CALIFORNIA....Here we came....

Oh my...can I just say that we have had one heck of a week! It has been so much fun to spend time with my family. I think it gets funner and funner as we get older and the more people we add to the mix. We got to spend the week in Oceanside at a beautiful beach-front condo. We got to wake up every morning to the sound of the waves crashing. It was just awesome! I will try and give a good run-down of our trip with the photos...

Here is Brynlee and I on the beach on Sunday. We had to walk down and see the sun set! It was gorgeous! I am not opposed to living by a beach. I think I would quite like it!

Here is the family photo on Sunday night at the beach...needless to say, I think Ethan was still a little stir crazy from driving the day before! But, he had no fears of the water! It was great, where we were there was a little playground by the beach. He even made a cute little friend while we were there!

The view! (Let's just take a minute to enjoy this, shall we?!

)
Grandma and Brynlee! Cute girls!

Ethan at the playground by the beach! He was having the best time.

DISNEYLAND: Wow, can I just say that you really can spend days (plural) there. We spent 3 days there and we still didn't get to see and ride everything we wanted to. We gave it a good shot, but came very close! It was so fun to go with Ethan, because he was so curious and awe-struck. It was just cool to see this through his eyes! He was a good sport and tried most every ride he could go on! He still was too short for most of the roller coasters, but we figured that. But, we still had a blast! And, it was fun because it was Halloween time there. I have only been to Disneyland once (when I was 12) so, it was fun to go again, because it was like the first time for me too! Plus, they have changed it so much!

Our family photo with the Halloween Mickey! It was so cute how they decorated the front part. We were expecting a little more decor, but it was mostly the front Main street.

Ethan going on the Auto ride in Tommorowland. His first Driver's License photo! We were a little afraid of how his driving would be, and we were right...he will wait until he is 16!

Brynlee spent the 3 days in Disneyland in a stroller. She was such a good sport! And, she was teething...so, to take all those things into consideration-- she was wonderful! She even got to go on a few rides too. Her favorite things were "It's A Small World" ride and the "Sensation Parade" at night. She would just laugh and point and things. She was a wonderful baby!

CALIFORNIA ADVENTURE: Ethan loved seeing the characters. He was so excited when we saw Lightning McQueen and Mater. He thought there was more to see, but this attraction won't open until 2012. So, we will have to put that down for our next trip someday...

This was probably our favorite ride/game of the entire place. Toy Story! Ethan just loved it. We all thought it was really fun!

We got to meet Goofy! And this was so funny, because we waited in line for a few minutes, and of course there was still a line behind us. So, as we get up to meet Goofy, Ethan goes right up to him and hugs him. He was hugging him so long that I thought he was crying, but nope! He was just taking him sweet time to absorb what was going on. Then, as a concerned parent was, I tried to get Ethan to turn around to take a picture with Goofy...and Goofy shook his head at me and put up his finger (gesturing: "just a minute"). So, I got scolded by Goofy and my child got a very extended period of time with Goofy! It was awesome!

Mike thoroughly enjoyed himself. He especially liked the roller coasters. (No surprise to anyone who knows him!) He always enjoys getting a good shot of himself as the roller coaster comes down!

The Dumbo ride. Ethan was excited to fly up in the air! It was fun to go with him!

Grandma got to go on a lot of rides with Ethan. They had such a good time together!

The Tea-cups! Oh, how my family loves this ride. Ethan and I rode this ride without spinning ourselves sick!

This ride: (The Bug's Life Bumper Cars) was the favorite of our 3 year old. He loved it so much that collectively for 3 days he rode this ride 7 times. Yep, 7 times! He loved just driving it around. We didn't bump into many people, but he loved it!

This is the thumbs up because he survived the Muppets 3D movie. We attempted the Bug's Life 3D movie, and we had to escort Ethan out, because he was flipping out during the part where the spiders come down from the ceiling! Yeah, I don't blame him on that one! But, he kept trying and successfully made it through this one!

Oh my gosh! This is what parents go to theme parks for and endure the pain of making sure you bring enough wipes for everything, your feet hurt, you are so hot and sweaty....your child meets his favorite movie character of all time....WOODY from Toy Story. Ethan went with Mike to the bathroom and I kept walking and saw Woody...I HAD to stand in line for Ethan to meet him. So, as Ethan came up and saw me and Woody, he just smiled from ear to ear and jumped up and down and was more excited than anything else in the world. You would have thought Ethan was a teenage girl meeting Justin Beiber for the first time! It was hilarious!

Brynlee loved the parade at night. She just pointed and laughed at the characters. She was such a good sport! We just had so much fun!

Ethan took the parade in, like he did with everything else there. He just sat and watched everything. Belle (from Beauty and the Beast) even came up to him and gave him a high-5 and told him he was so handsome!

FRIDAY: AIR SHOW at Miramar: When we got down to California, we were told by my dad that there was an air show. Well, Mike loves air shows. And, it goes without saying that my dad and brother do too! So, we planned to separate on Friday. The girls would go shopping and get pedicures while the boys (including Ethan) would go to the air show. And boy, was that the right decision! Ethan loved every minute of it! He is big into airplanes and helicopters, so this was his christmas...

