The Happiest Place on Earth

Since our big VoFo family Disneyland trip 3 years ago we have been saving to go again. We finally had enough money to make a vacation happen so we took the plunge and planned the trip. It was our little family of 4 plus Grandma MarGene.

Jeff spent several hours of research trying to figure out the best way to make a great vacation. We had lots of elements to coordinate and he did a perfect job.

We headed to the airport at night after the kids got home from school. I got them in their pj's to make it easier for bedtime once we arrived at the hotel. Megan was a bit nervous wearing her pajamas in public but went with it anyway. Both kids were excited to get on the airplane and get there.

I think we were all very excited to hit our first day at Disneyland. Jeff was our coordinator and guide for each day. It's kind of funny since the man is directionally challenged that we let him be in charge. He would make most of the decisions as to when we started and what order we went on rides and so on. He'd let me know what was next and I'd guide us their directionally. Jeff did an excellent job and we had great timing the whole trip.

We spend 6 fun filled days bouncing back and forth between Disneyland and California Adventure. We quickly determined that Disneyland had more to offer and we spend the bulk of our time over there. We even got to see Big Papa at the end when he came into town for business. We had a yummy dinner at ESPN Zone with him. It was wonderful.

It also took us a few days to get the hang of fastpass rides. On our first day the lines were really super short. I think the longest wait might have been 30 minutes but most were about 15 minutes or less. We didn't really bother with fastpasses because we didn't really get how they worked and figured we didn't need them with lines so short.

On our 3rd day we finally got the fastpasses working for us. It was our first attempt and once we understood how simple it was and that we could save a chunk of time we were fastpass addicts. We would continually plan out which rides we wanted to get them for. We even got a few that we never ended up using but were glad we had just in case.

We saw every show that the park had to offer and a few of them several times. I think just about every ride was repeated at least once if not several times. I think we averaged around 17 rides a day. We were on the go and constantly moving. We tried to pack in as much as possible on this vacation.

My kids were super good for us. They never had a melt down or cried once. There was the occasional whine or sibling rivalry but really it was hardly anything and nothing to mention. They were real troopers walking and keeping up with everyone. I was so proud of their behavior and how well it all went.

The only real hiccup in the trip was the 2 days of rain. It wasn't really bad but it was sprinkling enough to get you wet and a bit miserable. Most people had on poncho's or carried an umbrella. We were sticking to our stubborn guns and just putting on our hoodies. Probably wasn't the smartest move as we did get soaked but it was the choice we made. We did end up getting drenched during the World of Color water show and had to leave early. My poor little rugrats were miserable and I couldn't put them through much more of being cold and wet.

Andrew went on every ride at least one. He quickly figured out that some rides were not for him and let us know. Then somehow in the middle of the trip the dare devil in him came out and he decided to go on rides he said he didn't like. The next thing we knew he was going on everything with Megs except for one ride. He was totally scared of the Tower of Terror and refused to repeat that one but all others were fare game. It's a good thing because Jeff was bound and determined that his kids were not going to be scared of rides.

One big highlight to the trip was the Jedi training. They have like 6 shows a day and you gather around a stage and kids get picked from the audience to participate. On our first day we went to the show and didn't get picked. We still sat through the whole show and the kids were not too upset but thought it would have been fun. I think it was our 4th day we were passing by and the show was about to start so we thought we'd give it a try and low and behold both kids got picked!! Megan got picked first and we were so nervous that Andrew was going to get upset and the next thing we knew Andrew got picked too. It was so nice to get that out of the way. Andrew got to fight Darth Vader and Megan fought Darth Maul. They loved it and have talked about it often.

All in all we really had a great time. We got a bit tired at times and a few cranky flare ups but for 6 days of Disneyland it was all to be expected. We learned alot about different things that we might do if we end up going again like the pin trading and better fastpass usage. We learned the layout for food outside the park and different hotels. I guess you could say we became experts on our vacation. It was tough to come home and get back into the real world of life. I had a chat with Meg and we talked about how things like this become more special because we don't get to do them that often and it helps us to look forward to new and fun things.

Above are self portaits of Jeff and I after our trip. We went till we dropped and there was nothing left. We are so thankful for the chance we had to go and love our family dearly. Jeff has already mentioned wanting to go on another family trip in a few more years. I think we might be setting a tradition. We loved our vacation and enjoyed the happiness that it brought to our kids. I cherish these moments.

Blessed are the Peacemakers

Since moving into 3rd grade Megan has become eligible for the different activities the school offers. She has been enjoying class money and jobs. Recently she was selected to become a peacemaker. This is 2 females and 2 males from each grade level from 3rd grade and up. They went to a special training for half a day to learn how to solve the problems of their classmates during recess. She got to have a yummy pizza lunch and have fun learning about her new job.

Megan is thrilled for the chance to get to do this and is taking it very seriously. She gets to wear a special yellow vest and carry around a clip board during recess. Fellow students can come up to her and report a problem. Megan gets to write a report and help try to resolve their issues. At the end of recess she turns in her reports to a special counselor. Her very first day on the job will be tomorrow the 16th. She is very excited for the opportunity and can't wait to use her new peacemaker skills.

It's my bday and I can cry if i want to

My little Meg came into this world with an emergency csection and started off her 9th birthday today with a face plant on the steps of the bus.

She was so excited to go to school today on her special day. They had yesterday off for teacher training and she couldn't wait to go back on her birthday. As the bus pulled up she was the first in line to get on and just missed her step. I felt so bad and went on the bus to console her as she sat in tears. I told her not to let it ruin her day and try and have a great birthday. She has a very faint red circle on her chin to remember how the day started.

Megan got to pick lunch yesterday and of course it was papa johns cheesy bread with garlic butter dipping sauce. This is a repeat from last year so no surprises there. Then last night we took her out and she added squinkies to her growing collection. I think she now has over 100 of those little guys.

Today after she got home she said she had an okay day. She can't wait till Thursday when the teacher has set for her to bring in a special treat. Megan has picked gooey butter bars and is excited to help Jeff make them. I also surprised her with a friendship bracelet making kit when she got home. I used to make those little embroidery threat bracelets all the time as a kid and loved it. I thought Megan would love it as well and I was right. She made her first bracelet already and is now making a list of all the people she want to make them for. We enjoyed her pick of dinner which was Red Robin. She is hooked on their chicken strips with ranch sauce. Then we had chocolate cupcakes with chocolate and white frosting. She loves her chocolate and loves the freedom to pick out what we do. All in all it was a good little 9th birthday.