We just returned from a fun vacation to Disneyland. The kids did not want to come home.

Kolby and Addie were both very brave. Addie was tall enough to go on all but one ride. This is Addie on the Tower of Terror. Her favorite ride was California Screaming.

Splash Mountain was the first ride that we went on after arriving at Disneyland. It was a good way to get Kolby and Addie used to the rides.


Landry's favorite ride was Winnie the Pooh. He was quite passionate about it. After about six times on the ride and a nightmare about Pooh Bears landing on my head I refused to take him on it anymore.

Tyler had to work at his corporate office for part of the trip. So the kids and I were on our own for three days.
This is after I finally got Landry calmed down after the worst temper tantrum I have ever seen. It was one of those tantrums where everyone walking by is looking at you, while your child is laying on the pavement screaming, and thinking about how you are a terrible mother. People sitting on the benches around me got up and left. It was on day five of Disneyland. I think the over stimulation and lack of sleep finally got to him.
Minnie's house!
Landry was enamored with the princesses.
Addie enjoyed her princess time as well.
Kolby was able to attend the Jedi Training Academy.
This standard is always a favorite. It was conveniently located next to California Screaming so Landry could ride it (over and over and over) as we took turns going on the roller coaster.
The kids and I spent one day at the beach. Kolby loved playing in and diving into the waves.


Addie and Landry also enjoyed the water.


Our friends live in Huntington Beach. We were lucky that Kristen and Campbell came and played with us at the beach.


After work, Tyler and Ammon joined us for dinner and the Huntington Beach street party. We ended the night with a walk on the pier. It was so great to hang out with the Madsens! They even joined us for a night at Disneyland. Kolby is very jealous of them because they have season passes to Disneyland. He is ready to move to Southern California so he can get a season pass to Disneyland.
To celebrate Addie's birthday we had breakfast at Goofy's kitchen. It was a fun party!
We had to get up really early but it was worth it.
The kids had fun visiting with some Disney characters.

There was dancing, playing and a buffet that included pizza and ice cream for breakfast!

Aladdin was very nice. Addie enjoyed her visit with him. She was given buttons that let everyone know it was her birthday. Addie was told, "Happy Birthday Princess" over and over again by the employees at Disneyland. She had a great birthday.

Six years old!

The kids love the Tea Cup ride. Unfortunately, the van broke down - twice. The first time I was driving by myself late at night in Anaheim. I lost all power and had to find a way to navigate to the side of the road. $700 later we thought we were set for a safe ride home. About 100 miles out of Anaheim we again lost all power. The mechanic cut the fuel line while replacing the fuel pump. Tyler pieced the fuel line back together in order to get to the nearest town. $125 later we were on our way! Anyone ever been to Victorville? The mechanics were really nice but I would not choose to spend much time there.

It was a fun trip and great to spend time together!

September 13, 2008

This was a great way to begin my day.  My neighbor called and told me to go out on my deck.  It was a joyful sight.  There were balloons all over the sky.

Landry has been having a problem when he goes to bed or takes a nap.  He takes off all his clothes and diaper.  If given the opportunity he will pee or poo while enjoying his naked time.  We find him later in quite a mess.  This was taken after putting his clothes back on for the third time after putting him to bed.  He is not too happy with his parents.  It made for a long night.

This was the beautiful sight I woke up to on Thursday morning.

Picture day!

After a couple of weeks of Landry's bedtime shenanigans we decided to move him out of his crib in an attempt to keep the clothes and diaper on.  This is his first night in a big boy bed.  So far, so good....

Happy 6th Birthday Addie!

We actually grew something in our garden!  The loss of 90% of our plants in the beginning was discouraging so I am glad we got something.

A creature keeps eating my zucchini!  The fence was put up in an attempt to keep "it" away but it does not seem to be helping.

This is what I keep finding.  Who is this zucchini bandit?

I learned that sprouting your own seeds has amazing nutritional value.  It took a couple of attempts but we were finally able to sprout.  Apparently, I was buying the wrong kind of seeds.  I also almost fed us toxic sprouts.  Lucky for us the kidney beans never sprouted because they are toxic when sprouted.  Who knew?  I think that they are pretty.

September 4, 2008

Landry has mastered the trajectory of yogurt and applesauce. It is his new favorite past time. He has also been regularly taking off his pants and then his diaper. Sometimes the consequences are worse than other times. I don't know which annoyance is more annoying.
Addie started gymnastics again yesterday. The director of her gymnastics program was recruited by another university. We are glad he decided not to move!