Jax and I made a trip to our dentist's office today for a routine check-up and cleaning. This was actually Jax's first time seeing Dr. C-L. Previously, I took him to a pediatric dentist, but to make life simple, I thought we'd see how he liked going to our office.
Dr. C-L and her staff certainly rolled out the red carpet for their newest patient. Claudia, our dental hygienist, suggested that I go first so Jax could watch and then hopefully wouldn't feel anxious when it was his turn. As Claudia examined my teeth, she invited Jax who was studying her every move to come over and take a closer look. Well, Jax took that invitation very literally. He stood opposite of Claudia, within a couple of inches of my face, and peered into my mouth, taking in every little detail like he was going to be quizzed afterwards or something.
The highlight of the experience came when Claudia was polishing my teeth. She let Jax move from spectator to participant. He was essentially her assistant and placed in charge of suction. Oh, he thought he was important! It was actually hilarious. I had a hard time not laughing. When it was Jax's turn, he climbed right up into the chair, eager to be the patient. Again, when it came time to polish, Claudia let Jax hold the suction. Who knew suction could be so exciting?! Oh, to be 4 years old again!
Afterwards, Dr. C-L came by, took a quick peek at us, and declared our mouths in good shape. We were both rewarded with toothbrushes and toothpaste, but Jax got an extra treat from the treasure box. Not fair! I was good too! Oh well, maybe next time.
Tuesday, June 30, 2009
Monday, June 29, 2009
Everything Happens for a Reason
As I briefly mentioned in a previous post, we've been dealing with some A/C issues around here. Our house is split into three zones, and only 1 out of the 3 was actually being cooled. The good news was that we weren't living completely without cool air in this ridiculous Florida heat, but the bad news was that none of the bedrooms were within the functioning zone. Thank goodness for ceiling fans!
Actually, it wasn't all that bad. If it had been, I would have forked over the extra money and called the repairman out over the weekend. As it was, we were out and about the majority of the time. So, I figured we'd just wait until today and pay the lower rate rather than cancel our plans and pay more for the luxury of cool air throughout our house. My back-up plan, in case it got too hot, was to have a family "camp out" in the living room. Wouldn't that have been a sight?!
Well, today the repairman discovered that one of our two air handlers had actually frozen. There was a simple fix though. He thawed it out, vacuumed out all the water, replaced the filter, and we were back in the 70's. Yippee!
Although, there was a little more excitement during the visit. Hey, it wouldn't be our house if things went smoothly! As a part of the repair process, the repairman checked the outside a/c units and discovered our gas meter, located right next to them, had a major leak. Great! That was pretty much my exact reaction when he informed me of the news. The repairman used a wrench to turn off the flow of gas while I called the gas company to come out and take a look at my ticking time bomb.
I guess it was an easy fix because the gas technician was here for all of 5 minutes. He couldn't explain why the leak occurred, but assured me that it was rare, and I shouldn't start obsessively checking the meter. He also assured me that because the leak was "before the meter," I shouldn't be receiving a $3000 gas bill next month. What a relief!
So, tonight, I'm actually quite grateful to be blogging from my cool comfortable house that is still in one piece. Yep, today was a good day!
Actually, it wasn't all that bad. If it had been, I would have forked over the extra money and called the repairman out over the weekend. As it was, we were out and about the majority of the time. So, I figured we'd just wait until today and pay the lower rate rather than cancel our plans and pay more for the luxury of cool air throughout our house. My back-up plan, in case it got too hot, was to have a family "camp out" in the living room. Wouldn't that have been a sight?!
Well, today the repairman discovered that one of our two air handlers had actually frozen. There was a simple fix though. He thawed it out, vacuumed out all the water, replaced the filter, and we were back in the 70's. Yippee!
Although, there was a little more excitement during the visit. Hey, it wouldn't be our house if things went smoothly! As a part of the repair process, the repairman checked the outside a/c units and discovered our gas meter, located right next to them, had a major leak. Great! That was pretty much my exact reaction when he informed me of the news. The repairman used a wrench to turn off the flow of gas while I called the gas company to come out and take a look at my ticking time bomb.
I guess it was an easy fix because the gas technician was here for all of 5 minutes. He couldn't explain why the leak occurred, but assured me that it was rare, and I shouldn't start obsessively checking the meter. He also assured me that because the leak was "before the meter," I shouldn't be receiving a $3000 gas bill next month. What a relief!
So, tonight, I'm actually quite grateful to be blogging from my cool comfortable house that is still in one piece. Yep, today was a good day!
