Disney for Grace

Go, Go, Go! That was Grace's theme for Disneyland this time. If she was on the move or on a ride, then all was well! (A lot like she is at home.) This was also the first time that she has been into the characters and having an autograph book - I think it was the challenge that she liked.

A highlight of her trip was Studio 365, which was formerly Libby Lu. She was treated like a rock star.

* Hair & Make-Up
* Interview
* Photo Shoot

*very cute*

And did I mention RIDES!? California Screamin, anyone? again....

We were so thankful for Moo-Moo, Aunt Kimmy and Uncle Bill... they made it possible for us all to have a great time. A fun vacation I will remember always!

Now, let's talk about Christmas.

Disney for Cole

Is it possible to spend almost an entire trip to Disneyland in Tomorrow Land? I think we came really close! The force was with us (I'm so not a Star Wars person.) But I have to say it was fun to see how much my boys enjoyed it.

We went to the Jedi Training Academy (very cool show for the kids) and Cole watched intently. He didn't try to volunteer like most of the kids around us, he just watched and took it all in. Then it was off to the store to purchase the Jedi gear. I know what he'll be for next Halloween!

We thought this would be the year that Cole would go on some of the big rides with us. He is certainly tall enough, but he preferred rides of the non-scary nature. We nearly ruined any chance of rides after The Pirates of Caribbean. The pirates didn't scare him, but the "roller coaster" part of the ride was not okay.

Looking back on our trip, this could be the last year he enjoys the little rides. I love that he's not too independent to hold my hand or freely give me hugs and kisses. So I'll take the little rides and all those sweet moments for as long as they'll last.

"Come on, Moo-Moo... let's go drive another car!"

Disney for Luke

Jerry says this picture of Luke describes him on our trip the best. He didn't want to walk, or wait in lines or cooperate at all most of the time. Our number three is strong willed and a bit of stinker (is that a character trait for the third child?) Distraction is our best friend with him.

He marches to the beat of his own drum if you know what I mean ;)

It's not to say he didn't have a good time, or at least some really good moments. We realized right away that a stroller would be a wise use of our money. (Duh, right?) Well, we had hoped this would be the trip with no stroller, but no dice.

So, Luke's favorite Disneyland moments would be...
* Cotton Candy
* Any Disneyland food

* Slow and brightly lit rides
* The Tiki Room
* Purchasing stuffed animals... (and throwing them at us)

In all fairness, when this sweet boy is happy, all is right with the world. And that's what I choose to remember and focus on... those good moments when he gives hugs and kisses. And that laugh - oh that laugh instantly makes me laugh!

I am thankful for my Lukey. His grit and determination are a gift from God. And so is that sweet smile!

land of Disney

I've loved Mickey Mouse for a very long time. I even held the nickname, "Mickey", in high school for a while. My love with Mickey has since faded, but I still love Disneyland and the "magic" that exudes from this "happiest place on earth." Of course, that was a little joke when we were there, because with children, reality can quickly kill the magic. You all know what I mean. (There's nothing like a meltdown - full on with the throwing of the stuffed animals you just purchased in California Adventure.) Fun times...

I quickly realized that we all had different ideas of this land called Disney. This post is my vision of a perfect Disney vacation. Family, photographic opportunities, Christmas decorations... Ah, Disneyland. How I wish we could afford to visit every year. And how I wish it wasn't a 7 hour drive...

Until next time, I'll hold on to the good memories and the fun we had as a family. And the snowflakes made from bubbles....

This week I will share three other very different points of view of Disneyland. It was a wild ride!!

giving thanks

I had a couple requests for Halloween pics, so here they are.. a gymnast, Blue's Clues and a fireman (again.)

As for me, I'm thankful that Halloween is over. I love, love, love fall. The trees, the weather, the change in the pace of our day. And I love how much the kids enjoy Halloween, but it's just not my thing. I don't enjoy dressing up or paying for costumes for the kids to dress up. I love fall decorations but I could seriously do without anything scary. It's not my cup of tea.

Here's what I do every year... I stress myself out looking for costumes to borrow for the kids (thank you, Kristen!) and then they refuse to wear costumes that belong to someone else ?? So Luke went for his slightly too small Blue's Clues costume that I found at a rummage sale this summer and Cole opted for the fireman's costume for - I don't know for sure, but I think it might be the third year in a row. (It helps that we have two sizes.)

We went house to house and begged for candy for our neighbors, and a fun time was had by all. Now the candy is bagged up and ready for a trip to Disneyland. Perfect plan for Halloween candy, don't you think!?

I'm most excited about the holidays to come. A reminder to be thankful.. now there's a holiday I love! I am thankful to spend time with my children on a long awaited vacation. I'm thankful for our health, the mandarins that are finally in season and this beautiful November weather. I could go on and on, but I'll leave some thankfulness for future posts.

Thanks for listening :)

Happy Halloween

Last night we carved pumpkins - leave it to my husband to take it to the next level! The kids thought it was great fun when daddy went to get the drill.

Hope your Halloween is full of fun...

and sweet memories.

I have photos coming out of my ears from this last week... let the holidays begin!

Stay safe, friends.

a bad day

It's back to school today. We just finished a week off for "fall recess". And while I highly recommend a week off during beautiful October weather, I will admit that there were some cranky moments. Not everything is as peachy as I sometimes make it appear.

Take this bike ride on Olmstead trail for example. It seemed like a great idea to me. Even Jerry thought the kids would have fun and it would be a nice way to get some fresh air for the day.

The kids fought it before we left the house (that should have been our first clue)! They were hot and hungry, one couldn't ride his bike - I pushed it most of the way - and just plain old cranky. boo. It's not like we didn't bring food and water. It's not like we didn't try to make it fun. But in the end it was all we could do to make it back to the car and try to forget what a disaster this outing was.

So there it is... my bad day posted for all to see. A good reminder that life is messy sometimes. And it wasn't all pumpkins and apples and all things wonderful.

I wouldn't change a thing.

Apple Hill

A car ride just far enough to make the kids complain...
But not too far to go for the day.
To a place called Apple Hill where we spent our day.

Run and play
Jump and race

Laugh and munch
Sit and rest

Until next year when we come to play.

Riverhill Farm

Cole's first Kindergarten field trip was my idea of a perfect field trip. This was my first time visiting a CSA farm. It's a shame this isn't closer to our neck of the woods.

Even farther up in the hill than our new school, is this beautiful piece of farming land. A warm fall day with fresh fruits and veggies; a little silly song singing and a picnic with a fresh salad - made with things we picked on our tour.

Of course, Cole has nothing to compare it to, so he was happy. Hanging with our new friends and enjoying a warm fall day. And singing..
"I like to eat tomatoes and potatoes..
I like to oat toe-motoes and poe-totoes.."

Ah.. guess you had to be there!

enjoying our days

The weather has made a change for the better (I LOVE fall.) I want to drink it up (hot apple cider), soak it up (warm rays of sun on a cool, crisp day), and enjoy every minute.

It's quiet around these parts... I know. Combined with lots of things on my plate this time of year, I'm enjoying visiting with friends (such as my friend's little guy seen here), snuggling by the fire, reading lots of children's books, watching the rain, field trips, soccer games and all the things that I love about Fall. It hasn't left much time for updating here on my blog.

There's just not enough time in a day to fit it all in... so much I want to do and need to do and every night I go to bed with a long list still in my head of things to accomplish the next day. Does anyone else feel this way?

But the most fulfilling and important ways I can find to fill my days involve family and friends and enjoying life. It's a balance for sure. That's what I find myself doing every day - finding that perfect balance.

Enjoying our days... hope you are, too!