DISNEYLAND!!!

What a week!!!  Some of you may have known about our trip to Disneyland prior to us leaving, and some of you may have seen preview pics on Instagram, but for those of you who didn't already know, now you do.  We went to DISNEYLAND!

Originally it was supposed to be me, Justin and the kids.  Due to staffing issues at work, Justin wasn't able to get the leave needed to join us.  Rather then putting the trip off several more months, I decided I was still going to go, and asked my mom if she'd be interested in joining us.  It took some arm twisting (not) and the trip was set.  

We hit the road Monday morning (and within our desired time frame to boot!) and arrived at our hotel by 3.  We unloaded the car (I've gotten better at packing, and we only had one suitcase total - and I was still able to see out the back with the double stroller and everything else loaded in!!!), opened a well deserved beer, and hit the pool.  After burning some energy we walked across the street to Target to get a few items that either needed to be replaced or were left behind (and more beer), then back to the hotel for dinner.  The kids unwound for the night with some Frozen on Grandma's DVD player.  If only I could say the kids went right to sleep.  Monday night was by far the worst night in the hotel for the kids (as the first night usually is).  We managed to get J down by 11, and A shortly after.  She then proceeded to wake up every 3 hours, screaming, and the only way to console her was to walk the length of the hall (at least once).

The trip could have ended with this hotel stay; the kids thought it was Disneyland.  The highlight of every trip out of the room for J was pushing the elevator buttons and thanking the elevator for opening the doors for him - "thank you sir" every time he stepped into or out of the elevator.  For A, we never had to leave the room.  She loved looking at herself in the mirrored closet doors, and watching herself roll around and somersault on the bed.

Tuesday was Disney Day 1 for us.  J loved riding the parking lot tram so much, the threw a fit when we had to get off - and didn't understand that the tram (bus to him) wasn't what we came here for.  After curbing his tantrum, and warding off any additional ones with the purchase of a toy car at the Disney store (something to play with in the stroller), we met up with my dear friend Marci and her sweet kiddos before hitting the park.  They weren't able to join us for the park adventures, but she drove down to hang out with us for an hour or so so we could meet each other's kiddos and catch up (the last time I saw her was at her wedding in 2011).

When it was time for Marci to head off for work, we headed into the park!

I have never seen the park decorated for the holidays, and let me tell you, it did not disappoint (though the kids were less than impressed with the Christmas Tree - "we waited all morning to take pictures? Come on, I see a train!")

With J's love of all things transportation at the moment, we started the day off with a train ride around the park

Followed by two boat rides.  We did Pirates of The Caribbean first.  J did okay as long as I was talking him through some of the "scary" parts.  A just wanted off the darn boat.  You win some, you lose some.  After some convincing, and promises of animals, we got J on the Jungle River Cruise.  He was okay with boats again after that (next to methods of transportation, this kids loves animals next).

And while we were in the area, we finished A's morning off with a visit to the Tiki Room.

En route to the next "land" she passed out.  She managed to sleep for a little over an hour, which was absolutely needed after her less than stellar sleep that night.

While A napped, J drove the cars in Autopia - TWICE.  Once with mommy, and once with Auntie Stacie...

...Grandma was able to ride the Matterhorn with Auntie Stacie for the first time ever….

…and Auntie Stacie and Aunt Stephanie took J and Andrew on the teacups (I flat out refuse to set foot on that ride…the general population should thank me)...

not quite sure if the kids enjoy that ride as much as their mom/aunt do...

…and we flew in an elephant.

After Dumbo, A woke up from her nap and we all piled into Casey Jr.'s Train for a trip around Storybook Island.

After the train ride, we rode in Peter Pan's flying ships and on the carousel.  I had originally tried to ride on a horse with A but she was not having that one bit…so we opted to move to a bench seat instead.  J and Andrew along with Grandma and Aunt Stephanie seemed to enjoy their horse rides though.

After a quick photo op outside Mr. Toad's Wild Ride (J has to "drive" any vehicle he comes across…), we trouped up to the Small World Ride in an attempt to get that in before the fireworks.  The line was far too long and the kids were far too hungry to make that happen, but we did get to see it all lit up on the outside for Christmas, and let me tell you, it's breathtaking in person.  As we were leaving the area to find dinner, the lights went out and the winter "snow" took place.  The kids weren't quite sure what to make of the "snow" that was falling (in the 60 degree weather), but it was pretty magical none the less.  Added bonus: the snow is scented, so the kid's hair (and ours I'm sure) smelled like Christmas all night long.

Our original plan was to stay for the fireworks, but given the kids levels of exhaustion, and ours, we made a beeline for the exit after dinner, only stopping for a quick photo in front of Cinderella's Castle.  As luck would have it, we made it back to our hotel room just in time to catch the whole fireworks display from our room.  I'm sure some of the "magic" is lost without the music and the atmosphere of the park, but with these two tuckered kids, this was the perfect end to the day.

