top ten of 2013

1. a house was purchased
2. fifteen years of marriage milestone was hit
3. a family vacation was nearly a disaster
4. an arm was broken
5.45 pounds were lost (25 for K, 20 for Ben)
6. an eight year old, a seven year old a 3 year old began another year of homeschool
7. a one year old's birthday was celebrated
8. new glasses were needed for a girl and a boy
9. a getaway was taken by a mama and a papa
10. ballet and tap lessons were taken

Mommy and Daddy's Christmas

Ben and I exchanged some of our presents early, one because I  needed Ben's input on his gift and I knew it was something he was going to buy early with or without me.  Ben gave me my gift early b/c he wanted me to wear them while we were in New Orleans.  I had seen these awesome boots at a leather shop in AZ, but decided not to get them b/c of cost.  He found them here in Austin and surprised for my anniversary/C-mas.
At Mimi and Paw Paw's I got some kitchen gadgets, new shoes and a bag.  Ben got shoes, targets, and a gift card to Papadeaux's.  At Gigi and PopPops I got a gift card and Ben got ammo.
On Christmas morning, I opened a hot pink super girl under armor workout shirt, jewelry from the girls and the gift I have asked for fifteen years.  I got my first full length mirror since I have been married.  Yes, I know, I have not seen my full outfit without standing on the side of the tub, ever.  Ben got a cookbook that he wanted from the girls.  Our trip to NOLA has inspired him to cook more and he has already experimented, maybe a midlife crisis career change in our future???

Girls' Christmas

We celebrated Christmas at Gigi and PopPop's early Christmas Eve and then we went to Mimi and PawPaw's for second breakfast and round 2 of Christmas Eve.
At Gigi's the girls got books, art supplies, and art kits, a jewelry box and they each got an heirloom necklace that was from one of Ben's grandmothers.
At Mimi's house, they opened games, books, clothes, and a doll bed that PawPaw crafted from their wish lists.
At home, they exchanged gifts from each other including more books, an American Girl DVD and after a scavenger hunt around the house and backyard they found their new American girl dolls, Kit and Emily waiting for them under the tree.

Boys' Christmas

The theme this year must have been planes, trains and automobiles b/c the boys loaded up on anything with wheels.  At Gigi's Read got a big bulldozer and at Mimi's he got a wooden train track for his Thomas trains and they both got more cars and trucks and train movies.  HR got a plasma car that he loves scooting around the kitchen on and lots of puzzles.
At home, HR got Toy Story pajamas that R2 claimed for his own and a helicopter.  R2 got a talking Mater truck, that sent him searching for a matching McQueen.

Christmas dinner

We did it, we actually cooked a Christmas meal at our home and it was really good. Steve blessed us at Thanksgiving with a turkey, so we decided to be brave and try to actually have a traditional Christmas meal.  First we brined the turkey and then roasted it.  Our sides were a Apple Cranberry Sweet Potato dish , that was actually a paleo dish I discovered.  We made what has become my signature dish, 24 hour salad.  Ben requested a pumpkin pie and since he would have been the only one to eat it, I ventured out to make this Turtle Pumpkin Pie, which was really good.

24 hour salad:
bag of spinach
bag of Romaine lettuce
half bag of frozen peas
1 bell pepper diced (any color)
2 stalks of lettuce diced
3 strips of cooked bacon diced
grated cheese of your choice (I use Gouda)
1 cup (or less) of mayonnaise (I used homemade paleo)
1 T (or less) of sugar 

Layer ingredients beginning with greens and refrigerate for 24 hours.  Toss salad when ready to serve.  
My MIL made this salad for Ben and it has always been his favorite.  I love to surprise him and make it for pot lucks.

The Big Easy - celebrating our anniversary

Food, food, food, food, food, and uninterrupted sleep; what a great way to spend an anniversary.  We ate, ate, ate and ate our way through New Orleans.



