Discovery.....

Through Ancestry.com who knew that a simple DNA test taken over a year ago could change our family.  Dave decided to try the new beta dna test that Ancestry.com was offering.  Where did his ancestors come from?  It took awhile but the results finally came in and the majority of his DNA was from Ireland.  Maybe we need to get him "Kiss Me I'm Irish" t-shirt.

Months later he logged in again and found a connection with a distant cousin but no response or connection happened.

More months went by and time to check in again for any new updates.  SURPRISE!!! a new connection this one was a much closer link a first cousin, aunt or uncle, or even closer.  Dave sent a message and waited for a response.

The reply came quickly.  Followed by many text messages and phone calls.  Dave found first first pieces of his adoption puzzle.  Aunts, Uncles, and Cousins.  The biggest surprise is the new siblings and another mother so excited to connect and welcome us into their family sigh unseen.

March 26th we headed to North to meet Aunt Marsha & Uncle Lee his first new family connection. 

The unknown is now the known.

New family connections
and only the beginning.

Connecting with family
makes for very hungry people.

We had a great visit and look forward to many more visits with them and the others.  We met Grandma JeanAnn & Grandpa Chris for dinner and a late night visit.

We had a great trip North even though it was rather short.  It is very exciting to know there are new family members out there ready, willing, and eager to connect.

This adventure is only beginning.  What would your DNA tell you??

Busy Saturday....

We were off to DHHS for a cooler and little drizzly soccer game vs Galexy.  The parking lot was full this morning and we ended up parking at the middle school.  Thank goodness I come prepared with blankets and umbrellas.  Dave came prepared with yummy breakfast burritos and a coke.  

Let's get the game underway.

1st half as Keeper

21 attempts and 5 goals in the first half.  The first game of the spring season and the first competitive game for half the girls.  They really weren't sure what to expect or how to handle playing on the turf or even the football field.

Time for second half and this time playing mid defender.  She was anxious get get started.

Grabbing the ball

Chasing the ball.

We had a better 2nd half by making 4 attempts at the goal.  This is a step in the right direction towards winning a game.  19 attempts and two more goals.

Our girls were trying being positive this is only the first game of the spring season.  This season is going to be harder with everyone changing brackets.  We are moved to the Gold Bracket and as the only development team.  The girls were all smiles and more important they found time to have fun as well.   Until next week and another fun filled soccer Saturday.

We are ready for another road trip.

Good Morning California

Our only group picture
Thanks to the ladies behind us for helping out.
We all love the new Soaring Over the World.

Saturday arrived time to head home.  

Finally getting her hair
pulled up.  Thanks, Julie for being
patient with all that hair.

Goodbye,,,,

  Time to load up and hit the road.  Where did the guys go?????  My cell phone rings and it's Dave with some bad news!!!! Flat tire on the van.

Thank goodness for Google Maps and a second car.  We grabbed the tire and Blake willingly flew down the road to get it repaired.  The shop was a little scary I wasn't so sure about getting out.  Blake jumped into action the tired was fixed in 15 minutes.  We were back at the van in under 30.

We hit the road full steam ahead.  There were only a few snags due to traffic accidents, arguing with Google Maps, and with each other.   A quick lunch at In and Out and back on the road.

Made it home before dark.  It was a great vacation and we are glad the Wheeler Family went with us.  We made plenty of new memories to last us for years or at least til the next trip.

Will We or Won't We...

Get to ride Cars Land Racers.  The apps said it was open we started off on a mad dash across the park to get into line.  We were told they would honor all fast passes issued that day.  As we walked down the street towards the ride we noticed the line forming and wondered which one it was for.

Found the end of the line
Fast Passes Only.

This is the longest
Fast Pass Line I have ever seen.
It was all the way back to the entrance.

Reganne told
everyone she would watch the scooter.

We made it!!!!
and only had to wait 40 minutes.

The winner

2nd place

Here comes the dance car.
Wait a minute Reganne is stuck behind the
barriers put up to keep everyone back.

Driving practice
for the boys.

Thank goodness
these boys a few years before we
really have to worry.

Everyone was tired, hungry, and ready to sit down.  We couldn't even make it the World of Color.  There is always next year.

Time for dinner and the kids went for a swim before bed.  Tomorrow was going to be a long day.

Good Morning...California Adventures

Today we were moving a little slower but eager to for new adventures.  First things first grab Fast Passes for Cars Land ride and World of Color.

Time to play.....

Waiting games
for Towmater.

