Saturday, December 31, 2011

New Year's Eve

Happy New Year! This year has been so great! In fact so much has happened when I look back on it its hard to believe it was all in 365 days. I got a new job, GC got a new job, we moved to Salem, went to Hawaii, went to Vegas, celebrated our 1 year anniversary, and I got pregnant! We don't take things slow around here, keep things moving and shakin'!
George and I are going out to dinner and I believe our friend Chris is coming too. Keeping things mellow this year, mostly because I don't drink. If I could maybe there would be more on the agenda: like wine, a couple 7 and 7's, maybe a margarita.... Now I'm dreaming....

Care and I got pedi's today and went to lunch, it was fun to bum around and relax with her. I will say this past week has been quite epic because I got to see Kelly and LDogg all in the same week! They were both out here visiting, so I was overwhelmed with my best friends: Kel, Dogg, and Care. It was a great way to end the year!!

Pregnancy: Things are going good. I feel pretty great and have a lot more energy! It's almost like I a myself again except for my growing belly! I have 'popped' I guess you can say. At 17 weeks I finally look prego for the most part (not like I'm packing on pounds)!!! Granite, that has happened some too but its nice to see a bump to know its all for a reason. My little Carter :) I am so excited for January 10th when we find out the gender of the bean. George has been talking to the baby almost everyday because it can hear now, and also sense light! I haven't felt it move yet, but I am looking forward to it. I should feel something soon! Maybe a flutter?? I'm not anticipating it happening soon though so that way I will not be disappointed. They say you feel it between 16-23 weeks. So, tomorrow I am 18 weeks so it could still be a while. Come on baby make some moves!!

On another baby note, my new nephew is coming into the world on Monday afternoon. I can't wait t meet the little guy! Erin is being induced so it will be wonderful to be able to come see the baby that day (we are off work for New Years). I don't think they have a name for him yet but I am anxious to see what it will be!

Sunday, December 18, 2011

What a Weekend!

There were so many things I wanted to do this weekend! I had some shopping left to do, I wanted to make cookies, clean my house in preparation for the following weekend and Christmas. Well... all because I had a Wendy's salad... my weekend was ruined :(
At least I believe it was the salad, I don't know what else made me so sick. Friday afternoon at work we were very busy, delivering hams and turkeys to the staff etc and doing fun HR things. Well, I started feeling queasy and nauseous. I left work about 20 minutes early, and soon after I was home I felt like I was dying! 

To top off having a stomach bug my lower back has been really hurting (the ligaments are moving) so I've just been a joy to be around lately! Now I have a soar throat and headache too! I always thought getting a flu like this would be great for weight loss (when I wasn't pregnant) but forget that... I want to eat but can't eat much. Thankfully George has been the best and has rubbed my neck, and feet everyday! He is so great, and knows what its like to be sick. I really wanted some french fries today so he went and got me some! McDonald's fries.... good man...

On a brighter note I am trying to speed up this sickness because I get to pick up Kelly from the airport tomorrow at 2:10 pm and I am thrilled! I only get to see her a couple times a year, so its really special when we get to spend time together! Hopefully I can make it an hour to PDX without the need of a bathroom! I just can't wait to see her!!!!!!!!!!!!
Next Tuesday L-Dogg will be in Portland also so as you can see, this is a big week! Friend galore! On Christmas Eve we are hanging with the Boock's too. So, I get to see all three of my fabulous friends in about a week of each other! The last time this happened was my wedding (they were all my bridesmaids!) so I am thrilled for this week to begin! YAY! YAY! YAY!

This past week I had a Dr. appointment and had my blood test for any chromosome defects and abdominal wall defects etc. The needle in the arm wasn't so pleasant, as it never is for me!! But this time the lady had to try three times in my arm before it worked. Ouch! I was a 'big girl' though and got through it by myself. Unbelievable that at 26 years old I gave blood alone (my mom is always with me, or George). I felt like I graduated!
Also, the baby's heartbeat was ''perfect'' according to my Dr. and so far so good with everything as far as we can tell. I'm even gaining PLENTY of weight they said.... so, yea. Keeping the baby safe inside for sure :) On January 10th we have our ultrasound to measure the kiddo and find out the gender. I cannot wait for that appointment!! Girl or boy? 

