Friday, November 30, 2012

USS Midway

i have been reading the bronze horseman series and it has really opened my eyes to all our soldiers go through to keep us safe.

stepping upon the USS midway i felt many feelings come to the surface.  the ship itself is incredible, i am glad to have experienced it and to share it with my children.  i know they do not have the capacity to understand its significance, they enjoyed pretending to fly nonetheless.

several of the visitors that day had flown the planes on board... amazing, these huge manly men fit into  tiny cockpits and flew them into the sky. utterly amazing.















Monday, November 26, 2012

lego land

legoland is not on my list of favorite places to go.  lines, keeping track of 4 little ones, some not tall enough to go on the rides.  its a day full of happiness and tears.

however, they begged and we went.  the smiles and excitement make it all worth it.

a few notes for next time...

...i have never been a fan of a child on a leash, but landon needs one.  he takes off running in every direction possible and we lost him once.  he squeezes his merry way through the crowd and i simply cannot catch him with all the others and a stroller.  he was on his way to the lost and found with a park employee when i came upon him.  i was terrified and he was happily telling stories. leash:)

... lily is the calmest baby i have ever traveled with.  she made it all day. smiling.  napping in small spurts where ever, when ever she could, even if for only 5 minutes before being awaken by someone or something.

... ice cream can cure any meltdown.

...luke is sporting a new thumbs up look and logan prefers to be serious in photos.

after a full legoland day, there is nothing like kids night at the local brewing pub.  good beer for mommy and daddy, free kids food, balloons made to order keeping them occupied.

(as a side note, these are not the best quality pictures.  most are taken from my iphone 3.  yes, its a bit old, has been dropped, made it through a few sandboxes and drinking fountains.  but the reality is that it is perfect when traveling with 4 little ones.  capturing some moments we can look back on.)















logan choose the snake becuz it can also be a water float. always thinking.

Sunday, November 25, 2012

Thanks

Every few years my birthday falls on thanksgiving. I love it, it makes the day feel that much more special.

Today I am thankful for...



Laughing and singing on our one big bike as we pedaled it through town to the beach



The way Landon's lips curl when he talks out the side of his cute mouth



Brunch with old friends and their little  ones


Feeling the warmth of little bodies as they sneak into the big bed to snuggle during the wee hours of the night. I miss my sleep, but know someday they will not be there to cuddle

Luke's sincere concern for me before riding the roller coaster at sea world. He lead me by the hand to the 'sizing' guy and asked if he could make sure I was big enough to go on the ride. He is my big boy, still little at heart.

Us, precious us. Knowing how to love and break one another so well.




Logan in tears screaming at his brother to come back from the big ocean waves, in fear that he would loss him.  Love and protection in his eyes.

Lily smiling and lighting every room she walks into, reaching out and touching everyone's heart being who she is.

Living and being in the present.

I have been blessed with my family. They do not belong to me but are mine to enjoy along this journey. Loving every minute I have with them beside me.





Monday, November 19, 2012

On our merry way

It has been over a year since I have left Arizona. I am excited to say we are all packed in the car and heading to California. Lily has the week off of chemotherapy and the boys are out of school .

Sunny beaches here we come, the water will be a bit chilly, but we can't wait to build and play in the sand. We are just now venturing into no mans land, middle of nowhere and they are asking if we are there yet. Almost, just another 4 or 5 hours.

We made it.






Friday, November 16, 2012

pilgrims and indians

it was our last day of school before an entire week off.  landon's class put on a show.  the pilgrims and indians sang, danced, and had a feast.

landon brought home a placemat saying what he is thankful for... we have still not discovered who ricky is, but we are thankful for him all the same.

logan brought home a placemat as well.  luke brought nothing but the regular stuff.  i guess they stop making the cute memory things in 2nd grade?  i surely hope not.