Vacation Finale!!!

Well, we had so much fun at Lake Almanor, we had to play one more trip before it was back to work we go. I actually took pictures this time! (That's a big one for me.) And I'm glad I did. It was a great time. Maggie can't believe that we just pack up all the kids and take off. It is hard, but it is so worth it. And I want my kids to have great childhood memories. Even if we didn't go do Disneyland or anywhere fancy. I want them to know what it is like to do things as a family and how awesome it is to be able to enjoy our time together. Pictures: We hit up Big Thunder Mountain Railroad first. Austin's first favorite. Nolan and I sat out for that one, but we did find out that he was tall enough to go on Matterhorn, or as Nolan calls it, the "Monster Ride." Garrett or I have to cover Austin's eyes on Matterhorn the whole time, and if we let him opt out of it, he does. Nolan just says, "I'm done," even if the ride isn't over. Nolan and Dad on Matterhorn. Austin was tall enough to go on The Grizzly, which he loved. We all loved going on the Grizzly and talked about the next time we would go on it all the time. We did get soaked about every time. What was nice was that it was right outside our hotel. Garrett and Austin got hit by a gyser the last time on the Griz and were wet down to the skin, if you know what I mean. All in all, it was a great trip. Nolan especially had a great time. He is understanding and remembering rides. He put in many requests, "I want to go on Small World, I want to go on Pirates, I want to go on Small World, I want to go on Pirates." He went on Pirates the first time a little scared in the dark , but did o.k. Then the second time, he screamed his head off and tried to climb out, then he was fine again and ended the trip with Pirates one last time. He loved Small World and yelled at the top of his lungs when he saw it. He loved the castle being lit up and wanted me to "turn it on" when it wasn't lit up. We saw the Fantasmic show which was awesome and Nolan wanted to know where the characters went when it was over.

Some more highlights: Avery, Austin, and I hit Splash Mountain one morning and rode it three times. Once we went around and we got to sit on for another ride without having to get back in line. Austin finally rode with no one holding onto him. Avery got her backpack which she begged for the whole trip because I got one. She carried that thing everywhere with every random toy in there she could think of. Nolan go a Buzz Lightyear toy that he carried around everywhere and Austin got a pirates gun and sword. I actually went on the Rockets and Dumbo which I swore I would never go on, and surprisingly I didn't get sick. Yah Mommy!

To end the trip we went to an Angels game. The kids first baseball game. Garrett was the proud daddy taking his kids to the game. He would do anything for his kids, they are so blessed to have such a good dad. He stayed with Nolan one morning to let him sleep in and he took care of Avery when she got sick the last night at Disneyland. Poor Avery was throwing up and Garrett stayed with her and made he feel like a princess. Anyways, we had such a good time and so many things I want to remember. I will stop for now. Here's to many more fun family times together!!