Vegas Baby!

We made our annual trek to Las Vegas for the Stars National Dance Competition with Sierra. Unfortunately it will most likely be our last trip due to the dance studio closing that the girls go to. But who knows...maybe we won't be able to resist the June vacation!

Sierra did an amazing job on her solo. 2nd runner up with some very stiff competition. She also placed second in drill down...although I actually think she was the winner, but, we go with the flow. Her team received all platinum ratings (the best you can get) with their lyrical routine placing first and overall in the division. Their hip-hop routine also placed first and overall in the division. It also received a special award for "crazy,insane energy". I would have to agree with that whole-heartedly! Sierra got to participate in a special "good-bye" number with Larianne & Devanee (her instructors). It was a tear-jerker. They have taught her so much. We will definately miss being a part of the STARS and a part of Larianne's studio.

We drove down in my new car and it handled beautifully! I was nervous with it being our first long journey. No problems whatsoever, thank goodness. We had my mom & grama Dodie along for the ride as well. We had a great time as usual! We left around 10:00 on Wed. night because mom had to work late. We drove until 2:00am and spent the night in St. George at the Comfort Inn...which was really a nice, brand new hotel! Had the complimentary breakfast, and then made the rest of the journey. We ended up driving straight to the competition because we had a late start. Checked into the "Orleans" hotel after the competition & a stop at In & Out Burger for dinner (my first time there...I thought it was delicious!). We have stayed at Orleans before and had a great time. It's a nice resort with everything you need right there. We saw a movie, had dinner at several different restaurants, and gambled the penny slots! Haha...big spenders we are! Not a lot of spare time...mostly we were at the competition. Headed out early on Sunday and spent the day driving back.

Justice & Montana stayed with their dad this time. So we picked them up in Mapleton on the way back. It was fun to be reunited after a long separation. They had been with their dad for 7 days. It felt like forever. I've had a few more days of vacation from work since we've been back and it's been nice to just hang out with the kids and not have a lot going on. But now it's back to the grind. I think I'm ready for it.