Summa Time

We spent last week visiting family in California...just what the doctor order for this 32 week preggers Momma.  It was such a great trip...we loved every minute of it. In April I found an amazing steal on airfare so for the first time in about 5 years we were able to fly. I with confidence can say that it will probably never happen again. With H. turning 2 in the fall and eventually having a fourth child to buy a ticket for we won't be flying as a family anytime soon. Which just made the flights all the sweeter.

It usually takes us 11 hours to drive from my doorstep to to my sisters ~ including the time change, traffic and usual stops. It was incredible that in 1 and 22 minutes we were saying goodbye to Utah and Helllllllooooo SoCal.

As usual we are totally spoiled whenever we visit my sister. The sunny, perfect weather, the pool and spa {right in the backyard}, Magic Mountain, the beach, the home cooked food and local restaurants. Ah, heaven. Here are a few highlights from the trip.

The Getty Museum

The Original Farmers Market

Zuma Beach ~ Malibu CA

Backyard Pool Shenanigans

....more Shenanigans

The Best Strawberries evah!!!

Vacation Food ~ Mid Week Munchies

When I like to be organized (which doesn't always happen!) I like to make lists. I especially like to be organized when we go on vacation and in consequence I have alot of vacation lists. This month we are headed on our annual Tahoe Trip. We go every year and love the North Shore of Lake Tahoe. There are 12 of us and we typically go for 7 days. Food is a huge component on this trip. With 4 adults, 3 teenagers and 3 others on the cusp of teenage years....food is always on the mind.

Tahoe is an expensive town and everything costs more. Being from Utah where food is at a relatively average price...buying groceries in Tahoe is outrageous. We've learned, I make a list and bring as many groceries as possible from Utah. A grocery list for Tahoe not only saves $$ but multiple trips to the store in Tahoe. Nothing is worst than trying to make a meal and you don't have a key ingredient. Everyone is starving and someone has to run to the store to buy butter!

I make 3 food lists for Tahoe: Essentials, Menu Meal and Snacks

Essentials: eggs, butter, salt, pepper, syrup, milk, popsicles, bread. We always stay in a house and typically there are some essentials available for our use, but you just never know.

Menu Meal: We plan a menu for our nightly dinners, I try and list everything I'll need to make for each dinner. A couple days before we leave I start compiling all my ingredients to take with us.
Breakfast is easier because we know we will either make french toast, pancakes or aebleskivers. A big breakfast is critical for a day on the beach or jet skiing.
Lunch is always sandwiches and snacks, which are put into a cooler to enjoy later in the day at the beach or on a hike.

Snacks: Out of 12 family members, 8 are kids and they love to snack. Having lots of cookies, snacks, drinks and chips at their disposal is key. With 8 kids running around you hear alot of I'm hungry!!

How do you get ready for a trip, especially when food is involved? I love to know your tips and tricks.

Happy July!

Quilt Love

I've had the itch to start quilting again {post baby} but finding the time has been harder than I anticipated. It seems like every time I sit down to start quilting the baby decides his nap is over or when I have a few  minutes a million other things need to get done {shower, laundry, dinner, homework}.

Since it is February, I decided to show some LOVE to a few of my "old-half finished" projects before I tackled anything new. Not only would it bring a huge since of satisfaction to finish something in my TO-DO pile, but being half way complete would get me that much closer to finishing before February is over.

I immediately decided to work on my Vinatage Propeller Blocks from {gasp} September 09!! I had nearly all the blocks given to me by my Loch Lommond Quilt Group. I just needed to make a few more in a couple colors {red and blue} and then I was ready to start piecing the blocks together. I am really happy with the progress from about last Wednesday. I am making the quilt 6 across by 8 down, once I put the borders on it should be about twin size. I haven't determined the borders size yet, put I am leaning towards a yellow or purple fabric choice.

Hope everyone is enjoying their Presidents Day and the long weekend!!!

Disneyland Wrap-Up

For my Disneyland Wrap-Up I just wanted to point out a few other great things about Christmas. Disney's Believe...in Holiday Magic night time show is so worth the trip. Camp out and get a great spot. Sleeping Beauty Castle is stunning: the snow, the icicles, the lights! At night when the fireworks are blasting off,  the castle is all a glow, the streets are sprinkling snow and as the finale they play "White Christmas". It is beautiful.

