Who doesn't like Disneyland?

So we took our annual Disneyland trip on Easter Sunday. We drove down after a good bacon and egg breaksfast and after our egg hunt in the backyard. Easter kinda took a backseat this year in lieu of Disneyland. I don't think the kids minded too much. We were there for 3 fun filled days. We spend day 1 at Disneyland, day 2 at Disneyland until the evening then we were off to CA Adventure, and Day 3 was split between the 2 parks as well. We saw a parade and the fireworks. The big girls did all the rides- with Space Mountain as their favorite. Poor little Andi was scared on every single ride. I kinda don't blame her. For being 3 and thinking EVERYTHING is real, it can be scary. Spencer went along pretty smoothly until he picked up on the "being scared" thing. They both did all the little kid rides, though. Avery was an angel- just cruisin'.







Mr. Growler going on the Small World ride. FYI- they added a few current Disney characters inside the ride. Look up to see Peter Pan flying as soon as you get into the singing part.






By day 2, Andi had had enough of all the rides. We forced her onto the Alice in Wonderland ride. She's not too happy to have to go on it. She was fine by the time it was done.





My fault- I told the big girls in dramatic fashion the story of Indiana Jones (they had no idea who he was). Neither of them opened their eyes the whole time on the ride. Ainslee cried when she got off. We'll see if they attempt it next year.




The first ride we went on was the Jungle Cruise. Just look at the fear on Ashley's face! I love it! I love how they totally believe it's real! Aahh- true innocence.





Little Missy just lovin' life.



Here are the girls in line for the Matterhorn. They really liked this one. Andi didn't go on it-too freaked out. Spencer did though. He was pretty impartial- no crying or laughing when it was done.





For one evening we were able to meet up with my Grandpa (mom's mom). He's 87 and is finally starting to act old- if you consider still working out in the garden and picking us lemons and grapefruits from his trees old.



We had just an absolutely great time. No complaints (except a little too windy one afternoon). Next time we go it will be as a family reunion with my folks, sister, brothers, sister in laws, and kids galore. I can't wait!!!!

Back from Vacay. . .

Went to The Happiest Place on Earth. Had a fabulous time. Will post pics later when kids are busy.

So nice outside!

Yesterday and today have been so nice-maybe a little too warm for before Easter (75)- but nice to feel the sunshine. After Conference today, we drove to one of the bike trails here in Roseville. We didn't bike- we just walked it. It was really nice! The kids went off running ahead of us and it was so nice to see them just go! I remember running fast and loving the way the wind felt as it rushed past. Now, of course, I'd rather die than run. But at least I have good memories. As we walked/ran I felt really blessed to have children that are all healthy and their little bodies working so perfectly. It was a great day.

Andi was determined to sit on this cable line fence. She was trying so hard to balance which is why she wasn't looking. About 3 seconds after I took this, she jumped up, sat on her bum and then swung all the way back and upside down. It was a hoot! Straight out of America's Funniest Video!

There were random orange poppies that were in the middle of purple fields. It was really pretty!

How long has it been?

Man, seriously, time flies. I really don't know where it goes. Right this minute everyone is asleep for the night except me. I'm staying up late to catch up on computer stuff. You know, emails, blogging, saving digital pictures, ordering things online. I can only do it late at night. The little ones (Andi and Spencer) just HAVE to sit on my lap when they see me turn the computer on. I can't usually see the screen when I've got two heads in my way! So now I'm catchin' up! We've had great weather here the past couple of weeks. We can't stay away from the park. Luckily for me Spencer can do all the of the jungle gym things by himself now. Well, he could last year but all the moms would run over to him and "rescue" the "little boy" who looked like he was "going to fall." Back off! I've got it under control! But so far he's not enticed anyone over to rescue him so that's good for me. My mom actually came into town for a few days. We weren't sure when we'd be able to see her so we flew her out. We always have these grandios ideas for projects around the house. And then we never get them done! That's our style and it's great. She's so fun to be around. I'm glad she could visit the kids. In fact, my brother Steve, wife Deb, and son Magnus came from San Fran to visit for a day, too. It's so fun the few times we do get together. And to think we only live 2 1/2 hours away- wish we could do it more often. I'll just post some random pictures now.


Happy St. Patricks Day! Ainslee made a Leprechaun trap, but surprisingly, she didn't catch the little guy. She said that if she caught him she's ask for 3 wishes: 1) infinity dollars 2) a limo 3) to be a supermodel. Oh man, I've got my work cut out for me.




