Airbag v. Pumpkin

Airbag wins.  [A video will be posted in the near future.]

Pumpkin Pancakes

Keeping a tasty tradition alive!  Though we are not positive, Cindy (aka Lou) and I believe this is the 10th year of our tradition.  While we may not always get to enjoy the breakfast together, or even in the same state, it is a tradition we treasure and have shared with others through the years.  We were excited to have it this year with our good friend, Heather, and my cute family.  If you haven’t had them, stop by your local Mimi’s Café, during the month of November, to enjoy some tasty pumpkin pancakes of your own.

Day After Thanksgiving Dinner

We had a traditional Thanksgiving dinner at Nathan’s parents’ on Friday.  Sharon and Bob hosted a wonderful dinner.  Shannon and Crystal each brought a tasty side dish and dessert as well.  I lucked out with rolls, seeing as we were on vacation.  Nathan had requested a deep fried turkey, so he and Bob made it happen.

Family Pictures

All of you who have had family pictures taken, know the adventure it can be.  The Edwards family had their first family pictures taken since all three boys have been married.  Luckily, our photographers were good friends and very patient.  I snapped a few pictures myself.

Knott’s Merry Farm

Well, it wasn’t so merry, but it made a memory.  We began our adventures in Camp Snoopy at Woodstock’s Airmail.  I have posted the pictures of before, during and after the ride.  You judge for yourself.

At that point, Avery was done and refused to go on any more rides.  So, we had some lunch.  Avery decided the Grand Sierra Railroad looked okay, so we quickly went on that before she changed her mind.

Then Dylan went on Red Baron and LOVED it.  He had such a blast.

We wandered around some after that and headed to the High Sierra Ferris Wheel, at the kids request.  Well, the line took FOREVER and Avery fell asleep.  Not just a normal sleep, a deep, we checked for breathing, sleep.  It made a great picture.  Dylan enjoyed the ride as long as it moved slowly, but once it picked up he buried his head and remained that way until it ended.

Well, that about did it for us.  The kids had been sufficiently traumatized and Nathan and I were done too.  We took the long way out of the park, which the kids enjoyed walking and just looking around.  We stopped for a few pictures before we left Knott’s and headed over to Nathan’s parents.

After a dinner as unique as our day (nothing against Sharon, she had no idea we were coming and my kids and Nathan were very happy with cereal… I had Jack in the Box) we chalked this Thanksgiving up to memorable, but not one we would like to repeat.

 

Burbank to Buena Park

Wednesday of our vacation was a busy driving day.  We met Grandma Jackie and Aunt Susan for lunch at 11:30 in Burbank at this tasty place, Don Cuco’s.  We had such a good time and talked for hours, literally.  Then, due to pre-Thanksgiving traffic, it took us two hours to get home.  When I saw 3:30 quickly clicking closer and closer I knew we were in trouble with expecting the kids to be back in the car by 5:00 to head to dinner in Buena Park.  So, dinner was a solo mission on my part.  I met some good friends at Chili’s and we had a great time catching up and laughing about the good ole’ days.  Unfortunately, I forgot to take my camera.

Keeping Old Traditions Alive

Before Nathan and I moved to Utah, and before any of us had kids, we used to get together monthly with three other couples and have dinner.  Well, times have changed, but the friendships remain strong.  Last night we went to dinner at the Black’s home for great food and amazing company.  There was a lot of laughter and the kids got along great.  While I forgot to get a picture of the adults, here are a few of the kids.  I have snuck an incriminating picture of Nathan in, shhhh… don’t tell!

Thank you Aaron and Amanda for hosting a wonderful evening, it was great to see you and Darren and Megan.  Joe and Amanda, you were missed!

The Happiest Place on Earth

I really don’t think Avery thinks that Disneyland is the happiest place on earth.  This picture pretty much sums up the majority of her day.

Dylan did pretty well, as long as we kept him on rides that were outside, and not inside and therefore “dark and scary.”  Both the kids loved the Astro Orbitor (we went on those twice) and Autopia.

The kids (and I) loved the Christmas parade.  They somewhat patiently sat and waited for it, while eating their treats… and then it came, and they were so excited and waved at everyone and everything that passed by.

We got to see a few characters around the park, Tigger being the favored.

When all was said and done, 11 hours later (which I think is pretty good for little kids), Dylan’s favorite ride was the Buzz Lightyear Astro Blasters and Avery’s was (no surprise) King Arthur’s Carrousel.

We had a great time and thank Shannon for getting us signed in and coming with us.