Disneyland Honeymoon - Day 1

Ever since Choir Tour in high school I have always wanted to spend my honeymoon in Disneyland. Because we already had the cruise planned, it wasn't practical to try to throw in Disneyland as well. But now that I'm done breastfeeding our baby, I'm running away with my husband for our third honeymoon in Disneyland!

I was awake at 4:00 this morning ready to get going. As soon as Craig shifted in his sleep I was asking if he was ready to go. Craig starting out our drive to California. We left at 4:30 am. Sometime around noon I took my turn to drive. I was so excited to get there. I wanted to make breaks as few and as far between as possible.

We arrived at our hotel just after 2 o'clock (California time) which left plenty of time to get freshened up before heading out. By the way, we couldn't have gotten a better hotel. We bought bought the hotel and park tickets through Phil's military work discount. We ended up staying at the Anaheim Camelot Inn & Suites which is literally across the street from the entrance to the park. It was also next door to a McDonald's so breakfast was going to easy.

I was so excited to be in California. From where we were standing when I took this picture you could see some of the rides rising above the fence across the street. The whole feeling of this place makes all stress melt away. I know that we have been married almost two years by now, but it wasn't hard to believe that we were newlyweds.

Once we got all ready, we went shopping at Downtown Disney. There is one store in particular that I wanted to hit. I don't remember the name of it, but it's huge and I'm sure that if it is sold anywhere in the park, you could find it there. My goal was to buy my very first pair of Mickey ears. There were a few wedding ones to choose from, but these were by far the coolest. Now everyone will know that we are celebrating our honeymoon.

For dinner, Craig took me to the Rain Forest Cafe in Downtown Disney. I've walked past it every time I've come here, but this was my first time going inside. The food was delicious and the decor was awesome! There were so many vines and flowers hanging from the ceiling. It felt like you had just walked into a wonderland. The best part about the place was the mock thunderstorms that would happen periodically. I love the sound of thunder. I was surprised how intimate and romantic it made dinner.

Before we headed off to bed, I had a little photo session with our adorable new hats. There were so many cute details that were added. I mean Craig's had coattails in the back. How cool is that!

Brayden's 1st Birthday Party

In order to celebrate our baby turning one, we threw a party for him at a park by our house.

I was honestly impressed at how many friends and family showed up. We had a lot of mouths to feed.

Craig and I provided polish dogs, hot dogs,drinks and cupcakes for everyone. Then we had a lot of people bring salads and chips to finish off the meal. It ended up being quite a spread.

I wasn't sure whether Brayden would want a cupcake that was frosted or not, so we offered both which was ridiculous because he took both. Duh!

Then everyone gathered around while Craig helped Brayden unwrap his haul of birthday presents. He got so many cool things. This is why you have a birthday party!

The Guests:

Grandma and Grandpa Capizzi

Emma, Nana, Erika, Krystal, Madison, Aunt Tori and Aunt Courteney

Uncle Matt

Dominik and Uncle CJ

Aunt Megan, Uncle Steven and Zoe with Lincoln on the way

Kali and Uncle Eric

Deana, Dorothy and Kapri

Kailey, Carissa, Garrett and Eli

Nathan, Brandon, Casi and TJ

Brayden's 1st Birthday

Ahh! I can't believe that my baby is officially one-year-old today. Craig and I were so excited that we had to have him open his present before Craig went off to work.

With a little bit of help from Mom and Dad, Brayden unwrapped his new peg board. The first thing he did was shove the orange star into him mouth. It's a good thing those pegs are too big to be swallowed.

Once Craig got home from work, it was time for the festivities to begin. The whole family sat down to a wonderful dinner comprising of my amazing lasagna and my mom's delicious bread sticks.

After we finished cleaning up dinner, it was time for cake! I found a great recipe in one of my baby books for a healthy/baby-friendly cake; meaning it didn't have nearly as much sugar as a regular cake would have.

Brayden seemed a little hesitant at first, but once we showed him how much fun a mess could be, he had no problem digging in with his hands. He'd only use one though. He had to keep the other one clean. Happy birthday!

Brayden's 1-Year-Old Pictures

I can't believe it, but my baby turns one-year-old tomorrow! He is the sweetest, most beautiful thing I have ever called my own and I love him. Thankfully, Deana just completed a photography class and offered to take pictures today as our Wednesday outing. So, we headed up to Memory Grove (where I had my Bridals taken) with Brayden and Kapri and she started snapping away. She did an incredible job! These are a few of my favorites.

Easter Egg Hunting at the Capizzi's

Grandpa and Grandma Capizzi were sweet enough to put on an Easter Egg Hunt for Brayden and Zoe this year.

Craig and I had a lot of fun helping Brayden gather up all the fun treats that were hidden around the backyard. Brayden didn't quite understand what was going on, but he was a good sport about it.

Craig and stepsister, Karrie, pose for a cute picture while they waited to get their dinner.

Before we were allowed to leave, Sharon had to get a few pictures of the grand kids in the front yard. Zoe was adorable, but Brayden was thoroughly distracted by the basket of eggs.

Random Pictures from April '09

Taken Thursday the 2nd: My dad brought us to this house because he dreams of buying it. It started to rain while we were looking at the backyard, so Craig bundled Brayden up.

Taken Saturday the 4th: We had another game night with Craig's coworkers. Of course we brought out Twister!

Taken Wednesday the 8th: Wow! My baby turned 11-months-old yesterday. To celebrate, Deana gave him a treat while we were hanging out at the mall.

These last two taken Thursday the 9th: Obviously, Brayden got into the candy bowl and then he found a way to break through our lame little gate. Looks like it's about time to finally invest in an actual gate.

My Little Walker

We are celebrating our little boy today because he officially walks. Granted, it took bribing him with a cell phone, but he still walked!