I have finally got my Christmas cards prepared and plan to mail them tomorrow. This past week seemed to be busy for me, and this weekend was a waste, at least for being productive. It was good in a couple ways though! I got to spend a lot of time with my hubby on the couch and watched two movies. Babs was happy we were around also. And, we wouldn't want her to be unhappy!

Sunday, December 11, 2011

15 Weeks Already!


I get emails from a couple different places during the week, and the one I got this morning was dead on what I am feeling like today! My nose has been so plugged, its like I am sick, but I am not. Also, I keep hurting my gums and even with a soft toothbrush, my gums are sensitive. So strange!!

(I can't get this off of CAPS for some reason... so sorry...)

"Your Body in Week 15 of Pregnancy
Pregnancy hormones are pretty rough on your body, especially the teeth and gums, causing inflammation and making them more susceptible to plaque and bacteria. Your formerly healthy gums may have become super-sensitive and prone to bleeding. In addition, you might be coping with a chronic stuffy nose or even nosebleeds during pregnancy, also brought on by progesterone surging through your system. Fear not — it'll all pass."


I like these email updates because sometimes they are very interesting, and sometimes they are far out there. This same email also said I will be gaining about a pound a week. Wow... I have already put on 10 solid pounds! So a pound a week gives me anxiety! None of my 'normal' clothes fit me. I can still wear some tops, but not the bottoms. Also, its hard to button up my coats because my boobs are so big! They have a mind of their own!
I'm feeling better mostly. George and I plan on flying down to San Diego the last week of January for a five night getaway and 'Babymoon'!! We are excited, and after all that has happened this past summer, and fall we are due for a vacation. I'm excited to just relax and eat some good food. Also, go to the Zoo, and SeaWorld and have some decent weather!
George and I can't wait to find out the gender of Baby C! We were talking about it last night and we are both so giddy about it. I am dying to know... I dont' think I could ever NOT know, and wait till the end. I have so many unanswered questions... like how to decorate! And what colors we will have, future plans like sports or dance class... I just love daydreaming about it.
Over the weekend my dad told me how excited he is that I am having a baby. It meant so much to me! I know my parents are excited that this new chapter is opening for our family, but to hear just HOW happy they are was special. When I was planning on having a baby, I didn't feel super supported from many people about the decision George and I made. We are young still and our careers are 'young' but as soon as I became pregnant, everything changed. Parents and friends were elated about it, and it meant a lot to me to feel that support. After all I am going to be a MOM! :)

Tuesday, December 6, 2011

Oh yeaaaa!

I am feeling better than I have felt in weeks! Its like I have bursts of energy, and its strange from how I have been. I must admit its nice not going to bed at 8pm every night... I can stay up later and its so nice. I haven't felt as sick as the last few weeks either, but not perfect quite yet. Tonight I made delicious lemon and herb marinated chicken, wild rice, and grilled onions and zucchini. It was pretty darn good! Then, I gave in and went to Lime Berry and got GC and I FoYo. Heaven on Earth! I just love sprinkles!

This past weekend GC and I got our Christmas tree, and I decorated it last night. We definitely need to collect a few more ornaments, but our tree looks pretty good so far. I might pick up some colorful balls at the store soon to liven the tree up! Babs won't stop trying to eat the presents under the tree, silly girl.
carrying the Noble!

drinking hot coco and cider at the tree farm

GC and I are looking at planning a 'Babymoon' in the near future! We are thinking it will be a good idea to get away for a final vacation before kids come along. Vacations will never be the same again! And this will be a unique one since I'll be pregnant. A bar tab cut in half, dang I'm a good date :)

