DISNEYLAND!!

Our trip to Disneyland finally happened. The boys and Annie were so excited that immediately after Christmas was over we began our official Disneyland countdown. We knew the week away would be great when the van got a screw in the tire....Dan hopped out with the enthusiasm of the dad in "A Christmas Story" to set a personal speed record of how quick he could change the tire. He did GREAT! the boys hopped out and climbed a dirt hill in the desert and started flinging rocks with all of their pent up energy. Annie, in what would be her major 'chore' for the week, held Henry as he smiled and waved at everything that moved. Darci smiled and took pictures. After the spare tire was on and we stopped in the next town to get a full size put on we continued our journey, minus one of Annie's beloved Toms shoes. Dan had put them on top of the van during the tire change because the spare tire was under her seat. Miles down the road Drake began giggling that one of Annie's shoes was on the roof of the van above his skylight. Sure enough, Dan left them on top and after pulling over with the hope the other shoe would be there we again were reminded of how great a week we were in for as we all laughed. two mishaps, a bunch of laughs and smiles later, and we were still a few hours from our destination. we smiled non stop the entire week. it was a blessed vacation.

Our first day we headed to Huntington Beach it was a little chilly so we didn't put the boys in their swimsuits, bad idea.  At first the boys were happy to play in the sand but little by little they were making their way to the water until eventually after being buried in the sand they ditched their dirty clothes and headed for the water. It was a lot of fun and everyone had fun.

The next day we made our way to California Adventure.  We had to get there early so we could ride on all the new rides in Cars land especially the Radiator Springs Racers.  It was a bit of a wait for Hank and I but when the others got off it was worth the wait to hear Drake and Logan tell me all about it!  Because we were there in January there were no lines.  We basically walked on to every ride.  I think we did actually have to wait 30 min for Toy Story Mania but for those who have been there in the summer months that is nothing.  The kids were so excited to ride everything!  

The third day we went to DISNEYLAND!  I'm not really sure who was more excited Annie or the boys. And I'm not sure who was more fun to watch be so excited Annie or the boys. Hank LOVED to see all the characters and was the first one to run up and give them hugs.  Drake struggled waiting for all of us to keep up with him and Logan just wanted to go on everything.  Since I was about 6 months prego I was content to sit back and enjoy watching everyone else's smiling faces.  I loved taking the boys on Dumbo and Buzz's Astro Blasters.  It was awesome!

Our final day we park hopped we did a little in Disneyland and a little in California adventure.  We were able to reride most of our favorite rides more than once.  When it was time to leave Drake asked me if we got locked in Disneyland would we be able to stay another day.  Oh Drake, I too wished we could have stayed an extra day and played but alas our 'real' lives were awaiting us.  

It's always sad to leave but while we are there it truly is the Happiest Place on Earth!!

You're the man!

Checking out all the rocks

Beach time!

The Hank monster is going to get the birds

Logan loved running from the waves

Can we just leave them here?

Good times

Hey Ocean, here we come!

Waiting in line for Radiator Springs Racers

Tractor tippin's fun!

It's a bugs life

Welcome!

Front row for the parade

Happy!

Happier!!

Enjoying the morning show

He's so excited

Photo bombed!

(she thinks it's a real castle)

Hank giving Annie kisses

I didn't know he could drive!

He's cute but defiantly too young to drive.

Dan's favorite

We are loving it

On your mark, get set, GO!!!

Waiting for the train

Pluto

Killing time while everyone else is on the Toon Town roller coaster for like the 6th time

Who better to wait with than Goofy

This was a 2 hr wait to see the characters of Frozen.  We settled for a picture of Olaf

Waiting for the big kids to get off Bear Mtn Rapids

Annie looks a little wet

Hank's an airplane

Unfortunately I don't have a maternity Swedish shirt

Thanksgiving, Christmas and other fun stuff

THANKSGIVING

This year we were with my family for Thanksgiving.  We were excited to show Annie how a traditional Large American family eats turkey, green bean casserole, ham, stuffing, pumpkin pie and oh so much more.  We had it at my mom's house and were able to have my Grandpa and Grandma Beatty as well as my Grandma Drake there with some cousins thrown in to make things interesting.

Waiting for the "Come and get it"

Annie from Sweden and Helen from Estonia

Feed Me!

We are getting so big our party was moved to the garage.

DECORATING
Well it was on to the next fun thing, decorating for CHRISTMAS!  Dan was in Japan with the National Guard so we did all the decorating so he could enjoy it when he got back.

The boys 

The finished product

Annie putting on the finishing touches

CONCERT

Annie was invited to sing in a School district wide choir.  It was a wonderful choir and they sounded absolutely beautiful!

LOGAN

Logan's soccer team finally had their party with trophies.  He was so excited to get his trophy and medal it was days before he stopped sleeping with and carrying them around the house.

