Florida!

We just got back from a week in Florida and I have lots to write about and tons of pictures to post. It was a well needed vacation and we were so lucky to be able to go. I'll post more soon, but first, a quick ride comparison (in my opinion) between Disneyland and Disney World.

Rides at Disneyland, but not Disney World
Alice in Wonderland, Matterhorn, Casey's Train, Davy Crockett Canoes, Roger Rabbit Ride, Pinocchio, Storybook Canal Boats,

Better at Disney World
Big Thunder Mountain Railroad
Snow White's Scary Adventure
Enchanted Tiki Room (However, it has been awhile since I have seen it at Disneyland)

Better at Disneyland
Peter Pan
Space Mountain
Pirate's (Same main part, but in Disney World you don't get to go through the little bayou at the start)
Toontown overall
Tom Sawyer Island

Same in my opinion
Winnie the Pooh, Carousel, Soarin, Buzz Light Year, Captain EO, Dumbo, Finding Nemo (Better effects throughout at Disneyland, better lines at Disney World), Gadget's Go Coaster vs Goofy's Brainstormer, Haunted Mansion, Splash Mountain, Jungle Cruise (however, I missed the Parana that are at Disneyland), Mad Tea Party

Miscellaneous
Astro Orbiter - Never have been able to go on it at either location, but the Disney World one looked better

Autopia - The last time I went on this in Disneyland was in the early '80s, so I can't compare, but Shane said they are both fun.

At Disneyland they have Indiana Jone. At Animal Kingdom they have Dinosaur. These rides are basically the same, but a few different effects. Indiana is a little less bumpy, but Dinosaur is cooler (yet more scary for younger kids).

It's a Small World was closed for refurbishment, so I don't know, but probably the same.

Star Tours was down, so I don't know. bummer!

Their river rapid ride was a different name, but the same.

Tarzan Treehouse vs. Swiss Family Robinson. I love the Swiss Family Robinson house and was sad to see it change at Disneyland, however, it is probably more fun for small children than Swiss Family Robinson.

Expedition Everest is their answer to Matterhorn. It goes backwards which is cool.

Toy Story was under construction when I was at Disneyland last, so I have no comparison, but they are probably similar.

They have a lot of things at Disney World that are not at Disneyland because of the multiple parks, but mostly shows. I have to say we did love the Norway ride at Epcot as well as the Ellen Dinosaur ride and the one in the Epcot Ball.

The Pass of All Passes - READ THIS!

If you haven't seen this deal, you don't want to miss it. Citydeals.com is selling these passes for super cheap. For the details look below.

If I refer you, I get a $10 credit and then you can refer your friends and get the same. To order as my referral click here

The deal comes in a pack of 4 ($34.99 each ticket), pack of 2 ($37.50 each ticket) and one for $39.95.

It includes the following from purchas date until Labor Day 2011:
Seven Peaks Waterpark --
Unlimited admission on days of normal operation
A 3% discount on food in the park

Trafalga Fun Center, Orem--
Unlimited Mini Golf
Unlimited Slick Track
Unlimited XD Theater
Unlimited Batting Cages
-- Does not include arcade tokens

Trafalga Fun Center, Lehi (formerly Liberty Land) --
Unlimited Mini Golf
Unlimited Laser Tag
Unlimited Slick Track
Unlimited Bumper Boats
Unlimited Rush Coaster
Unlimited Rock Climbing
Unlimited Carousel
Unlimited Frog Hopper
Unlimited Kiddie Area
Unlimited Pirate Ship
Unlimited Train & Airplane
Unlimited Mini Track
Unlimited Drop Tower
(Does not include arcade tokens)

Orem Owlz Games (at Brent Brown Ballpark) --
Unlimited General Admission Tickets
(one ticket per home game per pass)

Utah Flash Games (at McKay Events Center) --
Unlimited General Admission Tickets
(one ticket per home game per pass)

CRAZY DEAL!!! Good luck!

Surgery

So, sadly, Shane has to have surgery on his knee. Not fun! Many of you know that my Dad has had his fair share of surgeries, especially lately. Shane sent an email to the family telling them about his surgery and this was my Dad's response, the comedian!

Shane,

As somewhat of an expert on surgery, I feel qualified to respond on the matter.

1. This is a great time to reflect on your life and ask if you have been the best man you could have been. If not, now would be a good time to promise Heavenly Father that if he will allow you to live,then you will become a better person.

2. You should check to see if your will is current, quickly since you do not want to be affected by stress and emotion when you decide who you will have Suzy go to if you pass. Second thought, forget that.You've never been able to tell Suzy what to do anyway.

3. You may want to read the Book of Mormon from cover to cover before surgery. You will feel more spiritual and better able to discern spiritual promptings.

