California Adventure

I've been anxious to document more about our trip to Disneyland from last November (maybe because I want to go back, and I need to relive it again, haha!), but we had such a great time, and Disneyland is just one of those places that I hope we can take our family to over and over again in the coming years.

My Mom flew over to meet us since Jared had work meetings during the day Monday thru Wednesday, so it was so fun to have her there, and of course she was a HUGE help! She met up with us midday on Monday while I was handling the kids solo in California Adventure, haha! We were just coming out of the Hyperion Theater where we had watched the musical, "Frozen," (which was phenomenal), and there she was!

My good friend, Rachelle, and her kids found us, too...at the exact same time!! She and I served in the primary together back when we both lived in Tri-Cities, WA. We were sad when their family moved to California, but we moved shortly thereafter, too, so we promised each other that we'd meet up in Disneyland someday...and lo and behold, we did! Her kids are so darling, and Rachelle knew a lot of the little tricks for getting on rides more efficiently -- like parent swap regiment and fast pass protocol. It was SO awesome!!

We hit California Adventure on Wednesday, too, and after two full days there, we all agreed that "Radiator Springs Racers" in Cars Land was one of THE best attractions hands down!! "Soarin' Round the World" and "Grizzly River Run" were definitely right up there, too. California Adventure is overall, such a happy, fun place. After dark on Monday night, we watched an incredible light show on the water called, "World of Color."

It was definitely a wonderful few days there, and we loved every bit of it.

moments I want to remember (from november)

I realize that the holidays were nearly 6 months ago, but I'd be amiss if I didn't stay the course and do my best to document the many good things that have happened over the past year! I don't have adequate words to describe our life in Farmington right now -- just a lump in my throat and a heart full of gratitude for Heavenly Father's watch care through it all.

I've spent time over the past week organizing pictures and thinking about the many different ways to scrapbook each precious child of ours! I'm not entirely sure what the best solution is, but I can honestly say that I don't regret a single blog post or journal entry over the years...so onward we go! We went to Kuna, Idaho again for Thanksgiving 2017. My Mom and Brad have a beautiful home there that comfortably accommodates all their children. This was the first Thanksgiving with all 7 of their children combined (and their spouses) together, so we had a great time!

One of the best parts about having step-sisters and step-brothers is the numerous amounts of nieces, nephews, and cousins that have been added to our family circle. I was able to meet new baby Jack for the very first time, which made me realize how big my own kids are getting!

And this is probably one of the greatest photos I have ever seen! All those babies, and then the light beams in the background. My Mom and Brad continue to be an inspiration to me in so many ways! They support me through the hard days, too, and remind me of Heavenly Father's never-ending, growing family circle of love.

Disneyland Adventure (part 1) and Happy New Year!

A few weeks before Thanksgiving, we ventured off to Anaheim, California for a weeklong family vacation! We had been wanting to make this happen for a while now...so when the opportunity to go really presented itself (due to a work conference Jared had that week in Anaheim) -- we took full advantage!

We went to Disneyland when AnnMarie was only 3-yrs. old (and Carlie was 1), but this go around was SO PERFECT since all four of the kiddos were at FUN FUN ages to embrace the magic.

Luke was so cute with all the different characters we ran into!! Here's the play by play of him embracing one of his favorites:

Our first day there was one of the last days of Halloween Time at Disneyland, and our last day there was the first day of Disneyland at Christmas. I've always wanted to experience Disneyland at Halloween AND Christmastime, so we were so very fortunate to be able to experience BOTH!! Oh, how I wish I had a picture of the Haunted Mansion at Halloween Time!! It was unbelievable. We are grateful for every photo we took, but truly, ALL of our energy was spent keeping track of our kids in the midst of endless crowds and mayhem.

The Christmas Fantasy Parade, however, was well documented - haha!! I've never seen such color and excitement, my goodness!!

In other news, I'm so excited for 2018!! We had several unexpected surprises in 2017 -- some great...others, not so great -- but I know that regardless of what happens this year, changes are in store!! I feel so blessed to have such a wonderful husband and four happy, healthy children by my side through it all. Jared and I are looking forward to teaching the 15-yr. olds in Sunday School every week, and this year will begin my 3rd year of a 5-yr. endeavor to achieve a Master's Degree which I have grown SO MUCH from. I never would've thought that life would take me to so many different communities away from my beloved roots in Idaho, but I greatly appreciate every opportunity I've had to get to know God's children in various parts of the world.

Wishing you and yours all the best in the coming year!!