Christmas Pictures

Christmas morning we got up and opened presents for a while before we used the web cam to visit with both Grandma Julie, Garth and Dot & Jonathan, as well as Granny Franny and Grandpa Red. It was nice to actually see eachother, even if we still missed giving hugs and kisses. We didn't, however, miss the traveling part- it was nice to just stay at home and enjoy eachother and the quiet that came with that!

Merry Christmas!

To all who did not receive a card...I am sorry, but after printing until my printer had no more ink, and then replacing the ink and running out again I only sent cards to family (My mother's side really is that big)- But that doesn't mean we don't love you and I didn't think of all of you at some point in the last month or two- I hope you all had a wonderful Christmas (those who celebrate it) and were able to feel the true spirit of Christmas-and remembered the Christ Child and all his birth, life and death make possible for humankind.

Today I was talking to the children in Primary- This month's theme is "I know my Redeemer Lives!" I read a scripture to them that touched my heart. D&C 76:22 "And now after the many testimonies that have been given of him, this is the testimony last of all, which we give of him: That He lives." I want to add my testimony of that to those that have been given over generations of time. I too know that He lives- God be thanked for the matchless gift of His Only Begotten! He truly died that we might live!

Merry Christmas!

Pictures pictures and pictures

As promised, as soon as I got some pictures from Disneyland I would post some. These are some that my sister put on Facebook for me while I wait to get the CD. So this isn't all of them, but there are definitely some fun ones here! We had so much fun, but you can tell that by the end we were all getting a little tired.

I was so amazed that Ben was not shy at all when we met Pooh and his friends. He gave him a big hug! My adorable kids!!

This was the first ride we went on, and James asked to go back constantly from then on...one of his favorites!! And here we are all waiting in line for our first ride...even 15 minutes is a long wait for little ones, but they sure thought it was worth it!

One of the few photos with Daddy, as he usually had the camera. He rode with Ben on the rocket ride.

Typical Benji poses.

Happy Halloween, trick or treating at Disneyland was fun, and my Ben was the cutest pumpkin there, and James made a great Batman, even if he wouldn't wear his mask...by this time they were just about ready to collapse- so much fun is exhausting!

My little kings. James really wanted Daddy to be strong enough to pull out the sword...but a lass, none of us were destined to be a king. This is one of my favorite pics!

Every time I picked James up he would play with my hair...and we caught it on camera too. Even when he is not smiling, he's still adorable!

Thumbs up Dad!

I promise James did have fun, he just refused to pose for any more pictures, besides that one was at the end of the ride...not nearly as much fun as at the beginning of the ride. But the Dumbo ride was almost as big of a hit as the rocket ride...go figure!

Last but not least the pirate pic. This was supposed to be a picture with Peter Pan, but they switched when there was only three people ahead of us...so sad. James really did not want to meet Jack Sparrow, he wanted Peter Pan, but what do you do, huh?

It was so fun to take a trip like this, and now James asks us almost every day when we get to go back to Disneyland! I can't wait until we get to do another fun trip like that. And a special thanks goes out to you Cassy- thanks for letting us use your amazing camera. I'm sure we would not have been as happy with the pictures we took on our own camera!!!

