Time for our last trip to Disneyland, for the next year or so. Our passes expire in May, but Adam turns 3 on March 11th, and we'd rather not waste the money we could put towards a pass on his tickets for just one trip. So this is it until the next round. It was a great birthday celebration for Adam, as you can see he was thrilled. I love the outfit of that other girl in the picture, she is decked out in all her favorite random things no doubt.
We woke up Friday and drove straight to Disneyland. Fran wanted pictures of the parking structure to understand where it was built. We were on the Donald level, I think the fifth story, of the structure looking down into the bus parking. You can see the tip of the matterhorn towards the right amongst the treetops and on the left you can see tower of terror, the brown building. Further right than the matterhorn you can see a bit of the huge escalators that take you down to the tram loading.
We appreciate all the greenery and plants. They make every area look so nice, even if its just for parking.
Here is a shot from the tram line of the structure itself, the escalators down are the diagonal white and black line coming towards Rachel. I like how you can see a green lamp-post. They all have a Mickey head perched on top, what attention to detail.
I find it funny after 6 hours of driving we choose to ride the autopia cars. Go figure!
Adam rode in "Sally" with Rachel.
Peek.
Space Mountain. We met a girl from New Zealand who was on a big tour of America before moving to London to be a nanny. She was all alone, so we made friends and Sarah sat with her in the front. Rachel actually kept her eyes open!
After that we took the train over to go on Pirates, Tarzan's Tree, Jungle Cruise, and Tiki Room. We met this long time friend along the way, still chewing, poor herbivore.
Here we are monkeying around in Tarzan's treehouse. You can see the girls each clutching a very special bag with the "Mickey Temple" on it. Wonder what they bought? With their own money they each bought a little black velvet bag filled with fake plastic gems from the store by Pirates. They always love feeling the precious stones and have long wondered if they should buy them. They finally decided and have been oh so happy with their purchase.
Wake up Jose! Adam was so excited to wake him up and since he visits the Tiki Room often, he of course knows the drill. As soon as we entered Adam started saying, "Wake up Jose! When is he going to wake up?"
Small World
Loving it! What a fun birthday party!
They do such pretty lighting effects on its facade.
Getting excited for Dumbo
It's too Noisy!
Mom and Rachel on Dumbo
Sarah, Adam, and Dad on Dumbo
We were so thrilled to see this lighthouse by the Storyboats lit up. We've never seen, or noticed, that before!
At the end of the night we ran over to see the World of Color at California Adventure. We've never been interested enough to stay late enough to see it, but we thought we ought to see it at least once. Now that it isn't such a big deal anymore, we knew there wouldn't be a huge crowd, so we went to see it. The girls fell asleep sitting on the pier leaning against this fence and were saying, "Now can we go?" Yes it was that exciting. We left.
Oh by the way, look what we parked by. A jag. It reminded us that we'd be with Aunt Luise when we came back next.
The next morning, Saturday, we went to California Adventure. First we saw the Pixar Pals show.
They wanted the audience to growl, scream, and laugh. What a cute little monster participating so well.
At animation studios we learned to draw Pooh Bear then went to Turtle Talk with Crush, Dude.
Time for the Aladdin show!
Beast's Library, we didn't have time before the show, so we had to come back to finish up.
We had never noticed this picture as you go into the library. Depending on where you stand in the room Sleeping Beauty's dress changes from pink to blue.
Riding the snack boxes at Bug's Land all together is rare because Dad doesn't like the spinning rides. He's a good sport, and was able to keep his "snacks" down.
That was it until Monday. First a nice restful Sabbath. We had a family testimony meeting then asked Aunt Luise and Uncle Van to tell us more about their mission in Nauvoo.
Sampling the styles of the day.
Monday Matterhorn Day!
We were thrilled to learn Adam could try riding too.
All hands up!
Phew, he loved it!
Toon Town, we visited Minnie's house.
And helped her wash her dishes
Mickey! When Adam sees this picture he says, "Look Mickey was so happy to see Adam!"
A nice duet.
Yum, Pluto shares with Rachel.
Adam wants some too.
Sitting in Mickey's chair.
I like how the walls look like a padded cell from an asylum.
Adam wanted to ride next to Sarah on the Roller Coaster, I was a little worried to let him. I guess I thought she'd let him fall out, but they did fine together.
I like snapping pictures during the ride, you never know what you'll get. Adam's cute little hand...
Chip and Dale's Treehouse
Goofy came by for a visit while we ate our lunch.
Then we tried the Roger Rabbit ride. I don't know that I've ever tried it, maybe with Fran long ago. I wasn't missing anything. It was probably the longest line we waited in and was very lame. Now we know.
