Happy Halloween

Sara dressed up as her favorite princess, Belle, for Joy School on Wednesday. She wore the costume all day and was ready for the Ward Party that night.
Then she decided that she needed to be Alice in Wonderland for Trick-or-Treating. Blake was Nemo. These are my best attempt at pictures.



The difference between a boy and a girl: a girl dances with her candy bucket and a boy kicks his.
Bryan took them around the neighborhood. I expected them to be gone for 30 minutes. They came home 1 hour and 30 minutes later. This is the first year we have done much. The kids had so much fun and couldn't wait to show me their 'loot'. Here they are running up to the first house on their stop.

Obeying

Blake loves honey. Today I was switching honey from one bucket to another. Blake pulled a chair over so that he could watch the honey drip down into the bucket. He really wanted to stick his finger in the drip line for a taste. Bryan suggested that he do that very thing. Blake responded, "My mom said I can't," and continued to watch.

Bess Fend

My heart smiled.
Today while Sara was at Joy School, Blake and I ran some errands. He was incredibly talkative as the told me about his toys, animals, the cabin, etc.
The topic switched to friends. He would say, "I no like Kyle. He mean to me. I no like Rachel. She mean to me." I played defense, "No, Kyle is your cousin and a fun friend. Do you like to play with him?" This is when he would realize, "Yeah, Kyle my fend."
Something about a "bess fend" came out, but I couldn't quite make it out. When I asked him if he had a best friend he said, "Yeah." When I asked him who his best friend is he paused thoughtfully, "Sawa my bess fend." I asked him again and he was very emphatic, "SAWA my bess fend."Oh little one, I sure hope that you can your big sister can remain a best friend throughout your life.

Mission Beach

We couldn't leave California without spending a few hours on the beach. Mission Beach was close to the hotel, so we went to have breakfast on the beach. My Grandma and Grandpa Long met on Mission Beach, so it was neat to go see where some of my roots began.

Blake loved running away from the waves!What a girly girl!

Oops! This one caught up to Mister Mister.

Getting "caught" by the wave scared him.

Our sand castle:
Sara was so proud and Blake just wanted to smash it.

Sea World

We loved Shamu!

Blake absolutely loved the Sharks.
Sara, Bryan, and Blake watching the Sea Lion show.At the Tide Pools we were able to see and touch the Sea Stars, Anemone, and a Sea Urchin.

Sara and Bryan just hanging around.

Sara & Elmo (Blake was sleeping)

Elmo's Flying Fish
Sara & Bryan rode the Pig-fish

Blake & I rode the Dog-fish

Sara's favorite animal was the Polar Bear.

In the Polar Bear's den

Disneyland Day 2

Who would believe that the kids would be so excited to see Captain Hook? He was definitely a highlight of the day.

Blake even shook the hook!

Highlights from "It's a Small World":

Jasmin, Aladin, and Carpet

Woody & Jesse

Sara & I on the Teacups

Sara trying to get into the White Rabbit's house

Sara loved the parade, but got incredibly frustrated that she could not get Wendy (Peter Pan) and Jesse's (Toy Story) attention.
Blake slept through the whole thing.

"When somebody loves you . . . "

Disneyland Day 1

HAPPY HALLOWEEN!
We decided to go on yet another trip with our friends the Christensens. We met them in Anaheim for a fun filled Disney Vacation.

This is Tinkerbell's friend, Silvermist. She is a water-talent fairy and her favorite color is blue.

Did you know Tinkerbell's house is a teapot? It was a gift from Peter Pan.

Blake absolutely loved the Carousel.

Horsies!

Sara's favorite princess is Belle. She was quite starstruck when she finally got to meet her.

Sara & Ariel

Mulan & Sara, who didn't have to be told to pose. She was so excited!

Mommy & Sara on The Dumbo Ride

Sara & Ellie posing on Dumbo

Buzz Lightyear . . . must destroy Zerg!
This was by far Blake's favorite ride.

Lucky us! We ran into Woody on the street. Unfortunately he wasn't stopping for photos. This is the best we got. He is so tall, he almost toppled over Blake . . . several times.

The kids watching Mr. Potato Head while waiting for the Toy Story Ride. This one gets my vote for best ride in the park.

Blake's 3D glasses didn't fit and he didn't want to wear them for a family shot.

After a long day they refused to look at the camera. These are their prized possessions: a Jesse doll and a Buzz Lightyear gun.

Bryan and Cody took the kids back to the hotel for bed while Sarah and I stayed to go on a few rides that were too scary for the kids. When we found out we were in the "splash zone" on Splash Mountain, Sarah freaked. She had her camera and no case. Luckily it stayed dry. Unfortunately, we didn't.