Food, Fun, Not going into Labor, and Mickey Mouse Ears

For all you stalkers...sorry it's been so long. Blogger wasn't letting me upload any pics, and I'm not a fan of posts w/o pics... so you all had to wait and suffer until I could get these pics on the pages.

Yes, Disneyland is still a great place, even being as big and as pregnant(almost 9 mos) as I am. Last year, Jason and I purchased season passes to "the Happiest Place on Earth" which expired on Sunday. So, we decided to get one last trip in before they were null and void, and also before little Jack makes his grand debut into this world.

It was quite a relaxing time, as Jason and I stopped asking each other "what do you want to DO next", and started asking "what do you want to EAT next?" We ate to our hearts content... everything from ice cream, churros (a must have), cookies, sandwiches, chocolate covered frozen bananas. Kimball even got to sample a few.


Between all the snack times, we did manage to make it on to a couple of rides. We went on Alice and Wonderland (hadn't been on since I was a little), PeterPan (the coolest ride in storybook land), and even made it on to Storybook Land boat ride (the very random one that goes through the whales' mouth). We took Kimball into Toonland, where we found a little play area for her to run around in... she wasn't diggin her stroller this trip. She managed to find the one little spray of water in the whole park to dip her face in.

One of the best part of this whole trip was group of special needs people (as I lovingly refer to as Speds) dancing in very bright shiny costumes. I am not saying this to make fun, they really were the cutest group of people I've ever seen. A couple of them could dance much better than I ever could. We watched as they did a couple of dances to Back Street Boys and a random country song. I wish I had gotten a picture of them. Makes me appreciate how special they are, and the people that work with them.

One more pic of Jason and Kimball with their special "Year of a Million Dreams" Ears we got for free just for being in the right place at the right time. They actually say "congratulations... you're a winner," when they hand them to you. I felt so special.

It was a great time. We will miss Disneyland until we decide to get passes again. They were definitely worth every penny!

And, one last video because I haven't posted in so long. Our daughter is quite the fish and dunks her own face in the water in the tub. Of course she stops as soon as she realizes I'm filming her. But you get the idea. She misses the swimming pools lots. And, thanks to my handy husband that got the hot water to work again in our tub.

Swiss Days, Rainy Days, and Music Days

Swiss Days or as I call it "The other happiest place on Earth" has come and gone. Many of you have heard me talk about this crazy giant craft fair that happens every year in Midway UT. Going to this fair is probably one of my earliest memories. The scones, rubber band guns, awesome paintings and other crafty art are just apart of the nostalgia for me. Well this year, my parents were selected to be a part of the prestigious Midway Booster club, this is the Booster's booth they got to work in, (yes, someone made my dad wear this hat) which means the get to help and have an inside scoop of Midway business. Very big deal for Midway, I assure you. Anyways, believe it or not, Jason and I actually walked away this year without a single purchase. Jason called it a Swiss Days Miracle. I was almost sad, but I did find some cute phrase that I can do in vinyl. My favorite was for Christmas that said, "Are you part of the inn-crowd, or one of the stable few" and had cute stick figures of Mary, Joseph and the Baby Jesus in front of a stable. I thought it was very clever.


Aside from all of the fun of Swiss Days, the weather was beautiful, and the company was awesome. We got to hang out with all of my sisters (even Sam who lives in Texas) and spouses, and my brother and his wife. We all played volleyball as much as we could in the backyard. Part of the fantastic weather was a rainy day or two. Kimball was amazed by it... especially being the desert rat that she is. Here she is standing with Jason in the rain. She cried when we made her come back in. She would've stayed outside all day, every day come rain or shine if we'd have let her.



Now we're home and Kimball is back to doing the same old things. Well, almost. She decided to show us her new Piano/Singing skills (not to be compared to her numb-chuck and bow-staff skills).


Someone asked why I'm not many of the pics, and I have to admit that I like to be behind the camera more than in front of it, especially being as pregnant as I am. So here's a pregnancy update...(just for you Carolyn)... I'm feeling good, but big. Jack is constantly proving that he is already stronger than Kimball (and very much a boy) by punching me and kicking me all day long. I only have about 6 more weeks to go, but if Jack follows in Kimballs footsteps, it will be more like 4 weeks to go. So, let the count down begin. Now, what the heck am I going to do w/ 2 kids 15 mos apart? Insanity is a happy place... or so I'll find out.

