DISNEYLAND!

Last week our family went to Disneyland with the Petersons (Melissa's sister). We spent 3 fun filled days in Disneyland and California Adventure. It was so much fun. It was the first time for Drew and the kids, which made it even more exciting.

The castle was already decorated for Christmas. Cole loved the Buzz Lightyear and Toy Story rides. They're interactive... playing video games while you ride. The best of both worlds.

I took this picture of Mia and Brock on the Matterhorn. Reagan's in there too. You just can't see her. I just aimed my camera backwards while we were going down the ride and this is the shot I got. Mia Loved the Matterhorn. She rode it at least 4 times. I loved it too. Unfortunately I lost my cell phone on one of the many trips down the Matterhorn.

The kids loved Disneyland the best. The Tower of Terror ride at California Adventure totally freaked out Mia and Cole. Cole kept saying he didn't want to ride on "Hollywood Video" ever again. I don't know how he got "Hollywood Video" out of Tower of Terror, but we just thought it was the funniest thing and never corrected him.

The weather was great, there were no lines at all, and the Christmas decorations and music put a smile on my face. I didn't want to come home. Mia even cried when it was closing time on the last day. Hopefully we can go back again soon.

We finally got rain for the third time since we've moved here. The kids were beyond thrilled and immediately dressing in their rain gear to enjoy the weather in style.

Mia had some trouble keeping her umbrella from flipping inside out.

Cousin Austin was here for a visit. He and Cole are the best of buds.

More of Luke's B-day

Luke loved his birthday cake, and ate a ton of it.

Luke is 1

Yesterday we celebrated Luke's 1st birthday. Here are a few photos I took of him before the family party. I can't believe he's getting so big.

Luke was standing on his own for about 15 seconds before he realized he was doing it, got scared, and sat down. But at least I got a shot of him standing on his own.
Luke's best friend...his thumb.

Dance Instruction: by Mia

Mia loves to come home from dance class and teach me all that she learned. Here's a taste of our weekly routine. Isn't she sweet?

High School Musical &other stuff

Mia and I went to see High School Musical 3 with a few friends on Saturday. What a blast! It's always fun to have a girls day out. We both loved it. I buzzed Luke's hair last week. It was getting shaggy so I just pulled out the clippers and shaved it off. He wasn't too happy with me, but I think his new do is adorable. So it was worth it.

Cole had a preschool fieldtrip to a local nature preserve last Wednesday. It was cold but fun. His favorite part was the cookies and hot apple cider served at the end.

A couple of Quick Visits

Two of my wonderful cousins stopped into town last week for a quick visit. Julie and her husband Grant came for a short vacation, so we met them for dinner. It was great to catch up, even though Luke was a bit of a stinker. And it was the first time I had met Grant. He's a wonderful man...really fun to talk to.

And two short days later, Julie's brother Cameron stopped by with his family, on their way to their new home in Wyoming. I hadn't seen Cameron in YEARS, so it was a great, and long over due visit.

The kids loved Sophia and Ava.

I had a great time visiting with Cam's wife Julia. Talking to her made me wish we lived right by eachother. What a great family.

Homecoming

On Friday we had our own little homecoming with some of our best friends. It started with a day of lessons on baking homemade bread and crafting hair bows. Followed by a wonderful barbaque and the local homecoming football game. What a great day. It's one of those days that make you feel happy and blessed. We are so blessed to have such great friends.


Mia, Aubrey, and Katelyn - enjoyed watching the cheerleaders more than the game.
It was really windy.

Brock and his cute chubby cheeks.

Melissa, Marquessa, Kristen, and Wynette
Brooke, Morgan, Aubrey, Katelyn, and Mia

Girls Night Out

A few of my friends and I decided to take a dance class once a week. It's been so much fun! And quite a workout too. I'm finally getting used to it, but the first few weeks were painful.
Last week the kids decided to wait up for me. They didn't quite make it.

Only 35 Miles, But A World Away

"Thousands of tired, nerve-shaken, over-civilized people are beginning to find out that going to the mountains is going home; that wilderness is a necessity." --John Muir, 1898

Can you believe this picturesque gift from God is only 35 miles from our house? I can't even begin to explain the euphoria I felt when the kids and I hiked around this gorgeous mountain this afternoon. Drew worked all night so I decided to get the kids out of the house so he could get some sleep. This is where we ended up. The fall colors were amazing! I'm sure we'll go back there often. There are a lot more trails to explore.

Mia took this picture of me and Luke. A photographer in the making.

Autumn???

Today was the first semi-cool day of the season. I'm so excited. And Mia can finally wear her new school clothes that have been in her closet, gathering dust for the past month.

Pumpkin Pick

Well, it's officially October, and time to go to the local pumpkin patch to pick our halloween pumpkins. So our church playgroup organized the event, and it was really fun, aside from the 98 degree temperatures. It was swarming with people by the time we left. I wish Mia could have come. She was in school. We may have to go back. Cole chose carefully. It had to be the best pumpkin.
Luke wasn't too enthusiastic about the activity. He was a little HOT! I had dressed them in pants to at least make it look like autumn in the pictures. Not my best idea.

Try Waking Up to This...

I've been meaning to post this crazy summer story but kept forgetting. One morning this past summer, Cole woke me up at 6am saying "I cried and cried for you Mommy, but you wouldn't help me." When I opened my eyes this is what I saw. Of course I freaked out, jumping out of bed, thinking my poor kid was being attacked by something while I was sound asleep. Turns out he just had a bloody nose. But in that moment when you aren't quite awake, it's a rather terrifying experience.

Beautiful Mia

I can't believe I have such a beautiful daughter. Mia is so wonderful. I just wanted everyone to know that.

Wookie

Luke's nickname is "Wookie". Cole gave it to him. Not because he's super creative (although he really is creative), but because he has a hard time with the "L" sound. Anyway, the name kind of stuck. Wookie has three teeth now!