Anyway, things are going good. I'm in better spirits than the last couple weeks, mostly because I feel a lot better and that has made a huge difference for me! My tummy is sticking out about the same, but my coworkers say I'm looking more pregnant now so that gets me excited. I swear I'm not just packing on these pounds for nothing! Although, it has been nice being a bit more carefree about what I eat. I saw a picture of Hilary Duff in US Weekly and she is due in February, and her body looks similar to mine. She had gotten thick and her tummy looks like mine, only bigger. Her baby is high, so maybe mine is too? Jessica Simpson is the size of a house. And Beyonce is still in too good of shape to be pregnant. I wonder how much weight Kourtney Kardashian will gain? Well, back to my real world... not celebrity world :) haha

Sunday, December 4, 2011

2nd Trimester Finally!

These past three months have been difficult! But, this past week I have felt a little better with less nausea and more energy! I am so happy to at least feel like myself again, even if its just for part of the day. I have really been into lemons this week. The Natural Lemonade from Wendy's has been my thing!! I even had some today! And lots and lots of lemon wedges in my water. Yum!
Today George and I got our Christmas tree and its nice to have it up in our house! Now i just need to decorate it. Its been a busy weekend so I might take a rest here... we have GC's work holiday party tonight. An event where usually I would indulge in a few glasses of red wine but this year I'm driving :)
Posing like I sawed down the tree, but it was GC that did the work!

Sunday, November 27, 2011

13 Weeks!

I'm at 13 weeks prego now and I still feel super sickly. I am optimistic that soon I will not have nausea... everyday. But we will see. Today has been a super lazy day! This morning George and I got donuts, ate a few of them... and I haven't moved off the couch. In a way I feel like I needed a lazy day. With working and all the other things that keep my busy I get exhausted easily. I must say I feel like my tummy is starting to look pregnant, but I have been told I don't look pregnant. I just look like I've gained weight. All the weight is in the tummy and my boobs. Dear heavens my middle is thickening up majorly (and donuts are not helping... oops). Anyway here is an update to the bump. Its pooching out!
13 week belly bulge

I know I just looked thrilled to have my picture taken... But at this point I don't feel that great, I feel fat, I've never been this big so it hasn't been an easy change for me. Talk about panic when you pants don't fit... and then your 'fat jeans' are way too tight also. I know its all for a good reason though, its for my baby! :) And I'm not going to be getting smaller before this is over. I have kind of accepted the fact I'm not going to feel sexy for a long time. George is so sweet and tells me how pretty he thinks I am almost everyday! Its so nice to hear and he says all the right things, he really is wonderful. But without a tan, and without the confidence.... and a waistline this fall... its been a little different for me than before. Boo! 

Enough complaining, that is just annoying! Onto better topics like.... if I'm having a boy or a girl! I think I'm having a girl,  George thinks maybe a boy. But if it is a girl, we are set in terms of baby clothes and bedding etc! My sister in law has saved so many great things for me. There are tons of clothes and even crib bedding that is really cute. So, I plan on using that stuff if that is our circumstance. There are still lots of things I will need to get, but that will help a lot! If its a boy I will be excited to shop my heart out and pick a cute theme for him. Either way, my kids are having owl themed rooms. At least owl inspired decor. I want to keep the nursery simple because I don't see the point in going all out when we don't even know how many years we will be in our place. But I have some good ideas. So, when we find out the sex of the baby in January I will get into action on baby! Yahoo!

Tuesday, November 22, 2011

So Tired!

I have been so extremely exhausted the last couple weeks! At about 3:00 everyday I get quite groggy, and wish for nothing more than a small bed, good pillow, and blanket. Also, the lights OFF. I just want to relax and close my eyes! Unfortunately, unless its a weekend I don't get a nap. And weekends I rarely nap but have been a bit more lately.
Anyway, after work, we fix dinner, and I slowly slip into sleep mode on the couch at about 7pm. Last night in fact I called it a night at about 8pm. So, needless to say my night life hasnt' been to wild lately. Sweat pants and a water bottle. And bed. Glorious bed.


