Carving Pumpkins

The night before Halloween... we carved our pumpkins. Trevor and I were excited because this would be Maddison's first attempt to carve a pumpkin. As soon as Trevor cut the top off and showed her how to scoop it out, she put her hand in and was not happy. She cried, " I don't like it!" It was very comical to us, because we knew she would either love it or hate it. And she HATED it.

Matthew was such a Great BIG Brother and showed her how to put her hand in and it was OK to get dirty. It was so funny, because he hates it too. After two scoops, he quit. When I asked him, if he wanted to carve his pumpkin, he said, "no, you can do it!" (From the mouth of a pre-teen)

So, Trevor, being such a great Dad, took out all the stuff in the pumpkins... And we asked Matt what he wanted on his pumpkin. Our outside is decorated with some pirate stuff so we decided to stick with that theme. I carved a skull and bones, while Trevor carved a skull. His turned out a lot better than mine. Matthew decided he was going to claim the one Trevor did as his own.

Once the kids went to bed, Trevor and I stayed up carving pumpkins. It was nice to have some quiet time, and it felt like we were kids again. Usually, we just carve a Jack-O-Lantern, but since the kids had no interest, we took pride in our pumpkins.

I can stencil , and carve, while holding a baby!

  

 Since, we went to Disneyland just a week ago, we thought Maddison would love to have a Mickey Mouse pumpkin. We searched on line for a template, but unfortunately they don't have a small template, for small pumpkins. So, I looked at a picture, and did my best. I think it came out pretty well! I think she will like it...

Wedding Fun!

3 Generations

Trevor's cousin Michael was getting married, so the entire Gillis clan was there.(Trevor's Mom side of the family) The kids also got to spend some much needed time with their Aunt TT (Tiffany). She flew in from Idaho.Mason was finally able to meet her! Of course he was all smiles. Maddison was at first a little hesitant to give hugs, but by the end of the weekend, she wouldn't leave her TT's side. Everywhere her auntie went, Maddison wanted to follow.

Before the wedding, Trevor's Aunt Paula treated the girls to a massage at the Ayres Hotel and Spa! I am so Grateful!!! It was definitely needed! I was incredibly relaxed, and the kids got to go to the pool with their Dad. Matthew was glad that I was "in a better mood", when I came back. I have been grouchy lately according to him. I guess the massage helped relieve the stress of staying at home with 3 kids! PAULA THANK YOU!!! 

 We then got all dolled up! Maddison of course decided it was nap time as soon as she was dressed, so we prayed she would be in a good mood once we arrived at the wedding. It took her a little while to wake up, but when she did, she became the life of the party!

The wedding took place at the Coto de Caza country Club. Some are familiar that this is the place the real housewives of orange county hang out at. It had an amazing view! There were gigantic homes, aka mansions surrounding the area... but besides the beautiful place, we were fortunate to spend time with family as well. Paige, the bride, looked absolutely stunning! The ceremony was short and sweet, and I definitely shed a tear while they were saying their vows. It is so hard not to cry, when the bride and groom are crying!

Once the ceremony was over, it was time to eat delicious food and cut loose on the dance floor. Maddison loved to shake her booty. Everyone couldn't stop watching her. She was constantly trying to dance with the bride and groom.She also was obsessed with dancing with her Aunt TT.

As the night progressed, the kids played in the photo booth area, and that is when Maddison met her new little friend, Landon. He was three and they were inseparable. His mother stated, he was available, but after he finished his PH.D. Trevor said she wouldn't have it any other way. Landon kept calling Maddison his girlfriend. It was so funny, but when Matthew couldn't see his sister anymore, because those two were roaming around the room holding hands, he got very protective and went and found her and brought her back to our table.(very protective big brother)

 Watching them dance and play all night was so cute. We had a great time, and are so grateful, we were able to see the family! Hopefully we won't have to wait another 2 years to see them all again!



Jason the Best Man (cousin)





Michael the groom



Grandma Gillis with her children
Cathy, Paula, Carole, Chris and Dennis

Disneyland Trip

We woke up at 5:00AM on a Saturday, loaded the kids and our many bags of luggage in the car, and got on the road to head to Disneyland. We were a little nervous about the long drive, but decided to stop as much as the kids needed. They did great in the car. It wasn't until half way did they all fall back asleep again, which made for a peaceful drive to Anaheim. Trevor and I felt like we were more excited to see Mickey Mouse than the kids were.

