The adventure began very early one December morning at Midway airport in Chicago. “Now pre-boarding Southwest Flight 1006 M.” We were getting on a plane with my parents and older brother Tom to spend some time with family during the holidays. Escaping the Wisconsin winter just happened to be a nice bonus. The first stop on our trip was fabulous Las Vegas, Nevada, where my sister Jamie now lives.

Viva Las Vegas

The flight, which was Jonathan's first, went as well as one could expect when accompanied by a three year old. I think that the bubble gum we gave him during take-off and landing may have contributed to his good behavior. When we arrived in Las Vegas, Jamie led us to the Flamingo Hotel & Casino where she works. She had reserved a suite on the top floor for us with a great view of the Bellagio water fountains accross the street. Not wasting any time, we dropped off our bags and headed for the casinos.

My Dad was the first one to test his luck, playing a round of quarter slots at Caesars Palace. It was here that Jonathan found his own little slice of heaven in FAO Schwartz, complete with a Star Wars arcade game and the giant floor piano from the movie Big. The highlight for Jeanine and I came on day two when we attended the dress rehearsal of Cirque du Soleil's Zumanity. What a great show. One thing I have learned about Las Vegas is that it definitely pays to have connections!

Like all good adventures, the fun didn't stop here. We said goodbye to Jamie, piled into a rental van, and drove through the night (after stopping for milkshakes at the Mad Greek of course) to Long Beach, California, home of my brother Todd.

Going to California

We arrived at Todd's condo late into the night and decided it would be best to try and catch a few Z's. The next morning, Todd took Jeanine, Jonathan, and I to the Aquarium of the Pacific. Tom and my parents split off on their own to seek out the Nixon Presidential Library. With some extra time on our hands before needing to regroup, we did what any self-respecting midwesterner would—we went straight to the beach. While gathering some sea shells, Jonathan decided it would be a good idea to walk right into the Pacific Ocean with all of his clothes on. I had little choice but to follow. Thankfully, it was so warm that I had to continually remind myself it was December.

The following day, Christams Eve to be precise, my oldest brother Dale was driving up from San Diego to meet us. We decided to take advantage of the weather and check out some of Los Angeles while we waited for him to arrive. Tom and my dad went to the Autrey Museum in Griffith Park while the rest of us headed for the Hollywood hills. Todd led us down the Walk of Fame to the Chinese and Kodak theaters. We had just enough time left over to cruise the Sunset Strip and Rodeo Drive. Sorry, no celebrity sightings to report. Christmas Eve with Dale was spent at a small pizza joint and followed up by a few rounds of the trivia game Scene It! back at Todd's place.

Merry Christmas

I awoke the next morning to Jonathan asking me, “Papa, is this day Christmas?” Indeed it was! Santa Claus must have received the detailed instructions (thank you Google Maps) showing where to find us in California. I only wish that he had offered to haul all of Jonathan's presents back home to Wisconsin. Overall, I think eBay—I mean, Santa Clause, came through big this year. Christmas wasn't quite over yet though…

Jamie wanted to have us over for Christmas dinner so we packed back into the van like sardines to make the return voyage to Las Vegas. I don't know if you have heard, but there is a big desert between L.A. and Vegas. Yawn. Anyways, Jamie had a big ham cooking in the oven when we arrived. There was just one thing missing from this typical Christmas with the Solivas. Tom, Jeanine, and I upheld a sacred tradition and snuck off to a cinema to watch King Kong on the big screen.

A Sign From Above

On the final day of our adventure, Jeanine and I dragged Jonathan along to do some shopping on the strip. Little did we know that we were about to walk out into a sand storm. I think it was a sign from above telling us to quit while we were ahead. Considering how well this adventure went, maybe we will tackle Europe next year! Or maybe not.