First stop on our anniversary night was to Jacques Imo's for alligator cheesecake (notice none is left on the blue plate), BBQ shrimp and creme brûlée.  It got high ratings on yelp and the menu sounded great.  Loved all of it, four out of five stars.  Afterwards we went to the French Quarter and walked around, had a couple of drinks and then a really great night sleep at our hotel, the International House.

Breakfast consisted of granola bars and fruit from the hotel lobby and a stop in their gym and then  lunch at our favorite spot we discovered, 
Cochon Butcher.  Oh my gosh, the best sandwiches ever.  Ben had his fantasy meal of muffalata and I had turkey with arugula and a basil aioli.  We actually switched sandwiches b/c we liked what we each other ordered better.  Five star rating.  We walked off lunch (or a portion anyways) around the French Quarter some more, and took the trolleys into the garden district. Return to the hotel to get ready for night out #2.  Dinner was a fail at the Acme Oyster House.   Two stars for the tourist trap.  We had char-grilled oysters which could have been cooked over a volcano they were so overcooked, oyster po-boy and étouffée.  Poor service, poor food.  But dessert was Cafe Du Monde for hot chocolate and beignets.  Ahhh, just as I remember.  Happiness covered in powdered sugar.   Then to walk around the French quarter again, this time we ventured into a couple of clubs to hear live music.  Ok, we heard music, but it was all cover bands, not exactly what we had in mind.  We stayed out really late and did not make it up in time to run the Reindeer Romp on Canal Street that I had planned.
Skipped breakfast on Saturday morning and woke in time for lunch at  Parasol's. I had been dreaming about this meal since we were in NOLA four years ago.  But, it was a little disappointing from what I remember.  I don't know maybe it was just the other food we had was absolutely amazing.  When we got up to leave and venture further into the garden district it had started raining, a heavy rain that lasted the rest of the day.  We took a taxi back to the trolley lines and got a ride back to our hotel.  But, quickly discovered the trolley lines don't always run in the rain.  We rode the rain out in the hotel and decided to search for the best pralines in NOLA.  Using yelp, we walked from candy shoppe (with an umbrella this time) to the next (six in all).  We discovered Laura's Candies were our favorite.  For dinner we headed back to Cochon's Butcher b/c it was that good.  This time I had the Gambino and Ben had the "Le Pig Mac".  Was even better day #2.
For breakfast on Sunday morning, we took the advice of our concierge and ate at the Red Ruby Slipper.  We had a 35 minute wait, outside in the cold and the rain.  I almost gave up about 20 minutes in, but I am so glad we didn't.  This place was amazing.  We both had specials, Ben was the Eggs Cubion with fried catfish filets (white plate) and I had the caramel creme stuffed french toast.  Wow, we both picked well on this one.  I am happy to say I did not gain any weight on this trip, which makes me want to go back and do it all over again next month.  The best food I have ever had on a trip; which is exactly what we were going for.  Great memories to honor our fifteen years of becoming self-proclaimed food snobs.

gingerbread house- check

another bout of physical therapy

I had to start another round of physical therapy this past week, this time on my shoulder.  I have had  pain in my right arm right between my tricep and bicep for almost a month.  I have not been able to do any upper body workouts b/c of the pain and fear I was going to make it worse.  This past week, it began hurting even when I was running, so I gave in and went to see Dr. Waggenblast.  He said I had a strain in my rotator cuff.  After two visits I can already tell a difference and he even had me lift weights this week.  I asked him if I get a repeat customer discount this time around.

