Happy Father's Day

A happy day to all you Dads! We appreciate all the times you've fixed our cars, burnt our dinner (haha), lifted us up on your shoulders, carried us when we were too tired, taught us new things, let us sip your coffee, read us bed time stories, and for not embarrassing us in front of our dates. Yay for Dads!

Summer & Brian's Farewell PAR-TAY!

After an entire day at Disney, we got up early the next day and headed to AZ.

#3 Summer and Brian's Farewell Party.
The invite came, and I immediately booked a ticket. Disneyland was only thrown in to entertain myself (why not? you're that close!) - but the real reason for flying XXX miles was to wish my bestest good luck and farewell. Let me tell you, those two are popular people! There were so many people crammed inside and outside Summer's mom's house... and every 5 minutes, someone new would walk through the door screaming for either Summer or Brian or both! Luckily, there were familiar faces, such as Greg, Becky, Gabe, Lisa, and Sara to keep chatty with until the couple had some free moments. You could tell how excited everyone is/was for Summer and Brian. Let me tell you, it's important to have lots of optimism around you when you've made the decision to move oh-so-far away! Of course, EVERYONE will miss these two....

Disneyland Minnies

#2
I actually flew in to L.A. It was a little bit cheaper than flying in to Phoenix. My Mom, brother and roomie (ok, obviously I don't live with her anymore, but forever to be called roommate) Domonique picked me up from the airport. We stayed with brother-in-law Wesley (sorry you didn't get much sleep!). Disney friends Nathan and Sean signed our group in as we met up with roomie Janelle.
For the first time ever, we opted for matching ears and left the princess tiaras behind. It made for quite the unique photo session in front of the castle. I just love these girls! Besides enjoying the magic of being at Disneyland, I was excited to sink my teeth in to my favorite Disneyland foods- Monte Cristo sandwich and churros. Mmm Mmm. But the newest additions to DCA (what we call Disney's California Adventure) and Disneyland took precedence over anything else.


DCA's newest attraction Toy Story Mania wasn't open when we visited, B-U-T it was Cast Preview day! It just so happened that Nathan picked up some tickets to go see it! So instead of crying as I walked by, I was excited to be walking IN! The attraction is located over by Screamin'. Mr. Potato Head welcomes you with some funny jokes, songs, and "dancing". The attraction itself is a 3D version of Buzz Lightyear Astro Blasters. Totally cute and a lot of fun! Thanks Nathan!

Oh how I love parades. DCA has sent Block Party Bash to Florida, leaving us with a new parade to watch. The Pixar Play Parade not only has the most adorable floats, they soak you! Ya, watch out! I was ducking my camera behind Janelle every 10 seconds!

Back over at Disneyland, Indiana Jones is ruling Adventureland. Indiana Jones Summer of Hidden Mysteries is what they're calling the Indiana Jones shows that run at Aladdin's Oasis and various parts of Adventureland. We were with Wes when he pointed out the characters as they fought their way up Tarzan's Treehouse. I clapped for Indiana as he passed by and he called me "doll'. haha!









Towards the end of the night, Sean got us reserved seating for my all time favorite- Fantasmic. If you haven't seen it, you need to. I can never get enough of it. Janelle has played various parts within the show and I always made it a point to try and see her. It's simply magical- GO MICKEY!

That about sums it up. We went on attractions, ate some good food, did some shopping and saw some coworkers (Hi Crystal and John!). Yyyyaaaayyyyy Disneyland!

New Aussies

The point of my trip was for today's best wishes: Good luck Summer and Brian!!! Yes, I'm getting a little out of order, but who doesn't? Today is the day Summer and Brian take only two suitcases each and leave the rest behind. They're flying to Hawaii and then on to Australia! Australia is a lucky country to be getting two such wonderful people!! We will miss you guys, but also can't wait to hear about all your adventures!

Solo Flying

I'm back from my solo trip to CA/AZ! I will have to break down the vacation in several blogs, as I saw several people who each deserve their own spot.

1-
I almost missed my flight. Made it by 5 minutes! The in-laws were driving me up, when about half way there, the truck over heats and starts spitting out water. I'm sure you're wondering how- especially since it's not as hot as AZ. Well, touche! This particular day it was 95 with a zillion percent humidity. YUCK. Luckily, my new cousin Tiffany had just moved to the area a week ago! Talk about good timing! Her husband is mechanic too- haleluija! Tiffany let us jet off with her car to make it on time. I ran through that airport like no tomorrow and was the last to board. Phew! That's a picture over Georgia as another Air Tran is planning to land at the same time.

As I was flying by myself, I knew I would have to sit and talk to someone I didn't know. Upon entering the plane, thanks to Air Tran and their assigned seating, I was seated next to a gentleman who looked to be around my Dad's age. After some polite dialog exchange I learned he was in the Navy reserves. OOooo the Navy! It gets better- He was sent overseas to Iraq and has been fighting in the war for an entire year! He is finally on his way home to see his family- and this is the flight that will take him there! What, excuse me? I'm sitting next to a soldier who hasn't seen his family in a year and is finally on his exciting way home to see them? Am I lucky or what?! Of course I became the most extremely happy person who couldn't be more thankful to this man or more excited for where he was going. After all, I have been in his daughter's shoes. What were the odds that I'd get to help welcome home a soldier? It was AWESOME!

Another "Hunky" Wedding

Jason and Amy are yet another couple Jan knows through high school. They got married a couple Saturday's ago- May 24th. Their wedding was so much fun! It was Hunky (& Polish) style and everyone really got in to it! Her bridal dance was super long, and I even got to stand on a chair and wave a hanky. They gave away this fruity flavored popcorn as favors- it was de-lish! Of course Jan knew quite a few people and had fun talking and catching up with old friends. This *should* be the last wedding for a little while... I'm running out of dresses to wear! haha!

6 Months, Already?

Believe it or not, but yes, six months has already gone by since Jan-Michael and I were married. Crazy!
We celebrated last night, really late (Jan didn't get off of work until after 10pm) at Eat N' Park and shared a yummy milkshake.

I'll be leaving my poor husband behind for the first time in our marriage, this Friday. So sad. But I will fly on a plane by myself, cross country, to say goodbye to my best friend SUMMER (see pictures at middle right) because she is totally worth it! She is moving to AUSTRALIA with her wonderful boyfriend Brian. See you soon lady!