the happiest place on earth

August 12, 2010

3 whole months! Can you believe it??? They've been the best any girl could ask for! I love my husband to pieces and I love the fact that we were able to spend our quarter-mark at the happiest place on earth (now the only question is...how do we top it? The bar's high baby...good luck!).

On Thursday we finally took our highly anticipated to Disneyland and Disney's California Adventure. I could hardly contain my excitement as we boarded the Woody tram and started snapping pictures like a little paparazzi. I couldn't wait to get into the park and get going!

Then it hit us. We. forgot. the tickets. Bah! Luckily my "fast-talking" (Parker's name for it) paid off and we worked our way into the park with my little Blackberry, small talk about our honeymoon with an LDS worker from Hawaii, and two "Just Married" pins to kick off our anniversary.

Our first hours at the park were what I'd always hoped Disneyland might be but never thought possible. We scampered from ride to ride and boarded our favorites with ZERO wait time. Dreams do come true! My super trooper of a little sister had had surgery on her ACL just two weeks before and we learned quickly that wheelchair = fast pass. We flew from Indiana Jones to Pirates to Haunted Mansion to Splash Mountain & Thunder Mountain in less than an hour's time. Absolutely unheard of and so unbelievably awesome.

Parker and I loved maneuvering Little Miss Haley around the park.

Happy parents ready to board pirates. Argh!!!

No idea why I always do the awkward prom pose...sorry Mom.

My two favorite sugar fiends! I think they took their first churro run before 11...

Haley & Dad ready to take the plunge down Splash Mountain...

...only because they knew Parker and I would get the worst of it. Little chickens...

I cried over my hair, Haley her wet jeans, and Parker just cried...poor baby boy J

This luck wore off as the day passed on...more and more people sauntered in claiming "disabilities" and Disneyland's newest rides offered greater accessibility for the disabled which meant no special treatment.

I became frustrated as I watched more and more people taking advantage of the system—I know it's not my place to judge, but I almost guarantee a good 50% of the people in the wheelchair accessibility line at Space mountain were there under false pretenses. Many looked like lazies who couldn't bear the thought of walking a few hundred yards and others looked like clever college kids who'd figured out how to work the system.

My frustration grew as I fought my way through careless crowds trying to keep Haley from being trampled. I couldn't handle how clueless and impolite the little buggers were. You know what I'm talking about...the ones who park it in the very middle of the walkway to stare up at the sky or decide which ride to head to next...the ones who crash into you and don't even hesitate to utter an "excuse me", apology, or even a teeny tiny acknowledgement...the ones who fight to get their kid to the front of the character line...and the ones who refuse to inch even a little to their right so you or your stroller or wheelchair can get through. I just don't get it. My one frustration about the happiest place on earth is that common courtesy seems to go out the window. And not that I'm above it all, but I feel like I battle crowds without losing my sense of humanity. I say excuse me, I say thank you when people let me pass, I try to squeeze my way between people instead of barreling through them. Anyway...enough of my tirade. Just something to think about...

We cruised to the teacups and spun ourselves into a headache before heading to Space Mountain to soar through the stars (I love that one!). Jason & Ashlee met up with us just as our hungry bunch set off to California Adventure to munch on those 10-dollar corn dogs and burgers worth maybe a quarter that price. We giggled but sympathized as Ashlee & Haley tried to eat the four corn dogs they'd bought before they'd realized their eyes were quite a bit bigger than their stomachs. I think they've sworn off corn dogs for the next year or so now...

Before anyone had a chance to use their better judgment we'd joined the queue for the Hollywood Tower of Terror. I just LOVE this ride! I fell in love on my first and only trip to Disney World at the age of five and still get the chills every time I ride. I screamed in between giggles as the elevator rose and fell and reveled in the resulting adrenaline rush. Haley laughed like crazy and we both looked a little tipsy as we tottered off in the wheelchair trying to still our chins' quivering.

Jason & Parker put up with a few pics before their patience started to wear thin. I loved Ashlee's approach to it though—"You just have to ignore them. If you stop and listen they'll know they've won and you'll miss your opportunity. Just turn and smile and they'll be quiet and turn with you. Works every time!" And it does. Wise words Ash J

Like little druggies we kept our high with stronger doses of adrenaline. We took back-to-back rides on California Screamin', reached a peak, and then crashed like any other addict. I think it was more than our systems could handle.

