Growing Up

I am feeling a little emotional today and here is why : usually when I drop Hannah off at preschool, she runs in way ahead of me. Not even acknowledging me as I leave the building. Today, to my surprise ... she came running over to me to tell me that she loves me and that she wanted to give me a "BIG HUG."

I am sure her teacher thought that I am some sort of blubbering idiot because while Hannah was giving me my hug, I couldn't help but get a bit teary eyed. Now a big part of my emotional outburst may have been brought on by the fact that she will be turning 5 years old in a week and a half, and that her public showing of affection for her mom has already started to change over this past year. For example, whenever we are around her friends ... she doesn't like me to tag along behind them.

My hug today, made me realize that my "public" hugs will be getting fewer and fewer with time ... but I sure will enjoy all of the ones that she still wants to throw my way!

(These are just a few of my favorite pics of when Hannah was my little cuddle bug)

Well Worth The Wait

Finally, my Disneyland post. We took so many cute pictures and have so many fun things to talk about, that I can't help but feel a little overwhelmed while putting together this post because I don't want to leave anything out.



Chiki & I had never been to Disneyland, and have been talking about taking our kids one day when they get old enough. Well all I can say, is that it was definitely well worth the wait. Not only were Chiki & I going to Disneyland for the first time, but we were going to get to experience it through the eyes of a 4 year old. It was so much fun to see our little princess, get all googly eyed over the "real" princesses!

We had only two days to get in both California Adventure and Disneyland, so we did lots of running around. The first day we decided to take the ladies to the princess lunch. Not only were we able to see ALL of the princesses in one location, but the look on Hannah's face was priceless! She was so excited that she hardly ate any of her food. Olivia made up for that loving every last crumb (ha ha - I think Olivia is still a little too young to realize what DL is all about).

To my surprise, we were able to go on alot of the rides together including The Haunted Mansion & Pirates Of The Caribbean, we watched many parades, saw lots of fireworks, ate lots yummy food, and had many laughs together!

Minnie's house. Toon Town was one of our favorite spots

Who doesn't love Tinkerbell! She was Olivia's favorite!!

California Adventure was also lots of fun, but nothing like Disneyland. Since it is just across the way you just have to check it out. Plus, that is where all of the Pixar stuff is at. Monsters Inc. has always been a hit in our family, and although the girls got a little scared ... Chiki & I really liked the 3D Bug movie in the Bugs Life area.

The Pixar parade was great! Here are a few pictures from that:

Over here Mr. Potato Head. We LOVE you!!

Can't forget the Incredible's

Whoot Whoot Monster's Inc. ... let's see you move

Vrooom Vrooom ... go Cars

Hannah was so excited because while we were watching the "Street Party" in Disneyland, Winnie the Pooh picked her out of the crowd to dance with him.

Thanks for the memories!

WE LOVE YOU DISNEYLAND

Friends... Friends... Friends

For those of you who don't already know, Chiki works for the FAA. For the most part, his job is stationary but a few times each year ... he is asked to travel for classes. Normally these classes occur in the great city of Oklahoma or Kansas City, but this year he hit the jack pot and was headed to L.A.

When he asked if me & the ladies would like to tag along, there was no hesitation! We each have some really good friends who live out there, and I couldn't pass up the chance to go out and spend time with them all!!

First, we meet up with Scott & Marianne. These two are hilarious, and there is always a good time to be had when they are around. Need I mention: Scott is the person who was out to dinner with us when Olivia decided to stick the crayon up her nose. Anyhow, Scott & Marianne were nice enough to come hang out with us at Disneyland. It was really good to see these two, and thanks to them Chiki was able to go on all of the "BIG" kid rides!

The Three Amigos

Next, me and the ladies drove down to Laguana Beach to spend time with Tasha and her crew. Tasha & I have been friends since middle school. We have been thru many styles together, many years of school, lots of pranks, boyfriends, etc. We have definitely shared lots of the same great memories!

While the hubbies were vast at work, me and Tasha took all of the kiddos to the beach. She took us to this cute, secluded beach. The scenery couldn't be beat. The kids played all afternoon, while she & I did lots of catching up. It was also fun to watch the girls play in the ocean, for their first time!

Hannah & Olivia loving the ocean

Hannah & Kalli (Hannah couldn't get enough of her)

Look close ... Olivia is actually in mid air

Apparently, Olivia loved to do more in the sand then just play in it

By the way Tash, thanks for the beach pictures. Someone forgot to take her camera.