Disneyland trip

So we survived our trip to CA. As many of you know we sent the first two days at Disneyland. It was so fun to see our kids enjoy different things. The first ride we took the kids on was the rocket ship ride (much like the famous Dumbo ride, except with rockets instead) and when it was over James cried because he wanted to go a second time and didn't want to get back in line... later that day we took him on Space Mountain. I was so nervous that he would get on and decided it was too scary and want to stop- and we wouldn't be able to stop it. Sean was in the seat next to him and I sat behind them. When the ride was finally over I leaned forward to get a report on how it went and I heard James say "That was fun!" He said it was a little scary but he later asked to go back to it. James also braved the Matterhorn (and so did Ben), as well as the haunted mansion, and Pirates of the Caribbean. When I asked him about his favorite part he said "the scary part of Disneyland." It was especially nice to just be able to enjoy spending time together.
My sister Dot and her husband, my brother Garth and my Mom all came too. Half the time Mom came with us, and the other half the time she went with Dot, Jonathan and Garth. After discusing what Dot and her group did and comparing it to what we did I have decided that you can do a lot more, faster without kids...I knew that was true for running erronds, I didn't know it also applied to riding rides at Disneyland.
The first night we were there we had to leave Disneyland early due to their halloween event, so we spent an hour or two over at California Adventure. We got to watch the "World of Color" show- it was definately cool! But my kids only lasted for the first few songs before they fell asleep in their strollers. The second night we had tickets to the halloween event and stayed in the park. We enjoyed a couple of the attractions before going to the trick or treating- my kids also fell asleep in their strollers that night before we got any candy...
My favorite part of the experience was on Tuesday night. We left the group to take the kids back to our hotel, and on our way we heard some music and decided to get a closer look. It was a little dance party- and for the first time in an long time Sean really wanted to stop and dance. So we propped our strollers up a few feet away from us and stayed and danced for about 20-30 minutes. It was nice to dance with my husband again. Dancing with him always makes me feel young and in love again- even if I have to keep one eye on my two sleeping children while doing it. It was nice to share a fun moment with just the two of us as well.
After 2 fun filled and exhsausting days at Disneyland we drove to San Diego and spent a day at the Zoo. James loved the Snakes and the Lions best- and when asked to choose a favorite, he said "Umm, I just love them both." Ben seemed to particularly like the giraff, and the sea lions.
The next day was probably one of the best activities we did- we spent a few hours in the morning at the beach. At first Ben was a little nervous about the water, but after watching his brother James skweal with delight everytime a wave came up he finally warmed up the idea, and then he was very upset when we decided it was time to go. None of us had planned on going into the water, and all by my Mom and Sean had to change our clothes because we got all wet! After the beach we started our drive home. We didn't get in that night until just after 8:00 and we all slept really well that night.
Since comeing home James has asked me many times if I would drive him far away to see Disneyland or the zoo, and even the beach again. I'm glad we all had fun- and I was also glad to be home. My only regret was that I felt like I didn't really get to visit with my Mom and Sister- we had planned to play games and enjoy eachother, but we never really found the down time to do it. Oh well- it was fun just the same.
As for pictures...we used my sister Cassy's camera to take pictures because it is so much nicer than ours, and then the camera went home with Mom. I have requested they send me a CD with all the pictures and as soon as I get it- I'll post some.

Count-down

So many of you know that we have been planning a trip to Disneyland with my family for a long time now...it has been hard not to count down first the months, then the weeks, and now the days, but I think it is finally time to start an official count-down. My Mom flies into town in one week!! I can't wait, I know that I just saw her in June, but it has been two years since she came to me, and that was when Ben was born and we didn't get to do much playing...not so this time! My sister Dot and her husband Jonathan are coming in the next evening. We should have a semi-ordinary Sunday, and then we will leave early Monday morning! James is so excited, and to be honest I think we all are. One more week. I keep saying that to myself over and over as if that will make the time go by any quicker...I think it actually makes it go by slower. But, never the less, all the festivities start in 7 days! I can't wait to see all of you...and for those of you I don't get to see- Yes, Cassy and your wonderful family, I'm talking about you- if there were anyway I could make it happen, you know I totally would! But don't you worry I will plan a totally awesome vacation for us to take together too! Love you all!

Birthday Bash!

The event we were waiting and preparing for over the last month and a half finally arrived- James had his Superhero Birthday Party. We had 8 friends come, some from our new ward, some from our old ward, and some from school. It was so much fun. James specifically asked for a Birthday sign so we made that one together and put it up on the garage door to help our friends know they had the right place. Once they came in, they all got to pick a cape and put on a mask. Then we got to work finding all the "bad-guys" in the Villain Hide-Out (a balloon jungle, and the villains were hiding in some of the balloons). We had the kids pop the balloons- some loved the activity, and othesr thought it was too loud and decided to opt out. Then we decorated paper bags for our "superhero kits" or party bags to put their masks, capes, party horns and the candy from the pinata we hit later on. Then we played pin the mask on the superhero, and catch the bad-guy (hot potato with handcuffs, and I was the bad guy they got to catch). We had cupcakes and other "super food" fruits and veggies to help make us super strong! Then after food and presents we hit the pinata. When I first made the pinata I was worried that it wouldn't stay together...but after it was all dry and everything, we couldn't break it open. Each child got to hit the pinata once with a blindfold and once without it. After every child got to go twice I just ripped the stubborn thing open and emptied out the candy. The parents arrived as we were taking our second round of swings at the pinata. It was so much fun, but I was glad we had planned for only an hour and a half. 10 kids that age can be a hand full to keep busy and happy.
I had Sean put an empty memory card in the camera in anticipation of the party. It turns out that managing that many kids takes too much attention and we didn't get any pictures of the kids...so sad!!! But here are the pre-party photos!

