It's Just Us..

Deep in the Heart of Texas..

2011-12-10T20:13:00.012-07:00

September 8-11, 2011

Covey-lovey trip..

{a sad Covey-lovey trip.. down to 2 couples, who ironically live about 20 minutes away from each other!}

{yes, Andersons.. You. Were. Missed.}

Davy & I arrived in Austin early in the afternoon, so we decided to head straight for San Antonio and the Alamo!

..a really cool tree on the grounds of the Alamo..

..its branches all touched the ground..

The River Walk..

Now, back to Austin..

{Curt & Shana arrived about midnight..}

Texas State Capitol..

Davy & Davy {Crockett}

The hinges of the Capitol Building..

So pretty!

Outside!

{we learned the Capitol Building & Visitor Center close ridiculously early}

..don't worry, we'll come back tomorrow..

From here we headed to "The Co-op"

We would call it "The Bookstore"

Let's just say, I've never seen anything like this in my life!

I am positive it is possible to buy anything in burnt orange with a Texas logo..

Just a peek..

..polo shirt section..

..Halloween shirt section..

.."dress shirt" section..

..suitcase section..

..dress section..

..children's floor..

The souvenirs covered 2 huge floors..

Apparently the books were in the basement..

Really..

Here's a tidbit:

Did you know Austin, TX has the world's largest urban bat population?

Well, they do!

Lining up on the Congress Street Bridge is a tourist attraction,

as everyone waits for dusk to see something like 11 million bats come out at night to feed..

..looking pretty excited to see bats..

..especially since I'm terrified of birds flying over my head..

Shana, Curt, & Davy waiting for the bats..

Here is a pathetic iPhone picture looking down at the bats..

So, I stole some off the internet so you could get an idea..

..crazy stuff!..

Day 2 Texas State Capitol:

These next 3 photos I would like to title:

"Fun in the Texas Capitol Visitor Center/

My husband lost his pride in the Texas Capitol Visitor Center"

On to Darrel K Royal - Texas Memorial Stadium!

The team arrives:

Coach Mendenhall

Jimmer {waving}

{had lots of other pictures, but I didn't see anyone else I recognized :)}

Me, Shana, and some Texas cheerleader dudes..

Nosebleed seats looking straight into the sun?

check

pregame

Let's just say, this wasn't the game of Davy & Curt's dreams..

There was a lot of wallowing in anger & agony after this game was through..

One place Texas didn't fail us??

Restaurants!!

I loved 'em all!!

This was a great one to finish with..

{can you say gingerbread pancakes??}

{somehow, Curt & Davy thought a good appetizer would be queso..

don't ask}

All that's left was heading home..

Was I happy to have a layover in Nashville??

Was I happy to be flying home on September 11th?

I think we all know the answer..

Disney World - in a Whole New Way..

2011-11-08T10:30:00.018-07:00

Davy informed me {back in June} that he was going to some kind of a distribution center conference {can you say par-tay?!} at the end of August..

Now, as if that doesn't sound fun in and of itself, it was being held at.. Walt Disney World.. {yes, I know..}

This, of course, sent the gears-a-turning in my head, since I really wanted to go along.. {I'm sure you're as shocked as I was..}

Pros:

*paying for ONE plane ticket {which, btw, was purchased with frequent-flier miles = $5..}

*free hotel

*being in Disney World

Cons:

*upset daughters

*first week of school for one, second week of school for the others

*angry children

*being in Disney alone..

*kids constantly reminding me how mean I am

*August in Florida

*sad, sad widdle girls

As you can see, the Pros FAR outweighed the Cons..

Keep in mind, this was a 4 days in the parks trip.. and for 1 whole and 2 half days I was all by myself. I'm not great at being by myself. I like to be with people, especially my family, and especially at Disney!! Still, I was excited..

August 28-September 1, 2011

I'm not so much going to do a travelogue as much as I'm going to write my observations/aka a "what I learned /snippets of what I did on this trip to WDW"

I learned - you don't take very many pictures when you're alone/just with Davy.. Though since I've been home I've regretted not getting a PhotoPass and just having a bunch of pictures taken by myself. Just cause I think it'd be funny.
Riding fast rides alone isn't very fun.
You {or I} spend a lot more money when I'm alone. {Maybe it was guilt?}
You can get weird looks when you're all by yourself on rides/hold up that "one" finger when they ask how many are in your party.
I have a new favorite Disney resort!! {Yacht Club - woot-woot!}
You get spoiled with a well located Disney resort and realize how much you hate riding Disney buses when you don't have to!! {woot!}
{just to clarify, I only had to ride a bus to get to Animal Kingdom. Epcot & Hollywood Studios were walkable, or there was a boat, and when you walk through Epcot, you can catch the Monorail to Magic Kingdom - heaven!}
As odd as it seems, the InstaCare that provides for Disney was the most amazing medical experience I've ever had.. Story time.. I woke up Tuesday morning {my full solo day} with that awful 'I'm pretty sure I have a UTI feeling' {sorry - tmi} I got ready and did a lot of pacing trying to decide what to do. I really debated toughing it out for a day, but realized I would be miserable, and just needed to get on an antibiotic. Stat. {a little medical jargon for you} Once I was ready, I pulled out the 'book' located in every hotel room to see what to do about needing a doctor visit. There was a phone number which I called, to hear a 'no longer in service' message. After a big *sigh* I called the front desk. They said there was a new number and they would connect me. I told the woman from the InstaCare my issues, and she said I would need to come in and a shuttle would be at my resort in 5 minutes to pick me up. 5 minutes? Wow! Luckily, all I had to do was grab my purse, and if you've stayed in a WDW resort, you know it can sometimes take at least 5 minutes just to walk to the lobby. I walked out the front doors of the hotel to see the van pulling up right in front of me. I enjoyed a very pleasant visit with the friendly driver. Once he dropped me off, {it was in a strip mall} I went in filled out paperwork, yadda-yadda-yadda, exam, you know the drill. Yes, I had a UTI, and they would give me a prescription. Would I like them to fill it in-house? Um, yes? How lovely not to have to go get a prescription filled! When I was finished the front desk lady called a shuttle for me that pulled up before I reached the sidewalk! This time I had a nice, but a little bit weird driver, but in a few minutes he was dropping me off, not back at my resort like I imagined but at Animal Kingdom!! What service! The best part?? I walked out of my hotel room at 8:59am and was dropped off at AK at 10:01am! One hour!! I've decided I've been spoiled forever!! {sorry, that was long!!}
Even though it was 90+ degrees with 90% humidity {ah, Florida} the whole trip, I learned it was MUCH more pleasant when it was overcast, which was all but a few hours..
Last week of August? Fantastic time to go.. No lines!
Quick story: {I got my iPhone 4 a week before this trip - important to know} One morning I was getting on Pirates of the Caribbean, and I happened to be the only person on my whole boat. I felt a little silly. I was also sitting on the front row. I decided to try to take a quick self-portrait to show me and my empty boat. Apparently, the iPhone has a FLASH! I was one of those annoying 'take-a-flash-picture-even-when-they-say-no-flash-photography' people! I was so embarrassed!! The worst part? I fiddled with my phone a second and tried again.. ya. The flash was still on! Luckily? the 3rd time was a charm, but none of the pictures really turned out.
Eating alone at Disney is awkward.
When you get back to your hotel room after an entire day alone, you talk your husband's ear off. I had no idea how much I missed talking all day.
New favorite quick place to eat! The Patisserie in France. I got my dinner, soda, and dessert for $11!! If you know Disney, this is a steal! {and it was yummy!} I ate there 3 times!
Vinylmation trading needs to be figured out. {Vinylmation are these Disney collectibles that are also tradable.. I love them and brought 6 to trade (when you buy them they are blind-boxed, you don't know what you're getting)} Almost every place you went they had the same traders. Isn't there a way to say, obviously no one wants these, lets replace a few!
Chelsea texts me hundreds of times a day. Except when I'm out of town. Then, when I need to talk and know what's going on, she's too busy..
I wore a pair of shoes I'd been purposely wearing every day for a month. I wanted to just bring one pair of shoes, and broke them in accordingly. I have never had blisters like I got in my life.. I'm still recovering. Really. I've never had my feet so torn up.
Haunted Mansion has been 'revamped' at the end. The hitchhiking ghost part? Amazing!
New Fantasyland construction makes me really excited. I may have squealed.
I was a little disappointed by the new Star Tours. Made me miss the old one.
Europeans must know that all the Americans have started school this week. I felt like a minority.
Disney is a lot more fun with someone else. Preferably a few 'someone else's'..