American Girl Book Club- Brave Emily (Molly)

The girls and I led our American Girl Book Club yesterday. Each month our club chooses a historical girl's book to read and then learn about the time period.
We chose Emily, Molly's best friend.  The book took place in 1944, the year America joined WWII.  We wanted a new book that hadn't been chosen before.
The girls came in their pajamas and we planned to listen to fireside chats that were hosted by FDR; that didn't work out as planned. We still had a pajama party b/c Molly and Emily lived together when Emily was evacuated from England to escape bombings by the Axis countries.
We made marbles by rolling polymer clay into balls. The girls were given 2 one-inch  (different colors) squares to make roll together to shape into a ball.  After the balls were shaped, we cooked them in a convection over for seven minutes.  Marbles was a popular game during the World War 2 era.  After our craft, we had popcorn and watched an excerpt from Dumbo, a movie which was originally released in 1941.  Every Saturday, children in WWII era would go to the local theater to see a moving picture and watch the news.  For ten cents, they could get into the movie, get a popcorn and a bottle of Coca-Cola.  We had lemonade instead.
After snacks and crafts and discussion of life during the war versus our lives now, we played Statues.  One person was the sculptor and spun a girl around twice releasing her into a pose.  After every girl was spun, the sculptor got to choose their favorite statue to be the next sculptor.  After 3 rounds of statues, we played Pom Pom Pull-Away, the girls told me it was a lot like sharks and minnows.
We had a really great time and I think we learned a lot.

HE DID IT!!

He put p33-p33 in this potty!!!  He also put p33-p33 on the floor, but it's a start.  Way to go, brother!!

Christmas caroling

A couple in my fitness class go each week to the local nursing home and lead the residents in music and play BINGO.  I asked Miss Peg if we could take along this week and sing Christmas carols.  She was so excited to have us join her.  We went during the boys' nap time.  The girls and I learned a couple of polka songs and then we sang Christmas carols.  LE even played Deck the Halls for those who arrived early.  We finished with Jesus loves me and it took everything in me to not cry.  It was such a special memory. I was so proud of them.

15 years of memories

1 cat
2 dogs
3 zip codes
4 children
5 pregnancies
6  homes (FBG, Kville, Wells Branch apt, Honeysuckle, Curry, here)
7 vehicles (spyder, civic, xterra, accord, 2 motorcycles, minivan)
8 nieces and nephews
9  emergency room visits (Landry 1x, Ben 2x, Kristi 2x, Bella 4x)
10 computers
11 different job titles
12 brothers, sister-in-laws/girlfriends
13 vacations (honeymoon, NY, San Fran 2x, NOLA, beach 2x, Cozumel, skiing 2x, DW, AZ)
14 Christmas mornings, Thanksgivings, Easters, Independence Days, and Valentine's Days
15 years of waking up to my best friend
Happy Anniversary, Honey!

wordless wednesday

first family portrait

We have never had a family portrait taken, yes I said never.  We had pictures taken at each of the kids' birthday parties, but never let's get dressed in coordinating clothes, go somewhere special and have someone else take our picture.  My friend Erica, has been asking me to take her family pictures and I offered to swap, hers for ours.  We took them at a nearby park on a cool, rainy, overcast day.  The overcast made for perfect lighting, but the mist made for cranky boys and crazy hair.
We don't do Christmas cards, but if we did, this would be the one.  Thank you so much Erica, for making our first family portrait happen. I love how they turned out.

counting down

Only sixteen days till Christmas.
So far we have...
#1 had french toast and hot chocolate for dinner
#8 decorated sugar cookies
#10 kissed under mistletoe
#11 read the Nativity Story
#17 watched a Christmas movie
#19 made a popcorn string for the birds - FAIL
#20 wrapped gifts
#24 made homemade ornaments

fitness class Christmas party

Last night was our Christmas party at the church where I teach fitness classes.  The classes have grown to twice a week, but I only teach on Wednesdays.  Three ladies in the class have pursued fitness certifications and two even attended silver sneakers training.  I got the most encouraging letter this week from a member.
Just want to say thank you for all the great work you and these beautiful ladies have done! When I first started the exercising class I could barely walk let alone jog, not to mention being a little depressed. Praise GOD, I've lost thirty pounds, well I have to say, three of it came off since I've been sick. I'm wearing five sizes smaller! So for me the classes at PCC have been such a blessing not to mention the great fellowship. I've met a bunch of sweet ladies as well and it's been a joy! 
We enjoyed a potluck dinner, and games including Christmas edition of pictionary and catchphrase.  The girls played with their friends whose mom and grandmother attend the class and the boys stayed home with Miss Sharon.  The weather has been pretty bad this week, so our turnout wasn't quite what we hoped, but we had a really great time with those who could make it.  They blessed each of us instructors with a gift card to Logan's Steakhouse for Christmas.  