Sunday, June 28, 2009
Another Year, Another Chance to Share Our Beautiful Voices
Friday was Aunt Nguyen's birthday, but we've actually made her the center of attention for the weekend. It's a birthday extravaganza! Friday night we kicked off the festivities with a birthday dinner at Roy's. It's an upscale Hawaiian fusion restaurant in our trendy beach district, and they certainly did their best to make the evening memorable. Oh, and yes, we did subject those around to us to a lovely rendition of the classic "Happy Birthday to You!"
Aunt Nguyen really enjoyed her hot, molten lava cake dessert, BUT...
Baylor enjoyed it even more!
After dinner, we took a little stroll moonlight on the beach. Well, the adults strolled. The boys dug right into the sand. Jax went so far as to make "sand angels." Good thing we did this AFTER dinner!
Aunt Nguyen really enjoyed her hot, molten lava cake dessert, BUT...Baylor enjoyed it even more!After dinner, we took a little stroll moonlight on the beach. Well, the adults strolled. The boys dug right into the sand. Jax went so far as to make "sand angels." Good thing we did this AFTER dinner!
Catch-Up
Boy! Time has really gotten away from me! I don't know whether to blame our busy schedules or possibly the summer heat (aided by the lack of air-conditioning in 2/3 or our home), but I'm so tired at the end of the day, too tired to blog. As a result, I have lot to catch you up on.
Last Thursday, the boys and I had a play date with Hayden, Hudson, and their mom, Lisa. We drove to their house and then enjoyed lunch on the veranda at the country club. Let me just tell you, that is something I could used to! The food was delicious, the company delightful, and our view, overlooking the golf course, divine. With the temperature climbing, we decided to abandon our lovely luncheon and head to the pool.
Last Thursday, the boys and I had a play date with Hayden, Hudson, and their mom, Lisa. We drove to their house and then enjoyed lunch on the veranda at the country club. Let me just tell you, that is something I could used to! The food was delicious, the company delightful, and our view, overlooking the golf course, divine. With the temperature climbing, we decided to abandon our lovely luncheon and head to the pool.
Jaxon and Hayden explored the "big pool" with the older kids, while Lisa and I set up camp next to the baby pool. By this point in the day, Baylor was quite cranky thanks to missing his routine nap. He was basically alternating between meltdown tantrums over being in the water vs. out of the water, only taking a break occasionally to topple over in the pool and test my lifesaving skills. He didn't seem to understand the concept of standing back up after falling face-first into the water. I am joking by the way, about the near drowning part. There was no CPR that afternoon. Thank goodness.
After about an hour, we decided to call it a day and head back to their house. Hudson had decided to follow Baylor's lead with the tantrums which pretty much forced Lisa and me to admit defeat. Luckily, Hayden and Jax don't care where they are as long as they're together. They didn't mind that we were abandoning the pool once they learned they would be able to continue playing at home.
Little did I know, it was back at their house that the true craziness would begin. Hudson went down for a nap immediately. Baylor magically snapped out of his crabby mood (Maybe it was the air conditioning?), and Jax & Hayden disappeared into her room to play. Now, when Hayden comes to our house, she is limited to "boy" toys, like Cars and monster trucks, swords and shields, dinosaurs, etc. Playing house involves toy power tools and camping sets.
However, the reverse is definitely true at her house, and I now have photographic evidence that I'm sure the boys will appreciate in the future. Jax is forced (although I must admit, there really isn't much strong-arming involved) to endure any and all things pink and frilly. Oh, and this time, Baylor got in on the action.
Wednesday, June 24, 2009
Whole Foods
I finally made it to our new Whole Foods. Although, technically, I don't think you can call it new anymore since it's been open at least 6 months. As excited as I am to finally have one near by, I've been avoiding it like the plague because I didn't really trust that I'd be able to control myself in there.
It opened just before Christmas, but I knew I couldn't really sample the offerings because we were heading to Disney for the holiday. Then, after New Year's, I vowed to finally buckle down and try to shed some of the baby weight. Even though, I didn't really commit to the diet until after Easter, I knew up to that point that a trip to Whole Foods would only result in additional pounds to shed later.
Fast forward to today when my local seafood market informed me that they were out of the clams that I needed as the final ingredient for my seafood hot pot dinner. Dang it! What to do? I basically had 2 options, Costco or Whole Foods. Both of which would require a great deal of will power. I figured this was the excuse I was waiting for and headed to Whole Foods.
Holy moly! It's better than I imagined! I can honestly say that it was borderline torture wandering through the store. So many tasty treats, yet nothing that fit within my diet. Well, that's not entirely true. I did leave the store with some light tofu, tuna steaks, the biggest cherries you've ever seen in your life.