Photos?

..okay..

..first official picture..

I call it "Waiting for our boat, wishing my kids would answer me so I'd know they're awake and heading to school - with Disney' Boardwalk in the background"

Hollywood Studios

..ah, texting.. still..

..finally, on the phone with Chels..

..apparently, we had a lot to talk about..

..so glad Davy documented it..

..hey, look! Davy did come!

..boat from Hollywood Studios back to our hotel/Epcot..

..our resort - Disney's Yacht Club!!..

Alone in Animal Kingdom..

..riding Kilimanjaro Safaris..

We were so close to this rhino, the driver had to tell us multiple times not to reach out and touch it..

..new sky-walks on the safari..

{one of those new tours}

..if you've ever ridden this ride, you'll appreciate what a good view of a lion this is!

I rode the train out to Rafiki's Planet Watch..

Here, I witnessed a bird in surgery -

apparently it was attacked by another animal and its prognosis "wasn't good"

I have no idea what was happening here..

2 adult men wearing hats & tails {not employees} dancing around with these kids whacking them with their tails, and generally making a spectacle of themselves..

..pretty funny..

Planet Watch Entrance..

..view of plans for New Fantasyland - squeeeeeal!!

..near monsoon rainstorm I was stuck in for a couple hours..

..this is right where you enter Haunted Mansion,

there was literally a waterfall coming off this wall..

..great example of "the crowds"!

One morning, walking through Epcot to take the monorail to Magic Kingdom..

I walked from France, thru the UK and Canada,

over the bridge, in to Future World and got clear to these fountains..

..still never saw another person..

{not even a cast member}

Beast's Castle under construction in New Fantasyland..

Davy called this

"no cameras or video recorders over 20 years old permitted"

I just had to share..

2011-10-04T11:41:00.004-06:00

I'm going to make these for my girls..

{I saw an easy, cute way to mount photos yesterday ~

I think this will be my first project!}

It's THAT Time of Year!

2011-07-05T10:15:00.014-06:00

Yep!

Stadium of Fire!

This is the 3rd time we have been inside the stadium for this show..

Pretty sure this was my favorite year..

Hmmmmm..

I wonder why??

..getting started with the usual skydivers..

..but not the usual landing..

..this guy took out a barricade

AND a photographer..

But that's not the reason it was my favorite..

Could it be...

Those Walker gals!?!

Pretty sure that's a YES!!

Can you see Savannah there in the middle??

..one of the times they are both in one shot..

..both spelling out USA {separately}

Adi in her "A"

Savannah in her "U"

{dancing to "Rockin' in the USA}

..the Main Dancers in a wave..

{Savannah is one of those close red raised pom-poms}

..Adi mid-shimmy..

{she's the 2nd girl}

..most of the girls..

..our girls are both there..

..trust me..

..I can point them out..

The Main Dancers making the Liberty Bell..

Savannah is a red pom near the top of the "crack"

Gotta love the fly-over!

During the flag ceremony..

..Adi 2nd girl in top group..

..Savannah {are you ready for this??}

See the break in the bottom group?

She's right along the bottom

on the right side

the second girl..

This is where they sat during all the concerts..

Adi heading to her "pre-stage" position..

David Archuleta

Chad Lewis

..our host for the evening..

Recognition for Dave Rose..

..and BYU's basketball team..

...mmmm..

A litte Brad Paisley

Yes, he's a cutie!

I just think this is a cool picture..

..waiting to go on stage..

..and chillin' right next to her buddy..

..Dave Rose ~ BYU's Basketball coach!!..

..cheering about?..

{love that pic!}

..it's just about time to head on stage!!..

ON STAGE!!

{she is the the top left girl silhouetted on the right side}

{does that make sense??}

..running to the front stage..

{Dancing to "Firework"}

This was the dance where the firework show started!

..right there on the front stage..

{2nd row}

..ending pose!..

They were fantastic!!

{Savannah was out on the field,

but no pictures would turn out

because they danced in the dark

with just light up gloves on..}

And DONE!!

We're so proud of these two!!

This was a lot of hard work

over a short period of time!!

Chelsea can't resist getting in a few shots!

Heading out after a looooooong night!!

Our favorite year for sure!!

Signs of Life..

2011-06-22T17:55:00.003-06:00

I really, really miss my blog..

I don't have a good reason for the drought in my posting..

I have stuff to talk about..

But ~ I don't feel like downloading any pictures..

Yet I want to prove I haven't forgotten my blog all the same..

So how's your summer thus far??

Good. Good.

Ours has been crazy busy..

Here is what's going on:

We didn't go on a beginning of summer trip for the first time in a long time.. Too much going on so far.. Hopefully we'll have time to go somewhere before summer slips away..

Savannah & Adi are practicing a minimum of 2 hours a day for their performance in the upcoming Stadium of Fire.. We're really excited to see these gals in the show.. Granted, there are about 600 girls performing, but we lucked out this year and our studio is right up by the stage, in fact, Adi will be on the stage! How cool is that?? She is considered a "Junior" dancer, but some of this group will be on stage. Savannah is a "Main" dancer. She was also supposed to be a Junior {technically ages 8-12} but because of her height, she was moved up to "Main". In our true procrastinating fashion we waited until Saturday to get our tickets {we'll call it the spendy route} ~ but in our defense, I wanted to get as close to the girls as we can so we can {hopefully} get some pictures, and be able to tell they're our kids! We {mostly meaning me} are really not looking forward to the final practices next week at BYU.. Because Adi is on the stage she has a practice Wednesday from 7:30-11pm, then stage and Main dancers have a practice Thursday 5:30-11pm, and then the real kicker, Friday from 6:30am-11pm {with 2 breaks for lunch & dinner} Then the actual performance is on Saturday, but not without a practice that morning 6:30am-noon. I know, you're jealous.. I am one of the mom helpers for the Friday practice, so here's hoping none of us ends up with heat stroke..

