My Knee.

Today we set a surgery date. January 14th, I go under the knife to try to fix what apparently my body messed up awesomely on it's own. I'll be having "Bony Re-Alignment" surgery which my doctor so eloquently labeled as "Big Deal".

Basically, they'll realign the ligament that connects the femur, tibial, and patella. See picture below:
That's right, I'll have two screws in my knee which will equal super fun times going through security and TSA.

I'll be out of work 4-8 weeks recovering.

Anyone wanna come keep me company =)

Trey's Graduation- Denver, CO

This past weekend Mom, Andie, and I headed up to Denver, Colorado to see Trey graduate from University of Colorado-Denver. We honestly couldn't have been more proud of Trey. He's worked very hard these past few years achieving his dream, and soon he'll have his very own classroom to call his own. The weekend was absolutely wonderful (with the exception of the mythical winter storm that blew threw with the snow queen).

Trey's wonderful wife Kim has made Trey's dream possible (with his hard work and dedication of course). They truly are a wonderful and adorable couple.



After graduation (and a WONDERFUL meal at Rodizio) we walked around downtown Denver. We visited the 16th st mall which was totally awesome. After a little shopping we even ran into some old friends.


Saturday evening we ventured to the Denver Botanical Gardens and walked through the trail of lights (after getting the coolest holographic glasses that made all the lights snowflakes, bells, and snowmen!) I tried out the "Tungsten" setting on my camera and got a pretty cool photo of a tree.

Afterwards we headed back to Trey and Kim's and did our "mini-family" Christmas. The weekend was all to short when we had to head home Sunday afternoon.

Trey- we are so proud of you!
Kim- Thank you for being such a wonderful wife to our beloved Trey. You are such an awesome addition to the family, we're so blessed to have you!
To both of you- Thank you for letting us share in your day and welcoming us into your home!

Happy Anniversary Aar-Bear!!

My how time flies! Six months ago Saturday, Aaron and I drifted away into newlywed bliss. I am so blessed to have such a wonderful, kind, brilliant, amazing man as my husband. Aaron, you truly are the love of my life, the sparkle in my eye, and my better half. I couldn't imagine my life without you, nor would I want too. To tomorrow and always!

A few of our favorite photo's from our special day:




I can only hope to spend the rest of my life, getting to be your "excellent" wife!

(End schmoopiness)

Have you met Bella?

Bella is my 8 month old Goddaughter. She's the most amazing baby girl in the entire world, and I don't know that she's been introduced on the blog. I figured this was a great way to end the night =)

In true Fairy Godmother form..

Thanksgiving!

This year we hosted our first ever Thanksgiving in our very own home! I am delighted to say that it went off without a hitch!

Mom came down Wednesday evening to help me prepare. I had tried to "brine" the turkey, but had an unfortunate situation with the "turkey bag". It really didn't matter though, the bird came out excellent if I do say so myself!

I was responsible for the: turkey, stuffing, mashed potatoes, gravy, and bundt cakes. The bundt cakes were easy- I ordered those in advance from Nothing Bundt Cakes (so good) but the rest was up to me. For the stuffing, we made Stove Top for inside the bird (it was the fall back) and then I made from scratch my very own Paula Dean apple/cranberry stuffing! It was SO good! Mom, Dad, Andie, John, Joyce, and Jared all came over for Thanksgiving. Aunt Mary and Uncle John came by for dessert as well.

my veggie tray

Mom, Aunt Mary, and I went shopping Friday morning. We started at the mall at Midnight (that's right)! We hit up Bath and Body works first, then headed over to Toys R Us. While we got into the store, the checkout line was like 3 hours long. At that point, mom and Aunt Mary went over to Old Navy while I got in line at Game Stop. I sat at Game Stop for 3 hours talking to a very nice woman who was in line for the same item I was. Finally, at 6:00am they opened and I got my item for Aaron! After that we hit up Best Buy and Ulta. I have to say, the stores were very well stocked even with their heavily discounted items, it was a great shopping day!

What a month!

So I've been horrible about updating the blog- I know. We've just been so busy!

Update 1: My knee. Well, I'm not crazy, nor imagining things. My knees are in fact still messed up. So much so that I will need to have Petallar Realignment Surgery on both knees. As you can see in the X-Ray, my Patella is not sitting in the joint as it should:


It's hard to see, but basically my Patella is hanging out to the left, and has rubbed that side of my joint well, raw. The surgery will basically require the ligament that connects the Femur, Tibula, and Patella to be moved to a different location on my Tibula, and held in place with some screws- awesome right?

