Disneyland, again!

We went to Disneyland again and of course we had a great time. (How could we not, it is the most magical place on earth.) The kids were great. Tanner and Isaac just love riding the thrill rides. Kevin and his dad took them to Knotts Berry Farm one day so they could ride some real roller coasters.

This trip the parks were more crowded then we are used to, but we still managed to do everything we wanted several times. The wait to visit the princesses was 90 minutes long, but we managed to work it in around lunch and we took turns waiting in line while the kids were eating. Otherwise the lines were manageable. While we were there we realized that Sydney has turned into quite the diva and that we have our work cut out for us so that she doesn't turn into a spoiled brat!

We have one more trip planned to Disney in September and then we will be taking a break. Up next on the vacation list...an Alaskan cruise (maybe). Still trying to decide if we can afford it.

The Dam Valley of Fire

On our way to Disneyland we decided to go the scenic route and swing by Valley of Fire and the Hoover Dam. We had never been to Valley of Fire and some day when it is not windy I would like to go back. Seriously the wind was horrific. We packed a picnic lunch and everytime I took a bite I would crunch on gritty sand. Yuckers! The wind was so bad that we only did one hike, so like I said I would like to go back someday and really see it.

We have been to the Hoover Dam before. Last time we were there, they were building an enormous bridge and I really wanted to see it. Little did I know that you could actually walk across it. I knew we were safe, but that still didn't stop me from being terrified that one of my kids would find a way to fall to their death. We survived to tell the tale.

Tanner's Rock Band PARTY!

As we started getting closer to Tanners 9th birthday, I attempted to bribe him with $100 dollars to avoid doing his birthday party. He was fine with that...but then I started feeling quilty. So a few weeks before I decided to do one, but not get carried away with it. He likes Rock Band, so I thought that would be perfect. Easy enough.

I went to the internet to look for cake ideas. There were no simple Rock cakes out there. So I decided to go with a guitar. I have never done a carved cake before. And with all the fondant, it kinda took a long time.

I didn't do a ton for decor. Just hung some stars and guitars (inflatable) from the ceiling. Put the goody bags in the center of the table and threw some star confetti all around.

We had pizza and IBC Rootbeer for dinner. Cake and ice cream for dessert.

For entertainement, I split the kids into 2 teams. Each team had to come up with a band name and make a rock poster. Then we headed to the basement for Rock Band. Each team played 4 different songs and I kept score. Then each team played the same, a head to head competition. I was really worried about some of the songs on Rock Band, whether they were appropriate for 8-9 year olds, so I decided to buy Lego Rock Band thinking the songs would all be kid appropriate. They were not. Which was very frustrating. O-well, another party done. I have decided 9 years is the cutoff for parties at my house. They just are not as fun to plan when their older.