Disneyland 003

Let's talk a moment about fanny packs. My kids teased Matt and I endlessly about rocking the ever useful fanny pack at Disney. It made the trip so much easier. Thanks mom and Ken for holding onto these gems! And for the record we saw a few hipster teens wearing them at the park. We've still got it, babe.

 We made a mad dash for Pirates of the Caribbean (love me some Jack Sparrow) and then Splash Mountain first thing. The cool morning weather meant the line wasn't stacked up yet. Each of us compiled a list of our 5 can't miss attractions and Splash Mountain was on it for Parker. I have the pictures the park takes of all the rides we rode for another post.
Aden picked Haunted Mansion as one of his five. We had just watched Nightmare Before Christmas so it was fitting. No pictures because it's a super dark creepfest.

 Frontier Shooting Expedition was on Kaleb's list, of course. No line, gotta love that. 

 

Matt spotted another no line attraction, a raft ride to Pirate's Lair. It was essentially an island playground for the boys to explore while the park was packed midday.

 

 I had no idea my huge Michael Jackson fan hubby had never experienced Captain EO! That obviously needed to be remedied. Another no wait attraction.

 Note:deluxe fanny pack with water bottle holder, modeled in reverse. Werk.

DIsney can really take it's toll on a girl.

This was just the first half of the first day! Glad you all are interested in this vacation slide show.

last of the graduation posts

A few more of the first day of school (before) vs. the last day of school (after) pictures.

∆∆∆ before ∆∆∆

                                                                       ∆∆∆ after ∆∆∆
   I think they were as ready for summer as I was. Well, almost. What is it about that morning dash of lunches and loading up that zaps me so much? Anyhow, I am currently enjoying my freedom to lounge about in sweat pants and serve the children cereal for dinner.

par-tay

Lazy blogging going on over here. The pictures above are from Collin's birthday in the spring. I just smooshed them up against a fun little sleepover we had for Aden this weekend. 

Parties have evolved into something new around here. I used to go all out, themes and decorations and spent a lot of money. Now I set the table with cute napkins and some baby carrots. (Trying to make up for all that sugar somehow.) It is low key, and much more fun. The boys focus on flag football or Nerf wars with their friends, we didn't even do a cake for either party. 

Never short on celebration with all these kids in my life.

That last post may have been a product of blogging on allergy medicine. (And a whole lotta
e-moh-shun!) On this day am looking through these Mother's Day pictures and feeling less dramatic.

Also, this!

Mom

 Everyday I become more like my mother...

...and I couldn't be prouder.

embrace the camera

Oh motherhood, what a ride. She finds you hopeful, hormonal, and with a squishy mid-section.

She lives amongst messes, bedhead, and tantrums.

Motherhood will make you cry, make you laugh, and make you dance.

It apparently calls for a lot of cakes. And funny faces.

Sometimes you just need a drink.

Mostly, I think motherhood grows your heart a million times bigger than you thought it could stretch.

embrace the camera

 Recently I was reading this blog about moms getting in the picture. It is a little bit awkward and our boys find it a lot bit annoying. I am trudging on though because I was here, dammit! I wiped your bum, I made your meals, I suffered through endless arguments. And miracle of miracles, I actually want to remember it all someday ;)

(making Matt & Ellen embrace the camera, as well)