Face Painting?

What happens when graduate students + college students + full-time workers get together? 

Well I'll tell you...SHENANIGANS happen, that's what! In light of my good friend Ashley Zener 27th Birthday, a celebration occurred! It was a marvelous time with great food, laughter, gargoyles, some keg stands and face paint! Yes, that's right face painting! We were all grown adults painting our faces; even the dog got a face painting.

Left to Right: Me doing a Gargoyle; Sarah, Tiff and Ashley dressed in their formal dresses; me with Courtnay; myself with my friend Milan; Sookie with her war paint

Not going to lie, it's night like these that make me sad to be leaving Flagstaff in May. I have some of the greatest friends in the world! They fill my life with laughter and happiness! 

A New Child of God

It's only for a moment you are mine to hold

The plans that heaven has for you

Will all too soon unfold

So many different prayers I'll pray

For all that you might do

But most of all I'll want to know

You're walking in the truth

And If I never told you

I want you to know

As I watch you grow

I pray that God would fill your heart with dreams

And that faith gives you the courage

To dare to do great things

I'm here for you whatever this life brings

So let my love give you roots

And help you find your wings

May passion be the wind

That leads you through your days

And may conviction keep you strong

Guide you on your way

May there be many moments

That make your life so sweet

Oh, but more than memories

It's not living if you don't reach for the sky

I'll have tears as you take off

But I'll cheer as you fly

-Mark Harris, Find Your Wings

My little nephew is the most adorable little boy ever. He wore a white tux and looked very stylish and studly. He did so well during the church service and his baptism, though did manage to make grumpy faces that made me want to laugh. I am such a proud aunt and godmother and am so anxious to see this little boy grow into a man.

After the church service, everyone headed back over to Michelle and Matt's (sister and brother-in-law) for an amazing lunch and football. My favorite part of the entire day, besides Jacob entering God's family, was the fact that Jacob has learned to put his fingers in his mouth. The photos are more then enough to explain the day!!!

Top Row: Jacob Brady Kasel (How cute is he)
Middle Row: Aunt Nicole with Jacob, Mommy and Jacob, Uncle Joel with Copper

Bottom Row: Copper, Grandpa trying to kiss Joel, Copper begging for food!

Oh How I Love Vegas!!!

After a marvelous trip to Rocky Pointe for New Years, who would have thought 2011 could start off any better?! Well, not me. Mostly, because Vegas with my cousin, mom and aunt was so incredible. My aunt had the Computer/Electronic Convention in Vegas so the other three of us just tagged along for the fun, and fun we had. We stayed at the Belagio, where Lady Gaga was staying at and on our floor, none-the-less!

Wednesday: 

We arrived. We unpacked. We started shopping; but not before a little snack and drink at Ceaser's Palace. By night we hit the town, well at least we made it to Paris Paris and Planet Hollywood. By midnight, it was time to party. So, Rachel and I ventured out on our own heading to Koi for some drinks while the mothers ventured home. All in all, day one was a success.

Top Middle: The door behind us is where Lady Gaga was staying!!!

Game of the Trip: Sex and the City (Rachel bottom left won $80-not fair)

Thursday:

Oh Thursday, you and I were not good friends. It was little rough start but the day was well spent. Gambling, eating, and walking before heading over to the CES Convention where I hung out in the Canon location talking cameras and photography for a couple hours waiting for Lady Gaga to make her appearance. She was there to promote her new Gray Label for Polaroid (sorry blurry photo). It was a good time looking at all the new technology stuff that is coming out, 3D seems to be the next big thing!

Left: Rachel won AGAIN; Middle: Margaritaville; Right: Lady Gaga

Friday: Drove home, exhaustion and all.

Overall Rating= 11 out of 10!

A Rocky Pointe Style New Year's 2011

Rocky Pointe + Family + Friends + Good Times = New Year's 2011

That really is the easiest way to describe this past weekend. I can't remember a New Years that was this much fun in some time, especially since my younger cousin was able to experience Rocky Pointe, Mexico for the first time. Not to brag, but I do believe I showed her  one hell of an experience!

Rachel pictured in a hammock and swimming at Las Palomas, looking at the Shrimp Boats, and bringing in the New Year's at Changa's.

Where the true journey begins:

We get to Rocky Pointe late Thursday night and immediately head over to our friends condo for an easy night. Of course, lets be serious, it is Mexico after all. An easy night consists of food, drinks and games.

 Friday, the gang (too many to name) headed into town to visit our favorite fruit/veggie stand and have some drinks at Boobar, the place to be for a memorable good time, before our New Year's dinner extravaganza!!!

Fruits and Veggies

Shrimp boats, oyster shells, the gang at Boobar, and the best sign at Boobar

For our dinner extravaganza, the children (note: we are all over the age of 20) were sent to the "kids" table so what do we do...

...we do TEQUILA SHOTS!!!! (Note: I am taking a shot of water...I don't like Tequila)

As for the rest of New Year's... 

Us children wandered out to a Changa's, a local bar, at about 10:45pm and were back at the condo by 12:20am. We enjoyed Changa's but realized that the condo offered just a little more than a crowed, elbow to elbow smokey bar; including, family, friends and the choice beverage for the evening. This shenanigans continued until the early hours of the morning.

As Saturday rolled around, everyone was pretty exhausted and the children realized it was more exciting to drink bloody mary's and sit in the hot tub than go into town again, so that is exactly what we did. We had a fully thanksgiving dinner (thanks to Mama Z), along with scrumptious clams for dinner and not-to-mention were adult-free (though, I'm pretty sure they didn't mind being "kid-free" for the evening). After dinner, and for our last night, were partied Rocky Pointe-style.

When Sunday came along, the fun-filled festivities had worn out the other kids. I was having WAY too much fun with my DSLR camera, so I wandered around the complex, the beach and then into town to take some random photos. Honestly, its hard not to be in such a lovely and scenic location and not take pictures daily. Rocky Pointe has some great opportunities for photography and I have learned to always ready to snap a shot.