Confession

I love chick flicks. They are usually pointless and unrealistic, which is why I enjoy them so much. Sometimes it is nice just sit down and watch a happily ever after, romantic comedy. I also enjoy watching an attractive actor on the big screen. My latest eye candy is the one and only Channing Tatum. Have you seen the hit movie, Step Up? Don't worry, I already have plans for Valentine's Day this year. No, not a date. Unless a date with Channing counts. Step Up 2 comes out on Feb 14th and I secretly can't wait. I guess it's not so secret anymore.

God Bless Georgia!

This weekend I met my NYC girls in the great state of Georgia for Martin Luther King weekend (who happens to be from Georgia)! And let me tell you, I needed a vacation. Desperately. I know we just had Christmas break, but it was nice to escape my stressful work life.

Kristan, our wonderful host, was so nice to let us come and crash with her family. We even got in on her sister's 16th birthday party. Oh, how I do NOT miss those days. Her family was great. Her mother even cooked us waffles and chocolate chip pancakes for breakfast...now is that a vacation or what?! There is something about having a mom pamper you that I just love!

We got to Atlanta and our first thing on our agenda was watch FNL. It was an amazing experience in Kristan's home theater. We watched Tim on the big screen, looking as good as ever. Tim is my crush, but I really want a coach Taylor someday! Other highlights of the weekend included: Snow in Atlanta (I am told it snows once every 5 years), seeing a Beluga Whale at the aquarium, and touching a shark, tasting every kind of coke you could imagine from all over the world at the World of Coke (nothing will EVER compare to Vanilla Coke), Guitar Hero, DDR, movie nights in the theater, 27 Dresses, sharing a king size bed with Mel, and interacting with the great Dave and Darla.

Here we are at the world's largest aquarium
Some of us enjoyed the fishees more than the 5-year-olds running around!
Next stop was The Varsity. Some nice, greasy All-American food...definitely a must have! The Varsity is an after game hot spot for Georgia Tech fans. I got myself a yummy Frosted Orange and felt pretty good with my decision.


Bryndee enjoying her Coke!
Resting before our mass quantity coke consumption
This bear kind of freaked me out.
A stop to say hi to our dear friend Marianne. Marianne and I were friends freshman year at the BYU. We got up three times a week to cook breakfast and wash dishes for the senior missionaries. Fun memories! We loved getting up at 5am after staying up until 2am. Who knows how we lived off 3 hours freshman year, but somehow I survived. Kristan and Marianne grew up together, and Karen was in her ward when she started dating Andrew! Got to love the crazy BYU/Mormon connections.


And now I am back at my home in Washington DC. Work was crazy. I didn't get home until 8pm...which is a late night for me. Thank goodness for weekend escapes with good friends! My brother asked if we hit up the Atlanta night club scene. I laughed. Laying around watching movies, and spying on 16-year-old birthday parties is what I find entertaining. I wouldn't want it any other way.

Let's Get Together, Yeah Yeah Yeah!

While I was home I had the opportunity to meet up with some of my high school besties. It was wonderful to visit and catch up. Although it had been a while since we'd got together, it was so comfortable and fun to be around each other. I love friends like that! Leanne got engaged later that day, and I got to go meet the fiance and see the ring! I was glad to witness her big day! I am so happy for you Leanne! Liz we missed you!


Leanne, Me, Tifny, Angie
Angie, Leanne, Me

Happy Birthday Lesley!

Today is my dear sister Lesley's birthday! Lesley is definitely my best friend and the greatest sister anyone could have! I am so grateful for you! Have a Happy Birthday and get yourself a blizzard at Dairy Queen :) I love you!!!!

Wordless Wednesday

Mickelsen's Christmas Vacation

My anticipated trip home is now over. I had a wonderful time with my family. It was nice to have a break from the routine of life. It was fun just hanging out, laughing, and being silly with my siblings and parents. My relationships with my family members are very important to me. I love them so much! Top moments of the vacation:

1. The trip started off right when BYU defeated UCLA in the Pioneer Las Vegas Bowl. The game finally picked up a little in the end after defensive lineman Eathyn Manumaleuna blocked a 28-yard field goal! Special shout out to the Lybbert family for hosting the event.

2. Sunday evening the Mickelsen gang ventured out for a little Christmas caroling to neighbors and ward friends. Jeff brought his guitar along and the Christmas carol of the year was.....drum roll please.....Johnny Cash, "Ring of Fire". I bet you didn't know that was a Christmas song. Well, it is. And definitely a family favorite.

3. Quoting "School of Rock", "Elf" and "The Office" all week long.

4. Brian strutting around in his new under armor. We analyzed whether or not he should wear it without a shirt, or under a shirt for when he goes jogging. This lasted almost half of Christmas day. It was a BIG deal. And he looked mighty fine in that fitted piece of clothing.

5. Watching Haley endlessly...we are a little obsessed. It's probably a good thing another baby is on its way! She is one adored baby!! I love my little boo.

6. Christmas Eve program definitely makes a top moment! We did it a little different this year and had a nice, spiritual discussion about the Savior, and his atonement. How grateful I am for Him, for his birth and ministry on this earth.

7. Have you ever played the game, "Celebrity"? If not, you must. It is a great group game! We had a game night with our dear friends, The Lybberts and Butterworths. Some of my celebrity choices included: Jeffrey Sachs and Joey Gladstone (you know, "Cut. It. Out"). I didn't do too well that night, apparently I need to be much more discrete in my celebrity choices.

8. Asking Haley over and over what the fairy God-mother says, "Bipity bopity BOO!" And the follow up question, " Haley, What does the wicked step-mother say?" Her response, "No, no, no Cinderella!" Too cute!!

9. Talking to Elder Mickelsen on the phone. I am happy to report he is doing very well and is happy in Taiwan.

10. Meeting up with some of my high school girlfriends! One of my best friends got engaged a day I was there, and I got to go over and meet her fiance and see the bling. Congrats Leanne, future Mrs. Purcell.

And there you have it!

I drew Jeff's name this year for Christmas and got him some Elton John and Lynard Skynard piano/guitar music.
He then opened this great gift...and boy we were rockin'!
Haley got a baby doll and stroller! It is too much fun to have dolls and fisher price toys to open up on Christmas morning.
Brian's favorite Christmas gift!
Lauren and dad looking their best Christmas morning!
We all like to share a bathroom and get ready together...precious, I know.
I love my handsome brothers!
My baby sister isn't so little anymore. Freshman boys, look out!