wow!!! what a week! we made it safely back from vacation and I am being 100% lazy the last 2 days i have off! loving it!!! I have also been catching up on the 2008 Olympics I missed and the Democratic Convention (which started last night). It is going on in my home city! We went downtown yesterday (not out of choice...my daughter needed books and the only place to check was...you guessed it...downtown!). We did not go into the center of all the activity, but the part we did see was very very very busy!!! Vacation was fun and hot (WOW!!! over 100 everyday we were in Vegas and the high 90's in Calaifornia!!). Boo loved her 21st birthday! Fun stuff!!! we have lots of pictures (between both of us we have tons and tons of pictures...it took her over an hour to download all of them!). More on our vacation later.
One of the things I was sad about was not being able to watch all of the Olympics. We saw a few things when we were gone but most of the track was lost and one of my favorites...synchronized swimming was not watched at all (sighy). I did get to see the water polo, volleyball (mens) and rythmic gymnastics. And the ending ceremonies...wow!! It was a great show. Now we have to wait 4 more years...and who knows maybe we will see some of it in person...hmmmmmm???? London...we plan to visit there and what better time? hmmmmmmmm?? Over all we did pretty good inthe medal standings (2nd behind China)...

Medal standing
Gold...........36
Silver.........38
Bronze.......38

Great Job America!!!!

Friday!! Wahoo!!! One more night and I am able to rest for 2 days!! Wahoo!! I am also starting to get excited about Las Vegas! It is less than 1 mnth away! Wahoo!!!! I can't wait...it has been over 6 years since we have been there!!! Wahoo!!! The last time I was there all my pictures were taken by regular film...I am going back with a digital camera...Wow!!! The pictures I will be able to take!! Wahoo!!!
So speaking of trips I was reading one of my favorite sites (and radio spots...) and came across this...some good stuff !!!

Stay Happy On Your Next Trip
Here’s a page ripped from our Summer Survival Guide. How to stay sane and happy when you’re on vacation with every other person on the planet. This is from travel columnist Christopher Elliot, who says that travel in the Summer of 2008 is more costly. Gas is pricier, so you’ll be paying extra not just for your ticket, but for every checked bag. So here’s how to keep from freaking out.
Take care of yourself. The unspoken rule of summer travel is that the moment you leave home, you’ve agreed to be hungry, tired, lost, dirty and disappointed. Psychologist Leslie Beth Wish says you can reduce the negativity and beat the travel blues by planning ahead. Like packing a lunch, getting plenty of rest, and printing out directions before you leave home.
Lower your expectations. You used to be able to depend on certain things on a trip. Like, the hotel room rate you were quoted would be what you actually paid. Today, there are a lot of hidden charges and unfair resort fees. Like for the golf course - or the safe in your room - whether you use them or not. Bottom line: You’ll stay saner if you expect to be taken advantage of - and let it go when it happens.
Another way to stay happy on your next trip: Build in an extra cushion of time whether you’re headed for the airport, or to an amusement park. That way you can relax, and find a way to enjoy the delays and long lines – say, by people-watching, or reading the book you were smart enough to toss in your bag.
Look for the things that go RIGHT, instead of those that go WRONG. For example, the fact that your plane took off on time, your luggage actually arrived when you did, and your hotel room was ready and waiting when you checked in.
Pack your sense of humor. Since travel has gotten so absurdly difficult, it’s actually funny. Like the fact you have to take off your shoes at airport security. Or pay extra to check your suitcase, or pay to get earbuds for the in-flight movie or a bag of snacks. The ability to laugh at absurdities can reduce your own negativity, even if those around you don’t get the joke.

Boo made it home safely (something we are very thankful for!). We went to pick her up and she sounded like she had a good time. She did not see lots of sites in Vegas so her trip in August should still be exciting (ok...so I am a little selfish and am a little glad...teeehehehehe). I am starting to get excited about Vegas and look forward to planning our trip. I have some other things to accomplish first but...i am excited!!! and i am excited to take lots of pictures and celebrate Boo's 21st birthday!!!
Before we can celebrate her birthday we will be celebrating Gigi's 18nth birthday (wow! where does the time go...). We are still waiting to see what she wants to do...knowing her that could be done the day of...teeehehehehe...you have to LOVE her!!!

Were back....

Wow!! Time flies and when you are on vacation it soars!!! We had a wonderful week and though I am glad to be back I am also sad. *sigh*
We were able to cross off the Midwest states from our list (yippee) and the trip was not as boring as we thought it would be. We did some fun things and I took more than 2,000 pictures (yes I said 2,000). It's going to be awhile before i download d all of them but when I do I can start showing off our great trip. I can say we all LOVED Chicago! What an incredible city. Wow!!! My daughter loved it so much she started looking at graduate schools in that city!
I am going to take some more day off to relax before joining the real world. We have 1 more full week to see some movies, eat out (Mommy is not cooking all week!!!), and maybe see the Bronco's in training camp!!! Good Times!

I cannot believe how fast time has flown by! Wow! It seems like just yesterday was the first day of summer and this vacation seemed so far away!!! Now it is upon us and there is so much to do! I am excited about being off for 2 weeks however...I am finding it hard to get into this vacation. Maybe it is because I have not put lots planning into this one. Normally I have a n agenda and I know what we are doing every day and every hour. Not this time.... I think this is going to be one of those laid back vacations. I know my family will like this but me...well time will tell (smile!). Well...back to getting ready (*sigh*)