Nash is 6!

My baby boy turned six last week. He's a little excited. The next day he walked up to everyone he knew and announced, "I'm six!"

Thanks to a kind friend (Apryl!) with an extra ticket we got to bring Nash's buddy, Timmy, for an evening traversing Disneyland and California Adventure. I love the genuine excitement on their faces in this picture!

 I don't know what's cuter these boys or their pirate ears.

I had to make this pic bigger so you can see both Emma and Dedan's head sticking out of their Autopia cars. Fortuitous picture! 

My babies will keep growing up, but at least I'll always have someone to go to Disneyland with.

Expired

We splurged last year on something I never thought I would own in my life: 5 Disneyland Annual Passes, one for each member of our family. Spending more than $700 when Harland had been laid off 6 weeks earlier, probably not the most sound financial decision, but in the long run...brilliant! He was home all the time. We went with friends who visited from out of town, when we had a day off, for birthdays, when we did not have a day off, with grandparents, with neighbors, for Emma's choir concert! (below at Carnation Plaza)

....basically any time we could get away with it. We went so often that we didn't even take pictures half the time (some might call that blasphemy). The last time we went Dedan rolled his eyes and asked, "Again?"

Last Tuesday afternoon, Harland looked at me and said, "A little piece of me died today."

With great concern I responded, "What happened?!"

"Our Disneyland passes expired today."

*sigh*

Disneyland in {almost} October

I love having Disneyland passes. It's been great to run down on occassions when we can spare a day from school and life. Monday was one of those happy days!

The whole place was decorated for Halloween - gorgeously carved pumpkins everywhere, the Haunted Mansion was all Nightmare Before Christmas-ed out, the air was cool, Nash was dressed all in orange....great way to kick off my favorite month.It didn't hurt that our hour plus wait in line for Splash Mountain was rewarded with Mom in the front seat, taking the brunt of the water damage and screaming like a girl. (Nash is in the back with Har you just can't see him...he was screaming like a girl, too.)

Ma & Pa Carpenter

We were very excited when one of the airlines started direct flights from Grand Junction to LA and took advantage of the new lower prices to get Har's parents out here. We had lots of fun plans for their visit then Har & I took turns getting strep which put a little damper on things. We still managed to have a great time. I'm only adding my very favorite pictures from their visit...because there are lots (my new nickname is "the paparazzi").

Emma loves her grandmas.

My father-in-law and my step-dad shop at the same place.

We spent 2 days at Disneyland/California Adventures...on two of the busiest days of the year, I swear! Which ride scares the beegeezees out of you? For Nash it's the Jungle Cruise. He almost had a meltdown when we were in line and this is what he looked like almost the whole ride. When we passed the hippos he was literally shaking in his sandals.

We went to Tom Sawyer island this visit. It was the first time we had taken the kids over there, so beforehand they were complaining that I was making them go. Then we couldn't get them off the island. It's like a giant playground over there, even more fun than I remember.

One of their last days here it was finally warm enough to go swimming. Of course, Har tried to dunk his mom. I love this candid. You can see how much they really love and enjoy each other. Who wouldn't? I love my in-laws and we had a great visit!

On his birthday Har & I took Nash park hopping at Disneyland while the big kids were in school. He got to pick all the rides and activities without having to sit around. We saw the Playhouse Disney show, stayed cool in the 100 degree weather and best of all got to meet Mater!