California Trip

We had so much fun in Cali (again!). This is the third time Joey and I have been able to go since October and the second time we've taken the kids. Before you believe we are totally just spoiled...the first trip was "free" because of a time share presentation we had attended. The second trip was "free" because we had a bad experience with the hotel on the first trip, so they gave us a free room and we had family getting sealed in the San Diego temple so it was the perfect excuse. We had wanted to take Tyler to Disneyland for his first time sometime this fall but...I'm pregnant! So we didn't want to go when I was 7 months along and huge so decided to just go this month. It was so fun. It's great at my house. Joey grew up in Southern California until he was 12, so he's kind of a Disneyland lover, which means we go as much as we can. I love visiting California. I wouldn't want to live there, but it's kind of addicting. I feel like now... well maybe we could go when I'm 7 months pregnant :) The first two trips were to San Diego. This time, we stayed in Orange County. Monday we left at 4 AM and drove straight to the beach spending a few hours there. Tuesday was California Adventure and Wednesday we spent at Disneyland. We survived with only a few meltdowns and had a great time.

Tyler with Aunt Karmie.  The kids both LOVED the beach. 

Joey's favorite past time at Disneyland...running the video camera.  His dad was kind of a video camera freak and I think Joey has picked that up.  He loves to document stuff on camera.
The kids loved Bug's Land in California Adventure.  Kelley thought this was so great because of the candy corn on stalks...just like real corn.  I like this area of CA because it's a lot less crowded than similar rides at Disneyland.
Joey and I in the Hollywood Backlot
When people asked what Tyler did at Disneyland he says he saw Mater and Lighting McQueen.
The kids in their coordinating outfits.  We bought the kids ears that just happened to coordinate with their Christmas Fleeces we bought them.  Tyler's of course got lost halfway through the day.
Tyler's favorite ride was the Carousel.  The lines were really short so we were able to go at least twice every time we rode...which had to be at least 5 or 6 times between the two parks.  He actually also amazingly loved the Go Coaster in Toon Town.  The train was (obviously) a big hit and he like Dumbo too.  He really didn't love all the kiddie rides (snow white, Mr. Toad).  They actually are quite scary all in the dark with the spooky music and lights...
Tyler wasn't at all into the characters.  He didn't really have a desire to see anyone, besides cars, but he kind of loves Pooh Bear.  It's pretty funny because he doesn't really watch Pooh that much, but has this Pooh Bear blankie he's had since he was born.  So I talked him into saying hi because of that.  He refused to say hi to Tigger though who was just around the corner.
Kelley had a great time seeing the princesses.  It was actually quite ridiculous.  The line at the Princess Faire where they always have a few took us over an hour and half to get through!  She got to see Mulan, Ariel and Snow White there.  We got lucky though by the Tiki Room and found Jasmine and Aladdin with hardly anyone in line there.  These guys were really cute and Aladdin was so sweet with Kelley.
California Adventure closed at 6 PM the first day, so we got to go back to the hotel and relax a little.  By the time we got to Disneyland though I think it was a bit much for the kids.  This is about 6 PM that evening.  They survived for a few more hours after this, but I think it was time to go home!

By the way...I'm almost 11 weeks along, I can't believe no one has noticed my little "announcement" on the sidebar...oh well.  I'm due December 22, but my kids were 10 days and 2.5 weeks early.  We aren't going to find out what we are having until they are born.  I'm already in maternity clothes.  Totally depressing, but that's what happens I suppose.

We are Back!

We got back from Disneyland at 1 AM this morning.  We had a great time, details and pictures to come soon.  Also, Tyler's tonsilectomy went well.  He did great and I think had a normal recovery.  He seems all back to normal now, except his voice is suddenly all scratchy.  I'm hoping we didn't do him in in California and that this doesn't get worse.  Hopefully I'll get to posting more soon...

The Easter Bunny

So Joey found our camera cord and I'm connected to my new pics again!  This is perfect because of something that came up during snack the other day.  Somehow the kids got on the subject of the Easter Bunny and the big Egg Hunt they had at the city park this year.  They were talking about the bunny there and Kelley immediately pipes up "Did you see his ankle?"  While she waiting to take a picture with him he was kneeling down and you could see his ankle under his costume.  She knew it was a costume then and felt the need to inform all the kids that THAT particular easter bunny wasn't the real one...she knew, she could see his ankle.  I've also attached some cute pics of my kiddos in their easter outfits.  

"Don't hate me because I'm beautiful..."

No, I'm not referencing myself here. ;)  I moved a LOT growing up.  I was pretty adaptable though and for the most part just threw myself into something fun and went with the flow.  I sometimes felt like though there were people who hated me because I came and fit in and had fun and whatever else.  I could never understand that....until now.  So, maybe it's just because I feel like my life gets more chaotic by the second...but there's this one person (will not name names) that I'm starting to really loathe.  I look at their "life" as I see it on my blog and they seem SO perfect.  They always have cute hair, cute clothes, cute body, cute kids, fun stuff going on...like a million things going on and they seem to balance it oh so perfectly.  Now, I don't actually know this person very well, so all I see is what they put on the blog...but it really makes me kind of "hate" her.  Of course I don't REALLY hate her....has anyone else ever been here?  It's a sad strange feeling.  I think it must have something to do with the green eyed monster, who is a dear dear friend of mine unfortunately....

Happy Mother's Day

Just wanted to take a minute and thank my honey and kids for a great mother's day.  That kind of thing hasn't really been big around our house in the past.  I was pleasantly surprised this morning however with breakfast in bed.  Kelley had made a cute little card with bath salts at school and the kids had picked out a really funny talking card (they LOVE those things and I can't walk past them anymore, or we never get away).  Church was nice as usual.  Then back home, a little lunch and a NAP!  Joey made dinner for me and even cleaned up most of it.  We then took a drive as a family and a little walk around Three Peaks with the dog.  Now it's 10 PM and I am going to go to bed.  It was truly one of the most relaxing Sunday's I've had in a while.  In addition my sweet mom and sister cleaned up my house yesterday so I don't even have anything to do in prep for tomorrow.  I'm so grateful for people in my life that take a few minutes to show they really care.  I'm really bad about being thoughtful that way, but being treated so kindly makes me want to treat others the same.  THANK YOU!  I LOVE YOU TOO!

The boy and his playground

Tyler L.O.V.E.S. the playground.  We are just two blocks away from the elementary which has a great set up, even for little ones.  Tyler would spend all day there I think if we'd let him.  Currently we are limited to after school however because we have tried to go during the day and inevitably the big kids always come out and craziness ensues (for me anyway...trying to keep track of 8 or so little ones amidst 25 or so others...).  He is just so full of energy I think the physical aspect of the whole thing is therapeutic to him.  It is really great, except when it's time to leave when pure joy gives way to MELT DOWN.  Hopefully with the summer will come much more time at the playground and he won't be so upset when it's time to go home.  (Ha Ha, I have to say to myself...)

DON'T Forget: COUPON CLASS

Tonight (TUESDAY), my house, 7 PM.  Leave a comment if you need my address or directions.