4. When the anesthesiologist tells you that some patients never wakeup from surgery and has you sign a release paper, don't worry. That hardly ever happens unless it's your first surgery, you are really nervous or you are a Lakers fan.

5. Since it is only your knee and not your abdomen or some other unthinkable location, don't worry too much about the nausea. At least you won't feel like your belly is going to bust open and you guts fall out when you heave.

6. Having had three knee surgeries, I can promise you that the feeling that your knee is on fire and that you will be crippled forever won't last too long. You will eventually recover.

Lastly, I really wouldn't worry too much at all. With this family praying for you, being so spiritual and all, Heavenly Father will definitely hear those prayers and lessen the pain, knowing that you have suffered enough just putting up with us.

Love,
Dad (Doyle)

Hello?

Why is it that I saw about 5 of these at the high school today? Can't we learn from the past? Ouch!

1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8

I saw this on another blog and thought it was fun.

We have gone to Hawaii together 1 time. (And I am determined to be this skinny again!)

We have sold 2 homes (purchased 3)

Shane has worked for 3 companies while we have been married (Mitylite, Alpine Fireplace & Ultradent)

We have 4 kids, 2 from Shane and 2 together

We have moved 5 times (From Our own places to a place together in Orem, Orem to Orem, Orem to Santaquin, Santaquin to American Fork, American Fork to Orem).

We have had 6 different family vehicles (not counting Shane's commuting cars) - Minivan, Minivan, Minivan, Minivan, Durango, Minivan

We were apart for our 7th Anniversary (Shane was on a cruise. I took the kids to the Labor Day parade in Payson).

And we have shared 8 blissful years together (And we will be together for this one)

Happy Anniversary Shane. I love you more than you will every comprehend. I can't wait to see what the next years have in store for us!

Max Starts Kindergarten!

Yes, you read that right...Max has started Kindergarten. My concern hasn't ever really been whether or not he is ready now, it is how will life be in High School and the year he will have before a mission after he graduates. We decided to have him start school, but these are still worries, so I guess we will see how things go and decide whether or not to do 2 years of kindergarten, based on our feelings of life in high school.

He was SO excited. His uncle, Joseph, was just as excited as they will go to school together. Uncle Joseph decided they needed to match their outfits for the first day. Since my Mom and I did our school clothes shopping at the same place they do have a couple coordinating outfits...down to the shoes. He got to ride the bus and everything and had a ball!

Posing before walking to the bus stop

Walking to the bus stop

Getting on the bus

Getting off the bus at school

In front of his classroom

At his desk

A New Cousin

On September 1st we welcomed a new little cousin. London was IN LOVE with her! Shane and Aidan opted not to hold her. I think Shane is nervouse he will want more! LOL! Andrew held her, but we must have just gotten him with Julie's camera, so I will have to get that. Welcome cousin Adelaide Jean Suazo.

School Open House

Last week we went to the Open House and Max's new school so he could see his classroom and meet his teacher. Here are some of the pics. I am so lucky that my little brother will be attending the same school as Max. He is so excited and literally takes Max by the hand to show him all the stuff he needs to know.

Birthday Stuff

I know this post is really old, but we have been so busy lately. Max had his birthday and he was so excited to open his present and see a DS. Andrew said, "That was unexpected!" It really was. It was a "larger" gift than we normally do for birthdays, but we are going on a trip soon and need something to entertain Max on the airplane, so he'll just have a smaller Christmas instead of birthday.

After presents we headed to Idaho for my Grandma's funeral. We were lucky enough to stay with my cousin, who the kids all loved. We also went to Big Jud's for dinner and shared the giant burgers and ice cream with my fam. It was a lot of fun! On Saturday, after the funeral, when we went to leave the kids were all begging to stay longer. When we told them we couldn't it was like death had entered the car. I caught a glimpse of Andrew in the back seat. So, we gave in and stayed another night. (I also included a picture of London dressed for the funeral because she was so cute! I also am proud to say that I made her hair bow and her skirt.)

Wow! Look at that ice cream!

More Teeth Moments

The day before his birthday, poor Max had to get some cavities fixed. We brush and brush, but he just has bad luck. So, they knocked him out and fixed them. Here is how deep he was sleeping. The marks around his nose are from the mask. Poor kid!

This is the Place

For the 24th we decided to celebrate what the day is really about. We actually went on the 23rd because it just worked out better. We loved it and they had some great festivities for the holiday. All the boys (even Shane) had to get a rubberband gun as a souvenir.



Max getting an old-fashioned shave.




The view


Pony Rides

Meeting the animals

Ride 'em cowboy!




Need I say more?