The Happiest Place on Earth

September 2012

So... I was going through my pictures on my computer to archive them...and I realized that it's been a LONG while since I've posted any Disneyland pictures... and this past trip was one of the best ones we've gone on... so I decided to do a throwback post!

This was the first trip that Derrick and I took to Disneyland and didn't take a "nanny"...  This was quite stressful for us initially bc we've been so used to having someone to relieve us of the kids during naptime or being with the little kids as we took Jude on a certain ride... but... we did it.  Let me say... that we had a BLAST!

We were so thankful to be going to California the same time as our good friends, the Spurlings.  We were able to take advantage of military discounted tickets by going with them!  It was so much fun "HeyTell" messaging back and forth with Brooke on where we were located on our way... our anticipation grew and grew with each mile!  However... we did run into a bit of a snafu... when at our first big stop for lunch... Derrick realized that he left his wallet at home.  FAIL.  Thankfully- my dad has a key to our house and was able to ship his wallet to the hotel ($50 later- ugh!)...

Anywho.  Derrick and I surprised the kids- we hadn't even told them where we were going... their reactions were... not as exciting as I had expected initially... but once we got to the park- they were SO excited!  We visited the park 3 days.  We hung out with the Spurlings on and off the first two... and even spent some time w/ my Bestie Amy and her daughter Emma for one.  One of my favorite moments of the trip was going to ride the new Lightning McQueen ride with Amy... we decided we were going to bypass the LONG line (which was a bummer that there were still SO many people at the park even though it was typically the start of slow season!) by each going as single riders...  We get to the entrance of the lines... and I start walking in and Amy says- "Kim, I don't think I can ride this..."... I quickly respond, "No, I don't think it's a scary ride!  You can TOTALLY ride it!"... and she says- "No... I don't think I can ride this ride...."  ::insertkimbasascream::  I mean... I screamed LOUD.  It popped out before I could even get any sort of control over it!  The poor lil Disney worker that was manning the lines was looking at me like I was insane and asked if I was alright!  Hahhahaaha!  I had known that she was trying to get pregnant... as a matter of fact- I was bringing her my last pregnancy test with a note saying that it had good preggo juju!  Haha!  But I had actually forgotten it at home!  It was by and far the most exciting thing ever!  I was so happy to have found out in person so I could hug her neck!

The kids did a fantastic job too!  We had LONG days at the park...the first day we took a stroller... the second day we didn't... the kids probably did BETTER w/o the stroller than with!  And the 3rd day we took the stroller- but only for the purpose of carrying the water around :)  Jude experienced his first time riding a roller coaster- Space Mountain.  It may or may not be the last time he goes on a roller coaster- he wasn't so much a fan!  Jude and Emme had SO much fun seeing all their best friends (the characters) and each enjoyed the rides they were on.  Kate also seemed to have a really cute time... and this was the first time we saw her as no longer a baby... but a lil toddler!  She's growing up too fast!

It was def. a great trip... and now... 8 months later... I'm DYING to go back!  As a matter of fact... Jude and Emme say about 3 times a week how much they miss Disneyland and want to go back.  (Which is an improvement b/c they were saying it EVERYday!)  They don't know it yet... but momma is hatching up a plan to try to take them next month... we'll see if it happens or not!

(09.12)

So excited to start our day at the park!

Much of our $$$ was spent on water that day w/o the stroller

!

SO excited- it truly is the Happiest Place on Earth for our family!

This is by our favorite potty spot- bc its near the cast entrance- so we always run into a friend!

It was SO special to see Kate's reaction to Snow White... it was a truly magical moment!

Besties!

I was glad that Jude wasn't as afraid of the characters this time!

One of my favs!

Enjoying the parade- waving to the Princesses.

Only missing Princess Emme and Kate!

It's funny how much Jude and Emme LOVE Hook and Smee!

Amy and Emma

So glad we could hang out with Emma!

THIS face.

Jude was selected to be one of the Padawan Jedis training to defeat Vader!

He was SO excited for the saber- but struggled getting it opened!

Working hard!  (Is he not the cutest!)

DundunDUNNNNN!

I was afraid the girls (Emme) would be afraid of Darth Maul...

