Artsy Stuff for Mother's Day

We headed back to art class after taking a week off (for Buggy's surgery). The kids made a tile for us mommies. It is perfect; I love it!

Ms. Jamie read the kids a book after their art was finished.

She's on her way back to her old self!

My Birthday & Mother's Day

This year, my birthday landed on Mother's Day. One would think that would stink, but it was quite nice. My family went out of their way to take care of this largely pregnant mama!

Mike brought in breakfast for us girls and then I got to open my Mother's Day and birthday gifts.

Later, we headed over to Gammy and Papa's for a wonderful lunch. My Mom, sisters and Nick and Danielle joined us. Thank you to Gammy and Papa for providing all of us a wonderful lunch and fun swim time!

Dinner was AMAZING! See below for pics!

(Sorry all of these pics are bad quality. I'm not sure what happened.)

The day before my birthday, Grandpa Jerry met us Kimmie's Cup for a nice breakfast. My Dad made me the funniest card complete with old pictures from the 80's and later. Thanks, Dad, for a great morning!

Saturday night, my besties and I met at Bruno's for a yummy Italian dinner. These girls got me the cutest clothes for my birthday--tough to do for an 8-month pregnant mama! Love you girls so much!

When I opened my eyes for the first time on my birthday, this is what I saw. Ellie got a visit from the tooth fairy, but made sure to wish me a "happy birthday" first!

Love this girl!

Horsing around at Gammy's!

Mason rubbing my tummy...ok, playing "poke" with his cousin, Chazzie!

Love being her mommy!

Happy Mother's Day to me!

Mike took me to dinner at a new restaurant (for us). We went to Osteria Mozza in L.A. Mario Batali owns this restaurant, so it was sure to be a good choice. Read below for food details...

Compliments from the mozzarella bar: crostini with fresh ricotta, basil and an olive tapenade.

Butter Lettuce
with bacon, gorgonzola dolce, hazelnuts & egg

Burrata
with grilled asparagus, brown butter, guanciale & almonds

Tortellini in brodo

Garganelli
with ragú Bolognese

Calf's Brain Ravioli
burro e limone

"Brasato al Barolo"
braised beef short rib with porcini

Pan Roasted Pork Loin,
fagioli alla Castelluciana

Fried potatoes with rosemary

Bombolini
huckleberry marmellata & lemon mascarpone

More Art Class Fun!

Today, Lillie made a frog on a lily pad using mostly paper and paint. The kids also sang a song about how blue and yellow make green.

When I told her blue and yellow make green, she started to crumple those papers together hoping to see it happen. So cute!

Here's a sideways look at her frog.

Lillie loves her doggy!

An Anniversary & a Babymoon, part 3

Our last day together started off with a bang. I plopped myself down at the bar at Bouchon in the Venetian. Bouchon is a Thomas Keller restaurant--one I had to try for breakfast this trip. Thomas Keller is a world-renowned chef, a master at his craft.

I wish I had gotten pictures of the restaurant and its beauty, but the food will have to suffice.

 BOUCHON FRENCH TOAST

bread pudding style with warm layers

of brioche, custard & apples

served with maple syrup

A simple order with a side of scrambled eggs (if you know me, I must always have a balanced breakfast--this was my way!)

After shopping at the Fashion Mall, I met up with Mike. We decided to leave a bit earlier than expected so we could get home to see our girls. The night got even better when we got to have dinner with the Murtys!

It was the most wonderful Babymoon/Anniversary trip. Thanks, Babe, for everything! Love you so much.

Lillie, Logan and Ellie watching "The Lion King" while the grown-ups chatted.

An Anniversary & a Babymoon, part 2

Good morning, Vegas!
Mike was off to work around 9:30, so that meant I was on my own until 5 p.m. I decided to order room service for breakfast and truly take in the view of the Strip while watching some TV. It sounds so ordinary, but when you have kids and a busy schedule, this is dreamy! Side note: I've never ordered room service before!

I look very tired, but I am truly happy and excited for this time away. Had to capture it!

Spa Time at the Encore! Woohoo!

This is what it looks like when you step off of the elevator.

The front desk...yeah. Amazing.

This is where I waited for my spa slippers. It just gets better!!

The bathrooms complete with gold doors

The hallway leading to the most beautiful pool/jacuzzi area

My locker room area among the 4

Ahhhhhh

The chairs along side the pool area are heated. Another nap happened right here.

A nap here in the waiting area was just what I needed. The pregnancy massage was AMAZING!

Chazzie & I going out for lunch at the Wynn

On our way to LOVE (we hope!) and dinner at Scarpetta!

In the 3rd row at LOVE!

Our show plans on Thursday night were up-in-the-air. Mike mentioned he'd love to go see the Beatles' show, "LOVE." I really wanted to make that happen because he knows every single one of their songs.
We walked over to the discount ticket booth at the Fashion Mall, but they only had tickets for the 9:30 showing. The guy suggested we go to the Mirage ticket counter to see what they had there.
When we arrived, I had to use the facilities (shocker!). While I was there, a man approached Mike about buying/selling tickets. Mike told him he was looking to buy and the guy offered him his tickets since he couldn't use them that night. For $200, we scored 3rd ROW tickets worth almost $400! Mike was in Heaven which meant I was too. I loved seeing him so happy. This trip just got better and better!

The show is beginning, so we had to put the cameras away, but I wanted to get a shot of how cool the stage was.

One happy guy!

Time for dinner at the Cosmopolitan Hotel!

We're here! SCARPETTA!

They serve no average bread basket here! Check out this bombolini bread filled with salami and cheese!! The other bread was served with a compote that was to-die-for!

Yummy heirloom beet salad with la tur cheese and hazelnuts

Crispy fritto misto with seafood, vegetables, artichokes, herbs and lemons!

One of Scarpetta's signature "paste" - Spaghetti!

My hottie husband ordered the Kobe Beef Ribcap with potato gnocchi, mushrooms and a barolo reduction.

I ordered the most DELICIOUS meal ever...the Veal Duo: guanciale wrapped loin & braised breast with carrots, chanterelles and fava beans!

Yeah, I made a good choice.

Our view from our booth--the spectacular Bellagio fountains!

Notice how big my belly has grown since the beginning of the meal? lol  Dessert was a Strawberry Souffle with a rhubarb compote, vanilla creme anglaise and vanilla bean gelato! YUM-O!

We definitely celebrated this 10th anniversary the right way! What an amazing finish to our trip!

I know you are wondering, so I will tell you. We stayed at the Cosmopolitan for more gambling. Mike was having lots of fun, but we moved on after he broke even. I retired to bed around 1 a.m. while Mike went back for more Paigow at the Wynn. He won big time! Woohoo!