Disneyland Days

We have successfully waited four years to take the kids to Disneyland. We wanted to wait to because it is so expensive and the kids weren't big enough to enjoy it or remember it or go on many rides. So we finally did it. We took them over Spring Break and they loved it!!!

Taylor is a roller coaster junkie!!! Josh took him on Space Mountain, then we all went on the Matterhorn. I took him on Big Thunder Mountain and Indiana Jones. We tried to get him on California Screaming in California Adventure, but they said he was tall enough. That's a bunch of crap, but also a rant topic for another post.

Tacey wasn't much for the roller coasters, but she excited to see the castle and loved meeting all the Princesses. Just that totally made her trip. Although it was extremely expensive, we had lunch with them and were fortunate enough to meet all of them. It was worth it, just to see Tacey's little face light up when Cinderella walked up to our table and introduced herself.

I got to spend my birthday at Disneyland. That was pretty cool. I'd always wanted to eat at that restaurant inside the Pirates of the Caribbean ride. Turns out, it is called Blue Bayou. We had a lovely dinner there on my birthday. The food was great and the service amazing.

Thank you SLOCM friend for letting me borrow your Ergo! It was a life saver when Tacey got tired. She was able to take a nap and we were still able to enjoy Disneyland as a family.

Despite the fun we had and the memories we made, Walt was rolling over in his grave over the poor customer service that we received by some "cast members." This piggy-backs the height comment above, but it is best mentioned in a rant post or a "Disney Dos and Don'ts" post. Let me just say that make sure your shortest members are two inches taller than the posted height requirements if you intend to take them on any of the bigger rides.

We are looking forward to going back at least two or three times over the next 12 months. And I will be running in the Disneyland Half Marathon in September.

Rejuvenated and Ready for the Next Round

After an emotionally taxing week last week, we decided to head out of town five hours before it was time to leave. So we headed to the Northern California countryside, where we rested, relaxed, visited family, saw people we haven't seen in years and years, and more years.

I really enjoyed watching my nieces and nephew sell their steers, especially considering that while they were showing their animals, Josh and I were in a meeting, listening to a dispicable human being tell lies. Maybe next year I'll get to see them show.

Josh blew off some steam by hitting a few.

Dad irrigating the pasture.

Tacey watching Grandpa and trying to wait patiently for him to come back.

The kids rarely get to ride their "cars" in such large open areas. Taylor rode his so much that we had to charge his battery 3 times! Tacey had fun too, but it's time to get her a new one, as steering this one is too difficult for her.

Tacey helped Grandma feed the orphaned calf.

Taylor preferred to watch from a little further away.

Taylor and I watched, amused, as Tacey jumped on Grandpa.

Hmmm. I wonder where she learned this. It couldn't be that her brother was pouring the hose water over himself with a loud gasp from the cold water, seconds before I got the camera and missed the shot.

So she tried to get him, like he got her and the rest of us!

Then Grandpa got the nozzle so he could get Daddy, who was on the diving board, headed into the pool.

What a great weekend though. It was just the short escape that we needed. Now I am feeling rejuvenated and ready for the next round against the school board. Here we come.

Fair Weekend

Thanks, Carrie, for this great idea. Here are our pictures from fair last year. A few of them a least... unfortunately, I can't find the ones that we got for jumping our frogs or our ribbons. I hate moving. Maybe someday I will have the time, energy and motivation to scrapbook the lives of my family! At any rate... enjoy what I am sharing.