Update #2: Budders. A few weeks ago, Aaron and I were at Petco with Miley, and we met an adorable little kitty- Budders. He was up for adoption and we were just drawn to him (so was Miley) so, we brought him home! He's adorable and loves his Miley-Bear, they are the BEST of friends!
Update #3: Aaron graduates one week from tomorrow! Can you believe it- it feels like it's been close for so long and now it's finally here!!

Update #4: We bought a new car- I don't have pictures, I know awful. We bought a brand new 2009 Nissan Rogue SL. We LOVE it! The lease on Rex was up, so we decided to purchase a more fuel efficient vehicle. We still don't have a name for it :(

Thanksgiving is upon us!

So tonight I braved the madness- really there was none, and went to the grocery store to get the last of the items we'll need for our Thanksgiving celebration!

I bought a MSG Free, Gluten Free Turkey (for Aaron's family and well for all of us), the items I need to "brine" (yes you heard me use a cooking term!) the turkey, and ingredients for stuffing recipe I found from the lady who's name escapes me (lady who uses a whole lot of butter). That's right, I'm also making stuffing (read not from a box!)

Mom's coming down Wednesday evening to help me "prep" the bird, and then Thursday it's all me... well and mom.

The countdown is upon us.... let's hope that I don't:

A) Burn the house down
B) Give us all food poisoning.

It's Been a While!

I know, I know- life has just been SO crazy!

Here's our summary (I'll elaborate later):

- Bought a new car (pictures to come)

- Got a new Kitty (Budders- pictures to come)

- Put up the Tree (pictures to come)

- Took Family Christmas Card Photo's

I'll elaborate more on all I promise!!

Happy Monday!

Thanksgiving- Yes, I can!

With babies on the horizon (hopefully) and me being the OCD freak I am (I own it and wear it well) I (I could say Aaron and I, but let's face it, he's the go with the flow one) decided that we should start organizing our holiday traditions this year. I really don't want to be lugging around pack-n-plays, swings, bottle warmers, etc, all over the place on holidays and not get to spend equal time in the home that I grow more and more attached to daily.

So, our first rough draft to try this year:

- Thanksgiving at our home (for lunch so we can still stop by Robyn's to see everyone). This also allows mom, Andie (if she's game) and I to go shopping on Black Friday in Phoenix, with far more variety in shops.
- Christmas Eve with Aaron's family (we're both off so we're going to spend the entire day with them from morning through church in the evening)
- Christmas Day (Morning) in our home. So we can enjoy our Christmas together, breakfast, and just relaxing.
- Christmas Day (afternoon/evening) we'll head up to my parents house and enjoy Christmas dinner and festivities with them.
- Day after Christmas (shopping with mom, spending time at the folks home).

So, that means Jenn is responsible for organizing Thanksgiving. This morning, being the planner I am, I figured out my game plan (thanks Michelle for your helpful tips on how to figure out Thanksgiving):

- Aaron & I: We will do the Turkey, Stuffing, Mashed Potatoes and Gravy (I am a mashed potato master!), and two Nothing Bundt Cakes (one in Pumpkin Spice, one in Marble) (and anything else not picked up by others, like Cranberry's, and um maybe more sides?)
- Mom & Dad: Green Been Casserole, veggie type tray, pumpkin pie, and my special chocolate cream pie.
- Aaron's Parents (if they chose to come): um anything else I'm forgetting?

I already ordered the bundt cakes, and will be looking for a Turkey here in the upcoming days.

Hurray for feeling like this is a "can do"!

My 101 in 1001 List

Okay Shelly- you've inspired me, so here it goes, my 101 list...

The Mission: The Mission:Complete 101 preset tasks in a period of 1001 days.

The Criteria: Tasks must be specific ( ie. no ambiguity in the wording) with a result that is either measurable or clearly defined. Tasks must also be realistic and stretching (ie. represent some amount of work on my part).

Why 101 Days?: Many people have created lists in the past - frequently simple goals such as New Year's resolutions. The key to beating procrastination is to set a deadline that is realistic. 1001 Days (about 2.75 years) is a better period of time than a year, because it allows you several seasons to complete the tasks, which is better for organising and timing some tasks such as overseas trips or outdoor activities.