Last weekend was so nice, we BBQ'd ribs and had smores.




Yes, I'm the heavy-set man on the left side. What the heck! I hate pictures of myself. My mom's on her knees and Steve and Deb are on the side.



Miss Andi is now in Sunbeams. I've heard she's really good (really?? Are you sure??). She loves singing out "I am a builder working so hard to build my family." It's a new primary song written for this year.








Mr. Spencer has now decided he can't go anywhere without a hat on. That's fine with me. It's better than a headband.





Ainslee loves to make Avery laugh. It was Avery's first time on a swing. She LOVED it! Already a daredevil at 6 months old.







Ashley is still trying to get into the habit of practicing piano. I'm teaching her, Ainslee, and Cory. The girls have got really good rythim so it's going along pretty good. Cory's doing amazing. He's learning to read all the notes and going along pretty fast. Impressive.

You never know how much you swallow until. . .

So I got super sick about 10 days ago (Sat). Fever of 102, really bad sore throat, and nausea. It didn't go away by Monday morning so I went in to the doctor because obviously I had strep throat. Lovely Dr. Neft said, nope, it's just viral, here's some vicotin for the pain. The (often false-negative) quick strep test came back negative. What the heck? Someone put razor blades in my food and tore my throat to shreds! So on goes Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday, and Sunday. Still dying and it's getting worse!!!! So Cory makes me go in again (to a different on-call doctor) to get checked out again. Seriously, I couldn't eat, drink, or swallow. Swallowing is such a big deal! I've had to spit into a blasted cup for over a week now. So gross. So this new doctor says to me, "It looks viral but we'll do a strep test just in case." I bawled right there on the table. It can't be viral- I need it to go away! Then an angelic voice (it was the nurse) from the hallway said, "The throat strep is positive." I bawled again because I can finally get help! It turns out that the strep that I've had for over a week caused little open sores to form in the back of my throat. So that's what was making the pain worse. What in the world?!?! Still can't eat or drink- I'm starving!!!!! I did start the antibiotics yesterday so hopefully by this time tomorrow I'll be feeling a lot less pain. It hurts so bad! So now that I'm done complaining, let me do a little a praising- CORY!!! Poor guy has had to deal with a really sick wife for over a week. He's really stepped up and I appreciate it so much.

For Reals. . . Another Birthday

Yes, Ainslee has also just had her birthday! She turned 6 on Tuesday. We let the kids have a friend party every other year, starting at age 6, so this was her first one. I couldn't decide if I should invite just her church friends or just her school friends- so I did both. Ooops. 16 girls came. Wow- the noise level was amazing! In true Ainslee style, she chose to have a movie star party. So I basically made up movie star activities like walk the red carpet and pose, model shoot (even with a fan blowing the hair), and the girls' favorite- freeze dance. I made a star cake and she had a great time. And when Cory and I took her out for her birthday dinner- she chose Bucca di Beppo- strictly for the olive oil and balsamic dip for the bread. Isn't that funny?! Here go the pictures. . .



Blow out the candles, Ains.



Ashley and Ainslee posing off the red carpet. I took pictures of each girl and Ainslee and am sending them to the parents with the thank you cards. The girls (I think) really really liked this activity.


Here's the whole group. We had pizza, grapes, cake, and ice cream.



Here is Ainslee at Buca- this is the FREE dessert they bring you for your birthday- 2 slices of Red Velvet cake decorated in the colors of Italy. She was a little embarrassed when we sang.



I can't believe how my kids are growing- "She's slippin' through my fingers all the time. . . I try to capture every minute. . . while I am in it. . . " (ABBA)

Cory's B-Day

For he's a jolly good fellow. . .

Cory turned the big 3-2 yesterday. The kids had off of school and Cory kinda sorta took the day off of work. What a nice guy- he took us to John's Incredible Pizza for his birthday dinner. It's like Chuck E. Cheese on steroids. He had his favorite pizza there- the Cheeseburger Pizza (don't ask). Actually, Cory and I went to this awesome hamburger place (The Counter) for a birthday date night on Friday night. I would scan some funny kid pictures of him if he weren't in the room on a conference call- that embarrassement will have to wait! For now, enjoy his big blue eyes in this picture taken at the pizza place: