St. Patty's Day--more than a week later, and other happenings

Of course these pictures are out of order.  A week or so ago I attempted to make falafel.  We found falafel balls at Costco, and I had to make the tahini sauce and the fresh pitas.  Thanks to my wonderful neighbor who helped me make a close-to-authentic, chewy pita!  They were delicious.



I don't know why I get into St. Patrick's Day while other small holidays seem to slip past.  We did have fun this year, and it makes it more fun when the kids are loving it.  We had green eggs for breakfast.  The boys loved it, and Lucy refused to have anything to do with it.  To her defense, she couldn't understand why the eggs couldn't be blue.  That's the color she requested.  If I thought she would eat them, I might make her some.  I know it would be a waste of time and eggs though.

The boys went to school and I showed up there at 9:45 for some games, green donuts, and green milk.  The kids loved the leprechaun relay and the clover search.  They also loved the milk.  I sugared them up and left.

We spent our afternoon flying kites with the neighbors.  Kite flying is not for the lazy or impatient.  I'm feeling a little too much of both lately.  The kids loved it until one got too close to the other and their kites got tangled or just wouldn't fly as well.  We did spend the majority of two hours out in the beautiful weather.

That evening Kelly, Nana, and Papa came over for corned beef (which my kids LOVED...me?  not so much), Kelly's special vegetables, Irish soda bread, and green dirty dessert.  It was a great meal and great company.  After putting the boys to bed, Kelly stayed to watch "Waking Ned Divine."  Not my favorite, but a St. Patrick's Day tradition around here.  We may have to start some more kid-friendly traditions last year, and I may resort to making a green dinner so that they understand why we are eating it.  Kelly's veggies will most definitely still be included though.  They are fabulous!

We also went to support the cub scouts at the Pinewood Derby last week.  I'm so glad that nightmare is over!  It fell upon my shoulders to find a track and coordinate a day/time for the derby.  The boys had a great time, and next year I'll know everything I need to do in advance.  Hopefully next year it won't be my problem--it will be Shea's.

Bye bye, Baby!

Lucy gave up her beloved ba-ba last week.  She has been such a good girl about it.  She has only cried for it two or three times, and then I remind her where they are.  We went to the store, she picked out new sippys, and at home she loaded the remaining bottles and tops in a bag and threw them in the big garbage outside.

Now the problem is...she won't drink anything but water!  I'm a little concerned about her not drinking any milk.  She just refuses.  She tried a sip of a root beer float this week and hated it!  What kid does that?

The Magic Kingdom 2009

Some of you have told me that the four previous pictures I posted were not sufficient.  If these don't satisfy you, I can't help you.  This is almost every great picture of our very fun and much needed trip to Newport Beach and Disneyland with my family.

We started our drive after our church responsibilities were finished on Sunday.  We stayed at my parents' place in St. George and continued on to Newport on Monday.  As soon as we checked into our hotel (thanks, Dad!) the kids jumped in the pool.  Our room wasn't even ready yet, so we used the lobby facilities to change.  There is nothing better than swimming after a 6 hour ride in the car and too many movies!

On Tuesday morning we headed out early for a full day of Disneyland.  The lines were great--we waited maybe 20 minutes for Peter Pan, which is always the longest line!  We did all of Fantasyland, and most of the rest.  My boys loved Indiana Jones this year.  I did prepare them by telling them what to expect.  They went on every big ride in the park and are at the perfect age!  

Lucy was amazing too.  She was so happy and easy-going, but she's just like that.  Our traditional first ride is always the tea cups (always the shortest line), and Lucy couldn't wait to go with Grandpa! 

I have to say that my dad, who says he hates Disneyland and thinks it's the most miserable place on earth, was a trooper.  He was the best grandpa and he was always holding, helping or entertaining someone under 6.  It was so fun for my kids to get to experience Disneyland with Grandma, Grandpa, cousins, aunts and an uncle!






Baby Lilli loved all the excitement!  She was so sweet and never went a moment without someone's complete attention.  I got to watch her for a minute or two while her mom experienced Indiana Jones.  What a cutie!
I love that my boys still love Winnie the Pooh and friends.  We have stood in line every time to see these characters, and my kids love it.  Lucy and Audrey were pretty excited too!


It was so fun to have Adam, Ash and Eli come meet up with us for our Disneyland evening.  We don't get to see enough of their sweet little family.  By the end of the trip Eli was constantly asking for Audee and Woo Woo.  Cousins are the best!


I missed seeing Lucy meet the princesses.  Olivia and the grandparents took the girls and Eli while Shea and I rode the big rides in Tomorrowland with the boys.  It was nice to spend some time with my guys, and I know Lucy was loving meeting all these pretty ladies!  She just had to admire their dresses, their accessories, and everything about them.  Oh how I've waited for a girly-girl to share my interests with!


Meeting Minnie was a treat.  Lucy was wearing a Minnie shirt and it got lots of attention from the star herself!
Have you ever seen anyone so happy to be on "it's a small world" in your whole life?  My dad texted Matt and Marc while we were in line.  They couldn't be more jealous that we were riding their favorite ride without them!  The new changes are darling.  I've always loved this ride, and now it's just that much better.
Lucy's dad couldn't resist buying Lucy a dress to be just like the pretty princesses!  She has worn it every day and we'll probably never clean up all the glitter.  We bought the dress as we were leaving the park.  She insisted upon wearing it and walking to the car.  She wouldn't look up the entire time because she was too busy watching the skirt poof in front of her.  Occasionally she would twirl right in the middle of the street and a big crowd of people.  Everyone around us thought she couldn't be cuter!  We definitely agree.

We broke up our Disney days by going to the beach on Wednesday.  Lucy had never been to a beach and had a great time playing with her dad and brothers.  We stayed for a few hours and just let the kids run.
It was Audrey's first time at the beach as well.  She couldn't get enough of letting the sand run through her hands.


Thursday was California Adventure day.  I must admit it's not my favorite park, but we had a good day. 



Cooper was chosen to come on stage and be a part of the illustrator show.  He was supposed to pose like the characters, but his shyness held him back a little.  He did get a cool pencil sketch of Woody, and we stayed to meet a few characters.
In 5 visits (plus one where my mom just went with the boys) to Disneyland, I don't think we've ever had a picture with Mickey Mouse.  Gasp!  We were glad to end that streak.

Another princess?  This place is heaven!  My boys are such handsome gentlemen.  Cinderella was loving them!

Thankfully we waited in line for the new Toy Story ride.  It was a 30 ish minute wait, and hard to do with tired kids, but the ride was worth it.  It was so darling!
We were leaving the park just as the parade was starting.  We easily found front row seats and enjoyed the Pixar characters.  Disney parades are so fun!

We had a great time.  We left on Friday--endured horrible traffic in Vegas--but made it to St. George to stay for the night.  The kids woke up, went for a swim in the very heated pool, and we made it the rest of the way home.  We were happy to be back and out of the car, but we made some wonderful memories!

The Happiest Place on Earth

I have some fantastic pictures of our trip to Newport Beach and Disneyland last week.  If I had the patience, I would post all 272 of them!  For now, enjoy these few.