Legoland, Phineas & Ferb, the beach and a baptism

Photobucket

Few sensations are more delicious than running on snowy Salt Lake City streets in the morning and strolling through balmy San Diego in the afternoon.And for my kids, nothing is more delightful than time with their cousins.

Photobucket

Legoland, I warned them, is a one time thing. It’s far too expensive to visit often (really, even with buy one get one free, can you believe how much they charge?). And truly we chose the perfect day: no crowds, glorious weather, giggling, happy kids.

Photobucket

Photobucket

The older boys couldn’t miss two days of school; Xander delighted in taking the role of oldest brother. As much as I love gathering all my children together, I revel in watching different elements of their personality emerge when they are apart.

Photobucket

Photobucket

Photobucket

When my sister picked us up from the airport, she said, “We might have a birthday party for John tomorrow. I haven’t decided.”

“Have you invited people?” I asked.

“Well, yes. But I could always cancel.”

No way, could we let that happen. After Legoland we went into party planning overload.

Photobucket

An hour before the party, Xander and Will are doing important research on the Phineas & Ferb theme. If you haven’t heard of P&F you’re missing out. Neither my sister nor I have affection for TV but Phineas & Ferb are clever, silly and kind to each other. An added bonus, each episode is only 12 minutes long, so it’s the perfect treat for a child who has practiced and finished homework.

Photobucket

While shopping for supplies, we found these fabulous bunny cups at Target. Think sippy cups are just for toddlers? Au contraire.

Photobucket

Gabe is too lost in Legoland to help with parties.

Photobucket

Photobucket

Every Phineas & Ferb episode begins with sitting by a tree.

Photobucket

and Doofenshmirtz is always the villain; so he’s a perfect pinata. Thankfully, Ruth has a genius artist friend, Jordan, who also helped us at the last minute.

Photobucket

Doofenshmirz was hidden in Perry the Platypus

Photobucket

before meeting his fate.

Photobucket

John was a bit of a candy hog– but hey, it’s his birthday.

Photobucket

Everyone made blueprints for fabulous inventions because P&F are always making blueprints.

Photobucket

I especially like Mary’s plans.

Photobucket

Next, the kids made their own versions of “Balloonie” a favorite P&F episode.

Photobucket

Photobucket

My sister displayed true genius in buying $1 model kits from Michael’s throwing all the pieces on the table and encouraging kids to invent something new.

Photobucket

Of course we need a Perry cake.

Photobucket

After dessert, our partyers demonstrated their skills on air guitars. 😉

Photobucket

Photobucket

Photobucket

Photobucket

Ruth dubbed Xander the “Party Master” for his cheerful and creative help.

Photobucket

On baptism day I took everyone to the beach so my sister could plan yet another party. It seemed fitting to get completely dirty the day of Johns’ baptism.

Photobucket

Hair still wet from the font. Clean and fresh, adorable as can be.

Photobucket

Eight year old cousins.

Photobucket

Photobucket

We left early Sunday morning, but not before the cousins could fit in a little Fruit Ninja, story time by the window, just enough hugs and kisses until next time.

Photobucket

 

 

 

March 16, 2012
March 21, 2012

RELATED POSTS

12 Comments

  1. Mormon Women: Who We Are

    March 19, 2012

    My friend just got a car and named it after one of the P&F characters. I need to watch a few episodes, I guess.

  2. Erin

    March 19, 2012

    Just to let you know, the platypus’ name is Perry. ; )

  3. Lisa

    March 19, 2012

    Glorious photos…you’re the only person I know that can take shots at an amusement park and have them turn out amazing.

    What a wonderful time you all had together. Also…can I borrow Xander the party master, I have an 80th birthday party for my Dad coming soon and need his genius!

  4. Jordan

    March 20, 2012

    It was so nice to finally meet you while you were visiting. The pictures are fabulous John is such a darling little boy and you captured him perfectly.I love the picture of my little rocker daughter. And thank you for your kind words…I don’t think I have been called a “genius” artist before 🙂

  5. Mormon Women: Who We Are

    March 20, 2012

    Guess what I did with the boy who had a day off of school today? Yup, you guessed it. Took in a few episodes. Perry is my favorite. I’m still trying to figure out why my friend named her car after the sister, though. 😉

  6. Mormon Women: Who We Are

    March 20, 2012

    Guess what I did with the boy who had a day off of school today? Yup, you guessed it. Took in a few episodes. Perry is my favorite. I’m still trying to figure out why my friend named her car after the sister, though. 😉

  7. Tracy

    March 20, 2012

    What a beautiful weekend. We LOVE P&F here!!

  8. Lizzy

    March 20, 2012

    Your pictures are beautiful! I love how you capture people and color at the same time.

  9. Dantible

    March 23, 2012

    Let your kids know that the co-creator of Phineas and Ferb (and voice of Dr. Doofenshmirtz) saw the pictures of their party and LOVED them. I couldn’t be more proud and whoever made the Doofenshmirtz pinata should be commended.

    Dan Povenmire

  10. Mitchell Family

    March 24, 2012

    Dr. Doofenshmirtz commented on your blog!!! Wow!

    He liked our party!

    The pictures are fabulous as always.
    I’m so glad you gently nudged me to have that party.

  11. MissMel

    March 24, 2012

    Michelle, you have got to be the coolest mother around. Seriously, I will never let my children see this blog because they will pack their bags and move to your house. Mel

  12. Kerri

    March 25, 2012

    OK, seriously, Michelle, that’s super cool. I love P&F, too. Pretty awesome!

Comments are closed.