DISNEYLAND!!!

Okay, so like after years of begging, we were able to convince Mike to go to Disneyland! We travelled down to St. George to celebrate Jenna's birthday, thank you Hancocks for hosting us! Melanie made a fabulous Harry Potter cake, and Jenna was thrilled to be an official teenager :) I will have to blog about that later or this one will probably never get done. Then we were off to sunny California!

We went to Crystal Cove at Newport Beach on Monday, May 30th, and the day was beautiful. The kids loved the ocean, with it's waves and hidden treasures. They enjoyed hunting for crabs and shells, a fun and memorable day.

Tuesday, we were up bright and early to take advantage of our magic morning and enter Disneyland an hour early. We were third in line, and just buzzing with energy and anticipation. We counted down from ten, got through the turnstiles, then took off running to Space mountain. I still remember the giddy grin on my face as we were flying around in the dark in Space mountain, thinking to myself, "I just love Disneyland!"

The next three days were filled with rides, laughter, playing games in lines, watching the amazing World of Color water show, and of course, Ariel's Grotto. I booked a lunch at a restaraunt of that name in California Adventure, and it was just a fabulous experience! The food was delightful, and while we were eating, princesses were announced and came to each table to visit and take pictures. What sweet princesses, and a most fabulous time had by us Hassler girls!

Some of our favorites included: Soarin' over California, Tower of Terror, Space Mountain, Toy Story, Pirates of the Caribbean, Splash Mountain, California Screamin' (roller coaster), Ariel's Grotto, and World of Color.

Thanks to Laurette, Melanie, and Spencer's tips, in addition to a book I read, we were able to enjoy all of our favorites multiple times.

We certainly got closer as a family, as we enjoyed the magic of Disneyland together. We have memories we are still reliving, and will continue to! How blessed we are to be in families! So happy we went, and I will treasure this time and always remember it.

Our last moment in Disneyland... so sad to leave it behind, yet leaving with wonderful memories!

Christmas Eve

The lights in Layton Park

Mmmm... baking and hot chocolate!

The sista chefs!

The smoker chef!

Christmas Eve table setting

Excited children - magic in the air!

Singing happy Birthday to Jesus

Ella and Evey's sweet song

The boys hamming it up with Feliz Navidad

Sydney and Jenna's duet

Jenna and Claire's cute dance

New pajamas!

Treats for Santa and off to dream of sugarplums!



Christmas is just such a wonderful time of year. The best part is celebrating the Savior and being around family. I loved Christmas Eve as a child - the spiritual nature of it and the anticipation for Christmas morning. Because of the poignant memories, I love to carry on the tradition for my own children. This year we were blessed to have both the Carter's and Hancock's for Christmas Eve! The supper was festive and delicious, and the kids enjoyed singing happy birthday to Jesus. The program afterwards was my favorite part. Watching the kids share their talents and joy in the Savior was such a highlight of the holidays for me!

November Fun

Claire and Mom time

Sweetheart four year old Claire

New Moon gang - LtoR: Bridget, Rachel, Tracy, me, Diana, Kemille, Jen, Sherri, and Bonnie

Snow fun!

Thanksgiving day at the Hancocks

What deals are to be had?! Curtis, you are halarious, Mel - you make me giggle!

Cousins and crown braids

Sisters, me and Mel

Jumpin' Jacks - the kids had a blast!

November brought many fun happenings in the Hassler family. I took Claire on mommy daughter date to Disney Princesses on Ice. I did her hair fancy, and dressed her up like a princess. We went with a couple of her friends and their moms. I had the best time with my little girl, just spending time with her. I loved seeing her eyes light up, as she sat on my lap, watching the princesses with such delight. A wonderful memory for us together - she is definitely growing up too fast!

It snowed in November, which my kids were very excited about! They piled on all of their winter gear, and were able to build a cute little snow man with the small amount of snow that fell. They sure had a fun time together.

I had a fabulous night on the opening of the movie, New Moon! I went with several neighborhood ladies, and we felt like teenage girls, absolutely loving the romance in the film. I throughly enjoyed being with wonderful friends, and enjoying one of my favorite books on the big screen.

At the end of November, we were off to St. George to visit the Happening Hancocks for Thanksgiving. We almost didn't make it due to Jenna and Ethan having the stomach flu. But we ended up going, a day late, but still made it for Thanksgiving dinner. We ate at Shelly and Allen's - Curtis' sister, thanks so much, for welcoming us into your home, and for a delicious meal! We truly have so much to be thankful for. I am blessed to have such a wonderful husband and children. We are fortunate that Mike has a job in this challenging economy, and I am so grateful that I can stay home and raise my children. I love the gospel, and am grateful for how it blesses and enriches my life everyday. I am thankful for the sciptures, for the words of the prophets, they bring a spirit into our home, and help us in the choices we make. I love this season that helps me to reflect on how truly blessed we are. We just had a wonderful time with Melanie and Curtis' family! Cousins simply love being together. We went to the park, drove RC cars, went to Jumping Jacks, and just let them play! This year, Melanie convinced me to go shopping on black Friday. Curtis and Melanie had all the ads layed out, so we made a plan. We got up very early, sent the men off to Wal-mart, while Melanie and I went to Target. We ended up getting a few deals, and missing out on others, but I sure loved sharing the adventure with the Hancocks - they are dedicated deal shoppers! Thanks again, guys, we had a wonderful time!