Woke up feeling pretty good about the vacation. Saw Carlsbad Caverns, the Grand Canyon, and a dozen cool things in Vegas, which culminated in getting picked to go backstage and meet David Copperfield after seeing him perform live. Things just couldn’t have gone any better this week. No blood, no fighting, no drama — just lots and lots of fun.

This morning, after chiding down T Denny’s, Susan took the kids swimming one last time while I hit the casino floor. For being in Vegas for 3 days, we actually did very little gambling.

So I’m playing slots just for the sake that I can say I played some slots in Vegas, and the blood loss is slow but steady. I started with $200. Down to $150, back up to $180, move machines. Down to $120, back up to $150, move machines. I can see how this is going to end.

I’m supposed to meet Sue and the kids at 11:30 to hit the road; it’s 11:32, I have exactly $100 left, and I can’t find a place to cash out. I look EVERYWHERE and can’t find a teller window anywhere! Finally I decided “screw it, I’m betting this $100 and getting out of here.”

I found a machine by the door; $1 machine, $3 max. Based on my slot record, I should be able to “get rid of” $100 in about 5 mins.

I drop the ticket into the machine, and on pull #3, I hit 3 MGM Lions. $600 payoff.

This does not solve my problem of finding a cashiers cage in the slightest, but it’s a problem I’m happy to have, hah! After breaking down and asking someone I learn cash is dispensed from machines, not human tellers. I track down a machine, snatch my $600 in winnings, and call it a day.

Susan and the kids had been waiting in the lobby for 20 minutes for me. Susan was frustrated but counting out hundreds in front of everyone put her in a better mood. A round of ice cream placated the kids. All was good, and I was up $400 in Vegas. That means it’s time to go.

The kids want to know what we’re doing for vacation next year. Geez, how you top this week? Are they selling tickets to visit the moon yet?