A teenager-ish face if I've ever seen one, just kidding. She was trying to figure out what they were saying, they tell jokes and make crashes on the other end of the line.
The cute little family I came with about to be eaten by Monstro!
The cute little family I came with waiting in line for Teacups, much less dangerous.
Bye Dad, he bailed.
We went on Alice and met up with Aunts and Uncles at the exit.
Aunt Luise, Uncle Tory and Aunt Dora made it in time for the Billy Hill and the Hillbillies show. They lavished all of their attentions on Adam while we waited for the show to start.
We had 15 minutes, it was just enough time for Tyler and the girls to ride Thunder Mtn and be back before the show. The lines were awesome. So was the show. Tyler wonders how they can find guys so ugly.
After the show we found Jasmine and Aladdin, she was wearing this cloak so we were so excited to get a picture of her actually modest! To our surprise the people behind us in line saw her cloak and said, "What! She is all covered up! We're out of here!" It cracked us up that the modesty that we appreciated so much deterred them. Ha.
After the show we rode pirates of the Carribean, which Adam still does not like and snuggles into Daddy and hides for.
Tory and Dora visited Pixie Hollow for their first time.
Then it was teacup time! Uncle Tory's favorite! He fastened down his hat under his hood so they could really fly.
Dora opted to spin with Adam at a less dizzying speed.
Tory and Dora joined us for Small World then caught the Toon Town train to get home to bed. We stayed in Fantasy Land to finish off the night. Rachel loves this ride, more than anyone.
Waiting in line for Peter Pan, being exhausted and refusing to give up and go home.
Off to Neverland with Peter. We read the original J.M. Barrie version on our car ride out, so we were really excited to know how the real story went and see the ride with fresh eyes.
I always wanted a picture of this mural and I finally got a chance to snap one. The mermaids in Disney's version are so rude it always bothered me, but that is exactly how they were in the original, very cheeky and jealous of Wendy's attention from Peter, yet beautiful all the same.
The carousel.
So romantic.
Sarah loves Snthis apple, hahaha (in a witch-like cackle).
At Snow White's Cottage about to embark on her Scary Adventure
Pinocchio's Blue Fairy
End of the night pictures at favorite spots, the Bibbity Bobbity Boutique window
Rachel in front of the castle
Sarah thought this toilet paper marketing mural in the bathroom was too funny!
Buzz, Adam is so excited to see him he never takes his eyes off him.
The hidden mickey in the buzz line
The jets, last ride of the night.
Let the memories begin it says, but for us they are at an end...but we had one more day!
We started off with a bang, thank you sir, waka waka waka. It's screamin! Rachel got really brave this last day, knowing it was her last chance to show what she is made of and take on those big rides she never dared try.
Rachel's first time was a success! She looks like she is slunked down asleep, Ty and Sarah are happy and enjoying it, and Mom looks excited, very excited.
Woody and his army guy friend, he looked so strange all green I just wanted to keep looking at him, but he slunk around real fast and sneaky it was hard to get a glimpse of him. Woody came up behind me and put his arm around my shoulder as we were walking to Toy Story Mania.
Getting geared up for the Mania
The whole crew
Beep beep. Chariot coming through.
Riding King Triton's sea creatures.
Taking time to examine a real sample of the sea. Everything is so interesting.
Adam getting squirrely during lunch at the Taste Pilot's Grill. There was a huge rocket booster behind this fence, so cool. He loves being here, no matter if he on a ride, line, or behind a restraunt. It's just great to be on vacation with the family!
Soarin'
I think Aunt Luise had about all the fun she could handle.
Ready to fly.
We shrunk down to buggy size for It's Tough to be a Bug.
I want some of these glasses, wouldn't they be stylin' at the pool? They would probably give me crazy tan lines from those eyebrow antenna things.
It's fun to show Uncle Tory the little kid attractions that he's never explored before.
Spinning pictures are the greatest. Capture that moment!
Tuck and Roll Bumper Buggies
Rachel was hesitant to try Tower of Terror, but once again knowing this was her last chance...
and hung on to Dad for dear life!
After that Ty and I had to put on our secret identities and do some crime fighting. I'll just tell you, we were "incredible."
We had just enough time to change back into our "civilian clothes" to say goodbye to Uncle Tory before leaving the park.
Here we are waiting for the tram to come end our fun.
As always Aunt Luise has been a wonderful hostess, friend, and life of the party.
As always we wave goodbye to our beloved Aunt Luise and Uncle Van.
As always we reminisce about the great time we had as we drive home...
and then zonk out.
Well deserved rest after so much diligent play.
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