Ridin' Free

Had another fantastic weekend!

Spent the weekend in Sacramento with Breanna; never had a dull moment.
- Dinner at BJ's Brewery
- Bike ride along the Sacramento River
- Old Sacramento
- Visited the state capitol
- Shopped
- Movies - went to see "The Back-up Plan"
- Ate at the Texas Roadhouse
- Played with her cat Marley
- Had dessert with a friend
The time wizzed by - it always does when you're having fun!
This Friday Breanna's coming home for the Sugarland concert - - can't wait to let the fun continue.
Happy days are here again,
V

I Am Enough

Our memories are the only paradise from which we can never be expelled.

And the Winner is....

Flowers at the Conservatory at the Bellagio.

The Paris Hotel (Las Vegas).

And one at night.

Luke Bryan (won ACM for new artist of the year)

PRR World Cup

This past weekend we had a fun getaway to Vegas (one of my favorite places).

We arrived on Friday and headed to In and Out for lunch (another one of my favorites). I was able to score tickets to the PBR World Cup for Saturday night at UNLV. To my surprise, they were front row tickets (totally cool). The whole event was professional bull riding; the countries represented were Brazil, Mexico, Australia, Canada and USA. Our seats were so close to the shoots that the dirt and drool from the bulls were coming our way (that's how close we were). It was a great show full of excitement. We just so happen to be sitting five rows in front of the country duo - Joey and Rory. They are a super cute couple!

Another one of my favorites in Vegas is the conservatory at the Bellagio - this is the most unique displaying of flowers, shrubs, and art deco. I love photographing flowers in this setting (attached are a few).

Saturday we went to Town Square where we did some shopping and had a killer lunch at Brio (a new favorite of mine). It was the perfect day; around 85 degrees, sunny, no wind. We even made our way to the pool for some R&R. That evening we went to see some free concerts on Fremont Street. Miranda Lambert and Luke Bryan (pictured) were on center stage; there were tons of country fans and glitz.

Sunday was my favorite day - we went to the Academy of Country Music Awards at the MGM Grand. This is a quite the show -- it starts with the red carpet where you see at the stars exiting their limos and walking the red carpet for photos. Once inside the arena, there is tons of hype, lights, music, set changes, exciting performances, surprises and fantastic entertainment. My favorite performance was that of Carrie Underwood; she is so very glamorous and has a phenominal voice.

Next year I promise to take my girls (yes girls, I will do my best to get tickets) -- it's not always an easy process getting tickets to this event but I'm on it. ACM's 2011 here we come!

Happy trails,
V

Round'em up Cowboy!

This past weekend we went to Oakdale to their rodeo (out in the sticks). It was a fun 4-hrs filled with bare back riding, bull riding, calf roping and clowing around. We dodged the rain so we were happy.

Sunday I went to see the movie "Date Night". It had some funny parts but was not my favorite movie.

With all the rain on Sunday, I did a lot indoors (updated my photo projects, cleaned house, and even went to salsa).

Good weekend overall.
V

Dreamy!

Had the absolutely best time last night at the Michael Buble concert -- the guy is an AWESOME performer!
He:
- has the best stage presence
- sings with conviction
- has an amazing voice
- is very personable
- melts you with his voice
- has a great overall show
- features a talented opening act of Naturally 7
- wants you wanting more
- is a charmer

I will go see him any time he's in town. Will post photos later today.
Have a great day.
V

Smooth

Tonight will be a fun night filled with Michael Buble music - we are going to see him in concert - YIPEE! He's so calm, smooth, and collected. I love all the oldies he sings (ones from Frank Sinatra). He's very classy and has the best voice.

I hope I will have nothing but good things to report.

Stay tuned.....

V

Even Hotter

Saturday night we went to watch Hot Country Nights - a fun night of country music with:
- Michelle Branch
- Luke Bryan
- Blake Shelton
- Dierks Bentley
It was a jam packed show of non-stop country music. It was almost like a jamboree -- although it was quite a long show, it was tons of fun.
V

P.S. Luke Bryan in photo - he's a cutie!

Greek Easter Flair

This wasn't just an ordinary Easter for us - it was a Greek Easter. We celebrated with our friends Roxy and Carlos (and their family).

The boys prepped the Friday before by making Greek Easter Bread, rice wrapped in grape leaves (domados), and coloring 20 egss (which should have been red but turned out more on the pink side); these eggs were used for a traditional Greek egg game.

Our Easter dinner consisted of lamb, chicken, asparagus, rice, salad and rice pudding for dessert.

It was a lot of fun learning new traditions, eating new foods, and being amongst friends.

I hope you all had a great Easter.

V

A Sad Farewell

On March 31, we had to sadly put our dog, Kibble, to rest. He had been the most loyal, gentle, and loving family pet for 13 years and 3 mos.
Having owned him since he was 6 weeks old, we had put in endless miles of walking time, play time, and cuddle time.
He is sorely missed!
RIP Kibble.
I miss and love you A LOT!
Mom