Last call for Christams at Disney Land

Friday night my sister, mom, and I drove down to the grandparents in Fullerton to spend some time with them. And Saturday we all went to Disney Land. It was so very crowded I would suggest not going the Saturday after Christmas ever, but we wanted to see the festivities before it was really over. Of course Main Street was decked out with Christmas stuff and the tree was amazing, we got a picture of that.

We got on a few rides due to the generosity of others. All five of us got fast pass tickets given to us as we were starring at the length of the line for Soaring California (75 minutes) so we didn't have to wait. We were in luck. We also made it to Hollywood Tower of Terror my favorite ride ever. These pics were taken in the Hollywood Tower line and a snap shot of the picture taken on the ride. It didn't come out very good. We are the ones in the back with the arms up in the air.


After California adventure we headed over to Disney Land. We didn't get on much. We hit the Haunted Mansion, Big Thunder Mountain, and Pirates.

(I actually got some pics on the rides, crazy huh didn't think you were allowed to do that)

hunted mansion
pirates

we were actually on Big Thunder Mountain. i think i took it as we were just about to fly down one of the hills. it was great.




Then we headed back to main street for our tradition of ice cream and fireworks (even though it was freezing outside)
The only disappointment was no fireworks due to weather conditions. We were pretty disappointed, but we did get some snow (Disney snow that is and some wonderful Christmas music) We had a good time.

Christmas 2008

This year we had a small Christmas. It was the first year we didn't have the whole family home. Jared and Brynne went to Dubai with her family for Christmas (pics should be up on their blog as soon as they get a free moment they just arrived home today) (I can't wait). Lauren and Tom stayed in Idaho with his family this year, so that left just Rachie and I home for Christmas. Although it was a very small Christmas gathering, we still got a few pics of the event. I had to work most of the time Rachel was in town, but I did get Christmas day and the day after off and I got home Christmas Eve just in time for dinner with our dear friends the Lauricella's. That was lots of fun. After dinner the four of us went home and watched a little Christmas cheer on TV and played a new game my mom got and loves called Settlers of Catan. (I'm sure you have all heard of it, ha ha)

Christmas morning isn't like it used to be. I remember as a kid tearing down the stairs to see what Santa brought at the crack of dawn. Now we sleep in, get ready for the day (no more pjs) have breakfast, and then when that is all done we check our stockings and what's under the tree (or that's what we did this year)

Although things have changed a little, Christmas is still a wonderful time of the year full of new traditions and old ones. I am grateful for my family and for the time I was able to spend with them this Christmas. (we got to visit with Lauren, Tom, and the kids on the webcam, I guess family is never too far away these days)

Dad and Sis chillin on the couch and that's my grandpa.

Christmas 2008 family photo. Who's the tallest... that's right!!

Love my sister!

Santa likes a clean mouth.

Someone loves Peanut Butter M&M's way too much. Santa knows the way to my heart!

Dazed and Confused...


Few more laughs and memories

A Late Happy Thanksgiving

Thanksgiving came and went so fast. I was looking forward for my trip to Utah so much I knew it would pass by quickly and it did, but it was fun while it lasted. Before I share a few of my Holiday events I am going to disclose that I don't have as many pictures as I would like. My little sister took most of the pictures so if you would like to see a few more you can go to my links on the side of my page and push Rachie, she has a few good pics up. Now a little about my trip. I flew out late Tuesday night and my dad and sister came and picked me up at the SLC airport at midnight then we drove 2 1/2 hours to Bear Lake, which is where we were staying. I will just say it was a long night for all of us and a good laugh now that it is over. This idea to spend Thanksgiving at a resort of sorts was a new thing for our family. I will say it was a good idea, but it didn't go as we had planned. First of all there was no snow, so all the activities we had planned went up in smoke, but we still made the best of it. We bundled up each day we were there and took a walk to the lake or to some playground and enjoyed the laughter and excitement of the kids. My nephews are adorable by the way. Thanksgiving meal this year was not as traditional either, but it was good. Lauren is a great cook. Instead of Turkey we had ham and I didn't get my stuffing (I love stuffing) but really I didn't mind everything was lovely. It was a quiet Thanksgiving for me, I'm so used to Aunts, Uncles, cousins, and grandparents, but I think it turned out great in a new way. Sadly my brother and his wife didn't make it, but I was able to see him on our way home. We did a lot of movie watching while we were there, it was really cold, and I had lost my Utah skin a long time ago. Although it wasn't what I had in mind it was what we all needed - Family. That is the most important thing of all and I have been blessed with the best. I can't express that gratitude I have for the love of my family, it is truly God's plan. What a wonderful Thanksgiving Holiday.















