the happiest place on earth

Disneyland is definitely the happiest place on earth for a 2 year old girl and her parents. There were too many cute pictures from Disneyland that I figured it deserved it's own post!

We spent 2 days in Disneyland on our trip to California. Although the 1st day of Disneyland was not so "happy" for me, the 2nd day made up for it. I got my first opportunity to go to the "happiest place on earth" with the stomach flu. As all mom's know...you just have to push through the pain to make our kids happy...right! Even with the stomach flu...I love seeing the magic in my daughters eyes when she sees Minnie, Mickey, and of course the Princesses.




We found Minnie in Toon Town. This is one of Lyza's favorite characters. Lyza asked Minnie if she could give her a kiss on the nose?


Lyza wasn't quite sure about Mickey...she wouldn't take her eyes of him the entire time. Not even for a picture.

We only spent a few hours at Disneyland the 1st day...mom could only last so long. Even with the abbreviated day the little one was still exhausted.

Here is Day #2 of our Disneyland adventure...and what a better day it was. We had perfect weather, healthy stomach's, and hours of fun ahead of us.

This is Lyza's favorite mode of transportation. I think she spent better part of the day on "daddy's shoulders."

This is Lyza and I as we entered the Peter Pan ride...

This is Lyza's face during the Peter Pan ride. I loved this look of amazement. Everything is so grand and fantastic to kids at this age.

The absolute best part of our trip to Disneyland was the Princess Pavilion. Lyza is enamored with all of the Princess's but especially Belle. As you stand in the very long line to meet the Princess's you don't know who you will get to see. When we finally got to the front of the line, the worker asked Lyza which Princess she wanted to see the most? Lyza replied "I love Belle." The worker said she loved Belle as well, but couldn't promise that she was in the line.

Our turn was up next. I put Lyza down so she could walk around the corner on her own. As we turned the corner the first thing we saw was Belle...dressed in Lyza's favorite gown. I wish I had her instant expression on video. Lyza said, "Mom, it's Belle!!" Belle sat down on the ground and said Hello to Lyza. Lyza climbed into her lap and stayed there for a good 5 minutes.

Belle was absolutely darling with her. She talked to her, asked her questions, and even tore off a piece of her yellow gown for Lyza to take home as a present. To say Lyza was in HEAVEN is an understatement. Disney definitely knows their stuff. They pretty much sealed the deal that we will visit Disneyland again and again. They know how to get to the heart strings of all parents...and that is through the twinkling eyes and excited faces of their children.

Lyza also got to see Jasmine. But don't worry all Lyza talked about with Jasmine was Belle.

Here Lyza is with Sleeping Beauty.

After all the excitement of the day, a Disneyland Ice Cream was in order.

Just a fun picture in the park. Lyza was so good all day. We didn't even have any "Disneyland Meltdowns."

A great finale to a fabulous day. We got to see fireworks over the Princess Castle. What a fun experience we had as a family. I am not sure who had more fun...Lyza or her parents. Steven and I loved watching Lyza have so much fun.

As soon as the fireworks were over, our girl was out. I am sure she was dreaming about all of the fun things she got to do and see at Disneyland...and oh yes, reliving her conversation with Belle!

Steven and I decided for now this is our favorite vacation destination with our kids. We have never experienced Disney this way. We hope to return again soon.

sunny california!

Sunny California!!! What a fun place to vacation. We took a little family trip to So. Cal. for Steven's 30th Birthday. I am a bit behind in my posts...since we did take this trip in August. But hey better late then never. The first thing Steven did when we got to California was to introduce his daughter to Thirfty's Ice-Cream. "The best Ice-Cream" according to him. Lyza took to it instantly. We had 5 fun filled days in California...and here are a few of the highlights...

On Friday night we went to L.A. to see "Wicked." This is my favorite show. I have seen it a few times in New York, but this was Steven's first time.

Scott and Larissa came with us to see "Wicked"

We got to have breakfast on the beach. (Yes Lyza is in her Princess Crown from Disneyland...she rarely took it off the entire trip.)

Here is Lyza on her way to the beach in her cover-up, sunglasses, and oh yes...what is on her head...THE CROWN!!!

We had a couple of beautiful days to play at the beach. Lyza loved the water (Steven was thrilled) her favorite part of the ocean was being able to spit the salty water out of her mouth.

We buried Lyza in the sand up to her waist. She thought it was such a blast.

My 2 favorite people taking in some "rays." Lyza wanted to trade sunglasses with Steven. I don't know...I think Steven looks good in pink shades?

Lyza loved cheering on the surfers in the ocean!

We had a BBQ and pool party at Scott and Larissa's house before we left for the airport. It was such a fun trip.

can we be best friends?

"Mom, can we be best friends?"

This is the question I heard come out of my daughters mouth this morning as we were snuggling in bed. My initial reaction was to just let the tears (that were welling up in my eyes) flow freely down my face, squeeze her so tight, and just pray that time would stand still...FOREVER!

