Disneyland

This past weekend we had the opportunity to surprise our kids and take them to Disneyland. It had been over 3 years since our last time going to DL so we figured we were due. We decided we were just going to go with our own little family and make make it a surprise. We didn't tell the kids until we were already on the road. It was so fun to see their reactions. B just sat and giggled for 10 min. Tate voiced all of his concerns about the rides that he remembered to be scary. I'm not sure Ty knew what to think. We got there on Wed night and stayed through Sunday. We had 3 full days at the parks and were fortunate to have amazing weather. We stayed at the Sheraton which was nice enough and a pretty quick walk to the park. I took this picture in the Goofy ride over in Toon Town. I have laughed so much at Tate's face. He is my timid child when it comes to the unknown. He likes to know what the plan is and what is going to take place. He was definitely forced to step outside of his comfort zone. He did loosen up but this was the 1st ride we went on. I'm glad he did relax a little or he would surely have been scarred by Space Mountain and the Tower of Terror.The kids wanted to go on the Tea Cups which make Chad and I both sick. For the most part Chad and I just took turns taking one for the team since we both get motion sickness pretty easily. We both took Dramamine and for the most part did great. I will say Space Mountain got me pretty good. This picture is right after Ty proceeded to sneeze right on an old ladies hand. I mean 3 inches away. Then the old lady looked at me and said "I sure hope she doesn't have the swine flu". I felt so bad but it was kinda funny to. Hey at least she is cute!It was so fun to be there at this time of year and really get into the season. There were so many lights and neat Christmas festivities going on. The parades were top notch and the kids didn't seem to mind watching the same one multiple times. We went to California Adventure on Friday and had a lot of fun over there. We did lunch at Ariels Grotto and the girls were in heaven. Ty was afraid of Stitch because she said his teeth are really sharp. This picture below was about how the trip went for Ty. She was literally a hair to short for most of the rides. The few she was able to go on she loved. She thought the Matterhorn was a blast and wanted to go back for more. She cried because they wouldn't let her on space mountain. Chad finally showed her how to stand real straight and stretch her neck. When we tried to get her on Splash Mountain the coaching paid off and she was just at 40in. She loved Splash Mt. as well and unfortunately was the one who got soaked. We ended up buying her some sweats so she wouldn't freeze.

Back to DL on Sat to face the crowds. It was pretty busy but we still got alot done and had a great day. The kids were determined to get as many autographs as possible so they could fill up their books. So we took pics with alot of characters on Sat. Ty specially thought it was neat to see them in person! I was so happy to see my kids love eachother and play and share excitement together. I was hoping to capture that very thing with my kids and this pic says enough! We had a blast and lasting memories were made!

I will close with the way we closed out every day while we were there. We had an awesome view of the fireworks from our hotel and were to tired to stay late enough to catch them while actually at DL. Fireworks are never good in pic but you catch the idea. Lots of red and green! Tis the season.

Give Thanks

This year was our on year with the Cummard side and so we were blessed to be a able to go to the Harts home yet again. They are so kind and open their lovely home to all of us. They don't seem to be to phased to have all our kids running around. We appreciate the tradition that they have continued as long as I have been in the family. I didn't get the camera out until some people had already left but I managed to take plenty of pics. I am thankful for this family below. Not only are they our neighbors but our friends. My kids would be so lost with out the Kerbys next door. In primary I asked all the kids to say one of their prized possessions and Cache said Tate because they play everyday and it makes him happy that Tate likes him. After this week I was glad to hear that since Tate caused 5 stitches in Caches forehead.

Notice the band aid on the head of Cache. It was fortunately just an accident and Cache was so so tough. Typically Brecken would be in this picture of best buds but they had already left.I am SO thankful for these 2 people. I truly am so blessed to watch my 2nd parents in their Christlike ways. Truly they are of the most giving kind and it always shows. Thanks for being so good to us kids and the grand kids.

B and Larks love having each other to play with. They were posing as soon as I got the camera out. Just your typical girls I would say! I didn't get a pic of B alone but I am so thankful for her. From the day she was born she could make me smile when nothing else could. It was like Heavenly Father gave me this special angel to lift me through times that were not the best. She continues to make me smile. I am thankful I don't have to ride her about her schoolwork. Rarely do I even ask her to do her homework because she does not need to be asked. With that she pulls straight A's and has high honors every quarter. I am so blessed to have B.
Tate is just as much of a poser as the girls are. He has just a little of his dad in him:) I am so thankful for this little man of mine. He makes me feel like the best mom in the world when I know I'm far from. He tells me he loves me at least 20 times a day and that usually comes with hugs. He is a good kid and treats others kindly. I'm thankful that hr love sports. For that reason he is quite easy to keep entertained. I know that Chad is also thankful for this. Tate is a great brother and loves his sisters even when he is being a menace. I am also so thankful for this fire ball. If you are lucky enough spend time with Ty you know what I mean. Almost everything out of her mouth makes me smile. I am not thankful she is in my bed most mornings but I do love that she is a cuddle bug. I am thankful to have her at home when the others are at school. She keeps me good company. Most of all I am thankful for a Saviour who has lent me these amazing and healthy children! I am so thankful for the joy and peace that I feel when I put my Father in Heaven and family first. Kyles latest project is finally complete. Chad loves old school trucks and was coveting this one for sure. He and the kids were pretending to go for a ride.