Yes, I think I may have a new favorite store! Someone come visit & give me an excuse to go back!
It opened just before Christmas, but I knew I couldn't really sample the offerings because we were heading to Disney for the holiday. Then, after New Year's, I vowed to finally buckle down and try to shed some of the baby weight. Even though, I didn't really commit to the diet until after Easter, I knew up to that point that a trip to Whole Foods would only result in additional pounds to shed later.
Fast forward to today when my local seafood market informed me that they were out of the clams that I needed as the final ingredient for my seafood hot pot dinner. Dang it! What to do? I basically had 2 options, Costco or Whole Foods. Both of which would require a great deal of will power. I figured this was the excuse I was waiting for and headed to Whole Foods.
Holy moly! It's better than I imagined! I can honestly say that it was borderline torture wandering through the store. So many tasty treats, yet nothing that fit within my diet. Well, that's not entirely true. I did leave the store with some light tofu, tuna steaks, the biggest cherries you've ever seen in your life.
Yes, I think I may have a new favorite store! Someone come visit & give me an excuse to go back!
Monday, June 22, 2009
He's Ba-a-a-a-ck!
Baylor's home! Lock up the cabinets! Put down the toilet seats! It's good to have him home, but my goodness...After a few days of living with my guard down, it's hard to switch back into prevention mode!
I once again have to think like a destructive 1-year old that's looking to get into anything and everything that he can get his hands on. I guess that's a good thing though. We certainly missed our little "destroyer." It's good to have him home.
I once again have to think like a destructive 1-year old that's looking to get into anything and everything that he can get his hands on. I guess that's a good thing though. We certainly missed our little "destroyer." It's good to have him home.
H-O-T
I don't know what it has been like in your neck of the woods, but here it has been insanely HOT! When temperatures climb, it's sort of mandatory that you head to the pool or beach to cool off. We chose the latter on Saturday when the weatherman predicted it would be 104 with humidity. Yeah! Doesn't that just sound soooooo pleasant? Little did we know, it would only get worse on Sunday when the heat index topped out at 110. Yes, you read that correctly...110!
Sunday, June 21, 2009
Taking It Down A Notch
The remainder of our extended weekend was much tamer. Probably because we were exhausted from Friday's shenanigans. We spent most of Saturday exploring Vegas' over-the-top casinos and shopping.
Most of the group agreed that the Wynn is where we would most like to stay on a future trip. It's grand and swanky, but there's a touch of whimsy to the decor that keeps it from being stuffy.
Not wanting to fully detox, we all thought it would be fun to grab a drink on the patio of Parasol Down. It was such a relaxing setting with the sun shining and the waterfall cascading down into the pool. We could have stayed there for hours. Actually, I think we did, much to our waitress' delight!
From the Wynn, we made our way back towards the center of the strip. Along the way, Kelly picked up a few bottles of champagne, and we devised a plan to enjoy the bubbly as we watched the fountain shows from the air-conditioned comfort of Alexis' room at the Bellagio. I'm not sure what was more fun, watching the fountains "dance" or opening & closing the curtains via remote control. Our room at Paris didn't come with that feature.
From that point, the group had to splinter. Anh and I made our way back to Paris to get ready for our evening of theatre with the Davorens. We had purchased tickets to see O, the Cirque de Soleil water show. The imagery and athleticism of the artists was absolutely amazing, but ultimately we left the show a little confused. All four of us were certain there was a "story" or message hidden in that production, but none of us were able to grasp it. Not surprising considering that we were basically zombies by that point thanks to alcohol and our lack of sleep.
Somehow we garnered a 2nd wind though and met back up with the group after the show to venture out for some late night excitement. Brad's group also manages a couple of Vegas' hot clubs. Now, if you've ever met Anh and me, you know we're not exactly the type to go clubbing, but we couldn't resist taking a peek, especially after learning that we would be escorted right past the hundred or so people waiting at the velvet ropes to get in. Who could pass up such VIP treatment?
While I'm still certain I will at no point experience a mid-life crisis and feel the need to frequent clubs, I can definitely say that it was a fun night. We mingled with the young and fabulous on the dance floor, saw Chris Angel (a Vegas magician/illusionist) and Fat Joe (a not-too-famous rapper) perform, and then worked our way into the roped off VIP area. We didn't see any celebrities, just lots of people that had paid a small fortune to get behind the 2nd set of velvet ropes so they could feel important. 
