Flawless, Amazing...

Vegas, baby!

Our trip to Vegas was so much fun! Besides Brady and I having a great time together, the purpose of my visit, the George Michael concert, was INCREDIBLE! His tour was to celebrate his 25 years in the business. I started counting and, although I wasn't a big WHAM! fan, I have been a huge George Michael fan for 21 years! (It was 20 years ago this summer that I listened to "Monkey" over and over and over on my tape player - I can't believe I didn't break the tape). I've been waiting that long to see him live. And it was SO worth the wait. One of the reasons I'm such a big fan is that I believe he is the best male vocalist, hands down. And he didn't disappoint. His voice was so absolutely incredible. I am so grateful that I finally got to see him live and experience his voice in person. I just wish I could follow his tour around the US this summer! :)

Christen inside the MGM Grand Arena before the George Michael concert! Cameras weren't allowed in :( so Brady took this picture as proof that I was there!!!! Bobbie went in another entrance, so we couldn't get a pic together.
We found this little oasis at the Flamingo hotel. It was almost like a mini-rainforest. It had a lot of waterfalls and ponds and lots of fun animals (flamingos, swans, turtles, HUGE koi). It was a nice reprieve from the heat (for Brady - you know I don't mind 115 degree temps!).
A view of the strip at night.
At the pool!
The water show at the Bellagio Hotel.

What a Swimmer!

I thought Gibson was a good swimmer before, but I can't believe the progress he made with just 2 weeks of lessons!

The beginning of his lessons - some back floating! Now he can go the entire length of the pool on his back (and no board).
His swim certificate!
Gibson with the other 2 kids in his swim class - they are both 6 years old!
The goggles made a world of difference! Now he loves to swim underwater.
Swimming underwater - he can go so far! He loves to jump off the side and touch the bottom.

Super Gibson!

I thought this was so cute that I had to capture it on film! Yesterday morning, Gibson was racing around the house in his Superman underwear and his "bands"! What a nut!

So Worn Out!

Yesterday was one of our "super" days at the gym where we're there from 10 am - 3 pm. Gibson had swam about 4 hours, played tennis for 1 hour and played with friends for 1 hour! So when we got home, I told him he had to have quiet time reading books on his bed. Then I settled myself downstairs on the couch with a book. After about 10 minutes, Gibson came downstairs with his blanket and said, "I want to sleep on the couch with you, mom." It was so sweet! He has never done that! He usually just sits there for about 5 minutes and then gets up. But yesterday, he was exhausted and slept for about 2 hours!

"Gardening in the Yard" or "Fun in the Sun"!

Look at these peonies!

Two sitting in my tool bag - what a big helper!

We are so excited! We finally "finished" our front yard. All of the major projects that we wanted to do in the front yard are finally complete. We removed all the major trees and stumps that needed to go. We put in the front island, put in the seating area, set up a light post and planted 3 new large trees. The whole project was finally completed last week with the addition of the new curbing! So Brady and I spent all weekend cleaning that up (not an easy task! - you have to remove the excess cement, build the beds back up with dirt and lay new mulch down). Now we just need to get the last backyard project completed (waterfall and dry riverbed) and the yard will be complete after 4+ years in the making!

I think our yard/garden is one of the reasons I love this time of year so much! I just absolutely love sitting outside and enjoying all the beautiful flowers and plants.

Lagoon!

Well, this was about our 5th time at Lagoon this year, but it was the first time I remembered to bring the camera! Here's some action shots of Gibson and Brady having a great time!

Learning to Ride a Bike!

This weekend, Brady took the training wheels off of Gibson's bike and started to teach him to ride it. Gibson would start going on his own, but then he would forget to keep pushing the pedals and quickly fall over! He just needs a little more time and patience and he'll be riding it in no time!

Swim and Set

We had a very busy, but fun day! Gibson started both his swim lessons and his summer tennis camp today (his coach said he's ready for some competition play). We got to the gym just in time for swim lessons at 10:15 this morning. Then, we had five minutes to dry off, change into his tennis clothes and get to the courts! After tennis, Gibson played with friends at the gym while mom did yoga :) and then we swam for another 2 hours (after another wardrobe change)! Good thing I packed us a lunch (along with the rest of the house - seriously! Multiple changes of clothes, sunscreen, yoga equipment, tennis equipment, waters, etc.). It was a nice day and I am glad we were able to enjoy some of the sunshine finally!

Baby Lukas

I got to see my nephew, Lukas, again today. He is so cute, sweet, soft, cuddly... I could go on and on. And I could hold him forever! What a precious boy! There's a cute picture of Brady holding him, with Gibson sitting there. It's hard to believe that only 4 1/2 years ago, Gibson was that size (even smaller!); look at that size difference!

Tired?

On the way to Courtney's house today, Gibson fell right to sleep in the car. I knew he was tired and that it would only take about 5 minutes for him to zonk out, but I just don't understand how he could be comfortable!

Favorite Rose in Bloom

My favorite rose, the Tropicana, has started to bloom! It has the most amazing colored-flowers: a deep coral orange color (I just wish I could smell them!).

Spoiled

Just in case you were wondering, Brady and I are just sleeping on the floor now. The animals have finally taken over! (Left to right: Baby Girl, Two, Sassie and Lily Lou)

Also - on a different subject, Courtney and Daryl have decided to name their baby Lukas Evan.