Disneyland with the Fam

Growing up my brother and I were the only cousins that were our age, everyone else was older (by 15-20 years) and my parents did not want to drag us to Thanksgiving where we would sit and be bored. Instead of hosting or attending the traditional Thanksgiving meal, they decided to travel for Thanksgiving instead. It's been so much fun and the tradition keeps on going! 

This year we went to Disneyland and we loved it! Andrew is the Disneyland master and when I first went to Disneyland with Andrew I wanted my family to experience Disneyland with him because he makes Disneyland magical! He knows how to work the Disneyland system; how to get on the most rides, the shows to see, the food to eat, everything!

Four years after that first time with Andrew, my we finally went as a family! And we were finally able to go to Star Wars Land and see the new Pixar Pier!

Thanksgiving day it poured rain the entire day! Just walking to the shuttle to take us the park our shoes got soaked! (we later learned to tie plastic bags around our socks and that trick worked wonders!) But even with the rain, we loved it! It was the day we laughed the most and the day we got on the most rides! 

^In line for the Star Wars ride and the boys thought this was so cool. My mom and I just got in the picture^

We did Splash Mountain twice because we figured we were already wet, so why not get on the wet rides then?
Plus we were poncho prepared which actually did help a lot. 

 ^If you can't tell my mom and I are soaked through!^ 

The next day there was no rain! We went a little slower today to enjoy all the small magic parts of Disneyland.
My family enjoyed looking at all the small details that make Disneyland an escape from reality. One of my
mom's favorites was Turtle Talk. It was so funny and it's good for adults and kids. 

One thing that I love about California is the people that I met while on my mission and it's so fun to see and catch
up with them. We didn't have a lot of opportunities to do that on this trip because we were in Disneyland for all 3 days,
but one of my friends, Shannon was able to stop by! I love her and she taught me so much on my mission.
It was so good to see her and she came on a few rides with us.

 ^Guardians of the Galaxy was one of our favorites^
(we are in the back and middle rows)

 ^One thing that I have wanted my family to see forever was the World of Color show. It's amazing the things
they can do with water, lights, movie projections, and some music. It was incredible and I loved hearing their reactions!^

Our final day in Disneyland started out with only Andrew and me. My parents had some errands to run,
and Blake wanted to sleep in. They did meet up with us later in the afternoon.

 ^Our favorite drink from Cars Land^

^We had asked Shannon what the best food in Disneyland was and she recommended the corn dogs
and I would have to agree + it's filling.^

^Blake really loved Star Wars land. He and my dad went to look around,
and just looking at stuff they were there for 2 hours!^

^Walt's apartment behind us.^

We left the park around 8:30 to get a head start on the drive back to Utah so we would not be doing it all in one day.
Disneyland, we love you. Thanks for the memories and the magic.

Beautiful Nebraska Land ♫

Nebraska is a huge part of my childhood since we went there a lot when I was growing up.

Both my parents are from a small town on the west side of the state. 

It was fun going back because the last time I was there was 4 years ago and the time before that, I can't even tell you. 

All the childhood memories of the place came flooding back to me. 

Our first stop was to see my Grandma. I have not seen her since 2015, so it was so much fun to see her! She

had never met Andrew before so it was fun for me to see them meet. And she loved him! 

We made it to my Aunt's house and celebrated the 4th of July there. It was a really cold day, so it wasn't the typical 4th of July
but we manged to have some holiday fun. And I love how we are literally eating out on the road in this picture, haha,

The next day it finally started to warm up a little bit more and we could actually go out on the lake! 

I loved being outside and out on the boat! it's one of the best things of summer!

 ^Blake^

^Andrew^

Later on that day we hiked the Scottsbluff National Monument. I remember doing it as a kid and 

the memory I have is nothing to how it actually was. But we had so much fun! We loved hiking and seeing the
beauty of Nebraska. It's a state that does not get a lot of credit for it, but it really does have it's sites to see.

Plus we were able to see my Grandma's house at the top!

^Nebraska is beautiful!^

^Us at the top!^

AND on our way up we met a bull snake and it was mad! The hissing it made was loud and no one could get 

through the path. Leave it to my brother to pick up the thing with a stick, and throw it off the edge. I couldn't 

look I was so scared but he didn't get bit and Andrew recorded the whole thing!

Andrew made Viet food for my family one night and they LOVED it! 

They were so impressed with his amazing cooking ability and the foreign food. 

