The time I surprised Zachary, Pt 3

Ok, this is the last one. But if you didn't read the first two parts you can read them here and here!

Our 5th day we hopped on a bus that took us to Universal Studios. This day was so much fun because not only did we get to ride the fun rides, and eat yummy food but we got to tour the studio. I especially enjoyed this! It was so cool to see where some of my favorite movies were made. Zach loved seeing the cabin from John Candy's The Great Outdoors and also "Whoville" from How the Grinch Stole Christmas. The Bates Motel was cool along with the drive down Wisteria Lane, since I love me some Desperate Housewives. Zach also loved the earthquake- it was all so much fun!

Zachary rode the Jurassic Park ride, The Simpsons ride along with The Mummy and I was jealous that I couldn't go along! We also went and watch Water World and that was pretty cool!

After we left the park we went to CityWalk and ate dinner at the Hard Rock Cafe- then it was time to pack back on the bus because it was LA tour time!

We drove around seeing "the sites" like the Viper Room where River Phoenix died- or a hotel where Marilyn Monroe frequented. We drove down Rodeo drive, through Beverly Hills and went to the Hollywood walk of fame.

Marilyn's star was the one I was in search of and for Zachary, it was Michael Jackson.  Our time was limited so I was just taking pictures as fast as I could! We also went to the Chinese Grauman Theatre and again, Marilyn Monroe was who I sought out. We also found our favorites from Harry Potter and many others.

This was a little sad... but it's the best one we got with the disposable camera!

After another long day we were back on the bus to out hotel.

Day 6 we got back on the bus to San Diego- but this time to the zoo. Zach and I had both been looking forwards to this day because we love the zoo! I had always wanted to go to the San Diego zoo- it was sort of my "dream zoo" because it's so big! Through out the day we had managed to hit up all the fun animals- elephants, giraffes- which both had babies too.

Also zebras and we got to see out first panda bears and they had brand new babies too. Zachary's favorite part of the zoo though was this:

At first he didn't really know how to work it but after a couple of tries is was like an old pro! He was doing forward flips and back flips in no time! It was another long but fun day. We knew we were going home the next day and trying soak up as much of the California air and sun as we possibly could!

The next morning we got up and got everything packed into our over flowing suitcases and bags. It was a good thing that we hadn't bought much more because I even left some old clothes behind to make room for new things! We left our stuff with the hotel while we went on one more tour- this time a 1/2 day beach tour. We got picked up and we went to Laguna, Huntington and ------- beaches. So beautiful! I love the Washington/Oregon coast, but California had a whole new beauty. I know it's the same ocean and all but it was still just amazing!

Afterwards we got taken to the airport and headed out. A quick layover in Denver and then we were back in Spokane in no time. It always feels so good to come home after vacation. This really was a trip of a lifetime. I am so glad I was able to have this week- just Zachary and I, doing so many fun activities. I know that Zachary will never forget this trip, and neither will I!

Foodie Friday: Chicken Chimichanga

It's Foodie Friday and I have a yummy one for you!

If it's Mexican food, we eat it.

So here is another delicious Pinterest find!

Chicken Chimichanga from Menu Managed

8oz pkg. cream cheese
8oz. Pepperjack cheese, shredded
1 1/2 Tbsp. taco seasoning
1 lb. cooked chicken, shredded
8 flour tortillas
cooking spray
shredded cheddar cheese
green onions, for garnish
sour cream
salsa

Stir together cream cheese, Pepperjack cheese and taco seasoning.
Fold in chicken.
Divide among flour tortillas.
Tuck in sides, and roll up each tortilla.
Lay seam side down in a sprayed 9x13" baking dish.
Spray tops of tortillas with cooking spray.
Bake at 350 for 15 minutes.
Turn chimi's over, and bake an additional 15 minutes.
Serve with cheddar cheese, green onions, sour cream, and salsa.

