DISNEYLAND!!!

We spent this last week with my family in Disneyland.  We had a lot to celebrate, Christian graduating high school, Matt graduating jr. high and getting voted MVP on the Viewmont lacrosse team, it's also his Birthday soon.  Justin and Connor's Birthday's, Brooks' adoption being finalized next week.  So many accomplishments and fun things to celebrate. Where better to go than the happiest place on earth...right?!

Here is the boys on the first day getting ready to go to the park!

Connor and his Dad

Peter Pan was the first ride we hit, because it is Oma's favorite

Brooks was in love with the Mickey Mouse Suckers...what could be a better introduction to table food than sugar?

So many fun rides

Our tea cup only had one speed which was...FASTER!!!!

Brooks being happy!

We didn't get any pictures but Connor was nuts about Splash Mountain and Big Thunder Railroad.  He kept wanting to go on them over and over and he'd put his little arms up in the air, it was so cute!!

DISNEYLAND II

We loved all the shows and parades!

So many fun places to eat.  We loved Tortilla Joes, the Rain Forrest Cafe and the Beignets at the Jazz Express...Oh man so good!!! Thanks for the suggestions Melissa, Annie and Bonnie :)

Connor love the Winnie the Pooh ride, and we loved Pooh's corner.  We got addicted to "tigers tails" they are kind of like a scotch mallow on a stick, mmmmm!

He was thrilled when he got off the ride and Pooh was there!

He kept giving Connor hugs and kisses and gave him some special honey to make his broken arm feel better!

Connor in Toon Town

Brooks loved pluto he kept petting him on the nose.

More Toon Town

Brooks was smiling and laughing the entire trip

And of course MICKEY MOUSE!!!!

Thanks Mom and Dad for a wonderful vacation!!!

TRAVEL DAYS

We had some extra time on our travel days and squeezed in some fun!!

We went to an Angel's game.  Everyone was asked to wear a cowboy hat to set the new world record for the most people in a group wearing cowboy hats!

We went to Olvera street.

Connor loved all the shops

Went to the Long Beach Aquarium

The birds kept landing on top of my head and shoulders

Connor always talks about going to the beach so we spent some time there.

Connor and Brooks on the airplane headed home. 

NO MORE MONKEYS JUMPING ON THE BED!

No more monkeys jumping on the bed, one fell off and broke his arm, mama called the doctor and the doctor said, "No more Connor jumping on the bed!"

While Connor was jumping off his bed trying to make a slam dunk in his basketball hoop, he fell and broke both bones in his forearm.  

He let out one scream and that was it.  The Doctors said he must have a high tolerance for pain.  He was a brave boy!  His arm is in a splint for now and he'll get a cast on Monday.

Word traveled fast with Connor's arm and he had many loved ones bringing him cards and treats. The phone was going off all day with calls and texts of concern for him. I was in awe of the support system he has.  I know his birth mother Cheri would be happy knowing how much love he has in his life. One of her greatest concerns was for Connor to have a community who loved and embraced him. 

Both of the boys' birth moms have been on my mind a lot lately.  Maybe it is because we had our last home study until finalization for Brooks.  Home studies are pretty routine and we love our social worker Morgan (Hi Morgan!) but they do seem to bring up some strong emotions concerning adoption.  Mostly emotions of how grateful I am to be a mother. Having the blessing of two beautiful adopted boys reminds me that my children are a gift.  When I'm frustrated with the boys or just don't know what to do with them I think, how would their birth mothers want me to handle this situation? Whenever I think about those sweet birth moms who trusted me to give both boys the best I could, it forces me to step up and be a better mother.  To try harder.
Nothing could ever bring me more happiness than my sweet family.  My greatest reward is spending my days loving these boys!