Parker laughed as I expressed my dismay at having waited a moment too long to take my picture. blasted tunnel...

I had to laugh when I saw this picture. It was 100% unplanned and says so much. I tell Parker all the time how much he reminds me of my brother and anyone who knows us knows Ashlee and I are like two peas in a pod. Behold...my proof! Little pills...

Now in our crashed-state daze, we decided we needed a little pick-me-up in the way of Grizzly Rapids. This is probably one of my absolute favorite attractions in the happiest place on earth. I love the uncertainty of it all! You never know who will come out with the worst of it. It's great!

We laughed and laughed as my dad, Parker & Haley took on wave after wave. Everyone came out with a few battle wounds, but they most definitely took the worst of it. It was marvelous! My dad's always seemed to have some invincibility to the water. He'd laugh as waterfalls soaked us or geysers nailed our unsuspecting noggins. But today was his day! So, so fun to see...J Love you daddy!

We bustled back and forth between the parks the rest of the night, squeaking in a few more rides on Space Mountain, Tower of Terror, and a new favorite...Toy Story.

Yes, Parker did beat me. And yes, he did almost double my score. But Haley and I still contend that had we been given one more shot at it we would've creamed him. I've included a pic of the only level that I smoked him on...just a sign of things to come sweetie J

One thing I'd wished we'd paid greater attention to was Disney's new water show, World of Color. We caught bits and pieces from the Toy Story line, but I know it would have been even more spectacular out in plain view. I suppose that just means we'll be making a trip back soon...any takers??? We love company!

All in all, we had one of the happiest days at the happiest place on earth. I was reminded time and again of why I love my family so much.

My parents are beyond generous with their time, their money, their love. Their first priority is and always has been to make sure that their kids are happy and they've done the best job. I feel so lucky to be their daughter.

Jason & Ashlee are the best! Jay's sense of humor kills me and Ashlee fits into the family so well that's it's hard to remember what is was like before she became a part of it. I couldn't ask for a sweeter big sister or someone with whom I could better relate. Haley is always all smiles and I love the bond we have. We've gotten so close these last few years and it's fun to be silly, let loose, and laugh at everyone and everything with her when we're together.

And of course, my husband. I love Parker so, so much! He makes everything better for me. I laugh with him just like I do with my family. I feel safer whenever he's near. And I always have and always will admire the person he is. He's so humble and always grateful for all he's been given and for anything else that may come his way. He inspires me to be a better person each and every day and I can't imagine where I'd be now without him. He's my very best friend and the love of my life.

Happy anniversary sweetie! Thanks for making my once-upon-a-time a reality. I love you!

happy travels

Oh boy! Why is it so hard to ease back in to real life the week after vacation? And even harder after coming back from the happiest place on earth? It's driving me CRAZY! You'd think we'd feel spoiled and pampered and rested and grateful for the great vacation we just had but NO! We just crave more. Well...I do at least. Thank goodness for our upcoming trip to Powell...I think I'd lose my mind if I didn't have that little adventure to look forward to. SO excited!

So yes, we're back and ready to share a few of the highlights from our trip.

Driving to Southern California is quite the feat...10-11 hours through desert, crowded interstates, and more crazy drivers than I could count. Joy! Parker was a trooper and took the brunt of it...I only drove the last 3 or so on the way home when his contact decided to jump ship.

10-11 hours with yuck scenery meant we needed to find a way to pass the time. SO...despite my husband's hater ways, I somehow convinced him to listen to the seventh Harry Potter on CD. I'll be honest...I HATE books on tape/CD. It bothers me that one person does all the voices and I feel like I get distracted easily. But this was actually pretty sweet. And I think Parker may even be looking forward to finishing it on our drive to Powell this weekend. I'm not sure that counts as a full conversion to the HP circuit, but it's a start! And he'll like the movie so much more when I drag him to it this November J yay! can't wait...

We got into town around 6 on Wednesday and met my parents at our not-so-3 ½ star hotel. I guess they'd spent the a few hours trying to change it, but after 120 minutes trying to decipher the operators broken English they gave up (Parker about lost his mind trying to plan our honeymoon back in April...thanks for saving the day Amber!). And so we stayed in our cozy little hotel with a of Hooters. My mom just loved that...hahaha.

