Disneyland - December 31

We had a great day at Disneyland today.

Actually we didn't go into Disneyland. Instead we stayed in Disney California Adventure. We got to the park just as it opened at 10 AM. It wasn't too busy and the waits at most rides were pretty short. The highlights were Tower of Terror (Keaton loved it!) and Phineas and Ferb show. Because CA is under construction there is a lot of the park that isn't accessible for a parade so they have little mini parades. Phineas and Ferb sing and dance a bunch of the songs that are from the show and the kids can come out and dance with them and the Fireside Girls. Keaton was probably the youngest kid out there. He was jumping and dancing. It was beyond adorable. We saw a lot of characters. Beckett didn't do a complete freak out but he didn't want to be near them. We started the day with Pluto, Sully, Mr Incredible, Christmas beach Donald, Chip and Dale, Jessie, Woody, Aviator Goofy and Santa Mickey.

For dinner we went to Goofy's Kitchen. You get a little one on one time with Goofy when you first arrive. He's dressed like a chef. Keaton thought that was super cool. We were sat at a table near where the characters come in and out of the restaurant. Keaton was getting a little frustrated because some characters would pass us by. They were done with their section and were going out for a break or to change to a different character. Keaton kept asking where they were going and we said they had to go potty. So he looked at Pluto go in and out and in and out and then said, man he has to go potty a lot. A little later he said he had to go potty and bolted for that door. We told him that he couldn't use that bathroom. It was quite funny. The other funny thing that happened was Pluto walked in the door but was heading to a different area of the restaurant. Keaton jumped from his seat and leaped at him clutching his leg. Pluto almost wiped out and Keaton almost got squished. Pluto was so funny and made a "phew" gesture. We saw Pluto (a bunch of times), Minnie, Chip & Dale, Brair Bear, Alice (Beckett liked her) and of course Goofy.

After dinner we decided to go back to the hotel and get a good night sleep. Beckett was out fast. Keaton not so much. Probably on sugar overload. :)

Beckett's first word was Dadda. His second word was Mickey. His third word is Disney. I'm not kidding. This morning we were doing the Disney Junior song (where the magic begins) and he was bopping his head. All of the sudden "Disney" came out perfect. He kept saying it on the bus to the park. The family by us was amazed. I think he may be a Disney fan. Even if he doesn't really love the characters just yet. Here's a video...

The weather is so nice here. It was in the 80's and sunny today. Tonight it was super foggy which really stunk because it made it impossible to see the fireworks. But we didn't plan on staying to watch them anyway. We would have been able to see them from the hotel if it was clear.

We aren't sure if we are going to have a lazy day by the pool tomorrow or go into the park. Darren's back is doing much better but a day of rest might be exactly what he needs.

I'll keep posting more pictures.

Love you all.

Pluto at Goofy's Kitchen

Christmas Tree by Santa Mickey.

Keaton is dancing in front of Ferb.

Christmas Donald!

Sent from my iPhone

Jumping jellyfish.

Mater & Lightning

We are at California Adventure. The crowds are pretty low. We've been able to get on most rides with 5 minute waits.

Beckett trying to get in on the hula hoop action.

Hula Hoop

Keaton really wanted a Hula Hoop. He must have been extra good because Santa brought him two!

Here's a video of him trying it for the first time.

Beckett and Mickey!

Santa brought Beckett his very own Mickey. He was kissing and hugging him. He continued to hold him while he opened other presents.

Santa brought Keaton the hula hoop!

Checking out the stockings.

Both boys were really excited about their stockings. It's hard to believe that last year Beckett actually fit inside his stocking.

Making Grandma Hilda's cutout cookies!

Our Christmas Tree

Well the tree is up. There was one casualty - a Beauty and the Beast snowglobe ornament. Keaton dropped it on the hardwood and it shattered. Glass, glitter and water all over. Good thing we bought the Kirby vacuum.

Our tree looks rather empty. Specifically the bottom half which only includes not breakable ornaments without a hook. It seems like every ornament within Beckett's reach is off the tree as fast as it's put on.

Here's a picture of the boys in front of the tree. There's a strange glare but I couldn't get them to sit still for very long. I was luck to get the one I got.

Keaton decorating our tree...

Beckett decorating the tree...

We found our tree!

Keaton Singing

Keaton is really enjoying my new Iphone. He had discovered that it can record video. Here's a video of Keaton singing in the truck.

Even Beckett has gotten in on the animal mask fun.

Roar!

Me: Mom, do you want a hot cocoa?
Keaton: Oma doesn't drink cocoa. She only drinks coffee.

Sent from my iPhone

Both boys are loving all the lights. The cats have been super active which is cool. We even heard them growling.

At Zoo Lights at the Hogle Zoo.

All done. Handsome boy.

This will keep me entertained.

Faux Hawk!

First haircut!

Aunt Jennifer was able to get one of both kids. I hope this isn't a preview of what Beckett will be like at Disney.

Keaton loved Santa. Beckett screamed. I wasn't fast enough to get a pic with Beckett.

Keaton at the North Pole.

Beckett's wagon from Oma and Ur Oma.

Our little walker!

Beckett started taking a few steps while we were in Western New York but now he's really walking. He is super wobbly and looks almost as if he were drunk. So cute. I'll try to take some video in the next few days.

I'm gonna get you!

Snow fun!

Best Buddies!

Beckett really loved the cake!

Beckett's cake - created by Aunt Jenna

Beckett's 1st birthday.

Beckett woke up at 5 am and was wide awake. I explained that Lemieux's need to sleep in. He must have listened because he was back down by 6 and slept until 9.

Not sure if you can tell but Beckett is covered in red jello. It's in his hair, nose, eyes, etc.

Hunting Shows

Some days it is more evident than others that I am outnumbered 3 to 1.

Keaton: Dad can we watch animal shooting shows?

Lions and Tigers and... Where's the bear?

Halloween tiger.

Halloween lion.

Carving our Pumpkin

Our Mickey pumpkin. Too bed Beckett is already in bed.

Darren's doing all the work. Beckett looks like he's ready for bed. Keaton wants a banana.

Carving our Mickey pumpkin.

Our future hunter. The past few days he's been hunting deer, elk, grizzly bears and polar bears. Who knew we had so many animals in the house. :)

He may have been born in Utah but he's a Buffalonian at heart. Preview of the great things to come next week.

Keaton's new song

No fear!

This is a video of Darren and Beckett on a ride at Lagoon. It may be hard to see them because it isn't the best quality but just as the video starts you can see Darren point me out to Keaton.

Keaton liked this one the best.

At Cheryl's Pumpkin Patch.

Rolling around and playing in the grass.

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So happy to have a back yard and extended patio for the kids to play.

FWD:

Bedtime Story

Keaton gets a new library book on each school day. We usually read it before naps and bed. Tonight we climbed into his bed and I started to read the book. I opened it up and began to read, "The little old lady" Keaton interrupted me and said, "what about the time?" I looked at him and said it's story time and continued to read. Again he looked at me and said, "what about the time Mama?" I said, "yup it's story time" and kept reading. He said, "no, I'll show you. You forgot to read about the time." He turned back one page. I had skipped the first page of the book. The book began... "Once upon a time." I burst out laughing and he looked at me and said, "you're so silly, you can't forget the time, it's my favorite part."

Visiting Uncle Mike at the Firehouse

These pictures should have been posted in January - February at the latest. I have no excuse except that life is extremely busy with two little ones, work and school.

These pictures are from Keaton's visit to see Uncle Mike at the Firehouse. Uncle Mike made it an extra special day. Keaton still talks about it.