If only she knew how much I wanted her question to come true. I would love nothing more then to be her best friend and confidant. I pray every day that she knows she is loved. As parents I think we struggle finding a happy middle ground between friend and disciplinarian. I want my children to know that I am their parent. That there are rules and guidelines that have to be followed. And on the other hand...I want them to know that I am there for them always!

I needed to document this moment...for I know that it will only be a few short years until I am no longer cool in her eyes. I am sure if she is anything like I was to my mother...we will hit our rough patches. But one thing will remain constant and that is my love for her. For now I am enjoying the moment.

So in answer to your question Lyza...YES!!! I would love to be your BEST FRIEND!

the world has been a better place

For 30 years today the world has been a better place because you have been here. Today is a day I want to thank your mother for having you...because having you made my life what it is.

In honor of this big milestone in your life...I'll share 30 reason's why I love you.

I love....

1. That you love me...somedays I am sure you don't know why you love me...but for some odd reason you do.


2. I love the way you look at Lyza. The way I see so much love in your eyes for her.


3. Your ability to make me laugh at you when I am so mad.


4. The way you love others. I have never met a person who thinks about other so much. I often joke about how you would give all you had to someone else and let us be homeless and penniless if you could. But even though I tease you about it...I wouldn't have it any other way.


5. Your integrity. If it is not right...Steven is not doing it.


6. The intense love you have for ice-cream. You could have it for every meal and think you were in heaven. I never knew such a love existed for a dairy product until I started dating you.
   
7. The way your mind never stops. You think 24/7.


8. Your work ethic. You won't stop until a job is done and is done right. I always tell you that this is the one thing I need our children to learn from you.


9. The way you will talk to me at night in bed even if you are exhausted.


10. Your belly laugh...the laugh you do when you think something is hilarious. I could listen to you laugh like this all day.


11. The way you will make sure you do all that you can to create the life we have dreamed of.


12. The fact that for your 30th birthday present you chose to take Lyza and I to Disneyland. I am not sure who had more fun Lyza or You!


13. On that note...the fact that you truly are a 12 year old boy trapped in a 30 year old's body.


14. I love that you let me rub your feet in bed...even though it drives you crazy.


15. The way you think you are the toughest parent...but somehow that "look" from Ly Ly's eyes pearces straight to your heart.


16. The fact that you want to give your children all the opportunites in life that you could possibly give.


17. That your dad is your hero.


18. The way you let me freak out pretty much everyday that the "sky is falling." You listen to me and say that you understand that I am scared and then tell me that everything is going to be fine.


19. Your ability to fix everything.


20. That you are my best friend.


21. That Lyza gets very anxious if you are not there at night to read her a story and say prayers.


22. The way you love your family. You put family above all other things.


23. That I feel safe with you.


24. That missing a party or some kind of gathering is absolutely out of the question. You are my social butterfly.


25. That you cried so hard when Lyza was born. This is one of the moments in our life that I always think about. You were so proud of her.


26. Your loyalty. Once you have made a friend or loved someone...it is for good. You will protect that person from that moment on.


27. The way you always tell me you had a "Great day"...even when I know it was a hard one.


28. That you run marathon's. I think this is an amazing accomplishment and something you have always wanted to do.


29. That you will watch "girlie" movies and t.v. shows with me.


30. Your optimism. Everything is a possiblity in your eyes.
    

I haven't been able to love you your entire 30 years on this earth, but I am glad that I get to love you for your next 30.

Happy Birthday Babiya...

when you are tired...you are tired!

This is when you know you have partied hard! We were walking back from watching some fireworks and Lyza just couldn't last any longer. It was so cute to see her just snuggled up on her daddy's head. Everyone around us just laughed when they saw she was actually asleep that way.

26.2 miles

There are so many reasons you make me proud, and this is one of those reason's. You are probably one of the most dedicated and determined men I have ever met. You ran 26.2 miles for the 3rd time this year. We are so proud of you.

I love that you get tears in your eyes when you see Lyza and I cheering you on at the end. I love that you had Lyza run the last few yards with you as you crossed the finish line. I love that Lyza holds your cheeks in her hands and says..."i am proud of you daddy, good job."

Thank you for always striving to be better. For setting and acheiving goals. And for always making us proud!

marvelous manhattan!

Welcome to one of my favorite cities in the world. Oh how I love New York...this is a city that I could visit once a month and never get tired of. I love the hustle and bustle on every corner. The fact that you can wander around the streets and just look at the magnificent buildings and the interesting people that fill the sidewalks. Oh and a course my two favorite things about New York...the shopping and Broadway Musicals!!! My sisters, mom and I got to take a "girl's vacation" to New York in June of this year. (Thanks Steven!) Seriously, you can't imagine the fun we had. Below are some of our highlights.

I love this picture of the traditional New York Brownstone. I sit and look at this picture and imagine the people that must live here. This is what New York is for me...streets filled with Brownstones and taxi's.

On the first day of our trip Shalice and I happened upon a little clothing line by Sarah Jessica Parker called "Bitten" and we were just that...BITTEN! Needless to say we spent quite a bit of time with Sarah Jessica Parker on this trip. Sharielle didn't get to join us until our 2nd day...we were sad...so we shopped to numb our pain. :)

Mom was such a good sport the entire time. She would go anywhere we wanted to go. We loved having her with us.

