California part 1

Dec. 18th - We woke up to leave on Saturday, December 18th, for the first leg of our trip to California. We had about 6 inches of snow that we had received over night. The snow made for a very slow commute for the first 2 hours or so. There was still quite a bit of ice and snow on the roads, so we didn't go above 30 or 40 mph for quite some time. As we got farther South, luckily the weather got warmer, so then we just had rain. We were able to speed up our trip and got to Mesquite, NV around 12:00 p.m. We checked into our hotel and walked into the door with about 1 minute to spare before the BYU bowl game.

The rest of the day was all about relaxing. We rested, watched the game and then enjoyed going bowling as a family that evening. We had two separate lanes with the 4 oldest on one and the 4 youngest on the other. We had so much fun. Bradley was actually pretty good as he went up each time to take his turn. He would roll the ball down the alley. Some times when he rolled it was practically in slow motion - it would bounce back and forth along the way on the bumper and then hit a lot of bowling pins. We had so much fun. We definitely aren't pros at bowling, but have a great time. Byron got 104, Johnathan 99, Carter 78, Tanner 75, Bradley 72, Tricia 72, Parker 68 and Camille 52. 

Watching bowl game with dad - Parker, Carter, Byron, Tanner & Bradley

Dec. 19th - We headed out Sunday morning to go into Los Angeles. The weather was rainy and very windy for a lot of the trip. Once we got past Victorville, we were only able to drive around 30 mph. We had a GPS on Byron's I-phone that was awesome to use. It kept on telling us that we were 1 hour away and then the bad weather started where that one hour lasted about 2-3 hours. We did finally make it into Anaheim, though. We stayed in the Stay Bridge Suites. Dad & Mom came up to spend Monday with us at Disneyland. We both got here about the same time. They came over to enjoy eating dinner that evening. It was great to see them. How lucky we are to have my parents living so close to awesome amusement parks that we have the opportunity to go with them once in a while!

Messy Bradley while eating a candy bar in the van.

Parker & Carter on our long trip.

The back seat - Johnathan, Tanner & Camille - They all wanted to be in the back and were pretty good the whole time.  Camille enjoyed listening to her music, Tanner either read or watched movies and Johnathan loved reading.

Cute Bradley enjoying his "Mickey Mouse Clubhouse" DVD we bought for him half-way through the trip out of desperation.  It was amazing to get about 45 minutes to 75 of no Bradley talking.  He was so content.

The awful roads heading into Los Angeles.

Finally to our room enjoying some yummy orange juice.

Parker fast asleep - anxious for the fun day ahead.

Crazy Bradley!

Dec. 20th - Monday morning came way too early. We got up at 5:50 a.m. to get ready, eat breakfast, head downstairs to catch the shuttle and then head to Disneyland. We met my parents there. There wasn't any rain for the first hour or so. It was awesome running around going right onto many rides at first. Then the rain started and it never quit. Honestly, it didn't let up at all until the next day. We luckily all had lovely rain ponchos, but didn't have everything decked out to keep us totally water proof. Our feet and about 12 inches up our pants were soaking wet by the early afternoon. We loved going on the rides that were covered for the wait, but hated having to stand directly in the rain. There were times when it wasn't raining as hard as it had been, which gave us a little reprieve, but it never stopped. The lines really never let up either. All of these crazy people going from ride to ride, waiting in endless lines in a downpour. Sounds like something only insane people would do! We did have a great time despite the rain. Definitely a vacation that my children won't forget! There were a few rides that were closed down due to the rain, but pretty much everything kept open. We stayed as long as we could handle and headed back around 5-6 p.m. We loved being able to go with my parents. We felt privileged to be the first grandchildren experiencing Disneyland with them.

Bright and early in the morning taking the shuttle over to Disneyland.

The whole gang minus Tricia - this was upon arriving when the rain wasn't really coming down.  Give it another 30 minutes and it wouldn't stop for almost 24 hours.

My cute parents.

Byron & Carter in the Haunted Mansion.

Splash Mountain - with rain ponchos on, we really didn't need to worry about getting wet.  Tanner, Grandma, Camille & Grandpa riding together.

