Happy New Year!!!

I got a phone call from Amy at 5:30 New Year's Eve saying we were invited to a party.  When I ask how many people were attending this party, she responded, just one.  Evidently, it was a very exclusive party!  So, grandma and I quickly packed an overnight bag and off we went.
To see what activity was in store for them, the kids popped a balloon every half hour.  I think my favorite ones were the glow stick dance, the nerf war, and of course, the ball drop.  Almost everyone, sorry Owen and grandma, made it to midnight and were in bed and asleep by 12:05!!!

The next day, we celebrated again!

House Remodel

Amy has been trying to talk me into taking out the wall between the kitchen and front room for a couple of years now.  I finally caught the "vision" and contacted Tom Shepard, several of my teacher friends contractor, and off we went.  I told Tom how much money I had to spend, and we got everything done within that amount.  It is amazing what a difference it has made.  I can now talk to someone in the front room while I'm cooking, or I can watch TV while I'm doing the dishes.  My only regret is that I didn't listen to Amy sooner!

We went from this...                                                     to this!!!

And a little (or lot) of this in the middle...

Knott's Berry Farm--A Year in Review

 We have had a years pass that expired today...It has been a lot of fun and a lot of firsts...

The first time we went, Amy looked around and said, "Well, it's no Disneyland!"  But it was fun and affordable.  And we ended up going several times including the first day of spring, Halloween, and Christmas.  I think our favorite ride turned out to be the Silver Bullet, one that I said I would never go on!  Owen particularly like Camp Snoopy.  The funnel cake was delish.  And we created some fun memories like Wyatt lying down on a grave and pretending he was dead, Amy participating in the sing-a-long, and Owen being scared of the train robbers, It was fun to have no blackout days and have soak city included.  But, we now have passes to Disneyland again...and it's like going home!

Grandma Johnson

Sadly, Grandma Johnson passed away this afternoon.  She had been in poor health for quite a while, but it's always difficult to say goodbye to wonderful people.  I will always be grateful to Grandma for her love and support, even after Dave and I got divorced.  She never said an unkind thing and always made me feel as if I were still a member of the family.  I know that she is happy now, and has been reunited with Grandpa, but she will be missed.

Just a Little More Christmas

It wouldn't be Christmas with out including these final photos...

Huntington Beach

The weather was amazing the week of Christmas, so we headed to the beach.

Disneyland

Todd and Kathy have had a high school girl from Brazil as an exchange student this semester, so Luana joined us for Christmas.  And so, of course, we had to take her to Disneyland.  We were prepared for long lines and lots of crowds, but it turned out to be OK.  We were actually able to do all of the things we wanted to, except the fireworks!

Hello Disneyland!

 Lots of lines...

...to get on lots of rides.

 Five were chosen to be trained as a Jedi!!!

 While in line for the Jungle Cruise, we found a great spot for pictures.

 And some random shots that I just couldn't leave out.

getting some "uncle time"

I just love this guy!

All the kids were fascinated by this ball

In front of Haunted Mansion.  Can you find Carson?!

Watching the parade.

Owen's expression after riding the bobsleds!--Priceless

These nothing more magical than Small World at Christmas time.

 I think you can call it a successful day at Disneyland if everyone gets exhausted!