I've been thinking about how cool it would be to have a get-together this summer.  My thoughts were to have it in August (allow plenty of time for planning) and it shouldn't be as hot.  Well....depends on where we have it.  LOL!  I thought we could have it in Washington, DC, but if anyone else has any other suggestions....they would be more than welcomed!  I think it should be some place where there is plenty to do.  I know of a lot of places that people can visit and the night life around in DC.  

Let me know what you all think and any ideas you all might have.  I would have no problem with planning it.  

Michelle

I would think something more centrally located would be better.  Maybe like missouri or something would work.

Or somewhere easy and cheap for everyone to get to, like, ummmm... Vegas.

8)

Well......you make a good point about a central location.  Just thought it would be neat to have it in DC since it is the nation's capital.  I'm not sure what's in Arizona....but I'm game.

I was thinking maybe Las Vegas would be a good idea....but I know we will have people under 18 there and we could not do a bar or something like that for the adults.  Guess we should think more about that as well.  

Just some suggestions (and I know that some will not be centrally located).......

• Atlanta
  

• New Orleans
  

• Orlando
  

• Los Angeles
  

• Memphis
  

DJ.....glad to see we are on the same page with Vegas.  ;)   I absolutely love it there!  Plus my good friend, Rick, just moved out there.  Actually, I guess Vegas would be ok for the kids, too.  I guess it depends on where we stay.  

I know of some great bars in Vegas.  There is this Piano Bar at the New York New York hotel and this awesome roller coaster (not sure if I could go on one of those with MM or not).  But the piano bar is a dueling piano bar and is absolutely awesome!  Then there is this club I went to there, but won't tell you about that one.  LOL!   And the Flamingo Hotel has this great pool there.  

Vegas??? Somebody say Vegas??  [smiley=sayyes.gif] Woohoo!!

Central, Cheap airfare, great travel deals, cheap food accommodations, lots to do for kids. I hear they gamble there too...hehehehe  But I think in August, it may be a scorcher in the shade, not sure about that though, was never there, but I'm dying to go, so just say the word. I'll be the little curly headed lady at the Texas Holdem tables. hehehe [smiley=wink2.gif]

Mar,

You are right....it would be a complete scorcher in Vegas in August.  I've been out there in May and it was over 100 everyday!  Not very fun to have your clothes sticking to you on a hot summer night!  LOL!  But I'm game!  I love Vegas and would not have any problems with going there and planning for Vegas.  I have some experience with planning events like this and can get my friend Alison in Chicago to get me some good deals on hotels.  I know of one already (The Flamingo Hotel) which is inexpensive and a very nice hotel.  And......I'm sure if need be....people can room together.  

Michelle

Cool idea on MM people get together

AZ too hot in August...I live there. ;;D

Vegas is HOT in August too...I used to work there.  But definitely cheapest I would imagine...and all kinds of stuff, entertainment...never a dull moment there in Vegas compared to AZ.  I do know there are conventions happening in Vegas...big ones...so have to check when those are especially that big computer trade show...all hotels and flights are BOOKED.  Somewhere there is a listing of all the conventions and when they are..in Vegas.

Washington DC is hot and HUMID in August...I will be there in July...Brent's family is scattered all over there.

I think Vegas would be the best place...not really centrally located but would be economically suitable though.

Hugs,  CarasMOM

How does August 18 - 22 in Las Vegas sound?  There is one big convention that is from Aug. 14 - 18, but that means people would be traveling on Aug. 13 & 19 more than likely.  There are no conventions on the weekend of the 20th.  And not another big convention until the 25th.  Otherwise we would have to go into September.  I guess another date that would be available is August 11 - 15.  Check your calendars and let me know how those dates sound.  

I think that the Flamingo Las Vegas Hotel & Casino would be a good choice.  Any hotel we pick will give us a group rate that I'm sure will be pretty good.  

Let me know what you all think.

Michelle

Count me in!  Just wondering about the heat in August and staying hydrated.....as us MM people know!!  

-Shari

How about Sept. if its cooler...does it have to be August , Mandy can't handle the heat at all she acts all weird when its to hot. Vegas is cheap for sure and I'm dying to check it out. Mark went once and hasn't stopped talking about and is dying to take me there.
Nancy

Ok....how about September everyone?  Labor Day weekend maybe?  September 1 - 5th?  

