Our 2011 trip to California!

Our Trip began Wednesday, April 13 and ended on Monday, April 18th 2011. It was one of the most memorable trips we have ever done together as a family.

We decided to drive, because it was much easier to bring all of our gear that way, and it's always fun to spend that time together driving and enjoying the scenery. It was a LONG drive, and we drove all the way to Anaheim, California on Wednesday, and arrived late that night. We got the kids down, and awoke bright and early for our day of adventure!

The day started out with "The Pirates of the Caribbean". We missed that ride last time when they had it closed down for remodeling. Fortunately, it had opened up again, and our kids got to experience it. Some other favorite rides were "Indiana Jones", "Thunder Mountain", the Haunted House, and many others. The kids loved every minute. Along with the cool rides, I also enjoy observing the amazing landscaping and details in the park. They don't spare any expense to make sure everything is perfect. If you happen to drop a piece of food, an employee will hop out of no where with a broom, and immediately sweep it up. I love the whole atmosphere, and could only wish to live in such an amazing place.

Every minute became a precious memory, as Branden and I watched how excited each of our kids were. Their eyes were big as we began each ride, and they quickly ran from one to the next. I wish I could freeze time and keep them little, and Branden and I young. If only that could be possible.

The next day, we spent the morning swimming in the hotel pool. It was a beautiful, warm day, and the kids were anxious to take a swim. We then, had lunch, and headed to California Adventure where we spent the rest of the day. We rode the "Tower of Terror" with Kaden and Katelyn, "Monsters Inc.", the big roller coaster (twice with Kaden), "Toy Story" (my favorite ride), the huge Farris wheel, and of course, the carousal.

On Saturday, we spent our time at the tide pools searching for sea animals. Katelyn and Adalyn especially enjoyed holding the hermit crabs, and caught many. We saw star fish and sea urchins, and many clams. Afterward, we went to Doheney Beach where we set up beach chairs, towels, and an umbrella, and unloaded all of the sand toys. The kids spent hours playing (Kaden and Katelyn in the waves and Adalyn with the toys and bubbles). Branden and I played catch with a football, and took many pictures. We also sat back and relaxed as we watched the little ones play. That night, we ate at a nice restaurant and went back to the hotel for a great night's sleep.

On Sunday, we packed up our things, and left Anaheim and traveled to Palm Springs to a place called Jumbo Rocks where we spent a few hours climbing and hiking all over the rocks. It was amazing! The rock formations were incredible and a great playground for not only our kids, but us too. When we were done, we traveled to Las Vegas where we spent our last night at a beautiful "South Point Hotel". It was reallyn nice, and a great end to our incredible journey. The next day, we had a yummy breakfast, then packed our things and headed home.

This trip was a last minute plan. We knew that it was something our family needed, and Branden and I both are glad we did it. Our kids will always have the wonderful memories and pictures to remember our time together having fun as a family. The only regret was that Kethia wasn't with us. Someday...

Our Saturday Outing to the Living Planet Aquarium

The best thing about being a mom, is all the amazing experiences I get to observe with my children on a day to day basis. I love that I am always there to live every moment with them. And even better, is having a great, supportive husband who is the best dad in the whole world. We always have something to laugh about when talking to each other about our kids. The adventures never end. When all of us go on an outing together, we have a great time!

Our kids loved visiting the Living Planet Aquarium. Adalyn ran from tank to tank yelling "Look Mom! Look Dad!", and loved every minute of it. The other two asked a lot of questions and especially enjoyed touching the sting rays. It was fun watching all of their excitement.

When we were done at the aquarium, we went to McGrath's Fish House for dinner! The kids got to eat what they had just seen...that was Branden's idea.

Kindy 500

Katelyn has been talking about this day for a whole month now. "The Candy 500" is what she has been calling it. In Kindergarten, they are studying about our country's history and learning about the symbols of our country such as, Mount Rushmore, The Liberty Bell, The Statue of Liberty, The White House, The Lincoln Monument, the bald eagle, etc. The kids had the opportunity to build (with their parents), a card board car and use it to travel through the school to see these amazing (recreated) sites. Katelyn got a driver's license and her own key, and was the cutest driver there!

Kaden's Ocean Mural

Progress on the mural. I worked on in it yesterday for six hours, and plan on continuing tomorrow. I am determined to make the April goal for Kaden!

Sisters...

As a child, more than anything, I wanted to have a sister. Well, wishes don't always come true, but God made up for this by blessing me not only with a handsome little man, but, my darling little girls too. I love watching them play together...

Happy Valentines Day!

I love everything about this holiday. It's the best time to love and be loved. Everyone wants that! I also enjoy the candy, chocolate, cards, and little gifts. As a little girl, I would deliver Valentines to all of my friends in my neighborhood. I would wait until dark then run up to their door, ring, leave a cute treat...then run like mad to avoid getting caught. It got especially fun, later, when those deliveries were for boys!

A new tradition that I started with my family is making homemade Valentine cards for my kids, and for Branden, and I like to plan a day when we get together with friends or family and make sugar cookies and cupcakes with the kids. I also buy Valentine outfits for my girls (Kaden refused to be a part of that)...much understood, but my girls LOVE this tradition. On the morning of Valentines Day I leave the homemade cards along with a box of chocolates on my kids dressers, and also one in the master bathroom for Branden so that when he shaves, it's right there. All of this is done before they wake up. Every year, I look forward to hearing the kids wake up yelling to each other, "Look what I got! Did you get one too?!!" Branden always surprises me with something too...I wonder what it will be this year? I gave him cologne this morning.

This year, I also came up with the idea of making a Valentine Garland. I invited my mom and sister-in-law, Jackie over and we each made one. I made a big heart (as a pattern) and bought darling Valentine paper to use, as well as pink yarn. I cut out several hearts, using the variety of paper, attached them to the yarn, and hung them from my fireplace. So easy and affordable, and the cutest decoration! I've had many compliments.