Family Vacation: Part One: Disneyland

Warning: Picture Overload!!!

At the end of March we surprised the boys with a trip to Disneyland.  We hadn't been since Tyson was 2 years old, so it was new for all of them.  We had a great time, despite the crowds.

Waiting in line for our first ride, Dumbo.  Nolan had no idea what to expect.  He was just happy to be there.

I quickly learned that standing in line turning into a wrestling match when you have
three little boys.Usually it was  Preston and Nolan playfully attacking each other in
each line.I did my best to keep the chaos to a controlled minimum so it wouldn't disturb
the people around us.  

Dan rode all the big fast rides with the older boys, while Nolan and I kept ourselves entertained on
the more mild stuff.  We made good riding budding since he was too small  and
I was too pregnant to ride many of the rides.It was a win-win for everyone.

Everyday life is controlled chaos with these three.  Disneyland was no exception.

Jedi Training was a highlight for the boys.  We tried so hard to get Tyson chosen to
participate on stage,with no luck.  After trying twice we gave up.
I couldn't deal with the disappointment on his face anymore.

Goofy was high on Nolan's list of people to see at Disneyland.  We practically accosted him when he walked by.  He didn't seem to mind.

This kid enjoyed Autopia a little too much.  I am terrified for when he learns to drive.  I only have 12 more years!

All three of my boys love Phineas and Ferb.  We made sure to get front row seats for
their Rock and Roll show.  They encouraged all the kids in the audience to participate.
This is as close as Preston wanted to get.  I even joined in when they
asked parents to hula hoop.

Tyson joined in nearly every song and had a great time.
 He is in the middle in a green shirt.

We just missed the opening of the new Cars Land.
 But my boys were happy just to seeMcQueen and Mater.

Dan was a saint to go on all the silly little rides with the boys.
Nolan and I really did enjoy a slower pace.

While standing in line for It's A Small World, a nice older couple insisted on
taking our picture.They said we needed proof that I was there too.

Nolan was a little hesitant around most of the characters.
But Pluto wasn't going to take 'no' for an answer.
He was so sweet with Nolan and got him to warm up to him.

For weeks (months?) before we went to Disneyland Nolan kept asking to "Find Mickey Mouse."
When I asked him why he wanted to find Mickey he would say, "He give me a hug."
Nolan was right.  When we finally found Mickey Mouse, Nolan got his hug.

This picture makes me laugh.
Tyson DID NOT want to stand in line to see Minnie Mouse because "She's a girl!"
He almost refused to be in the picture.  And this is him trying not to smile.  

Preston, Nolan and I stood in a really long line to see Tigger.  Dad and Tyson were busy riding Splash Mountain.

They loved Eeyore too.

Every afternoon without fail Nolan, my no-napping child, would fall asleep in his stroller or in his dad's arms.  He fell asleep on my lap on the Haunted Mansion.  He kept sleeping all through Pirates of the Caribbean, and the Tiki Room.  He finally woke up when we I laid him in his stroller while Dan stood in line for Pineapple Ice Cream.

Dan insisted that we all pick out character hats.  He really wanted this picture! 

And to make sure the hat purchase was put to good use we posed for this picture in our hotel lobby as well.
 These are our "I'm too tired to stand up straight" fake smiles.

We plan to go back in another 5 or 6 years.  I hope to not be pregnant next time.

St. Patricks Day

I wasn't feeling particularly well mid-March.  So I was less than eager to be creative for St. Patrick's Day.  They boys spent the day building their own leprechaun traps. This included taping a ribbon to a coin and dangling it out the window.  The ribbon led across the living room and into a little cage where the boys were hoping to catch the little guy.

I made a small effort by making an all green lunch.

The boys were happy, and that's all that matters.

Brotherly Love

For years Tyson and Preston have been "the boys" and Nolan has been "the baby."  There always seems to be a bigger age gap between Preston and Nolan, even though they are pretty close in age.  I told Dan that someday when Nolan got a little bigger, that age gap would start to close.  Well, someday is here!

These two have become quite the little buddies lately.  But it's not always peaceful. It's the kind of love you show by pinning someone to ground, throwing an affectionate punch, or playfully stealing someone's toy. 

It's Brotherly Love. 

Nolan is quick to start a wrestling match.  And now that Nolan isn't a baby anymore, Preston is allowed to fight back.   Nolan is feistier so they are almost evenly matched.  