If we get decided on some dates, then I will secure a block of rooms.  How many rooms do you think we should put in the block?  Maybe 20?  Keep in mind it's better to aim for a higher number, but not too high.

Michelle

I would avoid holiday weekends, in my opinion.  Travel tends to me more expensive on holiday weekends...

-Shari

Ok.....because of big conventions scheduled in Las Vegas during the months of August and September.....these are the dates that would be available:

• August 11 - 15
  

• August 18 - 22
  

• September 1 - 5
  

• September 11 - 15
  

Send me a PM if you are interested in going and what dates you would be interested.  At this point, I guess I could take a vote and see which dates have the highest votes.  I can then also see how many are going to be interested and get a block of rooms according to how much interest there is.  Please let me know if you would rather someone else plan this.  I don't want to step on anyone's toes.

Thanks,
Michelle

I too am concerned, as Shari mentioned, about the heat for the many needing to keep hydrated. I talked to some people who live in Vegas, and I asked them, in their opinion, what would be good time of the year for people who can’t take the heat, (?) and they said early September is still very hot, (in the shade) and that early spring or fall would be better if heat is a factor.  

Just thought I’d mention the advice I was given, and discuss it with you all, and see what you thought about the dates, before I would commit to anything.  ????

Mar

Ok....the thing with Vegas is that it is not humid in Vegas.  It's just hot.  LOL!  Washington, DC has more humidity than Vegas does.  I can understand everyone's concerns about the heat and I do appreciate them.  If we go into the month of October, I will not be able to plan it or even go and will have to step aside and let someone else plan the trip.  Sorry.....but the month of October and past that month will be getting me into football season and I still have a trip or two to plan to go see the Dallas Cowboys play.  

You all decide what you want to do and when you want to do it.  I'll be happy with whatever decision is made; however, someone else will need to plan the trip if it's past September.  Or we can look at planning it for the spring in 2006.  

Michelle

Hey Michelle,

What a nice gesture you've made to plan a get-together - thanks!  I've often thought how cool it would be to meet people from this site "live".  There are probably many who would love to come, us included.  But, as with any event, you'll always run into scheduling difficulties.

Vegas would be a great place, as there are many choices of activities.  Heat is an obvious issue if people want to do things outdoors.  Personally, I HATE anything above about 90 degrees, but I'd just stay inside whenver possible.  August would work for us, but September definitely wouldn't.  I think your idea of getting a consensus is a good idea.  We won't be offended if everyone decides to do it in September, but it will still be hot (over 100, I believe) in Vegas.

It would be awesome if something worked out, and I'll watch for updates as people post their ideas.  Thanks again Michelle . . . you rock, girl!

Big hugs,
Jill



   

I know finding a date and place that’s perfect for everyone is virtually impossible, but everyone making suggestions and giving opinions is a start, I think. We need everyone’s input in the beginning, just to carry out a safe and successful MM family “get together." Hey, you’re right though Michelle, the humidity here is far more miserable than the heat would be in Vegas, I’m sure…lol  Seriously though, the health issues do have to be considered for all concerned, (IMO) and then we can go on from there. This trip would not only be a wonderful opportunity to unite as a MM family, but also a vacation for many, so our hopes would be to try and make it as perfect as we possibly can for everyone concerned. Let’s not give up and keep the dialog open, so hopefully, all can attend. I just don’t know how to go about it personally, but I’m so looking forward to meeting everyone and also to hitting some of those clubs you spoke about girlfriend. hehehehe

Hey Deej, you've had these "get togethers" before, do you have any suggestions on how we get started, or get these kinds of things off the ground so to speak??  

Mar

It seems to me that the only thing we need to figure out really are the dates.  LOL!  From there, I can get everything going.  

You all come up with dates, and then I'll be glad to help from there.  Like I said, after September, I will not be able to plan or go.  

Any advice or help or thoughts will be greatly appreciated.

Michelle

wrote on Apr 4^th, 2005 at 3:44pm:

Hey Deej, you've had these "get togethers" before, do you have any suggestions on how we get started, or get these kinds of things off the ground so to speak??

Your right Mar... finding a place and a date perfect for everyone IS impossible.  You just kind of have to set the date, time, and place and whoever can make it will make it.  Those that can't, won't.  It's just the way it goes.  I would say it would definitely need to be when the kids are out of school for the summer (June-August).

