what happens in Vegas . . . comes home in Travis' pocket

To celebrate his 21st birthday, as Ashley had enjoyed before, Travis experienced the Mom and Dad trip to Las Vegas. June in Las Vegas is a very warm affair. Temperatures were over 100 degrees all three days we were there but that didn't stop the intrepid Harrell's from walking the length of the strip from the Wynn to Mandalay Bay. We enjoyed a wonderful show, hung out at the pool, ate and drank plenty and of course, did a little lever pulling (gambling ala' slot machine).

The agreement was this, Travis was given $100 to do with as he pleased. He started slowly and enjoyed his time at the nickel slots never losing too much. Monday after walking to Paris for breakfast we decided to head down to the Wynn and work our way back to our hotel (MGM). Once in the Treasure Island Randy spotted his favorite "wheel of fortune" machines. Travis sat down and after a slow start had a very lucky streak. We had quite a system, my job was to count winnings so that he always quit ahead. His job was to be loving to the machine which seemed to love him back. Over $200 later (in the black) we walked back to our hotel. Monday night after a walk in the opposite direction and Travis having a ride on the roller coaster at NY NY we spied some "lucky" $1 machines- these would come to bless us this morning. After a late breakfast today I stood guard at the machine Travis chose as he and Randy got ready to come in for the kill. Randy gave Travis $30 in coin which he promptly turned into about $150. All in all the kid went home with about $400 in his pocket he didn't have when we landed in Las Vegas on Sunday morning.

Sunday we also went to the newest Cirque de Soleil which is based on Beatles music- VERY GOOD. Perfect for a huge Beatles fan (Randy) and someone who loves all music (Travis)

A wonderful trip, excellent memories, and Randy made money too- no wonder we are all smiling!