I had my second check up last Thursday and Dr. Frank says I'm looking good! Apparently I am not drinking enough water, so this week I have really stepped up the water. He recommends four liters a day! That is a lot of water, and I make lots of trips to the bathroom. But, I do feel better when I am fully hydrated! It makes a difference. I got a full exam and things are all in place. He said hopefully my nausea will subside a bit in the next couple weeks (I sure hope so!!). My doctor also said my weight gain is on track and that I shouldn't worry at all about that. I am wondering how my body will keep changing as the process goes on, but so far I have a little baby fat myself that has come since my appetite has increased! Lets just hope it comes off as easy as it goes on!!

Saturday, November 12, 2011

What's Cookin'? Good lookin'?

I've been on a cooking spree today! It has been fun, and I really enjoy making new recipes... some of them are winners and some suck. But today I chose two winners. I made blueberry scones from scratch this morning. The recipe was quite easy, it only called for 4 ingredients including the blueberries (which I chose because I had them on hand, but anything can be used.... (next time I want to try marion-berries or even cranberries and orange).


4 cups Self Rising Flour
3/4 cup Lemon Lime Soda (I used Sprite)
3/4 cup Heavy Cream
Berries (or whatever you fancy)

So breakfast was a success! George thought they were pretty good too. Very soft and blueberry-like. For dinner I was planning on making a chicken pot pie crockpot style recipe. It seemed pretty easy and was delicious! I make a mean chicken pot pie in a pie dish with pie crust, and cream of chicken soup, among other ingredients. But this seems a little healthier and I was curious to see how it turned out.


1/2 cup dry white wine (I used Chardonnay)
Chicken chopped into 1 in. squares
2 Tbs. flour
Salt and Pepper

Add diced sweet onion, carrots, and celery.
Add 2 tsp dill (I used dried dill)
Had a chill day, got my nails done, got my hair did, and when I got home this was ready!

Slow cook for 7 hours on low...
Serve over puff pastry.
I forgot to add the frozen peas to the crockpot, and realized it after I was halfway done eating it. Typical me! But, it was still fine without them. I would add them next time though for more veggie variety! The dish was perfect for this rainy weekend of football and lounging. Even Babs got a bite :)

Thursday, November 10, 2011

Sleepy Sleepy Wifey

This week has been the toughest week so far in terms of staying awake and alert! I can barely get out of bed in the morning, and wish I was in bed all day long. Every night this week I have 'retired' early... upstairs, and into bed accompanied by 'boo boo'. Babs is so comforting to me when I'm tired at night, and since she is Mama's Baby Girl, she is always at my heel grunting, and looking to see if I drop a crumb of food. What a tank...

Anyway, it was to my amusement that George captured me mid sleep a couple of nights this week. Here is the evidence I am a wild party animal. Night shades and all!
Caught the first night... out cold, babs 'canoodling' on the bed.

Second time, Babs spooning me... and I've pulled the night shades off! Also, notice I am wearing a shirt Kelly bought me in 2007 with a pattern of skulls and cupcakes. Its a comfy shirt!!


I do have some consideration for George, I leave the bedroom light on for him, and sometimes the T.V. So I wear my night shades and they do wonders! I read an article that even if there is slight light shining through during your slumber it can take away from REM sleep and cause more tossing and turning. After purchasing the black shades I actually do sleep better! At least I think I do :)

Tuesday, November 8, 2011

Here is something that really explains how I'm feeling today:

"Yesterday, I drove by 7-Eleven and saw a picture of a hot dog and literally had to force myself to keep driving instead of pulling up, running inside, smothering it in mustard and consuming it in two gulps. I don't know what's wrong with me! Oh, wait, yes I do, I'm PREGNANT and that wreaks havoc with my system. I don't usually like frankfurters at all, but right now a big, juicy dog is pretty much at the forefront of my every waking thought."

I could eat everything in sight if I allowed myself to! And I'm not denying myself food at this point. I did have a big chicken caesar salad for lunch.... followed by a hot pocket... and a Smart Ones chicken quesadilla. I won't get into my snacks or what I had for dinner but you get the point :) I'm blaming it on the baby. "The baby wants more pasta... the baby would really like that cupcake sitting over there..."

