Disneyland

A few months back, a dear friend of mine from the ward, suggested I join her and her daughter on a trip to Disneyland.

My first thought was yeah right, I can't ditch Dallin and Finn and galavant off to California.

I casually mentioned it to D and he told me to go and have a blast.

Gosh that husband. I need to be more like him. 

We booked the flights and hotel and we were off!

I went with my friend Mindy, her daughter, Halle, and another good friend, Lisa, from the ward.

I quickly realized what seasoned Disney pros they were.

They don't mess around, which was kinda nice. They knew all of the hot spots!

I have no idea what I was doing.

We stayed in the Grand Californian Hotel, and boy was it glorious.
I felt like a queen strolling out of the hotel, straight into California Adventure.

It is going to be hard to go back to walking, shuttling, or parking.

They make everything so dang convenient!

The lobby alone was incredible.

No big deal. Just a giant pumpkin Mickey cake.

I was a child all over again.

They were most excited to show me Cars Land.

I had heard so much about it, but hadn't been back to Disney in ages.

It was also really fun because Finn is into Cars right now. 

So I am SUPER familiar with all of the characters.

Well. It did not disappoint. I absolutely LOVED it!

Mindy and Halle Day.

I sent pictures and videos back to Finn and D said he loved it.

Ha ha. Finn, one day I will take you to Disney:)

Me just awkwardly holding Hal!

It rained a bit on the first day. But I loved it.

The crowds went down and the temperatures were mid 70s the entire time!

 

Cars Land was even better at night! So clever. All of it!

We spent three total days in the Parks. It worked out great. The last day we really just flip flopped and did whatever we wanted to do again.

Mindy promptly sent this to her husband. Classic.

Big Thunder Mountain was awesome! They have changed it up since I last rode it.

Good ol' Pirates. It was different as well.

I loved all of the changes they made.

Before we left on the trip, we booked a reservation at the Blue Bayou, which is the restaurant inside of the Pirates ride. It was so extremely delicious and you truly can't beat that atmosphere.

Holy goodness. I am salivating.

As we were standing in line for Halle to see Minnie, I got the news that my cousin, Garrett, had passed away. It was devastating. My mom almost didn't call me, but I am so glad she did.

I am extremely close with his little sister, Marissa, and all I could think about was her and how she was doing. But I will always remember this moment. Even though it was difficult. His family is such an example of strength and faith and I am so inspired by their testimonies.

The rest of the trip, I pondered a lot on how short life can be and to never take anything or anyone for granted. Love you Schroedters!

Sweet Lisa, made these adorable Halloween Mickey shirts for us to wear at night.

It was fun to see all of the little kids dressed up.

I would. It seemed fitting for Disney. People stared.

The last thing I got to experience for the first time was World of Color.

I was close to tears. It was so amazing! A wonderful way to wrap up such a fun trip!

I guess next time I will take my child:)

first haircut

On October 7, 2016, we took Finn to get his first official haircut. 

Sounds so silly, I know. But I didn't keep a lock of hair like some do, so I'm good:)

The biggest mistake we made was letting Finn fall asleep on the way to Cookie Cutters.

He woke up a little dazed and confused. 

I sat him down, and the tears started flowing. 

The clippers scared the crap out of him. 

So overall, I'd say it was not a wonderful experience, but we LOVED his haircut. Also, they were so fast and efficient! 

They did an awesome job trying to make him happy and I'm sure they deal with it all of the time.

Or that is what I tell myself.

Well. That is it.

Just a mom documenting silly things!

That blob of hair on the top right is me, attempting to comfort him.

All hope was lost at this point.

Beauty is pain Finn!

Mater and Halloween

There is a mini series on Netflix about Mater from Cars.

For quite sometime, Finn was obsessed with it.

I happened to drive by a local pumpkin patch one day and literally swerved, because there in the middle of all of the pumpkins, was a life size Mater.

We ended up taking Finn a few days before Halloween and he was a bit worried. He kept looking at Mater waiting for him to move or talk. 

We had a good time picking out a couple of pumpkins and taking a few photo opportunities:)

Halloween was awesome this year. Finn could actually walk to a few houses, pick out some candy, and throw it in his bag. 

He got so distracted watching the other kids so we had to really encourage him along:)

 Finn was ok with the costume on, but would honestly get quite scared of his costume when it was off.

The best was when he would dance or get his fin stuck in his car door;)

Can't wait for next year when he can actually say, "Trick or Treat!"

conference weekend

We had a lovely conference weekend back in OCTOBER. Better late than never, I guess. I am a broken record.

I always look forward to hearing from the apostles and our dear prophet. Family time on top of that is a dang good time.

Dallin's Grandma Jan had us over for a bbq with Dallin's Dad and his family, on Saturday.

Finn basks in the attention he gets from all of his uncles and grandparents.

D's "little" brother Caleb. He is 15. I have a feeling he is going to be tall.

Finn with Grandma Darcie and Grandpa Duane.

The following morning we watched the morning session of conference and then hopped in the car.

We met my family at Donut Falls for a little hike and picnic between sessions.

I haven't hiked these falls since I was in Achievement Days. So it had been a hot minute.

I am a dweeb and wore my donut shirt.

 If only I had a donut after the hike. Next time.

Young Womens

I thoroughly enjoy my calling in Young Womens.

I've been a secretary in 2 presidencies back, MiaMaid advisor and now I am the Laurel advisor.

The women I get to serve with, have truly become life-long friends.

I've grown to love the girls and being strengthened by their sweet testimonies.

We took our Laurels to a pumpkin patch before Halloween and Finn always loves when he gets to tag along.

We also threw a little baby shower for one of the leaders a few weeks back.

Brittney has become such a dear friend, and I feel so lucky to know and serve with her.

I wish I could stay in Young Womens forever.

But I'm sure now that I've said that I'll probably get a new calling next week:)

my 27th birthday---getting way too close to 30.

Dallin surprised me a day before my birthday with a night away at Stein Erickson in Deer Valley.
He even planned to have Finn to stay with his mom--so we could be sans child for the weekend.

Boy did he make this broad feel like a gem.
We had a lovely dinner at the hotel and spent the night vegging and watching movies.
The morning of my birthday, he leaked that I had a massage booked at the spa. Best massage of my life. I felt like Gumby the rest of the day---in a good way.

We usually go pretty mellow for our birthdays, anniversary, etc. 

But he totally surprised me with it all and made me feel so appreciated and loved.

It was so nice to just get away and relax for the night. I don't know how I am gonna top it!

This was the only picture I took. But the whole resort was stunning.

That night, we had dinner at my parents with my whole family.

It was a perfect couple of days. Thank you to all of those who texted, called or sent such sweet birthday wishes! 

Love you all!