Turning 30...the new 20 (right?)

This week we pre-celebrated my birthday doing two of my favorite things with my favorite girls in the world...we went to Vegas to help 'stimulate the economy' with a little shopping and eating! I went with my mom and Nat (who have always been my best friends); Britt (who was like another little sister growing up and has become my closest friend the last couple years and her mom Boni (who's always been like a 2nd mom to me, -- her two boys were the closest thing I've ever had to brothers--we were next door neighbors much of my childhood)...plus Brielle, Dean and baby Grace. Boni had an appointment in Vegas--and Britt was driving down with her to keep her company--she had 'plans' to hit the Las Vegas Premium Outlets and when she suggested my mom and I come...how could I resist? I am so glad Nat decided to meet us too! We were gone three nights and at night when I talked to Chris he would ask what we did...each night I'd say we went to the outlets or mall and to eat and he'd ask...that's it? Yep...all we did was shop and eat! I loved every second of it! It was the perfect way to celebrate my upcoming 30th b.day!

Nat & Di (above) Boni, Britt & baby Grace (below)--I did not take very many pictures...and they were all of my kids...so I had to recycle these.We stayed at 'The Venetian'...when we first went into our room and Brielle looked out the giant window that looked out over the strip she said 'wow, I can see the whole world from here!' We laughed so hard that she repeated this everytime we came back to the room! When we went in to the 'Canal Shops' with the Canal/Gondolas, Brielle said "this is the most beautiful place ever" and she could not wait to go on a gondola ride. She loved every second of it...especially our Gondolier who was from outside of Rome and sang beautifully while we glided along. Dean on the other hand was furious that he did not get to come (because he is obsessed with water and would have been trying to climb over the edge the entire time) and he cried mad tears at my mom the whole time!
She also loved this accordion player. The only 'tricky' moment was trying to explain to Brielle why all those 'old people' were playing those games (gambling/slot machines) and we could not...especially when one even had a picture of The Wizard of Oz on it! Fortunately, she took my word for it when I said the Prophet asked us not to do that because it wastes our money...unfortunately she responded "and we want to use our money on other stuff, right mom?"A trip to Vegas would not be complete without dancing on the 'giant piano' at FAO Schwartz or breakfast at the Bellagio Gardens.
We had lots of fun but I was glad to get back to see Chris! He even had the house cleaned and vacuumed when we got home...no wonder we missed him! For my actual birthday he took me out Saturday to a great dinner at 'Chef's Table' while my parents watched our kids...then he came to the mall with me! It was so much fun to just hang out together...it was one of the best nights I can remember! He'd also picked out new boots and perfume for me while I was out of town...what a sweetheart! I feel so lucky to have such a thoughtful husband as well as great family and friends that helped make this 'momentous' birthday a wonderful experience! P.S. Thanks mom and dad for even getting an ice cream cake! FYI-Do NOT miss the LV Premium Outlets on your next trip to/through Vegas...they are unbelievable...there is every outlet you could ever want!