I know, I know, I suck at blogging. But anyways, we have just (2 weeks ago) returned home from the happiest place on earth! DISNEYLAND!!! Yes, we packed up the car until we couldn't see out the windows, squished our two little ones and ourselves in and headed off to sunny California! Well, first we made a pit stop in St. George for the night and stayed with some friends. The kids were so great in the car, we didn't even need to pull out the movies on the way down. We arrived at Bryan's sister, Jennifer's house Saturday afternoon. They made us a yummy dinner, and we had a marshmellow roast. The kids had so much fun playing with their cousins who they don't get to see enough, and we got to catch up with Jennifer and Jon and see their newest babe, little Jayson. It was so nice!
When we got there we decided to go an extra day to Disney because we didn't have much planned for Sunday. I'm so glad we did, because in the off season they only have Fantasmic and the firworks (which were so cool), on the weekends. That day was the extra hot day, like 90, plus the extra weekend crowd, so we were pretty slow moving. We just were taking it all in that day. We let the kids go back to the hotel and nap, then came back for Toontown, met Mickey, Fantasmic, and the Fireworks. Now I love fireworks, but these ones are just so cool, they are themed after all the different rides, just magical.
The next day we also took it pretty slow, we let Anela have an early nap before we set off for California Adventures. We weren't planning on doing this park orginally, but with the extra day and hearing all they do have for little ones, we decided to make a half day of it, and soo glad we did. They have a Playhouse Disney Live On Stage performance with Mickey Mouse Clubhouse, Handy Manny, Tiger and Pooh, and Little Einsteins (Bryson's FAVORITE). It was so cute, and I don't think Bryson's jaw left the floor the whole time. Then we went to the Bug's Land, were Bryson played in the little water fountains for half the day. I had heard about the fountains earlier and knew this would be a hit with our little fishy, Bryson, but I forgot to pack his swimsuit, so he just played in his shorts. Oh well, good thing it's such nice weather there. Then that evening they had a Pixar Parade, which was also just so magical, with a real live Lightening McQueen (another one of B's favorites), Mater, all the Toy Story characters, Nemo, ect. California Adventures turned out quite fun, I'd like to go back with just Bryan and do all the big fun rides there, but it definately isn't the same magical feel as Disneyland.
The next day we did Disneyland all day long, and the kids were soo great! Anela took two naps in the stroller and Bryson even managed one as well. We did pretty much everything that day, because the first day wasn't too productive. Even Bryan and I did pretty much all the big rides. We would get a fastpass for the big rides then come back and one of us would go while the other stood in another line. Then we would get the riderswap and other one would come back and do it. It worked out pretty well, other than we just had to ride the rides by ourselves, but that's ok. And most the lines weren't bad at all, 15-20 min average. That night we saw the Parade of Dreams, which was so enchanting, aaawwwwhhhh. Bryson and Anela were just enthralled, I was taking more pictures of them than the parade because they were so funny. Again, just magical. Bryson got so excited seeing all the characters, he would just run up and hug them, not realizing that other kids had been standing in line for several minutes to do the same thing. Anela on the other hand wanted nothing to do with any of the characters. She just screamed whenever we would walk her near one. So needless to say we didn't get the perfect picture shot with her and the characters. Although she LOVES her stuffed Minnie. Whenever she would see any one else's stuffed Minnie she would walk up and try to take it. Not very nice, but so cute. We had an amazing time, the kids were just in heaven there, and I was so sad to leave. The kids did amazing without regular naps, being off schedule, and all the hussel and bussel. We just loved it, I may have even loved it the most.
The next day happened to be the coolest (as in burrrr, it's cold) day we were there, and it also happened to be the day we went to the beach. It was like 67, and of course the water was freezing. But Bryan and Bryson braved it and got their swimsuits on. Bryson was not fond of the sand at first, he thought it was "dirty" and wanted to wash it off right away. But that only lasted about 30 seconds, then he was covered in it from head to toe. Anela pretty much didn't like it the whole time we were there. She was fine if were were in the wet sand, but the dry stuff was not her thing. She loved to "chase" the waves up and down the beach, it was too cute. Bryan and Bryson built a sand castle (the magic kingdom;), and Bryson fell in the water over his head. We had a great time, only wishing it were warm enough for me to swim in, I love swimming in the ocean. Maybe next time.
That night we headed back to Jennifer and Jon's for another yummy meal, a birthday cake for Bryson, some more playing and talking. We got a somewhat early start in the morning for the all day drive back to Utah. Now I had worried so much about how the kids would do with long car ride that I lost sleep over it. It was needless though, as the kids did wonderful. Watched a few movies, ate snacks, took naps, stopped for a break in St. George, and we were home. So easy, I want to do it again! We had an awesome trip and now we are just counting down the days (or years) till we go back!
His beloved "Rocket" He has wanted this for at least 6 months. Every time we go to Target, he wants Rocket. And his big wad of bubble gum- honestly this may be his favorite present!
Cheese!
Mickey Cake- all the credit goes to Bryan for decorating it! Good job, honey!
Fun with Friends!
All zonked out from a hard day (or weeks) play!
Bryson had an excellent birthday. I really hope he remembers some of this as he grows. Thanks so much for all the friends and family that love him so much! He is such a sweet boy who loves bubbles, bubble gum, b-ball, teasing his little sister and mom, Little Einsteins, pizza, Dr. Pepper, riding his bike, swimming, being wild and crazy, and hugs and kisses. I love him so much, and at times get so frustrated with him (only because we are so alike), but I know that he was meant to be in our family and I don't know what we would do with out him! Love you my little sweetheart!
