields Lion and Tiger sanctuary as part of the property, as well as a 'live' volcano out the front (sadly closed for maintaince). Got to love Las Vegas.
On the first night in Vegas David admitted he was now official ready to get married to me, so I called up Elvis and organised a renewing of the vows.Elvis walked me down the aisle, and David promised to be my hunk-a-hunk a love, and I in return, vowed other things from various Elvis songs. The girls were our witnesses and we all crooned at the end. Very satisfying. ( I only have proofs).
So after all that we went to see the dolphins, and the tigers and lions. The cages were so small and I felt a sense of dark satisfaction thinking of Roy's attack by a lion a number of years ago. Terrible, and true.We went to the Bellagio, saw the fountains dancing to music, and the amazing flower displays in the lobby, including little houses with butterflies fluttering around inside. There was also a chocolate fountain which transfixed Trinity.
If you haven't been there, Las Vegas is such a torn town. Beauty, creativity, amazing resources, partnered with gambling, and any way to hide from ourselves.David and I lashed out and got a very expensive babysitter (it is after all, Vegas, and you want to have a good one). We went to the tables and played some Texas hold'em. We won lots and left the tables on a high. I got to go shopping the next day to buy myself something pretty ; ).
And then it was time to leave. I took India and Trinity late in the evening onto a plane from Vegas to LA and had the delight of managing two sleeping children, luggage and a stroller onto a bus to change terminals. We got on the plane (just) and made it safely home while David went on Dallas to run another conference.
