We are back home...

Michael and I in Paris, Las Vegas :)

The men ready to hit the town

The Bellagio water fountain. It follows whatever song is playing and the jets shoot the water up way high. I could watch it all day. :)

Michael and I in Rome, Las Vegas.

mom and dad having WAY too much fun!!

No comment necessary

The bunch of us before dinner.

The ladies ready to hit the town.

Me and my dolphins at the Mirage.

So, our trip to Vegas was tons of fun. We had a great time hanging out with the family and celebrating Nadia's birthday. I played tons of slot machines and actually won $50. :) Some of my favorite things were the wonderful restaurants full of amazing food. I had the best crab legs I have ever had. They were so delicious. Also, I loved the Bellagio fountain. I think the Bellagio was my favorite hotel. It was so classy and chic. I also really loved La Reve. It was a fantastic show. Now, I have seen several Cirque du Soleil shows, but this was way better. It was all the same kind of acrobatics and such, but it was set over an aquatic stage, so half the show was done in the air and the rest in the water. it was truly amazing!! My favorite slot machines were Lobster Mania and Jackpot Party. Good times. It was really fun to spend time with my family. i also really enjoyed seeing all the hotels. Everything there is just so extraordinary. Michael and I spent more of our free time with my parents. We seem to have similar interests and bed times. :) my brother and his wife, and my sister spent more time together as they like to party and stay out late. It all worked out very well in that we all had someone to hang out with and spend time with. The major things I don't like about vegas are the constant smoke smell, the men on the street that flick the naked women cards at you, and just the crazy amount of drunk people everywhere. i don't think michael and I will go back to vegas unless we are in a group. I am sure we will not take a vacation there, just the two of us. Overall though, it was a fantastic vacation. we all really had a great time.

my week at work has been very busy, i had a bunch of overtime this week because there was so much to take care of when i returned from vacation. but, that is done and now i am in the middle of a great 3 day weekend. i did a ton of shopping yesterday and bought some new cross training shoes. they are amazing. i went running in them this morning and it made such a difference to have good shoes. i also got a new swim suit since my old ones don't fit at all anymore since i have lost all that weight. :) i also bought a few capri pants and some new tops. I feel like I am constantly buying new clothes now since none of my old stuff fits anymore. it is like starting my wardrobe completely over, but i guess it is worth it. :) so, for memorial day, michael and i signed up to run a race in arlington. I am running the 5K (3.18 miles) and michael is running the 10K (a little over 6 miles). Michael is training for a half marathon, so this is a stepping stone. It is early tomorrow morning, but i am really looking forward to it. i never thought i would be running a race. good times. we are also having a few people over tomorrow for some grilling and lounging in the pool.

Summer school starts this week. I am actually teaching the first day of the class I am doing my teaching practicum on since my teacher is going to be out of town for a conference. i am really looking forward to it. also, i am starting my 5 hours a week of research. it will be a lot of stuff, but it will all fall into place. anyway, i am off, have a great memorial day everyone.