This is Bear Lake. It's actually really big and it extends into Idaho. We stayed on the Utah side of Bear Lake. Rach took the picture of the light house. She's a pretty good little photographer.

After Thanksgiving Dinner we celebrated a bit of Christmas since this year would not be spent at the Higley's. Rachie got a great pair of brown leather boots. Kyle helped her try them on. He's a silly kid. Mom made Lauren and Tom a Yearsley Family sign which is beautiful. I got Kyle a couple of dinosaurs and I waited to open my gift from Jared and Brynne for when I say them. Kyle got lots of other toys from Grandma & pa Higley as well. He was loving life that night.





I caught the boys hiding in the closet and thought it was too cute.

Here are a few pics of us taking a walk to the lake all bundled up.

There was some dancing too...

The Case of Auntie Pride!

I have been begging my sister for pictures of my 2 nephews. I haven't seen them since I don't know I think June and that is too long in kids world. They grow way too fast. I was pretty sure that Luke would look nothing like he did when I saw him for his blessing and I was right. But I finally got a few pics from her and I have to say I've got some pretty adorable nephews and I can't wait to hug and squeeze them in November.










Kyle is getting so big, he is definitely a little boy now, but I got some older pics that took me back into time.

Let's Go To The Movies

Picture this...

You have just walked into the theater, but instead of the huge stadium seating you're used to there are several plush leather couches placed throughout a small more intimate theater. Some couches seat 4 others 2 and there are even a couple 1 seaters. Can you imagine enjoying a movie in the comforts of a leather sofa with end tables to put your movie treats on. No one is sitting in front of you, there's plenty of room to get comfortable, stretch out. It's like bringing the big screen to your living room. Well last night I actually experienced a theater just like this. Eric and I caught a late showing of Ghost Town, which is pretty dang funny except for a few choice words. When we were getting the tickets he was surprised it was showing in the theater with the couches. I had never heard of anything like this, but literally when I walked into the theater that is exactly what I saw. It was fabulous, the perfect place for a movie date night...

YES ON PROP 8!!!

Last night a special fireside was broadcast to all the members in California regarding marriage. What an inspiring evening it was. Elder Ballard shared his thoughts and the thoughts of the brethren on the sacred institution of marriage. That marriage is ordained by God and is between a man and a woman. And how the family is central to God's plan. He discussed the proclamation of the family and how important it is for we as members to stand up in this moral debate. Elder Cook and Brother Clayton then shared with us the issues of Prop 8 and what is being done through the Protect Marriage Coalition to inform Californians of this proposition.

Basically- Proposition 8 is simple and straightforward. It contains the same 14 words that were previously approved in 2000 by over 61% of California voters: “Only marriage between a man and a woman is valid or recognized in California.”

Because four activist judges in San Francisco wrongly overturned the people’s vote, we need to pass this measure as a constitutional amendment to RESTORE THE DEFINITION OF MARRIAGE as a man and a woman.

Proposition 8 is about preserving marriage; it’s not an attack on the gay lifestyle. Proposition 8 doesn’t take away any rights or benefits of gay or lesbian domestic partnerships. Under California law, “domestic partners shall have the same rights, protections, and benefits” as married spouses. (Family Code § 297.5.) There are NO exceptions. Proposition 8 WILL NOT change this.

