Thursday, December 15, 2011

California- Last day

It only took almost a month for me to finish my California post! Sigh. My goal over Christmas break is to catch up on my blog!!

The last day in California we took our time. We slept late, ate breakfast and then checked out of our hotel. We headed back to Disneyland to ride our favorites one more time and a few new ones.





Then we headed over to California Adventures for the same thing.




When we were in line to see buzz I realized I had lost my silhouettes on the toy story ride. I was so sad and even cried. Adam was in the bathroom cleaning Ian up (he had thrown up on the last ride) and we decided it was time to go. Adam saw I was upset and sent me and the kids back to Disneyland to get new silhouettes and he went to the hotel to get the car. Luckily the lady redid them for no charge!
I took this as we were leaving. Good bye Disneyland!!

Now on the flight home!








We didn't arrive back to PG until almost midnight. We were tired, exhausted really but full of joy and our thoughts lingered on the great memories made! What a wonderful, amazing, fabulous trip!!

Wednesday, November 23, 2011

California Day 3

I was so giddy to go to the beach! One summer I spent a month with my cousin at my uncle Bob's house in Mesa Verde. My uncle had to work and so to keep us entertained he would drop us off at the beach every day. I loved that summer! We had the time of our lives and I couldn't wait to go back! We decided on Huntington beach. It was a slightly cool day and the beach was empty but that didn't stop us from enjoying our time there!


Ian was not so sure about the water






Adam and Matthais body surfed. There was no way I was getting that wet, it was cold!

Ian was content in the sand

Matthais just happened to be wearing a Huntington Beach shirt.

After the beach we went to the hotel, rested, showered and then headed to California Adventure park!


Ian had this dollar he would not let go of. He carried it around all day and held on to it on all the rides.




We KNEW we would have to find Mater. We found him just as they were preparing to close this part up. Ian was enthralled. I wish we would have had more time for him to enjoy it!

He wouldn't take his eyes of him! Lightening McQueen was right next to Mater but I dont' think Ian even noticed!

I hate, Hate, HATED this ride. Ian was not happy to go on it and discovered right away that the seat belts unbuckled just like the ones in the car. I spent the entire time with my eyes closed, holding Ian's hand with my legs over his praying he would stop fighting me and not unbuckle the seat belt. The ride itself might not be that scary but this was definitely one of the scariest rides I went on!
Owen wasn't tall enough for this one! we rode the carousel instead!


One of our favorites! Toy story mania!
 
I knew we had to see world of color but our fast passes weren't until 9:15. Adam had no desire to hang around that long so we went to Ihop for dinner and then I went back with these 3. I would definitely say it was worth waiting around for! We had front row seats (yes we got wet) and it was amazing!


We came back to sleeping boys, Ian with Mater in hand! So sweet!


Wednesday, November 16, 2011

California Day 2

...We slept as late as we could, no alarm clocks on this vacation! We took our time getting ready and headed to the hotel breakfast. It was a nice, hot breakfast with eggs, sausage, waffles, toast, hashbrown, oatmeal and lots of other things. Then we walked the two blocks to Disneyland. The whole time we waited in line to get our tickets Ian said over and over that he wanted to ride the train. So, the first stop (well, the first stop after getting our much love G.A.P) was the train!

We figured we save ourselves from the constant chatter about the train and avoid any possible meltdowns by getting on the train. We headed to toon town after getting of the train.





We really only rode a few rides and stayed long enough to see MICKEY! I mean, what is Disneyland without seeing MICKEY!!


We left toon town and headed straight to a classic...It's a small world! It's one of those rides you just can't miss, especially since this was Owen's fist visit. Ian and Owen loved it and even thought Millie and Matthais complained a little, I know they loved it too!

Owen wanted a picture of the elephant. Don't really know why?

Ian was so enthralled!

I thought it was really neat to see all the new Disney characters they've added. I don't know how long ago they did that but it wasn't that way when we went in 2004. It was fun to look for them and point them out to the kids.

Other Disney highlights that day...

Splash Mountain


In front of Sleeping Beauty's Castle. We walked through it this year! That was kinda cool!

Halloween at Disneyland!

We left Disney and walked across the street. We ate at the McDonald's right next to Millie's. We had to get a picture!

 After lunch we walked back to the hotel and Adam, Matthais and Ian napped while I took these two swimming in the hotel pool. I think they were just as excited to swim as they were to go to Disneyland!
 Then, after dinner, we headed back to Disney.

Autotopia license's

Space Mountain. A little freaky for me!

While we waited for Adam and the older kids to go on the Matterhorn again (Owen was too afraid to go again) he crashed. I sat with him on this bench while Adam took the other kids and did a few rides. It had been a long, busy, magical day! The walk home carrying Owen was no fun for Adam though!