Disneyland Dreams

For several years we have dreamed, planned, and hoped to take our little family to the place where dreams come true - Disneyland.  Emily and Lily have been such big princess fans that I wanted to take them to where the princesses live.  We all anticipated this first family vacation for us.  It was nothing short of magical and I am so grateful we had this opportunity to go.  Growing up Disneyland was my family's vacation of choice.  My parents saved and planned wisely so that we could enjoy the magic.  I was so excited to share a part of my childhood with my children.  My favorite part of the trip was watching each of my children experience the magic of what seemed so real to them.  I discovered that the magic of Disneyland is not found in the characters, but the children themselves.  They are the magic of the happiest place on earth.  I hope my kids will remember the fun and magic of this trip for a long time.

The kids sure enjoyed the rides, but their favorite part was meeting all the characters.  We found so many: Tinker Bell, Mad Hatter, Sofia, Chip n' Dale, Goofy, Mickey, Minnie, Sofia, Doc McStuffins, and more.  Of coarse we saw many princesses too: Aurora, Belle, Cinderella, Ariel, Tiana, Snow White, Rapunzel, Jasmine, Anna, and Elsa. Each greeting the kids became more and more comfortable.  By the end of the trip, Lily was quick to give many hugs and blow kisses to the characters.  It was so sweet to watch.

 

On our second day, Sissa surprised us all with a treat to Ariel's Grotto for Lunch with the princesses.  The girl's loved the beautiful view, treats, chocolate meal, and seeing the princesses up close.  I was lucky to catch Lily's face of delight as they welcomed Tiana to the lunch party.  Her face sparkled as she was hoping to meet her so very much.  It seemed Emily and Lily couldn't wipe the smiles off their faces.  We so appreciate Sissa's treat with the princesses.

 Logan liked seeing the characters sometimes, but his favorite part of Disneyland was the many "tractors" or rides.  He loved watching the lights and movements of the many rides around.  I was surprised in finding my kids' favorite ride was "Pirates of the Caribbean."  They loved the tummy tickle of the "slides" in the ride and talk about it still today.  Some of the other favorites were: Dumbo, Small World, Carousel, Snow White, Alice in Wonderland, and the Teacups.

We measured and planned to have Emily ride some of the "big kid" rides - Thunder Mountain, Splash Mountain, and Cars.  At home she measure 40' just right for the rides.  We talked to Emily about how she could ride these rides but Logan and Lily (and even baby sister) couldn't.  She thought it was neat that she could do the "big kid" rides and was anticipating the fun.  However, as Sissa and Daddy took her up to ride Thunder Mountain for the first time, the ride operators turned her away for being a smidgen to small.  Emily was disappointed, but we found her some boots that night at Target to stuff some socks in to make her height just right.  Our little trick worked and Emily was able to ride Thunder Mountain, Splash Mountain, and Cars. When you ask Emily what her favorite ride is, she says, "Splash Mountain and Thunder Mountain!"

In between our 3 days of fun at Disneyland, we spent a day at Newport Beach.  Nelson loves the beach and playing in the waves.  It was fun for me to watch him enjoy this time himself and with his kids.  We were glad to have a "break" in our trip to refresh for one last day of fun at Disneyland.  

Emily is 5 Years Old

Emily is 5 years old!!  She has been counting down the days to her birthday by counting down birthdays before hers: Lily, Grandma, and Sissa's.  Emily was thrilled to celebrate with two parties with cousins.  I love this girl of mine so very much.  She is growing and learning so much every day.  It seems she has grown even faster as she has been in preschool.  Here are a few things about this cute 5 year old:

• Great helper for mom.  Emily loves to play and help with Lily and Logan.  She has taken her own initiative to help with Logan especially as I get ready in the morning.
• Loves Disney princesses, Minnie Mouse, and playing make believe especially "family."
• Excited to go to preschool everyday.  She doesn't even hesitate to go.  She loves to learn and spend time with friends.
• Enjoys arts and crafts.  Emily loves to color, cut, glue, and create in any way she can.  She loves to participate in my art class every Monday afternoon.
• Favorite foods: pasta, spaghetti, meatloaf, yogurt, Pirate Booty, Poptarts, and cereal
• Timid to try new things, but once she tries she is brave and confident.
• Loves to sing and dance, especially to princess music
• Loves to read books and can even read two sight words
• Looks forward to special family time and individual time with mom and dad

Logan 17 Months

Just one month away from nursery, Logan is 17 months!  I cannot believe how much he has grown this past month.  Logan is such a fun little boy that we all adore.

• Loves tractors, trucks, and airplanes.  He can say all three!
• Each morning Logan loves to read his books on my bed with his sisters while I get ready.
• Expanding his vocabulary lots: tractor, truck, doggie, neigh, cracker, mine, no, stop, mommy, daddy, plane, Lily, cheese
• Laughs at all the silly things Emily and Lily do
• Loves to raid the pantry and eat cereal straight from the box
• Smiles mischievously and points to get a piece of candy
• Loves to walk around holding your finger.  He can walk independently, but is building confidence and speed
• Loves to read stories while sitting on your lap
• Find it funny to put things down the heater vent
• Loves pasta, yogurt, M&Ms, goldfish, and cereal
• Likes to tease mommy by crawling away when it is time change his clothes or diaper
• Loves to spend time with family
• Exclaims with joy and races to daddy when he gets home
• Likes to play in water and dirt

Bean Museum

After an early nap for Logan, we spontaneously headed to Provo for some family fun.  We enjoyed an afternoon exploring the Bean Museum and having ice cream at the BYU Creamery.  Even my Ute fan Nelson had fun at the rival school.  I always love visiting BYU and remembering the fun and challenging memories of college.

Preschool Shining Star

Emily has been anticipating the start of school for many months.  All summer we have been counting down birthdays for the first day of school.  Emily has an innate desire for learning.  Since she was a baby, she has loved to read.  I remember sitting on the floor many an afternoon reading book after book to her - many of which I would have memorized.  Emily loves to learn new things from books, tell stories, and engage with others in imagination fun.  The Sunday before school started, our FHE lesson focused on Father's Blessings and that the beginning of school was a good time for one. Emily was confused for a few minutes because she said she wasn't nervous at all.  

On the first day of preschool, my mommy's heart was excited, but nervous to let her go.  Emily excitedly and proudly walked down the stairs like it was nothing.  She didn't even want to hold my hand.  Each day since, Emily counts down the days of the weekend so that she can begin school again.  It is fun to hear about her learning adventures each day!  

Lily really missed Emily at first, but now seems to cherish time with Logan and me.  We have adventures to the library and story time that make the time go by quickly.  I love watching Lily and Emily greet each other after school and talk about their fun adventures apart.  They then incorporate their learning fun in their imaginative play that afternoon.  What fun to share adventures together and apart!

Aunt Sissa

These girls and Logan love their Aunt Sissa.  A dance party is always mandatory with Sissa around.  She is the best dance teacher and never hesitates to join in their princess dancing fun.

Sissa's Pool

 Our Saturday adventure plan was to head to a splash park,  However, after a few wrong turns we make some makeshift plans and headed to Sissa's community splash park pool.  Even though it sprinkled rain for a few minutes, the kids had a blast.  They water temperature was perfect!  At only a foot and half deep, they kids loved splashing, running, and playing in the water for a few hours.  I had so much fun watching them and visiting with Nelson.  Even though it wasn't our planned destination, it worked out even better!