Easter Best

Okay, so I got the kids Easter outfits to wear on Easter Sunday and Mitchell was sick that day. The next week we had company, then it was General Conference, the following week I was out of town. So finally today, almost one month after Easter, I got the kids dressed in their Easter garb and took a few pictures. Better late than never, right? (BTW- I tried to get the kids pictures taken at a professional studio--"tried" is the key word. Madison has decided she really likes getting her picture taken, but Mitchell has decided quite the opposite.)

Easter Highlights and Lowlights

Mitchell at the Torrey Hills Neighborhood Easter Egg Hunt. He wasn't feeling great on Saturday, but he was excited to see all of the eggs- over 15,000! The hunt was divided into age groups. Here he is standing in front of the 1 to 3 year-old heat.
Madison was having a hard time looking at the camera because it was so sunny. Here she is in front of the 3 to 5 year-old heat. BTW- it was very hot that day, high 70's. I have truly become a fair weathered San Diegan. Last year, I was complaining because it was too chilly at the Easter Egg hunt- probably high 60's. This year I was complaining because it was too hot. Ha! If the temperature is not perfect with a pleasant ocean breeze then I guess it is not good enough.
Mitchell fell asleep waiting for the egg hunt to begin. We tried to wake him up to participate, but he was 'over it' at that point. Also, Madison entered the hula hoop contest and won a prize. I don't think she realized she was competing, but she sure had fun!
Madison coloring Easter eggs a variety of colors. She looks so grown up in this picture! She has become quite the little lady.
What a good looking guy! Eliot is preparing, or helping prepare, Italian Dumplings. Delish! Check the recipe blog for the recipe.

Bilateral Myringotomy with Tubes

Mitchell had surgery today to help with his ears. The ENT doctor put tubes in Mitchell's ears to help drain the fluid that has been perpetually present, as well as hopefully prevent future ear infections. The surgery was only 5-10 minutes long, but Mitchell had to go under general anesthesia. The whole process was textbook and Mitchell did great! He is now napping after his busy morning. Here are the pictures to document the morning's events.

We had to wake Mitchell up at 5:30 a.m. and he hadn't had anything to eat or drink since before midnight. He wasn't too happy.

As you can see, Mitchell maintained a positive outlook throughout the entire morning. I was really so impressed. He still hadn't had any food or drink. I think this was the sixth 'waiting room' we had been in.

Eliot put on a medical body suit of sorts and accompanied Mitchell to the surgery area. Eliot was there until Michell fell asleep.

Eliot is holding Mitchell after the surgery. Mitchell is snacking on a graham cracker. Eliot totally took the lead today during the whole process. I have decided that Eliot is in charge of all hospital duties from here on out. I am too much of a basket case. Eliot is the sweetest Dad you have ever seen and cool under pressure. Perfect for the job! Isn't this a cute daddy-son picture?

More Florida Pictures

Maddy and Mitch posing on the Grand Staircase at the Grand Floridian. The resort was truly Grand in every way.
I got a free pair of Mickey Ears after riding the Everest Expedition Roller Coaster (very fun!) at the Animal Kingdom. We did get a little rain that day, but it was still warm and the lines were short.
Mitchell is sitting on Eliot's shoulders watching the Animal Kingdom parade. It seems like just yesterday that it was Madison who was sitting on Eliot's shoulders watching the same parade. Amazing!
Madison right at home on the beach at the Grand Floridian resort. They had a couple pools to choose from and this one was right on the sandy waterfront. We could see the Magic Kingdom from the resort, as well as Cinderella's Castle- Madison really liked that.
Our last night in Orlando. We are in Downtown Disney enjoying Ghiradelli Sundaes. We went to a really fun toy store and let the kids pick out one thing. Madison chose a "My Little Pony" and Mitchell chose Cars. (No surprise there.)

Disney World Highlights

We had a fabulous time in Orlando. So great, in fact, that it was hard to return home to reality. Our days were filled with fun and relaxation! Here are some of the highlights. The scene as you walk through Magic Kingdom IS magical. I think Eliot and I can now be considered Disney Freaks (Three visits to Disney World in three years). Eliot knows all the facts about the business side of Disney and how can you not enjoy the attention to detail- it is unmatched. We also went on the "behind the scenes" tour so we got to see how Disney is able to pull all of this off. And yes, they do have an underground "city" beneath the Magic Kingdom.
Eliot and Mitchell on the Aladdin Magic Carpet ride.
The whole fam on the train ride around the Magic Kingdom.
Madison excited for the Carousel ride.
" Whose the leader of the club that's made for you and me?

M-I-C-K-E-Y, M-O-U-S-E."

Madison hanging out with Princess Aurora during the Princess and Pirate Breakfast. Notice the matching outfits. And yes, Madison got a new princess dress. She picked the Sleeping Beauty dress over all the other princess. Madison hasn't even seen Sleeping Beauty, but the girl loves pink!
Eliot and the kids enjoying breakfast together.
Cinderella practices blowing kisses with Madison. The kids also got autographs from the characters in their autograph books. Minnie and Mickey were also there, as well as Captain Hook and Mr. Schmee. Mitchell was a little hesitant to get his picture taken alone with any of the characters.
Mitchell dressed up as a pirate- more or less. At least he paused for a quick "cheese."
Eliot and the kids a Magic Kingdom- ready for a day of fun!

January 2008

Christmas Joys

Mitchell is obsessed with cars so naturally he was completely thrilled with his 4-wheeler from Santa Claus. (aka Eliot who had his heart set on getting this for Mitchell. There was no negotiating.) Notice the stream of drool dripping down his chin. He was so excited he forgot to swallow.

Here is Madison posing quite seriously near many of her Christmas treasures. She is wearing her new bathrobe, standing next to her scooter, and displaying her glow-in-the-dark stars. (Thank you Vanna.)