When You Wish Upon a Star...or Win a Radio Contest

 We have a neighbor who wins contest after contest on the radio- mostly Disneyland trips, often concerts and cash.  She is certain people can win with positive attitudes if they never give up and keep trying.  So, I thought it couldn't hurt to make a few attempts.  I entered contests, tried calling in, put in keywords for a good 5 months.  One morning I was driving Grant to school (when he still had his neck brace and wasn't driving himself yet) when I decided to tune in to the station to see what name they drew.    The announcer said the winner is 'Kata McArthur.'

Now, I know my name is not Kata, but I kept entering and it would auto correct from Kara to Kata for some reason.  So, I yelled out (to no one in the car) "That's Me!"  My friend, radio contest mentor, Kristen, immediately called me and told me she was pretty sure they drew my name.  I let her know I heard, and I had to hurry and call because they only gave 10 minutes before they would draw another winner.  You better believe I frantically called and heard myself pleading my case to the radio hosts.  They were laughing on-air telling me they were sure no one else would come up with that story and they changed my name in the system from Kata to Kara and badda bing badda boom- the McArthur family won 4 tickets to Disneyland for 2 days.  Dave and Grant didn't have any desire to go, so the rest of us planned a trip and when November rolled around, it was upon us! 

We flew out on a Sunday night with our new swag that our Disney master gifted us and arrived to our hotel across the street from the park in time to see the fireworks going off!  We set our alarms and hit the sack super excited! 

Our tickets were one park per day, so we decided to do California Adventure first.  

We woke up super early, made sure to include ponchos in our bags cuz it was drizzly and made our way over to stand at the rope for the opening.  

We had a whole plan in place, run to Radiator Springs Racers so we didn't have to pay extra for the fast line, but just before the rope dropped, the employees informed everyone that the racers wouldn't be open until it was dry, and it was closed at the moment.  We were all sorts of in a tizzy.  I mean, you map out your day for ultimate ride experience to minimize wait time and maximize ride opportunities!  Plus we were new to the genie plus reservations, so we ran one way, then one of the kids wanted to run somewhere else and we stupidly used our Genie Plus for Guardians right away before heading to 

the new Spider-Man Web slinger ride.  

That was mostly the only mishap of day 1.  We had a few irritable moments, and we stood in line for the racers when it shut down and had to get out of line-the rain kept teasing us all day.  So, that was our longest wait for 40 minutes or so.  But, magically, we walked by later when they were re-opening the ride and got to nearly walk right in and ended up riding it 3 times!  

We rode Guardians a whole bunch because it's the greatest ride of all time, the kids suckered me into riding the Grizzly River ride (since we were "already wet" from the rain, why did it matter).  

There were a couple rides that never opened with the on and off again rain, but we got to do all the rides we wanted-lots of times.  

It was our first time doing the pin trading, which we all really loved!

The Christmas decorations were up in a lot of the park, and it was just adorable!

It was such a fun day!  We decided we could handle the rain because the crowds were light, and we could roll with the rides closing alright if we timed the opening perfectly like we did a few times. 

We could handle rain, right?  Well, little did we know the flooding/deluge ahead of us for day 2.  

It started pouring at rope drop the next morning, even with our ponchos and umbrellas we noticed we were getting soggy.  But, we had a plan and had worked out our kinks yesterday, so were ready to run right to Star Wars land for the ride we had never been on.  We had good placement, right near the front, but when that rope dropped- the horde of people started racing and the rain was pouring and the flooded Disney streets were filling and the ponchos were starting to cover our faces.  Katelee took off like a marathon runner, I had hold of Harrison's hand as his poncho was twisting, he started yelling, "Mom I can't see."  I was so caught up in the mob I just replied while tugging, "It doesn't matter!!"  hahahaha.  We were absolutely soaked by the time we got to the line, but hey, we did it.  

And thus began our day with pruney feet and soggy britches on the bottom.    Star Wars was super fun though.

We definitely had more of a challenge in keeping spirits up with the downpour.  We had to talk Harrison down after someone told him he wasn't the best gunner on the ride, 

he and I had to head back to the hotel after I lost my credit card and he had to change socks/shoes because he was squeaking out water with every step.  The struggle was real, there were no parades or outdoor shows due to weather...but there were plenty of indoor escape opportunities...

lots of good food 

which we felt we had to indulge in...

so that kept the smiles coming

Again, the lines were short, so we tried to just be so glad we got to ride 

so many attractions so many times...except Harrison was not ok with how many times we "MADE" him ride Indiana Jones because it was too loud and spooky.  

It was not an exaggeration when I say we were pooped by the end of the night.  We stayed til a few minutes to close looking like drown rats but with bellies full!

 We all talked about our favorite parts and Harrison said some of his favorite moments were how the workers were so nice and "care so much for your safety, like how they always have you pull on those yellow tabs.  They are are kind of like parents or just good friends- just knowing you being ok matters to them." Haha!  It was not the response I was expecting, but trust Harrison to teach us a valuable life lesson at the end of an amusement park vacation.  