So, if you are around my kids and you hear a little screaming.  Don't worry. They just love each other.

Snow Day!

Who would have known our best Snow Day of the year would come in March?!  We've had very little snow this winter.  And much of what we got came when we weren't able to play in it, or was too light and fluffy to pack a decent snowball.

These boys love to play in the snow.  Nolan and Preston are quick to throw their snowsuits on over their pajamas and head out first thing in the morning.  And thanks to Santa, I finally have good snow pants and boots to play with them.

Too busy building to look at the camera

An original, one-of-a-kind, Star Wars snowman

After hours of play, I can only get them back in the house with the promise of hot chocolate.

Hello Blue Eyes

Have I mentioned how much I love his eyes?  

I have? 

Oh well, you get to hear it again. 

Ice Ice Baby

After watching Mr. Popper's Penquins the credits started to roll. Certain members of my family really enjoy Vanilla Ice.

Mission Reunion

Thanks to Facebook Dan has kept in touch with many people from his mission.  Last month we invited people from his MTC group over for dinner.  They had a great night reminiscing about the MTC and France.

We were also able to get to meet their families.  Here's the group (minus Nolan and Preston, who were otherwise occupied at picture time)

It was a great night with good food, good friends, and French Cheese.

Itty Bitty Sports

Preston, Nolan and I have spent the last few months at Itty-Bitty Sports.  Preston is the only one actually registered for the class, but Nolan likes to participate as well.  At least when the coaches will let him.  Unfortunately, the classes have been so big lately that there aren't enough balls to go around and Nolan runs the risk of being trampled.  On those days I have to make sure I have enough snacks in my purse to keep Nolan satisfied for an hour.  

These pictures are from Football.  (And it's impossible to get good pictures in that gym!) Preston has also done Basketball, Soccer, Field Hockey, and Volleyball.  He will do T-ball next month.  And then we will take a break for a while.  

Preston and Nolan are in the middle

Nolan, running laps with the coach

Nolan won't be old enough to officially be in the class for another year.  He can't wait!

Dan's Birthday

Dan's not really big on birthdays.  But every year I try to do something to make it fun for him.  It would be a lot easier if he was actually home to enjoy it.  But as usual Dan was working all day.  The boys and I had dinner and pie waiting for him when he got home late that night.  

  

 We can't forget this candle.  Someone sent it to him as a gift.  When  lit the flower opened up, started spinning and singing happy birthday.  The music only stopped when you cut the wire.  Dan was determined NOT to cut the wire.  But the music was so irritating that the candle spent a couple days in the garage.  When Dan still refused to cut the wire we moved the candle to the garbage can outside.  It went singing to it's death in the garbage truck.

We even decorated the house in a football theme for him.  The boys talked about Daddy's Football Birthday for weeks.

Ditching School

One afternoon Dan and I decided to check the boys out of school early for an impromptu family day.  We drove up to Salt Lake to the planetarium.  I bought tickets for the IMAX 3D movie Born to be Wild, a movie about people who rescue orphaned elephants and orangatans and release them back into the wild when they are old enough to survive.  It was adorable.

After the movie we explored the planetarium.  The boys were fascinated with all the exhibits.  It was a great day.  

This two-story ball machine was a big hit. 

Nolan's Birthday Party

Nolan had a great birthday party with close friends and family.  He emphatically wanted a Sesame Street party.  

(Which was nice since I still had supplies left over from Preston's two-year old Sesame Street party)

And thanks to Pinterest I found some darling ideas.

The birthday boy

Some of the food, 

Some of the people

Spoiled with presents

Blowing out his candles on his Elmo cupcake

I adore this child

Nolan Turns Two at Kangaroo Zoo

(Yes, I am far, far behind.  Please be patient while I try to catch up.Better late than never, right?!)

For Nolan's Birthday this year, we decided to take the family to Kangaroo Zoo.  The boys and I got there first, since Dan was coming from work.  I totally expected Nolan to love it.  I was in for a shock when the two big boys took off running and squealing, and Nolan clung to my leg in fear.  He was terrified of the inflatable toys.  He wouldn't let go of me.   He was more than happy to play in the little area for babies, as far from the bounce houses as possible.  

I called Dan, "Uh, this may have been a bad idea.  Nolan isn't having any fun."

