by Derek—2005.08.06 @ 1414
I think it would be an understatement to say that the kids were excited. We've been planning and building up to this adventure for so long now that the anticipation was thick (I'm afraid I was a little distracted at work as well...). Early Saturday morning, I took our van into JiffyLube to get an oil change (kinda pricy now days, don't you think?), and by 10:30 a.m. we were on Route 1 en-route to BWI for our 2:15 flight to Las Vegas. I was a little worried about getting onto I-95/495 due to the ramp changes for the Wilson Bridge Project. Luckily, the roads were clear all the way to BWI. We made it to the airport in 55 minutes and only waited for about an hour before getting on the plane.
It was so fun watching Elise and Isaac press their faces to the glass as they gazed at the planes coming and docking to each terminal. They were so well-behaved, even throughout the entire 4-hour flight to Las Vegas. Isaac loved the plane so much he didn't want to get off and he threw a tantrum as we dragged him out of the plane and through the airport.
If you've ever been to the Las Vegas airport, you know that you can't escape the airport without walking through row after row of gambling machines. They're located at every entrance, exit, and transfer point. I really can't stand it, but that's Las Vegas.
'Papa and Gramaree' Hansen were waiting for us at the baggage claim and drove us to St. George. We talked away the two-hour drive and came to the conclusion that we'll have to cram as much adventure in the next six days as possible.
When we arrived at our parent's home, the house was packed. Breton was there with his band, along with all their equipment. Cameron and his family were also over. I can't think of a time in the past few years when I've come to visit my parents when the house wasn't full of commotion. Breton's band Travisty was performing at open mic night at the St. George Opera House. Although I was tired, I knew it was important to attend.
The Opera House in St. George is part of a new cultural arts center and "was the primary location for socials, performances and dances held on a movable floor." The building has been renovated along with several other pioneer buildings in the vicinity to include a social hall and the art museum. Cameron and I went up to support Breton's band and we waited outside, taking photos, until Travisty was due to perform.
Breton has a unique style and blend of rock, grunge, and alternative grooves. The format for the open mic, however, seemed to bend more to soloists on an acoustic guitar, not a rock band (they were told not to play "too loud"). Breton fiddled with the volume, and in his own sarcastic way, asked if they were too loud. The lady in charge seemed to be only a little anxious about the band, and told them to hurry as they set up since they only had "15 minutes to play."
Breton and his band ended up playing over 20 minutes (much to the chagrin of the matron) with their last number being a compilation of Disney favorites ("It's A Small World After All) -- all in a punk sort of way. Interesting.
We're all a little tired.