Friday, October 31, 2008

CHANGE WE CAN BELIEVE IN

Hi everyone, just wanted to give you all the opportunity to laugh. Click on the link to read about the heroic exploits of my Brother-in-law, CAM!


http://camasayfamily.blogspot.com/2008/10/cam-hero.html

Thursday, October 23, 2008

"You didn't tell me you were gonna kill it..."


We interrupt the Disney recap to bring you a few pics of our adventures in pumpkin carving. Earlier this week we went to Giant to pick up some "tumkins" to carve. Logan was so excited to help that he picked up the one he liked and put it in the cart all by himself. I was afraid he was going to drop it but he did fine.
Addy was content to sit in the bumbo (courtesy of the William Hancock, thanks buddy, let us know when you want it back) and watch as Logan drew his idea of a proper "bad guy" face on his pumpkin as I de-seeded the others. Every year Amber bakes the seeds into a great fall snack, feel free to bug her for the recipe.
Since Disneyland was still fresh on our minds, we decided to do a couple of disney style designs. for the tall slender one, we created the evil emperor ZERG!!!
I think it turned out pretty good and when we put a candle in it, it really came to life.
Amber did a Mickey face and Logan's ended up as the most traditional jack-o-lantern that I could think of.
We put Logan to sleep after we carved Zerg, but he was so excited about the "tumkins" that he kept getting out of bed so we let him stay up till they were all done and took a couple of pics.
Happy Halloween!!! Can't wait for the trunk or treat!

We Missed You BENNI HANNA

Sunday, October 19, 2008

Aunts and Uncle

As always it was great to have family around. Not only was it fun to see Logan and Addy interacting with them, it was also great to have there help. Two kids at Disneyland is a big job, and would have been much harder if it weren't for Jocey, Al and Ben lending a hand.

Thanks for all of your help! as well as the great company! It was nice to stay up talking about nothing over pizza and playing Madden deep into the night...
When it was time to say goodbye to Al and Ben, we told Logan that we were going trick or treating at the other disney park, Al started to cry, and then Logan said, "aren't you coming with me?" Al proceeded to bust into tears. When we flew home and were just pulling into the apartment parking lot, he woke up and asked us, "where is Alyson." We can't wait to see you all again.
And Ben remains, THE BEST RIDE AT THE PARK!!!
Seriously, before we even got off the plane he was asked by a lady, where we were going, having overheard us talk about disneyland... his answer was, "were going to meet Al and Ben."

Jocey Jocey Jocey.... We sure realized how much we missed you in February. You were awesome with both kids and Logan loves you so much, he even chose you over me to ride big thunder.... We definately got a bunch of pics of you this time:) Also thanks for beeing a trooper and coming to the Halloween thing at California adventure.

40 inches is the magic number

Until this trip, Logan had spent his time at Disneyland riding rides that did not require him to be a certain hight. Which is fine cause we love those rides, but this time we had an entirely different experience once we discovered that Logan was tall enough to ride some of the "big kid" rides. It all started when I took him over to Splash mountain and had him stand under the height stick. One of the ride operators came down and just as Logan got on his tip toes judged that Logan was tall enough to ride the ride. Then he looked down and saw that Logan's feet were not on the ground, and changed his mind on letting Logan ride. He was so close, his head was just skimming the stick. So we walked away thinking that we would have to wait till next time when somebody started tapping on my shoulder. I turned to see that it was the ride operator, he said that he thought Logan was close enough, and even more, he gave us all passes to go to the front of the line. Logan was so excited... So we rode it...
again and again... He loved it, at first he got a little scared but after talking to him, he said it was cause the first time he got a little water in his face and it surprised him. After that though, he kept asking to ride, "Zip-a-dee-doo". It sure changes the ride experience to have your little boy right there beside you.
In the end Logan rode it 3 times, what a blast!
Next was Big Thunder. As soon as we got off of Splash, I started thinking about all the other rides that he might like to ride. Then we were walking past Big Thunder and he said, "whats that one daddy?" Those words made my day.... I rember loving that ride when I was a kid and I knew that he would love it cause this kid is nuts about trains...
Sure enough, as soon as I told him it was a train ride, he started running to get in line. Al, Ben and Jocelyn came along and by the time we got to the head of the line, Logan told me that he did not want to ride it with me, he wanted to ride it with Jocelyn. I was a little hurt but it turned out that we both could ride on either side of him. He loved it, and we had so much fun that we did it again later with mom.



Next was Matterhorn. Logan and Amber were riding Alice in wonderland when he looked over and saw the ride and said, "mommy, I want to ride the mountain." We weren't sure he would be tall enough but it turned out that the Matterhorn had the lowest hight requirement of all of the bigger rides. So we jumped on it. He loved it!
When it was all over, he started crying cause he did not want to get off the ride, so we jumped out and did it again, then again.... and that is when Logan's dream came true.... sort of.... about half way through the ride, an announcement came across the loudspeaker telling us that the ride was going to stop. About a minute later, our car came to a stop and we sat there on the mountain for about twenty minutes. Three ride operators came up to us and told us that the ride automatically shut down when the computer sensed that one car was going too fast so they had to manually push us the remainder of the way. Once at the bottom, the operator asked us if we wanted to go again and Logan piped up and said "yeah!" so off we went for our fourth time in a row!
We also got to ride Star Tours a few times. and Soarin' in California Adventure. He was tall enough to ride Space Mountain and Tower of Terror, but we thought that those may be too much for him to handle so they will have to wait for a later date...

