August, September, October...

Aunty Lori came to visit us for a couple of days in August

The kids participated in the annual fishing tournament in Kaanapali

Cade had fun catching tons of fish! They really like the worms from our yard!

Both kids started soccer... so our afternoons and weekend have been busy with practices and games!

We took our annual trip to the pumpkin farm! Kilinahe and his parents came to visit us in the beginning of October

Universal Studios...

Trip Day 9... Universal Studios 

Since it was Father's Day... we let Garrett decide what to do that day. Disneyland? Shopping? Universal Studios? :)

I'm glad the kids go along with wearing those cute shirts! Can you believe I found them at Savers on two separate occasions! Major steal! I'll be really sad when they outgrow them!

Despite how hot it was... Cade wanted to walk the stairs down and back up. There were probably about 5 sets of these! 

Like father... like son... 

Garrett and his treats! 

(Look at Garrett's hair... it's actually some of the pine needles from the tree behind. LOL!) 

Of course we can't go through LA and not visit our favorite cousins! Kendyll was asking ALL day, "when are we going to Aunty Thao's?" 

The next day, the kids, Garrett, and my mom flew home while I met two students in LA for a competition. I stayed six more nights in Anaheim and did Disneyland and Universal Studios with my students. It was a LONG trip and I'll admit I was a little homesick. I think it was just hard to leave the kids for so long... plus I had just visited the amusement parks with them, so their memories were fresh on my mind. It was nice to be reunited with them! Thanks to Garrett and my mom for always allowing me to do school activities... no questions asked. :) 

Disneyland...

Trip Day 7... DISNEYLAND!!! (Day 2)

Our last trip to California Disney was in 2012... and the kids still needed naps. This time... we knew they could handle just "resting" in the stroller. (Yes, a double stroller is KEY, even if they're 5 and 7!) 

We're so happy we got to visit for the 60th anniversary! Garrett and I went in 2005 for the 50th! 

Tricked the kids onto Splash Mountain!!! This photo is priceless... thinking of blowing it up into a HUGE canvas! ;)

At least we were prepared for Lisa's screaming this time... 

Night time is amazing! 

LOVE this parade!

Seeing the excitement in the kids faces is the best... makes all the waiting worth it!

Day 8... Disneyland (Day 3) 

We decided to not buy Park Hopper tickets and just spend another day in Disneyland. We leisurely walked around collecting the pressed pennies that we missed and even caught the monorail to Downtown Disney again.  By this day... the kids were pretty pooped and done with Disney. 

We let the kids pick their favorite rides... Cade LOVED Thunder Mountain. In fact, he was sad and pissed off when I told them they're tearing it down to build a new Star Wars ride! Kenny is not happy with roller coasters, so she refused to smile!

These two can fight like cats and dogs... but then they can also be pretty loving. I caught him hugging her after she was mad about going on Go-Go Gadget's roller coaster. 

They even snuggled on the bus together! :)

Anaheim... Day 5 continued

Anaheim, Day 6 continued

 

We decided to visit Downtown Disney area for dinner. We were a little bummed because Aunty Lisa was supposed to surprise the kiddos... but her flight ended up being delayed til the next day. :(

 

The Lego store had some pretty cool displays! 

Both kiddos were lucky enough to get some money from Papa Dean and the Miyamotos for Disneyland. Cade decided to spend it at a place called Ridemakerz. 

 

He decided on a green garbage truck that is also remote controlled. 

Kenny took a few days to decide, but she got...

 

a My Little Pony at Build a Bear

We enjoyed walking around Downtown Disney area. We've always wanted to go, but ran out of time! Plus, in FL, we got to the parking lot and it POURED... so we left. :(

Day 6, California Adventure! June 18

 

Coincidentally it was my birthday, so Garrett and my mom got me a pin! Apparently it was one that was nicely decorated because all the cast members commented on it! It's fun- EVERYONE tells you "Happy Birthday!"

 

The closest they got to riding the roller coaster

The kids were not happy to ride the water ride... they remembered it from Disney World!

Luckily we didn't get as wet this time... and it was a lot warmer so it felt good!

 

Garrett and his treats...

 

Waiting for Toy Story! 

Can't forget our turkey leg meal!

Aunty Lisa made it to the park by the afternoon! We were so happy to see her! 

California Adventure at night