June 2016

6/30 - Today Landon got to go to Grammy and Gramps house and said he had another great day.   He got to build a lego, eat breakfast with them and hang out for the day.

Kasey got a surprise after camp.  She got to get her nails done with her teacher from last year. - we bought her pedicure GC for end of the year and Kasey said she wanted to go with her.    She was so excited and got to spend a little time with her.  They even got a little bit of ice cream.  Fun to have such awesome teachers.

Kasey didn't want to go to bed and complained of tooth hurting.  We thought she just didn't want to go to bed.   She came down and Greg was looking at her tooth.  He just pulled it out.  She was surprised.

6/29 - Landon didn't have camp this week so he got to go to grandparents for the day.  He went to Grandma and Pops today and had a great day.  He helped mow the yard, fix the chain saw and wash grandmas car

6/28 - Landon had a football game.  The boys played hard and only lost by 1 point.  Landon caught 2 balls and pulled a few flags as well.  I think they had fun!   I left late from work so Grammy and Gramps brought me some dinner (they were nice to share their extra pizza from dinner)

6/26 - We slept in some and chilled out most of the day.  Greg had to get the Webelos off to camp without Landon :(   That afternoon Kasey and I went to see Pinkalicious the musical at Dallas Children's Theater.  It was cute but not as good Fancy Nancy was.  It was still fun though.  We came  back, picked up the boys and headed to dinner at BJs.

6/25 - We didn't do a lot today. We mainly chilled out during the day.  Kasey had a pool bday party then went home with the hosts for a little while.  Landon and I went to see Now You See Me 2.  Greg went to soccer game and dinner with Doug.  Kids and i decided to go to ihop for dinner.  Landon wanted breakfast and I didn't want to cook it.

Kasey on the other hand seems to be throwing a fit about everything.   I mean everything.  We are going to have to find some better ground or her teenage years are going to be horrible.

6/24 - We had quick dinner and then I went to a friends surprise bday party.  I just went for a drink since Landon was home sick.

6/23 - Landon woke up with a little bit of fever and a cough.  Greg took him to the Dr in hopes that he could still go to Webelos Resident camp.  No such, he has a virus and so being out in the heat at camp wasn't a great idea.  In addition Landon had to miss a friends birthday party and Greg and I wouldn't be able to go to a friends surprise bday party together.  Changed up the weekend a bit :(  At least Landon has some time to recover.

6/22 - I had to leave early so Grammy got the kids to camp.  Tonight Landon had flag football game.  Our team lost but played really well first 1/2.  Landon caught a tough ball and held on to it. 

6/21 - Greg went to Houston with Doug to see US play Argentina.  The game didn't go well.  Grandma picked the kids up from camp and kept them til I was done with work.   We went home and ate.  Then Grammy came over to help out since I had an early morning and Greg was gone.   Got kids to bed and Grammy and I watched a Hallmark movie which was fun.   Patch kept putting her head up to Grammy's neck like she does to me.  Silly dog.

6/20 - Kasey started reading Magic Tree House Books and loved them.

6/19 - we slept in some again today and kind of had a lazy fathers day.  The kids and I made toast and cheese eggs and served Greg breakfast in bed.   We chilled out during the day getting a few things done around the house.   Landon had a soccer game at 1:45pm. The FC nights won 1 to 0 on an own goal.   Both teams played hard.

We came home so the kids could get showered.  Then we headed to Babe's to celebrate Fathers Day with my dad.   We had to wait a bit outside, but it was worth it.  We played charades with my phone for a little while.  Food is always very yummy and we got to spend sometime with family

6/18 - after crazy week.  Landon woke up 7:40 which is late for him.  Kasey slept til 10:30 after going to be after 11.  Greg and I woke up around 10:45 after quieting the dog around 7 something.

we slowly got ready, went to lunch, ran a few errands.  Greg went to watch some soccer with Dave and kids and I chilled out at the house.  I also took the kids to get their hair cut.   Kasey got probably close to 3 inches off so now it's closer to shoulder level.  That way she can be cooler in the summer and hopefully take care of it mostly herself.   Landon also very much needed a haircut.  We got the sides cut quite a bit but not as much on the top.  He likes it that way but really needs to brush it if he wants it longer.

We went to dinner at Kelly's and tried to get kids to bed early to help recover from the weekend.

6/17

Dana's twilight night

1. We started out hanging out, doing mail, playing with bubbles and little water guns

2.  We started out on a scavenger hunt.  The girls did great, we walked almost a mile around camp, and got 4th place.   One clue and where the prize was didn't add up so it held us up, but we stayed together and worked as a team which was fun.

3.  Some of the girls did face painting

4. We did some rock climbing and going across rope bridge again

5. Then it was time for hot dogs and s'mores.  

6.  Then the girls decorated masks

7. At 11 we went on a night constellation hike.  We learned some on constellations and used our flashlights and ropes to get through the woods.

8. After that we got to look through some big telescopes.   We saw Jupiter with 4 of its moons, Saturn and its rings, Mars, and the moon up close.  The guys helping out also had some cool laser pointers to show us the stars.  We learned how to find the North Star from the big dipper.

9.  The girls ended the night doing our unit chant one more time in front of camp.

Landon's twilight - don't have day by day but they got to do some really cool things as well.

Landon got to do archery and bb guns.  He got to build a box from wood and nails with a shelf in it.  He got to make nunchucks.  They  played human foosball 

6/16

Dana's Twilight night

1. We started with a craft - girls made Nebulas

2.  The girls finished quick so they went on the rock wall and ropes

3,  They then got to go to the maze for our official time.  Since they had been there before they had to come up with something more challenging - leading someone through the maze with blindfold on :)

4.  We went on a hike in the trees along the creek learning about planets

5. After that the girls were kind of tired so we hung out for the rest of the evening

Kasey's twilight night

We were very busy cutting, washing, and cooking tonight!  We had apple slices for an appetizer and tortillas filled with chicken, onions, and peppers for the main dish.  For dessert we had rocket campfire cones (ice cream cones filled with marshmallows, chocolate chips, and sliced bananas).  The food was yummy and everyone went home with 10 fingers and 10 toes. 

6/15 - We were walking to Twilight camp and talking about activities like the rope walk -which one of them is high.  Kasey said it wasn't her favorite.  I told her she was taller this year and to give it a try.  She said to me "you know how you tell me to be confident, that's what I say to myself when I try things like that"   I was so proud of her.  She does listen.  Chloe said she does similar things telling herself that she can do it.

Dana's Twilight night

1.  We got our picture taken today.  It should be coming home Friday.

2.  We did archery.  The girls did a great job and we got to shoot longer than in past years.  Several of the girls got bulls eye, and some of them got several.  They did get a patch for this today.  I wasn't great but ended up getting 1 bulls eye and a few in the ring around the bulls eye.

3.   The girls competed in a planet war - which involved some water that the aliens used to get the humans.  They had a good time

4. Then we did pocket rockets - girls got to make a small concoction that rocketed up and they taught us some about the atmospheres

5. The girls then decided they wanted to do the rock climbing wall.

6. Eeyore and Tigger ended the night leading camp in Linger

Kasey's twilight night

We had another fun day at camp!  We climbed a space rock wall, walked a rope bridge, did a space relay game, learned about moon craters, and saw the inside of “Eagle 23”.  Also, it was our unit's turn to be "Latrine Queens".  I've never seen anyone so excited about cleaning toilets!

