Day 2 at Disneyland!

It was fun to be at Disneyland with all of the Halloween decorations. I'm thinking we may have to try to make a really fun carved pumpkin this year ;)

Trever's signature self portrait
Wearing some cute Minnie ears. I love that our kids don't beg for much. Their were only two things that Nathan asked for while at Disneyland (other than going on more rides)... one of those BIG circle lollipops and some car at California Adventure. We totally forgot to go back and get the lollipop (he had asked for it at 9:45am), and he didn't mention it again. As far as the car, I wasn't involved in the conversation or he probably would have gotten it. Trever convinced him not to need it, I kind of feel bad about that one.

Mickey is planning to send them a book full of classic Disney stories, I'm excited for them to find it wrapped up in the mailbox and for all the reading sessions we'll be able to enjoy together.
We had to get a picture with the "N", I'm thinking this next baby should get a name with a letter that he/she can stand by...

Another old time firetruck, this one was pulled by a horse.

Trever and Nathan on Splash Mountain, they're in the back. Nathan LOVED all the rides. He was heartbroken to not be able to go on the big California Screamer roller coaster at California Adventure (obviously not a trait he gets from me). Can't wait until he is big enough to experience all the fun thrills!

Near the Adventures of Winnie the Pooh. Natalie LOVED seeing Tiger, unfortunately Trever had the camera so I didn't get a shot of them together. But we did get some with Pooh and Eeyore.

A definite highlight! Mater and Lightening McQueen! The main reason for making time to go to California Adventure was seeing the Cars characters. We enjoyed ourselves, and Nathan had a lot of fun riding the Grizzly Bear river (can't remember the actual name right now). The Pixar parade was great, probably the biggest highlight of Disneyland for me was watching Natalie say hi and goodbye to Woody (Toy Story) and Tigger (Tigger Bounce if you ask her). Her eyes lit up and she showed so much enthusiasm. Precious moments that go by too quickly. As the kids get older there will be SO much more/different fun to be had, but it was priceless to experience this with them at this age.

Natalie trying her best to cool off at lunch. Day 2 was much more comfortable. It was still in the 100's but there was a cloud layer so it felt less intense.

Day 1 at Disneyland

Getting ready to go in!
A proud Daddy with his kids. Spending his 37th birthday at Disneyland!

It has to be mentioned that it was HOT!!!! LA hit record temps of 113 degrees, I can't imagine that Disney was far from that. This picture was taken after Natalie had been in the shade for over 30 minutes, her hair was plastered down and her cheeks are still hot. The kids didn't eat most of the day but drank more liquid than I have ever seen them consume before. They were champs, they made it open to close two days in a row with temperatures over 100 degrees.

Natalie and I didn't get to go on all of the rides, but she sure loved the rides where she got to drive.

The White Rabbit's house, just the right size for my little lady.

Visiting Mickey's toon town. Wouldn't it be fun if firetrucks really looked like this?

So strong!
Natalie finally warmed up to the characters. We met Pluto, Minny Mouse, and Mickey Mouse on the first day. We saw lots of other characters from a distance but didn't take the time to meet all of them. Our kids don't actually know all of the Disney characters, especially the Princesses.

San Diego fun

We began our trip by staying with my Uncle Bruce and Aunt Denise in San Diego. Joran and Jared were so great with the kids! Jordan has a pet rat, Ginger, and Jared has pet Tarantulas.
It was a bit like staying at an animal adventure home ;)

Denise is ready to send the rat habitat up to us... we'll see.

The kids also got some great exposure to skateboards and guns. Really, what else could they ask for? We didn't even mention that there was a beach nearby, we'll save that for Hawaii next month.

By the second day they were both getting brave and going further and further by themselves.

Family baptism

One of the first highlights of our trip to California was going to the church that Jake Medcalf leads. Jake is a friend of mine from High School, he is one of those people you just have to love. His spirit is so open to loving you exactly where you are, and he smiles a lot. I have always had fond memories of being friends with Jake, as well as a feeling of safety in his presence.

Recently I learned that he had been ordained through La Jolla Presbyterian. I immediately contacted him to see if he could dedicate my children when he was back in town. Over time I realized that was probably not realistic. I also began thinking about my own baptism. I was raised in a home with faith, and early in high school I made the adult decision to follow the Lord. But I had never made the public statement of baptism. There were lots of reasons, some more valid than others. In the end I am so thankful that I waited for this moment.

Earlier this year we decided to take the kids on a trip to Disneyland. A few months ago it occurred to me that we should tag on a trip to San Diego to stay with family and get baptized by Jake. I knew it would make it difficult for our immediate family to celebrate with us, but I also felt it was special to share this moment with the family that lives down south. They have always provided a very strong example of living for God, it felt right to me to have their blessings on our baptism.

