Take 3

Now that I have more technology, I will update more often. Hope everyone had a great Christmas. Ours was wonderful. Time was spent and memories created with our families. Pictures to follow soon.

Disneyland

I wonder just how many times I could go through our blog and see just how many posts I have aobut Disneyland? This summer Aaron and I renewed our passes and are determined to get our money's worth. Shouldn't be that hard since a ticket is over $100.

An ASU Softball Alum was coming out to the OC and Lancaster, and we decided to meet at the Happiest Place on Earth. I had only seen pictures of Kaitlin and Hunter, and we were so happy to meet them.

Jeffrey wasted no time talking to her and making friends with Murph and Ryan. Alexis was her 'charming' self. It was so cool to hang out once again. I really do miss all the girls from ASU - all sports.

After we left Murph we were on our own. We did the tea cups, played around and my sister and Bear were so cool and brought us dinner.

Day 2 began bright and early for us. It was our family goal to get to Star Tours. For those that don't know, Star Tours recently opened up. Disneyland opened up at 8:00. We got there at 8:25 and the line was already 1 hr, 40min. The line to get a fastpass was 15min. It was pure madness. We got there, got our passes and split up. We went with my mother-in-law, and sister-in-law and family, so Aaron and Jeff and crew went on Space Mountain. Lexi and I hit Dumbo. Jeff came back completely jazzed. Alexis loved having her Mommy and Me time. While they went on one ride, Alexis and I hit three. She had a major turning point in her life... she wanted to take a picture with the characters. I got pictures of her with various characters, but Eeyore was her favorite.

We went over to California Adventure and got Fastpasses for Soarin' Over California, and let the kids get wet. Jeffrey also had the chance to see his Cars Heroes ~ Lightning McQueen & Mater.

After a little lunch we went back to ride Star Tours and let me tell you, it was well worth getting up early and getting a pass for. We also sat down and got our seats for the Jedi Training Academy. We had seen it once before, but Jeff did not get picked. And this time whadayaknow... Jeffrey got picked to be a Padawon! He went through his training and got his chance at Darth Vader. He was on Cloud 9!

We ended the day at the parade. I liked it! The had all the characters and it turned out to be pretty cool. The kids had a blast, and Aaron and I were exhausted by the end of the day. However, we did agree... we can't wait to go back.

Summer Time in OC

If there's one thing that means it's summer, it is the constant visits to the OC. Don't get me wrong, it's not that I am complaining, but we try to compensate for not being there during the regular year.

Summer is where we take advantage of the weekday activities. Now that my dad is retired, he comes along on these adventures.He says it's because he wants to spend time with us. I know it's because I give him snacks, and he's gauranteed a meal. Nonetheless, we love having him and spending time with him. We decided to go to the "Duck" Park. Well the kids decided they wanetd to go on the swings, and so did my Dad. It was on the swings that my Dad decided he wanted to jump. Me, being the good daughter asked him to wait so he could be safe and I could get a good shot. He didn't and nearly killed himself on the landing. Apparently a week later, he is still sore, and has a bruise. Words and pictures do not do his jump justice. A video would have been epic...

After our swing expedition we decided to brave the ducks. And I really do mean brave them. First off let me ask, when did they outlaw feeding the ducks? I was very surprised. We went and the kids loved them. Until they began to attack... Lexi being my little Daredevil would get close and closer until......

They ran after her. Most kids would probably come running back crying, not my Alexis. She was loving it! I don't get this kid... she is afraid of family, but Geese and Ducks, no problem!

San Diego

Right after school ended we went down to OC to go to three events in one day. A baby welcoming, baby shower, and a graduation party.

After all those events in one day, we needed a vacation.

We headed off to San Diego and Sea World. We had gone to Sea World over Spring Break to activiate our passes and used them to the fullest those two days.

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Alexis once again really enjoyed Elmo's Fun Land, while Jeffrey got to experience Atlantis. His new favorite ride... like 6 times.

We also saw the soft opening of the new turtle reef and ride. We ended up spending two nights there and it was just the break that we needed.

5 year Letter to Jeffrey

Jeffrey James,
I cannot believe that I am writing your 5 year letter to you. It seems like it was yesterday that I had you in my tummy and you were projected to be 10lbs.! For the most part,

