Finishing June

June 18-30, 2014
Here's a snippet of every day life at the Reeve home.
  

Sometimes I wake up with extra bodies in my bed.  I bet Irelynn didn't appreciate Annika's legs in her face.  At least they look peaceful :) 

Summer fun in the backyard.  Slip 'n Slides are great on a hot day in Vegas. 

Annika ate something chocolaty and delicious.  Who wants a kiss?

 I got Braces!!!  Here's my "before" photo.

Here's my "after" photo.  Luckily, they're clear! 

Little cousin James helping me do my laundry.  He loves pushing the buttons.

Annika with Rachel at church - they're best friends and both showed up wearing lavender.  They asked for a picture so I obliged.

Grandma treated us to Del Taco one afternoon.  The food was delicious, but the restaurant was cold.  So our kids asked to sit outside up against the windowsill so they could warm up.  

We kicked off the swimming season!

I asked Annika to put her pajamas on.  She came back looking like this.   Well, she tried.

We were eating breakfast around the table when the sprinklers came on.  So I thought, why not...  

  

We planted strawberries and tomatoes in tiny 2 inch pots.  Who would have thought that our tomato plant would grow to over 6 feet tall!!  I'll have to post pictures later of the first harvest :)

    

Brian and I celebrated our 12th anniversary!  We went to the temple and knelt across the alter as we performed proxy work for those who have died.  It was a sweet experience.  I even wore the same dress I was married in.  I love my husband and I have enjoyed the last 12 years together.  He's my very best friend.  We go together like Reese's and Twix. 

My Latest Creation

June 17, 2015

My friend Karlee had a birthday so we had her family over for swimming, lunch, and dessert.  I have to admit, my chocolate cake sundaes turned out so cute!  I couldn't resist snapping a photo.

Waffle cone, chocolate cupcake, marshmallow, fudge, sprinkles and a cherry on top!  Mmm.

Happy Father's Day, Daddy

June 15, 2014

What a treat it was to celebrate Father's Day with my dad surrounded by his family!  We had a special breakfast at my sister Sharon's house before everyone went their separate directions to get home.  

My dad is a special man.  He lives to serve others.  He has spent his  entire life lifting up those around him.  I'm so lucky to have had him raise me - I couldn't have asked for a better father.  

Happy Father's Day, Daddy!  I love you.

Cousin Taylor Gets Married

June 13, 2014
My sister's oldest daughter Taylor Scott was married on June 13th and became Taylor Tringham!  We were so glad we could visit to celebrate their special day.  

The Los Angeles temple was stunning - and you couldn't have ordered a more beautiful day. 

James and Taylor - they're such a good looking couple!

Some of the cousins

Some of the cousins jumping

Brian and Krystal - 12 years after we were married in the San Diego temple.

 Cousin Madeline and my girls

 Cousin Kendall and Natalya

Branson and Grandaddy - matching :)

I LOVE this picture.

We had better go.  I think Annika is bored to tears.  Or asleep.

Luncheon after the ceremony

Irelynn and Uncle Spencer bonded over lunch.   She would stick his tie in his ear...

He would make a "BZZ!" sound.   

Then they would laugh uncontrollably!  It was one of the cutest things I've seen.  She loves attention from her Uncle.  

Irelynn and Uncle Spencer 

Taylor and James evening reception

Their reception was gorgeous!  The ambiance, the music, the food, the company... all wonderful!

 Grandma and Grandaddy

(Or Mom and Dad, depending on who's talking!)

Sweet dance moves!  The whole family on the dance floor.

I think it's time to go home.

We had such a wonderful experience with family and loved ones.  Thank you!!  

Surprise Disney Vacation

June 11-12, 2014

We've been planning a trip to California for some time to see my niece get married in Los Angeles.  The kids were excited to see their cousins.  What they didn't expect was a 2 day detour to Disneyland before the wedding.  Hehehe!  We were literally pulling into the Disney parking garage when we told the kids.  It was denial at first, then sheer JOY when they internalized what was going on.  What a fun way to start a vacation!!!

Let's do this thang...

 Only mom can handle the tea cups with the kids.  Dad gets sick!

The Matterhorn 

Irelynn's first time on Splash Mountain!  The anticipation was intense for a five year old...

Branson sat behind me so I could reach for Irelynn if I needed to.  Good brother.

She LOVED all the puppet-like animation and the music.

She survived the drop and even liked it!  I was super proud of her - she's my brave girl.

BIG Thunder Mountain Railroad

(Daddy is waving)

Baby swap passes were awesome - we definitely took advantage of them.  Brian would take two kids on a "big kid ride" first while I stayed with Annika.  Then he'd bring me a baby swap pass and I would get to take a kid with me too! The baby swap pass allowed us to go to the front of the line.  It was just as good or even better than any fast pass, and it was accepted at nearly every ride. 

We can't go to Disneyland without getting a churro! 

We always save It's a Small World for the afternoon when our legs are getting a little tired and we need 15 minutes to rest.  (Brian seems happy about that.)

Toon Town 

We rarely stop for a parade, but couldn't resist when we stumbled upon a front row spot just as the princesses rolled by.  Annika was in heaven!  Snow White is her favorite. 

While Brian took the big kids on another roller coaster, I took the little girls through the castle.  Annika still talks about it today - I honestly think that it was the highlight of her trip!

June 12, 2014

Day 2: California Adventure

While Brian went on California Screamin' with Branson, I took the girls on King Triton's Carousel.  I think Branson went on California Screamin' 9 or 10 times.  Natalya went on it almost as many.  Brian and I rotated taking the big kids - each of us went at least 6 times.  Needless to say, that was their favorite ride!

Ariel's Undersea Adventure

While Brian was on Tower of Terror with the big kids, we got to stay on the Ariel ride 3 times in a row without getting out.  The girls loved it - and so did I!

Front row to watch Disney Junior!  It's an absolutely darling interactive show - our 3 and 5 year-olds loved it.  

Annika's favorite?  Monster's Inc.

Roz talks back to you - she even responds to the flash of a camera :) 

Natalya and Branson took me on the Tower of Terror for my first time.  I admit to being a little apprehensive and the kids loved teasing me.  

Branson made friends with this guy - our elevator operator.  (That kid can make friends anywhere we go!)  

I love this picture because it proves that Branson never took his eyes off of me.  He's such a sweetie! He wanted to make sure I was having fun - and he enjoyed watching my reaction as I screamed nearly the entire time.

Minnie was so attentive to Irelynn who was a little shy.  She took her time with us and the girls were really thrilled that they got to see her.

Wilderness Explorer Camp - a great place to run around.  

Annika's feet were so tiny that Brian had to follow her and pull her feet out of the holes of the net despite her wearing her big girl tennis shoes.  

It's fun having big kids who like to do all of the big rides.  California Screamin' never gets old - or less scary.  I went on it so many times that my voice became hoarse from all the screaming.   

Annika wanted to give Daddy a break from carrying the backpack.  Such a thoughtful girl.  Daddy just had to bend down the whole time to help support the weight so it wouldn't topple Annika over.  Such a good dad.  

Toy Story Midway Mania

Mater's Junkyard Jamboree

(We went on this ride at least 3 times)

Disney's Aladdin: A Musical Spectacular

I am so glad we took time to go to the Aladdin musical!  We've never seen it before!  It was amazing.  It was the full-blown production - the set was amazing, the actors were talented, the musical impeccable.  I think Natalya enjoyed it most.  She loves musical theater.

Thank you Disneyland!!!!  Our visits are never quite long enough.

~Magic Happens~