We visited with my family for a bit, laughed at my sister's atrophied leg from her knee surgery, then headed out to meet my brother Jason & his wife Ashlee for dinner at Gyu-Kaku (we asked the waiter 3 times how to pronounce it and I still have no idea, so don't ask). It's this way cool Japanese BBQ place that's almost Benihana style minus the personal chef.

Ashlee and I laughed at our American approach to eating...we liked the grille minus the fact that we A. had to make it ourselves, B. had to wait for it to cook, and C. never had that feeling of instant gratification that comes from shoveling it in all at once. It's no wonder I've been the latest victim of the love chubb!

Despite our few hesitancies, we all enjoyed our dinner. The garlic noodles were so yummy! Ashlee and I learned to brave the raw factor of the seared Ahi and really liked it in the end. And we laughed and laughed as Jason described their trip to buy Ashlee's new Honda Crosstour (I guess Ash's resolve to follow through with Jay's "play-it-cool" plan crumbled the minute she got behind the wheel...leaving Jason with very little leverage during the negotiations). While the boys commiserated with each other at their wives' impulsiveness/poor haggling skills Ashlee and I ooed & awed over her shiny black Honda with heated seats & that beloved new-car-smell. It's way cool. So happy for you sister!

Because it's my family we of course ended the night with a trip to Yogurtland. YUM! I'm not sure what I'd do if it weren't for my dad's sweet tooth. I hope they really do follow through with plans to open a shop of their own. (side note: Parker & I are now in love with coconut frozen yogurt. you have to try it.)

By the time we arrived back at the hotel we had just a few minutes to plan for our day at Disneyland, pump up the air mattress, and tuck in for the night. Parker and I marveled at how far we'd come in one day, how great it was to be reunited with my family, how much they made us laugh, how much I loved them, and how much he loved them too. I loved hearing that the most...

After a few thoughts on what it must be like for my parents to see their little girl snuggled up with a boy (gasp!) I smiled at my sweet sleeping husband and finally fell asleep.

you are loved

I've been meaning to post this for awhile. I'm not the type to forward on these types of videos or messages, but this one came to me at a time when I needed more than ever to hear it. My mom forwarded it on to me from one of my closest cousins and I remember being so overwhelmed by it as I watched after returning home from one of my longest days. The words seemed to pinpoint and then answer every feeling and question I'd found myself puzzling over the last month and before I knew it the emotion set in. Tears fell freely down my cheeks and I worked hard to stifle any sniffles or sobs that might wake my roommate. I replayed the video at least 3 times and then finally fell to sleep on my tear-stained pillow feeling more peaceful than I had in weeks.

I still tear up every time I see this video, but for different reasons. Sometimes it is still because I need to be reminded that I am doing enough...that even on those days when I feel so inadequate and imperfect I am still loved and absolutely worthwhile in the eyes of my family, my husband, my friends, my Savior. Other times I watch and wonder if, when I watched the first time, I ever would have believed how much love I have in my life now.And still, other days, I watch and try and puzzle out why I need this reminder so often—why I never seem to be able to see my strengths before my weaknesses, my successes before my failures—and marvel at how lucky I am to have so many around me who help me see otherwise.

So...for any of you that may be wondering about your worth today, let me be the one...

a picture's worth a thousand words

The irony of this title...I have no pictures of this night either! BUT...I did learn the wonder of Pictionary with the DeMille/Langston clan.

Lots of trash talk...

Kirk: "You girls can't compete. You just can't compete."

Lara: "Oh honey...you couldn't even get off start."

Parker: "Which means our win should count as double."

Chelsey: "I switched over to help your team you bum!"

Kaitlin: "Oh my goodness...all of you! (pause...) Let's play again!"

Kirk's roundabout artistry...

i.e. snowàsantaànorth poleàtoysàelf

Kaitlin: "I kind of zone out when you go because I never understand what you're saying."

Attempts to ease the tension...

Parker: "I think we need to play Red Baron after this."

Chelsey: "Why's that?"

Parker: "Because everyone plays on their own team."

Kirk: "hey......."

Memorable draws...

ostrich (Parker: Chels, he looks like a dinosaur...)

child support (Kaitlin: "You all put my mind in the gutter!")

leash (Parker: "It looks like a sperm!")

