Thankful Thursday

I'm thankful we got to spend time with my family in lovely (cough)sulfur water(cough) Hanford, CA.

I'm thankful we got to witness Lily Bean's first steps!

I'm thankful we also got to witness the murder of her birthday cake... see it here!

I'm thankful my sisters worked things out. I'm the mediator 'cause I'm the middle sister. ;)

I'm thankful Parker did an awesome job with such a long drive - both ways!

I'm thankful God kept us safe on the road. Lots of crazy drivers out there (yes, I'm one of them).

And I'm very thankful for Tension Tamer tea. It actually works, thank goodness! This morning I was feeling it in my neck and back and I couldn't shake it off. It made for a very rough morning. I had to pray silently several times to help avoid huge blow-ups with Parker. I notice that Thursdays are often our most difficult days for some reason (so it's probably a good thing that Thursdays are my thankful reflection days, helps me get my head and heart back in the right place)... anyway, I saw this tea at the grocery store and thought it was worth a shot. Maybe it's psychosomatic, but I could feel the muscles in my neck relax after just a few minutes of drinking the tea. It worked better than taking an Ibuprofen! I couldn't even turn my neck to the left this morning without pain, and now, nearly four hours after drinking the tea, I can still move it freely. The tea tastes kinda funky, though. Next time it's getting blasted with honey!
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"I am the Lord your God. I am holding your hand, so don't be afraid. I am here to help you." Isaiah 41:13

Disneyland

As everyone pretty much knows, we surprised Jake (Dada) for his birthday by taking him to one of his favorite places - Disneyland! I secretly signed him up for the birthday club so we could get him in for free and then invited his family to join us. It was Parker's first time at Disneyland so it was special for that reason, too. He did REALLY well. No fussing or anything.

Um, I went a little overboard with the pictures, I think. I hope you enjoy them anyway!

Waiting for the train, our first "ride" of the day.

Small World. Looks like I was the only one enjoying it. *laugh* Parker liked it a lot... he just often puts a serious face on when he's absorbing something. Just like his Dada.

Autopia (I think?) .

Buzz Lightyear Ride.

Hubby and I waiting in line for Thunder Mountain.

Parker loved the Jungle Cruise, of course. Even waiting in line!

Parker also had to drive every parked vehicle we came across.

I had been prepping Parker about Winnie the Pooh but he only wanted to see Tigger... who was at the end of a VERY long line near the end of the day. So we faked it and took a picture from the sidelines. :) He enjoyed climbing the honey pots more anyway.

Tony Roma's for dinner!

I think Grandpa was pretty tired.

Uncle Drew and Grandma Connie checking out photos.

Dada gets a free birthday dessert!

All in all it was a great day... and we had two-fer tickets so we'll be going to California Adventures soon!

Wow, Is That Little Jar of Powder Enough for That Bum-Bum?

Dada, Parker will be doing this again for you not too long from now - right before he puts us in a nursing home. Cheers to growing old(er)! We love you bunches and bunches!

Happy Birthday!





Jake's face upon seeing this.

Happy Birthday, Grandpa Dan!

One night Pman got a hold of my cell phone and pretended to talk to Grandpa Dan. So I let him call Grandpa and he didn't say hardly anything to him. As soon as their real conversation ended, he went into pretend mode again and chatted away to no one on the phone. In honor of Grandpa Dan's birthday, here's the second round on video so Grandpa can see what P really wanted to say to him:



Rough translation: "How are you doing today, Grandpa?" Something unintelligible follows. Then, "Hi Grandpa. How are you doing today, Grandpa?" Continues unintelligible sentences. Gets distracted by piano. "Play the piano?" Realizes he's still "talking" to Grandpa. "Bye bye Grandpa." Shuts the phone and looks up at Mama. "I play the piano?"

Happy Birthday, Uncle Drew!

Parker's Birthday Party!

Finally, here are some pics (and a video) from the big day. Parker was so thrilled in the morning when Dada came back from the grocery store with the helium filled balloons. He went wild playing with them until guests arrived. I was so involved with getting things ready that I completely forgot about taking pictures of the decorations. Oops! Originally we planned to have the party at a local park, but it was raining pretty hard that morning so we squeezed into our little condo. Once the kids warmed up to each other, the place was buzzing and it was lots of fun. Thanks to everyone who made it! Parker, once again, was spoiled rotten with gifts.

Guests are arriving and playing


Opening Presents


Singing Happy Birthday

Birthday Frosting Whisk

Wordless Wednesday