Two years ago, we promised the kids that we would plan a trip to Disneyland in the Spring of 2010. This was long before we knew about this whole moving/building a house situation. But Spring 2010 dawned upon us with the kids holding us to our old promise. And it helped that we had just received our tax refund. So off we went!

We stayed at our favorite free Bed and Breakfast (aka Grandma Bell's house) and spent 3 days playing at Disneyland. We took a day off in between to go to the beach and see the sights of LA including the LA Temple grounds and Hollywood. The kids really wanted to see Hollywood but after actually being there and seeing the "interesting" people that frequent the streets, I don't think they'll be asking to go back anytime soon. Fine with me.

It was such a fun family trip, especially once Adam and I realized that we wouldn't have to pack any diapers, baby bottles, etc. And Audrey and Dallin were tall enough to go on most of the rides as the big kids, so we could stay together as a family for most of the time. That made it so much nicer than in years' past.

We've already been watching our home video from the trip several times a day (per Audrey's request), but here are a few pictures that highlight some of the fun. Enjoy!

This is one of those times that I wish I had just done a private blog, only to be seen by me. I have so much I want to express, but I am very concerned about how it will sound. I'm talking about building our new house in Santa Clara. I want to document this exciting time, but I in no way want to sound boastful. So please, if you choose to continue reading, know that my intent is to record history for my family.

The funny thing is, in the world's terms, I don't even have much to boast about. This is not a Parade of Homes house we're building. It will be about 2500 sq ft, much smaller than most larger family homes. And apparently, with 5 kids, we are now considered a large family. The master bathroom will not have a jetted tub (gasp!) or even double sinks (double gasp!!). Our kids will all still be sharing rooms. But to us, it will be the house of OUR dreams, and we are so extremely grateful to even have this opportunity.

After a slow start, the entire house was framed in less than a week! I've never been so amazed. To walk through the actual rooms, after staring at them on paper for months, was absolutely thrilling. And as of yesterday, the plumbing, electrical, heating and cooling, were all being installed.

The scariest part has been making decisions on demand when we hadn't even thought about such things before. Door hinge colors, outlet placement, light fixture placement, direction of swinging doors... the list continues. And we are only just starting the process. Luckily, we are loving our builder (Kevin Lee) and he has been so good to work with.

So here are some pictures of the progress that has been made so far. Forgive me as I continue to document as the weeks roll on. We have never built a house before so this is such an exciting time for our family. And YES, our kids are actually excited now to move into it. That's a miracle in and of itself.

View from "Adam's" balcony

I won't be able to tear him away from these views. These picture don't do it justice.