Happy Halloween!

Julia's preschool Halloween party: Neighborhood Halloween party: Lopez Halloween party:

Disneyland etiquette

I have been to Disneyland several times (I know I am lucky right?!). However, maybe because I am getting older, I was never so annoyed by others at Disneyland as I was on this last trip.

1. When the ride states, no flash photography please, this does not mean as soon as you are not in the workers view you can start shooting pictures with your flash!! It is so annoying for the other riders! And seriously, what are you going to do with those pictures? Recreate the scenes? Good luck with that!

2. Even though you are at Disneyland, which feels like a huge playground, do not act like a kid unless you actually are a kid! Do not cuss out someone else in front of his kids, do not get in a fist fight because someone was rude. With thousands of people there, some of them are bound to suck. Get over it! We actually saw a woman run after a man after they got off the ride (running into others on her way), and cuss him out in front of his kid. I think it had to do with her asking him not to take pictures with his flash during the ride, and he said something rude back to her. Some people just suck lady. Walk away...don't chase him down to swear at him in front of his kid and mine!!

3. Do not stop to look at the fireworks, parade, characters, etc. if there are Disneyland workers all over the place telling you to keep moving. There are designated sitting areas. If you are not in one, get a move on!

4. Do not bring your kid to Disneyland if he is dripping snot and hacking all over the place! Hello, we don't need your swine flu!!

5. When you see a line for the characters, get at the end of it. Don't try to start your own. My kid wants to see Goofy just as much as your kid.

Okay, that is it for now. Despite the rediculousness I witnessed, I also witnessed the magic that truly is Disneyland. First, when I saw this tall, big, middle-aged man act like he threw out his back when trying to pull out the sword in the stone. The erruption of laughter that came from his kids was such a feel good moment! Second, when the little boy who was dressed up from head to toe like Woody from Toy Story got to take his picture with Woody! The excitement on that kids face was awesome! And of course, seeing my own girls so excited to be there, want to go on rides over and over, and eat every giant sucker we passed made it, once again, a great, memorable vacation!! Here are some pics:

Swiss Days in Utah

Last weekend, my sisters, my mom, and I went to Swiss Days in Utah. If you have never been, you are missing out! Note though, save your money before you go! We got there as soon as it opened in the morning, and it was already crowded. By mid-day, there were so many people we had to wait in lines just to see the crafts! However, the endless white tents of cute crafts, jewerly, and delicious food (mmm...scones) made it all worth it! Those Mormon Utah ladies sure know how to craft!!


This is us in the morning ready to go!


The signs said no pictures please, but I took a few before I saw the sign, so I can't be held accountable right?!


Mmm...scones!


Pooped from all the shopping!


However, after a night of rest (dinner at Five Guys and a movie, All About Steve...it was good to see you Vanessa!!), we were ready for more! My Aunt Vicki took us to the cutest shops in Utah (Tai Pei, Rod Works, Randee's, Archibalds, and others). Since I spent most of my money the day before at Swiss Days, I took pictures of the things I thought I might be able to make someday (wishful thinking!).



Rachel, can you make me one of these aprons?! Isn't this adorable?! It says, "The Ghostest with the Mostest" in case you can't read the writing.




Sheridyn (holding Jackson), Shannon, Aunt Vicki, and my mother at Gardner's Village



That night, we went to dinner at Tucano's and to see my cousin, Courtney's cute new place. If you have never been to Tucano's and you live in Utah, you must go! So good! Just don't eat anything for a 24 hour period before! And, make sure you order a Brazillian Lemonade (Lime juice, sweetened condensed milk, and water...yum!).







Proof I ate a chicken heart! Tasted like hotdogs with a disgusting after taste!


It was a very fun weekend with all my sisters, a couple of my sister-in-laws, my Aunt, and my cousins! Thank you for hosting us Aunt Vicki and Uncle Scott! Thanks for letting us cruise around in your van Melissa, thank you to all my family for a great time, and thank you Rhonda and Seth for taking such great care of my girls while I was gone!!

It was so great to come home to these sweet little faces after four days!





PS - Note the Halloween decor already up in the interior of the house! We seem to decorate earlier and earlier each year. The longer we can enjoy it the better!! Pictures of the Halloween decor coming soon!

Playdates

We have had a couple fun playdates lately. A few weeks ago, I took the girls and met Amy and her girls at Jump and Play. They had a great time and can't wait to go back!





Sophia and I had another playdate on Friday with good friends, Sarah, Jaime, and Courtney and kids (Jules was at preschool). I am sad I did not get pics with Jaime and Court, but I did get some fun ones of Sophie and Alex hanging out (aka - trying to destroy the place!) at Sprinkles! We had a good time!

Shafted

This evening, I decided to put Sophia down for bed and let Julia stay up later so I could we could spend some "Mommy and me" time together. We had fun drawing rediculous (seriously, I think Julia's were probably as good if not better than mine!) picture of her Uncle Booj's and Aunt Nessa's dog, Dexter. Then, we did the bedtime routine of potty and brushing teeth, and said prayers just outside her door so as not to wake the beast. When we quietely entered her room, Julia asked me if I could lay down with her and hold her hand. I replied, "Sure honey, but just for a little bit." And, in classic Julia response, she said, "Mom, what is a little bit?" I absolutely love that about this girl! She never misses a chance to learn! Since she was born, she quietly observes, memorizes, and puts into practice! Seth and I are constantly saying that she is too smart for her own good! Although, I want her to stay my girl forever, I can't wait to see what this smarty pants has in store!

Updates

Julia started preschool at Happy Apple Preschool a few weeks ago. She is loving it! Her buddy, Ethan from church is in her class. I miss my girl for a few hours every other day, but I know she loves it and having the social time is great for her!
Here she is on her first day:



Sophia is hitting milestones too. She is having full conversations now. Most of the time, we know what she is saying. However, there are some occasions where she looks me right in the face and very convincingly tells me something that is total jibberish. I just nod and say, "Uh huh!" while I die laughing inside! She is adorable, but major trouble lately! She has also started potty training too. She has done #1 in the potty several times, but no # 2 yet. We're still working on it. I started a "potty basket" filled with $1 store toys to reward her. Here she is with her first reward (see the rocker necklace!):



We have also had some more trips to the cabin, lots of swimming, playdates with friends and family, and movies, and more movies (its hot outside!!). We are getting excited for the summer to be over though. Bring on Halloween!!

Here is a pic from the cabin:



Hope everyone else in enjoying their summer!!

4th of July

We had a fun, hot 4th! We went bowling, swimming, barbequed, and lit "fireworks". Despite the heat, we had a great, fun day!