Thanks to all that came, it was so much fun to have all our friends come and join us!

My hero!

This last weekend was General conference, which means I had a lot of down time, as I listened to the talks. So this is what I let my hands do while I listened- and Conference was wonderful! James has been asking for a Halloween costume for a while now and has flip floped between power rangers, captain hook, and Batman. Well, he finally decided on Batman, but since he has been so unreliable about what he wants to be I decided I didn't want to spend any money on a costume just yet, so I used the extra fabric I had laying around and made this for him. The cape has the batman emblem on the back. I figured I could dress him in all black with the belt, cape and mask and the costume is close enough that he everyone should be able to tell who he is, and he is content with it! He hasn't taken it off (except when we made him for bath and bed time) since I finished it yesterday. It is pretty cute to have such an adorable superhero!

...and coming soon are pictures from his Birthday party scheduled Saturday with what theme do you ask? Superheros of course!

Night out

It had been way too long since Sean and I had taken the oppertunity to go out on a date! So when my office presented us wtih the oppertunity to go to a charity dinner on my Boss' tab- we gladly took it! I decided to make the most if it, and asked a friend if she would do my hair for me. It was so fun. I've never had my hair professionally done, and although she no longer works in a salon, she used to. It was fun to do something different. I wish I had taken a picture of he back, but oh well. While we were there we bid on tickets to Phantom of the Opera at the silent auction...and we won! So this last week end we used our tickets...it was amazing!!! I loved it. For those of you who don't know, when Sean proposed to me he did this elaborate plan and took me up to an out door theatre that was mean for Shakespearean plays, it looks like a castle. Then he dressed up like the Phantom and got my roommates to dress me in a big costume dress as well and proposed to me much like Raoul proposes in the phantom...except Sean was dressed as the Phantom (complete with a mask and cape). So Phantom of the Opera has a special place in my heart because of that...and yes, it did make me tear up when I watched and listened to the song "All I Ask of You." But the overall experience was one that made me feel like an astonished child watching in complete amazement and excitement! It was incredible! I would totally go again if given the chance! So I ended up getting 2 dates out of my one decision to go to the Charity dinner for Autism.

Blast from the Past

So a couple of weeks ago we went to play over at a new friend's house and James loved that these kids had Star Wars toys. He hasn't stopped talking about it since. That play date sparked some interest in my husband Sean, because he too used to play with Star Wars toys...but unlike most kids he got rid of very little of his stuff growing up. His mother has been storing a car load of old toys for Sean (that didn't even include his comic book collection). So when my in-laws decided to drive down here for a short visit this last weekend Sean asked them to bring his old toys so we could go through them and pick out some stuff for James' Birthday coming up in a couple weeks. I believe there were 2 medium sized boxes and one large tote full of some cool, and some not quite so cool stuff. Be had a blast going through it all...and here's the proof! This is Sean surrounded by all his long lost treasures.

So can you tell what era he grew up in? He teases me all the time about not knowing anything abut "pop culture" well, it looks like he's got us covered!

James' goes to Preschool

Yesterday I took my first baby to preschool for the first time. Of course I did the obligatory cry (as I blinked back a couple tears and made sure they didn't make it over the eyelid). When he first got up he said he didn't want to go to school anymore because Mommy wasn't going to stay with him. After bargaining that if he would try it out for a couple weeks and still didn't like it then I wouldn't make him go- he agreed to try it out. I figured either way that went it was fine with me. I'm not going to be the Mom who forces her 3 year old to go to preschool if he hates it! When I made it back to pick him up 2 hours later he couldn't say enough good things about how he liked school and couldn't wait to go back. I am so glad, and I was pretty sure that was how things were going to work out.