Here is a great video showing Sleeping Beauty's Castle. Better than anything we recorded.

Here are a few other bloggers with great Disney Tips:

Marie: Make and Takes
Kelly: Just Spotted
Lisa: Babes in Disneyland
Ride Max

Have a great weekend everyone!

Midway Mania ~ Field Trip Fridays

Toy Story 3

My favorite ride at California is Midway Mania. It is the interactive 3-DToy Story Ride. We waited in line 1 1/2 hrs to take our turn. We waited so long in line, I actually got out of line, picked up dinner, brought it back, and ate dinner in line: Burritos, Hot Dogs, and Popcorn.

Midway Mania is a great family ride. My five year old and nine year loved it, but lets be honest, I loved it the most. One reason is: they let me ride and play the games while I carried the baby in his sling/carrier. As soon as we were off the ride, everyone was talking, comparing games and scores. Second reason I loved this ride: I won! best score in the family.

For more Disney Info on Midway Mania click here. Without question, we would have ridden over and over again, if not for the 1 1/2 hour long line. Next time we go; Midway Mania is our first stop.

You get to wear these fun 3-D glasses while riding/playing. Once you have your glasses you know you are almost there. To help pass the time here are three games we played to keep the kids busy:

I-Spy. With so much to do and see at Disneyland. I-Spy was a great game to keep the kids excited.

Line Competition. We played little competitions with the kids. ex. who can stand on one foot, the longest. Who can hold their breathe, the longest. Who can balance on the rail without their hands. Last man standing won. The line moves every couple minutes, even though it is almost a half a mile long! We played simple, small, physical activities that could be played and finished every couple minutes kept them entertained.

Roshambo. Thumb Wars, Arm Wrestling, Getting to Know other families in Line and Back Rubs. Ahhhh!

The funs not over yet! After riding, take a photo opp in the toy box!

Fast Pass

Upon entering the park it is critical to start your fast passes. Our family rule is Mom or Dad keep track/hold of the park tickets and fast passes. The sooner you start getting your fast passes, the sooner you'll get more. For more info on Fast Passes and which rides offer fast passes click here. We always get on-line before visiting and check which rides offer fast passes.

Lots of rides run out of fast passes before the day is over, so make sure you get fast passes early for the rides you can't leave the park without riding. Cross your fingers the other rides will still have passes available later in the day. We missed out on Tower of Terror, they said they ran out of fast passes by 2 p.m.. Also, even though a ride says you have to come back between this time and this time, you don't. As long as you use your pass after the time stated they will accept the fast pass, even if it is hours after the time you were suppose to return.

Questions, Questions, Question! Disney's Website is great at answering anything and everything.

Christmas Time at Disneyland ~ Field Trip Friday

The day we visited Disneyland was a picture perfect day. Blue skies, warm 60+ degree weather, big crowds and Christmas!! Upon enter the magic kingdom you are greeting with the most breath taking Christmas Tree. The presents, poinsettias, wreathes and garlands all accumulate in the view of Disney's Christmas Tree. The "Tree" was spectacular. Town Square looked like a postcard from Christmas in the 1950's and my dreams. Walking into the Magic Kingdom and seeing the "Tree" I knew the today would be special.

As usually, Disney spares no expense and Christmas is no different. Visit at Christmas is a must see and well worth the trip. The ambiance, music, decorations and celebrations are all wrapped into a picture perfect snap shot.

Just a few of the larger than life (or at least larger than my head!) ornaments:

Santa

Gingerbread man

Toy Soldier

Musical Instruments

Stars, Balls, Bells, Bows

Birds

The kids had a complete blast. The whole family cannot wait to come back again at Christmas Time.

View down Mainstreet. Even at 9 am the crowds were forming!!

Poinsettias Galore!!

