Happy New Year

Well another day at the happiest place on earth and it's not very happy today.  Lot's of people + broken rides = Unhappy People.  Let's hope the day gets better.

The Pirates ride would finally be our first ride of the day.

Wait Aladdin is in...Ryder's has begged to see him, but usually we are too early or too late.
Today we were perfect and also a short line.

Haunted Mansion
Everyone was excited to hopefully ride this one.

Let's be silly
While waiting in line.  Then came the announcement...
The ride broke down should we leave or should we stay?? 

We left and ventured over to Tomorrowland.
Autopia here we come.
Ryder begging to be the driver.

Look at me!!!
Everyone drove just like me.  Not so good.

How about a play???
We found seats and treats just in time for the show.
It was really good and a nice break from the crowds.

Snow on the castle.

Waiting for the parade.  It was only a two hour wait but we found prime spot.
More treats to enjoy while we waited.

The butt end of Disney.
This was pretty much my view all day and let me tell you some outfits should be outlawed.

More Crowds
We are getting claustrophobia.

Who ordered the birds?
Maybe they will scare a few hundred away.

Ryder's friend Tigger
Finally the parade starts...

Oops Eeor

We love Woody.

Finally, eye candy for the Dads.

It was only 6:00 and we were all tired of the crowds and wanted to breath fresh air.  How about hitting the other park?

We're Back...

To the happiest place on earth.  All looks calm and peaceful at 9:00 am and on this side of the park.  Today was going to be all about California Adventures and what adventures could be have?

We are walking or rather running towards craziness.

We haven't seen Pluto before.  That is one more character off our list.

Fast Pass Line to ride Cars Speedway.
Let's try our luck at the ride it was only an hour wait.

Cars Land Decorations
Let's hope Dave doesn't get any ideas.

Evan Mater gets into the Christmas Spirit.

Best lunch spot yet...Cantina Jo's
Everyone ate and it didn't cost an arm & a leg.

Ryder's favorite ride .... Tower of Terror
He begged me to take him and I agreed.  What was in store for me??

Sudden drops along with a little boy who refused to hold on since he wasn't scared.
I thought for sure I was going to lose him out of the seat.

It was a fun day and everyone was pooped.  Yet they were all excited for the next day and what would be in store for us.

Time for bed....

Saying Goodbye...

Or rather see ya soon.  Their visit was coming to an end but there was still time for lunch and one last picture.  The kids we really sad to say goodbye and tried to prolong it as long as possible.  I think they ate really slow on purpose.

One last picture
6 kids and 6 different poses.

Hugs and maybe a few rocks for the trip home.

The filling between the cookies or a double hug.
Wait I dropped my rocks.

Time to hit the road and we had errands to run to get ready for our vacation starting tomorrow.  Could we get ready in time?

Change in Traditions

After more than 10 years of the traditional Christmas Dinner out we made a slight change.  We stayed home to eat.  I wanted to try making a ham and it even turned out pretty good.  The kids ate a little taking only a little break from their toys.  Also, time for a few more presents with the Wheelers.

Lego's for Dacoda

Necklace for Jacy and a color pad for Reganne.

The eating, movies, and fun with friends continued until time for bed.  It was a great Christmas.  Let's see if this small change sticks for next year or going back to the old.  Reganne has already started the count down for next year.  I only wish for more time to prepare next year or maybe less procrastination on my part.

Finally....Christmas Day

Merry Christmas with 5 kids anxious to open presents.  Too bad they had to wait for the parents to clear the sleep out of their eyes, hit the bathroom, and find a seat in the living room.  What did Santa bring?

This happy boy got his Christmas Wish....Disney Infinity.
Who wants to play??

A Dad surprise...His own tools.

Tom's & American Girl Doll

Tom's, Clothes, and of course an American Girl doll.

Are there anymore presents?

Dad got sticky water.

Look at the clock all finished in such a short time.
Time for breakfast.
They worked up an appetite!

Let's play with Mom's Yoga ball.

What a Christmas mess.

There were smiles around and everyone was happy.  Even a little tired after eating breakfast.

Christmas Eve ......

This year Christmas snuck up on us this year but not for the kids.  They were out of patience and wanted to get the big day here and pronto.  There was a lot to get done to prepare for the big day.

First on our list:

Make cookies
Holland & Ryder wanting to help.

Second:

Temple Steps
Annual Picture but it turned out really dark.

Much better

Happy Family
Naughty or Nice List?

Brinton found the spot light to tie his shoes.

What's that???? SNOW
Hard to believe that there is still snow on the ground after a week.

Third:

Cookie Party....Let's decorate!!!

Or eat.

Busted!!!!!
He is too cute to get mad at.

The cookies are ready for Santa.  Dinner was over and the kids vetoed my homemade spaghetti sauce.  The simplifies next years dinner.  Watched Christmas movies.  Time for bed.

We were really lucky this year to have Randy & Janelle's family with us to celebrate.  Let's hope all the kids sleep in tomorrow.  I am pooped!!!!

Christmas Fever....

Time is flying by and only 3 days til Christmas.  Friday night I turned around from the dishes and saw everyone on the floor.  Dave was telling stories about when he was a kid.  They loved it and the excitement grew.

Even the dogs are getting in the mood.

New Christmas Memory

This year the kids have been begging for the Elf On A Shelf.  Lucky for me Elfie appeared at the Thrift Store and Dave brought him home to stay.  What mischief will he cause?  Elfie is going to have to compete with Dexter the Spaz puppy.  Today the foof chair magically popped open and shredded foam began to spread. Dave and the kids spent most of the morning cleaning up the mess.  I can deal with Elfie playing Wii or riding the train under the tree.  

Let the Christmas Spirit continue to grow.....

Game 2 Lady Wildcats

Game 2 started as just game one should have ended.  However, with double overtime and team pictures I was a little late.  Rylee was ready to play or rather get the game over with.  When she finally got on the court she put her heart into the game played some good defense.  One minor problem all the girls are a lot taller than her.  It is almost impossible to get the rebound when it happens over your head.  

She didn't give up.

She is blocking and doing her job.

Rebound!!!!

I suggested instead of trying to reach the high balls maybe go low and surprise them.  I love her natural talent.  I wish I have one ounce instead I will always be on the bleachers cheering them on.

Time for dinner......