But everything changed when Dan arrived.  He scooped Nolan up and headed over to the big, noisy toys.  Nolan looked hesitant at first but with a little coaxing from Dan was soon smiling from ear to ear.  Once he warmed up he had a great time.  And that is another one of the MANY reasons why every child needs a father.

First smile of the night

This ended up being his favorite toy.  He slid down this slide too many times to count.

Nolan's 2nd Year

Make a video - it's fun, easy and free!
www.onetruemedia.com

Nolan's Letters

Nolan loves letters.  He started several months ago by identifying O's everywhere.  Soon he was obsessed with the letter T.  And one by one he has taught himself the letters of the alphabet.  He doesn't know them all yet, but he is well on his way.  He points letters out everywhere we go.  He even sees letters in everyday shapes.  This morning he tried to tell me what letters were on my alarm clock.  7:43 became TUE to his little mind.

He is also learning his colors.  Orange is his favorite color, which is convenient since blue and green are already taken in this house. 

Piano Lessons

Tyson and Preston have begun taking Music Lessons.  They are starting with the Piano.  Later, if they show interest we may add violin as well.

Their teacher is Dan's aunt, who is quiet possibly the sweetest woman on the planet.  She is so good with the boys, always pouring on the positive reinforcement and praise. 

They've practiced Tucca Tucca Stop Stop so many times in the last two months, even Nolan has learned to say it. 

They are easily motivated with stickers.

and YouTube videos like these:

Tyson's How-To

I attended Parent Teacher Conference recently.  I was sitting in the hall outside Tyson's classroom when I noticed that his teacher had set out some books for us to peruse while we waited.  The book that most caught my attention was a How-To book Tyson's class had published.  I quickly flipped through the book looking for Tyson's contribution.  I was quite curious as to what Tyson would teach me how to do.  I shouldn't have been so surprised.

"How To Draw a Star Wars Charector"

 Instructions:
Step One Draw a head and a neck.  Add a body and arms.  Add legs and a belt then you add a lightsaber.  Then color it.

Wordless Wednesday

Facebook Statuses of 2011

So many funny and memorable things happen in a year. Many of them don't make it to the blog, just Facebook. So I've undertaken the arduous task of copying them all here so they can be saved and printed into my blog book.

Is it bad that I had to check the school website because I forgot what time school starts and ends tomorrow? Normal life, here we come.
January 2, 2011

Nolan is proving that two baby gates aren't enough! I need at least one more.
Friday, January 7, 2011

I've put off shopping as long as I can. But now we're out of toilet paper. Costco, here I come.
January 20, 2011

Nolan has been highly irritable lately. I figured he was teething. Today I realized he is cutting THREE teeth. Yeah, I think I'd be a little moody too. Poor kid.
Wednesday, January 26, 2011

Sometimes you find what you are looking for when you aren't looking." ~ Words of wisdom compliments of my plumber this morning.
Thursday, January 27, 2011

Preston (3) is constantly quoting movies. Today he was quoting Jimmy Neutron. But instead of saying that the parents had been 'abducted' by aliens, he keeps saying that they have been ADOPTED by aliens. I ♥ it.
Sunday, January 30, 2011

Quote of the Day: "Preston you can't parachute naked. If you want to parachute you need to put your clothes back on."
February 4, 2011

I'm attempting to explain the difference between stickers and stamps to my 3 year old while scrapping them off my furniture.
Wednesday, February 9, 2011

My 3 year old had 7 ball point pens tucked into his shirt pocket and ink scribbles all over his hands and face. My anger and frustration quickly turned to pride when I noticed he had written several perfectly formed letters on his palm.
February 11, 2011

You know it's going to be a good Valentine's Day when you wake up next to the one you love, and then you roll over to see two more.
Monday, February 14, 2011

Today would be a great day for my Fairy Godmother to show up. A Genie with three wishes wouldn't be bad either. Heck, I'd even settle for some woodland creatures to help me clean the house.
February 15, 2011

In and out of the pediatricians office AND the pharmacy in 20 minutes. Now that's efficient!
Wednesday, February 23, 2011

I'm off to the DMV to renew my driver's license with two kids in tow. With me luck!!
Monday, February 28, 2011

I was supposed to go on a date with my hubby tonight, instead we spent it in the ER with Tyson. He broke his arm. And not a little break. He snapped the two bones right off. Five hours later we are home and the kids are all tucked into bed. Time to eat dinner and go to bed.
Wednesday, March 2, 2011

