Friday, December 18, 2009

Santa's Visit

Santa came to visit us at our house before we left for Utah. The kids were excited and surprised to have Santa visit them in THEIR house.
The kids each got a turn to sit on Santa's Lap to tell him whether or not they were good this year and what they wanted for Christmas.
Spencer said he wanted a car race track (which was news to me, maybe next year).
Natalie said she wanted a baby doll.
To be honest, I can't remember what Bailey said she wanted ( I know, sad, what a good mother I am, huh!?!).
And Tanner, in true 2 year old fashion, said he wants cars.
Unfortunately, I didn't get a turn with Santa, although, even if I did, I don't know what I would have told him I wanted. It is amazing how being a parent turns your attention to everyone else in the family. Here's hoping that Santa fulfills each of your desires!

Sunday, December 13, 2009

Fun at Disneyland

Brett's Company Christmas Party was held at Disneyland this year. What? Disneyland? I know, so cool, huh. Some may think that since we live 30 minutes from Disneyland this would be no big deal, but it was so exciting for us, and the kids couldn't wait to go (we have known for a couple of months this is where is was going to be held and couldn't keep it from the kids). Even with the prospect of 70% chance of rain that day, we packed up and were the second people in line at the gate for the 8:00 opening.
Bailey, Natalie, Tanner and Spencer
The kids showing off their tickets as we waited in line.
I had mittens, 3 umbrellas, 8 trash bags (to use as ponchos), and even a set of clothes to change into had the need arouse (I think it looked like I was packing for a weekend trip to those around us, but you can never be too prepared). When the gates opened we were off like a flash. We hit the Buzz Lightyear ride first (the very first riders of the day), headed over to the Nemo Submarine ride. . .
. . .and then decided to split up so that boys could have fun on the "big" rides. While Spencer and Dad hit Star Tours and Space mountain (which Spencer wasn't all too sure about), Natalie, Bailey, Tanner and I headed over to the Carousel and some of the other Fantasy Land rides.
Natalie
Bailey
Tanner
When we met back up we headed over to Pirates of the Caribbean, hit the Haunted Mansion, climbed Tarzan's Tree, and then went on the Jungle Cruise ride. We had a couple of minutes before we had to head over to the Company Lunch Party, so we decide to ride this rocket ride (I have no clue what the real name is). . .
So in the two and a half hours before lunch, we were able to walk on to the 10 rides we were wanting to go on that day. Not too shabby. Lunch was over at the Disneyland Hotel. It was a buffet and a nice break from walking around the park. The food was excellent (yes, I did go back for seconds, and thirds if we are being completely honest), and it was fun to see and talk to some of Brett's coworkers (ok, I do see a lot of them on a weekly basis, but that is besides the point). Brett's boss, Tyson, gave a little presentation, and then it was back to the park. We really thought about going home at that point, since we had already hit most of the rides we wanted to go on, but we still hadn't gone on It's a Small World, so we headed back to the park.

After It's a Small World we headed to Toon Town. The kids favorite part of Toon Town: meeting Mickey Mouse. Somehow we missed Spencer's HUGE hug with Mickey.


After Toon Town we decided to go over to Tom Sawyers Island. Brett and I couldn't remember ever going over there, and it was a pleasant surprise to find all the little caves to walk through. Somehow we missed pictures of it. The best was seeing Brett going through all the little areas, a tight fit for such a big boy.

It was a fun day, and somehow it never rained on us. As we drove home, the drops started coming and by the time we arrived home it was pouring. We couldn't have planned it better. Thank you Advent (Brett's Company) for a great day at Disneyland! We had a blast!

Wednesday, December 9, 2009

O Christmas Tree

Crazy that it is already Christmas time. I have been waiting and waiting for Christmas to come, and now the season feels like it is pasting too quickly. It has to be my favorite time of year! Last Friday we FINALLY got out to buy our Christmas Tree (yes, it felt like "finally" even though it was only the 4th). I was able to get the lights on that afternoon, but because of a ward party we had to wait on the ornaments until the following day. The kids were troopers in helping me decorate (Brett faded quickly and left decorating to the kids and me) and although the kids are young, they did a great job of spreading the ornaments out. I wish that I could capture in a picture how fun the tree looks, but this is the best your going to get!
Spencer
Bailey
Tanner
Natalie
This Icicle ornament is my favorite new addition this year.