Almost Home

Somehow, quite by accident, we planned the majority of our exciting summer trips back-to-back in June. That, along with a heavy work travel schedule, has led to action packed adventure with little time at home (or for blog posts). We're closing in on the final trip, and I'm almost sad to see it over.

A quick report and photo highlights follow...

Memorial Day - as mentioned, Ben, Stella and I headed east on a big adventure by ourselves. We hit T-town to visit aunt Carrie, a great stop where Ben was able to meet his personal fan club (shout out to fan club leader Chris), and have lunch with his other 'aunts' Megan and Rachel.

From there we hit my p's house for a surprise visit (mom cried). My dad was on the mend and totally appreciated the visit from the little bear.

And then on to the east side to visit all the cousins...oh the spoiling (!) We took in a couple of Jack's baseball games, Ben was mesmerized (for at least the first three minutes), caught up with aunt Deb and Cathy, grandma Marsha and Joe. It was awesome.

Back to Chicago Monday. Orlando Tuesday. 'Burbs Wed. Vegas Thurs - Sun. Whew!

We had a blast in Vegas, hubby and me. Carrie met us, along with Joe & Molly (bro/sis in law), and several friends. Worked out every morning (a Vegas first), cabana all day, amazing dinners, and gambling into the wee hours of the morning. Contrary to my earlier speculation however, Vegas is not that fun without alcohol, and I would recommend avoiding this scenario yourself if at all possible.

My p's came to hang with Ben and he seriously didn't look like he missed us one bit while we were gone. I came home last night to him perched on grandpa Ted's lap with the biggest smile ever, laughing. Perfect.

A big thanks to them for putting their life on hold for five days to babysit. I think they had kind of a good time :) but we appreciate it a ton!

Photos to follow...

The boys returned safely from Vegas and hubby had a great time. I'm living vicariously through him and these photos.

The high point of the weekend was when he won $10,000 on the long shot bet of Roethlisberger running in the first touchdown.

The lowpoint was 60 seconds later when the referee called it back. Such is life in Vegas.

Photos here feature what I'm sure was a fantastic meal at In & Out Burger, jealous doesn't begin to cover it; and hubby with Scotty outside Bellagio (CORRECTION: Paris) fountain. How cute are they?

Nice to have him back at home again.

Happy hump day :)

Another fast, over committed weekend, however I did get out of training early yesterday which totally helped make Saturday more productive.

Hubby left for Vegas in the morning for the annual boys trip for SB weekend. Parents leave tomorrow morning for Costa Rica trip (sis joins next week) we were originally scheduled to go on...until Baby S made himself known anyway.

Everyone is off on fun trips, and I'm waddling around town trying to get the house ready, still lots to do.

Few minutes left in the Super Bowl - not overly impressed with the ads this year. Anyone else feel the same?

Not that you didn't see this one coming but this was the longest week ever! I never really recovered from the Vegas hangover, again no surprise, and just got crushed at work. I have a thousand errands and am counting the minutes until the long weekend. The in-laws were here Wed & Thurs which means lots of good eating and drinking. No rest for the weary!!

It is supposed to be warm and sunny beginning tomorrow. We have virtually no plans. We're visiting Winona to do some work. Need to do some things in the yard and just catch up. I'm so excited I might not make it to the afternoon...

More to come.

I DO love Vegas...though I feel like I've aged 10 years welcoming in 33. We headed out Thursday morning for a long weekend in Sin City, staying at the Palazzo (new wing of Venetian). Molly and Joe, Scotty and Gaston, and of course Chris and my birthday surprise, Carrie!

I rolled into the cabana Saturday morning only to find Carrie there!! The best birthday present EVER (I had been hinting all week that all I really wanted for my b-day was Carrie in Vegas with us like years past) and to my surprise those two had planned it weeks earlier. What a fantastic present :)

And living the life of a high roller for the weekend can't be beat either (of course I just enjoyed the perks, while preferring to stick to the 'common' area of the casino myself). Cabana at the pool, great restaurants, fine wine, to-die-for shopping, and of course blackjack until the sun comes up. The boys had a lot of luck with slot machines oddly enough, which was a fun spin on things (wheel of fortune pun intended).

The girls stuck with cards and had a couple great tables throughout the weekend. Because of Carrie and a wild ride with our dealer last night/this morning, I think I finally did end up a winner (though I was definitely sleeping sitting up during those last two shoes).

It was the perfect birthday weekend, another great Vegas celebration. Now this old lady is off catch some zzzz.

Best birthday present ever!!!! Chris flew Carrie out to Vegas!!! More to come but we're having a blast!!!