September 2010

After our many hours in the car driving to Utah in July and home in August we had about given up driving in cars anywhere. We thought we would just stay at home FOREVER! But Jane here convinced us. We figured, if she is willing to get back in a car then we should be too. So we decided to get in the car and drive. But where? Oh wait I know!!!!!

Let's go to Disney World!!!!

Okay Jane was not the only one trying to convince us to go.

In fact no one had to convince anyone to go.

We love Disney World and this year we had even more fun than ever!

Benjamin has hit the thresh hold for ride all kinds of rides. Splash Mountain, Big Thunder Railroad, Tower of Terror, Test Track, Soaring over California, and on and on. I know some wait for all of there kids to be big enough, but it is always fun for everyone when someone in the family is finally big enough. It is as though everyone gets to ride it for the first time again.

This year we brought along Grandma Irving. Her hands were much appreciated and loved. I had to post this picture. Grandma has what she calls a crooked smile and I thought she looked beautiful here with Jane. I even think Jane's smile looks a little like Grandma's in this picture.

But of course one day is not enough at Disney World so we went for 10!

What would you do for 10 days?

Well, we laugh and meet people.

And meet up with people. The Lockwoods met us up there and it was extra fun to have them because Tyson was at the ride thresh hold too. So between Benjamin and him there was lots of new things to experience.

And see.

And enjoy!

I want you to know that Philip was having fun when we took this picture.

Benjamin was also having fun in this picture!

It was fun just being with our cousins again so soon.

One day while the big kids where on the Dinosaur ride, Philip and Robin rode this little Triceratops Spin ride (very similar to Dumbo, but you ride in a dinosaur instead of an elephant) 9 times in a row! There was no wait for the ride and the attendee just said we could remain seated if we wanted to ride again and again and again. The last 3 or 4 times we were joined by the older siblings, but Robin was very glad to be done and stable at the end of the 9th time! This photo was actually taken the next week and Kaleb rode with Robin and Philip then. Robin was actually glad to have a line that day preventing a repeat of the week before.

They have this thing here called Photo Pass. They will take your picture and then place Tinker Bell on your hand. All the kids got a chance to have the man take their pictures except Philip. He wanted a turn and so Nato took one of him. If only I could get Tinker Bell in it too!

We ate at a drive in theatre that showed really OLD sci-fi flicks.

I have no idea why he is making this face.

Having cousins with us made it so much fun.

And more worth while to stand in lines for meet and greets!

Though these boys might have waited without the entertaining companionship of cousins.

Maybe. . .

Benjamin would have probably,

But Robin would have never survived the Philip melt down meeting Mickey without Aunt Ina.

Note: Philip was NOT having fun while we took THIS picture.

But he was having fun while we took this one.

I think it is safe to say. . . .

That everyone was!

Why do we go to Disney World so much?

Because they grow so fast.

And memories are about all we can hold on to.

Plus we never know what is coming round the corner. Our family is important to us and being together is something we have time for right now. Will we always? We don't know, but we do know that Disney World is one place we can all enjoy and make memories and have fun. So when we want to have fun as a family this is where we go.

August 2010

The month of August found us still vacationing in Utah, but at this time we were starting a family reunion with the Irvings.

Our days as Utah tourists continued with a trip to the Hogle Zoo!

There were many more cousins to see.

And many more places to walk

and enjoy.

Tons of things to see and do!

Not to mention climb on.

We also stop by this is the place monument to show the kids a little more pioneer heritage stuff.

Uncle Cliff lined us up with an awesome cabin to stay in. Did I say cabin? It was more of a resort than a cabin and there was so much to do, we almost wondered why we would want to leave each day to be tourists.

Philip obviously enjoyed the foosball, but there was also a WII, Band Hero, and all kinds of board games and home theater system. It was really, really, nice and fun to have everyone in one place for a whole week. Uncle Cliff did an awesome job setting it all up for everyone.

Here are Jane and her little cousin Brayden. As I was posting this picture, I thought to myself, "Hey I have a picture just like that somewhere else!" That is strange since this was Jane and Brayden's first meeting.

Then I found it! This is Emma and her cousin Tyson, Brayden's brother. They were almost the exact same ages as Jane and Brayden are now. Look how similar they are in looks and manners. Family resemblance really does exists! Just thought I would share!

Back on our vacation: We also spent a day at Temple square with the Irvings. This allowed us to see things we missed on our first day there. Here we all are on the roof of the Conference Center.

Thank you goes to Uncle Cliff for holding Benjamin's hand THE WHOLE TIME we were on the roof. Robin's fear of heights plus Benjamin's active personality was almost too much together. But Uncle Cliff saved the day.

Standing in front of The Christus.

Our Forever Family in front of the Temple.

Grandma trying to smile with the grandkids. Yes the ones crying are both ours!

Having more fun with cousins. I am truly amazed at the things that will keep kids entertained for so long. Water is definitely one of them.

Speaking of water, Uncle Cliff also lined things up to spend time on the lake by the cabin. All who wanted got a chance to ride,

and try to be pulled on the tube. Jacob is having a blast here with his cousins, Josh and Emily.

Jacob also got a turn by himself. Actually since he was one of the oldest kids there he got an extra treat to go out with Uncles Cliff and Gregg one night and spend extra time out on the boat. This made Jacob feel big and important and made the trip extra special for him. Thank goodness for swimming lessons. Robin may be afraid of heights, but she is not afraid of Jacob drowning. He really is a good swimmer.

We also need to thank Aunt Ina for all the games we played at the park on our BBQ night. The kids were so fun to watch.

I really think they had fun being watched.

Not to mention the awesome awards they all received! The whole reunion was packed full and we can't wait until the next one.

By the time we got home the only person willing to sit in a car was Jane and this is the car of her choice now. Somehow she has managed to learn how to climb in an relax here. I think it is because the other bigger hands let her be when she is in this sanctuary. Either way she is just too cute to not photograph sometimes.

Speaking of cute it, this brings us to the cutie's birthday! Yes Jane turned one at the very end of this month and since it is her first you are about to be treated with extra amounts of photos! (Or tortured which ever your take is)

The big numero uno!

"Presents? What are presents?"

"This is a present?"

"I like this new thing to climb on! What a great present!"

She actually unwrapped the whole thing while sitting on it.

FInally she figured out that things were INSIDE the boxes and she was convinced that getting off the boxes and taking a look inside was a good idea.

Just watching them at this age is amazing. The small things that thrill them and the simple things that make them smile. I am glad someone years ago decided celebrating birthdays was important. It sure makes me happy to see them.

The Birthday cake!

For our little Daisy Girl!

Jane LOVED the cake, but who doesn't like chocolate cake? Not any of us.

Jane had a wonderful day and we had a great time remembering the day she entered our lives and our family and we can't imagine a day without her now. She is a great part of our smiles and our joy every day!