Sunday was our first day at the Park! Our eyes were scanning the park, so Maddison could meet Mickey Mouse. To our surprise, he was walking right by us, and Maddison could not stop waving. He pointed at her, blew her a kiss, and she blew him a kiss back. We were a little disappoined she didn't get to meet him then, but she was very excited just to see him. Throughout the day we waited in long lines, and were able to explore the park.

We had never been there during the Halloween time, so it was nice to see all the festive decorations. That night right before the fireworks show, we met up with our friends who were vacationing there as well! It was so nice to see them! The Fireworks show was spectacular, but the two younger kids were done. I walked the little ones back to the hotel, and Trevor and Matthew stayed with our friends until the park closed at Midnight! They said they had no trouble just walking onto every ride after that. The park was nearly empty. I have to admit I was a little jealous, but knew that I had two more days to get on the rides I wanted to go on.

The next morning we woke up and struggled to get out of bed. We decided to go to Disney California Adventures for the day. We met up with our friends again, and the kids had a blast. Maddison adores Hayley! Hayley would carry Maddison all thru the park, dance and play with her. I can't wait until a couple more years, and I definetly will be giving Hayley a call to babysit! We were also very fortunate because our friends would switch with us and watch the kids so Trevor and I could go on some rides together. This made the park more enjoyable and it felt more like a vacation!

 



Hollywood Tower Of Terror



We were so exhausted from the park, that the next day we decided to stay at the hotel, take advantage of the pool and relax. Grandma Mimi came into town that day as well. Later that evening we all dressed up in either our disney shirts, or a halloween costume and went to Goofy's Kitchen. It was the high lite of our vacation! Maddison and Matthew got to interact with so many characters. Maddison was in Heaven. She was so excited to see many of the characters she watches on the Mickey Mouse Club House. We ate so much and definetly felt we ate our money's worth!

 

 

Our last day at the park was very mellow. We had already been on a lot of rides, attended shows, and decided the day would just be relaxing. We had a lot of fun and couldn't believe our Disneyland was coming to an end. Trevor and I don't plan on going back with the kids for another 3 years. Going with a toddler and an infant makes it a little difficult, especially with the amount of "stuff" you have to bring to accomodate the family. Although our trip was fun and memorable, we feel like it would be more fun once the kids are older. Hopefully Trevor and I can go next year, kidless... Anyone willing to babysit?! :)

Do you know the way to San Jose?

Our trip to San Jose was an eventful one. For the first time since Christmas 2010, I was going to be in the same room with all my siblings and my Mom. Trevor drove the kids, my Mom and I to San Jose on Saturday, so we could spend some time with family. THANK GOD, he was driving! 15 miles before we hit the Benicia bridge our back left tires tred came off the tire. ALl of a sudden we here a huge Thump and the noise is getting louder and louder. Like a trained champ, Trevor slowly took his foot off the gas, looked to the right, turned on his signal and pulled over on the windy highway. I was scared, my heart was racing, and the kids were a little scared too. Our back passenger door of the car has black scrapes and scratches all over it and we lost half a bumper... needless to say, we have to replace it. But fortunantely we are all safe and sound.

Trevor put the spare tire on, and then we went to BIG-O Tires in Benicia to get a new tire put on our car. The tire mechanic said that he had been doing this for 30 years, and had never seen a tire do this. It was completely full of air, just defective. After the incident, we were able to get back on the road and travel as planned, just an hour and a half behind!

Once we arrived, we got to see my sisters new apartment. Super cute! It was nicely decorated and we were all excited to be staying with her. As we gathered at her place, it was so nice to see my Mom so happy. Her eyes were filled with tears of joy since she was able to have all her babies, and their other halfs as well as her grandbabies all together!

We thought this was the perfect opportunity to celebrate. It was Janna (my brother Brad's fiance's birthday) and Trevor's birthday October 10 (today). We also were celebrating 2 engagements! (Brad and Janna) (Brittany and Mikey) Brady was in town from Boise State and he will be graduating in May, and of course he and his girlfriend Megan are adorable together too! Last, but not least, my kids were able to see my side of the family all together.

 

Matthew loves when we all get together. He was blessed to grow up in a house with all my siblings and have more than just an aunt/uncle relationship, but bonds with them more like siblings. They all treat him like a "little" brother too. Maddison and Mason were doted on and could feel all the love through lots of hugs and kisses. I, of course, forgot my camera at home, but fortunately was able to borrow a camera to capture everyone looking so good.

(Maddison had to be with her auntie in this photo... she loves her auntie and munkle so much!)

We all look forward to the holiday's so we can once again be together...

Mom with her kids
Danielle (28) Brad (25) Brittany (23) Brady (22)