Christmas Preparations

The kids, Kathryn and I spent some time on Christmas Eve making a gingerbread house. The kids were excited and had fun.

A Lost Tooth

We went out to dinner at a Mexican Restaurant and Aiden's tooth finally fell out. He had a bet with Kathryn that if it fell out by Christmas Day then Aiden could throw snowballs at Kathryn.

Aiden won.

Sledding

We spent an afternoon sledding with Kathryn, Cory, Cade and some friends of their's. It was really fun but very cold.

Campbell was a little reluctant to play at the start. We had to slowly edge our way up the mountain. Chelsea, on the other hand was a dare devil. Didn't have to coax her into anything - she loved it. Aiden wanted to sled with Cory all the time. Campbell had a turn but had to walk half way down the mountain first.

Yes, I even had some turns. I was a little scared at first but had a great time sledding.

The snow was really powdery so it was hard to make snowballs. We threw and kicked snow at each other instead.

It was a fun afternoon.

Lunch with the Anderson's - Monday, 15 December 2008

We flew into Denver, Colorado where Kathryn, Cory and Cade were waiting to pick us up. The plane landed early but had to wait on the ground for about 50 minutes for another plane to move before we could disembark.

We were all so exicited to be spending some time with the Anderson's and were so looking forward to it.

We stopped off for some lunch at Red Robin where the kids had some fun playing.






(Notice how all the boys are dressed in red?!)

Very First Snowball ... EVER!

We left Williams on Sunday morning to head back to Flagstaff in order to catch a bus to Phoenix.

While waiting for our shuttle, Aiden made his very first snowball. He was so proud of himself. He put it in his coat as he wanted to keep it - not realising it would melt!

He was most disappointed when Will threw it to the ground and it smashed.

The Grand Canyon - Saturday, 13 December 2008

We had a very early start on Friday - our flight to Phoenix, Arizona left at 6.45 am!!! At the airport we were told that Greyhound Buses travelled to Williams. They didn't. Fanbloodytastic.

After spending the good part of 4 hours waiting for a bus, we travelled to Flagstaff and then caught a taxi to Williams. It was snowing while we were in the taxi!!

Saturday morning we caught a train to the Grand Canyon - it was FREEZING!!! We had to run to catch the train and as it was so windy and cold, and due to the altitude, it was very hard to run. I looked a sight, my mascara had run and I looked like Morticia from the Adamms Family.

The train ride was a few hours. It was quite interesting as we had a guide who pointed out different historical facts and features along the way. We were also entertained by a performer who sang old Country songs.

The Grand Canyon was as beautiful as I remembered. It was such a windy and cold day but that didn't ruin the beauty of the day (although the kids may disagree). I must admit, it was nice to return to the train for the return journey home.

Disneyland - Wednesday, 10 and Thursday, 11 December 2008

We spent two long days at Disneyland. There is so much to see and do. We had some great rides and some not so great rides - well the kids anyway. One in particular had Chelsea and Aiden screaming and howling - Campbell was too short to ride.

We rode roller coasters, trains, flying elephants, merry-go-round, 4 wheelers - so much to remember. We probably managed to ride around 2/3 of the rides. We met Mickey Mouse, Minnie Mouse, Pluto, Goofy, Woody and Jessie. It was so much fun and a great memory to keep/have.

The upside of having such long days, the kids slept in every morning - fantastic.

Each night ended with a fire works display. We had a great viewing point - right from our Hotel room.

Disneyland Hotel - Tuesday, 9 December 2008 (Again)

As we crossed a different time zone, we arrived in the USA before we left Australia. After checking in to our Hotel, having a rest and having a much needed shower, we wondered around our Hotel Complex and surrounds.

After exploring, we found somewhere to have a late lunch/early dinner at the Rainforest Cafe. The decor reflects a rainforest and has leaves and animals surrounding you. A "thunderstorm" is experienced every half hour. It was quite fun. Aiden wanted to be the photographer so he wondered around and took a few shots. We left with very full bellies.

Between our Hotel and Disneyland entry, there is a mall type area which has a lot of shops that we spent some time visiting, (especially the Lego store). After a Lego purchase, the boys were anxious to go back to the room to build their Lego. Chelsea and I continued on shopping (as women do) without the boys.

The sun goes down very early (around 4.30 pm) and once down, the temperature drops quite a bit. Not too bad, just throw a jumper on and you are warm enough.

The Flight

Much to my surprise, the kids travelled really well. Their were a few moments of musical chairs but generally things weren't too bad at all. Campbell asked 10 minutes into a 14 hour flight if we were there yet. I wish!

An hour out of Los Angeles we experienced some turbulance. Chelsea and Campbell both were vomitting. Campbell wasn't to bad - only had a few vomits. Chelsea on the other hand - I lost count. I must admit, I did feel a little off myself but I was feeling this way prior to the turbulance hitting.

Chelsea still wasn't feeling the best after getting of the plane and thought she was going to be sick while we were trying to get through Customs. She did vomit in the Shuttle that took us to our Hotel but she managed to confine it to the paper towel that Will found. I guess we were fortunate that we were leaving the Shuttle and didn't have to deal with the smell of vomit - NICE.

Day of Departure - Tuesday, 9 December 2008

The day has finally arrived where we get to venture on our much awaited trip to the USA. All are very excited. I am hoping the kids travel really well.

Ann and Dan surprised us at the airport. They came to see us off. A family shot was taken before leaving through the departure gates ready to board the plane.

Guess Where I Am Going Tomorrow ...

... America! Yep, it has finally arrived. All packed and ready to go. Can't wait.

Chelsea's Dance Concert

Here are some pictures from Chelsea's concert. I only took pictures of her before each dance this year. In past years I try and take some of her on stage but as I miss most of the dance, I decided not to do that this year.

She danced beautifully and all her hard work has paid off. Well done Chelsea.