Day 7

The last day of our Journey home turned out to be a long day! We woke up at a decent time, ate our continental breakfast, packed the car, load everybody, and got on the road. One thing we totally forgot about was the time difference. We might have been on the road at 8am but it was really 10am Texas time, bummer so we pretty much new at that time we were gonna role into town late. Kids were happy watching there DVDs, coloring, snacking, and singing! I caught a video of Allison singing a song from the movie Hook. We stopped for lunch and that was also a bummer the place messed up our order and had to remake it, we stopped there for over an hour! Then we hadn't been on the road long and poor Cooper had diarrhea for the rest of the day, which made for many many stops! We ended up going through 3 pairs of clothes! We stopped in El Paso at there outlet after we stopped for gas. We went in and bought Cooper an outfit, walked around, let the kids play at a play ground, and ate some ice cream. We got back on the road and new we were in for a long 4 hours! Well of course we had a little hold up at the Sierra Blanca check station. We are 4 people with the last name SANCHEZ, and an out of state car. Back on the road, my sister calls and says it's raining and thundering in Midland. So about an hour latter we pull in stopped for some dinner and covered the luggage. We ended up pulling into Midland a little after midnight. The trip to California came and went, I was happy to be home in my bed but sad that the trip was over. California is such a big part of my life and childhood my second home, until the next visit.

Day 6

We were totally exhausted from Disney Land, but wanted to get on the road at a decent time so we left early after picking up some Krispy Kremes! On ward to Tuscan Arizona! We made excellent time that day rarely stopping, just for gas and for a quick lunch. The kids were pretty content watching Despicable me and Mega Mind, its safe to say the both have been quoting the movie since "It's so fluffy!" Cooper says! Both Allison and Cooper took short naps and we made in to Tuscan about 5pm, we checked into our hotel then ate dinner. After dinner Allison was bugging us to swim in the hotels heated pool! We gave in and we ended up staying at the pool for two hours, later everyone went to bed easy. Tomorrow home to TEXAS!

Day 5

Sorry I had to skip a day on the California post, lets just say yesterday wasn't a very good day. But the sun did come out and today is going to be a better day, on to the post!

DISNEY LAND!

Of course we set our alarms to wake up early! We arrived at Disney Land at 8:30 and waited with a crowd for them to open at 9. Since we had a full car we only brought an umbrella stroller with us, and it worked rather well. Also if you can believe it Allison walked the whole time, not a compliant out that girl! When the park finally opened we got in line for our first ride, Peter Pan! I think we only waited in line for 20 minutes. The time went really fast and Cooper was fabulous while waiting in the line, actually the whole time while at Disney Land Cooper was an angle. I told Richard it made up for Cooper's horrible attitude on the plane, and the paint incident at my Aunts. Allison was in high heaven, she keeping telling me it was the best day of her life, Cooper kept telling "I having fun.". And for Allison we pretty much granted whatever wish she wanted there, whatever ride she wanted, what ever outfit, toy, food, ice cream. This child deserve it! Allison was such a good girl on the flight not a peep from her, she helped her little brother changed seats with him with out complaning. Even on the long car ride to LA and back to TX she couldn't have been better. As soon as our peter pan ride was over, which the kids loved by the way, we took Allison over to the princess store to pick out her outfit. Allison choose Aurora's dress simply because it was pink her favorite color! She wanted to change right there in the store, and we let her!

