Ward Christmas Party

We had a BLAST at the Ward Christmas Party ~
We talked with friends, ate cookies, sang songs, played games, and we even got to see Santa!!!
But the MOST fun I had at the party was watching Landon dance... or run around in circles... (He is the one in the cream sweater if you need help finding him...LOL)

MERRY CHRISTMAS!!

PreSchool Christmas

For Hailey's LAST DAY of PreSchool before Christmas Break,

she came home with lots of Christmas Cheer...

The kids made Gingerbread Houses,

Santa's Journey Books,

Santa on his Sleigh Puppets,

and they got Window Clings from the preschool teachers...

Hailey was SO proud of the things she had made, and she was proud after she put up the window clings too... I have to admit I MAY have helped her spell Merry Christmas, but everything else was all her doing! Looking forward to this WONDERFUL time of the year!!~~
MERRY CHRISTMAS TO ALL!!~~

Disneyland TRIP TWO

Yes. My kids are OFFICIALLY the most spoiled rotten children ever.

Yes. We took them to Disneyland AGAIN within a month of going before...

Go ahead, Judge me...

Are you done...?

Good.

BECAUSE WE HAD A BLAST!!~~

(Thanks again to AMANDA for the HOOK UP!~)

The second trip was awesome! We got to go on the rides we missed on the first trip and the kids KNEW what they wanted to ride and had an AMAZING time!!~~

 They LOVED the Christmas Tree on Main Street USA. Here they are ALL bundled up ready for the day!!

We hit the rides in Fantasyland First again. We went on Peter Pan, Dumbo, King Aurthur's Carousel then the kids had to take turns trying to pull the sword out of the stone... it was unsuccessful... Then Matt took Landon on Matterhorn while Hailey and I enjoyed the Storybook Land Canal Boats. We both enjoyed our rides but I think Landon enjoyed his the best. Matt told me about 10 seconds into the ride Landon put his hands up in the air and kept them up the whole time... Mommy's Little Daredevil!! Landon wanted to go on the Storybook Land Canal Boats so Hailey and I enjoyed a Dumbo ride again... Then Landon decided he needed to get in another ride on the Casey Jr. Circus Train.

 Then we decided to head to the place we did not get to last time. We took the kids on Pirates of the Caribbean which we all LOVED! Then we hit up Tarzan's Tree house AND then went to the Pirates Lair on Tom Sawyers Island. The kids ran all over and really enjoyed that area. When we got back on the main land we saw Jack the Pumpkin King and Sally and the kids wanted to see them...

 That is until we got to the front of the line... Hailey became very hesitant so Landon did most of the talking. He asked Jack what was in his head and in staying in character Jack made no sense to me at all... Sally told Jack to be careful around Landon's hair because he might cut himself on his hair... Landon really liked that. After seeing the characters we took the kids on the Haunted Mansion Ride. We think they enjoyed it...

Then we took the kids over to The many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh Land. We went on the ride then got a treat for them. Mickey Mouse suckers are the BEST!!

 Then we heard that Tigger and Eeyore and Pooh were going to visit soon. Landon LOVED seeing them. When he saw Tigger he started jumping UP and DOWN like crazy! Tigger danced with Landon and he loved it. Hailey was not as into seeing the characters as Landon was... can you tell??

 We wanted to go on the Pirate Ship but it was not going at the time we were there, so we opted for the Mark Twain Riverboat. We got to go up to the top of the riverboat and the kids loved looking out at all the animals. (we see a cruise in our future) It was a nice little break for Matt and I to rest...

THEN we hit up on of our favorite rides... Big Thunder Mountain Railroad. We talked Hailey into going on the "Train" with Mommy and she actually did a good job. When we got off she said "Mommy, I don't really like the fast Train...OK?" So needless to say Matt rode alone for his turn. Poor Landon wanted to do SO bad...

 But LUCKILY for us he was easily cheered up when we saw Woody and Jessie on our way...
We decided we had gotten everything in we needed to so we headed over to California Adventure.

We headed straight for the rides we missed from last time. We got to go on the Golden Zephyr which was spaceship like rockets that spinned around in the air. Then Hailey and I enjoyed the Jumpin' Jellyfish. This was like a MINI Hollywood tower of terror; I liked it. Then we went on Mickey's Fun Wheel and made sure to get a cage that did not spin around while up at the top of the Ferris Wheel. Hailey was hesitant to ride this but then enjoyed it when she noticed it was not too scary. Matt loved getting the aerial views of the park as you can tell from below...

