My 789th Trip to Disneyland

Despite my attempts to avoid Disneyland, I always give in. I am truly at a disadvantage for the following reasons:

Reason 1: I happen to come from a long line of addicts, none of which have ever learned to overcome their compulsions; furthermore, Dave and Kate have now been converted to the club. I am just a tad outnumbered here.

Reason 2: How do I resist my darling husband? He made a countdown chain the day we booked the vacation. For weeks, he's been reading books, reviewing old photos, and turning on Disney movies to help Kate be researched and ready for the trip. I mean, pretty darling, right?

Reason 3: Disneyland happens to be located in my favorite place...California. If I go to Disneyland, that means I get to go to a place full of the best restaurants, shopping, friends, and memories.

So yes, we, along with my parents, woke at 4:15 am Friday morning to catch our flight to sunny Southern California. We rented a very lush Ford Flex, and went straight to the park. I can't account for everything we did and rode, but remember having a successful, happy time. Kate loved any ride that went in a circular motion, such as the carousel, Dumbo, the tea cups, and even the Matterhorn.

She was really a good sport, even on the dark rides. She would hold on tight, let out little whimpers, and her bottom lip would sometimes pucker out and quiver, but she didn't do much crying. She was so brave and tried really hard to be a big girl.

Kate taking in the Disney magic
Me and my babe riding Dumbo

So the biggest line of Day 1 was the wait to meet Mickey Mouse. It's not something I ever want to do again, but I think it was a pretty big deal for Kate. After all, she's kind of got something for the guy...

Another highlight was when Kate met the Winnie the Pooh gang. We got right to the front of the line just as it was time for the characters to go on break, thus, another long wait to meet some V.I.P.'s. Well, the experience proved to be worth the wait again...Kate loved hugging & kissing them all. For lupper, we ate at the Blue Bayou. This is Kate enjoying her mac 'n' cheese and pirate hat: My parents had never eaten there and the food was better than I had ever had there. After the good eats, we left Disneyland to buy some snacks and breakfasty items, then checked in at our hotel, Red Lion Maingate. Nice lobby, nice rooms and pool, but not quite as nice as it was hyped up to be. The price was right, so I guess that counts for something. We rested up and gathered our bearings, and walked back to the park for some more riding and Summer Night-tastic.

USAT

Kate and I have been embarking on our USAT (aka: Utah Summer Adventure Tour). Being out of school, there's much I want to do with my little baby. I've got a list a places and things I want to accomplish with her before the summer ends. Some things have been totally lame, and others (a few) make me wish I'd discovered them a lot sooner. This little event was free (so who am I to complain?) but painful. We attended the Teddy Bear Picnic at Orem Public Library early in June. Even Kate who loves a story, and even more so, loves a Teddy Bear, could not wait to get out of this one. If you could see the look on the whited-out face, it would be one of misery. She did, however, enjoy sitting and reading library books with me prior to the show, so it wasn't a complete let down.

Tracy Aviary was part of the tour...pleasant surprise. No need to discuss that one (since I already posted about that).

Well, today we visited the John Hutchings Museum in Lehi. Hmm... where to start? Well, the good news is that during Lehi Round-Up week, admission is free. The bad news...admission should always be free. The place is just full of creepy knick-knacks and collections; items like barbed wire, and buttons, yes buttons!

In fact, I took a moment to snap a pic of the button collection just to be a smart-aleck. Just then, a museum guide approached and said, "Oh, are you a collector?" I (kicking myself for being such an ingrate), replied, "Oh, no." The conversation continued...

"Beauty of a collection, though, huh?" said the guide.

"Yes, really," replied the ingrate.

"You know, the woman who lent us that collection has more buttons at her home. I bet if you called her she'd let you come over and take a look at them. I can get you her number."

"Oh, no, that's fine." Yes, I'm quite the jerk.

There were a few exhibits of note like...

The jail cell. This baby was used until the 1960's right there in Lehi. The creepy bearded-woman in one of the jail cells was also worthy of mention ...

The saber-toothed cat,

the extensive rock collection (being shown off by our model, Kate), Butch Cassidy's gun, and some Porter Rockwell findings. On a scale of 1-5, I think I'd give the place a 1. Good for Lehi for having a place to put people's junk, but REALLY...not so neat.

After the museum, Kate and I spent the afternoon at the A.F. swimming pool. She is just so much fun. She REALLY loves swimming. We had to go down the big slide, "Again," and "Again."

I've Done It!

The zoo membership is on its way out. Kate and I went for one last visit yesterday (until we once again renew our membership). Anyway, super successful day at the zoo. We don't usually go early on in the day so we saw a lot of new things like:

this cheetah

and the gray wolf (not pictured).

This is why I've titled the blog as such. Spotting these two animals is a feat! Everytime I go to the zoo, I think, "Uh, lame. Where's the animal?" Well, now I can vouch that there is actually a wolf somewhere in that massive enclosure, and yes, the cheetah really exists.

Even more cool were the various upclose encounters we had. Here's Kate making friends with the giraffe.

And here's the rhino. For anyone who frequents the Hogle, you know that the "rhino viewing area" is not usually so full of "rhino views." Not today...

