And they're off.....

Many of my wonderful friends and family have notice something a little different about my smile. Yes, the braces came off Tuesday the 13th at 8am. What a happy day :) no more food stuck in my teeth, no more half smiles, no more cutting my food into tiny pieces. NO MORE SUFFERING!!

M-I-C-K-E-Y M-O-U-S-E

Greg and I planned a suprise trip to Disneyland for KJ's 5th Birthday. She had no idea where we were going. Thanks to Greg's mom who came out to watch RJ and Anton. I asked her where she thought we might be taking her for her Birthday suprise, she thought we were going to Boomtown :) She was so excited when Greg finally told her-we held out until we were at the condo in L.A. We had to tell her because she started seeing all these Mickey statues and the gift shop filled with Disney stuff. The first night we watch the super cool Halloween fireworks show from the roof, let me just say that Disney knows how to put on a fireworks show.



One of our first stops was to see the mouse himself. KJ got to give him big hugs and get his autograph.


KJ took a tour of Minnie's House and she is enjoying sitting in her massive chair.


Goofy was next on the autograph list


KJ is totally focused on driving her car. They even handed out licenses.


My first attempt to take a family photo while holding out the camera on a ride. I think it turned out great.


KJ in her beautiful Belle dress in front of the main entrance to Disneyland.


On our second day of the trip we took KJ to a princess breakfast where she met and got autographs from Ariel, Belle, Cinderella, Aurora, and Snow White. As you walk down a spiral staircase to the breakfast Ariel is waiting for you at the bottom for pictures. KJ could not stop smiling and checking out all the princesses beautiful dresses. She had an amazing breakfast.


They brought KJ a special birthday brownie at the end of breakfast and everyone sang to her.


More food than you could eat in three days :) So good


KJ after breakfast riding Ariel's carousel


Riding on the huge ferris wheel


Greg was the only family member to represent on the "scary" rides. Here he is on the Boooomerang.


Princess castle at night


Action shot of Greg hard at work spinning the tea cups.


KJ wanted her turn to spin us around on the cups. This was one of her favorite rides. I think we ended up going on it four or five times.


Small world hula dancers. I took this picture for Greg- they were really shak'n their hips.


The Toy Story Soildies were a hoot to watch, they would march around California Adventure- the park right across from D-land. They would sing funny songs and play the drums.


KJ sporting her mickey ears (Tinkerbell ears) The cool 3-D glasses are part of my favorite ride (toy story mania in Cal. Adventure.)


We watched the pixar parade, and this happens to be Greg's favorite character :) I'm watching you Greg!


A parting shot in front of Disnayland on our last night. We had a blast and I am counting down the days until we get to take RJ for her 5th birthday :)

Amazing!

I have been slowly trying to give our master bedroom a make over. We finally got it painted after about 6 months, so I decided that the next step would be a new dresser and matching nightstands. After looking at several places, it was decided that we could not afford new items...Ok, fine I don't give up that easily, so I decided that I would paint our dresser. Sounds easy right? After sanding it and several trips to Home Depot to find new hardware that actually fit, it wasn't too bad. All the hard work was worth it because I think it turn out amazing!


The old, yucky brown dresser.

A side view, I have just started sanding it

After several days of blood, sweat and tears here is the finished product :)

Close up view of the new hardware. I didn't get a picture of the old stuff because I was so excited to take it off and throw it away. They were huge and brass...yuck! I'm very happy with the results and I think it matches the color of our room and our black bed just perfectly.

Lil' Messer

The following is just a small sampling of Anton's handy work.

A few weeks ago he knocked over the lamp and busted it to pieces





Reading the labels, I have taught him well


I love how happy he is in this picture. A boy proud of his work , that's what I like to see





Just act casual and no one will notice


The best part of Anton messing in the pantry was that every time he pulled out a new item he would say, "aught o." (not sure how to spell that)

In Loving Memory

My Grandpa Purser (my mother's father) past away this last Friday. We spent this week making sure my grandma was doing ok and attending his viewing, funeral and open house. My thoughts throughout this past week were focused on the gratitude that I have for the knowledge of the gospel. The rest of the family that attended were not members, so Greg and I in our own ways were able to bear our testimonies to my uncles and reassure them that they would see grandpa again. It was sad, but I know that he is happy and learning about the gospel.

Family Tradition

Every year for the past five years we have made our annual trek to Apple Hill. I love it there!! It is always so much fun to spend time with the family and watch the kids search for the perfect pumpkins and apples. We usually indulge in a piece of fresh apple pie, but this year we decided to branch out and try some apple donuts :) they were sooo good, we got them fresh out of the oven. It was a safe and fun trip and the girls really like pick'n their own apples.


The search began as daddy and the girls scampered through the vast pumpkin patch





KJ found hers

Mama, this is the one I like








Now we are off to find the perfect apples




KJ can't wait to take a bite of this golden delicious

I just love apples!!

Daddy gave Anton an apple of his own and he didn't let go. He ate almost half and loved every bite, I think it felt really good on his teeth.