Meeting Tigger

We went to Disneyland the other day, like we do so often! It was a really good day because it wasn't crowded at all. We were able to go a lot of rides without much wait. We wanted to do on Pirates of the Caribbean, but all those who know Lydia, know she HATES this ride. But after some major convincing, I got her to go on it. We looked for all the good on the ride. Amazingly after the ride, Lydia said she loved it and she wanted to go again. This was a huge accomplishment. We were so proud of her. But then, Todd was able to convince her to go on Splash Mountain! She did so good. She was scared at the top of the major hill but she didn't scream too long. It was funny after because apparently she got a little wet and she wasn't too happy about that. She was very vocal about how she need to go take a shower now. Everyone was laughing at her. After that, we got into line to meet Pooh Bear, Eeyore, and Tigger. The kids were so excited, especially Luke. It was like holding the flood gates back waiting in line with him. But as soon as it was our turn, they went running. Lydia and Lukas gave each of them the biggest hugs. They were so fascinated with them. Lukas, of course, was so happy to be with Tigger. When it was time to leave, Lukas didn't want to leave Tigger. He was so mad. The only was we got him to stop screaming for him was we went to the Monsters, Inc. ride. Here are some of the really cute picture of them with the characters.

Halloween

It was a great Halloween. The kids has a ton of fun. Lydia and Nellie were fairies and Lukas was Tigger. This year it was really fun because they really got into Trick-or-Treating. Lydia was a little scared at the first house but after that she went running to every other house. She was really good about say "Trick-or-Treat" and she wasn't shy at all. She was very proud of this fact. She told everyone that asked how her Halloween was. Lukas did really good, too. He ran after Lydia as best as he could. They both got a lot of candy and are looking forward to next year all ready. Nellie wasn't sure what was going on most of the day but she loved watching the other kids.

HAWAII

Todd and I went to Hawaii over my birthday. Todd had to work and I just hitched a ride. It was great because Lyndsey watched the kids for us. When I got there on Friday, Todd had to finish some work so we just took it easy that day. We went down to the beach and swam just for a minute because Todd had been there for a few days already and hadn't gotten in yet. When we were walking down we saw a ton of jelly fish in the boat dock. They were everywhere. I sure wouldn't want to fall in there!!

After, we got ready and went to dinner. It was so good. Also it was cool because when it got dark they shot fireworks from the beach over the water, and we had a great view. It was great because Todd and I could act like grown ups which we so rarely get to do!!

On Saturday, we went for a ride around the west side of the island. It was so cool. When we got close to the North Shore there were a lot of cars parked on the side of the road. So Todd and I stopped to see what was going on. There wasn't any waves but the view was so pretty. Then we saw what everyone was looking at. There was a ton of turtles. There was this one that was probably 3 and a half feet long. It was getting some air. We got some really cool pictures of it. We also saw quite a few more, all different sizes. It was so amazing. They are such a cool creatures. I love watching them swim.

Then we went to get the BEST snow cones ever!! They are from Mautsmoto and they are so good. You can get ice cream at the bottom. I think you can get this combination elsewhere but I guess they make their own syrup and it was so good. Todd got coconut and watermelon and I got pineapple and strawberry. All of them were so delicious. Everywhere along the road, there are roadside stands selling fresh fruit, so of course Todd and I had to stop. We got coconut and pineapple. They were so good. Before we had left for Hawaii, I had told Todd all I wanted to go was relax and eat food, so far we had been successful!! We went to the temple and walked around. It was so pretty. After we went to see our friends that live close to the temple. It was so good seeing them because it had been awhile. Todd and Jason went scuba diving at Sharks Cove. Todd was happy after because he got to do some dangerous things with him, so that was good for me because it got out of his system!!

Sunday we went to Haunuma Bay. The currents were really strong so we had to stay close to the shore but we were still able to see a lot of cool things. We saw four turtles and some really cool fish. The water wasn't very clear so we couldn't take any pictures. It was so amazing. That was basically my first time snorkeling and I had so much fun. Todd and I were in the water for about an hour.

Todd and I were so tired after that so we decide to go for a drive around the east side of the island. I would consider that the prettier side because the road is right along the shore. It was so beautiful. We when to the Blowhole. That is where there is a hole in the rocks and waves go through it and spray out. The weather wasn't very good so the waves were huge. The Blowhole was shooting out twenty foot waves. It was so cool. Unfortnuatly, we didn't have our camera ready for those but we got a pretty cool picture. Along the rest of the drive we saw some really amazing mountains and shorelines.

When we were driving around, Todd was very excited because he found a noni tree.

Monday we wanted to stay close to the airport just so there wouldn't be any problems when it was time to get on the plane. First, we went to Pearl Harbor. That was so interesting. It was very humbling. Here is a picture of the oil that is still coming out of USS Arizona. It really made us appreicate what those men did for us. That is one experience that will stay with us for a long time!!

Well, that was one GREAT trip. Todd and I were able to relax and we felt like we were able to do a lot too. We definiatly didn't feel like we missed anything or that we wished we did more. It was also good to get back to the kids. The kids sure seemed like they had a lot of fun with Lyndsey. Thanks again Lynds !!!

Nellie's ONE

Since it's been a year living in California, Nellie has turned one. She is our little monster. We had two birthday parties for her. The first one was a Halloween Party with the ward and the second was with family and friends. She had so much fun but she wasn't sure why she was getting so much attention.

But after awhile, she really got into opening her presents. Thank you to everyone that sent her presents. She loved them all. The other kids had to help her because they were growing impatient with how long she was taking!

Nellie loved the baby doll and the hippo. She just had to give them loves. She has had a lot of fun playing with all of her new toys and books. Also, thanks for all the clothes. Nellie looks so cute in all of them.

For Nellie's Birthday cake, she got her very own. When we gave it to her, she wanted quite sure what to do wiith it which was surprising because she just LOVES food. She eats anything and everything. But when Nellie realized that it was all hers she went face first into it. She wouldn't touch it with her fingers so she just sucked the frosting (which we all know, it's the best part!!). When I finally showed her how to eat it she did a little better. Nellie had a wonderful birthday and thanks again to everyone.