There's More to Vegas...

Vegas wasn't just about the Pet Shop Boys (although that IS why we stopped there). We had 2 days there and really enjoyed ourselves. We stayed in this great family-friendly resort. It was close to the strip, but didn't have a casino (we actually parked right by our door!). It was a suite and Brady and I had our our separate bedroom, Gibson had an awesome pull-out bed in the living room and it even had a kitchen (AND it was cheaper than any of the big casino/resorts!).

And I found THE WORLD'S BEST Disney Outlet store in Vegas. We had to go there twice! Add in another trip to Trader Joe's and it was a fun time in Vegas!
Gibson and Brady enjoying the hot tub and pool at the resort.

We went to Jack in the Box for lunch (LOVE this place - TACOS - why don't they have any here in SL???) and Gibson insisted on sitting at his own table. He is such a big, independent boy!

We were right next to the MGM Grand, so we walked over to see the lions. We were fortunate enough to see 2 baby lion cubs! Here is one of them taking a nap.

Here's the female lion looking right at me!

Pet Shop Boys - Live at The Joint, Las Vegas, September 26, 2009!

As all of you who "know" me know, I went to the Pet Shop Boys concert in Las Vegas on September 26th! This time they offered a "VIP" package, which was awesome as it saved me having to sit around the back stage door all night to meet them. I got to meet them before the show and then get to bed on time! :)

My VIP badge!

Complete with autographs!

I also brought my PSB Christmas tree topper to have them sign. The idea was to have them each sign their "side" of the ornament, but Neil accidentally signed Chris's side, so Neil signed it twice!

Me - all dressed up and ready to go!!!

Proof that I had THE best seat in the house. Front row and center!

They started out the show with these boxes on their heads... inspired from the "Yes" album cover.

Chris's box where he had his keyboard and electronic drums set up.

The Videos - I got some great ones!




We all know this one; sing along! "West End Girls" - a perfect ending to a perfect show!

Gibson's favorite song, "Love, etc."

I was fortunate enough to capture the one time when Chris came out from his behind his keyboard and walked across the stage! (This is the same jacket he wore on "The Late Show...."

Gibson's First Spelling Test!

We're so proud of Gibson for getting 100% on his first spelling test! Yay Gibson!

And I'm so proud of Brady for making the Dean's list! (p.s. the diploma's in the mail!!!)

HAPPY BIRTHDAY SASSIE!

Happy Birthday to the most beautiful, wonderful, sweetest girl in the world! We will be in Disneyland on Sassie's birthday, so we celebrated it a few days early.

Wonderful Diane, at Ma and Paws Bakery, makes her a special cake every year. Since she can only eat "Sweet Potato and Fish" dog food, Diane works her magic and turns in into something delicious! You should have seen how excited Sassie was when I brought the box into the house! She knew it was her birthday cake!

Sassie, eating ONE of the many slices of cake she enjoyed today.

A birthday feast for everybody!

I love this picture of Baby Girl licking her lips!

Pen and Pencil Set

My latest Pet Shop Boys memorabilia.

Mr. K A R A T E !

One night last week, Gibson informed me that he was going to put on his "karate" pants and do "karate" moves on the trampoline! Boy, were we in for a treat - especially since he let me videotape him! I LOVE how he starts out his routine in meditation and with a namaste.

Kitchen - 99% Finished!

Well, the kitchen is pretty much finished. The little things that still need to be done will probably just gradually get done when we feel like it. We're burned out, but are LOVING IT!
This is our backsplash. We found this great tile pattern that is the same as the tile pattern on the floor. We popped out the small squares tiles and replaced them with glass tiles. The glass tiles are similar colors to the granite; it all ties in together very nicely!

A close-up of the backsplash.

How the backsplash looks with the granite and the cabinets!

Brady built this new railing from SCRATCH! He antique-stained all the wood and made the design with the steel rods. It looks really nice - I'm very impressed with his work!

And Kaili - here's my kitchen table! I was so happy to find one that I liked in the right size. The end of a long journey....

Gibson Started Kindergarten!

My big boy started Kindegarten today! Wow!

Bear Lake '09 - Round 2

We were fortunate enough to make it up to Bear Lake again this year. It is one of our favorite places to camp. It's very beautiful and just a nice, relaxing trip.

Gibson and his cousin, Kayden.
Meili with her i-pod.

Karly and Nate.

Sassie - sound asleep!

Brady - sound asleep!!! :)

We had a really nice beach area with this great sand area for the kids to play in. They built lots of castles and moats.

Hmm. What am I doing? Oh yeah - what I always do at Bear Lake!

Brady and Gibson building a castle!

Hi Kirkie!

Cool dude, Gibson!

Sassie HAS to go out in the water whenever I go out there. I don't think she likes to swim - but she has to be close to me and keep an eye on me to make sure I'm safe! Here she is running back to shore - what a fast girl!