6/14

Dana's Twilight night

Tonight was Cook night.   The girls worked on lighting fire with matches and coal.   They cut up onions and peppers then made foil packets.  They made cones with banana, chocolate chips and marshmallows for dessert.    The girls also did a great job with flag up and flag down.   They even lead the camp in singing linger

Kasey's twilight night

We had another great night at camp!  Pocket Rocket, Water Wars, and we even made our very own nebula!  We came up with a chant for Unit 3 and proudly sang it while walking between events.  Kasey came up with the change for her unit.  Kasey made up the Chant for her unit.  It was - We are the best at Eagles Nest, Unit 3 Shooting Stars

6/13 - Today was the first day of twilight camp.  Here our schedule for the week.

I worked all day.  Greg worked 3 days

Landon and Kasey had camp from 9-2.  Landon had PE rocks and Kasey was in slumber party camp.

Greg left with a full car of cub scouts at 3 for their twilight camp that was about 30 minutes north.  Their camp was from 4-about 9 each night.  

I left work at 4 came home and ate, changed and went to pick Kasey and Chloe up and head to our twilight camp that was at Ford Park in Allen from 6-10pm

At cub scout camp (boys) the parents/leaders take kids around to different activities and its adults that plan the camp.  For girl scout twilight camp, its 8th grade girl scouts that plan all the activities and help all the units around at different activities.   We have 2 leaders per unit of 10-12 girls and the leaders are not related to the girls.   I think this is good for the girls because they get some independence and get to try some really cool things.

I had 9 girls from my troop that were at camp which was fun + Chloe from down the street who is one year older.

Let's just say that we were all a bit tired this week.  Here's summary of what girls in my unit (6th graders) and what Kasey's leader sent out about what they did.

What my unit (6th graders did)

1. Eagles 23 - Girls got to go into a mock up spaceship, interact with it to turn on different lights, use a microphone to make different things happen

2. Stranded spaceship - race between teams in space boots with a bucket and doing a knot

3. Girls created moon craters with rocks and flour

4.  They also got some extra time at Eagles 23 and trying out the maze that ended with some special Goo

5. Several of the girls said the girl scout law to camp leaders

6.  Girls made up our unit chant - our unit was Shooting stars so our chant was Shooting Stars - Flying High, Shooting Stars - Reach for the sky, Shoooooting Staaars - Pew Pew Pew (like from Star wars) 

It was kind of funny my unit and Kasey's unit were both named Shooting Stars and we both picked chicken pockets and cones with chocolate, marshmallows and banana for cook night.  

6/12 -  We got up and Kasey decided to put on her German dress for the morning.   We had lunch together and then Landon and Greg went to Landon's soccer game and Kasey and I went to get ready for Daisy to Brownie crossover for our troop.   It was pretty hot outside.  Landon's soccer team won!

Girl Scout Crossover:

We started off saying the promise and law.  We had some older brownies come to talk to us about what they liked about brownies and teach us a brownie song.  I remembered the song from my days as a brownie.  Fun times.

After that we handed out awards to the girls for what they earned based on the number of boxes of cookies they sold. Kasey sold the most boxes of all the girls and the only one to sell over 300 boxes.  I went over why we were crossing over to the next level and that the girls were getting rainbow crossover patch, the crest they picked (pansy which stands for loving thoughts and special friendships).  They also got stars for each year they have been in scouts.

We voted among the girls if we go outside in the heat and cross the real bridge or do it inside in cooler area.   The girls voted to go to the bridge.

The older brownies and I said a brownie poem to tell the girls to crossover.  I stood on one side with the parents and called the girls one by one.   We did girl scout hand shake, the girls took off their daisy vest and put on their brownie vest.   They got a certificate and got to take pictures.   Greg was a life saver handing me brownie vests.

I was smiling big and one of the girls asked me why.  I said I was very proud of them.

After that we came back in, kids got snacks and then we went swimming before it stormed.   Kids swam for a while, Greg got Pizza, we ate right before it pored down rain.  We cleaned up the clubhouse and as we were about to leave it poured down outside.  We had to wait some before leaving.

6/11 - The boys got up and headed to camp Wisdom for a water gun fight and some cub scout time.   Kasey and I worked on Swaps, watched Hallmark movie and had lunch together.  Then it was time for dance recital.  We were running late and had everyones tickets.  It all worked out ok.  We got Kasey's stuff in her little stage dressing room.  We met up with family. There are 10 of us total to see Kasey dance.   We had told her to try and not watch the teachers but do her dance and mile at the audience.  She had been practicing a lot so we knew she could do it.  Her first dance was jazz.  She did a great job with a pretty tough dance.  I was smiling from ear to ear watching her.  She had a quick change then did her hip hop dance.  She did great in that dance too.  Afterwards we got a few family pictures.  With our craziness we didn't have time to get her flowers, but all the grandparents and Cindy did.  She was smiling and happy.

After the dance recital we went to celebrate early fathers day with pops while Cindy was in town.   We went to JGs for some good burgers.  Pops had to go to work, but the rest of us went to Braums for some ice cream.

6/10 - Started a very busy weekend - seems like we say that a lot, but this was is busier than normal.   I took a half day to help Kasey with her dance recital rehearsal.  

I was able to get to the end of Landon's Hydrous camp.  His last ride he decided to try one of the ramps.  He came close to hitting his head, but did it and came back saying it was Epic.  It was pretty epic :)

We did make up, hair, got everything together and went to Kasey's dress rehearsal.   Kasey had a 2 dance change so we had to put her stuff in a small room beside the stage.

She then went to room with girls from her jazz class.   They practiced in the hall with their teacher and she couldn't quite remember the routine.   At any rate, I stayed on stage between Kasey's dances and helped her hip hop teacher do quick change for her.  At rehearsal they weren't doing all dances so they had 1 dance to change.  She got out there in time and did great.  Most of the girls weren't event looking at the teacher who was in the wings marking the dance.

That night Landon had FC Nights game.  The team won, and played hard.  Landon was playing striker and helped get the ball a few times.

6/5 - A busy day for us.     We started out I made breakfast.  We had regular and Blueberry pancakes and cheese eggs.  Kids helped make the pancakes.  

After that we went on a family walk.  We went to the school.  Landon and Kasey rode their bikes and ran around.  Greg and Landon threw the football some.  I walked Patch.  Kasey tried out Landon's bike. Now she feels like her bike is a baby bike after riding Landon's larger bike.  

We went home and got ready.  We had lunch then got some stuff done at home.  Landon had his first indoor soccer game of the season.  They won!     All the grandparents got to come to the game.  And FC knights won 6 to 2

Kasey and I had to leave early to go to Build a Bear for girl scout troop.   All the girls built a bear or animal that we will do something special with for their crossover from Daisy's to Brownies.   So excited.  The girls had fun.  Their host had them do the girl scout promise and played a few games.  Even sang Make new friends song.  I think the girls had fun.

Kasey got invited to go see one of her friends dance recitals.  She was excited to get in a dress and go.  She'll be up late, but should have fun.

Landon had flag football practice.    He came home and got a shower, had dinner and started watching Aggie baseball game with us.     Fun to sometimes just have one kiddo to hang outwith and give attention.   We let him stay up til 9.  He asked if at the end of the 3rd inning if he could go to bed.    I think he was tired after running at soccer and football practice.

We are getting ready for a crazy week with baseball tournament, flag football, getting ready for dance recital and twilight camp and various other things going on.

6/4 - We started off the day Greg and Landon went to baseball practice.  Kasey and I took Patch for a long walk.  We went to lunch at Elkes, yum.  We hung out in the afternoon watching some college  baseball and kids played down the street.  Then we headed to Mi Cocina for dinner.   Kids got to play outside with a few friends and we had good food.  We even went to Paciugo for some Gelato.  

A&M played late baseball game again that went to 1am with rain delay.  Aggies won though.

