Disneyland 2014

In October we were able to take a few days and have some fun in Disneyland.  We flew from Boise late Thursday night.  We rented a car and got to our hotel well into Saturday morning.  A few hours later Mark went to pick up Reyna from her mom's house (Kacey decided he does not like Disneyland and would rather not come with us).  We got up so we could be in the park when it opened (Disneyland is not really a "vacation" when you are at the park from open to close 3 days in a row-but we love it!)  We were there for 3 days and enjoyed every minute of it.  I think my favorite thing about vacationing at Disneyland is that it is such a unique opportunity to walk around together, wait in line together and literally spend HOURS together just talking and being together.  I am sure we won't have too many more years we are able to do this, so we try to take every opportunity we can.  This vacation did not disappoint!

Waiting in line for the Cars ride.  Chase was tall enough this time :)

In our Car and ready to go!

My favorite-Peter Pan.  Everyone was intently looking at the ride as we waited in line. 

More Peter Pan

Dumbo

Lunch.  Disneyland does have delicious food!

Splash Mountain.  Love the faces

The Disneyland parade.  It was so hot outside (end of October) we were sweating, ice cream was melting, but it was great!

Lego store.  Chase's FAVORITE thing of the trip

Day #2-Luigi's tire

Tow Mater's junkyard.  

Toy Story Mania.  This is a family favorite.  

Cassie and Madeline decided to ride the big California Screaming roller coaster.  Cassie went with me-so no pictures, but once Cassie had gone, that was enough to convince Madeline to go.  She was nervous.  This was the take off.  They both enjoyed it.

Monster's University

Tower of Terror-we are in the front row on the right

Waiting to go into A Bug's Life

Goofy's kitchen.  Another Family favorite.  The kids get to get autographs from all the characters, plus they love the buffet food and the fun times.  Goofy was being silly with Cassie.  

This Autopia car sits in the Disneyland Hotel.  We take a picture in it every time we go to Disneyland.  It doesn't move, its just a photo opportunity

Day #3-Toon Town jail

Chase was so happy to get to meet Buss.  He couldn't get an autograph because of his "laser lights on his arms" but a picture and a hug was enough for Chase.

Nearing the end of Day 3 Mark left with Reyna and had dinner with her and Kacey.  We decided to stay in the park and watch the Pixar parade (it was so awesome).  While waiting we got caramel apples (also a tradition that everyone gets one they want).  Here are the kids showing off their apples

Showing off souvenirs

Captain America was at Disneyland.  All the kids were thrilled to see him.  Chase because of the super hero aspect, Madeline for the adventure aspect and Cassie for the handsome aspect of the guy.  

We went back to the hotel, had some In and Out Burger and crashed!  The next day we got to sleep in, pack up and fly home.  Can't wait to go again!!

Catching up...

This summer/fall the kids decided they wanted to join in the fun of the Ice Bucket Challenge.  

Here are a few pictures.  

Reyna

Chase

Madeline

Reyna had a birthday and turned 11 on October 14.  She got her beloved Messi soccer jersey, a new soccer ball, got to go out to dinner and have Cheesecake to celebrate.  

Chase had a birthday and turned 5 years old on December 10.  We celebrated as a family at Chuck E. Cheese with pizza and games.  He wanted a Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtle cake, so this is what he got.  We also made Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtle cookies for Chase's school.  He got lots of Lego's (which is the only thing he wanted).

We adopted a dog.  His name is Brownie.  He came to our Humane Society from California.  He is 8 years old and weigh about 10 pounds.  He is a good dog and the kids are excited we finally own a dog.  He has been fun having in our home.  

We had a Christmas party through our church.  Mark and I both had responsibilities assigned to us to prepare for the party.  I was asked (with 2 weeks until the party) to make centerpieces for at least 37 tables.  Here is what I came up with.  All the "trees" were different colors.  Madeline helped me make them.  The Santa came and the kids got to visit with him.  Chase asked for "Lego's" and Reyna just sat on his lap and didn't ask for anything :)

pictures from France

Caleb sent some pictures.  

He got to enjoy some time in Paris over the past week while his companion had to update his legal status.  This allowed them the opportunity to see all the tourist sights, which he loved.  

Mentor

I have had the opportunity (and will continue to do so for the next year) to mentor this sweet girl.  I have known her for the last 6 plus years.  Recently she made choices that were contrary to law abiding citizens and also decided to drop out of school.  She bravely decided to try a military school in Northern Idaho to get her head back on her shoulders and make something of her life.  I could not be more proud of her and the path she is taking.  Being her mentor, I got to go visit her in Pierce, Idaho (near Orofino, Idaho).  It is about 200 miles from Nampa, but about a 5 1/2 hour drive.  We got to work all day long at this beautiful reservoir and just talk as we worked.  I get to go again in November and then back for graduation in December.  It has been a big commitment, as we write at least weekly, but I hope through all she is going through she knows I am there for her and I know she can do hard things!  So proud of you, Kyla!

Fall sports

We are just finishing up with Fall sports.  Chase got to experience his first season of soccer.  He enjoyed himself.  He plays in a league where it is 3 against 3 with no goalie.  He really enjoys the defensive play, so he often runs back and jumps in the goal to keep it out.  It was just instinct for him to do that.  I fear we may have a goalie in our future and that position stresses a mom out more than any other on the soccer field!!!  I have been down that road with Madeline.  

Dad and Chase

 running down the field

 shooting to score

 Posing just before a new kick off

 Madeline decided this fall to try her hand at volleyball.  She did a volleyball camp this summer and fell in love with the sport.  We signed her up only to learn the team did not have a coach.  Before I knew what happened Mark and I were the coaches.  Never having coached or played seriously, I began searching the internet to learn some skills I could teach.  Needless to say, we played 5 weeks, 2 practices per week and a game every Saturday and we were the only undefeated team.  it was a really fun few weeks and she reports she is ready to try out next year for the school's 7th grade team.  

Here is a picture of Madeline in ready position waiting for the ball

 Madeline bumping the ball over the net

 Serving