Here he is in a Jeep. He loved playing with all the buttons and stearing wheel.

My boys got to sit in a jet and a helicopter. There was quite a few on display that day! How awesome!

Ethan giving up his A.O.K. thumbs up! He is ready to be a pilot like his grandpa!

Tanks...jets...helicopters...airplanes...what more could a 3 year old boy ask for?

So, needless to say, we have had so much fun over the last week. We are a little sad to leave and come back to our normal lives, but we are so happy to have these memories for our little family that will last a lifetime! I am so thrilled that we get these little moments of joy from our children!

Happy Birthday to my 3 year old!

Happy Birthday to my little man! Ethan turned 3 this month. I can't believe how fast time flies. It seems like only yesterday that he was small and cuddly and fit in my arms so easily. Now, he is running, talking, singing, laughing and playing! I love this little guy so much! I am so blessed to have this bright, smiley boy in my life!

He began so small at only 7 lbs. 13 oz. and 19 in. long.

Dad gave him a piggy bank for his birthday! If you notice, Daddy is trying to sway the vote in his favor! We'll see if this guy becomes a Y fan or not!

His request for a birthday cake: CARS with Lightning McQueen and Mater on it. He was so excited when I brought it home!

So Excited...

And the countdown begins....

3 days!

(Photos and recaps to come...please stand by!)

An explanation...

Well, I know that my last post was clear back on July 4th...so, I probably should update you on what has been going on since that awesome holiday! We have had a very busy, but fun summer. And, I know that my children aren't in school, but because school has started in our area, I just feel like summer is fast coming to a close...so, I better highlight our summer festivities!

Summer in Review...

This year marked our 2nd time with my extended family at a reunion retreat! We have so much fun together with my cousins and all their families. I think I can speak for all of us when I say that we really look forward to this every two years. Here are just a few shots. We weren't very good at taking pictures this time around...

Mom and Brynlee at the pond. It was kind of sad for Brynlee, she started breaking her first tooth while up there. So, she was a little emotional! But, we plugged through.

Ethan loved getting in the kayak with Kyle. I think that Kyle might have even gotten the paddle in his face a few times. He was a good sport!

The many times out on the pond in the kayak!

Mike goes to Scout Camp:

The Monday directly following our reunion retreat with my family, Mike headed back up in the mountains. Although this time, he left me and the kids for 6 days and went with the Boy Scouts to Scout Camp. Here are a few shots of the fun Mike has when he is with the boys!

I can't believe that he would trust these boys enough to let them tie him to a tree!

I guess this is called the "Polar Bear" up at camp. Mike just couldn't resist getting into a very bitter cold lake at like 6 a.m. Can we just say, "Brain Freeze!"

Random Family Outings:

Kennecott Copper Mine had a day where it was free. So, being creative parents that we are, we thought this would be a fun thing for Ethan to see. Since he is facinated with trucks, trains, garbage trucks, fire trucks, helicopters....you name it, he likes it. And....the bigger the better! So, we thought this was perfect...

Yeah, you aren't supposed to climb on this at the visitor's center, but we are rule breakers! We are training Ethan very well, aren't we?!

Brynlee and I hung out where there was shade! It was quite hot that day!
Mike and Ethan having their bonding moment watching all the trucks go up and down the big hole! Ethan thought it was pretty cool!

And then....while having a great time at Scout Camp...Mike called me halfway through the week to bring me some very sad news. He dropped our camera and broke it. So, he gave it a very sad funeral and threw it in the trash. So, needless to say, that is why there isn't anything new to post! I have no digital camera right now. I have been brought back into time with the disposables! Yes, that is right everyone! I have to actually walk my photos into Walmart and have them developed...

But, don't be too sad for me...I am going to be getting a new one in the next couple weeks, because we have a very excited family vacation coming up that we will NOT WANT TO MISS taking photos of the kids!

Yep, that is right...we are heading to California for a vacation to DISNEYLAND!!! Yeah! So, for the time being, I hope you will forgive my lack of posting and anxiously wait for more to come...I promise they will be worth the wait!

Happy 4th of July

Can I just say..."Wow", it has been one crazy-busy, but fun holiday weekend. I apologize first of all for the long post, but I would rather make it one post instead of three. So, here we go with the festivities of our awesome 4th of July weekend.

FRIDAY EVENING: We decided we wanted to go to the Riverton parade, which after getting there, we remembered why we weren't too thrilled to go. It was very BORING! Can I just give a little advice for anyone who may read this that is on a city council?! Bring the fun and childlike stuff back to the parades!!! The parade was just commercial advertising. There was 3 floats and they were all the city royalty floats. To be honest, we didn't even stay very long, because we were quite disappointed. So, instead, we walked over to the carnival that they do every year and this is the fun that we ended up having...

Ethan was big enough this year to ride most of the rides that they had for the carnival. So, he spent probably close to $20 worth of tickets riding rides, waving, and just plain having a good ol' time.

