Day 11 - Poolside Goodbyes and Fish Taco Feasts

I woke just before Renn did at 6:45. She only wanted a quick trip to the bathroom before crawling back into her "teddy bear bed" — until her pink light came on ten minutes later. We snuggled and chatted, waking Grandpa before heading downstairs to let Harley out. Amanda and Craig along with more wedding guests flew out at 8 am.

The Schmitts were off to the doctor around 9:30, and I got the laundry going after my shower — trailer sheets, Snoopy room bedding where Mom stayed, and fresh linens for the newlyweds arriving tonight. Renn enjoyed her free play time, coloring, snacking, and watching Baby Shark on the big screen. S was thrilled to discover the leftover fruit and veggies, polishing them off before hopping in the shower.

Chuck and Deb swung by briefly to grab games, tables, and coolers to return to friends, plus run a few other errands. Chuck's doctor visit had some concerning news but will get more from a specialist visit soon hopefully. 

I made Renn a PB sandwich and tucked her in for her nap at 11:30. While S took down the backdrops, I kept the laundry rolling and tried to catch up on Saturday’s blog — but with so much that happened, I know I’ll miss a few details! We folded backdrops, tidied rooms, and washed and remade the beds in both the spare room and trailer.

This Canadian dog seems to love the desert heat!

Leftover pork sliders made a quick lunch, with S happily topping up his greens. Nathan arrived before 1, filling us in on his morning. Renn woke about fifteen minutes later, and we quickly packed swimsuits, towels, and snacks before heading to the Strip for pool time at Park MGM.

activity while waiting for Momma

Mrs Boysis catching some sun

always a helper

We said our goodbyes to Shaina and Matt there, as they began their journey home with a 6:20 p.m. flight to Calgary followed by a red eye flight to Ottawa. Derek drove them to the airport with Nathan tagging along before the fellows did some exploring. Sheldon drove their rental car along with Kaylin, Renn, and I heading back to the Schmitts’. Kaylin got ready for her romantic date night at the "Paris Eiffel Tower" while Chuck joined Sheldon to pick up our truck — repairs complete at a tidy $805 US.

awe <3

danger girl

but she is pretty cute!

Follow the leader balance game

"Chef-anie" and her sous chefs Robby & Ashley

Deb returned from her nail appointment and shopping trip with the kids close behind and started on a fresh fish taco feast for supper. Nathan and Derek arrived just in time, Derek chauffeuring Kaylin and her date Nate downtown — such gentlemen! Renn was happy to entertain everyone before I tucked her into bed at 7:30.

Renn gave uncle Chuck's razor a test run

Relaxing with Ted

Renn likes to threaten finger in her nose when we take photos :)

The rest of us gathered around the dining table to enjoy the delicious fish taco supper. Afterward, Chuck and Deb tidied up the kitchen while the rest of us alternated between games, scrolling, and quiet relaxation. 

Meanwhile in Paris,

the wedding / birthday / big year date was underway with a dozen roses awaiting them

* I dried 2 roses for them and gave the rest to Ashley & Robby to enjoy before we left later in the week

with a spectacular view

Bellagio fountains

                                           espresso martinis and fancy French food and dessert

and comped them this usual $40 photo of their date night

The kids headed home by 9, and we all wound down for the night. The newly married couple arrived back with their roses and goodies, a brief visit and off to bed. Despite being tired, I couldn’t fall asleep right away — so I ended the day with a little Hunting Wives before finally drifting off.

Day 10 - From Clean Up To Twisted Tea

Renn woke at her usual 6:45 a.m., and we jumped right into taking down decorations, dumping drinks, and tackling the general cleanup. Sheldon and Chuck ran our truck to the shop to be worked on while Mom, as always, handled her fair share of washing dishes. By 9 a.m., everything was boxed up and ready for pickup. Renn showed off her dance moves, played games, and soaked up the morning sunshine.

Renn tasting a pink concha - a Mexican sweetbread first thing to start her day.

However  she now wanted a "black" one as the pink one she chose first was not tasty

the morning after - scene of the late night party table

Could these flowers be any prettier??

At 10 a.m., I tucked Renn in for an early nap— at Dada’s request. Deb made biscuits and gravy for the hungry crew, with her kids joining in before they headed out for their own plans. S and I loaded all the boxes for the trip home in the U-Haul—our nickname for under the trailer bed.

The rest of the day slowed to a lazy pace with naps and packing. Nathan arrived just before 11:30 via Uber, having left their rental car here last night. Derek, who’d slept over, and Nate took Renn to their hotel pool when she woke up after noon and had her lunch.

Britt, Mom and Debby played some cards

Harley in her comfy spot with B

How B spends a relaxing afternoon :)

Meanwhile down on the strip after sleeping in till noon, these 2 were big gambling winners!

The Schmitt kids arrived after 3 p.m. to say goodbye to first departing travelers and stayed to visit. Britt and Mom were chauffeured to the airport at 3:30 by Debby along with Chuck, leaving Sheldon and me to visit with Steph, Robby, Ashley, and Brady while the dogs provided additional entertainment.

Deb & Chuck were back around 5 as the truck finally came to pick up the rental gear. The circle widened again when Shaina, Kaylin, Nathan, and Renn (Matt stayed back at hotel to rest) arrived around 7. Shaina got Renn ready for bed and tucked her in by 7:30 after the whirlwind of busy days.

The evening filled once more when Craig and Amanda dropped in after 8 via Uber. The Boysis crew left soon after to meet Matt and hopefully catch a show—but most were dark on Monday, so they toured the Strip instead, clocking over 27,000 steps! The Schmitt kids headed home before 9, leaving six of us to visit a while longer. Paetz's along with most of the other remaining guests fly home at 8 tomorrow morning.

I finally broke my fast with a slice of wedding cake and a twisted tea—sweet endings to a long, full day. Debby and Chuck kindly drove Amanda & Craig back to Mom’s condo, and we hit the sheets by 11, asleep in no time.