Some fun in the SUN!

In February, we were having the most mild winter we've had in years - but still, we were itching for a little break for some REAL sunshine - you know, the sunshine that those Californians get EVERY DAY!?!?  So, we packed up and went south.  Shayne happened to already be in Southern UT for a boys golf trip - so I actually packed up and drove the boys to our first destination: St George.

We played at Pioneer Park - a place full of adventure - the "crack", big cliffs and vistas.  I managed to get some pics - despite the complaining of having my camera with me.

First we ventured to Univeral Studios - I hadn't been to the California Studios since I was a wee-kid.  There was lots to do and Skyler loved all photo ops with characters he recognized.  He'd pout if I didn't take his picture with each and every one of them.  

The highlight was definitely the Simpson's Ride and town.  We are huge Simpson's fans and we scored by mentioning to the girl in line that we came to the park JUST for that ride.  She then hooked us up with a PERSONAL tour of the ride and behind the scenes.  And that was pretty much the coolest thing that could have happened to our family!

Next, we had a beach day - and who did we happen to find at the beach?? Grandma and Grandpa, and Laura with her kiddos.... yeah, it took a little coordination but it was a glorious beach day with the best of company.

The next day, off to Magical Disneyland

And not only did we have Grandma, Grandpa, Laura, Eva, and Carlo, but of course, Brian and Devri with Michael and Rachel.  Yeah - we had to go 12 hours to hang of with my brother who only lives 15 minutes from our house.  It was a fun packed day and the nice thing is I forgot my camera.  So, here are few pics on my phone (that was dying after 2 hours of being in the park - sigh)

Skyler was consistently left behind because he just wasn't big enough.  He DID NOT like that.  Finally we found a little roller coaster and he was BIG ENOUGH!!  He chose to ride with Grandma and was filled with excitement - by the end - he wasn't so sure he wanted to do roller coaster rides anymore.

Day #4 - off to the Beach with Brian, Devri, Michael, and Rachel

Another glorious day of sunshine and water.  The water was FREEZING, but some were crazy enough to still get wet.

So, my days are a little jumbled after this point.  I know what activities we did - but the order is probably wrong and no one will care, but in case you know the difference, I'm ok with it.  We had an afternoon at a super cool kid's museum with Laura and her kiddos.  Afterwards we had the BIGGEST and YUMMIEST mexican take-out food ever - I should have taken a picture of the feast.  Seriously - advice to be had - don't order food when you are already starving.  Here are a few pics from the museum.

Racing their lego cars

We stayed a couple nights at Laura's home - here's a little dance party in action.

Laura has oranges growing in her yard - so Cole was very, VERY determined to have fresh juice.  Auntie Laura was very very patient and even helped make it - many times.  You are such a great & dear, dear friend.

We also had one more day on the ocean.  Bri & Devri gave us their tickets for a whale watching tour - so we took advantage of the moment and had a lovely boat ride.  Mostly, the kids were lulled to sleep by the motor.  

But we DID see whales!  (photo ops weren't so spectacular)

And then we wrapped up the day with burgers and shakes on the Pier - the boys were in heaven.

And this is what we came home to...  sigh.  Snow is great, but sometimes (lots of times) the beach is just so much more appealing!

Hunter's room

Officially HIS room

Shayne spent many hours doing this cool squared custom paint job to make Hunter's room his own - no longer the official guest room.  Yes, I helped too - but Shayne really made it happen.  Funny thing is, all three boys (Hunter, Cole, and Danny) typically sleep together on this bed.  I think they should have been born 100 years ago because they'd rather sleep together than have their own separate beds...  except I'm sure the amount of physical labor scared them into our current day.  

A weekend with my Mom & Dad

In an effort to stock up professional points (for when I want to renew my teaching license), I attended the Music Educator's Conference with my parents.  They were planning on going and I asked if I could bum a ride down with them.  Not only did they let me get a ride, but they wanted to have me around!  We did everything together as a trio all weekend and I was super lucky to have all this time to my parents - by MYSELF.  They said I'm a lot quieter without my kids... lol.  My dad and I attended the conference together while my mom did quilt shop hopping and other projects that needed her attention.  My dad is a popular guy and has plenty of colleagues who want to be with him - and he'd come sit with me in classes!  I felt lucky every time.  He introduced me to everyone and was so amazingly kind to let this "wanna-pretend-I'm-still-a-band-director" daughter of his be by his side.  These two people have always been my best friends and I try hard to emulate their example of parenting in my home.  If I can grow up to be like either one of them - then I'm doing something right.  Ok, enough testimonials about how awesome my parents are - it was just the treat of the decade and I'm glad we got to do it.  En route home, they showed me a little state-park and we did a small hike - absolutely stunning.  I LOVE YOU Mom and Dad!!    

Random January highlights

We had a weekend with cousins Rachel and Michael sleeping over - don't these two look like siblings?  Skye's hair is getting redder all the time!  (not the best pic - but it's what I took)

Proof that I'm a little crazy about my favorite OJ.  It was on sale - this was a little overboard.

Cole earned his Bear - in cub scouts!  He has so many great friends in our neighborhood - I get kinda giddy thinking about these boys growing up together.

Playing at the Children's Museum - can sometimes get one WET

Had a little date night with my two little guys - we splurged on ice cream.

I took Danny to Sundance Ski resort and we did just the bunny hill - rope tow area, where it's free.  I just wanted him to try it.  At first, he was not happy with how he was doing (and honestly, his teacher, that's me, was feeling a little under-prepared for teaching a 6 year old).  I told him we could go - he just had to ski down to leave and suddenly the lightbulb turned on.  He figured out the rope-tow and went probably 15 more times.  It was really fun to do that together.  I'm so glad he tried it!!  Skiing is not cheap - but you can't beat being out in the mountains and working hard in the cold.  It's invigorating.

Let's celebrate Shayne!

This is our New Year's baby - and I was super excited about my super-amazing-totally-got-it-a-good-one present for my man.  As soon as we started cheering for Happy New Year's - I ran and got him this present.  I had wrapped it by putting it in a suitcase - so I actually managed to keep it a secret this year too.  Honestly - this was an epic year in so many ways.  It took him many nights to assemble this beloved "toy" and he savored every minute of it.  And he took it to work so that the kids can't destroy it (smart move hon).  Here's the finished product:

Shayne actually went shooting on his birthday and it was a relatively low-key year (considering year's past).  The next day - we just continued the fun and had put together a group of 12 people to do a "Mystery Escape the Room" together.  It proved to be quite the task - we managed to solve many of the clues together, but did not manage to "escape" in time.  It was a very cool thing to do together.

(Chanin is snapping the pic)

And I forgot to whip out the Bear Claw cake while we had people around - so I threw this together, made him blow out candles and our little family ate bear claws.  I love this cake... I hope he's ok with it being a tradition.  Can't get any easier to make a cake!  

I love you Shayne.  You keep us laughing and enjoying life and I'm so grateful you chose me.  I know our boys cherish every minute with their dad - he's the "coolest" and "much funner than Mommy" - yeah, it's no secret.  You are the best dad, husband, and best friend this family can have - thanks for being you!