Undone

So on Wednesday…

We got all princessed up and headed over to California adventure! Scott and Drew rushed ahead to get World of color fast passes. This ensures you a spot. Which I think is great. No camping out. I mean we camped out a little… anyway, after they got that, I was on the phone in the morning since Audrey did not seem to like her princess dress. I was hoping to find her something else to wear in the park, but she settled down after a while. We headed over to Tower of Terror where Scott, Erika and I took the girls and they were ok, until we got into the basement of the ride. It’s pretty thematic. We went onto the ride, and We loved it. Katie was a little freaked out afterwards but if you ask her now, she loved it.  We took the kids on a few small rides in Bugs life world…whatever it’s called… while Drew and Erika went on Tower of Terror again. (Scott and I normally don’t buy the pictures on these rides, but we bought one here. Because we LOVED Katie’s expression) Then we had lunch, road the Ariel ride (again) went on Screamin’ Over California. Since it was lil’ P’s birthday I sprung for candy at one of the stores. I am not above bribing children. So we all downed some lollies while Drew and Erika Screamed Over California. I love that ride. We got that picture too (of Scott and I) even though i look terrible. Scott has a great expression. So we got it. Then we went on the Monster’s Inc ride (it was cute!) and then got to meet Sully. Katie and Ivy got their pictures taken. Audrey was scared (as per on par) she was like “uh no thanks” and held onto me. Then we HAD to take pictures with Lightening McQueen. (Ka-Chow) Katie used to be a bigger fan, but instead she was just a moderate fan, we have some pretty cute pics of them together though.  (I’m getting things out of order!) The kids got to go on the Ariel carousel, which they loved. It’s one of Katie’s favorites. Drew and Erika’s extended family was in the park, so we parted ways to do some of our traditional Disney shopping. We got some Mouse ears (I got minnie ones that look like I’m wearing Minnie’s skirt on my head) and got names on them. We also got our Silhouettes done (the girls) and I love them. They look so grown up now, it just makes me want to cry! We did a bit more shopping and then headed back to the hotel to relax (we actually may have put our feet in ice water… it works!) until World of color. Audrey took a nap (a small one) and we went back to Disney California for World of Color. I bought the girls some Candy (because post nap Audrey has to have SOMETHING to eat because she gets all grumpy low blood sugar pants after napping) and a drink or two (obv. a diet coke!) The show was exciting. I think it would have been better if everyone had stayed flat on their butt instead of standing up. It made me wanna cry sometimes. I full on cried at the park later on. It’s sad that the magic of Disneyland isn’t an every day thing. I suppose the magic would be lost if I could go whenever. But who couldn’t use a little bit more of Disneyland? I know I could.

On Thursday, we were still separate from Drew and Erika, they had a few more people to hang out with. We understood. We got RIGHT on the train and went to the back of the park, to hit up the Princesses! (WHOO!) We got to meet Snow White, Aurora, and Jasmine. I of course was stoked to see Snow white. I got my pic taken with her, but only by a Disney Photog. (our camera was …dying, so we saved it for the girls) Audrey actually went up to people. She has SO much of my personality it’s not even fathomable. So we finished up there, got some new batteries and then headed to toon town. We took Audrey on her FIRST roller coaster. Seems like she liked it, but was a bit scared, it’s short (Gadget’s Go Coaster) but she seemed glad to get off. We played around in Toon Town, and met Mickey. Once again, Audrey was resistant. We got on the line for Roger Rabbit’s … Uh whatever that ride is called. the line seemed short, but it wasn’t. Audrey fell asleep while we were in line, and made it a bit like a torture chamber. We woke her up before going on it. I tried to keep the ride pretty straight, non-spinny time. Then we went on the Carousel (King Arthur’s!) and had a good time. I believe we also went on the Tea cups. Which is my favorite non-roller coaster ride. It’s a perennial favorite. Then we stood in line (which was fairly short but slow) for Rapunzel. We waited, and waited… then we got in! YAY. Katie was estatic, but Audrey (whom I was holding) said to me “That’s not Rapunzel.” AND SHE WOULD KNOW. As much as Katie CLAIMS to love Rapunzel, Audrey watches it FAR more. We chatted with her. and decided Audrey MUST needs have more food, and ordered her something at the adjoining restaurant.We went on Astro Blasters, which is a FAST moving line. I loved it. Audrey and Katie had a good time. We met up with Drew and Erika and left the girls with them for a while, so we could have a small date night. We went on Indy (yay) and had some Gumbo (new for me, and tasty!) at a small store. WE also picked up a Ornament replacement for Audrey, who smashed her “baby’s first Christmas ornament” last year. We sat waiting for the kids in the Partnership circle, and I looked at the castle and just thought “I’m not going to be able to remember everything about how wonderful this is.” Which made me feel down and this is when I started to cry in the park. Luckily it was dark and no one could see! haha. But Disneyland is the time when I remember what it’s like to be a child, and it makes me feel innocent and light hearted. It’s not something I get to feel every day. I was trying to Relish it while I could. I don’t recall much else from that evening. I think we may have just gone back to the Hotel.

