Disneyland Trip Round 1

I finally got my camera cord so I can properly recap our fantastic trip to Disneyland.  It's going to take multiple posts and some dedication but I can't rest until it's properly documented.  

Ever since Hank's hospital stay last year, I vowed this trip would happen as soon as he was well.  It just so happened to fall right on his birthday week.  What a perfect celebration for my Hank-man.  I am grateful everyday he is o.k.  Life is too short to miss out on Disneyland with a 6 year old, that's for sure!  My mom and dad, as well as my sister and her little family all flew into Cali a day later.  The Griffin's opted for a few extra days of road trip action.  We headed for Vegas on the 28th of January with every DVD and DS game we own and enough chocolate milk to soothe the kids for 6 hours.

  I love the perks that come with being married to an insurance agent.  For example, access to an incredible suite in the MGM towers courtesy of the people at Germantown.  The kids were amazed by the TV that came out of the desk.  After getting settled, we were starving and ready to explore the big city

 

 If you happen to be in Vegas with small children, my advise is to keep them close and make sure they look straight ahead.  The streets were filled with pictures of naked escorts and the billboards were certainly not appropriate for my innocent little 6 year old.   The kids were mesmerized by the casinos and the lights.  Hopefully they didn't see anything else.

 A stay in Vegas wouldn't be complete without a shirley temple with extra cherries for Hank.

 Max was amazed to find a lion in the middle of our hotel.  Only in Vegas!

 I kind of felt bad for this beautiful animal trapped in a casino. 

 

 We had to make a stop to the M&M factory.  Nothing like spending twenty bucks on a pound of candy.

 The kids thought it was awesome.

 Hank definitely had more fun playing football with Randy through the store. 

 Yes, I was on this trip, in case you were wondering.

 The kids couldn't wait to get back to the room and relax in the enormous tub.  I told them they could splash as much as they wanted, it's vacation!  That probably wasn't the smartest idea I've ever had.  They loved hearing Randy's crazy stories before they drifted off to sleep.  

After lounging around the room and exploring Vegas a bit more we headed off to Anaheim to meet my family.  The second we arrived at our timeshare, the kids were changing into their swimming suits.  They didn't seem to mind the 60 degree temperatures.  Good thing they have a fun dad to take them to the pool.  Max had an early bedtime while the rest of us headed to Johnny Rockets for dinner.  Hank fell in love with caesar salad on this trip and opted for that instead of a greasy burger and fries.  What a kid!

Stay tuned...more to come!

Winter Vacation

I know I keep complaining about the freezing temperatures and the snow but when you are at Scott's cabin, it somehow seems magical instead of unbearable.  Jeri's one request for her birthday was for all of us to join her and Scott for a weekend of snowmobiling, sledding, and fun at their cabin.  We were itchin' for a change of scenery and happy to take her up on the offer. 

 This is the beauty that surrounds you up there.  It is so quiet and peaceful.

 We immediately got started with snowmobiling and sledding.  Randy was busy pulling Max up the hills.

It was worth all the hard work for the 10 seconds of bliss going down the hillside.

 

 Hank was a sledding pro.  There wasn't a hill he didn't conquer.

There were endless sledding hill possibilities.

These two have a serious love affair going on.  They can't get enough of each other.  It's really cute.

 Randy hooked the sled up to the snowmobile, much to my protest, and Hank hung on for dear life.

 I love Colby running next to the sled, cheering him on the entire way.

 Max and I stayed put and waited for his safe return.  Max couldn't see a thing with that hat on!

 Lynn embraced his inner snow bunny and tore it up on the snowmobile with Dys.

 Kunz, Randy, Colbs, and Hank indulged me with a photo.

Aunt Kunz entertained the kids with a game of jacks.  They got pretty into it!

Not only did Scott and Jeri provide us with endless outdoor entertainment, they also filled our bellies with delicious food.  I don't think I lifted a finger the entire weekend, wait, who's birthday was it?  You think I would've captured at least one picture of them.  They must have been too busy making sure we all had a great time.

 

 Max loves the cabin.  He always looks forward to hanging out with Grandma because he knows popcorn and root beer floats will always be there!

 Hank loves the cabin because he can let his hair go natural, drink Mt. Dew, spend countless hours with his cousins, and be surrounded by his family.

Randy agrees, the cabin freakin' rules.  I am so lucky to have a mother-in-law like Jeri.  I couldn't ask for more.  She is such a great grandma to my kids, she is so supportive and loving, and she brought this amazing man into the world.  Happy Birthday Jeri!  

I love you!

Thank you Scott and Jeri.   So many great memories.

Family Update

Here is a summary of the latest happenings in the Griffin Household.

Max

Max is slowly growing out of his beloved afternoon nap, much to my dismay.  However, I am NOT giving up!  The other day he said "how about you take a nap and I play Star Wars."  As long as I get a nap I suppose.