Final Pool Day

I can't believe how fast this summer has flown by. The only reason that I can tell that it's ending is because our favorite outdoor swimming pool (BMAC) is closing for the season. We did get one last swim in, thanks to our cousins AK and Carolyn, and Jessie and Mark. They rented out BMAC to celebrate their kids, Logan and Jensyn's birthdays. It was fabulous. THANKS! Since we are all long time city of Henderson pool rats... uh, I mean lifeguards, the manager on duty let us get away with some "after-hours" fun. This is what I mean...

Kimball got to go down the slide with Jason. She loved it! We could hear her laughing and squealing all the way down. It has been a great summer at this pool. Here's actual video.

Kimball watching Jensyn and Logan chow down on their cake, but not wanting to get messy again... like we made her on her birthday.











Kimball and her cousin Lacey comparing tans.









Now for the perfect finish to a fantastic summer, we're headed up to Midway UT for Swiss days and some time with a few of the Ashton cousins. After all this, we may have to take another vacation, or just make sure to get a good night sleep.

BIG ACHIEVEMENTS

Some of you may be wondering why Jason's smile is SO big in this picture, especially standing in front of UNLV, where he has been attending school for the last 5 years. Let me explain this weird phenomenon. Just before this picture was taken, Jason had attended his last class and given his last presentations for his masters degree. What, his MASTERS DEGREE? YES!!! Jason is officially done with all of the requirements to receive his Masters of Public Administration. I am so proud of him. He definitely endured through a series of mid-semester crisis, various presentations, a couple all-nighters, lots of papers, group projects, and tons of other homework to earn this achievement. And, all the while giving me (his clingy wife) all the love and devotion that I demand, AND giving his child all the love and attention that she needs. What an amazing man I have married. I truly am a very lucky lady. Now, time for a PhD, you ask? Jason says "not in this decade, but we'll see what the future holds."

Kimball, not wanting to be out done by her father, wanted to demonstrate her own big achievement of the week. Watch and be amazed.


Yes, she can open the doors in our house. Remind me to thank the builder for putting the door handles so low. For her next trick, she's working on the light switches, which are also very low in our house. She amazes us with her new talents.

I don't really have any huge achievements for this week to post about... However, I do think every time I manage to walk up my stairs is pretty notable. But, I'm definitely NOT going to put any videos of me huffing and puffing my pregnant belly up those stinkin' stairs.

Oh, one more. Miracle of miracles. The Hafen family managed to take a family picture today... and (drum roll please) EVERYONE was there. Yes, that is the miracle part. So, without further delay, for your viewing pleasure, I present... The Lowell Hafen Family.

Where No Scissors Have Ever Gone Before

For those that have known me for a while... you may have noticed I don't change my hair much. I can admit that I've always been a little conceited about it. It's long and thick and blonde, and has always been one of my physical traits that I think makes me stand out. I've been thinking of chopping it for quite a while, because it's hot and takes forever to blow dry. As I was debating this yesterday for the millionth time, my awesome husband says "I know you think your hair is your "only beauty" but it's not, so do what you want to do." That is what I needed to hear from him, to help me make a change. So, I did it. I think I cut a good 7-9 inches off. And now for the first time in a VERY long time, my hair now sits on my shoulders. Here's some pics. This post is mostly for my sisters and my mom... they know I've needing a new haircut for the last 10 years or so. Hahaha.

Before and After

After from behind

A Year in the Life of Kimball

Here's a slide show of her past year... I'm a rookie at slide shows, this is my best attempt.

HAPPY 1st BIRTHDAY KIMBALL

Time flies when you're raising a kid! Jason and I can't believe that she is a year old already. Last night after her party, we were sitting in bed, reminiscing about what we were doing exactly a year ago. It was about 10pm as we were talking, and I realized I was probably in transition about ready to get her here. People try to tell you how much you'll love your kids, but it really is something that has to be experienced. I know this is so cheezy and the typical sentiment from parents... but I can't believe how much joy she brings to our life.
We celebrated her birthday with any and all of our family that lives in town. She enjoyed her cake (though she refused to get messy eating it). And THANK YOU ALL for the gifts (even if you all disobeyed me.) She had a blast playing in the water features with all of her cousins (that's why all the kids are in swimsuits.)

Jason is trying to get her to dip her face in the cake. Guess who won?

An outside July birthday is only possible at a park with water. Kimball loves all of her presents.
Thanks again everyone!