 We were able to see the construction on the Cars Land that was soon to come and the World of Color set up in Paradise Bay water. There were thousands of jets you could see in the water; it was a neat thing to see. THEN of course we had to hit up the FAVORITE rides...

 The kids picked the Toy Story Midway Mania. I think we waited the longest for this ride; but it was worth the 35 minute wait. Then we took turns on California Screamin'. The kids really liked looking over the pier to watch the countdown for the start of the ride... After we enjoyed those rides we went to Denny's for our Lunner (lunch-dinner) before our long night back at Disneyland.
The kids fell asleep on the walk to Denny's, so we just let them sleep and enjoyed our meal. We got them finger foods to go, and hit up the car for warmer jackets and to drop off stuff. We headed back to the park where we meet up with Amanda and got to play the night away.
We went to see "Captain EO" which was a nice little rest as well. The kids actually really enjoyed the 3-D mini-movie. Then we went on the kids favorite Autopia. (Landon likes to call them Umi-Cars... anyone else watch Team UmiZoomi??) Then we took turns going on Space Mountain... AHHHH I forgot how great that ride was. Matt went first while Amanda and I took the kids on Buzz Lightyear Astro Blasters. Then Matt took the kids on Astro Orbitor (which is really just Dumbo a little faster with rockets) and Amanda and I enjoyed Space Mountain.(I believe I lost an earring on Space Mountain... boo; but well worth the ride) Then we went on the Pirates of the Caribbean, and then again took turns on the Big Thunder Mountain Railroad. I think we all got two rides in which was nice. While waiting we were able to catch Fantasmic on the Rivers of America. Some pictures are shown below...

We tried to hit up Indiana Jones Adventure but it was closed so we opted for every one's favorite with Peter Pan. We really lucked out on this one because Amanda had friends working so we got VIP access. It was a LONG day and by the time we were in the car headed home it was 11:30 so we almost stayed the whole day... MAN what a LONG FUN FILLED TIME for all involved.
Until we meet again Disneyland... WE LOVE YOU!!~~

Landon's View

I was cleaning up my pictures on my camera and came across a few pictures that were taken by my sweet boy Landon... I made a collage of "Landon's Point of View" for you to enjoy...

As you can see he is hanging out with Daddy watching Football and snacking on Wheat Thins. Hailey is playing on my Nook in the background. I just LOVE the picture of his shoes that he took and the Fisher Price Nativity Set Grandma and Grandpa Bird gave us... The other pictures were mainly of the floor or the walls or blurry, but here are the few good ones... you are WELCOME Matt. I think he totally caught your essence...

Reading

We love to go to the Library. 

The kids enjoy picking out that special book to read...

They love it most when they snuggle up with Matt or myself and we read the book to them...

It is the little things in life that we are just beginning to enjoy ~

We make an effort to go once a week!!

Disneyland Pins...

This post is just for my mom. She had us buy more Disneyland pins to trade for her and these are the pictures of the pins... let me know mom...

 Landon was telling me "No PICTURE MOMMY! NO PICTURE!!"...

 These are the classic ones we thought you might like some of these... Mickey Minnie Donald Pooh

 These we figured you would not care about at all...

And these were a mix... click on the picture to make it bigger and let me know! OH and the kids want to know if they can have a few more to trade for themselves!! :)
P.S. Matt got the pinch locking backs and we tried them and LOVED them! I think we got 25 for like $7.00... Just a FYI! ~ DISNEYLAND OR BUST!!~~

Christmas Andersen Tradition ~

Grandma Andersen started a WONDERFUL tradition with her grandchildren last year...

Each night before bed the kids get to open a Present from the Christmas Basket and we get to enjoy a Special Christmas Book! 

The kids REALLY love it! 

THANKS MOM!!~

I just thought it might be a good idea for someone to do for a friend or family member next year. 

You can get the books discounted after the holidays! YEEEAAAH!!~

Bass Pro Shop

Have you ever been to a Bass Pro Shop??

If your answer was "No!" then you need to hit one up my friend!!

This place is AMAZINGLY Huge and Fun for any occasion!

