I'm Back (I Hope)

So after an over two year blog break I have decided to give it another shot.  I regret that I have not documented the last two years but here is to a new start.       

 After Christmas we got to take a trip to California.  We were all excited to escape the snow and even though California was "chilly" the week we were there we loved seeing the sun.  We spent the first two days visiting with family and friends that we have missed dearly and then we headed to our favorite place...Disneyland!

 This little guy developed a brave streak!  He rode the roller coaster California Screamin and loved it.  He took the name seriously and screamed during the entire ride but he wanted to ride it again.  I love how small he looks in the seat.

 Cars Land at Christmas time is pretty awesome and so are these cute people.

 This gal had a birthday at Disneyland.  Abby turned 10 and got to celebrate with Minnie Ears.  We had a little miracle happen when she lost them and we were able to find them later at the lost and found.  She was one happy birthday girl.  Abby loves all things creative.  She is a great sister and she can play with anyone.  She is always happy and loves to make other people happy too.

 My favorite girls.  Emma loves Disneyland and Disney trivia.  She kept us entertained with her constant "Did you know..." random facts like the outer entrance to Disneyland is red because Walt Disney wanted you to feel like a star when you entered.

No trip to California Adventure would be complete for us without a trip to the Ghirardelli store.  We all had belly aches afterwards but it was so worth it!

 After Disney we headed to Grandma and Grandpas house for Abby's traditional waffles and bacon dinner and cake and more ice cream.  Abby was spoiled!

This lady was the reason for our trip to California.  This is my Grandma Manderino and she is the most fabulous 90 year old I know.  She has a knee replacement in November and by the first of January she was walking in sand at the beach with the family.  I hope that I inherited at least some of her genes!

 No trip to California would be complete without a trip to the beach and this dude was happy to be back!  

 These kids were right at home and even though it was a bit chilly that did not stop them from having fun!

 Zac was my blanket most of the night.  He snuggled up with his hot chocolate and marshmallows.

 Grandma had lots of friends to snuggle with and keep warm.

 I think that this Zac on his third or fourth smore.

 More bonfire fun!

The men!

The next day was the big birthday!  We started it with a trip to the temple.  It was awesome to be there with so many members of my family.  It was a wonderful glimpse at what heaven must be like.  

After the temple we headed over to my aunt and uncles house for some fabulous food and company.  We played some fun minute to win it games and took some pictures in the photo booth.  It was fun to watch my dad and his siblings compete with each other and laugh and make jokes with/about each other.  It was such a special day.  I hope that the Manderinos don't wait another 25 years to have a reunion.

 The fun just kept coming and the next day we went back to Disneyland with these great people.

 And this fun girl!

 And this super fun Aunt!

I love how much they love each other!

 After taking a break from Disney for Sunday were were lucky enough to go back one more time.  While all of our friends back home were having a snow day we were finally enjoying temps in the 80's and more of the  happiest place on earth.

 We were lucky enough to be able to meet up with some of our very best buddies.  Kyle was so happy to see his friend Teagan.  

 Zac was the most excited to see his very best buddy Landon.  Ever since we moved to Idaho Zac has been asking to go back to California to see "buddy Landon".  He finally got his wish.  

 They rode Autopia together!

 Met Captain America

 And Thor (This pic makes me laugh because both Zac and Landon look terrified) We also ate some tasty Dole Whips, rode Radiator Springs Racers, recovered the lost Minne ears and just loved seeing our friends again.  Zac is now asking when we get to go back to Disneyland so we can play with Landon again.  I hope that it is sooner rather than later.

It was the very best vacation with the very best of friends.