Next we went to the princess area where you can meet the princesses and take pictures with them. They also do a story time where one of the princesses reads a story to the children. If you can believe Cooper set through the whole thing only because he had gotten a sword and loved to pretend fight with the prince that was surrounded around the princesses. Then off we went to ride more rides like the Gadget Coaster and its a small world and Roger rabbits Car toon spin and a few more a long the way! Of course we ran into characters through are travels to each ride! Then we decided to stop for interesting lunch and then more rides! Richard wanted the kids to ride Pirates of the Caribbean ride and the Haunted mansion. After that we planned to take the train around the park for more rides, Cooper thought was the coolest thing. And what a bummer we waited for almost an hour for our turn, the train was backed up so we left! We manged to get another ride in at the Winnie the Pooh ride because Cooper feel asleep short after it was over. So we made the long walk to the buzz lighter year ride while Cooper was sounds asleep in his stroller. There was a 30 minute wait for the ride so I let Richard and Allison ride together while I stayed with Cooper. And what do you know as soon as Alli and Richard finished the ride Cooper woke up! Then we headed into the shopping area and allowed the kids to pick out one toy, Cooper picked a gun no surprise there and Allison picked out an Aurora doll. After our shopping trip we stopped and got ice cream!! So the park was getting super busy so we thought we would head over to California adventure land, we got park hopper tickets. Wow we had a blast over there, we rode 5 rides while we were there: Francis Ladybug Boogie, Heimlich's chew chew train, Flik's Flyer's, Some bumper car ride and Monster Inc! Got our family picture taken! The wait lines were under 20 minutes, everyone was over in Disney Land. We even decided to have dinner while there. We ate at a fabulous Mexican food place, delicious! Then we decide to push our selves to wait in the 40 minute line for Toy Story Mania! Well it was well worth the wait, the kids loved it!!!!!!!! It was late by the time we headed back into Disney Land. The fireworks show started at 8:30 and the Fantasmic show started at 9:15. WE were able to catch both shows, and they were well worth the wait, beyond comprehension!!! Especially the Fantastmic show, they had Hook's pirate ship come in on the water and they played out this huge battle between Hook and Peter pan. If you know my kids the were memorized and screaming "get em, peter get hook, get em! When the show was over we were walking back to the rides and Cooper feel asleep. We thought okay Allison can ride some rides, no she said she was sleepy and wanted to go home. So we headed out of Disney land, it was a little past 10pm. We spent a little more than 13 hours at Disney Land, and it was the most fun I have ever had with my little family. Memories to remember, enjoy the pictures!

Day 4

We had our alarms set for 5am! The car was packed we just need to load the luggage on the carrier. It was bittersweet to leave and it was one hard goodbye, but not for long I'll be heading back to CA in June! What an amazing person my Aunt Steffer has been since my Aunt Ruthie's death. She is like a solid rock in my life, and I would be lost with out her. Everyday I see her in every aspect of my life, just as my Aunt Ruthie was. So we woke up the kids and left in the rain. I said to my Aunt Steffer that it was my Aunt Ruthie crying, because we were leaving. We hit some major traffic and it put us about 40 minutes behind and about 8:30 we stopped at McDonald's for breakfast. Allison calls it Mr Donald's, and Cooper calls it Donald's! The kids played and we were on our way for several more hours. We stopped for gas around lunch time and indulge in our last time to eat at in and out burger! In Allison words " The bestest hamburger place ever!" And around 3 we pulled into LA!!! So a small back story here. While at my Aunts funeral I ran into a cousin. This cousin his name is Carlo we are the same age and of course spent time together as a children. Well during our time in CA Carlo stayed over at my Aunts and we got to catch up with one another. He lives in LA, so when I new we would be in his area I called and we made plans for dinner the night we arrived in LA! We made plans to meet at a restaurant that was right by a mall I think called The Garden Mall..... Anyway beautiful place!! We were early so we let the kids roam around this beautiful place, that had tons of greenery, flowers, and about 6 fountains! There was a band there and a light show, also very interesting shops. So of course we took a few pictures while there. Then we meet up with my cousin and his date. Dinner was pleasant, great food, good company, and a fabulous atmosphere! I really enjoyed chatting with my cousin and having him meet my kids and husband! Next day Disney Land!

Day 3

Monday my Aunt had a busy day ahead, she is a retired judge and teaches criminal classes at the junior college. She also reinstated her license to practice law and had a few hearings which made for a full day. My little family decided to take it easy, we packed our luggage and planned a special lunch at pizza joint we love behind my aunts house! A place my Aunt and I dinned on several occasion, my absolute favorite pizza!!! While we were eating Allison said the sweetest thing "Mom I wish I could send a slice of pizza to heaven for Aunt Chach." Later that day we planned to visit my Aunt Ruthie's grave and so we stopped a near by store to pick up flowers to take to her. Before my Aunt Steffer arrived to leave for the cemetery Allison and I had a nice scooter/walk around the block. I shared memories with her from when I was a little girl and had walked the same streets. And how I would earn money by cleaning or washing my aunts car, pulling weeds, or taking out the trash etc. I walk directly behind the house and spend the money I earned at the movie rental store, the ice cream shop behind there house, or at the grocery store for candy. About an hour or so later we eventually made it to the cemetery, which was pretty emotional my Aunt Steffer hadn't ordered a head stone for my Aunt Ruthie yet so we didn't really know where she was and we were really bothered by that. Well Richard spoke up and said why don't I run down to the office and find out for sure. When we found her we talked with my Aunt for awhile and then left her some purple and yellow flowers. A few hours later my Aunt made steaks for dinner and we finished packing the car. It was a a really emotional day, in my heart I didn't want to leave my Aunts house. So many wonderful memories, but it was hard to come to grips with how in 5 months things have changed so drastically. But it was time to put my emotions behind me and start on the second leg of our journey!!! LA here we come!

