Oops, I forgot Sydney

Okay, I didn't really forget her, but I did forget to post on the bloggity blog about her birthday. So here are some pictures from the event.

I made her dress a while back for our last trip to Disney so I thought it would be a fun party to do. Several years back my mother-in-law gave me Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs nutcrackers, so they were perfect for decorations. For the decor, I also made tissue paper pom poms and homemade garlands. I made the carmel apples for party favors. We had sandwhiches and salads for lunch. There you have the quick version of the party.

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.



Yearly Zoo Trip

On Monday we took our almost annual Spring Break trip to the Hoggle Zoo. The kids all had a great time. They enjoyed being outside seeing the animals. Lots of excited faces!

 Here are some pictures of the animals. They are doing some major construction at the zoo and as a result several animals were "missing." But there was still plenty to see.

 The kids enjoyed a ride on the carousel, especially Sydney, she was all smiles.

 When we asked the kids what their favorite thing at the Zoo was, of course they said the playground. Well we don't need to go to the Zoo for that!!!!

Michigan!

Last week I was in Michigan on a "family history" trip. Sydney and I jumped on a plane and met my sister Andrea and her daughter Anna in Detroit. We spent our first evening with Grandma Chiapelli looking through old photo albums. My sister was busy taking pictures of pictures. It was great looking at pictures of when she was younger but also she has several pictures of me when I was young as well. We also got to do the photo album thing with my Pop Pop in Petosky. I left my fancy camera at home, so I depended on my sister for taking most of the pictures, but here are some I do have.
Here are some pictures from some of the visits.

 We don't get to Michigan very often, so it was great to see so people we haven't seen in 8 years and some even longer then that. Grandma Chiapelli, Uncle Larry, my mom, Kym, Dana, Jeffery, Matty, Alex, Pop Pop and Grandma Rosemarie, Aunt Jean, Uncle David and Aunt Mary, cousin Becky and her 5 kids. It was great seeing so my family and it makes me want to make more efforts to get out their more frequently.
Here are some pictures from my Pop Pops house. I have so many great memories from his farm!

 Here we are goofing around at the outhouse and checking out the old cars and the airplane.

 Here are some other random pictures. On our way up north we stopped in Frankenmuth (a little German town) for lunch at the Bavarian Inn.

On the way home, we had to leave for the airport at 7am so my sister would be on time for her 10 am flight. We got to the airport at 8 am and when I was checking in they were asking for people to be bumped from my flight, so I said I would for $800 credit. So Sydney and I hung out in the Detroit Airport till 5:30 pm. Good thing it is a nice airport. we road the train, hung out in the bookstore, played in the play area, and of course did a little eating. About and hour into our flight home, Sydney threw up all over me and her seat. Lets just say the next 3 hours were very pleasant!!!
All in all a great trip.

Mission Reunion April 2011

On April 1st was the Temple Square Mission Reunion and as one of my last catering jobs (for awhile) I agreed to cater it. I had originally planned something a little bit fancier, but I was leaving the next day for Michigan, so I had to tone it down. I still think it turned out nice. We had gourmet sandwiches, fresh fruit, nuts about berries salad, sesame pasta salad, and cupcakes for desseret.Here is everyone who was there. I wish I could name everyone, but I'm embarrassed to say I can't. (Not really). It was fun to see some old friends, but I spent a lot of time in the kitchen which was just fine with me.

Here I am with my mission president. President (Rusty) Snow!

I was horrible with taking pictures. I took lots of the food, but that was about it.