On top of all that^^ Savannah has also been to Beehive camp for 4 days, and is currently at Young Women's camp.. I'm really not ready for my little girls to be this old already. ::sniff:: Adi has also been taking swimming lessons again. She is a great swimmer, I really love the place we have taken them for years, and she is currently in a private lesson just to really perfect her skills!

Chelsea is actually busy.. {I'll give you all a moment to take that in, and possibly pick yourself up off the floor in case you fainted} She has her last final tomorrow for Spring Block, and will begin Summer Block on Monday.. On top of that, she's already registered for Fall semester.. For those of you who know our procrastinatey-ness ~ be duly impressed. On top of school Miss Chelsea also has a job. She is working at a couple of SnoShacks in town. It has been a great Chelsea job so far, and she's making money and fantastic tips!

I have a couple of big projects I'm really wanting to finish before school starts again {which is sadly feeling too close} I somehow manage to find other little projects to do, or worse, still love to randomly leave with the girls in search of something fun to do, or for a yummy treat..

Davy has been ridiculously busy with the whole 1800Contacts/WalMart business. We sometimes feel like he is traveling, but ironically he hasn't been on a work trip since April..

Wow.. That wasn't how I envisioned this post, and I'm sure it was a yawner to read {sorry about that}

One of these days I'll load some photos and liven this place up..

An Epic Tale..

2011-05-15T12:49:00.002-06:00

To begin this exciting {teehee} story,

I must begin with some important information..

First:

In our living room we have french doors

that are.. I guess.. magnetized..

From inside the room they need to be kind of "hit"

so they will pop open..

We leave these closed to keep puppies in their

2 allowed rooms..

Second:

Only 11 days ago I was telling my friend Angie

that it had been at least 5 years since Adi had thrown up..

Fast forward to last night..

Adi had been playing in the basement

when she ran up 2 floors to her bathroom

and.. well.. threw up..

She came down and told me,

and then proceeded to be her usual happy, full of energy self..

I kind of chalked it up to one of those weird,

"just needed to randomly throw up" times..

Within a couple of minutes she did it again..

But, again, returned acting perfectly normal..

{dancing, playing on the Wii, talking a mile-a-minute}

After a while, she decided she was hungry,

so being cautious I fed her some toast and saltines and a drink..

She was being careful, but seemed just fine..

Then about 20 minutes later,

she popped up and tried to open the french doors..

{she sometimes has a hard time getting these open}

No one was really paying attention,

but at hit #3 she couldn't hold it in any longer and,

well, vomited on the carpet..

Chelsea was very close

and stood up quickly,

helped her with the door

and began rushing her to the bathroom

{probably about 10 steps away}

Unfortunately,

Adi wasn't done

and heaved right outside the bathroom door..

{don't worry, she even finds this story funny}

Well, these 2 girls were in a modified run,

and from my end I hear a splat,

slipping,

and falling..

BOTH girls slipped and fell in this one -

AND slid into the wall..

She still wasn't done,

and finally made it to the toilet..

Now, my friends, lets talk about a mess..

Lots on the carpet..

The entryway to the bathroom?

Wow..

On the walls, {about 2-3 feet up}

ALL over the floor..

and all over the floor in the bathroom..

*sigh*

I could be irritated,

but I have a hard time being irritated when my baby is so sick..

And when she threw up about 15 minutes later,

wiped her mouth and said

"I don't like throwing up.."

How can you be irritated?

Not like she was trying..

AND..

Well.. it was funny..

All 5 of us couldn't quit laughing about it...

The whole hallway episode just sounded so funny..

I love that we all have the same strange sense of humor that made it so we just couldn't quit laughing about it.. even those who stepped & slid & fell in it.. {and even got a little scraped up!}

So ya..

We had a fun night..

In spite of the adventure..

I am still needing to clean up the carpet better..

*sigh*

did I mention that the "beverage" was fruit punch??

*sigh*

Everyone's Children Embarrass Them at SOME Point..

2011-04-07T10:57:00.005-06:00

Even when they're being good and attending General Conference..

Did you see it??

At the end of the second session of General Conference on Sunday,

some kid turned around and cheesed it into the camera..

for all of world to see..

His mother must be so proud..

Through my blog-stalking, I discovered these "motivational posters" using this kid's 2 seconds of fame..

Here are a few of my favorites..

See the original post here.. www.ldsfriends.com/general-conference-posters/

ya.. I'm still technology UN-gifted and don't know how to make a word link to a page..

DanceAmerica!

2011-04-03T08:16:00.014-06:00

March 26, 2011

DanceAmerica Competition at Timpview High School!

Today was the girls' first group dance competition..

It was a long day, but they both had a great time!

{please note, I tried to keep pictures at a minimum,

in fact, my goal was 2 photos per performance,

but some were just too cute..

forgive me!}

*a quick note on scoring,

there were many categories of dances,

where they would receive a place - 1st, 2nd, etc,

but in some categories,

a particular routine would be the only entry

so they would receive a rank -

bronze, high-bronze, silver, high-silver, gold, high-gold..

Got it?

Letsago!

Chocolate

{pronounced chok-oh-lah-tay}

Savannah's Jazz routine

..first dance of the entire competition..

..first girl on left facing forward..

2nd place!

My Boy Lollipop/Wake Up Little Susie

Adi's Ballroom routine

..lining up & spotting the family!!..

Alice

Company Production Number

Finale!

Savannah - the orangeish/pinkish wings..

Adi - the second pink & purple cat from the left..

Second Place

{I was irritated with not winning this one}

Let's Get It Started

Adi's Hip-hop routine

Second place

Elevator

Savannah's Hip-hop routine

..doing her stall..

{second row}

..launch!..

High Gold!

The Call

Savannah's Lyrical routine

Gold

Miss Invisible

Adi's Lyrical routine

This picture is during Adi's SOLO..

Second place

Technologic

Adi's Jazz routine

High Gold!

FLASH!

2011-03-25T12:40:00.000-06:00

..game..

March 24, 2011

The girls {and Charisma Studio} had the opportunity to perform their "Production Number" at the Flash Game..

First, I must comment on the game..

Does anyone {except one rabid fan} care about these games??

Seriously, there was no one there..

If you subtracted the Charisma parents from the stands,

I'm guessing there were 100-150 people there..

Now, it doesn't help that this game coincided with the BYU/FLA game..

{and in retrospect, I'm glad I WASN'T watching the BYU game}

But wow..

