Time to make the donuts.

Hi. I am going to forgo the excuses and reasons for why I have not blogged for awhile and just jump back into it. Things are good. How about you? We have been busy and I would like to take you on a trip down the memory lane of the past two months. Let's begin.....

We finished out March with a trip to Las Vegas and Disneyland. We participated in the Give a Day, Get a Day program and it was a huge success. This trip worked well for a number of reasons. First off was the idea of staying over in Las Vegas. Pete LOVES Las Vegas. Me? Not so much. Second, was the addition of my mom on this trip. We stayed an extra night on our way to Anaheim and met up with my Uncle Bo. My mom and uncle are born the same year. My mom in January and my uncle in December. He and my aunt Teresa are fun and we had a great time with them. Pete especially. The first night we were there he went out with them and made me lots of Disneyland money.

The kids enjoyed Circus Circus and checking out all the casinos. Oscar spent most of the time diverting his attention from all the half naked ladies. Las Vegas does not make a great family vacation for a 12 year old boy. Before Pete protests that fact let me add that the addition of parents is what makes it not cool.


The kids got along surprisingly well on this trip and this may be one of my favorite photos.

Disneyland was, of course, fun as always. I, along with millions of others, just love, love, love it.

The kids had a great day and even though Pete and Olive went back around 10 or 11, Hans and the rest of the crew closed it down.

Hans loved everything and we went at such a great time, hardly any lines at all. I remember the first year that Star Tours was opened we waited hours to get on and this trip Hans went on 3 times!

Siobhan and I were able to go on Space Mountain, which we missed last time.
Olive was the perfect age for the big D. She was in love with Toon Town and I have never seen her more excited for anything that meeting Minnie Mouse.





So, overall a wonderful trip. Pete won us more money on the way home and We were so happy to be with Grandma. Then we got to come back to the best neighborhood in the world. I really am a broken record on this subject. We have made great friends in our neighbors. Our kids love each other and it is just fun all around. Quite a few weekends turn into a party on the porch and the kids just play and play while the adults drink wine and have a ball.
Last month we renewed our zoo membership and upgraded to family plus because it kills our kids to leave their friends back on the boulevard. Luckily our neighbor Michael brought his sweet baby Phoebe and Olives favorite guy Leo and Pete and I brought Hans' BFF Davin and his brother Brendin.
So, let's see, what else? Due to a fruitless search for a decent bagel here, I have resorted to making my own. This is now a full blown obsession and I fully intend to open a bagel shop someday.
Hans (sometimes) wears glasses now, furthering his ability to look exactly like his dad.
Siobhan is now a cadet corporal in ROTC and received a citizenship award a few weeks back.
She is also dabbling around on the sewing machine I bought her for Christmas, which thrills me to no end.
And Olive has pigtails. Big news around here.

So, that should catch us up to current. I look forward to updating you with this summers activities! This weekend will take us to Vernal, where we will camp. Next week is a plethora of school activities. End of the month will be 4 days in Yellowstone. June is half the month with Grandma in Washington! July is the biggie. Pete and I will be gone 6 days on our own! We are lucky that we have such a great brother and sister in law that will come and stay at our house with Hans and Olive. Pete and I are going to New Orleans and I am hoping that it is all I have imagined. I have wanted to go there since I was little and my aunt promised to take me when I was 21. Well, when I turned 21, I was married and the was a deal breaker. Boo. And yes, I usually imagine it as being not unlike the French Quarter at Disneyland.