Disneyland

This year we took Jake's parents and met up with his sister Allison and her family to go to Disneyland.  We woke up and had a delicious breakfast at the hotel, of course they made Mitchy Mouse Pancakes!  

 By the time we walked over to Disneyland it was pouring rain, and we were freezing our butts off!!!  We debated for an hour if it was worth going...  Meanwhile we requested special permission to bring our wagon into the park because they are not allowed.  After ONE HOUR, we got permission, but had to have 2 mickey mouse balloons tied to it, (it's a risk that people might not see it and trip) my kids loved it!!!  By the time we got in, the sun came out and we got a few sunny pictures.  You would have never known it was the same day.  BUT it was still very cold.  We spent the whole day being bundled and trying to get warm.  Disney made a lot of $$$ off all the pour people freezing and needing to buy Disney gear!

 We took our picture with goofy, and Reesa wanted her picture with Minnie, but I didn't want to wait another hour to see Minnie, so here's our compromise!

 Jansen is at such a fun age to be at Disney!  He LOVES animals and you could just see the excitement in his face!

 Jansen's favorite character is Aladdin, so I made his get his picture with him.  He was so nervous he didn't even want to say hi.  Then when he went over to Aladdin, he just put his head down and gave him the biggest hug!  So precious.

Waiting for the fireworks.  The most amazing show ever.  They come up from all around you and tell a story as they have characters that dance across the sky.

Mitchell in his Darth Vader Micky Mouse Ears.  So DARN CUTE!!!

What a fun family tradition.  We feel so lucky to get to go to Disneyland!  The happiest place on Earth!

Happy 7th birthday Reesa!!!

This year we celebrated Reesa's birthday an EXTRA time.  Mitchell spent 5 days in the hospital in December so when we came home the last thing I could do besides, my anniversary, Christmas, and Reesa's birthday was plan a party!  So I told Reesa we could have a big party in February.  Well, she didn't forget!  She was telling everyone about her party in February so I knew I couldn't get out of this one...  It was really fun.  Valentines was the perfect time to find super girly decorations, party favors, etc.  It was awesome!!!  We played lots of games, like guess how many candies in this jar, decorate a bag, pop balloons tied to your ankles, rolling a dice to get a prize... until everyone got one.  The biggest surprise was the pinata.  My kids LOVE them.  Jake filled it with so much candy that each kid took home and entire lunch sack FULL.  It was WAY too much.  But I guess that's what happens.  The party was a hit and all the kids had a blast, especially Reesa! 

 The smartest thing I did was order a cupcake, cake!!!  It was great.  I didn't have to deal with the mess of cutting anything, and look at what a great job they did!  You can't even tell from the top they're cupcakes!!!

 Reesa is in a tumbling class with Cami.  One of the only pics I have... She loves it! I tried to get Jansen to join, but he likes sitting with me better!

Happy Valentines DAY!

This year for Valentine's Day we actually went out!  Alfonzo's does a couples night with the newly wed game.  So we bought tickets to go.  It was a funny night.  Jake and I were not called up, but sat in our chairs playing the game with each other.  We had a great time.

 Vanessa and Eli

 We enjoyed some dancing too...

 I even had my nails done for the occasion!

Vineyard

Our ward has the awesome privilege of working in the vineyard several times a year.  We get to harvest the grapes, and help dry them, and get them ready to package as raisins.  They showed us this video that melts your heart and makes you feel on top of the world!  Raisins are easily shipped everywhere in the world.  They provide help to so many people in distress.  I've never been able to go because you can't bring young children, so Jake to represent our family.  This last time he took Reesa and Cami Kendall to help out.  These girls worked so hard, Jake was so proud of them, he took them to Boomers afterwards.

  

Jansen says the funniest things.  He wouldn't eat dinner so after he got dressed for bed I found him in the kitchen with this.  He told me he was making "lunch for dinner."  I loved how he put a different food in each section of his plate.

January 2013 at a glance

Jansen is just darling!  He is growing up so fast!  First day of school back from Christmas break and he just looked like a little man to me!

We love our cats!

Reesa and Cami begging for a playdate together...

Fun with the Kendall's at the park

Reesa holding Olivia on her lap.  It was so cute seeing her being a little mom.

Jumping at Skywalk with the kids!  They love it there and always beg to go back!!!