Disneyland 2013

I can't believe our amazing trip to Disneyland has come and gone so quickly.  Last week at this time we were basking in the sun, riding rides, and eating delicious treats.  I suppose all good things must come to an end but I really hate when vacations are over.  Especially when you've been looking forward to it for so long.  Let's start at the beginning shall we?

Sarah and I agonized about leaving our babies home.  We knew it was the right decision but it was much harder dropping Sam off than I imagined it would be.  Our awesome friends offered to take him the entire time.  He was so occupied with their dogs and constant attention, he didn't even notice we were gone.

Isaac and Natalie got lots of practice caring for a baby.  They are going to be incredible parents when their baby arrives this summer.

Sam and Rambo really bonded over the course of the week.  Once I could see how happy Sam was, I could really relax and focus on having a great trip with the rest of my family.

We decided to fly at the last minute and I'm so glad we did!  The kids were occupied by the t.v. and their ipod games the entire flight.  I didn't hear a peep from either one of them.  My mom and dad were on our same flight and after a short hour long ride we landed in Long Beach.  Brett and Dan picked us up and we settled into our hotel.  Since we had a 4 day park hopper pass we headed over to Disneyland for some late night fun.  The next morning we woke up refreshed and ready to rock.

My little family shared a room with my mom and dad.  The kids woke up to my dad jumping on their bed in his underwear.  I'm not sure they will ever get over it.  They thought it was hilarious.  It set the tone for the rest of the day.  

The kids patiently waited for our shuttle and looked mighty handsome, I must say.

The Wank's love to plan so there was a great deal of coordinating going on.  My dad captured this planning meeting perfectly.

I was really hoping for 80 degree weather and no crowds but you don't always get what you want. We didn't let a little rain and lots of people get us down though.  The new cars land is awesome.  We spent lots of time in California Adventure. 

Max and grandma on the Mater ride.

We talked Max into going on Tower of Terror (later renamed TOT, by Hank and Izzy), and I'm pretty sure it scarred him for life.

He was genuinely terrified, poor little kid.

Here is the official Tower of Terror Haters club!

The Bug's Life show was a little freakier than I remembered, however not as freaky as TOT.



Here is the TOT loving crew in full force.



Max opted for cotton candy instead.

After a little trip around the calming carousel  Max's emotional wounds were healed.  To make things fair, I had to scar Hank for life next so I took him on California Screamin'.

Poor Hank, his mother and auntie Sarah were on cloud 9.  I felt really bad I talked him into going on it.  I'm happy to report that by the end of the trip, he conquered his fear and rode it again and loved it.  In fact he loved it so much he rode it 4 times in a row.

Now that's more like it!

Grandpa Curt took some adorable pictures in line.  First Lucy.

Then most of Hank's face.

And  an angelic Mino.  So cute Dad.  I found these pictures on his phone.

Jack, a.k.a. the Shadowman, kept all of us entertained by his antics in line.  He is such a hilariously random little creature.  He loved Pirates and kept reciting the line "dead men tell no tales".

After dinner that night we warmed up in the hot tub at our hotel and watched the fireworks.  

The next day we arrived to the park before 8 to use our early entrance passes.  Too bad I told everyone the wrong day.  I felt horrible but the kids proved once again to be more patient than me.

Jack was loving Hank on this trip.  He just couldn't get close enough.

Our early morning was totally worth it because we were able to ride the new Cars ride and only wait 15 minutes.

Here we are in line before we got in our cars.

These kids have a seriously adorable grandma!

The ride was awesome! It ended up being Max's favorite. 

Max started calling Grandpa Curt the "fast pass master".  He hooked these kids up so they never had to wait long for their favorite rides.

After all, too much time in line makes one a bit nuts.  This picture had me crying.

My handsome boys in line for my favorite ride ever, Space Mountain.

Space Mountain is my "happy place" if you couldn't tell from this picture.

Max loved it too!

When we walked off the ride, Max spotted Mickey and Minnie and insisted we get a picture for Sam since he loves Mickey.  