Enough about my eating habits... or lack of control. On a brighter note next Thursday George and I have a Dr. appointment and GC will get to hear the heartbeat! That will be fun. I already heard the heartbeat when I had an ultrasound a few weeks ago. It was the strangest noise! And incredible to hear the bean inside me! I am excited for GC to hear it, I think he will really like it.

Monday, November 7, 2011

Our First Anniversary

This weekend is our 1st anniversary and the only thing that could make it more perfect is if I could have a glass of red wine.... sadly I can't. But we did get a beautiful mini cake to celebrate, some gifts from our parents, and George got me a really nice necklace and earrings! George took me to a really nice dinner at Portland City Grill and they even put rose petals and anniversary confetti on the table! I felt so special. It's been a great weekend relaxing at the house together and enjoying the day. Plus, Babs is happy to have us lounging around the house because she gets extra special attention!
after dinner (isn't he cute!!)





Our cake 


It is hard to believe a whole year has gone by, but when I look back a lot has happened in a year. George and I moved to a townhouse, then we moved to Salem in July. Last December we got Babs, we went to Hawaii in January, Vegas in June. In July I got a new job and in September George got a new job also! So there have been a load of life changing events that have happened. And to top it off we are expecting a baby now. So, we are proof life changes fast, but everything has been such a blessing. We both have never been happier and we are so proud of each other.

Can't wait to see what happens in our second year of marriage. If its anything like we are trending, it will be eventful and not boring at all!!

Saturday, November 5, 2011

Bun in the Oven!

About 5 weeks ago George and I found out we are expecting a little baby Carter due June 4th, 2012! We are thrilled to be parents next year and have both dreamed of having a family. I am now 10 weeks pregnant, and feeling every typical pregnancy symptom. Basically I feel like I have the flu and could sleep a good 18 hours a day on average. Headaches, nausea, tired.... and occasional vomiting. Fun!!
One of the 4 tests I took on Oct. 1st

We were not preventing pregnancy, but I was still a little surprised to have conceived so quickly! It took us one month, thats it! I lost a few pounds at first, and had horrible period like cramps before I realized I was preggers. I wasn't expecting it, with weight loss I thought there is no way I could have a little alien growing inside of me. Well, I was wrong and I have gained it all back!! Plus 2 cup sizes and my middle has become very.... um.... thick. Like Thanksgiving Day full everyday. My waistline has disappeared! Its like a baby keg barrel and I look more like my Pug than a woman at this point.
A couple weeks ago I was totally into any comfort food I could get my hands on. Mashed potatoes, fried foods, and lots of bread. I was also craving mushrooms: cooked, steamed, raw, whatever! But as of today I cringe at a shroom! No thanks, I would rather eat quesadillas for every meal. I'm also really into scrambled eggs with cream cheese and bagels also. The only yogurt that seems appealing is Trix.... and it sure isn't for kids! Its for HUNGRY mom's to be!!! I'm always hungry.... I mean always!


Sunday, September 25, 2011

Oh Baby Baby...

Once upon a drunken night when I lived with one of my favorite people, LDoGG... I dressed up as an out of control Britney Spears. It was completely innocent, and shockingly realistic! I almost forgot about this classic night until I dug this photo up in my computer. It was a warm summer night of 2007, not a care in the world (I had already graduated and got a good job) and plenty of time to get innovative (for lack of a better word). Here it is, the editing was credit to one of my best 'ex' friends which it still breaks my heart to say we are not friends, but he did the editing. (Strange story on that one, but I did not to do the de-friending.... we can leave it there...)
And to clear a few things up, yes I was wearing a knee high nylon on my head to embrace a bald appearance (from a bank job.. not because I wanted to own them...) and no makeup. Keeping it as natural as possible. I'm pretty sure I used my Razor scooter the next night and strolled to the bar. What cop would pull you over on a scooter? Exactly!!
"Hit me baby one more time!!"


