Cinderella, Alice, and more!

Malia had a fantastic time at Disney World this past week. We were able to go with my whole family and friends also joined us (thanks Elizabeth, Taylan, and Grandma Kay). It was so busy but a ton of fun as well. Yesterday we spent the entire day at home relaxing until it was time to meet friends to celebrate the Moon Festival.

Sunday we arrived at Disney and headed out to Epcot. We had dinner at China and did a couple rides.







Monday we meet up with my brothers family at Hollywood Studios to celebrate my sister in laws birthday.









Tuesday we got to eat breakfast at Cinderella's castle. It was incredibly cool and Malia was beyond excited.








Wednesday we went back to Epcot since grandma and grandpa arrived. We also did some shopping at Downtown Disney. Disney's sales should have spiked last week. We also got to see our friends Dave, Pam, and their daughter Grace for a little bit.











Thursday we were all together and my sister's family arrived so we headed to Magic Kingdom for one more day. We had the whole family for dinner at Chef Mickey's. We also all enjoyed the Not so Scary Halloween Party that evening after naps. It was a ton of fun and worth every penny for a special last night at Disney.
















Friday we were supposed to be heading home on a 12:45 flight. On the way to the airport we received a message from Orbitz that our flight was delayed at least 4 hours. OMG!!! We had to keep 4 tired kids occupied for 4 hours? Luckily there was a outlet next to us at the waiting area so we plugged in the DVD player and watched movies. Malia even took a nap on the floor of the airport waiting area. Needless to say everyone just wanted to get home.




One final note: Malia is a dare devil and loves roller coasters. Here is her in action.

Where did summer go?

Shopping at the mall


Como Zoo with our travel group








Chicago Reflection Bean


Lincoln Park Zoo




Apple Picking




Swimming with goggles


Book Event




I have gotten a little behind on my blog updates. We used this last part of the summer to catch up and enjoy being together since the rest of the summer I have been very busy with work. I took a week off work just to spend quality time with Malia. We had a blast. We spent a day at the MOA, we went to the zoo with part of our travel group, and we got to visit my sister and her family in Chicago. She started back to dance lessons and swimming this last week and her religious education starts in Oct. Malia loves getting back to these activities so she has been just happy around the house. In addition, we are only a week away from leaving for 6 days at Disney World. She is so excited to be able to eat breakfast with Cinderella at the castle.

An exciting month

This month has been a roller coaster of emotion. We had some fun Mommy and Malia time when we went to Wizard of Oz at the Stages theater. I was a little worried that she might be scared but she watches Disney movies without any issue so I gave it a shot. She loved it and now she also loves one of my favorite CD's, Wicked. She asks which 'witch' is singing and all about the story line of the prequel musical. The same day it was also the Raspberry Festival so we walked around the art show, had lunch, and got her face painted. It was a nice relaxing time for the two of us.



She got to go on rides with Grandma, Grandpa, and cousin Garrett afterwards and we went to the 'dolly store' (aka American Girl) where she split a twins set with Grandma. Now she has a baby Garrett doll to add to her collection.



This past week also brought wonderful news. Our friend Kirsten finally got her referral. Her daughter is around 8 months old and has cheeks that are just ready for many kisses. We got to spend time at her house Saturday to see the Aquatenial fireworks right from her condo windows. They were great and it was nice to meet some of her co-workers and talk to her mom more. Congratulations Kirsten!!! You were such a trooper during the long, long wait.

In addition, our friend Greta returned home from China with her daughter, Flynn. Flynn is so cute and it is nice to see another girl with her forever momma. We were pleased that it worked out to go over to the airport to welcome them home. Malia can't wait for a play date when you are ready.



Here is a sneak peak at Malia's photo session. The photographer really captured her spirit and I can't wait to see the rest of the photos. www.3peasphotography.com/blog

Finally, we went to the CHSFS China Reunion party on Saturday. Malia had a blast this year since she was more into crafts and games. She got a big face paint of flowers on her face. She made a kite, painted a fan, and played some games. She tried the Chinese Ribbon Dance but it was "too hard". She liked the sign along at the end of the afternoon. I hope everyone is having a nice summer even though the weather is not cooperating in MN. I have been crazy busy with work but look forward with time to breathe really soon.



On last note: Others have done something similar on their blogs. I have a good laugh multiple times a week from the daily progress report from daycare. Her new teacher writes quotes from Malia and each time I just laugh at them. Here are a couple I want to have on record.
- I like the flip flops cuz mommy got them
- Chloe peed on mommy's pants.... OK the puppy is still training sometimes:)
- The bird go to my hand and it tickles .... from this winter at Disney when a bird took a churro out of her hand
- I'm going to Cinderella's castle
- followed by... Ms. Rose you can go sometime (her teacher)
- We eat at the picnic. I stayed home with mom after (when I took her out of school for my work picnic)

Princess Malia is 3 1/2!!!

So we had the Princess Party today to celebrate Malia's half birthday. I like to celebrate in the summer since her birthday is on Christmas Day. This way she can just enjoy a special day all about her.

Since the theme was princesses, I let her pick a princess dress to wear. After she wanted to switch dresses three times she finally settled with Belle. Then the other little girls came and also dresses in princess outfits. We did a small craft activity and played "Pin the Crown on Malia". Then snacks and cake. Finally gift opening. Malia did so well and was polite about saying thank you and sharing her presents with the girls waiting to test them out. It was a wonderful day and it was nice to have a smaller event after the big one last year. Happy Half Birthday Malia!!!

Father's Day and Wedding

The fast pace continues. First we went to Deb's with the China group last weekend. Thursday I got to be Malia's "dad" for the Donuts with Dad party at daycare. It was so sweet that she was happy I was there since my dad couldn't make it. Then Friday we celebrated my mom's birthday and went swimming. Malia swam by herself (well with her life jacket on) and she paddled and kicked until she wore out. She was so excited that she could 'do it myself'. Saturday Malia was a flower girl in my cousin's wedding. She 'got married' and was going to 'dance with the prince'. Dream big baby!!! She had a blast even though she missed nap time and she danced until late into the night. Then Sunday we had father's day with my dad and the whole family and celebrated my brother's birthday. Whew!!!

Enjoy some pictures from the wedding. I think she was so adorable but I know I am a little biased. She also made me so proud for behaving and doing so good on this busy weekend.