Day 2

For some reason the kids woke up early, still on Texas time I guess. My Aunt made a huge breakfast, which was completely devoured. My Aunt Steffer had a fundraiser lunch in so we decided to invite my cousin's over for a late lunch after church. My Aunt and I put the roast in the dutch oven and let it cook. I prepared the rest of the food and soon enough my cousin's came over. While in Texas Allison keep saying how she really wanted to see her cousin's and go visit her Uncles ranch with the horses but I wasn't sure we would be able to fit everything in with such a short visit. But I feel so blessed that we were able to see the Garzoli girls! My cousin Jessica is about 14 yrs older than me and so I was teenager when her daughters were born. I spent a great deal of time with them ever summer I came to visit, spending time with them or babysitting. And know they are teenagers, and Allison adores them. So we set down to dinner, my Aunt Ruthie would have been proud. Five girls and poor Richard by himself while Cooper nearly slept through the whole thing! It was a blast to talk to the girls and see what was going on in there lives. I felt such a spirit there, it was a sweet memory I will forever cherish.

Day 1

My in laws picked us up and took my little family to the airport, thus began our trip. I had packed my family of four in two days. Our flight was on time and all was well. Unfortunately are flight was not a straight flight we had to fly to DFW change plans then we had a stop in Albuquerque then to Oakland. The first leg of the journey Cooper was fabulous enthused by the plan and the ride. He even did good changing plans and on our stop in Albuquerquee. But from Albuquerquee to Oakland for about a third of the flight he was a pill. Since Cooper is 2 he has to have a seat and because south west only flies three rows to each lane, one of us had to sit some where else. So I sat with the children and Richard sat beside us. Cooper wouldn't sit still he wanted to sit by the window then want to sit with Richard. I was thinking oh my I am the mother with the crying child on the airplane that everyone hates! Well Cooper finally fell asleep, thank goodness! So glad that part was over! WE were in California by 1pm!!

The entire reason for our flight to CA was to pick up our new car! And since it was spring break and Allison would be out of school we decided to make a trip out of it. That's when I came up with a brilliant idea to take the kids to Disney Land during our drive back to Texas. So our trip began and we didn't waste time two hours after arriving to my aunts house we went to the outlets to SHOP! Here are a few pictures of the kids in my aunts house, oh and our new car!

Home sweet home!

Last night we drove into town a little before midnight. The kids were asleep and it was a pleasant drive. Our trip came and went it was a whirlwind six days, but it was wonderful. We had an absolute blast, although I am glad to be home. Now it's time to clean house, car, and clothes! I plan to post about the trip and of course pictures!

Soccer and other things...

Its soccer season again!! Last night was our first practice for the bumblebees! And guess who the knew coach is, Richard! Our coach had some personal issues and was unable to take on the team again. Our girls were in danger of being spilt up, lol I talk about this likes a divorce or something. We have been the bumblebee team since fall of 09 and even though we shouldn't take over the team we did. Richard barely has any free time between work, school, and other normal things. But we couldn't let our team down, so begins our busy 8 weeks full of practices and games!

Also we are flying out to CA on Saturday morning for 6 days, which include a Disney Land visit! Which means no blogging, boo! But when I return I will surely update our adventures! So unless by some miracle I am able to blog in the next two days, I will see y'all soon!!!!!

Pink Paint

Pink paint is my enemy! This same pink jar of paint has caused me such a headache. I brought this paint set to Allison while I was in California a few months ago. Maybe a week after I brought it home Allison was painting while Cooper was asleep. And some how she lost the pink jar of paint. I figured it would turn up, no big deal. Well one afternoon while I was bringing in groceries of course Cooper managed to find the paint. I had a mishap with one of the bags of groceries it ripped and sent groceries all over the yard and when I came in side I witness a horrid mess. Cooper poured half the bottle of the pink paint and stepped in it and tracked it through the house all the way into my bedroom and decided to empty more out there. Lets just say that took almost an hour to clean up!!! So fast forward to yesterday Allison stayed home from school with a low grade fever and complaining of stomach pain and stayed in her room for the better part of the day. During Cooper's nap Allison ask to paint I reluctantly said okay only in her room. About an hour into Cooper's nap I decided to shower thinking it was safe to take a shower, boy was I wrong! Half way through my shower Allison comes running screaming something about paint in her Salamander's cage? I get out to find Allison Salamander's cage on the floor of her room covered in pink paint and this time an empty pink paint jar! Where was Cooper when I went to looking for him, he closed the door to his room and hide under his crib!

