We Made It!

We arrived in Utah tonight and I'm ready to have a RELAXING time. We don't have any set plans which makes it nice because you can just decide each day without feeling rushed from a schedule. Which is why I needed a vacation in the first place, to escape the fast pace schedule that is MY LIFE!

We didn't get to go dancing last night in Vegas, but we probably will next week on our way back home. We just hung out in our hotel and gambled a little bit, then sat back and listened to music & Karaoke singers in the Lounge. It's so nice to get sister time!

We took our time driving to Utah this a.m. Which is very good since me and my sister are both in a hurry even when we don't have to be. It was a nice drive. Except for the head of a coyote that was sitting in the middle of the freeway...no body or anything, just a head...WEIRD! Not to mention the stomach problems me and my sister both had, which forced us to make frequent stops. I guess that's one way to slow us down. Why does that always happen on trips? There's nothing worse than having to use gross restrooms.

I'm looking forward to getting to spend time with my family, writing my book and taking tons of pics (which I can't post till I get back) AND LOTS OF SLEEP. Stay tuned for the always crazy happenings that seem to surround me and my family!

Decisions and Bargains

I drove to work today, thinking about whether I should go to Utah or not. Still feeling a tinge of guilt. I needed to let my sister know so she could book the room in Vegas. We usually break the trip up by staying there. I read all of your posts, urging me to go (THANK YOU!) and that was all I needed. Just a final nudge telling me I deserved & needed it.

I doubled checked with my boss and she was fine with it. I was worried because it was so last minute. Called my sister (Stacy) when I got home...she was super excited. She was going to book a room in OLD Vegas (The Golden Nugget) because it was really cheap. I told her wait & I will work my bargain shopping magic and find a better one.

I ended up going on my secret little site and booked a room at Treasure Island for $59.00. I've learned to be a great price shopper, but still need to work on my personal budget and using coupons at the grocery store (UGH!).

Now, just because you guys are my close friends, I'm going to reveal my secret site to you...CLICK HERE. I thought a few of you may need a little getaway too and with the economy, my secret site will save you TONS!

I'm so excited! I hope when I come back my insomnia will be gone & my book will be finished, oops...must remember to RELAX too! Thanks again for the push!

SOME OLD VEGAS MEMORIES

Me & My younger sister (April) at Club TAO in 2006...I love going dancing!

My Best Friend Christie (the blonde) Bachelorette party in 2005.


I Always Do Everyone's Hair & Makeup.
Family (Girls Only) Vegas Trip.
Me, Amy, April, Mom, Baby Zoey & Stacy
Me & My Mom (Bet ya couldn't tell...LOL)

Family Fun Holiday

What a great trip we had! It was amazing getting to be with my family during the holidays. We hung out, teased and made fun of each other, just like when we were growing up. We went down to Thanksgiving Point and drove through the Christmas lights display. My dad and a bunch of the kids sat in the back of the pick up truck with blankets in 18 degree weather! I couldn't take that kind of cold so me and Anthony squeezed into the cab...no we are not babies, just Californians!

We all went to the movies and saw Valkyrie . My sisters took me shopping (did I tell you that I HATE to shop) they said it would be a short trip...it was only 5 hours!LOL! My dad and all of the older boys went snowboarding. I love to snowboard but Anthony was sick and I didn't want to leave him at home alone, so I stayed home with him. I got bored so I suggested that we go to see the new Brad Pitt movie The Curious Case of Benjamin Button, we went to see the matinee since it's almost three hours long. I LOVED THIS MOVIE! It touched on all the emotions...definitely must see!

The last couple of nights, we went out to dinner, had an anniversary getaway and then it was time to go. We decided to break up the drive and stayed the night in Las Vegas at the MGM Grand.

We finally got home yesterday, exhausted and needing to rest from all the fun. Then today it was back to the normal schedule...two basketball games for Elijah, Jullien and Dillon. Tomorrow it's back to work, why does vacation only happen once a year...I need to win the lottery...I'm ready for another one!!

Dad Shoveling the Day We Arrived

The Siblings...missing Stacy (couldn't make it) and John

Girls with Dad

The Cousins

Icicle Tree



Tyler's Cabin

Elijah & Josh

April & Tyler

Amy & Ava

Snowball Fight

Scenic Drive Home