Sunday, August 28, 2011

Water Sausage

Once there was a Pug named Babs, there was a pink life jacket, and at last there was a pair of golden "Doggles"... Put it all together and you have a very confused dog! Well, Babs was confused at first, but then she realized her life jacket was not coming off anytime soon, and the goggles were only a 'every once- in-a-while thing.'
George and I wanted Babs to learn the element of water, and see how she did when faced with a 'swimming letsson'... in fact she was going stand up paddle boarding as well. When we took Babs to the river, she was very nervous and timid about the water. It was very cold and unknown for her, but after a few moments she became a bit more calm and dog paddled like a pro. I made sure to stay close to her, I will admit I was a nervous dog-mom. It was her first time and if you know me well, you know this little black barrel is like a child to me.
We adventurously put Babs on George's paddle board and those two took off like two peas in a pod! Babs did very well and then after a while I joined along for the ride.



Little does Babs know she is going again this coming weekend!!

Sunday, August 7, 2011

Gettin' Shanghai-ed!!

A couple months ago George and I went on the Shanghai Tunnel tour in downtown Portland. We went with a couple friends to discover the mysterious and supposedly haunted underground tunnels. The tunnel tour was only about 2x2 blocks in area, which I was expecting it to be a lot larger, but apparently there are more tunnels leading to the harbor near Waterfront Park. These tunnels were used to sell people back in the day of slavery and cheap labor. We met at a restaurant for the orientation which included warnings of claustrophobia and potential heart problems. From there we went through a trap door in the sidewalk that led us 'down under'... very interesting!

the trap door
There was an opium den where prisioners underground chilled out and got high. It was creepy to see the bunk beds and know that people were stuck in the small room for days at a time without day light. In most cases the tour guide told us that people were in the dark, as lighting was limited.
the den
As the tour led on, George and I, nor our friends did NOT see any ghosts or anything that was spooky. We did see a few things down under that were odd... kind of like this picture of us posing next to an Indian chief. Of all things, there was a chief there...
I recommend the Shanghai Tunnels, it was a fun activity and we learned a little bit of interesting history. If was all made up, I wouldn't be surprised, but it also could have been real, and the facts that we were told were not bogus. I guess we will never know!


Gimp

Well, I had quite the stupid accident this weekend... in fact it was Friday night. This is the story...
George and I went to Ankeny Vineyard after work. It was relaxing and we had pizza cooked in the outdoor fire pit roaster thing, and a bottle of Pino. When it came time to leave we cruised on home, like normal and plopped our butts on the couch. After a couple hours of more wine and YouTube videos of 90's R&B jams that brought us way back... I got kinda cold and went upstairs to get a sweatshirt...
In the mean time I had set my balloon style wine glass next to the couch, and out of the way of walk  through traffic. The glass was empty and was placed there for a while, and I failed to pay attention to it. As I came back downstairs with great momentum, I stepped down into our sunken living room, and straight on top of the empty wine glass crushing it with my left, bare foot.
OUCH!!
I freaked out and there were 2 shards of sharp glass stuck straight our of my foot, one of the pieces being in quite deep and about 3" long. Dear heavens it looked horrible, blood splattered onto the carpet and glass was everywhere! Huge mess! George took the glass out of my foot and i hurried to bandage it up. Thankfully the clean up didn't take too long and Babs stayed away from broken glass.

The next morning I was in excruciating pain and went to Urgent Care. The doctor bandaged my foot up tightly and said I didn't need a tetnis shot. He considered irrigating my foot out, and I talked him out of it :) Saying I was fairly certain there was no glass remaining in my foot and so far it hasn't gotten worse. It is just very sore and I have to baby it a little.

What an idiot! Wearing tennis shoes with professional dress to work makes me feel like a real winner...

Note to self: Get a new coffee table quick!

Saturday, August 6, 2011

Our new place

Recently the Carter family of 3 moved to a new place. It is a lot different that we are used to, but we have way more room which is exciting! Babs' loves the bigger rooms and long hallway... she sprints around and gets crazy occasionally which is great for releasing her Pug energy.

