california vacation: day two, disneyland

Ever since Wes was first diagnosed with cancer he has wanted to take our girls to Disneyland.  It was so exciting to be able to make this wish come true and to look back on just how far we have come.  It wouldn't have been possible without the help of Grandma and Grandpa.  There is no way I could have taken care of these people by myself while Wes was still feeling the effects of chemotherapy.  We were so grateful to them for taking us and helping us.

It has become a sort of tradition to ride Dumbo the flying elephant first thing.  It is still magical every time.

 

 

 This girl is really terrified of splash mountain.

We saw so many of our favorite characters.

 Both girls have a bizarre fascination with The Nightmare Before Christmas.  What a treat it was to find Jack Skellington out and about.  He was hilarious and a little bit spooky. Wes photo bombing in the back is a double treat.

 Christmas time at Disney means they transform the haunted mansion into the Nightmare Before Christmas.  The girls loved it and this is just one picture of the many special moments Lily had at the park.

 Lily's favorite character to meet was probably Woody.  She has always loved him and really couldn't take her eyes off of him.

 Lily didn't crack a smile on any rides until we put her on the carousel.

 And just as it got dark we left the park for dinner at Goofy's kitchen, but not without taking a picture in front of the castle with our classic "princess hands."

 We have such fond memories of taking Halle to Goofy's Kitchen when she was a few years younger.  It is always a fun atmosphere.  Halle barely ate a bite she was so excited to see what character would come to our table next.  Lily thought it was fantastic that Goofy "cooks."  And this was one of the few times she was happy to just sit on this trip.  We were so sad they got rid of the dancing with characters part of the dinner, but it was wonderful nonetheless.

 The highlight of Lily's day was getting a kiss on the cheek from Minnie Mouse.  She talked about it for the rest of the night.

 We finished the night with a few rides and some light up swords from Grandma.  A wonderful day was had by all.

california vacation: day one

My parents were so kind to take us to california for a week in December.  And even more kind for paying for us to fly there.  While I will admit I was worried about Wes in a car for ten hours, I was even more worried about Lily in a car for ten hours.  That girl is a nightmare in the car and I was so grateful I didn't have to worry about putting her through that and trying to entertain her for that long.

We stayed in Newport and spent the first day getting settled and relaxing.  Our room was by the pool and Halle was always quick to tell me when the man in the speedo was out swimming laps every morning.  

We went to fashion island for lunch.  The one restaurant I had on my list of things to do was True Food Kitchen.  The menu is full of organic and sometimes gluten free unique food and it did not disappoint.

  The girls and my parents had something more kid friendly and after we walked around for a bit.

Halle and I took a dip in the pool in the afternoon.  The warm weather was sure wonderful.  Why don't we live in California again?  

 That night we took a quick trip down to Corona Del Mar to pick up some pizza.  I loved walking around this little town with my girls.   

 The California fun and Lily's antics have only just begun.

halloween 2012

This year Halle desperately wanted to be Ariel, red hair and all.  Lily didn't have much of a choice, but was perfectly happy to be minnie mouse, complete with a little black nose.  

Our day started with Halle's preschool Halloween program.  I'm not kidding when I tell you I enjoyed it way too much.  This girl knew her songs and actions, and seeing in her little red wig was the icing on the cake.

That night we went to a neighborhood block party where Halle got to see all her little friends in their costumes.  Lily just liked the food, mostly the cheetos and cupcakes.  

Grandma and Grandpa came down to share in the trick or treating magic.  Halle and Lily started out together and Lily kept saying "more" after every house.  Eventually Lily was cramping Halle's style and she found a group of friends she started chasing all around the neighborhood, while Lily went at her own pace.  

They came home and unloaded and were on a sugar high in no time.  

I was so surprised at how obedient Halle was.  The next day she would only take a candy out of her pumpkin if she had asked permission and she didn't ask that often.  By the third and fourth day she had mostly forgotten about it and so I threw it out, but not before I took out all the twix for myself.

Halle is already asking when it is Halloween again.

hello, again

I am so very behind. 

I haven't even written about Halloween or shared the pictures from that holiday.

We just got back from a week of magic in California and Disneyland.  It was wonderful and a good break from reality for Wes. 

I feel like I am not quite in the Christmas spirit.

I haven't had a chance to really listen to my Christmas music and only a bit of time to think of gifts and not nearly enough time to do all the activities I love to do in December to bring the true Christmas spirit into our home.  

I feel like we have so much looming in the near future that I need to get through before I can even begin to focus on Christmas.

Wes is having his reversal surgery on Tuesday, complete with possibly five days in the hospital and months and months of recovery.

This one is supposed to be the more painful one.  More painful than having your large intestine removed? I know.  I couldn't believe it either, but the doctors say it is true. 

He will be learning to use his new bowel system made out of his small intestine.  And apparently it is a real doozy.  

I hope to catch up soon, but in the meantime pray for my superman.  He has so many more mountains to climb.