I'm putting my start date as November 1st, 2009 which makes my end date August 13th, 2012 (I think :)

And here is my list:

Family & Friends:
1. Have a baby
2. See Isabella at least once a month every month (0/33)
3. Send out Christmas Cards each year with an annual update letter (0/3)
4. Have a date night with Aaron at least once a month (0/33)
5. Complete annual "Family Chronicles" (pictures and blog entries) (0/3)
6. Update my passport
7. Get Aaron a passport
8. Complete the 365 day's of Photo's with Aaron, Miley, and any other family members that may come along (0/1)
9. Take a girls only vacation
10. Send each member of my immediate family (Mom, Dad, Andie, Joyce, John, Jared, Aunt Mary, Uncle John, Aunt Betty, Randy, Sharon, Michele, Trey, Kim, Isabella, Ray, and Aaron) a physical birthday card for their birthday. (0/34)
11. Throw a birthday party for a friend
12. Finish Miley's training
13. Take Miley for a walk every night for a month (0/31)

Health & Fitness
13. Lose post-wedding weight (0/20) -gulp-
14. Lose an additional 5 lb's (after #13)
15. Lose an additional 10 lb's (after #14)
16. Lose an additional 20 lb's (after #15)
17. Jog 10 miles in one week
18. Jog 20 miles in one week
19. Jog 80 miles in a month
20. Participate in each Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure 5K (0/2)
21. Participate in each Heart Walk 5K (0/3)
22. Complete the Susan G. Komen 60 mile walk
23. Take a ballet class
24. Hike with Aaron to watch the sunrise once a month (0/33)

Financial & Giving:
25. Complete Baby Savings Fun
26. Have a 1 year emergency fund
27. Reduce monthly personal spending to $50 for 3 months (0/3)
28. Start college funds for future children
29. Purchase a new economical, more fuel efficient vehicle
30. Payoff vehicle mentioned in item #29
31. Pay for the person behind me at a drive through
32. Payoff 50% of student loans
33. Pick two Christmas Angels, each Christmas (0/6)
34. Place $5 in a special savings account for each item I finish
35. Donate $5000 (from item #34) to a charity of my choice anonymously

Organization & Home
36. Create and file a will
37. Create and file/update a Living Will & Power of Attorney
38. Set up a Trust Fund for future children
39. Purchase new couches
40. Decorate the house (no bare walls!)
41. Go through boxes in the garage and toss out/donate what we no longer need.
42. Go through closets and donate all clothing we no longer wear.
43. Put together the bunk bed in the office, and make it an actually guestroom/office instead of "the other room"
44. Have my wedding dress cleaned
45. See if Aunt Betty can turn my wedding dress into a blanket and christening outfit for future children (note- if she can't find someone who can)
46. Meet my neighbors (0/2)
47. Remove all "shred" boxes from the house (IE: have them shred)
48. Sell or donate all old text books
49. Sell or giveaway all left over wedding items
50. Create my own wedding album and make 3 copies (1 for me, 1 for my parents, 1 for Aaron's parents)
51. Scan all "paper" photo's and back up on an external hard drive
52. Back up all digital photo's, music files, and movies on an external hard drive
53. Learn to use my MAC and all of its functions
54. For each vehicle create a vehicle history binder tracking all oil changes, scheduled maintenance's, tire rotations, etc. (0/2)
55. Get a new energy efficient washing machine (once the dryer is paid off)
56. Learn to use my dryer and all of its swanky functions

Personal Well-being
57. Forgive two people whom I feel have wronged me
58. Go two weeks without something sweet- because I can.
59. Join a women's study group at church
60. Find a church I feel I belong and am a part of
61. Take one trip that I allow Aaron to plan entirely (IE: don't be OCD)
62. Don't visit someones facebook page who A) isn't my FB friend and B) I have nothing to say or genuine interest in what they are doing for one month (IE: stop FB stalking people I shouldn't be)

Friendships
63. Reach out to 3 new people to form friendships (0/3)
64. Plan 4 different seasonal outings for friends (0/4)
65. Host a holiday party
66. Host a murder mystery party
67. Have 3 "girls weekends" with Jamie & Jillian (0/3)

Travel
68. Take someone to Disneyland who's never been before
69. Take Sean to Disneyland for the weekend all by himself
70. Take a weekend road trip somewhere in Arizona I've never been before
71. Visit the Museum of Tolerance in LA
72. Visit the Holocaust Museum in DC
73. Visit Trey in Colorado (on a none work related trip)
74. Take Aaron outside of the US (outside of North America)
75. Rent an RV with my parents and cruise the US
76. Visit Aunt Linda and Uncle Jim in San Antonio (meet the cousins)

Domestic Challenge
77. Learn to cook 5 different dinners
78. Bake Christmas goodies every year (0/3)
79. Cook 10 recipes out of the Deliciously Disney Cookbook with Aaron (0/10)
80. Cook an entire Thanksgiving meal for my family
81. Bake Aaron a Birthday Cake for each Birthday (0/3)
82. Learn to bake dog friendly treats, and bake them for Miley every year on her anniversary (0/3)
83. Master making a delicious bunt cake to rival "nothing bundt cakes"
84. Host a murder mystery dinner
85. Learn to use all kitchen appliances and utensils I currently own.


