We did it! We finally did it! We finally took our kids to Disneyland! Our kids have been asking for a long time if we could go and I always said "Someday". They started thinking that someday was never. So we promised and scheduled a trip in February. Then Jeff was told that he was going to open the CIty Creek Harmons in mid-February so that meant -- no Disneyland. We had promised the kids a family vacation to Disneyland but now we were in a quandry. So ........ when Jeff had 3 days off in a row and we discussed what we should do, I jokingly said that maybe we should go to Disneyland. Jeff thought that sounded fun and found a way to take 2 more days off work. So we decided on Monday to leave for Disneyland on Friday.
We got 3 day park hopper tickets. We did Disneyland Saturday. We took a break on Sunday and visited Jeff's brother and sister and their families. We had a great dinner with them and really enjoyed ourselves. Monday we hit California Adventure and then Tuesday we did a little bit of both. We got to do everything we wanted to. I think the three days was worth it since it was our first time but we wouldn't need to do it again. We were exhausted when we were done. We were kinda hobbling around the last day. I had several blisters (old shoes) and Ethan tweaked his ankle. It would have been nice to have an extra day to split up Mon and Tues. It was great that my kids were the age they were because they were able to go go go without freaking out. We only ate snacks in the park and left for lunch and dinner. We didn't need to drag along a stroller and they could all go on all the rides. I was just a little sad that my kids weren't excited when they saw the characters and the little disney rides didn't thrill them all that much, but they loved the bigger faster roller coasters and we did just about everything together.
Here is a somewhat blurry picture (blame it on the new iphone I am just figuring out - Jeff thinks it is user error) of us on our way to California. Kids are excited.
At the hotel getting ready to drive to the park.
Brock is proud to wear his first visit pin, well at least for about 10 minutes.
In line for our first ride.
Our first ride with a picture. I was in the back with my hood on so my hair wouldn't get back. Hayley is lost behind Ethan. I love this picture. It captures our surprise, we didn't know when they took the picture.
We kept ourselves entertained while waiting in line. Hayley showed us how she could limbo. By the way, we were in line for the submarine ride which we all decided was one of our least favorite. Probably the longest line for a cramped ride to watch a video.
They were taping the Disney Christmas parade when we were there. I am not sure if that was good or bad. They had to block off main street so it was kinda hard to get around but I think it kept some people busy so the lines weren't too bad.
Once again Hayley is missing in action, behind me this time.
Here is one where you can see Hayley but not Paige.
At the end of our first day. We are a little wiped out but happily so.
See that fun Mickey Ferris Wheel. That was our least favorite ride. Jeff thought our fright was hilarious. You can't tell in the picture but the cages move and rock as it goes around - not fun.
Tower of Terror baby! Hayley had talked to her friends about this ride and they told her how scary it was so she was nervous about riding it. She fretted for two days until we did it. Afterward she said how much fun she had and how she couldn't believe that she had worried about it for so long.
One of the highlights of the trip was a sighting of Brian Regan the comedian. We love his comedy and Ethan especially enjoys it. Ethan is often saying lines from his shows.
He was nice enough to pose with Ethan and then asked if we wanted a picture with the rest of the family. I kinda wish we had talked to him a little more but we didn't want to intrude on his day with his family. Fun stuff!
I almost had to force the girls to get a picture with Ariel. I could tell they wanted to, especially Paige, but they were reluctant. They are getting big you know.
Our next try on Splash Mountain.
Jeff got soaked.
After a while we got the hang of the pictures and tried different poses. It was a blast.
It was a whirlwind trip but so fun. The kids absolutely loved it and we were thankful for some family time. Next up ......... Hawaii????
