Kendal's Birthday trip to Disneyland

We didn't plan for it to happen on her birthday exactly, but it worked out that way. Some friends of ours were coming through Vegas on their way to Disneyland. We decided to run away for a day and go with them.

These two girls are BFF's. They had such a great time together. I wish we lived closer!

It was another great trip to Disneyland. We love it (as I am sure you all know by now:) Out of all of the times we have gone, this was the first time in October. I love all of the fall decorations. I did get a little teary eyed while we were there though. One of our favorite rides has always been Soarin over California. Since we started going on it, we have always had a kid that was too small to ride, so Bryce and I have spent lots of time waiting outside to do the switch with the kids. This time, Kendal was finally tall enough to ride. So we all went on as a family, no more waiting outside under the mister. As we were coming off, I was all teary eyed just realizing how fast time goes by, considering Evan and Kendal weren't even born when I was first waiting outside the ride with Haylee. Now, they are both big enough that we can all go together. I guess it doesn't really have so much to do with ride itself, but more of a reality check of just how fast our kids really do grow up. It used to seem like it would be forever until we could all go on together as a family, and now that its here, I look back and realize just how fast time really does go by. It wont be long before we dont have to wait out with the kids on any of the rides.. I'm sure I will bring on the full tears for that. Ha - just kidding (sort of:)

A day at Disneyland

Cade's football tournament (see post below) was only 15 minutes from Disneyland, so we went there on Saturday. His team was going to Magic Mountain on Sunday, so we were able to do this instead, which worked out perfect for us!

Kendal got to see the love of her life:) She still hasn't stopped talking about it! She loves Minnie.

She did the same thing as last time we were there in March. This was about another 30 second hug. We thought we may have to pry her off! Luckily, she let go on her own:)

Ready to go on Toy Story Mania - still our favorite ride!

It was FREEZING that night. I didn't get very many pictures because we were trying to keep Evan and Kendal warm and bundled in the strollers (well, that was before our strollers and blankets got stolen:( But, other than that, it was so fun to be there during the holiday season, to see all of the decorations, the christmas parade, and watch the fireworks set to christmas music (with rain pooring down). What can I say, we LOVE Disneyland!

**Disneyland**

**Lots of pictures--mostly for the grandparents who have requested to see them**

Friday was our first day at Disneyland. Just as we got in, Bryce had to go pick up the strollers. The kids and I sat down on the bench, and this was who came up to greet us...


Evan was not scared at all.. he walked right up to give him a hug.

Then it was off to Evan's favorite ride.

The kids always love the Nemo ride..

Cade holding Kendal's hand so she wouldn't be scared

Evan was all about finding the characters and giving them high five's, hugs and kisses!

Anyone who knows Kendal, knows that she ADORES Minnie Mouse. We were waiting in line to see Mickey, and just as it was our turn, Minnie walked over to replace him. Perfect timing for us! Kendal walked right up to her, and wrapped her arms around her for about 30 seconds. We wondered if she was ever going to let Minnie go! It was the cutest thing ever, even the people in line behind us couldn't get over how sweet it was. Now all she talks about is how she got to meet Minnie and give her big hugs:)

Evan was a little disappointed Mickey got replaced by Minnie, but he was still all for giving her hugs.

Toy Story Mania is definitely our new favorite ride for the family. It's perfect for the little kids.

This was taken at about 10:30 on day 2.. We still had another 2 hours left in us.. it's amazing how late the kids can stay awake -without falling apart- when you're at Disneyland.

Disneyland & San Diego

Last week we went to Disneyland before going to San Diego for Jessica's farewell. Haylee was our little dare devil. She went on every fast, scary ride. She loved Space Mountain, and said it was her favorite. Cade wasn't quite so daring this time. He went on most of the "scary rides" but did not enjoy Space Mountain or the Matterhorn.. at all. It was interesting to have Evan and Kendal this time. It was 2 straight days of putting two kids in the stroller, head over to a ride, take both of them out. Bryce carried one, I carried the other. We went on the ride, and put them back in their strollers, just to head to another ride and do it all over again. We did have a great time, and the kids can't wait to go back again. One bonus for this trip is that Bryce has to have knee surgery next week, so he got to rent one of the scooters. We got to head to the handicap entrance on all of the rides, so we didn't have to wait in the lines. Great timing on tearing apart your knee babe!






After the 2 days at Disneyland, we went to San Diego, and straight to La Jolla beach. It was freezing! It was close to 70 degrees, but the wind made it so cold! We must be used to our desert weather here, because not too many people at the beach that day seemed to think it was as cold as we did. Cade didn't seem to mind to much, and the boys had a blast playing football.