"...you look like a monkey, and you smell like one too..."

That's right, this monkey turned 31 yesterday! And it was seriously one of the funnest birthdays I've had in a long time!! If you haven't been to Disneyland on your birthday, I highly suggest it! They give you a "birthday button" you wear all day and every worker there yells "Happy Birthday" every time they see you! So much fun! I invited my bro and sis-in-laws and a couple friends out to a night of Disney without kids. I tell you...it was like high school all over again! We didn't know what to do with ourselves! We went to Cheesecake Factory first and ate way too much then met up with everyone else at the park. It was really humid, but a nice night. Most of the rides were easily 15 minutes or we just walked on. They also have this awesome 80's cover band that was a blast! We sang and danced until the park closed. To everyone who came...thanks for making my day such a fun one! I'm so glad all of you decided to come. Let's do it again!!!

GO BILLS!

Freddy has been a Buffalo Bills fan for most of his life. Why? I don't know. But he's loyal. You got to give him that. For a pre-season game we all put on our jerseys. I need to upgrade mine to a Trent Edwards jersey. We are actually really excited to see him in action this year! We made popcorn and had chocolate milk for the game. We got through most of it!

Life's a Beach!

In the summer we do our FHE's at the beach. We meet up with Tre and Brooklyn's cousins and they have a blast! This past Monday was awesome because the tide was so low. My kids love the water and it always stops my heart when they show no fear and dodge for the water! Because to tide was calm, it wasn't that bad. We really are fortunate to live so close to the beach. We are trying to take advantage of it more...

Post Comp Fun

After the competition, our coach, Joe, took our whole studio out for dinner and dancing! We went to this amazing restaurant called Brio. Best Italian food I've had in a long time! The whole evening was great! Joe got us a VIP section at this club people were lined up to get into, so we felt kinda special! It was a blast going out with my mom! Check her and my sis out on the dance floor!

Nevada Star Ball 2008

Tan, bronze, self tan... repeat. August 14th, my mom, sister Monica, my nephews Keaton and Garrett and I competed at the Nevada Star Ball Ballroom competition. It was such a blast for all of us! My mom, Monica and Keaton started the Bronze division at 1pm. Monica, of course, took all 1st's, Keaton took a ton of 2nd and 3rd's (including 1st in Viennese Waltz! GO Keaties!) Garrett took 1st in Tango in his age category. And my mom also took  four 1st's and many 2nd and 3rd's! Amazing!!

Oompa Loompa Pin-up?? Totally. That's the one thing I really hate about the whole Ballroom competition thing. They like you bronzed up on the floor with drag make-up on! If my coach would have had his way, he would have had me two shades darker; Yuck!

My mom and I with our coach Joe Way! He has made this whole experience amazing!!

This is my first competition since Blackpool, England, 1999. I was really rusty, but did alright. I have sooo much more to learn! But that's the joy of the sport! More to soak up! I did the Gold Division and Pro/Am Scholarship. It consists of 5 dances: Cha-Cha, Samba, Rumba, Paso Doble and Jive. (Rumba and Cha-Cha shown below.)I wasn't expecting anything, but walked away with a few 2nd and 3rd's. Personally, I just dig on being on the floor! It kinda cracks me up because everyone there takes themselves so seriously. I just think that kinda takes the fun out of the dancing. I just want to go on the floor and shake my bon bon!!

I had to stop doing it years ago for really stupid reasons, but Freddy has been so supportive about me starting it back up. This was actually the first time he really saw me dance. Thanks for your lovin', Freddy!

Two of my Girls

These are two of my ballerinas I choreographed this year. They are brilliant, as you can tell in these pictures!  Emily (in white) took the highest award this year at Youth America Grand Prix. This is her doing a Juliet piece called "Adorare."

I did a fun ghost dance for Jessica (in black) called "Vengeance." Keep an eye out for these girls! They are the best of the best!