R&R at grandma's

While we were in Utah, we stayed with Grandma B. I took a few pictures on a day that we were lounging around. TJ spent most of his time on the computer. The other kids read or played with Grandma's iPad. I love looking at pictures of my kids with their cousins.

Bailey and Scott:

Joey:

TJ and Scott:

Rees and David playing the piano:

This music is so good, I could just eat it:

The best part about lounging around was being next to this guy. I'm so lucky to have him in my life, and I can't wait to lounge next to him for a bit longer next time. Stay safe Erick. We'll see you in a few months.

Magic Potion

For Valentines day, my parents gave Erick this Pop Rocks Magic Potion.

The day before Erick flew "back to work," we decided to try it out. TJ and Erick mixed the Pop rocks with water and a secret ingredient. It bubbled and fizzed:

The best part about this experiment was that it was edible:

Or maybe that was the worst part:

All the kids decided to try it. TJ claims that he liked it. I'll let their faces do the talking:

But the sour taste didn't stop them going back for more:

The best day

Why is it that the best days in life are those that are not planned? 

Maybe it's because there are no expectations. I don't know. But we had the opportunity (thanks Julie) to go back to Disneyland one last day. We had not planned to go back. We were supposed to go back to Utah. Instead, we stayed.

I believe this was the best day of R&R. Everyone was well. The sun was shining. Our little family was together. We were at Disneyland! Doesn't that sound great?

On this day, Disneyland became magical. To watch TJ and David's eyes light up when they would recognize a movie or storybook character was exactly that: Magic:

Since TJ had missed the first two days at Disneyland, we let him choose his favorite rides. His first choice? The bumper cars:

Do you see his expression? See that excitement? It was there all day. Really.





David loved the rides too. On the Merry-go-round, he is trying to push me away. He can do it himself! Sorry buddy, I'm not going anywhere:

Wow! What makes it go up and down?

TJ had been dying to go on the Tea Cups ever since we told him we were going to Disneyland. He got his wish:

Waiting in line for a ride, David decided to give me a big, fat, slobbery kiss:

We really hit all of the best family rides. Erick and the older kids even got to go on Splash Mountain. It had been shut down for repairs and opened back up with NO LINE just as we were walking by. That was a favorite of the day.

At the end of the day, we sat down to watch the fireworks. The kids were exhausted but still happy. Erick spoiled them with random glowing items to play with in the dark. It was perfect:

Time with Dave's family

We owe a very large THANK YOU to Dave and Julie for helping to make our R&R amazing. They let us stay in their home. They took us to Disneyland. They made us feel so welcome.

While we were there, we got to watch Dave play roller hockey. Here he is, lucky number four:

For some reason, I have no pictures of Julie. So sad. But I have lots of pictures of the kids. 

One evening, we walked, scooted, and rode our bikes to a school playground just down the street. Bailey is in love with Dave's dog:

Abbie:

Mia:

Bailey:

Lauren:

Joey (I have come to the conclusion that this girl is never going to hold still for a picture, and I'm okay with that - funny girl):

TJ:

Cousins!

A year in pictures 2012: Week 8

Friday 17 February

Bailey was baptized today. I did not take this photo, but I love the moments of chaos. Real life.

To see more photos from the baptism click here.

Saturday 18 February

A day with my family. This is my dad taking pictures of the crew.

To see the exciting Iron Chef challenge that happened this day click here.

Sunday 19 February

Today we headed off toward California. Tonight we were so excited to get to stay with my cousin Erika in St. George. She was so welcoming even with a houseful of family already visiting for the long weekend. Thanks for letting us stay, Erika. We had a fantastic time!

Erika has opened a store in St. George called Field of Riddles. Here she is making jewelry and organizing inventory.

Erika took us on a tour of the store. It's a great place where you can take yoga or meditation classes or purchase unique art and jewelry.

Jana was staying the weekend, and we were excited to watch her paint an original piece for the store.

Monday 20 February

We continued our drive to California. I love the contrast of the St. George temple against the red rock.

My favorite part of the drive:

When we got to Dave's house, Baby David decided he needed a diaper change. And a bath:

Tuesday 21 February

I got to spend the day with this guy at Disneyland. To see more about Disneyland click here.

Wednesday 22 February

Today, I spent the day with this guy near Disneyland. His stomach still wasn't up for the rides, poor kid.

Loving the California weather. It's been in the 80's this week.

Two days at Disneyland

For several days of Erick's R&R, my awesome brother Dave let us stay with him in California. He and Julie and the girls were fantastic hosts. They even took us to Disneyland. The weather was warm and sunny. A wonderful contrast to the cold February days in Germany.

The first ride of the trip was Thunder Mountain. We got a picture together after the ride. Notice anyone missing? TJ decided to start throwing up during the night. Luckily Grandma B and Annie came for just that type of possibility. TJ and David stayed with Grandma in her hotel room during the first day:

The girls on the train:

Bailey with her dad:

Joey with her Aunt Annie:

My niece Lauren told me that we HAD to get Churros while we were at Disneyland. So we did. Thanks for the recommendation Lauren, they were yummy! 

Both my girls were old enough and brave enough to go on California Screamin', a huge, fast roller coaster that goes upside down. They were excited to go. Though it took some coaxing for them to convince Erick:

On day two, TJ decided to throw up some more. This time I stayed with my boys while Grandma and Annie went about spoiling the girls. I don't think there's much better in the world than being spoiled by Grandma. That's what Grandmas are for, right?

Grandma was staying at the Disney Hotel. The boys and I commandeered her room for the day. It was so nice.

David spent his time playing on the balcony in the sun:

TJ stayed on the bed and put together Lego creations: 

We left the hotel and met up with Erick and the others for lunch and a bit of shopping. Here we are outside of the Disney store:

Somehow I didn't get any pictures with Grandma. Annie, can you help me out here?

TJ was pretty sad that he had missed Disneyland. And I was sad we had come to California and hadn't spent any time with David and his family. And all of us were getting sad thinking about leaving the warm weather. My awesome brother Dave saved the day. He invited us to stay a few more days. And we did.