6/3 - We went to Roman Cucina for dinner and then headed home.   A&M was playing their first game in regional and US soccer team was playing in California.  A&M won, but US team lost. 

6/1 - Today the kids had end of year parties.   they were at the same time though.  Greg and I got to have lunch and then we went to parties.  We had to split up.  I went to Kasey's first.  She got a snow cone and we hung out under the overhang.  They got fun buckets with snacks, jump rope and bubbles.  They then got to hang out and play around the blacktop.  The rain held off so they got to be outside.

Kasey got awards for being always helpful and amazing reader.

Landon's party was in the gym.  They had a bounce house and played games.  They got an ice cream from ice cream shot.

Landon got awards for perfect attendance and overall for coding club, mighty mathematician, A honor roll, Conscientious character

Funny how Kasey still wants us to be with her.  Landon and older kids barely noticed we were there.

One more day of school Landon is so ready for this year to be over.

May 2016

5/29 - We didn't have a ton to do this weekend.  Patch woke me up before 7 even though kids were sleeping in some.  Then Greg let me sleep in while he made breakfast.  He said I wouldn't wake up when he told me it was ready.  Not sure how hard he tried :)  We finished our bunco game then started cleaning up the house.

We were going to friends house for a pool party.  I made 7 layer dip and Kasey and Landon helped some at the end.  Kasey spent more than 5 hours in the pool. She played with another girl and they were jumping off the edge and getting judged who did a better jump/performance.   It was fun.  Her fingers and toes were a bit raw by the end.  Landon got to play with the older kids.  They played in the pool, ran around upstairs and then ended up playing marco polo back in the pool.   I think we all had a good time.  Good food and drink, good friends, and good time.

At the end there was a thunderstorm coming and people were reporting hail.   We headed home but didn't get caught in hail.  We had a little food at home and got the kids in bed.  I think they will sleep well tonight.

5/28 - We finally got to go to Mi Cocina on a Friday night.  It had rained a bit but kids still got to play.  After all 4 of us started a game of bunco.  We haven't played in a while.

5/23 - Today both kids participated in the school talent show.  Kasey played a short piano piece she liked and Landon played his Harry Potter piece.  We were really proud of them.  Grandma, Grammy and Pops came to watch them.

5/22 - We had Landon's family birthday party.  Per Landon's choice we went to MexiGo.  Then we came home and had Dairy Queen ice cream cakes and opened presents. Landon was happy.  Grammy got to come for a little while.  We got to catch up with Scott who's graduating from High School. He's going to UTD in the fall. 

5/21 - Landon had a morning baseball game.  Kasey and I went to the hospital while the boys went to the field early.   Kasey was full of energy.   I walked around the floor with Gramps while Kasey and Grammy hung out.

Kasey and I went to Yankees baseball game.  Yankees won.  Landon played pretty well at Catcher, walked and got a run.  Second at bat he got to first on 3rd strike dropped ball to end the inning with 5 runs.

After the game we went to lunch at Elke's.  Then we went to order pizza and get ice cream cakes for Landon's birthday celebrations.  We spent most of the afternoon resting.

Gramps got to go home from the hospital.  I was a bit worried since he had been having tough nights and still pain.

Then is was time for Landon's friend party.  We had a big party with him and 2 of the girls in his class.  Everyone invited some friends.  We started off kids playing Nukem or playing on the playground.  Then we went to the pool.  Kids are getting rougher as they get older.  They had pizza, grapes and we had fun cookie cupcakes for everyone.  I think everyone had a good time.

There was even some dancing with no music

5/20 - Gramps was still having a rough time.  liquid food, pain and trouble breathing.  Grammy was able to come to Landon's baseball game.   Unfortunately the team lost.   Gramps had a long night again.

5/19 - Gramps had his gallbladder surgery today.   I worked at our event in the morning then met Grammy and Gramps at the hospital.  We got to visit for a little while.  The nurses were very nice and overall experience was better than last hospital stay.  We got to visit for a little while.  Mom and Dad were joking about not remembering things.  We talked about trips from when I was younger when my dad was flying planes.  I remember flying with him as a kid.  I would sometimes get sick.  I remember doing a touchdown on the way to Jim and Mary's house.   We talked about going to Death Valley near where my aunt and uncle lived which I also remember.  I got to help them take care of horses which was awesome.  When dad was talking about flying and stories he had a great smile on his face.  Wish I could have captured it in a picture, but didn't think it was appropriate with him in hospital gown.

Nurse and surgeon came in.  Dad warned the surgeon that he had a long appendix scar because they had issues finding it.  We kissed him and he went to surgery

It took quite a bit longer than expected.  Dr finally came out and said that the gallbladder was quite inflamed and that it was difficult.  He said men don't let go of gallbladders as easily as women.  He even commented about dad warning him about things not quite being in place.  They decided to keep him overnight to make sure everything was ok.  He was in some pain, did ok with liquids but solid food caused more pain.  He had a long night with pain so he had to stay another night :(

5/17 - Today at 8:02pm Landon turned 10 years old.  About 5 minutes after 8:02 he came to tell me really excited that he was officially 10.  I can't believe that I have a 10 year old.  This morning I went to get Happy Birthday Landon donuts which was fun.   Landon had a field trip to the Rodeo.  He wasn't thrilled and I think he thought that the animals weren't being treated nice.

that afternoon he had some batting practice at DBat.  Then we had dinner at home and started walking the last Castle.  Kasey has been acting out more after a weekend without much sleep

That night the 4th and 5th grades had recorder performance.  It was nice and enjoyed it.  Landon got to play the drums in one song, and sung in one of them.  They enjoyed some cookies after the performance.

Landon got a fitbit from us for his birthday.  Hopefully he takes good care of it.

5/16 - this is my 20 year anniversary at TI.  That includes co-oping while in college.  Lots of big things this year - Turning 40, 20 years working, having a child in double digits.

5/15 - Kasey and I went to donut place to order donuts for Landon's birthday.  Then we went to Starbucks for our Tea and hot chocolate.   We hung out then did a little exercise as the boys came home.  I walked Patch and Kasey did some xbox dancing and clean up.

When the boys got home we got showers and then headed to Taste of Addison.  There weren't many people there.  Many of the good food places like Chamberlains, Fogo, ice cream shops and others weren't there.  There was still some good food and we liked that the crowds were lower.

Kasey wore my fitbit for the weekend.  She was super excited about getting steps for me.  I tried to explain that her getting steps for me didn't do me a lot of good :)

5/14 -  The boys got up and went camping at camp wisdom with dub scouts.  Kasey and I got up, hung out some.  Then we went to lunch with Grammy at Freebirds then the three of us went to get our nails done which we always enjoy.  Fun times just us girls.

We chilled out in the afternoon and then went with Cracknell irls to the neighborhood spring party.  Another favorite.  Kasey got dolphins and butterfly tattoos, butterfly and unicorn balloons, we had some yummy food from the food trucks, and kids ran around playing.  We all had a good time but stayed out a little to late.    Kasey wanted to sleep with me, but Greg didn't want her to stay in our bed.

She got to bed around 9:30.   I tried to take Patch to Kasey's room so I could sleep in her bed.   I tried to settle Patch down for a few hours.  That didn't work, Kasey didn't want me to leave so we all went downstairs. Somehow with all that Patch and Kasey still were up before 7am.

5/13 - I didn't get picked for chaperone for Kasey's trip to the zoo, but she wanted me to go with her.   I met a new lady from California and we rode down together to the zoo.    I got to walk around with Kasey's group which worked out well.  We had fun seeing the animals, having lunch and walking around.  We had a fun day and weather was pretty nice.