No one..

Even sitting through the first half,

I had a hard time watching the game..

..and I was in the 5th row!

Add on top of that,

we were playing the Maine Lobsters..

Is there no pride?

Do they want to get made fun of?

I'm not sure Chelsea ever looked at the game..

..ever..

..and for some reason

this sign

gave Chelsea & I the giggles..

It just doesn't seem to "pack the same punch"

as the sister-slogan "NBA Cares"..

..just sayin'..

..let's get on with this..

This is their first performance of this dance,

in fact, the first time we've seen it!

It is called "Alice" - it is themed after Alice in Wonderland..

{the new, Johnny Depp version}

We, of course, thought it was fantastic!

During the opening number,

Savannah and another girl have to run this HUGE banner

around the perimeter of the floor..

{I realize, not a great picture}

{and note the size of the "crowd"}

It's about 25-30 feet long

and they eventually get it up off the floor!!

..run Savannah!..

Later, Savannah's company {A Plus},

plays the part of the butterflies..

{if you close up on this photo,

you might be able to see Savannah's

horrid eye infection

both eyes!}

Next, comes Adi's company {A Company}

who play the Cheshire Cats..

{Adi is very good at spotting the camera}

..mid-partner cartwheel..

..that's Adi up top!..

..dancing with Alice..

As they perform this more,

{and as we get better at taking action photos}

I will get some more group shots..

Yay dancers!

I shouldn't answer the door..

2011-03-11T18:55:00.014-07:00

It's true..

Not because I'm anti-social..

I just have issues with door-to-door salesmen.

Example #1

Shortly after we moved to Utah,

a salesman came to the door selling

"The Living Scriptures".

to make a long story short,

I bought them.

This was definitely the biggest purchase I had ever made without consulting Davy..

There are actually 48 Living Scriptures videos..

48..

One a month..

for four years..

Don't ask how much they were..

Trust me.. They were expensive..

The saddest part??

You know the answer..

I now own a bajillion dollars worth of scripture videos..

on VHS..

I don't even own a VCR anymore..

Example #2

last summer

a cute girl from some former Russian republic

came to my house selling educational CD's for the computer..

Here is a quick peek into my thoughts..

"the girls like to play games on the computer,

even educational games..

plus, one of these is a language program,

Chelsea is starting a foreign language this semester,

maybe it will help her!

What? Oregon Trail?

We loved the old, crappy version of this game in the mid-90's,

imagine how much better it will be now.."

Well,

..still never used 'em..

In fact,

I was going to take a picture of them..

..couldn't find 'em..

It really is a problem:

I've bought the cleaners..

I bought a service that would digitize my photos,

they never did it,

and are now gone..

I currently have 2 pest control companies..

Is that enough examples?

Please say yes..

Now,

I don't buy everything..

..but sometimes they come around with good stuff..

I hate it!

Time for a new story..

It will come full circle,

donchooyouworry..

My carpet is dirty..

It's been driving me crazy..

for a long time..

I get all ready to have it cleaned,

then come up with some excuse

or some project

that makes me postpone..

Last Friday,

my carpet was just grossing me out..

The entry from my living room to my kitchen?

Dis.Gust.Ing.

That's all I can say..

{plus, I frequently vacuum under my furniture..}

this is depressing

then I can see what color my carpet

is supposed to be..}

but like I said,

last Friday,

it was really bugging me..

as we were watching a movie with the girls,

Walter decided to barf..

right in the aforementioned area by the kitchen..

Lucky me,

I got to clean it up.

Lucky, lucky me, I know..

This was a mistake.

I cleaned it good.

A little too good.

When I looked at it all dried

Saturday morning?

It was like a glowing circle

12 inches in diameter.

Now, the carpet was making me sick.

So, its been bugging me extra all week.

Yesterday,

Chelsea and I were watching the BYU/TCU game.

Between being irritated at BYU's inability to make a basket,

I was fuming over my dirty carpet.

Trying to figure out how soon I could get it cleaned.

{I am in the midst

of a project in one of the girl's rooms,

not the best time to have the carpets cleaned}

During halftime,

Chelsea & I ate some lunch.

When we returned to the living room?

Walter had barfed.

Again.

Are you kidding me??

I am now officially tired of cleaning this up.

I finish cleaning and sit back on the couch.

Half watching the game.

Half hating my carpet.

Then, as if I had a direct line to heaven,

the doorbell rings.

I, of course, considered not answering it.

{because, remember?

I don't answer the door}

In fact,

I do this all the time.

{sorry if you came to my door

and I didn't answer}

{I could have easily been home,

I'm just anti-salesmen}

Really.

for the most part,

I don't answer my door.

99.9% of the time,

its not anyone I need to see.

Chelsea usually gives me a bad time when I don't answer.

Usually refers to me as being

socially retarded/awkward..

Maybe I am..

but that is a different post.

So, in part, to give myself a short break

from fuming about my carpet,

I answer the door.

As soon as this guy starts talking,

I know what he's selling.

Usually, I push this sales pitch off by saying

"I'm just on my way out the door,

darn, I'll be gone the rest of the day"

But today was different.

As if in answer to a prayer

the Kirby salesman was at my door

offering to clean one room of carpet for free.

I've never let these guys in,

but this time?

..it was if someone had heard my

inner anguish..

{and, I have a grody room of carpet!}

BONUS!

There were actually 2 Kirby guys.

Brent & Dave come in and start

assembling a brand-new Kirby vacuum in my living room.

My old neighbor had one..

I'd even borrowed it a couple times.

At the time it just seemed like a vacuum.

I. Was. Wrong.

Brent {the main guy}

asked to see my current vacuum.

I own a Dyson.

Supposed to be a great vacuum.

When I first got it,

I loved it.

I have not been as in love with it lately.

Don't worry,

it's not clogged or dirty,

I checked.

I just haven't felt like it does as great a job anymore.

It could be because it's getting old.

Brent asked where my dirtiest area was.

He plugged in my Dyson

and began to vacuum.

In fact, he vacuumed in 3 directions.

I liked it.

My kind of "vacuumer".

I'm a very thorough "vacuumer"..

In fact, I love to vacuum.

Maybe it's because,

if I'm vacuuming,

it means

THIS ROOM IS DONE!!

{more on that later}

Then, Brent grabbed the Kirby.

If you've never seen a Kirby demo before,

they have a little attatchment they connect

where the bag should be..

..to show what their vacuum will do.

Brent put one of these little paper filters

in the attatchment.

He turned it on.

He swiped 2 times.

In the middle of the spot he just vacuumed

with my Dyson.

2 times.

Quickly.

Like..

1-Mississippi

2-Mississippi

Then, he showed us the filter..

Are you kidding me????????

How disgusting is that?????

He went around to different areas of my

living room,

each time replacing the filter..

All of it..

Gross.

Then he proceeded to put on the

shampoo attatchment and started cleaning

my carpet.

It took him about 20-25 minutes.

At this point?

I'm giddy.

There is a spot near my television

with a plum-sized spot.