Can we go back in time to yesterday afternoon? Pretty ,pretty please.
Thursday, March 3, 2011

My baby isn't walking yet. But today he tried to run. Is anyone surprised by this? I'm not.
Tuesday, March 8, 2011

Randomly decided to go for a 2 mile run today. I'm a little out of shape.
Friday, March 18, 2011

Making ice cream with the boys. They chose Robin Egg Chocolate Swirl.
Saturday, March 19, 2011

Do you ever have days when you want to run away from home? Before breakfast?
Monday, March 21, 2011

Good news from the Orthopedic Surgeon: The arm is healing perfectly. Only two more weeks with the cast. Then we step down to a splint. There is hope for the soccer season after all!
Friday, March 25, 2011

One of my children removed the Easter Egg Dye tablets from the plastic wrapper without my knowledge. My other child thought the colorful tablets sitting on the counter were Sweethearts. So he ate one. His teeth are now pink.
Saturday, April 23, 2011

Why do stores bother advertising Mother's Day Sales weeks in advance when we all know husbands and fathers wait until the day before to do any shopping?
Tuesday, April 26, 2011

True Love: spending hours making Creature Power Disks ala Wild Kratts for your child's birthday party.
May 3, 2011

My little boy is growing up. Today he said, "Mom, I was going to dump out the garbage can, but then I didn't." Thank you, son. I appreciate your newly developed sense of impulse control.
Thursday, May 5, 2011

Will someone please remind me that I am too old to do cartwheels. This is not the first time it has resulted in a migraine.
Monday, May 9, 2011

It's amazing what a little bribery will do.
Saturday, May 14, 2011

You know your child is sick when he is still in bed at noon. You know your child is 3 when he asks for a Peanut Butter, Cheese, and Jelly sandwich for lunch.
Saturday, May 21, 2011

Fifteen years ago, I sat next to a boy at the Hansen Planetarium watching a U2 lightshow. I had butterflies in my stomach as he reached over and held my hand for the very first time. Tonight I am going to see U2 in concert with that same boy. I've still got butterflies. ♥

May 24, 2011

Thanks to The Electric Company, my 1 year old is beat boxing. So funny.
Saturday, June 4, 2011

It's not every day you attend a funeral that turns into a party.
Tuesday, June 14, 2011

Tyson (age 7) just turned our family room into a Natural Science Museum. He just gave me a very informative tour of five natural habitats he recreated on our couch, complete with an explanation of the animals that live in each. He explained why each animal was suited for life in their own habitat. He also gave me a tour of the "children play area" within the museum. He said, "It's just like McDonalds. But instead of serving food, I teach about animals. There was one additional exhibit not included in my personal tour. "The Museum of Weapons and Star Wars" It's a 'boys only' area.
Tuesday, June 28, 2011

Tyson and Preston were fighting this morning. Toys were thrown, tears were shed, screaming and tattling ensued. When I finally sat them down to figure out what happened it all came down to a mis-understanding. Preston admitted through his sobs and tears "Tyson said I was lame, but I'm always cool!"
Friday, July 1, 2011

Keratitis sucks. That is all.
Sunday, July 3, 2011

I think I might try to rock a pirate patch today. Trendy, no?
Monday, July 4, 2011

Being a mother is like being on house arrest...you can't go anywhere including the bathroom alone, and there's always someone asking what you are doing.
Thursday, July 7, 2011

I spoiled myself today. I took myself out for lunch, did a little splurge shopping, and enjoyed an hour massage. I deserved it.
Tuesday, July 12, 2011

Preston (3), "Uh oh, Uh oh. Snugglin' glue. You and me baby, we're snugglin' glue."
Thursday, July 28, 2011

Bedtime. So close, yet so far away.
Tuesday, August 9, 2011

Happy Anniversary to my rock, my better half, my best friend, my soul mate, my eternal companion. Eleven years down, eternity to go. :)
Thursday, August 11, 2011

In an effort to save my sanity we have a new household rule. "No one is allowed to talk to mom about Star Wars."
Friday, August 12, 2011

Nothing says "Good Morning," quite like a kiss from a kid with a bloody nose.
Tuesday, August 23, 2011

I must love my boys a lot. I just bought Star Wars costumes for Halloween. Boo.
Saturday, September 10, 2011