you are a happy little guy who enjoys making others laugh.
This past year you have experienced many different things, and your true personality is beginning to show. This year brought your love for Star Wars, first loss, t-ball, rollercoaster rides, 2nd wedding, etc. All in all, you handled each situation like a champ.
You participated in your Tia Kristi and Bear’s wedding. You did awesome walking down the aisle and hammed it up at the reception. Not to mention ‘Your Bear’ became part of this family.
T-ball was something that deep down we hoped you would take up, but never wanted to force it on you. We asked if you wanted to play, and you really seemed to love it. You met many new friends and made us laugh when you made your friend “Gonner” whose real name was “Connor”. Your first season was one to remember almost all of your family made it up to see you play. You did your best on the field, and had a few chalk fights here and there.
I always knew you’d be more daring than I was, but was hoping you were not as daring as your dad. You have ridden Pirates of the Caribbean before you were 2. I was hoping that you would hold off on the bigger rides… hope not prevailed. This year you begged to go on Thunder Mountain with your cousins, and Mommy holding you down. My first Thunder Mtn ride, I buried my head and squeezed my eyes shut. You laughed and put your hands up!
You truly enjoy and love your family. You love talking, playing, and simply hanging out with all of your family. As you Mommy, I always wanted pass on the importance and love for family, and it seems like you are grasping it.
And speaking of family… this year was a bit different for you. This past year your Tita went up to Heaven. You were upset, and it took some time for you to adjust and understand that she lives in your heart. I don’t know if you’ll remember her, but you don’t know how special you and Alexis had/have it. You two were the first Kavanagh’s to have 4 great-grandparents, and 4 grandparents – that had not happened in a LONG time. I will tell you, so you don’t ever forget, that your Tita loved you very much.
One major thing, that seems to rule your movie nights, is Star Wars. You have become the biggest fan of all the movies. You love knowing all the characters, and asking questions about them. It makes me laugh in side that you challenge me about what movies they were in. You ask me, don’t like me answer, and proceed to ask your dad. Who then proceeds to tell you that I was right all-along You constantly play Jedis with just about anyone, and Alexis has gotten in on it, named herself Yoda.. Most recently you were picked at the Jedi Academy and got to fight Darth Vader. You thought it was so cool.
This next year will bring a lot of change for you. You will begin Kindergarten and leave the comforts of Ms. Vickie. This change, I feel will have a great effect on all of us. You will no longer be with your sister, nor Ms. Vickie. While we know that you are more than ready for this, Mommy is still struggling with this.
As I write this, you have two loose teeth. I am anticipating this will fall out soon, with little to no drama.

We look forward to watching you grown and become your own little person.

Love always,
Mommy

Spring Break in HB 2011

So we were on Spring Break this last week, and I would say that we took full advantage of it.

Sunday landed us at the outlets - Coach, Carter, Nike, we hit them all. The kids, for the most part, were okay. Minimal complaining, maximum snacking. We ended the day by eating Bobs Big Boy. I could not have been happier. At night we went to go see Gnomeo and Juliet. The kids are really getting into seeing movies, or popcorn with raisinettes, either way everyone leaves happy.

Monday we went to Disneyland. My dad is now retired, and so we decided to go. I should mention that it was pouring, but we survived it. The kids hardly complained, and if they did, well we didn't really hear it.

Tuesday landed us at Sea World... with about half the teaching population. The penguino man, aka Josh, came through again, and gave us tickets. The kids had a blast. My sister came, and we had a lot of fun. The kids got to go on rides, see the animals, and feed the sea lions. They had a blast. I don't understand them... when we were at Sea World in November, they didn't like the starfish, it was too slippery, cold, etc. But when I gave them a fish to feed the sea lion, they acted like pros.

Wednesday was an important occasion. My Nino Raul was going to retire on March 25, 2011. Our plan was to leave on Thursday right after my birthday dinner, so the kids and I decided to surprise him with balloons. He worked at the hospital for an astounding 44 years.

Thursday was my birthday, and to tell you the truth, I didn't take a picture I liked, but to recap... Breakfast on the beach, alerto's for lunch, and Stonefire for dinner. It was low key, and I was happy.

All in all we had a great break, and the kids had a great time. Only 9 more weeks to summer...

Thank you for playing..

Sea World Weekend

So we had a 4 day weekend and decided to take full advantage of it. We have a friend who was the best man in our wedding who works at Sea World. He has affectionately been renamed "Penguin Man". Penguin Man, aka Josh, was able to get us three passes to Sea World, so off we went. The kids were excited, Jeffrey has been a few times before, but Alexis has not.

We decided to sandwich the trip with a visit to HB as well. The kids were excited and they even decided not to fight.

No matter how many times I go, I love it. There is something to seeing these beautiful creatures in their environment, and seeing them interact with humans. While I am SCARED TO DEATH about seeing whales through the looking glass, I refuse to let me kids be scared.

My kids have me completely confused - what I thought they would find fun, they did not like. What I thought they might find boring, they loved. Hmph. I thought they would love the tide pool... eh, not so much.

Alexis was not so fond of putting her hands in the cold water. Once she held the fish, she wanted to chuck it!

This was the only picture I could get in. Jeff did not want to be part of the shot.

The kids did not nap, and had a late dinner. It almost made for a bad combination, but we survived. It makes me laugh that they completely crash... together. They have done this a few times before. They drive me crazy, but at the end of the day... with them asleep, clutching their souvenirs, it makes it all worth it.