Jayhawk Pride

We attended the Wichita KU Alumni Roundball Luncheon yesterday at the Marriott, and the keynote speaker was none other than Bill Self. There were about 350 people in attendance. Let me tell you, Bill is a funny guy. He was so entertaining to listen to... He talked candidly about the team, and even answered questions from the audience for about 15 minutes.

I talked Mom into sticking around and trying to get our pic taken with Bill, and we did! When we walked up to him, we asked him if he would take one with us and he said, "Sure! Party pics, girls!!" It was a great lunch. =)

P.S. Dad and Jerry wanted to take their picture with the life-sized Mangino cut-out, but my camera doesn't have the panoramic view on it. Sorry, guys!

Carriage rides

On Friday night, we let Grayson choose where we went to eat dinner, and of course, he chose Red Robin. His favorite. =) We like it, too! Anyway, after dinner, it was such a nice night out that we decided to head over to Bradley Fair where they have carriage rides throughout the Christmas season.There's a monstrously HUGE (as in 45' tall) real Christmas tree It's all lit up... so festive! We had our picture taken as we were waiting for our carriage.

There's "our" horse... getting ready to lead the way!

Such a fun family time outside in the crisp night air...

The carriages behind us... Grayson was very intrigued that the horses peed... and that they peed a LOT! Ha! A fun way to kick off our month of Christmas celebration!

An early Thanksgiving celebration

On Sunday afternoon, David and Kristen arrived after going to a friend's wedding in Kansas City. They were here just about 24 hours, on their way to have Thanksgiving in Fort Worth. Grayson was soooooo excited to see them... and we were, too! As soon as G saw Uncle Dave, he immediately went into his football position... down, set, hike!
Dave hung Grayson upside down so he could go check out Carter

Carter standing with assistance =)

Chewing on Nana's camera case while wearing Dave's KU hat

So fun to have Aunt Kristen and Uncle Dave here!!

Kristen supervising Carter while he fed himself some puffs

The 3 boys on their riding toys =)

Carter's sweet toothy grin (G's in the background informing D & K about something important... who knows what!)

All EIGHT teeth accounted for... he does bite hard!!

It was very fun to have Nana, Dave, and Kristen all come to Grayson's Thanksgiving party at school before they had to leave on Monday. We loved having you guys here! Thanks for hanging out!!

Disneyland -- Tuesday, Part I

Our second day at Disneyland was just as fun as our first! We decided to hit up some of the rides we hadn't gotten to ride the day before. Nana and Grayson at Buzz Lightyear's Astro Blasters

Buzz greeting us as we got on the ride to BLAST!


We stumbled upon a cute show with the characters in front of the castle. Donald Duck was the only character we had not yet gotten a picture with... so, as soon as the show was over, the characters all loaded up in the fire engine and headed down Main Street. We followed them!!

And, Grayson was first in line to pose with Donald!!

In front of the castle... it even has snow on the rooftops!

Goofy was out in Town Square so we took a pic with him

Pluto was there, too. We just couldn't resist! =)

After eating lunch at yummy California Pizza Kitchen, we headed over to Disney's California Adventure. Grayson stopped to talk with Lightning McQueen and Tow Mater.

I had read about Turtle Talk on mouseplanet.com and it was amazing!! Crush (the turtle) interacted with the audience the entire time. We were mystified as to how Disney pulled this one off. =)

Crush talked, swam, danced, asked questions, and joked with the audience. What fun!

Disneyland -- Tuesday, Part II

While we were still over at California Adventure, Goofy was roaming the streets in his Christmas/Hawaiian gear.

The Christmas celebration at Disney happens for quite awhile... we were glad to take part in it!


On our way back into Disneyland, we got to sit up front in the Monorail with the driver.

Cool!! The driver told us that the Monorail goes 30 mph. Just in case you were wondering...

Truly one of the most beautiful aspects of the Christmas decor was "It's a Small World" at night. The lights were absolutely amazing!!

Grayson wanted to make one more stop in Toontown that evening, so we headed back to Mickey's house. Here's Grayson at his piano.

Shaking Mickey's hand

Mickey loved Grayson's ears... he really is quite the Mouse. =)

Grayson remembered his mailbox from when we went to Florida

As we were leaving, this is the view from the train station. There is a huge Christmas tree amongst all the lights on Main Street. So pretty!!! We can't wait to go back!!

Disneyland -- Monday, Part I

We had a fast, fun-filled two days at Disneyland this week. Mom, Grayson, and I flew to California to spend a few days with my Aunt Laura... and of course, visit our favorite Mouse. We started off on Monday by having brunch at Goofy's Kitchen in the Disneyland Hotel. We found Pluto in his chef's hat and apron as we were heading to our seats...
And, then Chip found Grayson at the buffet! He made a point to show Grayson his favorite thing there -- peanut butter and jelly pizza. Yum!

Mickey-shaped waffles and pancakes

Grayson with Cinderella

With Goofy at our table

Then, we headed to Disneyland. Grayson wanted to ride the Tea Cups first!

Then, he and Aunt Laura rode Dumbo. They're in the green elephant!

Everything was decorated for Christmas... so pretty. We went to Santa's Reindeer Roundup where we saw...

REAL reindeer!!

Then we met up with Pluto in his Santa hat =)

My fave: a Mickey-shaped salted pretzel with cheese. Yum.

Goofy, complete with his snowflake sweater

Giving hugs

We couldn't wait to see Mickey in his house in Toontown

Grayson loved all the little cars in Toontown that he could "drive"...