Universal Studios

 Remember those awesome neighbors I mentioned a few posts back? Well, Kim and Steve, gave our family Universal Studios tickets for Christmas. They are awesome! We cashed in on Friday and had a great time. It was hot, but not humid and there was a nice breeze. It was a little rough on my 8 month pregnant self, but I survived and we made some fun memories. It was all fun, but the highlights were Jurassic Park and the pteranodon fliers, Hogsmeade, and Seuss Landing!

Seuss Landing was a huge hit. We are big fans of Dr. Seuss and enjoyed every ride in this area. Miriam makes a cute Cat in the Hat and we all enjoyed the Caro-seussal!

Another huge draw was Hogsmeade! We met the Conductor of the Hogwarts Express, ate a delicious dinner at the Three Broomsticks, heard the Hogwarts choir sing, and saw the sights, including Hogwarts Castle!

Landon and Ethan were obsessed with the park map. Here's Landon navigating our way back to the parking lot. 

Without a nap all day, Miriam was a little delirious by the time we had dinner. We were all getting  a kick out of her shenanigans.

The First Grade Presents BUGZ

The First-graders at Ethan's school put on their annual play this year. It was all about BUGZ!!!!!!!

There were ladybugs, ants, butterflies, praying mantises, fireflies, bees, and stink bugs. Ethan and two of his classmates were the three stink bugs. 

He had a very special part. The stink bugs kept trying to get in on the picnic action and the other bugs would say "Ewwwwwwwww!" and drive them away. In the end, the praying mantises helped them out by giving them flowers to improve their smell and everyone was able to enjoy the picnic.

As Stinkbug Number 1, Ethan's line was "I know i'm not he sweetest thing that ever graced your nose. But what am I to do for lunch? Go hungry? I suppose!"

Grandma, Papa K, Jared, Grayson, Landon, Miriam and I were there to support our sweet stinkbug. It was a fun event and we were so proud of our boy.

Phone photos from last week

Life is crazy around these parts. Honestly, I'm just trying to make it through each day some times. Everything is just so much harder when you're pregnant. Glad I don't have to be pregnant in the near future. Due date is next month!!!!!!!!!! Woot! Woot!

Polished Miriam's little toes the perfect shade of pink!

Landon also wanted his toes polished. Since I can't resist his sweet voice and dimple, I said yes. Polished one foot pink and the other turquoise.

Saying cheese for a good morning photo to Daddy. We don't get to see Jared in the morning because of his seminary and work schedule. We miss him so we send photos from time to time.

My big boys are excited about the new baby! The other day they got out all the diaper burp cloths and wrapped up their animals for naps. It was so cute. They are going to be wonderful helps to me when baby boy arrives next month. 

Neighbors

One of the things that helps me most when I'm in an emotional funk, is to focus on my blessings. With a move this summer, I've been thinking about how grateful I am for my neighbors. We really lucked out in the neighbor department. I don't know everyone on my street, but I know and have phone numbers for the four closest to us. Over the last 3.5 years they have watched my family grow and are always there to lend a helping hand.
Kim and Steve have given us Universal Studios tickets, mowed our lawn and allow my children to play with their dog, Tonka. Rick and Doris let Jared test drive their new car and park their vehicle in my driveway when we go out of town. John is one of Landon's best friends and listens to everything Landon has to say even though he understands about a quarter of it. John also played the North Pole so Santa's gifts weren't found this year and he has played Santa himself by throwing every type of sports ball in our backyard for the kids to find Christmas morning. Miss Sara loves my children like her own grandchildren. She makes sure Ethan gets the best teacher at school by putting in a personal request (she used to work there), she brings us goodies and presents on the holidays, and is always willing to spend time with us.
I am not sure we'll have neighbors like this again, but I sure hope we do. They have blessed our lives in so many ways. It is going to make moving very difficult.