The time I surprised Zachary. Part 2

Monday I was telling a little bit about the time I took Zachary on a surprise trip to Disneyland. You can catch up here!

So the next day we got up and boarded a bus that took us to San Diego to Sea World! We were so excited! Neither of us really knew what to expect at any of these places and that made it that much more fun!

The first thing we did upon arriving was check out the Orca show schedule. A show was starting soon so we planted ourselves in "splash" zone and waited! Can I just say now that "splash" is an understatement! We were drenched- I mean soaked to the core! But I am so glad that we did it! Zach and I had so much fun and were laughing so hard every time we'd get splashed. And I'm grateful that I had put my money, phone and camera in ziplock bags inside my back pack!

Those whales are so amazing, and so HUGE! They were so beautiful and I'll admit it made me a bit sad that they are there for our enjoyment instead of out in the ocean where they belong!

We enjoyed the entire day! The rides, including Shipwreck Rapids, where we got totally soaked again, we ate more and took in all the beautiful animals. I loved seeing the dolphins and Zach loves the sharks!

 See? Soaked!

On day three we woke up early and headed out to have breakfast at Goofy's Kitchen. First we got our picture taken with Baloo from the Jungle Book- then it was off to eat. The food was interesting- which I had heard- but peanut butter and jelly pizza was different and I was doing an eye roll considering how much I had just paid to eat here. It was just a buffet, after all- but what made it fun and totally worth it was all the characters that come around to get pictures with you. They even all got together to do a song and dance skit in the middle of the kitchen. And Zachary and I both really enjoyed it!

 Zach and Goofy

 (Evidence of the peanut butter and jelly pizza)

Then we were headed back to Disney- but this time we went to California Adventure. Soarin' over California was so worth the 45 minute wait and was so fun. We also enjoyed the Grizzly River run (and got soaked again!). But Zach's favorite was the Muholland drive roller coaster. I can't even tell you how many times he rode it. Most of the time he would finish riding and get right back in line. That was one good thing about me not riding some of the bigger rides- is that Zach could go to the front since he was a "single rider".

 (Can you tell I got a little sunburned the day before at Sea World?)

I was a little worried that he might skip rides because I wasn't going with, but that wasn't the case at all. He was such a trooper and went on everything, everywhere we went... Except Tower of Terror at CA. (which really was the one ride I really wanted to go on!) During the afternoon we found a great spot to watch the parade, which was so much fun and of course, so entertaining. 

The 4th day of our trip was Zach's 8th birthday, and I had a lot to do and see!

After breakfast we headed to Disneyland- where we immediately headed to get Zachary's birthday button. From then on out- all day people were telling him "Happy Birthday". I love that Disney does this because it sure makes a kit feel extra special!

We spent the day going on more rides, eating everything in site, going to the Shrek show, going to MJ's Captain EO, the parade and we couldn't wait for the fireworks!

We had dinner reservations for Blue Bayou so we headed off to eat Zachary's birthday dinner. After an expensive and not so delicious meal we headed back out to hit more rides. A fave for both of us was Pirates of the Caribbean. It wasn't until after dinner that I learned there would be no fireworks show that evening. It was a total disappointment but I should have done my research on it and I would have known that on the "off" season they only did fireworks on the weekend.

We seriously made every effort to take pictures with as many characters as possible! At the beginning Zachary was really shy and nervous, and I reminded him that I have no idea when we'll get to do a trip like this again and after that he dove in, seeking out characters, not hesitating to walk up and get pictures and autographs. It was really great! 

We ended our last evening at Disneyland with Zachary going on Splash Mountain over and over again. He was having so much fun that I hated to pull him away, but we stayed until closing and it was time to go!

We had another busy day and more to look forward to tomorrow!

The time I surprised Zachary- Part 1

A couple of years back I gave Zachary a surprise of a lifetime.

Neither of us had ever been to Disneyland and I wanted to take him for his 8th birthday and make it a vacation he would never forget. We were going to be gone for a week, and not knowing when we would get to have a trip like this again, I jammed it packed full of adventures.