Best phrase of the night...

dirty dancing

so. funny. i’ll leave it to you to figure how that one played out.

so yes. a picture's worth a thousand words. ours are worth a million laughs. which makes Pictionary at Sunday game night absolutely priceless.

we'll be a dream

So this week just FLEW by...so quickly in fact that I didn't capture a single moment of it.

LLL infinitely sad faces LLL

So we'll keep the debrief on our week short to spare the masses.

I left Wednesday for Girls' Camp which I loved! I worried at first how you could possibly present a solid girls' camp experience with only 6 girls, but I soon learned that the strength in numbers claim isn't always true. All our girls, 12-17, worked together to make girl's camp great. It's the neatest thing to see the unity in a group that is so diverse. I admire that in my girls and wish we'd been more like that in my time. Guess that's why I'm on Round 2!

It took quite a bit for me to drag myself away from the fun to return to work. I'd had little to no sleep the night prior to camp and played a bit too much with the girls Wednesday night to even hope for a few extra hours of sleep to recoup (though my dear Tiffany claims you cannot catch up on sleep I refuse to cave to her cynicism...if I did I'd have to admit that my regularly negative sleep cycle leads to an unhealthy, dysfunctional me. P.S. My dearest Tiff, what of your Sunday naps...hmmmmm???? I'm just sayin').

Anyhoo...I expected to be totally ZONKED when I got to work but, to my surprise, I felt WONDERFUL!!! I think I must've been on a high from our escape to nature, the retro-70s cabin, 4-wheeling in my Honda, and feeling so blessed to be living my life right now. Sharing my testimony with these girls daily reminds me of how lucky I am to be at this point in my life. It's so sad to think I forget that some days...

So lucky me finished her work day and ran home to her dear husband who she missed like CRAZY even though she'd seem him just 36 hours before. Pardon the honeymooner moment, but is this the way it is with all married couples??? I know there's moments where we crave space, but I swear I spend 99.9% of my time wanting and needing to be close to Parker. Truly. It's quite crazy to me to be so attached and so cute to see he is too. He said that I need to learn what it's like to be home alone...to fall asleep in an empty bed...to roll over in the morning to find that dreaming about them didn't bring them home. I kind of like the system we have going now though...not so sure we'll be making changes anytime soon. Anyone who I've called during one of my sub-10 minute drives knows I don't do alone well...

Friday morning Parker and I headed back to Provo to attend the sealing of Mr. & Mrs. David Lee Bennett. Bennett and Parker have been buddies since Parker was the taller of the two (which is a big deal considering Dave is all of 6'8" now). I got to watch the sweetest home videos of these two as little shepherds in the Christmas pageant...it was priceless!!!...and knew from the first day I met Bennett that my hubby had good taste in friends. We spar regularly but I know, deep down, Bennett really does like me. And I like that he keeps me on my toes. If someone would just let him know that Farr West bank has no chance against Wells Fargo we could probably even be besties...JJJ (besides, what kind of city/banking institution adds an extra "R" to the word far anyway???I can't get over that...).

Needless to say, we were so happy to be a part of Bennett's big day. His new wife Natalie is a little firecracker and is perfect for him in every way. We are so grateful Bennett found her and so happy they found each other.

Their sweet sealing changed my attitude toward the Provo temple too...you really can't ever judge a book by its cover! The Provo temple is just as beautiful as any other inside and the Spirit is just as strong. Watching Bennett and Natalie make promises for eternity reminded me of how much it means to me to know that Parker and I will be together forever. We reminisced about our wedding day—how the nerves set in as we waited in the Celestial room, how they quieted the minute I looked at Parker and remembered that promising forever meant forever with him. We thought back on our sealer's words of wisdom and realized how very little we remembered outside of his blip on the importance of holding hands. It's sad! I wish I could backtrack, relive the day, and write about each moment as it happened. But I guess being busy is the nature of the beast on your wedding day...it's a beautiful blur!