 He LOVES the show Max and Ruby and we currently have 34 episodes saved to our DVR.  

 He is obsessed with playing Lego Star Wars on the Wii.  He doesn't seem to mind replaying the same level over and over again.

Although he still sucks his fingers, he is growing up so quickly.  I just registered him for preschool in the fall with Miss Molly.  What a trip that was.  How is it possible that it is his turn already?  I have had such a pit in my stomach about it.  He is totally ready for school, unfortunately he doesn't realize it starts 8 months from now.

When he's not mauling his brother, he wants to hang out with me constantly.  We enjoy playing Mario Kart and reading books for hours.  My favorite thing he says is "lets cuddle...and fart".  Would you expect any less from Mino?

HANK

Hank loves to go to school and his favorite part is recess of course.  He and his pals are constantly coming up with strategy's on how to run away from all the girls that chase them.

He is becoming a sports junkie at the young age of 5.  The first thing he does in the morning is turn the channel to ESPN and check the scores from the day before.  Part of his infatuation with sports has come from his fantasy football and baseball teams.  I am slowly transforming him into a Jazz fan!

Madden only fuels his obsession...that and the sub zero temperatures that prevent him from going outside.  He and Randy create players and franchises and take it pretty seriously.  Hank knows more about the game of football than most people, adults included.  From players names and rankings to specific offensive and defensive plays he is a fountain of knowledge.  I have no idea what he is talking about half the time.

Jr. Jazz started last week and Hank snagged D. Willey's #8 jersey before his teammates could, although I'm pretty sure they have no clue what number Deron Williams is!

No surprise that he takes it totally serious.  He is aware of where the ball is at all times and is focused on getting it in his hands as much as possible.  He gets really frustrated when he isn't allowed to steal the ball. 

RANDY

Randy is currently busy coaching Hank's basketball team.  Randy does well when surrounded by chaos.

It's extremely hard to coach while holding Max at the same time.  Max wants to be right in the middle of the action so of course, Randy lets him.  

Randy has also dusted off his basketball shoes and hit the court for some city league action.  I think we all remember what happened last year!  I'm not too excited about him playing because I remember him vowing to never play again after the achilles rupture last year.  He thinks that if he stops playing he is admitting he is old.  What do you do?

ANNIE

Let's see, other than seriously considering uprooting our family to Arizona where I would never have to deal with 10 degree weather, I haven't been up to too much. 

I really despise winter and this one has been especially freezing.  My hair is longer than it's ever been and I've even gained 5 lbs to try to warm me up but nothing seems to help.  I guess I will have to wait 17 more days to feel warmth when we are in Disneyland. 

Happy Birthday Randy and Happy New Year

 Randy's birthday was celebrated in style this year at Jack and Jill's Bowling Alley.  We had both sides of the family there to show their love.  He is adored by all his nieces and nephews.  Some how his girlfriend Isabel and Jack missed out on this picture, but they were there.

 He had plenty of help blowing out his 33 candles.

 Max perfected the art of the bowling ramp.  However, he was beyond frustrated when he couldn't pick up the spare.

 A little cake helped him to get over it.

Hank managed to throw the ball down the lane with tremendous speed.

 I struggled with my game a bit but still managed to pull an attractive face for this picture.

 I suppose I get my facial expressions from my dear ol' dad.  He apparently stole my camera and took several of these self portraits. 

 Earlier in the day, Randy treated Hank to a wild tubing adventure around the neighborhood.  The 10 degree weather couldn't stop them.

 Hank was jumping snow banks and curbs all morning long.  He can never say his dad didn't spend any time with him.

I took Randy to Carver's for his birthday dinner and the food was delicious.  I made reservations a few days earlier which I highly recommend if you are dining on New Years Eve.  We came home and rang in the new year with Jeri, Scott, Rick, Jenni, and Griff.   Last year proved to be quite eventful.  As I look back, I realize just how fortunate I am to have such loving supportive family and friends.  I can get through anything if I have my family by my side!  My one and only resolution is to be 100% present and attentive in everything I do.  I have such an amazing life and I need to cherish each moment.  Even my kids new wrestling obsession...

 They are constantly running, jumping, kicking, and rolling around on the ground.  They can't get enough.

 Max's facial expressions are both terrifying and hilarious.

 Their wrestling takes on a whole new meaning when Rick is involved.  Hank and Max team up to attack their uncle.  They frequently have to say the magic word of "taco" when they surrender.

 Hank practiced his kicks on Rick.

 Max's favorite move is to pull his opponents pants down when they least expect it.  He also uses the "wait wait wait, time out" tactic so he can kick and punch when your guard is down. 

It's been so nice to have Rick in town for the past two weeks.  We have had such a relaxing and wonderful holiday, it's going to be rough getting back into the grind this week.  Good thing we have a vacation to Disneyland coming up!