First time I was involved in something like this, we didn't do much, but it was fun!  Pretty much just got a hospitality suite for a Friday and Saturday and everyone just kind of showed up as they could.  Planned an impromptu dinner both nights and some folks got together for a sight seeing trip during the day Saturday.  It worked out pretty well and not a lot of planning had to go into it.

I would think that sort of format would work pretty good for this size group also.  Informal, relaxed...

Just my  [smiley=twocents.gif]

I think on that note....we should probably stick to a one of the dates in August that we mentioned before so the kids can go, too.  Let me know by PM which date you all would like so we can get a date set.  

I've got some ideas on activities that we can plan.  

Hey, Mar....want to go to Chippendale's with me?  ;)

Michelle

My kids start school August 22nd.

Unfortunately I got let go from my job few weeks ago...(my office is headquartered in Las Vegas)...after working with this company 20 plus years.....so currently our future is  [smiley=huh.gif]....and am right now painting all the rooms in our house, to put on the market.   Not sure if what our summer plans will be like if we have to be moving.

But if I can come to Vegas...August 11th would be the one I'd vote for.

The heat in Vegas is very dry...not bad.  alot of the hotels have air cooling systems outside ....and people spend most of the time inside casinos anyway or by the pool, in the shade is nice as they do have fans, air misters.

I do know its impossible to get all to attend...but if a date is chosen...people can plan ahead, save for that trip, ask for time off work ahead of time.  :) CarasMOM

SOMEBODY SAY CHIPPENDALES?!?!?!?!?!?! [smiley=biggrin.gif] I'm there!!!!!! ;;D I think a get together is a great idea. I'm game for just about any date. I will have to see where we sit with our finances then, but I definately want to go and am going to try to go.  Never been to Vagas. Could somebody tell me about how much airfair would be and does anyone have mabey a ballpark figure of how much we would be spending on rooms?

You can get very good deals on airfares if you go to www.expedia.com, www.travelocity.com, www.cheaptickets.com, and www.orbitz.com.  If you go to the Travelocity website, you can register with them and then have airfare alerts mailed to you.  Also, one of the best sites IMO is www.hotwire.com.  This is one of those where you tell them the date you want to depart and return and then they tell you what time you are leaving (usually morning) and the airline you will be flying on.  This is a great way to get inexpensive airfare if you don't care what airline you are going on and when you have to leave.  I've done this a few times and it was great.  Many times you will not get a straight flight....depending on where you are located.  

If you go with 4 people in the room and split the costs, it will probably be over $100 per person.  That's a ballpark figure since we don't have a place yet.  

Another site you can look at for airfare is www.priceline.com where you can name your own price.

Michelle

Depending on my finances then Tyler and I might be able to make it this time. Tyler is used to the dry heat, we have it here and it has never stopped him. I don't mind what date you all pick out, I will do my best to make it.  ;;D

Hey All - I'm pretty flexible so I'm game for what ever time/date works for the majority.  I just need enough notice to be able to take off from work. (Maybe a few months notice??)  The only week I cant make it is the week of 9/19/05 as I have a retreat for work.  BUT, it sounds like it will be during the summer months so the kids will be able to come.  (I may be bringing my Dad with me!!!).  

Anway, just tell me where and when - and I'll be there!!
If you need my help with anything, please let me know as I am more than willing!

-Shari

Thanks for your input Deej! That’s what we needed. I was so worried about making sure everyone could make it, but I guess you’re right…just set a date and hope all can swing it.

Michelle, if I can go… you darn betcha girlfriend, this old fart still has alot of zip in her zippidy-do-dah.  [smiley=moonwiggle.gif]

Mar [smiley=wink2.gif]

Hey Guys [smiley=wave.gif],
Another web site that can get plane tickets from is www.southwest.com.  August 11 sounds great to me, the only thing I have to look at is the money situation because I have to fly back to Stanford in July for a check up and I promised my kids they could go with me so I have to see, hopefully we can make it because it sounds like a blast!!!!

I will be there any date and time so just let me know. Never been to Vegas sounds great! Im in so just let me know the final decisions.  Christy

Cheap and easy access trips are good for me. Maybe somebody could arrange a cruise? ;;D

8) 8) 8)
    I live on the Jersey shore  ::)( lots of Sea shells)  Plenty of hotels and great beaches.  If it breaks down to 2 regional meetings this is my vote.

Or we could listen to the Erik Estrada infomercial and go see one of those properties and a free 2 night stay :o :o  Hey why not?

I'd really love to meet you all,  Tom Gallucci  8)