I, unfortunately missed out on the photo opp's of the day. My camera ran out of batteries so I missed the snarling tiger just feet away from us, and a darling orangutan that was kissing the window at us.

I know..."Big deal," and "it's only a bunch of animals," and "I've seen it all before," but hey, the trip was awesome!

Once a Carni, Always a Carni

The carni came to town, and we came to the carni. There's just something about blinking, colored lights and cotton candy aromas that I simply cannot ignore...

Joel McHale Live

Joel McHale is officially my hero. Dave and I laughed our guts out watching his stand-up show last night at Abravanel Hall. It is a rare occasion that I ever laugh so hard that I cry, but literally, tears were dripping down my face! I kept thinking to myself, "What if I had missed out on this show?" It was just that much fun. Here we are--the last time both of us graced this place was in 2nd grade for a delightful performance of the Nutcracker. The building hasn't changed much, but the entertainment was a definite improvement.

The view from our seats

Anyway, I was originally a little skeptical as to how funny the show could actually be. It began with a warm-up comedian. I forgot who he was, but has done some Mad T.V., and a few other shows. He did great, and I wondered if Joel McHale would match up. Um, yes...he was so funny.

The first part of his routine was more like the Soup, poking fun at celebrites and bad television. Ryan Seacrest, Tyra Banks, Kim Kardashian, and the Hills cast were all highlights of the evening.
The second half of his act, he joked all about his wife, kids and parents. This was the best part of the show; I was bawling, my mouth hurt from excessive smiling, and my stomach muscles had never had such a great workout.

At one point, the spotlight controller guy failed to follow Joel around the stage (we're on a first-name basis now that we know him). In response, Joel began reenacting the Sound of Music (the part where the von Trapp family escapes the talent show and the announcer names them as the winners). He got the spotlighter to play along, and started spouting off, "The family von Trapp!..." He then pointed to an empty doorway, where the spotlight followed. He repeated this again, "Family von Trapp?" and the spotlight once again focused on the empty doorway. Hard to explain, but if you know the movie, you might understand the joke a little better.

I've been told from a few sources that the guy either reminds people of my good friend, Paul Sampson, or my darling husband, Dave. Watching Joel McHale live totally explains why. He is an absolute weirdo! No offense, I mean "weirdo" in a good way. His sarcasm is one of a kind, and his little mannerisms and movements just make you laugh. What a memorable night!

A Birthday Treat

Well, I am now 28, but more importantly, another year wiser. I suppose I should enlighten you with my new-found wisdom and knowledge... The birthday proved to be rainy one, but was still great. We woke up early to open presents and then went to the Oquirrh Mountain Temple Open House. The picture above is quite deceiving; the weather was REEEdiculous! Buckets of rain were pouring down just as we arrived. How lovely. You know, there really is nothing better than getting yourself all done up and then getting drenched by Mother Nature. Here's Kate helping Grandpa Reese get dried up after the down-pour.

And here's all of us waiting for the video before the tour:

Despite the rain, I don't remember seeing such a beautiful temple (the Newport Beach may have been close, but it's been too long to remember). Kate rode in her stroller through the entire open house. But upon reaching the Celestial room, she popped right out of her seat almost stunned by the room. The temple volunteers laughed when she let out a loud gasp as she saw the sparkling chandeliers. She was a very good girl through the whole tour. This is Kate enjoying her sugar cookie in the reception hall after the tour:

(Notice the blankie? It goes everywhere she does)
Here's a couple more pics to feast your eyes upon:

Who are those good-looking people? Oh, wait...

After the tour, we stopped for breakfast at Mimi's, a caloric delight. We then went home and enjoyed some long nappage (the perfect activity to ensure a happy birthday). Afterwards, Dave went into work for a few hours because, after all, the teeth can't be neglected.

Later that night, the UPS dude dropped off some pink and white birthday flowers for me. Dave asked, "Were you worried I forgot?" Pssh. What a guy, huh? To that I replied, "No! You know, you don't always have to get me flowers!" (although they certainly do make me tad lot happier). Anyway, my sweetie pie and I got to drop of Kate at Grandma Sherrie's so we could enjoy a nice dinner out at Flemings. What is Flemings, you ask? Let's have a moment of Zen...

The place is divine. Their steak causes some definite overactive saliva, and the service is spot on. They call you by your first name at dinner (which is definitely strange because I don't ever remember disclosing that info). The first-name thing is rather refreshing, though. Fleming's definitely breaks the bank every time, but if your searching for Dreamland, this is the place. **Does it sicken anyone, that I can get so hung up on good food?

Anway, they put a little birthday candle on my dessert plate, which they did not cover:( But, they did give me a cute, golden birthday box filled with chocolate truffles. And even more fun, is how they came and took our picture, printed it off, and presented it to us in a little frame (they even emailed us the pic so we could post it online). So here she is:

How's that for eye candy?

Successful, happy birthday? Check, check!

Happy Birthday Ashley!

Kate & I want to wish a very HAPPY BIRTHDAY to the most important person in our lives. We love you so much! You are the best mother and wife in the whole world! Hope you have a wonderful day,

Love,

Dave & Baby Kate.