More waiting craziness..
The wait time was only 15 minutes.
How would the rest of the day would play out?

Love Julie's new wheels.
Dang blisters made it pretty rough for her to
enjoy the day.  However, she always has a
smile on her face and pushed through the pain to have fun.

Dang!!
No Gwen Stefani this year.

Picture Perfect Spot.
Headed to the next ride.
Cars Land...

Trying to be positive.

The ride was experiencing mechanical problems and was down once again.  Everyone was disappointed but headed off to find more rides and keeping fingers crossed that it would open again before we were too worn out to ride.

Please One More???

The energy levels were starting to drop dramatically.  Except for the kids they kept begging for just one more ride.  Dave took everyone that wanted to go back to Hyperion Space Mountain with hopes that the lines would finally be short enough to justify waiting.  

We then had time to fill and Fast Passes to Buzz Light Year to use.  There was also plenty of time to catch "Small World" much to Blake's dismay.  He was a good sport and went along with the girls without cringing too bad.

Small World riding
with this beauty.

Surprise!!!
Always watch your back.
My score was even worse than last years.

We finally all gathered together for one last ride "Star Tours" everyone buckle up and hang on tight.

It was a lot rougher than we remembered and everyone walked off a little wobbly.  The day was coming to a close.  Everyone was exhausted.  Time to eat dinner, maybe a swim, and bed.  

Tomorrow is another adventure.

Tomorrowland...Star Wars

The Monorail dropped us off right in the perfect spot for all things Star Wars.  A few wanted to try Space Mountain and we decided to check out the show becoming a Jedi.

Photo Bombed by a Dad.

A double photo bomb by both Dads.

Too long of wait for Space Mountain
Everyone joined backup for the quick movie.

Next up the Star Wars tour...

Meeting the big hairy creature...
Ryder wasn't too sure about this one.

A fellow Wookie Greeting
or
War of phrases?

Making up with a quick hug.
They are now friends.

Reganne dove right in can't
tell where she starts and he ends.
It might be love?

Posing with the Wookie
I am not so sure I like the grown up look.
Time to do a wardrobe check.

The one we were all waiting for.
A quick hug from the big guy himself.
Yes I was taller than his waist.

Darth Vadar
True Disney Villain

The one true statement of all true Disney Villain is they are just as evil in person as on screen.  Darth Vadar was no exception to the rule.  He turned to Ryder and put him in his sport and promptly turned his back on me.  He then invited both kids to the dark side which they both thankfully declined.

Time to meet back up with the group and finish this busy day.

Something New??

We keeping finding things we haven't tried yet.  We are either really slow at trying everything or too busy doing all the fun stuff that this fell through the cracks.  The Monorail what a perfect way to get back into the park and to right spot.  We had a 10 minute wait.....

WooHoo!!!
We love trying new things.

Not sure what they are looking at.
Reganne was all smiles.

Lets get the show on the road...

All aboard

The Boys!!

Everyone found a seat in the same car and just in time the doors closed.  We are off zipping back towards more fun.

Lunch Time...

Also a much needed break from the park craziness.  The kids begged for Downtown Disney and lunch at Taco Joes.  Thank goodness the Wheelers were willing to give it a shot.

Love those ears!!!

Someone needs a haircut
When will the food get here???

Good food, good company, and lots of water to drink.  The kids were ready to head back to the park, but soon found the Lego Store and a few other stores that were begging for a look.  I however elected to sit on the sidelines enjoying the sunshine and watching the crowds go by.

Time to head back and have more fun.

Spring Break 2017....Day 2 Continued

We survived the pirates and now onto the Haunted Mansion. The line was a long but we have seen much worse.  Maybe time enough to catch a quick snack before we get on.

Look really close through the camo.
Yep, that  is a stow away catching a ride
His wings were really tired.

Check out those cool moves.
We all need a little entertainment while waiting.

Splash Mountain
My idea failed big time.
Everyone got wet some more than others.

The girls waiting in line to see Tiger
While we rode Splash Mountain.

Dang!!! You get this close only
to have Tiger take a break and leave the line.

A quick high five
on his way out.

Good sports!!!
Waiting for the girls to finish.

Ryder found his way into the picture.
Who doesn't love Eyore

Winnie The Pooh
Stayed around for a nice squeeze from
these two cute girls and their sidekick.

Everyone was ready for some lunch and a side trip to Downtown Disney.  Hopefully, this includes somewhere to sit down, get a drink, and relax for a little while.