On our last full day we went to see some famous Nebraska landmarks. On the way to Utah, a pioneer woman named 

Rebecca Winters became sick, and like so many, died on the trail.  But what makes her stand out is that a family 

friend marked her grave with a metal rim of a wagon wheel with her name and age and buried her along the trail.

 So many graves the went unmarked, and her's is one of he few that were named.

We also were able to go to Chimmny Rock, a famous landmark for all the pioneers who were coming west. 

I love how this little town of my parents has some history the westward expansion tied with it.

One fun thing that we were able to do was drive drive down memory lane. 

My parents met at a movie theater. My mom sold the tickets and my dad ran the projector. It took many years 

for them to actually get married but the movie theater was the start. There were two movie theaters within a
block of each other and they worked at both. This is the only theater on the street that remains.

This is the theater where they actually met, but it's no longer a theater, just a local shop, 

but that location is where it all started!

We went to Taco Town. My aunt and uncle used to own this restaurant but with circumstances beyond their 

control they had to sell the place to new owners and move on. But we still always make a special trip to 

Taco Town and the tacos are some of the best you will ever have.

We also drove by my Grandparent's old home and the library where my Grandpa and I would walk to when I
would visit. It's crazy how everything becomes a memory and how much things change. Sometimes I wish I could go
back and experience some of those same things with greater appreciation. Go back and remember the feelings, places,
smells, and people with greater love. 

And saying goodbye is always the worst. Here is my cousin Lance and his little sister Taylor. 

I wanted Taylor so much. If I could get away with kidnapping her, I would do it! 

 She was the easiest baby that I have ever seen! She hardly ever cried, even when she was tired or upset she would just
let out a little whine to let you know and they she would stop. She was one happy baby and would always smile,
wave, and try to copy your facial expressions. Andrew let's have one like her ok?
That would make the baby stage of motherhood a lot easier!  

Our Christmas Card to You :)

Merry CHRISTmas! 

I'm so excited to celebrate! 

If you did not receive a physical copy but would like one next year, message me and I'll put you in our address book :) 

I like to add a personal update but didn't really have time this year, you know... school. Hopefully in future years I 

won't be referring you to the blog. haha. 

In the Christmas Mood

I've always been a big believer in no Christmas until after Thanksgiving. 

But this year I'm ditching that belief and have hopped on the Christmas train early.

Every year I'm so swamped with school that it's hard to enjoy Christmas and then when school is 

 finally out, Christmas is only one week away. 

So I'm changing things this year so I can get my fill of all things Christmas for as long as possible! 

This weekend we definitely started the celebration and I'm not regretting my decision one bit.

Andrew and I somewhat, kinda have a small obsession with the Bath and Body Works wallflowers.

They are always plugged in so when we come home, it's a little bit of heaven. 

And in our new apartment we can't have candles so we really, really love the wallflowers. 

They are the best.

Promise.

And I love how Andrew loves them just as much as me. 

They were having a sale which happens only once a year where all wallflowers were only $2.50!!! 

We stocked up for the year. And we're quiet content 

(and thank you gift cards. one being from an ex boyfriend's family, haha). 

Currently loving the Cinnamon Caramel Swirl.

Every time I walk into the room I squeal like a little girl on Christmas morning.

It's that good. 

Also we have Costco to thank for these. We are so ready for Christmas with all the smells and treats. 

We're trying to apply the serving size to we can keep them for a longer amount of time.

So far so good, but we'll see how long that lasts... I might cave.

And can I talk about one of my new favorite things? 

Andrew and I stopped by Hobby Lobby 

to just look around. 

I don't know if it's even possible to do at that store. 

Anyways, by completely embracing the Christmas season we looked down the isles and I found this;

my heart stopped.

One of the most beautiful statements that I haven't thought twice about. 

Cannot wait to hang this when we decorate for Christmas! 

But first we need to decorate and hang up everything that is our all year home decor.

Haven't got to that yet. haha. 

We've been watching Christmas movies to welcome in the season.

Boyfriend for Christmas... haha probably one of the cheesiest movies.

We were laughing through the entire thing! But get this.

Andrew had it on DVD before we were even married! Oh and parts of the movie were definitely filmed in Utah. 

It's hard to miss when the Salt Lake Temple is in the middle of the shot.

Oh Hallmark. You are something else. 

And something to remind us all to be more careful and grateful.

While Andrew and I were out driving we were stopped at a red light and we heard this loud noise

 and a trash bag flying high through the air.

Which was confusing because it was not windy outside.

But our brains then registered what we really saw. 

What we thought was a trash bag was not that at all, but a person.

It was so scary realizing what we saw and what had just happened. 

He was on a motorcycle trying to get through the light before it turned. 