On Friday (last day in the park) we headed straight for Fantasyland, and got in line for Dumbo. We sent the men folk various directions for fastpasses (Indy, Splash) and we stood in line. Audrey and Arthur argued. They were at each other’s throats the entire trip, I swear. I think it’s the proximity of their age. Also similarities in personality. It’s nuts like that. We went from there to Alice. Which was slow starting up, and the kids were going crazy. it was a little… anxiety inducing, but after we started going, it was MUCH better. We all knocked on the White Rabbit’s door. Then it was time for Splash Mountain. In case you havent’ sensed a theme, we have to go in shifts, because of the 5 kids between the two families. So Scott was worried that our fastpasses would expire and they wouldn’t let us on. I wasn’t worried at all (see that role reversal?!) So I had Most of the kids (four, Ivy was on the ride with her parents) and I was in line for Winnie the pooh. And Scott was not able to make it back to me in time. I Think I may hold the trip record for taking the most kids on by myself (four, of them… 4, 3, 2 and 1 in age) and yeah. It was interesting. Also … I think I may hate winnie the pooh. I’m just saying. We got off the ride and waited for Drew and Erika. Scott and I went on next, we took Ivy and Katie iwth us. And I tried to let Katie know when there was going to be up/down parts. but… I failed. Still, we had SO much fun. Katie claims to not like it, but I think she’d go again. I got only a little wet, and I appreciated that! We went over to go on Indy, but it had shut down (again) for being broken. So the girls went on Tarzan’s Treehouse. Which is a non-fav of mine, because 1) I don’t like climbing stairs. or going down them It’s just an opportunity to fall. So I avoid it. Also I don’t like the movie much either. We went on It’s a small world (again) and got stuck… FOR 10 Minutes!!! I feel like I should sue for emotional damage. Worst ride ever. We watched the parade that came through, and I invented a new game… wave at a character (any character) until they wave back to  you. It can be exhausting– but SO fun. And great when a character waves at you! We went back to main street and watched “Great Moments with Mr. Lincoln” well most of us did, Erika’s Son got a little boisterous and so she left. I should have left for her since she’s such a history buff. Seriously, it’s a must see, IT WILL FREAK YOU OUT! Anyway, there was a bit of an accident, so I had to go off for a bit with Kate. i feel Miserable tht she didn’t get to meet minnie with everyone else that evening, but I think it may be impossible to do EVERYTHING in Disneyland in 4 days 🙂 Indy was back up and running, so Erika and I went on Indy, and she is SO much fun, I wish I had gotten to ride on more with her. Scott and Drew took the kids on the jungle cruise while we were in line. Then we met up with them… and SWAP! 😀 Audrey Fell asleep.We headed over to Space mountain (we had fastpasses!) and Drew and Erika went first with Ivy. Katie didn’t want to go. So, Scott and I jsut sat down, because at this point– we were TIRED. So we sat down, and headed towards Dreamland. Audrey was out, Katie fell asleep. We helped lil’ P fall asleep (with the aid of Scott’s Jacket) and Then Arthur drifted off to dreamland. (Good Times!) Scott and I went on Space mountain, and I screaaaaaaaaaaaaamed. So much fun! I desperately wanted an Agent P to snuggle with, but Refrained! WE bought the girls a couple of dolls, I got a shadow box (mickey) and Scott and I bought each other grape Soda pins. I’m sucha schmutz that I wanted to start crying when he gave me mine. I love mine. 🙂

We had a good time. we were glad to come home.

