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!

Goals

My scrappy goals for 2011 were pretty BIG. 

And I got a lot done.

But I have even more to do still.

Plus there are so many other projects that I really want to get to

so I really need to get some stuff done.

This is what I got done in 2011:

I made a 8x8 scrapbook for Zach and my Disneyland trip.

This was 86 pages.

I finished my 12x12 2009 book that had just 4 pages left.

And just days ago I finished my 12x12 2010 book.

This was a whopping 124 pages.

(And about 500 pictures!)

I also made multiple cards (not sure how many)

I made Growth Charts for both boys.

and I tried lots of new recipes. 

Here is a pictures of my completed 2010 book:

I would say 2011 was pretty successful. 

As for 2012 I have more BIG goals 

and am making a plan to get things done.

My 2011 book will be about another 520-ish pictures

so I am guessing it will be around 130 pages.

If I let myself take all year to make it, I will need to do 11 pages per month. 

I also have Tyler's first year to do, 

I need to still update my friends book, 

make Trav and my wedding album,

my Twilight trip book,

Rascal Flatts concert book

and my Las Vegas trip. 

These were all on my agenda for 2011,

but didn't get done.

So I am giving myself 2 months to finish each of those other books. 

They are all smaller projects in comparison to my yearly books

but will still be a big project overall!

So not only will I be doing my 11 pages per month on my yearly book, 

but will be doing the following:

January-February I will be making Tyler's 1st year book.

March and April I will be updating my friends book.

May and June I will be making my wedding album

July and August I will be working on my Twilight trip.

September and October I will focus on Rascal Flatts.

And lastly, November and December I will be making my Las Vegas book. 

Away from scrapbooking I have been wanting to learn to sew. 

I have a HUGE list of projects I would like to do, and sewing is required for those.

So, by June I will have my sewing machine threaded and be working on some projects.

(Not really sure exactly what first, yet)

Not to mention the stack of recipes that I can't wait to try, 

and the stack of recipes that need transferred into my new recipe box. 

Plus, at some point I would like to spend some time with my family and maybe even add to my family. 

Maybe take a trip to the ocean and knock some things off the list of projects we have around the house. 

I have a feeling 2012 is going to be a BIG year, full of BIG memories! 

Can't wait to share some of those memories with YOU!

Christmas (Eve) Pictures!

Both days were a total success. (minus my little 1 day cold)

This year we decided that we really wanted to stay home for the holiday. 

I think we have basically decided that it will be this way in the future, as well. 

We had Travis' family over for a brunch on Christmas Eve. 

I was looking forward to a couple favorite breakfast dishes we have gathered from friends, 

and a new one I found on Pinterest.

I made a sausage fondue, hash brown casserole and 

overnight blueberry french toast. 

I have to say, it was a pretty amazing breakfast! 

I took pictures as I started making each of these items, 

but never took end result pictures. 

But I will post the recipes if anyone is interested. 

After breakfast we opened presents.

(The boys weren't spoiled, or anything. :) )

Tyler liking his truck.

Zach's new Science lab kit

A new teddy bear for Tyler

A truck with blocks

Tyler loves his new rocking chair from Grandma Greer and Great Grandma Royland!

Sadly, this was the best family picture we managed to get. :)

Even Jada got some yummy treats

After everyone left I got Tyler down for a nap and snuck to the couch for a little nap myself.
I woke up with the sneezes that morning and by early afternoon it had hit me hard!
My poor nose was raw from blowing it!

We then went to my sister's house for a afternoon lunch.
Sub sandwiches were different from our norm, but I loved it.
I really liked the idea of doing something different considering Trav and I were
making a ham for our little family dinner on Christmas day.

Because I was so busy holding a kleenex to my nose while we were there,
I only got a couple of pictures.

Tyler didn't go to Aunt Selina's in these clothes...
But he had a doozy of a diaper and luckily cousin Kayla had bought him these clothes for Christmas....
I might have had a child wearing shorts on Christmas Eve, but at least we weren't outside.

Trav and I in the only picture that I don't look like I am about to lead Santa's sleigh.

The boys got their new Christmas jammies on, then it was time for rest!
(After a few pictures, of course.)

Christmas Day pictures coming tomorrow!