Just a couple of weeks before we left, I found out I was pregnant with #2. I knew this would change our trip a little because a lot of rides I now couldn't go on, but I was determined to still make it great.

I didn't tell him a single thing about this trip. I even packed his bag of clothes after he went to bed and got it into the car. Then next morning we were out the door at about 4:30 am! I told him we were going to the grocery store before it got busy, and yes, he bought that story!

We started towards the airport, which was the opposite direction of the store and that is when he started to question where we were going. Once we were at a good stopping point I umped in the back seat with him, video camera in hand to catch his reaction, and let him know we were about to hop on a plane to Disneyland!

His reaction? He was excited, but asked if we could go home to get his gameboy!

After we got through security and were waiting to board, Zach was so excited but that excitement quickly turned to nerves as were on the plane leaving Spokane, waiting to take off on Zachary's first flight!

See? He's nervous! But this is his "I'm trying not to freak out" look.

We had a quick layover in Salt Lake City and then onto Anaheim! 

Once we got to our hotel and dropped off our stuff we wasted no time and headed to Disneyland!

Upon arriving, we saw Mickey immediately! I was beyond excited. Like, more excited than Zach! I don't know if it was just the kid in me, maybe the crazy pregnant lady hormones, or maybe even both, but I started crying as soon as I saw Mickey!

We then got ourselves a pair of Mickey ears and headed out to explore the park. We went on ride after ride, ate treat after treat and had so much fun. Picture taking, however, didn't go so well. I broke the display screen on my camera on the very first ride we went on and used mainly disposables the rest of the week. I had no idea if my camera was actually even taking pictures, since the screen didn't work, and I wasn't going to take any chances.

After a long, exhausting day we walked back to the hotel to get some rest. We had another big day tomorrow. As we lay in bed we fell asleep to the sounds of fireworks at the park-

What a day!

Tyler at 2.5

Tyler, you are 2 and a half years old, and if it's any indication as to how three will be, I'm scared. And excited at the same time. You are such an amazing, stubborn, fun, energetic child.

Most of the things you say begin with ....

I need...
I want...
Mine!

- I love hearing you say, Darn it, darn it, darn it!

-You have started saying "love" when you tell us you love us. It's no longer, "I you" but instead you say, "I love you mommy" It's basically the best thing ever.

- You say things like, "I'm all hungry" or "I'm all thirsty"

You can count to 15 and sing your ABC's. Occasionally you mix some letters up, but mostly you get them right!

You love your brother and wherever he sits, you think you need to be. Whatever he is doing, you think you need to be doing it also. And you love your baby sister like crazy. You are so good for her ego too. You rub her cheek and say, "Summer's pretty. Summer's beautiful. Summer's smart. Summer's nice." Sometimes you just go on and on.

When daddy gets home from work you sometimes say, "Hi babe" because that is what I say to him.

You love to wipe off our kisses! And you think it's soo funny if we act mad about it.

You copy everyone.

If you get caught doing something you shouldn't be doing, you smile, kind of cock your head to the side and you'll say: "nice try"

When we tell you that we love you, you tell us that you love us more!

You love to dance

You call Summer "Summer sister"

You say "Yes please/No Thank you/Thank you" with our names. You are so polite!

You are still a great sleeper.

If you don't want to do something that we ask you say, "umm, no thanks"

You love to play Tap Tap Baby on the Ipod

It's practically impossible to go to the store with you because you hate having to get into the cart or stroller, but you want to touch everything on the shelves. And if you don't get a sticker from the clerk, you have a melt down!

You are SUCH a stinker when it comes to taking your picture! You typically put your hand in front of your face, give your cheesiest smile or are moving so much that they don't turn out, but I threatened to shut off Dora so I was able to get this sweet one moments ago...

Sometimes you drive me absolutely crazy, but I don't know what we would do without you little guy!

