Disneyland

So, the kids had a day off of school this past Friday, which we thought would be a great day to take them to Disneyland since the other schools around here were not off that day. We were at the park from about 8:30am till 10:00pm. We hadn't been there for over two years, and figured the kids are at a great age to take them. Well, Pirates was too dark and scary, we didn't even attempt the Haunted Mansion. The Matterhorn, according to Brynn and Nick, was a definite NO!, the abomidamable snowman in there is too freaky. Star Tours and Space Mountain- too dark in there! NO WAY! We did go on Thunder Mountain, which Nick liked, Brynn, not so much. Tom Sawyer's Island was pretty cool, other than the "spooky" noises in the dark caves. By late afternoon, the park was jammed packed with all the people who have yearly passes, I think they all showed up that day to see the Fall decorations. After the fireworks show, of which we viewed behind a LARGE tree, we were herded down main street to the exit. People were actually mooing. WOW! That was a LOT of fun for the smoking deal of 260 dollars for admission. (Not counting the $43 dinner of hamburgers, fries, and drinks, $12 parking, and $20 for lockers) We didn't even realize that Nick's souvenier bouncy ball made noise when you bounce it till we got in the car, it was so loud at the park. During the parade, the announcer announced that we were at the HAPPIEST place on earth, and Lauren whispered "BULL****" in my ear. Okay, so we did have a lot of fun too, there were many rides that the kids actually liked and the decorations were amazing. I guess you'd say it was a memorable trip!!

Nick and Mickey Mouse

Brynn and Nick giving us a wild ride on the teacupsWatching the princesses going by during the paradeIn Tarzan's treehouseBrynn and Daddy in front of the castle.

October Days

So I'm having a hard time figuring out what to write. We found out some not great news concerning my sister Nicole. She's been having different symptoms over the past few months that finally led to her having an MRI done. It looks like she may have multiple schlerosis. She is such a positive and beautiful person. I am so proud to call her my sister. I know that she will continue to live a full and rich life, she is just that kind of girl. I am going out to visit a week from Thursday. I can't wait to see her and Kevin and the boys. I ask for your prayers for her, for her health and happiness.



We had a beautiful day today up in Julian, CA. It is a neat historic town in the mountains about an hour from here. It's apple season, and we took the kids to an orchard near there to pick apples. When we got home, Brynn and I made a yummy apple crisp, which made the house smell heavenly. Tasted pretty good too! Brynn loves to help me in the kitchen and she really relishes good things to eat- kinda like her mom that way. I love having her around. She is my little sweetheart. I love this time of year. It was only 65 degrees today, which may not sound that cold to some of you, but after some days last week in the 90's, it feels very "fall-ish." By this time of year, I am ready for summer weather to be OVER.


In the Apple Orchard

Making Apple Crisp

Riding Red

Nick and Red

Amber Roest giving Nick a ride on Red

Brynn mounting Red

Happy Cowgirl

Today we went up to my good friend Amber's place in Valley Center. They live on 5 acres, and Amber is a horse trainer. She let the kids ride her horse, which they were thrilled with. They love going up to Amber and Arlan's because they get to explore and they love the horses. Nick was talking on the way home about Amber and said, "She's like a MAGICAL aminal person!" She feeds birds out of her hand and was letting the kids spread birdseed around the property. She is such a free spirit, and truly a natural person. Brynn calls her a cowgirl, and wants to look like her. She was thrilled with the white cowboy boots she recently got. She doesn't ever want me to cut her hair because she wants it to "look like Amber's." Amber is one of those people who is completely comfortable in her own skin.

Lauren and I went out for dinner together tonight without the kids. It was so nice, we really need to do that more often. I miss that. I can't wait for our trip to Maui next month to celebrate our 10 year anniversary... 10 days, just the 2 of us. Hopefully we will not be ready for bed at 9:30 like we often feel like during the week. It's really pathetic how tired I get, after having worked night shift so many years, you'd think I'd be really good at staying up late. I think I'll blame it on the kids- they wear me out!!

Another Day...

Nick and Brynn, 6am.

Nathaniel, Nick and Steven- 3 buddies at 7 years old.

My dog Charlie and me.

Today we had 2 of Nick's buddies here after school. Three 7 year old boys make plenty of noise and chaos. They are really fun. To have the exuberance and carefree-ness of youth...

The picture on the top is a common site. We have a little couch in our room, and often at least one kid sneaks in to our room and goes to sleep on the couch in the early hours of morning. At least they don't wake us up.

The bottom picture is of me and our beagle Charlie. He is so cute, and can be a really sweet snuggly dog. Most of the other time he is still a pain in the butt. I still miss my Rottweiler, Clydy-boy. He was irreplaceable.

It was in the 90's here today- October 1. Can't wait for cooler weather.