Parker and I made a trip back to Provo later that night for the reception which was absolutely stunning. I don't think a pinch would've convinced me that I wasn't dreaming. Dave & Natalie's reception was exactly how I'd pictured our own when Parker and I first started entertaining the idea of marriage—a beautifully landscaped yard with trees, flowers, streams, gazebos with swings, white tables and chars wrapped in coral-pink bows, and white picket signs pointing the way to sweet treats and pink lemonade. The August sunset illuminated the million-dollar home and the pretty centerpieces teeming with ivory, pink, and the brightest green. Gosh I just loved it!!! Every bit. And if I'd been able to hold out on marrying Parker 'til August it just might have happened that way. Please do understand, I did love my own wedding. It's everything I could've asked for. I just loved the fact that I was able to see this other dream come to life. Thanks Bennett and Natalie for a super fun night!

And the last part of the week that I'm so sad I failed to document—date night on the lake! Chris and MiKell planned a fun night out for al the couples on their awesome Malibu wakesetter. Parker practically drools when he sees it and beams from ear to ear every time he rides behind it. We lake-hopped a bit in an attempt to outrun the monsoon moving through the canyon. While we missed the brunt of it, its little sister storm found its way to us just as we prepared to launch. We wondered what on earth we were thinking as we watched every other boat evacuate the lake, but Mike's optimism and a patch of blue sky I spotted in the distance offered hope. So we stayed...and thank goodness we did! We had the best night We surfed the wake like maniacs, watched in awe at Chris' mastery of the art, and laughed and giggled at Mike's show of submarines and platform attempts. We rocked out to She-Wolf as we watched Parker fly and me eat it on the giant wake. It was grand! Thank you so much Chris & MiKell for making our lives so fun!

Well...so much for my bitty description. I have a way for taking 5 minutes to say something I could've said in 1. se la vie! It was a killer week. I'm glad I lived it, glad I shared it, and prepared to make sure to be a picture-Nazi this week at Disneyland so we never have to go without these photo memories again.

my sunday six

I haven't posted a single little blip about this week. I initially avoided it because I didn't feel there were any exceptional moments. The more I thought about it though, the more I realized that that's the worst approach to take to our little e-journal. Our lives aren't defined by events—by the trips we take, the dates we go on, the vacations we plan. They're defined by how we feel, what we think, and what we take from those experiences. It's our reaction to the terrific and trivial...the momentous and the mundane. So, with that said, here's six reasons why I loved this week.

1. the giggles

Parker makes me laugh...so much! It's one of the things I love most about him. Our humor is so silly and a bit immature at times, but it makes me smile and is a constant reminder that we are absolutely those two little bugs in a rug. On Friday his personal touch to the soccer-mom stop, frozen yogurt reveling, and little minion language sent me into a little giggle fit. I loved every minute.

2. family

I've said it a million times before, but I feel so lucky to have family who also happen to be our best friends. Parker's family has made our summer so much fun, and it's so neat to me to see that, no matter what our stage in life, we can still be the best of friends. I'm not sure how we would've survived the summer without them! Parker and I are ecstatic to see my family in California just two weeks too. I'm not sure I could call D-land the happiest place on earth were it not for the fact that we'll all be there together. I can't wait!

3. friends

This week I had the chance to see a friend off at the airport as he left to finish his mission in Croatia. He'd been flown home this past April due to a knee injury. I know his family worried he might not have the chance to finish, but the miracle of modern medicine made it possible. After surgery and a 3-month recovery he was ready to finish what he'd started. Our best group of friends gathered together to say a last goodbye, but it really didn't seem like goodbye at all. We laughed our little heads off, teased like crazy, and mused about the future. It seemed just like old times and reminded me that sometimes, friends can be forever too. I know no matter where life takes us, we'll always be the best of friends. I'm so grateful for that and for how blessed I am to have grown up with a such a great group. now if only I could hook them all up so we'd have some married friends...JJJ it'll come.

4. movies

Parker will laugh when he sees this because this week was our movie MARATHON week. seriously. I think we watched a movie almost every night. Apparently we need another hobby. Before I get to that though, I have to clarify. Today I'm not just grateful for movies. We saw our fair share of let-downs I assure you. So no. Today I am grateful for movies that make you think and movies with a moral to the story (which also make you think...in a reflective sort of way).

Earlier this week we went to the drive-in to see Inception, which has been described by nearly everyone who's seen it as AMAZING. I'm not sure I'd assign it such a strong adjective, but I think the reason it stuck out is because it's one of the best movies that's come out in a long time. No predictable plot line. No stock characters. No mindless, tasteless, senseless dialogue or humor. Just an original idea that required rapt attention and made us use our brains. I love the fact that it still had us talking even after the movie ended. If you haven't already, go see it! It's berry good.

