Since I haven't posted in so long I have been debating on wether to start with December and catch everyone up or to start with right now. Well December was such a happy and sad month for us so I will update you all in a few installments. From Dec 16 to the 20th we went to the 3rd annual Snowball Express. It was so much fun and it was so special for Ivy and Luke to spend time with other children of fallen soldiers. It was especially good for Ivy. She was making new friends and realizing she wasn't alone. Luke still thinks it's just fun. First they put us up in the Clarion Anaheim. The first night they held a huge banquet across the stree
t at the Hilton where we were entertained by America's Got Talent winner and ventriloquist Terry Fator. He was amazing and the kids loved it. Also we got to see Lis and Providence again and Mel and James were there too. By the end of the night we were exhausted but so excited we could hardly sleep. The next day we were treated to a free day at Universal Studios and the kids had never been before so we couldn't wait. Unfortunately it rained the ENTIRE time we were there. And it was REALLY cold. The kids were great sports though and we stayed all day until it closed. We couldn't wait to get back to our nice warm hotel room and thaw out though. Day 3 was Disneyland day! Again we were treated to a free day at Disneyland and what kid doesn't love that. It was especially fun since Luke is finally tall enough to ride everything (almost). Space Mountain was up first and since it was Lu
ke's first time we sat up front. He kept his hands up the whole time. By the end of the day we rode Space Mountain twice, the Matterhorn twice, Big Thunder Mountain, and a bunch of others. Luke is just like Ben, Ivy, and me and LOVES rollercoasters. In fact we went to Fantasyland and rode Snow White and afterward Luke looked at Ben and said "Can we ride another rollercoaster?" No more kiddie rides for him, and I can't say I'm sad about that. Day 4 was a day of fun at the Anaheim Convention Center sponsored by Oakley. They had so much for the kids to do and see. Face painting, a petting zoo, reptiles to touch and hold, parrots to hold, Aquarium of the Pacific even brought a portable touch tank. They gave out free Roxy and Quicksilver stuff to us as well as free Oakleys and jewelry by a hollywood designer. There were 
tons of cool cars and motorcycles which totally made Luke's day. There were bounce houses, cotton candy, baloon animals, a dj and a dance floor, even a whole section with couches and a Wii and PS3 and Xbox360 to play. We had so much fun! That night there was a farewell banquet and Gary Sinese mast a surprise appearance to donate $10,000 for next year's event. It is so overwhelming to see so many children who have lost a parent in war in one room but it is so special to see them all happy. After the dinner we drove home exhausted but happy, ready to sleep in our own beds and gear up for Christmas. Next year will be held in Texas and we sure hope we can make it.
t at the Hilton where we were entertained by America's Got Talent winner and ventriloquist Terry Fator. He was amazing and the kids loved it. Also we got to see Lis and Providence again and Mel and James were there too. By the end of the night we were exhausted but so excited we could hardly sleep. The next day we were treated to a free day at Universal Studios and the kids had never been before so we couldn't wait. Unfortunately it rained the ENTIRE time we were there. And it was REALLY cold. The kids were great sports though and we stayed all day until it closed. We couldn't wait to get back to our nice warm hotel room and thaw out though. Day 3 was Disneyland day! Again we were treated to a free day at Disneyland and what kid doesn't love that. It was especially fun since Luke is finally tall enough to ride everything (almost). Space Mountain was up first and since it was Lu
ke's first time we sat up front. He kept his hands up the whole time. By the end of the day we rode Space Mountain twice, the Matterhorn twice, Big Thunder Mountain, and a bunch of others. Luke is just like Ben, Ivy, and me and LOVES rollercoasters. In fact we went to Fantasyland and rode Snow White and afterward Luke looked at Ben and said "Can we ride another rollercoaster?" No more kiddie rides for him, and I can't say I'm sad about that. Day 4 was a day of fun at the Anaheim Convention Center sponsored by Oakley. They had so much for the kids to do and see. Face painting, a petting zoo, reptiles to touch and hold, parrots to hold, Aquarium of the Pacific even brought a portable touch tank. They gave out free Roxy and Quicksilver stuff to us as well as free Oakleys and jewelry by a hollywood designer. There were 
tons of cool cars and motorcycles which totally made Luke's day. There were bounce houses, cotton candy, baloon animals, a dj and a dance floor, even a whole section with couches and a Wii and PS3 and Xbox360 to play. We had so much fun! That night there was a farewell banquet and Gary Sinese mast a surprise appearance to donate $10,000 for next year's event. It is so overwhelming to see so many children who have lost a parent in war in one room but it is so special to see them all happy. After the dinner we drove home exhausted but happy, ready to sleep in our own beds and gear up for Christmas. Next year will be held in Texas and we sure hope we can make it.
1 comment:
Jess,
As one of the many volunteers who was fortunate enough to experience Snowball Express with you, let me just say "Thank You" for the lovely post on your blog. Would it be all right if I sent it on to the Board of Directors at Snowball? They always love hearing from the families! Of course, when I came to the part of your blog and you said you drove home, I had to see where you were from. We are neighbors, I'm in Thousand Oaks! Have a wonderful 2009, Jessica! Sincerely,
Linda Abbott
Family Coordinator
www.snowballexpress.org
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