Work Related
86. Meet with each one of my team members once a quarter for each quarter (0/28 * 13)
87. Send a hand written thank you card to each team member on their anniversary date (0/28)
88. Meet with each district manager each quarter (0/4*13)
89. Meet with deaf employee's and conduct an entire meeting without an interpreter (0/2)

Other Items:
90. Learn another language (conversationally)
91. Tip 100% for good service
92. See my natural hair color
93. Go see 5 different concerts from 5 different genres
94. Visit Ellis Island
95. Write on a public restroom wall
96. Take another political ideologies class
97. Finish my bachelors degree
98. Write an article and submit it to a local news publishing
99. Send a care package to a soldier serving our country
100. Put my toes in 3 different oceans (0/3)
101. Visit my grandparents graves on their birthday's (0/3)

What the heck is wrong with me

Trying to Conceive. It sounds like it should be such a wonderful and happy statement.

We're not necessarily *TRYING* to conceive like religiously- but we're not avoiding it either. I've started doing all the things your suppose to do: taking prenatal vitamins, drinking 64+oz of water a day, exercising (again, this I need to do regardless), I haven't had alcohol in months.... I mean you name it, I've done it. We've read, "What to expect before your expecting"... we're ready, but again not religiously trying.

I'm so afraid. I guess I though that once I stopped using contraception, I'd magically get pregnant- well that time has come, and gone. So now what happens? Yes, like I get it, my body is still adjusting, we're trying to figure out how exactly this whole monthly cycle works without hormones directing you where to go and what to do- it's a whole new venture, but it's still scary.

What if- we can't get pregnant? How can something that seems SO simple be SO scary. I've spent my whole life avoiding the one thing that I now want- I know how to *NOT* get pregnant, but how do you *GET* pregnant (okay, I get HOW a baby is made, my parents DID have that talk with me).

I know I shouldn't worry about that, and "when it's meant to be it will be"... but there's that voice in the back of my head that says, "what if I can't get pregnant" then what?

My Amazing Husband

This past week has been really stressful for me- well let me back up, this past month has really been quite stressful. Work is good, but it's very busy. We're being challenged each and every day- which while I love a challenge is well, just that. I'm pushing myself to greater lengths then I could have ever imagined, but it all comes with a toll. Additionally, I've been traveling quite a bit this month which always takes a toll on me.

To top this week off, on Monday, we had to put Honey done. While it was the right thing to do, it was still very challenging. On top of that, I've been stressing big time about how exactly it will work out when we're ready to start trying for babies- after taking contraception so long, my bodies having some problems figuring itself out.

So after a very long day at work on Tuesday, I called Aaron to let him know I was on my way home around 7:30pm. He asked if I wanted to go out to dinner, to which I said, "honestly no, I'm tired". He sounded really disappointed so I asked if he was near my office, and he was about 2 blocks away, so OF COURSE I had to meet him for dinner. We agreed to meet at Scottsdale Fashion Square to have dinner at Paradise Bakery- my favorite!

Well, as soon as he shows up he has a big Crate and Barrel bag! After we eat, he asks if I want my special present to which I said- I'd rather wait until we get home. Well once we got home, I got to open my present! He had purchased me the place mats I wanted for our new dining room table! I was so excited, until he said, wait I have one more for you- and he pulled out a bag I was very familiar with- a Brighton bag!! I knew exactly what it was, the weekend before we had been in Brighton purchasing my mom's Breast Cancer Bracelet (it's become a tradition for me to get it for her every year) and I commented on how much I liked it and wanted one of my own.

I opened the bag and there it was, I adore this years bracelet. The heart actually opens and on one side says, "trust in your journey" and the other says, "Everything is possible". It is so special to me to know my mom and I both have them- we wear them often but especially on challenging days, it's our way of knowing we're always with each other.

I was so excited I didn't even realize there was another charm on the bracelet! Can you see it?

