Sedona

My parents are in town for a week and am so happy they're here.  I haven't seen them for 6 months (record breaking) which is crazy.  Since they're here a few times a year, we always try and think of something different to do since we are kind of stuck in the same routine.  We decided to take a day trip to Sedona and break out of heat jail.  I've lived in Arizona for 6 years and have never been there so I thought it was time.  We had lunch at a quaint pub, took in the sights, and did some shopping.  We had a wonderful time and I even had a chance to get some practice in with my new and fancy camera that I'm taking to Europe with me.  I must admit, I had a beautiful background to use it on. Here are the results.....

M

Dads

I can't believe that Father's Day is quickly approaching.  It will be nice to see my Dad just after the holiday when my parents are in town for a week.  Can't believe I haven't seen them since Christmas...goes to show you how quickly time passes us by.

I am the luckiest girl to have such a wonderful Dad. He has put up with a lot over the years and am so thankful he has always been there for me.  I truly am a Daddy's Girl and wouldn't change that for the world.

Thank you Dad for being my rock, provider, and one of my best friends. I love you!

I am also extremely lucky to be blessed with a wonderful father in law. Thanks for making me a part of the family! 

Lastly, I am very thankful for my husband. He may not be fully a Dad yet, but our furry children certainly love him. 

Happy Father's Day to all the Dads out there. I hope you have a fantastic day!

M

The Last 3 Weeks

I have to admit, I have been totally slacking on the blog lately.  With that being said, I thought I would update the last three weeks in photos.  For your viewing pleasure.....

Going out with my boots on to see Tim McGraw!

Tim McGraw Concert (he was fantastic in person)

First WNBA Game with the Phoenix Mercury

This is what happens when you leave your phone unattended next to Vinny and Jake.  Father/Son Selfies!

Arizona Diamondbacks Game

 M

Boyz and Bulls

Viva Las Vegas!  We definitely took on a new version of our many trips to Vegas.  We decided to stay at Mandalay Bay this time around since PBR was going to be held in the Events Center for two days.  It was definitely different being on that end of the strip but the hotel has everything and we took full advantage.  The pool was super nice and set up like a beach with sand, a wave pool, and even a lazy river. We have stayed at many hotels on the strip and they had the best pool by far.

PBR was fantastic as always and as Jake describes it, it's my version of the Super Bowl.  If it's close, we try and go to every event.  #guiltypleasure  They always do Last Cowboy Standing when they have their event in Vegas.  Basically they take the group of riders and narrow them down to a smaller pool for day 2.  Once they are bucked off, they're out of the competition.  They also have some special bulls that the rider can win additional money.  Makes it fun to watch and really get into...even if you aren't a PBR fanatic.  Jake and I decided to bet on the event this year to add a little more excitement. Sadly we didn't win any money of the 6 bets we placed but still made for a fun time.  My fingers and toes are crossed that the hockey schedule works to our favor so we can attend the World Finals in October.

Jake and I faithfully watch Cake Boss every season and the spin offs.  A couple trips ago, we tried out Buddy V's restaurant at the Venetian and went back again this trip. It definitely did not disappoint!  The food was delish and would highly recommend the next time you're in Vegas.  Since then, Buddy Valastro opened up a Carlo's Bakery right across the way from his restaurant.  To say that I was excited would be a complete understatement.  Canolis? Lobster Tail? Check and check! Everything was absolutely just as yummy as it looks on TV.

Me - 0                     Lasagna - 1

On Sunday, went to see Boyz II Men and my 1990s self was completely freaking out inside.  They have a weekend residency at The Mirage and it was a fantastic show.  Definitely would highly recommend if you are going to be in the Vegas area.  Jake booked us the Meet and Greet package along with some great seats while they played all their hits. This is not the "End of the Road" for them!

It was definitely a great getaway and we had some much needed rest and relaxation.  Next stop....EUROPE!

M

For Our Mamas

What do you get a Mom that has everything? Jake and I struggle every holiday with this question for both our parents.  This year, we decided to have photos taken and surprise our moms with a collage.  They turned out pretty cute and my favorites are below.

Wishing both our Moms the best day and we love you both!

M

Bunnies, Rattlers, and Pierogies

Jake and I had the first full weekend together since October and it was jam packed!  We started with a fabulous dinner with Dom at Oregano's on Friday.  He was in town to do radio for the Pittsburgh Power Arena Football League team that was taking on the Arizona Rattlers. It was great to catch up over some delicious food.  After dinner, Jakub and I went miniture golfing.  I honestly can't remember the last time that I went mini golfing but let me just say, I haven't lost my game. I won but it was a great fight to the end.

On Saturday, we attended the Arizona Rattlers game at US Airways Center.  It was a hard fought game but Arizona came out with the W at the end.  The Rattlers have won the Arena Bowl the last two years and are currently 5-0.  Do I smell a three-peat?

Easter Sunday was relaxing and I had a great day at home with my husband and furry kids.  I thought what better way to spend the holiday than to try and make my own pierogies!  I think I did a pretty good job and even received the seal of approval from Jake (the true Polak). Phew!  I can't imagine how Jake's grandma and mom make hundreds of these at a time...it took me an hour and a half to make 16!

I hope that everybunny had a wonderful Easter holiday.

M

USA vs. Mexico

I know, two blogs in 3 days.  Things are getting crazy!  On a serious note, Jake and I attended the United States vs. Mexico soccer game on Wednesday.  It was at University of Phoenix Stadium (where the Arizona Cardinals play) and I'm not sure that I was entirely prepared for what I witnessed.

Let me start off by saying I know nothing about soccer other than there is a World Cup every few years and it is referred to football in most other countries.  This might surprise some because I have such a love for sports but I just can't get into it.  Watching live is definitely different than watching on TV....times 1,000!

Jake and I dressed in our red, white, and blue and he even got me a USA scarf.  We had great seats and only about 18 rows from the field.  I'm pretty sure the USA fans were out numbered 3 to 1 by the Mexican fans.  We were surrounded.  The atmosphere was pumping and it was time for kickoff.  USA scored 2 goals in the first half and went into halftime up 2-0.  Mexico came out in the second half and scored 2 themselves. All 4 of the goals were on the end where we were sitting so that was pretty cool to see. The game ultimately ended up with a final score of 2-2.

We left around the 80' mark just in case things got crazy.  Lets just say the Mexico fans were fully "hydrated" by this point (with beer, not water) and it was a crazy scene.  Every time Mexico scored, they would throw their full glasses of beer and buckets of popcorn in the air.  We weren't really in the mood for a beer shower nor did we want to get stuck in the middle of a fight.....especially with the lovely USA fans that were in front of us.

Overall, we had a great time and I would definitely attend a live game again.  Who knows? I could be a closet soccer fan and not even know it!

M