Spontaneous Fun

I'm a planner...sometimes to a fault, especially when you realize how much fun spontaneity can be. It was that kind of weekend for us, unexpected fun at every turn. It started when we decided to head to San Diego for the end of our fall break. We love that it's only 5 1/2 hours from here and that the Romneys are always up for a visit!
Re-exploring Mimi's fun toys.

And her fun books....James' favorite.

On Friday morning we woke up early and were trying to decide what to do, when Mimi said, "How about Disneyland?" Say no more! We were dressed in a jiffy and out the door with a day full of food in our backpack. Even better, Cassy, Shaina, and Chaz ditched school and other important things to spend the day and weekend with us. We couldn't have been happier.

Waiting for the others to arrive.

It was Halloween at Disneyland! Apparently everyone thinks they must visit during Halloween because it was crowded! But, that didn't deter us; we still had a fantastic time.

It was also HOT! We're glad we are from Arizona because the heat hardly bothered us, but you could tell quite a few of the guests come from much colder climates. Nothing some $4 ice cream can't fix though!

We also took an impromptu trip to the beach on Saturday. It wasn't really in the plan, but when the kids asked Mimi just said, "Let's go!" Nice call. The kids loved being there and were undeterred by the heavy fog and cold water.

Look at Parker running in the waves. He's become so brave!

James loved the feeling of the sand washing through his toes. I loved that too when I was a kid...in fact, I still love it.

Such cute, cute cousins!

Later that day, we got to go watch BYU win their football game! James slept through the first half, Parker slept through the second and third quarter and Jace and Chaz loved it, until the end...football is a long game. All the adults enjoyed watching our team win.

We also celebrated James' Birthday! I can't believe he is almost 3. Mimi threw a fun Halloween themed party for him complete with Monster meatball sandwiches and tiny caramel apples with every candy you can imagine, plus chocolate covered bats. My little James LOVES candy, so he couldn't have been happier with his party.

They were all so excited for James to open his presents.

He got a Bike! He was so excited. He's been riding it ever since, and Aunt Cassy got him a horn that he loves...though the moms at the park would beg to differ.

Thanks again Mimi and Papa for a wonderful weekend that was better than we could have imagined. Thanks Mimi for always having big ideas and to Papa for always financing them. It was one of our favorite weekends full of fun and activity. We love you both so much!

We're Old

A few weekends ago Mike and I got free tickets to the Ingrid Michaelson concert (thanks Ash!) We went knowing only one song, but liking it and left loving everything she sings!! She's quirky and just makes me smile. If you haven't heard her, definately check her out.

It was also fun to get out and up to Scottsdale and made me realize how happy I am to be old. I'm married with 3 kids, too old to stand all night in high heels without having sore feet, too old to wear most of what I saw there, too old to talk to my girlfriend when a band is playing and a singer is singing, too old to look ridiculous as I flirt with someone who is not interested in me, too old to push my way through a standing room only crowd just to turn around and realize there is no room, too old to have plans after the concert ends at 10 pm, and too old to care that I can't wait to get home to bed. But, still young enough to enjoy great music, a night out with my super hot hubby, and an ice cream sundae from Sonic. I realized I really love the peace and confidence that comes with being loved by someone and getting comfortable in your own skin.

Here's one lame picture taken with a phone, but we wanted to remember the great night!

So Neat!

Jace got his 1st grade spelling test up on the wall a few weeks ago because his handwriting was "So Neat!" He was so proud, as was I...his handwriting is better than mine! He loves school as evidenced by our recent conversations:

Mom: "You need to hurry with your homework today."

Jace: "Mom, I can work fast, but I still need to be doing my best work, so I'm not going to hurry."

Jace: When you were little, did you love school?

Mom: Yes, I loved school.

Jace: Me too. I wish I could go everyday. Did you want to go everyday?

Mom: I liked it but I loved having Saturday and Sunday off too, so I could play.

Jace: Yeah, I can still play everyday and go to school. I wish it were 7 days a week.

However, during his visit to Mike's office and a little tour, we realized there is something that bothers him a little.

Jace: Wow Dad, you are so lucky you get to go to work.

Dad: Sur buddy, why?

Jace: Dad, you don't even have to raise your hand to go to the bathroom, do you? You can just go to the bathroom whenever you want.

Dad: Yeah, you are right. I guess I am really lucky.

Let's see how he feels in a few years.