Duncan, phone home

Our sweet Duncan dog will be fifteen years old next week.  He is having a very hard time and when this cold snap hit, he was gotten wose  He doesn't like to be alone so I have been keeping him with me and just putting him on a blanket and then covering him up b/c he just shivers.  Yesterday, I was cleaning out the boys' closet and turned around to find that R2 had made him a little more comfortable.  It reminded me of the scene in E.T.  Sweet boy.

2013 ornaments

top left to right - Mama's sassy shoes
R2's monster truck
bottom left to right- LE's American Girl Kaya, Daddy's AT-ST, Boo's American Girl Molly, HR's dinosaur (b/c his new fave thing to do is Rawr)

visit with an old friend

An old friend came to visit over the Thanksgiving holiday, and my he has grown.  Connor is a full head taller than both girls and he isn't four anymore.  We were so excited when Jane texted last week and asked if they could come visit us over the weekend, that we even left our hometown early and missed the night Christmas parade so we could have breakfast with Connor, Jane and Brian.  They moved four years ago to Missouri.  I cannot believe it has already been four years, but so glad we all picked up right where we left off.  R2 made a new friend in Mr. Brian and they had fun assembling Thomas puzzles and playing helicopter games.

a new cousin

Over the Thanksgiving holiday, we got to meet the newest addition to the Richards' family.  Baby Wyatt was born in early November and the girls have been chomping at the bits to meet and love on him.  The boys were pretty excited to see him too.

train party for a 3 year old

I asked you if you wanted a train or a car party and without hesitation you replied trains.  So, I went to work pinning train ideas, Mimi found a Thomas #3 cake and Miss Erica made you train birthday invites.  But 48 hours before the party, when I ran to Party City to get the party goods, you saw McQueen and decided you wanted a Cars party.  Luckily, I convinced you Lightning needed to stay at the store and we were off to find trains.  So much so, that you made everyone in the store laugh, when you started calling, "trains, trains, where are you?"  Your party was perfect.  Gigi made tortilla soup, Mimi made cupcakes and you opened gifts of Thomas, monster trucks and tools.
Thank you everyone for making his birthday so special.

Happy 3rd birthday

I cannot believe you are three.  Where has the time gone?  
Every morning, you are the first person awake.  You come to my room around 5:45, which makes getting out of bed to go to the gym a little easier.  We have toast together and you play on my Ipad until everyone else awakens.  You love Cars, Tom (Thomas the trains), and Fireman Sam.  Your favorite thing to eat is toast and fruit.  This past year you started to wear glasses and sleep in a big boy bed.  You have started to do "school" with your big sisters and you love to play games even though we have to play by your rules, i.e no rules.  You are such a blessing to our family and I cannot imagine a life without you. We love you so much, Brother.

