That Just Happened?

 WOW! I can't believe last week just happened! It was such a wirhwhind of events and time. I always want to live up the most of our vacations and I think it was mission accomplished this past week. This year in lieu of flying down we decided to put the funds towards a good old fashioned road trip. It's hard to beleive we could drive to San Diego and go to Disneyland for the day for less money than flying four people down there. Yes it was an investment in four days of our precious time off but I have to say this year it was just needed. All of us just had the best time doing nothing more than sitting together in a car. So much of our daily lives are spent away from each other - while at work, doing chores and errands, etc that it was great to just sit and enjoy us.  It could have gone so very wrong with the weather and the kids losing it but everything went ridiculously perfectly. I felt really blessed - like someone was looking out for us the entire way and it was our reward for all we've gone through this year. It was a time out worth taking!

Day 1 on the road - glad to be out there in the wide open space

                We were very fearful of the snow hitting us hard but it was just delightful and picturesque!

Pit stop #1 - Pat and Mindy's house! It was a fun night playing Rockband and the kids loved their slumber party with their cousin Sophia.

Day 2: Breakfast at Fat Apples

Super cute!

 

They had a blast at breakfast and we're feeling like obliging to some posing.

With Sophia!

 

On the road again! En route to M&M's for pit stop #2!

Still driving.............and then we made it and forgot to take any pictures. CRAP! Mitchell did but I don't have his pictures yet. Bummer.

Monday we went to Disneyland!!! It was once again like we had an angel on our shoulder. Very minimal lines and crowds, the kids didn't get too heavy to carry, they were just so happy to be there as were we and we just went with the flow of the day! It was really one of my favorite days ever I think.

Ava and Mason's favorite ride was the carousel and they were super cute on it!

Attempting to pull the sword from the stone

 Daddy kisses are the best

We all loved the teacups....Mason was a little unsure though.

Mason kept saying "WHOA!"

 Ava braved Big Thunder! She was all smiles until it started and then she cried. I felt so bad....we'll try again in a few years because I'm certain she'll love it eventually.

                                                               This picture is just yummy



We all got a little pooped and took a break on the steamboat. It was very relaxing!



DAD! Don't take my picture!

We were certain we weren't going to do the Meet and Greet Princess thing after last time waiting 2 hours to see them. BUT we ot off the train and it was such a small line and Ava had been begging all day so we did it. She was beside herself with excitement..........till we actually saw the princesses and then she clamed up. Go figure! But I don't blame her. I get on "too much goodness" overload all the time.

Ava and Andy on Autopia. She had a total blast driving!

OMG! They brought back Captain EO - we were SOOOOOOOOOOOOO excited!

All tuckered out from a day of fun!

What a perfect day that was!



Day 3 was my Mom's birthday. I had to do a little running around to pick up last minute presents and Mason was my companion once I pulled him away from the contstruction at my sister's house.Ava and Andy went swimming and she did so great! I of course forgot to take any pictures of my mom at her birthday but there is video of Mason freaking
out  about his own presents below. Sorry Mom.............our best friend Carry also came over for dinner and then we went bowling where i proceeded to kick Andy's butt at bowling! We had good laughs and good hugs. I love you girl!



The Birthday Boy at his San Diego Party. Thank you Mimi for throwing him and his cousin such a nice party all while trying to plan for Thanksgiving the next day. :)

He Shoots! He Scores! Mason LOVES basketball more than anything and these sweet sweet boys played with him for hours. They called him Kobe Bryant!

Happy 1st Birthday Aurora!

Can't believe how big Gracie has gotten!

Helping Daddy make mashed potatoes - they were delightful like always!



The master carver



HAPPY THANKSGIVING! Our little indian



My MIL is so creative - she made this beautiful centerpiece



Us four ready to chow down





Mimi got a hamster that the kids loved!



Comfy time at Nana's



Cousins!





Our first family picture seeing as this was the first time we were all in the same spot in 2 years





Hugs with Mimi



Pop-Pop showing Mason the cool stuff on the side of the house



Mimii's new garden stone - this time we got all four grandbabies' hands...pretty neat



Wish we had Lauren with us!



Us thinking.....ok lets get this show on the road!





Get me out!! I'm done driving now!!





We were driving home and had this view and Christmas music playing in the background. It was wonderfully relaxing





Then we hit this coming into Salem - were like OMG. What a welcome home!





And we made it! Look at all that stuff - can't believe we had that all crammed into our car!! Glad we busted it out and put it all away that night though. Felt good to start the week somewhat organized.