A St. Patrick’s Day Family Trip to Las Vegas

Andy initially thought Las Vegas would be a great place to bring the family for St. Patrick's Day. They didn't usually celebrate the holiday, aside from reminding the kids to wear green so they could avoid getting pinched, but the ads were tempting. Green popcorn, green juices, and green cotton candy sounded like a dream for the children. It was also on a Saturday this time, so she could make the holiday a special treat for them.

Andy rented a small house with a pool away from the strip for the weekend. She figured Dan and the kids could enjoy spending some time outside in the pool and just relax. Then, they could spend Saturday evening at a family-friendly festival with rides and green food. It seemed like the perfect weekend vacation.

The trouble started when they were getting ready on Friday night. They had planned to drive up in the RV, and stay overnight at the rental house. That way, they would have all of Saturday, and most of Sunday to relax and enjoy their vacation.

Bobby, who was 8 years old, decided to wear everything he was going to bring on the trip. He had decided that he could tie each item he needed, including his toothbrush and toothpaste, to string that was hung around his neck like a necklace. He thought that would be better than carrying a bag.

Liz, who was only 4, decided to help her mother by drawing out their vacation plans on the garage floor in crayon. The drawing depicted a house with an arrow to another house, then an arrow to what appeared to be green popcorn. Then there was another arrow to a depiction of the four of them with green faces. She said they were going to be "little green men" soon.

Dan began to clean the garage floor, as Andy picked up little Lizzie, grabbed a plain hot dog from the fridge, then set Lizzie down in the RV. "Thanks for the plans, sweetie. We're all set now. Just eat this." She then handed Liz the hot dog. Lizzie seemed to be very pleased with herself.

Andy grabbed all the toothbrushes and toothpaste, then told Bobby to jump in the RV. When Dan saw that he was still wearing everything from his bag of necessities, he frowned. "We're not going to let him go like that, are we?"

"Yep. He can decide for himself how comfortable he thinks it is after a four hour drive. Don't worry, I brought the bag," Andy replied.

Andy jumped in the RV after Bobby. Dan looked up, confused. "Are we ready?"

Andy motioned to the back of the RV. "Everything is packed, honey. Time to go."

"But what about this crayon mess?"

"We're ready. All you have to do is climb in and put the key in the ignition, and we're off." Andy closed her eyes and put her head back. As far as she was concerned, the vacation had already started, and it was time to relax.

"Uhhh... OK." Dan climbed into the RV and pulled the keys from his pocket. He started it up and began rolling out the driveway.

"Wait! I forgot my purse!" Andy jumped up in her seat.

Dan stepped on the brake in surprise, plunging everyone further into their seats.

"Oh, wait, no, it's OK. I packed it. Let's go"

Dan slowly backed out of the driveway, alternating his stare between Andy and the rear view. They were finally off. Or were they?