It says, "Mom"! At first I thought he put this on there because my mom has the same bracelet, which I thought was adorable, but then he tells me that he wanted me to know that regardless of how it happens (though we're both not anywhere near giving up on having a baby as we've not even started trying, I'm just OCD paranoid) he can't wait for our family to grow, and to see me as a Mom, and he never wants me to give up hope on my dream- it was his promise that I would be a Mom no matter what. I had tears in my eyes at this point.

I wear this bracelet, with my "mom" charm daily as a reminder of my dream, and to remind me to keep my faith, as God has a plan for our family.

Aaron- you really are the most amazing man on the planet, and I'm still not sure how exactly I ended up having the privilege of being your wife. My love for you grows deeper and deeper each and every day. I love you!

Princess Honey

On September 28th, 2009 our dear "Princess Honey" left this earth. Honey had been suffering from cancer which had infiltrated her entire body.

I remember the day we first met Honey. We were at my mom's best friends home, and her dog had just given birth. Honey was one of two golden pups in the litter, and in my opinion the prettiest. She had long golden hair, and was just the sweetest thing you could imagine, this was in February of 1999. In March of 2009, after convincing my parents that my sister and I really did need another dog, Honey came home with us.
She instantly became a member of our family. Honey LOVED McDonalds French Fries, belly rubs, and most of all- being outside. She loved her family very much and was a wonderful protector.
Honey was also one of the most photogenic dogs you could find. She adored being with people she loved (though she was protective of them, and often couldn't go out in public to much as she would growl at people who got near her "person".)
After her quality of life started to deteriorate from the cancer, we realized the only thing we could do to take care of our honey- was to put her down. Both my dad and I laid with her until she passed, assuring her of what a good dog she was, and how much she was loved.

We all miss her deeply, but know she's in a better place, looking over all of us.

We miss you honey-bunny!

We're Going to Disneyland!!

Are you surprised?

Aaron and I are heading to Disneyland on Saturday October 24th! We got a killer deal on airfare (I was booking travel for work and noticed Southwest had $39 each way fares, so we jumped on it!) We're flying out early Saturday morning, and back late Sunday afternoon. I'm very excited because we get to experience Disneyland at Halloween Time, my second favorite holiday theme for Disneyland. While we're there we don't have to much on our agenda (getting Aaron his annual passport will be our first item of business) but we are hoping to take our Christmas Card photo AND I just booked the Happiest Haunts Tour today!! I am so excited- when I first called they said that it was sold out- which made no sense to me as you could only start booking the 24th 3 days ago. I called back to confirm it was sold out, and sure enough the 4:30 was sold out, but not the 4:45!!! So what all does the Happiest Haunts Tour include might you ask?

• Hear the truth (or is it?) about some of the most spellbinding attractions at the Disneyland Resort.
• Listen to sympathetic stories about the often misunderstood Disney Villains
• Learn the history behind our (Disneyland) favorite holiday
• Experience attractions in both parks: The all new Space Mountain Ghost Galaxy, Twilight Zone Tower of Terror, Big Thunder Mountain Railroad, and the Haunted Mansion Holiday
• Enjoy access to an exclusive viewing area for the never seen before Halloween Screams fireworks show
• Collect a memorable keepsake on your tour as well as a tasty treat

We are SO excited!!! I did the Happiest Haunts Tour two years ago with my family, and we just loved it! Can't wait to see all the new things this year- including Space Mountain!

Miley Loves the Park!

In our wonderful sub-division we have several parks- which I'm sure were meant for the children of the neighborhood, but if a dog happens to love them, why not? Well, a dog would actually be more like our dog who loves going to the park and going down the slide!



I first discovered that Miley loved going down the slide after observing her at Day Camp- where they have a slide for the dogs. Miley would climb up the stairs, and slide down over and over again. We decided to take her to our park and see if she'd do the same on a larger slide. It took her a minute at first to realize what it was, but as soon as she did, she was hooked! She's gotten better and better at our park, now to the point that when we arrive we take her off of her leash and she climbs up the stairs and slides down her slide of choice over and over again until she's exhausted.

We try to make sure that we visit the parks that don't have children using the playground, not that Miley would bite or bark at them, but simply because people who've seen us taking our dog down the slide have well had their suspicious looks about them.

I found Kirklands...

