Disneyland

Happiest place on earth? I was hoping that now that Ashlyn is 5 that she would have the magical response that the boys had. We entered Disneyland and she was so happy. She patiently waited for Goofy's signature. Yeah! I thought to myself. I even told her that she must have just needed to be a year older to enjoy Disney. But then things turned. She cried most of the way through Buzz Lightyear (our first ride) and pretty much all rides after that. She was patient through lines which was better than last year but she was a bigger wimp than ever before. At amusement parks in the past she has cried when she wasn't tall enough to ride. Now that she is tall enough she cried on almost everything she was able to ride. I came to the realization that she loves the sights at Disneyland but hates the rides. Chad took the boys on the rides they enjoy and Ashlyn and I took in the Disney experience without rides (Toon Town, parades, characters and sights). She did enjoy a few rides: Toy Story Mania (I would have gone on this with her all day if the line hadn't been so long.), the Carousel (this also presents a problem because she always picks a favorite horse and it is usually the horse all the other girls want as well) and Its a Small World.

Even though I was disappointed in her response, I was pleasantly surprised at the lack of crowds. I thought it would be so busy that we wouldn't be able to get on anything but the only long waits were for the princesses (1 hr) and for Toy Story Mania (40 minutes). The boys were able ride everything that they wanted to. Logan is so cute. He loves the big rides but they scare him. He has to work up the courage to go on them but then he giggles the whole time. Connor was finally tall enough to go on every ride. His favorite was the California Screamer roller coaster. Both the boy are willing to go on the Tower of Terror. I rode this once years ago and I will never be going on it again. Despite my rant, we had a fun time. It just might be awhile before we try Disneyland again.

Aquarium of the Pacific

We spent my birthday at the aquarium in Long Beach. The kids enjoy looking at the sea animals but they especially like the hands on exhibits. The lorikeets and the little sharks and rays that they can touch were the favorites.

California

We had a great time on our trip to California. It was good to be together again as a family after so long. I think it has been almost 2 years since we were last together. We were able to go to the beach, the aquarium, and Disneyland. The kids always love the beach. It was unseasonably cold but it didn't stop the kids from playing in the water. Even Grandma got in on the action.

Easter Egg Hunts

Before we left for California the kids were able to participate in a couple of Easter egg hunts. The first was with the Gray side of the family. The kids always love running around finding eggs with their cousins. Logan was so excited that he found the large jackpot egg. The second hunt was the city egg hunt (really a candy dash). Although it last less than 1 minute it is always one of their favorite activities. The rest of our Easter was spent in California. The kids received Easter bags full of toys and snacks and we were able to do a small egg hunt on the patio of the hotel. I don't think the kids really care what they find they just like the search.

Happy Birthday Princess!

How time flies. Ashlyn is 5 today. She has grown up so fast. She has been counting down to her birthday since Christmas. Occasionally I considered faking her birthday to end the misunderstandings when time is longer than she anticipated (ex: When I told her 2 weeks she thought it was 2 days). After all the waiting she woke up sick in the middle of the night. What a let down. Now I wish I had faked her birthday weeks ago. She tried to enjoy it. She had fun opening her presents and watching the Barbie movie that she was anxiously awaiting. However, she spent the majority of the day napping. Fortunately she woke up feeling quite a bit better. She was even able to eat her birthday cake. After all the sleeping it might be a long night but that's ok, it is her birthday. We love you sweet girl.

Happy Anniversary!

Chad and I have been married 12 years today. It has been 12 great years. At times easy to forget about our anniversary in celebrating Ashlyn's birthday. I feel so lucky to have such a great husband. I couldn't ask for better. I hope we will be able to celebrate many many more anniversaries. I love you!

Ashlyn's Birthday Party

Monday, Ashlyn had her friend party at Classic Fun Center. Although she really likes Classic the Karaoke room is what won her over. When she saw the party room with a stage and a microphone she knew this was the place she wanted her party. She spent most of the time performing for her friends or just performing alone. She is quite the superstar. It is a little frightening at times. She did occasionally leave the party room to play on the bouncers and play land. It was a fun afternoon.