countdown to Christmas

This time of year, there seems to be no shortage of Advent calendars and countdowns to Christmas.  Last year we did the book thing, this year we made a bucket list of things we want to do this holiday season.  Tonight, we kicked off the month of Jesus' birthday with french toast and hot chocolate for dinner.
Here is the rest of our monthly plans:
#1 make snowflakes
#2 See Christmas lights
#3 Take a picture with Santa
#4 Visit a nursing home
#5 make candy cane milkshakes
#6 Have a sleepover under the Christmas tree
#7 Give away a Christmas jar
#8 decorate sugar cookies
#9 dinner by candlelight on December 21st
#10 kiss under mistletoe
#11 read the Nativity Story
#12 Sing Christmas Carols over the phone to Granny and Grandma
#13 make gingerbread men
#14 make snowglobes
#15 take treats to neighbors
#16 write letters to Santa
#17 watch a Christmas movie
#18 have a Christmas dance party
#19 make a popcorn string for the birds
#20 wrap gifts
#21 make Christmas cards for Miss Joelle and Miss Ashley
#22 take canned goods to food bank
#23 make reindeer cookies
#24 make homemade ornaments

movie party for a seven year old

Boo wanted a movie-themed or swimming party this year for her birthday.  Being as the weather is usually a little unpredictable in November she opted for the movie party.  The movie Monsters University came out the week of her birthday, so that was our entertainment.  We enjoyed pizzas, popcorn and a concession stand filled with Halloween candy.  The kids walked the red carpet upon arrival and Boo and LE made the walk of fame on our drive-way for each of the invited guests.  I made huge brownie points with friends who got a four-hour date night.  One grateful mom even brought us a bottle of wine.
Mimi made the Monsters University inspired #7 cake to look like Sully with Mike Wazowski cake balls.  The kids got to decorate cupcakes with edible eyes and candy pieces to make their own monsters to take home.  And her friend Blythe, and cousin Emmie got to sleep over.  Thank you everyone for making her birthday so special.

Happy Birthday Boo!

Bella Boo Bunny, I love you so much!  You are turning into such a beautiful, young lady.  You are such a big helper with your brothers and you love them so much.  I cannot believe you are seven years old today.  Please always stay my my Boo Bunny!

Your favorites:
food- nachos and grilled cheese
color- pink and purple, but mostly pink
movie- Despicable Me 2, Monsters University
books - Rainbow Fairies
toy - Pooh Bear
things to do - draw, read books and write in your journal

Roman Feast

We just finished our studies on the Roman Empire.  To celebrate we had a Roman feast.  We tried almonds, grapes, olives, bread, grape juice, hummus and cecina.  The girls dressed in togas and we watched portions of the Gladiator movie.  The girls read Vacation under the Volcano, a book in the Magic Tree House series.

Cecina recipe:
olive oil
salt
basil leaves (dried)
2 cans chick peas

Heat oven to 375 degrees.  Drain beans, but save the liquid.  Mash beans in a bowl.  Add 2 T. olive oil and enough liquid as need to make a smooth paste.  Oil a cookie sheet with additional olive oil.  Spread batter on the pan, shaping into a circle.  Drizzle on a tablespoon or two of olive oil.  Sprinkle with basil and bake for 4 minutes.

Halloweeeeeen

Every year for Halloween, we have celebrated with our friends, the Richards, Bizarro Ben and Miss Julie.  Their daughter who is now a senior, was in my pre-k class the first year I taught her after moving to Austin.  Mr. Ben and Daddy are man-date friends as they share the same name and a love for guy movies.  I encourage it b/c it gets me out of seeing macho movies until I can watch them at home, pause and ask questions.  Mr. Ben's birthday is the day before Halloween so we enjoy a fun dinner and then we go trick-or-treating in their neighborhood with new friends. Thanks for another fun year Mr. Ben, Miss Julie and Briley.

Fall Fest

On Sunday, we went to Steve's church's fall fest.  There was a petting zoo, food, face painting, pumpkin painting, games, and snow cones. It was like a pint-sized fall fest.  Boo is Padme, HR is Pooh, LE is Quannah Parker, and R2 is Eeyore.

happy halloween

garage and bake sale

Last week was our homeschool group's clothes swap.  I started cleaning out closets and the shed in September b/c I had the date wrong.  Over the past few weeks I have accumulated quite a pile for the swap so we decided to have a garage sale instead.  The girls wanted to do a bake sale along with the sale items they wanted to sell.  They raked it in, making $44 for them to split.  Daddy and I made enough to make a second car payment.  Considering it was all items we were cleaning out anyways we are pleased with the day.