Sunday was by far our most relaxing day. Not because we planned it that way, but because we had absolutely no energy to do anything other than lay by Paris' beautiful pool. Afraid we would get the shakes if we detoxed at that point, we kept the cocktail waitress quite busy. Eventually, we got motivated and decided to go try our luck at the tables. This did not end up being the brightest idea, but that's part of the fun right? Although, Kelly did not see how putting your money down & then watching someone take it away from you was fun.
For what it's worth, I did start out on a positive note. I chose to warm-up on the $1 slots, and after investing $5/5 pulls, I won $100. I didn't have it long though. The craps table was not as rewarding. Oh well, I wasn't alone. We all left Vegas with lighter pockets, but the memories we'll share are beyond priceless.
Most of the group agreed that the Wynn is where we would most like to stay on a future trip. It's grand and swanky, but there's a touch of whimsy to the decor that keeps it from being stuffy.Not wanting to fully detox, we all thought it would be fun to grab a drink on the patio of Parasol Down. It was such a relaxing setting with the sun shining and the waterfall cascading down into the pool. We could have stayed there for hours. Actually, I think we did, much to our waitress' delight!From the Wynn, we made our way back towards the center of the strip. Along the way, Kelly picked up a few bottles of champagne, and we devised a plan to enjoy the bubbly as we watched the fountain shows from the air-conditioned comfort of Alexis' room at the Bellagio. I'm not sure what was more fun, watching the fountains "dance" or opening & closing the curtains via remote control. Our room at Paris didn't come with that feature.From that point, the group had to splinter. Anh and I made our way back to Paris to get ready for our evening of theatre with the Davorens. We had purchased tickets to see O, the Cirque de Soleil water show. The imagery and athleticism of the artists was absolutely amazing, but ultimately we left the show a little confused. All four of us were certain there was a "story" or message hidden in that production, but none of us were able to grasp it. Not surprising considering that we were basically zombies by that point thanks to alcohol and our lack of sleep.Somehow we garnered a 2nd wind though and met back up with the group after the show to venture out for some late night excitement. Brad's group also manages a couple of Vegas' hot clubs. Now, if you've ever met Anh and me, you know we're not exactly the type to go clubbing, but we couldn't resist taking a peek, especially after learning that we would be escorted right past the hundred or so people waiting at the velvet ropes to get in. Who could pass up such VIP treatment?
While I'm still certain I will at no point experience a mid-life crisis and feel the need to frequent clubs, I can definitely say that it was a fun night. We mingled with the young and fabulous on the dance floor, saw Chris Angel (a Vegas magician/illusionist) and Fat Joe (a not-too-famous rapper) perform, and then worked our way into the roped off VIP area. We didn't see any celebrities, just lots of people that had paid a small fortune to get behind the 2nd set of velvet ropes so they could feel important. 
Sunday was by far our most relaxing day. Not because we planned it that way, but because we had absolutely no energy to do anything other than lay by Paris' beautiful pool. Afraid we would get the shakes if we detoxed at that point, we kept the cocktail waitress quite busy. Eventually, we got motivated and decided to go try our luck at the tables. This did not end up being the brightest idea, but that's part of the fun right? Although, Kelly did not see how putting your money down & then watching someone take it away from you was fun.For what it's worth, I did start out on a positive note. I chose to warm-up on the $1 slots, and after investing $5/5 pulls, I won $100. I didn't have it long though. The craps table was not as rewarding. Oh well, I wasn't alone. We all left Vegas with lighter pockets, but the memories we'll share are beyond priceless.
Friday, June 19, 2009
Viva Las Vegas
First, a little disclaimer. We've all heard the infamous phrase, "What happens in Vegas, stays in Vegas." Well, clearly I'm about to break the rules and disclose some of the insanity that occurred during our trip. Hopefully, the group won't hold that against me! Although I consider our behavior to be at it's worst PG-13 rated (well...maybe not Alex's, but he was the birthday boy so we won't hold it against him), I caution that some of the pictures and/or video that you are about to see may be considered offensive. Enjoy!
The offerings were truly overwhelming, but we all unanimously agreed that the lobster ravioli won the title "Best Dish." That's saying a lot too when you consider the competition: Kobe beef, king crab, venison, rack of lamb, beef wellington, seabass, swordfish, an amazing sushi spread. I could go on & on. Don't even get me started on the desserts! My mouth is watering even now!
After stuffing ourselves silly, we watched the world famous Bellagio fountains "dance" and thrill the crowd of spectators that had gathered around the lake, and then headed back to Paris to our put on our party clothes!
