Crazy Life

So I've decided that our family lives a crazy life. We got back from a nice relaxing vacation, and have been running around with our heads cut off ever since!! I guess that's just the way it goes for us? We had a really busy weekend and this week hasn't slowed down either. I guess it's good, I could be bored...right? I don't know that doesn't sound so bad right now!

We've been really busy with Mykell and all of her school happenings. It's been fun seeing her excel in school. I'm just ready for a little break! In the month of January Mykell brought home an excellent report card for her second term. She took third place in the 5th grade spelling bee, and first place in the 5th grade science fair! And she starred in her school play. I guess I should say she was apart of the school play, but she was the star to me!! She makes me really proud... Here is Mykell standing in front of her Science fair project.
Grandma and Kell checking out the projects!

This is Mykell and one of her best friends. If you didn't notice they totally coordinated their outfits for the fair. Black shirts, black boots and head bands!! (I totally remember doing this when I was her age!!)
Mykell's school play was the Little Mermaid. I went there expecting to see Ariel and Sabastion and found it was quite different then Disney's version. It was still really cute. Mykell played a seasider. (that's her in the back row in the middle) She also played the part of an old grandma that was trying to win the prince with her riches. It was funny! You'll have to ask her to give you her best grandma voice the next time you see her. It's hilarious!

Here is part of Mykell's fan club! We celebrated a great performance at Wendy's!! (We didn't have much time between performances) But after the last show we went to Coldstone and had some yummy ice cream! And then as we were leaving a miracle happened. We were passing Crispy Creams and the light was on!! The light that means you can come in for a free doughnut. It was definitely a sign that we needed to stop:)

Mykell is an excellent little performer. She was sad when it was all over. Joel and I are afraid we might have a little drama queen on our hands!!

Phantom

We just got back from Vegas. We had the best time. It was so hard to come back to real life. If only everyday could be a vacation.... We went to Las Vegas to see the Phantom of the Opera for Mykell's b-day present. It was really amazing we had the best seats. We sat in the first row. We were so close that at one point during the play I told Mykell I wanted to jump over the orchestra pit and tackle Raul! Kidding of course!! Joel and I were a little worried that Mykell wouldn't like the show as good as the movie, but we didn't have anything to worry about, she loved it!! And she still remains in love with the Phantom...
We left for our trip on Saturday and drove to St. George. We stayed at a hotel with an indoor pool, so Mykell and Joel could do some swimming. Isn't this the cutest picture of the two of them?
St. George was a lot warmer then Layton, but not warm enough for outdoor swimming! It was nice to be able to run out side and not have to wear a coat though. St. George has grown so much. I can't believe how busy and big it is getting. We went to my favorite place to eat, Chili's. It was crazy busy. Joel parked a mile away and the wait was 40 minutes. I didn't think we could wait that long, but a spot opened up in the bar and Mykell and I ran to grab it! I personally think that food is a big part of a vacation, we definitely had some good food during this vacation!!

On Sunday we drove into Las Vegas and went and saw Bride Wars. I thought it was pretty cute and quite funny. I would recommend it for adults. I was a little uncomfortable about a couple parts having Mykell there. But I really like Anne Hathaway and Kate Hudson so it's hard not to like this one. This is definitely a chick flick. I am so glad that I don't have to drag Joel to these types of shows. He is a really good sport.

We stayed at the MGM in Vegas and had a really fun time. They have a really neat lion exhibit at the hotel. I tried to get a good picture, but had a rough time. The exhibit lets you look under the lions as well as all around them. I know this isn't the best picture but I wanted to show you this one because I swear this lion was staring me down through the glass. He was drinking some water and looking at me like I was his next meal!

Here's Joel and Kell at the exhibit
Me and Kell at the Rain Forest Cafe

On Monday we went to the M&M World Market. It's kind of a neat little place. (I shouldn't say little because it is huge) Joel and I couldn't believe how much M&M stuff they had. Seriously if you can think of any kind of souvenir ,they had it and it had an M&M on it. We tried really hard to try to find kid friendly things to do in Vegas. The M&M Market is definitely kid friendly. However, I think Mykell was feeling a little to mature for it... at least she thinks!!
Look at that face saying I'm way to cool for this!!
Look at Joel rubbing down this M&M's thigh!!

Later that afternoon we found a really cool arcade with millions of games, it was called GameWorks. We were like little kids running around playing games. Our favorite was a Harley Davidson game, I wish I would have gotten some pictures, because I'm sure we looked funny all lined up on our bikes racing!

That night we ate at the Grand Lux Cafe at the Venecian and went to the show. We had such a good time. Mykell is already planning her senior trip. She says that she and her friend Olivia are planning to go see thePhantom for graduation!!

Mykell eating her $20 burger!!

We had so much fun! It's hard to come back to real life:( But, I guess that's part of life. Vacations have to end! I feel really blessed to have been able to do this with Mykell. This is definitely a Birthday she will never forget.

11 Years Old!

Today is Mykell's 11th Birthday!! I can't believe we have an 11 year old!! She's growing up so fast. It's terrible!! We celebrated Mykell's b-day last night by inviting all of our family over. We had pizza and a really yummy ice cream cake from Dairy Queen. We had 26 people in our little house! It was crazy, but fun!!

Joel and I decided to surprise Mykell with a ticket to go see the Phantom of the Opera for her Birthday. Mykell is the biggest fan of the Phantom. She listens to the CD on her I-pod all day, and when she's not listening she's watching the movie!! We thought taking her to see the play would be an experience she would never forget. So in two weeks we get to take a road trip to Vegas to go see the Phantom. I recorded her opening her present. It was pretty funny, I think she was in shock!

Mykell is truly blessed with a family that loves her. I think it's safe to say that it the Birthday celebration was a success.

Mykell we love you and hope you have a great Birthday. You truly are a blessing to your family!

Here is Kell opening up her Phantom Ticket

Happy Birthday Dear Mykell!! Happy Birthday to You!!