surprise!

About a year ago, Legoland opened a themed hotel on the property.

For my Lego-lovin' kid, it was like a dream come true.

However, after researching the cost, Jack knew that we would never be staying there.

Fast forward to a few weeks ago, when I got an email I couldn't refuse:

An amazing deal for a mid-week stay.

We were off the whole week for Thanksgiving…

it was meant to be.

The kids and I enjoyed a day at the park, 

they were totally unaware of the stay.

she's finding her Kindergarten words everywhere now

I was an anxious mom….wanting to surprise them SO badly.

But, also wanting to enjoy the day…

But eventually…

Then we explored the hotel and all the details that seemed to be made just for 

my Lego fan(s).

We had so much fun.
We came back on Wednesday, and every day since my kids
have asked me if I have seen "any more good deals" so we can come back!

bucket list. check.

Cross another thing off my bucket list!

( I don't have a real bucket list, but this would totally be on it if I did!)

SeaWorld had an awesome deal in October…kids free for all animal interactions.

The beluga whale interaction is something I've always wanted to do!

So…we did!

 These creatures are amazing!

 So happy to do this with my favorite 10 year old.

 We explored Sea World some more (took advantage of their trick or treating…AWESOME)

 We did another, not in the water, tour as well.

Mostly for Molly, who waited patiently while we were in the water.

(You have to be 10 to participate in the water interactions and I am pretty confident she will remember and remind me of this in 4.5 years)

 She LOVED the whales as much as I did.

 Unlike the song about the baby beluga ("little white whale on the go"),

this baby, named Pearl, is 3 years old.

Baby belugas are born grey and slowly turn white as they mature.

 We also met a walrus…he was so cool.

Big and slobbery and gross.

But, so very cool.

I am so happy that I got to have this day…We won't ever forget it!

lazy blogger

Life seems to keep getting busier and busier. And then, when it's not, I still don't think of blogging like I used to. I blame Facebook and Instagram. It's making me a lazy blogger.

A friend reminded me I can blog from my phone…so, here are some pics from my cell that I haven't blogged about…

My high school reunion happened. My 20 year high school reunion. 

It was so much fun…I was in charge of the slideshow, which was a fun project. Good to think back and remember memories and people. Like this guy…he's one of my bestest friends from high school.

These two, however, I have known since KINDERGARTEN. It makes me wonder, will the kids in my class today, still be friends in 30 something years?? Crazy.

Moving on….Kids are growing. School pictures always are a slap in the face of that reality.
Sigh.

We said goodbye to our brother in law last month (Ken's sister's husband). It was a wonderful service, and the kids were happy to be with extended family.

(we stayed at the beach with the Ohio Coopers, since our tiny condo would not accommodate 8 extra people!)

And the pumpkin patch. We didn't buy our pumpkins there, instead the kids jumped on all kinds of inflatables...

Halloween! Molly was happy to wear her "fairy" costume to school (this pic is missing the wings!)…I was Pete the Cat, who is a Kindergarten hero these days.

Jack has been attending youth group at church. They wrote a movie script for Christmas and have been rehearsing and filming…He's Joseph.

We are enjoying our Disneyland passes…I am glad we ended up getting them again. It's a nice little break for us, we went last week after school.

The Christmas decorations at the mall send me into a panic, but they are acceptable and welcomed when I am at Disneyland.

I will try to be better about this little space. 

I don't even know who reads anymore….

Anyone? Hello?