Brynlee, unfortunately got the short end of the stick this year. She was a very patient by-stander. She watched Ethan enjoy himself from her very personal seat! She was happy, because she was hanging out outside.

This carnival was a good test for us. We are heading down to Disneyland in September and we haven't been quite sure if Ethan would be worth taking...well, we severely underestimate our almost 3 year old. He took this roller coaster with courage and went on it by himself. He loved it! So, I just have to say... "Disneyland, here we come!"

Motorcycles....he just loves them! Watching them, riding them, and playing with them!

Brynlee did get to experience a little ride with grandma. Grandma would bounce her up and down in her arms and Brynlee just loved it!

SATURDAY EVENING: Stadium of Fire! Wow, can I just say that they sure know how to put on a good fireworks show! I wasn't too keen on the entertainment this year, but we had a good time...especially without the kids! (Thanks Shell!) David Archuletta was alright! I have to admit that I even knew 1 of his songs! Brad Paisley was great! I knew much more of his stuff! It was just a fun time...

We just kept watching Dad, because he is not so keen on concerts anyway, but we continue to drag him to them in hopes that he changes his mind about them! Here is a shot of how his face looked most of the time.

MONDAY: Let the festivities continue...

Well, today started out quite early. We had our ward breakfast, which I have to say was an absolute blast! It is so fun to get together on a casual basis sometimes with ward members and just visit. The food was great, so that was definitely a plus! Afterwards, we had planned to see Cars 2 with the fam....Ethan liked it, and I thought it was cute! After the movie, we went back to Grandma's house and just hung out for a bit, because we then traveled up to see the extended family for a little FHE and BBQ (Delish!)!

Ethan and his "motorcycle" (4 wheeler). Brynlee kept eyeing this thing, so we decided to see what they both would do! It was cute.

The helmet makes the whole package worth it! He is getting the hang of driving it, which is good. It is much funnier in person to watch.

Kyle even wanted to get in on the helmet action! I think this helmet really brings out the eyes!

So, we just had a blast with our family and friends that we were able to share this awesome holiday with. I am just so grateful for a family who taught me to have respect for my country. I am grateful for the patriotism of my father and those in my family who have chosen to serve their country and their God. I am grateful to have been born in this great country and I continually pray that the Lord with bless this nation!

God bless America!

Summer Days... part 2...

Zoo Day with Mike's Family

This month, Mike's sister, Sara has been in town with her kids from Alabama. It has been very fun to get all the "cousins" together and let them play. It is amazing at how quickly they get along. I think that they have this deep connectio

n and they know it. Anyway, over the weekend, they all decided that we should go to the zoo. So, on Saturday morning we all got up quite early and braved the summer heat and had some great family bonding time together. Here are

just a few pictures...

"Ethan our Amigo"...

Grandpa brought this awesome sombrero, to protect him from the sun. He ended up bringing it out during lunch. Ethan thought it was FANTASTIC! Needless to say, we had to get a picture...

"Mike the Goofy Amigo"...

Mike thought that the sombrero was totally awesome too! I personally, think Ethan looked quite stunning in the sombrero...Mike on the other hand, looked quite ridiculous!

Yep, absolutely ridiculous! But, hey, we had fun!

Of course at the zoo, we saw lots of animals. Ethan was quite enthralled with a few of them, here are the pictures. I think, because it was so hot outside, the animals chose to go sun-bathing. So, we got some great shots! Ethan kept growling at the tiger like they were talking, because the tiger was growling at the crowd. I think he was just hoping that if he growled, we would all go away and let him sleep!

Ethan thought the giraffes were quite amazing. He wanted to go inside and see his head and see him eating. He just kept watching it like it was so weird. It was quite entertaining to watch the face of a child who was just increasing his curiosity of the world. I love seeing the world with Ethan.

Here we are looking at the creek from the zoo. It was quite high, if anyone wanted to know what the current flooding status was on Saturday at the zoo. Ethan thought the water was quite fun to watch. I just noticed how pretty it was up there.

Last year, we took Ethan to the zoo for the first time ever. He loved the carousel. So, for tradition's sake, Mike took him. He was just having a blast. Wouldn't wave at his mommy, but hey...he was with his Daddy! What's better than that?!

Did I mention that Saturday was Dari's (momma elephant) birthday. She turned 51! So, the zoo had a huge birthday celebration that day. Free Pie from Village Inn! (Huge Bonus for Mike...) And a booth that gave people a free dinosaur tattoo. Ethan thought the tattoo's were pretty cool. He kept shoving it in people's faces! But, we got to see the elephant have some birthday cake and open her presents!

Here are the elephants before the party taking a little stroll around their pond. Ethan thought they were pretty cool! He kept yelling at them to get into the water. I think Ethan really wanted to go swimming on Saturday, due to all the excitement with the water features.

All in all, we had a great time with Mike's family. It isn't very often at all that we all get together and do things like that. So, it was great. Ethan had a great time with his fun cousins and his awesome aunts. Those are great times!

Thanks so much Ras family!