Carter, Parker & Johnathan

While the others rode Thunder Mountain, Bradley & I headed over to the petting zoo.  While there we came across Pluto taking pictures.  This was the first character we saw while there and it took Bradley a little coercing to get him to even get close to him.  Pluto held out his hand to give him five and Bradley thought that was pretty cool enough to relax and get close to him for a picture.

Bradley next to the reindeer at the petting zoo.

Toon Town has the coolest Christmas decorations - this tree was so fun.

Bradley in Mickey Mouse's house.

Carter

Tanner & Johnathan with Goofy

The kids with Mickey - Camille, Parker, Carter, Tanner, Johnathan & Bradley

For lunch we enjoyed 2 delicious chimichangas and a huge turkey leg - boy were they flavorful and good.  We licked the leg to the bone.

Buzz Lightyear ride- this became one of Bradley's favorite rides.

Dad & Mom having fun shooting.

Here we are after using the bathrooms - Byron told us that if the bathrooms were a ride, we would have gone there more than any other ride.  The water was just a downpour at this point.  Poor Bradley was getting so soaked that I just wrapped him up in this poncho with only his head poking out so he wouldn't get wet.

We had never rode on Dumbo the previous 2 times we had been to Disneyland with our children, so we had to ride this time with the walk on ride.  It was a huge puddle of water at the bottom that soaked our already wet shoes.  The wet was so miserable!  we were able to smile through it all, though and quite a few times were talking how crazy we all were for being there with so many other crazy people.

Dec. 21st - Tuesday we slept in a little bit and headed out around 7:45 a.m. for the shuttle.  We were able to get our wet shoes to dry over night with the help of 3 different blow dryers.  The only stayed dry for an hour or so, so that was definitely short lived.  Camille, Tanner & Johnathan chose to wear shorts so they at least didn't have to have wet pants and felt a lot more warm throughout the day then when they had pants on the previous day.  We stayed at Disneyland for a couple of hours and then went over to California Adventure for the rest of the day.  The rain was pretty steady all morning, but then it stopped for a couple of hours during the afternoon for a much needed break.  I loved being able to dry off a little and enjoy the rides. 

I forgot how fun California Adventure is.  We saw the cool Muppet's 3D show, the amazing Aladdin show, rode the new Toy Story Mania a couple of times and couldn't get enough, and enjoyed many other fun rides.  None of us had ever ridden on Tower of Terror.  I really hate rides that drop, so I didn't want to go and wasn't interested at all.  Byron went with all of the kids while I stayed with a sleeping Bradley.  After they went on it and the kids all looked like they loved it, Byron said that I had to go.  I felt like I really couldn't back out at this point.  Carter & Parker went with me.  Two 8 year olds trying to help their mom feel calm - pretty crazy!  I am glad I rode it, but definitely won't ride on it again.  Too scary for the likes of me.  I suppose my kids are braver than me and I am totally fine with that :). 

Heading out on our second day in the wet rain for Disneyland. 

We rode the Nemo submarine - pretty tight spaces.

Waiting to ride "Space Mountain" with everybody except Byron & Bradley who decided to ride Buzz Lightyear a couple of times.

Camille, Johnathan, Tanner, Carter & Parker in Buzz Lightyear ride.

Byron and one happy Bradley on ride.

My cool family waiting to go into the Muppet's 3D.

Bradley loved the Disney Playhouse show - there was so much fun singing and cute characters popping out from the stage.

Aladdin was such an awesome production - the Genie was hilarious.

Parker & Bradley

Toy Story Mania - a huge hit for all!!! 

Bugs Life in 3-D - these shows are just amazing - they never disappoint!

Denny's for a very late dinner - Bradley is at the table behind where he was sitting bugging his brothers with way too much energy! 

