Vegas Shots

Since the list of family-appropriate Vegas photos is vanishingly small, here are some shots to prove we were actually there.

Uncle Todd got accosted by Elmo while buying supplies for the penthouse suite.

After a long night of dancing, shoes become unacceptable.  Plus, oh my god, my girlfriends are tall.

The official Snuggie Party Favor.

I just LOVE this picture.  Lazy River, Sunshine and Afternoon Beers.  Yes Please.

The view from the penthouse.  Vegas is crazy.

Me and Aunt Bess getting dolled up for our big night on the town.

We had an absolutely incredible time, pretty much from the moment our plane landed.  Morning beers in the airport while we waited for Todd and Bess's plane to land?  Obviously.  We spent all day every day in the sun and water, only dragging ourselves away from the pool in time to shower, get dressed, and hit the penthouse suite for pre-dinner cocktails.  Plus, Uncle Sri and Uncle Jay set a wedding date!  This fall (Ellie's birthday actually) in the city.  If Vegas was just the pre-party, I am seriously frightened.

I Swear We Didn't Die in Vegas

We DID have a fantastic, incredible kid-less weekend.  And we're almost fully recovered.  I've got lots of pictures and posts to catch up on, but it's Sunday afternoon, the kids need dinner and baths, and mama needs a glass of wine.  'Till then.  When the heck did Ellie learn what a jump rope is for?

Vegas!

That's right.  This time tomorrow Brian and I will be leaving on a jet plane, Vegas-bound.  Of course, we know exactly when we'll be back again.  Three glorious days without the kids, with some of our best friends, 90 degree weather, and a pool.  Ooooh yeah.

Now if I could only get rid of my crippling anxiety about leaving the kids.  My mother-in-law is coming up to stay with them, and I know they'll have fun and be totally spoiled and have a great time.  But I miss them already!  I've only been away from Ellie for this long once, and I don't think I've ever spent a night away from Gabe.  Plus I'm concerned about his possible allergies, and in the face of uncertainty I tend to assume the worst.

I feel untethered.  Which may not be a bad feeling, but is certainly unfamiliar and disorienting.  But this will be me and Brian's first time away from the kids TOGETHER.  Our first time to sleep late, order some room service, drink a mimosa, and watch some hotel cable.  Plus, did I mention the pool?

Practice Makes Perfect

And a Happy Easter, Too.

For some magical reason, the weather is always gorgeous in Jersey on Easter.  It was so nice to see all the Jersey and Philly family, plus my dad and Kathy came down from Vermont.  Bri and I can't wait until we're all settled in so we can start hosting some family gatherings of our own.  We need to pick a holiday someone doesn't already lay claim to; I'm partial to Bastille Day.

The baby boy cousins, and their matching sweaters.

E had a bit of a rough day, but loved checking out the fish pond with Ed.

Meme and Gabe.

Cousin Katie and an Archer boy.

Gabe goes in for a chocolate...

And, success!

My Dad and Gabey.

Rock Star in the Making.

Chag Sameach!

Fun Days

It's Saturday morning...Gabe's taking his morning siesta, and Ellie's communing with Big Bird and Elmo.  Brian and Sophie are still asleep, and I am UP, RARING TO GO, READY TO GET THIS PARTY STARTED.  We have the most delicious weekend planned, and hopefully I'll remember to take some pictures.  We're hosting a Seder today, and it's probably the last big family event we'll hold in the Tiny Apartment.  That's bittersweet. Tomorrow is Easter and we're heading out to celebrate and egg hunt with the Jersey family.  Then Monday is my birthday (if you send presents overnight they'll get here in time!).  Brian's taking the day off from work and we're taking the munchkins to the Natural History museum to see the dinosaurs.  As Ellie says, "RAWRRRR!"  So let's go people, let's get this party started!

Happy Hour

Bottoms Up!