Tiara 5K

I have no idea where this desire came from, but a few weeks back I told Ben I wanted to start running 5Ks.  We started with the ROC race, which really wasn't a run, more of a obstacle course.

This past weekend I ran my first official 5K.  I did much better than I could ever have imagined.  I ran 3.1 miles in 30:55 minutes, that is at a pace of 9:55 per mile!  I came in 42nd place out of 200+ people!  I am so proud of myself, my goal was a 11 minute mile, and to finish.
 I used to tell people, I only run when it is raining and that is from my car to the front door, so this is a huge accomplishment for my short legs.  I could not have done this without Erica inspiring me to join the gym and encouraging me to run b/c it is the best way to drop pounds and Michelle, my trainer.  She has pushed me to do things I NEVER thought was possible at this point in my life.  What's next?

ballet lessons for 2

I have no problem admitting I am frugal.  Last summer, I used my connections to find Miss Ashley, a daughter of a fellow homeschooling family who teaches the girls piano lessons once a week.  This summer, I set out to find a home school student who could teach ballet.  I found Miss Joelle, a twelve year old who has been taking dance for eight years and assists her instructor with younger students.  She jumped at the chance to offer ballet and tap lessons to our home school group.
We are off to a great start, 4 girls in the older class and five in the younger class.  I have no plans for my children to be prodigies, but Boo loves to twirl and play dress up.  I had to find someone to nurture her creative side.  At the cost, we were able to keep both girls in piano and pursue dance for both of them too.

happy campers

When I start telling people the things that happened on the trip, the most common response I get it, that's the trip from Hell.
1) HR threw up as we were arriving at Gigi's house all over his car seat and the stroller that was at his feet.
2) LE got sick while she was in the top bunk and I was literally holding a trash bag open for her to aim in (from the top bunk).
3) Propane went out on night #4, the coldest night of the trip.
4) U.S Government shuts down on the day we are supposed to take a train ride to the Grand Canyon.
5) Flat tire, low spare $50 to repair, 10 miles away from seeing the Grand Canyon.
6) HR gets an ear infection.
7) HR begins to cry every time he is in the car.
8) We have to leave a day earlier than mom and dad, who keep the girls so they could go to Albuquerque balloon festival.
9) Dad's fuel pump goes out on the opposite side of Albuquerque of the balloon festival.  The only balloons they see are on t.v.
I absolutely LOVED our trip.  I wish we were able to bypass some of the above, but I enjoyed it so much.  We are all ready to go again, except maybe HR.

first haircut

I am so blessed to have found Miss Kerri, she is a fellow homeschool mom with three kids who cuts our kiddos hair for a really great price.  HR has been called a girl a few times and I cannot imagine why.  I'm sure it has nothing to do with the fact that I love his curls and hated to see them go like his siblings before when they had their first haircuts.  Thankfully, he did keep his curls and hopefully they will stick around for at least a few more haircuts.
October 11, 2013
Miss Kerri

hope for seeing the Grand Canyon

As we were leaving Caesar's Palace, my SIL, Marissa texted me and said we could get to the Grand Canyon via a Native American reservation where the sky bridge is.  We did some searching via the internet and found out the cut off to get their was on our way back where my parents were so we decided to try it.  We drove twenty miles down a country road (along with every other not-Arizonian in the state).  After which the road turned into a dirt road, a dirt road with large machinery trying to pave the road.  After driving for 11 miles on this dirt road, we had to pull over for five minutes to allow the oncoming traffic through and we started back up again Ben said something was wrong with the car.  He pulled over and we had a flat tire on our front passenger tire.  When he got the "doughnut" out, he discovered it was low on air too.  We were ten miles from the Grand Canyon and had to turn around.  TEN MILES!  It took us over an hour to get back to the paved road and when we did there was nothing but the Joshua Tree National Forrest to greet us.  We came upon a very small town with a saloon that Ben went in asked for a mechanic.  The owner/bartender told us of Todd who could fix it, so she called him.  While we waited Ben and I played pool.  Memories that could have never been planned for our trip.  Todd and his helper patched our tire and charged us $50 to do so.  And we were on our way, finally admitting defeat that we were not going to see the Grand Canyon this trip.