Thoughts

My sister her children and my Mom holding Coop.

A week from tomorrow we will be flying to California, excited but sad. Some times I push the thoughts away that my Aunt is no longer with us. It's silly but I just cant control my sadness when I think of her. Tonight my sister and I got together and played cards, a new game my Aunt would have loved. I think about how I will never play another game of cards with her again and I burst into tears. Today when I had lunch with my mom and sisters I was sharing a memory about how once I went to run an earned and left the kids with my Aunt and when I came back I found the children covered under at least 10 umbrellas and playing in storage tubes full of water. My aunt could make something out of nothing. I know it will be hard to bring my children to her house a house she loved having full of children and I know she would be saddened not to be there with us. Its so strange not to call her or to speak with her. To tell her of my children accomplishments, funny Cooper stories, or to just vent. I feel such a void in my life. We had this tradition where I would talk to her the day I would be flying to see her and when we hung up I would say see you soon instead of talk to you soon. Allison has already planned a visit to my Aunts grave with a note she has written her and flowers she plans to bring to her. Until then my thoughts are with my Aunt.

Park!!

We love park play dates! With beautiful weather we have been frequently visiting the park the last few weeks. The children love the park. Today was an especially beautiful warm day. Today was an extra special day because both my sisters and there children were able to make it to the park!! All the cousins had such a blast. The kids even brought there scooters and rode all over the park! I brought our sand toys and the kids had a blast with those. The swing was also a favorite. I am a lucky girl, everyday this week I have seen one or both my sisters oh the perks of living in this small town! On our way home we even had to stop at Whataburger because Cooper needed to potty, but not on me this time!

A person is a person no matter how small

Today was Allison's first field trip. The entire Kindergarten would be going to Odessa's Permian play house to watch the play Seussical The Musical! The parents were asked to attend the trip to help, so I signed up! I rode the bus there with probably 8 parents, 3 teachers, and maybe a little over 60 kindergartners! There were a few mishaps, a child got sick on the bus and a little girl nearly peed her pants! It was a long 4 hours, but some of the most precious memories made with my daughter. I sat with Allison on the bus and listened to all the children sing some of there songs like wheels on the bus, counting by 1's 2's 5's 10's, days of the weeks, months of the year and many more. I felt so connected to my daughter as she held my hand and had a huge smile on her face. I listened to her talk to her friends, laugh with her friends, show me the "handsome" boy she likes. I enjoyed the play it had many wonderful statements: a person is a person no matter how small, I said what I said and I meant what I meant an elephant is faithful 100 percent, how lucky you are, oh the thinks you can think!

Triple A award!

I know I have been blogging lately about Cooper but today's blog is about my sweet smart daughter. Allison was definitely having issues with reading when she started Kindergarten, I think she lack confidence in learning something so challenging. This is the child that rolled over a few weeks after birth, crawled by the 3 months, and conquered walking by 8 months old! My lil smarty pants has a memory like no other child she remembers her second birth party and can recite details like when she brought me a rose when I came back from my New York trip and she was barely 2! Allison has aways been inquisitive questioning everything that didn't make perfect sense to her. I remember once when she was almost 3 my sister had bought a new car and Allison asked where cars came from. For some reason as much as we studied reading eluded Allison, she was beginning to understand the concept but still lack the confidence to push through. My Alli-cat has been able to accomplish her goal of reading by leaps and bounds! On Friday I was informed that Allison would be receiving an award at school called the triple A award which stands for academics, attitude and attendance. I couldn't be more proud of my daughter. I appreciate her always thankful and helpful attitude. Her teacher even pulled me aside to show me her journal where in the past month she went from writing 3 word sentences to writing entire paragraphs! I was truly blessed by my Heavenly Father to be this child's mother, she has blessed my life more than she will ever know. It is pure joy to be her mother, words can not express the amount of love I have for my daughter, I was forever changed the moment that child came into this word. Allison your mother loves you always and forever, we are so very proud of you.