I am really grateful to Disney for complimentary passes to see, explore and experience Disneyland and California Adventure at Christmas!! Due to terrible weather in SoCal the week prior to our visit (on 12/27) Disneyland was packed. We were told by multiple cast members that they were expecting a larger volume of visitors (more than normal for Christmas) because of the rains the week before. I am not sure how many more people were actually visiting Disneyland but I personally had never seen it sooo congested. Long ride lines and stand still traffic was the order of the day.

That being said......We had a great time. It was magical and memorable and I would do it again in a heart beat.

Next Friday ~ Tips and Tricks to using the Fast Pass and what we thought of the Toy Story 3 ride!!

California Adventure ~ Field Trip Friday

Hello! We are still on vacation for Field Trip Friday, this time in Anaheim, CA. Disney gave my family and I complimentary day passes to visit and blog about Disneyland at Christmas Time. For the next several Fridays I am going to be posting all about Disneyland. It should be alot of fun, Stay Tuned!!

California Adventure

Christmas Wrap-Up

Just thought I would do a little Christmas California Wrap-Up 2010. Here is our tree Christmas morning. I love the sunlight in the room, I love the frosted tree, and I love all the presents!! This picture doesn't do it nearly justice. I AM CONVERTED: FROSTED TREE next year.

We re-enacted the Nativity.

The boys got Red Ryder BB Guns, and we hid them just like in a Christmas Story. 6,000 BB pellets. Oh, it was glorious.

Adam got me this amazing perfume. The fragrance is Marigold and I love it. (purchased: Anthropologie)

Too cute!

This is the only family Christmas picture we could muster. Christmas Eve Night, Thousand Oaks, CA. 2010
Not our best.

Pawn Stars ~ Field Trip Fridays

Seriously, my family (kids included) love to watch Pawn Stars. If you've never checked it out, I would highly recommend. Chumlee is our favorite, "and after 21 years you never know what's going to walk through that door." (from ~ Rick) My five year old walks around the house quoting this line from the opening credits.

How much do we love Pawn Stars? Well, we love it so much this Field Trip Friday we are traveling all the way to Vegas, Baby!! On our way, (to California for Christmas) we spent the night in Vegas. Bright and early Thursday morning (8:30 a.m.) we stopped by see "the real" Pawn Stars.

Once we got in there, they had signs posted everywhere to not take pictures, which was a bummer. But I did sneak one photo of Chumlee's biggest fan by the pin ball machine. He kept walking around the store yelling: "Where is Chumlee?".

Over all they had alot more t.v. show merchandise then "pawn stuff", but it was memorable and we even got to glimpse "The Old Man" walk right through the front door.

Tahoe = Terrrain

At the beginning of the summer I was given the opportunity to test drive a GMC Terrain for 2 weeks to go on a summer vacation. Instantly, I was happy with glee and then secondly I thought of our annual summer trip to North Tahoe in late July. Being 7 months pregnant riding in a new, roomy, sporty SUV sounded like a great way to spend a vacation.

About 15 miles East of Wendover, Nevada

The Terrain has many excellent/innovative features that made our trip so easy. Just to name a few:

DVD Player

Navigational system

Adjustable back seat

Camera view for assisting in backing up

Remote control liftgate ~ hands free

Large trunk for storing cargo

Touch screen for radio, dvd and GPS

Amazing on Gas

We were so spoiled traveling in our GMC Terrain. To start off, GMC delivered the Terrain to My Driveway (I repeat, my driveway!) with a full tank of gas. Getting ready for our trip...shopping, packing, cleaning, organizing (you know the drill!) with all that to do having the Terrain delivered was so hospitable and accommodating of GMC. Thank You!!! (I should also add they picked the Terrain up from my driveway as well)

Two Thumbs Way Up from my boys.

Favorite Features:

DVD Player: In my everyday car (also, our vacation car) I do not have a DVD player, so the kids and I loved having this feature in the Terrain. It was so nice to sit back, relax and have an adult conversation without the kids butting in saying: "Are we there yet?" They were fully occupied and happy putting in a movie and passing the time. The headphones were a quiet bonus.

Remote Control Liftgate:  Just today my eight year old asked "Why can't our car have a remote control for the trunk (liftgate)." I couldn't agree more. Our next car definitely needs to have this feature, maybe we will even get a Terrain! With all our "stuff" we take on vacation it was so nice to have the liftgate open and close at the touch of a button.