Tonight was the school carnival and the weather turned out great.   Everyone was outside.  the kids were running around getting their hair colored, playing little games, bounce houses, cake walk and just hanging out with friends.  Kasey convinced her teacher to get a red streak of color in her hair.  With her blonde hair hopefully it will come out.

5/12 - tonight 4th grade AIM students from the district presented the projects they have been working on all year.  They had to come up with an invention, built a prototype, make a commercial for it, make business cards, and a backboard to talk about and sell the product.  Landon created a baseball that would tell you how far you hit or throw it.   It came in different colors if you wanted and he had a brochure all about it.

It was fun to see the different kids came up with.  A few others - bug spray inside shoe, special mouthwash/toothpaste combined, a tube with all office supplies and many others.  Very fun night.  So proud of the kids and what they have done.

5/11 - Bengals had playoff soccer game.  The boys lost 2 to 0, but there were some pretty bad calls and 1 was a penalty kick.  Boys played really hard.  Landon played defense.   This might be the last game for the bengals to play together.

5/8 - Kids and I got up, we went to get Starbucks for us and Grammy and took it to the hospital.  Luckily Gramps was being released after 3 nights in the hospital.  We hung out and wished Grammy a quick happy mothers day.

Kids and I went to Kohls for a bit then headed home.  We went to lunch with Greg for burgers then Greg dropped Landon and I off at the movie theater to see Civil War (which is what I wanted for Mothers day).  Greg and Kasey went home and watched Shrek.   AFter the movie we headed to have dinner with Grandma for mothers day.  We all decided on Mexican.

Grandma and Pops just had a big tree cut down as part of it had fallen on their house.  Kasey decided she wanted to make it her tea party table :).  Landon just wanted to climb their other tree.

5/7 - I woke up about 6am.  They were waking everyone at 7am.  We packed everything up and headed down to eat a small breakfast before heading home.

We stopped at Starbucks on the way home so the girls could get hot chocolate and I got a tea :)

Landon had a baseball game he played in at 10.  They lost in the last inning :(.   Landon had a double and played pretty good at catcher.   His soccer team also played at the same time and tied 3 to 3 :)  This put the soccer team in 5th place for the season.

We got to go to Elke's for lunch.  Most of us had meatball sandwich special and we took lunch to Grammy at the hospital.   I stayed for a while in the afternoon.  Landon went to a friends house for afternoon and evening.  Greg took Kasey swimming at the neighborhood pool.   I went home to have dinner with Greg and Kasey before Greg went to get Landon.

5/6 - The Daisy's earned money from selling cookies and the big thing they chose to do was spend the night at the Perot museum.  This was the night for that.  All 11 girls and 8 moms went.  We met down at the Perot museum around 6 to eat dinner.  We went in to check in after and had a bit of a wait, but then got started.  We started out at a movie about a chipmunk - went through how they collect acorns for the winter, then an older chipmunk steals its acorns and fights it.   An owl also almost kills the chipmunk.  In the end the young chipmunk won and got his acorns just in time for winter.

After that we went to the live science experiments.  They were talking about electricity.  They had a girl hold her hand on a plasma tube then hold a florescent light bulb.  The light bulb lit up both just getting close to her and brighter when she held it.   They also showed how rubbing a rod with fur can move a coke can back and forth.  Then they showed something more like lightning which scared some of the girls.  Then they had several moms stand up with lightbulbs and all of them list up.  Pretty cool

After that it was time for snack.  We all got water and a few snacks to recharge.  After that it was free time.  We kind of split up into different groups going around the museum.  we started out making friendship bracelets.  The girls made them for each other which was fun.  We had about 5 girls with us and spent a long time on 3rd floor playing with different robots, air machine, area that showed heat vs cold, pressure, musical instruments.  Lots of fun.

Then Kasey and Sienna wanted to make birds on 4M floor.  Kasey made 2 birds and Sienna made one.  Then we walked around on the dinosaur floor for a little while.  We ran through the space area for a few minutes before heading downstairs for the dance party.  This was about 11 which was a bit late for these girls.  We had a few very tired girls and a few that were dancing away.  We joked that we know which ones will be party girls (of course Kasey was one).

Then it was time to get our stuff and head to get ready for bed.  We got sleeping bags out, changed into pajamas and brushed teeth.  Lights out at midnight.  Late night for the girls, but it was fun

5/1 - I spent 1/2 a day at Twilight training.  Greg had to get Kasey to daisy meeting where they finished off their last petal as daisy's.

April 2016

4/30 - We had a friend birthday party for my birthday and one of the other moms.  40th is a big deal :) We had several friends come with us to Rustic for dinner and drinks.  It was a lot of fun!  After fun dinner we went to the Loon for a drink. Greg and the Steiners bought everyone  a kamikaze which was fun.  We had a good time and enjoyed spending some time out with just adults and friends.

4/24 - After Greg let me out of bed (if I got up he had to mow the yard), I went to get Kasey.   She had cooked eggs on her own and was very proud of it.   She had a good time and was watching some Barbi.

We went home to take Patch and went shopping before picking up the boys.  We had to leave clothes there because we had to get boys.  After fun night.  Landon went to friends house for an hour.   Kasey and I went back shopping for some new dresses/skirts.  She's fun to shop with.

We picked up Landon on the way home.  Then they got ready for soccer practice

After soccer boys took showers and we went to another birthday dinner with Greg's family.  After dinner we had yummy german chocolate cake pie.

Needless to say kids were tired.

4/23 - Landon played soccer game.  he played defense and boys played hard, but they lost to the Heat.   The Yankees played at the same time and won in the last inning.  We hung out most of the day.  That afternoon we took Kasey to Grammy's to spend the night.

Landon went with a few friends for a birthday overnight at lakehouse.  A few boys went and they got to have a big nerf gun war, ride in and drive a boat, drive 4 wheelers, sleep in a tent and eat good food.  They had a really good time.

Greg and I went out with our traveling friends for our April celebrations.  3 birthdays and anniversary.  We went to Del Friscos which is always a favorite.   We finished the night with the piano man from there who is awesome.  Good times.

4/22 - Tonight we had cub scout crossover.  Fun night.  The kids got to play a few games.  We had BBQ from Rudys, trail mix station, and samoas with a chocolate fountain.   Of course the boys got to cross over the bridge to go from Webelos I to Webelos II. There was also cake contest and we got to see a fun slideshow of activities the boys have been doing.  So fun and such great group of boys and families.

4/17 - We had flag football playoff game.  the boys played hard but didn't win.  Landon caught a few catches and played offense and defense.

That night kids and I ordered pizza and hung out at home while Greg went to FC Dallas game.

4/16 - We had a busy SAturday as usual.  Bengals had a rough game in the morning.  they didn't win but played hard.  We went to early lunch and Schlotzsky and then went to Landon's baseball game.  Yankees won.  Landon had 2 hits (left field triple, line drive to first baseline).  Playing catcher he got some outs including out guy steeling home.  He also pitched the last inning  which is stressful for me.

That afternoon we went to STEM activities at the Roughriders baseball game in Frisco.  All 4 of us went, but it was for a girl scout night.  We got there when it opened.  They had stations that talked about how throwing, hitting, dancing and consturction all have something to do with STEM.  Kids got to through a ball, hit on a T, learn the cotton eye joe.  We heard one of the ladies at Roughriders who has her gold pin talk about how girl scouts is cool and she used her Gold project to be her platform in pageants.

We also got to see our friend Durkin who apparently is at Roughriders games all the time for several years.

3 girls from our troop were there.  I took the girls on the field for the National Anthem which was fun.  We were right there close to the players.  Then we stayed for first 5 innings of the game - we had hot dogs, brats, chips, beer and funnel cake.  Fun night.

