Baby #3

The day after we got back from California, I had my 20-week ultrasound. The results?

We are excited to welcome Baby Elizabeth to our family in a few more months! We were worried Josh would be disappointed- he was so sure it was a boy. But he was ok with it- even after we explained that we probably would not be using his choices for names: Buzz and Jesus. (He chose Jesus because he "already loves someone named Jesus, so that would be easy to love the baby.")

Huntington Beach 2012

When we got to Anaheim, my sister Michelle (who is the family Disneyland expert) told us that Huntington Beach was less than 30 minutes from our hotel. Since our kids have never been to the beach- and the last time Steve was there he was a missionary on the beaches of the Philippines- we had to make a quick trip that evening. We got there just in time to play and watch the sunset.

The kids were shivering like crazy but could not believe all the water and sea shells.

It was pretty magical to see them discovering the thrill of having the ocean suck past your toes. Now that we know the beach is pretty much right down the street (more or less) from Disneyland, we will have to make it part of our trip next time.

Disneyland 2012

Since my little brother was getting married in Southern California, we decided to make a family trip to Disneyland part of the festivities. My sisters Michelle and Lisa also brought their families, so it was quite the adventure. Josh insisted on being the photographer- here are a few of his finer shots:

Abby and Cousin Ayden

Cousin Ayden enjoying a snack

Josh's Point of View- that is my brother Scott who surprised us by spending part of the day with us (along with his almost-wife Farrryn).

We lucked out by catching Mickey and Minnie (together!) right as they came out for pictures, so we were third in line. Of course, Josh chose that time to be his charming four-year-old self and refused to get out of the stroller. So here he is:

 And here are the rest of us- happy to see Mickey and Minnie!

Over in California Adventure Land- I'm sure Josh's fingers smudged up the camera, hence the glare on these photos. But oh well.

Cars Land- it is AMAZING. The rocks look so real- just like Bryce Canyon or something! The detail is incredible. There were SO many people though. We didn't get on any of the rides, but it was fun to just walk through. It will be great to go back again when it isn't the brand-new popular part of the parks.

Josh and Abby loved the Tea Cups. Luckily, Josh isn't strong enough to spin the cups too fast, so it wasn't too bad for the grown ups!

 Josh was just tall enough to go on most of the rides. He claimed to enjoy them, but check out his face in this picture from Tower of Terror. No emotion whatsoever. I don't know what to think!

 Here he is on Splash Mountain- looking a little nervous.

And here is the shot from Space Mountain. I can't believe he is big enough for the "grown up" rides. And of course, I couldn't ride with him since I am pregnant. Bummer.

Back to Disneyland- Josh thought the best part of Toon Town was all the things you could drive.

The kids also enjoyed the carousel. All that money, and the "horsey ride" was one of Abby's favorites. Don't mess with the classics I guess.

Finally at the end of our last day Josh was willing to get his picture with a character. But really- who can pass up Cowboy Donald?

There were a few temper tantrums, but it was mostly a great time at the Happiest Place on Earth with the family. It was extra special to be there with cousins, although we were bummed my brother and his family couldn't make it due to his wife being on bed rest with her pregnancy... I think I can safely say a great time was had by all. Even my brother-in-law Richard.