The Last time of...

As Maya gets older, I am beginning to realize that now I will have more last times of certain things. Some make me very happy - the last time I will change a poopy diaper, or the last time that I will be pregnant. But others make me kinda of sad because it means that my kids are needing me as much any more or in the future.

Yesterday was one of the last times which made me a little sad. Maya has been riding her bike like a maniac with training wheels. She really does not need them but until yesterday, didn't want them off. But yesterday, her and I took them off and away she went. I didn't have to run after her holding on the bike, like I had to do with Madi or Max. She is the youngest which in some sense has made her the most independent or the one to grow up quicker so that she can keep up with Madi and Max.

So, Here are a few pictures of her crusing around with no training wheels.

Disney Pictures!

Bryant and the kids outside of Cinderall Castle! All decorated for Christmas- so pretty!

Kari, Maya and Madi on Tea Cups

Max and Bryant on the Tea Cups! Max loved these!

Mickey's Toon Town

Dumbo

It's A Small World - our first ride

Outside of the Park - So excited to go in!

Way far behind!

Things have been crazy and I need to get December posted on the blog. This post, I will tell what happened and the next one will be pictures.

On Wednesday, December 16th, we picked our kids up at school at lunchtime and told them that we were going somewhere. They had no idea where we were going. They guessed Chucky Cheese, Gameworks, the Wolfley's and they were all wrong guesses.

Bryant and I started giving them clues and it wasn't until we were in Tonopah that Maya guessed where we were going -- DISNEYLAND!!!! We had always told them that when Maya was 5 we would be able to go.

We drove over the CA on Wednesday and got to our hotel - which was right across the street from Disneyland. We were able to see the fireworks show that night from our hotel. It was AWESOME.

On Thursday the 17th, we were up bright and early and were ready to go to be park. We got through the gates at about 7:30 am and the kids were so excited. We went on a ton of rides that day, saw the Christmas Parade, ride more rides and had a total blast! We were really tired that night but Bryant and Max watched the fireworks again from the Hotel.

Friday, we were a little tired but still excited to go. We went on a few of our favorite rides from Thursday and then went over to California Adventure. We LOVED the Toy Story Midway Mania. It was a blast and we also loved going on the "tour" of the tortilla Factory - fresh, warm tortillas. Yummy!

At 2:30 we left Disney and began our drive home. After long traffic lines, a major accident near Blythe and near Quartzsite. We got home around 11:30 pm - Totally exhausted but still smiling after the best 2 days of our family's life.

The kids did great. They did not complain about all of the walking, waiting in lines and more walking.

Bryant and I are so glad that we surprised them, it is a memory that we all will have forever!

Pictures on the next post!

The rest of the Christmas Season flew by and we had lots of family time. Making Gingerbread houses, Christmas Eve at the Rapiers and Christmas Dinner at our home! We love Christmas!

My Amazing Husband

Max and Santa

I have always known that I am married to the most amazing guy. But yesterday, I was reminded of how amazing he is. We were in need of a Santa Claus for our primary party and Bryant came through with flying colors. He is someone who has an issue with germs due to his job but he sat there, Ho ho ho'ed for the primary kids and made quite a few jokes!

Maya and Santa - she thought it was great that it was Bryant. She didn't realize it was him until she got up there.

Madi and Santa! My only sad thing is that I did not get a picture with Santa!

Thanks Bryant - I owe you big time!!!! I love you

A wonderful Surprise

Here is a recent picture of Max and this goes perfectly along with this post.

Bryant and I went into our room tonight and found under each of our pillows a white bag with a note, candy, toys and a dollar in each one.

Here is exactly what Bryant's said " Dear Dad you are so cool you are so very nice and yor so very fun and funny. Love your son Max (with a heart)"

Here's mine "Dear Mom you are so very nice you cook so yummy foods and so swet and cyook. Love your son Max (with a heart).

This has been the best way to end our day. Both of us had trying days - Bryant at work and me at Church. Max is our lover boy and one who loves to write us notes that we will always treasure and remember when he is not being as cute!

Max, we love you you are so very nice and you are so cool!!!

Halloween - Part 2 - The Candy & Trick or Treating

Madi - the pirate! Our ward has a Halloween Party at the park where we eat dinner and the kids get to play games. After the party...

Our friends pulled a hay "wagon" behind their truck and drove the kids around trick or treating. It was the first year that my kids have done it. They loved every minute of it. Maya on the left was a ballerina! There were 6 families on it. Much quicker and easier than walking all around the neighborhood.

Me and my friend Elizabeth - they were ones with the truck. She was a witch and I was a runner (I just wanted to wear comfy clothes)

Max as a skelton, loved running from house to house!

Bryant came with us too! We had a great time! Maya loved sitting with him.

Sunday morning - the candy counting began. When I woke up and came upstairs - this is what I saw. Notice the nice neat lines. They had also made a pile of candy that they did not like.

Madi's stash! They loved it!

Maya had the most variety, which made her line graph the longest. She also won 7$ at the ward party in plinko.

It was a lot of fun and I loved to see the excitement in their eyes as they were telling me over and over what they did. Maybe it was not excitement but more of a sugar rush! Can't wait for next year.

Halloween - Carving Pumpkins!

Here is Maya with her very scary face and hair along with her pumpkin done.

Bryant and Max carefully carving the teeth for Max's pumpkin.

Max loves to design his own face - no patterns for him.

Bryant looks a little too eager to be stabbing oops I mean carving the pumpkin.

Madi and Maya getting the goop out of their pumpkins. For dinner we had purple soda which shows around most of their mouths!

We carved our pumpkins this year and the kids loved it. They had a great time and are getting more and more involved each year. Sorry no pictures of the end products.