At this time we do not have enough furniture to furnish this place, but we are working on it. In fact we have two bedroom that are empty (with an exception to the closets because in this house we can never have enough room, clothes, or shoes.... this includes George...)
Above is one of our rooms that is somewhat put together.... the patio outside of the glass door has a few plants planted that I am desperately trying not to killlllllll. Our two car garage also come off of this room, along with a bar area and mini fridge. Let the beer be chilled when we get home from a long days work!
Bab's has a little dog door and she loves running in and out of it. George and I have been working hard to get things all in order. We changed a few light bulbs, and scrubbed down the patio furniture so we have a nice outside area. This patio in this picture comes off of the other side of the house where our main living room and dining area is. Bab's loves the extra room!
This is the walk in closet in our bedroom. Built in drawers and shoe rack for heels.
L.O.V.E.

As time moves forward there is a lot more we would like to do to our place. A few pieces of furniture we can add, but for now we are content and have everything we need. 

Tuesday, July 12, 2011

*Vegas*

George and I traveled to the seductive city of sin for a few days of relaxation and entertainment. We did not travel alone... we met up with Kelly and Chip and a few other friends. With 108 degree weather and 1% humidity, we spent the days in the pool and the nights out and about.

The first night Kel and I went to the Britney concert and the MGM Grand. Nikki Minaj opened for Brit and she shook her Coca-Cola bottle figure for a solid hour! We had a little 'intermission' before our all time favorite pop singer came to take the stage. Kel and I took to the casino where we gulped a couple drinks and had a couple jello shots. Bill Cosby would of been proud that we keep coming back to jello after all these years :) Britney's performance was so good, as usual. She gets down and dirty and wears outrageous costumes. Kel and I were in Britney heaven. Good show, and totally worth it!
Margarita's in the pool!
The Luxor 
Surprisingly I didn't get very sunburned at all during our trip! I lathered on the sunscreen on GC and myself... we stayed at the Luxor so I was hoping to possibly run into Criss Angel, but he must have been too busy doing magic tricks somewhere else...

one of the cubs at the MGM
My hubby :)

Calling all love birds!!

George and I went to "LOVE" Cirque de Solei show. It was amazing and we love the Beatles, so it was perfect. Before the show we went to Kokomo's Steak and Seafood and it was delicious. 
Being silly

GC and Chip
One of my favorite stories from our trip was that while Kel and I were at Britney, GC and Chip had quite the adventure. Gambling and drinking wound them up deciding to move to Montana and raising buffalo. In fact Chip passed out in a McDonald's restaurant. Boys will be boys haha!
On our last night we all went to Meza Grill, by famous chef Bobby Flay. The food was delicious, and the company was great too.
We had a great time!!

Monday, July 11, 2011

4th of July 2011

This July 4th George and I took Babs to the pet parade in Bend! It was a very hot day, so of course she road in her stroller and had an adequate amount of shade for her fat little body. The stroller was a hit, people expected a baby... but paper covers rock and Pug wins for the time being. The parade was fantastic, lots of dogs in costume, and a handful of wild animals which included a bull of all things... Honestly, the bull freaked me out a bit, but an animal is an animal! We ran into Steph and the girls too who were there with their black Whippet. JJ even had on a dog t-shirt, so cute. It was a family affair!
Aubrey and I at the parade 
On our way to the parade! 

We are coming through! Aubs and Babs in matching outfits!
This weekend was so much fun, we had a lot of good times with family! Aubrey was a cutie as always and new baby Bridgett visited from Denver! 
Bridgett and Mimi

Uncle GeeCee and Aubs


I even was able to make it to Redmond to visit Melissa and meet her baby girl Marley. What a doll she was! It was fun being able to hold her and I even fed her a bottle. 
my OWN baby



We had a super fun weekend! We just love being in Bend and enjoying all there is to do outdoors and even indoors is fun.