Thanksgiving 2010

We were lucky to have my mom come down and celebrate Thanksgiving with us! We started the morning off right with a Bloody Mary on the deck to enjoy some sunshine:

Michael got right to work on his stuffing and the turkey ... I'm so lucky to be married to such an amazing chef!!

Bailey-cat hung out ... all day ... every day :P

We had to bust out the toaster oven so the sides would finish at roughly the same time:

Piggy super-snuggled with my mom whenever she got the chance:

My mom hanging out with the animals on the couch as we put up Christmas the day after Thanksgiving:

My mom and I went down to Balboa Park to see the sights. They were putting the Christmas tree together - what a process to watch!

My mom checking out the creche scenes:

Santa with his reindeer heading out:

My mom loves beautiful architecture so she thoroughly enjoyed the buildings that housed the museums! I actually got her to smile for a picture!!

'The Grinch That Stole Christmas' was being performed and a bunch of school kids were there for the performance:

Looking up at the Museum of Man:

There was a huge exhibit showcasing the Mayans ... very cool :)

another architecture pic ...

We had a great visit - my folks will probably need to come down again soon so they can escape the snow!!

Veteran's Day 2010

We headed to Vegas over the Veteran's Day holiday to spend some time with Michael's dad and step-mom :) We were able to stay in their new motor-coach down at Lake Mead - and it was a good thing because it was COLD the first night!!

Michael cooking hot dogs for lunch the first day:

Sunset over Lake Mead from our campsite:

Michael and his dad setting up the Direct TV - now THAT is roughing it :P

Piggy figuring out the steps:

Michael finding a football game to watch:

Piglet's new shirt:

It got really cold so Piggy had to put on her layers:

... and she was NOT happy about it :/

Michael, Steve and Jan making supper:

S'mores!

YUM!! My favorite camping snack!!

Michael making a s'more for his dad:

Piggy and Michael snuggled up in the bed:

We took the bikes through the old railroad trail along Lake Mead down to Hoover Dam - this was the first of 5 caves!

Yeah, thats how I roll. I know, the LL leg is what makes the outfit.

Us in front of the new bridge:

I was NOT used to riding the bike ... so for this trip we wrapped Piggy's blanket around the seat for some extra comfort. The seat, combined with my outfit, made for a stunning site :) I have no shame.

Michael resting with the dogs after the long ride:

Sunset on day 2 - beautiful!

Tipsie in her chair:

Hanging out around the fire:

The quail came to visit:

A Mexican standoff between Tipsie and Piggy:

Both really wanted a taste of the s'more:

After camping, we took the 4-wheelers out to Red Rock Canyon:

The scenic view after riding for awhile:

Jan and I mapping out the route:

Michael - bringing a little bit of Japan to Nevada:

4-wheeling partners:

BTW - this is the first time I have ever driven a 4-wheeler and I did alright!

Following Steve and Jan down the trail:

Handsome hubby waiting on me to catch up :)

We had a great visit - now its time to get ready for the upcoming holidays!

Marine Corps Ball 2010

The MALS-11 Ball was held up at the Pechanga Casino in Temecula, Ca. We got a room so we could celebrate without worrying about the drive home. Before we checked-in we went to BevMo - which is my new favorite store!! Michael and I enjoyed a few beverages while getting ready before we headed up to the hospitality suite to meet up with some others.

Michael and his drink of choice (and looking all handsome!):

I'm a beer girl ... always have been :P

Down in the ball room with the XO, Maj Kelley, before the ceremony:

Waiting for the ceremony to start:

There was a lot of pageantry in the ceremony - which was really different then the balls we attended while in Oki. Here are the different Marine uniforms (and a short description of the current events/missions) throughout the years:

Michael got ahold of the camera:

Getting ready to head to the club in the casino:

Michael set off the metal detectors at the club - security thought it was his medals ... it was his flask :} It made for a much cheaper night!

We were both struggling the next day :P We are definitely not the party animals we were in college - our bodies won't let us!