Baptism and Disneyland

We have been so busy lately! It seems like a month since I updated the blog, but I guess it has only been a week. Both Grandma and Grandpa Liau and Grandma and Grandpa Bailey came to visit and be part of Jason's baptism. It was so nice to spend some time together! 

This big girl is three years old! I can't believe how fast she has grown. She keeps us laughing every day with her cute and sassy spirit. We love her so much.

She loves dresses and butterflies and pink, but also Ninjago (especially the blue ninja, Jay), Pokemon, and Legos.  She specifically wanted a Pokemon piñata, and we found the last one in all of California (we visited 4 stores to track it down). She was so excited that it was finally her turn to open gifts.

It was so fun to have both sets of grandparents here to celebrate!

Jason was baptized on October 8th. It was a really nice service. Some of his favorite teachers, Sister Stewart and Brother Schellhous gave talks, and Grandpa Liau and Papa gave the prayers. Derek performed the baptism and gave him the blessing to confer the gift of the Holy Ghost. It was nice to look around the room and see our friends who care about Jason and worked hard to make it a special day.

We were sad to say goodbye to Mimi and Papa, but were exited to head to Disneyland the next day!

It was so busy at Disneyland this year! We have gotten spoiled by having very short or no lines the last couple of times we have gone, so it was a little tough to encounter two hour waits to most of the rides. The other issue was that the first 4 or 5 rides we tried were out of order! We kind of had a slow start, but we ended up having a lot of fun anyway.

Grandpa cruising down Autotopia.

Convicts of Toon Town

Jason and Brett got to practice their Jedi skills again this year.

Weilding the lightsaber like a pro.

Brett battling Darth Vadar.

The boys have been asking to build their own lightsabers every year, and this time their dream finally came true!

Waiting for the shuttle at the hotel.

Mini Darth Vader ran into some Stormtroopers.

Waiting in line for a cars ride.

The whole group in front of the castle.

Grandma Liau was an invaluable asset. She shared her seat whenever one of the kids was too tired to walk, and that wheelchair moved us right up to the front of the line several times. She saved our vacation!

A selfie with my buddy.

I had so much fun going on rollercoasters with this kid. We are both about the same level of brave (i.e., not very), so we enjoy the same rides. We went on Space Mountain, the Matterhorn, Big Thunder Mountain, Goofy's Sky School, and several others. It was so fun!

We get a picture with the hulk every time.

Brett loves meeting the characters.

Taking a big green seat in Toon Town.

We brought some costumes this year because we had a one night pass to Disney's Not so Scary Halloween. We had a lot of fun trick or treating, watching the parade, and riding the rides in the dark. By the end of the night, everyone was worn out but happy. Brett was not too sure about some of the scary guys in the parade, and we somehow convinced him to try the haunted mansion. He spent the whole ride with a death grip on my arm, eyes shut, and asking when it would finally be over. He demanded a pin for bravery when the ride was over. He wasn't too brave on the ride, but he was pretty brave for getting on it.

We drove an hour to Universal Studios, Hollywood for our last day of the trip. I was really excited to see Harry Potter World.

Once again, Grandma's wheelchair saved the day and we only had to wait about 20 minutes to try the Forbidden Journey ride. It was really cool- a mix of 3-D screens and a rollercoaster ride. I have never been on anything quite like it! I also thought the castle and the shops around it were amazing- very detailed and well done. We had lunch at the Three Broomsticks, and the food was delicious. I had to get a butter beer to go with it, and that was yummy, too!

I'm the only Harry Potter fan in the family right now, but we all had a great time.

I love these little minions!

They seem right at home with the Despicable Me characters!

Back at home with some recent activities... Jason has started cub scouts and he is really enjoying it. Earning badges and learning new skills is right up his alley.

Cara at one of our preschool field trips to look at some Animals (for the letter "A")

The boys sharing an ice cream after scouts.

Two buddies at the playground.

Cara at the field trip I was in charge of. We went to a place called the "Duck Pond" for the letter "D".

Today was Alta Vista's Walk a Thon fundraiser. The boys were excited to earn plastic feet for each lap they completed. Cara surprised me by walking five laps all by herself! We have had a fun-packed month...I love spending time with these cuties and our wonderful families!