Updating finally!

DISNEYLAND 2011

This year for Christmas, the West family went to Disneyland! We kept it a secret from the kids (which was particularly difficult for those of you who know me...I'm not so good at keeping secrets). We arrived at the parking lot, and then we got out and Jonny and I gave Dillon a Lightning McQueen backpack filled with a Storm Trooper costume, treats, a light saber, and a matching hoodie with Mickey on it (the whole family had matching hoodies for the trip). It was funny...Dillon figured out that we were at Disneyland from the hoodie (and his cousins help) but then he looked around like "this lame parking lot is Disneyland? I don't get what all the hype is about." So classic! However, when we got in the park, he was thrilled! Deaky was super excited too, and loved all the lights for the Holiday season.

Parking lot eh? Cool, cool.

The castle all lit up.
Knock, knock. The kids were a little disappointed that it didn't open up. (Dillon, Lana, Caden, and Baby Gage getting squished in the front).By far, my favorite part of the trip: the Disney World of Color water/light show. It was amazing! I just wish we had a better view. Oh well, next time.
The crew getting ready to watch Michael Jackson in 3-d. (Brandon, Dawna, Tay-bear, Gager, Dillon, Lana-Loo, Moe, Ari, Brecken, and Caden in front).And, who can visit Disneyland without visiting It's a Small World? Honestly, it's a classic. It was fun seeing it all dressed up for the Holidays. This was one of Deakin's favorite rides.Princess Lana with Ariel.Back at the condo: Cassie brought some Minute to Win It games. So much fun! Grandpa and Grandma West did a Disney trivia game with awesome prizes to get us all excited about the trip! It was fantastic!

The boys back at the condo practicing their Jedi skills on each other.

One of the highlights of the trip: We showed up early for Jedi-Knight training. After much screaming and jumping up and down, Dillon was picked FIRST to go up on stage and dress up and be trained with the Jedi Master. He was thrilled. Then, his cousin Brecken, was chosen as well! We tried to get Caden up there, but he wasn't that interested. Dillon still talks about it, and shows off his certificate.

Rewind again: The crew in Las Vegas at the M&M store watching a 3-d movie. We bought so many different types of M&M's. My fav was still peanut butter.

Playing on the beach on our down days. Grandpa brought his kites and we flew kites and played in the sand and water.

The Crew: going to Rain Forest Cafe in Las Vegas. We celebrated my 30th birthday, and Grandma's 65th. Just kidding mom.

The whole fam-damly at the gate in Disneyland. I wouldn't want to go nutty with any other bunch of people than my best friends below!

This is out of order..there is more Disney up ahead... after Disney land we celebrated Christmas late. Auntie Sally came to live with us while Uncle Ty has been in Afghanistan. This is the whole crew that was there on Christmas morning (Santa visited us a few days late after getting home from California).

Dillon opening presents!

Baby Deakin opening up Play Doh (Santa obviously doesn't know what a nightmare that would be with this one).

Dillon opening up his favorite: costumes!!

The boys in their matching jammies: Toy Story. I love that Dillon is posing in the picture, while Deakin is furiously trying to make his escape.

Rewind: Christmas Eve. Auntie Sally helping make food for dinner. This year we made home made rolls, Zuppa Tuscano, and cookies for Santa.

Poor picture quality, but here is a picture of Jonny and the boys making cookies for Santa!

-More Disney-

Deakin 16 mos at Disneyland 2011

Dillon, with Cass and Gage riding on the carousel at Disneyland.

Posing in front of the Mater and Lightning McQueen.

Cass and I brought costumes for our boys to wear around the park. Gage was an adorable Prince charming.

2/3 of my handsome boys!

Auntie Sally bought us a character's breakfast at Disneyland! It was so much fun! When going back, we will definitely go there again. Deakin and Dillon LOvED the characters, but Gage was terrified. It was very funny!

Posing in their costumes.

Jonny and Dill riding the Winnie the Pooh ride.

Squeaky and mommy.

Life Outside of Disneyland:

The boys at the zoo with uncle Taylor.

Me and the boys playing in the basement. We sure have loved having Baby Gager around to play with...sure they fight, but they cry when the other is gone. We will miss them terribly when they leave.

Movie night for the kids. We invited a bunch of Dillon's friends over and had a movie night. They had lots of treats, pizza, soda, and fun!

More pizza/movie party pics.

Treats for Dill's movie night:

Deakin and Dillon being buddies on the couch.

For Jonny's 30th birthday I threw him a surprise party, and took him to a bed and breakfast after. We had an "all things 1980's" themed party. Dawna and Brandon dressed in style!

Morgan and Ari dressed awesome too!

Jonny's 30th! Leah dressed up too...but I can't find the pic. So, thanks to everyone for coming, and a high-five for all of us who looked lame and dressed up!!

Dillon saved up his money for about a month and bought this ninja costume.

The morning of Jonny's birthday, we decided to do things a little differently this year. Instead of breakfast in bed, we did breakfast at work. We took balloons, breakfast, and some presents over to the school to give to Daddy.

Deakin loves to dress up as well!

Grandpa Case reading to the boys.