James before school! Ben had to get in on some of the picture taking action!

James reported that he did finger painting "with only one finger, not two or all because that makes a mess." I can't wait to see the picture. He said he drew a picture of our house...we'll see if that's what it actually is. He was also happy to announce that he got to go outside for a snack of crackers and grapes. He says snack time is his favorite part of class. Go figure, he is Sean's son!

Here goes nothing-school here he comes!

While James was at school Ben and I had an adventure of our own. I figured school time was a good time to get the grocery shopping done as I would only have one kid in tow, and of course the kids are always better behaved with there is only one of them...always always that way- So we did our shopping without incident, Yeah! It has started to really pour rain by the time we got out of the store (very unusual weather here in the desert, but definitely welcome). Ben didn't like the rain at all so I was trying to hurry. In my haste I shut the truck door with...you guessed it, my keys in the trunk, along with my cell phone. Now what? I has just over a hour to get my car situation figured out and get back over to pick up James. All my phone numbers, and keys to my house were also locked in the car. There was only one thing to do- call and admit my stupidity to my husband and ask him to rescue me.

So when I went back into the store to call I had to ask for some one's cell phone to call my husband's long distance cell phone number...but after two tries he called back and talked his attending into letting him come and bail me out of my predicament. About 20 minutes later my husband put his arm around me and laughed as he said, that's okay- you had to come bail me out of the same situation on that long ago. That reminder made me feel better. And the people at the store were super nice too, they gave Ben like 4 helium balloons, and three suckers (one for Mommy and brother when we got home), and free cookies! Ben thought he had died and gone to Heaven- I better be careful not to let him have my keys next time we are at the store...

I hurried home and had just enough time to put the groceries away and then go and pick James up.

Ben holding tight to his spoils from the store

So, unfortunately I actually thought to myself "well, as long as nothing else happens, today won't be so bad after all!" I didn't say it out loud, but apparently thinking it is enough to jinx yourself. I had to go to work for an hour after lunch. Even though he had enjoyed school, he still didn't like to be left, and apparently the two hour separation from Mommy while at school was his limit. He clung, and cried as I tried to get out the door. That's a new act for my Jamie, one he apparently learned from Ben! But luckily I slipped into work about 2 minutes before I was supposed to start my therapy session. But it was just fine. Unfortunately today just was not my day, as about 40 minutes into the hour I started seeing spots in my vision. I hoped they would just go away, but as they usually do when the appear, they began to get worse. I cut my session a couple minutes short and got home as soon as I could hoping my vision didn't get so bad that I would have to call my husband again...this time to drive me home. Luckily for me I made it home just fine. The bad news was I was laid out on my back on the couch with one of my killer migraine headaches...for the rest of the afternoon and evening.

My wonderful husband didn't make me feel bad and just laughed at me as he made frozen pizza for dinner, put the kids to bed, and then put me to bed as well. Of course I wasn't able to sleep for another two hours, but he still put me in bed and did the dishes before putting himself to bed too. All and all a pretty good performance from my stellar hubby- but as for me, I'm going to say it was a "Horrible, Terrible, No good, Very bad, make you want to move to Australia" kind of day. But, my Mother informs me that even in Australia they lock keys in cars, and get migraines- so I guess for now I will just stay here where I am.

little things

So lately I feel like I have been a little "busy body," nothing big going on, just lots of little things that add up to a busy schedule. In the last week or so I have made appointments for James, Ben and me to all see doctors or dentists, I signed James up for a part-time preschool for the fall. Enrolled him in a tumbling class at the rec center, sold a car seat and high chair on Craigslist, and still had time to blow up the pool two times this week and fill it for them to play in. I guess that's what makes us Moms- just a lot of little things that add up to a sometimes over full life, but if you know me, you know that's the way I like it to be (Most of the time).

