Christmas Kick-Off

We're back!

We had an amazing, amazing trip last week and I'm sad it's all over. I have to say that as many times as we've been to Disneyland (this is already Lucy's 4th visit) this time of year is my favorite. We had gorgeous weather, very low crowds and so much Christmas-y touches you couldn't help but get in the spirit. This trip was prompted by a golf tournament Blake wanted to play in St. George. We left Thursday evening and Friday and Saturday while Blake played Lucy and I tried to entertain ourselves. Friday was great because we got to visit some fun friends. My friend Natalie moved to St. George a few years ago and her two darling girls Halle and Taya let us come over and visit. Lucy had the best time with these girls but I probably should have invited ourselves over again on Saturday because, well...we struggled to find something to do. After a Target visit we did a mini photo shoot and then couldn't pick Blake up fast enough to make it on to Anaheim.

Sunday morning we woke up to bright blue skies and headed straight to Balboa Island for breakfast, window shopping and a bay cruise.

We wrapped up that day on the beach and a late lunch at the Crab Cooker and got to bed early for our first day at the parks.

I've never seen Disneyland decked out for the holidays and of course they do it right!

It was fun to be there in November to kick off the Christmas season.

Our new fave Rapunzel - the movie is out this week!

All of It's a Small World is decorated with an added bonus of peppermint in the air.

Minnie's tree

Reindeer Round-Up

Santa and Disneyland?! Too much!

Small World at night

After watching the Christmas fireworks on Main Street they start playing "I'm Dreaming of a White Christmas" and then it snows! On Main Street! In California!

The next morning we decided to do Minnie's breakfast...

Who is this?

After our character breakfast and standing in the Princess line TWICE in hopes of Cinderella we thought we'd have to miss her this year. But Blake knew how much Lucy needed to see her so he made us reservations for the Princess dinner...and she was there!

Learning to bow and curtsy.

Main Street tree

It truly is the most magical time to go. Almost every ride was a walk-on, we had front row parade seats and wore shorts during the day. This is the time to go!

As much as we love Disneyland (Lucy not so much on some rides this time) I think we'll give it at least a year before our next visit. Lucy had a freak out right before Peter Pan and refused to go on Winnie the Pooh (?) so it might be time for a break. She did however go on Matterhorn!

On our way home we broke up the drive with a stay at the Mirage in Las Vegas. Included with our room were tickets to Siegfried & Roy's Dolphin and Tiger exhibit. I thought it might be lame but it was fabulous (should I expect anything less from S&R?)

We had such a fun time!

(and yes I know this is A LOT of pictures)

who's that girl?

Last week after work we went to pick up our curly-haired little

girl from my parents' house but instead found this older looking girl with straight hair.

Lucy and my mom had a little makeover session and at first I wasn't sure how I felt with the results. Lucy looked so much older which kind of made me feel sad (I can't even begin to comprehend she'll be four in the spring) but she looked really cute with this new look. After we picked her up we had to hurry and go vote and our voting location is Lucy's future elementary school. So standing in line with our big little girl and talking about school and imagining less than two years when she starts...ugh too much!

In the tubby that night Lucy said she didn't want her straight hair wet so the next day for dance she got to show off her older style.

oh baby girl...I love you

halloween weekend

It's November. And as much as I love, love Halloween I'm ready to clean up the decorations and put away the costumes. We had a super fun (but busy) month!

We started festivities on Friday with trick-or-treating at Blake's work and then carved pumpkins that night. Saturday we took advantage of the decent weather before the rain and hit every store at Foothill village.

Strawberry Shortcake!

Part of the fun of Halloween costumes is the unveiling at my mom's party. But now that Lucy repeats every thing that is said and doesn't care for secrets we had to have a decoy costume. Up until Friday Lucy thought she was a pirate. :( She was over it because she loves Strawberry Shortcake but I felt guilty so I'll drop the sham next year.

After Foothill I opened the door for about twenty or so trick-or-treaters and Lucy and Blake toughed it out in a full downpour. She's a trooper (for candy) and could have gone even longer. Then it was off to our party...

It's league night!

Lis and D started Netflixing Mad Men so...

Don and Betty (season one)

Newlyweds Nick and Sabrina

Blake's mom stopped by and she was a bowler too

Inspired by their recent Spain trip - Matador and bull

(yes, they made their costumes)

Reunited just before his trial -

Wanda Barzee & Brian David Mitchell

The hosts - witch and nerd

Three week old Lennox couldn't be cuter in his froggy costume

Crosby and Lucy had such a fun time chasing each other on their sugar high

I don't know why we kept pulling this face

This is how we all felt at the end of the night.

I missed a few shots of cowboys, bikers and Shaun White who showed up as the night went on. Once again it was a great party - thanks mom!

Til next year!