When the kids were asked what their favorite part so far was, this was their answers:
Camille - California Screamer
Tanner - California Screamer
Johnathan - California Screamer
Carter - Space Mountain
Parker - Space Mountain
Bradley - Toy Story Mania and California Zepher
Byron - watching Aladdin, California Screamer & Toy Story Mania
Tricia - Space Mountain, Aladdin & Toy Story Mania

Janessa & Mitchell had an early Christmas present on Tuesday also.  Little Calvin arrived a month early on Dec. 21st - 2 days after Janessa's birthday.  Such a fun addition to their family - a long wait for a baby and especially a boy.  I can't wait to hold this little guy.  He will be so spoiled by his dad, and 3 sisters.

Dec. 22nd - Wednesday we were going to head for our last day at Disneyland.  A huge thunder storm was heading that day, so we decided to stay one more day in Anaheim and have a day of rest.  I am glad we did since it was nice to stay in and sleep in for once.  I was able to do some laundry downstairs - all of the wet clothes really needed to be washed. 

We headed to Downtown Disney and had fun walking around the shops and eating lunch at "House of Blues."  The food was really good, but pretty pricey.  We also were able to watch as a candy store made Mickey Mouse carmel apples.  Pretty awesome!  We went into a Lego store and saw some amazing creations out of Legos.  The kids loved walking around looking for some things that they could afford to buy.  There were some Legos that the smaller kids could play while the parents shopped.  Bradley loved playing with them.  We stayed for about 3 hours and then headed back to our room.  We relaxed through the rest of the day. 

There is never a dull moment with Bradley around.  He makes friends wherever he goes.  Today in the laundry room, he was chatting up a storm with a woman waiting with me for our clothes to be done.  He was talking to her like he knew her really good.  Bradley also says the funniest things lately.  Today while walking back from Downtown Disney to the shuttle.  I told Bradley that if he walked instead of rode in the stroller that he had to hold onto somebodies hand.  He said, "Mom, I will hold my own hand" as he clasped both hands together."  I couldn't help but laugh - where does he come up with these things???  I am worried what he will be like in a year or two.

 Eating at "House of Blues"

 The "Lego" store had the coolest creations out of Legos.

Crazy kid!

 Parker

Bradley with our cook carmel apples - the Mickey one was especially cool and so yummy!

December 2010

December went by so quickly and unfortunately was very busy.  I always have great intentions of doing so many fun things, but I never find time for half of them.  

The month started out with our Ward Christmas Party.  The committee did such an excellent job at putting it all together.  We started out by seeing Santa before it started.  Bradley didn't want anything to do with him except to get the candy cane he handed out.  Luckily I still have a few kids that will sit on his lap.  Parker with Santa below.

 The youth helped serve the food - Camille did a great job making sure the rolls were rationed:).

After dinner, there was a Christmas talent show.  The primary started out by singing two songs.  My kids also sang a song "Who Would Imagine a King."  Unfortunately between the loudness of all of the kids and the microphone not picking them up very well, most of the talents weren't heard very well.  My kids were great sports and sounded awesome.

 Camille, Tanner, Johnathan, Bradley, Carter & Parker

 The final number was the Ward Choir that Camille & I participated in.  We sang a capella "Carol of the Bells." 

December 3rd, Byron called me from work to ask if we wanted to go to a Jazz game that night.  How can you pass up an opportunity like that?  Luckily we weren't busy and enjoyed spending the evening in the Nu Skin's suit with Carter & Johnathan.  There were 2 other families in the suite with us - it was fun to get to know acquaintances of Byron's at work.  We were able to eat endless nachos, popcorn, pop, cookies.  What a fun experience for us!  The only drawback was that the game started at 8:30 p.m., so it was a very long evening. 

Camille is still taking voice lessons this year, but has a different teacher.  Unfortunately her teacher from last year isn't teaching any more, so were were left looking for somebody new.  We found Natalie who is going to BYU still.  She really is an awesome teacher and is so experienced with voice.  Camille has enjoyed going to her.  The huge drawback is how far we have to travel each week.

Her first recital was on December 6th.  She sang "Who Would Imagine a King" and "Defying Gravity."  For some reason I didn't record the last song - I guess I didn't hit the record button, so I have added her first song below.  She does such an awesome job!

 Camille with her voice teacher, Natalie De Jesus.