Actually- I was afraid Jude would be too!

But Jude defeated DM and Emme- even today- talks about how Jude beat him up!

LOVE

WHOA!

I love this picture of him...babydaddy...

Seeing the Princesses was one of the highlights of our trip!

This may have been the CUTEST Ariel ever!

FIVE

It's hard to believe that my baby boy is five years old.  It's hard to fathom that I have been a mother for five years.  There have been days that have crawled...but really- time has just flown.  It's completely unfair.  :)

Jude has caught on, this year, to his mom's crazy party planning.  He requested (months ago) to have a Super Mario Party.  Jude has recently been introduced to the Wii and a few different games (like Mario Party 8 and Mario Kart)... and he is OBSESSSSSSED with Mario and Bowser!  As a matter of fact... him and his sisters often have MK races in the playroom using their little chairs as karts!  Oh my!  So... this year... momma threw Jude a Mario Party.  And... I've got to admit... I'm pretty impressed with myself.  Everything came together pretty wonderfully.  And....although I know I could have done it even bigger and better with more time...and money...and perhaps a bigger house- I'm just so glad that my boy had a great time!  :)

We had the party at our house this year... It was the first time for many to see our backyard!  ;)  Derrick was leading worship this weekend- so momma got things ready bit by bit until the day of the party- when I woke up early to get everything set up!  It was a super windy day...which- one one hand was nice b/c it's the beginning of summer in AZ....but I had streamers and other hanging decorations that flapped around like crazy!  I literally put the streamers up about 20 times...and even busted out with the staple gun!  But... I thought everything ended up looking really good... I had my streamers...and of course- my banner... some clouds...some balloons that looked like Star Power... coins...Piranha Plants... Question Blocks and Boo!

Part of when I started planning the party revolved around the date.  We had Jude's party on Cinco de Mayo... which... let me tell you- I've celebrated NEVER.  ;)  But Derrick made the observation that Jude would be turning FIVE and the party is on the fifth...and we should call it Cinco de Jude!  Done.  Boom.  Well... unfortunately this threw a lil kink for me... bc I had planned on serving spaghetti for dinner (Mario's favorite)... but with Cinco de Mayo being a Mexican holiday... I didn't know WHAT to do!  So... eventually... I decided to fuse Mexican food w/ Italian food for an explosion of deliciousness in your mouth!  ;)

Spaghetti Tacos and Mexican Stuffed Shells

Princess Peach Emme

Her LOVES her Papa

VERY upset that she can't have more candy!

Love and Crosby

 This party was also the first time we've had a pinata at our party (another nod to Cinco de Mayo?)... let me just say... comedy.  Sheer and utter comedy.  I was so stressed that a kid was going to get knocked out!  Some of these kids were craycray!  They all did a pretty good job damaging a corner of the pinata (which was shaped like a Star Power)... but eventually- Derrick just dumped the candy out for all the sugar crazed party-ers!  We learned something we always knew about Jude... homeboy is SUPER competitive... or if nothing else- he hates NOT being the winner!  A boy thing?  Perhaps his age?  I dunno- I think it has something to do w/ who his momma is!  ;)

Before

Whoa.  Serious business!

Don't mess with THIS guy!

Cutie!

Nice form!

His face makes me laugh so hard!  (Reminds me of when he was hungry as a baby)

Seriously... it was so fun watching those kids...but even more fun watching them loot the candy!  It was like every man for themselves!  Good thing I made those hats!  They were perfect for holding the candy!!!

Cupcakes and Cookies time!!!

Delicious cookies!!!

Curious cousins

How can you resist this face????

Such a fun party... so blessed by all the people who came!  Jude had a blast- which is the most important.  If nothing else...the party sure was colorful!!!  :D

Jude,
You are such a smart boy... I love how you love people- you are anyone and everyone's best friend.  You are such a good big brother- even though you fight with your sisters... and you protect them wonderfully.  I'm so proud of how hard I see you working on making good choices... I'm proud of your honesty... I love you so much, buddy... you changed my world 5 years ago... but I couldn't imagine what life would be like without you!

Happy Birthday, my love.
-Momma