Bellagio Prelims and Fourth of July Weekend

Morgan and I decided to stay on the stip over 4th of July weekend. We both enjoy the fireworks, but the traffic and the crowds are unbearable. I played the Bellagio 1500 on the day we checked in and despite feeling and playing pretty well I was caught in a couple bad hands to end my day. I raised with 76ss from middle, button and BB called. Flop was K75 with two spades. I bet about half pot, looking for a raise so I could 3 bet rip. The button just called and the 8d hit the turn giving me an open ender to go along with my pair and flush draw. I bet enough to pot committ myself if he shoved, and he did. He showed KK for top set. The river somehow missed me and I was down to 25BB. I really like how the guy with KK played his hand, not that it matters too much with what I had. But even if I had air I woulda fired the turn, meaning he woulda got max value from his hand. The very next hand I raised some limpers with AKdd. UTG raised enough to put me in and he showed QQ. I lost the race. We meet up with Katz, Michelle, Shannon, and Chuck for dinner at the Wynn. Dinner was very good and I managed to dodge the flip for the check. We continued to have drinks till bed time.
On the fourth I opted out of the Rehab experience due to a small cold and little desire to sit in the sun all day. I played the Bellagio, after a lovely brunch with Morgan. It didnt last long, as I called in a multi way raised pot with 2c3c. The flop was great 4s5s6d. I c'raised enough to pot committ myself in this already large pot. I was hoping to convey a combo draw and get action from an overpair. I did just that as JsJh got it in with me. The man with the JJ stormed off thinking he was drawing dead, but the Qs hit the turn then the 8s gave him the winning flush. He had me covered and I was out the door. I still dont know if he ever came back to see his chipstack. I proceeded to put in a cash game session till dinner time. We went over to a cookout at Zach, Marco, and Evan's place. Everyone was pretty hammered so we said our hellos and good byes inside of a hour. Traffic was horrible getting back to the strip, but we did get to see the fireworks pretty well from the car. Morgan and I played BJ and roulette the rest of the night for some free drinks. We ended the night with room service and a good night sleep.
My main event is today. We will be playing 5 two hour levels. Updates coming tom.

Justin "robert07" Young