I need to start looking for ways to win again.  This may have been a one and done radio win experience, and boy was it worth it.  Loved making the memories with my best people.

Happy Fall Y'all

Leaves are falling, the air is getting crisp, we are pulling out the long sleeves and jackets...it's the most glorious time of the year!  Ok, that probably isn't the unanimous consensus at our house, but it should be.  

We love the fall weather and the fun of fall.  One thing many people look forward to is football!!  Dave took Katelee to an away game in Las Vegas.  

They started the game feeling pretty hyped...but Katelee has NEVER been to a winning game.  Maybe a BYU basketball game, so we should have guessed she'd continue her streak.  They still had a good time, but alas, it was a loss.

Harrison wanted to shun me when I went to a Utah football game with a neighbor friend.  Laurie had called offering me a ticket to attend a game with her.  She even made me a shirt to be a true Ute fan.  When I came down ready to cheer in red, anger, betrayal and disgust crossed Harrison's face.  Luckily he did not disown me and I had a good time cheering for the team up north.  Harry continues to draw every college logo, make up schedules, copy current standings, keep us all informed on all things sports.

We love when it is our family's turn to serve at Fill the Pot and we had a Sunday in October where we got to do that.  We get to help cook and serve food as well as hand out clothes to those who are homeless or just need a boost.  The people who run the ministry, the Ragdales, are truly God's people and impact everyone there-including us.  We love it when it is our turn to be there!  

Harrison and Brenna were in a particularly heated argument one day when Brenna made mini donuts with her friends and she told Harrison she didn't have any extra.  He was begging/screaming for a donut, which she would not share.  I was encouraging her to give her brother one, so she threw one across the kitchen towards him.  He did not catch it, but it fell to the floor and the kid lots his marbles.  Dave told him if he wasn't going to eat it, he would, so Dave popped it in his mouth.  Harrison was long gone down the path of destruction and had to be sent to his room.  A while later, with a tear stained face and eyes pointed downward, he sniffled and apologized to me.  He said, "I am sorry for how I acted with the donut, mom.  I should have thought about the homeless.  They don't even have donuts."  It made me chuckle but it also made me grateful he could reflect on those he serves every few months.  

Grant started swimming season.  Hopefully he will be able to participate the whole time this year!  We got out a kick out of his jump when his leg would fly up in the air, so we had to document that.  The two high schoolers had the Halloween dance.  Grant went with Hailie

dressed as bikers.  Katelee and her crew were race car drivers/pit crew.   She asked a kid named Logan and the dance happened to be on the same day as Ella Taylor's wedding.  Since she was in the group with a bunch of neighborhood girls and their dates, a couple of them wanted to sneak away to the reception to give Ella their congrats.  So we got a weddig pic with race car fans!  

Brenna is still 12 and not old enough to go out on dates with boys...so she settles with dates every few months with one of her parents.  It was her turn with me this month and we had some fabulous beanie fashion show in Scheels after our dinner.  

She is in the choir at the junior high and had her first concert.  I love that we get to go to school music concerts again!  I have missed that with Katelee and Grant moving on to other interests.  

We pulled out our Halloween decor and set out on some festivities- our favorite being at the Riverton Park for the spooky walk about.  

I am glad I still have some years ahead with buddies to go do these things with!  

Before we had Halloween though, we took off for fall break to visit Brad and Angelique and fam in Colorado.  We didn't have the warmest support by some of the children in our house.  Grant had work and decided not to come.  We decided we can still force Katelee (haha), no she wanted to come with us but wasn't thrilled it would take away her last weekend before Halloween.  But for sure she was glad she came with us in the end.  Her face started like this...(us eating at a pizza place at the ski resort we stayed at the first night)

but mostly her face was like this...

We had such a great time exploring the Royal Gorge.  

It took Harrison 1-2 rides across the gondola before he stopped hyperventilating, but by the end of the afternoon, he too was changing his face to something like this...

We had told the girls they could zip line across the canyon but when we got there, Brenna was a bit of a light weight and couldn't do it.  Katelee did zip line, and had a fun experience, but then they both got to do the free fall swing.  

It was super fun to watch, but we should have got Dave up there.  He almost did it and then wished he would have.  Good times for sure.  

The day before we went to Brad's house we thought we'd go support our Utah Jazz as they played the Denver Nuggets.  But...again, we had Katelee with us, so we shouldn't have expected a win.  Just kidding.  Really, we were hoping for a good game, but our Jazz were behind like 30 points for most of the game.  

We had an amazing dinner at Brad's house the next day (it was after the Royal Gorge).  We just ate and talked and laughed and met Haley's boyfriend and Gage's girlfriend.  It was a quick trip but a great getaway!  

We did make it back for Halloween, so the kids still got to be in the hood for that.  It's a thing now to dress like Adam Sandler, so that was the best costume I could throw together last minute.  

