The Andrea Bocelli Adventure

So the weekend of 12/7/13 started very snowy. Margaret and I headed out on our annual pilgrimage to a concert in Vegas, but it was a treacherous journey. We questioned our safety a few times, but we got through for Andrea!

We decided to stay the night in Vegas to avoid more dangerous driving situations. We stayed at The Rio and were upgraded to a VIP suite for free. This was because the guy checking us in thought two beautiful women deserved it...and they had lots of rooms available.
The concert was at the MGM Grand Garden Arena. BEST CONCERT I HAVE EVER BEEN TOO!!!!! That man is amazing. The first half of the concert he performed a lot of opera. He performed with Svelta Vassileva,  a soprano. They were amazing. I wish I could do something that cool. I was loving the opera, but I was getting anxious for some of his more popular stuff and some christmas music. I love christmas!

The moment that truly made the concert for me came next. Mr. Bocelli came out holding a flute and began to sing Ave Maria...best moment ever! He played the flute as well, which is awesome because the man is blind! It was so beautiful, I was on the verge of tears (which is saying something for me). He followed with Adeste Fideles (Oh Come All Ye faithful). Also awe inspiring!

After these two songs, the great Heather Headley came unto the stage! At first I didn't recognize the song, but it turned out to be the best version of "Somewhere Over the Rainbow" that I have ever heard. Her voice was incredible. I found out later that she is the original Nala from the broadway Lion King, one of my favorites! (picture courtesy of andreabocelli.com)

Next was Andrea singing "I Found My Love in Portifino" AWESOME! He then sang "When I Fall In Love" with Heather...very romantic and they were so good together! Then "Canto Della Terra" together! This is a beautiful song, I suggest looking it up on YouTube! They made it seem like this was the last song, but when Andrea got to the edge of the stage with the crowd going wild, he talked to the conductor and walked back on stage for an encore! He said "Because we are Vegas" and sang "Love Me Tender." Once again we thought this was the end and the crowds stood and went wild. And again Andrea walked to the edge of the stage and talked to the conductor. He did this to us an additional 2 times. He sang "New York, New York," "Time to Say Goodbye" (much to Margaret's happiness! This was the one song she wanted!), and he finished with "Nessun Dorma" from Turandot, an opera! Once he finished the last song, the audience in complete unison stood clapping and shouting!!! Seriously the best concert and one of the best performers. I loved it so much that for Christmas I sent my parents to the show in Phoenix the next night! They loved it!

So after the show, Marg and I feeling fancy took a taxi back to our hotel,

got hot chocolate and went to bed. We headed out the next day fully intended on getting back to Provo. The I-15 was closed due to the weather and the officials said it wouldn't be opened for 6-8 hours. We decided it would be worth it to just go home to AZ! My parents were super excited. I surprised my BFF Faith by making her believe we were going to skype then showing up on her doorstep! I'm an awesome friend :) It was nice to have a few days visiting friends and family! I miss my Harley guy! He's a real cool guy!
Marg and I then headed back home to Provo. It was a nice way to get over the weather! I miss warm sunny AZ and the people that live there! The concert was awesome and I can't wait to see who we choose next year to see! Good times!

Killers in Vegas

Went to Vega this last weekend to see the Killers in concert! It was awesome beyond belief! Guess who we met??? BRANDON FLOWERS!!!!! Ya it happened by total chance! He was walking through the lobby just a few minutes after we arrived! He's the lead singer for the Killers, FYI! :) (P.S. photos were taken on phones, not the best resolution.)

 Here we are before the show started. Ashlee, myself, Margaret. The first opening band was actually really good, "Most Thieves". I bought their CD and we met some of the band members afterwards. Got their autographs!

 And here he is! We were in the very front! Very close! It was dreamy!!!

Brandon and Ronny. Ronny became one of mine and Marg's favorites. Never stopped beating those drums! 

We also went to Benihana's whilst we were in Vegas! It was yummy and entertaining!

It was a weekend I'll never forget! Thanks Ash for the photos, Marg hasn't sent me her's yet! 

Yo soy...

Holly did this on her site and told me to do it as well. It's a cool idea. This is for you Holly and I miss you dearly!

• Name: Hilaree
• Age:  In my mind 18, but according to my driver’s license: older
• Height: 5’8” when I stretch
• Relationship status: single
• Birthday: January 21st
• Favorite color: Red and Gold
• Favorite musicians: U2, Frank Sinatra, Paul Simon...These are the guys I can listen to whenever and forever!
• Last song listened: “Wind of Change” Scorpions
• Favorite movies: Back to the Future, Star Wars: Empire Strikes Back, and October Sky
• Last movie watched: Where the Heart Is
• Favorite book: Little Women
• Last book read: A Tree Grows in Brooklyn
• # of siblings: 6
• # of pets: 3, Charcoal, Dot, and Goob (he’s a cat!)
• Best school subject: Anatomy and Physiology, Science
• Mac or PC?: Mac
• Cell phone type: Alias 2, hopefully soon to be an iPhone
• Current shirt color: Blue
• Gamer?: no.
• Day or night?: Day, I love sunlight, especially coming through windows warming up the room.
• Summer or winter?: Winter=Christmas
• Most-visited website?: pinterest and blogger
• Celebrity crushes: Tom Hiddleston and Richard Armitage
• Biggest Turn On/s: a sense of humor and a laid back personality (Holly had this and I agree!)

On the 6th/7th day of Christmas...la la la la la

On the 6th/7th day of Christmas...

Man, lots of birds at Christmas time!

Another thing that makes Christmas totally awesome is CHRISTMAS CAROLS!!!

Yesterday, I went to the Voices of Christmas and thought it was wonderful. The Choir sounded really great and the orchestra was awesome (especially that gong in "We Three Kings. Scared everyone in front of us). All the songs were great. I really liked the "Joy to the World" at the beginning and I liked the "Mary and Elizabeth" duet. It was a great experience overall!

Music really brings people together and it's especially true with good Christmas music! ASU nursing school has a holiday party at the Westward Ho in Phoenix! And 8 great people came with me and sang for the residents. They made it a great party and their voices drew people to the party. When the singers took a break they made bracelets.

I made a bracelet too!

Christmas music is wonderful and can make people happy very quick. I love it! I don't understand why people ban it for the rest of the year. Need a pick-me-up? Sing a carol! :)

Deck the Halls with boughs of Holly! Fa La la la la la la :)