Swimming Pool

Last week we decided to take a break from the heat of Las Vegas and spent 5 days with Fran and Red in Burley Idaho. The weather was beautiful! It was cool in the mornings, warm enough to swim in the afternoon, and then 4 out of the 5 days we were there it rained for about 10-30 minutes in the evening and once again cooled everything down. We thoughly enjoyed the mid 80 degree weather and spent most of our time playing outside!!!

While we were there my mother and sister came to visit us as well. Fran was the hostess with the mostest, as 6 of my family members joined in the fun, including my brother Garth, Cassy, her Girls and my Mom. We spent a lot of time laughing and joking like we always do. And of couse it wouldn't be a visit without playing our favorite game- Dragon Lords (it's like hearts on steroids). It was just the break all of us needed- Thanks Granny Franny and Grandpa Red, you really are the best! How on earth did I get so lucky to love my in-laws as much as I do?

Grandma Julie brought presents for the boys, including a small swimming pool that she bought for Ben's birthday. All the kids begged me to open it right away, but we already had Granny Franny's pool, and I didn't want to have to try and squeeze it back into the box afer using it. We all know that would have never happened no matter how hard I could have tried. So it stayed in the box until it made it all the way back to Las Vegas.

By Monday morning the kids were already begging to put it up and play in it. We finally got it all blown up and filled with water that afternoon, and then the fun began all over again. They were having so much fun I had to take a few pictures and some videos. They tell the story so much better than I do-- so I hope you enjoy this as much as we enjoyed doing it!

We sure do love and miss all our family, it was so good to see some of you! I can't wait until we can all live much closer!

New dance moves

For any of you that know my kids well at all, you will know that they love to dance, especially to Michael Jackson (Daddy's favorite). Here are the latest new moves from James--he's so cute!

Just a couple days after I first posted this last video James asked me to make a video of his dancing again. This time I got a much better clip of his latest dance moves! Who knows, maybe he will be the next Michael Jackson- or at least a great dancer.

I love my Pacifica!

So, Dot sulked because I didn't include pictures of my new car in my last post...so here they are. We still haven't sold our old car- not for a lack of interest, I still have a few people waiting to look at it, but we are still trying to get it fixed. I am never getting repairs done at Breakmasters again. They have has our car for more than two weeks without fixing it! But they said they should be able to fix it by Tues; keep your fingers crossed for us!

New and old cars

So we decided about 2 weeks ago that we were ready to buy a new car! This just so happens to be my first "really big" purchase. I have never had to take out a loan to buy anything other than my education before...so it was kind of exciting and a little...we'll say stressful. So I put in hours looking at cars online and at dealerships figuring out what we wanted. It just so happens that the first car we looked at turned out to be the one we ended up buying. We didn't know that at the time, but after comparing all the other cars to this one, we ultimately went with the Crysler Pacifica. Can I just say I Love Love Love my new car! So I think the investment at this point was a good one. All that being said...here is the catch...

So we took our old (1990 Chevy Lumina) in to the dealership and asked about a trade in. Now this car is very unusual. It is in great condition inside and out, and only has 36000 miles on it. So they offered us $800 for it, but the car sales man said he thought we could get more for it if we sold it ourselves. So while I was looking at other cars I posted the car on craigslist, and told my friends about it. So we ended up having a whole bunch of people interested in it. We finally sold the car for twice what the dealership offered us for it...Yeah!!!

BUT after signing all the papers I sent the new owners of our old car off, and they got in the car and it wouldn't start! I couldn't believe that. It had been running just fine up until that point (even 20 minutes earlier for their test drive). But it didn't leave my driveway. I'm sure you can guess that they decided not to take the car. So I did get it started the next morning (go figure) and drove it straight over to our mechanic. That was Saturday. First they thought it was the fuel pump. Replaced that, and it still didn't start. Then it was the spark plugs, still nothing. They recently fixed the starter and that isn't the problem. So here we are on Thursday and they have no idea why my car won't run...I'm beginning to think I wasn't supposed to sale this car in the first place. Here's hoping I will have a happy ending to this story some time soon.