It is nearly black.

Chelsea & I were waxing our legs last summer.

Chelsea may have spilled a little bit.

With trying to "clean" it,

we were left with this lovely blackish spot.

Guess what?

Gone.

The glowing circle that once was covered in dog vomit?

Gone.

My carpet?

Clean, fluffy, beautiful.

Dingy? Not at all!

Well, as you may have guessed,

and to make this long story

a wee bit shorter..

I now own a Kirby.

He even took my Dyson away.

{trade in}

Did I vacuum?

You betcha.

It was fun!

Did you know a Kirby has about a kajillion attatchments??

I shoulda taken a picture..

just imagine..

Wow.

This morning, I decided to vacuum my blinds.

Have you ever tried this?

For me, usually a monumental waste of time.

Even when I have used a wet cloth I can never get all the dust off.

Either way -

I get done and think,

"well, about half the dust is gone, that's better"

Sad, huh?

Plus, in my living room I have 10-12 foot windows.

These babies are hard to reach.

Guess what?

Thanks to a horsehair attachment

and an extender..

I have dust-free blinds..

For the first time in..

well..

For the first time.

Squeeeeeeeeeeee!

Am I in love with a vacuum??

Maybe.

It is a very strong attraction, for sure.

Expect to hear more about my musings as I vacuum.

I do a lot of thinking while I vacuum.

This could be because I spend a lot of time when I vacuum.

I love to vacuum the ceiling, the corners, the baseboards, the edges, and of course under all the furniture.

Now, I can vacuum, and actually make it worth my while.

Was it expensive?

Yep.

But this baby will last forever.

And I can't imagine why I would ever get another vacuum.

{plus - I was probably getting close to needing a new one}

Even if this vacuum completely dies,

I can have it rebuilt by the Kirby factory for $165.

And now?

I can shampoo my carpets room-by-room.

When they need it.

Quickly.

I can't even list the vacuum plans I have made with Kirby.

We're going to be fantastic friends.

In closing,

I still shouldn't answer the door.

But this time?

I'm soooo glad I did.

Oh, are you wondering what Davy thought?

Me too..

This is how he's finding out!

Love you Davy!!

..and I love you Kirby.

Hear Ye! Hear Ye!

2011-02-25T10:37:00.005-07:00

It's true!!

IT'S TRUE!!!

I finally did it!

I caught up on this ol' blog-blogitty-blog-blog..

I'm sooooo happy!!

So now what???

I'm trying to decide a direction,

if you will..

I really love my blog..

So, I think I've decided to have it help me

become more accountable..

And by it, I guess that also means you,

my legions of adoring fans..

..teehee..

{I may have the smallest legion on the planet}

I have so many projects I need to/would like to get done around here..

So I might have to check in here..

Letcha know what I've been up to..

Plus, I have a few other ideas floating around in my head..

And, I haven't forgotten the whole

Me: The Abridged Version

This whole "catch up"

well,

put me behind..

So, if you care to see all the catch up,

you'll have to go clear back to September 24..

Ugh.. I know..

{really its not THAT much}

More Medical Adventures!

2011-02-22T19:50:00.000-07:00

I really wasn't planning on this being a regular segment..

Last night Savannah was complaining

of a sharp pain on her lower right side..

..of course my first thought is appendix..

I tried not to make a big deal about it,

even when it was making her catch her breath

during scripture study..

{I had to add that^, so I could say

we haven't missed family scripture study

since January 2nd!! yay us!!}

When she woke up this morning

with the same complaint..

{and after reading on webMD to take her in

if it'd been more than 4 hours}

I took her to the ol' ER..

Let me tell ya..

When you have appendicitis symptoms

you get quick service!!

Within a few minutes

she was looking like this..

Gown.

IV.

The works..

She had to take after her daddy though..

After urine tests,

blood tests,

an X-ray,

and an ultrasound..

they couldn't prove conclusively it was an appendicitis..

So, we were sent home

to watch for fever..

or nausea/vomiting..

{which would ensure an express ticket to the ER..}

So far..

So good..

{I guess?}

If you're at all squeamish..

you might want to skip this next photo..

After her ultrasound,

her IV got a little backed up..

she thought it was cool..

Let's take a break from "Medical Adventures"

okay family??

Little Horse Behind the Prairie..

2011-02-18T14:06:00.002-07:00

^^that reference was for my dad..

My very favorite show as a kid was

Little House on the Prairie..

..and that was what he always called it..

but I digress..

Today was Prairie Day in 3rd grade..

Adi was so excited, she couldn't wait!!

{one can only hope it lived up to

her expectations..}

..and she looked pretty durn cute!!..

**thanks Kelsie for the last minute,

fabulous pioneer clothes!!

Look Ma! No Braces!

2011-02-17T15:29:00.002-07:00

This is one excited little girl!

So excited, in fact, that she came down twice to tell me she was so excited she couldn't sleep!

Our orthodontist estimated she'd be in this "first phase" of braces for 9 months, and she was just under 7!

..heading in to the orthodontist..

..heading out of the orthodontist!..

YAY for Adi!!

In other news,

today was the 6th grade Science Fair..

All I can really say,

is thank goodness it's over!

{not my favorite time of year}

Savannah did great,

and more importantly,

achieved her goal by NOT

advancing to Regionals!

Yay Savannah!

One Last Look..

2011-02-17T10:00:00.000-07:00

Take a look..

All three ladies in braces..

But not for long!

ONE of these lucky ladies will have their braces off in an hour's time..

Stay tuned..

Thanksgiving Point Ballroom Competition!

2011-02-12T16:00:00.003-07:00

Yep!

Another ballroom competition!

This was at The Barn at Thanksgiving Point..

This is a very nice barn..

In fact, Chelsea's Prom junior year was at this same Barn..

Let's get on with it..

..waiting to perform..

..her sisters are anxiously awaiting this one?..

..Adi can always spot the camera..

..waiting for music..

..and bows..

..ready position..

..Jr High level Swing..

..I love this "mid-jump" picture..

..5th place in Jr. High level Swing!!!..

Woo-hoo!!

..accepting a 2nd place medal!..

Peewee Cha-Cha

Admiring their medals!

I love Tyler in this pic - still so excited!!

After receiving 2nd place medal..

..in Peewee Swing..

{quick side-note,

one of the judges for the competition,

who judged every dance Adi was in..

Ashley Del Grosso-Costa..

better known as one of the pros on

Dancing With the Stars!

She was on the first few seasons

(before we ever watched)

and was recently on,

patiently partnered with Buzz Aldrin..

anyhoo

the best picture we got of her

^^far right..}

Looking good so far!!

Still one more dance to go!

{its hard to tell, but they're wearing TWO 2nd place medals!}

One of the things that make this partnership so fun

is that Adi & Tyler are totally buddies!

{in fact, they were best friends in 2nd grade!}

Zipper tie..

Always good to pass the time..

Accepting her medal from Ashlee Del Grosso-Costa!!