SUV:  I miss our old SUV and having one again for this trip was fun. The GMC Terrain could take us anywhere and get us everywhere. I loved being higher off the ground, which made it easy for getting my big belly in and out of the driver seat. I loved the big tires and great road/sand control while driving. Even though the Terrain is big and tough it had great handling and was easy to maneuver.

Gas: In my everyday car, I get exceptional gas mileage and I was really worried about spending alot more in gas this trip with the Terrain BUT, it couldn't have been more the opposite. The Terrain gave us great gas mileage whether we were running errands around town or zooming down the highway. In North Tahoe gas is quite a bit more spendy then lets say Reno (closest major city), and I was afraid the around town miles would have us guzzling gas right and left, but the Terrain does so great on gas, stopping and filling up never crossed my mind.

Are you as Tough as the Terrain?? Yes!

parked behind the Char Pit in King's Beach

Thank you GMC  for letting us test drive your Terrain for a few weeks. We loved the experience and we loved the Terrain. With baby number three almost here....we have considered getting a bigger car. If so, the Terrain will definitely be added to the list of possibilities.

I love California

Translation:
I like California.
I love California.
I like to see squirrels there.
I like to see mice there.
I love to catch lizards.
I like to go in a hot tub in California.
I like to go to Disneyland there.
I love California.
***I think he had a good time during spring break. Don't you?

Pinks Hot Dogs

Who doesn't love a delicious, made to order Hot Dog? Yes, please! My perfect hot dog needs to all beef dog, nestled inside a fresh squishy bun, lathered with ketchup and loaded with red, juicy tomatoes. Heaven!

That being said....

Has anyone ever seen the PBS Hot Dog Documentary? We'll, Pinks Hot Dogs located on La Brea in Santa Monica is one of the hot dog stands they mention. On our way down to San Diego we decide to make a stop!

Made to Order: The Chicago, The Mayor, Mushroom and Swiss and Just Plain

Tasty!

Our Trip to Legoland

We had a great trip to Legoland! We had been looking forward to it all week. It was a very fun, even though the weather was overcast and cold (it even sprinkled on us once!)

The Legos were amazing! They statues and models were so interesting and intriguing. The engineers have designed the most amazing displays, we could have stared for hours.

White House, Obama's Inauguration

Statue of Liberty

New York City

My two complaints about Legoland were: #1 Legoland was not open long enough. Only 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. We couldn't get through even half park in one day. 2nd: The rides were just o.k., they were more like a amusement park then a theme park. I wanted to see more Lego inspired rides.

Off to California

Hey everyone -- we are off to California for the New Year to visit my sister Tina and her family. We'll be up to lots of trouble and of course watching the Utes play on National Television. Whoot! Whoot!

California was so much Fun!

I will be posting for the next few days about our fun trip. It was so nice to be in the warm sunshine. Getting out of my car yesterday in Utah- was a sharp contrast to the great weather in Southern California.

We had alot of fun adventures on vacation.....

Ventura
Baptism
Prop 8
Plum
Cooking
Knotts Berry Farm
Survivor
basketball
tie dye

Check back to read about all the juicy details.

Pammy

BACK!

Hey, I am back from my California trip. I extended my trip two more days because.......

Adam flew home early for an interview and I thought: "If I have to make this trip by myself (those of you who know me, I am not a road tripper!) with two little boys, I am going to wait as long as humanly possible." So I left today.

5:00 a.m. left Tina's house
7:00 a.m. McDonald's, Barstow CA.
12:30 p.m. Wendy's, St George UT
1:30 p.m. Flying J, Cedar City UT
4:45 p.m. Home

10 things I was able to identify as enjoyable about my drive home!!!

10. Boys slept the first 1 1/2 hrs. before sun came up
9. Joshua Trees
8. LA freeway, minus traffic
7. Snacktime CD, by Barenaked Ladies
6. Sausage Egg McMuffin
5. Animal books Tina gave me for trip home
4. My oldest Son, totally the best little helper ever!
3. 1st grade homework to pass the time
2. Boys slept the last 2 hours of trip
1. Got home before the sun went down!!!