Anniversary

Jason and I recently celebrated our 1rst wedding anniversary. We were able to go away for the weekend. My Mom was still in town, so convinced us to go away and have a honeymoon for a couple of days. So, we booked a trip to Vegas. We were able to stay at the new hotel, Wynn. It was a really nice hotel, odd decorations, but nice.

We really enjoyed ourselves. We played blackjack and some slot machines. Jason did really well on the slots, usually he doesn't do good on them.

I planned the trip on Thursday and we flew out Friday early afternoon, so not much time for packing. I only took comfortable and casual clothes. I figured we didn't need anything dress up this time around.

On Saturday, I got to relax in the spa. I had a facial and a massage. It was pure heaven and the relaxation I needed. After I was done I met Jason over at the Tresure Island and then we headed the Hard Rock. We had lunch there and then hung out in the casino for a while.
Then we headed back to the hotel. Jason told me to get ready for dinner, so I put on some jeans and we headed out. He surprised me and made reservations at Spago, Ceasar's Palace. It was were we had our reception one year ago. It was so nice and romantic. He is such an amazing husband. He has his geekiness, such as Star Wars, but deep down he such a sweetheart and he thinks of everything that I would love. He made the night so special. Thanks honey, I love you!

On Sunday, we hung out at the Hilton Star Trek Experience. Jason likes to go there and drink the Warp Core drinks. Let's just say, it's a very strong drink made for more than 2 people and I didn't like it, so yes....Jason drank it ALL! Needless to say he was having fun. When the drink comes out it's 'smokin', so everyone around us was curious. This older lady next to the table wanted to try it, so the waiter brought her a glass and Jason gave her a glass full. Later on, we saw her husband in the casino and he said she sucked that drink down and was now riding the motion ride. I thought OH NO! What a mess that could be!

Anyways, THANKS MOM AND DAD! We had a great weekend. But, I missed MARA so much. It's the first time I was away from her.

Biscuit Time

We recently started giving "baby biscuits" to Mara. It seems to help w/the teething. She has been teething for a while, but no teeth yet. Some days are good, some days are bad.

Last night was a really rough night. She woke up at 1030pm and stayed up for 2 1/2 hours, she was really fussy. Nothing worked. Daddy has a little bit of a cold, so I think she has a touch of it combine that with teething and she is just not herself. She's running a slight temp, runny nose, cough. She doesn't seem to have an appetite either.

I feel so bad for her, I wish there was something I could do. But for now, Mommy just holds her like she wants and sings to her.

IKEA and Santa Monica/Venice Beach

Today, we went to IKEA in the morning and had the breakfast there. Last year when my parents came out to visit, I took them to IKEA, they had never been. So, my Mom went home and told my family about the store, so we had to show them what it was all about.

After our adventure to IKEA, we headed to Venice Beach and Santa Monica.
My niece, Amara, had never seen the Ocean or been on a Beach. So, this too was exciting.

Here are some pictures of the girls time at the beach. And YES, they even got in the water. Once we arrived at the beach, our goal was to head straight to the beach. My parents were going to set up there and keep the girls there, so we didn't have to walk them on the boardwalk at Venice. My Dad didn't think the girls should be exposed to that. So, we started walking out there, as soon as we hit the sand, Amara (she was walking w/Jason), started jumping up and down. Jason asked her if she wanted to walk in the sand without her shoes, and she didn't even respond verbably, she just kicked her shoes off for him to pick up. Next thing we know she is walking along the sand towards the beach with everyone in tow, stripping her clothes off. As soon as she got close, she just jumped right in the water. We were all shocked, we didn't have a chance to warn her that it would be cold. She didn't care, it didn't seem to affect her one bit. Hannah just followed right in the water. Neither one of them cared how cold the water was, they had so much fun and really enjoyed themselves. It makes me so happy that they had a great trip. Tomorrow is the day they leave. I will miss them.

Maybe this will be an annual family trip!

Family Christmas Party

Since part of my family is here, we decided to have an early Christmas Dinner.

We spent the whole day around the house decorating for Christmas! My sister, Jennifer, had the tree up before Jason and I got out of bed this morning. So, the girls decorated the tree.

We had lasagna for dinner and then we opened gifts.

I had a pretty relaxing day, Jason on the other hand had a long - hard day. He helped our friend Scott and Laura get moved into their new places. Scott moved back into his Mom's so he could finish school and start a new job, an apprencticeship program. While Laura moved out on her own w/a friend. He thought he would only be gone an h our or two, but ended up being gone all day!

By the time we had dinner, Mara was ready for bed, so she missed the festivities. Oh well, Santa will be here soon!

(Picture: Amara opening her Finding Nemo)

Hollywood Blvd

We took my family to Hollywood Blvd on the today. It was the Annual Christmas Tree Lighting at Hollywood/Highland shopping center.
We got there around noon, walked around the blvd for a bit, then we took them to Mel's Diner for lunch. After lunch, we spilt up and some of us went to the Wax Musuem and the rest went to Ripley's Believe it or Not. We also treated the girls to an afternoon at the Build a Bear Workshop, they were to choose from Rudolph or Frosty the Snowman, so that we would have them for our pictures the next day.
Jason decided to treat them to Coldstone Creamery afterwards, they were in heaven, an ice cream shop where they can pick there own flavors and treats!
After all this, we went and found seats at the courtyard and watched the entertainment and the Christmas Tree Lighting.

My family, sister and kids haven't been out here before, so we did all the tourist things. It was so much fun watching my nieces get so excited about the stars and the costume actors on the blvd.

(Picture: Amara and Spiderman)
(Picture: Hannah and Harry Potter Movie Sign)


Note to self: Don't go to bed so late the night before "black friday shopping" and then spend all day in Hollywood. I'm beat! I've been up since 330am....Ugg! I will sleep good tonight!

Turkey Day

WOW! We had 15 people over for Turkey Dinner. It was really nice to have both of our families together for Mara's First Thanksgiving.

We fed Mara some mashed potatoes. She really seems to like potatoes.

Not much to say right now, fully belly. We will be venturing out in the morning for "Black Friday Shopping". Aunt Lou Lou, Jennifer, Casey and I will be getting up at 330am to beat the crowds. Looks like we are going to Best Buy, Linens and Things, Target and K-Mart. So, shouldn't be to bad of a day!

Happy Thanksgiving!

Garment District

Today, we took the girls to the garment district.

They all were so happy to be shopping w/great "deals". I think the one store might not have anymore purses left. LOL

We spent about 3-4 hours there and then went and had lunch.

After lunch, we came home and started our preparations for Turkey Day!