After the recital - Melissa, Dad & Mom Beck were so awesome to come and support Camille.  Byron left for a business trip for a couple of days to Los Angelos that afternoon, so he wasn't able to come.  We went to Wendy's and enjoyed a frosty together after the recital.

On December 10th, Camille performed a Musical Review with her Drama II class.  Camille was in 3 of the songs performed.  It was so fun to see her with her classmates.  She performed in "My New Philosophy," "Come On Everybody," and "Like Father Like Son."  Camille and Kyson were so fun to watch together.

Camille in "My New Philosphy."

Here are some snap shots I took of the video of Kyson & Camille dancing - so fun.

Since Byron & Tanner are both in scouts, I had to get a picture of them in their scout uniforms together.  Tanner received 3 merit badges.  I never realized how much work is put into just one merit badge.  It is a very humbling experience seeing how much work Tanner put in and will continue to so he will be able to receive his Eagle.

Johnathan had fun playing with some Bendaroos. He is very creative and made the cutest Santa and elf.

Each year the Elementary School puts on a Christmas Sing Along where each grade sings one song together.  I was asked to play the piano for the 2 songs the 6th graders sang.  It was really fun being a part of the program and being able to see the kids sing their songs.  The parents aren't invited to this since there isn't enough room for all of the school kids in the cafeteria, let alone parents.  The 2nd graders were able to wear their pajamas for the performance - Carter & Parker thought this was pretty cool.

Carter - they sang "We Wish You a Merry Christmas."

 Parker

 Tanner

Johnathan - he sang "The Twelve Days of a Hawaiian Christmas"

Byron Europe Trip in November 2010

Back in November, Byron had the awesome opportunity with work to go to 6 different countries:  Russia, Israel, Hungary, Belgium, Denmark and South Africa. He would probably say that it wasn't very awesome being in the airplane for so many hours and also the long flights, but I couldn't imagine it being anything but awesome.  One of the last times I talked to him, he had 4 more days until he would be back but he was only staying one of those nights in a hotel - crazy!

He started out his 2 week trip to Moscow, Russia.  He was able to go to the famous Red Square.  This building is so amazing.  I guess most of the colors in Russia are pretty drab - browns.  This building is so colorful and reminds me of an ice-cream cone.

  

Next on Byron's schedule was Tel Aviv, Israel.  Byron would have loved to travel one hour to see some of the amazing sights of Jerusalem,  but didn't have the opportunity.  He did see the beautiful Mediterranean Sea as he ate with this amazing view one morning.  Leaving Tel Aviv, he has never dealt with so many problems with customs.  He was interrogated so much for his reasons to be there, why he was here for such a short time, why did he also travel to Malaysia and Indonesia (since they are enemies of Israel), etc.  As he was putting back his underwear and socks - he honestly thought he would never get out of there and barely made his plane even though he got to the airport 4 hours early.

Next he went to Copenhagen, Denmark.  Byron's relatives were from Denmark, so this place has a lot of special meaning to Byron.

The room he stayed in had two very small beds - he compared them to a stretcher or hospital bed. 

The toilet was also free-standing - that would make cleaning so easy:).

 They have so many sweets and are known for their licorice. 

Byron got a laugh out of this sign.  - so funny how in different countries you can see quite the spelling for words - it might be Danish - but it is close to English.

This bike is in a store - it looks like something we would find out of the 50's and it is totally current there.

Byron went to Africa as his final country.  He had never been was excited to see the cool sights of Johannesburg.  He went on a cool  tour of Soweto and also saw Nelson Mandela's home.  If you have seen the movie "Invictus," you could see how amazing of a man he was through out his life. 

Some meat that looks like beef jerky.  Freshly shaved from a hunk of meat.

This is called a "poiky" in Africa.  It is taken from the Danish decent and is like our Dutch ovens.

These videos are really cool.  The first one is taken of a dinner Byron had with a coworker in Africa and her family.  He is eating 4 different types of meat.

The second video is taken of a tour Byron went on which included going into a women's house to see the living conditions of the people there.  Sorry the video is sideways, but it is really fun to just listen to Byron's conversation with this woman.