Santa photos

Tyler was not happy with me for putting him on this guys lap! 

He kept looking up at him like, "who are you?"

Here's a couple of the pics I took-

Merry Christmas Everyone!

A few random pictures

 Zachary was watching Mall Cop and Tyler, at the sound of music, plopped down to watch. 

 My cutie patooties!

 Tyler digging through the toy box.

We visited Santa last weekend and those pictures are to come! 

Also scrapbook updates to come.

Along with goals for 2012!

I can't believe it's almost Christmas! 

We are all ready and have a fun and busy weekend ahead, 

but very much looking forward to it all!

Official footage!

Tyler has been walking non stop for the past couple of weeks! Finally, right?

And I've been meaning to get footage of it, and a few days ago I finally did! 

Here is the little monkey!

He is almost at a run already! I forgot how fast these kiddos can move when first walking!
It is so much fun and he loves to chase us, Zach and especially Jada!

(One side note... I am not very familiar with posting my youtube videos... But after Tyler's walk several videos show up.... None of those are mine. :) Just an FYI)

Frusteration about videos and other randoms

I have a cute video of Tyler walking... 

It took me a while to get it on camera and now that I have it, 

I can't seem to get it on here! 

I have done videos before with no problems.... 

Not sure what to do... Anyone have any advice?

A great place for a foot rest?

Tyler dancing :) Yep, it's cute!

Tyler, you are getting bigger and bigger each day and I love to watch you grow! 

You just had another tooth come through on Friday! 

This makes 3 on the top and 3 on the bottom. 

But another top and another bottom are close by!

Everyday we watch Ellen and now that you are dancing, you dance with her.

(And you say "EEEEE")

You really do more of a bob up and down, 

but with parents like you have, no one expects more. :)

You are sleeping so much better and usually only wake once at night. 

After a quick drink of milk you are back to sleep in a jiffy. 

You basically sleep from 8-8. It's pretty darn nice.

You are starting to go to one long nap each day.

Or you might do one long and one short. 

It sort of depends. 

You are very vocal and let me know when you need something. 

Last week we started potty training. 

It just sort of happened!

I have been taking you with me to go potty since the beginning, pretty much.

And when I change your diapers I always talk about what I am doing.

I was hoping to make potty training easier!

Last week I dig out Zach's old potty chair and sat you on it, with your clothes on. 

You laughed....

I thought, "why not try?"

So the next day I put you on with no diaper and you peed!

You have peed in your potty chair at least twice per day since, and mostly 3-4 times per day.

You even pooped in your potty on Thursday! 

And the last 3 days you have woken up from your naps dry! 

I would love to have a potty trained 14 month old (as of next Monday)

You really are getting big Tyler James! 

And I love you soo soo much. :)

Thanksgiving

It was a hit! 

What a great year it was too!

First we went to my Sister in laws house where she prepared an amazing dinner... 

Which I forgot to take a picture of... again!

Trav and I: This is the one with his most normal face :)

Me, (SIL) Taryn and sister Selina

Mom and I

Taryn and I (after she tried to knock me over ;) )

Mama and Tyler

Zach was too busy running around with his cousin to be inside! 

It was a fun afternoon!

Shortly after, we left and went to see Travis' family. 

Zach taking a picture of me!

Zach attempting to hold Tyler for a picture, Tyler's not having any of it!

My family :)

Trav's side of the family!

What a great day it was! 

Also, Tyler is finally "officially" walking. 

He has been doing the one and two step thing for about 2 months

and finally this weekend decided to walk across the room! 

He hasn't stopped since!

I'm in BIG trouble!

Happy Thanksgiving!

I am not sure how I passed these up, but they never made it to the blog so I wanted to share!

A couple of weeks ago we were out at my parents house to do our annual

"playing in the leaves"

This was Tyler first time enjoying the leaves :)

Here are some pictures that captured the moments. 

Tyler playing with the leaves!

Tyler kept saying, Oohhh!

Tyler  didn't want to leave mama :(

My family!

Last, but never least, my favorite man out there! <3

I am so Thankful for these people in my life! 

What are you Thankful for today?

Happy Thanksgiving everyone!

I hope you have a very blessed day!