4th in Elementary Swing!!

What a great day!!

2 medals & 2 ribbons!!

Yay Adi & Tyler!!

Medical Adventures!

2011-02-06T19:36:00.001-07:00

So yesterday,

while daddy was mauling her face..

{he does that}

daddy discovered a lump on Adi's left jawline..

The more I had time to stew about it,

I decided I needed to go get it looked at..

so, instead of going to church,

we went to the after hours doctor!

{woo-woo!}

{^^not the sound Adi made..}

I'm very glad I took her..

They sent her immediately to have blood work and an ultrasound..

They were sure it was a cyst

until the ultrasound showed it had blood flow..

Apparently it is a swollen lymph node..

Odd spot..

Larger than a pea..

The best part??

{read sarcasm}

Left the house: 1:00pm

Arrived home: 5:30pm

Couldn't help but snap a few pictures..

..waiting for blood draw..

{have had some very traumatic experiences here..

suffice it to say, not happy}

..best part??

numbing cream!!

{that's the white on each arm..

didn't even feel the prick!!}

..waiting for the ultrasound..

..still happy..

..ready for the ultrasound..

..looking considerably happier..

This sums it up..

Provo High Ballroom Competition!

2011-01-29T19:24:00.002-07:00

Today Adi & Tyler had another ballroom competition!

We got them signed up late,

so they only got to participate in

Peewee Swing & Cha-cha..

{they were weird about late sign-ups}

but, they did awesome!!

5th in Cha-cha!!

4th in Swing!!

I realize this is dark,

but they're smiling so cute!!

My favorite remark from Adi?

"It worked out perfect,

because my favorite color is pink,

and Tyler's favorite color is green!!"

{see? place doesn't matter!!}

..cute little dancers..

Playing Catch Up..

2011-01-15T15:44:00.000-07:00

You know how this works..

I'm catching up on the ol' blog..

Not necessarily in any order..

So keep reading posts until you get to old stuff you've seen!!

Thanks for coming back!!

The Long, National Nightmare is Over..

2011-01-13T13:08:00.001-07:00

I. Am. Back.

I'm sure no one missed me, but I missed being here..

Yes, after 3 months and 11 days, I, have Internet again..

Now, to play catch-up..

Adeline is NINE!!!

2010-12-21T09:40:00.000-07:00

December 20, 2010

Adi's little birthday!!

I'm not sure what it is,

but Adi's birthday is always crazy hectic..

Sure, its 5 days before Christmas,

but we've learned to deal with this detail..

Let's just say, there's always other stuff on our plate..

Today was dance recital,

so basically, we got the girlies home from school

and quickly opened gifts..

Here you go..

Adi loves new books..

Flynn Rider and Rapunzel..

What, oh what could this strangely wrapped gift be?

{it was wrapped very deceptively..}

Can you see a little pink thing in Adi's right hand?? {below}

It is her dream..

The gift she has been asking for,

well, I think since she was 6..

A cel phone..

PINK, no less..

The best part??

Nobody but me knew she was getting this..

Davy was as shocked as she was!

{teehee}

Enjoy these next few pictures of Adi

giggling uncontrollably..

Happy, happy 9th birthday Lulu!!

Savannah's Crazy, Busy Week part 3

2010-12-21T09:00:00.000-07:00

Monday, December 20, 2010

Savannah's 6th grade class performed

"The Taming of the Shrew"

in their classroom..

A "theatre in the round" setting..

Actually, very good and funny!

Pretty good for 6th graders!

I love how she's the only one looking at the camera!

The Cast!

{aka her class}

In her costume,

playing the part of "Stranger"..

Great Job Mrs. Richards' class!

There should be a part 4 to this series..

That night, Savannah & Adi had their huge dance recital!

They each performed 5 dances..

{which means 5 costume changes..!}

Since a dark, high school auditorium doesn't produce the best pictures,

I'm hoping I can load on some video,

That actually turned out great..

We'll see!

Savannah's Crazy, Busy Week part 2

2010-12-16T16:10:00.000-07:00

December 16, 2010

Chime Choir Concert

This is an unusual grade school activity,

but one of my favorites..

Miss Scott, a 4th grade teacher,

is in the group

"Bells on Temple Square"

You can see them on the Tabernacle Choir Christmas Specials..

{you even see Miss Scott!!}

She started this group last year

for 4th-6th grades..

Savannah has been in both years

and loves it!

{this is one of her before school activities}

The best part?

They are incredible!!

They sound amazing!!

This year, Savannah plays the highest note!!

She is very noticeable!!

The whole group,

after Savannah switched sides..

With friend, Abby..

Savannah's Crazy, Busy Week part 1

2010-12-16T09:00:00.000-07:00

December 15, 2010

Orchestra Concert

Savannah is playing the viola in the 6th grade orchestra.

They sounded.. well, AMAZING..

For a group of beginners,

who have only been together for 3 months..

They wowed me..

..and I'm an orchestra girl!

{I played in orchestra from age 9-20}

I was also amazed at how many songs they could play!

{about 15!}

I think dad had too much fun taking pictures..

Yay orchestra!

Photo Shoot!

2010-12-06T16:58:00.000-07:00

December 5, 2010

Ah!

Finally time to take Christmas Card pics..

I love it..

I dread it..

I procrastinate it..

{okay, what don't I procrastinate?}

{you don't have to answer that..}

..she's so dimply in these two!!

LOVE IT..

..love the hand-holding in this one..

Some pictures SCREAM sepia to me..

Like this..

And especially this one..

..in their preferred state..

Next 3 photos?

My FAVORITES..

..do I have cute girls

or what??

..they live for the silliness..

..looking pretty happy to be frisked..

..warriors I, II, & III..

..just the pose for a historic pioneer home..

Always time for a jumping picture or two..

The finished product..

THANKS!

2010-11-29T16:10:00.000-07:00

GIVING!!!

Thanksgiving has always been a "big deal" to my family..

We love it..

This usually includes travel to Boise..

{minus the year I was pregnant with Adi,

and the year Meredith was pregnant with Bea}

Well -

That has all changed..

We have officially moved Thanksgiving to UTAH~

..to be more exact,

Springville!!

..meaning WE are the hosts!!

We were so excited to have my parents

and Meredith's family here with us!!

Now, for a little back story..

Meredith and I have issues..

Not BAD ones..

We just can't seem to get a good picture of our kids together..

Go back to the beginning..

Meredith's wedding..

I know this was a picture she had looked forward to..

..pretty sure this wasn't what she expected..

{granted, this was taken at the end of a very long day..}

We tried to change this..

Especially since all 5 Richards' kids were here this year..

Take a looksee..

{you'd think - not bad..

too bad Sam is missing..}

{we had 3 cameras going off

simultaneously,

hoping for a random good shot..}

{Bea escapes for a moment..}

{um.. Dave? Mere?}

{just look at that cute Adi}

WAIT!

Did you want to see the winner?

Our very favorite of the bunch?

The one we have enlarged?

