At least I'm happy......

After weeks of coaching Bryce that when Mommy is tired she gets cranky, he finally understands this concept. This little endeavor started about the time that Bryce discovered the XBOX 360. He is completely addicted and will play for hours on end if you let him. He will only stop for water and bathroom breaks. "Mom--there is no time for food. I need my hands for the controller." So when I would call him to dinner, bath time, bed etc his few minutes would turn into 5, 10, 15, 30 and so on. I would venture downstairs upset that he wasn't listening, turn off the XBOX to loud crying, and make him come upstairs to eat, wash, sleep etc. On one such trip, he asked me why I was so mean. I told him that when Mom is tired she gets really cranky when little boys don't follow directions.
That being said, I was having a conversation with Jason last night about how taking a nap only made me more tired. To which Bryce innocently responds, "At least you are happy tonight, Mom." I busted out laughing. I guess he does pay more attention then I thought. He is also a whiz at playing and listening to telephone conversations at the same time. I also possessed this skill at his age and would quiz my Mom about her telephone calls once she hung up. I guess the apple doesn't really fall far from the tree.......

Christmas 2008

This year Bryce was old enough to write out his list for Santa. Topping the list to Santa was a jar of pickles. When Bryce came down to the tree Christmas morning, right underneath it was a large jar of pickles with a HUGE red bow. That was his FAVORITE present out of everything!

Bryce posing in front of all of his presents.

Opening one of his HOT WHEEL sets


Jason helping Bryce open one of his presents

Sea World

Since we drove to Florida, we also did Sea World. It POURED that day and was chilly! I would like to be able to go again and enjoy it in the sun, and ride a few more rides. They closed the rides and cancelled one of the shows due to lightening. We did have a nice time despite everything though.
We did get to see Believe--the daily show though, the Christmas show, and we even rode one ride. Since it was Christmas, we also rode the Polar Express ride.

We had reservations and Dined with Shamu. It was a fantastic buffet and eating pool side right beside the Killer Whales was awesome! They showed us how they train the animals and we even got the trainer's signatures.


The only thing separating us from the whale pool is that small rock wall beside Bryce. It was so cool, we had to buy sweatshirts.

Mom and Bryce in their ponchos waiting for Believe to start. This particular show was cancelled and we had to come back later.

Tille the whale--stage name Shamu--swimming in front of Bryce

The huge BELIEVE golden ticket at the end of the Polar Express Ride.

Another WDW trip

Since I am so far behind in posts, I thought I would start with our last BIG trip of 2008. We went to Florida the first week in December. We drove this time and honestly, it wasn't too bad. We left on Black Friday and came home on Sat Dec 6th. We stayed in a time share called Liki Tiki Village. It was so nice to have SO much room, but for me I lost some of the WDW magic since we were not on property. It was a little stressful making sure that we got everywhere on time--even though it was really easy and the routes to the parks were very easily marked! Also we usually get the dining plan and not having that was a true bummer for me!

The best parts though:
Bryce tried rides that he said at home he would NEVER get on and LOVED them. He rode Splash Mountain (3 times), Big Thunder Railroad, and Soarin. He also rode Star Tours for the first time and loved it. He was always going to ride that one though. Now next time, he says he is going to ride Expedition Everest if he is big enough. I think we will try Space Mountain too.

My Mom rode for the first time ever: Splash Mountain--after chickening out the first time, Big Thunder Railroad, Soarin, and Aerosmith's Rockin Roller Coaster. I am SOO proud of her and now Bryce has made it his mission to make sure she rides Expedition Everest next time we go.

Now here are some of my favorite pics:
Bryce's favorite character!

Dinner at Chef Mickey's

Posing with our table companion at the new T-REX restaurant. This little animatronic guy was right beside our table.

Trying on a sombrero in Mexico

My Mom and Bryce looking at the HUGE Christmas tree in America in the World Showcase. There were trains running around the base and Bryce loved them!

Bryce wouldn't pose alone with Capn Hook and Smee, so I went along!

Tigger taking a rest on Bryce.

Posing in front of Splash Mountain after they both rode it.

The wait was well worth it to get to meet Disney's newest characters: Rhino the hamster, Mittens the cat, and of course BOLT the super dog.

Chance--the bubble eating dog

It has been forever since I have posted, but I am going to start again and TRY to catch up! First and foremost, these pics were taken today. Chance was tooo funny not to post his pic!
As Breckin's V-day gift, we got him a little dog that blows bubbles when you hold the handle. We were trying it out and it seems that both Breckin and Chance thought it was a hit.



Here is Breckin enjoying the bubbles!



Here is Chance eating the bubbles!