Speaking of Sam...

He was clearly in heaven with Honey.

Max was such a trooper but whenever he got tired, poor Randy carried him on his shoulders.  This happened quite a bit!  Max was an inch too short to ride Indiana Jones.  Nothing some napkins and fruit snacks couldn't fix.



Randy had to carry him the entire way but it was totally worth it since Max loved the ride.  I think he liked tricking the workers more than the actual ride though.

Here is the rest of us in line for Indiana Jones.

Unfortunately our hopes of an uncrowded Monday didn't happen.  All the schools in Anaheim were out that day.  We got to do everything we wanted to do though.

In fact, we wore this poor kid out!  He fell asleep on these uncomfortable chairs while I ordered our dinner.

I'd say it was a successful day.

I sure do love my main squeeze.

The dreaded final day at Disneyland came way too fast.  There crowds were much smaller and the weather much warmer.  It was the perfect ending to a perfect trip.

Hank had to look like the tough guy with his favorite girls.  He was Mr. Disney.  He just wanted to go, go, go and not waste a second.  My kids on this trip were a total blast.  I felt like a little kid running from ride to ride.  It's been a long time since I've been able to do that.  Last time we went I was pregnant and the time before that Hank was really little.

I love my family in this picture.  Max kept his little arms up the entire time.

He was amazed to find an actual Storm Trooper waiting for us when we exited the ride.

Star Tours got some upgrading since the last time I rode it.  These glasses totally suit Hank.



Mino prefers to wear his on his head.  Don't ask me what I think about 3D glasses ok? I'm pretty sure I'll be the butt of a joke in my family for the rest of my life after a comment I made about them.

Hank might not always act like he loves his grandparents but trust me, he does.  Hank is a family man through and through.

Max bought a sweet gun after Star Tours and it's a good thing.  It really came in handy on the Jungle Cruise.

A little photo op with Pluto never hurt nobody!

While Hank rode California Screamin' four times, Max and I found our favorite Toy Story characters.

Jessie even blew him a kiss, which he made me promise not to tell anyone.

Everyone started getting a little crazy towards the end of the night.  Max said he looks like a vampire in this pic.

Hank and Isabel had a total blast together.  They really bonded over their love affair with TOT.  It was totally fitting it ended up being our last ride of the trip.  Sniff sniff.

Around this time of the day, I really started to miss Sam.  Natalie kept me posted every day and these pictures really helped me get through.

I love how Sam appears to be hugging Rambo but is really just getting in close so he can stick his finger in his eye.  Poor Rambo!

They do make a pretty fierce neighborhood watch team.

When he was done mauling the dogs and eating banana pancakes he played with his favorite little Caterpillar toy.  I was a little disappointed when we got home because Sam didn't seem to miss me at all.  In fact he seemed pissed off that we came home and Rambo and Honey were nowhere to be found.  Luckily he snapped out of it after a couple days.  Isaac and Natalie took such great care of him.  Next Disneyland trip he will be right there with us.

My parents made this trip possible for all of us and I can't thank them enough.  I'm sure my sisters agree, if they want to give us a trip to Disneyland every Christmas, we wouldn't complain!  I am so lucky to be part of such an incredible family who genuinely enjoy each others company.  It was an epic week indeed...take me back!!!

All About Sam

My precious little Sam is officially 17 months old!  He has got to be the funniest little creature on the planet.  He has entered toddler-hood full force, complete with tantrums and outrageous requests all day long.  He keeps the entire family laughing with his dance moves in the car.  He LOVES to jam out to 311.  He even throws in a little fist pump, he is so my child.  My favorite is when he closes his eyes while he dances.  That's only when he's really feeling the music.  If the current song playing doesn't please him, he lets me know in a hurry.  The little smirk on his face is usually followed by the biggest crusty you've ever seen.  He is so expressive.

Our mornings consist of dropping Hank off to school, then we quickly going home to refill sippy cups and then take Max to school.  As long as he has his binky, crackers, sippy cup,  tunes, and blanket he is content.