The one that shows the true "feeling" of this shoot?

Here you go..

An October Evening..

2010-10-31T15:53:00.000-06:00

..more commonly called HALLOWEEN..

..or, if you live in Utah, and Halloween falls on a Sunday..

HALLOWEEN EVE..

Meredith, Dave, Bea & Sam came down to

Trick or Treat with us!!

So Fun!

So Cold! {it snowed just before we left}

So Sick! {Dave Richards, that is}

Not our best photos..

But proof that we did it!!

Maleficent, Rapunzel,

Bea the Bee, and a Skeleton..

{and Mere.. she just has to get in the pics..}

An October Morning..

2010-10-31T15:35:00.000-06:00

October 30, 2010

We had an amazing, wonderful morning!

We were able to go through the Bountiful Temple with my sister,

Meredith, as she got her endowments!

We love Mere & Dave so much, and are so excited that they can go to the temple together!!

Dave, Meredith, Marci, Davy

*just so you don't think me TOO tacky,

somehow I lost my black nylons in the temple..

Marci & Davy

Dave & Meredith

The Parentals

Marilyn & Mark

Meanwhile, back at the Richards Residence..

The babysitting crew was there!!

The little girls..

..who, I realized aren't so little,

but, it's what we call 'em!..

..Che & her biggest fan..

..the girlies..

Sam was there, just not in the "photo" mood!

What a great day!

Congratulations, Meredith!!

WDW, day 9 - and done!

2010-10-18T20:15:00.000-06:00

October 17, 2010 LAST DAY!!

Animal Kingdom

I always have a really hard time heading home, especially from WDW, because it's never quite decided when we'll be returning..

{plus, I have to pack.. UGH}

As we were heading out of the room,

we snapped a couple pictures of our various towel sculptures..

{we always leave them around the room,

somehow we don't have the heart to take them apart}

..lovebirds & mouse..

..puppy..

..small birds by our toothbrushes..

The girls posing by our room..

We had a FANTASTIC location this time!!

{right by the main building -

if you've ever stayed on Disney property

and seen how huge each property is,

(Riverside itself is 2,048 rooms)

you can appreciate how excited we were to be

right next door!!}

For our last day,

we decided to focus on

Animal Kingdom one more time..

Miss Adi

.Kilimanjaro Safaris..

..getting treats & dancing..

{is Davy telling me I can only have one??}

..touring the Yeti Museum..

..THAT is a big foot..

Expedition Everest!!

{please enjoy my

"having-fun-taking-pics-

while-on-a-roller-coaster.."}

..a final shot!!..

**have I mentioned we LOVE Disney???**

WDW - day 8 - we think it's GREAT!!

2010-10-18T20:00:00.000-06:00

October 16, 2010 - day 8

Epcot & Magic Kingdom

We were anxious to get to Epcot

so we could continue our Kim Possible missions..

This time with Dad!!..

While Chelsea & Savannah went to trade in our faulty Kimmunicator..

..Adi found Mulan!!..

..and then she found her daddy!!..

..and a lion!..

..patiently waiting..

..what for?..

I can't remember!

NORWAY Mission..

..listening to a statue of Grete Waitz..

..what? you don't know who she is??..

..she happens to be a famous Norwegian marathoner..

..watching for more clues!..

..somehow this loaded upside down..

..my fam on the cover of a

Norwegian Fashion Magazine!!

..getting ready..

..to see this red flag fly

on top of an old Viking ship..

..Savannah relaying her message..

..to receive..

..the code!..

..had to send a photo of this..

..a picture sent to the "Kimmunicator"..

..watching the picture change from this..

..to this screen..

Mission Complete!

CHINA Mission..

..listening to clues..

..a cool model of the

Terrcotta army in China..

..consulting a Chinese lion statue..

..in this window the display turned around..

..to reveal a cute little cricket

with an important Chinese symbol..

..pretty sure Davy

was more interested in having his picture taken

than in seeing..

..this jade statue rise out of the pond..

Mission Complete!

One of my "Character Goals" at Disney?

Mary Poppins.. in her white dress..

Finally - I can check that one off!!

..having a "nanny" conversation

with the children..

My favorite?

She asked Chelsea,

"do you keep your room tidy?"

Chelsea replied,

"Mostly"

to which Mary Poppins said,

"Well, at least you're honest."

My gals in the UK

with Mary Poppins..

And how could we pass up Adi's favorite princess??

{especially with a short line??}

{over in France,

and yes, we had just finished at the Patisserie..}

MEXICO Mission..

..giraffe sculptures helping out..

..this macaw had the next clue..

..quick sombrero break..

..they made that guitar play!..

..you can't tell,

but they made the far away volcano erupt!..

Last Mission Complete!

{as a side note,

if you were to try this,

you don't have to do all 7,

we just loved it and CHOSE to..}

If you can't tell,

we highly recommend the "Kim Possible" activities..

Our one suggestion??

Update?

Disney doesn't even show KP anymore..

We think Agent P would be a lovely alternative..

Finished!!

.."Aunt Matilda"..

{or, we rode Tomorrowland Speedway again}

..me & my favorite "aunt"..

..time for a late-night carousel ride..

**have I mentioned we LOVE Disney??

WDW - day 7

2010-10-18T19:24:00.000-06:00

October 15 - day 7

Hollywood Studios & Epcot

..I loved this window..

{the right leg of each ornament

kicks, so they're a cute little

kick line!}

At Epcot there is a pavillion sponsored by Coke.

They have fountain areas all over,

with sodas from around the world..

You just grab a cup and start testing..

..let's just say, most of them are nasty..

..and you can only imagine how sticky the floor is!!..

We made a new discovery..

Well, new to us,

..but we had NO IDEA how much fun this would be!!

The World Showcase side of Epcot has a Kim Possible "game"

where you are given a "Kimmunicator" {cel phone}

and you are sent to a country,

given clues,

and you catch a villain!

All of the sites in each country are interactive,

and one of the things we loved,

was that it made us explore countries

we usually don't spend a lot of time in..

Receiving our first mission slip..

Germany!

{you report to that country about a half hour after

you're given the assignment}

GERMANY Mission..

..singing steins!..

..a train with a number clue..

..cuckoo clue!..

..activiating this window,

so we could turn around and see..

..this!!..

Mission Complete!

{the last clue always had a drop-off point for our

Kimmunicator..}

By the way..

..did you need a large, crystal

Cinderella Castle??..

..if you can't see the price-tag,

this one is a steal at $37,500!!..

Epcot views..

JAPAN Mission..

..listening to clues in front of the pagoda..

...setting off a waterfall..

..lighting a lantern - with a voice clue..

..setting off wind chimes..

..this one was funny..

..in the main {big} store,

..directed toward the white screen on the left,

then "Baby-Bonnie-Bot" came out of the top

of the nearby display..

..pretty noisy, too!..

Mission Complete!

UNITED KINGDOM Mission..

..Adi giving the shopkeeper the clue..

"Danger is my cup of tea"..

