Spring Break in Vegas!

Well, T and I wanted to find something to do with the kids for spring break...we didn't want them sitting around watching TV for the whole week.  We also wanted to go somewhere fairly close that we could just pack up the suburban and drive to.

We decided to take them to Vegas...and make it a kids trip.  Yes, there is a lot to do in Vegas for kids.  It isn't all about gambling!

We arrived on Sunday and got settled into the Vdara.  We were so excited that we ended up on the 56th floor which was the top floor.  We had amazing views and even a perfect view of the water show!

So, what is there for kids to do in Vegas?  Lots...and we weren't there long enough to even scratch the surface.  They swam, we ate at the Rain Forest Cafe, we had ice cream, we went to the Shark Reef Aquarium, we shopped, we ate at The Hard Rock Cafe, hung out by the pool, went to Wolf Gang Pucks pizzeria (where the kids were treated like little celebrities), went to the arcade, swam some more....then it was already time to leave.  The kids were bummed and didn't want to go.  They even asked if they can go back this summer.  So, I guess it was a hit.

Goofy Hat Alert

Kami and Claire Marie at Hard Rock Cafe

Going to see the sharks!

Our view during the day

View of water show at night

What? Neighbors?

T and I have been neighbors for 15 months now.  When people hear that we live next door to each other they always assume that is how we met....however it is not.  I moved in three months after I met T.

I will never forget the first time T suggested I consider moving next door when the house came available for rent.  He was seriously considering buying it, and I was living in a small condo with Jenna and Kami.  My place wasn't great for kids...there was no place for them to ride bikes, roller blade, hang out in a typical kid neighborhood, etc.  The idea of having a great place for them to do these things was very appealing.  However, with that came concerns...what if T and I don't work out?  What would it be like if we broke up and I had a boyfriend, or he had a girlfriend?  Would we see too much of each other and not have any privacy?  As a result of these concerns, my first thought was "no way"!

However, in November 2010 I went away on a "Vegas Girls Trip".  I asked the girls over and over that weekend what they thought I should do.  On the car ride back my friend Annette said..."Karla, I think you should take a chance".   So I did...and I'm so glad for that.

You see, T knew exactly what he was doing.  As a result of moving next door, our 5 kids were able to slowly blend.  We were able to see how the "kid dynamics" would be.  It started out we would have dinner together a few times a week, that eventually turned into just about every night.  It started out the girls and I would hang at my house...before I knew it they were getting home or waking up and immediately saying they were going next door to play with T's kids.  Of course it isn't always perfect and we sometimes have our "issues"...but for the most part the dynamics are great and we have worked through a lot of obstacles.  It also gave T and I a chance to see how we would work out as a couple.  We learned that we are very similar in a lot of ways, very different in a lot of ways, but we work things out and give and take where we need to.

In a few months we will be officially blending our family into one home.  As a result of T's bright idea, I believe it will be easier than it would have been had we dated for this past 18 months and lived across town from each other.  I'm sure we will have our adjustments, but all in all this was the best decision we have made in preparing for this day  (which is now only 116 days away, but who is counting?).

This and That

Hard to believe it is already March!  Time is flying by and before we know it the wedding is going to be here.  It is only 128 days away!

T & I went to the Howard School fundraiser last month and the theme was "Celebrity Red Carpet".  It was so much fun.  We bid on some items and only won one thing.  We had a great meal with friends, and then danced the rest of the night away.  I love that T takes me dancing!

All decked out like celebs...

We took the kids to Palm Springs a last month to spend the weekend with T's sister Shelly, her kids, Phil, and his daughter. The kids had so much fun and the weather was perfect!  T and I manged a couple of date night dinners...we had a great dinner at Johannes in Palm Springs and wonderful sushi at The Venue.

Megan and her gorgeous smile!

Sabina texting by the pool

Charlie and Jenna

TJ

These two are two peas in a pod!

A kiss for Cita :)

T & me hanging by the pool

T's sister Shelly and me!

Lastly, T and I went to my mini high school reunion this past weekend.  It was so much fun and my friends just LOVE T.  It was the first one that he was able to attend with me.  We had a great time!

T, me and Mark!

Gina and me :)