Then we got home.  Landon got sick in his room after midnight and then Kasey was downstairs an hour later getting sick.  That wasn't fun, but they were fine after that.

4/14 - We had Watch Dog award ceremony.   Greg was selected from all the dads at Norton as one of two to be awarded.   They gave him a certificate and played audio of some kids commenting why he was a good watchdog.  They talked about him playing sports with them and being nice.  It was really nice.   We got pictures with our principal and the Allen superintendent.  It was a nice evening and we were all very proud of Greg

4/10 - We had a busy afternoon.   We had soccer practice and Daisy Meeting in the afternoon.  Then Landon had a football game.  The boys played well and won.  Landon caught 3 balls, got 1 or 2 flags.  They are having a good time.  This was our last regular season game, but there is playoff.

4/9 - I really wanted to sleep in but of course the kids woke me up around 7:30.  Kasey wanted to watch Dancing with the Stars so I couldn't turn that down.  Eventually we got up to get ready.   We went to lunch with Grammy and Gramps to celebrate.  We tried Wild Salsa which was really good.  Grammy and I enjoyed some Sangria.   After yummy lunch we headed back to the house.  Grammy had made hershey bar pie (regular in a bucket) for the kids and a special one with peanut butter and reese's peanut butter cups on top for me.  Yummy.

After that Greg and Landon went to a cub scout thing and Grammy/Kasey and I went to the salon to get pampered.  We enjoyed the massage chairs and getting our nails taken care of.  Good times.  

Fun birthday week :)

After we got back we had a quick dinner and kids went to friends houses.  Greg got me some dinner and then I went to where the kids were.  We enjoyed some wine and hanging out.  Fun Saturday night

4/8 - Kasey got Knight of the week and was so excited to bring the monkeys home again.  We had to glue eyes on the little one - someone else's dog had chewed them off :)   

We took the daisy troop to recycling center in McKinney.  The cub scouts had gone before and said it was pretty cool.  We were a little underwelmed but it was good for the girls to see.

After that we went to dinner the 4 of us.  We got the kids to bed and I met a few moms at Village Burger Bar for a few drinks.  Its always fun to get out and hang out with other moms :)

4/7 - We had a fun mother daughter lunch with my birthday friend.  Linda and I have known each other since 4th grade and have the same birthday.  We also celebrated our 16th birthdays together and have gone to eat for several other birthdays.   We had a fun lunch at Chocolate Angel with mom, Linda, her mom, Fredel and I.  Good times catching up and of course yummy food.

4/5 - My 40th Birthday.  Crazy that I'm getting that old.    Greg made biscuits and eggs for all of us.  We actually ate breakfast together at the table - doesn't happen much. Kasey had made me a huge card and Landon made a fun one as well I did have to work but I got several nice texts from friend and facebook love of course.   My team figured out it was by birthday and went out and got cupcakes from nothing bundt cakes.  We even had a virtual call with Boston.  Awesome team.   

When I got home Greg and the kids had gotten me two huge balloons and my favorite flowers

Landon had flag football game.  They were playing a team that was 0 and 6.  but they were losing most of the game.  Near the end the other team turned over the ball near our endzone.  We ended up scoring to tie the game and it went into overtime.   We ended up scoring and boys won.  Landon caught 2 passes and played some offense and defense.

Mom had brought me some yummy cookies from Cafe Max and a sweet card.

After we got the kids to bed, Greg and I opened a 2004 Spring Mountain Ellivette wine - Very good.   It was a good birthday :)

4/4 - We went to Mi Cocina for birthday dinner since we'd be out late at football on my birthday.  We had a yummy dinner and got to sit outside because it was so nice.

Fredel brought over a yummy cookie cake for my 40th birthday

4/2 - They woke us up just before 7.  We got dressed, packed up and ready for breakfast.  Landon had a 10am baseball game so a few of us had to leave early at 8.   We still had fun.

We got home about 8:50am, cleaned up, and dressed.   Then we headed to baseball.  The team lost, but Landon had a pretty good game - 2 outs playing catcher at 3rd, 1 assist flipping home to pitcher, hit, 2 rbi, played good catcher.

After the game we went to Elke's for lunch with Grammy and Gramps.  The special was a sausage with mac n cheese with a few extras.  The kids got the sausage with mac and cheese.  Greg, Gramps and I all got the full special. Yum.

Then we went home.  Landon took a long bath to relax.   I took a shower and sort of a nap.

Kasey came down asking if she could give me an early birthday present.  She made a huge birthday card.  She had drawn a bear, chip and dale who she knows I like, and she drew our family as a lion family (I love lions).  On top it said Happy Birthday Mommy.  The bottom had labels for the picture saying the pictures were taken in Texas and that she loved me.  So sweet.

Then it was time for Landon's soccer and football.   Bengals won soccer 2 to 1.  They played hard today.   The games overlapped a bit so we got to football with about 9 minutes left. Unfortunately boys lost quite a bit.

After that we took pops back to our house to get his car.   Then kids and I went to get food to take home.   We chilled out and then got the kids to bed.

4/1 - I had to leave work early because it was night at the zoo for cub scouts.  This was the 3rd year for Landon and I to go and we were looking forward to it.  We've stayed at different places each time.  First we camped in tents by birds and big cats, then we stayed inside in African area, and this time we stayed in Tent area.  They have 6 tents that hold 10 people each on bunk cots.   They put us there because we could all fit there.  Only down side was that it was going to get down to 43 degrees that night.   We enjoyed walking around the zoo learning new things about animals.   The Cougars and a few of the bigger cats were active.  We also got to see a few of the snakes moving around including a cobra.

We enjoyed getting to meet a few smaller animals, having snack.  Then we went to the tents - they had lights.  We got our sleeping bags ready and then had smores before bed.   By the time everyone got ready for bed and we turned the lights out it was after 11:30.  Not long after that Williams' cot fell on top of his dad.   Hurt his foot some, but everyone was ok.  We got it fixed and turned the lights out again.   Finally Landon settled down and people went to sleep.

Not sure any of us slept very well and it got cold especially late.  

March 2016

3/30 - Kasey had to go back to dentist to get sealants.   Here front two top teeth have been loose for a while so they decided to pull both of them.  She looks so different but did great!

I had previously tried to motivate her to get them out so they didn't pull them at the dentist with pliers.   She told the grandmothers last night that she was a little afraid they would do that.  

3/29 - Landon had a late football game.  The boys lost, but Landon pulled a flag when on defense.

3/27 - We slept in again.  Then went to get kiddos before lunch.  Landon enjoyed church on Easter and got to see the Organ and sing Halleluiah.   We stopped at Zorbas on the way home for yummy lunch.

then we headed home for kids to do easter egg hunt and see what the Easter Bunny brought.   Just a few things.  The easter bunny left a note telling Kasey and Landon to clean up.

That afternoon we all went up to baseball field.   Greg and Landon practiced hitting.   Kasey rode her scooter.  Patch and I were getting baseballs.   Then Landon and Patch started playing a little soccer.  Patch is pretty good and keeping the ball away from the kids.

Greg headed to the last Dallas Cup game and kids and I got Torchy Tacos for dinner and chilled out at home until bedtime.

3/26 - Landon had a soccer game at 8:30am.  We got up.  Kasey and I went to Starbucks on our way to the game.  The boys didn't win and Landon had a tough time running.   We all showered and headed to lunch.  We went to Elke's for the first time in a few weeks then we went to try and find some different soccer shoes for Landon.  We somehow ended up with 3 shirts from the soccer store as well.