side trip - kids' version, Bearizona

Mimi and PawPaw kept the kids for the day and night while Ben and I headed to Vegas.  They decided to visit Bearizona, a sanctuary for animals in Williams, Arizona.  Below is Boo's account of the day.  Along with their journals, the girls each got a camera to document their trip.  All pics are by my budding photographers.
We firstly saw some mountain goats.  I accidentally picture of its bare behind, but I deleted that picture.  I saw bison, they were white and brown.  I saw black bears.  Every grown up animal did not have gates, we just rode in our car to see them.  After all of the grown up animals, I went into the baby animals place, the fun place.  I got to pet animals in a farmer petting zoo.  I took lots of pictures in the baby bear's place.  The brown baby bear was very playful, he kept saying come and catch me to the other bears.  I kept laughing every time.  One of the bears was walking away and he tagged the brown bears.  I got to see raccoons. I saw a mountain lion with cool ears.  The baby animals were in gates, so we could and see them.  When I was going to see the teenager bears, we saw a tunnel and could go in and see the bears sleeping but they could not see us.  I saw peacocks, a dad and a mom.  After Bearizona, I had ice cream and we visited an Indian shop where I got an Indian flute. -Boo, age 6

side trip - Vegas Baby!

Another item on my bucket list has been to eat at a buffet in Las Vegas.  I saw a special one time on the food network and it has intrigued me ever since.  When we set out for Vegas that was my only wish.  Lots of people recommended different shows and of course we wanted to try our hand at gambling. Discovered gambling (slots) was not our thing, we blew a whole whopping eight bucks.  We ended up walking the entire strip and visited almost every hotel lobby.  We skipped the shows and opted for the sights and people watching.  We did see the Bellagio fountains, the Pirate show at Treasure Island (total waste of time), and the volcano at the Mirage.  We planned to hit Serendipity for a late night treat but discovered Vegas (with the exception of gambling) closes at midnight?!?!  We ended up getting dessert at the Sugar Factory and pizza at Secret Pizza.  We booked a night with our Hotel Tonight app at the Hard Rock Hotel, best sleep of the trip (probably b/c we didn't have kids, just sayin').  We came in at 4 a.m. Texas time!  Got to sleep late and then hit Caesar's Palace for the buffet.  Did you know it is not the real Caesar's Palace?  We arrived at Bacchanal Buffet at 10:45, so we paid breakfast price and were able to score the omelet bar and dessert breads galore, but at 11 they brought out lunch.  Oh my gosh, it was heaven.   I had lobster macaroni and cheese, sushi, mussels, shrimp, oysters, salads, four desserts, yes four!  It was worth, worth, worth it!  I originally told Ben I would be ok with not returning to Vegas, it was a one-timer trip, but after the buffet I'm thinking we can go back.  I still dream about the food on this buffet.

side trip - the Hoover Dam

I had no idea how close the Grand Canyon was to Vegas, so when we found out we would not be getting to do anymore national parks, Ben and I decided to hit Vegas for the day.  We had already looked into it, but was worried time wise was not going to happen.  We also didn't realize we would be passing the Hoover Dam on our way.  There is no description for this place.  I can tell you how big it is but until you see it for yourself there are no words to describe its' magnitude.  Can you see the trucks in the first picture that are the bottom of the dam?  It was Ben's favorite part of the trip.  He wants to go back.  I just wanted to take the dam tour.