When the Stars Align......

May 18th, 2014

When I was a teenager we rarely had big music concerts come through town. If you were a Burt Bacharach babe, loved Liberace, or died to see Debbie Reynolds, then this was your town, otherwise it was hit or miss. Although, I will admit that some good bands (in my opinion) started to filter through Vegas as I got into my late teens thanks to places like the Huntridge and Aladdin Theatre. (few favorites: James at the Huntridge, Depeche Mode front row at Aladdin, can you believe Morrissey played the theatre at UNLV-5th row) 

My point, though, is that these days every casino has a concert venue and tons of music festivals/award shows are here, like all the time. If I had the money and the inclination I could be singing along to bands I actually like, at a live concert every weekend. That being said, the Billboard Music Awards came to the MGM. Lauren and her friend Sydney really, really wanted to go. We didn't have tickets, nor did I want to drop the amount of cash they wanted for tickets, but the had a red carpet event that was outdoors and they nagged me into taking them to that. We got there but didn't see much.... they did get a photo with Drake Bell, but that was about it..... we were ready to head out but wandered around the MGM for a few and hung out by the venue....

.....and before long the girls were given some tickets by a couple that was leaving- Jackpot!! They missed maybe the first hour but were able to see the rest of the show and lots of great performers. They even ran into some Magcon guys, Carter Reynolds and Matthew Espinosa- I don't really know much about that world but they were quite excited about it. At the end of the night we stopped by the Welcome to Las Vegas sign for some photos. Took our chances and it ended up being an awesome night!!

Lauren and Drake Bell

Lauren, Sydney, and Drake Bell

Carter Reynolds, Lauren and Sydney

The girls with the guy from"So You Want to Marry Harry"

The night before we procured some tickets to the One Republic concert at Mandalay Bay. Lauren brought along her friend Taylor and Jason joined us as well. They put on a great show, plus 

All American Rejects opened for them. Bonus!!

...and just like that

I was blind-sided by 40....it swooped in like a magpie, nearly knocking me off my feet

Inconceivable!!* That's how I feel about this weird turning forty nonsense. According to the stereotype I created in my head, I should very well be wearing elastic waisted pants, eating dinner at 4pm and complaining about my bad hip. Yet, surprisingly, I feel great. Really great, in fact. I think 40 is going to be OK after all!! (>stops frantically biting nails and realizes this with a grin)

March 12 was the big day and I woke up to find the yard "amply" decorated in an "uplifting" way. Evidently you need more "support" when 40 hits. Thanks to my mom and sisters for reminding me and the entire neighborhood of that!!

That afternoon my mom, sister Tiff, and I enjoyed lunch at BJ's Restaurant and I got a tasty Pizookie for my birthday dessert.

That night we had cake. 

I put in a special request for a Baskin-Robbins mint chocolate chip ice cream cake- Jason and the kids delivered. It was a good birthday!

 My 40th fell on a Wednesday, sandwiched right in-between two awesome weekends. The weekend before it I was whisked off to Disneyland with my mom and sisters and then the weekend after Jason surprised me with a faux trip to Europe.

Backstory: Since I was about fifteen I have wanted to go to Europe; mainly England.  Most of my music loves are from there and c'mon who doesn't adore a British accent. Plus I am amused by architecture and old, ornate buildings. I have claimed the past few years that I would get there before I turned forty (because, let's face it, after that I would be old and stuffy) Yet, here I sit in dusty old Vegas, dreaming of the day......

So my brilliant husband concocts a plan to sorta make my dreams come true and for that I love him even more! The first clue was driving up to the Paris hotel, where we got a great room with a view. After relaxing and getting ready we headed out to dinner. Not just any place though... we went all the way to pretend England to have fish and chips at the Crown & Anchor British Pub.  After dinner we returned to Paris where we took a tour of the Eiffel Tower. Then we wandered the strip for a bit and got some ice cream at the Sugar Factory. The next morning we slept in, then went to Town Square for lunch and some shopping. It was a lovely get away, even if it wasn't the real thing it still meant a lot to me. 