Then we decided on Greg's idea to go bowling.  The kids love bowling.   Both Landon and I got strikes with the red pin at top so at Splitsville that means you get a free game to play during the week :)   

From there we went home.  The boys went to get the dog some exercise.  Kasey and I stayed and did a puzzle and then started doing some hip hop.   Landon did some with us as well when they got home

got the kids packed and took them to the Grandparents.   Greg and I had early reservations at Houstons and we left late so we basically dropped the kids off.  They were ok with it.

We had a nice dinner.  Good drinks, Spinach Artichoke dip.  Greg got fish special and I got prime rib french dip that friends on facebook recommended.  Then we got a brownie and key lime pie for dessert.  Yum.

I really wanted to go see Batman vs Superman.  Greg didn't really but decided to go with me anyway.  I really enjoyed it.   Don't think Greg was thrilled

3/25 - We didn't do a whole lot.  Greg and I slept in.  Landon even slept in til 8.   We got up and went to lunch for some cheesesteak.   We came home and kids went to play with friends down the street.  Then Greg headed hout for Dallas cup and to watch US soccer with the boys.   Kids and I got dinner and watched Castle together.

Landon and I still talk about what we are thankful for during prayers and then telling a story to each other.

3/24. Started out not so fun.   Kasey came down at 5am with bad stomach ache.   Laid on the bathroom floor and ended up getting sick.  Poor thing.  She stayed home from school but ended up feeling better later in the day.  

Landon got knight of the week for the 2nd time this year.

I left a little early so Kasey and I could go see Little Mermaid musical.  We were going to go to dinner, but since she had gotten sick we weren't going to do that.   We went down.  Kasey decided that she wanted a little Mermaid doll.  We got a drink and went to sit down.  We had brought pillows for Kasey to sit on.  We both enjoyed the musical.  It was fun and good singing.   Kasey fell asleep on the way down and on the way home.

3/20 - We had another busy day.   We started with having lunch celebration for Nanny and Pops at Abuelos.   Then Landon and Greg went bird watching with cub scout den.   Then we all got dressed up.  Landon was wearing his suit with yellow colored shirt. Kasey wore her nice minnie mouse dress.

We would went to piano recital.  It was Kasey's 2nd recital and Landon's first.   They both did really well.  We were all very proud of them.  Landon has really struggling with his Harry potter piece.  But in the end he did really well.   They both had big smiles on their faces.

After we brought Greg home so he could go to Dallas Cup game.  Kids and I went to pick up dinner and some ice cream to take home and have dinner and chill out.

3/19 - Its been in the 60s and 70s for a few weeks.  Of course the morning we have an 8am baseball game it feels like its 31 degrees. Not quite baseball weather.   the team was down 6 runs and came back to tie the game.  Last inning we went up 2 runs but they were home team and came back to win.  Landon was playing catcher most of the game.  He caught a foul tip ball for an out.   Then we went to lunch at Freebirds.   We had a fun Daisy Scout meeting.  Girls took a Yoga class and then we had a meetings.  Kasey really enjoyed it and asked about taking yoga classes.   After class and meeting several girls wanted to go get yogurt so we did.  Then we went back home to get ready for Landon's football game.    during the game Landon caught a touchdown pass, 2 other passes, pulled 2 flags.  The boys won the game and had fun.

After football I took Landon to Top Golf for a friend BDay party and Kasey and I went to dinner.  We went to Patrizios and sat in the bar.  Of course the bartender was very nice to us.  He made Kasey a virgin strawberry daquiri.  We had a good dinner.   We had to pick up Landon's suit from Men's warehouse.  Then we headed home so Kasey could get to sleep . Greg was at FC Dallas game then went to pick up Landon on the way home.  With multiple activities on Sunday we decided he couldn't spend the night.   He had been arguing all week but ended up being ok to sleep in his own bed.

3/13 - We slept in a bit then went to brunch with Grammy and Gramps.  Helped them some with iphones and kids showed Grammy pictures from our trip.

We came home so kids could read and clean up some.  Landon went to play paintball and have dinner with Colin.  Kasey and I worked on reading some, I painted her toenails and she decorated my big toenails, we played Candyland and watched some more of Grease Live.  We had a fun afternoon then we went to dinner with Greg at Mi Cocina.

Tomorrow morning is going to come really early with daylight savings and a week of vacation.

3/11-12 - We didn't do a whole lot for a few days.  Some Laundry, had a few meals, and mainly hung out.  Kasey had a little bit of fever and had an upset stomach.  She still wanted to eat and play.   We had to tell a friend she couldn't come to her party Sunday just in case.  

Landon was having a hard time with his piano recital piece so we took him to Grandma's. She was able to get him to slow down some and count which we have all told him, but somehow its starting to stick.  :-)  We had lunch with Grandma and got to walk the dog a little with the ground so wet we can't let her outside on her own.

I got messages Saturday that Grammy and Gramps had gotten iphones 

3/5 - Landon played his first outdoor soccer game.  The boys won like 7 to 1.  It was an exciting game.  Landon had an assist and played pretty well.

Disneyland - Spring Break 2016 - March 6-10

Greg had the idea to go to Disneyland for Spring break based on being able to find some reasonable flights out to California.  This was about a month before spring break so we didn’t have a lot of head notice.  We decided we were going to make it a surprise for the kids.  After a little while we told them we were going somewhere but didn’t tell them where.

Last summer we went to Disney World.  There you have to book dinner reservations and basically determine your high level schedule including fast passes at various parks months in advance.  I guess it’s a good thing that this isn’t required at Disneyland.  You do fastpasses the day of, we only made 2 meal reservations and we thought we were pretty set.

We had a flow planned out for what parks to go to each day.  Then they expected some weather so that sort of went up in the air.   I’m used to having several things planned but this trip we are kind of flying by the seat of our pants.  We’ll see how it goes.

3/6 

We had an early flight to get to California.  The kids had been asking where we are going for a few weeks.   We almost gave it away a few times, but kept the secret.  Greg mentioned something about park not allowing umbrellas and kids asked if we were going to Disneyland and I smiled a little to much trying to not tell them.

At any rate.  Greg and I were up about 4:50am.  Showered and got the kids up before to long.  We left the house just after 5:30 which was the plan, though maybe a bit late.

Greg dropped kids and I off with luggage and went to park.  We checked our bags and headed into airport.  By the time we went potty we barely had time to walk to our gate and get on the plane.  We said a little prayer that our luggage would make it.   We turned luggage in with about 45 minutes to spare.

Our tickets said we were going to Orange County – kids didn’t know where that was and we woulnd’t tell them the state.  Landon figured out from magazine in plane that we were going to California.  He was thinking beach since its close to the water

On the plane lady sitting behind Landon had a medical issue – not sure what.  Sort of scary.  We had drinks on the plane.  Kasey watched a movie, Greg played Candy Crush, I read and Landon played mindcraft most of the time.

It was raining when we landed but it was supposed to clear up the rest of the day.  Greg and I talking in code decided we’d go to Disneyland today.  Its supposed to rain all day Monday.  We took a Taxi to our hotel.  Kids were looking around trying to figure out where we were.  Getting closer started seeing signs and buses for Disneyland and they figured it out.  I got a good picture of their smiles as they figured it out.

We checked into hotel, checked luggage in and walked to Disneyland.  It was basically across the street.   You walk to a center area and Disneyland is on one side, California Adventure is on the other and Downtown Disney is on the 3^rd side.

We went to Tomorrowland first and got our Fastpass Star Tours.  It was only 5-10 minute wait for Buzz light year so we all did that.  Landon, Kasey and Greg all got level 3, and I only got level 2 (it’s an electronic game where you are shooting bad guys).  Then it kind of became a competition with Greg and the kids.  Then Landon and I went to Superhero Headquarters – saw several ironman suits, other cool movie props from Ironman, Antman, Thor and we got to meet Spiderman and take a picture with him.  