Harrison went trick or treating with Dave in his fortnite.  We don't have a gaming system that has fortnite, but he thought he looked fierce and cool...clearly he is correct.  

Brenna wanted to trick or treat yet again so she was a yeti and went around with some friends to collect candy.  

It was a Happy Halloween!!!

Stocking up on Memories

This month has been filled with the things you know you won't forget-the moments that last a lifetime to reflect on...some moments have been anticipated for a loooong time.  Katelee has been anticipating attending a high school dance for years, so going to Homecoming for the first time was so so great!

She was asked by her buddy Phenix who lives a few streets over in our neighborhood.  

She looked so beautiful!  and I kind of think these two looked like they could be siblings- ha!  Here she is in the group photo. 

We had such a good time helping her get ready.  She had Brenna grab her shoes and put them on while she was adding makeup finishing touches.  

Here's to hoping high school brings all the opportunities she has been longing for.  She signed up to play in the powder puff tournament, which was a blast to watch.  Who knew she was a flag football super star?

Grant is an old hat at all the high school events (and he typically chooses not to go to them!)  but he did decide to go to Homecoming with his good friend Tressa.  

We enjoyed our time share up in Snowbird this year.  It was a hot one...

 our little condo doesn't have A/C or great circulation, but the views are still unbeatable.  We just have a lot of fans going especially for that second floor.  I spy a child in the railing of the loft.

We played tons of games, had yummy treats, made Italian sodas each day, swam, Harrison schooled Caleb's friends in basketball and I took some time to hike and walk in the mountains when I stayed alone.  It was perfect.  

Dave and all his brothers coordinated their schedules to fulfill Carl's life long dream of seeing the Crimson Tide play in their home stadium in Alabama.   This trip took tons of effort to get everyone on board and committed and so much of the credit goes to Dave.  He brought all those McArthur gents together and they were able to head back to their roots in the good ol south.  

They rented a van and even stopped in Carl's birth town of McGargel, Alabama.  It's a real place, real name...proof here in the pic.  

They spent lots of time visiting the old ward, homes they grew up in, friends that they knew might not get to connect with Carl again, 

I have a childhood acquaintance that lives in Pensacola now and he texted Shannon saying the word on the street was that the McArthur men were in town and so many people were excited to see them.  Folks showed up hoping to get a quick visit.  Carl (and all the McArthurs) had a big influence in that area in the church.  He blessed a lot of lives during his service.  

Peter, my sister's friend that sent that text also sent a pic of the back of their heads.  We can pic out Dave's bald spot no problemo- by the looks of these head its must be  a family trait!  haha! 

Of course, there was a heavy focus on food- donuts, Bubba's, Fish House, Joe Patti's, just a few of their favorite food establishments.  

While the main event was the football game, the true highlight was for all of those boys to be together.  They have never done a guys trip and probably won't do another one in the forseeable future.  Dave said they had some great meaningful conversations, were spiritually uplifted, counseled with each other and received guidance from their dad.  It was really everything they hoped it would be.  

Pretty great to get to check off something like that from your bucket list.  

Paige turned the big 4-0 in September and wanted to celebrate with a little getaway.  So, I got a quick weekend with my mom and sisters in Chicago!  

First stops were Millenium Park, the spitting fountains, the Bean, 

Giardano's deep dish pizza.  It was scrum-diddly-umptious.  Paige and I shared a room, while Shannon and mom were on a different floor.  Paige put on her eye mask, popped in those ear plugs and hit the sack early, so I contemplated all the pranks I could ever play on her...alas, it was her birthday, so I just let her peacefully slumber.  

We did a lot of sight seeing the next day, walking up  and down the streets, going on a Ghosts and Gangsters tour (no supernatural guests seemed to accompany us, drats)

We ate popcorn and had the greatest time at the Museum of Science and Industry.  That place is just so cool.  

We timed it so right with the elevator to the skydeck.  We got there as the sun was setting so we could see it in the sunlight and as the lights in the city came up.  Shannon, as you can tell, was not a huge fan of the height.  She came around.

I, however, was perfectly zen.

People take the most ridiculous and serious photos there.  So, Paige and I couldn't help but mock just a tiny bit.  We flipped our hair with the most intense expressions, stared out in the darkness and then I couldn't help but get a little crazy.  You only have so much time so you gotta go wild in those brief minutes.  

We had a delicious dinner and had the best uber ride where Paige was professionally serenaded by the driver.  He is a musician and just drives uber when he is between gigs, so we felt pretty privileged to get the VIP treatment.  

Our last morning we had a river tour, which was fabulous.  We ended with brunch, right after I was assaulted by a homeless man who pushed me into the street.  My mom and Shannon had yelled at me to watch out, but that guy got to me and pushed me nearly into the road.  He crossed and proceeded to slap another pedestrian.  We lived to tell the tale, but it was my first violent assault, so I'll prob remember it for always.   

We had such a great get away.  Thank you, Chicago for being delightful and thank you, Paige for being born!