Old Family Photo

Alison posted this pic on Facebook for Mother's Day.  So many awesome things about it.  Lots of memories tied to this image.

Balloon messages for Grandpa

This was our 2nd year letting the grandkids attach a note for Grandpa Orgill on a balloon to release together at his grave. Afton wrote a poem in the van on the way to the cemetary:

I love you so much

too much to go

me and you for ever

we'll always be together

so stay where I can hug you

Tubing at Susan's

 

 

  

Dance Recital

2012 Family Vacation CONT...

 Disneyland - Day 1 & 3 (Day 2 at California Adventure Land)

Then for then for the next 3 days we went to Disneyland.  The park/s has grown so much.  Three days was sufficient.  We got all the rides or watch the shows that we were interested in.  Yes, it was busy, but not crazy.  We were able to manage our time and schedule our days well enough that it seemed to all work out.  It was such a memorable trip.  And, the girlies just loved it.  I can't say that I dind't either. 

Day one we went to the Disneyland park starting at the early opening promptly at 8:00am and spent the first 31/2 hours in Fantasyland.  We rode everything there.  Dumbo, Tea cups, Casey Jr., Peterpans Flight, and The Small World were some of the favorites.  The Materhorn rollercoaster was by far Afton's favorite though.  She got to ride that 4 times that morning--lucky girl!  Ryan and I each wanted to go the rides ourselves and Mya was tall enough nor wanted to, so we would tag team and Afton got double the fun.  She loved all the roller coasters that she could go on (Thunder Mtn, Space Mtn--which was that night, Goofies Flying School--in the adventureland the next day, etc).   Space Mountain at the end of the vacation was her farorite.  After lunch, we headed to Toon town for all the fun and excitement there.  Upon finding a bathroom, we landed in the perfect front spot to see magical Disney Christmas parade through the park.  It was amazing!!!!!  It even brought ME back to childhood :).  Afton and Mya were in awe as they waved on all the characters.

 Mya, the tour-guide.

 The best of friends getting ready sit together ALONE on Winne-the-Pooh ride.

 Afton was big fan of the big roller coaster.  Space Mountain was probably her favorite.

And, Star Tours

After lunch, we headed to Toon town for all the fun and excitement there. Upon finding a bathroom back towards the entrace of the park, we landed in the perfect front spot to see a magical Disney Christmas parade. It was amazing!!!!! It even brought ME back to childhood :). Afton and Mya were in awe as they waved on all the characters.

 

  

Afton a long morning into the afternoon, we followed our plan to walk back accross the street to the hotel for an early dinner and naps. That way, we knew we would be able to head back over to see the Park at night (might I say wow!) and take advantage of the late night opening until 11:00. We spent some time in Tomorrowland and headed to Adventure Land for the Fantasmic show over the river.

  (Can you imagine watching fireworks to Disney music over this scenery sitting in a quaint outside cafe?  Did that to close out our trip on the last day.  Perfection!) 

From what the girls have been saving up and when Grandma Connie gave them to buy something at Disneyland, we thougth we take them to the Build-a-Bear shop at Downtown Disney.  Mya as usual knew right away what she wanted.  She very decisive by walking up to it, grabbing it, and never second guessing her decision.  Afton, on the other hand, is very analytical.  She selects all her favorite choices and begins the process of elimination.  It can take a really long time, but she makes sure she ultimately comes out with her best.  I feel her turmoil in decision-making.  She takes after me and thus I can empathize with her and show patients with her.  Ryan, reminding him not to rush, passed on his gift to Mya.  They loved it, and what they each picked, but unfortunately their pet and outfits they chose don't resemble Disneyland.  Yet again, I have no doubt they will remember that these are their Disneyland Build-a-Bear pets.

They couldn't wait to get home and "introduce" their new build-a-bear pets with the ones they already have.

Family Vacation 2012

Preparations

We have been wanting to take a family vacation for quite some time. I pushed it and pushed it, but finances, timing, and circumstances haven't made it possible. I was given a birthday present earlier this year from Ryan and the girls that, little did they know, was the best present ever--one that brought me to tears. It was a envelope with a picture on it of Disneyland: a promise. So, the girls have been working and saving up money to help pay for their ticket to go to Disneyland. Right up to the day before leaving, they were very dedicated. We gave them all the loose change that we have accumulated at home, in the cars, and at Ryan's office.

Actual Day 1 - Hunington Beach

Taking the girls to the see the ocean and play on the beach for the first time was a blast.  They loved playing on the beach making sand castles, finding sea shells and making piles, and jumping the incoming waves.  Oh, they even loved scaring away all the pesky seagulls by running through them and yelling, "Raaarh" as loud as can be.

It was a practically empty beach and a beautiful day--82 degrees and cool breez.  The water, however, wasn't fine, so we didn't jump right in.  The girls didn't seem to mind.  Afton first thing wanted to get in the ocean with us.  As usual, it took Mya a little warm-up time before she would get in.  Once, she did, that's all she wanted to do--with "no help," I might add. 

We drove from Mesquite (after spending 2 days there for Thanksgiving) and left early that morning, driving straight to a scenery of bliss.  We stopped off at the girls' new favorite restuarant in Bakersville--IHOP.  When we got to the coast, we played, had lunch on the beachy sand, and played some more.  Time flew!  Mya, when we were leaving, kep repeating: "I want to come back to this beach, mom...this beach.  I want to come to this same beach again, PLEASE."

Jumping the waves.  Look at the air-time!

Next, they had a lot of fun chasing the birds off away from our lunch... 

 

 

 

Halloween

What to be, what to be?  Afton knew she wanted to be a rock star for Christmas, and after watching netflix's older cartoons, she loved the idea of dressing up like Jem from the Holograms.  She wanted me to be one of her Holograms, but that was a big fat no ;D.  Grandma Orgill kindly helped me sew that costume together.  It turned out perfectly.  Mya for months wanted to be the weird toast after laughing at Afton's pictures from a few Halloween years ago.  As it got closer and she thought of more option, which changed a few times. 

I suggested for her to be Rainbow Brite, since she has loved all the older cartoons on netflix, too.  She was sold.  *Note to self though, don't recommend costumes unless they are in possesion.  I looked and looked and even considered spending more than I would normally on a Rainbow Brite costume, since it was my fault, but it was all in vain--no luck!  Nothing out there was cheaper than $50--yikes!  So, Ryan suggested having her be Angelina Ballerina.  Mya has loved that show lately.  She excitedly agreed and the searching was over.  

These two costumes this year have got to be the cutest they have looked all the years put together.

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 I was Coach Sue from the Glee (I thought it would be fitting), and Ryan was none other but Mr. Gangnam Style himself--Psy.

 

Karen always hosts the best family parties.  One of the overall favorites is the Halloween bash.  Thanks to a great hard working sister-in-law.