YES on Proposition 8 does three simple things:

It restores the definition of marriage to what the vast majority of California voters already approved and human history has understood marriage to be.

It overturns the outrageous decision of four activist Supreme Court judges who ignored the will of the people.

It protects our children from being taught in public schools that “same-sex marriage” is the same as traditional marriage.

They are saying that this is the largest grassroots campaign ever assembled in the U.S. I know so many people making phone calls and door to door contacts to help get the real issues of Prop 8 out (something I hope to help out with soon). Last night was a call to action. They are asking for as much help as possible from the members and people of California. It's amazing the organization that is behind these efforts, it was so inspiring. They are asking the young single adults and young married couples to really push the protect marriage efforts. To actually see these young people out there sharing what they believe was amazing.(they showed a little video last night of all the efforts the YSA were making) This is something I really want to do, but at the same time so afraid of. I'm not one to get in the middle of things but more like cheering on the sidelines, but last night gave me some encouragement & strength and I know the rest will come with the help of my Heavenly Father and in my own efforts. Can you believe this is actually happening. Times are definitely changing and the question is are we ready. Are we ready to step up? I pray that I am. So my friends (roommies) I think we could use your prayers.

protectmarriage.com

PS And Lin you would be very proud of me. I remembered back to our days of ballroom and that jazz class you helped me in and added a little bit of Tango. After that great fireside we got invited to learn the tango. I wasn't too excited about it, but Eric persuaded me sort of as well as my roommate and I had a really great time. And according to Eric I didn't do too bad. ;)

SUPER Saturday

I was trying to come up with something a little bit better for this blog entry because this Saturday was no ordinary Saturday. It was filled with speed, explosions, and nail-bitting excitement. Yesterday I got to experience 2 things I have never experienced before, rocket launching and NASCAR. This week I spend a few nights building my very own rocket. I got this kit and went at it. Surprisingly I have never built a model anything before ha ha, but for the inexperience I was able to put together a nice looking rocket. Yesterday a big group of us drove out to the highlands of Lancaster (a huge flat uninhabited piece of dirt) and shot off our rockets. Mine actually faired pretty well and I was able to bring it home in one piece. That wasn't the same for all of them though. ;) There was one rocket that was 6 feet tall, which I didn't think would actually fly, but it flew like a champ. It was awesome. I have a pic of it. Overall the flights were a success there were a few that went a little haywire but basically it was good old fashion fun.






Then later that night I went to the car races. The first thing I thought of when my parents invited me to go was how redneck. But I couldn't help laughing to myself and take them up on the offer, heck it's something I have never done before. Besides it couldn't be any more redneck than that monster truck rally I went to with that lawyer guy during school, right? (for my previous roommates) So that night I got to sit in the suites of Atkinson and Associates (that's my dad's company, it's his partner's son that is driving the car and the company is sponsoring him) I have to say I was surprised at how exciting it actually was. The cars are really fast and super loud and the fans are totally into it, it was great. I really loved the mini ford focus race, the cars were just too cute and fun to watch. It was during this race that I actually started getting into this NASCAR experience. And let me know if you think there is something a little wrong with this scenario. The winner of this race was 15. When the kid announced that I looked at my dad and totally busted up. How the heck could that happen. Ya, I get it's a sport, but come on the law says you have to be 16 to drive. Can you say redneck. The boss's son's race followed and his race featured the bigger and faster cars of the night. There was about 15 to 20 cars all lined up revving their engines, getting the crowd all fired up and before you knew it they were off. I tried to get some pics but they are just too fast. Most of the pics are just blurs of colors, but the idea is there. It was lots of fun. My dad was totally getting into it and from what I could tell it was a pretty good race. There was some bumping and nudging on the track and little George (son) spun out but recovered quickly although he and the car the nudged him had to go to the back of the line. Surprising enough due to a lot of aggressiveness on the track most of the fastest and best racers were penalized and sent to the back. It made for an interesting race. We didn't stay long after the race ended, but the few races I saw I thought it was a pretty cool experience.