A few days before we left for the trip Trever decided to be included in the baptism. He was baptized Lutheran as a child, but had not taken the step as an adult.

So, on September 26th we had the honor of going to church with Jake. It was a small, intimate church which reminded me of the energy of our high school youth group. Standing next to my husband and my children was so special. Even though I have been bonded to my walk with God for many years it was still a beautiful and emotional experience for me to stand up in such a public way.

Our children added to the joy... Nathan openly saying that he was not "getting baptized" he was "getting dedicated". Natalie saying we were getting dirty as we got wet... we had to encourage her to get water on her head by saying she wasn't getting dirty, it was just like a bath. She loves a bath, she just doesn't like her clothes/hair getting food/dirt/water on them.

The baptism for the kids was in honor of the fact that God loves them, we hope that they will grow up with a desire to have an adult baptism to show that they love God.

Nathans first day of Pre School

Nathan had his first day of school today! He had a huge support system with him.... Natalie and I took him to school, where Gagi and Papo, Bud and Grammy Carol (from Canada), and Uncle Steve and Aunt Carol (from Alaska) were waiting to greet us. Yep, this kids life is full of love!

We got to meet up with his buddy Logan before going in (my best friend, Marissa's son).
The sisters were excited to support their brothers. Eventually they will be in school together also.

Gettin' a bit of love in before leaving him for the morning. There wasn't anything even close to separation anxiety... he was so excited to be there. And so exhausted when I picked him up.

It's so touching to see these three boys together. Nathan, Luke Houk and Logan... At this point they are like cousins already. When we asked Nathan if he had friends at school he mentioned Luke and Logan. I hope they will be friends for years.

House pictures

We've moved!!! It's so nice being together as a family. The house is starting to feel settled, there are less boxes crowding each room as the days progress. I can't believe that we've been working toward this goal for 2 years... it's so nice to appreciate our efforts. The absolute best part about this house is waking up as a family each day, and knowing that we get to spend the majority of our days together. There is plenty left to do, we're chipping away at the list each day.

As soon as the island went in Trever wanted to order pizza and throw a party! We're up for visitors anytime!!! I'm not actually sure the island has been this clear since this picture was taken :)

Giving a little perspective. Both of us fit on the island... although it has given Trever a bit of stress I'm sure there is an island dance party in the future.

Ahh, the backyard and patio. I LOVE having such a big, simple back yard. The kids have hours of fun running around and playing together. Next summer I'm sure we'll have a volleyball court set up. Our life saver has been the patio. The Spencers came down for a weekend and the goal was to clean the patio and living room... THANK YOU!!!! We got it cleaned off (somehow that makes the work Beth and I did sound simple... it wasn't) and immediately enjoyed some dinner, a little bonfire with smores, and snuggled with the kids on the couch and warm drinks in the morning.
I should find a picture with the doors before they were painted... what a difference! I should also find a picture from the Street of Dreams house. We fell in love with this house 4 years ago, although we shrunk the house down and simplified some parts, I think it still holds the aspects that we loved. Especially the front door, the stair system and the color palette. Someday we'll have some beautiful artwork, and family pictures to finish the transformation from house to home.

Lakefair fun

Lakefair is a highlight for my summer. I think I start to look forward to it in May. It has everything to do with knowing how much fun my kids will have anticipating and enjoying the rides. This year we missed the fireworks but I hope that doesn't happen often, they are one of my favorite parts of the whole week.

Natalie's first ride! I wasn't sure she would be tall enough, and to be honest I don't think she really was, but two different operators let her go on the rides :) thank you kind people!!!

Our little climber watching the bumper cars.

Nathan loves EVERY ride. I think he is so brave! I'm worried for the day he asks me to join him on the bigger rides! Ahh, I'll have to face my fears!


Together on the firetruck ride. Natalie's face says so much, all that love for her big brother and the pride of being able to join him.


Our family... next year it will be bigger. :)

Big helpers

The kids have endless fun helping us work.

Summit Lake fun

A day at Summit Lake is always full of family fun. Especially when the temperatures are in the 90's. I think we even hit 100 on this day. We love the time we get to spend with the Eygabroads, and we're so thankful for their generosity.



Natalie really did have a life jacket on most of the day... those pictures just didn't make the cut.


Nathan was really enjoying the water, a big change for him! He was so proud of himself for being brave :)

4th of July

Our own little 4th of July celebration. Happy kids with sprinklers (I'm still working out why we let our little ones stand with sparking hot embers so near to their bodies????)

"too loud!"