Weekend Recap

As I sit here on the near end of the weekend, I am trying to figure out how I can possibly summarize the events in a manageable read. It was one of those weekends that was combined with family, friends and a whole lot of fun.

The Russian b-day party was a good time. It's always pretty much the same people, same restaurant, and same vibe, but we always enjoy spending a few hours surrounded by vibrant family and celebration!

Toly aunt and uncle (the b-day boy!)

After the party, we were headed to our friend's for their Casino Party! I told you that these two are notorious for throwing some of the most over-the-top parties, and let me assure you, they did not disappoint. Their entire basement was transformed into a little piece of Vegas, equipped with a full bar service, Roulette, Black-jack, and poker tables, a slot machine and many other festive decorations. People also dressed for the occasion to add to the ambiance. We each received "play" money and had an hour and a half to test our luck at the casino games. Toly and I actually swept the floor at black-jack and came in 2nd place when all was said and done! (Too bad we usually aren't that lucky with real money)

After the games, it was time for the event of the evening...Battle Royal. This was the much anticipated Rock-Band sing-off between Toly and another worthy contender. You see, ever since Toly's break out performance of "Eye of the Tiger" on New Years, he has talked a big game of his "golden pipes." So, he was asked to appropriately "bring-it" when one of Brian's friend's (who also is known for being a Rock-Band champion of this same song) heard of this. They each chose their band and duked it out. Okay, after you watch the clip below, I'm guessing you will get a good idea of the outcome.

(The Contenders)

Needless to say, Toly's passion didn't quite met up. Haha, it was extremely amusing to say the least.

This morning we both slept in a little after our late night. I woke up and decided that the hubby deserved a breakfast of champions regardless of his second place standing. I made him one of his favorites...chocolate chip banana pancakes. I made mine into pumpkin banana pancakes, minus the chocolate chips and threw some extra bananas and blackberries on top. I filled up on these with the intent of doing another 5 mile run afterwards. For some reason, Sunday mornings is one of my favorite times to run. I feel that I do my best running at this time, so I figured I would use that opportunity to push myself a little further.

It's amazing how much easier its becoming to add miles to my run. I am hoping to be conditioned enough to do a 1/2 marathon this year, but we'll see. (It's not until August, so I still have a lot of time to train).

My sister came over for lunch and then the 3 of us went over to my parents for a visit. Toly's new-found electric skills came to use as he installed 2 new lights for my parents. After a nice visit (and a pretty pathetic convincing from my Dad, that Sammy wanted to sleep over) we left Sammy for the night and came home to make dinner. Tonight it was french-bread pizza. This is actually a Rachel Ray recipe for Bologense Bread Pizza that I made for Christmas Eve. I make the meat version for Toly and a vegetable bolognese for me and it works out perfect. Very easy to make and wonderfully tasty.

http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/rachael-ray/bolognese-bread-pizza-recipe/index.html

Well, I think it's time to unwind now with some tv and maybe a bowl of ice cream. Such a great way to end the weekend!