We Came. We Saw. We Conquored.

Disneyland that is. We wanted to fit in our last family vacation before Ryan leaves us. We have been talking about going to Disney forever - the last time we were there the babies were really babies - 3 months old. We had five day passes, and we used them. Most of us logged about 60 hours of Disneyland and California Adventure. Ryan had 66 - one day we left and took naps. He stayed and did his own thing for 6 hours.

Now, you have to know I am the biggest chicken when it comes to rides. This is why I love Disneyland - there is nothing too scary for her. Space Mountain is fun, not scary. As a child, I remember going to amusement parks with my mom, dad and Laurie. What I remember most is my mom and I waiting for Laurie and my dad while they went on rides.

(Allie in front of California Screamin - yes that little loop under Paradise Pier is part of the ride)

So, it was a surprise to me to find out Allie was a daredevil. She LOVES roller coasters. She loved California Screamin. She loved Tower of Terror. She loved Space Mountain and the Matterhorn.

Allie and Caroline at Tower of Terror. Notice Allie is giving us her scared look?

Caroline did everyone at least once. Eric and Ryan beguiled us all into riding California Screamin by telling us it was not any scarier than Space Mountain (note that is a total lie). So we all rode it once. That was more than enough for Caroline and me.

Caroline and Tink - her favorite!

Kelsey and Minnie. Aren't they cute?

Yes it is true Eric was on this vacation - there are very few pics of him. Everyone in front of Tom Sawyer's Island.

Ryan as Captain Jack Sparrow. When we took Ryan to Disney for the first time he was 4. The first ride we went on was Pirates and he had to have a sword. So, we obliged and got him a sword. He carried it all day. He lost it on the tram on the way to the car. See picture below from 1994.


So, he did get a new one. He was happy.

We were walking through Tarzan's treehouse we lost Sophie. We turned around and found her on the xylophone. Even at Disney she finds some percussion.

Ryan with his stacks on deck. We told Allie to move out of the picture. As you can see, she could not help herself. She looks like a whack a mole.


Who doesn't love Aladdin and Jasmine?

We had a great time - rode rides, saw characters, and quality time as a family. You can't get better than that!

This Stuff Is Incredible

I am not sure what is in the stuff, but it is freaking amazing. Eric has always used these types of things and I did not understand why you want to. The consistency is weird, the flavor is a little weird, and I did not get it.

Then I used it a few times. It really helped. Today I did a long run and I was feeling great. I had "gu'd" before I started. At about mile 5.5 my knee was hurting. I was dragging. My legs hurt. I "gu'd" again. All my aches and pains went away. Including my sore knee. Magic stuff.

Thank you GU! So worth the caloric intake. Go and get you some.

This Is What Happens

Two old sisters try and look young and cool...

Need I say more?

Happy Birthday Uncle Chris

Happy Birthday to the newest Uncle in the bunch - Melissa's husband Chris. We love uncle Chris because he loves soccer, is willing to the be family photog at all family gatherings, and he plays a mean game of dominoes.

We hope you have a FAB birthday Chris!

(I don't have a picture of just Chris since 1. he and Melissa seem to be surgically attached, and 2. He is always the one taking the pics!

Happy Birthday Crazy Uncle Patrick

Crazy Uncle Patrick - his name says it all. We love you! Have a great birthday.


Typical Patrick playing with the kids.

Surrounded by beautiful girls - typical...

Channeling his inner teen - well duh?

At his graduation two years ago.

With Kels and Soph at Michelle's wedding.

Am I Boring?

Nothing new or exciting. Kelsey and Sophie made it home from camp. Kelsey left for EFY. We are down to 4 kids again. Swimming, playing and watching TV - my kids seem to think that is what summer is for.