Ben's Birthday Party

Last Saturday we threw a small party for Ben. Our neighbors came over, as well as one of Ben's nursery freinds, Eli Ericson. I made a "balloon Jungle." I took pictures, but I didn't do it before the kids tore down the steamer curtin I put up. We had some balloons hanging from the cealing and helium balloons coming up from the floor. Then I also blew up about 50-60 balloons. The kids thought it was the best thing ever!!! After playing in the baloons we had cake, opened presents and ran through the sprinkler. The party was over just over an hour after it started, which was perfect for a 2 year old. We had so much fun. I can't believe how big my baby boy is getting- even though he will always be my baby, he's not really a baby anymore. We sure do love you Benjamin- my little ham!

Happy Birthday Ben!

So Yesterday my baby turned 2 years old...I guess that means he's no longer a baby, but officially a toddler. We got dressed and went to a park with a splash pad. We stayed for about an hour and a half. At that point Mommy couldn't take the heat anymore, so we came home. After nap and lunch we played in the water some more out in the yard, while eating Popsicles. Then after a good bit of begging I let Ben pick out a movie to watch. When Daddy came home they got to play with Daddy's remote-control Helicopters. It was a good day, fun, but quiet. We had Ben's favorite-Pizza for Dinner. We are having a party with a few friends tomorrow- he'll get Cake and presents then! I can't believe how much my little guy has grown. You would never know that he started out so small. He is such a happy influence in our family- always wanting to make his brother laugh, including everybody when he can, and always giving hugs! I love my little cuddle bug! I know eventually he'll grow out of always wanting hugs and kisses from Mommy- but I hope it takes a long time for him to grow out of that one. Happy 2nd Birthday Ben!

Five years and counting

So it may have been a year since this photo was taken, but I think this is the most recent of both of us together that wasn't taken in a studio...pictures of the kids always seem so much more important! So we made it to 5 years married! In that time we have lived in 4 different states, 6 different apartment/houses, graduated from Med school and grad school, and had 2 kids! It's been crazy, but wonderful every step of the way. Just like all other couples we have had our "disagreements" and difficulties. Tears have been shed (mostly by me and my "cry about everything eyes"), and laughs and smiles have been cherished. It seems as changes come things have always worked out for us in miraculous ways. I have felt the hand of God in my life so many times I know that we are in the right place doing the right things! I love you Sean Patrick Brady, thank you for 5 wonderful years, and many more to come!

Visiting in Washington

This past week I have spent playing with my family at our own family reunion. Garth Graduated on Friday, and that was an emotional ceremony for all of us Mann girls, as it marks a big transition in Garth's life. He's growing up...he's as much of an adult as he ever will be! We are so excited for Garth, and a little apprehensive as to what will come next for our amazing and unique little brother.
We have played games, laughed, spent time together in the temple, and eaten tons of food! It has been so much fun. We went to a water park and all froze as we swam and flew down water slides and "surfed" on the surf simulator at the park The kids loved the water fountain slides in the kiddie wading pools. They were so fun to watch as the slid down the slides right into the water pools.
Another day we spend at the park ice blocking down the hill (it was a big hit with the kids as they liked sitting on our laps as we tried to balance on the block and go down the hill). It was so funny to watch as we all slide down and slid off the blocks. We also played water balloon volley ball. We sure had fun launching those balloons as high as we could with towels and watched as the other team tried to catch it without popping the balloon. We had the slip N slide out for the kids and James figured out if he lifted his legs and arms into the air he went down faster...he sure does love speed. Lastly we got out our water twister game. The sisters played a game together and we were laughing so hard I almost peed my pants as we were all twisted up and my head was under Cassy's bottom and she would push against me and then I would push back, all the while being sprayed in the face with water. It always feels so good to have a good belly laugh with the people you love most!
Today we are planning to go to Chuck E Cheese and then play at another park as we have a party for Garth's Graduation. It's always endless fun with my family! I sure do miss them when I am away and cherish every moment when I'm here.
I am so lucky to feel that way about my family (even the in-laws on both sides!) How many people can say they love hanging out with every single member of their family on all sides? I have a pretty good life. While here we let Aunt Cassy take all the pictures as her camera is so much better than ours...and I guess we are just a little lazy. She said that she had 50 some odd pictures from the week. So when I get them from her I will add the best ones!