California and Arizona

Finally after a few weeks home I got these slide shows done. I really hope you all enjoy them. We started off our vacation at Disneyland and California Adventure. The kids had so much fun visiting where Buzz Lightyear and Winnie the Pooh live. We met up with some of my sisters,my neice Kylee and my nephew Jayce. It was great having them there. They were all very helpful with the kids! Silas had a blast! He got to see Buzz (his favorite) and many more characters. He loved pretty much all the rides. Even the ones that some would think were scary(like Tower of Terror). The only one he did not like was Space Mountain. It was the very first ride we went on, but I think it being in the dark was what he didn't like. Brookie wasn't too fond of any rides that went dark. But most of the ones she was able to go on she enjoyed. She couldn't wait to get up to Pooh, but once we were right by him she didn't want anything to do with him. I had a blast too. It was a lot less stressful than I was expecting it to be. My most stressful time was when we were eating. My kids just didn't behave as well as they usually do at meals. We got some fun souvenirs and lots of memories. We look forward to going again, but next time will be with Daddy!

One huge highlight at California Adventure was an awesome parade called Disney/Pixar's Play Parade. It had all the characters from the Pixar animated films- most of my kids favorites. The kids danced and had fun just seeing the characters. It was the coolest parade that I have ever been to

After four days at Disneyland and California Adventure my sister Cristi, her son Jayce, myself and my kids drove to San Diego and went to Sea World. The kids had tons of fun just seeing all the sea animals. Brooke fell asleep for the first Shamu show so we stuck around until the nighttime show. It was pretty cool! Silas' favorite was the penguins. Brooke still talks about the dolphins to this day. It was a long day but I am really glad that we took that extra day and went.

We spent the next day driving to Arizona. We got to Show Low(my hometown) around 8 at night. We spent the next week there just visiting family and friends. We hung out at my Mom's quite a bit. It was a good break from the go,go,go that we had the days before. My kids had a blast jumping on the tramp and swinging. They had fun playing with their cousins. I was excited to watch my nephew Justin play varsity football at my old high school. We also watched my nephew Josh play 8th grade football and my nephew Koy play a type of PeeWee football. We had way too much fun! Thanks to all who helped out, visited with us, and just hung out with us. Thanks Grandpa Ken for the costumes and prizes. We love and miss you! As always, it was hard to leave but we are hoping to visit this Christmastime. As you can imagine, my kids were wore out by the time we got home. It is nice to be home and get back into the groove of things.

Back on Track

We are finally back home from our trip to Cali and AZ! As soon as I get my house back in order I will post pictures.

Future Fisherman

Like Father, Like Son!!!

This was Silas' catch the other day. He went to the creek behind our house

and caught this 10 1/2 inch fishy. He was so proud of himself and has wanted to go back everyday since. Daddy has planned a fishing adventure for Sunday, Si is so pumped.

MEMORIES

Okay I'm gonna give this one a whirl!!

1. As a comment on my blog, leave one memory that you and I had together. It doesn't matter if you knew me a little or a lot, if it is recent or years old, silly or serious--anything you remember!

2. Next, re-post these instructions on your blog and see how many people leave a memory about you. It's actually pretty funny to see the responses. If you leave a memory about me, I'll assume you're playing the game and I'll come to your blog and leave one about you.

Take a stroll down memory lane.... Lets Hear Them!!

4 ALREADY !?!

Well Silas celebrated his 4th birthday on the 23rd. He has been dying to turn 4 since his friend Cole did in March. Well it finally happened! I just cannot believe that my little boy is growing up so stinking fast. He will be starting school next year- crazy!!! It seems like just yesterday he was a tiny little thing and now he is such a big boy! He is always full of energy but will pause just to tell you he loves you or give you some loves. He is the best big brother and loves his sister to death. He is the greatest helper- always wanting to do something with you or for you. I am so grateful that I have him in our lives! Sam and I can't wait to see what this next year brings.
HAPPY BIRTHDAY MONSTER-BUTT!!!p style="visibility:visible;">

Visitors

My Mom and StepDad came up and visited us for 10 days. It was nice to have them here. We had a good time with them. I know they had a good time too. Lyle was able to go out fishing with Sam. They caught 6,000 pounds that day- Lyle really enjoyed telling that to people back home. The kids were great! I thought they would act shy or be hesitant at first, but they weren't at all. It was kind of cool. We were sad to see them leave but we look forward to their trip up here next year. Here are just a couple shots we took while they were here.

Birthday Party

As usual, I am not right on top of things in the blogging world. My life seems so crazy every day and then by the end of each day I wonder what in the world I got accomplished. Anyways we had Si's 4th birthday party on July 19th. He wanted a skateboard party at the beach! Well since the beaches are so crazy this time of year we had it at a park in Kenai. But we stuck with the skateboard theme. At first I didn't think that I would be able to come up with anything with that theme- but sure enough, I did and it all turned out good!

Thankfully, it was a somewhat sunny day which was a very good thing! He had a lot of friends come and they had a bunch of fun. Thanks again to all who came and for all the great fun stuff he got!