We got up early Dallas time so we were hungry early.   I went to wait for fast passes for Hyperspace Moutain (you can’t get them until a certain time), and Greg and kids went to get food.  We had some really expensive not great pizza but we were having fun so its ok.

Then we went to use our Fast Passes for Star Tours.   We’d done this at Disney world and loved it but now they had some parts from the new Star Wars Movie.  To bad we couldn’t do it several times (wait is to long).  It was very cool with BB-8, Millennium Falcon, Gungan city on Naboo with some of the big sea monstors.  Also go to see Fin from Force awakens.

Next we went to Star Wars Launch Bay and to see Star Wars: Path of the Jedi.  The Path of the Jedi was a very cool 10 minute movie talking through Jedi of all the Movies.  Made all of us smile.  Launch Bay is a cool set up showing several mock ups from movies – different ships, there was an assumed full size BB-8 and the speeder that Rey drove.   Then there was an area that was decorated like the bar Mos Eisley in earlier Star Wars.  Greg got his picture by the bar.  Then the kids played some Disney infinity and we got to see and get picture with unexpected guest.  BoBo Fett – pretty cool.

From there we got in line for the Matterhorn bobsled.   Getting up closer in line people were getting pretty wet so Landon and I decided not to go.  Of course Greg and Kasey barely got wet at all.  Landon and I went to get a fast pass for Big Thunder Mountain Railroad ride.    The fastpasses were the same time as our Star Tours and the wait time was 15 minutes.  We waited for Greg and Kasey and got in line  which of course was 25 minutes by then.    Very fun ride, probably one of our favorites.  Faster roller coaster.

Kasey wanted to go on Casey Junior Train.  The boys didn’t want to so they went to compete at Buzz light year.   Kasey and I waited a lot for the little train ride.   We got to ride in the Monkey  cage which Kasey really wanted and the scenery was nice.

Then we went to use our Fastpasses at Hyperspace Mountain.  They have turned Space Mountain into Star Wars Theme.  Star Wars Music playing the whole time, slow and fast parts in the dark trying to fight bad buys.   We got done and Landon and I both said That was AWESOME!

After that we decided to go do Finding Nemo submarine.  It was a bit of a wait, but cool to see pretend underwater then mini version of Finding Nemo story.  It was cute.

By this time the kids were about done.  Landon really wanted a double Kylor Ren light saber at build your own lightsaber.  Kasey really wanted an Anna/Elsa reversible doll (after we talked her out of a $60 BB-8 purse).  So we did a little shopping.  Kasey and I walked through Sleeping Beauty’s Castle.   Then we met up again.  How do you get your children to stay for the Disney Parade – buy them a toy.   I really wanted to stay and watch it and we did.  Landon thought it was really cool, and Kasey got waived to by several princesses and characters.   Each float came out with dancers in theme appropriate costumes and then character from key movies like Aladdin, Lion King, Mary Poppins, Peter Pan, several princesses, Mickey Minney Donald, Pluto and Goofy.   I loved it too!  So fun.  I even saw Chip and Dale who I remember as some of first characters I met as a child at Disney.

After the parade we headed to dinner.   We settled on a Cajun place where we could sit on patio.  Good food, good weather and enjoyed it.  We even had Beignets for dessert.

Then we walked back.  Still on Dallas time the kids were in bed by about 7 (9pm Dallas time).   I went to the roof to watch fireworks which are quite loud when you are across the street from the park, but I don’t think it woke the kids up.  They delivered our breakfast food right before the fireworks.

What a fun day!  Kids were really excited and we all had fun.

3/7 

We had planned to make it an “off” day and it was supposed to rain all day.   We didn’t really sleep in but got to be lazy in our room.  We had breakfast in our room and chilled out in the morning.  

We all got showers and headed out maybe 10ish.  Tons of people getting to the park and lines to get in were long.  We walked around Downtown Disney.  We did a little shopping. I got a magnet and ornament.  Kasey got a charm bracelet and a ring (some of which she will pay for herself).  We walked all the way down going into stores here and there.  We stopped to get move tickets for afternoon showing of Zootopia movie.   Kids were already hungry considering they woke up at 5:15 and couldn’t go back to sleep.   We decided to eat lunch at ESPN Zone.  In theory there was some entertainment and food.   After we ordered, Greg took the kids upstairs to the arcade.  Not sure they played anything but walked around.

We stalled for a bit after lunch and kept walking vs going to play video games like the kids wanted.  We ended up at Disneyland Hotel to get Eggstravaganza sheets.   Kids have to look for eggs at different parts in downtown Disney.   They had fun looking and finding them.   They got them all and then got to get a Disney egg back at world of Disney store.  Kids had fun.   We had a little time so we sat and played around.  Greg was wrestling with kids some and then kept hiding the eggs where they couldn’t find them.  Lots of laughing and fun.

Then it was time to head to the movie.  Cute show.  We had a few snacks to go with our movie.  But somehow as we came out the kids were starving again.  We went to Tiki bar thinking to have a few drinks and dinner.  The kids didn’t want to so we ended up at a Mexican restaurant.   The food was good, Greg and I got to have some pretty good Sangria, and the kids got balloons made.  Landon wanted a blue lightsaber and Kasey wanted a dog so she made Pluto with a pink leash for her.  Very cute.

After that we headed back to the hotel.  Kids got ready for bed, we tried watching a movie but had issues so we just played a few games before going to bed.

We probably ate to much, but we had a fun down day.

3/8

Kids woke up a bit after 6 which was a little later.  They colored for a little while so we could rest then Greg and I got showered.  We headed out around 7:30 to go get in line for Disneyland.  Since we had 3 days of tickets we got in early today.

We headed straight to tomorrow land to ride Hyperspace Mountain again with short wait and Star Tours again.  Hyperspace Mountain was awesome, and that whole area plays Star Wars music all the time which is awesome.  In Star Tours it goes through 3 segments and they can be different each time.  Somehow both days and Disneyland we saw the exact same show.  Oh well.

Then we headed over to Adventure Land.  The Indiana Jones ride wasn’t too long of a wait so we went on the ride.   It was a fun ride, but a bit scary for the kids.  Lots of weird noises mainly.  We were in big jeeps moving around fast and bumpy.

After that Kasey and Greg went on Splash Mountain and Landon and I got fast passes and went on Big Mountain Railroad.   Kasey got to get her picture with Winnie the Pooh, Eeyore and Tiger.   Greg and Kasey talked us into all going on Splash Mountain because they didn’t get to wet.  Kasey was telling us all about it all the way in line and even on the ride.  She really liked this one.  We didn’t get to wet, but Landon didn’t want to go again.

Then we went to Pirates of the Caribbean ride.  It was a slower boat ride with a few falls.  It wasn’t to bad, but we didn’t really know the stories so it was just ok.  We did get to see where we were having dinner though which was cool (its inside where the ride is which makes the atmosphere fun).

By this time both kids were starving so we stopped for lunch.  As usual not to much healthy but we had some apples, banana and apple sauce to go with our fish/chips, corn dog and nuggets J

There was a 12:30pm theater princess show.  Kasey was kind of throwing a fit, but I knew she’d like it.    We all went.  Greg and Landon ran to get 1 more Star Tour Fast pass while we waited for it to start.  They got back just in time.  The show was great.  It was Two guys telling the story of Frozen.  They had help with guy playing piano, Anna and Elsa themselves, some prop help and them being every other character.  They had a lot of humor including throwing in a few things from Star Wars and Monty Python.  We laughed a lot. Landon pretended not to like it and sat with the adults, but we caught him a few times with a big smile on his face.   Fun times!