Sure it is the ULTIMATE Man's Shopping Place, but I assure you Ladies you will enjoy it as well!! Because I sure did!

The one we were able to visit was in Manteca, CA.

We went there with some of the Bird Family. Grandpa, Grandma, Chris, Erin, Rylie and our little family made the trip to go see the place AND have some Holiday Fun while we were there...

 Hailey was lucky... she got invited to ride with Rylie in Uncle Chris and Aunt Erin's Car. She was VERY happy to go with them. Poor little Landon was stuck with us, but he took the time to show off and grab Daddy's glasses and pretend to drive the car...

 The first thing we did when we got there was stand in the lobby in AWE of the place... then we headed to get in line for Pictures with Santa. We did not have to wait long, but we did have a lot of fun waiting in line. The kids really enjoyed being the CONDUCTOR of the Choo Choo Train at the front of the line... we almost missed our turn!

When It came time to see Santa Rylie went first, then Landon; I heard him tell Santa he wanted a boat. I asked him what kind and he said "A big boat like daddy!" (I guess we are going to have one little disappointed boy when Christmas comes huh!?) When it came time for Hailey she made Matt take her over to Santa, but she refused to sit on his lap for a picture; but she did tell Santa she wanted a Doodle Bear... 

 Then the kids did a little shooting for stickers...

 Then they made Santa Ornaments out of Fishing Bobbers. They turned out pretty cute!

 Then we went to see the HUGE fish aquarium. You could look at it from the ground, or walk up stairs and see it from above on the second story. 

The kids played with some fake guns and really took in all the "camo fun"!

It was a neat trip that the kids really enjoyed. We checked out the General Store and headed home. 

I can now live a normal life because I have been to a Bass Pro Shop!

(Now we just need to get a fishing pole for the kids to enjoy out on the boat!)

Fairy Tale TOWN...

WHAT WHAT!!~~ It would not be Thanksgiving time for me at my parents without a trip to Fairy Tale Town... Growing up this is where we went to get out of the way while mom would cook Thanksgiving Dinner. I have not been in over 10 years so it was fun to take the kids with my dad and enjoy it as an adult...

 We got in for FREE by donating one canned food item per person. Thanks Mom for pulling some out for us, and thank goodness we remembered we were missing them before we got too far from home! As we walked up to see Humpty Dumpty on the wall the kids started getting excited!! 

 Grandpa got the kids a special key they could use to hear all the Nursery Rhymes and Stories. We were able to see the whole park in just a few hours. The kids really liked the Old Woman Who Lived in a Shoe; it was a slide. And Hailey liked trying to feed Mary's Lambs (they were really sheep and they told you not to feed them; the sheep knew better than to eat leaves anyways) They also liked playing in the Ti pi and naming all the animals on the Totem Pole...

 I guess we needed a BREAK from all the "work" so we had some fun playing on the Hippo water fountain... Grandpa helped both kids get a drink then watched as Hailey climbed up the elephant... yes she is my climber! We got to see the different animals in Farmer Brown's Barn  next, but I think the kids enjoyed the slide the best. I was able to get a great picture from the window in the barn; it is Grandpa Andersen making sure the kids are going up the stairs to the slide... Hailey is making her way up the stairs but Landon is wandering around... my dad is SO patient! I got to wait on the other side to see the kids go down the slide so that was fun!~ 

 The next thing the kids RAN to was Owl's House. It again was a SLIDE... man I am seeing a pattern here. And next to that was the Crooked Mile. I remember having my dad time us as we ran the "crooked mile" thinking we were SO fast... sad to say I realized it was not a mile after all... We had fun walking it however!

 Then we went to a new area. It was the Mother Goose Stage. All the kids were playing with the leaves and making piles. Not sure if you can see, but in the small pictures on the side Landon is being helpful and putting the leaves in the garbage can. He had helped Grandpa rake the leaves at home earlier in the week and he was just doing what he was taught! What a sweet boy!~ Dad and I laughed as we watched him do this!

After some dancing on the stage we headed over to the Three Little Pigs... Hailey LOVES to tell this story, so we enjoyed her telling us her version. Most times she does a good job. The pot belly pigs were adorable! Landon told me he wanted a pig!