Some days living with all boys makes me really miss the days when I lived with all girls. Today is one of those days.
Thursday, September 15, 2011

10:00pm Preston's out of bed. "I just need a Lego." 10:35 pm I find Preston playing in the bathroom "Mom, I'm tired of going to sleep." 11:00pm Preston's up again. "I need to get something out of the car." Any guesses on what time he finally falls asleep?
Saturday, September 17, 2011

Hubby has a very serious corneal ulcer (a hole/tear on his eyeball in which either a bacteria or fungus is growing). He can't open his eye without extreme pain. He has to have eye drops every hour, even during the night. It's really difficult to put eye drops in your own eye when you can't even open it. And since these eye drops are more expensive and harder to get than gold, we can't afford to lose one drop. Which means I get to wake up every hour to put them in his eye for him. I also get to drive him anywhere he needs to go, and help him with his business stuff. It will take weeks before he will recover. Long story short: I'm tired and would appreciate your prayers. Thanks.
Friday, September 23, 2011

Tickling a child until they forget why they were throwing a fit is a perfectly acceptable parenting technique.
Saturday, September 24, 2011

It always snows once before Halloween. Yet we are all shocked when it does. Heads up: It will snow again before Thanksgiving. Consider yourself warned. Now where did I put my fuzzy socks and favorite hot cocoa mug?
Thursday, October 6, 2011

I made two phone calls today. The first was to schedule an hour massage. The second was to schedule LASIK. Yes, I am a very lucky girl.
Friday, October 7, 2011

Every time we pray Nolan (20 months) yells, "PRAYER" repeatedly until the prayer is over. And if that wasn't irreverent enough, his version of the word 'prayer' sounds a lot like the word 'beer'.
Tuesday, October 11, 2011

Grandma is in trouble for sugaring up the boys before bedtime. I finally had to resort to the "I'll give you the nightlight back after you lay quietly in bed for 10 minutes" trick. It works every time. They never make it ten minutes in a dark quiet room without falling asleep.
Sunday, October 23, 2011

"Mom, I accidentally peed on your floor. But don't spank me yet. I need to clean it up first." - Preston
Tuesday, October 25, 2011

I really wish all toys underwent rigorous "Mom Testing" before they were sold to children.
Thursday, October 27, 2011

I am grateful for 3 blue winter coats, 3 pairs of blue snow boots, a plethora of hats and mittens, and a husband who is willing to turn a skiff of snow into a snowman.
Saturday, November 19, 2011

Last night Tyson (7) changed his first diaper. Without being asked. And without adult supervision. He also got the baby's pajamas on. This morning he got up before me and helped his little brother get dressed. Then he made breakfast for them both; toast with jam and sprinkles and a bowl of cereal. I think I might be out of a job.
Friday, December 2, 2011

Hey boys, what should we have for lunch today? Nolan: Me! Preston: Breakfast.
Thursday, December 15, 2011

I adore Amazon for all my last minute shopping needs. :) Now if I could just order a clean house with free shipping by Christmas I'd be in Heaven. But we all know I've been spoiled enough this year.
Monday, December 19, 2011

Preston just asked me to put an ice cube in his shirt because he saw it on TV. I obliged. He ran around the house squealing. Nolan, ever the copy cat, is begging for ice in his shirt too. Never a dull moment here.
December 30, 2011

2012, Here I Come!

I'm not one to set New Year's Resolutions.  But I do like to make goals.  And I like to copy my friend Nancy and choose a word for the year. 

My word for 2012 is 'Simple'.  I want to focus on the simple things in life.  It's the simple things that can bring us the most joy.  The gospel of Jesus Christ is simple.  Life can be simple.  If we let it be.  This word and it's meaning is reflected in the following goals I have for the year:

1. Build strong habits and routines with myself and my family in scripture study and prayer that will last a lifetime.

2. Spend more time in the temple.
3. Be more deliberate in the way I spend my time creating more quality time with those I love.

4. De-clutter my house, ridding my life of a lot of unnecessary stuff. I will purge my house one drawer/closet/cupboard/shelf at a time.

In an effort to document my efforts, motivate me, and hold me accountable for these goals, I'm going to keep a record on this blog.  I don't want to bog down my main page with these posts, so I'm creating a second page.  If you want to follow my progress you can, if not you can just ignore it. Simple!