Adventure Land

We couldn't wait to ride the Jungle Cruise. Matt's Uncle Kevin's famous claim to fame is that he was once a Jungle Cruise Captain... and a good one at that. I think the dumb humor may run in the family. We're so lucky!

The kids loved looking for Tigers, elephants, hippos...

and of course, Audrey's favorite- monkeys. The flesh eating piranhas were a fun addition.

We then went exploring in Tarzan's Treehouse. The kids thought it was just a little cooler than the one on Grandpa's Farm.

Blake... "you'll be in my heart, no matter what they say"!!

Audrey's Jane impersonation

The third little monkey swinging in the tree.

"My turn!"

"This is AWESOME!"

Tomorrow Land

Our first stop was TOMORROW LAND! The kids wanted to go on the very first ride they saw- the rocket ships, but I talked them in to doing the Buzz Lightyear ride first. I sent Matt to go fast pass Space Mountain- we needed to be efficient.

We killed Zurg first and then rode the Rocketships!

Jackson braved Space Mountain and said he actually liked it! After that though, before every ride, he would ask, "Is it dark? Is is fast? Is it scary?"

I went with Audrey who wasn't so fond of it. My cell phone fell out of my pocket because I didn't follow their instructions. I didn't realize I had lost it until a little later. Luckily it was there waiting for me when I sprinted back for it.

We got so lucky!! The biggest, and most important thing Chase wanted to do at Disneyland was to see Buzz. Just as we were walking off Space Mountain, out came Buzz Lightyear himself. We followed him to where he was going and were the first in line to meet him. Blake missed out because he was going to the bathroom but Chase was in heaven.

Chase was starstruck as got his autograph. We watched the line immediately get very long as we waved goodbye. The stars were definitely on our side for that one:)

Then it was over to the Finding Nemo submarine ride. We waited for awhile in that line but got to watch the Star Wars show while we were waiting. During the ride it got really dark and Chase exclaimed, "get me off of this thing!". We talked him through it and he loved seeing Nemo and his friends swimming around.

Last stop in Tomorrow land was Autopia to ride the cars.

I talked Blake in to letting me ride with him. We ended up getting a dud- the brown flush it down car. The people behind us had to push us the whole way. Blake said it was because I made the car too heavy... thanks a lot Blake! When we finished, I nicely asked if we could go again in a different car and they let us get right back on.

Let the Memories Begin!!

So we've anticipated this day for literally years!!! The kids trying to get their Scripture Power Shield filled, saving money, finding the right time to go. It finally happened. We got a great deal on the hotel- we pulled the kids out of school Tues. and headed to Anaheim!

It was hard to get to sleep that night, because of the excitement. I was the worst one- I couldn't wait to see the kids faces at Disneyland!

We woke up eagerly and got ready, walked to Disneyland from our hotel and had time to spare before we met our friend Jarred (who got us free tickets!!! Can't say thanks enough for that hook up!)

Let the Memories Begin!!!

Catalina Hike

For Family Home Evening one Monday we went hiking in Catalina State Park right by our house.  We had dinner and a little devotional on the top of a hill while the sun was setting.
Even though it's got a lot of brown, we LOVE having the mountains so close by... it feels like home when we are in the mountains.

Giddy-up!

This was Chase's first time riding a horse (or mule). Here he is on Peggy Sue getting instruction from Grandpa.

He's a Natural!! It must be in his blood. He loved it.

Audrey on Buckshot- We kept her in the corral this time;)

Jackson was wanting "Buck"shot to Buck. Luckily, that never happened.

Look at me Mom!! Chase riding Grandpa's newest member of the family... "Cookie". Formerly named Kate her name changed because of her love of Oreo cookies. She came right up to Matt as he was eating some Oreos and nibbled them right out of his hands.

Digging HOLES!!

Okay, so you've heard of kids digging in the dirt? Well, we took it to a whole new level. The Cannon's have some really fun neighbors in which our kids love to play with while we're there. They started digging a hole and just didn't stop!

Jackson's working on the tunnel they started. They got so deep they had to come up with a system to get the dirt out. (Notice the bucket and string)

It kept them busy for hours

They took down snacks and lived there for an afternoon.

Asher and Tian even lashed together a canopy to cover it from the rain- they thought of everything. I was seriously impressed but my first question..."Does your mother know about this?"

Fun on Grandpa's Farm

Horsey Rides

Tractor rides

Searching for Tadpoles

Just kicking back

Feeding the animals

but best of all... gumballs for a penny!!

Now That's a TREE

As soon as I got back from girls camp, we packed up and headed out of the heat. It's off to Northern California for Vacation. On the drive there I miraculously was able to talk Matt in to stopping at a small park off the side of the rode to see the enormous Redwood Trees. Matt's parents may be moving soon and it could be the last time we're in this "neck of the woods".

The kids ran around for a little bit and climbed inside the trunk of a fallen tree. Some of these trees have been around since Christ's birth.

Happy Fourth of July!!!

This one is SO BIG you can drive a small car through it!!

Grasshopper Baseball 2010

Baseball season... Blake's team this year... the GRASSHOPPERS?

nice- who's kid is that?

Fun nights with the family watching Blake's team and cheering them on.

Blake with his favorite coach.

Introducing the repeat Champion team!! Congrats on a great season Blake!