So a few months ago, Jeanne gave me a wonderful gift card to Kirkland's for my bridal shower. Now, I confess I've never been huge on decorating my home (this is why we bought a model home, most of the decorating was done for me) however, I figured I needed to pick up some picture frames (I've finally started printing wedding photo's), so I'm sure Kirkland's would have those. I ventured off to the closest store (really only about 5 miles down Lower Buckeye next to Target which was nice). Well, as soon as I walked in and started looking- I was hooked! I purchased probably a gazillion photo frames plus a few other items for the walls (wall sconces and such). I came home and started framing:

I also went to Michael's and ordered a custom frame for our large print from the photographer for the wedding (you can kind of see it in the picture) which should be in 2 weeks from now. While at Michael's I also found frames for two prints I purchased at Disneyland about 2.5 years ago (what can I say, I knew I'd get around to framing them):
For now we're just in the framing stages- look for photo's to come in which they're actually on the walls!

What we've been up too...

I finally mailed our "Thank You" notes from the wedding today, which included an updated address card with our emails and the link to our blog. If your visiting our blog for the first time because of this, I hope you'll check back often and even comment and let us know what you're up too!

Since the wedding both Aaron and I have been very busy with work. I've started traveling again all over to familiar places (like Salt Lake City) and unfamiliar places (heading to New Hampshire in a few weeks).

Aaron is in his last semester in school, he graduates in December (the 17th to be exact). I'm so proud of him, he's working very hard at work and often earning over time, and still carrying a full load at school.

We currently don't have plans on having children at the moment, but we're definitely discussing the idea.

Other then that, we're still just trying to get the house set up and get settled in. It's coming along, but we still have a long way to go.

All our love-

Jenn and Aaron

Dad's Special Disneyland Trip!

Growing up, both of my parents were always sacrificing anything they had and/or wanted to not only provide my sister and I with what we needed, but with what we wanted. They always made sure that vacations were everything my sister and I could imagine and hope for. So when my mom told me we could either go to Disneyland for my birthday or for my Dad's 50th Birthday, the choice was easy.

This trip was probably one of the best ever. The only thing that I would change is that Aaron wasn't with us (he had to work). This honestly may have been the best trip that Mom, Dad, Andie and I have ever taken.

We drove out Sunday morning, and headed to the hotel first where we all showered and got ready. From there we headed to California Adventure. We did Soarin, Toy Story Mania, and of course- ate (Chili dogs- yum)!
We really tried not to wear ourselves out Sunday, we knew we'd be there for a good chunk of the day Monday and well- it was hot! After spending a few hours in California Adventure, Mom and Andie weren't feeling well, so they headed back to the hotel. Dad and I headed into Disneyland and of course road the train for a "Grand Circle Tour" of Disneyland!

Monday- Dad's Birthday- Dad and I got up early and headed to the park (we had some pin trading to do)! Our first stop was to get Dad's Birthday Button and Fun Card! After we accomplished our mission, we spent some time in California Adventure, and well took a lot of photo's of the two of us.

While walking around, we happened to find Goofy (dad's favorite character) dancing with a quartet, Dad jumped right in (see- it's genetic, this is why I'm always willing to show my hip hop routine!).
After we finished in Hollywood Back lot we ran into an old friend- Stitch! Stitch is Aaron's favorite character so I HAD to get my photo with him, especially because Aaron wasn't with us.

A little while later, we met up with Mom and Andie. The first thing we did was Grizzly Rapids- it was H-O-T! We spent some time in the park, but decided to head back to the hotel so we could change and get ready for the evening. Mom and I went back first, and did some shopping until we met up with Dad and Andie at the Blue Bayou for dinner! For those of you who don't know, this is the restaurant that's inside the Pirates of the Caribbean attraction!
We had a wonderful meal at a lakeside table. I even tried Jambalaya for the first time (I'm allergic to seafood, so often don't get to eat it, but there's is made from chicken!). Afterwards they brought out a special "treasure" in honor of dad's birthday.
I realized that when Aaron doesn't come with us, not nearly as many photo's are taken! After dinner, we had a nice relaxing evening in the park- Andie and I even ventured out for a bit just the two of us. It was really nice spending some time with her in the park, it brought back some very fond childhood memories.

On a side note- shopping was awesome this trip, there were several sale racks (this is new for Disney) that had all the merchandise I had seen on our honeymoon for 40% off! Plus I found a few new prints that I purchased for um..."a room to be used for later family members" :) There's only one last painting I want... but it's a little more then I'm willing to spend, but isn't it pretty:
We have several more Disneyland trips scheduled. Aaron and I are going for a romantic get-a-way in October, then again in December with David and Abby for his graduation, and again in February (our awesome trip, booked at the Grand Californian Villas!) with the whole family to celebrate Isabella, my Goddaughter's, first trip to Disneyland!