Derringer Meryl [Good times!] Out

No clever title here. Sorry. I had a great vacation though. Pics (or at least a link) should be soon to follow. If anyone even still reads this!

anyway, we left early Saturday morning with our friends and I was driving. I don’t drive stick well. It’s probably some sort of crime that I wasn’t taught, but I was ok with that. I could have went my whole life not knowing IMO, but I do know mostly how to drive one now. That being said, I stalled like 4 times on my way to the freeway. Yeah. Then we drove and drove

I drove all the way to the last city before we went into AZ (St. George) I’m kinda proud of that. And Scott was so agitated by my driving that he decided to drive. but we stopped for lunch, and the kids played and I tried a shamrock shake (unimpressed) and chatted. I was accused of not using Birth control (but Drew meant Cruise control, and we all laughed A TON) Then we piled back in and drove and drove. I navigated, and did a great job staying awake (IMO) helping the girls find things to do. We packed surprises they got each time we stopped. We parted ways from our friends for a while, and we drove down to Carlsbad. We were SO EXCITED to stop and get out of the car. The girls were excited to meet Scott’s Aunt and talk to her about the ride, and their friends. We sat down and ate a dinner (chinese, yum!) and decided that the next day we would probably NOT go to sea world after all, which wasn’t a loss since no tickets were purchased yet. We sat down and started watching Princess Bride, and I gave up the ghost quickly as far as staying awake. We all went to bed.

The next morning I woke up with the girls, and we got ready so we could go to the beach. Since Scott had drove the previous day and didn’t sleep much at all, I let him sleep in while the girls and I went to  see the ocean. The tide was kinda high, So I didn’t want the girls running into it much. They were excited though. We did some sandcastles (in the sand) and then played on a playground that was nearby. They had a ton of fun, and Katie adopted herself into another family. People were really friendly and sweet. I guess sometimes It’s nice to go somewhere else– somewhere different to realize that people outside of your neighborhood, and circle of friends are decent and sweet too. The playground made me wish I was having another baby (but don’t worry, disneyland took care of that!)

We went back midway through the day to the house and Scott had just woken up. So we went to lunch at Bull Taco. They have HUGE  quesadillas, and Scott was in love with their  lobster taco and ghost chili sauce (it wasn’t THAT hot, I even had some!) Then we had some yummy doughnuts. Katie had a Hello Kitty cupcake to match her hello Kitty outfit. Then we went to the Aquarium and had a great time. Have you ever seen a starfish flip over? I have. and it’s freaky neat. Lots of fish, I have to say I liked the Jelly fish, and Katie’s freak out at an eel the best She seriously crawled up the walls to get away from the eel. haha. IT was neat to see that they were simulating the tide within all the tanks… and the garden eel, SO FUNNY. It was a great time. Scott and I, in all of our grownup glory, played on a sea saw, and let the girls run wild. Then we went to see the Secret Life of Arrietty, and had a yummy pizza dinner. Audrey fell asleep, Katie ate a little, mostly everyone slept.

We took off fairly early the next morning, to allow Ann to go about her day as usual, we were all really sad to go, and honestly, I think if we could hang out with Ann every weekend, we’d all be happy campers! We headed to anaheim for a day of shopping. We looked around in shops and found SO many neat things.  We had lunch at Ralph Brennan’s Jazz Cafe, with beignets, gumbo and so much deliciousness. We picked up a necklace for Kate (Pink with Sparkles) some mis matched Socks for the girls  at miss mismatched. and then finally it was time to meet up with our friends again, we all checked in at the hotel and I unpacked the girls bags, and we all just relaxed for the evening. It was nice to have a day off. Isn’t that what vacationing is for? The girls and I went swimming, then they took a bath to wash off the salt water. Katie loved it (she can touch the ground on the shallow end) but audrey wasn’t as big of a fan. She doesn’t have enough body fat to stay warm.

