Dedicating our sweet Gracelyn Shea!

We had the privilege of dedicating Gracelyn at our church Scottsdale Bible today. Our good friend Jason dedicated her and it was a special way to announce our promise to raise her to know and love our Lord and Savior. We were so blessed to have so many family and friends come and support us and stand by our side on such a special day.

The dedication ceremony was beautiful. They had David and me write a letter/prayer to Gracelyn telling her of our desires for her future and to trust in the Lord's perfect plan, then they played that prayer and showed her picture on the screen. At one point when her picture first appeared she pointed to it and said "Gigi" it was so cute and it made everyone in the service laugh :)

On the way to the party she fell asleep in the car. Such a busy morning for such a little girl!

David's parents were so kind to host a dedication party at their house. As always David's mom made a beautiful spread and display. Even the backyard was beautifully draped with pink roses and organza. It was such a nice way to celebrate with everyone who took the time to share this special day with us.

Thank you to everyone for sharing in this day with our family. We had such a wonderful day spending time with all our friends and family. The Lord has truly blessed our family.

Experiencing the "Magic" at Disneyland :)

I have to warn you that I am a HUGE Disney fan. I took a lot of pictures and video taped every ride and line we waiting in. This is a very long blog post. I am doing it so I can look back and remember everything and so David and my other family members can feel like they were able to share in her first time!!! Are you ready :)

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David's sister was so kind to invite Gigi and I to go to Disneyland with her and Landon. A friend of hers was able to get us a park hopper for free so we were blessed beyond belief to be asked!! The drive up was pretty good... Evy and I talked the whole time and kiddos slept on and off.

We made a stop just outside of Palm Springs to eat lunch and let the kids stretch their legs while playing near the HUGE dinosaurs!!

Once we got back in we made it to the hotel quite quickly... which was good because the GPS kept taking us in circles and the kiddos were not having it!! After we got all settled in and unloaded the car we decided to take a walk to a little lagoon across from Knottsberry Farm!!

**When we saw how low the prices were we were tempted to take the kiddos but then thought that Disneyland would wear them out enough and didn't want to go only for a few hours. I told David how cheap the tickets were and we decided we will definitely will be taking Gracelyn back to Knottsberry Farm as soon as we can **

We ended up making dinner that night and then went to bed fairly early so everyone would be refreshed for a whole day at DISNEYLAND!! unfortunately Landon didn't want to sleep... he wasn't used to sleeping in a big bed and personally I think he was just too excited ;) 

CALIFORNIA ADVENTURE!!

We met up with Evy's friend and went to California Adventure first. The kids loved Bugs Life Land... and had fun on the little rides there. Then I took them to a Disney Live show while Evy and Nate went on some big rides. Gigi loved the puppets!! She was dancing and clapping her hands and cheering... it was so fun to watch her get so excited!! After the show we stopped for some snacks :)

After spending some time at California Adventure we headed over to DISNEYLAND!!

We rode Buzz Lightyear's Astro blaster and both of the kids LOVED the bright glow in the dark colors and noise! Gigi kept pushing the button to make our car turn and she loved holding onto the gun!

 After that we walked over to Nemo to try and squeeze in one more ride before lunch. I think this was Gigi's favorite ride. She was so in awe of the underwater atmosphere. She was giggling and saying "WWOoooW" and sticking her head as far into the porthole to see everything. She was dancing and clapping and I don't think she took her eyes off of the window the entire time we were under. It was definitely a challenge fitting into a small submarine with a toddler on my lap and my huge belly in the way but I think we liked that ride the most ;)

After nemo we decided it was time for lunch and naps! We didn't make it out of the park before Landon fell asleep. By the time we stopped at Little Ceasers they were both out! Evy and I enjoyed a large pizza for $5 and some yummy breadsticks... so much cheaper than eating at the park and once the babies woke up around 4:45 they had some too!

Sleepy little Snow White :)

The kids napped for a good hour or two and then we packed up dinner in the car and headed back to the park. They were both very happy and much more excited!

On the tram going back to Disneyland!!

We used the buddy harness and it was amazing. She only wore it waiting in line but she loved the freedom of walking around and looking at everything and I loved knowing she was close and safe especially since we didn't have Daddy and his extra pair of eyes :)

We went on Pirates of the Caribbean and Gigi got her first experience of feeling her tummy drop. She was siting on my lap and when we went down the second dip she grabbed onto both of my arms with a death grip and didn't let go! After that we went on jungle cruise, Small world and the rode the Carousel before it got dark. They both LOVED Small World and since the parade was going on we were able to walk right onto the ride... we never waited more than 15-20 minutes the entire time there for any rides... which is perfect when you have little ones :)

She really like the Carousel and got to ride it all by herself for the very first time. 

