New Year's Eve

Today's the day we leave for Las Vegas. The spending New Year's Eve in Vegas topic started as a diversion from stuff going on with my Dad. I jokingly mentioned we would have comped rooms in Vegas and the casinos must surely be hurting if WE could get comped rooms for New Year's Eve. Well, Mikki decided she would probably be able to go and since Amy was on Christmas break from school, she would be able to go to. I called Amy on my lunch break but it was already too late. Mikki had called her and she was in. Oh dear! Having just returned from Vegas, I couldn't conceive how this would work. Bob originally told me he would stay home and I could go with the girls. But, the comped rooms don't work that way. If either one of us isn't there, we have to pay something for the rooms. So, Bob took one for the team and decided to go, too. (I know that was hard on him cuz he doesn't like Vegas very much. lol) So, I booked the hotel just in case and waited to see what would happen with the rest. I opted to book Paris since it was the nicest hotel we could get comped. Although, I told Mikki Imperial Palace because she has a soft spot for that hotel. And, it does smell better now.
So, fast forward four months and here we are. Our flight leaves today at 2:45 and arrives at 4:20. We are really upset about the temperatures. I mean really? Only in the low 50's? I guess we'll manage since Saturday, when we return, it will be -10.
On our agenda is, Downtown tonight and a comedy club, Ellis Island and Karaoke Wednesday, Thursday fireworks (the strip is closed to traffic and they shoot fireworks off of the rooftops of 10 hotels.), Friday spa maybe and Saturday we are home. I would really like to see the new Aria hotel in CityCenter. I'll post tons of pictures like always. Until then, have a great week and HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!!!

Christmas Day

Christmas Day, we ventured up to the Chetek/New Auburn area to spend the day with Marlin and Rosemary, Bob's parents. The main roads were pretty decent but the back roads were horrible. But, we made it safe and sound and had a great time. Rosemary made a wild turkey, potatoes, stuffing, pumpkin pie and tons of cookies. I should stop writing this, I'm getting hungry again. After lunch we opened gifts and then played a few games of Mexican Train before heading back to Eau Claire.

Yes, we all have matching sweaters. :)

Christmas Eve

Alex and Aubrey
Miss Alex

Sam finally found her ring.

Irvine Park

Our family has three main Christmas traditions. We visit Santa every year. We have a Christmas "Box" that has passed through each of our hands for almost 20 years. It's really very lovely. lol. Whoever receives the "box" this year will give it next year. It also has many of the tags we've used inside the lid. I should really have a picture of it. :) And, Bob, Alex and I visit Irvine Park. In previous years, we have taken popcorn and hot chocolate. This year's temps were much nicer than last year's -5 before the windchill. And, because we had just eaten there was no popcorn or drinks.

Bob even got out of the car this year. :)

Santa 2009

This was our ninth year visiting this Santa. At her first visit, Alex was only 10 months old. My how time has flown by.

Sam Davey Christmas Program

This year was the first year we had been to a Holiday Program. It was put on by the 2nd and 3rd graders at North High School on December 16th. My Marvelous Magical Sleigh was spectacular. The kids all did a great job. Alex remembered all of her lines and even though there were over 120 kids, we could hear her singing her heart out. The program was so cute.

The "busy" kids

Madness in front of Menards - Update

I had previously posted about a crazy day in front of Menards but realized I had never wrote the update. So, here is what we found out. The whole thing was a drug bust and only took place in their parking lot. Most of the employees we asked had no idea anything had taken place. Crazy!

Snow Day

Alex came outside to play while we shoveled and shoveled and shoveled and shoveled. You get the picture. I couldn't help but take advantage of the opportunity to capture some photos...... After the driveway was clear...... Since it appears most of the state was shut down today, I hope you made the most of your snowday! :)

Sprout

My blog address inspiration was our cat, Sprout. She loves it when the Christmas tree is up and the lights are on to warm her. This time of year, she becomes our Christmas kitty. So, until I get some current Alex pictures, Sprout will grace the heading of our blog.

Vancouver 2010

It's been a while since I've had anything to talk about regarding the Olympics. And, although there were many times I thought about throwing in the towel and yelling "Curses, you win Vancouver! I'll go to Mexico instead!" Amy and I have persevered and we now have our flight tickets!!!!! While the actual event ticket purchase was stressful, looking for airline tickets almost was too much for me. So, now I say, "Too Bad, Mexico. You will have to wait. Cuz, we're going to VANCOUVER 2010!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
WOO HOO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!