Disneyland!

Not too much explanation is needed. We loved it, had great weather and short lines. I will add this one note: My  husband had not been to the Magic Kingdom since he was 9 years old and it was just cute to see how in love he  was with the whole park. He commented several times on how great it is that Disneyland really creates a whole "experience" for you and just transports you to a different world. He loved Pirates of the Caribbean and took us on that ride three times in our two days. His other favorite was Indiana Jones. (Mine, by the way, was the Tower of Terror in California Adventure Park. :) )

The kids did great and loved it all. Thanks Mom and Dad for helping us out and coming to share the fun!

 First ride of the trip - Peter Pan!

 Tina was a real trooper and met us as the park with Soren. Nora was constantly kissing and hugging her belly and below is a picture of Nora doing her pregnant stance. It was great to see you Tina!

 Mesmerized by Fantasmic.

Buzz Lightyear ride with a VERY tired Ike.

Probably the kids' favorite part of the whole trip. :)

My Husband is the BIGGEST LOSER!

He did it! In 12 weeks he lost 45 pounds, even getting down to his target goal weight of 200 lbs! I have never known him this skinny. When we met he was close to 20 lbs heavier than he is now. How did he do it? One to two hours of treadmill and rowing machine at night and counting his calories to the T.The prize money was $1000 and I think he will need to use it on an entirely new wardrobe as all of his clothes now slide right off of him! :) Great job B!

BEFORE

AFTER

Notice the belt hanging down because even the smallest loop is too big!

 Someone else wanted her muscles showcased.

 Ten Benjamins - don't get used to holding that kind of cash, kids!

Still Wrinkly

We went to Gramma's house a few weeks ago and Nora helped her cut out some paper dolls. "This one is your mom," Gramma said. "And this one is your dad, this one could be you, this one could be your brother, and this one could be your little sister."

"I don't have a sister, Gramma," Nora reminded Gramma.

"I know, but maybe some day you could have a baby sister, right?"

"No. My mommy doesn't have a baby in her tummy now," Nora replied. "She's still all wrinkly."


On the subject of tummy wrinkles and weight, get ready for some pictures of my newly-slimmed hubby. He's been participating in his work's Biggest Loser contest and it ends next week. Even if he doesn't win the $1000, he has done REALLY well. Good job, B!

Say Hello to Tushy!

I never thought I would see the day when an animal lived inside my house, but it has happened. Daddy very sneakily "won" Nora a fish at recent traveling carnival. "Oh just let her play this ping-pong-throwing game," he said, without telling me the prize was an animal. The next thing I knew we were at the store buying a bowl and fish food. As we walked away, Branden said, "I'm surprised you're letting us come home with a fish." In my stunned daze, I said,"It all just happened so fast!"  :)

Needless to say, Nora was immediately in heaven. She promptly named him "Tushy" and don't ask me why (other than that she is very solidly stuck in Freud's Anal stage.) She has been so glad to have someone to "keep her company" at night and reminded us today that his (her?) water needed to be changed. The night we got the little guy we tried to warn Nora that fish don't live a long time. So in her evening prayers she prayed that God would let him stick around longer than a few days.Well, we'll just have to see...

Ike Alike

My dad sent me this photo of Branden he found the other day. I don't think the pictures I have here of Ike do justice to their resemblance, but hopefully you can see it! 

Somebody in this family has STRONG genes, and apparently it's not me. Good thing they are such cute genes!

Look Mom!

The other day we were driving out of our neighborhood when we saw a man wearing a turban. Nora, having recently watch The Wizard of Oz for the first time, yelled out excitedly, "Look Mom. There's the man that looks into the crystal ball!"

The Rewards of Sleep

Nora is working on staying in her own bed all night. As incentives/rewards when she does it she gets to choose an activity from her jar. Well, we've had two nights of success in the past two weeks and here are some of Nora's fun rewards:

Riding on the local trolley through downtown.

 Nora pulling a Balloo on the palm tree.

 Our littlest daredevil.

And taking a stroll over a walking bridge that goes over our highway.

Keep it up Nora! I'm enjoying the increased sleep and as well as our outings!