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...