Spring Break 2014 Disneyworld

We love having a 2 week early spring break. We've been planning this vacation for 2 years. We joined the Disney Vacation Club (DVC if you will) and we can take a really great vacation every other year with our points. Our first trip was to Aulani Disney resort on Oahu.

We visited Epcot, Animal Kingdom (twice), Magic Kingdom, and Hollywood Studios. The Animal Kingdom gave kids these little booklets that they could get badges (stickers) in throughout the park. Mackenzie loved that so we had to go back to get more!

I'm making a list of don'ts for next time...don't bring a 1 year old (that should be easy), don't plan anything the day you get in, and bring a change of clothes for the Kali river raft ride (Animal Kingdom). Make sure all kids who can't swim are wearing life jackets.

We stayed in the Treehouse Villas at Saratoga Springs. It was a perfect fit for us because our girls love watching the show Treehouse Masters. I would stay there again (next time try villas closer to main pool).

Pretty in White

January 28

Birthday boy

Great to be 8

Mackenzie had her 8th birthday February 7. It's hard for me to believe I have a child that old but Robert and I are coming up on our 11th anniversary so it all adds up.

On her birthday day, Grandma Jill surprised Mackenzie by picking her up from school, taking her to get her ears pierced, and of course Olive Garden.

Mackenzie chose to have a friend party at Color Me Mine, painting pottery, eating Sweet Tooth Fairy cupcakes and opening fun presents. Friends attending were Anja, Aryanna, Grayson, Nela, Ryan, Auden, sister Brooklyn and cousins Olivia, Kate, and Kylie (who were in town for the baptism).

The first party we had planned, we had to cancel because all the kids got the flu the night before. It was a sad day for the birthday girl, but it all worked out.

The big baptism day was Saturday March 1 and Mackenzie had a swell of support there which was awesome. Grandma, and Grandpa, and Great Grandma Jean and Shelley and baby Ashley all flew in. Donny's family drove out. We also had the Holzers, Longs, Cyle Adairs, Shayla, Shalese and Kevin from down south. And Robert's siblings, Grandma Carol, and Bruce and Jan all joined us. Bishop Larson did a Mackenzie spotlight which was cute, and she made sure to inform him that her name was spelled wrong in his notes.

Aaaww (flashback)

Mackenzie: Heavenly Father had a really good idea.
Me: What was it?
Mackenzie: Brooklyn.

I don't know where she came up with that or if she even knew what she was saying but it was pretty cute!


Mackenzie also gave her first talk in primary last Sunday. She was thrilled to get up in front of all the kids with a microphone! I know she did not get that from her mother... or her father...mysterious.

Baby boy is growing up

Jeffrey is turning into such a fun little boy. We are enjoying having a son and seeing how he is different from the girl mold. He loves to play and always tries to get in on whatever the girls are up to. He jumps on the dog pile, steals their ball, plays peek a boo. When he has his big grin or cute little laugh, you can't help but smile or laugh too. It's always short but we love when he lays his head on our shoulders for a love. This boy is a great climber. He is a great eater. He is a decent napper and a good night time sleeper (took his sweet time to sleep through the night). We wouldn't trade him for anything.

Fun times in California

In the freezing cold of January, we headed to Southern California for some sun and fun. We stayed at Newport Coast Marriott Villas. We spend 2 days at the beach, 2 at Disney (1 Disneyland and 1 CA Adventure) and 1 at Safari Park. The bonus for this trip with Grandma and Grandpa Jeff joining us for a few days and the Nelsons hanging out with us (and hooking us up with the room). 

We could not stop quoting Alvin and the Chipmunks "Those aren't pineapples, that's our family!"

 San Diego Zoo's Safari Park

Beach Time

 Disney
Jeffrey got to hang with G&G when we went to Disneyland and it was so nice to be stroller and baby free. The girls were so excited to catch up to Whitney who was there with her friend, and be able to go on a few rides with her.
Mackenzie and Brooklyn got such a kick out of the roller coaster rides. The Tower of Terror proved to be a little too scary though. M was brave enough to go a second time so she could take her mom though!