Foodie Friday: Home made donuts

Who doesn't love donuts? I know in this house we do, but I really try not to buy them because I will eat them all! And Travis has been buying them so he can have them for a quick "breakfast" in the morning. (I just pretend they are not there, and do not eat any of them!)

But I came across this recipe and have been wanting to try them for quite some time. I even put it on my Day Zero Project so that I would do it! And we finally made them this weekend and they are seriously delicious!

Here's how to make them:

1. Take one can of biscuits, yes, like, Grands biscuits (I just used buttermilk biscuits) and use a bottle cap to cut out the middle.

2. Heat a little less than a half inch of oil in a frying pan. I used one of the little donut hole pieces to test my oil.

3. Once the oil is hot enough put your donut pieces in. They cook rather fast, so make sure you stay close to your pan. It's less than a minute on each side.

4. Once all of your donuts are cooked, roll them in cinnamon-sugar, or powdered sugar. Or whatever else you might like

5. Enjoy!

We loved them and I look forward to making them again with all sorts of different flavors!

 

On being done having kids

While I was pregnant with #3, most of you know that we were "Team Green". We already had two boys, and ultimately, it didn't matter if we had a boy or girl, we knew we'd be happy either way. (But I was not-so-secretly pulling for a girl!)

We also knew that whether we had a boy or a girl, our family was going to be complete at 5.

I planned to have my tubes tied during my c-section and even though I knew it was what I wanted, I was nervous that after the fact, once the baby was here and things settled down, that I would wish I didn't do it. That I'd want another baby.

And then she got here. Summer was born and I just knew at that moment that I wouldn't regret it.
As much as I loved being pregnant, I knew I'd never be again, and somehow, I was okay with that.

As much as I love babies, and everything that comes with them, I am excited that we can think ahead to a vacation for just Travis and I. I am excited to see family pictures on the wall of our completed family. I look forward to all the fun things we'll do as a family.

So thankful for these three....

{Linking up with Mandy at A Sorta Fairytale}

Summer at 7 months

You are sitting up all by yourself. Every once in a while you crash, but mostly you do great.

You still just have 2 teeth. They are so cute too!

You are wearing mainly 3-6 month clothes. Some 6-9 pants for the length
At your 6 month check up you were 15.4 pounds (50%) and 26 3/4 long. (75%)
Right now you are approximately 17 pounds.  

You are still getting up usually once per night to eat then back to sleep, but we have moved you out of your bassinet next to my bed and are in your crib. Makes me a little sad to not have you right next to me.

You roll everywhere you want to go. Or you push yourself on your belly. But you aren't crawling up on your hands and feet.

You are such a lovie happy smiley baby. One of my favorite things that you do is when you are tired you rub your face against my face, or you rub my arm. It's pretty much the sweetest thing ever.

I cannot believe we are on the downside towards your first birthday... It's going too fast. But I already have a theme and some plans for the party. (Actually, I've had a theme planned before you were an outside baby, and I was still hoping for a girl!)

I sure love you Summer Lucille. My sweet baby girl.

Foodie Friday: Doritos Taco Salad

Some foods that are staples in other peoples meals, I just never think to make.
Recently a friend told me that her family eats Tacos/Taco salad every single week because it's quick and easy. For us, we rarely eat either of those items and when we do we always seem to have the conversation about having them more often!



I pinned this Taco Salad recipe on Pinterest and it's the same as any other taco salad, I think, except for two ingredients. French dressing and Doritos.

Here's the recipe from Women Living Well:

1 lb. ground beef

1 head iceberg lettuce, cleaned and torn into bite site pieces

1 envelope of taco seasoning

1 medium sized tomato, diced

1 bag of nacho Doritos

1 bottle French Dressing

1 ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese

Brown ground beef. Drain fat. Toss with dry taco seasoning. (Please note: this recipe does not call for water.) Set aside until cool. In a large bowl add lettuce, tomatoes, and cheese. Then right before you serve it add the beef, Doritos and dressing and mix.



