Disneyland

We decided that the one thing we really wanted to do as a family before Jesse went to Afghanistan was go to Disneyland. So we bought tickets, booked a hotel, took the kids out of school for two days, spent way too much money, and went. We decided that since we were only staying one night it would be best to go to California Adventure the first day since it opened later. We didn't tell the kids where we were going, and they were so excited when they realized it! I think every one's favorite thing at California Adventure was the Toy Story ride. It was also the only long line we waited in the entire two days. It was almost worth the hour wait,




We stayed a the Portofino Inn and Suites. I highly recommend staying there. For the same price I was finding for a regular room at most budget hotels, we got a kids suit which meant that we had a main room with a king size bed, tv, etc. and also off the the side another room with bunk beds, a pull out couch, another tv, refrigerator and microwave, etc. Plus it was walking distance to Disneyland. The kids thought that they were in heaven! We also met one of Jesse's mission companions and his new wife at a Romanian Restaurant in Anaheim. I was surprised to actually like the food, but it would have been a much more enjoyable experience if our kids weren't so worn out and grumpy.

The next day we went to Disneyland. As soon as we walked in Lincoln started asking for the pirate ride. I have no idea how he knew that there was a pirate ride, but we obliged. We ended up going on it three times that day, plus he looked in four different store for the "right" pirate boat hat that he just had to have. Savannah really liked the Haunted Mansion. Really though, they both loved it all.

Lincoln's First Day of Preschool!

Last week I got the most exciting call I've gotten in a long time. The preschool down the street called to let me know that they had a spot available for Lincoln. He had been on the waiting list since August! It is a military preschool, but instead of being on base, its at housing. He will be going Tuesday and Thursday mornings, which is perfect since he has therapy on Mondays and Wednesdays. The timing isn't great since we will be gone Thursday of this week, Jesse leaves next week, and in two weeks they are taking a month off for Spring Break, but hey, I'll take it!

He was super excited about starting. We did a quick orientation and tour before school started this morning, and he didn't want to leave after. When I came back to pick him up a few hours later they said that they had an "interesting" first day with him, and that he's "VERY independent." They did say that he was willing to cooperate once they explained that he had to earn his outside privileges. I'm not quite sure if that's a good thing or not. At least he didn't throw a fit or hurt another kid, right? He had a great time though, and is excited to go back.



Oh, he does this thing lately, that when I tell him to look at me for a picture he puts his hands on his head. I'm not sure what that is about, but I think its cute.

Daddy/Daughter Dance

I'm so far behind on my blogging. I keep saying that tomorrow I'll scan the rest of these pics and blog about it, but that never happens. So I'm blogging it with just the pictures I took, and hopefully eventually the others will make it on here.

Way back on Feb 20, Jesse and Savannah went to a Daddy Daughter Dance at the Armed Forces YMCA. Well, they threw it, but it was at the Marriott in Downtown San Diego. It was a formal dance, with the Daddy's wearing their most formal uniform. Savannah insisted that she wanted a gold dress, which is quite hard to find this far past Christmas. We finally ended up ordering a gold flower girl dress off ebay.

They had a great time. They ate dinner, took professional pictures, did a fun photo booth where they could put on whatever they wanted from a dress up trunk then take pictures, and met some new people. They did not dance.

These are the pictures that I took before they left. The ones from the dance are much cuter, I'm sure I'll get them scanned eventually.