Melina's first plane trip

Just got back from a short vacation in Nevada, where we met up with Jeff's dad and stepmom. Despite several near disasters, we had a relaxing and fun time.

The first near-disaster came just as we were leaving to go to the airport, and I realized my car key had broken in half - there was just a short stub left on my keychain. Jeff found a replacement key in the basement and we managed to drive to the airport. However, once we got there we realized the replacement didn't open the trunk, where all our luggage was stowed. (It just occurred to me that the key must have broken off after we packed all our things in the trunk!). Jeff had disabled the automatic trunk latch, so I had visions of missing our flight while we waited around for a locksmith to arrive. Luckily we managed to get in through the passenger seats, and we made it comfortably to the gate.

At the gate, we were picked out for a special security check. This meant that they had to go through all our bags, which were full of baby food, diapers, toys, and all the myriad accoutrements of a traveling baby. It also meant they had to frisk Melina, our little terror suspect. She took it well, holding out her arms to the security lady to be picked up. Then she grabbed her badge on its elasticized cord and snapped it back in her face. Way to go, Melina.

On the plane, Melina entertained a family of women behind us and spent most of the time trying to crawl around in the aisles. She didn't seem to mind the takeoff and landing, although she studied the safety card extensively.

In Vegas, we got a free upgrade on our room at the Monte Carlo (probably because they knew Melina was a high-stakes gambler), so we enjoyed a very nice luxury suite. Melina napped, and Jeff went downstairs to find us food. He came back with salads from McDonalds, which he was destined to live off of for the next several days. I have to admit that their new salads are pretty good.

The next day (after Melina's naps) we found a Whole Foods market, where we stocked up on tofu, fruit, and quinoa cakes for our little organic baby, and then drove to Mesquite. Mesquite is one of those desert towns that really shouldn't be there. It's far too dry (though they have their own spring, which produces hard, unpleasant tasting water) and it's hot, hot, hot. Of course, golf courses and developments are springing up everywhere. We stayed at the Casablanca Resort, a big pink building with a casino, a buffet, cafe, fancy restaurant, spa, Starbucks, and a very nice pool with a waterfall, waterslide, and plenty of palm trees. For the next three days, we alternated between reading in the hotel room while Melina napped; sitting by the pool; swimming with the baby; drinking froufrou drinks; visiting Starbucks for iced coffee and green tea; and losing small amounts of money at the slot machines.

On our second day we drove up to a corner of Zion National Park and went for a hike. The trail was at 6,000 feet so it wasn't too hot. We tried out our new Kelty backpack, which worked very well. Melina (who has suddenly become very conscientious about greeting people) waved goodbye to every hiker we passed. (She hasn't quite gotten "hi" down yet). We hiked up to a cool grotto in the red rock cliffs, where the sound of dripping water and screaming ravens echoed through the canyons.

On Sunday, Mother's Day, I treated myself to the "Dead Sea experience" at the resort spa. First I was rubbed down with salt, then I was steamed for a while, then I was covered with mud, then showered off, and then anointed with sweet-smelling lotions. I was given a bathrobe and a full day pass to the quiet gardens and pools behind the spa. Needless to say, it was very relaxing, and I realized that I need to do it again. Soon.

At the end of the trip we left Mesquite and went back to Vegas, where we did not receive a room upgrade, but found ourselves adjoining a loud neighbor through a thin wall. We moved rooms, dragging our eight pieces of luggage with us. That includes the plastic booster seat, the car seat, the Kelty backpack, the cooler full of tofu and other half-eaten baby food, the backpack full of toys, the diaper bag, the baby, and our own luggage.

Once settled, we went out on the town with Melina. We met up with Jeff's dad & Alba at Il Fornaio, an Italian restaurant in the New York, New York casino. Melina behaved herself fabulously and we had a really nice time. On the way back, Melina was awed by the bright lights and neon. Throughout the whole trip, she showed an affinity for the slot machines, and was repeatedly told that babies are not allowed to loiter near the slots.

On our last night, Frank & Alba watched Melina for a few hours so Jeff and I could go out on the town. Since we weren't organized or motivated enough to buy show tickets, we were free to roam the strip, and ended up at the top of the faux Eiffel Tower at the Paris casino. From there we could see the fountains at the Bellagio and the strip in all its glory. The next day, after hours of trekking down the strip, across pedestrian bridges, and through casinos, we went to the Shark Reef exhibit at Mandalay Bay, which was very well done. Basically, it's an aquarium of predatory fish and sharks, set inside an ancient, sunken stone temple. I'm glad we went.

The trip home last night was unremarkable. Melina fell asleep as the plane took off (thank God) and woke up as the plane landed. She cried a bit, but it was manageable. Jeff took off to retrieve our car, ending the trip with the same small near-disasters that we began with. First he went to the wrong parking lot, then when he arrived, the battery was dead. Luckily he got a jumpstart and picked us up at 11:30, just as Melina and I were about to blow our mutual gaskets.

All in all, it was a relaxing trip. Melina did great, although we are still somewhat sleep deprived, and traveling with all her luggage can be exhausting. I feel a little more confident about going on plane trips with her in the future - though not too soon.