Sam is actually most content with an electronic device of some sort in his hands.  Don't get me wrong, he loves Lucy, but he REALLY loves Lucy when he's holding her phone.

Or her Kindle Fire!  He loves playing with my phone and knows how to turn the music on when the screen is locked.  Just try to take it out of his hands and this is what usually happens...

Either he throws a monumental fit or he chucks my phone to the ground.  Shockingly he broke my screen earlier this week.  I don't know what I expect when I trust a one year old with it.  Why does he look exactly like Randy when he throws a fit?

Sam loves his brothers so much.  He loves playing ball downstairs with the boys and he really loves when they all get in the tub together.  Most kids his age know where their nose, ears, eyes, mouth and hair are when you ask.  Not this kid.  He knows where his boogers and wiener are though.  I'm such a good mom!  Speaking of being a good mom, Sam has developed a bit of a sweet tooth.  He LOVES chocolate, I mean, goes absolutely nuts for it.  After one little square he starts running around in circles.

I tell you, he is a funny little creature.

He looks at me with these big brown eyes and I melt every single time.  All the fits, all the craziness that comes with an active one year old is worth it when he snuggles next to me to read before bed.  He loves his books and requests at least 10 before he falls asleep.  Thankfully this kid takes a great nap in the afternoon and sleeps a solid 12 hours every night.  I need all the energy I have to keep up with him.

Who need toys when you have a swifer?  He is content pushing that thing around the house for hours.  

I felt a sense of urgency to dedicate a post to Sam since we are going to Disneyland tomorrow and leaving him behind.  I know he would be miserable at Disneyland, trapped in a stroller all day but man, I'm going to miss his adorable mug.  I'm comforted to know he will be in great hands with my friends Natalie and Isaac.  He loves them and he loves their dogs so I'm confident he won't miss me a bit.  Natalie is going to have endless material to instagram this weekend!! I just love my sweet little Sammy-boy.  I told him to quit growing up so fast but like his brothers, he didn't listen to me.

Hank is 8!

How can this be?  I officially have an eight year old!  Based on the items he got for his birthday it seems more like I have a teenager.  Basketball shorts, socks, a Ute's sweatshirt, Skull Candy Head phones, an ipod case, and jerseys.  I have to admit I was most excited he asked for a white board.  Sarah and Brett hooked him up with a sweet one.  Such a proud moment for me, my kid wanted school supplies.  We celebrated Hank the entire weekend starting with his friend party on Friday night at the Legacy Center pool.

These boys enjoyed pizza, cupcakes, and more burping than I could ever imagine possible from such small humans.  Total boys!  Look at Hank's face...I'd say he was in his happy place.

The boys sang "Happy Birthday" and quickly scarfed down their cupcakes so they could swim.

His friends gave him basketball cards, pokemon cards, football cards, a soccer ball, and a remote control helicopter.  My mom and dad took Sam for the evening so I didn't have to chase him around the pool all night.  It was a genius idea.  Randy and I really enjoyed sitting around and watching the boys run wild.

They had a blast and didn't stop for the full 2 hours.  I really tried to get a great picture of them swimming but it was a pointless task.  They were having way too much fun to pose for a picture.  Hank has such great friends.  One of his best friends, Dallin, shares his birthday and had his party the same night.  Next year we need to coordinate their parties a little better!

Hank's birthday morning started with presents from Randy, Max, Sam and me.  Hank was up at 5:30, so excited to start his birthday.

The headphones were a total hit!  I love this reaction.  We hurried to get ready because the birthday boy had a basketball in Salt Lake at 9 a.m.  

Sadly this is the best shot I got of Hank playing ball.  Mostly because the game was so intense.  It came right down to the last second.  These boys played their hearts out and came so close to winning their first game.  Man, they wanted to win so bad.  I don't think I've seen a sadder sight than 6 little boys crying after a game.