As any woman knows, party shoes are not the best for walking. So we opted to cruise the Strip in a limo instead of crippling ourselves. After all, this was our first night. We still had money burning a hole in our pockets at this point. Let me tell you, that feeling didn't last long!
First stop -Dick's. Our friend, Brad, manages this bar and grill, and I'm sort of at a loss for words on how to describe this place. It's tons of fun, but as a patron, you need to have a sense of humor and/or thick-skin. The staff's job is to give you a hard time, and they are very good at what they do!
Our waitress was quite clever and decided she would help us accessorize with clever hats that displayed lovely statements like:
Our Hotel: Paris
After checking in and exploring Paris, we headed across the street to the Bellagio for Alex's birthday dinner, The Gourmet Buffet. I'm sure your first thought was, "A buffet?" Seriously though, talk about heaven! Considered impressive any day of the week, on Friday and Saturday nights the Bellagio steps things up a notch with an impressive spread of delicacies and desserts.
After checking in and exploring Paris, we headed across the street to the Bellagio for Alex's birthday dinner, The Gourmet Buffet. I'm sure your first thought was, "A buffet?" Seriously though, talk about heaven! Considered impressive any day of the week, on Friday and Saturday nights the Bellagio steps things up a notch with an impressive spread of delicacies and desserts. The offerings were truly overwhelming, but we all unanimously agreed that the lobster ravioli won the title "Best Dish." That's saying a lot too when you consider the competition: Kobe beef, king crab, venison, rack of lamb, beef wellington, seabass, swordfish, an amazing sushi spread. I could go on & on. Don't even get me started on the desserts! My mouth is watering even now!
After stuffing ourselves silly, we watched the world famous Bellagio fountains "dance" and thrill the crowd of spectators that had gathered around the lake, and then headed back to Paris to our put on our party clothes!As any woman knows, party shoes are not the best for walking. So we opted to cruise the Strip in a limo instead of crippling ourselves. After all, this was our first night. We still had money burning a hole in our pockets at this point. Let me tell you, that feeling didn't last long!First stop -Dick's. Our friend, Brad, manages this bar and grill, and I'm sort of at a loss for words on how to describe this place. It's tons of fun, but as a patron, you need to have a sense of humor and/or thick-skin. The staff's job is to give you a hard time, and they are very good at what they do!Our waitress was quite clever and decided she would help us accessorize with clever hats that displayed lovely statements like: Anh - "I did gay porn to pay for this trip."
Mike - "I fart KY jelly."
Amy - "High Maintenance (But, I put out.)"
And, my personal favorite...
Amy - "High Maintenance (But, I put out.)"And, my personal favorite...Nguyen - "Even my mom thinks I'm a slut."
I know! I know! We picked a classy spot. Just wait. It gets better!
I know! I know! We picked a classy spot. Just wait. It gets better!While at Dick's, I asked Brad for a "fun" drink after seeing the wall of frozen daiquiri machines, and this is what I got. Apparently, I should have specified a size.
My jumbo drink was passed around. I guess no one was afraid of catching cooties.
My jumbo drink was passed around. I guess no one was afraid of catching cooties.Thanks to Brad, Al was the center of attention and treated like a V.I.P.
Alex received more special treatment when he turned 21 at Midnight.
From Dick's, we headed to another one of Brad's bars, Coyote Ugly. If you've seen the movie, you know the theme. The girls are scantily clad and dance on the bars while picking on "lucky" males in the crowd. Wouldn't you know it! They knew there was a birthday boy in the crowd!
They were happy to provide him with his birthday spankings. Although, spankings may not adequately describe the beating Alex took.
The reward for taking his beating like a man? A shot with a view. I told you it got better!
Now, for a time check. When I took this photo, it was exactly 12:40 am, 40 minutes into his 21st birthday. 
Alex was escorted back to the hotel about 5 minutes later because he was feeling "under the weather." Sad! Very sad! The rest of us "old folks" partied until around 3am which for us was really 6am on the East coast. Personally, I'm amazed we lasted so long. We definitely paid for it the next day. No sickness, but we were dead tired.
Now, for a time check. When I took this photo, it was exactly 12:40 am, 40 minutes into his 21st birthday. Alex was escorted back to the hotel about 5 minutes later because he was feeling "under the weather." Sad! Very sad! The rest of us "old folks" partied until around 3am which for us was really 6am on the East coast. Personally, I'm amazed we lasted so long. We definitely paid for it the next day. No sickness, but we were dead tired.Stay tuned for part II of the trip report. That's pretty much it for the raunchy behavior though. We got it out of our system early.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