Side note: I did add water to my taco meat because I forgot that this says no water. I am not sure their was a difference. Also, I only used about a 1/2 bottle of dressing, and to me, that was too much. Neither Travis or Zach liked the dressing and I thought it had a good flavor, but like I said, too much. The second time I made this salad I just didn't put the dressing on the entire bowl, and just added a little to mine.

Aside from the dressing we really liked this salad, and with summer time coming soon, this will be a nice dinner on a hot evening.



 

Foodie Friday: Better than Anything cake

First, let me just say that I know this picture sucks. I made this on Easter and forgot to take a picture until about 10 that night and so this is what I've got! Don't let it discourage you... This is amazing cake!

I came across this recipe on Pinterest and it took me to Chef-in-Training where I knew it would be good because I've made several of her recipes before! Go look at her pictures and then try to say no to this cake!

You want to make it now, don't you? Well, here's how:

• 1 box chocolate cake mix and any ingredients it requires
• 1 (14 oz) can sweetened condensed milk
• 1 (16 oz) jar caramel topping
• 1 (8 oz) container cool whip thawed to room temp
• 3-6 Heath Candy Bars chopped

1. Bake cake according to directions in a 9x13 pan.
2. Let cake cool for about 5 minutes.
3. Poke holes in cake with the handle end of a wooden spoon.
4. While cake is still warm, slowly pour over sweetened condensed milk over the top making sure some gets in all the holes of the cake.
5. Next drizzle the caramel topping evenly over the cake slowly, making sure some gets in all the holes as well.
6. Spread cool whip over the top evenly.
7. Sprinkle with Heath Candy bar pieces.
8. Store in fridge until ready to eat. Store any leftovers in fridge.

Yep, that's all. Now go make this cake and try not to eat it all! 

UBP: All about Life as I know it

Hello Ultimate Blog Party Hoppers!

Welcome to Life as I know it, and Thank you for stopping by!

I'm Kate

and this is my family!

Having two boys has been such a blessing, and now we've added this little lady. And we are complete!

Being a mom has been my best and favorite job ever. At times it's hard, but it's always so worth it!

Here at Life as I know it you are going to find lots about my family. Especially these three kiddos and our adventures. You will also find lots of crafts (like these pom poms) and DIY projects (like these love blocks) because I like to attempt to make cool things for our home! Also, I am a cook in training. I say "in training" because until about 3 years ago I only made the same few recipes and never tried many new meals. But now, thanks to Pinterest, I make new recipes regularly and share them on Foodie Friday.  I also do occasional reviews when I get cool new products to try out. I love getting to try new things that I might not have ever purchased otherwise!

I hope you will follow along. You can find multiple ways to follow over here ------>

You'll notice that you can't follow via GFC, and of course, that's because with Reader going away, I'm trying to lean towards Bloglovin'. 

Again, Thank you for stopping by and leave a comment to let me know you are following and how I can follow back! 

What's in my purse?

I'm sure you are all dying to know right?

Well today I am linking up with Carly from Lipgloss and Crayons to show you what is in my purse! 

 

First I have to tell you that my purse belongs more to my kids than me. With two little ones I can't justify carrying a bag for them and a bag for me. So I keep a diaper bag in the car at all times with diapers/wipes, any extras I might need. Then I carry a stash in my "purse".

So without further ado... My purse:

And the contents inside:

1. wallet // 2. wipes // 3. burp cloth // 4. flosser // 5. pen // 6. rattle for Summer // 7. diapers in two sizes // 8. car keys // 9. chap stick // 10. extra binkie // 11. another rattle // 12. Summer's hair band // 13. Spare hair band for me // 14. Bath & Body Works Twilight woods lotion //15. B&BW sanitizer "Vampire Blood" // 16. Clean Well hand sanitizing wipes // 17. Kids' immunization records