Another car was making a left turn and didn't see the motorcycle. 

The guy on the bike flipped high in the air. Literally. It just isn't a sight you want to see. 

I'm writing this to remind me when I look back on my blog and anyone who reads, that life is precious.

Andrew went to see what he could do to help. The guy obviously had a concision and by the looks

of it,  a compound fracture on one of his legs but seemed ok. Overall, so lucky! He could have been so much worse. 

I mean, that guy flipped and landed hard on the pavement. 

His life changed so fast in less than 30 seconds. 

A reminder to be careful and aware of surroundings. 

To take life at a slower pace. 

Figuratively and literally. 

Thinking and praying for both of the individuals- the one turning left and the one on motorcycle.

Life is special. Life can change so quickly. 

So grateful that Andrew and I  are safe at home together and our families are alive and well. 

We are blessed. 

Our "Super" Halloween

I have noticed recently that this little blog of mine is full of A LOT of puns. 

Maybe I think they're funny. Or witty. Or eye catching. I don't know, but I don't think it's going to stop. haha. sorry.

And look, I blogged sooner than I thought I would! #Accomplishment! 

Halloween was a fun experience. Our theme this year in the classroom is superheros so we decided to all dress up as an Avenger. Fitting right? 

Before our little class party the real Spiderman came in (a.k.a. Andrew).

Special ed is kind of a hard thing for Andrew to understand. He's come a long ways though (so proud). 

So when he asked me if he could dress up as Spiderman and come in to say hi to my kids my heart melted. He would have never have offered that 2 years ago! He even brought candy to give to them. 

He came in the class and the kids loved it! There was cheering going on. One of the kids walks up and says, 

"I'm your biggest fan!" 

Our Halloween festivities involved eating lots of candy (at least I did) and watching a movie

where we both fell asleep. We woke up at 10:30 and went to bed #sotired. 

I'm was just ecstatic that my night class was cancelled! 🙌 That was the best thing that could have ever have happened to me. 

The Fourth

The Fourth of July is one of my favorite holidays. It's probably a tie with Christmas.

Andrew and I had such a fun time celebrating the 4th. We partied hard. When we got home 

at the very end of the day Andrew was OUT!

We started our day going to the parade.

I'm a fan. Andrew is not. But he comes with me anyways (thanks love).

Visited family, ate pizza and homemade ice cream, swam, and watched fireworks (my absolute favorite).

^Waiting for fireworks to start^

We did some fireworks at the Earl's home and then we changed our location to University Parkway so we could watch the
Stadium of Fire- fireworks show. If you're looking for a free firework display, that's a good one. It has not disappointed yet.
We just set up our chairs in an area across from the stadium and our seats were excellent. And we walked home because
we live really close. We love avoiding traffic.

It's days like this that makes me really glad to be an American.  <3

If anyone has any favorite 4th of July traditions they would like to share I would love to see them!
I'm always looking for new ways to make days like this special. 

Happy Year of the Dog!

Remember how I was sick with the flu in Disneyland?

The next day I slept the entire day! Poor Andrew. 

We travel all the way to one of our most favorite places in the world

and I'm sick and sleeping. Awesome. But he really was the best and I 

could not have asked for anyone better. 

He got me medicine, gatorade, soda, saltine crackers, 

anything to help me feel better and get food in my body. 

I told him to try and have fun but he didn't want to travel too far in case I needed him.

(i almost cried when he said that, i mean, this guy is good).

^We went out to get pho that night. I had a tiny bowl and I think it took me 2 hours to eat!^

By the next day I was feeling much better. 

You wouldn't even be able to tell except my appetite was still so small.

Eating took awhile. 

On Saturday the Lunar New Year Celebration was still happening. 

Guys, I'm not lying when it lasts for days! We were not even in Cali 

for half of the festivities. It's crazy! We decided to take advantage and we 

went to the parade that was happening that morning as well as other Viet activities. 

We of course had to visit the beach.

Andrew and I have decided that we need to make a lot of money 

and get a beach house. That's our plan. We are currently accepting donations

and of course you could come visit us! ;) 

The rest of Saturday and on Sunday we saw a lot of people that we love!

Honestly, it's so hard to see everyone especially when there are his people and my people

and they are scattered everywhere across Orange County. 

And we missed an entire day when I was sick. 

This is so corny, but it always hurts a little bit leaving Cali

not only because of the most perfect weather 

(we were welcomed back to Utah with a snowstorm)

but THE PEOPLE! These people changed our lives. They helped us become us!

I think California will always be our second home.