Papa enjoying some ping pong with Larks.

I didn't get much in the way of pics of my family since we just hung out there at night. Michelle brought her beads and we all made some jewelry as we hung out. I am so thankful for a mom and sister who are my best friends. I am one of the few who love to spend time with their family without fighting or contention. We just all get along and enjoy each others company. This Thanksgiving I am most thankful for Christ and the Atonement. Right behind that is Family. I am thankful for health and strength to do the things that we enjoy. I am blessed to have wonderful friends who accept us as we are. Franksgiving at the Larson's home was a blast. I'm glad we continue to strengthen the bonds of friendship with the Larson's and the Lambs. I am thankful for a husband who takes pride in his role as a provider and priesthood holder. I am thankful for our home and the blessing it is to be living in QC. I could go on for days but this has already been long. I will just end with saying that I am extremely blessed and know that it is all from my Father above.

Another One Bites the Dust....

It was not the RBIs who finished last, then again we typically don't! We won the QC co-ed tourney yet again. I might sound a bit proud but I can because it was no thanks to me. We have brought in the big dogs the last few seasons and our scouting report and recruitment has not been a let down:) No really, even though I am kinda serious we just have a blast. Were definitely the most fun team, regardless of the outcome we are always teasing one another and having fun. I will enjoy only playing 1 night a week till Jan. though. Good Job Team.

The Boss

Well with the post about our new puppies I have gotten questions about Bosco. I am still coming to grips with the fact that he is not alive anymore. 2 weeks ago today he figured out how to jump our block wall out back. I knew he could jump high but I am still shocked that he could clear the wall. Anyhow that Friday we got a call that a lady had found him and she brought him home. When we got home that night he was gone again and a different person had found him on Ellsworth. We brought him in the house and were trying to figure out what to do. I moved everything away from the fence thinking that maybe he was running and jumping off of something up against the wall. Needless to say that didn't change anything so we started putting him on a chain until we could do something permanent. When we were out in the back playing of course I would let him off to play and be free. So last Tuesday we had been playing all day in the back yard and so he was not on his chain. I came in to start dinner and the kids were still playing back there. I told them if they came in to remember to put his leash back on him. Well, they came in and no more than a minute went by and Tate said he was going to go put the chain on Boss. By then he was already gone so we went out and didn't see him anywhere. I got the dinner off the stove and we went a checked up and down the street and still nothing. I was certain any minute we would be getting a call that someone was holding onto him and for us to come get him. The call that came was quite a bit different. He had run out in front of a lady and she hit him right in front of Cloud Creek Estates. She put him in the back of her car and drove right around the corner to her neighbors house who is a vet. Chad met them at the neighbors just a few minutes later and Boss was in really bad shape. His lungs were punctured and he was struggling to breathe. The vet was sure that he wouldn't live long enough to even make it to the hospital. She went ahead and put him down right there. It was a rough night to say the least. We weren't sure how to tell the kids so we didn't say anything for a few days. I have known from the moment we got Bosco that he was going to be perfect for our family. I instantly loved him and was really comfortable with him. His demeanor was always so good and he loved my little kids. He and Ty were best buds and she played out back with him non stop. He was such a good dog and never did the annoying things that dogs do. No barking or chewing, digging was really minimal. He was house trained and was for the most part just perfect. We are all so sad that he is gone but the puppies have helped some. Ty asks almost every day when Boss is coming back. When I tell her he isn't she said she thinks he will because he is her best buddy :( He really was her buddy, she played with him and rode on his back and loved on him non stop. Just on the Tues we lost him she was out painting his nails with pretend polish and combing his hair. He would just lay there and soak it all in. He definitely was loved and appreciated in our family. Not only was he protective of our family and a good watch dog but he was fun and good with everyone who came over as well. We are hoping for better luck with the new puppies. I swear if either of them die for any reason other than natural causes that will be the end of the Cummards dog owning days! So RIP Boss Man you are defiantly being missed.

Puppies

Meet Hank Aaron and Babe Ruth.

HankBabe

These 2 have officially melted our hearts. Have you ever seen 2 cuter faces?

Halloween with Foxes

Mason and Jacob are so cute. It was so fun to see the Foxes and to see the new babies. Dave and Tillie are in heaven doting over their babies! Desiree and Mason. I hadn't see Desi in over a year and Mason is already six months. It is so fun to see my best friends head over heels with motherhood. My kids thought Adam aka Travis was in AZ just to entertain them. He was so good to my kids and played a ton with them. It was exciting to get to celebrate Halloween together.

I had to post these pics of Tate. He is so inquisitive and had many questions as we went from house to house. I think he asked this lady if she was to old to trick or treat. Each house took a little longer than it should have due to him needing answers. I'm glad most people don't mind his curiosity. I happen to be amazed with the questions he asks. I think he may be a genius before long;)

The gang minus the Cutchen Crew. By the time they got to Grandmas most of the kids were already out of their costumes.

Although Halloween is more fun because the kids are getting old enough to really enjoy it, I'm glad its over. Till next year....