The Happiest (birthday) Place on Earth

Caroline had quite the birthday celebration this year. My niece Ashley e-mailed me a few weeks ago and told me that her mom (my sister) would be in town, and that they were thinking of going to Disneyland on the 23rd or 24th of March. Although I had sworn to stay away from this place until well after spring break season, I couldn't resist meeting up with family for a birthday celebration. The party only got better when Melissa decided to renew her passes and join us. We stayed at California Adventure (which is usually the less crowded of the two parks) the whole day, but the crowds were still pretty fierce. Add to that the fact that it was much hotter than the predicted 75 degrees (I forgot to add on the ten Disney degrees) and the fact that I was stupid and wore jeans, and the day could have been a real disaster. But, the Disney magic came through, and we had a great time. It was so much fun to get to spend the day with my sisters and my niece, nephews, and great nephew (wow, I am old!). I go through the same range of emotions every time I make the trek to Anaheim: I am excited and ready for anything on the drive there, I curse the crowds once I am in the park, I vow never to return as I am getting on the tram to go home, and then the next morning I bask in the wonderful memories and good times we had as I look forward to the next time we can spend the day with Mickey.Sam and Caroline enjoying birthday cupcakes (of course, Caroline only ate the frosting)

Check out Carter's tongue. I think the Albertson's bakery used permanent Sharpie ink to dye the green frosting for the cupcakes.

The whole cousin gang: Ashley, Eli, Allison, Jacob, Carter, Sam, Caroline, Sydney, Emily

I took this picture outside the Monsters Inc. ride. This is a ride that I have never once had to wait in line for, but today there was a 25 minute wait. If you have to wait for Monsters Inc., you know the crowds are bad!

Caroline was out cold within minutes of getting in the car. It was a long day, but well worth it!

Caroline is THREE

Where has the time gone, and how is it possible that my baby is three?!?! This birthday is a bit of a milestone for me, because it is the first time I have had a three year old without having a newborn (or a baby due in the near future). It's very nice to be able to hang out with a three year old and give her my full attention. I just love this age, and I love spending my days with Caroline. She is such a happy, resourceful, funny little thing. She is my sidekick when I am running errands, and calls herself my "Costco buddy." She is also a great assistant to Bret in the yard, and will spend hours out there with him, bringing him snacks and helping him plant flowers. Her sisters all love her dearly and love to play with her and make her laugh. The one thing she will not put up with is being called a baby. When I ask her "Who's my baby?" she immediately responds, "I'm not." Well, Caroline, I'm sorry to tell you that whether you are three or eighty-three, you will always be my baby. I love you!

Notice the giant jug of pink bubbles. For around $3.00, you can still buy a gift that really impresses a child this age. Too bad the same isn't true for her older sisters. In case you can't guess, Caroline's favorite color is pink. When I asked her what kind of cake she wanted for her birthday (meaning chocolate or white) she said "pink," as if that is a flavor. Ask her what kind of ice cream she wants: again, pink. If I ever try to put ribbons in her hair that aren't pink (on the rare day that she isn't wearing any pink attire) I have to do it very stealthily so she doesn't see. But, if she catches a glimpse of herself in the mirror, she will inevitably come running to me, wailing, "These aren't pink ribbons!"

sleepy little angel

3/24/06 Just a few minutes old, but already wide-eyed and alert. I will always remember Caroline's labor and delivery as being a walk in the park. I never felt a thing!

Jacob Wimmer's baptism

This was one of those times that we feel so blessed to live only 2 1/2 hours away from family. It was so nice to be able to jump in the car and drive down to San Diego to be a part of this important day for Jacob. We love Jacob so much, and he is such a special little boy! Everyone had a great time, but we all agreed that this visit was way too short. We will have to plan a longer stay next time. Congratulations, Jacob!

Legoland

We were lucky enough to get to spend time with two sets of cousins last weekend. We had planned to go down to San Diego for Jacob's baptism, and then found out that the Smiths were going to be there the same weekend. Since the Wimmer boys had baseball games and pictures all day, we decided to join Alyssa, Luke, Lance and Ellie (and their parents) at Legoland. The weather was perfect, the crowds were small, and the cousins had a fabulous time. Above, the kids are sitting in front of a Lego reproduction of Las Vegas. It is pretty incredible, and gives me a headache to think that someone actually put that whole thing together!

Miss Positive Attitude

Each month, Sycamore Canyon School has an awards assembly to honor the "Shining Stars" for that month. The awards are different each month, and this month, a "Positive Attitude" award was given to one student from each class. This award fits Sydney perfectly, since her proverbial glass is usually not only half full, but 98% full (except for the times when her glass is completely empty--then, watch out!). She is such a cheery, happy little girl, and I am glad that those qualities are apparent in her classroom as well. Great job, Sydney. We love you!

Caroline the climber

Caroline and I had to run in to the mall the other day to pick up a couple of things. She loves the little playground by the food court, but I assumed she wouldn't be able to do much without the use of her right arm. Silly me! She had a little trouble getting up on this elephant at first, but quickly learned how to climb it using only three limbs. She is a very determined, resourseful little girl, and has not allowed this cast to slow her down one bit!

Called to Serve

It's official. We learned yesterday that Bret's parents will have a new title as of July 1, 2009: President and Sister Paulson of the Canada Winnipeg (or "Winnie-pig," if you ask Caroline) Mission. We are all experiencing a wide range of emotions. Above all, we are incredibly happy for them, and honored to have their influence on our lives. As I think of Sid and Judy, and their individual characteristics and qualifications, I am very excited for the missionaries they will work with. These young men and women have no idea how lucky they are! I must admit I am a little jealous of the missionaries in Winnipeg. It reminds me a little of when my mom went back to teaching school, and how envious I was of the kids she spent her days with and the relationship I knew she had with them. We will so miss having Grandma and Grandpa come visit, vacationing with them, and spending time with them at their house. They are both such incredible examples and such a support to us. Luckily, we have Skype up and running, and our kids know how to use it to call Grandma and Grandpa. Our kids will change so much over the next three years, and it will help to be able to let the kids talk to them face to face (sort of). Allison will be almost 16 (!) when they return, Emily almost 13, Sydney will be 9, and Caroline 6. I am just thankful that they all have such a close relationship with their grandparents that they will each make a point to keep those bonds strong, even over a great distance. We love you so much, Sid and Judy, and are so thankful for your example of faithful service! Last Halloween at our house--I am so glad we made these memories!

Gingerbread houses with Grandma has been an annual tradition since Allison was little. I get a little choked up thinking of all the things that will have to be put on hold!

Sydney loves her Grandpa! She loves sharing her birthday and her name with him!