And morals...though Dinner for Schmucks wasn't the world's most moral movie, I think it did have good intentions. It reminded me that oftentimes it's the people we write off who are the most deserving of our attention. We try so hard to impress people who are ready and willing to trade us for the next best thing when really our lives would be so much happier if we reached out to someone who needed, valued, and deserved our attention. I'm not sure if any of that makes sense. Basically, we mistreat those who deserve to be treated the best and make a great effort to draw the attention of those who are innately selfish, superficial, and shallow just because they seem a bit "cooler." Think of teenagers and their parents...or the fair-weather friends we've both had and been. Anyway...just something to think about.

5. cuddling

I didn't realize how much I needed to be close to someone until our houseboat trip in June. That entire week I felt this kind of craving for closeness...someone to rest my head on while the movie played, someone to cuddle up to in the back of the boat to keep warm, someone to hold me at night until I fell asleep. I've gone 20 years without this constant attention but now I really can't live without it. I love having Parker around to hold me, to take care of me, to keep me warm when I'm frozen even though he's burning up. It's the neatest thing to have someone love you that way...and it means so much more because I know he really does love me.

The other night I came home from work feeling a bit under the weather. Parker put down his book, took me in his arms, demanded that I take care of myself and take a nap, and then held me until I fell asleep. No matter how much I despise naps, I loved this one. Really loved it. All because of a cute boy and a cuddle J That's the best medicine...let me tell ya!

6. YW

I am really loving being in Young Women's. I feel like it's strengthened my testimony of inspired calls so much. I really think the Lord knew how much I needed this...knew how much I'd learn as I get to know these girls. I love teaching and the more time I spend doing it the more I become aware of how blessed I've been in my life because of the knowledge of the Gospel. It's strengthened my testimony of the blessings that come when you serve and the love you feel for the recipients of that service. I love my girls! I want the best for them because they've given me the best perspective on life I've had in quite awhile. I feel like I'm understanding more and more what really matters in life and I want, more than anything, for them to realize it too. Perhaps this week's girls camp will be the perfect place to do it. oh boy. i can't wait!

I could go on and on and on, but I'm capping it at six today. I'm a lucky, lucky girl and I hope I never forget it! Happy Sunday to me!

friday night lights

I missed a crucial piece of our Pioneer Day weekend fun! On Friday we trekked out to Rocky Mountain Raceways to watch Parker's brother Mike "take state" on his motorcycle.

The night was so fun! I was taken aback by the turnout when we made our way over to the tent. It was like a little family reunion! Kids running around crazy, boys drooling over Mike's bike, girls talking New York trips and Broadway musicals and biting nails as he made his way over to the track. I've never had an entourage but I think it's something you know when you see it...and I saw it that night. Mr. Mike is too popular for his own good.

Mike rode like a pro—passed a few pros in fact—and ended the night with two first place finishes and a sweet piece of hardware to add to his collection.

The RMR complex topped off the night with a sweet fireworks show in celebration of our pioneers. I don't think I've ever been so close to live fireworks...so neat! I highly recommend it.

Chris & Mikell's adorable girls! Kate, Emma & Ella

Despite Mike's races getting my adrenaline pumping and the ever-so-fun girl talk sessions, I think my favorite part of the night was watching Parker interact with our little niece Ella. He just loves her so much! He always talks about how he loves her silliness...loves seeing how she cracks herself up. And as I watched her snuggle in closer to him during the race I could tell the feeling was mutual. She loves her Uncle Parker too. It's the sweetest thing.

Parker & Ella...4th of July 2009

Parker's always said I'd be a boy mom, and even though I protested this observation at first, the more we spend time with Lara & Kirk's boys the more I have to agree. I actually even reached a point where I thought I would be totally ok with a bunch of little boys. That was a big day for this girly girl.

But now it looks like that day has passed. Seeing Parker with Ella reaffirmed my belief that we will have a little girl someday. I think we both need that experience, and whether or not our little daughter survives me as a mom, Parker will more than make up for it by being the best girl dad. I know that.

So...thanks Mike for a fun night full of little epiphanies. We are and always will be your biggest fans JJJ