NEVILLE FAMILY CHRISTMAS

Dec 13th we headed for SLC for the Neville family Christmas party and to get DADDY!  Dan got back from Japan on the 12th and we were so excited to see him.  I thought Hank was going to rip off his seat belt when he saw Dan.  Luckily this year there was snow to play in.  Last year we were disappointed but this time it was awesome.  The boys immediately got their coats, boots, and gloves on and headed outside. Hank loved the snow as long as he had his gloves on.  We had a snowball fight and just plain enjoyed out thankfully short time in the cold.  Since we were in town we had to make a trip to the Temple to see the beautiful lights. The next day on the 14th was the actual party.  It is always fun and exciting to watch everyone open and enjoy their gifts.  I had a special gift for Dan.  While he was in Japan I had my ultra sound and found out the sex of the baby.  I didn't tell a soul and went about getting my balloon and colored confetti ready for the big reveal.  I filled the balloon and because it was filled with confetti we took the party outside and Dan got to pop the balloon to find out we are having a......(scroll down to find out).

Logan in the Snow

Hank is the best Cheeser

Drake and Logan were in heaven

Fight!

Annie and Hank checking the sights

A forever family

She loves photos by herself can you tell.

Ready, Set....

POP!

That makes 4!

Annie loved her US flag

I got a coconut and a gift card.  Anyone know what or how to cook with a coconut?

Uncle Jim and Hank

Dinosaur box from Uncle Jon!

Just what he needs a gun.

GINGER BREAD HOUSES aka graham cracker houses

We had a combined FHE with the Halls to make a Drake family tradition, graham cracker houses.  The kids had a a good time definitely more fun eating the candy than decorating. 

Logan, Drake, Mark, Liza, Max, Renata, Hank

The kids finished products

Ana and I finally got to make ours

CHRISTMAS

This year we opted to stay home for Christmas.  We had originally planned to go to Santa Clara for a couple of days before Christmas since it would be our LAST Christmas all together for probably ever since my Parents got called to be Mission Presidents in Houston Texas East mission and while they are gone Brock would be leaving on his mission and so on and so forth for the next 2 years. But our plans changed when our house came down with the stomach bug.  Oh well.  We were good by Christmas Eve so Christmas day we headed down for the night.

Christmas eve I made a big dinner and then we opened our Christmas jammies.  After jammies we watched a Christmas movie, read some great Christmas stories and then put the kids to bed so Santa could come.  Before Santa could come though Dan's brother Dave was flying in to Vegas.  Dan picked him up from the airport while Annie and I enjoyed another Christmas movie.  Christmas morning we woke up early and opened our gifts and headed to Santa Clara.  The boys made a killing in the present department and they got their big present that we are going to DISNEYLAND! We can't wait!

Christmas eve dinner

Yummy food

How do the piggies eat?!

getting ready to open our jammies

Everyone in their jammies

Dave got footsie jammies

Christmas morning

Super Logan and his stuff

Hank and his goods

Drake and his haul

One big family on the porch Christmas morning.  Just like old times.

BIKE RIDING

Dan and Drakes goal during Christmas break was to have Drake ride his bike all by himself.  Everyday they practiced and he got it.  Now he wants to ride his everywhere.  Dan told him he was a natural and apparently that is the best word ever and now he tells anyone that will listen he is a NATURAL at riding his bike.

Logan gets in on the action too.

He is amazing

Practicing

LOGAN TURNS 4

My little Logan is growing up so fast.  I can't believe he is four already!  He is so sweet and cuddly.  He is also very stubborn and knows what he wants and when he wants it.  He is all boy; Dirt, water, guns, swords, baseball, basketball, soccer, action figures, cars, trains, etc... He drives me crazy but he also makes me feel better when I'm sad.  I love this little man and can't imagine what life would be like without his sweet face.

His #4 cake with trains

His brothers helping blow out the candles

He is a happy birthday boy

NEW YEARS

We again had a new years party with the Halls.  They came over for a dinner of finger foods and fun.  Unfortunately they kids were getting tired and ready to crash at 10pm so decorated our party hats and we had our fireworks a little early.  The kids didn't know or care and a good time was had by all! Annie spent New Years on the strip with some friends so the following night we had our Just Dance party.  She killed us but I blame it on the fact I'm prego and Dan struggles with rhythm.

Logan with his party hat

FIREWORKS!

Dan loves fire

Hank thought the sparklers were awesome

Getting us started

Prego and can still move

They did great and had fun.

Yup you just got schooled Dan

SNOW DAY

The Halls called up and asked if we wanted to spend our Saturday sledding at Mt Charleston, of course we said yes and headed out.  Dan was at Drill so it was sad he didn't get to play but we had fun.  The snow was in that iced over phase so we didn't need sleds we just used our bums.  The boys loved it.  Even Hank couldn't get enough.  Thanks for the invite Hall family!

BOOO!

Here comes Drake

Our one sled

Here they come!

Ana, Max and Renata

Josh was the fastest down the hill and Hank just wanted to go fast

FAMILY PARK DAY

For some reason all the boys picked their Swedish shirts to wear this day so Dan found one of his and we headed to the park for some bike riding and enjoying the warm sun.