The grandparents were on hand to give their support and help cheer Hank up.  Poor kid, really couldn't muster a smile.  I was afraid the loss might ruin his birthday.  Nothing a little breakfast at IHOP can't cure.  Grandma Jeri and Scott treated us to a delicious feast and Hank was feeling better in no time.

They gave Hank an enormous water gun, and athletic shorts which he opened before we ate. 

Note to self, don't take Sam to a restaurant ever again! 

I spent the rest of the afternoon preparing for Hank's birthday party with the family.  I decided to go all out this year.  I mean, you only turn 8 once right?  

Hank's birthday always falls around Super Bowl weekend.  Perfect timing for a sports nut to have a birthday!

I didn't capture all the decorating awesomeness but trust me when I say it was all things Super Bowl.

I love this little moment between my mom and Hank. 

Our birthday boy!

Sam and Tuck coordinated their outfits for the occasion.

Hank scored a Ute's shirt from the Ross Fam.

Grandma Jackie and Grandpa Curt gave Hank this Ray Rice jersey just in time for the Super Bowl.  They also gave him a sweet Lebron James jersey.

Always a treat to have these two around.

I'm not sure Hank is really enjoying whatever Brett is doing to his face!

These proud grandparents have been to nearly every basketball game Hank has played this season.  I love watching them get into his games. 

The Royster's lovin' some Hank-man, especially when he wears his Ute's gear.

Hank must have wished for the Raven's to win the Super Bowl.  

His birthday weekend ended perfectly with a win from his favorite team and a thoroughly entertaining Super Bowl.

Hank at 8 years old is extremely smart, passionate, and driven.  He is self motivated and when he has something he wants, he will stop at nothing to make it happen.  He questions everything and thinks very deeply for a kid his age.  I love that quality in him and hope he always has a curious, inquisitive mind.  He is dedicated to doing everything he has to with his diabetes to keep him healthy and strong.  I can't express enough how grateful I am to be dealing with this horrendous disease with a kid like Hank.  He is so responsible and I trust him completely to take care of his diabetes.  He inspires me every single day with his courage and strength.  He cares so deeply for his little brothers and I have no doubt he will protect them for the rest of his life.  Hank is so fun to hang out with.  I love our little one on one shopping trips.  His high pitched giggle is contagious.  Hank is a natural athlete and is fiercely competitive.  This kid loves to win!  I look forward to watching him compete for many years to come.  Hank is also a great student and is doing very well in school.  I just couldn't be more proud of my boy.  Randy and I feel so lucky to have Hank as our son.  I love you Hank, forever!

Moments in Time

Being a mother of 3 young boys, I constantly struggle balancing my life.  Most days I feel like all I do is yell at my kids, clean the house, and do the laundry.  I really want my days to be filled with quality mother son activity.  I'm a stay at home mom for crying out loud.  Shouldn't every day be meaningful and full of bonding time?  It's unrealistic and impossible to believe that every day of motherhood will be bliss, however there are several moments throughout the day when I think, 'in this very moment, everything seems right with the world'.  I had a moment like that yesterday and I had to document it.  After all the snow and horrible inversion, we had sunny, beautiful weather yesterday.  Max need to detach himself from his Skylanders fantasy world and I needed to soak in some rays.  He reluctantly got his snow clothes on and we headed out.  After 20 minutes of shoveling snow and cleaning up the yard I decided to forget my household chores and play!  We made a little sledding hill next to our driveway, threw snow balls, and ate suckers.  Max proclaimed, "This is the life!".  

  

As soon as we could see Hank walking home from the bus stop and epic snow ball fight began. 

We laughed for an hour straight.  I felt more like myself than I have in months.  My kids need to see the spontaneous, fun-loving, free spirit version of me more often.  For that moment in time, I was completely present and engaged with my boys.  It was bliss.  We had so much fun together.  The rest of the day sort of went to hell  but at least I had that moment.  This is a lesson I keep reteaching myself.  Instead of focusing on having a fantastic day, how about focusing on enjoying the fantastic moments that arise every day while they last.  It was a priceless afternoon I will never forget.  Here's to many more of those!