What happens in Vegas... isn't always so exciting.

This past week, I took a trip to Las Vegas to conduct training. It was my first business trip following Ben's birth, and the fact that I am still nursing definitely complicated it.

The plane ride, however, was scenic. We flew right over the Grand Canyon.



I stayed in Vegas one night - at the Bellagio again. It was just as beautiful as I remembered, but this time it was decorated for the holidays.





We had a dinner at the Bellagio restaurant Picasso. Unfortunately, I was not feeling well, so I left early. A good amount of sleep seemed to help. The next afternoon I flew back to Houston, where I slept before driving to San Antonio to meet up with Josh and Ben.

Snow in Houston?

In Houston, it rarely snows. Cold, wet days happen sometimes - but snow (that actually sticks on the ground)? Not so much.

So I was very surprised that when I walked outside of my meeting last Wednesday, I saw snow flurries. One hour and forty-five minutes later, I was home. I quickly got Ben wrapped up, and his Aunt Bethany (in town to help Josh with Ben as I was about to go on a business trip) took a family photo of Ben's first snow.



Ben was taken quickly inside, where he relaxed in his boppy.





Snow continued to fall.





The dogs enjoyed being outside and chasing each other.

Moon, Venus and Jupiter

Josh took this picture last week of the moon, Jupiter and Venus.

Ten Weeks Already?

I can't believe it is already December - so much has happened this year!

Josh and I met Ben, who is growing like crazy! Josh took him to the doctor last Monday (December 1) - at almost 10 weeks old, he weighed 14 pounds 10 ounces.

Ben is now smiling regularly.

He enjoys watching colors and shapes, especially while lounging in his Boppy.

This past weekend, we took him on his first hike to East End Park.

He fell asleep very quickly, but the dogs really enjoyed it.

Later on, Ben got dressed up in his holiday best for a photo op. How cute!

Always a night owl, later in the night he was even grabbing the colored rings on one of his toys!

He's going to be quite a handful...

Lately Ben has really liked walking while I support him - and he's only 10 weeks old! These are some snapshots from him at 9 weeks... we're in trouble when he learns to walk on his own!

Chocolate-Almond Bars

Last night, I made the Chocolate-Almond Bars from the December 2008 Food & Wine issue.

They were easy to make - and it was my first experience with almond butter. The recipe didn't call for any flour, and was (not surprisingly) somewhat similar to a peanut butter cookie texture. It was a little chewier, especially right after the bars were cut.

Happy Thanksgiving!

This past Monday, Ben became a two month old baby!



On Wednesday, we went to San Antonio for Thanksgiving. We had a meal on Thursday, but the real Thanksgiving dinner on Friday.

Sadie always knows when we're getting ready for a big meal in the dining room. She gets excited and prepares for mealtime!



Ben never sleeps for a long period of time during the day, but did give me a chance to finish eating on Thursday before waking up.



Soon after, Ben joined us at the table.



Ben started teething on Thanksgiving. Once we gave him Orajel, he started feeling better. Soon after, the Texas A&M - UT football game started. The game could have been better... It was the first time Ben and I watched a game together.



The next day, Ben liked hanging out with everyone!



Ben's Aunt Bethany gave him a faux-hawk!





Later on, Josh, Ben and I posed for a family photo - Ben was temporarily dressed up. The outfit was almost too small!



Soon after, Ben was in the crib for a quick snooze...



Perry waited at the table for food...



Ben rested with Oma Glenda. Perry and Bailey insisted on resting as well.



Lately Ben really likes looking around outside.



Along with teething, Ben is starting to suck on his hand for comfort.



Ben had fun at Alamo Cafe.



Then he played Peek-a-boo!



Unfortunately soon after, we tried feeding Ben about a half ounce of formula. I'm going on a business trip soon and will not have enough milk frozen for him. Unfortunately, he reacted badly. He is now back to normal - we just hope we can find a suitable alternative for when I'm on business travel!