The next day, we did a little more hanging out with Tasha and her kids. Since my girls had been doing alot of sitting in the car, or rushing around ... we thought that we would give the kids a little break and have a picnic at a park. Once again, me & Tasha were able to get in on some talk and relaxation while the kids ran around.

No, I am not pregnant. It's called a baby doll dress, people!

The kiddos + Kalli's friend... all lined up

To Tasha & her crew, thanks for the fun! We had a complete blast, spending time with you!

Last but not least ... I was able to meet up with the sweet Jessie! I love this girl. Funny story: she & I went to the same schools and would sometimes hang out (with a group of people), but never really got to know each other til a little bit down the road. It took one really big class in college to finally start hanging out. She & I have had some really good times, whether it was going to movies or going on our annual weekend shopping trips to Layton :)

Jessie is a really busy girl, who is working 2 jobs while living in L.A. I was fortunate enough to get her to drive down to Laguana to meet up with us. Poor Jessie, who has no kids, went to dinner with me, Tasha and the 4 kids. Two of which, were very wiggly and noisy (mine). She handled it well ha ha!

Eating at Ruby's

Me, Tasha & the kids had spent all day at the beach. Jessie rolled up in her cute, little roadster ... looking so cute and we were still in our beach wear. It was great, and made us all laugh!

To Jessie: I can't wait for our girls only trip to San Fransisco. We are going to have so much fun!

To all our California friends: we enjoyed our time with each of you and can't wait til next time!!

Dancing Diva

Here are some pics from Hannah's recital. We still have one more night to go, but so far she has done great and is thoroughly enjoying hanging out with "older" girls.

Hannah and the crew

Hannah & her buddy Paige

72 Hours of Fun

At the last second, me & the ladies were able to make a quick 72 hour trip to Utah. It was much needed for some relaxation. I didn't realize how crazy, busy our lives have gotten out here.

The first day there, we were going to head to Bear Lake for some water fun but the weather didn't cooperate. Instead, we had a good old time in my parents back yard. The girls love their back yard because they can roam around and do whatever they feel, which is something that can't happen with condo life :(

Watching the ladies on the trampoline, reminds me of the many nights spent on that thing when I was growing up. A good time is always had on this thing!

The county fair just happened to be last weekend, so we couldn't help but stop by. For all of you who joke around about the Cache County Fair, you haven't seen anything yet. That fair is well organized and is actually kept pretty clean. Now the fair out near my house ... WOW. I am not using wow in a good way either. The Adams County Fair tends to bring out the most hill billy, drunken, gangsta crowd. No exaggerations. Nothing but greatness all around you, and not to mention it costs like $25 to take your child on one ride.

Anyway, back to the fair. We definitely had a great time checking out all of the animals (one of the goats sounded like Chiki when he does his weird holler thing - we were laughing so hard), riding the rides, and eating lots and lots of yummy kettle corn

The poor kid next to Hannah got a little motion sick later on in the ride

Hannah is quite the thrill seeker

Grandpa took Olivia on the carousel

We LOVE Uncle Jer

YUMMY kettle corn

Once again Grandpa & Grandpa ... thanks for letting us come and overtake your house, and for showing us a good time!

Wiggle Time

The Wiggles

It has only taken a couple of years to get a hold of tickets to go see these people, and what can I say ... it was actually worth it. Seeing the girls jamming out at "their" concert was never going to be an issue in my mind, as for keeping me & Chiki from falling asleep ... whole issue in itself. Good news though. Chiki & I were pleasantly surprised. The Wiggles did a great job at keeping both the kiddos and the parents entertained. The best part ... can't get "fruit salad, yummy yummy" out of my head.

Chiki & the ladies enjoying themselves at the Wiggles (especially Livi - can't you tell :))

The entire Wiggles crew

Livi as a GREAT time doing a little wiggling on her own

The Wiggles

My Own High School Reunion

A couple of weekends ago, Chiki & I decided to do some bike riding up in the mountains. One of my good friends from school, just happened to be in Breckenridge and I was able to meet up with her. Me & Haylee were joking that this was our version of a high school reunion, which just happened to be that same night except in Utah.

Why does everyone always make me look so dang short??

Haylee, you are still as cute and sweet as I always remember you being. It was fun to catch up and hear about all that is going on in your life now, and what you have been up to since the last time I saw you. Hopefully our next meeting, won't take quite as long!