Day Five - California Adventure Theme Park

We had a spectacular time at California Adventure - and it was a blast. We had a great time playing games, riding the Tower of Terror and Roller Coaster, and getting the girls' faces painted. The park wasn't around the last time Gavin or I had been to Disney, and it was quite an "adventure."

For the Bugs' Life show we all donned 3D bug eyes - and took some silly pictures.

Daddy spoiled the girls and let them get their faces painted. They felt quite regal with their makeup.

Universal Studios - Day Four

What a fabulous time we had at Universal Studios. More rides, movie sets, and exciting things to see. Here are the five kiddos before we entered the park.

And with Jaws. They are all wearing the Disney Sweatshirts that Mom bought them in anticipation of the trip.

The Jaws exhibit on the tour was as fabulous as when I was in fourth grade and saw it for the first time.

Spring Break 2010 - DAY 3 - DISNEYLAND!

Awaiting our transportation to Disneyland.

Kendall, Mom, Bella, Max, Connor and Ryan as we approached Sleeping Beauty's Castle.

WOODY!!!

Three tired kiddos catching a ride on the shoulders of three tired adults.

We stayed for the fireworks at 9:25 the first day in the park. The kids were exhausted, but it was worth it - what a show!

Ali and her boys waiting for the fireworks to start.

Brighton (who was cold and tucking her arms into her dirty shirt), me and Bella. Disneyland was everything we hoped it would be for the kids. All the magic and excitement was so fun to see.

Spring Break 2010 - The Beach

Day II our Spring Break Adventure was spent at the beach - and it was heavenly. The weather was again about 82 degrees, so we were able to play in the surf and bask in the sun. The kids had so much fun while Gavin and I and Auntie Kendall and Uncle Ryan sat back and drank a few beers and watched their frolicking. Priceless.

Brighton loved playing in the waves.

And Max and Bella had a ball as well.

This picture deserves an explanation. Max has developed quite a sense of humor. One of the his jokes currently is to say "The name's James" when you tell him he is handsome. He makes his comment with his arm crossed and the above expression on his face, and then, in a french-american accent he says, "would you like to get mmm...comfortable." It is hysterical. We think he picked the latter phrase up from the Princess and the Frog, but still cannot find a source for his "the name's James" ditty. Needless to say, he keeps us entertained.

Spring Break 2010 - Day ONE

We had a wonderful time in Sunny Southern California for the annual Bradley Family extravaganza. We met Ali and Joe and the boys, Kendall and Ryan, and Grandma and Grandpa Bradley in California for Spring Break, and the kiddos HAD A BALL. The Murphy crew was there a day before the rest of the family, so we spent the first day at Knotts' Berry Farm with Snoopy and the Peanuts Gang. The kids had fun, and the weather was a spectacular 80 degrees, which was a warm welcome after the long and cold Montana Winter we've had this year.

While Bella held their place in line, Brighton and Max ran for a photo-op with Snoopy.

Then it was Bella's turn.

Brighton enjoyed some quality time on her daddy's shoulders.

And one example of many rides the kids enjoyed that day. We also got our first taste of a roller coaster at Knotts' with Bella, Max and I saddling up for a spin on the Pony Express. It was a traditional roller coaster except you actually rode astride a pony - very fun and a little scary. Brighton joined the rest of us on the log ride, and we found out that she is fearless with the roller coasters herself. It was a great day.

Brighton in the Snow

Thought I'd post these pics of our youngest really quickly. On SuperBowl Sunday, she decided she wanted to play outside by herself rather than with all the kiddos at the Waldron's party. I snapped these pictures of my little bug having a ball in Sy Waldron's ski pants and Cindy Martin's gloves (we weren't planning on snow play). Such an independent little doll.

Max's Wrestling Tournaments

Well folks, the wrestling season ended with a whimper rather than a bang. Our little man made vast improvements over the course of the season. His first tournament, he took second. Then next tournament, he didn't place. He took second two other tournaments and didn't place in the final tournament last weekend in Shepherd (darn it). We traveled all over the Eastern part of the state and spent one full day every weekend sitting in bleachers waiting (it seemed) for Max's next 1 to 3 minute match. Overall, the experience was invaluable. Although Bella and Brighton would tell you that it is not all that exciting, as they got pretty bored spending all those days in gyms.

Max is a member of the Darkorse wrestling club. Here he is (in Livingston) waiting for his next match.

And here he is with one of his medals. It was such a great opportunity for him and we think wrestling is a great sport for learning that you, and only you, are in control of your performance; there are no teammates on which to blame a loss. Max also learned how to win and lose gracefully, although he bawled his head off every time he lost (okay, so losing was hard). We'll see if it's wrestling or basketball he chooses next year.