Here is Shalice and I at Ground Zero. We are standing in front of rendering picture of the future World Trade Center. I can't believe it has been so long since 9/11. What an undertaking!

This picture is a bit out of order...but I loved it anyway. We love the NY subway system! Sharielle finally got to us on Thursday night....then the fun really began.

Mary Poppins was the first musical we saw. It is always so amazing to me that there are so many talented people in this world. I am in awe of them!

On Friday we walked across the Brooklyn Bridge. This is the first time I had ever done this while in New York. It was beautiful. It is quite a sight...walking across this enormous bridge, looking at the majestic NY skyline, and hearing hundred's of cars speeding past underneath your feet. I will definitely do this again on my next trip.

Oh yes...and what is a trip to New York without a famous hot dog from the street vendor. It is not often that I choose to consume a hot dog...but even I think these are delicious.

Night#2...Musical #2...HAIRSPRAY. I had not seen this musical before and really had no expectations...and I really enjoyed it. This musical is full of high energy dance productions and songs. It was fun from start to finish. (However I am still sad that we couldn't see my favorite musical of all time...WICKED. But hey...I couldn't convince myself to spend $200 plus dollars to see it for the 3rd time)

After Hairspray we tucked Mom in bed at the hotel and walked over to Serendipity for some Frozen Hot Chocolate. This is the tiny little Restaurant that is in many of the NY based movies. We wanted to get a picture outside Serendipity...that doesn't sound like it should be too hard right? Well the man that I asked to take our picture didn't quite get the situation as he zoomed in for a close up of just the "girls." It was pretty funny as I looked at the picture afterward and saw no sign of Serendipity in the pic. After eating we asked one final gentleman to take our picture. I almost started laughing as I described to this man how we would like the sign in our picture. He was probably thinking..."thanks for stating the obvious lady."

Here we are sipping our delectable Frozen Hot Chocolates! Who is counting calories???

On Saturday we spent the day in Central Park. This is why I love NY. Because in the middle of all the skyscrapers and pavement is this beautiful park. You could spend days in this park and still never see the entire thing. It was such a relaxing time.

We were getting pretty desperate for picture poses. It was such a fun time with the girls. Nice white shades Shalice! Did you just barter with a man on the street for those?

The Bethesda Fountain is one of the main attractions in Central Park. So of course we had to take a moment for a photo opp.

Oh yes...and the Mecca! We finally arrived at H&M. This is a shoppers 4 story heaven. Now the shopping can begin.

And as always...Shalice reigned supreme in the shopping department. She can shop circles around both Sharielle and I.

Our last night in the city, and our last Broadway Musical. Shar suggested that we see the new musical Legally Blonde...and oh are we glad she did. It was GREAT! We were sad that our little trip had come to an end. The next morning we said goodbye to our Shar...little did we know that our travel adventure was just about to begin......

See this picture. This picture says more then 1,000 words. These are the complimentary toiletry bags and night shirts we were given by Delta Airlines. To make a long story short I have decided to make a list of some of the events that preceded this picture:

1. Arriving at the NY airport in plenty of time for our direct flight home.
2. Being told that our flight home had been cancelled.
3. A very slow moving sky cab employee saying that we had been rescheduled for a 1:30 flight home and then looking at his watch and realizing it was 1:20. (That's not going to work?)
4. Being re-routed through Cinn. Ohio to Salt Lake. (Having only 45 min to transfer planes in Cinn.)
5. Having our flight from NY to Cinn. delayed because there were no pilots to fly our plane. However, we were transporting about 5 pilots on our plane...just none of them could fly the plane.
6. Seeing a 17 or 18 year old girl (who we decided to name Princess) sitting by herself in the airport have a photo shoot with her phone. Shalice and I almost lost it laughing.
7. Finally getting on our plane to Cinn and sitting for another hour and a half on the plane before our pilot showed up. (We are thinking that we aren't making our 45 min connection in Cinn.)
8. Staying in a hotel in Cinn. overnight with only a XL Delta tee shirt and travel size toothbrush.
9. Going to the airport at 5 in the morning with a handful of meal vouchers from the airlines.
10. Ordering $50.00 worth of food with our meal vouchers from McDonald's. Even though we weren't even going to eat it...somehow we felt we got our revenge.
11. Teasing Shalice that we never have trouble with air travel unless she is with us.
12. Finally getting home and hugging our kids who probably didn't think we were ever coming back.

Here is the proof of our revenge. Shalice was on a mission.

After being home for just a couple of weeks...I already miss the city. I also miss being with my sisters and mom. Whenever we are on vacation with the girls...I always tell my mom that it is nice to be the kid again. It is nice to be with your mom and have her take care of the little things that mom's take care of. But it is also nice that when you do return home from your vacation you have a loving husband and darling daughter there waiting to love you.

Till we meet again beautiful city....I hope we can see each other soon!