Getting sleepy :)

She got to pick out a stuffed animal with her birthday money and chose Minnie Mouse!! She started eating her nose when we were in the shop looking around... she made it clear that was the one she wanted ;)

I still can't believe how great Gigi was the entire day! She didn't throw one fit or cry on anything. She was great getting in and out of the stroller and she made it such a fun trip. I can't wait to go again with David and Baby Addi next year!! 

Thank you Evy for inviting us along! It was such a fun trip and I LOVED spending time talking with you and watching the kids experience Disneyland together!!

The next morning... getting ready to go home!

HOME!!! What a wonderful trip :)

Disneyland here we come!!!!

Gracelyn and I are so excited for our trip!! We are heading out in the next hour with Evy and Landon and can't wait to get to California so the kiddos can play at the beach and we can put our toes in the sand!!
 If you ask Gigi where we are going and sing DISNEYLAND she smiles really big and does a little dance... she is SO her mama's gal ;) Last night she slept with Mickey, Minnie, Daisy, Pooh and Pluto... all beanie babies that were mine... she is all dressed in her Minnie mouse shirt and ready to hit the road!!

We will be missing Daddy like crazy but I am sure he will enjoy a few days of peach and quiet... bachelor style!! Plus this will give us more time to plan our family Disneyland trip next year with both of our girls !!

We will take a lot of pictures!! Praying for a safe trip and a fun trip with two crazy toddlers ;)

A day at the pool :)

So I have mentioned in the past that Gracelyn doesn't like splash pads or sprinklers at all! I thought the pool would fall into the same category but thankfully it doesn't and lately she LOVES the pool, so I have been taking her as much as I can. I have a little confession... I am a HUGE pool mooch ;) Any chance I get to cool down I am so thankful for!!! So if any of you want some company at the pool Gigi and I would LOVE to join you ;)

Like last Sunday... we celebrated Mother's Day a little late with my family. My younger sister and her hubby just got a beautiful new apartment and they were so kind to host a BBQ! The pool is this beautiful resort style pool with couches and grills and tables and jacuzzis... it is right next to the common room that has a bar, gym and movie theater..  and they always have free popcorn!!!!!! My favorite!!!!
Anyway, as you can see any chance to go over to their place we get... we take it gladly ;) We had such a nice time grilling and swimming and listening to music while visiting... it was a wonderful way to spend a Sunday!!

Jumping on the couch and eating :)

Accessorizing ;)

Watching the guys grill!

Hanging out with Aunt Lili

We had so much fun that Gigi and I went over again this past week to swim and get some sun with Lyssa!!

Thank you for letting us come cool down Aunt Lili and Uncle Dan!!! We can't wait to come back!!!

Love, Gracelyn :)

Daddy's Little Helper!

It just melts my heart watching Gracelyn spend time with her Daddy! They have such a special relationship and I love how she wants to do everything just like him!

All ready Daddy!

He may not have gotten his little boy yet, but he has a sweet little Tom Boy in Training that wants to be just like him :)

Splash pads and swimming pools :)

A week ago we met up with Jessica and Parker to go swim at a friend's house.

Parker of course LOVED the water and Gigi freaked out the entire time we were in the pool. She wasn't calm unless she was in my arms or in the jacuzzi!

After such a traumatic experience I thought we would try it again only this time at the splash pad.

We met up with my SIL and my nephew Landon. They had fun in the car on the way to Anthem. Landon kept taking her shoes... she was not liking it!

We made a quick stop at Walmart on our way to the outlets to get a few things... Evy and I thought it would be fun to put them in the riding carts! They were not too sure about it at first but then they got used to it. Boy are those things awkward to push!

After some shopping we tried the splash pad... once again Gigi wanted NOTHING to do with it. She would hide behind the stroller... but Landon LOVED it! 

He thought drinking the water would be better than playing in it haha!

After another failed attempt at enjoying the water... we thought we would try again. Evy invited Gigi and I over to swim at her house. I figured if anything she would just play on the deck with some water cups! Boy was I surprised when she was trying to get into the pool. She ended up loving it! I hope this wasn't just a fluke :( because Mama needs to stay cool and I am planning on spending the ENTIRE summer in the water ;)

Isn't she a doll in her swimsuits!! I just LOVE my little brown berry!