Greg wanted to go to It’s a Small World.  The line was fairly long and outside so there was lots of complaining, but we made it through and it was pretty cool to try and figure out what countries they were.

Next we went to Mickey’s area which I think it for younger kids.  Kasey and Landon wanted to ride a little roller coaster.  We waited in line for 30+ minutes for a little 1 minute roller coaster.  It was cute and fun but not sure 30 minute waits fun.  At this point the kids are starting to get on each other’s nerves in line which is always fun for us.

Then we walked through Mickeys house but didn’t want to wait an hour to meet him.  We did however wait to see Minnie which took a while and required lots of whining from the kids (apparently).  One of the ladies there gave us a few tricks for the next day at California Adventure.

Then we tried to get some later fast passes but it didn’t work out.  Landon and I rode the Space orbiter and then we all headed to Star Tours.  We got to see a different one this time YEA!

We had 5:10 dinner reservation so we needed to get there and get off our feet.    Greg and kids went to big railway to get fastpasses for after dinner.  They got finished but the ride shut down when we went back.

Dinner was really good.  We had kinda a set menu  for you.  We had some good Cajun food, good atmosphere, and good dessert.

We tried to go back to Big Mountain to use our fast passes but it was closed.  So we went to walk some shops waiting for the line of the reserved area we had?  Once we got it all figured out it worked out well and get got good seats for the parade. 

WE got to our designated spot and hung out trying to keep the kids from driving us crazy.  Once the parade started we really enjoyed it.  Everything was lit up.  They had themes like monsters inc, Cars, several princesses including Anna/Elsa and Olaf.   Fun music, dancing, lights and fun characters.

Right after the awesome parade (Kasey was super excited to see Olaf) they started fireworks.  They had scenes on the buildings on main street where we were which was really cool.

Unfortunately the fireworks didn’t finish because there was too much wind up high.   We’ll have to try tomorrow!  After that we got through all the people we made it back to the hotel to get kids ready.

Fun Day for all!

3/9

Today we went to California Adventures.  The park opens at 9am, but you can get it to get in line before that.  We headed over about 8:30am and got in line.  First thing there you have to get in line for the fast passes for Radiator Springs Racers.  It’s the big ride in the new Cars area which looks just like Radiator Springs.   We got in line and got Fast passes for 11:05 to 12:05.   We then went into Radiator Springs and got in line for the new Luigi ride that opened 2 days earlier.  It was a bit of a wait, but cute ride.  It was cars that 2 people sat in and the cars danced as music played.  It was pretty cute and interesting to think how they made it work.

Then we decided to go to the big Roller Coaster Screamin.   It even has a loop that goes upside down.   I love roller coasters, but everyone else wasn’t to sure.   We ended up riding it twice.   I love it.  Kasey was super excited and Landon enjoyed it too.

Then we headed back to Radiator Springs to use our Fast Passes on the Racers ride.   When we got there the ride was closed and they didn’t know what time it would open back up.  We stepped into the shade and put on sunscreen.  Then we saw a family we had met the night before at Disneyland.  Kasey and their little girl got along and walked out of Buzz Light Year ride holding hands.   As the line opened back up we got in line with them.    As we got through the line we took their daughter Charlie to ride with us, and Landon went with them.  It was a little weird, but figured it would be ok.   We all met up after the ride and kids had fun hanging out for a bit.

We started going somewhere and it didn’t work out how we thought.  We ended up taking pictures with Goofy and Mickey while Greg got fast passes for Landon and I at Soarin.

Then we headed to lunch.  We had made reservations at Wine country restaurant.  We got to have some wine flights with lunch and mainly Italian food.  It was nice outside and worked out just right

After lunch, Landon and I headed to Soarin and Greg and Kasey went back to Screamin one more time.  We enjoyed the show.  It was fun to see with California landscapes.  They also had some cool pictures of older planes.  Landon and I texted a few pictures to Gramps.

Then we went to Goofy’s fly school with fastpass.  It was a little bumpy but fun.  Then we went to the big swings – one of my favorites.   Flying around.  Landon sat by Kasey so she felt more comfortable.

It was then time for snack – we went to Ghirardelli.  Kasey wanted vanilla ice cream with chocolate syrup.    Greg got a banana split, and Landon and I split cookie dough Sunday.  Yum!

After that I talked Kasey into going to the Frozen First time in forever show.  They basically played some of the movie showing key scenes and we all got to sing the key songs which was fun.  At the end we walked out and saw Olaf so Kasey got her picture with him.

The boys waited in a very long line for the Toy Storia Mania.  Shooting game.  Line was crazy.

Next we met the boys at a climbing activity.  It was close to daytime parade which I wanted to watch so Greg took the kids, and ended up joining to watch the parade later.

Fun parade with characters from Monsters Inc, Incredibles, Bugs life, etc,  Some of the extra dancers had really cool costumes or some had extended legs that let them jump high in the air (cool).

After that we headed back to Radiator springs.  I had heard it was fun to be there when they lit it up.  They must have just done it because they were playing the music from the movie when they  fixed everything and they were driving down the new road.  So several people were singing and dancing walking down the street.   We found a table at Flo’s diner which was great.  We could see most of the lights and they had a few times a little dance party in the middle of the street with fun music and one of the cars that messed with MAC when he ran off the road in the movie. 

We got a few drinks, then some food from different places and hung out.  Kasey enjoyed doing some dancing during the street dance party.  Then somehow Landon and Kasey started dancing together.  It was quite unusual for them, but it was fun to watch.  They were trying to make up their own moves.

About 7:30 we headed over to the area for World of Color.  With our lunch we got special tickets and they let us go up front against the fence (we might get wet there).   We made our space and started playing charades on my phone.  Several people were playing this game in line where you showed the other people in your group a word, and they had to describe it so you could guess it.  We downloaded a kids version with several categories so it was fun.  There was another family near us that started playing it too.  That helped us get through 30-45 minute wait.

The World of Color was an amazing show.  Dedicated to Walt Disney and his vision creating Mickey, the  first animated motion picture (Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs) and creating Disneyland.   It was all on water.   Neil Patrick Harris was the narrator and they showed images from many of the movies from Disney, Star Wars and even a little Marvel.   At the end we all sang Let it Go.  It was very cool and I think we all enjoyed it.

3/10

This was our last day of this vacation.   We got up and Kasey wasn’t feeling great.  She had some juice and got dressed.   We headed across to Goofy’s Kitchen for breakfast.  It was a big buffett and we got to meet Goofy, Pluto, Minnie, and Chip and Dale.  We had a good breakfast and had fun meeting the characters.  I got a big hug from Chip when I said that Chip and Dale were the first Disney characters I met.   Fun times.

On our way back we stopped at World of Disney for a few tshirts and a 60 year pin (been 60 years since Disney opened).

It was raining in Dallas so our flight was delayed a bit.   We got packed up and took Uber to the airport.

We decided to have some lunch at the airport even though we had a huge breakfast.

On the plane things were going ok until we started our decent.  Kasey was a bit stuffy and her sinuses started hurting her really bad. She had big tears so I really think she was hurting.   There wasn’t a lot we could do, chewing gum made it worse.   Greg was holding her hand letting her squeeze hard to think about something else.  Poor thing, her tummy hurt, she had tons of sinus pressure, and had fever when we got home.

Overall we had a great little vacation to Disneyland.   I expect our next Disney experience will be after they open the new Star Wars parts of the park.

Some favorites:

Disneyland - hpyerspace mountain, splash mountain (Kasey), Star Tours, Big Thunder Mountain Railroad, Fireworks

California Adventure - California Screamin, Radiator Springs Racers, World of Color, Soarin