More California Pictures

Since we've received another foot of snow at our house, I think it's time to post some more pictures of our California vacation. These pictures of a windy day at the pier were still much warmer than the 20 degree temperatures we're experiencing now.

Cory & Maddie skipping along

Maddie wanted to go for a swim

Rocking with Great Grandma Smith

Disneyland!

Maddie has been working on filling her marble jar by using the potty for several months, and her reward was a day at Disneyland! Despite the long lines and crowds of people, she had tons of fun. Everytime someone asks her what her favorite part was, she has a different answer: the Dumbo ride, the "Jack & Sally" mansion (Nightmare Before Christmas--she wasn't even scared), Buzz Lightyear ride, Sleeping Beauty's storytime, or "Kickey Mouse" to name a few.

We spent so much time standing in line that I worried it wasn't everything she'd hoped for. Luckily that wasn't the case. As soon as Maddie woke up the next morning, she said, "Mommy, can we go to Disneyland again today please?! I'll go potty again!" I think it was a success.

We learned two important lessons from the experience. First, anyone desparate to potty train their child needs a whole bunch of marbles, an empty jar, and a promise for Disneyland. Second, don't ever visit the happiest place on earth during Christmas break, unless you like standing for hours in lines among thousands of people. It was worth it though!

As you can see, Cory was really excited for the day!

Click here for more pictures.

San Diego

Last week we escaped the frigid Utah temperatures by vacationing to sunny San Diego. Here are some pictures of our lunch at Shelter Island.

Uncle Scott

My uncle Scott Olsen passed away unexpectedly in his sleep a few days before Christmas. I hadn't seen him much in the past few years since he divorced my aunt, but his passing brought to my mind the many fun memories with him from my childhood. He was a cheerful, fun-loving guy, and I wish I could have seen him one more time. My heart especially aches for my cousins who have now lost their father. Thank goodness for the knowledge that they will be with him again someday.

Obituary

Merry Christmas

We had a very merry Christmas this year. Here are some pictures from the holidays.