We woke up the next day and I (of course) cannot turn off my internal clock that had me up at 6 am local time. So I got a shower, and the girls played with their friends since we had a suite, they were overjoyed. They picked out their outfits. We went into the park and tried to get on Big Thunder Mountain first, but the line was SO long, we ended up going on pirates first. Katie sat by Ivy (her bestest friend) and they had a BLAST, but also were terrified. haha) from there we went to Big Thunder moutain and got right in. (Fast pass) Kate went with Ivy and her dad, and didn’t seem to mind it until she went with me. then it wasn’t as much fun. Which was ok. We were also doing pin trading, which is SO much fun. Our goal was to trade all the pins we didn’t want  that we had bought online. I got a LOT that I ended up loving.  We went to Haunted mansion. A lot of rides kept getting closed. after that we hit up winnie the pooh, and met tigger, and pooh. The girls were estatic. Katie was hillarious. We were standing in line and she waved to Tigger and then started to cry when he didn’t wave back saying he broke her heart. It was adorable. Then we met up with family and then went to Space mountain, which got shut down while we were on it. SAD. We waited, then bailed, and it  got fixed.  so we got back in line. People were generous enough to let us back to our spot. I took Katie on it… She was not a fan. AT ALL. At which point I met back up with the group to allow them to go on the ride. We kind of got split up for a bit. Scott took Audrey on Astro blasters. She is a sweetie, and loved it (what’s not to love??) we were pretty tired, so what better to test our levels of exhaustion than “it’s a small world” Scott (as usual) stayed back. There was a duck though, in the water, that was playing chicken with the boats for the ride. itw as hillarious. After we got off that always too long ride, we stopped to meet some fairies (Tink and Iridessa) which the girls were super excited about. But Audrey  is MUCH more shy than Katie. Not shocking. We walked right out of there into The Mad Hatter and Alice. That Alice spoke with a lisp. It was odd. Katie was thrilled to meet Disneyland Alice, since she knows that her Cousin shares her name 😉 Because we hadnt’ already jammed enough in, we got into Star Tours (in Shifts) The girls got to go twice (Kate and Ivy) and I chilled with Drew and the babies outside. Which was nice, to sit and relax. Audrey passed out, so that was awesome. I got my turn on the ride, it was meh, but fun.

Is that seriously only 3 days? I’ll have to do the rest tomorrow!

Usually the time immediately following a disneyland trip is… a downer.
Let’s face it, you just did something SUPER fun and now you’re going back to the grind and it is just kind of… depressing. Plus it’s february and Mother nature said “Oh hey, yeah, I forgot that it’s supposed to be winter!” and has started to dump a lot of snow around these parts. I was hoping to get away Scott free. (haha)

I guess the point I’m getting to here is that this time of year gets to me. There could be a lot of reasons. There are reasons I feel like I’m holding my breath like something bad is going to happen. There are reasons that I feel like Hiding in a closet until spring has sprung (may anyone? maybe june the way things are going?!)  Overall, people seem tense. Like If I had a million dollars I’d buy the world a massage (but you’ll have to spring for any happy endings yourself. I’m not that kind of girl.) so that we can all take a collective deep breath. People just always seem to find a reason to argue about something. It’s a mother huggin’ election year so– there’s that. Which (in addition to anything else you could argue about passionately, i despise) I hate. I hate politics, I hate discussing religion with people (even with people within my own faith) I hate talking about abortion, health care and a myriad of other other junk (LIKE MOTHER HUGGIN CELL PHONES, who the flip cares?!)
Contention (even in healthy debates or whatever you want to call them) makes me anxious. They make me feel like you’re being bated into an argument that you can’t win. Badgered and beaten into submission of glazing over and agreeing to escape like a verbal possum defense. I cannot ABIDE arguments. Which is weird since I do get into them, sometimes often with my trainees at work. I am a pretty chill person since I can’t take arguments really, or confrontation … but I will argue. Especially when I feel like i’m in the right. Shouting, or raising of voices aren’t to be done, Sarcasm is ok, most of the time, except for when people use it to mock you. General sarcasm (like talking to a lamp let’s say…) is much better than mocking someone directly to belittle them.

WHY WOULD YOU DO THAT?!

These are a few of my most unfavorite things.

and it seems like this week is full of them. People taking things the wrong way ( all over, me included) and then you can’t undo what you did, because it’s the internet. And the things you say LIVE FOREVER in people’s minds, and on the waybackmachine. Tweets and facebook status’/comments can’t be undone. People remember, people hold on to it.

I agree there is a wealth, nay, a glut of OVER information. Who cares if someone got a coke zero and is having an ok day. SERIOUSLY. is that important?! For that matter, I don’t need to know that Newt Gingrich had an open marriage or whatever. I think I knew he was pretty scummy before that. Thanks though. I don’t want to know who anyone is sleeping with or what Mitt Romney (and what the hug kind of name is Mitt anyway?!) thinks about LDS baptisms for the dead, or that we apparently need to convince Stephenie Meyers to write her last book.

I DO NOT CARE. My brain filter is tired. My body is tired. It’s late. And I can’t take it.

PS: If anyone reads this and cares… My husband is awesome. he’s sweet and loving. He pretty much one handedly takes care of our kids and home. He took care of our kids on vacation like pro, without complaining ever. Helped with our friends kids, with a smile and ease. He is generous and has a big heart. Sometimes he has a big mouth (dare I say it? When he sees something that he doesn’t like, he has to say something) but I lov ehim for it. He also knows when to keep quiet. He is supportive, and I love him.

Derringer Meryl