The best part; we all got sleep that night!  We showered and put on the Disney Channel and watch a movie in bed.  It didn't take long for the kids to fall asleep.  A only woke once that night, and settled rather easily (compared to the night before).

Wednesday was Disney Day 2, and we started our day in the California Adventure Park.

First stop: Radiator Springs!  And we were just in time to see Lightning McQueen (he was just leaving, so we didn't get to meet him), and meet Mater!!!  J was a little scared once we were up close and personal with the tow truck; but to this day, he's still talking about meeting Mater, and that Mater was wearing a hat.

After saying hi to Mater, we hit up the tractor ride.  Here's where J lost his mind the first time.  He wasn't allowed to sit in my lap for the ride, so I had to wrestle him into the seat and buckle the seat belt all while he was screaming.  Once the ride got going though, he was all smiles and giggles.  I felt like a horrible mother torturing him before the ride started; but I knew he'd enjoy the ride once it got going. 

As we were leaving we got to meet Red, J was all about him until he let off his siren just before the picture was snapped.  He was a tad freaked out about the loud noises.

By the time we came back from meeting Red, A was asleep in the stroller again, so Grandma, J and I went and rode the zephyr...

on the zephyr

…and met Buzz Lightyear (all fun and games while giving high fives and knuckles, but did not want to stand next to him for a photo)…

…and rode the giant Ferris wheel (in a stationary car, thank you - you couldn't pay me enough to ride in one of the swinging ones).

When we returned from the Ferris wheel, A had just woken up, but didn't seem too thrilled about it.  Her mood brightened though, when we stopped for lunch.  We headed to Flo's V8 cafe and sat outside eating watching the racers drive by.

After lunch, we stopped at the "scenic overlook" for some photo ops in Radiator Springs before heading off to Bugs Life Land.

Grandma took J on the bumper cars.  He loved driving, but would give the evil glare to anyone who hit him (I'm not sure he understood the concept behind bumper cars).

And then we all went flying in an Animal Cracker box.

After that, it was another carousel  (this time an under the sea themed one) with Auntie Stacie and Grandma.

We all rode Ariel ride as well, before sending the kids off with Auntie Stacie and Aunt Stephanie to play in the redwood forest playground while Grandma and I went to ride the Tower of Terror.  It was pretty awesome to see my mom kinda freaking out waiting in line - and how she grabbed my leg and wouldn't let go when we plummeted for the first time…a memory I will not soon forget.

After that we had pretty much finished with most of what the kids were big enough to ride, so we headed back to Disneyland to meet Mickey Mouse.  From the time J woke up that morning, he kept saying he was going to meet Mickey - and hey, we can't come to Disneyland without meeting the big mouse himself….and a few of his friends along the way.

Both of the kids were in love with Mickey - and Mickey did a fantastic job of engaging the kids playing peek a boo with them both.  Their trip was made.

Of course we couldn't leave ToonTown without driving Mickey's car, Goofy's car, or the town fire truck either...

After that it was back to Small World to get one last ride in.  And let me tell you, I'm so glad we did.  While it's not my favorite ride (when it's not set up for the holiday's), it is absolutely breathtaking when it's decorated for Christmas.  Top it off with the fact that "It's a Small World" is alternated with "Jingle Bells" and you've got a real winner.  The look on the kids faces throughout the ride (and ours as well), was one of wonder and awe.

After we left the park we met up with the Leaches for some dinner before heading back to the hotel for some much needed sleep.

It was an amazing trip.  It was so magical, and somewhat emotional, to share Disneyland with the kids, and to see the joy and excitement in their eyes for something that I enjoyed so much in my childhood (and adulthood too, lets be honest here).  It was such a privilege to share this with them, and I look forward to doing it again with them - when new things and rides will excite them, and lasting memories will form.

I am so thankful, and grateful for the opportunity to take the kids to Disneyland this last week.  It wouldn't have been possible (or it would have at least been a lot more difficult) without the help and assistance of Grandma, the Leach's (Stacie, Mama, and Papa), and Steph.  So THANK YOU!!!!  

While I wish things could have worked out for Justin to join us (and I know he's disappointed that he wasn't able to be there to see their excitement and joy first hand); when we go back (hopefully sooner rather than later), it will seem like the first time all over again for J and A.

Friday, A had her 15 month check up.  She's now weighing in at 23 lb 7 oz (78%) and is 31.5" tall (80%).  She also got several shots; and J and I got our flu shots.

Saturday we headed up to the local community center for a carnival they were putting on.  The kids enjoyed the petting zoo, but after that they pretty much just wanted to swing and play on the playground.

Today was a lazy day.  So lazy, we didn't leave the house, or even get out of our jams.  I know I should have been productive on several levels; but after this week and our lack of routine and naps/sleep - this was just what the three of us needed.  Tomorrow is back to reality.

 Have a great week guys!  And Happy (early) Thanksgiving!