The Happiest Place on Earth

We had the greatest trip ever to California last week. It was hard to come home! It was just such a fun time!!! It seemed like I barely took out my camera I was having such a good time but I managed to take a lot of photos. We walked so much our feet are still sore. Our stomachs too from all our junk food!!! SO MUCH FUN! Here's the round-up:
We drove down to my sister's house and stayed with her on Sunday night. So good to see her and the kids adored seeing their cousins. On Monday we were off to Disneyland! Tuesday Steph and the kids met us and we went to the California Adventure. Wednesday we were back a Disneyland and got to meet up with Aunt Mandy. On Thursday we got to see Mike Melissa and the boys for a few rides and then we finished up at California Adventure. Friday we went to Newport Beach with Steph (see the post before this one.) Every night we swam at the hotel (kids love their swimming), ate yummy dinners and watched movies.
The boys loved all of it. Noah's favorite ride was the Matterhorn and Pirates and although he wasn't the biggest roller coaster fan, he was such a good sport he tried them all. Addie was the biggest roller coaster fan ever and his favorite was California Screamin' and Space Mountain. They both decidedly did NOT like the Tower of Terror. Katie loved seeing all the princesses and fairies. She really liked It's a Small World, Pirates, and the "Spooky Christmas" aka the Haunted Mansion decked out for Halloween with Jack Skellington. We ate our weight in churros and cotton candy and can't wait to go back, hopefully soon!

Newport Beach

On our last day of vacation we went to Newport Beach with my sister and her kids. My kids adore their cousins and we had the best time playing in the sand and water, eating at Ruby's on the pier, and collecting seashells. We tried to soak up as much sun as possible and it was a gorgeous day! Thanks for letting us stay with you Steph. We had the best time!!

On our way home we stopped by our old place in Canyon Country to the cemetery where our little Jillian is buried. We haven't been to visit for so long, it was nice to be able to leave flowers there.

Happy Noah Day!!

Noah how can you already be ten!!! It's crazy how fast time is passing by. Your favorites at ten:
Song: Phinneas and Ferb Songs
Color: Red
Food: Big Noodle Soup
Treats: Gobstoppers
Show: Spongebob Squarepants
Movie: The Mario Brothers
Book: Harry Potter
Friends: Brodin, Jaydin, Adam
Subject: Math
Primary Song: Scripture Power
When you grow up: A toy store owner
We had a little family party for you, just us and Grammy and Papa. You got a DSi from Grandma and Grandpa and it was definitely your favorite thing!! Noah we love you with your sweet and soft spoken ways, and are so lucky to have you in our family. You are growing up so fast!! Happy Birthday!

Happy Addie Day!!

Here's all your favorites on your seventh birthday-
Song: Crocodile Rock by Elton John
Color: Green
Food: Pizza
Treat: Jolly Ranchers
Show: Spongebob Squarepants
Movie: Ponyo
Book: Bernstain Bears
Friends: Taylor, Anna, Page, Noah, and Katie
Subject: Art
Primary Song: Head, Shoulders, Knees, and Toes
When he grows up: Spaceman (astronaut)
For your birthday we had a little family celebration, just us and Grammy and Papa. We had cake, balloons, and crepe paper balls! You got legos, Wii games, and new pj's and slippers. It was great! Addie you are abounding with energy, devilishly handsome, mischievous, goofy, sweet, caring, and so loved by all of us!!! Happy Birthday!

Soccer Saturdays are Here Again

Soccer season is here again. The boys had their first games on Saturday. The day turned out to be nice and sunny and they both had a great time. If you need us on a Saturday afternoon from now till November, you know where to find us. Go Teams Galaxy and Surf!

How Does Katie Feel About Being Home Alone?

I think it's partly because there is more time for pretty pink nails, tea parties, dress-ups, and princess movies.

Downtown

I've been needing to get out and scout some new locations for my photography, especially some urban spots since that's the way I want to do the kids portraits this year. On Saturday we did just that and Jason gave us a tour of the big city where he often works. We went to the alleys and awesome graffiti walls, the capital building and grounds, some lovely parks, and ended it all with a delicious little donut shop. Sometimes it's fun to be a tourist in your own city, definitely with such a great tour guide.