..she was given a tea bag with a clue - CHAI..

..toy shop window coming to life..

..activating a coat of arms..

..listening..

..capturing the villain..

..this window filled up with water!..

Mission Complete!

Wait!

Our next mission is in France??

Well, we couldn't start it without stopping..

..at the Patisserie!!

..Savannah enjoying her chocolate chip cookie!..

{ah, so very French!}

..Adi with the new discovery,

{and I'm pretty sure a new family favorite}

lemon tart!!..

..Chelsea & her chocolate mousse lips!!..

..our favorite area to relax!!..

..and.. wow..

..okay, back to work!..

FRANCE Mission..

..opening a screen behind some books..

..waving at the Eiffel Tower..

..so it could take a picture..

..and send it to our "Kimmunicator"..

..perfume clue..

..looking through an old-time camera..

Mission Complete!!

Without enough time to start another mission,

We headed back to Future World

to ride..

Mission Space!!

..ready to board..

*have I mentioned we LOVE Disney??

WDW - day 6 - still more pics!!

2010-10-18T18:20:00.000-06:00

October 14 - day 6

Animal Kingdom, Mickey's Not So Scary Halloween Party {at Magic Kingdom}

..excited to start our safari!..

Kilimanjaro Safari - awesome..

..some of these guys get really close..

..2 year old elephant..

..YES, he's relieving himself..

{it was hilarious, and seriously, like a fire hose..}

..2 month old baby elephant..

..k, close up on this picture,

this baby is dar. ling.

{4 months old, I think?}..

..here's some video of the little guy..

..please be impressed..

..I actually downloaded a video..

Eating at the Yak & Yeti

We'll call this:

Things My Girls Do While Waiting

Flights of Wonder

One of those Animal Kingdom shows

we've never made time for..

I regret it every time,

because, simply,

Disney seldom disappoints in the "show" category..

And here the non-disappointing continued..

Loved. It.

..pre-show..

..waiting for the show to start..

..this guy flew right over our heads..

..considering birds flying over my head

completely freak me out,

this is a darn good pic!..

..they have a bald eagle!.

"Hope"

..a new favorite!..

..Tree of Life..

..my lovely girls with Everest in the background..

Time to head back to the room

& get ready for...

Mickey's Not So Scary Halloween Party..

Disney does not disappoint with their "after hour" holiday parties..

If you're ever there during one..

Check it out..

Really..

We are here!

..our Halloweenies and an enormous Pumbaa..

..out in front of Haunted Mansion..

..this "ghostly gal" was pretty hilarious..

{looked more ghostly in real life..}

..scary villains frightening an innocent princess..

..in front of Cinderella Castle..

..looking a bit spooky..

I know what you're thinking..

FIREWORKS PHOTOS??

{that's what I would think if I were looking at YOUR fireworks photos}

Relax..

There's only a couple,

and I thought they looked pretty good,

especially since we didn't even bring our "good" camera on this trip..

As you wait for the Halloween Parade to start..

..you also await..

..this guy..

..yes, I know, TWO videos..

THE HEADLESS HORSEMAN

..it was pretty cool..

..even though he didn't come racing down the parade route..

..and the pumpkin head wasn't in flames..

{I guess there's those "safety issues"}

..waiting for the parade..

{and just a little reminder for everyone..

Santa isALWAYS watching..}

Highlight of the parade?

Alice In Wonderland coming up to Chelsea,

{aka the Queen of Hearts}

..bowing,

and saying "YES! Your majesty!"

{in order to keep her head}

Davy didn't see it,

..but we do have Alice after she passed us..

..here.. on the far right..

..just acouple pics from the parade..

{okay, ones that turned out}

..snooping around Minnie's kitchen..

..love the Halloween Party!..

..heading home after midnight..

*have I mentioned we LOVE Disney?

WDW - day 5 - {I can't think of an appropriate rhyme}

2010-10-18T17:49:00.000-06:00

October 13, 2010 - day 5

Blizzard Beach, Hollywood Studios, Downtown Disney

..we're here!!..

..posing with our favorite snow family!..

..sitting in the stands,

waiting for our crazy sister & daddy!..

Summit Plummet..

120 feet tall
speeds up to 60 mph
2nd tallest freefall slide in the world
fastest freefall slide in the world

..and my husband and firstborn decide they're going on it..

::loons::

..I'm hoping at this point they're saying to each other..

"what were we thinking??"

..Chelsea - in position..

..going over the edge..

..54 mph splash..

..readjusting.. and DONE!!..

..Davy's turn..

..here he comes..

..56 mph..

..crazy man..

We love this water park..

Nothing can compare to this one..

..formulating a plan..

..more planning..

..we love Teamboat Springs!..

{does it look like Chelsea is in the middle of a tirade?}

..WOO-HOO!!..

..TA-DA!!..

..Adi & I tend to walk faster than everyone else..

..Miss Adi & Button..

..parting shot in front of Summit Plummet..

After going back to the room to shower and have lunch,

it was off to Hollywood Studios!

But first, we took advantage of having a bus all to ourselves!!

..if you've ever traveled by Disney buses,

you understand what I'm talking about..

..they LOVE Tower of Terror!!..

{well, we all do}

..the toys are ready!!..

Best. Ride. Ever.

..the chicken coop from the Hannah Montana Movie!!..

..the Earful Tower..

..the skeleton-head-ball-thing from Pirates 2..

{remember, Captain Jack running in it like a gerbil??}

..Walt Disney's private jet..

..used while scoping out land for WDW..

..Davy Jones' actual organ from

Pirates of the Caribbean 2..

..Queen Narissa costume from Enchanted..

We didn't go to "The American Idol Experience"

at Hollywood Studios..

..but we did take advantage of the AI backdrop..

..Lulu..

..go Chels!..

..Bizbannah..

..looks like they didn't love Davy..

..ya.. I don't know..

..Sorcerer Mickey hat..

We decided {kinda last minute} to head to Downtown Disney..

We took the boat from our hotel..

{about a 25 minute ride}

..the boat captain gave Adi this coin..

{it says, "I was caught being good"}

..this is a new hot air balloon experience

at Downtown Disney..

..the balloon is huge!

{I think it holds 30 passengers?}

..we could see it during the day from Epcot..

..another view..

..oh wow..

..unbelievable looking treats at Goofy's Kitchen..

..Goofy's Periodic Table of Elements..

{I thought this was cute}

..waiting to be seated at Rainforest Cafe..

..you have no idea how difficult this picture was..

..this one was much easier..

..this is dark - but I love the way it looks!..

..ah! a better setting!!..

..Mr. Potato Head & friends..

..visiting Buzz..

World of Disney

{huge Disney Park store}

..this is a huge Stitch..

..wearing a pirate costume..

..and spitting..

..we love Pirates!..

..especially scary, girly ones!!..

..another entrance with a pumpkin coach..

...Adi and her favorite princess..

..Savannah even loves Lego dogs!..

..4 princesses!..

**have I mentioned we LOVE Disney??**