Proud parent of a graduate of the Jedi Training Academy

In February we watched this show in tomorrow land and were amazed at how clever and fun it was. We thought that Logan would love it since he loves Star Wars (from playing Lego Star wars on the Xbox) So we picked him up a Jedi costume and hemmed it up so it would fit him and crossed our fingers that he would be picked to go up and fight Darth Vader... (Logan calls him "lukeimyerfadur", say it fast and it will make sense)
We all freaked out when they called him up out of the crowd of kids, He was one of the youngest there and we were a little worried that he would get stage fright and want to come back and just watch but fortunately, he really got into it and marched to his spot once they gave him a robe and a light saber.
The instructors gave really good examples of what to do if Vader were to appear but Logan was so excited he just stood there and smiled.
Then out of the ground rose up Darth Vader, Darth Maul and a couple of Storm Troopers. The instructors told all of the students to put there sabers away so that they would not be provoked, but Logan looked at them as if they were crazy and kept his out, everyone in the place was laughing at Logan...
After a short wait, it was Logan's turn, He did really well for being barely three.
After it was all over, they marched the kids out on stage and gave them each diplomas. That made Logan feel so proud, he walked around like he owned the place after that. We were happy that he got a chance to face Vader. What a cool kid!!!

What a BUZZ

Last time we went to Disneyland in February, Logan really got a kick out of the Buzz Lightyear ride. It is one of those rides that is a blast for all ages. It was also fun because of the sense of competition to see who could get the high score. This trip we all did great! At one time, Amber, Ben and I all had our scores in the top ten for the day, it was a blast.
I danced around the top 5 until the second to last day we were there and I was able to make number 1! So next time the evil emperor Zerg threatens our earths power supply, you all know who to call..... W00T!
Check out Amber gun in one hand baby in the other.... just one of the many reasons I married her:)
SGC is me, AAC is Amber and LGC is Ben and Logan
Here is a pic of Logan and me blasting away... so much fun.

Sunday, October 05, 2008

Saturday at home

It was fun to be home on Saturday with Amber and the kids for conference. I remember the days before we came to Maryland when I was working for Peachtree doors and I was working every Saturday. Conference weekend we were allowed to turn on a small tv in the office to watch when there were no customers but it was rare to see an entire talk. Yesterday we spent the day together. Between sessions, Logan helped Amber clean the bathrooms while I sewed.
Addysen was content to sit in her toy. We sure are blessed. Here are a few pictures that we took of the kids between sessions. Addy is getting bigger everyday. And her hair keeps getting longer. Logan is a wonderful big brother and is always willing to help out. It is hard to be away from all of our family out West, but is is also good to spend time together as our own little family. Last night after priesthood session, I called up my Dad, and we had a great talk. I miss going to priesthood session with him, and I remember going with my grandpa as well. I hope that someday Logan will get the chance to go with his Grandpas.
Here is our little girl, sporting some new disney wear... We are getting excited for disneyland next week...
gotta love that face!

attempted picture of both children together:)
Our little Loli. (unfortunately everytime I call him that, he tells me, "No Daddy, I'm Logan."

Saturday, October 04, 2008

Love Conference!

Amber posted:
I just had to write a quick note and say how thankful I am for General Conference. I really love this weekend of sitting at home feeling the spirit and a love for the gospel. I love getting that boost that I can do better. The new resolve to take away from the talks and try harder. I am so happy to belong to The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. I am so glad that I had the gospel to help me become who I am today. I appreciate the knowledge it gives me when I am trying to raise good kids. I love belonging to something so wonderful. I appreciate that I know I have a Heavenly Father to turn to and talk to. I know I am not perfect but each day I can try a little harder and I know I can be forgiven when I make mistakes. I am thankful that we know and believe we have a modern day prophet and apostles to guide us. It only makes sense to me that He wouldn't leave us all alone to lead ourselves. It makes me want everyone to have what I have. I know I drive my friends crazy talking to them about church and trying to convert them. Bern is starting to count on a daily basis. :-)(I hope they will always love me for ME! It has been a fun joke.) But the only reason I talk about it is because I love her and I love her family. I want them to have the joy and happiness the gospel brings me. I know it isn't always easy but every sacrifice is worth it. Just feeling the joy and peace the gospel brings me and I wanted to share. Good Day! Excited for tomorrow.

Friday, October 03, 2008

Addy-Bri Time

Sorry for those of you who live close and see our kids all the time, you are probably thinking Amber this is a little much. But for all of our family and friends far away here are a ton of pictures of our kids. I am now caught up but stay tuned for our Disneyland trip!
Addysen is getting so big she is loving her toys. I can't believe she is big enough to play in this.
Addy is such a happy baby. I am getting so spoiled. It was cute the other day someone asked Logan what his sisters name was and he said "Addy-Bri". He sure loves her too.
I love that little face when her lip comes out.
She is really liking to put things in her mouth. She has just lately started to put her blankets in her mouth. We pick her up and it is soaking wet. It is pretty crazy because my sister Briana who Addy is named after put her silky in her mouth as a baby.
My kids bring me such joy! I thought motherhood couldn't get any better with Logan and man was I wrong. Having two makes my love for both of them double.
Look at all that hair some days we don't get it done and watch out. Crazy hair, it is getting so long.

She loves being "Super Addy"!
Smiling all the time.
I love being a mother. I appreciate the opportunity I have to try my best to teach them and raise them up to be great adults. I love watching Spencer with both Addy and Logan. His face lights up and he is a fantastic father. We are so blessed to have a family of our own. (Sorry some of the photos aren't all in focus but it is hard I hold the camera in place and then make Addy smile and so sometimes they are a little blurry.)