Family Trip to Cali - Disneyland and the Beach!

(I have been a little behind on my blogs so I decided that today was catch-up day.)

Disneyland

There's no better place to see kids truly be kids. We flew out Friday morning and drove straight to Disneyland. The kids (Wil and I included) were very excited. We headed straight for the Materhorn. We figured if they could survive that (happily), then they could survive anything Disneyland had to offer. It was a success.

We also found the new Buzz Lightyear ride and could not get enough of it. You get to shoot at bad guys and Wil loved keeping score. Yes, he kicked my butt every time. Then we tracked down Buzz himself. They were also able to see Mickey, Goofy, Minnie and 3 Princesses. We watched the parade and walked all over the "happiest place on earth." It really brought back memories for me as a child. Wil laughed when I told him I wanted to cry while watching the parade. I hope the kids keep these sweet memories too. After we were all worn out, they each got to pick one souvenir. Asher picked a light up Buzz and Courtlyn picked a baby Minnie. Then we packed up in the car and this is what happened.....

Off to the Beach!

The first time we went to the beach, we were planning on strolling along the beach and enjoying the sounds. Well, Asher got a bit too close and we should have known. Cannon loved swimming in the sand and chasing the birds. We rented a "family bike" and cruised up and down the beach. I love being by the ocean and the sense of relaxation. There is just a different lifestyle there. The next time we went to the beach we were prepared with swimsuits and sand toys. There is nothing cuter than a baby on the beach.

We all had a great time spending time together, without the phone, computers or other daily things that take us away from each other. The kids did really well with little or no naps and I wish I could find that little piece of heaven in each day. Life gets too busy and cluttered up with foggy stuff. I am grateful for those times that the fog settles and the sun warms you and you can just enjoy living life. There is nothing better than a family, except one that is eternal. I need to remember to thank my Heavenly Father, everyday, for the blessings He has given to me. Life is to be enjoyed, not just endured! (Pres. Hinkley) My life has alot to enjoy, I only need to stop long enough to do it. Hopefully these memories will remind us how important this is to do every year. Life goes by way too fast. Thanks Wil, for working so hard and providing so well. Thanks Courtlyn for helping to keep us straight. Asher, thanks for making us smile. And Cannon, thanks for your spark. I love you and am grateful you are in my life.

Ward Campout

I was so excited for the ward campout. We were not able to go camping all summer long, so I was eager. Wil kept trying to convince me of coming home after the campfire or at least getting a room at a nearby casino but, I refused. We all had a great time. Our bishop brought up his zip line again and the kids had alot of fun riding it. We got a few cute pictures. I love letting the kids get dirty (and I mean dirty) and not caring. Then 10 pm came and we decided to go to bed. Yeah. That room at the nearby casino was sounding pretty darn nice. I admitted to Wil that we probably should have gone home or gotten a room. Once again Wil, you were right!! Anyway, I am hoping as the kids get older, it will get easier. Thanks for humoring me Wil!

Preschool, WeSchool, Not so Free School!!!!!

Preschool time has finally come. Courtlyn said "This is way too long a summer break to not go to preschool!" She loves school, and Miss Kellie. As for Asher, he is starting his first year and is SO excited. We went for the open house and when he pointed to his name he said "Asher J." I explained to him that he was the only Asher in his preschool (unlike nursery with an Asher J and and Asher A). As he thought about this, his eyes got wide and he smiled really big. It is nice to see him with his own thing. Being the middle child, I want to make sure he doesn't get shuffled. Of course for the first day, he had to wear his favorite yellow basketball outfit (the one he digs out of the dirty clothes basket, everyday). After his first day, he got the whole family singing, "Sunday Monday, Tuesday Wednesday, Thursday Friday, Saturday...." I guess if I start to sing in fun phrases, he may listen to me too! I love preschool time with the kids having focused time to soak up exciting new things. They both love to go and I will have to remind them of that years down the road.