 Then we headed over to Sherwood Forrest. This part has always been here, but they added a few things. Hailey and Landon both enjoyed walking on the new balancing beam; and sitting in the chairs and relaxing with Grandpa...

 The next area had Jack and the Beanstock (Hailey thought the big foot was a slide... not so sure) Cinderella's Coach, and The Little Engine that Could. All the picture I got of Landon on the train I could tell he was saying "CHOO CHOO!!" This kid LOVES trains...

 Then the kids climbed on the Cheese Stands Alone; and Hailey found a BUG she just HAD to keep on Jack & Jill Hill while she was pumping some water. Yes she held it in her hand... YES she found a place to keep it in her back pack and YES we still have the little guy to this day but NO... it is not alive... (don't tell her that, She tells me he is just sleeping...)

 The kids enjoyed going down the Rabbit Hole mini slide and Mother Goose. Hailey and Grandpa talked about the boy who jumped over the candlestick and grandpa helped Hailey try to jump over this big Candlestick. Then we checked out the Tale of Peter Rabbit and the and the Bunny and Turtle were fun for the kids to play on...

 Then we saw A few characters from the Wizard of Oz... We read an interesting story in the Japanese Garden and saw some neat fish then Landon saw the PIRATE SHIP and he in Heaven...

 One of the last things we hit was King Arthur's Castle. Grandpa helped Hailey compare her hand to the princess, and they all got to sit in the "King Man Chair" as Landon put it.

 We headed back over to Mr McGregor's Garden and took pictures of the letters in the Alphabet Garden. Hailey has been learning her letters and recognized most of them. We got pictures of every one's first letter in their name for her to practice later on. The kids also got to help OVER WATER the poor plants. I hope they do not die from all the watering going on! I am sure the summer is the best time for these poor plants! We had to pull Landon out of there crying!!

 But Grandpa fixed his tears letting the kids put some money down the Make a Wish Coin Racer...

The kids made sure they had the Treasure Maps when we left and they both got piggy back rides back to the car... well Landon lost his piggy back privilege when he kept putting the map in front of my face while we were walking and giggling about it! It was a fun trip for the kids to enjoy with Grandpa and Mommy! Thanks Dad! The kids still talk about all the slides and fun they had!!
(Disclaimer: Matt did not go because he was snowboarding with Preston and Chris, Sharon did not go because she worked midnight until 9am Thanksgiving Night, and Grandma was up early Black Friday morning shopping so she wanted to get a nap in...Oh and Crystal was working, so Dad and I got to have all the fun with the kids. We all had a nice nap when we got back!!)

~ THANKSGIVING ~

I think this time of year just might be my favorite...

Don't get me wrong I LOVE all the seasons, but there is just something about Thanksgiving and Christmas that gets me all giddy and happy!!

This year we were able to celebrate the Thanksgiving Holiday with BOTH families. 

WE were invited to my parents house for Thanksgiving Day. And it was a good thing we took them up on the offer because it got us some time away from the kids ~ (remember the post about the kids going to Grandma and Grandpa Andersen's without us... yeah THANKFUL FOR IT!) We had breakfast at my sister Crystal's house... PUMPKIN WAFFLES... YUMMMOOO...  

THEN we enjoyed Thanksgiving Dinner HERE...

 (YES that is Landon in the picture sticking his fingers in the Mashed Potatoes...) My mom prepared most of the food while we were at Crystals House ~ It looked AMAZING... She also made that Pumpkin Centerpiece! ADORABLE MUCH??!! This was SOME of the food we enjoyed...

 And here are the people who were able to enjoy it... Preston and Landon, Hailey (she was on the potty when I took that picture... I realized I did not have her in any pictures so I snapped that one while I could) Sharon and Crystal and I, (my baby sisters) my dad and mom in the kitchen and almost everyone else on the couch... GREAT people to be with on such a special day!!

 Dinner was AMAZING and I had to undo the button on my jeans to be comfortable. We cleaned up and got ready for the girls to go and see the new "Twilight Movie" I forget the title but NOT before we ended on THIS note...

Marie Callender's Pumpkin Carmel Mouse Pecan Pie. We also enjoyed a Homemade Cheesecake made by Crystal, and a Blueberry Pie from Marie Callender's too... 

I am VERY Thankful for the wonderful family I have. I am especially thankful that we are always welcome; and able to visit whenever we want!!