I really am blessed in my life and it seems the older I get, the more I truly realize it. Forty used to scare me but now that I have arrived I think I kind of like it. 

*BTW did you say it like Vizzini from "Princess Bride" haha!

Oh Yeah, Almost 40!!

March 6th, 2014 just an average ordinary Thursday for me. Little did I know that by mid afternoon there would be a knock at my door that would change that. 

By all logic I should have known or at least suspected some shenanigans on my family's part since my 40th birthday was staring me down like a wildcat ready to pounce. I should have recalled my sister Karessa's 40th just a year ago when we surprised her by taking her to St.George for a fun weekend with spa and shopping. Turns out I was just clueless. Didn't cross my mind. The only clue I got was a text message from Lauren telling me that 'I might want to look decent today.' 

So when the knock came and I opened the door to find my mom's friend Lori telling me to get my bags and let's go, then my mom coming around the corner yelling "surprise!"  it took me a minute for my mind to turn it's gears and figure things out. Well, it turns out I had a mostly packed bag ready to go and soon we were on our way......

The mini van was loaded with my sisters; Karessa, Stephanie, and Tiffany, my mom, cousin Rachel, and friend Lori. Our first stop on the road to California was dinner- and what better place than El Torito to enjoy a birthday weekend feast!! There was even singing and a sombrero included. After dinner we rolled ourselves back into the van and finished our journey to Glendora where we would be staying with the hospitable Aunt Fran(Karessa's aunt-in-law). 

Rockin' the sombrero

Aunt Fran and I

The next morning we all readied ourselves for a day at Disneyland. They even got me a special shirt to wear that said, "It took me forty years to look this good." When you are about to turn forty you kind of need the "happiest place on earth." We spent the ENTIRE day there, riding rides, eating food, and perusing the shops. We laughed at poor Rachel who was seriously scarred by riding Space Mountain, but we made it up to her by letting her "drive" on Indiana Jones. Of course she gazed into the eyes of Mara and we barely made it out! We lunched at Cafe Orleans where we devoured delicious Pomme Frittes and Monte Cristos and dined at Plaza Inn for dinner. After dinner we watched the fireworks then finally strolled out as the park was closing. We drove back to Glendora and made a quick 1am stop at Donut Man. Evidently they are famous because they have been there on Route 66 forever making delightful donuts. Their specialties include the Tiger Tail and fresh fruit donut. I was special and got a free fresh strawberry donut since it was my birthday!!

Lori, mom, Tiffany, me, Karessa, Stephanie, and Rachel

Rachel, who was seriously terrified and Karessa

Pomme Frittes- can't go to Disneyland without devouring a basket of these!

The Monte Cristo

Random girl, Steph, Rachel, and myself

Seems I was riding alone..... but the camera caught me kissing my invisible co-rider boyfriend....

How many Nelson girls can you fit into a teacup????

Indiana Jones

Quick story about this picture:

Aunt Fran warned us upon arrival that there had been some coyote sightings around the neighborhood due to a wildfire up on the hills. Of course I am petrified of dogs and coyotes are even scarier, so I was constantly on the lookout. Well, upon returning to Aunt Fran's from Disneyland in the wee hours of the morning, Karessa was thirsty from all the donut devouring and stepped out to the back porch to get a bottle of water from the mini fridge. Before she could even open the fridge she was scared stiff by a noise she heard. Lori and Tiff were also at the back door and promptly feared COYOTE!!! In the split second this all went down they saw the squatter cat with it's back arched and hissing at them. With squeals and laughter we all laughed til we cried.... and someone whose name starts with a K may or may not have peed her pants. The End!!

The next morning we thanked Aunt Fran and Uncle Lou for their hospitality and made our way towards Ikea. We seriously shopped it up and had to refrain from buying too much because the van was already overflowing. After Ikea, we had lunch at The Hat and hit a few more stores to top off the day before heading back to Vegas.

We had a great time, sometimes it's good to break away from reality and bring on the frivolity!! Thank you girls and mom for making this happen and making my 40th special!!