There she is...

...Miss America!

My beautiful, talented, and totally kick a$$ mother was Miss Washington DC and 1st runner-up to Miss America! She then, along with my dad, were the program directors and in charge of the Miss Utah Pageant for 23 years. This year at the Miss America Pageant, my mom was invited specifically to receive an award. I was so lucky and got to tag along! I absolutely treasure the times that I get to spend all alone with my parents! I don't know if anyone out there knows what I'm talking about, but being 1 of 8 kids, time alone with my parents is precious. It was just the three of us in a huge suite on the south end of the Vegas strip. Nine days of no responsibility, and all the pampering a daughter can get! I also walked around quasi-famous as Norm and Rosanne (Tueller) Nielsen's daughter. I loved basking in their glory. My only responsibilities were to dress up, wear make up, smile, and make some nice conversation with "important" people while eating fantastic food. I just took a quick picture from our seats of the stage at Planet Hollywood

I love pictures of anything along the strip!

The pageant took place at Planet Hollywood.

The award ceremony took place in the restaurant up in the Eiffel tower. It was so awesome. The view was killer. I love the Bilagio and this provided the best view I have yet to see of the dancing waters. It was magical.

Dad, mom, Joan, and Jack (from Montana).

While walking through the Paris hotel, this was an advertisement for a hypnotist show. I was laughing right out loud to myself!

Proof that I do get "ready" occasionally.

The view from the Eiffel Tower before it got dark.

My cute, little, 67-year-old Rosie t-ing it up!

Mom and me with BeBe Shoppe, Miss America 1948.

BeBe spoke and showed off her original swimsuit which was made of 100% wool cable knit! WHAT? And every girl knows those stripes are totally going the wrong way for your figure!

Jack Lawson reading the award.

My siblings will know that my dad's hand placement is not by accident.

My dad is such a great generous fella! He was a joint recipient of the award, but totally turned it over to my mom and highlighted what she had done by creating the platform issue.

After my parents received their award, they were gracious enough to turn right around and give an award to Jack who is the alumni president. He was genuinely surprised and so flattered.

My claim to fame and only name badge I needed!

It was so much fun having Norm and Lisa come down for the final night! Lisa loved it so much that I'm pretty sure she is speechless. If you asked her what it was like I don't think she would even be able to describe it! LMAO!

We had great Italian food with the Labrums at The Saucy Tomato. Great recommendation from Krissy. Joe, Tony and Deena took great care of us and really knew their Italian cooking!

Good to know I have some outstanding relatives in Vegas who could offer me a job!

YES! This is the THE Grimaldi's Pizza place from underneath the Brooklyn Bridge. They opened two in Vegas. Jonny told me about this and I was so excited to take my parents. I asked the manager how exactly they could guarantee it would be as good as the New York pizza and she told me the exact ingredients were used right down to the water. WHAT? In order to ensure the exactness, they have the same water piping/mineral ratio/etc that is in New York pumped into the Vegas restaurant. THEY WERE NOT KIDDING. The pizza was divine!!! I love when the guests you take (my parents) really think it's as good as you talked it up to be! I just wish Scott, Jonny, Mendy, Krissy, and John were there and then we all could have walked across the Brooklyn Bridge again...well, maybe not exactly like last time...

It was a wonderful vacation for me--just what the Dr. ordered. I was so relaxed and really enjoyed my time with just my parents and me! Thanks again mom and dad. You two really are some of my greatest friends!